Govt Wants to Raise Petrol Prices by up to 83 Percent

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 JAMADA ALAWWAL 16, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net

Opposition grows Masterful SUPPLEMENT INSIDE to planned Messi’s late demolition of double sinks Bayt Lothan6 Arsenal20 Govt wants to raise petrol Min 13º prices by up to 83 percent Max 25º High Tide 00:27 & 13:44 Low Tide Cabinet, Assembly inch closer on subsidy cuts 07:37 & 19:33 40 PAGES NO: 16796 150 FILS By B Izzak Amir, Premier tour Souq Mubarakiya KUWAIT: The National Assembly and the government yesterday held another round of discussions over plans to cut subsidies on electricity and fuel as part of an economic reform package, and a minister said the two bodies have moved closer on the issue. Head of the financial and economic affairs committee MP Faisal Al-Shaye said the government proposed to raise the prices of petrol by 42 percent to 83 percent. Under the proposal, low-grade petrol will be raised from 60 fils to 85 fils per liter, high-grade petrol from 65 fils to 105 fils a liter and ultra-grade petrol from 90 fils to 165 fils a liter. He said the committee asked the government to provide other alternatives if the price of petrol is linked to developments in the international market. A fresh meeting will be held on Sunday for the government to provide details about the way it wants to raise electricity, water and petrol prices. Shaye said MPs asked questions about what the government presented and it was agreed that the government will provide details about consumption groups or categories on Sunday. The committee will then select the best option among the plans the government will submit in order to ensure that people are not harmed, the lawmaker said. If the committee completes discussing the issue on Sunday, it will then be debated by the Assembly on Tuesday, otherwise it will be delayed. The meeting was attended by Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, about 12 lawmakers and four Cabinet ministers including Finance Minister Anas Al- Saleh and Public Works Minister Ali Al-Omair. The meeting KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, pay a came following a series of meetings between the govern- visit yesterday to Souq Al-Mubarakiya, Kuwait’s oldest traditional market. During his tour of the market, HH the Amir was accompanied by Deputy Prime ment and MPs in order to allow the government to pres- Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Information Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman ent details of its economic reform package and reach a Al-Humoud Al-Sabah and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Electricity and Water Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al- deal with lawmakers before the issue comes up for official Sabah. — KUNA (More pics on Page 5) debate in the Assembly on March 1. Continued on Page 15 Obama presents plan to close Gitmo

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama our national security. It undermines it,” presented a long-shot plan to shutter Obama said from the Roosevelt Room. Saudis and UAE Guantanamo Bay prison yesterday, hoping He outlined a $290-$475 million plan to to fulfill an elusive campaign promise move the 91 remaining detainees abroad urge citizens to before he leaves office next year. and to one of 13 possible - unnamed - facil- Describing the jail as a stain on America’s ities in the United States. Obama has tried avoid Lebanon reputation and a catalyst for jihadists, for almost eight years to close the jail, but Obama said “I don’t want to pass this prob- has been thwarted by Congress, his own RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday urged its citizens in lem on to the next president.” “For many Department of Defense and some in his Lebanon to leave, after Riyadh halted a $3 billion years, it’s been clear that the detention facil- own party. program funding military supplies to Beirut in ity at Guantanamo Bay does not advance Continued on Page 15 response to “hostile” positions linked to Hezbollah. Saudi ally and fellow Gulf Cooperation Council member the United Arab Emirates followed suit but went even further, banning its nationals from going to Lebanon and reducing its diplomatic representa- tion there. In Riyadh, the foreign ministry issued a statement KUWAIT: In this Feb 24, 1991 file photo, Kuwaiti soldiers pause to pray inside calling on “all citizens not to travel to Lebanon, for their homeland as a Kuwaiti armored column (rear) heads north towards Kuwait their safety, and asking citizens residing in Lebanon City, as the ground war gets underway. — AP or visiting not to stay unless extremely necessary,” the official SPA news agency reported. Announcing the Saudi aid halt on Friday, an official said the king- 25 yrs later, Gulf War dom had noticed “hostile Lebanese positions resulting from the stranglehold of Hezbollah on the state”. Riyadh was making “a comprehensive review of its still shapes Kuwait relations with the Lebanese republic”, the unnamed official said, cited by SPA. KUWAIT: The scene US forces encoun- Twenty-five years later, the Iraqi occu- Alleged leaders of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah tered as they pushed into Kuwait in 1991 pation and its aftermath still shapes life are under sanction by Saudi Arabia. The militant to end the Iraqi occupation could only be in this state at the tip of the Arabian Gulf, group is fighting in support of Syria’s regime and is described as a hellscape. Hundreds of now challenged by power struggles, a backed by Saudi Arabia’s regional rival Iran, with burning oil wells set ablaze by Iraq’s army failure to diversify its oil-dependent whom relations have worsened this year. Riyadh cut had left sand sodden in an oily sludge economy and the growing disillusion- diplomatic ties with Tehran last month after demon- and the skies overhead choked with ment of its youth in the wake of the 2011 strators stormed its embassy and a consulate follow- thick black smoke. As they fled, Saddam Arab Spring uprisings. “After the libera- ing the Saudi execution of a prominent Shiite cleric. WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama delivers a statement on the Hussein’s troops took what they had tion, Kuwait was supposed to bring Syria’s war has exacerbated political rivalries within looted from homes, private property and about a very promising dynamic to its Guantanamo Bay detention camp flanked by US Vice President Joe Biden (left) Lebanon, which has been without a president for and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter yesterday in the Roosevelt Room of the state buildings. As many as 5,000 society,” said Shafeeq Ghabra, a political Continued on Page 15 Kuwaitis were dead. Continued on Page 15 White House. — AFP Vienna world’s Internet by light promises nicest city and to leave Wi-Fi eating dust BARCELONA: Connecting your smart- 23 DVDs in one second”, the founder and Baghdad worst phone to the web with just a lamp - that head of Oledcomm, Suat Topsu, told AFP. is the promise of Li-Fi, featuring Internet “Li-Fi allows speeds that are 100 times VIENNA: Vienna, Austria’s grand capital on the access 100 times faster than Wi-Fi with faster than Wi-Fi” which uses radio waves Danube river, offers the highest quality of life of all revolutionary wireless technology. to transmit data, he added. The technol- cities in the world, while the Iraqi capital Baghdad, French start-up Oledcomm demonstrat- ogy uses the frequencies generated by once more took its place at the bottom of a livability ed the technology at the Mobile World LED bulbs - which flicker on and off list compiled by consulting firm Mercer. The survey Congress, the world’s biggest mobile fair, imperceptibly thousands of times a sec- of 230 cities helps companies and organizations in Barcelona. As soon as a smartphone ond - to beam information through the determine compensation and hardship allowances was placed under an office lamp, it start- air, leading it to be dubbed the “digital for international staff. It uses dozens of criteria such ed playing a video. The big advantage of equivalent of Morse Code”. as political stability, healthcare, education, crime, Li-Fi, short for “light fidelity”, is its light- It started making its way out of labo- recreation and transport. ning speed. ratories in 2015 to be tested in everyday Global centres London, Paris, Tokyo and New York Laboratory tests have shown theoreti- settings in France, a Li-Fi pioneer, such as City did not even make the top 30, lagging behind BARCELONA: This picture shows a screen with the “Li-Fi” system logo, an application cal speeds of over 200 Gbps - fast a museums and shopping malls. Continued on Page15 by Oledcomm, on the second day of the Mobile World Congress yesterday. — AFP enough to “download the equivalent of Continued on Page 15

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 LOCAL New crossword puzzles unveiled News In brief KUWAIT: Since His Highness the Amir Anniversary of His Highness the Amir’s last two months to complete the network National Day of Kuwait,” Arsalan revealed. Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah assumption of power. in synchronization with start of the nation- He noted that the new crossword broke his attended the flag hoisting ceremony in He worked out 1,120 crossword squares al celebrations. “The network represents a previous record of 1,024 squares which January to mark the start of the celebra- on the history, the national icons, and main cultural addition to the celebrations as it took 30 days to complete five years ago. tions of the national days, the citizens and events of Kuwait where he spent 40 years surveys the national historical facts with Arsalan’s previous crosswords dealt with residents in Kuwait have expressed joy for of his lifetime. The national crossword net- emphasis on the reign of Al-Sabah family,” the biographies of Prophet Mohammad the occasion in various forms. George work has become part of the national cele- he pointed out. (PBUH) and His companions, and the Arsalan, a veteran crossword puzzle maker brations as it deepens the sense of patriot- “I’ve spent 25 days in developing the national anthem. He voiced great joy for his working for Al-Qabas Arabic daily newspa- ism and expands understanding of the his- plans, headlines and main ideas of the net- success in producing useful works for the per, celebrated in his own innovative style tory of Kuwait among readers, whether work and seven other days in executing society and contributing to the promotion the country’s 55th Independence Day, the young or old. In statements to KUNA, these plans. “Al-Qabas will start publishing of public awareness about the history and 25th Liberation Day and the 10th Arsalan said that he worked hard over the the crosswords as of February 25th, the national icons of Kuwait.— KUNA New Amiri decree

By Meshaal Al-Enezi of article 14 of law number 3/2006, the Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah Information Ministry’s Assistant and Ambassador of the Czech Republic Martin Vitek KUWAIT: An Amiri decree No 31/2016 Undersecretary for Journalism, during the signing ceremony. — KUNA was recently issued to add the Interior Printing and Publications Khaled Ministry Undersecretary and the Fuhaid Al-Rasheedi canceled the Kuwait, Czech Republic National Guard Undersecretary to the license of Al-Daleel weekly because its in visa exemption pact Supreme Defense Council as new publication had stopped for over six KUWAIT: Kuwait and the Czech Republic signed yesterday members for a three-year tenure. months without any acceptable cause. a visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic passports. Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Sulaiman Al- Iraq deal Footbridges Jarallah and Ambassador of the Czech Republic Martin Kuwait has approved a commercial Municipal council member Hassan Vitek signed the agreement at the Foreign Ministry’s head- cooperation agreement with Iraq, Kamal yesterday suggested building quarters. The signing ceremony was attended by Assistant which was signed in Baghdad on Dec two footbridges linking the coastal Foreign Minister of European Affairs Ambassador Walid Ali 28, 2014 including nine articles. The road with Rumaithiya and Salwa. Al-Khubaizi. agreement is part of a desire by both Kamal based his proposal to the grow- sides to cement commercial relations ing activities on that leg of the coastal Kuwaitis ‘exemplify and and fraternity based on both countries’ road and the lack of enough parking reflect true patriotism’ joint and exchanged interests. spaces, which makes people park on KUWAIT: The people of Kuwait have reflected and the other side of the road and cross exemplified true notions of patriotism throughout the Regulating commercial ads the street on foot. In another develop- nation’s history, standing in support with their leader- The Information Ministry officially ment, another Municipal council mem- ship under all circumstances, said Minister of endorsed a new charter on regulating ber Yousef Al-Ghareeb expressed Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs commercial ads on various Kuwaiti TV amazement at the continuity of traffic Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah KUWAIT: Kuwait’s old flag seen flying next to the country’s current flag as Kuwait channels and radio stations. The char- jams despite the many projects com- yesterday. Speaking on the occasion of Kuwait’s 55th marks national holidays. — KUNA ter also regulates sponsorship rates pleted and in progress to develop road national day and 25th anniversary of liberation, Sheikh Salman, who’s also the head of the national committee according to show times - regular, grids, flyovers, bridges and intersec- for Kuwait’s national celebrations, said that the Kuwaiti excellent or primetime. It also regu- tions. “This problem is becoming people should heed the calls by His Highness the Amir Iraq Ambassador lates sponsoring news bulletins, studio chronic in Kuwait with the growing Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for unity backdrops, fixed logos and ticker ads. number of vehicles,” he underlined. and loyalty expressed during his speech at the National Assembly’s opening session on October 27th, 2015. congratulates Kuwait Judicial police powers Football case The manpower authority authorized A local court yesterday referred a KUWAIT: As Kuwait celebrates its 55th national Day 60 male and female employees to use case field by the government against KFAED developmental projects anniversary, its 25th Liberation Day anniversary, the judicial police powers, a decision Kuwait Football Association to its not hindered by Iraqi invasion 10th anniversary of HH the Amir’s and HH the Crown which was endorsed by Minister of sports section. Notably, FIFA has sus- KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Prince’s succession and the first anniversary of UN Social Work and Labor and Minister of pended all sports activities in Kuwait Development (KFAED) continues to play an integral role in honoring to Amir as the Humanity Leader and State for Planning and Development over allegations of political interfer- financing projects worldwide and not even the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 had an effect on the fund’s global Kuwait as a Humanity Center, Embassy of the Hind Al-Subaih. The 60 employees ence in sports. efforts. During the invasion, KFAED signed loan agree- Republic of Iraq in Kuwait yesterday issued a press were sworn in to be responsible for monitoring the execution of labor laws Housing units ments worth about KD 87 million ($296 million) with three release congratulating HH the Amir, HH the Crown and various related executive deci- The Housing Authority is scheduled Arab countries in addition to four African and Asian Prince, the Speaker, HH the PM and Kuwaitis. The sions. to draw the names of citizens today to nations. KFAED said that fund’s assistance during the inva- embassy also highlighted both countries’ strong ties receive housing units in South Mutlaa’s sion included KD 30 million loans to Syria, about KD 20 mil- and stressed the importance of joint work in fight- Iraq Ambassador Mohammed License canceled N6 area, which includes 351 400-sq-m lion to Egypt in addition to a loan of KD 14 million to ing terrorism and achieving stability in Iraq. Hussein Bahr Al-Ulum In accordance to clause number one units. Morocco. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 LOCAL ‘Kuwait in our Eyes - Kuwait Times, Al-Anbaa Photo Competition Sponsored by Burgan Bank, Zain, Nasser Al-Sayer Company

KUWAIT: The 10th Photography allows people to capture images reflecting Selecting the right picture qualifies the pho- olution pictures for your photos in a special ceremony which takes place at Holiday Inn - Competition, organized exclusively by social and cultural activities and celebra- tographer to winning this year’s competi- price during the period of the competition. Salmiya, the official host of the competition. Kuwait Times in cooperation with Al-Anbaa tions during the month of February, as well tion. The competition also seeks motivating Pictures carrying texts, signatures or which The competition is sponsored for the third newspaper, kicked off on January 5, 2016 as celebrations of the 10th anniversary of and improving the skills of photographers, were modified will be disqualified. The judg- year by Burgan Bank as a main sponsor, in and runs through March 17, 2016. Adnan His Highness the Amir’s ascension to power, both professional and amateur, as well as ing panel’s decisions are final and cannot be cooperation with Zain. Nasser Al-Sayer Saad, Kuwait Times Deputy General and the selection of Kuwait as a Capital of highlighting photography as a tool to challenged. Further, all pictures submitted by Company, the official dealers of Canon Manager and the competition’s organizer, Islamic Culture for 2016. improve and document artistic skills, in participants will be considered property of cameras in Kuwait is also participating by said in that regard that the competition The Sabah Al-Ahmad Heritage Village addition to focusing on the creative and the competition’s organizers, who retain the presenting valuable prizes. The winning takes place annually, adding that this year’s also offers several folklore and musical activ- skillful contributions of Kuwaiti and non- right to use them in any way they deem pictures will be selected by a judging panel event will carry the theme ‘Kuwait in our ities held during February, offering photog- Kuwaiti participants. proper without reference to their owners. comprising of specialists in the art of pho- Eyes.’ raphers the chance to capture beautiful pic- Each participant can submit a maximum You do not have to be a professional photography. Their selection will be based on The competition is open for participants tures that can qualify them to win one of the of five works; each with a maximum size of tographer or use a professional camera to creativity and artistic effects pertaining from all ages, Saad said, adding that partici- competition’s valuable prizes. There are sev- 40x30 cm. The works must be owned by the participate; you can submit pictures taken with lighting and composition, which can pants will have the opportunity to capture eral basic ideas for the snapshot can be built participant, as he or she would lose the right by a phone’s camera or any other camera, as contribute in delivering the message in an images through their camera lenses that using the camera. For example, inspiration to obtain the prize if proven otherwise. You long as the picture carries elements of cre- influential and fascinating way, through a reflect the cultural, social, civilized and her- can be derived from the Kuwaiti environ- can also benefit from the special offer pre- ativity inspired by the environment. distinguished picture that shows Kuwait in itage aspects of the society. Furthermore, it ment, the sea or even the faces around us. sented by ‘Albumi’ company to print high res- The awards will be distributed during a our eyes. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 LOCAL Amir, Premier tour Souq Mubarakiya

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, pay a visit yesterday to Souq Al-Mubarakiya, Kuwait’s oldest traditional market. During his tour of the market, HH the Amir was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Information Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Electricity and Water Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah. — KUNA WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 LOCAL

Planned demolition of historic Bayt Lothan stirs opposition

By Ben Garcia noon. On the petition page, the organizers call on the owners to “consider the historical, cultural, KUWAIT: One of Kuwait’s oldest surviving build- and economic value of Bayt Lothan....” Hundreds ings, Bayt Lothan is now slated for demolition of signers left comments in support of stopping with plans to be replaced, possibly, by a food the demolition. “Bayt Lothan is a part of Kuwait’s mall. The historic Salmiya structure was the heritage and it’s sad to see it demolished for the home of the late Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al- sake of building yet another mall in a country Sabah, the twelfth ruler of Kuwait. filled with malls,” wrote Yousef Al Abdulhadi. Construction began in 1926 but the house Speaking with the Kuwait Times at Bayt was built over three stages. The house was built Lothan in Salmiya, Walid Thakur, Administration in the style and tradition of the pre-oil era, repre- and Finance Manager confirmed that the senting an important period of Kuwait’s architec- planned demolition will take place by the end tural history. It has an internal courtyard, high of March. “This property is not our own. This is ceilings and a traditional Kuwaiti house layout. a private property; the owner had already giv- More importantly, it has served for years as a en us six months notice to vacate the place, we are complying with the order and the Bayt Lothan team is winding down operations; we will obediently follow and leave this place as agreed,” he said. “The place is used not just by Kuwaitis but by communities of people wanting to exhibit their arts and designs. The place is also used as venue for cultural presentations and charity events,” Thakur mentioned. “Since we started in 1993, this period is the saddest part because I have been here since the beginning of Bayt Lothan operations; being here and being involved in many activities of this center, very saddened to leave the place you once called home. It has been our KUWAIT: Photos show the interior and exterior of the historic Bayt Lothan building in Salmiya which is slated for demolition end of March. home and a place for honing young people — Photos by Athoob Al-Shuaibi and Ben Garcia talents in arts,” he said. local cultural and community center, offering a range of arts, music and photography classes, providing a space for community events and in recent years serving as a home for the popular used bookshop, Q8 Books. The nonprofit Bayt Lothan’s primary objective was to nurture arts and crafts in Kuwait and provide the people of Kuwait a place to exhibit their designs and artistic work. Dozens of local artists, architects, designers and photographers have visited in recent days as a way to document the structure before it is demolished. Dr Jawaher Al-Bader, Kuwait University Department of Communication Design and Interior Architecture Professor, opposes the plan to demolish Bayt Lothan. She brought a class of students to draw Bayt Lothan this way in order to document the building. “We have here future designers and architects; we brought them here to feel the place for the last time, document the place...What we are doing now is very important, there is no existing records of the physical design of the place and no blueprint, so now we are measuring it. I understand the owners want to generate money rather than preserve history. But we are depriv- ing the next generations from witnessing the structures of Kuwait’s past,” she said. Plans for Bayt Lothan’s demolition have sparked outrage and opposition among Kuwait’s society. Dr Lamis Behbehani agrees with the sentiment: “It’s an unfortunate decision to make. We don’t have many historical places.... Only this KUWAIT: A now famous drawing of the his- one of Kuwait’s very few artistic, cultural place is available, most of the old buildings are toric Bayt Lothan building in Salmiya by and historic sites. My hope is that this abandoned and derelict, but this one was pre- Shahad Al-Wadani, known on Instagram as image would raise awareness on this inte- served because it was used by Bayt Lothan, and @WadaniArt. The sketch was spread all over gral part of Kuwait’s history and culture to because of that, we were able to experience how Kuwait via social media as opposition to preserve it for future generations. Kuwait in the past lived,” she said. “Why would the structure’s demolition went viral. they [demolish Bayt Lothan] without considering “I created this drawing upon hearing of — Image used courtesy the historical value of the place?” she asked. the unfortunate demise of Bayt Lothan - Shahad Al-Wadani KUWAIT: Sketches during a recent Drawing it is also a reflection of the future. It was a A petition has been started on Change.org Kuwait event at Bayt Lothan to document product of our culture, and now it has with nearly 3,500 signatures as of Tuesday after- the building. come to generate it, through shaping musi- cians, artists, and artisans. In that respect, it “Bayt Lothan is a measure of how far we has lived full circle, to become a symbol of came from what we were. An evidence of the marriage of our traditionalism and our development, and a connection to the modernization,” said Farah Dashti. past,” said Shoug Emad. Sketches are by Shoug Emad and Farah “Bayt Lothan isn’t just a shadow of the past, Dashti - courtesy of Drawing Kuwait. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 LOCAL Deputy FM launches e-messaging system We are closely watching Al-Qabas what is happening ‘Enough messing KUWAIT: Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah yes- to the economy terday launched a new electronic messaging system at the around’ Foreign Ministry in order to streamline communication between the ministry and its diplomatic missions abroad. Speaking at a news conference on this occasion, Al-Jarallah By Nermin Al-Houti said the ministry’s electronic messaging system has been devised and installed by its own technicians, boasting that f we gather what has been written about the his ministry is the first governmental agency to put this problems and bad standards of the Ministry of scheme in place. Al-Jarallah expressed hope that other IEducation and its facilities 10 years ago until now, ministries and departments in Kuwait would follow suit in we would have owned volumes titled “you the offi- order to keep their respective necessary privacy. cials of education ministry, enough messing The electronic messaging system would make it very around.” We became bored while we are writing, as easy for the ministry to have safe communications with its no ear is hearing nor an eye is seeing until the departments, he said, lauding it as a quantum shift that papers became dry and ink dried out of pens, and would ensure the confidentiality of documents and papers. despite this we focus today on several points in The move comes upon the instructions of First Deputy hopes that our officials may move out of their chairs Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- to make corrections without decisions, committees Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for upgrading the Ministry’s and meetings. What we want today is a steely hand performance and capabilities in order to keep abreast of that has the decision to change the crooked path of state-of-the-art technology, he added. Optic-fiber net- the education ministry so that it gets on the right works are used in the ministry’s new electronic messaging Al-Jarida track, and education in our country gets revived out system so as to provide safe and clear communications of sound educational basics. with the ministry’s 104 diplomatic missions abroad, the l You installed cameras to monitor educational deputy foreign minister pointed out. —KUNA buildings, and despite this we still hear about students beating each other and the result is having some children injured and sustain disabilities that may hinder them in the future. A question: Are the cameras not operational? l Once again, aren’t surveillance cameras supposed to be in a control room where screens are kept and an employee is hired for this purpose? Then why do some art institutes have a doctor monitoring the screens? Even stranger, the dean of the institute programmed the cameras to see them on his personal phone. Good morning, Snapchat! l You should know that toilets are government property and made for students, employees and educational faculties, and not for each official in a school, institute or university to take over a bath- room and lock it to become his own property. Welcome education! * Kuwait is a Muslim country, and in our beloved Kuwait, all its facilities have a special place for women to pray, except for some educational facilities. They do not have special places designated for women, and even if there are, the place is dirty with a noxious smell and the best example is the art institutes, Mr Minister of Education. l New and youthful blood is good, but scientific experience and seniority in the job is needed. What are their standards in education? Allah help us when the job pyramid gets inverted. Zain celebrates with employees l We face an economic problem, and everyone agreed with rationalizing financial spending, except for the education ministry with all its outstanding KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications compa- Roudhan. The annual patriotic event was held at Zain’s flag’s colors, and participating in National celebrations jobs and musical shows, and if you demand that ny in Kuwait, organized a special themed internal event main headquarters in Shuwaikh and witnessed several with people with special needs and children in hospitals. they pay your dues, they say “the item does not to share Kuwait’s National celebrations with its employ- highlights of the many national-themed activities and Zain has long considered itself as a key partner of the allow it”. ees, reconfirming the company’s and employee’s pride in programs undertaken during the celebrations, including Kuwaiti society, especially in such National celebrations. A final word: A,B,C - repeat for the millionth time, Kuwait’s national identity. The company gathered a large a traditional live performance by a Kuwaiti band. The company has achieved many outstanding achieve- and the result is “nothing”. number of its staff in a patriotic and family-oriented Zain’s participation in National celebrations was not ments by supporting many of the various social pro- Translated by Kuwait Times atmosphere that witnessed the presence of senior Zain limited to the internal event only, but extended to grams, especially related to Kuwait’s annual celebra- executives including Chief Executive Officer Eaman Al redecorating the company’s building with the National tions. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Angry victims China may be installing radar on S China Sea outposts heckle Modi ally after riots kill 19 Page 13 Page 12

SULAIMANIYAH, Iraq: People look yesterday at a sculpture by artist Bakhtiar Halabjay depicting Aylan Kurdi, a three-year-old Syrian boy who drowned off Turkey, displayed on a pier at Azadi (Freedom) Park in this northern Iraqi Kurdish city. The sculpture replicates the photograph of tiny Aylan’s lifeless body on the beach at Bodrum after he drowned on the crossing to Greece, that rapidly went viral on social media and caused a global outcry as it put a human face to the dangers refugees risk trying to reach safety in Europe. —AFP IS tightens grip on govt road to Aleppo Regime agrees to Syria peace deal DAMASCUS: Syria’s regime agreed yester- dashed. “It’s a waste of time and it’s difficult frequently shifting frontlines - the ceasefire failed to take hold last week as initially day to a ceasefire deal announced by the to implement on the ground,” said Abu may be doomed to fail. While IS control over planned. United States and Russia, but there were Ibrahim, a commander in the 10th Brigade territory is relatively clear and stable, its As well as reducing violence and US counter-terrorism widespread doubts it could take effect by opposition force in the northwestern jihadist rival Al-Nusra Front, the local affili- expanding humanitarian access, it aims to sleuths coach West the weekend as hoped. The truce agree- Latakia province. He expected “numerous ate of Al-Qaeda, works closely with many pave the way for a resumption of peace ment, announced Monday, does not apply rebel groups” to reject the agreement, other rebels groups particularly in Syria’s talks that collapsed earlier this month in African counterparts to jihadists like the Islamic State group and which he said was formed “without consult- north. Geneva. The talks had been scheduled to Al-Nusra Front, putting up major hurdles to ing any factions on the ground.” “‘Cessation of Hostilities’ allows attacks resume on Feb 25, but the UN Syria envoy THIES, Senegal: A group of plainclothes police, sol- how it can be implemented on Syria’s com- on Nusra. That likely dooms it, since has already acknowledged that date is no diers and investigators huddle over the charred wreck- plex battlefield. A Syrian foreign ministry Truce deal ‘Likely Doomed’ Russia/regime tend to hit others & call em longer realistic. French Foreign Minister age of a blue Mercedes near Senegal’s dusty third city, statement said the government would con- In Damascus, residents tired after nearly Nusra (or IS),” Noah Bonsey, a senior analyst Jean-Marc Ayrault, in Kiev yesterday, hailed Thies, the vehicle’s two occupants blown apart by a tinue to fight both those groups as well as five years of war were also deeply sceptical. at the International Crisis Group, said on the agreement as a “positive announce- bomb. As jihadist bombers extend their reach across other “terrorists”, while agreeing to stop oth- “It’s a fragile deal,” said Rana, a 54-year old Twitter. “To have any chance of addressing ment,” saying he hoped it could lead to the west Africa, hitting popular tourist venues in neighbor- er military operations “in accordance with pharmacist in the capital. “Ceasefires have this, US/Russia must delineate Nusra areas resumption of negotiations in Geneva. But ing nations in recent months, FBI and US military the Russian-American announcement.” been announced repeatedly in the past and BEFORE implementation.” Yezid Sayigh of Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan experts are coaching local counterparts on how to The deal calls for a “cessation of hostili- we didn’t see any results on the ground the Carnegie Middle East Centre said the Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara that he comb a crime scene for clues. The victims of this car ties” between forces loyal to President because they were violated,” she said. deal presented “a serious opportunity” but was “not very optimistic (the truce) will be bomb are dummies and the crime scene a simulation, Bashar Al-Assad and opposition groups that Despite being on opposing sides of the “there clearly are significant obstacles and respected by all the parties.” but the explosives are real - part and parcel of the type would take effect at midnight Friday conflict, Moscow and Washington have risks”. In a new toll released Tuesday, the Syrian of improvised explosives device (IED) attack the coun- Damascus time. The High Negotiations been leading the latest diplomatic push to Observatory for Human Rights monitoring try has until now avoided. Committee (HNC) - the leading Syrian try to resolve the brutal conflict. Both pow- Hope for Peace Talks group said that 271,138 people - including “It’s 9.30 am, the explosion went off in the trunk,” a opposition group - gave its conditional ers are pursuing separate air wars in Syria, “An obvious challenge is for other armed nearly 80,000 civilians - had lost their lives in Senegalese army lieutenant reported back. “The wit- acceptance to the deal late Monday. But with a US-led coalition targeting IS and opposition groups to stand by while Russia the war. Sunday saw the deadliest jihadist ness is a street hawker, Said Mohamed,” he said after after several previous failed attempts, few occasionally other jihadist groups. continues strikes against Nusra,” Sayigh said. attack in Syria’s conflict, when 134 people interrogating an FBI explosives specialist playing the had serious expectations for a lasting cease- Russia says it is targeting “terrorists” in its “Russia and the US will also need to agree were killed in a shrine south of Damascus in role of a passerby. “Two individuals, two terrorists, fire. strikes but has been accused of hitting non- some sort of monitoring mechanism or bombings claimed by IS. Also yesterday, IS were trying to cross the border from Mauritania into Analysts said the deal may be simply jihadist groups in support of Assad, a long- process for determining who is responsible and allied jihadists wrested control of the Senegal, and the suicide vest they were carrying pre- unworkable, rebels on the ground doubted time ally. Analysts say that given the facts for any local breaches of the ceasefire.” The key town of Khanasser in the northern maturely went off,” said FBI supervisory special agent the regime’s goodwill and many civilians on the ground - in particular the complicat- ceasefire plan was announced by top diplo- province of Aleppo from regime forces, the Victor Lloyd, explaining the scenario. “Now the stu- expected their hopes to once again be ed make-up of Syria’s opposition forces and mats in Munich earlier this month, but Observatory said. —AFP dents are going to look around and gather whatever intelligence they can,” added Lloyd, as the four-day simulation kicked off in the military base of Thies, some 70 km east of the Senegalese capital, Dakar. The session is part of a larger annual military exer- Forces make key Benghazi gains cise, known as Flintlock, that has been bringing together African, European and US counter-terrorism BENGHAZI: Forces loyal to Libya’s interna- neighborhoods from armed groups includ- parliament) was not reached, so the presi- and the session for the vote was adjourned forces every year for the past decade. But as the nature tionally recognised government seized a ing IS and Ansar al-Sharia, which is close to dent of the chamber adjourned the session,” until next week”. Forces loyal to the Tobruk of the threat in west Africa changes, this is the first key central neighborhood of second city Al-Qaeda. Lithi had become notorious as a MP Mohamed al-Abbani told AFP. Another government launched a major operation at time police and even customs officials have been Benghazi from Islamist militias yesterday, jihadist nerve centre, dubbed by locals as parliamentarian, Ali Al-Qaidi, confirmed that the weekend aimed at retaking areas of involved, said Billy Alfano, who works in a counter-ter- the military said. The advance came as “Benghazi’s Kandahar” - a reference to the “the necessary quorum was not reached, Benghazi under extremist control. — AFP ror unit within the US State Department. A group of Libya’s parliament again failed to vote on a Afghan province that has seen some of the Senegalese police and soldiers secure the area, cordon UN-backed unity government seen as a worst insurgent attacks since the US inva- it off with yellow tape and then rake it over for frag- crucial step in ending years of political sion of 2001. Residents celebrated along- ments of the bomb, tiny clues that could lead them to chaos and conflict in the North African side loyalist fighters in streets retaken from those behind the aborted “attack”. Part of the course is state. Special forces retook the Benghazi Islamists, flashing victory signs next to the explicitly about “how to respond to a terrorist attack,” Lloyd said, “which I hope never happens on area of Lithi, which had been a stronghold bombed-out shells of buildings. Senegalese soil.” for extremist fighters including the Islamic State group, after days of fierce clashes. Vote Adjourned to Next Week ‘No Illusions’ Fadel al-Hassi of Libya’s special forces Libya’s conflict, which has help to create Those involved learn not only how to respond when said the neighborhood was “totally liberat- a surge in refugees fleeing the country, has an attack takes place but how to subsequently gather ed”. Libya has had rival administrations alarmed Western governments over the the right intelligence to prevent further bloodshed. since the summer of 2014 when the recog- prospect of extremist groups including IS “Those individuals that you captured on the trail, they’re nized government fled Tripoli after a militia establishing a bridgehead just 300 km from not the ones that are actually orchestrating and plan- alliance including Islamists overran the Europe. Successive UN-backed initiatives ning the attacks,” Lloyd pointed out. Clad in a grey t-shirt, aimed at reuniting Libya’s rival political fac- capital. A power vacuum since the 2011 the FBI bomb expert - who earlier played the role of a toppling of dictator Muammar Gaddafi has tions have so far failed to find a route out of witness - explained how vital the right questions could fostered the rise of IS, which is currently the crisis. The internationally recognized be in the aftermath of a bombing. “We ask witnesses: headquartered in the former dictator’s administration, now exiled in the eastern What was the color of the explosion, was it a thump in hometown of Sirte, but control of Benghazi town of Tobruk, failed on Tuesday to hold a the chest?” he said. “If they do a good job searching the remains divided between a collection of vote of confidence in a new, UN-brokered bodies, they will find identity cards,” he continued as the militias. unity government because it lacked a quo- BENGHAZI: A man celebrates in the streets as fighters loyal to Libya’s internationally team puzzled over the smoking remains of the vehicle, Fighting has flared periodically in rum. recognized government come close to seizing the centre of this eastern coastal city whose roof was blown off in theblast.—AFP Benghazi as security forces try to wrest “The required quorum (89 members of yesterday. —AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 US towns restrict solicitation amid influx of Hasidic Jews Residents feel intimidated, harassed

LAKEWOOD, New Jersey: James Jackson didn’t want to sell his home but thanked the black- suited man for his interest anyway. That’s when the man put his hand on Jackson’s shoulder and told him he might want to reconsider. Many of his neighbors in the New Jersey shore town of Toms River, the man said, already planned to sell to Jewish buyers like those he represented. “He asked me why I would want to live in a Hasidic neighborhood if I wasn’t Hasidic,” Jackson recalled. “He asked if I would really be happy, if it would be in my family’s best interests.” RICHMOND, Virginia: Protesters hold signs as they protest the appearance of A housing crunch in Lakewood, home to one Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov John Kasich, at a town hall meeting on of the nation’s largest populations of Hasidic Monday. — AP Jews, has triggered what residents of neighboring communities say are overly aggressive, all- hours solicitations from agents looking to find homes for the rapidly growing Jewish commu- Kasich: Women ‘left nity. The complaints have prompted towns, including Toms River, to update their “no-knock” rules and related laws, adding real estate kitchens’ to back me inquiries to measures that already limit when soliciting can occur and allow residents to bar TOMS RIVER, New Jersey: A sign saying, “Don’t Sell! Toms River Strong,” is seen on a street on WASHINGTON: US Republican presidential Hillary Clinton - who is trying to become solicitations. Monday. — AP candidate John Kasich said Monday that the first woman US president - was quick to But Jewish leaders and others say the no- women “left their kitchens” to support him jump on Kasich’s remarks to suggest he knock laws unfairly target Orthodox Jews and that leaders in neighboring towns say are home last fall when he was unexpectedly in a 1978 Ohio state senate race, triggering was out of touch with women. “It’s 2016. A those seeking to help them find houses. Many unfounded. Samuel Heilman, a sociology pro- approached by the man in the black suit. The pushback from voters and rivals. “How did I woman’s place is... wherever she wants it to current residents came to the community to fessor at Queens College in New York City and a encounter was initially cordial but turned darker, get elected?” Kasich asked rhetorically dur- be,” Clinton tweeted. Kasich later apolo- study at one of the largest yeshivas in the world leading authority on Orthodox Judaism, says he he said. “He was trying to intimidate me, but not ing a campaign event in Virginia. “Nobody gized, telling CNN: “I’m more than happy to and eventually settled down. The 2010 census doubts that such laws are anti-Semitic in their in a physical way,” Jackson said. “He was playing was - I didn’t have anybody for me. We just say I’m sorry if I offended somebody out found the town had nearly 93,000 residents, origins. But he notes that the measures may mind games, and he was really good at it.” got an army of people... many women, who there, but it wasn’t intended to be offen- about 32,000 more than a decade earlier. And now be invoked more aggressively by people left their kitchens to go out and go door to sive.” He also made a more vigorous town officials believe there are closer to 120,000 trying to keep Orthodox Jews out of their ‘Cease and Desist’ door, and to put yard signs up for me. All defense of his record on women. “We had a residents now. neighborhoods, for fear the area will become a Toms River is also in the process of creating the way back, when, you know, things were lot of women that played a major role in “The growth in Lakewood is a sign of the Hasidic community. “cease and desist” zones, where door-to-door different. my political campaign, political life, and great quality of life which is attracting all these “The problem is structural: Hasidim live in real estate soliciting would be banned in desig- “Now you call homes and everybody’s they still do... I’m very grateful to all the people,” said Avi Schnall, the state director of Hasidic communities predominantly. They can nated areas that have been inordinately and out working. But at that time, early days, it work they put in for me,” Kasich said, noting Agudath Israel, a national grassroots advocacy only move as groups,” said Heilman. “That leads repeatedly solicited. The ordinance is modeled was an army of the women that really his lieutenant governor is a woman (Mary and social service organization representing to counter-moves by other groups who do not on one in New York state that held up in court helped me get elected to the state Senate,” Taylor). Orthodox Jews. “However, the challenge is want their community to be inundated by despite objections from realty groups. The New Kasich added. And he sought to bolster his credentials being able to keep up with the influx,” Schnall them.” Municipal leaders stress that their laws York rule allows residents to petition for their Kasich, who now serves as Ohio’s gov- as an independently-minded politician. “I added. “This has driven people to take residents are not aimed at keeping out any groups, but neighborhood to be included on the list of ernor, first ran for the state senate in 1978. take orders from nobody,” Kasich said. in nearby towns, where houses are more avail- rather to protect residents. “Our ‘no knock’ law areas where solicitation is not allowed. A woman attending the Virginia town hall Earlier, Kasich had told reporters he would able and affordable.” goes back many years. It’s not just in response Realty groups say they their main concern is later quipped: “First off, I want to say - your try to be “a bit more careful” going forward Schnall calls the recent no-knock changes to what has been happening now,” Toms River to find common ground. “Our local communi- comment earlier about the women came but plans to stay unscripted. “I’ll continue “troubling”. He also believes there is a campaign Mayor Thomas Kelaher said. “We are trying to ties are incredibly important to both our mem- out the kitchen to support you? I’ll come to operate on a high wire without a net. to prevent members of the Orthodox communi- protect those people from conduct that’s outra- bers and our association,” said Mary Ann Wissel, to support you, but I won’t be coming out And frankly, I’d like to see everyone who is ty from moving in. And he thinks the real estate geous, harassing, intimidating or unwelcome.” chief executive officer of the Ocean County of the kitchen.” The woman also asked a running for president get out of the script- agents are being used as the scapegoats, claims Jackson said he was working outside his Board of Realtors.—AP question about Kasich signing a bill on ed role and start to be real and take ques- Sunday to defund Planned Parenthood, tions,” he said. Kasich spokesman Rob which provides abortion and family plan- Nichols sought to defuse the controversy, ning services. dismissing the backlash as “desperate poli- Democratic presidential candidate tics”. — AFP

TEHRAN: Head of the reformists’ coalition list for the Iranian parliamentary elections in Tehran Mohammad Reza Aref (second right) enters a subway station as part of his parliamentary election campaign yesterday. —AP Iran’s top reformist hits campaign trail

TEHRAN: Iran’s most prominent am 35 years old and still jobless,” one reformist candidate said yesterday that metro passenger, Mohammad Heidari, should his camp win in the parliamen- shouted above the noise of the train at tary elections later this week, his bloc Bazaar station. He said he recently will work on the country’s economic moved to Tehran from a poor area in problems by creating more job oppor- western Iran in hopes of finding a bet- tunities through attracting both ter future. “Think about this, Mr Aref.” domestic and foreign investors. Another passenger criticized Aref’s Mohammad Reza Aref upped the ante bloc for allegedly lacking more promi- on his campaign trail, mingling with nent figures on its list. Tehran residents during a subway ride Reformists hope to do well in in the Iranian capital - a novel initiative Friday’s elections, boosted by public by the reformists seeking to win more enthusiasm for the recently imple- voters’ hearts and minds. mented Iranian nuclear deal with world “Creating job opportunities is our powers and the lifting of international priority,” Aref told AP during the sub- sanctions - though the country is still way ride. “We are focused on solving feeling the effects of years of sanctions. the economic problems of the people.” In the current, conservative-dominated Aref, who served as vice-president 290-seat chamber, there are about 30 under reformist Mohammad Khatami, reformists while hardliners have 60 Iran’s president from 1997 until 2005, lawmakers. The rest are conservatives. said that once in parliament, he would In absence of real political parties use that experience and that he in Iran, the affiliation of half of the believes an eight percent economic 62,000 candidates running in the elec- growth is possible through “adding to tions cannot be determined. efficacy of the economy and attracting Reformists and moderates say they investors,” both foreign and domestic have some 200 candidates across the Aref mingled with Tehran residents country; the rest are divided between riding the subway in the city’s down- conservatives and hard-liners. town line and met ordinary shoppers Analysis suggests some 10 percent of at a local bazaar. Many came up to him, the candidates are pro-reform and appealing for a solution to the coun- moderate. Many reformists are try’s unemployment, which official fig- believed to have been disqualified ures say is at 10 percent - though critics from running during the candidate claim it is much higher among young vetting process. In Tehran, over 1,000 people. According to government sta- candidates are competing for just 30 tistics, inflation stands at 13 percent. “I seats. — AP

INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Czech premier sees ‘Czexit’ debate if Britain leaves EU

PRAGUE: The Czech prime minister said sphere of influence. yesterday he expects a debate on his coun- Having separated in 1993, the Czech try leaving the European Union if Britain Republic joined NATO in 1999 while chooses to quit the 28-member bloc in a Slovakia followed in 2004, when both also June referendum. joined the EU.Former Czech president Three-fifths of Czechs said they were Vaclav Klaus, a staunch eurosceptic who unhappy with EU membership and 62 per- served between 2003 and 2013, was long cent said they would vote against it in a ref- seen as the major motor fuelling anti-EU erendum, according to an October 2015 sentiment in the country of 10.5 million poll by the STEM agency. people. “If Britain leaves the EU, we can expect Euroscepticism there is currently linked debates about leaving the EU in a few years to the refugee and migrant crisis, with sur- too,” leftist Bohuslav Sobotka told the CTK veys showing a majority of Czechs opposed news agency. Britain will hold a referen- to accepting refugees and migrants. Yet dum on leaving the EU on June 23. “The few asylum seekers have chosen to stay in impact may be really huge,” he said, adding the Czech Republic, with the majority that a “Czexit” could trigger an economic heading to wealthier Germany and other and security downturn and a return to the western EU states. Leftist Czech President Russian sphere of influence. Milos Zeman has nevertheless missed no Such a move “would be an absolute opportunity to voice fiery anti-migrant negation of the developments after 1989” rhetoric, even insisting that it was “practi- when former Czechoslovakia shed cally impossible” to integrate the Muslim Communist rule thereby quitting the Soviet community into European society. —AFP Burundi president agrees to hold talks to end crisis

BUJUMBURA, Burundi: Burundi President country’s political leaders “to summon the MYTILENE: A woman carries a sleeping child as refugees and migrants disembark a rubber boat upon arrival at the northern island of Lesbos Pierre Nkurunziza has agreed to hold talks to courage and the confidence that will make a after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey, in Mytilene, yesterday.—AFP end a 10-month-old crisis, UN Secretary credible political process possible,” Ban said. General Ban Ki-moon said yesterday, but the main opposition group dismissed the plan Grenade attacks on the increase as a “false opening”. After meeting with Ban’s visit coincided with an uptick in Greece hits out at Balkans Nkurunziza as well as government and some grenade attacks with at least four killed just opposition politicians, Ban said that all sides ahead of his arrival and at least a dozen had agreed to “inclusive dialogue” and that injured in a series of overnight grenade over move to halt migrants the president “confirmed, that he would attacks in several city neighbourhoods. engage in political dialogue.” “Last night, ten grenades exploded in But hours later the influential CNARED several districts of Bujumbura, leaving a Athens bussing hundreds of refugees from north border umbrella opposition group-whose leaders dozen people wounded,” a senior police offi- are in exile-dismissed the talk of talks, cer told AFP on condition of anonymity. The ATHENS: Greece raged at neighbors and began Greek-Macedonian border yesterday after addi- migrants from north Africa, Central Asia and the angered by Nkurunziza’s apparent attempt officer said two soldiers were among the bussing hundreds of migrants back from its tional passage restrictions imposed by Middle East. to choose who should participate. “This dia- injured as well as civilians after the series of northern border yesterday, fearing it could be Macedonian authorities left hundreds of people, Austria is due to host west Balkan states on logue concerns all Burundians, except those explosions in outlying parts of the capital. inundated with migrants halted by Balkan states mainly Afghans, stuck at the border. About 450 of Wednesday to discuss efforts to manage and curb engaged in acts of destabilisation,” Burundi’s crisis was triggered by trying to shut the main land route to Western them were loaded onto buses to be taken to the flow, but did not invite Greece. In unusually Nkurunziza said after Ban’s visit, prompting Nkurunziza’s controversial decision in April Europe. reception centres in Athens, joining hundreds heated language that shows how the migration CNARED to accuse the president of being last year to run for a third term which he Athens filed a rare diplomatic protest with fel- more fresh arrivals from outlying Greek islands crisis has raised passions across Europe, Greek disingenuous. went on to win in a July election. low EU member Austria for excluding Greek offi- who arrived on the Greek mainland yesterday Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias described the snub “It is a false opening because, in effect, Over 400 people have been killed, more cials from a high-level meeting on measures morning. as a “unilateral and non-friendly act”. “The exclu- the president told the UN Secretary General than 240,000 have left the country and vio- aimed at curbing Europe’s biggest inward migra- “I will continue on to Macedonia,” said Abdulah sion of our country at this meeting is seen as a that he accepts inclusive dialogue and then lent attacks have become a daily routine in tion since World War Two. More than a million Farash, 21, a student from Syria. “My friend and I non-friendly act since it gives the impression that immediately afterwards wants to choose his the months since, raising fears of a return to migrants and refugees passed through Greece want to go on to Germany... it was important to some, in our absence, are expediting decisions interlocutors, accusing some of disrupting the civil war fought between 1993-2006. last year, and nearly 100,000 have already arrived reach Greece through Izmir,” he said of a Turkish which directly concern us.” security,” CNARED chairman Leonard Nkurunziza has faced down an African this year. Nearly all reached Greece by sea and Aegean port where many migrants set off for the Greece also accused its old foe Turkey of trying Nyangoma told AFP. “He says one thing and Union threat to send peacekeepers to his travelled onward by land over the Balkan penin- passage to Greece. “Then things are easy.” to “blow apart” an agreement that NATO would then its opposite,” Nyangoma said. “It is clear country. sula to richer EU countries further north and west, At the border with Macedonia on Monday, wit- help patrol the porous sea border between Nkurunziza does not want real negotiations Ban’s visit-his first since the start of the above all Germany. nesses said Syrian refugees who did not have all Greece and Turkey to clamp down on human traf- to bring peace to Burundi.” crisis-was intended to revive stalled efforts But several of the countries along that route travel documents, including passports, were ficking. Nyangoma added that the International to end the dispute and comes after the have been taking measures to close their fron- turned back. European countries are trying to Turkey, which is hosting 2.5 million Syrian Criminal Court should open an investigation Burundi government appeared to soften its tiers, prompting those further down the chain to slow the migration wave, which includes hun- refugees, the largest refugee population on earth, into the “numerous crimes against humanity position towards opponents by agreeing to impose similar restrictions to prevent a bottle- dreds of thousands of refugees from Syria and says it is trying to stop them from sailing for committed by Nkurunziza’s forces”. While in receive a delegation of African heads of neck. Greek police removed migrants from the other war zones, as well as large numbers of other Greece but needs more aid.—Reuters Burundi the UN chief had called on the state, expected later this week.—AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

Indian girl, 14, shot dead for resisting sexual advance

NEW DELHI: Indian police said yesterday said elder sister gave officers a description of them, they have arrested two men for shooting dead he said. According to local media, the sisters a 14-year-old girl who resisted their advances, had complained to police about being regu- in the latest case of sexual violence. larly stalked by the men in the lead-up to The two men, riding on motorbikes, had Monday’s shooting, but did not receive help. been sexually harassing the girl and her elder Women’s rights activists accuse police of often sister verbally as they walked home from work overlooking complaints of stalking, which as domestic servants in the northern state of they say only emboldens the perpetrators. Uttar Pradesh late on Monday, police said. The fatal gang-rape of a student on a bus “The girls asked the men to stop harassing in Delhi in 2012 shone a global spotlight on them but they refused, which led to one of frightening levels of sexual violence against them to shoot the girl,” Rahul Mithas, a senior women. It led to reforms including the speed- police officer in Sitapur district where the inci- ing up of trials, heavier penalties for offenders dent occurred, told AFP. and more resources for police. But high num- The men fled but were arrested after the bers of assaults persist. — AFP Indians protest in Delhi over student’s death NEW DELHI: Shouting slogans and holding groups. “This is the result of the BJP’s concerted placards, thousands of students and teachers attacks on students. The BJP has a single-point marched through the heart of the Indian capital agenda to wipe out all opposition,” said Shehla yesterday to protest the recent death of a stu- Rashid, a JNU student. A New Delhi court has dent who faced caste discrimination and the remanded Kumar in custody until March 2. Five arrest of a student leader on sedition charges. other students who face similar allegations are The protesters from New Delhi’s two main expected to surrender to police later. universities marched near the Indian parliament, In Srinagar, the main city of Indian-controlled demanding the student’s immediate release Kashmir, dozens of students in the University of and condemning violence by supporters of the Kashmir marched in the campus in solidarity ruling Hindu nationalist party. with protesting JNU students. Kanhaiya Kumar, president of Jawaharlal Kashmir University students also demanded Nehru University’s student union, was arrested the release of Delhi University lecturer, SAR earlier this month over his participation in Geelani, arrested last week on sedition charges events where anti-India slogans were allegedly for organizing an event in Indian capital where shouted. Opposition politicians who addressed anti-India slogans were allegedly shouted along ROHTAK: Chief Minister for the state of Haryana Manohar Lal Khattar is surrounded by security personnel as he appears at a press conference the rally accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s with criticism against the 2013 secret hanging of following violent caste protests in Rohtak yesterday. —AFP government and his Bharatiya Janata Party of a Kashmiri separatist convicted of attacking the suppressing freedom of expression and fanning Indian Parliament. The protesters are also communal tensions. demanding justice for Rohith Vemula, a student Angry victims heckle Modi Hundreds of policemen stood silently as the of Hyderabad University, who police say com- students, joined by thousands of teachers, jour- mitted suicide after being subjected to sus- nalists and ordinary citizens, shouted slogans tained discrimination on account of his caste. ally after India riots kill 19 and waved Indian flags. “We will not tolerate The protesters accused Hyderabad attacks on freedom of speech,” “BJP government University’s vice chancellor of unfairly demand- come to your senses,” and “Down with the BJP ing punishment for five lower-caste students, Business group puts damage at $5 billion government” the protesters shouted as they including Vemula, after they clashed last year marched to the accompaniment of drums. with student supporters of the BJP. Although ROHTAK, India: A political ally of boiling among the victims whose road both were first looted and torched and, according to reports, The turmoil that has gripped JNU has led to caste discrimination was outlawed soon after Indian Prime Minister Narendra livelihoods had been ruined. then set on fire. I have nothing left police shot dead three protesters. criticism that the Modi government is attacking India’s independence from Britain in 1947, it Modi was shouted down yesterday Live TV pictures showed Khattar now,” Anil Kumar told Reuters Jats also attacked buses in neigh- freedom of expression and dissent, with the aca- remains influential. The government sets quotas by a crowd angered by rioting in a giving up his attempt to address Television. Kumar appealed to Modi bouring Rajasthan.Disruption has demic community condemning the ultra- at universities and in jobs to reverse the discrimi- northern state that destroyed busi- angry people on the street. After and to chief minister Khattar for com- been huge, with at least 850 trains nationalism promoted by Hindu nationalist nation. — AP nesses, paralysed transport and cut retreating indoors to give an pensation: “Are we not humans? cancelled, 500 factories closed and water supplies to metropolitan impromptu news conference, he Don’t our votes count? Why did they business losses estimated at as Delhi. The chief minister of Haryana, repeated his promise of compensa- not have any mercy on us? Don’t we much as $5 billion by one regional Manohar Lal Khattar was heckled by tion only to be shouted down again. pay our taxes?” Modi has remained lobby group. India’s largest car mak- local people in the town of Rohtak, Soon after Modi won national pow- silent through the worst social unrest er, Maruti Suzuki, shut two factories northwest of the capital, after they er, Khattar led his nationalist of his 20 months in office. A senior at the weekend because its supply objected to his comments promis- Bharatiya Janata Party to power in government official said he would of components was disrupted. ing that they would receive com- Haryana, a state of 25 million peo- give a statement in due course to The army on Monday retook pensation. ple, for the first time. parliament, which convened for its control of a canal that supplies More than a week of unrest budget session yesterday. three-fifths of the water to Delhi, a involving the Jat rural caste has TRAIL OF DESTRUCTION Finance Minister Arun Jaitley metropolis with a population of challenged the authority of Modi, There was a trail of destruction next week presents his annual over 20 million. A key sluice gate who was elected in 2014 with the through the town, one of several to budget. He is expected to announce was reopened, but protesters largest majority in three decades be hit by Jat agitation to demand big hikes in public sector pay that sought to cut the water supply at but has publicly ignored the out- more government jobs and college would make it hard to free up funds another place. “The canal was dam- burst of anger over a lack of jobs. places, with one Hyundai dealership for investment without borrowing aged by protesters and repair work Although Jat leaders reached a deal gutted. Traders who staged an earli- more money. Thousands of troops will have to be done,” Delhi’s Water late on Monday to end more than a er sit-down protest said they had were deployed to quell the protests, Resources Minister Kapil Mishra week of protests that killed 19 peo- lost everything. which flared on Monday near said. “The water crisis will continue NEW DELHI: Indian students and activists shout slogans during a protest in New ple and injured 170, anger was still “I had two showrooms on the Sonipat when a freight train was for a few more days.” — Reuters Delhi yesterday. — AFP US air strikes aid Afghan forces to combat IS

KABUL: Afghan forces backed by US ing allegiance to Islamic State have Talks date air strikes have killed dozens of insur- taken advantage of the war between Meanwhile, talks in Kabul yesterday gents loyal to Islamic State this week the government and insurgent between representatives of four coun- as they continue a push into areas groups like the Taliban to seize terri- tries trying to end Afghanistan’s war occupied by the radical group, offi- tory. with the Taleban are likely to set a date cials said yesterday. For months, That prompted American leaders for a face-to-face meeting between security forces have been trying to in December to relax restrictions on the two sides, an Afghan official said. dislodge Islamic State fighters from air strikes and allow U.S. warplanes to Representatives of Afghanistan, Achin district, an area in eastern attack targets linked to Islamic State. Pakistan, China and the United States Nangarhar province along the border Since then, US air strikes have spiked, are meeting in the Afghan capital for a with Pakistan. More than 30 militants with American warplanes using their fourth round of discussions setting were reported killed in the most weapons 128 times in January, more conditions for eventual peace talks recent fighting, said Attaullah than three times as often as January between Kabul and the Taleban. Khogyani, a spokesman for the 2015. In late January and early Javid Faisal, the deputy spokesman Nangarhar provincial government. February, at least 20 air strikes hit for Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah “Daesh fighters who had gathered Islamic State targets, military officials Abdullah, told The Associated Press in Mohman Dara village were said. the delegates “should give a date for attacked by a drone,” he said, using “The air strikes are very useful and the first direct peace talks.” an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. we have been able to make progress Delegates agreed at their last Khogyani said as many as 22 were with their help,” said Sherin Aqa, meeting in Islamabad on Feb. 6 to killed in the air strike on Monday, but spokesman for the Afghan army’s work toward bringing the two sides a US military spokesman would not 201st Corps. “The air strikes must together to restart a peace process - publicly confirm casualty numbers. continue for us to stop Daesh.” derailed last summer by the revelation “US forces conducted a counter-ter- The Afghan troops coordinated that the Taleban’s one-eyed leader rorism strike in the Achin district, intelligence with US forces who con- Mullah Mohammad Omar had been Nangarhar province, yesterday,” said ducted the attacks, he added. While dead for more than two years - before Col. Michael Lawhorn. “For reasons Islamic State has not had the same the end of February. In remarks of operational security, we do not success in Afghanistan as it has in opening the meeting yesterday, discuss counter-terror operations.” Iraq and Syria, the group’s fighters Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Another 15 insurgents died in a have proven well-equipped, motivat- Rabbani reiterated that details of the gun battle with Afghan troops, ed, and willing to use brutal tactics first proposed meeting would be Khogyani said, but that number on civilians and security forces alike, announced before the end of this could not be verified. Militants claim- military officials say. month. — Agencies

KABUL: Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani (center) chairs the fourth round of four-way peace talks at the presidential palace in Kabul yesterday. — AFP INTERNATIONAL WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 China may be installing radar on South China Sea outposts

WASHINGTON: Satellite images show China may “These poles could be a high-frequency radar told a daily news briefing. The report said the radars at Gaven, Hughes and Johnson South Reefs be installing a high-frequency radar system in the installation, which would significantly bolster images showed that China appeared to have con- in the Spratlys as well as helipads, and to possible Spratly Islands that could significantly boost its abil- China’s ability to monitor surface and air traffic structed a buried bunker and lighthouse on the gun emplacements at the former two features. ity control the disputed South China Sea, a US think across the southern portion of the South China northern portion of the feature, a helipad, commu- China previously operated radars on Fiery Cross tank reported on Monday. Sea.” China’s Ministry of Defence said in a state- nications equipment and a quay with a loading but the latest installations would give it far more The Asian Maritime Transparency Initiative at ment on its microblog that the facilities China crane. extensive coverage, regional military analysts said. Washington’s Center for Strategic and International had established on the “relevant islands and The report, which based its analysis on satellite The report comes a day before a visit to the Studies said the images showed that construction reefs” included navigation and meteorological images from January and February, said China United States by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, of facilities at Cuarteron Reef appeared nearly com- equipment. already had significant radar coverage of the north- at which US concerns about China’s assertive terri- plete and that the artificial island now covered an “At the same time, we have deployed necessary ern part of the South China Sea given its mainland torial claims will be high on the agenda. Beijing has area of about 52 acres (21 hectares). defensive facilities on the islands,” the statement installations and in the Paracel Islands to the north- been angered by air and sea patrols the United China claims most of the South China Sea, added, adding the facilities were “legal and appro- west of the Spratlys. States has conducted near islands China claims in through which more than $5 trillion in global trade priate”. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Both the US and Vietnam last week expressed the South China Sea. passes every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Chunying, asked about the report, said she didn’t concern at China’s deployment of advanced sur- Hua said the United States was pushing “ground- Philippines and Taiwan have rival claims. “Two prob- know any details, but that China had every right to face-to-air missiles on the Paracels. A high-frequen- less worries” about freedom of navigation to carry able radar towers have been built on the northern build on its own territory and deploy “limited” cy radar on Cuarteron Reef would increase China’s out such patrols. “The United States talks about portion of the feature, and a number of 65-foot (20- defensive means there. ability to monitor sea and air traffic coming north freedom of navigation, but I fear in its heart what meter) poles have been erected across a large sec- The world should pay more attention to the civil- from the Malacca Straits and other important chan- it’s thinking about is absolute maritime hegemony,” tion of the southern portion,” the report said. ian facilities China has built like lighthouses, Hua nels, the report said. It also pointed to “probable” she added. — Reuters N Korea warns of preemptive strikes against US, S Korea

Pyongyang lashes out at upcoming military exercise

SEOUL: North Korea yesterday lashed out at an upcoming joint US-South Korean military exercise, warning it would attack the South and the US mainland in case of any armed provocation. The South and its close US ally will next month hold their largest-ever annual exercise in response to the North’s recent nuclear test and long- range rocket launch, Seoul’s defence ministry has announced. The North’s military supreme command said the allies planned to practise a “beheading operation” aimed at the North’s leadership, and other moves to neutralise its nuclear weapons and missiles. If there were even a “slight sign” of special forces moving to carry out such operations, the military said, “strategic and tactical” preemptive attacks would be launched. The primary target would be the PYONGYAN: This undated picture released from North Korea’s official South’s presidential Blue House, it said Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) yesterday shows North Korean leader in a statement on the official news Kim Jong-Un (C) viewing a concert marking the 70th founding anniversary agency, condemning it as “the centre of the KPA military band in Pyongyang. — AFP for hatching plots for confrontation with the fellow countrymen in the Washington say it is purely defensive. Pyongyang’s pursuit of nuclear north, and reactionary ruling Tensions are high as the United weapons would speed the collapse of machines”. The North also threatened Nations considers tougher sanctions the regime. attacks on US bases in the Asia-Pacific against the North to punish it for South Korea and the United States and the mainland. It said it has “the January’s nuclear test and this month’s say both actions were violations of UN most powerful and ultra-modern strike rocket launch. The South, in an Security Council resolutions, and are means” in the world capable of “deal- unprecedentedly tough move, has pushing for further sanctions. Days ing fatal blows at the US mainland any shut down a Seoul-financed and joint- after the rocket launch, South Korea moment and in any place”. ly-run industrial estate in the North, suspended the operation of the Such blows would “reduce the saying it was helping finance its neigh- Kaesong industrial zone just north of cesspool of all evils to ashes, never to bor’s military programs. the border, which had been run jointly rise again on our planet”, it added in a Last week, South Korean President with the North for more than a decade. reference to the United States. The Park Geun-hye warned of tough meas- Isolated North Korea and the rich, North habitually claims that the annual ures against the North following its democratic South are still technically at Key Resolve/Foal Eagle exercise is a January nuclear test and its long-range war after their 1950-53 conflict ended rehearsal for invasion while Seoul and rocket launch this month, saying in a truce, not a treaty. — Agencies Engine smoke forces evacuation of JAL plane in snow TOKYO: More than 160 passengers and crew slid down emergency chutes in swirling snow yesterday after engine smoke forced a Japan Airlines domestic flight to abort takeoff and smoke entered the cabin, Japanese media reported. National broadcaster NHK showed video of the passengers evacuating and then gathering on the snow-covered tarmac at New Chitose Airport, which serves the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. At least four passengers were injured during the evacuation and taken to a A Japan Airlines Boeing 737 sits on the snow-cov- hospital, Kyodo News agency said, citing rescue officials. ered tarmac after more than 160 passengers and Kyodo said that the engine stalled after sucking in snow, crew slid down emergency chutes in snow due to an and that there was an explosive sound when a pilot restarted engine fire at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo in it. The Boeing 737 with 159 passengers and six crew members Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island. — AP was bound for Fukuoka in southern Japan. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Focus Syrians at mercy of greedy smugglers

By Michel Moutot

fter a harrowing 15-hour journey by minibus, dodging gunfire and explosions, a group of ASyrian refugees reached a village near Turkey, desperate to cross the recently shut border into safety. “The people smugglers are there and they’re shouting ‘Turkey! Who wants to go to Turkey?’” Fatima al-Ahmed recalled, after reaching the town of Kilis on the Turkish side of the frontier. “They are mean, violent, and only think about money. They push us like beasts, hitting the women who don’t walk fast enough, even when they are carrying babies. “It’s terrible, it’s the law of the jungle.” The 27-year-old woman told AFP about her clandestine escape from Aleppo to Kilis in southern Turkey a week ago - a journey that in peacetime Conflict, powerful firms stoke land disputes would have taken little more than 90 minutes. Turkey’s decision to close its border with Syria has become a boon for smugglers who are charging By Thin Lei Win fiery political activist known for taking on powerful inter- “Land In Our Hands” report found 42.9 percent of respon- refugees to secretly cross over. Like the traffickers ests, said. “Villagers are too scared to speak up. There are dents said they possessed legal documents issued by the who make thousands of dollars off each boat-load of a Laung Daung Nan vividly remembers the last day of more landless people now and many are struggling to sur- government when their land was confiscated. migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Italy or the April 2015. Alone in front of the two-acre plot of land vive.” The issue is even more sensitive in ethnic areas. Ethnic Aegean to Greece, smugglers at the Turkish border Lher family had been allocated in a United Nations-led Land disputes have been fuelled by the outgoing semi- minorities make up an estimated 30 to 40 percent of take advantage of Syrians who refuse to wait in over- project, she waited for fellow villagers to turn up. They had civilian government of President Thein Sein’s liberalisation Myanmar’s population, and ethnic states occupy some 57 crowded tent camps for Ankara to possibly open up been sent by officials and were coming to take down the policies that have driven up land prices and attract foreign percent of the total land area. “Important questions around the crossing. barbed wire that protected her rubber saplings from the and domestic investment, analysts said. Fighting between access to and control of land are at the heart of the civil war, Fatima, sitting at a table outside a cafe in Kilis, said trampling of cows and buffalos. “When they came, I pleaded ethnic insurgents and the army, which flared up again in and unless they are addressed well, real peace is likely to she crossed the border with her two-year-old son in with them not to do it, that we are from the same village,” 2011 after a ceasefire fractured over long-held grievances, remain out of reach,” the Netherlands-based Transnational her arms through an opening cut in the barbed wire she recalled, sitting on the bamboo floor of her stilt home has weakened communities’ rights and driven more than Institute said in a report. Bawk Ja, chair of the National fence. She had decided to flee her home in the rebel- with three other aggrieved farmers. 100,000 civilians from their homes. Many worry whether Democratic Force (NDF) in Kachin, who took a powerful company to court over a land grabbing case and has been held neighborhood of Sakhur in eastern Aleppo, Her words fell on deaf ears. The next day, roaming ani- they will still be able to access their farmland when peace mals seeking pasture left few traces of the 11-month-old returns and accuse the army of seizing swathes of land. jailed for her political activities, agreed. “Without resolving when her husband was killed a month ago in the saplings. Daung Nan, her husband and 16 others in Naung Meanwhile, junta-era issues such as a heavy military the land issue, there’s no way you can achieve real peace,” bombing while he was out looking for food. Chain, a dusty village a 40-minute motorbike ride away presence across the state, oppression of ethnic minorities she said. from the state capital Myitkyina, are in a legal tussle with and the unchecked exploitation of natural resources persist. ‘Too Many People’ village authorities over land they consider theirs, but which If land disputes remain unresolved they will be detrimental Ruled by Guns The smugglers organized them “in groups of officials say is part of 1,600 acres designated as grazing to the peace process and overall stability of Kachin, activists Activists like Bawk Ja and Zaw Tawng are educating vil- eight, with our neighbors,” she said, speaking in a ground. The villagers say they were not consulted about said. “Many farmers do not dare to demand the return of lagers about their rights so they are better able to stand up soft voice. “They helped me pay, I didn’t have plans to turn their land into grazing grounds and believe it land confiscated by the military,” said Lahpai Zaw Tawng for themselves. It is a long process. Arr Ti, 65, and Yaing enough money. Before, everything was organized in was a ploy by officials who planned to profit from renting from Kachin State Farmers Network, who has been helping Myaw, 45, from Shwe Aite village, remember shaking with Aleppo, we used smugglers we trusted. But now out 300 acres to a Chinese company for a banana planta- the Naung Chain villagers. Many are hoping the new gov- fear during a meeting a few years ago with a senior military since the Russian bombing, there are too many peo- tion. ernment and parliament led by the National League for official. “He put his pistol down on the table first before ple,” she said referring to the Russian aerial bombing Their battle is an illustration of land rights disputes engulf- Democracy (NLD) will keep its election promises, including telling us we have to move. Then he asked, ‘Anyone want to campaign launched in September last year in sup- ing Kachin state and the whole country, a largely agrarian fair resolution of disputes, establishing land tenure security say anything?’. I was so scared,” Yaing Myaw said. port of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. nation emerging from decades of military rule where rights and support for the landless. But they’ve become emboldened. With help from Bawk Like others in Kilis, Fatima told how the Syrian are fragile and victims of injustice have little recourse. Sa Yaw Ja, they sent letters to central authorities about their cases, smugglers were in constant contact, by cellphone Haung Khaung, the village administrator, defended the land Land Key to Peace and Democracy and defiantly returned to their homes and farms. “I’m not and walkie-talkie, with the Turkish smugglers who seizure in an interview with Myanmar Now, an independent Changes in land ownership and use are among key giving in. It’s my land,” said Arr Ti, who was asked in 2006 to would take charge of the refugees once they were news service supported by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, issues in Myanmar’s political and economic transition, leave her orchard, which she has owned since 1982. The over the border. “They made us wait, sitting on the saying officials acted according to the law. He played down with deep resentment and protests over acquisitions for army told her it was confiscated to build a telecommunica- ground under some trees, until it was time - the time the impact on villagers, saying the Chinese concession cov- infrastructure, development or large-scale agricultural tions tower, but nothing has been built so far. when the Turkish soldiers who they paid are on ered only 70 acres for growing watermelons. It would have projects. Up to 70 percent of Myanmar’s labour force is Land grabs have become so politically contentious that guard and look away while we pass,” she said of the generated income for the whole village but was abandoned estimated to work in agriculture. The sector accounts for Myanmar’s military-backed parliament set up the Farmland clandestine journey that cost around Ä300 ($330). following protests, he added. 44 percent of economic output, according to consulting Investigation Commission in 2012. In just two years the That sum was too high for the family of Ahmad, a firm McKinsey & Co. commission received more than 30,000 cases. But it has scrawny 14-year-old, who looks even younger than Rampant Land Seizures All land is owned by the government but farmers are heard only two-thirds of cases and found in fewer than his age. He was among the last to survive in the ruins Campaign group “Land In Our Hands” said in a 2015 given land use or tillage rights, making land use a particu- 1,000 that compensation was justified, according to Namati, of Marjeh, his battered Aleppo neighborhood. When report Kachin, Myanmar’s northernmost state bordering larly sensitive issue for small-scale farmers who make up the a charity working on land rights. Daung Nan and her hus- a barrel bomb dropped from a helicopter killed two China, has the second largest number of land confiscations majority of the country’s population of 51 million. Yet these band, La Ban Khan Phan, have begun to prepare their land of his brothers and wounded their father, the family after Shan state. “Land confiscations in Kachin have been so rights are neither respected on the ground in practice, nor in Naung Chain village again, while keeping up the fight to piled into a truck and took off for the border. rampant there is little vacant land left,” Bawk Ja Lum Nyoi, a provide protection against land grabbing, activists said. The save it from becoming a grazing ground. —Reuters

‘We Were Lucky’ “We couldn’t pay the smugglers, so we hid. We Fenced in: Kashmir barrier endangering wildlife crawled up to the barbed wire fence and slipped underneath it,” said the teenager with a mischievous By Sajjad Qayyum ‘Tragedy’ The Srinagar-based commander of the (in the Himalayan mountains in Indian-held look, who has never been to school. “We were lucky, The electric fence stands up to twelve feet Indian army’s XV Corps, Lt Gen S K Dua, tells Kashmir) to Neelum Valley, but the fence creat- the Turkish police found us but since we were with a double row of fence and tangled con- tall in places, and is attached to an elaborate AFP the flow of militants crossing over from ed a barrier and their migration has ended,” he lot of children, they didn’t send us back. They even certina wire curves like a Frankenstein network of motion sensors, thermal imaging Pakistan-administered Kashmir is “down to a says. “This is a tragedy.” The same goes for the called for a bus.” At Kilis, the flow of refugees has Astitch across the Kashmir frontier, block- devices, lighting systems and alarms. The area trickle” now, crediting the formidable fence and hangul, or Kashmir deer, once common in the begun to slow down, a sign that the closing orders ing anything that might try to cross one of the immediately around it is peppered with land- other counter-insurgency initiatives. But, while area but now “totally extinct” on Pakistan’s side given to the Turkish guards are being adhered to world’s most dangerous flashpoints - including, mines - all in a bid to protect the frontier from blocking militants - and wildlife - from Pakistan, of the border, he says. more. environmentalists say, migrating wildlife. Built infiltration by militants. Kashmir’s thick forests the barrier has also prevented animals moving The price of the secret passage has risen to as in 2007 by India, the impenetrable barrier scar- and soaring slopes are divided between bitter from the Indian side. Creatures such as the Tear Down This Fence high as $1,000. And no matter the price, a planned ring hundreds of kilometres of snowy forests nuclear-armed neighbors Pakistan and India markhor, a type of wild goat with majestic The fence itself is not the only issue, Qureshi escape sometimes just doesn’t work. Yazan Ahmad, has obstructed militants from neighboring along the de facto border agreed on in a 2003 horns, simply no longer appear on the Pakistani warns. The barrier has not stopped regular 35, has been waiting for his parents who fled the Pakistan for years, but it has also halted the ceasefire, but claimed by both in full. Two of side - blocked by hundreds of kilometres of instances of firing by soldiers on both sides movement of some spectacular and rare their three wars since independence have been barbed wire and explosives, says Qureshi. across the LoC which, he says, which has also Syrian town of Tal Rifaat, which was seized last week species formerly abundant in the area, wildlife fought over the region. “(The markhor) would travel from Pir Panjal driven wildlife away. “Once they abandoned by Kurdish militia. “They are in a camp just on the officials have told AFP. their habitats they did not go back,” he says. other side,” he said. “Last night, my brother paid Creatures such as black bears and leopards, Deforestation also plays a significant role. some smugglers to try to get them out... But they fenced in on the Pakistani side, are being driven Neelum Valley winters are harsh, with wood the failed. The Turks fired over their heads.” Meanwhile by hunger into nearby settlements, often with only fuel for villagers bereft of electricity or oth- those who are stuck in Aleppo live as prisoners of fatal consequences. In the lush hilltop hamlet of er sources of power. Syria’s five-year civil war. “My neighbor in Aleppo, Arang Kel, more than 8,000 feet (2,500 m) When India and Pakistan were created in she’s alone with five children, and she’s desperate,” above sea level, residents say they have no 1947 forest covered some 24 percent of Fatima said. “I spoke to her yesterday. She was crying. choice but to kill the wild animals stalking their Pakistani Kashmir, but that has now dropped to She doesn’t know what will happen next.” —AFP land. “Our cattle, sheep, goats and cows are not 11 percent. “The natural living places of these safe from them and sometimes they attack peo- animals are being destroyed,” says Munawaar ple,” villager Roshan Khan, who is in his 60s, tells Hussain, a wildlife employee posted in Arang AFP. “That’s why they are being killed.” Kel. For Muhammad Arshad, district program All articles appearing on these “They have to travel towards human settle- manager for the Himalaya Welfare pages are the personal opinion of ments in search of food, where they are killed Organization, the problem is clear: The area by people when they attack their livestock,” says needs peace. “Fencing on the LoC has disturbed the writers. Kuwait Times takes no Yousuf Qureshi, the former director of the their natural habitat and limited the territory,” responsibility for views expressed wildlife department in Pakistani Kashmir. Since he says. “India and Pakistan should have peace therein. Kuwait Times invites read- 2007 around 35 common leopards, five bears, in the region and dismantle the fencing on the and several brown bears have met their fate LoC for the conservation of these species,” adds ers to voice their opinions. Please this way, says Pakistani Kashmir assistant Qureshi. send submissions via email to: opin- wildlife and fisheries department director For now, villagers in Arang Kel say they have [email protected] or via snail Naeem Dar. The detour, exacerbated by defor- no choice but to keep killing the animals - mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. estation and coupled with a lack of resources despite the threat of fines and imprisonment The editor reserves the right to edit available to wildlife officials, has contributed to This photograph taken on Nov 12, 2015 shows a Pakistani Kashmiri man for illegal hunting. “We are worried the wildlife the eradication of many such species on the walking with his livestock in the snow-covered Neelum Valley in Pakistan- department will lodge a case against us when any submission as necessary. Pakistani side of the Line of Control (LoC), offi- held Kashmir. —AFP we kill these animals,” says villager Khan. “There cials say. must be some solution.” —AFP NEWS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Flashback: US forces enter Kuwait to end Iraqi occupation

KUWAIT: In Feb 1991, after months of building an international coalition, US forces entered Kuwait to end the Iraqi occupation of its smaller, oil-rich neighbor. The ground operation to end Iraq’s nearly seven-month occupation lasted only 100 hours, despite fleeing Iraqi forces lighting hundreds of massive blazes at Kuwaiti oil wells. As today marks the 25th anniversary of the US advance into Kuwait, The Associated Press is making available its story by correspondent Denis D Gray about the military operation, as well as historic photographs of the conflict. WITH US MARINES ADVANCING INTO KUWAIT: US Marines surged into Kuwait through mine-sown defensive barriers Sunday, wrecking an Iraqi division and taking 4,700 prisoners, spokesmen said. Some units reached the outskirts of Kuwait City. The Marines lost three dead in the first day of fighting, officers said. The 2nd Marine Division reported one killed and eight wounded; the 1st Division two dead and nine wounded. A pilot was missing after his In this Feb 27, 1991 file photo, members of Task Force Ripper of the First Marine In this Feb 25, 1991 file photo, a Kuwaiti military helicopter herds Iraqi prisoners, plane crashed. “I myself am amazed” at the Division ride a Humvee under a “Welcome to Kuwait” sign at the entrance to Kuwait arms in the air, across a stream in southeastern Kuwait, as Operation Desert Storm light casualties, said Lt Col Jan Huly, 2nd City’s International Airport. — AP photos continues. Division spokesman. “We expected it to be a But the Iraqi forces appeared to be using the only known 2nd Division Marine death and attempts were being made to whisk crew of four - were damaged or destroyed. lot more so far.” only conventional explosives in their artillery came when an artillery breach either them to rear areas. “There are so many we One Marine AV-8B Harrier crashed at night Iraqi casualties were not known, but Huly shells. Huly said forward elements of the 2nd exploded or struck the gunner in the head. can’t talk to them all,” Huly said. Among the and the pilot was missing, Boomer said. said the frontline Iraqi division the 2nd Division, including tanks and artillery batter- He had no details, and there was no informa- prisoners was an officer believed to be com- Boomer said the Marines encountered chem- Marines faced as they broke through the ies, were already near Kuwait City and were tion available on the deaths in the 1st mander of the frontline division overcome by ical gas that apparently was released by defensive barriers “doesn’t exist anymore”. consolidating their positions. Lead units of Division. The spokesman ascribed the low the Marines, Huly said. He did not know if the buried mines nine miles north of the Saudi The size of the Iraqi division was not known. the 1st Division, operating to the west, drove allied casualties to superb US equipment officer had been captured or surrendered. As border. Huly said the troops went into battle Huly said its commander apparently was deep into Kuwait late Sunday after breaking and training and poor Iraqi morale. “We’ve the assault force drove forward, it came wearing full chemical protective gear, which captured or surrendered. The 2nd Marine through Iraqi lines northwest of the Al-Wafra got our act together, he doesn’t. He’s only under fire from Iraqi artillery and ground includes a suit, gas masks, boots and gloves. Division said it took at least 1,500 Iraqis pris- oilfields, according to a pool report. “Things shooting rounds randomly,” Huly said. troops. Helicopter gunships and allied war- Troops have also been taking anti-nerve gas oner; the 1st Division reported more than are going very well,” said Col John Stennick, planes swooped in to knock out the Iraqi and anti-anthrax pills for several days. 3,200 Iraqis captured. chief of staff for the division. “We thought Stiffer Opposition gunners as they emerged from dug-in posi- The way was prepared for the Marine The assault, apparently the largest Marine we’d have to fight harder to get this far. The He warned, however, that the Marines tions, Huly said. advance on Friday morning when other operation since World War II, involved the best news is that so few of our people have would probably face stiffer opposition as Allied aircraft included Harrier jump jets, Marine units slipped into Kuwait on foot two divisions based along Kuwait’s south- gotten hurt.” they moved deeper into Kuwait, where A-6 attack fighters, A-10 tank killers and through the minefields to establish a safe ernmost border with Saudi Arabia. The mili- An expected amphibious assault from Saddam Hussein has deployed some of his Cobra helicopters. He said B-52 bombers, route for advancing armor. The Marines pre- tary did not say how many Marines were Marines in the Arabian Gulf had yet to be better troops, including the elite Republican which played a major role in the aerial strikes, ceded their attack with loudspeakers urging involved, but a division has 6,000 to 15,000 launched. The USS Nassau and about 20 oth- Guard. The Iraqis are said to have manned were not being used in close support of the Iraqis to surrender. Smoke continued to pour men. Wearing full chemical protection outer ships in the amphibious task force await- the front lines largely with conscripts. “I don’t ground troops. Lt Gen Walt Boomer, the from the Umm Qadir oilfield in southwest fits and moving behind tanks and plows, the ed orders in the northern Gulf. Rear Adm. think we’ve gotten into the real battle yet,” Marine commander, said the 1st Marine Kuwait, which was allegedly set ablaze earlier Marines pushed through walls of sand, John B LaPlante, commander of the group, said Huly. “The tough guys are still ahead of assault began at 4 am Sunday (8 pm EST in the war by Iraqi forces. But Huly said it trenches, barbed wire and minefields as said he did not expect assault orders “in the us.” He said entire units, complete with their Saturday), the starting time for the allied posed no problems for the assault force. deep as 600 yards. One officer said some near term.” Before sunset Marine units were weapons and other equipment, were surren- ground war. The 2nd Marine started its attack “They can see well enough to shoot at us, Marines encountered chemical gas, appar- still pouring through six lanes cut through dering after putting up minimal resistance, about 1 1/2 hours later, under an unexpected and we can see well enough to shoot at ently from mines. the breaches. Markers were placed in the and the morale of the prisoners taken so far downpour and after a night of allied artillery, them,” Huly said. The spokesman also played The Iraqis have sown an estimated desert so that the assault force would not “is about boot-top level”. rocket and air strikes. The rain later gave way down the effects of the rainstorm. Allied war- 500,000 mines in southern Kuwait, and some stray into zones sown with mines. Huly said Huly said the POWs were being placed in to clear, sunny skies. planes continued to pour in supporting fire were believed to include chemical agents. that Iraqi opposition was “very mild”. He said a temporary compound south of the breach, Huly said three Marine tanks - each with a under heavy cloud cover. —AP

25 yrs later, Gulf War still shapes Kuwait Vienna world’s nicest city and Baghdad...

Continued from Page 1 scraper-studded skyline has risen in its capital, fueled Continued from Page 1 reached the best position for the seventh time in a row - in by high oil prices. HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah the top five of most pleasant cities to live in. The best African science professor at Kuwait University. “Sadly, 25 years now serves as the Amir. The ruling family controls all most big German, Scandinavian and Australian cities. entry on the list was South Africa’s Durban at 85. Baghdad later, Kuwait is navigating its way in a very troubled key government positions, yet nowhere else in the Gulf Vienna’s 1.7 million inhabitants benefit from the city’s cafe was again ranked lowest in the world. Waves of sectarian region that reflects its problems on the feelings and tem- can elected lawmakers block initiatives or question offi- culture and museums, theatres and operas. Rents and public violence have swept through the city since the American-led perament of Kuwait’s citizens.” cials, calling in Cabinet ministers for grilling over alle- transport costs in the city whose architecture is marked by its invasion in 2003. Damascus, five year’s into Syria’s bloody Many in the West were unfamiliar with Kuwait prior to gations of mismanagement and other issues. past as the centre of the Habsburg empire are cheap com- war, ranked six places above Baghdad, with Bangui in the the Aug 2, 1990, Iraqi invasion. With just 6 17,820 sq km But there is widespread frustration over government pared with other western capitals. Central African Republic, war-torn Yemen’s capital Sanaa, of territory, Kuwait is smaller than New Jersey. But within policies and corruption. Though Arab Spring-inspired Switzerland’s Zurich, New Zealand’s Auckland, Germany’s Haiti’s Port-au-Prince, Sudan’s Khartoum and Chad’s its confines lie massive oil reserves - the world’s sixth- protesters stormed parliament in 2011, Kuwait largely Munich and Canada’s Vancouver followed Vienna - which N’Djamena in between. — Reuters largest - that have allowed Kuwaitis to enjoy cradle-to- escaped the unrest that swept the region. “After the lib- grave subsidies and drawn a large expatriate population, eration, we hoped that Kuwait would be rebuilt to its including many Palestinians who came to fill technical days of glory, the golden ‘70s and ‘80s, when it was at jobs. Before the invasion, the country’s population of 1.6 the forefront in terms of development in the region,” Internet by light promises to leave Wi-Fi... million was 60 percent foreign. said Nadia Sager, a writer whose book on the Iraqi inva- It proved to be too tempting of a target for Saddam as sion was turned into a popular television drama. “I Continued from Page 1 on how Wi-Fi evolves in the coming years, said Gartner chief his troops, hardened by the 1980s war with Iran, rushed wouldn’t be exaggerating if I say that no one is that analyst Jim Tully. “Wi-Fi has shown a capability to continuously into the country and pushed aside Kuwaiti forces. optimistic anymore.” It has also seen test runs in Belgium, Estonia and India. increase its communication speed with each successive gener- Kuwait’s Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and his Though some Gulf countries have diversified, oil Dutch medical equipment and lighting group Philips is report- ation of the technology,” he told AFP. Li-fi has its drawbacks - it royal court left for Saudi Arabia, where they directed an remains the driver of Kuwait’s economy, leaving it vul- edly interested in the technology and Apple may integrate it in only works if a smartphone or other device is placed directly in its next smartphone, the iPhone7, due out at the end of the the light and it cannot travel through walls. armed resistance from their temporary abode in a Saudi nerable to low global prices. Lawmakers are looking at year, according to tech media. This restricts its use to smaller spaces, but Tully said this hotel in the western mountain city of Taif. making unpopular budget cuts in response. Another With analysts predicting the number of objects that are could limit the risk of data theft. “Unlike Wi-Fi, Li-Fi can poten- By the time the US-led coalition retook the country pressing concern is terrorism. Kuwait, home to both connected to the Internet soaring to 50 million by 2020 and tially be directed and beamed at a particular user in order to following a ground war that lasted only 100 hours, Sunnis and a minority of Shiites, largely has avoided the spectrum for radio waves used by Wi-Fi in short supply, Li- enhance the privacy of transmissions,” he said. Backers of Li-Fi much damage had been done. It took months for fire- the unrest gripping the rest of the Mideast following Fi offers a viable alternative, according to its promoters. “We say it would also be ideal in places where Wi-Fi is restricted to fighters to cap and stop the oil well blazes set by the Al-Qaeda attacks and the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. are going to connect our coffee machine, our washing some areas such as schools and hospitals. “Li-fi has a place in retreating Iraqi army. Iraqi troops also had flooded the However, the rise of the Islamic State group has wor- machine, our tooth brush. But you can’t have more than ten hospitals because it does not create interference with medical Arabian Gulf with as much as 336 million gallons (1.3 ried the country, especially after a June suicide bomb- objects connected in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi without interference,” materials,” said Joel Denimal, head of French lighting manufac- billion liters) of oil, the biggest offshore spill in history. ing at a Shiite mosque in Kuwait City claimed by the said Topsu. Deepak Solanki, the founder and chief executive of turer Coolight. For four months after the Iraqis were pushed out, extremists killed 26 people and wounded 227. Soon Estonian firm Velmenni which tested Li-fi in an industrial space In supermarkets it could be used to give information about Kuwait was ruled under martial law. Kuwait’s security after the attack, HH Sheikh Sabah visited the bomb site last year, told AFP he expected that “two years down the line a product, or in museums about a painting, by using lamps forces, angered by Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat’s in a sign of support. There are also other sectarian and the technology can be commercialised and people can see its placed nearby. It could also be useful on aircraft, in under- support for Saddam’s invasion of Kuwait, targeted domestic issues. Over 100,000 people live in Kuwait use at different levels.” ground garages and any place where lack of Internet connec- Palestinian expatriates and other foreigners. Many without citizenship. Known by the Arabic word Analysts said it was still hard to say if Li-Fi will become the tion is an issue. But Li-Fi also requires that devices be equipped Palestinians fled, while Kuwaiti officials arrested thou- “bedoon”, they are pressing for government recogni- new Wi-Fi. “It is still a laboratory technology,” said Frederic with additional technology such as a card reader, or dongle, to sands. Dozens were killed, while activists at the time tion. Kuwait’s youth population is growing increasingly Sarrat, an analyst and consultancy firm PwC. Much will depend function. This gives it a “cost disadvantage”, said Tully. — AFP said hundreds were tortured. disenchanted over corruption, poor governance and Today, Kuwait is home to 4.2 million people, some lack of reforms. “The government’s failures to bring 70 percent of them foreigners. It has a freely elected about progressive change, in infrastructure and devel- Obama presents plan to close Gitmo parliament, though recent elections have seen largely opment projects especially, is undeniable and is affect- pro-government lawmakers gain seats. A new sky- ing the new generation,” Sager said. — AP Continued from Page 1 dangerous to release but too difficult to prosecute - would be held in the United States. Human rights groups worry this As a candidate and as president, Obama has argued that would only extend detentions without trial and create a the detention without trial and torture of orange jumpsuit- “Guantanamo North”. “The possibility of a new, parallel system Saudis and UAE urge citizens... clad suspects harms America’s image and makes it less safe. of lifelong incarceration inside the United States without “Keeping this facility open is contrary to our values,” he said charge would set a dangerous precedent,” Amnesty Continued from Page 1 Syrian regime allies. yesterday. “It undermines our standing in the world. This is International said in a statement. “If successfully mounted, it Saudi Arabia supports rebels opposed to Syria’s gov- about closing a chapter in our history.” would be a devastating blow to basic principles of criminal almost two years because of fierce disagreements ernment, and says it is ready to send special forces under Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled Congress have justice.” The plan says a US facility would save money over between Hezbollah and its rivals. a US-led coalition to fight the Islamic State group. In a blocked the most obvious path to closing the facility, banning time. It currently costs about $455 million each year to run The Saudi official quoted on Friday said Lebanon had statement, Hezbollah said Saudi Arabia stopped the mili- the transfer of detainees to the United States. The release of Guantanamo, and a US site would reduce that amount by up not joined condemnation of the attacks on its diplomat- tary aid because of economic pressures from the war in Obama’s plan is as much an effort to enlist the support of to $180 million. Most of the savings would come from a ic missions in Iran, either at the Arab League or the Yemen, where it leads an Arab military coalition fighting American voters as a possibly utopian effort to convince decrease in the number of troops guarding the reduced pop- Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The official also Iran-backed rebels, and lower oil revenues. On Friday, Republicans to change their minds in the run-up to the ulation on the US mainland, but it could cost as much as $475 denounced “political and media campaigns inspired by Saudi Arabia also stopped the remainder of a $1 billion November presidential election. “This plan deserves a fair million in one-time expenses to move the men and build or Hezbollah against Saudi Arabia”, as well as the group’s financing package for Lebanese internal security forces, hearing, even in an election year,” Obama said Tuesday. update a facility to hold them. “However, within three to five “terrorist acts against Arab and Muslim nations”. in a separate decision. The $3 billion deal funded military But Republican Senator and presidential candidate Marco years the lower operating costs of a US facility with fewer Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week accused equipment provided by France and was to ship vehicles, Rubio swiftly hit back with a pledge to increase the detainees... could fully offset these transition costs,” the clo- Turkey and Saudi Arabia of dragging the region into war helicopters, drones, artillery and other equipment to Guantanamo population if elected. “Not only are we not sure plan notes. and said “victory” was imminent for his group and its Lebanon. — AFP going to close Guantanamo - when I am president, if we cap- Efforts to transfer prisoners overseas have been stymied by ture a terrorist alive, they are not getting a court hearing in unrest in Yemen - a likely destination for many - and by recidi- Manhattan. They are not going to be sent to Nevada. They are vism among those already released. Still, Defense Secretary going to Guantanamo and we are going to find out every- Ashton Carter has in recent weeks signed off on a flurry of Govt wants to raise petrol prices... thing they know.” transfers, and last month, the prison’s population dropped The US president also has faced opposition from within his below 100 for the first time. Today, 91 inmates remain. Of Continued from Page 1 careful not to take any measures that could harm the people. own administration, with the Pentagon accused of slow-ped- them, 35 have been approved for release. The rest face ongo- Omair confirmed reports that the Cabinet has increased aling transfers and overstating closure costs. The Guantanamo ing, indefinite detention. Omair said the government provided plenty of data and the financial allocations for patients sent to the United Bay closure plan, which took months to produce, gives few Perhaps the most notorious prisoner is Khalid Sheikh information to MPs and answered their questions. He said States and Europe to KD 75 after reducing it last week to specifics on where a US facility would be, but military officials Mohammed, who along with four co-defendants is charged that the vision has become clear now after the government just KD 50 per day. He said the government through this have previously listed Fort Leavenworth, Kansas or the US with plotting the Sept 11, 2001 attacks. The Guantanamo Bay provided specific details and the two sides are closer than decision wanted to regulate and control the issue of send- Navy brig in Charleston, South Carolina among the possible military prison was opened in Jan 2002 on a US naval base on ever for reaching a deal. The minister said the government ing patients for treatment abroad. The report of the finan- destinations for inmates. Those locations, however, face a coastal spit of land in southeastern Cuba, leased from will provide more information and data during the meeting cial committee is expected to be crucial for decisions objections from local politicians. Havana under a treaty dating back to 1903. It was set up after on Sunday to complete the discussion on the issue. He said expected to be taken to reduce public subsidies in the face The US leader has long argued that many Guantanamo the 9/11 attacks under the administration of then-president the two sides are very close to reaching an understanding on of the sharp decline in oil revenues and the impending prisoners should be transferred overseas and some should be George W Bush to deal with prisoners who were termed “ene- the issue, adding that the government and the Assembly are budget deficit. tried by military courts. A small number - those deemed too my combatants” and denied many US legal rights. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 SPORTS

Sailors compete with constant health fear in Rio waters

BERLIN: The bad water quality at Rio de water to refresh yourself,” Kroeger told raw sewage flowing into the bay by 80 cases of babies born with abnormally Olympic Committee (IOC) was also to Janeiro’s Guanabara Bay puts Paralympic Reuters a day after returning from a percent but has since confirmed it will small heads. blame for failing to pressure Rio organis- sailors in constant fear of their health competition in Rio. “But in Rio last week, not meet that target. “You have to take every single pre- ers to deliver Games that would protect during competitions with organisers mouths and noses stayed shut and The bay, which will also host the sail- caution,” Kroeger said. “We will arrive in the health and safety of the athletes. “A having failed to live up to their promises, heads turned away from the spray,” he ing, open water swimming and triathlon Rio two weeks before the Paralympics, city was picked to host the Games but Paralympic champion Heiko Kroeger said said. “I have been sailing a long time but races during the Olympics in August, has then there are six days of sailing compe- their promise has not been kept with the yesterday. I have never seen that happening. dangerously high levels of viruses and titions and we have to stay healthy IOC being weak in pushing the organis- The experienced German sailor, who “There is a constant fear in our heads, bacteria in the water, independent stud- throughout. This is a very long time.” He ers to deliver,” Kroeger said. won a gold medal at the Sydney 2000 a fear that you could get sick,” said ies have shown. said the hot and humid climate was “You would expect the IOC’s top pri- and silver at the London 2012 Kroeger, who also sailed in the bay back Biologists in 2014 said rivers leading already a drawback for sailors in wheel- ority to be the safety of the athletes.” Paralympics, said sailors in wheelchairs in September. “That of course affects the into the bay contained a superbacteria chairs with the polluted water adding The IOC has ordered testing for dis- would be especially vulnerable in the competition because you know that if that is resistant to antibiotics and can another layer of threat. ease-causing viruses after taking advice polluted waters during the Sept. 7-18 you get sick you are out.” cause urinary, gastrointestinal and pul- “They have many times open wounds from the World Health Organisation but Paralympics in the Brazilian city. When Rio won the right in 2009 to monary infections. The country is also because of the wheelchairs and in that has said it is confident water quality at “Usually when you are sailing you stage the Olympics and Paralympics, the struggling with the spread of the Zika water they are far more vulnerable,” the time of the Games will be safe for the open your mouth and take in some city had promised to cut the amount of virus, linked with an alarming surge in Kroeger said. He said the International athletes. — Reuters

Honda replace F1 head after troubled season

BARCELONA: Embattled Honda surprised the reality at times last season as McLaren partners McLaren yesterday by announc- endured record grid penalties because of ing a change of leadership in their repeated engine failures. Media reports Formula One engine programme less than suggested that the former champions a month before the season starts in wanted him replaced. Last season was the Australia. first of Honda’s new partnership with The Japanese company said Yasuhisa McLaren, who have not won a race since Arai, the boss who managed to keep smil- 2012 and finished ninth of 10 teams. ing through the team’s worst season last Arai, who will retire next year, told year, will step down at the end of the Reuters he would help Hasegawa settle in month and be replaced by Yusuke for as long as he deemed necessary before Hasegawa. Honda press officers said the stepping aside completely. team had been informed only after a “I will do my best to support him,” he statement detailing a wider management said. “He has a different personality, the restructuring of Japan’s third largest car- approach is a little bit different. This year maker was issued by company headquar- we know how big the gap is to the top ters on Tuesday. teams...so we don’t say such optimistic The move was aimed at bringing youth words. More realism.” In a joking reference and diversity to the management team. to a photograph of McLaren driver Hasegawa has previous experience in Fernando Alonso that went viral on social Formula One from Honda’s time with the media last season, the departing boss said BAR and Jordan teams in the 1990s and he looked forward to sunning himself on a 2000s. “I need to catch up with what is beach in a deckchair when retired. When going on,” Hasegawa told Reuters during Alonso’s Honda engine failed in Brazilian testing at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. Grand Prix practice last year, the Spaniard “There are a lot of good people working found a foldable chair and lay back track- very closely with McLaren so I don’t think side sunning himself with his feet resting it will be a big problem. “Compared to on his helmet. Arai-san, I think I am a very conservative The picture swiftly spread around person.” Twitter with fans imagining other places Arai’s optimism seemed at odds with Alonso would rather be. — Reuters BARCELONA: Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel speaks to the press at the Circuit de Catalunya yesterday in Montmelo on the outskirts of Barcelona on the second test day of the Formula One Grand Prix season. — AFP Vettel sets pace again in second day of F1 KFH sponsors Kuwaiti Olympic champion, Khaled Al-Mudhaf BARCELONA: Sebastian Vettel continued to Vettel’s time. Rosberg ran 81 laps, the most of Esteban Gutierrez drove for newcomer Haas, show good pace with Ferrari in Formula One’s any driver. finishing ninth after staying in the pits for the KUWAUT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) coming Olympic Games in 2016. KFH’s preseason testing yesterday, setting the fastest Vettel ran 46. Hamilton had driven 156 laps first hour-and-a-half of the test session. Haas, sponsored the Kuwait’s national team sponsorship and strategic partnership time in the morning session. in total on Monday. Two-time champion the first American-led team in F1 since 1986, trap shooter, Khaled Al-Mudhaf during with Al-Mudhaf reflect its interest in sup- Vettel was nearly a second faster than Daniel Fernando Alonso made his debut in testing by had to reinforce its front wings after a failure in the 2016 season, emanating from bank’s porting the national players to partici- Ricciardo of Red Bull, the only other top driver driving 71 laps, another promising sign for the car driven by Romain Grosjean on Monday. social responsibility while supporting the pate in prominent international, regional, to go out on Pirelli’s new ultra-soft tire com- McLaren after a disappointing season last year. A red flag came out near the end of the ses- youth and sport, particularly those tal- and local tournaments. Such players pound. Teammate Jenson Button had completed a total sion when Max Verstappen stopped on Turn 13 ented people who raise Kuwait’s flag in attract positive attention to their country Vettel’s time of 1 minute 22.810 seconds at of 84 laps on Monday without any major relia- with a mechanical failure in his Toro Rosso. The the international forums and champi- through their achievements. the Circuito de Barcelona was almost two sec- bility problems. Alonso was only 10th fastest car had to be towed back to the garage. onships. Meanwhile, Al-Mudhaf valued KFH’s onds quicker than the pole position in Spain last among the 11 drivers on the track on Tuesday, Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto was sched- The Olympic champion Khaled Al- sponsorship affirming his determination year. Vettel also was fastest on Monday, ahead though. Sergio Perez was fourth with Force uled to make his debut for Manor yesterday, Mudhaf received several gold medals in to do his utmost for the sake of raising of defending F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. India and Marcus Ericsson fifth with Sauber, but the team changed plans and said it decided different shooting championships at the the Kuwaiti flag in Brazil’s 2016 Olympic Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Nico which will only debut its 2016 car when teams to keep German Pascal Wehrlein in the driver’s GCC and Asia levels. He won and Olympic Games. He applauded KFH’s outstanding Rosberg, testing for the first time yesterday, was return to Barcelona for the final tests of the sea- seat the entire day. Wehrlein was seventh seat and will participate in Brazil’s forth- role in achieving the social responsibility. third on medium tires, two seconds slower than son on March 1-4. fastest. — AP 16 finalists towards Red Bull King of the Rock’s final

KUWAIT: After qualifiers full of excitement ment and possession changes and suspense, Red Bull King of the Rock’s last * Coin toss to determine first possession * Injury time-out: Two minutes at the refer- qualifier was a great closing for the four. Out * Five-minute games with running clock ee’s discretion of 160 participants, 16 winners qualified to the * 15-second shot clock * A tie after regulation leads to two minutes final tournament and they are Al Fadhli, * Standard two and three points for shots overtime (coin toss for first possession) Abdullah Al Salem, Ziad Houri, Talal Al Marri, made * 11-0 skunk rule applies, game over. Ali Ayed, Mohammed Hersi, James Cocheran, * Alternating possession It is worth mentioning that Friday March Bader Al Yaqout, Abdullah Bashir, Ebrahim Al * Five fouls lead to disqualification 4th will witness the final of the competition in Shemary, Jayme Gawrych, Ahmad Al Raqum, * One technical foul leads to disqualifica- which the Red Bull King Of The Rock is culmi- Nathan Diveley, Ali Yousef and Al Fayez. tion nated at the Radisson Blu Hotel. The final win- KFH offers the cheque of sponsorship to Al-Mudhaf Rules: * If fouled in the act of shooting a success- ner will qualify to represent Kuwait at the * Head-to-head single elimination tourna- ful basket, player gets the one additional point World Final in Turkey on September 18th. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 SPORTS New coordinators in spotlight as spring football blooms

ARIZONA: Spring comes early in college spring game back to the big stage. Narduzzi, the architect of Michigan an NFL skill set in Christian Hackenberg. were excellent. The Vols have talent (DL Derek football - or at least spring practice does. Pittsburgh will wrap up its workouts with an State’s great defenses while working under There was plenty of blame to go around, but Barnett, CB Cameron Sutton) and high expec- Arizona, Duke and Northwestern have intra-squad game on April 26 at Heinz Field. Mark Dantonio, brought in former North offensive coordinator John Donovan was tations. There will be no patience in Knoxville. already started spring practice. Stanford It will be the first time since 2011 the Carolina State offensive coordinator Matt the one who got fired. In steps Moorhead, does today. Soon after the calendar flips to Panthers have held a spring game at the Canada to replace Jim Chaney, who left for who spent the last four seasons as the head STERLIN GILBERT, TEXAS March there will be football on college cam- home they share with the Pittsburgh Georgia. Rodriguez parted ways with long- coach at Fordham, leading the Rams to The Baylor offense has been ripping up puses all over the country. Steelers. Construction at Heinz last year time assistant Jeff Casteel, who had been his three straight FCS playoff appearances with the Big 12 for most of Art Briles’ eight years Off campus, too. Michigan opens its forced Pitt to hold its spring game at nearby defensive coordinator at West Virginia, and a high-powered spread offense. as coach of the Bears. But can it save Charlie spring practice on Monday in Bradenton, Highmark Stadium, a 4,000-seat facility used brought in Marcel Yates from Boise State to Strong at Texas? The Longhorns coach Florida, at the IMG Academy. Maybe you by a professional soccer team. In three sea- fix an Arizona defense that ranked 93rd in NOEL MAZZONE, TEXAS A&M plucked the 37-year-old Gilbert from Briles’ have heard? sons under previous coach Paul Chryst, Pitt the nation in average yards allowed per play. The swag left Texas A&M’s offense with coaching tree, luring him away from Tulsa, Coaches get 15 practices to sort through either played its spring game at local high Here are six more teams breaking in coor- Johnny Football. Highly recruited quarter- where he was the offensive coordinator last their rosters and implement new schemes, schools as a way for the new staff to build dinators for whom much will be expected backs have not developed. The running season under former Baylor OC Philip leading up to a spring game which in some relationships in the area or did not have one. next season. Brady Hoke, Oregon. Second- game has been spotty at best. The overall Montgomery. One of the best parts of places will pack game day-sized crowds into The Panthers’ average attendance last year coordinator Don Pellum, who has been inconsistency led to the dismissal of 30-year- Baylor’s offensive system is it usually doesn’t stadiums. At Arizona, Rich Rodriguez has year was 48,150, up 17 percent from the year on staff for 25 years, was demoted after the old Jake Spavital, who as it turned out was take long to get it up and humming. For decided to take a different approach this before as new coach Pat Narduzzi helped Ducks’ defense finished 98th in the nation in not quite ready to be the next Kliff Strong’s sake, that better be the case for spring. The Wildcats are focusing almost exclu- excite fans. Coming off an 8-5 season, average yards allowed per play. Oregon Kingsbury. Coach Kevin Sumlin hired the Gilbert in Austin. sively on fundamentals instead of schemes, Narduzzi hopes playing the spring game at prides itself on being a promote-from-within veteran Mazzone away from UCLA hoping to and they won’t be playing a spring game. Heinz helps Pitt develop a home-field program, but coach Mark Helfrich knew the trade some swag for production. MANNY DIAZ, MIAMI “Half the scrimmages you have, or the advantage that has been challenging to cul- Ducks were in need of a fresh perspective. Diaz has fully rehabbed his reputation spring game, you either don’t play your top tivate off campus. “It’s always important to Hoke, the former Michigan coach, came BOB SHOOP, TENNESSEE after it was dragged down by Mack Brown’s guys or you cross your fingers that nobody get into your home field and get our kids through the ranks as a defensive line coach The Volunteers’ defense was OK last sea- sinking ship at Texas. The Hurricanes will gets hurt,” Rodriguez told reporters last comfortable with playing in that stadium,” but has never been a coordinator. son (39th in the country in yards per play) so have one of the best quarterbacks (Brad month. “It’s good to look at schemes, but Narduzzi said. While Narduzzi and Rodriguez it was a little surprising when coach Butch Kaaya) in the country, leading an experi- what are you trying to win? Beat your own are taking different approaches to spring, JOE MOORHEAD, PENN STATE Jones fired coordinator John Jancek. Then it enced offense for new coach Mark Richt. If team? It’s not nearly as important as teach- they do have something in common: Both The Nittany Lions’ first two seasons under all made sense when Jones quickly pulled Diaz can fix a defense that has been an ing them how to play.” are breaking in new coordinators on the side James Franklin have produced some ugly Shoop away from Penn State. Even burdened underachieving mess, maybe Miami can At Pitt, the Panthers are taking their of the ball that is not their specialty. offenses, despite having a quarterback with by limp offenses, Shoop’s Penn State defenses finally reach the ACC title game. — AP Murray to lead British Davis Cup defence against Japan

LONDON: Andy Murray is set to make his Wimbledon champion, endured heartache first competitive appearance since becom- when losing the Australian singles final to ing a father after being confirmed yesterday Djokovic in January, Melbourne proved a in the team that will begin Great Britain’s happy hunting round for Jamie who, defence of their Davis Cup title against together with Brazil’s Bruno Soares, won the Japan. Murray has not played since losing to Australian Open doubles title last month. Novak Djokovic in last month’s Australian “Jamie Murray is arguably the most in form Open final, opting instead to spend time doubles player in world tennis, currently at with new daughter Sophia, born on a career high ranking of number two and February 7, and wife Kim Sears. continues to show signs of improvement,” But having inspired Britain to their first said Smith. “He made vital contributions to Davis triumph in 79 years with victory over our 2015 Davis Cup campaign and is play- Belgium in Ghent in November, it was no ing the best tennis of his life right now.” surprise that the 28-year-old was included However, Smith added: “Japan have a in captain Leon Smith’s team for next week’s very strong team, progressed well in recent first-round tie against Japan in Birmingham, years and with Kei Nishikori have an estab- central England. lished top-10 player. “Andy Murray has once again demon- “It will be a test for us but I’m confident strated his commitment to the team and his in our team and I’m sure when the guys pull country in making himself available to play, on their GB shirt they will give their all. “We especially so soon after becoming a father,” are lucky to have another home tie and it’s Smith told the Lawn Tennis Association’s exciting to be returning to Birmingham.” website. Britain were languishing in the third tier “His outstanding performance at the of the Davis Cup, the sport’s leading inter- Australian Open is further evidence that he national men’s team event, before Smith is one of the world’s best players,” Smith took over as skipper in 2010 but, thanks added. Also included in a five-man squad, mainly to Andy Murray, have enjoyed a rap- which will eventually be trimmed to four for id rise in recent years. ST LOUIS: San Jose Sharks’ Brent Burns, right, congratulates teammate Joe Thornton after Thornton scored a hole during the third period of an the tie proper, was Murray’s older brother The winners of the Britain-Japan tie will NHL hockey game against the St. Louis Blues on Monday, in St. Louis. The Sharks won 6-3. — AP Jamie, a doubles specialist. face either Serbia or Kazakhstan in a July While Andy, a former US Open and 15-17 quarter-final. — AFP Sharks tops Blues 6-3 on the road in NHL

ST. LOUIS: Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture and Joe Thornton each scored two goals, powering the San NHL results/standings Jose Sharks to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Blues in the NHL on Monday. Thornton also had two assists as San Jose improved to 21-9-2 on the road, Montreal 1, Nashville 2 (SO); St. Louis 3, San Jose 6; Boston 4, Columbus 6; Washington 3, Arizona 2. matching their total road wins from last season. Eastern Conference Western Conference At home, the Sharks are just 11-12-3. The Blues lost Atlantic Division Pacific Division goalie Brian Elliott to a lower-body injury in the first W L OT GF GA PTS Chicago 38 19 5 176148 81 period. San Jose defenseman Matt Tennyson left in Florida 34 18 7 164 137 75 Dallas 37 17 6 194 169 80 the first after he was driven into the glass. Hertl had Tampa Bay 33 22 4 163 148 70 St. Louis 35 18 9 156 150 79 two of San Jose’s three goals in the first. He also Boston 32 22 6 185 169 70 Nashville 28 21 11 156 155 67 scored in the Sharks’ 5-2 loss at Carolina on Friday. Detroit 29 20 11 151 157 69 Colorado 31 27 4 165 173 66 DOHA: This file photo taken on February 11, 2013 shows Fatma al-Nabhani of Oman Vladimir Tarasenko had a goal and two assists for Ottawa 28 26 6 172 186 62 Minnesota 27 22 10 156 148 64 St. Louis. David Backes and Jay Bouwmeester also returning the ball to Caroline Garcia of France during their match on the first day of MontrÈal 28 27 5 163 165 61 Winnipeg 25 29 4 149 171 54 scored. Buffalo 24 29 7 144 166 55 the WTA Qatar Open in the capital Doha. —AFP Central Division Toronto 20 27 10 140 172 50 Los Angeles 34 20 4 157 137 72 CAPITALS 3, COYOTES 2 Metropolitan Division Pacquiao negotiating new Mike Richards scored his first goal in more than Washington 44 10 4 194 133 92 Anaheim 31 19 8 146 141 70 a year, leading the Capitals to the victory. Alex NY Rangers 34 19 6 171 150 74 San Jose 32 21 5 174 157 69 deals after Nike axe Ovechkin put Washington ahead with his league- NY Islanders 31 19 7 164 144 69 Arizona 27 26 6 163 183 60 leading 39th goal of the season and had an assist. Pittsburgh 30 20 8 154 151 68 Vancouver 23 24 12 142 168 58 MANILA: Philippine boxing hero Manny Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas in April and then Evgeny Kuznetsov also had a goal and an assist for New Jersey 29 24 7 133 141 65 Calgary 26 29 3 160 180 55 Pacquiao is holding sponsorship negotiations retire from boxing. NHL-best Washington, which won its fourth Carolina 27 23 10 148 160 64 Edmonton 22 32 6 150 184 50 with sports apparel companies after US giant Pacquiao, a national hero in the straight and ninth in its last 10 games. Defensemen Philadelphia 26 21 11 144 158 63 Note: Overtime losses (OT) worth 1 pt and not Nike dropped him over his controversial com- Philippines, has made a fortune endorsing Connor Murphy and Kevin Connauton scored for Columbus 24 29 7 155 188 55 included in loss column (L) ments on same-sex couples, his business products and brands ranging from automo- Arizona, which began a five-game East Coast road manager said yesterday. Nike cut ties with the biles, motorcycles, car batteries, pizzas, beer, a trip with its second consecutive loss. eight-time world champion last week after he bank and even property firms. Louis Domingue made 31 saves. Only seconds Arvidsson scored in the first period for the Brandon Saad and Dalton Prout also scored for the described gay couples as “worse than ani- A devout Christian, Pacquiao has issued a after Ovechkin’s goal made it 2-1, Domingue Predators (28-21-11), who are 3-0-3 in their last six Blue Jackets, who avoided a sweep in the three- mals”. The 37-year-old’s comments, which Nike public apology while also defending his com- appeared to have the puck covered with a glove in games. Brendan Gallagher scored his 16th goal for game season series by picking up a point for 10th described as “abhorrent”, touched off a ments, saying he was merely quoting the his crease when Washington’s Tom Wilson reached Montreal (28-27-5), which has recorded at least one time in their last 12 games (7-2-3). Columbus goal- firestorm of international criticism, particularly Bible. He remains widely popular in the a stick in to poke it away. It found Richards, who point in its last five home games (4-0-1). Nashville tender Joonas Korpisalo made 26 saves. Matt from US athletes and the lesbian, gay, bisexual Philippines, where he is running for a seat in rifled home Washington’s second goal in 26 sec- outshot Montreal 29-27 in regulation time and 30- Beleskey and Loui Eriksson each had two goals for and transgender community. the Senate in May elections, a higher-profile onds. Coyotes coach Dave Tippett challenged the 29 overall. Boston, which continued its inexplicable home national post than his current seat in the goal, but it stood. woes. Backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson made 29 House of Representatives representing a BLUE JACKETS 6, BRUINS 4 saves. The Bruins were coming off an impressive 4- southern province. Surveys have shown that PREDATORS 2, CANADIENS 1, SO Boone Jenner scored two goals and Scott 2 road trip, but they were unable to build on that despite Pacquiao’s lacklustre performance in Craig Smith scored the only goal in the Hartnell had a goal and an assist, leading momentum back at home. Boston is 20-7-3 away parliament, he is likely to win a Senate seat. shootout, lifting Nashville to the road win. Viktor Columbus to the road win. William Karlsson, from TD Garden, and just 12-15-3 at home. — AP Meanwhile, undefeated world champion Keith Thurman was hurt in a car accident, forc- ing his March 12 welterweight title defense in Connecticut against Shawn Porter to be post- Wales’ Charteris to poned, organizers said Monday. Promoter Lou DiBella, president of DiBella Entertainment, made the announcement. The nature of Thurman’s injuries were not given, but accord- miss France clash ing to his doctors is expected to be cleared to resume training in the coming weeks, a statement from DiBella said. LONDON: Wales lock Luke Charteris has been has not recovered in time after being sidelined know where we are earlier than expected and “While it’s unfortunate that we must tem- ruled out of the Six Nations international against from duty with Paris-based Racing 92 last have told the squad, hence announcing (the porarily postpone this marquee matchup, a team) today (Tuesday) as well.” Manny Pacquiao France in Cardiff on Friday with a knee injury, the Saturday. main event of the magnitude of Thurman vs. Welsh Rugby Union said yesterday. Cuthbert has been given his first start of this Wales, who drew against defending champi- “There are several already now in the Porter requires both fighters be healthy and at His place in coach Warren Gatland’s starting Six Nations in place of Cardiff team-mate Tom ons Ireland in their opening fixture of this sea- pipeline. They (the Pacquiao camp) were actu- their best,” the promoter said. Thurman, 26-0 XV has been taken by Bradley Davies. Gatland James, who is now no longer even in the match- son’s Six Nations, face a France side bidding to ally negotiating with some already,” Pacquiao with 22 knockouts, was preparing for the sec- has made two other changes to the side that day 23. “We have made a couple of changes, one make it three wins out of three under new coach business manager Eric Pineda told AFP with- ond defense of the title he won last March beat Scotland 27-23 at the Millennium Stadium injury enforced with Luke missing out with a Guy Noves after victories over Italy and Ireland. out naming the companies. with a unanimous decision over compatriot 10 days ago, with wing Alex Cuthbert and flanker knee injury, but Bradley deserves a starting spot However, Wales have not lost to France since He said they included a “multi-million-dol- Robert Guerrero. Thurman stopped US south- Dan Lydiate drafted into the New Zealander’s as well, so it’s a good opportunity for him,” said an agonising 2011 World Cup semi-final defeat in lar” brand that would likely replace Nike as the paw Luis Collazo in the seventh round last July run-on team. Meanwhile, in a positional switch, Gatland in a WRU statement. Auckland-a match where Warburton was sent supplier of Pacquiao’s sports gear. Pineda also in his first title defense. Wales captain Sam Warburton moves to open- “We have made two other personnel changes, off-and have won their last four Six Nations clash- said no Philippine-based companies had Porter, 26-1-1 with 16 knockouts, owned side flanker from blindside, with Justin Tipuric with Alex and Dan coming into the starting team. es against ‘Les Bleus’. dropped Pacquiao as a commercial endorser the International Boxing Federation version of dropped to the bench. They have trained well and will suit the game “France come to Cardiff unbeaten in the cam- despite the furore over his comments. the welterweight title until losing it in 2014 by Behind the scrum, centre Jonathan Davies has France will potentially bring as well.” Wales were paign so far, and impressing under Guy (Noves),” “They will still be sponsoring Manny. Just majority decision to Britain’s undefeated Kell been given the all-clear after missing French club not due to reveal their team until today but said Gatland. “We are looking to continue our look at his shorts,” he said, referring to com- Brook. Porter bounced back last year with side Clermont’s Top 14 match against Castres last Gatland, explaining the change, said: “We initially unbeaten run and will be looking for another mercial logos that cover the training togs of wins over Ecuador’s Erick Bone and American weekend because of a groin problem. But thought we would have to wait until later in the step up after the victory over Scotland,” he Pacquiao, who is preparing to fight US foe Adrien Broner. — AFP Charteris, who also plays his club rugby in France, week to have a final update on injuries, but we added. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 SPORTS India, Pakistan to renew rivalry in Asia Cup DHAKA: India and Pakistan will renew hundreds of millions of television viewers, T20 series victories over Australia and Sri sion on Monday. But former Bangladesh Bangladesh will hope home advantage cricket’s most bitter rivalry this week after a making it the biggest box office attraction Lanka. Although India are likely to give captain Habibul Bashar acknowledged will help them build confidence before two-year gap when they face off in the Asia in the sport. But diplomatic tensions have most of their players a work-out in the India would nevertheless start as tourna- heading to India for the World T20 qualify- Cup, a contest for regional supremacy meant that the two teams have not played build-up to the World T20, team director ment favourites after their recent successes. ing round from March 8-13. which is also a final rehearsal for the World any bilateral series for more than three Ravi Shastri made clear they would not be “In the T20 format any team can beat The Tigers had a dream run in 2015 in T20. The biennial 12-day tournament, years and their rivalry is therefore restricted taking their foot off the gas. anyone on a given day. Still, if we have to one-day internationals, but when it comes which is being held in Bangladesh for the to multi-national tournaments. “Whether we play Bangladesh, Pakistan single out a team as favourites, I would say to 20-over cricket they are still ranked second time in a row, begins tonight when Pakistan, furious that India has rebuffed or Sri Lanka and wherever we are playing, it is India,” he said. “They are an in-form among the minnows. the hosts take on India at Dhaka’s Sher-e- repeated pleas to play a bilateral series at a we have to continue our good form,” team. Also they now play Twenty20 cricket Bangla stadium-the venue for all the neutral venue, will be desperate to cause Shastri told reporters in Dhaka. more than anyone else.” Schedule: matches. an upset against their giant neighbour. India’s star batsman Virat Kohli also Two crushing Indian victories over Sri Feb 24: Bangladesh v India Local supporters will be looking to see if With the reigning champions Sri Lanka quashed any suggestion that the team Lanka in their recent three-match series Feb 25: Sri Lanka v UAE Bangladesh’s sharp improvement in 50- going through a rebuilding phase, most would be holding back with only weeks to underlined how much the islanders are Feb 26: Bangladesh v UAE over cricket will translate into an upturn in pundits expect India to cement their posi- go before the World T20 begins. missing batting greats Kumar Sangakkara Feb 27: India v Pakistan their performances in the shortest form of tion at the top of the T20 world rankings “When I go into field I go to play cricket and Mahela Jayawardene, who have both Feb 28: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka the game, with the World T20 in India only ahead of their staging of the format’s pre- with bat and ball, playing with Pakistan is retired since the 2014 triumph. Feb 29: Pakistan v UAE weeks away. But most eyes will be on mier tournament. not different. It’s competitive and Pakistan Pakistan, who will become the first side Mar 1: India v Sri Lanka Saturday’s glamour tie when India and is a strong team,” Kohli said yesterday. to play 100 Twenty20 internationals during Mar 2: Bangladesh v Pakistan Pakistan take to the field together for the DHONI BLOW India are set to be without Dhoni for the the tournament on February 29, will arrive Mar 3: India v UAE first time since the last World T20 in 2014. Confidence is high among Mahendra Bangladesh opener after the skipper suf- late in Dhaka after the finale of the inaugu- Mar 4: Pakistan v Sri Lanka India-Pakistan showdowns usually draw Singh Dhoni’s men after recent convincing fered a back spasm during a practice ses- ral edition of the Pakistan Super League. Mar 6: Final. — AFP Curry leads Warriors to 50th win over Hawks

ATLANTA: Stephen Curry scored 36 points and the Golden State Warriors became the fastest team in NBA history to 50 wins, beating the Atlanta Hawks 102-92 Monday night after squandering a 23-point lead. The Warriors (50-5) eclipsed the mark set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who needed one more game to win their 50th. Of course, that’s the team Golden State is chasing, moving another step closer to the record 72-10 mark put up by Michael Jordan and his teammates at the height of their six- titles-in-eight-years dynasty. Atlanta closed the third quarter on a 28-6 run and grabbed the lead briefly early in the fourth, igniting the sellout crowd. But the Warriors would not be denied, bouncing back to hand the Hawks their CHRISTCHURCH: Australia’s David Warner (R) plays a shot watched by Brendon fourth straight home loss. Klay Thompson added McCullum (L) captain of New Zealand during day four of the second cricket Test 27 points for the Warriors. Both he and Curry match between New Zealand and Australia at the Hagley Park in Christchurch knocked down five shots from 3-point range. yesterday. — AFP Draymond Green had 14 rebounds and nine Australia in sight of assists. Al Horford led the Hawks with 23 points. PISTONS 96, CAVALIERS 88 Reggie Jackson scored 23 points, Kentavious victory, top ranking Caldwell-Pope added 19 and Detroit withstood Cleveland’s late comeback to end a five-game los- CHRISTCHURCH: Joe Burns and Usman Khawaja wall, all-rounder Corey Anderson said they see ing streak. One day after allowing New Orleans had Australia in sight of victory and the top Test hope in a fragile Australian tail. “We’re going to center Anthony Davis to score 59 points with 20 rebounds, the Pistons beat the Eastern ATLANTA: Kyle Korver #26 of the Atlanta Hawks defends against Harrison Barnes #40 of the ranking yesterday after an absorbing fourth day have to come up with some interesting fields Golden State Warriors at Philips Arena on Monday in Atlanta, Georgia. — AFP marked by stubborn resistance from New and give it a real crack,” he said. Conference’s top team for the second time this sea- Zealand and umpire abuse by the tourists. “We managed to run through the tail pretty son. Andre Drummond added 15 rebounds for the With Burns on 27 and Khawaja 19, Australia quickly in the first innings after they’d put on Pistons, who let an 18-point lead in the fourth were 70 for 1 at stumps in the second Test in about 400 for the first six wickets. “If we can get quarter dwindle to six before putting away the NBA results/standings Christchurch, requiring a further 131 to sweep in a similar situation then we’ve just got to back Cavs and ending their five-game winning streak. the series 2-0 and return to world number one. ourselves.” Although Australia have been domi- Kyrie Irving scored 30 and Kevin Love 24 for Atlanta 92, Golden State 102; LA Clippers 124, Phoenix 84; Miami 101, Indiana 93 (OT); New York Jackson Bird, with his first five-wicket Test haul, nant for much of the Test, New Zealand put up a Cleveland, which had an off night after looking so 95, Toronto 122; Milwaukee 108, LA Lakers 101; Minnesota 124, Boston 122; Cleveland 88, and James Pattinson combined to end the New valiant fight with two century partnerships as impressive in a win at Oklahoma City on Sunday. Detroit 96. Zealand second innings at 335, giving Australia a they battled to save the contest. LeBron James scored just 12 points - 13 below his Eastern Conference Western Conference 201-run target. Kane Williamson made 97 when adding 102 average - and went 5 of 18 from the floor, missing Atlantic Division Northwest Division David Warner, who has struggled on New for the fifth wicket with Anderson. The loss of all four 3-point tries and committing six turnovers. Zealand surfaces, was the Australian wicket to Anderson for 40 was the start of a Bird strike that W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 40 16 .714 — Tobias Harris, acquired from Orlando in a trade last Toronto 37 18 .673 — Portland 29 27 .518 11 fall, caught behind for 22. Neil Wagner, using the claimed three wickets in six balls. week, scored 14 in his first start for the Pistons. short ball that provided him with six wickets in Williamson and Tim Southee also fell before Boston 33 25 .569 5.5 Utah 27 28 .491 12.5 the first innings, caught Warner’s glove and BJ BJ Watling and Henry mounted rearguard resist- New York 24 34 .414 14.5 Denver 22 34 .393 18 HEAT 101, PACERS 93, OT Watling completed the dismissal down the leg- ance, adding 118 for the eighth wicket. Bird, Brooklyn 15 41 .268 22.5 Minnesota 18 39 .316 22.5 side. Burns offered chances but luck was on his back in the Australian side for the first time in Goran Dragic scored 24 points, Hassan Philadelphia 8 47 .145 29 Whiteside finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds, Pacific Division side. On 19, he pulled Matt Henry through three years, was not totally happy with his per- Central Division Golden State 50 5 .909 — square leg where Wagner was unable to hold a formance despite taking five for 59 . “I feel like and Miami won its third consecutive game since Cleveland 40 15 .727 — LA Clippers 37 19 .661 13.5 difficult chance. On 23, an inside edge off Henry I’ve been pretty inconsistent with the way I’ve the All-Star break, rallying from 14 points down to Indiana 30 26 .53610.5 Sacramento 23 31 .426 26.5 sailed close to off stump. Khawaja, however, bowled in the series which is disappointing, but beat Indiana in overtime. Dwyane Wade added 16 Chicago 29 26 .527 11 looked untroubled and effortlessly moved to 19 it was nice to get a few wickets today and to put points and Justise Winslow scored 15 for Miami, Detroit 28 29 .491 13 Phoenix 14 43 .246 37 off 23 deliveries. us in a pretty good position to win the game and which won despite shooting only 38 percent. The Milwaukee 24 33 .421 17 LA Lakers 11 47 .190 40.5 Although New Zealand had their backs to the win the series,” he said. —AFP Heat grabbed 66 rebounds for the second consecu- Southeast Division Southwest Division tive game after reaching that mark only three times Miami 32 24 .571 — San Antonio 47 9 .839 — in their first 28 seasons. Luol Deng added 13 points Atlanta 31 27 .534 2 Memphis 32 23 .582 14.5 SCOREBOARD and 16 rebounds for Miami. Paul George had 31 Charlotte 29 26 .527 2.5 Dallas 30 27 .526 17.5 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, and Myles Washington 25 29 .463 6 Houston 28 28 .500 19 CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand: Scoreboard at stumps on day four of the second Test Turner scored 16. But Indiana’s starting backcourt Orlando 24 30 .444 7 New Orleans 22 33 .400 24.5 between New Zealand and Australia in Christchurch yesterday. of Monta Ellis and George Hill combined to miss 22 of 24 shots. New Zealand first innings 370 (B. McCullum 3-72 (Nicholls), 4-105 (McCullum), 5-207 RAPTORS 122, KNICKS 95 and four assists, and Minnesota outlasted Boston. Bucks coach Jason Kidd, who faced the 37-year-old 145, C. Anderson 72, B. Watling 58; N. Lyon 3-61) (Anderson), 6-210 (Williamson), 7-210 Kyle Lowry had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 Gorgui Dieng had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Bryant numerous times during his playing days. (Southee), 8-328 (Watling), 9-335 (Henry), assists for his first triple-double of the season, Ricky Rubio gave the Timberwolves 15 points, Kidd’s young players set the pace and outscored the Australia 1st innings 505 (Burns 170, S. 10-335 (Boult). DeMar DeRozan also scored 22 while becoming eight assists, eight rebounds and some terrific Lakers 36-17 in the third quarter. All five Bucks Smith 138, A. Voges 60; Wagner 6-106, Bowling: Hazlewood 34-11-92-1, Pattinson the winningest player in Raptors history, and defense on Celtics All-Star Isaiah Thomas. Jae starters scored in double figures.The Lakers lost their Boult 2-108) 26-8-77-4, Bird 17.1-5-59-5, Lyon 17-3-42-0, Toronto beat New York. Jonas Valanciunas added Crowder had 27 points and nine rebounds for the sixth straight game. New Zealand 2nd innings (overnight 121-4) Marsh 17-4-49-0 (nb1) 20 points for the Raptors, who won so easily that Celtics, who lost on the second night of a back-to- T. Latham c Nevill b Pattinson 39 Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis changed his back for the first time in six games. Boston’s nor- CLIPPERS 124, SUNS 84 M. Guptill c Nevill b Pattinson 0 Australia 2nd innings mind in the final minutes of the blowout and mally stingy defense gave up 51.8 percent shoot- J.J. Redick scored 22 points and Los Angeles K. Williamson b Bird 97 J. Burns not out 27 inserted Jimmer Fredette. Just signed to a 10-day ing to the Wolves. The Celtics were also outre- handed Phoenix its 12th consecutive loss overall H. Nicholls c Smith b Pattinson 2 D. Warner c Watling b Wagner 22 contract, the former college player of the year bounded 51-38, and Marcus Smart missed a 3- and 15th in a row on the road. DeAndre Jordan B. McCullum c Warner b Hazlewood 25 U. Khawaja not out 19 made a 3-pointer on his lone shot attempt - about pointer at the buzzer that would have won it. Zach added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Chris Paul C. Anderson b Bird 40 Extras (nb2) 2 the only thing Knicks fans had to cheer during the LaVine had 16 points and shot 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, had 16 points and 14 assists for the Clippers, who B. Watling c Burns b Pattinson 46 Total (1 wicket; 20 overs) 70 team’s 12th loss in 14 games. DeRozan passed Chris and Andrew Wiggins scored 17 for the Wolves. split their previous two games against the West’s T. Southee c Smith b Bird 0 Fall of wicket: 1-49 (Warner) Bosh and Morris Peterson with his 233rd win in six- top two teams, the Warriors and Spurs. M. Henry b Bird 66 Bowling: Boult 7-0-30-0, Southee 2-1-9-0, plus years wearing a Raptors uniform. Carmelo BUCKS 108, LAKERS 101 Los Angeles had its way with the conference’s N. Wagner not out 3 Henry 4-1-17-0 (nb1), Wagner 6-0-13-1 Anthony had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, 12 second-worst team, earning its most lopsided win T. Boult c Pattinson b Bird 0 (nb1), Anderson 1-0-1-0 Knicks on the fifth anniversary of his trade to New rebounds and 10 assists, and Milwaukee beat Los of the season while improving to 20-6 without Extras: (b2, lb14, nb1) 17 To bat: S. Smith, A. Voges, M. Marsh, P. York. Robin Lopez added 21 points and 13 boards. Angeles in retiring star Kobe Bryant’s last trip to the injured Blake Griffin. Archie Goodwin scored 20 Total (10 wickets; 111.1 overs) 335 Nevill, J. Pattinson, J. Hazlewood, N. Lyon, Bradley Center. Bryant had 15 points in 24 minutes, points off the bench for the Suns, who trailed the Fall of wicket: 1-8 (Guptill), 2-66 (Latham), J. Bird. TIMBERWOLVES 124, CELTICS 122 shooting 3 of 12 from the field and 8 for 9 at the foul entire game on the way to their worst loss of the Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points, 13 rebounds line. He was feted with a pregame video tribute by season. — AP Kuwait Cricket & IDP Educations present grand domestic finals Herschelle Gibbs to grace the occasion

KUWAIT: Kuwait Cricket (KC), the official body of gov- C, D, & E having played at both Sulaibiya cricket the game’s modern legends. It is undoubtedly a privi- student placement services is the main event partner erning cricket in Kuwait in association with IDP ground and TACK-TEC over a period of 4 months and lege for all the finalist teams and their respective of Kuwait Cricket. IDP is a proud co-owner of IELTS Educations - official IELTS centre in Kuwait have invit- therefore, it comes as no surprise that the finalists are players along with the entire Kuwait Cricket fraternity (International English Language Testing System) and ed South African legend Herschelle Herman Gibbs as more than ready for an epic finale. to have someone of Gibbs’s stature not only to wit- it is the official IELTS centre in Kuwait. Since both the guest of honor in order to give yet another boost When Johnty Rhodes retired, South Africans won- ness the finals but also give his expert opinions and Kuwait Cricket and IDP value the development of to the overall development of domestic cricket in dered where they would find a replacement fielder pitch reports during the process. In order to make young talent, it seemed a very natural partnership Kuwait. As many as 7 finals are going to take place of the most predatory type; Herschelle Gibbs the most of Gibbs’s tour to Kuwait, KC has set up a for these two organizations. Registrations for the clin- over an action packed weekend that will see the answered the call and was as good, if not better than unique coaching clinic in association with IDP and ic can be done through indiansinkuwait.com who entire Kuwait Cricket fraternity celebrate the national the great Johnty himself. Gibbs started his interna- indiansinkuwait.com that will see as many as 40-50 are the official online media partners for this event. and liberation day of Kuwait T20 style. KC-SDL & KC- tional career in 1996 and played many match win- registered kids between the ages of 8 - 19 learn bat- Crowne Plaza, Caesars, Al Hafiz, Kuwait Swedish, DTDL are the on-going turf tournaments that shall be ning innings for his country; none better than his 175 ting, bowling, fielding and confidence building skills Schneider, Sadia, Blink.com, Esselte and Abdul concluded on the 25th & 26th of February respective- off just 111 balls against Australia at the Wanderers in from the legend himself on Saturday, the 27th of Rahman Al Bahar - Caterpillar are the other official ly at TACK entertainment city cricket ground - Doha in 2006. Set a world record 434 to chase in 50 overs, February from 12:00 - 3:00 PM. Kuwait Cricket has co-sponsors of the event and Kuwait Cricket is proud a lively atmosphere created by DJ flames that will Gibbs’s innings set the tone to what turned out to be always paid special attention to developing grass to have such esteemed brands in their respective cat- keep the audience present at the ground fully enter- the most outrageous run chase in history of ODI root level of cricket and has therefore ensured the egories to come forward and support the develop- tained. KC - DTDL saw as many as 20 teams partici- cricket. He also became the first player to hit 6 sixes youth of today are encouraged to become the stars ment of domestic cricket in Kuwait like never before. pate in the tournament spread across two divisions of in ODI cricket, doing so against the Netherlands in of tomorrow by seeing a legend train and teach as a Kuwait Cricket looks forward to welcoming people A & B over a period of 3 months whereas KC-SDL had the 2007 World Cup. Gibbs retired from international firsthand experience. from all the different backgrounds on this hala febra- as many as 48 teams spread across 5 divisions of A, B, cricket in 2010 and is considered by many as one of IDP Educations, a world leader in international yar celebration weekend. Herschelle Herman Gibbs WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 SPORTS Under-fire Man City must revive fading season in Kiev

LONDON: Manchester City must put a potentially Cristiano Ronaldo wanting to be left out.” Pellegrini ruinous fortnight behind them as they seek to reboot responded to the criticism by saying he should not have their faltering season with a big performance in their to defend his selection. City, he explained, had been Champions League last-16, first leg trip to Dynamo struggling with injuries and he was forced to prioritise in Kiev today. With their English Premier League title a crucial week featuring not just the Kiev game but also hopes badly dented by successive home losses to fel- Sunday’s League Cup final against Liverpool. low contenders Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur, City had written to the Football Association to com- City received heavy criticism for fielding a second- plain about the scheduling of the Chelsea game, having string team in Sunday’s embarrassing FA Cup capitula- wanted it played on Saturday. tion at Chelsea. All this turmoil plays into the hands of outsiders Kiev, Suddenly, the lavishly-funded team who had been who have reached the knock-out stages for the first time campaigning for a ‘quadruple’ of titles finds their season since they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the 1999 in danger of careering off the rails with manager Manuel semi-finals. This will be the Ukrainian champions’ first Pellegrini brought to task by a former England great official match after a two-and-a-half-month winter over his moans about the club’s fixture congestion. break, during which they have tried to maintain sharp- Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time leading ness in a series of friendlies. scorer, criticised City’s approach, telling the BBC he could Kiev’s key concern is the physical shape of winger not understand Pellegrini’s decision to start six Andriy Yarmolenko, who spent two months on the side- teenagers in the team which was thrashed 5-1 at lines with a knee injury suffered in the final game of the Chelsea. “Barcelona played on Saturday and they face group stage against Maccabi. Arsenal in the Champions League on Tuesday. It’s the They have also made a plea to their fans to behave same amount of time (between games) as City, but they during the game after the club had initially been didn’t rest any players,” Shearer said. “I don’t get the talk ordered by UEFA to play the tie in an empty stadium fol- of resting players. City are-and want to be-a very big KIEV: Manchester City FC head coach Manuel Pellegrini (R) takes part in a training session at lowing incidents in the match against Chelsea in club on the global stage. “They’ve got more resources Olympiyski Stadium in Kiev yesterday, a day before the Champion’s League, round of 16 football October. However, UEFA reduced the sanction on than anyone. I never see Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi or match between FC Dynamo Kiev and Manchester City. — AFP appeal. — Reuters Sports court to rule on FIFA vote delay

ZURICH: The Court of Arbitration for Sport tender is Tokyo Sexwale, a South African tycoon (CAS) said it will decide by tomorrow whether to and politician. Champagne called on FIFA to can- suspend FIFA’s presidential vote after candidate cel the accreditation of UEFA and AFC observers Prince Ali bin al Hussein filed a case seeking a and indicated he could also go to CAS. delay. The Jordanian prince, one of five hopefuls, Champagne accused Sheikh Salman, the AFC wants transparent voting booths used at Friday’s president, and Infantino, UEFA general secretary, congress to find a replacement for Sepp Blatter. of seeking to “swamp” Friday’s vote with sup- This call was rejected by FIFA’s election commis- porters. Champagne said the observers would sion. Prince Ali then took the case to the give an unfair advantage to Sheikh Salman and Lausanne-based CAS, which said Tuesday that it Infantino. The former FIFA deputy secretary gen- had asked for a written response from FIFA eral said he had discovered with “stupefaction” before deciding whether to invoke “provisional that AFC and UEFA observers had been accredit- measures” and suspend the poll. ed “at the very moment when these two confed- “The request for provisional measures will be erations are in their final push in favour of their decided by CAS no later than the morning of respective candidates.” He added that those Thursday 25 February 2016,” a court statement accredited were mainly members of Sheikh said. An unlikely win by the prince would upend Salman and Infantino’s campaign teams. GENEVA: This file photo taken on February SHREWSBURY: Manchester United’s Dutch manager Louis van Gaal reacts as he signs auto- months of build-up to the election which many “It is clear that this reveals the objective to 11, 2016 shows FIFA presidential contender graphs for fans following the English FA Cup fifth round football match between believe is crucial to salvaging the world body’s swamp the Congress hall with confederation Prince Ali bin al Hussein looking on during a Shrewsbury Town and Manchester United at the Greenhous Meadow stadium in scandal-tainted reputation. FIFA faces mounting employees able to access the voting FAs and press conference at the Geneva press club. Shrewsbury, western England on Monday. Manchester United won the match 3-0. — AFP pressure over arrangements for the vote in their delegates,” he said in an official complaint The prince, one of five contenders in the FIFA which Asian and European contenders Sheikh to FIFA’s electoral committee. presidential race, had wanted transparent Salman bin Ebrahim Al-Khalifa and Gianni He called on the committee to cancel “these Relieved Van Gaal ready voting booths used at the congress but this Infantino are the favourites. unfair and undue privileges” and warned of oth- was rejected by FIFA’s election commission Jerome Champagne, a former FIFA official er action if there was no response yesterday. yesterday. — AFP for Euro redemption from France, has demanded that the world body FIFA’s 209 member associations are to vote for a cancel accreditations for the Asian Football “Only a transparent booth can prove that new leader as the world body seeks to recover SHREWSBURY: Louis van Gaal insists sidelined for around six weeks with a knee Confederation and UEFA saying they will be each voter is following his heart and conscience from multiple scandals that has seen 39 football Manchester United still have “a lot of chances” problem while Matteo Darmian, Marouane used to lobby for Sheikh Salman and Infantino. and that there are no forced votes, by prevent- officials and business executives charged with for success this season as they prepare to face Fellaini, Adnan Januzaj, Phil Jones, Ashley Prince Ali’s Paris lawyers-from the firm ing voters taking photos of their voting paper to corruption by US authorities. Two companies FC Midtjylland in a make-or-break Europa Young, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia and Szpiner, Toby, Ayela and Semerdjian-said they prove that they have followed voting instruc- also face charges. League tie. United extended their FA Cup run Bastian Schweinsteiger are also missing. first sought FIFA’s agreement for CAS to decide tions,” Renaud Semerdjian, one of the lawyers, Swiss prosecutors are investigating FIFA’s with a comfortable 3-0 win over Shrewsbury “I think in March a lot of players are coming the voting booth issue, but were rejected. told AFP. FIFA responded by saying that mobile management and the attribution of the 2018 on Monday to secure a tie against West Ham back and then we’ll have a full selection, and They then asked CAS to suspend the election. phones and cameras would be banned in the and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar. United in the quarter-finals. And Van Gaal has with our full selection we were first in the voting booths so that no photos could be taken. Blatter and UEFA president Michel Platini now begun preparing his side for tomorrow’s Premier League,” he said. PICTURES OF BALLOTS? With the election campaign reaching a tense were suspended for eight years by FIFA over a crucial home game with Midtjylland as they The prince has paid for transparent voting peak, the prince and Champagne have led com- two million dollar payment that Blatter try to overturn an embarrassing 2-1 deficit COMMITTED booths to be sent to Zurich for the congress. plaints about the arrangements. The fifth con- approved for the French football legend. — AFP from the away leg in Denmark. Van Gaal was pleased with his team’s dis- The United manager’s future remains play at Shrewsbury after the dismal defeats uncertain despite the routine win against against Sunderland and Midtjylland. Fallen giants AC Milan can League One Shrewsbury, and Van Gaal admits “Everybody shall say it is against Thursday’s fixture at Old Trafford is a signifi- Shrewsbury Town and Manchester United has cant occasion. to win but we have seen very difficult results “It is in my opinion a big game because it’s in the FA Cup,” he added. “The top team is not battle for Champions League a chance to qualify for the Champions League always winning. I think the performance was next season (by winning the Europa League),” very good, I said that already at half-time to MILAN: AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic insists the Milan launched a counter that saw Menez set up sent off a quarter-hour from the end for dissent, he said. “But we have to win a lot of matches my players. “They were very committed, they fallen Serie A giants can fight for a place in next Niang, but the Frenchman’s angled strike curled praised his players despite the disappointment. of course. “It’s easily spoken about but doing performed our game-plan very well and the season’s Champions League after a battling 1-1 wide of the far post. Mihajlovic replaced Niang “I can’t fault the lads’ performance, we didn’t it is different. But it is possible and then we’ll consequence was we were ahead 2-0 at half- draw with Napoli that dented their opponents’ title with on-loan Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli for give a lot to Milan and we created several real see. “Still everything is possible, we’re still in time. “So I think we have done it fantastically, I hopes. Napoli welcomed Milan to the San Paolo on the last five minutes but it was Honda who tested chances,” said the Italian. “But it came to a certain three competitions, so we have to fight for a have congratulated my players, I was very Monday looking to capitalise on Juventus’s stale- Reina with a curling shot that forced the Spanish point in the game where we were just lacking that lot of chances I think.” pleased but now we have to beat Midtjylland mate at Bologna on Friday with a win that would keeper to save low at his near post. Sarri, who was extra ingredient.” — AFP Van Gaal could have first-choice goalkeep- because it is also possible to beat them. have sent them a point clear of Juve at the top. er David De Gea fit to face Midtjylland after he “But it is not easy because Midtjylland are But despite a dominant performance, Maurizio suffered a knee injury in the warm-up for the very well organised, we have seen that in the Sarri’s title challengers had to settle for a sixth draw first leg. And the Dutchman expects more away game.” Shrewsbury offered little resist- of the campaign that left them in second place at a injured players to return to action in the next ance to a United side who dominated point behind the champions. few weeks. He has captain Wayne Rooney throughout a one-sided contest and boss Adding to the hosts’ woes ahead of what should Micky Mellon said: “You’ve got to congratulate be a mouthwatering race for the title, Argentine Manchester United on a superb display. “You striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has 24 goals on his see players of that quality getting free kicks league account, failed to score in back-to-back Matches on TV around the area you always know you’re Serie A games for the first time this season. going to be in trouble. “What we’re disap- Milan remain sixth, eight points behind third- (Local Timings) pointed about is that we never gave the fans a placed Fiorentina in the last possible Champions goal to cheer. “We’ll be disappointed when we League qualifying place. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE have seen the opportunities back that we Mihajlovic, whose side remain unbeaten after haven’t scored. “I’m determined I’m not going PSV Eindhoven v Atletico de Madrid 22:45 seven league games in 2016, told Sky Sport: “They to be any way critical of the players because beIN SPORTS 2 HD dominated the game but we had planned for that, we came up against some fantastic quality. otherwise it would have been impossible for us. Dynamo Kyiv v Manchester City 22:45 “The players can walk away with their heads “After seven games so far this year we’ve picked beIN SPORTS 1 HD held high because they gave us everything up a lot of points. If we keep on playing with this they had.” — AFP kind of intensity and concentration, we can fight for third place.” Milan started brightly but it was Napoli who PSV will miss banned De broke the deadlock, on 39 minutes, when Lorenzo Insigne’s shot deflected off the legs of Ignazio Jong against Atletico Abate to leave teenaged goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma scrambling at his far post. AMSTERDAM: PSV Eindhoven will miss Heracles too much space in the second Donnarumma has been solid for Milan since push- striker Luuk de Jong when they entertain half and made the field too big. ing Diego Lopez down the pecking order, and Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the “We can’t do that on Wednesday Mihajlovic said he could not fault the 16-year-old. Champions League last 16 on Wednesday. because Atletico are deadly on the counter “I didn’t see the goal, but I think if Gigi didn’t man- Philip Cocu’s side won all their home attack,” said Cocu. Second-placed Atletico age to get it, no one would have,” he added. games in the group stage but must take slipped eight points adrift of Barcelona To their credit, Milan restored parity almost on 2014 runners-up Atletico without the after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at home to immediately. Jose Callejon had failed to track back suspended De Jong who has scored 17 Villarreal but will also take heart from a to pick up Giacomo Bonaventura and when goals this season to help lift PSV to the top consistent rearguard that has conceded 11 Kalidou Koulibaly inadvertently nodded Keisuke of the Dutch championship. Cocu, goals in 25 La Liga games this season. Honda’s cross towards the back post, Bonaventura though, will be encouraged by the return Coach Diego Simeone said his team sent a volley past Pepe Reina. Napoli had the lion’s of influential Mexican midfielder Andres were still on course to achieve their tar- share of the best chances in the second half but Guardado following a hamstring injury. gets. “If you look at the objectives we set at Donnarumma was decisive in the dying minutes. PSV have kept clean sheets in their last the beginning of the season we are on the Donnarumma, who will celebrate his 17th birthday three domestic league games to edge one right track and, apart from Barcelona who tomorrow, did well to intercept Faouzi Ghoulam’s point ahead of second-placed Ajax are different to all the rest, it’s hard for all of cross for Higuain as the Argentine ran in on goal. Amsterdam. “I thought we were defen- us,” explained Simeone. Callejon was replaced by Dries Mertens just after sively a lot stronger,” Cocu told reporters Atletico won 13 points out of 18 in the the hour and only minutes after his arrival the after Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Champions League group stage and will Belgian international spurned a great chance when Heracles Almelo. “The last line and the hope to repeat the 3-0 win they recorded he struck Elseid Hysaj’s daisycutter off the far post. midfield worked well together and the in Eindhoven in the 2008-09 Champions Mihajlovic replaced a tiring Bacca with French for- players put in a lot of work. League when the two clubs were in the ward Jeremy Menez. Minutes later Higuain beat “On Wednesday we’ll need to bring the same first-round section. The return match Zapata to a cross from the left to fire a deflected DOHA: Qatar’s Lekhwiya Chico Flores (R) vies for the ball with Iran’s Zobahan Kaveh Rezaei same work and intensity. We gave in Madrid is on March 15. —Reuters shot just wide of the upright. When left-back Luca during their AFC Championship league football match at the Lekhwiya Club Stadium in Doha Antonelli blocked Mertens’s cross for Higuain, yesterday. — AFP Manny Pacquiao Sports court to negotiating new rule on FIFA deals after Nike axe vote delay

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 201617 19

India, Pakistan to renew rivalry in Asia Cup Page 18

LONDON: Barcelona’s Neymar is challenged by Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin during the soccer Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Arsenal and Barcelona at the Emirates stadium in London, yesterday. — AP Messi’s late double sinks Arsenal

LONDON: Two goals from Lionel Messi steered Barcelona to a convincing 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the last 16 of the Champions League yesterday. China can challenge Messi provided a clinical finish to a breakaway move that featured strike partners Luis Suarez and Neymar in the 71st minute and then for World Cup scored an 83rd minute penalty to seal the first-leg match. The five-time world player of the year decided a game that glory: Eriksson Barcelona had dominated, without taking all the chances that came the way of its feared strike trio. MELBOURNE: Shanghai SIPG boss Sven-Goran Arsenal created opportunities in both halves and looked to limit Eriksson believes China, buoyed by the power the damage against a side that its own manager Arsene Wenger and influence of President Xi Jinping, can put described as “super favorites.” aside years of failure at international level and Barcelona will be confident of reaching the quarterfinals for the push for World Cup glory in a decade. The ninth consecutive season after the second leg on March 16 at the Swede’s club has, like many Chinese Super Nou Camp. Barcelona had beaten Arsenal in both their previous League sides, invested heavily of late in new play- meetings in the knockout stages, in 2010 and 2011, along with the ers and facilities after football fan Xi demanded 2006 final in Paris. Its second-half performance in London, which soccer officials improve on just one disappointing combined possession with dangerous counterattacks, was a potent group stage exit at the 2002 World Cup. China are reminder of that track record. in danger of an early exit from 2018 World Cup Arsenal made a bright enough start and carved out a half-chance qualifying in Asia but Eriksson, who managed the after only eight minutes. A clever backheel by Aron Ramsey found Ivory Coast at the 2010 tournament in South Mesut Ozil, but the return pass wasn’t good enough for the Wales Africa, said the Asians would quickly see the midfielder to get a clean shot away. returns on their multi-million dollar investment. Arsenal was clearly looking to move the ball forward quickly on “Ten years ahead, 15 years ahead, I am quite the break, as Barcelona gradually took control of the play - though sure that the China national team will compete to the visitors were initially showing a lot more patience than real attacking threat. win the World Cup,” he told reporters yesterday Instead, the hosts came close to breaking the deadlock when ahead of their AFC Champions League opener Hector Bellerin’s blocked shot ran free in the area for Alex Oxlade- away to Melbourne Victory on Wednesday. “The Chamberlain, whose low shot from close range drew a smart save by TURIN: Bayern’s Arjen Robben, top, jumps past Juventus’ Patrice Evra during the Champions future for China is great.” Marc-Andre ter Stegen. League, round of 16, first-leg soccer match between Juventus and Bayern Munich at the The much-travelled 68-year-old coach made Despite all its share of the ball, Barcelona’s first real chance came Juventus stadium in Turin, Italy, yesterday. — AP his managerial name after winning titles in midway through the half with a free kick on the edge of the area that Portugal with Benfica and Lazio in Italy before Messi ploughed into the Arsenal wall. Juve stage two-goal comeback taking over as England coach and later The holders were gradually ratcheting up the pressure, though, Manchester City. and should have opened the scoring on the stroke of halftime. Dani to draw 2-2 with Bayern Eriksson moved to China with Guangzhou R&F Alves lofted in a clever ball from the right side of the area but Suarez in 2013 before taking over at Shanghai a year lat- could only flash a glancing header across the face of the goal. TURIN: Juventus staged a superb comeback from Mueller then missed an excellent chance when he er and led them to a runner-up Super League fin- It was a scoreline that seemed to satisfy Wenger, who kept his two goals down to rescue their Champions League failed to tap in from two metres out after Robert ish last term after signing Argentina Dario Conca team on the defensive for the second half. Yet Barcelona ripped hopes and secure a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich Lewandowski had set up his team mate with a and Ghanaian Asamoah Gyan. in their last 16 first leg yesterday. superb assist. The Germany international, however, through Arsenal’s defense barely three minutes after the re-start with He said his move to the burgeoning football Thomas Mueller pounced on a deflected cross to proved why he is such a prolific goalscorer, when he a superb pass for Neymar, whose shot was blocked in a one-on-one market of China had been another fortunate step with Petr Cech. put the visitors ahead in the 43rd minute and was in the right place to slot in from 10 metres for his in his career. “I think I am at the right place at the Arsenal replied with a header from Olivier Giroud from a Nacho Dutchman Arjen Robben doubled the lead early in sixth goal in seven Champions League matches this right time,” said the Swede, who also managed Monreal cross that Ter Stegen did well to block as the pace and tem- the second half before goals from Paulo Dybala and season, after Juve failed to clear a ball in the box. po of the game ticked up. substitute Stefano Sturaro drew the hosts level. Robben doubled their lead after the break with his Mexico, Sampdoria and Leicester City and held Messi had a shot in the area charged down, Suarez sent an inviting Bayern had looked to be cruising to their third first goal of the year, a trademark move by the technical positions at clubs in Dubai and low pass across the face of the goal and it seemed to be only a matter straight win at Juventus with close to 70 percent pos- Dutchman, who cut inside from the right and curled Thailand. “I’ve been lucky. I was in Italy during the of time before Barcelona scored. session in the first hour. a left-footed effort into the net. 90s when every football player wanted to come Yet last season’s finalists, who have been in superb Dybala, however, made the most of a bad Philipp The goal came when Suarez released Neymar down the left and to Italy because there was more money and the form in recent months, refused to surrender, and Lahm clearance to beat Manuel Neuer on the hour football was very, very good. “Then the 2000s, Messi had time and space to beat Cech. Suarez then somehow man- staged a scintillating second-half comeback to leave and inject new life into the hosts’ performance and the English Premier League, all the players want- aged to hit the post from point blank range after a pass from Messi the tie open after a frustrating finish for the Germans. trigger a frantic Juve search for an equaliser. Juan from another breakaway. Bayern, the 2013 champions, shot out of the Cuadrado almost got it minutes later but Neuer calm- ed to go there. Messi made such no mistake from the spot after being tripped by blocks in search of a quick goal and were almost ly stood his ground to block the Colombian’s shot. “Now 2016, it seems like every football player Mathieu Flamini, sending Cech the wrong way with the spot kick, and rewarded when former Juve player Arturo Vidal’s The keeper, however, could do nothing when Sturaro wants to come to China. “For Chinese football it’s only a fine save at the end by the Arsenal goalkeeper prevented powerful volley forced 38-year-old keeper Gianluigi beat his marker to slide in and level in the 76th very, very good.” — Reuters Neymar from adding a third with a header. — AP Buffon to palm his effort round the post. minute. — Reuters Kuwait’s credit growth exceeds expectations Page 22

LSE confirms merger talks Business with Deutsche Boerse WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Page 23 Jazeera unveils special livery NBK Capital holds its annual investment forum ‘The Insight’

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DUBAI: (L to R) Jordan’s Queen Rania, Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashed Al-Maktoum and International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde take part in the opening day of the Global Women’s Forum yesterday.—AFP Fiscal reforms key to ME stability: Lagarde IMF chief says Gulf oil producers are facing a ‘new reality’

DUBAI: The International Monetary Fund’s managing director is pressing the need for greater taxation and fiscal Gulf indexes near reforms as a pathway to political stability in the Middle East. Speaking at the technical barriers Global Women’s Forum in Dubai yesterday, Christine Lagarde said oil-producing MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS countries are facing a “new reality” amid lower global oil prices, and that econom- DUBAI: Major Middle Eastern stock markets rose ic stability requires job creation, strong yesterday, nearing important technical barriers as taxation policies and the reorganization investors were encouraged by strength in oil and of public spending. The IMF has urged global equities prices. countries across the Middle East, particu- Rises in Brent crude and emerging market stocks larly the Gulf’s oil-exporting nations, to over the past several days have helped to create a reign back public spending by lifting lav- feeling that after a disastrous start to the year, the ish government subsidies, diversifying worst may be over for Gulf bourses; this sentiment their economies and implementing new has been seen in rising trading volumes. The Saudi tax schemes. The world economy is stock index rose 0.8 percent to 6,023 points in going through a “tepid” recovery, active trade yesterday. It faces resistance at the International Monetary Fund chief February and January peaks of 6,056-6,098 points. Christine Lagarde said yesterday, adding Petrochemical blue chip Saudi Basic Industries that growth in advanced economies edged down 0.3 percent as buying focused on sec- should be higher. ond-tier stocks favoured by local retail investors Speaking at the women’s forum in trading for the short term. Tihama Advertising Dubai, the newly reelected Lagarde said jumped its 10 percent daily limit. global economic growth stood at 3.1 Saudi Printing & Packaging also surged 10 per- percent last year, and is expected to cent despite reporting a 52 percent drop in 2015 grow by “a bit more than three percent” net profit. It cited fires at two subsidiaries in late this year, and a “little higher” in 2017. “It is DUBAI: Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, talks at the opening day of the Global Women’s Forum 2014 and early 2015 as well as a drop of selling a growth but it is a tepid growth because in Dubai, United Arab Emirates yesterday.—AP prices. the recovery that we see in the United Dubai’s stock index rose 0.7 percent to 3,192 States, Europe and a little bit in Japan as which is “doing pretty well,” they are are struggling. Both Russia and Brazil will gone down significantly to actually change points, testing resistance on its late December peak well could be bigger,” she said. slowing down, said Lagarde. Other be in negative territory this year.” Lagarde the business models of those countries, of 3,189 points. A clean break would trigger a “If you compare current growth to the emerging economies are either “deliber- said commodity producers, particularly which some of them are addressing well. reverse head & shoulders pattern formed by the potential output the economy should ately” slowing down like China, or “in a oil exporters, “are facing a completely “It’s really a new reality that these highs and lows since December, and pointing deliver, it is less,” she added. As for pretty weak position” like Russia, Brazil or new reality.” She said world prices, not only countries are dealing with at the sharply higher. emerging economies, apart from India South Africa, she said. “Those countries of oil but also of metals and food, “have moment.” —Agencies Beaten-down construction stock Drake & Scull, which hit record lows in January as low oil prices prompted governments in the region to slow project spending, added 7.2 percent in its heaviest Global winds chill business optimism in Europe trade since last July. District cooling firm Tabreed rose 2.7 percent as FRANKFURT: Business confidence fell in Germany and Economist Carsten Brzeski at ING-DiBa called the read- percent in the fourth quarter of last year. While exports CI Capital upgraded the stock to “overweight” from France this month, increasing concern that global market ing a “wake-up call.” “Global events have finally reached have slowed, spending by consumers and the government “neutral”. Abu Dhabi’s index rose 0.4 percent as Abu turmoil may be weighing on the economy of the 19-mem- German companies’ boardrooms,” he wrote in an email has picked up. The French confidence index slipped due to Dhabi Commercial Bank surged 2.5 percent to 6.95 ber euro currency union. Germany’s closely watched Ifo research note. declining confidence among retailers. Manufacturing dirhams, after Goldman Sachs raised its price target confidence index fell to 105.7 points in February from The euro’s exchange rate fell below the $1.10 mark, to held up, suggesting global headwinds were not yet for the stock to 8.1 dirhams with a “buy” rating. 107.3 last month, the third decline in a row. France’s INSEE $1.0993 from around $1.1040. The German survey indicat- severely affecting the country’s gradual recovery. In Qatar the index climbed 0.9 percent. Drilling index dropped to 100 points in February from 102 in ed executives share worries about the global economy Analyst Chantana Sam at HSBC Global Research said rig provider Gulf International Services, the most January. that have sent financial markets lower recently. China’s the fall in retail confidence could suggest that the impact active stock, fell 1.4 percent but industrial blue chip The data released yesterday bolsters the argument for economy is slowing down, with unpredictable conse- from the terror attacks that left 130 people dead in Industries Qatar surged 2.3 percent and Barwa Real the European Central Bank to expand its monetary stimu- quences for the rest of the world, while low oil and com- November was lingering more than expected. Retail confi- Estate rose 3.6 percent, recovering from Monday’s lus efforts at its next meeting March 10. modity prices have hit emerging market economies that dence remains below the level seen before the attacks. loss in response to disappointing fourth-quarter The central bank is currently pumping 60 billion euros supply much of the world’s growth these days. Financial Analysts say the ECB could try to help the economy by earnings. ($66 billion) per month in freshly printed money into the market turmoil itself could have an impact by making increasing its bond-buying stimulus program. It could also Egypt’s index added 0.3 percent. Beltone financial system through bond purchases in an attempt to businesses cautious about risking more investment in pro- cut the interest rate on deposits it takes from commercial Financial , which has soared nearly 150 percent in push up weak inflation and support a modest recovery. duction. banks, currently minus 0.3 percent. The negative rate is a the past 10 trading days on hopes that its new own- The eurozone grew 0.3 percent in the last three months of The Ifo index is valued as a guide to where the econo- drastic step aimed at pushing banks to lend money rather ers will make the company a financial powerhouse, last year; unemployment remains high at 10.4 percent. my is headed. The survey is based on monthly responses than let it pile up at the central bank’s super-safe jumped its 10 percent daily limit once again. But In Germany, the eurozone’s largest economy, business from about 7,000 firms. Germany, the biggest economy in overnight deposit facility. The negative rate has also most stocks among the 10 most heavily traded executives’ view of current conditions improved but their the 19-country euro currency union, is enjoying low helped push the euro lower against other currencies, help- barely moved. —Reuters outlook for the next half-year worsened significantly. unemployment of 4.5 percent and steady growth of 0.3 ing exporters. —AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 BUSINESS 5 things you can do online to boost your career e all know everyone can apply to into their friends’ career networks by iden- that can be made more palatable and employers are using to find you. Fine tun- jobs for free on job sites and be tifying which of their friends work for com- BAYT.COM WEEKLY REPORT appealing for future employers. The ing a CV to land in your target employer’s Wfound by the MENA’s top employ- panies they are targeting. 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News in brief US dollar stable against KD at 0.299 KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar was stable at KD 0.299 on Monday while the euro was down to KD 0.330 compared to the exchange rates for Sunday, said a statement by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) yesterday. According to the CBK, the exchange rate of the Sterling pound went down at KD 0.422 as well as the the Swiss franc at KD 0.302. Exchange rate of the Japanese yen remained the same at KD 0.002.

UAE’s Senaat says unit raises $185m loan DUBAI: A unit of Abu Dhabi’s Senaat has secured a $185 million loan from a consortium of Japanese and UAE Kuwait’s credit growth banks, the industrial conglomerate said yesterday. The loan will finance the manufacturing and sale of steel pipes for the oil and gas sector by Al-Gharbia Pipe Company, which is 51-percent owned by Senaat, it said in a statement. Japan Bank for International Cooperation exceeds expectations provided $111 million of the loan, with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Mizuho Bank and National Bank of Abu Dhabi lending the remainder. Senaat did not dis- KUWAIT: Credit growth exceeded most expec- from 9 percent in July 2015 to 10 percent in close the loan’s pricing, but said it represented one of the tations as it ended 2015 at 8 percent thanks to December. NBK ECONOMIC REPORT lowest financing costs it had ever achieved. a strong December gain. Total credit was up by System liquidity is still relatively comfort- KD 632 million during the month on large the sole source of growth, growing by 15.1 further evidence that the sector may soon be able, though it has come under some pressure increases in credit to the industrial sector and percent y/y, down from a month ago. done with a deleveraging phase which fol- recently. Banks’ liquid reserves (which include Egypt pound dips for the purchase of securities. Most other sec- December was a strong month for business lowed the financial crisis. cash and deposits with the CBK, as well as CBK to record lows tors were unimpressive including household credit, though gains were not broad-based. December also saw private deposits bonds) were steady at KD 5.0 billion in CAIRO: The Egyptian pound has dropped to record lows in borrowing, which recorded a weaker month Business credit, which excludes loans extend- bounce back following several months of December 2015, or 8.5 percent of total bank the past week in the black market, hovering between 9 and than usual. Private deposits saw a healthy ed to investment companies, rose by a healthy decline. Private deposits rose by KD 794 mil- assets, down from 10-11 percent before the 9.25 per dollar, as importers struggle to find dollars for their bounce following several months of decline. KD 533 million; growth picked up to 6.7 per- lion, pushing up money supply (M2) growth to summer. operations and pressure mounts on the central bank to deval- December saw a notable increase in interest cent y/y, its most rapid pace since September 1.2 percent y/y. Narrower money supply (M1) December had seen a notable increase in ue the pound. A banking source also said the central bank has rates, with deposit and interbank rates up dur- 2014. Gains came largely from the industrial growth improved as well, but remained in neg- dinar interest rates as markets anticipated this week directed local banks to prioritize giving dollars to ing the month. Interbank rates continued to sector and lending for the purchase of securi- ative territory, at -3.8 percent y/y. The gains in that month’s CBK policy rate hike. The 3- pharmaceutical companies to import medicine and supplies. rise since. ties. Other sectors did not do as well, with real private deposits were across the board in KD month Kuwait interbank offer rate (Kibor) “They have been delayed for a while, like everyone else is, but Household debt saw a smaller gain than estate, trade and construction all seeing mod- time, KD sight and foreign currency deposits. climbed to 1.62 percent in December, rising they definitely should have the priority,” said Hany Farahat, a usual during December. Personal facilities est declines. Government deposits, which have helped by 57 basis points (bps) in 2015. Rates have senior economist at CI Capital in Egypt. Net international excluding loans for the purchase of securities Non-bank financial companies (i.e. invest- offset some of the decline in private sector risen further since, recording a gain of more reserves have remained around $16.5 billion in recent gained KD 70 million in December; growth ment companies) saw a net gain in credit in deposits in recent months, were also up in than 70 bps y/y through January 2016, and months, following declines from $36 billion in December slowed to 12.6 percent y/y. While shorter term December as deleveraging abates further. December. Government deposits with domes- rising to 1.75 percent. Customer deposit 2010, a month before the 2011 uprising that toppled long- consumer loans, used to finance car and other While the sector remained in deleveraging tic banks rose by KD 131 million during the rates on dinar time deposits were also up in time autocrat Hosni Mubarak. consumer goods purchases, increased slightly, mode, declining by 4 percent y/y, a gain of KD month and are up by KD 810 million since July December, gaining by 9-10 bps, following the longer tenor installment loans continued to be CBK discount rate hike. 29 million helped slow the pace and provided 2015; their ratio to total bank assets have risen Sohar oil refinery begins two-month maintenance Saudi has enough wheat to MUSCAT: Oman’s 116,400 barrels per day Sohar oil refin- Bahrain to discuss bank ery yesterday started major maintenance expected to last last more than 6 months until April 23, the operator said in a statement. Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Co (Orpic) said that RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has 1.8 million tons of wheat reserves, up rules with US Treasury this maintenance is due every three years and would not from 1.6 million tonnes this time last year, enough to last more than affect the local supply of fuel, according to a statement six months, the director-general of the kingdom’s main wheat-buy- MANAMA: Bahraini authorities will discuss with the prompting many to reduce the number of foreign published by state news agency ONA. Sohar’s polypropy- ing agency said yesterday. US Treasury the problem of international banks institutions with which they do business, and making lene plant will also undergo maintenance over the same Saudi Arabia has become a major importer of hard and soft becoming reluctant to deal with banks in Bahrain international banks operating in the United States period, the company added. wheat since abandoning plans for self-sufficiency in wheat in 2008, and the Gulf because of tight US regulation, Bahrain’s more wary of ties with the Gulf. Some banks in the as farming in the desert drained scarce water supplies. It has halted central bank governor said yesterday. Gulf have been under particularly close scrutiny by purchases of locally grown wheat this year. “Many international banks have curtailed their US authorities because of a drive to curb financing of Turkey CB keeps rates on Ahmed Al-Fares also said he expects Saudi Arabia to complete correspondent services with regional and local Islamist militancy and flows of money to Iran. hold for 12th straight month the privatisation of its flour mills by the first quarter of 2017, banks. Some of the banks have refrained from deal- United Arab Emirates central bank governor ISTANBUL: Turkey’s central bank left its benchmark inter- although the Ministry of Finance’s Public Investment Fund deter- ing with exchange houses,” Rasheed Mohammed al- Mubarak Rashid Al-Mansouri complained of the est rate unchanged at 7.5 percent for the 12th month run- mines the final timeframe. Saudi General Grains Organization Maraj told a business conference. “This has affected a problem in December, saying it had become harder ning yesterday, a widely expected move that is likely only (SAGO) and the Public Investment Fund are studying how to estab- wide sector of the population, especially the expatri- for UAE banks to obtain dollar clearance services - to heighten concerns about its reluctance to tackle infla- lish four joint-stock companies to operate the flour mills, as ates.” Maraj said officials in Bahrain, one of the Gulf’s the processing of transactions in the US currency. tion head-on. The bank has abstained from tightening approved by the Saudi cabinet in November. The privatised entities financial centres, had met US Treasury officials last Maraj said Bahrain was engaging with US authori- even as rising food costs and a weakening lira currency will be open to both national and foreign investment. November and planned another meeting on the ties including the Federal Reserve and the Office of have sent inflation to its highest in more than a year, at SAGO, previously called the General Silos and Flour Mills issue in April. the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as with inter- more than 9.5 percent, a level that Deputy Prime Minister Organization (GSFMO), said in October that it expected to import 3.5 US regulations, part of a tougher regime intro- national banks, to convince them that the compli- Mehmet Simsek has warned could seriously threaten million tons of wheat in 2016. Fares said Saudi Arabia has not been duced since the financial crisis, include scrutiny of ance standards of Bahraini and Gulf banks were in growth potential. The bank’s lack of action has only deep- in the wheat market so far in 2016 because it has enough reserves, potential tax avoidance and anti-money laundering line with global practices. ened the impression it is bowing to political pressure to but said he expects to go back to the market soon. — Reuters rules. “We are hoping they will give us some flexibility ...” keep borrowing costs down. President Tayyip Erdogan has These have imposed extra costs on US banks, he said. “This is a serious issue for us.” — Reuters repeatedly railed against high interest rates in Turkey. EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 80.840 US Dollars Mint 0.296750 0.300750 20 Gram 244.530 Jordanian Dinar 423.450 10 Gram 125.190 Asia ASIAN COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound 38.278 5 Gram 63.440 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.088 Bangladesh Taka 0.003440 0.004040 Japanese Yen 2.672 Indian Rupees 4.378 Chinese Yuan 0.044529 0.048029 Indian Rupees 4.397 Pakistani Rupees 2.863 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036561 0.039311 Pakistani Rupees 2.865 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Bangladesh Taka 3.823 Indian Rupee 0.004180 0.004570 Srilankan Rupees 2.087 Philippines Pesso 6.307 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Nepali Rupees 2.741 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 572.540 Japanese Yen 0.002588 0.002768 Singapore Dollar 215.000 Australian Dollar 201.91 Japanese Yen 3.660 Kenyan Shilling 0.002944 0.002944 Hongkong Dollar 38.658 Canadian Dollar 219.82 Syrian Pound 2.365 Korean Won 0.000233 0.000248 Bangladesh Taka 3.826 Swiss Franc 306.95 Nepalese Rupees 3.735 Malaysian Ringgit 0.067945 0.073945 Philippine Peso 6.316 Euro 336.85 Malaysian Ringgit 72.165 Nepalese Rupee 0.002847 0.003017 Thai Baht 8.442 US Dollar 299.90 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.455 Pakistan Rupee 0.002714 0.002994 Sterling Pound 431.04 Thai Bhat 9.385 Philippine Peso 0.006235 0.006515 GCC COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 2.67 Turkish Lira 102.060 Sierra Leone 0.000070 0.000076 Saudi Riyal 80.136 Bangladesh Taka 3.817 Singapore Dollar 0.210822 0.216822 Qatari Riyal 82.548 Indian Rupee 4.375 Bahrain Exchange Company South African Rand 0.013687 0.022187 Omani Riyal 780.535 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.083 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001736 0.002316 Bahraini Dinar 798.060 Nepali Rupee 2.732 Taiwan 0.008911 0.009091 Pakistani Rupee 2.860 UAE Dirham 81.817 CURRENCY BUY SELL Thai Baht 0.008095 0.008645 UAE Dirhams 0.08161 Europe Bahraini Dinar 0.7970 ARAB COUNTRIES British Pound 0.417106 0.426106 Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 35.250 Egyptian Pound 0.03819 Czech Korune 0.004237 0.016237 Jordanian Dinar 0.4265 Bahraini Dinar 0.789801 0.797801 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.423 Danish Krone 0.040350 0.045350 Omani Riyal 0.7788 Egyptian Pound 0.033761 0.038097 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.402 Euro 0.325933 0.333933 Qatari Riyal 0.08269 Iranian Riyal 0.000083 0.000084 Tunisian Dinar 149.060 Norwegian Krone 0.030808 0.036008 Saudi Riyal 0.07994 Iraqi Dinar 0.000197 0.000257 Jordanian Dinar 423.540 Romanian Leu 0.073904 0.073904 Jordanian Dinar 0.419604 0.427104 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.002 Slovakia 0.008911 0.018911 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.142 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Swedish Krona 0.031292 0.036292 Lebanese Pound 0.000149 0.000249 Morocco Dirham 31.124 Swiss Franc 0.294853 0.305053 Moroccan Dirhams 0.020395 0.044395 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Turkish Lira 0.096820 0.107120 Nigerian Naira 0.001234 0.001869 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar 300.600 Omani Riyal 0.773711 0.779391 US Dollar Transfer 300.350 Canadian Dollar 220.175 Australasia Qatar Riyal 0.081788 0.083001 Euro 333.090 Sterling Pound 434.175 Australian Dollar 0.208857 0.220357 Saudi Riyal 0.079207 0.080157 Sterling Pound 425.600 Euro 335.755 New Zealand Dollar 0.194766 0.204266 Syrian Pound 0.001272 0.001492 Canadian dollar 219.880 Swiss Frank 298.590 Tunisian Dinar 0.145013 0.153013 Turkish lira 103.040 Bahrain Dinar 795.235 America Turkish Lira 0.096820 0.107120 Swiss Franc 302.920 UAE Dirhams 82.085 Canadian Dollar 0.213499 0.221999 UAE Dirhams 0.080793 0.081942 Australian Dollar 218.500 Qatari Riyals 83.290 US Dollars 0.296250 0.300750 Yemeni Riyal 0.001357 0.001437 US Dollar Buying 299.150 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 BUSINESS US gasoline demand is critical to oil outlook

LONDON: US gasoline consumption increase in driving and fuel consumption than middle distillates has accounted for the priorities for fiscal 2017 (“Department of demand balance over the next 12 months. increased by more than 2.6 percent last year since mid-2014. The volume of traffic on US fastest oil consumption growth last year Energy FY 2017 Congressional Budget Complicating the outlook, the most thanks to a combination of lower oil prices roads rose by 3.5 percent in the 12 months to because distillate demand has been hit by Request” Vol. 3, 2016). recent US consumption data have been and economic growth. In volume terms, con- December 2015, according to the Federal the global freight slowdown and a warm In the meantime, there is considerable mixed because of weather-related disrup- sumption rose by around 240,000 barrels per Highway Administration, the fastest increase winter in the northern hemisphere. uncertainty about whether gasoline con- tions, first the Midwest floods at the start of day (bpd), one of the largest increases in the since 1997. Strong gasoline consumption growth in sumption will continue growing at the the year and then snow blizzards at the end last 40 years, according to data from the US There has also been a big shift in vehicle the United States as well as in China and super-fast rate reported in 2015. The EIA pre- of January. Comparatively low fuel prices Energy Information Administration. buying behaviour with consumers opting for India accounted for more than half of all the dicts gasoline consumption will increase by should continue to support faster than aver- Ordinarily, gasoline consumption is more larger, fuel-hungry crossover utility vehicles increase in global oil demand in 2015. The only 70,000 bpd in 2016 and be flat in 2017 age growth in fuel demand although it influenced by macroeconomic variables in record numbers while cutting purchases Organization of the Petroleum Exporting as fuel efficiency offsets the impact of eco- remains uncertain how much of the impact such as growth, employment and incomes, of smaller more fuel-efficient cars. Rapid Countries is counting on cheap fuel prices to nomic growth and lower prices (“Short-Term from the drop in prices has already filtered as well as demographic variables such as the growth in driving and the gradual shift in the continue boosting gasoline demand and Energy Outlook”, EIA, February 2016). through. driving age population and. vehicle fleet more than offset the continued help rebalance the oil market over the Continued growth of gasoline demand in Looming over everything are concerns Consumption is more weakly affected by improvement in fuel efficiency for all classes course of 2016 and 2017. But the dynamics the United States (as well as India and China) about the health of the US and global prices in the short term. But significant of vehicle as a result of federal fuel efficiency of gasoline demand are complicated and is the single most important factor in the economies, with signs of financial distress changes do occur in response to a very large standards. The result was a big increase in remain poorly understood, which makes outlook for oil prices in 2016. Gasoline prices and more sluggish growth especially in price move such as the one that has hap- gasoline consumption last year (+240,000 forecasting challenging. have become critical to the margins of business investment. If the US economy pened since the middle of 2014. bpd) that was three times larger than in 2014 The EIA has asked Congress for an addi- refineries in the United States and around slows, gasoline demand will slow as well, The combination of economic growth, (+78,000 bpd) and 50 percent larger than in tional $1 million to improve the collection the world given the depressed state of diesel pushing back the rebalancing of oil sup- rising employment and substantially cheap- 2013 (+161,000 bpd). and analysis of data on personal vehicles and demand. US-India-China gasoline consump- ply and demand even further into the er gasoline has produced a significant On a worldwide basis, gasoline rather fuel consumption as one of its four strategic tion is critical for the global oil supply- future. — Reuters LSE confirms holding merger talks with Deutsche Boerse Merger will create the largest European exchange

LONDON/FRANKFURT: Deutsche Boerse and the attempt to take over its British counterpart in late The potential union would be structured as an all- London Stock Exchange are taking a fresh run at a 2004, was not immediately available for comment. share merger of equals under a new holding compa- merger that would create a large European exchange Deutsche Boerse Chief Executive Carsten ny.The blue-chip FTSE 100 index was down 0.4 per- operator potentially capable of facing down strong Kengeter, on taking the German exchange operator’s cent at 6,015.59 points at 1405 GMT, retreating from a competition from the United States and Asia. The LSE helm in June, said he had an “open mind” on both 1.5 percent rise a day earlier. said in a statement it was holding detailed discus- bolt-on and large acquisitions as part of his strategy Standard Chartered was among the worst-per- sions on an all-share merger under a new holding to boost growth and revenue. He has since spent forming FTSE 100 stocks in percentage terms, drop- company that would give Deutsche Boerse share- around $1.5 billion buying out equity index joint ven- ping 3.2 percent after the emerging-markets focused holders a 54.4 percent stake and LSE shareholders tures from Switzerland’s Six Group and taking over bank posted an 84 percent fall in annual profits. 45.6 percent. foreign exchange trading platform 360T. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered blamed tumbling commodity The talks, using code names Delta for Deutsche Britain’s top equity index fell yesterday as a slump in prices, which have been hit by a slowdown at top Boerse and Luna for the LSE, are at an early stage, a major bank Standard Chartered and miner BHP commodities consumer China, and rising loan impair- HANOVER: This July 10, 2015 file photo shows signage at a Macy’s depart- person familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier. Billiton pushed back the market, although shares in ments for its weak earnings. ment store at the Hanover Mall in Hanover, Massachusetts. — AP Shares in both exchange operators jumped on the the London Stock Exchange surged on merger news. “It’s a horrendous headline number out on news, with LSE shares up 18.7 percent and Deutsche London Stock Exchange Group soared 16.6 per- StanChart. I’d still be a seller of any rallies on the stock Macy’s Q4 profit slumps, Boerse up 8.3 percent by 1406 GMT. Deutsche Boerse, cent, set for its biggest daily gain since November because I am concerned about their exposure to which had worked on a joint venture called iX with 2008, after confirming that it was in talks to potential- China,” said Beaufort Securities’ sales trader Basil the LSE in 2000 before making a full-blown but failed ly merge with Deutsche Boerse. Petrides. — Reuters but signs of hope emerge

NEW YORK: Macy’s reported a 31 per- “I have reminded my team that our cent decline in fourth-quarter profits, setback last year is a setup for our Tribune Publishing Co dragged down by store closings and comeback,” said Chairman and CEO other costs. But the adjusted results Terry Lundgren in a printed statement beat Wall Street estimates and sales yesterday. Lundgren has closed 40 picked up in the final weeks of the holi- stores and trimmed staff in corporate replaces Griffin as CEO day quarter as winter finally arrived, offices and in stores to become more driving sales of coats and boots higher. nimble. The retailer has strived to A very warm winter early on plagued expand online and has pursued other CHICAGO: Tribune Publishing Co, the Chicago Sun-Times through a com- retailers during the most critical selling avenues of growth. It acquired troubled owner of the Chicago pany called Wrapports. Because of period of the year. Shares rose more Bluemercury, the upscale beauty prod- Tribune and other newspapers the Tribune investment, Ferro has than 5 percent before the opening bell ucts and spa company. And it’s not play- around the country, announced yes- stepped down from the board of yesterday and appeared headed for a ing defense against discounters. Last terday that it is replacing Jack Griffin Wrapports. Tribune said Ferro will new high for the year. year it opened Macy’s Backstage to go as CEO less than two years after he keep his stake in Wrapports, but he It’s an encouraging sign for Macy’s, head to head with TJ Maxx on its home joined the company. Tribune will not attended meetings related to which had to slash prices toward the turf. Publishing named Justin Dearborn to Sun-Times Media Holdings. “The end of the year as inventories piled up. The maneuvers did cost the compa- be its new CEO. He most recently was board thanks Jack Griffin for his sig- The retailer, which also operates ny in the fourth quarter, but investors CEO of Merge, a publicly traded nificant contributions and wishes upscale Bloomingdale’s, had been a appear to think it was worth it. Shares health care technology company that him the best of luck in his future stellar performer since the recession, rose $2.25 to $43.31 before the opening IBM acquired in October. endeavors,” Ferro said in a statement. but it stumbled through the holiday bell. Macy’s earned $544 million, or “Although this is a different medi- At the same time the cash infu- season, and it wasn’t only the weather. $1.73 per share, in the quarter ended um than my last technology compa- sion was announced, Tribune Like many department stores, Macy’s Jan. 30. That compares with $793, or ny, it has the same challenge on how Publishing suspended its quarterly faces increasing competition from $2.26 per share, in the year-ago period. to create the highest value for our dividend to free up more money online retailers like Amazon.com. It also Adjusted profits were $2.09 per content,” Dearborn said in a state- after a difficult year. Revenue has has acknowledged that customers are share, better than the $1.86 per share ment. slumped as readers and advertisers spending more of their money on estimate from analysts, according to Griffin joined Tribune Publishing continue to migrate online and the restaurants, spas and vacations, rather Zacks Investment Research, Total rev- in April 2014. The company said company has trimmed staff to cut than clothes. And when they do spend enue fell 5.2 percent to $8.87 billion, Griffin was instrumental in the spin- Tribune Publishing Co CEO Jack Griffin poses for a photo in costs. Its stock has plummeted 68 money on clothing, they have increas- but that’s still higher than the $8.84 bil- off that created Tribune Publishing Boston. — AP percent in the last year. Chicago- ingly walked through the doors of dis- lion projection from analysts. and cited his work managing costs. based Tribune Publishing owns 11 count stores like TJ Maxx. While comparable-store sales “The timing is right for a new The move comes nearly three W. Ferro Jr. Ferro was added to daily newspapers, including the Los Shares of Macy’s Inc. fell 36 percent declined to 4.3 percent, given the terri- leader to come on board and lead weeks after Tribune Publishing said it Tribune’s board as a non-executive Angeles Times and the Orlando over the past 12 months, but have ble holiday season it was better than Tribune Publishing through its next received a $44.4 million cash infusion chairman. Sentinel. It spun off from media com- begun to climb back this year. Wall Street had expected. — AP phase of transformation,” Griffin said from Merrick Media, which is con- Ferro has a stake in the Chicago pany Tribune Co. about two years in a statement. trolled by Chicago investor Michael Tribune’s rival newspaper the ago. — AP Dubai AC firm Empower US home prices rise at a halts plan to go public steady clip in December

DUBAI: Dubai air-conditioning provider Empower has Revenue rose 12 percent to 1.7 billion dirhams. Shafar fore- halted plans to go public citing adverse market conditions, cast Empower’s 2016 profit would be 600 million dirhams, WASHINGTON: US home prices San Francisco and 10.2 percent in since 2006. Unemployment has fall- the utility’s chief executive said yesterday, in a blow to the while revenue would reach 1.8 billion dirhams. increased at a steady clip in Denver. Washington D.C. registered en to an eight-year low 4.9 percent. emirate’s attempts to diversify its stock exchange. The company’s cooling capacity increased 6.7 percent December, helped by a healthy job the lowest annual increase, just 1.7 David Blitzer, chairman of the Oil is thought to account for only about 5 percent of to 1.12 million refrigeration tons over the same period. It market and low mortgage rates. The percent. index committee at S&P Dow Jones, Dubai’s economy, but the slump in crude prices has never- was providing air conditioning to 810 buildings by the end Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20- The index is still more than 11 said steady price increases would theless sent the share prices of Dubai-listed companies of 2015, up from 746 a year earlier, Shafar said, predicting city home price index rose 5.7 per- percent below its mid-2006 peak. encourage builders to start putting tumbling. The main stock index, in which real estate and Empower would connect a further 52 buildings in 2016. cent from a year earlier, same as the Mortgage rates remain near historic more new homes. Last year, con- bank stocks dominate, is down 40 percent from a 2014 The company requires 1.2 billion dirhams in new fund- annual increase in November. lows more than two months after struction companies broke ground peak. “Empower is a company that must go public ... we ing to pay for projects under construction, of which 80 per- Prices rose 11.4 percent in the Federal Reserve raised short- on 1.1 million properties, most since have studied this, we came up with the result that we will cent will come from bank borrowings and the rest from Portland, Oregon; 10.3 percent in term interest rates for the first time 2007. — AP (launch an) IPO (initial public offering) but the market con- company funds, Shafar said. He said the company was talk- ditions are not encouraging,” Ahmed bin Shafar, Empower’s ing to local and international banks to secure this money. chief executive told a news conference to announce the Empower typically borrows over six years, but sometimes company’s annual results. syndicated loans differ with lenders seeking to restructure “We are freezing the decision until we see the right a facility after about half the money had been repaid. Its time.” current liabilities total 1.5 billion dirhams after it paid off Empower, a joint venture between Dubai’s monopoly 580 million of debt last year. The company has halted plans electricity and water provider and a company owned by to expand into Qatar and Saudi Arabia after the drop in oil the emirate’s ruler, made an annual net profit of 516 million prices led to state spending cutbacks in those countries, dirhams ($141 mln) in 2015, up 27 percent year-on-year. Shafar said. — Reuters

ADB offers $2bn for Sri Lanka’s recovery

COLOMBO: The Asian Development Maithripala Sirisena and other leaders. time in nearly four years, by 50 basis Bank yesterday announced over $2.0 bil- Nakao praised the government which points to 8.0 percent. lion in loans and equity to Sri Lanka, came to power last year promising an The rate rise came as Sri Lanka made which is in negotiations with the end to corruption under the former a formal request for an IMF bailout pack- International Monetary Fund for a regime of Mahinda Rajapakse. But he age to aid its struggling economy after a bailout. urged better tax collection and prudent sharp slowdown in growth. Details of ADB president Takehiko Nakao said spending. any bailout have yet to be finalized. The the money would be used to finance “Both tax revenue enhancement and IMF, which sent a mission to review Sri expressways, railways, power genera- effective management of public expen- Lanka’s economy earlier this month, said tion and education. It covers 2016 diture are urgent tasks for the govern- it had warned the authorities they through 2018 and compares with $1.5 ment,” he said. The new government has should make a “stronger effort” immedi- billion allocated in the preceding three gone on a spending spree to deliver on ately to reduce the deficit. years. election promises of higher wages and Sri Lanka received $2.6 billion from “The ADB is re-orienting its opera- lower prices, increasing the budget the IMF in 2009 to boost its financial tions to meet the evolving needs of Sri deficit and causing concern over the reserves, which had dropped below $1 Lanka as it moves to become an upper- balance of payments. billion at the height of fighting between middle-income country in the next few On Friday the central bank raised Tamil Tiger rebels and government HOUSTON: “For Sale” signs are stacked up outside a new complex of townhouses in Houston. Yesterday, the years,” he said after talks with President benchmark interest rates for the first forces. — AFP Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index was released. — AP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 BUSINESS World stock markets rally peters out

LONDON: World stock markets retreated yester- billion (5.15 billion euros) and slashed dividends mate index slumped to a level not seen since No to ‘Brexit’ cies will be rolled out to address that,” said day following a rally that kicked off the week, as as plunging commodity prices hammered its January 2015, falling to 105.7 points in February Almost 200 bosses of top British compa- Nescyn Presinede, trader at Manila-based global growth concerns returned to the fore bottom line and the company warned of a pro- from 107.3 points in the previous month, Ifo said nies yesterday urged voters to keep Britain Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation, with the mining sector taking another hit. longed period of volatility. in a statement. in the European Union, warning that an according to Bloomberg News. The pound remained under pressure over In late morning deals, BHP shares were down Analysts said the reading showed that exit from the bloc would threaten jobs. “The environment remains volatile with fears for Britain’s future in the EU, while the euro 5.0 percent at 756 pence on London’s bench- Germany’s powerful export industry was start- Some 198 business leaders including Roger investors focused on oil prices.” US crude fell in response to poorly-received German data. mark FTSE 100 index, which was 0.7-percent ing to wake up to a global concerns roiling inter- Carr, chairman of BAE Systems, BP chief for April fell 2.58 percent while Brent for “Equity markets are in the red... but not quite lower overall. In the eurozone, Frankfurt’s DAX national markets. executive Bob Dudley and Ron Dennis, April was down 2.48 percent, as traders down and out,” said Mike van Dulken, head of 30 index was down 0.9 percent and the Paris ING’s Carsten Brzeski said the data showed chief of F1 team McLaren, wrote a joint let- remained doubtful that talks on an output research at Accendo Markets. CAC 40 lost 0.6 percent compared with that “global events have finally reached German ter published in the Times, backing Prime freeze among key crude producers would “A pullback by oil and industrial commodities Monday’s close. German business confidence fell companies’ boardrooms”. Minister David Cameron’s deal to reform bear fruit. from key technical levels is sapping risk appetite, for the third consecutive month in February, “Expectations have taken another sharp hit the EU. US inventories probably expanded fur- as is another miner showing us how tough with manufacturers reporting the biggest drop from recent market turmoil, the adverse impact The letter comes as a boost for ther from their highest levels in more than things are.” in confidence since November 2008, the Ifo eco- of low oil prices and renewed concerns about a Cameron, who was rocked on Sunday by eight decades, according to a Bloomberg Global mining giant BHP Billiton posted a net nomic institute said Tuesday. slowing of the Chinese economy,” he said. the decision of charismatic London mayor survey before US data today. loss for the six months to December 31 of $5.67 The institute’s closely-watched business cli- Boris Johnson to back a “Brexit” in a refer- “The increase in stockpiles will mean oil endum on June 23. will remain lower for longer,” Evan Lucas, a Cameron wants Britain to remain part of market strategist at IG Ltd in Melbourne, the EU, as long as it undergoes a series of told Bloomberg. “The supply side is a big reforms. Sterling fell to near seven-year hurdle. We expect prices to edge up ever lows Monday on fears voters might opt to so slightly in the second quarter, it’ll inch quit the union. toward $35 and average around that level.” Asia’s share rally stalled yesterday with markets battling a fresh fall in the price of Japan out of options oil and renewed fears over the Chinese Wall Street equities had enjoyed economy. Japanese stocks fell as a healthy gains Monday, closing sharply stronger yen hit exporters while Shanghai higher after US oil prices surged more also dropped, after private indicators than six percent. But Tokyo lost 0.37 per- showed confidence in the manufacturing cent yesterday after early gains fizzled out and service sectors falling to new lows. The as crude prices reversed course and the impact of the gathering Chinese slowdown yen rose, which is a negative for exporters’ and the collapse in commodity prices profitability, and tends to hit demand for helped push global mining giant BHP their shares. Analysts warned that the Billiton, which counts China as a key cus- Bank of Japan may be running out of poli- tomer, to a huge six-month net loss yester- cy tools after it announced a negative day. interest rate policy last month-a move “China’s slowdown is yet to fully play widely seen as a desperate effort to kick- out and markets are watching what poli- start growth. — Agencies BUSINESS WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Nissan ‘unboxes’ its latest mobile device GSMA Mobile World Congress BARCELONA: Electric vehicle leader Nissan has ‘unboxed’ its new software- enabled vehicle, the Nissan LEAF 30 kWh, as some of the largest names in technology gather in Barcelona for the opening day of the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2016. As well as boasting a 26 percent increase in driving range (250 km on a single charge) via a new 30 kWh battery, the new MY16 LEAF is changing the connectivity landscape with an improved version of the brand’s acclaimed NissanConnect EV infotain- ment system. Nissan marked the event with a live ‘unboxing’ of the new MY16 Nissan LEAF 30 kWh while debuting a new film highlighting a raft of new updates available on the latest edition of the best- seller: https://youtu.be/vh4qHRt6s68 Electric Vehicles for Nissan Europe, said: market”. The enhanced NissanConnect and check the status of the battery, set “In a fully connected, fully mobile The ‘unboxing’ marks the first time “What better place to showcase our lat- EV telematics system is at the forefront timers for charging, remotely switch on world, in-vehicle connectivity is an Nissan has exhibited at the show, clos- est technology than alongside other of accessible in-vehicle technologies, climate control and find local charging absolute must for today’s drivers. That is ing the gap between the automotive leading lights in innovation. Not only is allowing Nissan LEAF owners to control stations. why Nissan is proud to be at the fore- and technology worlds, and showcasing Nissan the leader of the electric vehicle many of the vehicle’s features at the In addition to this, the new operating front of developing efficient and reliable the manufacturers’ innovative approach revolution, we are also committed to touch of a button. Providing a suite of system also allows users to analyse their in-vehicle connected technologies that to in-car technologies. bringing cutting-edge technology, con- digital alerts and remote access fea- driving patterns, including energy are available and accessible to all,” Gareth Dunsmore, Director of nectivity and e-mobility to the mass tures, owners can remotely manage usage and CO2 saved per journey. added Dunsmore.

Brexit would hit economy and Jobs, say UK business bosses

LONDON: The bosses at more than a third of European Exchange Rate Mechanism 20 years Britain’s biggest companies including oil earlier. Other commentators said the poten- giants Shell and BP and its largest telecoms tial boost for Cameron was limited given that group said leaving the European Union two-thirds of top bosses had not signed up, would put the economy at risk, backing Prime including those from its two biggest retailers. Minister David Cameron’s call to stay in the Tesco, Britain’s biggest private employer with bloc. The business support provided a boost 310,000 staff, said the referendum was a deci- for Cameron in his battle to win over a divid- sion for the people of Britain and that its ed public and confront the many euroscep- focus remained on serving its customers, tics in his own party before Britain holds a ref- while Sainsbury’s, the country’s second erendum on whether to stay in the EU on biggest supermarket, said it was an apolitical June 23. organization. It came the day after the pound posted its “I suspect that the numbers (of FTSE 100 biggest one-day loss in almost six years on bosses) giving support to remain publicly concerns Britain might vote to leave the 28- have been a disappointment,” said Andrew member bloc. Nearly 200 companies, among Hawkins, founder of polling firm ComRes. them 36 FTSE 100 firms, including telecoms In another survey published by the group BT, retailers Marks & Spencer and Asda, Institute of Directors on Monday, six in 10 of and oil firms Shell and BP , signed the letter nearly 700 of its members polled said they which put forward the economic merits of EU planned to vote to stay in the EU. membership. “Business needs unrestricted access to the SCOTTISH EXPERIENCE European market of 500 million people in “I can tell you this, if the leave campaign order to continue to grow, invest and create could produce 35 business leaders of this sort jobs,” said the letter, published in the Times of stature, they’d be over the moon,” Cameron newspaper yesterday. “We believe that leav- said of the business leaders’ letter during a ing the EU would deter investment, threaten visit to Slough, west of London. “This is simply jobs and put the economy at risk.” people running some of the largest business- The high-profile backing for Cameron fol- es in our country that employ over a million lows a tough few days since he agreed new people between them, saying this has real Jazeera unveils special livery in British terms with EU leaders at a summit in consequences for our country.” Brussels last week when deep divisions in his Economic concerns played a role in the Kuwait’s 55th independence year Conservative party over Europe rose to the Scottish independence referendum in 2014, surface. He suffered a major blow on Sunday when in the weeks ahead of the vote, big when London mayor Boris Johnson, one of companies warned about the impact of leav- Flying with pride above the clouds Britain’s most popular politicians, said he ing the UK on investment and jobs, adding to would campaign for a British exit, and on a climate of fear, and possibly swaying some KUWAIT: In celebration of Kuwait’s 55th on the airline’s 10th Anniversary emblem, and tion across the region. Monday he was forced to mount a defense of votes to help keep that union intact. National Day and the 25th Liberation Day along- text expressing the pride of the airline, “Long Based in Kuwait, airline serves popular desti- his deal in parliament in the face of criticism As a result some voters pledged to boy- side ten years of its success, Jazeera Airways Live Kuwait”. nations in the Middle East. The airline operates a from some of his own lawmakers. Johnson, cott firms wading into politics, and perhaps travelers across major cities in the Middle East Jazeera Airways is a national airline of Kuwait fleet of seven Airbus A320 aircraft with two class who as mayor presides over one of the wariness from that experience deterred some will soon be taking off in an aircraft graced by a and a proud successful operator that symbolizes cabins comprising a Business Class and an world’s pre-eminent financial centres, dis- of Britain’s biggest employers from signing special livery of Kuwait’s national flag. the strength and resilience of Kuwait’s private Economy Class. Business Class travelers get both missed the significance of the letter from the the letter. The Jazeera Airways flag-themed A320 first sector. an upgraded experience and exclusivity, starting business leaders. Cameron’s move to call on the voice of big took to the skies on February 22 at 5.30 pm to The airline, which is celebrating the 10th with exclusive check-in lines, business lounge business - the letter was arranged by his Amman, Jordan, and is the first aircraft to mark Anniversary of its first flight this year, is a strong access, up to 60 kilograms in free baggage SPREADING ALARM Downing Street office alongside the ‘Britain Kuwait’s February celebrations this year. testament to Kuwait’s leadership vision that allowance, and an exclusive on-board cabin. The “There will be people who try to spread Stronger in Europe’ campaign - was not with- Visible to travelers from airport gates and enabled the establishment of Jazeera Airways as airline’s Economy Class offers travelers free bag- alarm, anxiety,” he told reporters, saying the out risk as “Out” campaigners cast the EU as runways across the Middle East, the festive livery the first non-government owned airline in the gage allowance of 40 kilograms and free on- same people had been wrong over Britain’s the instrument of a global elite which is out includes a large Kuwaiti flag on the fuselage, flag Middle East, contributing to the growth in avia- board meals. decision not to join the euro and to exit the of touch with ordinary Britons.— Reuters UK farm minister urges staying in EU at time of volatile prices

BIRMINGHAM: Britain’s farming and environ- products freely without the trade barriers we ically modified crops. And while the EU farm ment minister Liz Truss yesterday backed con- deal with elsewhere and with a say in the budget is declining following reforms to the tinued membership of the European Union, rules,” she added. Truss said 60 percent of Common Agricultural Policy, pressure from saying it would be “wrong to take a leap in the Britain’s food and farming exports were to the environmental groups has led to increased dark” at a time of severe price volatility and European Union, bringing in 11 billion regulation on issues such as pesticides and global market uncertainty. The country’s farm- pounds. waste disposal. ers, traditionally strong supporters of mem- “At a time of severe price volatility and Truss’ predecessor Owen Paterson warned bership, are divided ahead of the June 23 ref- global market uncertainty - I believe it would last month that the EU’s “obstinate refusal to erendum, with support eroded by what some be wrong to take a leap in the dark,” Truss said. adopt advanced technology means Europe see as heavy-handed regulation and bureau- “The years of complication and risk caused has become the museum of world farming.” cracy which has stifled innovation. by negotiating withdrawal would be a distrac- NFU president Meurig Raymond told the “I believe that by voting to remain we can tion from our efforts to build a world-leading conference that farmers had “vastly different work within a reformed EU to reduce bureau- food and farming industry that brings jobs opinions” on continued EU membership. cracy and secure further reform while still and growth to Britain.” “Whatever your view is, there is no denying enjoying the significant benefits of the single Critics argue that EU membership has held that this is a huge area of uncertainty for market which gives access to 500 million con- the sector back, for example through what farming. And if the vote is to leave the EU sumers,” Truss said at the annual conference of they see as an overly cautious and lengthy there will be at least another 2 years of uncer- the National Farmers Union. approval process for new crop protection tainty as new arrangements are negotiated,” KUALA LUMPUR: A woman is seen reflected on glass panels as she walks past a popu- “We are able to export our high quality chemicals and a reluctance to embrace genet- he said. — Reuters lar shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 PRESS RELEASES NBK Capital holds its annual investment forum ‘The Insight’ Forum discusses investment climate in MENA

KUWAIT: Watani Investment Capital heads towards its second We aim to continue formulating challenges and opportunities of Company (NBK Capital) held its decade of operation, we believe it creative financial solutions that local, regional and international annual investment forum “The is vital to continue to foster a close address the specific investment markets. It was noted that, Insight”. The event outlined the working partnership with our needs of our clients”. “Despite the challenging invest- views of various investment pro- clients through transparent com- Key highlights of the event ment and economic landscape, fessionals at NBK and NBK Capital munications and open dialogue. included a presentation on the there continues to be certain pockets of opportunities that can create value, and it important now more than ever to rely on active and professional financial management.”. Subsequent interactive presentations by a number of financial professionals at NBK Capital also exhibited the Firm’s business insights. The Investment Advisory Group highlighted the value of the Investment Management Process which is a collection of tools used to reach financial objectives. Asset Allocation being at its core and which should govern long term behavior when investing. The MENA Equities-Asset Management Division provided international and regional historical evidence that “equities are KUWAIT: Watani Investment Company (NBK Capital) holding its annual investment forum “The rewarding over the long-term Insight”. despite their significant volatility” and discussed how investors can navigate the current challenging relating to the current investment economic and investment environ- environment in the MENA region. ment in the GCC region”. “The Insight” is an initiative by The forum concluded with a NBK Capital to share with its roundtable discussion hosted by clients and investors updates on senior members of the Investment business operations, offer expert Banking and MENA Equities opinion on major trends and Divisions at NBK Capital in addi- observations in the world of tion to NBK Capital partners’ sen- finance, as well as provide invest- iors on the topic of “Opportunities ment insights that could help and Challenges in a Dynamic Why shopping around to save on stakeholders make informed Investment Environment”. investment decisions. Since its inception in 2005, NBK business travel doesn’t make sense Chief Executive Officer of NBK Capital prides itself on a reach and Capital Faisal Al-Hamad comment- scale that is global, a focus that is KUWAIT: Shopping around for the cheapest ed, “We are delighted to host our Chief Executive Officer of NBK Capital Faisal Al-Hamad. regional and a service level that annual event, “The Insight”. As NBK always remains personal. fares at the last minute isn’t the most effective way for SMEs to get the most from their travel budgets. Qalaa’s subsidiary signs 5-year contract Unlike large corporates, which can leverage their substantial global buying power to nego- tiate travel deals with airlines, small and medi- to supply Ethiopian cement company um business have limited scope to stretch their spend, says Paolo De Renzis, Head of Sales for British Airways across the Middle East, Africa with waste to thermal energy solution and Central Asia. Their travel needs also differ. Global CAIRO: The Egyptian Company for Solid Waste waste to energy solution for heavy industries stipulated five-year time period under the same research that British Airways commissioned Recycling (ECARU), a subsidiary of Qalaa such as cement manufacturing, is beneficial on terms and conditions. Tawazon, Qalaa Holdings’ across fast-growing markets such as India and recently, based on the feedback from cus- Holdings’ Tawazon, will supply Ethiopia’s multiple fronts. It helps nations solve their subsidiary company for investment in the China and established economies like the tomers, it fine-tuned the programme to make Messebo Cement Company with an environ- Biomass challenges, it reduces emissions that regional solid waste management industry, con- United States and United Kingdom shows that it more user-friendly to this growing and mentally-friendly and cost-efficient alternative come from burning fossil fuels such as fuel oil, trols two companies: the Egyptian Company for SMEs think short-term and are always looking increasingly important customer base. solid fuel that will gradually replace coal. natural gas and coal, and it is a more cost-effi- Solid Waste Recycling (ECARU), a solid waste for the best deal. They crave flexibility. The new programme has been made more The Egyptian Company for Solid Waste cient and sustainable source of energy,” said management service provider, and Engineering “This is almost the antithesis of the typical flexible so members who want immediate sav- Recycling (ECARU), a subsidiary of Qalaa Hisham Sherif, CEO of ENTAG/ECARU. Tasks Group (ENTAG), a solid waste management airline offering,” explains Paolo De Renzis. ings can choose an upfront discount off flights, Holdings’ Tawazon, proudly announced that it “Today we are exceptionally proud to be able technology provider. Together, these two com- “Airlines want to encourage early booking, so if they consider this a better option than col- has signed a five-year contract with Ethiopia’s to transfer our knowledge and years of experi- panies form a leading waste management enter- they can fill flights. They discourage changes, lecting points for redemption flights. Messebo Cement to supply Biomass which will ence to the countries of sub-Saharan Africa prise with extensive operations in Egypt and an particularly on discounted fares, as this makes It has also been simplified. Rather than be used as a source of energy to replace coal where Biomass as a source of renewable energy international project book in Oman, Malaysia, booking patterns more predictable.” points being awarded for distance flown, every gradually. As stipulated by the agreement has been largely untapped,” he adds. Sudan, Nigeria, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and As a consequence, SMEs, which shop time an On Business member makes a booking between the two companies, ECARU will be the ECARU has been supplying alternative Solid Syria. around for the cheapest fares at the eleventh they earns points on the spend. An online technology and service provider responsible for fuel, Biomass, as a source of energy to Egypt’s Qalaa Holdings has invested in Tawazon as hour and are then penalized if they need to account-management tool enables members collecting, transporting and processing local leading cement companies for the past five part of its energy portfolio which also includes change bookings, can end up paying over the to maximise the potential of the programme Biomass that will be converted to environmen- years. TAQA Arabia, Egypt’s largest private sector ener- odds for travel. and effectively use accumulated points. It can tally-friendly alternative solid fuel. The contract with Messebo Cement, which is gy distribution company and the Egyptian “It’s understandably frustrating, particularly be configured to provide customised reports, “Biomass is a renewable, carbon neutral ener- located in Mekelle, 780 km from Addis Ababa Refining Company (ERC), a $3.7 billion refinery, if you’re a dynamic company, wanting to con- enabling members to track who is earning gy source that comes from agricultural residues with a production capacity of 2 million tons of Egypt’s largest in-progress, private sector mega clude deals, open up new markets or extend a where and when. that would otherwise be openly burned. This cement per annum, is renewable beyond the project. visit to a trade show to sign up some new busi- Points can be used for cabin upgrades or ness,” continues De Renzis. special offers. They can also be used up to one Although British Airways had traditionally day before travel to make date and time considered the corporate market the mainstay changes to redemption flights. of its business sales, some years ago it began On Business now works across British to realise the potential of the SME market. This Airways, American Airlines and Iberia, allowing was particularly manifest in fast-growing members to collect and spend on all three car- economies, where companies seeking to riers. It works in parallel with the Executive expand into new markets needed to travel Club, British Airways’ loyalty programme for more. frequent flyers, so on a single flight both the “In many cases we already had the ideal on- company and the individual traveller could board product, in World Traveller Plus, our pre- accumulate rewards towards redemption mium economy cabin, which appeals to busi- flights. ness travellers whose budget doesn’t stretch to De Renzis argues that the programme Club World. What we didn’t have was a viable delivers real bottom-line benefits to business- commercial offering, so SMEs kept wasting es, citing the GBP 30 million a year on flights money on last-minute travel and we kept miss- that the On Business programme has already ing opportunities.” saved customers. The solution the airline came up with was “On Business is designed to deliver a loyalty On Business. The programme rewards compa- dividend, which over time should enable busi- nies for their loyalty, while taking into account nesses to achieve savings that would not be some of the particular needs of SMEs. More possible by last minute shopping around for the cheapest fares,” he says.

Enjoy the latest movies with CFA Society Kuwait holds awareness seminar Gulf Bank’s Red Program during National and Liberation Days

KUWAIT: As part of the National and new red(tm) account will receive a compli- Liberation day celebrations, Gulf Bank is mentary cinema ticket. announcing exclusive discounts for its Red Gulf Bank continuously looks for new customers to watch the latest films at and interesting initiatives to reward its loyal Kuwait National Cinema Company (KNCC) customer base. Given the celebratory cinemas between February 18-27, 2016. atmosphere of February and with the National and Liberation Day celebrations just around the corner, Gulf Bank is committed to providing its Red customers with the right promotions that are tailored to meet their specific needs and to better enjoy their holidays. Gulf Bank is pleased to celebrate this patriotic occasion with the people of Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s Red program is for high Gulf Bank’s Red customers will be able to school, university and college students see the latest movies for only KD 1 instead aged 15 to 25 years old. There is no deposit of the usual KD 3.5 by using their Red ATM required to open the account or minimum cards to purchase cinema tickets from ticket balance charge. kiosks in all KNCC cinema theatres. During To join Gulf Bank’s Red program or to the period of the promotion, Gulf Bank will find out more of its benefits, visit one of the KUWAIT: As part of an ongoing education and Capital Markets Authority. & Partners Legal Consultants & Attorneys), also have a corporate booth present at the Bank’s 56 branches, contact the Customer awareness initiative by the CFA Society Kuwait The seminar titled “Major Changes in the addressed our distinguished asset managers KNCC cinema in Avenues Mall to showcase Contact Centre on 1805805 for assistance for its members, charter holders and invest- Kuwaiti Capital Market Rules as per Law 22 of and investment professionals on the issue and its products and services and to answer any and guidance or log on to ment professionals on significant industry 2015 and New Executive Regulations No 72 of discussed the facilities of such changes and questions from potential and existing cus- www.e-gulfbank.com, Gulf Bank’s web- developments, it held its first seminar this year 2015” took place at the Marina Hotel, Salmiya. their impact the recently revised rules could tomers. In addition customers who open a site bilingual website. to highlight the newly introduced rules and Hossam Abdullah, Legal Counsel and have on licensed companies and Kuwait capi- executive regulations issued by the country’s Managing Partner of Al-Hossam Legal (Adlouni tal market. technology WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Ford CEO says future is connectivity, not just cars

BARCELONA: Ford CEO Mark Fields says “This is a really good audience to reach AP “we like to think about it as the transi- ing the connected car, said Fields. One for and ride-sharing. the 112-year-old company is tripling its some new folks.” The Kuga includes the tion from just a hardware company to a those who want to be assisted by the car “Across the world when you see investment in new technologies that will latest version of Ford’s connectivity tech- software and mobility services company or eventually have the vehicle take over, growth of these megacities, with 10 mil- ultimately lead to self-driving vehicles - nology, SYNC 3, which the company says as well.” and another for drivers who want to keep lion or more folks, people want mobility but will make sure to keep making cars includes improved voice commands and “Mobility” is a buzzword at the wireless control of the wheel. solutions, they want options, whether it’s for drivers who want to keep their hands makes it easier to access applications on a show. For Ford customers, it means a While going forward with developing car-sharing, ride-sharing, what we call on the wheel. Fields said it was no coinci- driver’s smartphone. It has a new 1.5-liter wide range of innovations from further semi- and fully autonomous cars, Fields multi-modal modes of transportation dence that Ford chose the Mobile World diesel engine, among other features. integration of the Internet in cars, to ride- said “clearly there will be a part of the where you are taking a car for a portion of Congress, a massive technology trade Fields said that over the next five years sharing and even the use of other modes population that will always want to drive a journey or a train and then maybe a show in Barcelona, to unveil its new Kuga investment will increase threefold in of transport in conjunction with cars, like and have that driving pleasure, and we bike,” said Fields. SUV, which features its latest connectivity autonomous driving technologies, such bicycles. are obviously going to provide them He said Ford is testing some programs and driver-assisted technology. as one-button parking assistance and Fields said Ford is aware it will have to great products for that.” in this field, which he sees as a “a big rev- “We are really emphasizing our transi- guidance to keep a car in its lane and help be careful to keep a hold on the tradition- With ride-sharing platforms like Uber enue opportunity.” tion from an auto company to an auto braking in heavy traffic, with the ultimate al car driver, by protecting - especially in reshaping driving for many young would- Those projects include car-sharing in and mobility company,” Fields told The goal of a fully autonomous car. He the United States - the aura of personal be consumers, London and across Germany. Ford is also Associated Press in an interview Monday declined to provide financial figures. freedom that automakers have always Ford is also staking part of its future working on an experimental e-bikes pro- at Ford’s stand, which stood out in a sea of Don Butler, Ford’s executive director of cast over their products. on getting a piece of the so-called gram that Butler said it could one day smartphone and gadget makers. connected vehicle and services, told the Ford is taking a “dual path” in develop- sharing economy by pushing into car- mesh with car-sharing. —AP Hot phones you’ve never heard of with same bang, less buck

SEOUL: Move over, Apple and But bad news for manufacturers is STEALING CUSTOMERS Rashid used a $150 Huawei smart- Samsung. The next big smartphone good news for consumers. Many of Having succeeded in China, these phone for about a year. might be from little-known Chinese these Chinese companies sell decent phone makers are looking elsewhere “For a thousand dollars, I can get brands such as TCL and OPPO. phones for less than $200, compared to grow. OPPO, China’s fourth-largest five new phones in the space of two Along with other Chinese phone with about $650 for an iPhone or high- smartphone maker according to IDC, is years,” he said. “I’ll always have the lat- makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, end Samsung Galaxy phone. In other marketing aggressively in southeast est phone.” Chinese brands have surpassed words, for the same price, customers Asia. Xiaomi already sells phones in Much of the growth comes from Samsung in China and are encroaching can buy three or four smartphones Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. consumers who feel comfortable buy- on Apple’s turf. In the coming years, with decent cameras and screens. At the Barcelona show, Huawei ing phones directly from manufactur- analysts forecast that these cheap Chinese makers can keep prices low executive Adam Joshua said that while ers online, rather than from the wire- Android phones with not-so-cheap fea- by reducing the profit margin and turn- the company’s focus has been on less carrier. In the US, consumers are tures will likely attract more budget- ing to cheaper components that are a emerging markets, it also has eyes on just starting to warm up to direct conscious customers in Europe and year or two old. That means high-end “the European market, Australia, and online sales, especially as carriers stop BARCELONA: A Huawei Watch “Elegant” is displayed during Mobile World even in Samsung’s and Apple’s home phones still take better pictures and obviously the last big one, the US.” offering discounts in exchange for two- Congress wireless show in Barcelona, Spain, yesterday. Along with other markets, South Korea and the United have sleeker, thinner designs. But Analysts said Huawei and Xiaomi year contracts. Chinese phone makers such as Huawei and Xiaomi, Chinese brands have States. phone innovation has slowed, and the will likely steal customers from Apple Huawei is now the third-largest surpassed Samsung in China and are encroaching on Apple’s turf. —AP Chinese phone makers made their advances appear marginal to many and Samsung in their strongholds as smartphone maker in the world. Its global ambitions known at this week’s consumers. A Huawei photo taken in some budget-conscious consumers market share exceeded 7 percent last Mobile World Congress wireless show Global market for wearables races in Barcelona, Spain. Huawei and TCL vied to steal the spotlight from ahead, paced by Fitbit and Apple Samsung and LG, both of which announced new high-end phones at WASHINGTON: The global market for con- ures for its Apple Watch, but IDC estimated the show. Xiaomi, which typically nected wearable devices accelerated at the the company sold 4.1 million in the fourth launches phones in China, will preview end of 2015, with Fitbit pacing the leaders quarter and 11.6 million for the year. That the Mi 5 phone in Barcelona today. and Apple closing ground, a survey showed gave the California giant a market share of “The Chinese smartphone vendors yesterday. around 15 percent for both periods, even have a very unique feature - it is the The IDC survey found fourth quarter though its smartwatch sales began in June. price,” said Shu On Kwok, editor of sales of wearables such as fitness trackers Xiaomi was number three for the final AndroidPIT, a website that tracks and smartwatches surged 126.9 percent quarter of the year with sales of 2.7 million Android developments. “You get the compared with a year earlier, with 27.4 mil- units and a market sahre of 9.7 percent, same features as an LG or a Samsung lion units. For the full year, sales of wear- paced by sales growth of 258 percent. smartphone has hardware-wise, but for ables sales were up 171.6 percent at 78.1 For the full year, Xiaomi held the number a lower price.” million devices. two spot, with a 15.4 percent share, paced Samsung saw its market share The jump in sales shows “that wearables by sales of its fitness tracker selling for as lit- decline in 2015, while Apple forecast its are not just for the technophiles and early tle as $11. first revenue decline in over 13 years. adopters, wearables can exist and are wel- Among the other major vendors, Both will have to do more to prove the come in the mass market,” said IDC’s Ramon Samsung was number four for the past value of the extra dollars their cus- Llamas. quarter with a 4.9 percent share and Garmin tomers pay. “And since wearables have yet to fully fifth with 3.5 percent. Along with premium hardware, penetrate the mass market, there is still IDC’s Jitesh Ubrani said he sees newer Apple has tried to position its products plenty of room for growth in multiple vec- devices coming into the wearables market, as unique by offering software, services tors: New vendors, form factors, applica- with “fashion and design” playing a key role. and apps that work only on Apple tions, and use cases. This will help propel the “The wearables market isn’t just about devices - although in many cases com- market further.” Market leader Fitbit sold 8.1 smartwatches and fitness bands,” he said. parable services are available for million units in the fourth quarter, for a 29.5 “Though the top five certainly dominate Android devices. At Samsung’s product percent share, IDC said. with wrist-worn devices, there’s been an event Sunday, mobile chief D.J. Koh Even though Fitbit sales grew more than immense amount of growth in other form said “we have other ideas” beyond core BARCELONA: Visitors test smart phones during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona yester- 50 percent, its leadership is under assault factors like clothing, footwear, and eye- smartphone features. Samsung, for day, during the first day of the world’s biggest mobile fair that runs to February 25. —AFP from other vendors, notably Apple and wear-form factors that arguably require instance, is promoting its Galaxy Chinese maker Xiaomi. even more fashion sense than watches or phones’ compatibility with a Samsung good light often looks just as good as seek to upgrade their phones without year, compared with less than 6 per- Apple has not publicly released sales fig- bands.” —AFP virtual-reality headset and an upcom- an iPhone or Samsung shot when dis- financial pressure. cent in 2014, according to IDC. That’s ing 360-degree camera. But VR is still in played on a small phone screen. When South Koreans were just still far behind Samsung’s 23 percent its early days, of interest largely to Melissa Chau, senior research man- starting to buy smartphones, many and Apple’s 16 percent, but success gamers and tech pioneers. ager at IDC, said Chinese companies upgraded frequently to get longer- doesn’t necessarily mean being No. 1 Foreign business fears further are catching up on phone design and lasting batteries, sharper cameras and everywhere. GOOD NEWS FOR CONSUMERS quality even more quickly than larger screens. In fact, ZTE mobile chief Adam Zeng curbs with China’s online rules The Chinese brands have already Samsung did a few years ago. Now fewer consumers care whether said the Chinese phone maker wants to taken their toll on Samsung. Although “Samsung was a fast follower in they have the latest technologies, said be in the top three in selected markets BEIJING: Foreign businesses operating in reading material. Online games must it’s still the largest smartphone maker terms of innovation,” Chau said. “These Oh Bong Yeon, a 38-year-old South - read that as No. 3 - and not necessarily China fear new rules on online publication receive advance approval from authorities. in the world, Samsung is no longer Chinese players, they are even faster.” Korean. They may even wait several worldwide. And Xiaomi might have may mean further curbs, as groups from among the top five phone makers in And while these phone companies are months until the price drops. Although trouble expanding to established mar- across politics, business and civil society try NEW REGULATIONS China, according to market research pushing cheap phones, they are start- Oh has the iPhone 6, he said he would kets - particularly the U.S. - because of to understand the scope of the legislation. Lawyers and legal scholars say the regula- firms IDC and Counterpoint ing to succeed in getting customers to buy Huawei’s flagship smartphone if accusations it has copied or closely imi- The regulations are the latest step by the tions are likely aimed at online entertain- Technology. Profits from the mobile pay more - though still not as much as the company starts selling it in South tated designs from Apple and other ruling Communist Party to rein in the ment and educational media. The country’s business have plunged to less than half an iPhone or a high-end Galaxy. For Korea. companies. Phone manufacturers rou- Internet, seeing the web as a crucial domain Internet regulator, the Cyberspace of what it was in its heyday. Apple’s instance, the average price for Huawei Raphael Rashid, 28, a British citizen tinely sue each other in these markets, for controlling public opinion and eliminat- Administration of China, is also proposing sales in China rose in the fourth quar- smartphones in China was $213 last living in Seoul, loves his Xiaomi Redmi and Xiaomi will need to build up a ing anti-Beijing sentiment. broad new regulations to cover online news ter, but its growth was outshined by year, up 21 percent from 2014, accord- Note 2, which his friend bought for him portfolio of its own patents to defend The rules say online content publishers services. Huawei. ing to IDC. in China for about $120. Before Xiaomi, itself. —AP should “promote core socialist values” and “What’s targeted here is (Apple Inc’s spread ideas, morals and knowledge that online music, video and book store) iTunes improve the quality of the nation and pro- and their ilk,” said Rogier Creemers, a lecturer mote economic development. in China’s politics and history at Oxford The regulations, set to come into effect University. Samsung, LG improve smartphone on March 10, will prohibit foreign ownership While the regulations are meant to codify and joint ventures in online publishing and policies and practices adopted for the stipulate that all content be stored on servers Internet era, “there is a small possibility the cameras, turn to virtual reality in China. new rules were issued with an eye towards If an approved Chinese entity wants to unwinding existing deals”, said Scott BARCELONA: South Korean tech giants Samsung provide a good experience in terms of virtual reality,” FOCUS ON ACCESSORIES engage in a “cooperative project” with a for- Livingston, a senior associate with SIPS, an IP Electronics and LG unveiled a new smartphones with he said. The focus on accessories comes with the smart- eign-related enterprise, it must get approval, and IT consultancy based in Hong Kong. better cameras and turned to virtual reality to boost Rival South Korean tech firm LG sought to steal phone market beginning to slow as it becomes the rules say. Some studying the rules worry “Only time will tell.” interest in their headsets at a time of slowing sales. Samsung’s thunder by unveiling its new premium increasingly saturated. that, broadly interpreted, they could be used Samm Sacks, an analyst at Eurasia Group Samsung launched two versions of its flagship handset, the G5, its first modular smartphone which is LG’s parent company LG Electronics’ net profit to halt some foreign businesses operating in in Washington, said the rules appeared to phone, the flat screen Galaxy S7 and the curved screen made using different components that can be inde- halved last year on the back of a global economic China and shut down websites, while impos- revive some language on data localisation, Galaxy S7 edge, with cameras that can take better pic- slowdown and increased competition in the mobile ing greater limits on what domestic firms can keeping servers and data within China, that tures under low-light conditions. sector while Samsung was only able to boost its publish online. was removed from anti-terrorism legislation The company, the world’s number one smartphone market share moderately. Apple, which will not be Since coming to power, President Xi before it was passed into law in December. maker, also debuted its first 360 degree camera, the present at the congress in Barcelona, saw iPhone Jinping has presided over online censorship “My sense all along was that removing it Gear 360, in Barcelona where the mobile industry is sales fall for the first time on an annual basis in the on an unprecedented scale, and sought to from the counter terrorism law just meant it gathered for the start of the Mobile World Congress, in final quarter of last year, according to Gartner. codify this policy within the rule of law. would show up in other places, and here we its latest attempt to remain ahead of Apple. The market research firm said that the 9.7 per- “We hope this does not signal greater go. I think we will see it crop up in more The camera is designed to make it easy to take all- cent increase in smartphone sales in the final quar- Internet restrictions,” said Ken Jarrett, the industry specific regulations, too,” Sacks said. around photos and videos that can be uploaded to ter of last year over the same period in 2014 takes head of the American Chamber of Foreign companies in China, especially in Facebook and YouTube, or viewed as immersive expe- the industry all the way back to 2008 when the Commerce in Shanghai, which has asked media, face political resistance in China. The riences on Samsung’s virtual reality Gear VR headsets global economy was in crisis. “All of these addition- member companies and lawyers for an inter- country’s military newspaper calls the which went on sale in November. al devices, whether it is a virtual reality goggle, pretation. Internet the most important front in an ideo- “User generated 360 degree photos and films are whether it is a camera, whether it is a smartwatch, “China says it wants to transition to a logical battle against “Western anti-China going to see rapid growth in 2016. Numerous 360 they are all ways of generating additional profits,” more innovative, knowledge-based econo- forces”. Many of the world’s biggest Internet degree cameras are being launched and users will said Ian Fogg, the head mobile and technology ana- my. Allowing the free flow of information is platforms, like Alphabet Inc’s Google servic- want to get access to this content,” said Ben Wood, lyst at IHS Technology. essential to that effort.” es, Facebook Inc and Twitter Inc, are inacces- chief of research at CCS Insight. “Although it can be BARCELONA: A visitor tests the new ‘Vive Analysts said handset makers face a tough The Ministry of Industry and Information sible in China. viewed on a standard smartphone or PC screen, the choice. Focus on the low-price segment, where Technology, and the State Administration of In recent years, Beijing has pursued a raft most impactful way of looking at this content is with a steam VR’ virtual device at the HTC stand sales volumes are large but margins become thin. Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television, of laws and regulations, including a new VR headset-this is undoubtedly going to drive sales of on the second day of the Mobile World Or focus on features which can differentiate their which jointly issued the rules, did not national security law and a draft cyber securi- these products.” Facebook founder and CEO Mark Congress in Barcelona yesterday. —AFP phones. respond to faxed requests for comment. ty law, that have raised the hackles of foreign Zuckerberg made a surprise appearance at the pendently upgraded or replaced such as a removable “We are moving towards a logic of segmentation According to the rules, online publish- business groups fearful that China could Samsung press conference to announce a partnership battery. The G5 comes with several accessories such as and improvement, with a better camera or more ing includes digital work in the fields of lit- compel companies to turn over crucial intel- with the South Korean firm to promote the use of vir- a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & autonomy for example, maybe some advances in erature, art and sciences, such as texts, lectual property to the government in the tual reality on the social network. “We want to make Olufsen and a virtual reality headset which will allow it virtual reality, but there will unlikely be any major images, maps, games and audio-visual name of security. —Reuters Facebook the best video platform for virtual reality and to compete with a headset launched by Samsung late innovation,” said Thomas Husson, an analyst at Samsung is the only company in the world that can last year. Forrester. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE

Study finds anti-AIDS vaginal ring partially protects women

WASHINGTON: In a new approach to HIV prevention, use a condom. Malawi, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe turned up women modestly reduced their risk of infection by insert- Aside from condoms, healthy people also can take a something odd. Ring users who were 25 and older were ing a vaginal ring coated with an anti-AIDS drug once a daily anti-AIDS pill to lower their risk from an infected part- 61 percent less likely to be infected while those ages 18 to month, according to two long-awaited studies from Africa. ner. That so-called “pre-exposure prophylaxis” isn’t widely 21 essentially got no benefit, Baeten said. The ring proved safe although it cut HIV infections by available in poor countries, and other attempts at HIV- While the ring is designed to stay in place for an entire less than a third overall, researchers reported Monday. But blocking vaginal gels haven’t yet panned out. But the age month before being replaced, there are signs the younger surprisingly, it worked far better in women 25 and older, disparity found in the vaginal ring studies is so puzzling women didn’t use it as regularly, said Baeten, whose leaving researchers wondering if the youngest women, that the NIH plans to consult with outside experts on next results also were published online Monday in the New who got little to no benefit, simply didn’t use the device research steps. England Journal of Medicine. He said women had to get properly. While women need a discreet form of HIV prevention, comfortable with the how to use a device they’d never “For a woman to have prevention tools that she can “it’s going to be absolutely critical” to determine if the seen before, but those who used the ring continuously control is an incredibly important goal,” said Dr. Jared younger women really didn’t follow instructions, or if saw protection that continued throughout the 21/2-year Baeten of the University of Washington, who led a there was some biological difference, cautioned Dr study. National Institutes of Health-funded study of the ring. “I Anthony Fauci, director of NIH’s National Institute for “The ring must be used consistently to achieve protec- want rings, pills and other strategies to be on the shelf for Allergy and Infectious Diseases. tion,” the IPM’s Annalene Nel told reporters Monday as she women so they can make choices for what’s going to Vaginal rings are sold in the US for birth control, but discussed the second study, called the Ring Study. work for them.” the anti-AIDS version tested in Africa contained no contra- Conducted in South Africa and Uganda, that study like- ception. Instead, it slowly oozes an experimental virus- wise showed a trend toward greater protection for Women’s options blocking drug named dapivirine into the surrounding women over 21, she said. While that study isn’t completed Despite the questions the studies raise, the nonprofit vaginal tissue. Women would replace the ring once a yet, the IPM said South African regulators asked International Partnership for Microbicides said it consid- month, when it was time for another dose. researchers to switch all the remaining study participants ered the results promising enough to seek appropriate to the dapivirine-coated ring rather than the placebo ver- regulatory approval for wider use in parts of Africa. “You Something odd sion. can’t just say, ‘Until something is perfect, we’re going to Two studies involving more than 4,500 women in Early studies of those daily anti-AIDS pills also found wait,’ “ said Dr Zeda Rosenberg, founding chief executive Africa are being presented at the Retrovirus Conference in less protection in younger people, who did better at stick- officer of IPM. “We have to give women options.” Boston, comparing women who used the dapivirine ring ing with the tablets only after their effectiveness was This photo provided by the International Women make up more than half of the nearly 37 mil- with those given an identical-looking but drug-free ver- proven, said Mitchell Warren, executive director of AVAC, Partnership for Microbicides shows a ring that is lion people worldwide living with HIV, most of them in sion. It offered modest protection, reducing by 27 percent which advocates for a range of HIV prevention tools. He coated with an anti-AIDS drug designed for hard-hit Africa, and scientists have long sought tools to to 31 percent the participants’ overall risk of HIV. But closer said there is “a global imperative” to answer remaining women to insert into the vagina once a month help them protect themselves when their partners won’t inspection of the large NIH-funded ASPIRE study in questions about the ring. — AP to reduce the risk of HIV infection. — AP Blind penguin gets airborne at New Zealand marine haven

FLEA BAY: Blindy the little blue penguin was penguin species. Those living around the South born without functioning eyes and developed Island’s Banks Peninsula, where Flea Bay is locat- the unusual habit of swimming in tight circles. ed a little southeast of Christchurch, are a local So to prevent the bird from continually crashing variant, known as white-flippered, due to the into the side of the small pond where it swims, distinctive white stripes along the leading edge Shireen Helps began tossing it out into deeper of their flippers. water. Penguins are flightless but Blindy, for a Over the years, the Helps have developed an few moments anyway, gets to be airborne. admiration for the little seabirds, and their Blindy lives in New Zealand’s Flea Bay, home observations have brought some amusing to three humans and more than 2,500 penguins. insights. “A common thought is that penguins Efforts by the Helps family over more than three mate for life. Well, some of our monitoring notes decades helped save the bay’s penguins from make interesting reading if you’re into soap predators while many nearby colonies were operas,” she said. “So yeah, they can fool around.” wiped out. These days, the colony is thriving, a There was one penguin they called Shark hopeful sign at a time when many penguin Bait, which they found bleeding after it had species from the Galapagos Islands to Antarctica been mauled by a shark. They got a veterinarian are facing threats from humans that come from to administer stitches and fed it plenty of overfishing and global warming. anchovies before returning it to the ocean. Helps and her husband Francis never intend- Blindy, who is about 12 weeks old, was from a ed to become penguin custodians. Francis nearby colony and was found by a local farmer moved to Flea Bay, also known as Pohatu, in after it had left its nest and gotten lost in a creek. 1969, with the intention of farming sheep and Helps said Blindy was born with a malformed cattle. He said it wasn’t until the first night, when head and beak, making it hard to tell if it’s a male he was kept awake by noises like a donkey bray- or female. She said at first its circling antics ing, that he realized he was surrounded by pen- seemed to make the penguin disorientated but guins. “They’re very noisy at night, especially now it’s swimming more confidently. “If it gets pre-breeding,” said Shireen Helps. “They get real- dizzy going around one way, it changes direc- JOAO PESSOA: A municipal health worker sprays insecticide in a junk yard to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits ly wound up. They party all night.” tion and goes around the other way,” she said. the Zika virus. — AP “So it’s really learning very well.” ‘Dead penguins everywhere’ US-Brazil teams investigate link After meeting Francis, Shireen moved to the Plunging population bay in 1974, and said she noticed other penguin She said the penguin is too disabled to be colonies in the area were disappearing. “And returned to the wild, but she hopes that a zoo that’s when we started to look critically around might take it. Although penguins are seabirds, between Zika and microcephaly our own backyard,” she said. “We found dead they can also live in fresh water and often do so penguins everywhere. We realized that preda- in zoos. Animal ecologist Chris Challies, who has More scientific data still required for tests tors were hitting into them, and if somebody monitored white-flippered little penguins for didn’t do something to save this colony, it would more than four decades, said the population on JOAO PESSAO: Joint teams of US and Brazilian health state that is one of Brazil’s least developed. The teams recite to potential subjects in this Portuguese-speak- be lost.” So they began trapping feral cats, ferrets Banks Peninsula plunged by as much as 80 per- workers were to fan out across one of Brazil’s poorest hope to recruit at least 130 babies with microcephaly ing nation. and stoats. They also built tiny wooden huts for cent from 1980 to 2000 as they were attacked by states yesterday in search of mothers and infants for a and their mothers and two to three times that num- the penguins to monitor them and to stop them predators like ferrets, which would sometimes study aimed at determining whether the Zika virus is ber of mothers and babies without the condition, all High alarm fighting each other for nesting sites. Finally, they wipe out entire colonies between breeding sea- causing babies to be born with unusually small born in the same areas and at around the same time. Priscila Leite, who leads the Health Ministry’s con- started nursing the ill birds, managing to save sons. He said the trapping program introduced heads. The researchers will take blood samples from tingent, said she expects recruitment numbers to be some and return them to the wild. by the Helps family “probably saved the colony Brazil’s health minister, Marcelo Castro, says he is mothers and babies that will be sent to labs in Brazil high given the level of alarm about Zika in Brazil - par- Found in parts of Australia and New Zealand, through the 1990s.” The penguins were also giv- “absolutely sure” mosquito-borne Zika is responsible and the United States to test for Zika and dengue, a ticularly here in the northeast, the epicenter of the the penguins go by several names: little pen- en a boost after local authorities banned fisher for a spike in cases of the rare birth defect micro- similar virus also transmitted by the Aedes aegypti country’s Zika and microcephaly outbreaks. “There is guins, little blue penguins, and fairy penguins. folk from using nets which inadvertently caught cephaly, which sees babies born with small heads mosquito. The idea is to determine whether mothers a lot of anxiety out there, and people really want to Adults stand just 33 centimeters tall and weigh 1 the penguins and later declared the area around and brains and can cause severe developmental whose babies have microcephaly were infected with understand what’s going on,” she said. kilogram, making them the world’s smallest Flea Bay a marine reserve. — AP problems. But with scant scientific literature pub- Zika and, if so, when during their pregnancies. In Paraiba alone, 56 cases of microcephaly have lished on the matter, some doctors in Brazil and else- Teams will also be on the lookout for other factors been confirmed since October and 423 suspected where say there is not yet enough scientific data to that, possibly in conjunction with Zika, could be cases are under investigation, the Health Ministry prove the connection. Jointly run by the Brazil’s behind Brazil’s increase in microcephaly, such as a pri- says. In previous years, Brazil tended to average Health Ministry and the US Centers for Disease or infection with dengue, toxoplasmosis or the inges- around 150 cases nationwide. Skeptics have said Control and Prevention, the study is intended to fill tion of toxins. microcephaly cases may have been greatly underre- that vacuum by comparing babies with microcephaly “If we can provide some basic information or ported in Brazil in the past because local health offi- and their mothers to babies without the condition. show a potential association, that will allow us anoth- cials weren’t required to notify the Health Ministry The popular “understanding is that Zika virus er avenue of how do we prevent this and what do we about cases of the condition until November. They (behind the microcephaly spike). How much of that is need to do next,” Staples said. The recruitment also note the microcephaly spike appears to be large- Zika virus is really one of the important goals of this process is expected to take four to five weeks, but the ly restricted to Brazil, with few cases reported in other study,” said Erin Staples, a Colorado-based epidemiol- timetable will largely depend on how receptive countries with Zika outbreaks, such as neighboring ogist who heads the CDC contingent in Paraiba state. potential subjects are. Colombia. But Staples said she tended to lean toward “I do believe there is something occurring that is At a training session Monday in the state capital of the Health Ministry’s view. “I come from a pediatric unique and knowable, but we really need to under- Joao Pessoa, the field teams rehearsed how they will infectious disease background and am also a mom, stand better, mostly so we can prevent this from hap- reach out to families and discussed ethical concerns, so looking at these children clinically, they were dis- pening to other generations.” including how to react to reticence from potential tinct from other congenital infections I’ve seen,” said subjects and how many times it is OK to prick babies Staples, who spent time in Brazil recently as part of a Knock on doors to try to draw blood. World Health Organization mission. “The scope and Eight teams made up of one CDC staffer and three The language barrier proved a stumbling block at the size of the children who were presenting (micro- Brazilian health workers will knock on the doors of the training session, with the Brazilians and cephaly) at the same time, it really made it apparent several hundred randomly selected families with Americans team members often resorting to pan- to me that there was something unique happening in FLEA BAY: A little blue penguin that needed nursing appears at first to be undecided infants throughout Paraiba, a northeastern coastal tomime as they ran through the scripts they are to this situation.” — AP about whether to return to the ocean after being released. — AP Obama sends Congress $1.9bn Doctors urge ‘compromise’ request to combat Zika virus WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama slide. Obama said Monday during a meeting on female genital cutting Monday sent lawmakers an official $1.9 bil- with the nation’s governors that he hoped to lion request to combat the spread of the work with them in guarding against the out- Zika virus in Latin America and the US. He is break of the disease. Obama said the $1.9 PARIS: Western states should legally permit immi- Sussex ethics department in Britain: “One must not they said, should be reclassified as female genital also requesting flexibility to use a limited billion he is requesting would include invest- grant communities to surgically “nick” young girls’ cause irreversible changes to the body of another per- “alteration” (FGA) rather than “mutilation”. portion of leftover funds provided in 2014 to ments in research into new vaccines and vaginas as an alternative to genital mutilation, a pair of son without their consent.” Arora and Jacobs, however, “These procedures are equivalent or less extensive fight Ebola to take on Zika, which has been better diagnostic tools, and more support US gynecologists argued in a hotly-challenged paper contended that a one-size-fits-all approach ignored than male circumcision in procedure, scope and linked to severe birth defects. for Puerto Rico and territories where there yesterday. that many people believed the procedure to be a effect,” they wrote. “Indeed, they are equivalent or less Top House Republicans told the White are confirmed cases. Obama stressed that Such a “compromise” could allow groups to honor means of achieving “moral or ritual purity” for their extensive than orthodontia, breast implantation or House last week that the quickest way to get the symptoms from contracting the Zika cultural or religious prescripts while saving millions of child. even the elective labiaplasty for which affluent the money to fight Zika would be to use virus are mild and most folks don’t even real- girls from invasive and disfiguring genital slashing Vaginal cutting is widely regarded as a libido- women pay thousands of dollars.” some of the approximate $2.7 billion that ize they have it. practiced in some African and Middle Eastern cultures, reducer, intended in certain cultures to keep a woman Unclear is whether this type of procedure would had been designated for the Ebola crisis but “But as all of you have read, the possible the two doctors stated in the Journal of Medical chaste. According to the World Health Organization, be considered valid by communities who perform remains “unobligated.” Consideration of a connection between Zika, birth defects and Ethics. “We are not arguing that any procedure on the about three million girls a year fall victim to genital FGM. Categories Three to Five should remain out- stand-alone Zika request could prove cum- other serious health problems means that female genitalia is desirable,” said Kavita Arora of the mutilation. It can cause urinary difficulties, cysts and lawed, said the pair. These included procedures to bersome, especially in a combative election we’ve got to take precautions, particularly Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and infection, infertility and complications in childbirth. remove the clitoris or other parts of the vagina, often year. with respect to women who are pregnant Allan Jacobs of Stony Brook University in New York to be stitched closed with only a small hole for urine, Zika has been spreading through coun- or are trying to get pregnant,” Obama told state. “Rather, we only argue that certain procedures Like dental work menstrual blood and intercourse. tries such as Brazil, but is also being transmit- members of the National Governors ought to be tolerated by liberal societies”, which have Arora and Jacobs have proposed new sub-cate- Brian Earp of the Bioethics Research Institute in ted by mosquitoes in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Association. “So we’re going to be fighting outlawed such practices but host immigrants for gories of genital cutting. Category One would entail New York said Arora and Jacobs erred in using male Islands, and American Samoa. Travelers have this disease at every level with every tool at whom it is part of their culture. procedures with no long-lasting effect on the appear- circumcision as a benchmark for what is permissible. also returned to the continental US infected our disposal.” Money would go to fight Zika Efforts to enforce an outright ban on female geni- ance or function of the genitalia, such as a “small nick” “Ultimately, I suggest that children of whatever sex or with the virus. So far, concerns over Zika in US territories and states such as Florida tal mutilation (FGM) have often had the opposite in the skin. Procedures under Category Two may gender should be free from having healthy parts of have been far more restrained than experi- and Texas that are at risk of mosquito-borne effect-driving the practice underground and putting affect appearance, but not reproductive capacity or their most intimate sexual organs either damaged or enced during the Ebola scare. Voters’ fears transmission of the virus; to help to battle women at even greater risk, said the duo. But many sexual enjoyment, they said. This could include remov- removed, before they can understand what is at stake regarding Ebola were seen as hurting its spread overseas; and to develop a vac- peers immediately dismissed the idea. ing the “hood” or skin-fold covering the clitoris or trim- in such an intervention and agree to it themselves,” he Obama’s party in the 2014 midterm land- cine. — AP According to Arianne Shahvisi of the University of ming the labia (labiaplasty). The first two categories, wrote in a commentary. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE British Ebola survivor nurse hospitalized for third time

LONDON: A British nurse who was twice University Hospital, according to a Britain’s only isolation ward for the lethal before she made a full recovery. “It is only a handful of patients in whom it has successfully treated after contracting spokesman from NHS Greater Glasgow disease, after suffering an “unusual com- very sad to hear that Ms Cafferkey has been seen,” he added. The deadliest-ever Ebola in Sierra Leone in 2014 was yester- and Clyde. plication” of her first infection. Cafferkey once again been admitted to hospital,” Ebola outbreak since the virus was iden- day admitted to hospital for a third time “Under routine monitoring by the was diagnosed with Ebola in December said Derek Gatherer from Lancaster tified in central Africa in 1976 has killed “for further investigations,” the health Infectious Diseases Unit, Pauline 2014 after returning to Glasgow from University. “The meningitis that Ms 11,316 of the 28,639 people infected service said. Pauline Cafferkey, who vol- Cafferkey has been admitted to hospital Sierra Leone. Cafferkey suffered from at the end of last since December of 2013, according to untarily went to the West African country for further investigations,” he said. She suffered a relapse in October year is one of the most serious complica- the latest WHO figures. Nearly all the vic- to treat Ebola patients, was being treat- Cafferkey was treated twice at an isola- 2015, when the virus caused her to tions of all, as it can be life-threatening. tims have been in Guinea, Liberia and ed at Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth tion unit at London’s Royal Free Hospital, become critically ill with meningitis “She was unlucky enough to be one of Sierra Leone. — AFP

Damage to canal highlights Delhi’s water vulnerability NEW DELHI: Engineers were working to archy, were demanding quotas in govern- restore New Delhi’s full water supply yes- ment jobs and educational institutions. terday after protesters damaged a key Clashes between the protesters and canal in a neighboring state and disrupted government forces left 12 people dead supplies over the weekend - highlighting before Jat leaders agreed Monday to end the extreme water vulnerability faced by the demonstrations while negotiating the Indian capital’s 18 million residents. with officials, and the army took control of Some supplies resumed to northern the canal. Residents of Sanjay Colony, a and central parts of New Delhi, and will slum in southwest New Delhi, said yester- hopefully reach western neighborhoods day that this week’s water shortage was by yesterday evening, said Delhi’s water making an already bad situation worse. minister, Kapil Mishra. In the meantime, 70 “We already spend a lot of hours trying water tankers have been sent to western to get water,” said Indrapal, a security areas of the city where taps have been dry worker who gave only his first name. for up to two days. “People haven’t been able to go to work.” The destruction of the Munak canal They worried that a water crisis created by link by protesters in the state of Haryana political protesters was setting a bad has focused attention on New Delhi’s pre- precedent for New Delhi’s water security. carious water supply. The canal, which “Now it’s the Jat community. Later it will channels water from north Indian rivers, be someone else asking for something,” a Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat accounts for about 60 percent of the city’s Sanjay Colony resident named Lila said. water supply. Another 25 percent comes “The government has been slow in react- from groundwater, while the polluted ing.” Kuwait’s first Oxygen Bar Yamuna River supplies about 12 percent. Ram Lal, a man who runs a small shop Yet even when the Munak canal flow is in the slum, also criticized the protesters, unimpeded, the overall water supply is saying they “have done wrong. They By Nawara Fattahova ness and supports athletic performance. oxygenation, and cancer attacks every organ in not enough to meet New Delhi’s needs, should not have cut the water supply. Furthermore, oxygen lessens chronic fatigue our body except the heart because of its abnor- and shortages are common during the Because of that, we couldn’t get our water eople in Kuwait can now recharge their syndrome and facilitates better sleep patterns,” mal supply of oxygen,” said Failakawi. dry seasons. tanker.” Authorities in New Delhi had energy, relieve stress, and relax at Oasis, he added. “The idea of this place was to replace shisha issued warnings over the weekend of Pthe country’s first oxygen bar. Oxygen is Failakawi dished out some facts about oxy- (water pipe) cafes, as smoking shisha is harmful. Marginal communities impending water shortages, advising resi- important for life, and a lack of oxygen can have gen. “Less than 200 years ago, the earth’s atmos- At our bar, patrons improve their health and The situation is especially bad for the dents to use the resource sparingly and negative effects on the human body including phere comprised of 40 percent oxygen - today vitalize their energy. The customer comes here most marginal communities living in canceling all school classes on Monday. headaches, dizziness and loss of concentration. we breathe only 21 percent. Lack of oxygen in and sits comfortably in the wide leather seats slums or riverside shanties, where many But while some residents were filling Ninety percent of our energy comes from oxy- our universe is due to pollution, burning of fossil and puts a tube in his nose, which is connected rely on sewage-tainted river water, leaks buckets and bottles in case the situation gen, and only 10 percent from food and water. fuels and the destruction of the ozone layer. to the oxygen machine. The client can choose from broken pipes or deliveries by munici- worsened, others, including many wealth- “Oxygen has many benefits and is vital for the Every day, we breathe 20,000 times. Research four different essences out of 48 that are avail- pal water trucks. Others in New Delhi ier households that rely on groundwater, immune system, memory, thinking and sight. It has demonstrated that our vital lung capacity able here. He can control the machine for just draw heavily from the ground, leading the were buffeted from the crisis. heightens concentration, alertness and memory. decreases five percent with every decade of life. one smell or two, three or all four together. city’s aquifer levels to decline by 4 meters Delhi water board authorities were Oxygen promotes healing, counters ageing and This lung elasticity means less oxygen,” he point- During the 15-minute-long session, he can open in the last decade, according to the working with experts in the army and strengthens the heart, reducing the risk of heart ed out. and close or switch between the four essences. Central Ground Water Board. Haryana state yesterday to repair the attacks. It also calms the mind, stabilizes the Blood is the carrier of oxygen that fuels the We have set 15 minutes for each session as it’s When protesters from the underprivi- damage done by the protesters, said nervous system, speeds up the body’s recovery system, stimulates chemical reactions and enough to get the benefits of oxygen, but the leged Jat community breached the canal Mishra, the Delhi water minister. Of the after physical exertion and provides a natural cleanses itself of wastes and toxins. “By mass, client can take another session,” Failakawi wall on Saturday, they effectively cut off city’s three water treatment plants, one remedy for headaches, migraines and hang- oxygen makes up 90 percent of the water mole- explained. about two-thirds of New Delhi’s water. The was again working at full capacity, while overs,” Talal Al-Failakawi, owner of Oasis Oxygen cule, and water makes up between 65-75 per- The Oasis Oxygen Bar opened two months Jats, traditionally a farming community the other two had resumed operations at Bar, told Kuwait Times. cent of the human body. The brain, which makes ago and provides services for both men and within India’s ancient system of caste hier- 50-60 percent capacity. — AP Oxygen has many more benefits. “It relieves up two percent of our total mass, requires 20 women. It is located in Salmiya, next to the temporary attitude discomfort, improves diges- percent of the body’s oxygen needs. Also, almost Sultan Center. “There are 10 seats for patrons, tion and cell metabolism, relieves muscle stiff- all cancerous beginnings are due to a lack of cell and we welcome clients 18 years old and above. It’s not because it’s dangerous for youngsters, but because people below this age have enough oxygen in their bodies. There are now two public medical centers that are using medical oxygen to treat patients. Also, smokers need more oxygen,” stated Failakawi. “All our products are imported from the United States directly. The 48 aromatic essences are divided into vitalizing or relaxing essences. Usually, our clients come after work, and some come in the evening, especially those who have problems with sleeping. Also, we have some older customers who are retired and they come in the mornings. Also, some clients fall asleep during their session as it’s relaxing, and we let them relax till they wake up by themselves,” he noted. The weather in Kuwait is the enemy of oxygen, according to Failakawi. “Heat and humidity affect people and make them angry and both- ered during summer, while their mood during winter is better. Some clients come twice and even three times a week. Some people are not aware of the benefits and importance of oxygen, NEW DELHI: Residents crowd around a municipality tanker delivering drinking as they don’t see it, but it’s really important for water at a slum. — AP our well-being,” concluded Failakawi. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Friendship Society hosts luncheon in honor of UK Middle East Association

nder the auspices of the British-Kuwait Friendship Society, Sheikh Mubarak hosted a lunch in the honor of the former Chairman of British Arab Chamber of Commerce Sir Roger Tomkys, and Peter Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Middle East Association. The luncheon attended by members of the Kuwait - British Friendship Society headed by its Chairman, His Excellency Ambassador Abdullah UBesharah, the British Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Matthew Lodge, and many leading businessmen, diplomats, and personalities. Sheikh Mubarak in his welcoming speech stressed on the strong economic and trade relations between the United Kingdom and Kuwait, while the British delegation thanked Sheikh Mubarak for the hospitality they felt in Kuwait, expressing their trust that the close investment and commercial ties will continue to grow.

NBK’s family shares the spirit of National Day with sick kids

KUWAIT: On the occasion of Kuwait’s inde- moments with the children is our pleasure. corporate social responsibility programs by pendence and the anniversary of its libera- We are proud that NBK devotes such atten- funding the NBK Children’s hospital 15 Years tion, National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) family tion to support the Kuwait society and pro- ago. The hospital focused on providing treat- ABK lights up headquarters for paid a visit to NBK Hospital and Ibn Sina vide compassion and help for those in need, ment for children’ suffering from chronic dis- Hospital at Sabah Medical district to share including children.” The visits were emotional eases.NBK continues to build the first of its National and Liberation Days happy moments of Kuwait’s national celebra- and overwhelming for both the children and kind in Kuwait, the independent marrow tions with the children who suffer from NBK family. NBK’s visits to hospitals and care transplant center at NBK’s Children Hospital. l Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) marked Liberation Day. chronic diseases. “NBK staff have always centers reflect the bank’s high sense of duty Also, NBK continues to support the transfer the start of its National and The Bank will be closed for business devoted a considerable part of their time to and responsibility towards all those in need of knowledge and skills by hosting a team of ALiberation day celebrations earlier from 25th to 27th February, 2016 and will comfort children and present them with felic- from different sectors of society. It is a well experts from the prestigious Great Ormond this month by lighting up its Head resume its operations on Sunday 28th itations and gifts as part of NBK’s corporate rooted tradition that has been carried out by Street Hospital in London which includes Quarters with the colors of the Kuwaiti February, 2016. During this period, ABK’s social responsibility program”, said Joanne Al NBK each year in its efforts to continuously several specialists in blood diseases, cancer flag. The Bank will be celebrating today online services and call center will be Abdul Jaleel, NBK Public Relations Officer. have an active role in the Kuwait society. and pediatric Neurosurgery to work at the with its staff members on this occasion by available. ABK takes this opportunity to Al Abdul Jaleel added “Sharing happy It is worth mentioning that NBK pioneered hospital. distributing Kuwait flags and themed pins congratulate HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah as well as traditional sweets across all Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH the branches. As part of ABK’s social responsi- Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al- bility and in line with its focus on special Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and to the needs, the Bank will also be the main Kuwaiti government and its people. For sponsor of the special needs operetta more information on Al Ahli Bank of organized by the Ministry of Social Affairs Kuwait please visit www.eahli.com or con- where special needs children as well as tact an ABK representative via ‘Ahli Chat’ or children in care homes will participate to by contacting a customer service agent celebrate the country’s National & via ‘Ahlan Ahli’ at 1899899.

Islamic Dawah Centre Kuwait

slamic Dawah Centre (IDC) is a non prof- *Separate arrangement for Ladies and itable Indian Muslim Association that Lunch will be served Iworks to give the message of Islam to Program 2:- the Muslims and the non-Muslim Indian Iyarkai Markam Islam (for Non-Muslims) Tamil speaking community by organizing Date: 26/02/2016 -Friday. various forms of programs and Dawah. As a Time: 4:30 p.m part of this, IDC is conducting a one day Venue: In a specially arranged tent in mega program for the forthcoming Mangaf, Block-2, next to fire station National and Liberation day holidays in Highlights : Games , Discussions , Kuwait. Special Speech , Q & A Session ,Prize distri- The program is as follows; bution * Transport will be arranged & Date: 25/02/2016 -Thursday. Dinner packs will be served Time: 10 am-5:00 pm Special Guest:- Moulavi Sadaqatullah Venue: In a specially arranged Tent in Umari (Islamic Scholar, Chennai, India) Mangaf, Block-2, next to Mangaf fire station Tel: 25669425, 23722805, Mob: Highlights : Holy Quran quiz competi- 97695608 tions, Islamic exhibition, Special Bayaan, www.idctamil.com - Email: idc@idc- Prize distribution and Games for children,. tamil.com

Congratulations Alappuzha District ongratulations to you Andrew - for passing your Association Kuwait formed MBBS exams. We wish C general body meeting convened in Salmiya Chempalayam, Sunil Suthan, John Varghese, you ‘all the best’ in your life. May on February 19 has formed a new associa- Roshan Jacob, Mathew Achankunju, Abraham God bless you. Wishes and Ation by name “Alappuzha District Association Mathew, Sreekumar Gopinathan Pillai, Hari Soman, prayers from dad, mom, Kuwait, a gathering of people hailing from Saiju George, Sinijith Devarajan, Sujith Ammachi, Chechi, Alappuzha district of Kerala. Following are the list Muthukulam, George Thomas,Jithesh M M, Thomas Sibiachachan, Kichukutten, of democratically elected office bearers: (Patron) Joy, AD Varghese. The Association will stand for: Chacko George Kutty; (President) B S Pillai; (Vice Fostering fraternity among friends from Alappuzha Jonukutten, friends and well- Presidents) Christopher Daniel, Krishnakumar C; in Kuwait; Promoting the diverse Indian culture; wishers. (General Secretary) Vipin Mangattu; (Secretaries) Uplifting the down-trodden; Medical and Thomas Mathew, Zakeer Puthenpalathu; (Treasurer) Educational Assistance; Other social, welfare and Shibu Cherian; (Joint Treasurer) Saiju Ettiathara. cultural activities, respecting the laws of the land Executive Members include:- Manoj K John, Binu and guidance of the Indian Embassy. WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Ooredoo concludes Hala February Festival

oredoo Kuwait, a member of interna- Ooredoo Kuwait has dedicated a special song popular singers from the Middle East partici- val had special international performances, as and cartoon characters, as well as gifts dis- tional Ooredoo Group, announced the titled “Rayeh Al Kuwait”, written by Kuwaiti pated in concerts where hundreds of atten- well as a gliding show, a parade of govern- tributed by the company’s representatives Oconclusion of Hala February Festival poet Saher, composed by Abdullah Al Quood dees were amused, participating singers ment vehicles, and many other entertaining and Nasri. 2016, the biggest local annual festival. and performed by the famous Kuwaiti singer were Abadi Al Johar, Asala Nasri, Fahad Al activities. The festival also included Hala February Ooredoo’s partnership with this festival Nabil Shuail and the Qatari singer Fahad Al Kubaisi, Cheb Khaled and Tamer Hosni, As for the Shopping Festival this year, it Marathon, which witnessed the participation reflects the company’s belief in its social Kubaisi. The song revolves around the idea of Shamma Hamdan, Saad Al Mujarad, Ibrahim included a lot of promotional offers for all of hundreds people from Kuwait. In addition responsibility toward the community and in union of the Arabian Gulf nations and invites Dashti, Hatem Iraqi, Musaed AlBalushi, Nabil participants, in addition to a large number of to The Graffiti ‘For the Love of Kuwait’ compe- the importance of effectively taking part in them to participate in celebrating Kuwait’s Shuail, Ahlam, Hind Al Bahrania, Shereen and prizes and draws. The festival kick off was at tition where participants expressed their love national events and activities. On this occa- national festival. Hussein Aljasmi. Al Dabos Mall in Fahaheel, then Beirut Mall in for their beloved country by drawing on the sion, Ooredoo’s Director of Corporate The festival activities included Hala This year’s carnival was attended by HE Hawalli, and continued to include Maghateer walls of a specialized area in Souq Sharq The Communications, Mijbil Alayoub said: “We are February camp in Bneider, which involved a Minister of Information and Minister of State Mall in Al Farwaneya and was concluded in event also included an Equestrian champi- proud to have a positive role in the success of dedicated area to support small businesses. for Youth Affairs, Sheikh Salman Al-Homoud SouqSharq. On the side-line of Hala February onship in considered as one of the most such a massive national event and are happy Other activities included educational, cultural Al-Sabah, and HE Minister of State for Cabinet Festival, Ooredoo organized a special visit to exciting activities of Hala February, it was with the conclusion of the successful cultural, and religious symposiums in addition to chil- Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah. Bait Abdullah accompanied by the singer organized by Kuwait Riding Centre and religious, entertainment and sports activities. dren activities. One of the most exciting parts Ooredoo Kuwait’s General Manager and CEO, Asala Nasri, during her visit to Kuwait, in included intermediate tournament, horse Ooredoo will continue to support impor- of Hala February Festival 2016 was the musi- Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Thani order to share the joy of the national celebra- dancing shows, beginners’ tournaments, tant initiatives benefiting the people of cal concerts, which captured the interest of attended the carnival along with company’s’ tions with paediatric patients, the program advanced tournaments, raffle draws and win- Kuwait. In celebration of the national festival, many people inside and out Kuwait. Sixteen executives and department heads. The carni- included entertainment shows for children ners honoring. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 TV PROGRAMS

13:20 Doctor Who 07:15 Bondi Rescue 14:25 Doctors 07:40 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 14:55 Doctors 08:05 Street Food Around The 15:30 Starlings World 16:15 Call The Midwife 08:30 Street Food Around The 00:00 Breaking Bad 17:10 Doctor Who World 00:00 The Quiet Ones 18:00 Doctors 00:20 Fast Nʼ Loud 08:55 Hook It, Cook It 01:45 Last Passenger 05:15 Big Screen 01:10 The Island With Bear Grylls 05:25 Earthbound 18:30 Eastenders 09:20 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 03:30 The Hulk 19:05 Death In Paradise 02:00 Men, Women, Wild 09:45 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 06:00 Justice League: Throne Of 07:00 Movers And Shakers 02:50 River Monsters (Best Of 08:20 Grayeagle 20:00 Call The Midwife 10:10 Fearless Chef Atlantis 21:00 Call The Midwife Series 1-5) 11:00 Eat Street 07:30 Guardians Of The Galaxy 10:05 Punks 03:40 Storage Hunters 11:40Still Life: A Three Pines Mystery 22:00 Ripper Street 11:25 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild 09:45 The Malay Chronicles: 22:55 Death In Paradise 04:05 The Liquidator Table Bloodlines 13:10 The Sharkfighters 04:30 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 14:25 George Washington 23:50 Doctors 11:50 Cesar To The Rescue 11:45 Age Of Dinosaurs Edition 12:40 Maverick Chef 13:30 The Hunger Games: 15:55 Still Life: A Three Pines Mystery 05:00 How Itʼs Made: Dream Cars 17:25 Music Of The Heart 13:05 Bondi Rescue Catching Fire 05:30 How Do They Do It? 13:35 Grandmaʼs Boy 16:00 Abandoned Mine 19:30 Robinson Crusoe 06:00 Flying Wild Alaska 21:00 Breaking Bad 14:00 Street Food Around The 17:45 Guardians Of The Galaxy 06:50 Kings Of Crash World 20:00 The X Files 22:00 Breaking Bad 07:40 Fast Nʼ Loud 00:00 Whatʼd You Miss? 14:30 Street Food Around The 22:00 The A-Team 23:00 Breaking Bad 08:30 Storage Hunters 01:00 Charlie Rose World 08:55 The Liquidator 02:00 First Up With Angie Lau 14:55 Hook It, Cook It 09:20 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 03:00 First Up With Angie Lau 15:25 My Sri Lanka With Peter Edition 04:00 Trending Business Kuruvita 09:45 How Itʼs Made: Dream Cars 05:00 Trending Business 15:50 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 10:10 How Do They Do It? 06:00 Asia Edge 16:20 Fearless Chef 00:50 River Monsters 10:35 The Island With Bear Grylls 07:00 Bloomberg West 17:15 Eat Street 00:00 Life Of Crime 01:45 Swamp Brothers 11:25 Men, Women, Wild 08:00 Charlie Rose 17:40 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild 02:00 Encino Man 02:40 Wild Capture School 12:15 River Monsters (Best Of 09:00 Countdown Table 04:00 All About Christmas Eve 03:35 Tanked Series 1-5) 10:00 Countdown 18:10 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 06:00 Simon Birch 04:25 Cute To Killer 13:05 Storage Hunters 10:30 On The Move Planet 08:00 Rush Hour 05:15 Gator Boys 13:30 The Liquidator 11:00 On The Move 18:35 The Food Files 10:00 Tooth Fairy 06:02 Treehouse Masters 13:55 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 12:00 The Pulse 19:05 Hook It, Cook It 12:00 Encino Man 06:49 Wild Capture School Edition 13:00 Bloomberg Surveillance 19:30 My Sri Lanka With Peter 14:00 Planet 51 07:36 Swamp Brothers 14:20 Flying Wild Alaska 14:00 Bloomberg Surveillance Kuruvita 16:00 Rush Hour 08:00 Swamp Brothers 15:10 Kings Of Crash 15:00 Bloomberg Go 20:00 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 18:00 The Love Punch 08:25 Bad Dog 16:00 Fast Nʼ Loud 16:00 Bloomberg Go 20:25 Fearless Chef 20:00 22 Jump Street 09:15 Wild Capture School 16:50 How Itʼs Made: Dream Cars 17:00 Bloomberg Go 21:15 Eat Street 22:00 A Million Ways To Die In The 10:10 Treehouse Masters 17:15 How Do They Do It? 18:00 Bloomberg Markets 21:40 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild West 11:05 Tanked 17:40 Mythbusters 19:00 Bloomberg Markets: Table 12:00 Bad Dog 18:30 The Weapon Hunter European Close 22:05 Food Loverʼs Guide To The 12:55 Bondi Vet 19:20 Close-Up Kings 20:00 Bloomberg Markets Planet 13:50 Wild Capture School 20:10 The Liquidator 21:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:30 The Food Files 14:45 Gator Boys 20:35 Auction Hunters: Pawn Shop 22:00 Bloomberg Markets 22:55 Maverick Chef 15:40 Treehouse Masters Edition 23:00 Bloomberg Markets 23:20 Bondi Rescue 16:35 Tanked 21:00 Mythbusters 23:45 Grandmaʼs Boy 01:45 Wonʼt Back Down 17:30 Cute To Killer 21:50 The Weapon Hunter 03:45 Blue Ruin 18:25 River Monsters 22:40 Big Giant Swords 05:30 Vanity Fair 19:20 Dog Rescuers 23:30 Kings Of Crash 20:15 Tanked 08:00 The Nightmare Before 21:10 Gorilla Doctors Christmas 09:30 Grace Of Monaco 22:05 Treehouse Masters 00:00 News Update 11:15 Vanity Fair 23:00 Dog Rescuers 00:30 Dialogue 13:45 Beaches 23:55 Gator Boys 01:00 News Update 15:45 Great Expectations 01:15 China 24 00:30 Suburgatory 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 18:00 Grace Of Monaco 02:00 The Heat 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 19:45 To Write Love On Her Arms 02:30 News Update Wilmore 01:30 The Haunted 21:30 How I Live Now 03:00 Global Business 01:30 Brickleberry 02:20 Ghost Lab 23:30 Five Easy Pieces 04:00 News Update 02:00 Youʼre The Worst 03:10 Surviving Evil 00:00 Programmes Start At 05:00 News Update 02:30 Itʼs Always Sunny In 04:00 Deadly Women 7:00am KSA 06:30 Dialogue Philadelphia 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:00 Pickle And Peanut 07:00 News Hour 03:00 New Girl 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 07:25 K. C. Undercover 08:00 Global Business 03:30 Mr. Robinson 05:30 The Haunted 07:50 Supa Strikas 09:00 News Update 04:00 I Hate My Teenage 06:20 Fatal Encounters 08:15 Annedroids 10:30 Sports Scene Daughter 01:00 Nightingale 07:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 08:40 Lab Rats 11:00 Global Business 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 03:00 Forget And Forgive Jones 09:10 Kirby Buckets 12:00 News Update Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Odd Thomas 08:00 Dr. G: Medical Examiner LAST PASSENGER ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 09:35 Wander Over Yonder 12:30 Culture Express 05:30 Modern Family 07:00 Into The Storm 08:50 On The Case With Paula 10:00 Rocket Monkeys 13:00 Africa Live 06:00 $#*! My Dad Says 09:00 The Hundred-Foot Journey Zahn 10:25 Ultimate Spider-Man 14:00 News Update 03:50 Solved 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 06:30 Community 11:15 The Song 09:40 Fatal Encounters 10:50 Boyster 14:30 Dialogue 04:35 Extreme Engineering 01:45 Calimero 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:15 Louder Than Words 10:30 Murder Shift 11:20 Boyster 15:00 News Update 05:20 Deadliest Catch 02:00 Zou 08:00 I Hate My Teenage 15:00 Draft Day 11:20 Deadly Affairs 11:45 Pair Of Kings 15:15 China 24 06:05 Chef Gone Wild 02:15 Loopdidoo Daughter 17:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 12:10 Pair Of Kings 16:00 News Update 06:50 100 Miles From Nowhere 02:30 Art Attack 08:30 Cristela Turtles Jones 00:00 Stewarts And Hamiltons 12:35 Lab Rats 16:15 Global Business 07:35 Origins 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 09:00 New Girl 19:00 Mortdecai 13:00 The Will 00:55 The Grace Helbig Show 13:00 Lab Rats 17:00 News Update 08:00 Deadliest Catch 03:05 Calimero 09:30 Modern Family 21:00 The D Train 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 01:25 Keeping Up With The 13:30 Phineas And Ferb 17:15 World InSight 08:50 Codes And Conspiracies 03:20 Zou 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 23:00 Ex Machina 14:40 California Investigator Kardashians 13:55 Phineas And Ferb 18:00 Asia Today 09:40 100 Miles From Nowhere 03:30 Loopdidoo 10:30 Community 15:05 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 02:20 Giuliana & Bill 14:20 Kickinʼ It 18:30 Culture Express 10:30 Bizarre Foods 03:45 Art Attack 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 15:55 Fatal Encounters 03:15 Christina Milian Turned Up 14:45 Kickinʼ It 19:00 News Update 11:20 Extreme Engineering 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster Jimmy Fallon 16:45 On The Case With Paula 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 19:30 The Heat 12:10 Deadliest Catch 04:20 Calimero 12:00 $#*! My Dad Says Zahn 05:05 Ryan Seacrest With The 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 20:00 Africa Live 13:00 JFK: Inside The Target Car 04:35 Zou 12:30 I Hate My Teenage 01:00 Welsh Open Snooker 17:35 Murder Shift Kardashians 15:40 Wander Over Yonder 21:00 Global Business 13:50 Chef Gone Wild 04:45 Loopdidoo Daughter 03:00 LPGA Tour Highlights 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 06:00 Keeping Up With The 16:05 Pickle And Peanut 21:30 Dialogue 14:40 Extreme Engineering 05:00 Art Attack 13:00 Breaking In 04:00 AFL NAB Challenge 19:15 The Will Kardashians 16:30 Kirby Buckets 22:00 News Update 15:30 Codes And Conspiracies 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 13:30 Community 06:00 HSBC World Rugby Sevens 20:05 Deadly Affairs 06:55 Keeping Up With The 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty 22:15 China 24 16:20 100 Miles From Nowhere 05:35 Calimero 14:00 Mr. Robinson Highlights 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite Kardashians Much Everything 23:00 News Update 17:10 Deadliest Catch 05:50 Zou 14:30 Modern Family 06:30 Top 14 Highlights Jones 07:50 Style Star 17:25 K. C. Undercover 23:15 World InSight 18:00 Dive To The Bottom Of The 06:00 Loopdidoo 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:00 Golfing World 21:45 California Investigator 08:20 New Money 17:50 Supa Strikas World 06:15 Art Attack 15:30 Suburgatory 08:00 PGA Tour Highlights 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 08:45 New Money 18:15 Lab Rats 18:50 Chef Gone Wild 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 09:00 PGA European Tour 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 18:40 Mighty Med 19:40 Codes And Conspiracies 06:50 Calimero Wilmore Highlights 23:00 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 19:10 Annedroids 20:30 America: Facts vs. Fiction 07:00 Zou 16:30 $#*! My Dad Says 10:00 The PGA Tour Champions 23:50 Deadline: Crime With 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 19:35 Pickle And Peanut 20:55 America: Facts vs. Fiction 07:20 Loopdidoo 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers Highlights Tamron Hall 21:20 Mega Predators 07:35 Art Attack 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 18:00 New Girl 20:00 Kirby Buckets 12:05 The Grace Helbig Show 11:00 Golfing World 20:25 Gamers Guide To Pretty 22:10 Extreme Engineering 08:00 Calimero 18:30 Playing House 12:00 Welsh Open Snooker 23:00 America: Facts vs. Fiction 08:10 Zou 12:35 The Grace Helbig Show 19:00 The Last Man On Earth Much Everything 01:00 CNBC Conversation: David 14:00 LPGA Tour Highlights 23:25 America: Facts vs. Fiction 08:25 Loopdidoo 13:05 Fashion Bloggers 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 20:55 K. C. Undercover Hertz 15:00 Top 14 Highlights 23:50 Mega Predators 08:40 Miles From Tomorrow 13:35 Fashion Bloggers 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 21:20 Supa Strikas 01:30 Investing In India 15:30 Rugby League World Club 09:05 Sofia The First 14:05 Dash Dolls Jimmy Fallon 21:45 Lab Rats 02:00 U.S. Squawk Alley Challenge 09:30 Goldie & Bear 15:00 Keeping Up With The 21:00 Suburgatory 22:10 Mighty Med 03:00 Asia Squawk Box 17:30 Top 14 Highlights 09:45 Jake And The Never Land Kardashians 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 05:00 Asia Street Signs 00:35 Weird Or What? 18:00 Golfing World Pirates 16:00 Keeping Up With The Wilmore 08:00 Capital Connection 01:20 How Itʼs Made 19:00 Inside The PGA Tour 10:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Kardashians 22:00 Brickleberry 09:00 Squawk Box Europe 01:44 How Itʼs Made 19:30 European Tour Weekly 10:35 Doc McStuffins 17:00 Christina Milian Turned Up 22:30 Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll 12:00 Europe Street Signs 02:08 Food Factory 20:00 Trans World Sport 11:00 Sofia The First 18:00 E! News 23:00 Itʼs Always Sunny In 13:00 Worldwide Exchange 02:31 Food Factory 00:00 Violetta 19:00 Dash Dolls 21:00 PGA European Tour 02:55 Moon Machines 00:45 The Hive 11:30 Goldie & Bear Philadelphia Highlights 00:10 The Chase 14:00 U.S. Squawk Box 20:00 Fashion Police 03:42 Mythbusters 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 22:00 PGA Tour Highlights 01:05 Emmerdale 17:00 Squawk On The Street 12:25 Special Agent Oso 21:00 Botched 04:29 Weird Or What? Teenage Witch 22:00 E! News 23:00 Asian Tour Highlights 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 12:40 The Hive 12:50 Handy Manny 23:00 Hollywood Medium With Teenage Witch Tyler Henry 01:40 Hank Zipzer 13:15 Jungle Junction 02:05 Binny And The Ghost 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:30 Violetta 14:00 Sofia The First 00:00 Top 14 03:15 The Hive 14:25 Goldie & Bear 00:00 Chicago Fire 02:00 Rugby League World Club 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 14:50 Doc McStuffins 01:00 Complications Challenge Teenage Witch 15:15 Zou 02:00 Supergirl 04:00 PGA European Tour 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:00 The X-Files Highlights Teenage Witch 15:55 Loopdidoo 00:10 Eat Street 04:00 Good Morning America 05:00 PGA Tour Highlights 04:10 Hank Zipzer 16:10 Miles From Tomorrow 00:35 Eat Street 06:00 Complications 06:00 Trans World Sport 04:35 Binny And The Ghost 16:35 Jake And The Never Land 01:00 Maverick Chef 07:00 The Whispers 07:00 Gillette World Sport 05:00 Violetta Pirates 01:25 Bondi Rescue 08:00 C.S.I. Cyber 07:30 Premier League Darts 05:45 The Hive 17:00 Sofia The First 01:50 David Roccoʼs Dolce Vita 09:00 Castle 11:00 Cycling Tour 05:50 Mouk 17:25 Jungle Cubs 02:15 Street Food Around The 10:00 Castle 12:00 NHL 06:00 Lolirock 17:50 Aladdin World 11:00 The Whispers 14:00 PGA European Tour 06:25 Sofia The First 18:15 Gummi Bears 02:40 Street Food Around The 12:00 Coronation Street Highlights 06:50 Gravity Falls 18:40 Goldie & Bear World 12:30 Coronation Street 15:00 PGA Tour Highlights 07:15 Miraculous Tales Of 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 03:05 Hook It, Cook It 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 16:00 Top 14 Highlights Ladybug & Cat Noir 19:30 Sofia The First 03:30 Lee Chanʼs World Food Tour 14:00 Supergirl 16:30 WWE Experience 07:40 Jessie 19:55 Doc McStuffins 03:55 David Roccoʼs Dolce India 15:00 Live Good Morning America 17:30 WWE Afterburn 08:05 Shake It Up 20:10 Jake And The Never Land 04:20 Fearless Chef 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 18:30 This Week In WWE 08:30 Shake It Up Pirates 05:10 Eat Street 18:00 C.S.I. Cyber 19:00 WWE Vintage 08:55 Thatʼs So Raven 20:35 Miles From Tomorrow 05:35 Valentine Warnerʼs Wild 19:00 The Fosters 20:00 NHL 09:20 Thatʼs So Raven 21:00 Goldie & Bear Table 20:00 Marvelʼs Agent Carter 22:00 Welsh Open Snooker 09:45 Austin & Ally 21:30 Sofia The First 06:00 Hook, Line And Sisters 21:00 Marvelʼs Agent Carter 10:10 Austin & Ally 22:00 Jungle Cubs 06:25 The Food Files 22:00 The Flash 10:35 A.N.T. Farm 22:25 Aladdin 06:50 Maverick Chef 23:00 DCʼs Legends Of Tomorrow 11:00 A.N.T. Farm 22:50 Gummi Bears 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 11:25 Jessie 00:00 Golfing World LIFE OF CRIME ON OSN MOVIES HD COMEDY 11:50 Jessie 23:45 Cars Toons 23:50 Zou 01:00 PGA European Tour 12:20 Miraculous Tales Of Highlights 01:30 More Tales From 19:00 U.S. Squawk Alley 05:16 Food Factory Ladybug & Cat Noir 02:00 PGA Tour Highlights Northumberland... 20:00 Fast Money: Half Time 05:39 Food Factory 12:45 Fish Hooks 03:00 The World Sailing Show 02:00 Coronation Street Report 06:03 Moon Machines 12:55 Fish Hooks 03:30 Inside Sailing 02:30 Murdoch Mysteries 21:00 U.S. Power Lunch 06:50 Unchained Reaction 13:10 Good Luck Charlie 04:00 Top 14 03:25 Shetland 23:00 U.S. Closing Bell 07:37 How Do They Do It? 13:35 I Didnʼt Do It 06:00 World Pool Masters 04:20 Chasing Shadows 08:00 How Do They Do It? 14:00 Dog With A Blog 07:00 NRL All-Star Match 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 05:15 Come Dine With Me 08:23 Weird Or What? 14:30 H2O 09:00 The World Sailing Show 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Couples 09:08 Mythbusters 14:55 Girl Meets World 09:30 Inside Sailing 01:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:10 Whoʼs Doing The Dishes? 09:53 Unchained Reaction 15:20 Jessie 10:00 Rugby League World Club 01:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:05 More Tales From 10:38 How Itʼs Made 15:45 Miraculous Tales Of Challenge 02:00 Man v Food Northumberland... 11:00 How Itʼs Made Ladybug & Cat Noir 12:00 The Weber Cup 02:30 Man v Food 07:30 Shetland 11:23 Strangest Weather On Earth 16:10 Violetta 13:00 Europro Tour 03:00 Man Fire Food 08:25 Chasing Shadows 12:08 Moon Machines 17:00 The Next Step 15:00 Gillette World Sport 03:30 Man Fire Food 09:20 Murdoch Mysteries 00:00 They Took Our Child, We 12:53 Unchained Reaction 17:25 Liv And Maddie 15:30 Cycling Tour 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 10:15 The Chase Got Her Back 13:38 Weird Or What? 17:50 Jessie 16:30 Golfing World 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:10 More Tales From 01:00 Martina Coleʼs Lady Killers 14:23 How Itʼs Made 18:15 Austin & Ally 17:30 Gillette World Sport 05:00 Iron Chef America Northumberland... 02:00 Fatal Vows 14:46 How Itʼs Made 18:40 I Didnʼt Do It 18:00 The Weber Cup 06:00 Chopped 11:35 Come Dine With Me 03:00 They Took Our Child, We 15:10 Mythbusters 19:05 Miraculous Tales Of 19:00 Europro Tour 07:00 Man Fire Food Couples Got Her Back 15:57 Strangest Weather On Earth Ladybug & Cat Noir 21:00 Premier League Darts 04:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 16:44 Moon Machines 19:30 Violetta 07:30 Man Fire Food 05:00 Martina Coleʼs Lady Killers 17:31 Unchained Reaction 20:20 The Next Step 08:00 Chopped 06:00 Fatal Vows 18:18 Mythbusters 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 09:00 Barefoot Contessa 07:00 The FBI Files 19:05 Weird Or What? 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 09:30 Barefoot Contessa 08:00 The FBI Files 19:50 Invent It Rich 21:35 H2O: Just Add Water 10:00 The Kitchen 00:10 Doctors 09:00 Frenemies 20:40 Moon Machines 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 11:00 The Pioneer Woman 01:30 The Worldʼs Strongest Man 00:45 Unforgotten 09:30 Private Crimes 21:25 How Itʼs Made 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 11:30 The Pioneer Woman 02:00 Pro Bull Riders 01:35 Unforgotten 10:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 21:50 How Itʼs Made Teenage Witch 12:00 Chopped 03:00 Mass Participation U.K 02:20 Ripper Street 11:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 22:15 Mythbusters 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 13:00 Guyʼs Big Bite 03:30 Mass Participation U.K 03:20 Doctors 12:00 Beyond Scared Straight 23:00 Invent It Rich Teenage Witch 13:30 Guyʼs Big Bite 04:00 F1 H2O World 03:50 Doctors 13:00 I Killed My BFF 23:45 Moon Machines 23:10 Hank Zipzer 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Championship Highlights 04:20 Starlings 14:00 Crime Stories 23:35 Binny And The Ghost 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 04:30 Pro Bull Riders 05:05 The Town 15:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 15:00 Man Fire Food 05:30 Extreme Sailing Highlights 05:55 Doctors 16:00 Frenemies 15:30 Man Fire Food 06:00 Extreme Sailing Highlights 06:25 Doctors 16:30 Private Crimes 16:00 Chopped 06:50 Live Paytm Ranji Trophy 06:55 Starlings 17:00 The FBI Files 17:00 The Kitchen 15:00 NHL 07:45 Call The Midwife 18:00 Beyond Scared Straight 18:00 The Pioneer Woman 17:20 Live Pro Kabaddi 18:30 The Pioneer Woman 08:40 Doctor Who 19:00 Crime Stories 00:40 Solved 18:30 FIH Hockey World 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 19:00 Chopped 09:45 Doctors 20:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 01:30 Codes And Conspiracies 19:00 Pro Bull Riders 00:20 Calimero 20:00 Iron Chef America 10:15 Doctors 21:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 02:20 Origins 20:00 Formula-E Championship 00:35 Zou 21:00 Chopped 10:45 Death In Paradise 22:00 Frenemies 02:45 Origins Highlights 00:50 Loopdidoo 22:00 All Star Academy 11:40 Starlings 22:30 Private Crimes 03:05 Dive To The Bottom Of The 21:00 WWE Vintage 01:05 Art Attack 23:00 Kitchen Casino 12:25 Call The Midwife 23:00 My Haunted House World LOUDER THAN WORDS ON OSN MOVIES HD 22:00 NHL Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (18/02/2016 TO 24/02/2016)

SHARQIA-1 SYNCHRONICITY 3:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 10:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 11:45 AM SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:05 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 1:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 7:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 3:45 PM SYNCHRONICITY 10:15 PM VERY BIG SHOT 10:00 PM AL-KOUT.3 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 8:15 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM FANAR-3 AVENUES-3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 5:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:45 AM THE FINEST HOURS 11:30 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:15 PM FITOOR - Hindi 2:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM SHARQIA-2 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 4:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 4:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:45 PM FITOOR - Hindi 6:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 2:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 9:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 residing at No: 2, Samayana HAIL, CAESAR! 4:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:05 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:05 AM SYNCHRONICITY 1:00 PM CHANGE OF NAME Sheik Mohamed Moopan SHAKET DABOUS 6:45 PM NO FRI+SAT HAIL, CAESAR! 8:30 PM FANAR-4 AVENUES-4 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:45 PM Street, Melapalayam, SHAKET DABOUS 10:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 1:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:45 PM FRI+SAT I Santos Girlie Macapagal , Tirunelveli Dist. Pin: 627005, HAIL, CAESAR! 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 3:00 PM FITOOR - Hindi 3:00 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:45 PM Phillipine Passport No. shall henceforth be known as CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 5:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM FRI+SAT EC6534457 hereby declare SHARQIA-3 SHAKET DABOUS 7:00 PM Special Show “ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD THE FINEST HOURS 3:15 PM Kaleel Rahman. (C 5136) THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 1:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 9:00 PM CHIP” 6:00 PM NO FRI+SAT to change my present 22-2-2016 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 8:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM name to Mckenzie Girlie ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:45 PM Santos in my Passport THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 1:00 AM SYNCHRONICITY 10:15 PM Abid Hussain Bohra, holder of THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:45 PM FANAR-5 SYNCHRONICITY 12:30 AM Passport No. F7052032, 360º 1 Anisa Arif Zariwala, THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:05 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 PM changed my name to Abid THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:00 PM BAIRAQ-1 Passport No. K3390433, MUHALAB-1 Hussain Dholkawala. (C 5135) THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 5:00 PM THE FINEST HOURS 2:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 1:00 PM residing at 7, Najam Marg, HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 7:15 PM THE FINEST HOURS 5:00 PM NO FRI+SAT HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 9:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 7:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:30 PM Bohrawadi, Udaipur - I, PIEDADE RANGEL holder of HAIL, CAESAR! 3:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 11:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 10:00 PM FRI+SAT 313001, Rajasthan, India, Passport No. 4643677 R/o SYNCHRONICITY 5:45 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:30 AM HAIL, CAESAR! 3:30 PM shall henceforth be known HAIL, CAESAR! 7:45 PM MARINA-1 ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 5:30 PM H.No. 129 Kursavaddo 360º- 2 as SAKINA ZARIWALA. Piedade Diwar, Tiswadi Goa SYNCHRONICITY 9:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM HAIL, CAESAR! 7:30 PM C5138) HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 11:45 THE FINEST HOURS 9:30 PM changed my name from HAIL, CAESAR! 3:45 PM AM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:05 AM 24-2-2016 MUHALAB-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 5:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 2:00 PM PIEDADE RANGEL to PIEDADE THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:15 PM SYNCHRONICITY 7:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 4:15 PM BAIRAQ-2 DA CRUZ. In future all my THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 2:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 9:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 6:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 11:45 AM I, Syed Mohamed Mohideen dealings and documents, I FITOOR - Hindi 5:00 PM SYNCHRONICITY 11:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP 8:45 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 1:45 PM Kaleel, S/o Mohamed shall be known by the name KRISHNASHTAMI - Telugu 5:00 PM THE REVENANT 11:00 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:45 PM (C 5134) THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM MARINA-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM Mohideen, holder of PIEDADE DA CRUZ. THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 12:45 PM 360º- 3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM Passport No. G3449357, 21-2-2016 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:45 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 3:15 PM SHAKET DABOUS 11:30 AM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:15 PM THE FINEST HOURS 5:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 1:45 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM Automated MUHALAB-3 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 8:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 3:45 PM enquiry CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 10:15 PM SHAKET DABOUS 5:45 PM BAIRAQ-3 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:30 PM THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM SHAKET DABOUS 7:45 PM FITOOR - Hindi 12:15 PM about the CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 9:45 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 3:00 PM Civil ID card is CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:30 PM MARINA-3 SHAKET DABOUS 11:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 5:00 PM 112 SHAKET DABOUS 8:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 PM FITOOR - Hindi 7:00 PM 1889988 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.1 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 9:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 11:45 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 6:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 2:30 PM FANAR-1 SHAKET DABOUS 8:15 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 4:30 PM PLAZA Prayer timings HAIL, CAESAR! 12:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:00 PM SHAKET DABOUS 6:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 3:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 2:30 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:05 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 8:30 PM MONSOON MANGOES -Malayalam 5:30 PM Fajr: 05:00 HAIL, CAESAR! 4:30 PM SHAKET DABOUS 10:30 PM THE FINEST HOURS 8:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 6:30 PM AVENUES-1 CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 12:15 AM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 10:45 PM Shorook 06:19 HAIL, CAESAR! 8:30 PM JANE GOT A GUN 1:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 10:30 PM FITOOR - Hindi 3:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 LAILA Duhr: 12:01 THE HOUSE ON PINE STREET 12:30 AM BROOKLYN 6:15 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 12:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 4:00 PM Asr: 15:17 FITOOR - Hindi 8:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 2:00 PM THE FINEST HOURS 6:00 PM FANAR-2 JANE GOT A GUN 11:30 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 4:00 PM NO THU+FRI Maghrib: 17:44 SYNCHRONICITY 11:30 AM AVENUES-2 HAIL, CAESAR! 6:00 PM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES 8:30 PM SYNCHRONICITY 1:30 PM ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: HE ROAD CHIP 1:00 PM HAIL, CAESAR! 8:00 PM NO THU+FRI Isha: 19:01

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

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 24/2/2016 KAC 672 Dubai 14:45 Departure Flights on Wednesday 24/2/2016 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 788 Jeddah 14:50 Airlines Flt Route Time KNE 481 Taif 14:50 MSC 415 Sohag 00:05 KAC 512 Mashhad 14:50 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 IRC 527 Mashhad 14:55 SYR 343 Damascus/KAC 00:10 KAC 546 Alexandria 14:50 FDB 072 Dubai 00:40 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 14:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 462 Madinah 14:55 MSC 404 Asyut 00:55 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 JZR 1331 Al Najaf 15:00 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:55 FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 MSC 416 Sohag 01:00 QTR 1079 Doha 15:10 THY 772 Istanbul 01:05 FEG 931 Jeddah 15:00 SYR 344 Damascus 01:10 CLX 853 Luxembourg 15:10 DLH 635 Doha 01:35 KNE 472 Jeddah 15:05 THY 773 Istanbul 02:30 KAC 791 Madinah 15:10 CLX 784 Luxembourg 01:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:30 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:35 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 PGT 858 Istanbul 02:00 GFA 2521 Bahrain 15:35 CLX 784 GYD 03:15 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 UAE 853 Dubai 02:30 KAC 562 Amman 15:40 UAE 854 Dubai 03:45 KAC 617 Doha 15:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 KKK 6508 Istanbul 03:50 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 02:50 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:55 SVA 2387 Jeddah 15:55 OMA 643 Muscat 02:55 TBM 6313 Mashhad 15:55 OMA 644 Muscat 03:55 KNE 463 Madinah 16:00 FDB 067 Dubai 03:05 IAW 157B Al Najaf 16:00 FDB 068 Dubai 04:00 FEG 932 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:00 RJA 644 Amman 03:05 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 QTR 1072 Doha 16:10 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:15 KNE 473 Jeddah 16:05 QTR 1076 Doha 03:15 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:25 KKK 6503 Istanbul 04:50 FDB 8054 Dubai 16:10 CEB 7694 Manila 03:15 JZR 357 Mashhad 16:30 QTR 1077 Doha 05:00 JZR 554 Alexandria 16:10 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:25 FDB 051 Dubai 16:30 THY 765 Istanbul 05:15 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 KKK 6502 Istanbul 03:55 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:40 CEB 7695 Manila 05:20 OMA 646 Muscat 16:30 SAW 703 Damascus 05:00 KAC 542 Cairo 16:55 SAW 704 Damascus 06:00 GFA 2530 Bahrain 16:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 JZR 1358 Mashhad 06:00 KAC 563 Amman 16:45 THY 770 Istanbul 05:55 FDB 8055 Dubai 16:55 JZR 560 Sohag 06:10 TBM 6314 Mashhad 16:55 FDB 5061 Dubai 06:30 SYR 341 Damascus 17:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 IAW 158B Al Najaf 16:55 BAW 157 London 06:40 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:20 IRC 6521 Lamerd 17:20 RJA 645 Amman 07:05 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:30 KAC 204 Lahore 07:40 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 771 Istanbul 07:05 JZR 238 Amman 17:30 QTR 1086 Doha 07:40 MSR 614 Cairo 17:50 FDB 5062 Dubai 07:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:35 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:40 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 JZR 1328 Al Najaf 07:20 FDB 8056 Dubai 17:40 MEA 406 Beirut 07:50 KAC 502 Beirut 18:00 KAC 545 Alexandria 07:40 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 OMA 641 Muscat 07:55 FDB 063 Dubai 18:05 FDB 054 Dubai 08:30 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 KAC 382 Delhi 08:00 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 MEA 407 Beirut 08:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 KAC 511 Mashhad 08:30 SYR 342 Damascus 18:00 KAC 352 Kochi 08:30 JZR 483 Istanbul 18:40 QTR 1087 Doha 08:40 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 KAC 344 Chennai 08:30 ABY 123 Sharjah 18:45 BAW 156 London 08:45 IRC 6512 ABD 18:20 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 08:30 QTR 1080 Doha 18:55 OMA 642 Muscat 08:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:25 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 MSR 615 Cairo 18:50 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:50 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 19:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 JZR 124 Bahrain 19:10 KAC 362 Colombo 08:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 FDB 064 Dubai 19:20 KAC 618 Doha 19:35 KAC 284 Dhaka 09:10 KAC 541 Cairo 09:55 ABY 124 Sharjah 19:25 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 KAC 117 New York 09:55 UAE 876 Dubai 19:30 QTR 1070 Doha 09:25 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:45 KAC 561 Amman 10:00 JZR 512 Sharm el-Sheikh 19:30 FBA 833 Al Najaf 09:35 KAC 102 New York/London 19:55 JZR 482 Istanbul 10:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 792 Madinah 19:55 KAC 671 Dubai 10:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:35 FDB 8057 Dubai 10:25 ETD 919 Abu Dhabi 19:55 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:25 KAC 361 Colombo 20:45 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KNE 480 Taif 20:10 KAC 501 Beirut 10:30 QTR 1081 Doha 20:50 IRA 665 Shiraz 10:40 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 KAC 175 Frankfurt/Geneva 10:30 KAC 351 Kochi 20:50 JZR 1329 Al Najaf 10:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 JZR 356 Mashhad 10:30 KAC 343 Chennai 21:00 IAW 157 Al Najaf 10:50 MSR 606 Luxor 20:45 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 KNE 461 Riyadh 21:10 UAE 873 Dubai 11:05 FDB 5053 Dubai 20:50 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:40 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:15 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:55 FBA 834 Al Najaf 10:45 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:55 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 ABY 129 Sharjah 11:45 FDB 8061 Dubai 20:55 FDB 8058 Dubai 11:10 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:45 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 QTR 1088 Doha 21:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 DLH 634 Doha 21:45 JZR 1359 Mashhad 12:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 JZR 1330 Al Najaf 11:35 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 IAW 157A Al Najaf 12:15 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:20 IRA 664 Shiraz 11:40 FDB 5054 Dubai 21:50 SAW 701 Damascus 12:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:25 IAW 158 Al Najaf 11:50 FDB 8062 Dubai 21:50 FDB 075 Dubai 12:25 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:15 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:55 IRM 1188 Mashhad 12:25 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 QTR 1089 Doha 22:00 MSC 401 Alexandria 12:30 JZR 125 Bahrain 22:00 ABY 120 Sharjah 12:25 KAC 381 Delhi 22:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:45 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 KAC 103 London 12:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:10 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 KAC 540 Sharm el-Sheikh 22:20 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KAC 203 Lahore 22:10 IRC 6511 ABD 13:00 KAC 564 Amman 22:25 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:25 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 FDB 8059 Dubai 13:10 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 FDB 076 Dubai 13:10 ALK 230 Colombo 22:25 CLX 852 Luxembourg 13:40 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 13:50 BBC 044 Dhaka/Dammam 22:40 IAW 158A Al Najaf 13:15 ETD 920 Dubai 22:35 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 13:55 JZR 239 Amman 23:05 MSC 402 Alexandria 13:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:55 IRC 526 Mashhad 13:55 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 SAW 702 Damascus 13:35 KAC 345 Ahmedabad 23:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:10 JZR 555 Alexandria 23:25 IRM 1189 Mashhad 13:40 QTR 1083 Doha 23:05 FDB 057 Dubai 14:10 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:10 SVA 9386 Jeddah 14:25 THY 764 Istanbul 23:50 IRC 6522 Lamerd 13:55 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:15 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:55 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:35 FDB 8053 Dubai 14:40 MSC 403 Asyut 23:55 FDB 8060 Dubai 14:00 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:40 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

CROSSWORD 1178 STAR TRACK

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

Interior decorating or window art may be the perfect job for you. Work in This is a good time to try to foster a sense of togetherness and team play retail can also be quite successful. Others value you for your ability to make practical during work group activities. Do not try to a force a particular issue just now. If you are decisions concerning group issues. You have a natural sense of what the public wants at depending on several different people or perhaps the upswing of the dollar to save this time. It is easy to make magic happen. There is an increase in romantic daydream- some business project, you will not have long to wait. There are positive outcomes today. ing. For those single people-a relationship begun in the next two weeks may change If your own expertise has been the guide to a particular project-you have nothing to fear. your mind about the beauty of marriage. Trust and confidence in your own ability to be You will not dare show your fear to others. You might find yourself on the golf course or compatible is greatly improved, overcoming any past feelings of inadequacy. For those in the hair salon later. Results of a contest, competition or tryout will be most positive. of you who are romantically involved, the increase of incredibly romantic feelings occur- This evening is an excellent time for taking part in social activities. You may talk a friend ring now will certainly help to intensify your love relationship. into teaching you some new dance steps tonight.

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

Projects move along at a rapid rate and deliveries are on schedule today. Discipline may be where your concentration is today. Maintain your spirit Your work is where you concentrate your attention and your ability to come up with of enthusiasm-it will help you to stay on target with your goals. This is a good day for new ideas seems like magic. If you give your best effort now, considerable success may making decisions, carrying out plans and communicating to others just where you stand. follow. Everything is moving in your direction to put together a great sales package or Make sure the dialogue goes both ways. Others have good ideas too. If you stick to the some presentation package. What a day to make a deal favorable for any business, main subjects and do not become hung up on trivialities, you should accomplish a lot- financial or legal ventures! Your mind is alert-your objectives are clear. Your cheerful con- particularly in group meetings. You are empowered with a clear and inquisitive mind. fidence will help you to win your way. At this time, your athletic drive is high. Why not Working with and discussing ideas with friends can be most rewarding. You should enjoy jog around the park or shoot some baskets this afternoon at home this evening you time with your family this evening. Expressing affection should come easily at this time may find that what seemed like a negative path has taken on positive results. and can do much good for your attitude.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Gemini (May 21-June 20) A hobby you have perfected recently may be turning into a very good and You are particularly easygoing today; your compatibility with higher-ups profitable enterprise. Even if you have a day job, the hobby you have could be an attrac- is certain to draw positive attention. You will find this a very lucky day for making plans tion to others during your lunch break. You may find your time spent in teaching or sell- or decisions and finding your way through just about any problem you may discover. ing your creative works or invention. This inventiveness of yours could also come in the ACROSS 2. A state in the western United States. You feel successful and able to cope with whatever life has to offer. Good advice from a form of children’s stories, candles, mixes of coffees or teas for particular tastes, herbal or 1. Type genus of the Musaceae. 3. Type genus of the Sulidae. guide or older person may be helpful-a good day. Tomorrow is the key word for today. scent concoctions all done up in beautiful packaging. Good conversation and enjoyable, non-stress situations make for a great way to bring in some extra money. Good feelings 5. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 4. Fungus used in the preparation of punk for On some days it is okay to put off until tomorrow the chores you could do today. This is one of those days. The leaky roof will still be there-and who knows, tomorrow a friend are in the air. This evening you will enjoy listening to good conversation among family Chad. fuses. may offer to help fix it with you. Recharge your batteries tonight by going to bed early. members while you prop up your feet and take long sips of herbal tea. 12. The compass point that is one point south of 5. God of love and erotic desire. Your social life will get better-but not tonight. due east. 6. A very poisonous metallic element that has 15. (Sumerian) Sun god. three allotropic forms. 16. (of non-living objects) The state of being 7. The ripened and variously modified walls of a Capricorn (December 22-January 19) free of pathogenic organisms. plant ovary. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 17. Resinlike substance secreted by certain lac Now is the time for you to receive recognition. Peers and superiors give you 8. A health resort near a spring or at the seaside. You may take a serious attitude to just about all aspects of your life today. insects. 9. Goddess of fertility. credit for your hard work. You have more animation in your thought process than you For a while this morning you may feel that you are just not able to move with the natural might realize-start using it and surprise yourself. It is a good time to resolve any long- 18. A deep bow. 10. A case for containing a set of articles. flow of energy. You know that energies change-if you wait a while all those cobwebs will 20. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped standing controversy and a good day for work. Consider getting out-of-doors for exercise 11. (Old Testament) The second patriarch. begin to clear. This is the time to use your inspiration in constructive ways. This morning is at the lunch break. Work will seem easier and you should feel more relaxed once you cucumbers and spices. 12. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in an excellent time to sit down alone and get many things accomplished. It is not a time to engage in some sort of health-related activity. Also, love is in full bloom-it is a good time 21. A loose sleeveless outer garment made favor of a person or cause). try to push projects to a completion. After the noon break you may feel that you have to fully demonstrate the depth of affection to loved ones. This is a time when your pow- from aba cloth. 13. A very young child (birth to 1 year) who has more motivation to tackle people or stressful problems. Your sensitivity to others may ers of creativity are great. You are able to solve problems easily, should they occur. Music delude you this afternoon-perhaps encouraging you to misplace your affections. plays a big part of a romantic evening tonight. 22. Basic principles of the cosmos. not yet begun to walk or talk. 23. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections 14. Any of a number of fishes of the family of the skin. Carangidae. 25. A state in midwestern United States. 19. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 29. Any activity that is easy to do. else. In your professional life, where you want to be and where you are signify 32. Austrian composer who influenced the clas- 24. An enclosure made or wire or metal bars in At home, demanding what you want could lead to frustrations. If you have sical form of the symphony (1732-1809). that some sort of constraint is stunting your growth. You must either accept your situa- a serving attitude, others will be more compliant to your needs. In the workplace, confer- which birds or animals are kept. tion, or make massive changes-a middle ground may be hard to find. A new friend that is 34. A short labored intake of breath with the ence calls and other means of communication that will help you be a part of some deci- 26. Lacking self-confidence. probably very much different from the friends you usually have comes into your life now. mouth open. sion-making action today have positive results. You are empowered with a motivation to 27. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth It seems as though this person has popped into your life in order to teach you what you find ways to increase your business, please customers and be the best you can be. If there 38. Used of a single unit or thing. group. need to know. This could mean travel to a country where you always wanted to visit or is a chance of employee awards, you seek to accomplish a fe w awards for yourself. You 40. Jointed and nearly leafless desert shrub hav- expansion of knowledge needed for a new job. Whatever the case, a great number of 28. Not paid. may enjoy te aching newcomers or giving short lectures to new students. Late r it will be ing reduced scalelike leaves and reddish fleshy enjoyable and interesting times may be shared-you have something to offer. Also, public your turn to enjoy the learning process-something completely different will gain your 30. Draw in by breathing. seeds. service is calling your name. atte ntion this afte rnoon and you find an exce llent te acher. 31. (comparative of `near') Being the one of two 41. A republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia. that is less distant in space. 44. Large burrowing rodent of South and 33. Pour out. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) Central America. 35. Choose and follow. To ensure that you do not become the victim of a misunderstanding at 46. A religious belief of African origin involving 36. A historical region in central and northern If you are doing professional work that is stressful today, listen to music Yugoslavia. while you work-perhaps a small player or radio with an earpiece. Your day and the atti- work today, be clear in all the things you do and say. Someone may be witchcraft and sorcery. hard of hearing. Practical financial understanding and a practical life style are qualities 37. Hurt or upset. tude of the day improve as the day moves along. You are a valuable asset to the compa- 47. Straggling shrub with narrow leaves and ny for which you work. One of your biggest problems is in overextending yourself. There that take on a greater importance. You may feel that you have become a productive conspicuous red flowers in dense globular 39. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flow- is no crime in saying the word, no. Self-motivation is easy today . . . It looks as though you worker because you are so busy. You certainly have a knack for knowing how to put peo- racemes. ers. will be reaching a personal goal soon. This may be a time worthy of your attention in ple, ideas and things together profitably. Playing the role of a mediator can be rewarding. 49. Loss of emotional control often resulting in 42. Of or related to genetically distinguished meditation. Be proud of your accomplishments in a most humble way. As you become This afternoon, gathering and exchanging information becomes most important and groups of people. involved in some creative activity with others this afternoon, you may find yourself shar- may also become a very educational experience. Others make a big impact on your emotional collapse. goals. This evening is a mentally and socially active time. 52. (Greek mythology) The daughter of 43. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowing stories of recent life lessons while you create. Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. ers. 53. Canadian writer (born in Sri Lanka in 1943). 45. On, to, or at the top. 54. Soviet chief of secret police under Joseph 48. Major items of military weaponry (as tanks Word Search Yesterday Solution Stalin. or missile). 55. Deeply moved. 50. 1 species. 57. A small pellet fired from an air rifle or BB 51. A island in the Netherlands Antilles that is gun. the top of an extinct volcano. 58. A public promotion of some product or 56. Having winglike extensions. service. 61. A white metallic element that burns with a 59. A colorless and odorless inert gas. brilliant light. 60. A metric unit of volume equal to one tenth 62. A genus of temperate and arctic evergreen of a liter. trees (see spruce). 63. Any of numerous local fertility and nature 64. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples. the razorbill. 69. A belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as 65. The highest point of something. authoritative by some group or school. 66. (Greek mythology) Daughter of Zeus and 72. Any high mountain. Demeter. 74. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single 67. A less than average tide occurring at the first ovary having one or many seeds within a fleshy and third quarters of the moon. wall or pericarp. 68. Indicating the absence of any or all units 76. (informal) Of the highest quality. under consideration. 77. The state of being behind in payments. 70. Someone who works (or provides workers) 79. The main organ of photosynthesis and tran- during a strike. spiration in higher plants. 71. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 80. A single-reed woodwind with a conical bore. Chad. 81. A several-seeded dehiscent fruit as e.g. of a 73. The state of matter distinguished from the leguminous plant. solid and liquid states by. 82. A small cake leavened with yeast. 75. A white linen liturgical vestment with sleeves. DOWN 78. A state in north central United States. 1. A doctor's degree in music. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 PRIVATE CLINICS Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 LIFESTYLE36 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Gossip Lovato regrets taking a swipe at Taylor Swift

he ‘Confident’ singer admits her com- singer further addressed Taylor’s donation, ments after the ‘Blank Space’ hitmaker recognizing it as her “own way” of giving Tdonated $250,000 to Kesha - who a support to Kesha. She wrote: “Everyone has court ruled on Friday cannot break her their own way of giving support to others, exclusive contract with Dr Luke despite her and at the end of the day, helping victims is claims the producer sexually abused her - all that matters. “Ultimately, the message I have “taken away from the real reason” she want people to hear is it’s okay to come for- initially spoke out in support of the ‘Tik Tok’ ward with your abuse and if you do decide pop star. She wrote on Instagram: “As most to take action, you are not alone.” Following people know, I tend to get fired up about Taylor’s donation, Demi had appeared to the things I believe in, and although my suggest the ‘Shake It Off’ singer had given heart and intentions are always in the right the money to boost her “brand” while place, unfortunately sometimes my passion being able to avoid speaking up with an gets the best of me and causes me to say “uncomfortable conversation”. She posted: things that I probably shouldn’t say. “And “I’m just tired of seeing women use ‘women when doing so takes away from the real empowerment’ and ‘feminism’ to further reason I am speaking up in the first place. brands without actually being the ones Our focus should be on the topic of victims that have the uncomfortable conversa- of sexual and physical abuse being afraid to tions. “I get shade and I don’t care because come forward with their stories. They’re someone has to be the one to take it. At more likely to face retaliation and harass- least I’m getting my hands dirty.” ment than to see justice being serviced. Cranston never imagined he’d Especially women.” And the 23-year-old be nominated for an Oscar he 59-year-old actor - whose per- craved. Speaking to Robin Roberts for ABC formance in ‘Trumbo’ has seen him News special ‘Journey to the Oscars’, he Tshortlisted for the Best Actor prize at added: “I think that his ego was inflated to the upcoming Academy Awards - wit- the point where he felt that was what was nessed his father, Joseph Louis ‘Joe’ important.” Meanwhile, the ‘Breaking Bad’ Cranston, struggling to make a living in actor was left feeling he was an “enormous showbusiness and admits he “was not failure” after his first stage performance. raised” with the notion his profession Bryan was appearing in his elementary Lopez’s would give him such recognition. He said: “I school play when he muddled up a line was not raised with the idea that you could about the White House, calling the presi- achieve that. “My dad was an actor, and he dential base “the White Front” - a local gro- made his living getting a job here, getting a cery chain - instead, sparking laughter from children are job there, sometimes doing fairly well and the audience. He recalled: “Everyone was other times, not so well.” Joe was never able laughing and I thought it was an enormous to take his career to the next level and felt failure.” frustrated by the lack of recognition he the ‘lights Sheen blames testosterone of her life’ he ‘On The Floor’ hitmaker has paid tribute to her two kids, twins Max and Emme, who she has with ex-hus- Tband Marc Anthony, as they turned eight. Taking to Instagram to share a sweet picture of the pair, she wrote: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE LIGHTS OF MY LIFE. You have cream for his behavior brought me nothing but joy and happiness since the very second you were born. “I am so proud of who you are and he 50-year-old actor infamously ranted about being a “warlock”, “winning” and the beautiful loving caring people you are growing into. having “tiger blood” in a series of outbursts in 2011 and though he felt “superhu- #coconuts8thBirthday. #Iloveyoubeyondforever #maxan- Tman” at the time, he believes the hormone supplement had affected his behav- demme #February22nd And Thank you everyone for all the ior. In an interview airing on ‘The Dr. Oz Show’ he said: “That was a very specific period beautiful birthday wishes and videos. They are so precious!! of time that did feel very out-of- (sic)” Meanwhile, the 46-year-old actress previously admit- body and very just detached ted it is a bit of a “juggling act” trying to balance her work from all things real. “I felt super- and family commitments. She shared: “I take it step by step human during some of that. “It and day by day and everyone in my life knows the commit- was a lot of highs and lows. I ments I have - it was super overwhelming! “Before getting was taking a lot of testosterone to the American Music Awards in November last year, and cream, and I think I went too far after we created the show, and after we filmed ‘Shades of with it. It was kind of like a bor- Blue’, and then filming Idol on the weekends ... I was like, derline, not a ‘roid rage, but a ‘Maybe this is the first time I bit off more than I could chew.’ ‘roid disengage.” The ‘Anger But you know what, I take it day by day and I have an Management’ actor - who even incredible support system.” went on a tour titled ‘My Violent Torpedo of Truth/ Defeat In Not an Option’ at the height of his bizarre conduct - admits he “cringes” at some of his behavior, which included publicly criticizing ‘Two and a Half Men’ cre- ator Chuck Lorre, and though he enjoyed some “empowering” Mara thinks Hollywood ‘having the times, he didn’t like how angry he got. He added: “That’s the stuff that I do look at [and] cringe a little .?.?. It was nice to give people a bunch of slogans and T-shirts and all that. “[But] the rest of it was a lot of work. “There were things about that person that were empowering, that were wrong conversation’ about gender vibrant but I didn’t like the anger. I tend to be victimized by my anger at times.”

he ‘Carol’ star believes the focus on the conversation should be on why women don’t get paid as much as Tmen not just the fact that they are. She shared: “I think that we’re having the wrong conversation. The conversation isn’t we’re not getting paid as much as men. “The conversation should be why and where does that come from because it’s just a side effect of something much greater.” The 30-year-old actress also slammed the language used to describe women who are “opinionated and self-possessed” as unfair. She added to Deadline: “If you’re a female who is sort of opinionated or has a point of view or is self-possessed in a way, you get described with this language in ways that others would never talk about me. “I think when you’re getting paid less, there’s sort of this sense that, ‘Well you don’t really respect me or feel like you need me as much as you need these other people.’” The issue of the gender pay gap in Hollywood has been a hot topic of conversation ever since hacked Sony emails revealed Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams had been paid less for their roles in ‘American Hustle’ than their male co- Phil Collins to re-marry his third wife Orianne Cevey Banderas is not he 65-year-old musician confirmed SonntagsBlick: “I spent four months in hos- last month he has reconciled with the pital, and he took wonderful care of T43-year-old jewelry designer - who he Matthew and Nicholas. That was a great a ‘party person’ famously paid £25 million to six years ago relief to me. “We are meant for each other.” in a record-breaking divorce battle - and Phil moved to Miami last year from the couple are “determined” to tie the knot Switzerland to be closer to his two sons again. Orianne - who has sons Nicholas, 14, Matthew and Nicholas, and Orianne, after he ‘33’ actor has relocated to a peaceful village in Surrey, and Matthew, 11 with Phil - said: “I now call problems with alcoholism but he is now South East England with girlfriend Nicole Kimpel and loves Phil my husband again. We are so close that sober and in much better health. The Tthe “simplicity and freedom” of their life together. He said: it does not actually make a difference if we Genesis rocker - who is also a father to “This house gives me the simplicity and freedom I need in my life at are married or not, but we are determined actress Joely, 43, musician Simon, 39, and the moment. “I find Surrey magical. I am not a party person any to get married for a second time. “We were model Lily, 26 - revealed last month: “I’m more so I have the space and peace to write and really get inside always very close, because of the children, back with my third wife - I haven’t really my own head - I am working on several scripts. “I go cycling in the and just last year I realised he is indeed the talked about it. We’ve been together for a woods and everyone is incredibly friendly. “Above all, I am sur- man of my life.” Phil and Orianne - who was while, and nobody’s noticed.” Phil’s re-mar- rounded by nature. I love watching the deer and foxes that come to left partially paralysed with spinal disorder riage to Orianne will be his fourth wedding my garden.” But the 55-year-old star doesn’t like everything about Brown-Sequard syndrome following an after he was married to first wife Andrea his new home and plans to “burn” some of the generically modern operation in 2014 - married in Switzerland Bertorelli from 1975 to 1980, and second furniture that was already in place when he moved in so he and in 1999 but split in 2006 and divorced two wife Jill Tavelman from 1984 to 1996. The Nicole can choose their own pieces. He told Britain’s HELLO! maga- years later. Despite their previous split, star has paid out more than £42 million to zine: “Some things I will be burning in the back garden. “This place Orianne has insisted they are meant to be his former wives after three divorces, is going to evolve slowly, as we choose furniture together. “We have together. She told Swiss newspaper including £17 million to Jill. already bought a Banksy [painting].” —Bangshowbiz LIFESTYLE37 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Music & Movies

In this March 7, 2010 file photo, director Kathryn Bigelow, center, holds her Oscars for best motion pic- Cast members from the film, “Mustang,” pose for a portrait in West Hollywood. The 88th Academy ture of the year and best achievement in directing for “The Hurt Locker” with hosts Alec Baldwin, right, Awards Best Foreign Language Film nominee “Mustang” is a unique case, being a Turkish language and Steve Martin at the conclusion of the 82nd Academy Awards. —AP photos and made film submitted for consideration by France, and also for being the only narrative feature nominated from a female director. Will women see a break in Hollywood’s ‘celluloid ceiling’?

ell, the time has come,” “What we’re seeing is an undercur- Hollywood Reporter. Still, cautions ers, editors, and cinematographers on also employ greater percentages of love to get to Jennifer Lawrence’s announced presenter rent of anger over the lack of inclusion Lauzen, there is a huge gap between the top 250 domestic grossing films - women in other roles. “On films with place, or just be treated with the same “WBarbra Streisand at the in Hollywood,” says Janice Min, a vet- talk and action. an increase of 2 percentage points at least one female director, women amount of respect.” 2010 Oscars, revealing that Kathryn eran industry observer who oversees “While it appears to be a step in from last year, and the same as in comprised 53 percent of writers,” What will it take to change? Lauzen Bigelow had won the best director both The Hollywood Reporter and the right direction, at this point it is 2001. Lauzen says. On films with male direc- says the issue is the mindset at the prize for “The Hurt Locker” - the first Billboard. “That conversation can only just a promise,” she says of the It also found that women in certain tors, women accounted for only 10 top. “Many of those with the power to woman in history to win the award. have beneficial effects on women.” Academy’s move. And of the EEOC roles more traditionally identified with percent of writers. Films with female shift the gender ratios - executives at It was a watershed moment in Min notes that the recent focus on investigation, she says, “any hiring males - such as directors and cine- directors and writers also tend to have the film studios, and leaders at the Hollywood, and many were hopeful - unequal pay for women - sparked by higher percentages of female charac- academy and at guilds - have not per- if not certain - that it would usher in Patricia Arquette’s fiery Oscar speech ters, and especially female protago- ceived women’s under-employment an era of increased opportunity for last year, then intensified by high-pro- nists. as a problem. In other words, there women directors. Six years later, file comments from Jennifer Lawrence has been little real will to change.” though, the slate of best-director - has for the moment receded from Complex characters Attorney Melissa Goodman of the nominees is all male, as it has been the spotlight amid questions of racial Some high-profile Hollywood ACLU of Southern California, which every year since Bigelow won. In diversity. But it’s all part of the larger actresses have found they needed to last May asked the EEOC to investi- fact, women have been nominated picture. “Yes, there will be some parts become producers themselves to get gate studios’ “systemic failure to hire only four times in the Oscars’ 88-year of the issue that will be resolved first, the substantive roles they desired. “I women directors,” says she is hopeful history. and some later,” she says. “But the fact was seeing a deficit in leading roles for change. “I’m optimistic that with “Of course, the ‘Bigelow effect’ nev- that discussion is happening at all is for women,” Reese Witherspoon told time, our most important cultural er materialized,” says Martha Lauzen, stunning. It’s a real revolution in The Associated Press in a 2014 inter- product - our films and television executive director of the Center for Hollywood.” view. “It was just the lack of complex shows - will increasingly come to the Study of Women in Television and A few recent developments have characters, of interesting, dynamic reflect the diversity and diversity in Film at San Diego State University. The provided cause for some hope. The women onscreen.” Witherspoon has viewpoints in our society,” she says. “In Center’s latest annual study found first, of course, is the pledge by the produced both “Gone Girl” and, star- the meantime, Hollywood decision- that women comprised just 9 percent Academy of Motion Picture Arts and ring herself, “Wild,” both films with makers must remember that they do of directors on the top 250 films in Sciences to double the number of complex female protagonists. not get a free pass to discriminate and 2015, the same as in 1998. Studies women and people of color among its And Halle Berry said recently that violate civil rights laws.” have shown similar disproportion for membership ranks by 2020. There is she’d set up her own production com- As for Min, she notes that despite women in other key behind-the- also an EEOC investigation under way pany in 2014 partly because she had some evidence of “diversity fatigue” - camera roles. into possible discriminatory hiring This photo provided by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Charlize found it difficult, since becoming the people at lunches and dinners who practices of women directors, prompt- Theron as Imperator Furiosa in Warner Bros Pictures’ and Village first black best-actress Oscar winner in are saying, “enough with all this ‘Lack of inclusion’ ed by the American Civil Liberties Roadshow Pictures’ action adventure film, “Mad Max: Fury Road”. 2002, to find the right substantive already” - she still thinks things are But is the tide turning? While Union. roles. looking up. “In a world where it’s recent attention has focused intensely goals that may result will need to be matographers - increased steadily as Actresses of color face a tougher always been all talk and no action, it’s on the #OscarsSoWhite campaign Only promises mandatory, and there will need to be more films (the top 500, say, instead of climb than anyone, says Chris Rock, pretty stunning to see action being sparked by the lack of racial diversity More recently, Ryan Murphy, one significant oversight. That would be a the top 100) were examined, suggest- who will host the Oscars on Sunday. taken.” Besides, even where intentions in the Oscar nominations, some of the more powerful figures in televi- tall order and a move without prece- ing that on the biggest-budget films, “Black women get paid less than aren’t the best, there’s always the fear women in Hollywood are heartened - sion, said he aims to have 50 percent dent in the film industry.” “hiring decisions for these roles may everybody in Hollywood,” he recently of shame to get things moving. “One albeit cautiously - by recent develop- of all director slots on his shows filled Lauzen’s report, “The Celluloid be most susceptible to mainstream told Essence magazine. “Everybody’s of the things you can count on in ments that should benefit women by women, people of color and mem- Ceiling,” found that in 2015, women film industry biases.” talking about Jennifer Lawrence. Talk Hollywood is a climate of fear,” Min and minorities, both behind the cam- bers of the LGBT community. “I per- comprised 19 percent of all directors, A bright spot, Lauzen notes, is that to Gabrielle Union ... talk to Nia Long. says. “People will be motivated by fear era and in front. sonally can do better,” he told the writers, producers, executive produc- films with at least one woman director Talk to Kerry Washington. They would of being shamed.” —AP PM to give DVDs of prize-winning migrant film to EU leaders

talian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on Monday said he is planning to hand out copies of “Fire at Sea”, a harrowing Idocumentary about Europe’s refugee crisis, to fellow EU leaders when they meet next month. The film, directed by Renzi’s compatriot Gianfranco Rosi, won the top Golden Bear prize at the Berlin festival Saturday for its unflinching look at life on the Italian island of Lampedusa, the landing point for thousands of asylum seek- A promotional banner advertising US singer Madonna’s upcoming February ers from Africa and the Middle East. Renzi congratulated Rosi 28 concert is seen hung on a lamppost in front of the National Stadium in for the win in a regular news post on his website, saying: “I am for Italian cinema, which deserves all our attention. But so Singapore. —AFP does the chosen theme.” Ahead of a special summit between the EU and Turkey on the migrant crisis in early March, Renzi said he would be trav- Singapore archbishop warns elling “with 27 DVDs for the 27 heads of state and government. I hope they will find the time to watch it, and that after having seen it, it will be possible to discuss immigration in a against Madonna concert different way.” Eritrean-born Rosi spent several months on Lampedusa ingapore’s Roman Catholic archbish- because of sexual references. making the film. It is told through the eyes of a 12-year-old op has expressed concern at an Local media reports said Madonna local boy, Samuele Pucillo, and a doctor, Pietro Bartolo, who Supcoming concert by pop diva would not be performing a controversial has been tending to the dehydrated, malnourished and trau- Madonna in the city-state and warned his tour segment called Holy Water, which matized new arrivals for a quarter-century. In chilling footage, flock against supporting those who “deni- includes dancers dressed as scantily-clad Rosi accompanied coastguard rescue missions answering the grate and insult religions”. nuns performing on cross-shaped stripper Gianfranco Rosi, director of ‘Fuocomare’(Fire at sea), centre, is awarded a terrified SOS calls of people on boats, most of them arriving Archbishop William Goh said in a state- poles. The church statement said many Golden Bear for Best Film, during the award ceremony at the 2016 Berlinale from Libya. Many of the vessels are packed with corpses of ment posted on the diocese website on Roman Catholics have voiced outrage at Film Festival in Berlin. —AP people who suffocated from diesel fumes. —AFP Saturday that he had met various govern- Madonna’s “disrespectful use of Catholic ment officials to express the church’s con- and other Christian symbols” in her per- cerns about the February 28 concert, part formances. of her global Rebel Heart Tour. The concert, “There is no neutrality in faith; one is Despite nightmare performance, Adele regains Billboard top spot at the 55,000-seat National Stadium, will be either for or against. Being present (at Madonna’s first-ever in largely conservative these events) in is itself a counter-witness,” dele may have cried all day after her shaky Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, who won his first Singapore. the archbishop said. He warned his flock Grammy performance last week, but the Grammy award and climbed three spots to No. 2 She was barred from performing in against supporting “the ‘pseudo arts’ that ABritish songstress reclaimed the top spot on with his album “Purpose.” Singapore in 1993 after police said her per- promote sensuality, rebellion, disrespect, the weekly Billboard 200 album chart on Monday as Country musician Chris Stapleton, who picked up formances bordered on the obscene and pornography (and) contamination of the demand for her hit album “25” remained strong four Grammy awards, saw his “Traveller” album climb were “objectionable to many on moral and mind of the young”. three months after its release. Adele’s “25” climbed to No 5 from No. 11; R&B star The Weeknd, who won religious grounds”. Goh said that in a multi- Some Catholics said they supported the from No 2 after clocking a further 151,000 units two Grammys, had his “Beauty Behind the Madness” ethnic society like Singapore “we cannot archbishop’s decision and would not across album and song sales and streaming activity, climb six spots to No. 6; while Taylor Swift, who won afford to be overly permissive in favor of attend the concert. Student Kevin Koh, 24, according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan. The the coveted album of the year Grammy Award, saw artistic expression at the expense of said he would not go but would not pass album has sold a total of 8.3 million copies in the her “1989” record climb 12 spots to No. 8. The only respect for one’s religion”. judgment on fellow Catholics who attend. United States. It features the song “All I Ask,” which Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show and performed a flawless new entry to crack into the top 10 this week was Authorities have assured the archbishop “Singapore as a society has to start being Adele sang last week at the televised Grammy rendition of the song, accompanied by a candid “Hymns” at No. 4 by husband-and-wife country that restrictions have been placed to open to these things because we can no awards. But her performance was marred by techni- interview in which she said she was “so embarrassed” music duo Joey + Rory. On the Digital Songs chart, ensure that content deemed offensive to longer live in our own shells,” he said. cal issues when a microphone fell on the piano’s and “cried pretty much all day” after the Grammys. which measures online song sales, Flo Rida’s “My religious beliefs would not be allowed on Some online comments were critical, strings and the singer uncharacteristically hit sharp Other Grammy performers that saw a boost in the House” held the top spot for a second week with stage, the church statement said. The with one commentator saying the faithful and flat notes. Later in the week, Adele appeared on top 10 of the Billboard 200 album charts included 135,000 copies sold. —Reuters Media Development Authority has restrict- should be allowed to make their own deci- ed the concert to those aged 18 and above sions. —AFP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 ‘Fuller House’ may please fans (but no one else)

Cattle are herded in front of ancient pagodas in Bagan. — AP photos Bagan ban: Myanmar stops

This image released by Netflix shows, from left, Andrea Barber, Jodie Sweetin, tourists scaling prized pagodas and Candace Cameron Bure in a scene from, “Fuller House,” streaming on Netflix beginning on Friday. — AP isitors to Myanmar’s ancient capital Bagan onwards,” it concluded in the statement pub- make a beeline for Bagan, a trend that is expect- will no longer be able to climb the vener- lished on Monday. ed to continue despite the new rules. “Bagan can f you like this kind of thing, odds are absence is pointedly addressed by Saget Vated pagodas for a view of the country’s Built between the 10th and 14th centuries as offer other pleasures for tourists,” said Naung you’ll want to cancel weekend plans when informing the others that “Michelle most famous archaeological site, following a part of a powerful early kingdom, Bagan’s tem- Naung Han, of the Union of Myanmar Travel Iand binge on “Fuller House.” sends her love, but she’s busy in New government edict railing against “disgraceful” ples are deeply revered in the Buddhist-majority Association, which represents private tour oper- Meanwhile, everyone else is strenuously York running her fashion empire.” With tourist behavior. nation and are also one of the country’s most ators. But he said those not able to climb the cautioned against Netflix’s spin-off of the that, the entire ensemble pivots to the The ban, which starts March 1, will end the popular tourist destinations. structures to see a sunset at Bagan would be 1987-95 sitcom “Full House,” whose camera for a long, knowing pause.) daily ritual that sees hundreds of tourists and After years in the wilderness under an isola- missing out. “For a foreign tourist, such an expe- arrival has been awaited with unaccount- TV has never been shy about copying local pilgrims scaling the ancient structures to tionist junta, Myanmar was quickly embraced as rience could be an unforgettable moment in able waves of excitement from some itself. (“Imitation is the sincerest form of watch the sun set over a vast plain dotted with a hot choice for holidays after outright military their life,” he said. Tour operator Phyoe Wai Yar quarters. Fair warning to the rest: “Fuller television,” as humorist Fred Allen more than 2,500 Buddhist monuments. rule ended in 2011. The country began appear- Zar, who heads the Myanmar Tourism Marketing House” will be available - all 13 episodes - famously declared more than 60 years Myanmar’s Ministry of Culture said the move ing on lists of must-visit destinations, often industry group, said there was likely to be an starting Friday. ago.) And the current TV scene is clearly would protect the buildings, considered holy accompanied by bird’s eye view images of impact on business. Back when “Full House” was riding in repeat mode: “The X-Files”! “Heroes sites by many locals, while also averting poten- Bagan’s pagodas scattered across a mist- “Tourism is a way to display our cultural her- high on ABC, I engaged in the folly of Reborn”! The forthcoming “Twin Peaks” tial danger for those climbing. drenched landscape. Even the Ministry of itage and this news of a ban in the way her- criticizing a critic-proof series, publicly and, headed for Netflix, a revived “Furthermore, despite warnings, people who Tourism has declared that “a panoramic view of itage is shown will affect the tourism business,” cringing at what, even then, was retro- “Gilmore Girls” and a Latino “One Day at a climb the pagodas often behave badly, in a way this land at sunset will leave you with a lingering he said. Myanmar is eager to see Bagan desig- grade domestic comedy: a loving but Time” - from Norman Lear, no less! that is culturally disgraceful such as wearing sense of awe and wonder”. nated as a UNESCO world heritage site. But wisecracking family anchored in a living Make no mistake: The original “Full inappropriate clothing, dancing and sleeping According to its figures, nearly half a million experts say haphazard renovation work on room and propelled by saccharine story House” triumvirate apparently won’t have (on the monuments),” the ministry said in a post foreign tourists, including package tourists and some of the temples under the junta, including lines that concluded with life lessons, much of a presence in what’s as much a on its official Facebook page. “We would like to independent travelers, arrived through building hundreds of new structures over hugs, and appreciative awwws from the handoff as a spin-off. After the all-star announce that no one will be permitted to climb Myanmar’s main city gateway Yangon last year, ancient foundations, has irreversibly damaged audience soundtrack. “Full House” was premiere, Stamos (whose character has on the pagodas for any reason from March 1 more than double the number in 2011. Many the landscape. — AFP full of it, no question. But who could now moved to Los Angeles) appears in argue with success? just one episode, with Coulier (supposed- Since so much time has passed, the ly now a Las Vegas resident) seen in just original conceit has been deftly warmed one other, among the six half-hours over for the 21st century. That is, the origi- made available for preview. But “Fuller nal “Full House” followed the adventures of House” revives the comfortably familiar widower Bob Saget after he recruited formula of old. brother-in-law John Stamos and best The dialogue again seems generated friend Dave Coulier to share his San by a comic algorithm: “I’m having an acid Francisco digs and help raise his three girls. flashback,” says Kimmy, amazed to see This go-around, Saget’s widowed everyone. “But I never dropped acid. I did daughter DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), take an antacid once. I must be having an enlists her sister Stephanie (Jodie ANTACID flashback.” (Cue the laughter.) Sweetin) and her best friend Kimmy Force-fed cloying moments also (Andrea Barber), a single mother with a remain part of the act - although the sassy teenage daughter, to share that most heartrending sight is the guest same house and help raise her three appearance by erstwhile pop star Macy boys, ages 12 and 7 plus a newborn. Gray, who is found headlining at a club where the girls land during a night on Copying itself the town. “What am I doing here?” Gray All this is established in the first asks herself with what might very well be episode, which sets the stage by reintro- genuine remorse. “I won a Grammy!” ducing the three female characters Of course, that was way back when, (played by its all-grown-up “Full House” which is where “Fuller House” resides. alumnae) along with reuniting Saget, The show may be cloaked in the veneer Coulier and Stamos as well as Lori of currency (the characters have smart- Loughlin, still happily wed to Stamos’ phones and a Donald Trump joke is character. delivered). But this new show is (Notably, twins Mary-Kate and Ashley designed to repeat sitcom history. Olsen - who from toddlerhood swapped Pressing forward by taking a big step off playing Michelle, the youngest backward, “Fuller House” picks up pre- daughter of Saget’s character - are not dictably where “Full House” left off. Soon participating in the spin-off, apparently to be installed in the Netflix gallery, it acknowledging, much to their credit, that beckons to all viewers who want a sugar they have outgrown this piffle. Their fix. You know who you are. — AP This file picture shows hot air balloons carrying tourists as they fly above temples in Bagan. ICONIC launches its Spring Summer 2016 Collection

pring Summer 2016 at ICONIC presents Antique Folk collection. Camel, ivory, mustard, an array of trends for the new season. deep navy make this collection earthy which SICONIC’s women’s collection recreates the complements the spirit. Suede detailing, 60’s glam across the Spring Summer catwalks macramÈ crafting, lace applique and metal with this season’s must-have. sequins on mix print make this collection an The key trends in the women’s collection interesting mix. this season include Retro Icon which is The 60’s Nautical chic takes the front row this season mod elegance and classic style personified with old classic given a contemporary interpre- with sharp and sleek 60’s inspired silhouettes tation through the collection aptly named based on comfort and luxury. Icy blue, Under the Tuscan Sun. Clean and ivory and pale pink can be seen across effortless silhouettes, these seafaring the key pieces. Key pieces stand out styles make for a perfect look for the with floral applique details along with spring. Beige, ivory, coral, blue and sequins and scuba bow details for black make up this easy , fun collec- that ultra-feminine touch. tion all the more wearable. The eye-catching Optical Illusion ICONIC’s men’s collection compris- collection is a must have with mono- es of five key trends; Primarily a nauti- chrome ruling the runways every sea- cal theme Nuovo cruise with a subtle son. This versatile and visually stimula- surreal feel. Key pieces include jackets tion range is modern, bold and edgy. with contrast trim,striped sweaters The use of illusion prints in a classic and sweats which exude a modern black and white color palette makes and fresh vibe. Color palate is varied this collection effortlessly chic all day. with black, tomato red and Think contrast ombre knitting, contrast macadamia beige. Prints include nau- pleat knitting and illusion jacquard tical, stripes, polkas and patterns. print to create that impactful look. Subtle and rich the Classical boho Inspired by royalty Centennial collection is a visual treat with Amour is a rich collection which mir- colors and texture. Boho rors the decadence and beauty of the prints like the paisley and Victorian era. Soft delicate laces, ribbon and florals are dominant in pieces linen chord embroidery and embellishment makes jackets, laundered chinos and geo in colors like black, tional prints, mesh cut and sew and subli- this a relaxed collection. Signature pieces key pieces like delicate tops, flowy evening motif shorts. Black, green, blue and white con- This tribal fashion trend is always a hit mation graphic tees. include poolside shorts, spread collar light dresses make a graceful statement. Marcela, stitute the palette. every other season with tribal elements seen Classic Hawaiian florals and palm prints are weight sweatshirts and conversational tees in Black and Ivory rule the collection with it Simplified yet futuristic approach in the very often on the runways known as Neo tribe. the heroes in the Vintage Vacation collection red, yellow, coral, green and blue. Head over to understated charm. Disturbed florals is key in this collection of soft Luxury street wear is on the rise and the fash- with the vacation mode being turned up high. ICONIC and shop our latest Spring Summer The 70’s bohemia mixes various elements to one liners teamed with neoprene joggers. ion conscious can be seen sporting printed Updated color combinations and introduction collection available at The Avenues, The Mall, bring out the carefree boho vibe through the Smoke fluro disturbed graphics is the highlight sweatshirt jogger sets, shirts with conversa- of heavier more interesting base fabrics makes Level 1 and at Salam Mall in Salmiya lifestyle WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 Luxury fashion world upending tradition to join digital age

uying luxury clothes online right ative, announced his plan to slash the off the runway. Trying them on time it takes for customers to obtain Bvirtually. Not having to wait items they see on the runway. months for the new collection to ship. Designers have broadened the audi- As the fashion world comes to London ence for fashion using tools such as for its semi-annual round of minutely “livestreaming, Instagramming, or choreographed catwalk shows, luxury showing online,” Bailey told the designers are shaking up the traditional Business of Fashion, a website that cov- show and rethinking the way they ers the industry. “You’re creating all this reach customers to adapt to the age of energy around something, and then social media and e-commerce. you close the doors and say, ‘Forget Fashion shows have long been about it now because it won’t be in the about dictating taste, a chance for stores for five or six months,’” he said. designers to court powerful magazine “The reality is that, today, we’re bom- editors like Vogue’s Anna Wintour in barded with images, film and music. To hopes of winning favorable reviews try to recreate the energy that you cre- and, better yet, glossy photo spreads ated five or six months ago, you’ve got that fashionistas would pore over to just question how relevant it is.” before going shopping. But in a digital The clothes in Burberry’s future world where trends rip through social shows will be immediately available media in an instant, bloggers and both in store and online. The move into celebrities are increasingly deciding digital has been Bailey’s trademark, and what’s hot. And customers want it now. his success or failure in making it work “There’s been a general view that could have big consequences for the the way fashion shows have operated business. While many luxury houses has become increasingly outdated, resisted embracing e-commerce especially with fashion shows more because of fears the experience was open to the mass market on Snapchat, not up to scratch, Bailey offered a Instagram and Facebook,” said Andrew counter-narrative. Bailey, who became Hall, a retail consultant with CEO in 2013, made sure Burberry’s Verdict.retail. “People are able to see it shows were featured on a variety of instantly nowadays, when in the past sites - even ones with smaller audi- they would be able to consume it only ences that are still extending their net- through fashion magazines.” A host of works, like Periscope and Snapchat, designers are trying to reboot the sys- said Anusha Couttigane, a retail expert tem. at Oresa, an executive search firm. Rebecca Minkoff is selling the designs right away online. Her hashtag: Worldwide exposure Models display the designs of Vivienne #SeeBuyWear. Burberry has plans to “This has contributed to Burberry’s Westwood, Alexander McQueen, ditch the time-honored tradition of worldwide exposure and created an Burberry and Fyodor Golan during the showcasing clothes six months before immersive experience that keeps the Autumn/Winter show at London Fashion the season they are meant for sale. brand front of mind, even among con- Week. — AP photos Beginning this fall, it will increase its sumers who might otherwise be finan- focus on seasonless clothes and make cially cut off from the brand,” she said. its designs available as soon as the “It stimulates a following not only models show it off. The company also among Burberry loyalists, but potential plans to combine its men’s and customers too, and this plays an impor- Carry On Up the Khyber: women’s lines in a single show. tant role in recruiting future custom.” That foothold in digital has helped Huge moment for the industry bolster Burberry’s global reach and is Diane von Furstenberg skipped the important as it tries to boost sales over- Afghan war comedy hits cinemas runway format altogether, offering an seas, particularly in China - where only ar in Afghanistan may be no laughing Much of the script is made-up-including a rescue immersive experience that offers a the hippest and quickest are likely to matter but a new comedy starring Tina of her kidnapped boyfriend-but the movie cap- vision of the shape of shows to come. survive the economic downturn and WFey based on the memoir of an American tures the spirit of the memoir before accelerating She presented her latest collection with anti-corruption laws have curtailed the war reporter opens next week as a modern-day Taliban attacks shut down much of Kabul’s high- a party in her New York offices, featur- gift-giving that once buoyed the luxury “Carry on Up the Khyber.” “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” octane, expat scene. ing vignettes showing models wearing market. Brands like Burberry have shortened euphemistically to “WTF” recounts the In a sequence of events that would make any the clothes while traveling, working or invested heavily in Asia on expecta- exploits of a cable news producer who swaps office journalist green with envy, the film came about getting ready for a party. Guests also tions that an increasingly wealthy pop- drudgery and a lackluster boyfriend in New York for after Fey read a New York Times review of the book got a chance to look up close at the ulation would drive sales. life on the front line. comparing Barker to “a sort of Tina Fey character.” garments - an effort at interaction with The digital revolution is difficult for It opens at cinemas on March 4, starring Fey as “Because I’m an egomaniac and a moron, that real- the public. “This is a huge moment for the luxury world, which has been wary heroine Kim, Australian actress Margot Robbie as ly spoke to me... so I got hold of the book,” Fey said. the industry,” said Matthew Drinkwater, of courting a broader audience for fear beautiful TV reporter Tanya, Billy Bob Thornton as a She “loved” it and quickly set about getting it head of the Fashion Innovation Agency of losing the mystique that fashion gruff US colonel, and British actors Martin Freeman adapted. Barker said it was exciting to be played by at the London College of Fashion. “The houses market along with their gar- and Alfred Molina as Fey’s hapless love interest and one of America’s most acclaimed female comedy industry for some time has been mov- ments. The efforts to change the fash- long-suffering Afghan fixer. The action is basely stars, and appeared philosophical about the ing in this direction.” ion show aren’t an attempt to under- loosely on “The Taliban Shuffle,” a pithy 2011 mem- changes inevitable in adapting a book to the big The Council of Fashion Designers of cut mid-range brands like Zara, but a oir written by journalist Kim Barker of her time as screen. “It’s Hollywood,” she said. “You can’t get too America, a non-profit trade organiza- reflection of the luxury houses’ desire South Asia bureau chief for The Chicago Tribune wrapped up in it.” tion, has asked The Boston Consulting to emulate the ability of such brands from 2004 to 2009. Filming in Afghanistan was never an option, so Group to study the future of fashion to deliver - fast - on what their cus- The book is a hilarious romp round Afghanistan the production team scoured locations in Israel, shows, “with the aim of fixing what tomers want. and Pakistan by a ballsy reporter dropped in at the India and Abu Dhabi before settling on New many industry experts consider a bro- The change is a big risk for houses deep end to confront war and cultural differences, Mexico, home to hit TV narcotics thriller “Breaking ken system that confuses consumers.” like Burberry as the strategy assumes party with the expat set and juggle unsatisfactory Bad.” One success of the movie is the believable set. The council says the consultants will complete confidence that Bailey will be romantic entanglements. “There actually are so Street scenes resemble those in Kabul. Fey’s inter- study more intimate presentations and able to come up with the designs peo- many great war comedies,” Fey told reporters, actions with the military also ring true. A US para larger “production shows that are con- ple want to buy without the adjust- defending the decision to make Hollywood enter- jumper who lost a leg in Helmand and an Afghan sumer-facing and more closely aligned ments fashion houses often make in tainment out of a conflict that last year recorded former translator for the US military, worked as with retail deliveries.” Drinkwater said the months between the shows and 11,002 civilian casualties-the highest number since pursued by former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz advisors. Military personnel helped build the all sorts of changes are on the table, the time the clothes appear on the 2009. “This movie at its core I think is a human sto- Sharif, who was re-elected two years after the book remote outpost where Fey goes to report and including the possibility of virtual fash- rack, Hall said. Those months were used ry, it’s about relationships,” said Fey. “It’s about a was published. actors filmed a scene on UH-1 Huey helicopters. ion shows where consumers would be to talk to buyers, gauge response to woman who’s sort of making a choice to blow up Iranian-born filmmaker Gelareh Kiazand travelled able to digitally try on the clothes. The products and give clothing-makers a her existing life and go on this adventure, for lack Amorous Afghan to Kabul to capture footage, and so the staging was changing face of fashion is clear at good idea of what was going to sell - of a better word.” The movie focuses on “WTF” changes Barker’s name to Baker, re-pack- a mix of digital tricks and giant sets, including parts Burberry, which shows in London on and to prepare their stock to suit. Afghanistan, deleting Barker’s adventures in ages her as a TV producer and inserts an amorous of New Mexico’s state penitentiary turned into Monday. Christopher Bailey, who is “There’s going to be some big gambles Pakistan and her account of being romantically Afghan attorney general who has a crush on her. Kabul airport. —AFP both the company’s CEO and chief cre- on product,” Hall said. — AP Flagship gallery show raises fears for Hong Kong arts ong Kong yesterday got its first glimpse of the collec- believe in that,” Chong said. The questions swirling around tion at the heart of its new flagship gallery, with an M+ come as concern grows in Hong Kong over interference Hexhibition that has highlighted fears Beijing’s influ- from Beijing in the semi-autonomous city’s politics, education ence in the city is infecting the arts. The M+ Sigg show fea- and the press. Those fears have been exacerbated by the tures 80 works by famous Chinese names including Yue recent disappearances of five Hong Kong booksellers known Minjun-known for his paintings of laughing faces-and surreal- for publishing titles critical of the Chinese government. Four ist Zhang Xiaogang. are now under criminal investigation on the mainland. It is billed as the first ever chronological exhibition on the Some connected to M+ say self-censorship is becoming a emergence of Chinese contemporary art and gives a taste of bigger problem in the city. “In Hong Kong, we do feel like a much wider collection that will eventually go on show at there is a big tightening of the public sphere over the past two Hong Kong’s new M+ gallery. The massive 60,000 square- or three years, whether it’s in publishing, in theatres, in exhibi- A woman walks past pictures depicting the meter art venue, set to open in 2019, aims to rival Western tions,” said Ada Wong, a local arts advocate and a member of Tiananmen events by Hong Kong born photographer contemporary heavyweights like London’s Tate Modern. But the M+ museum committee. “I think this administration in par- Liu Heung Shing. the Hong Kong government-sponsored gallery has been criti- lion government grant and prompted senior figures includ- cized for failing to fully represent the local art scene and faces ing M+’s executive director Lars Nittve to step down. questions over its curatorial independence. West Kowloon Cultural District Authority head Duncan Some in the art community ask why it spent none of its Pescod admits the full complex-which will eventually also HK1.7 billion ($220 million) acquisition budget on creations include a theatre and public parks-could take another 10-15 that blossomed on Hong Kong’s streets during the pro- A man stands by an artwork by Chinese artist Zhang years to complete. He told AFP the authority is considering democracy Umbrella Movement of 2014. Others question Huan titled “Family Tree”. working with several developers at the same time to speed whether this week’s exhibition-on display at a smaller gallery things up. But despite concerns, there is still hope that M+ as M+ awaits completion-has been pared back, pointing out ticular, they are very cautious as to what would upset Beijing,” will draw attention to the city’s undernourished creative its touring title, “Right is wrong”, has been dropped. adds Wong, referring to the government of Hong Kong’s chief industries. “For a long time Hong Kong has perhaps not been There have been queries over whether some more contro- executive Leung Chun-ying, seen as a staunch ally of China. the most hospitable city for emerging artists,” said Pearl Lam, versial works were excluded, and whether there was pressure Wong said local artists have even begun to tone down their who runs a prominent private gallery, pointing to the high to tone down the narrative of Beijing’s crushing of the 1989 work for fear of upsetting the authorities. “Self-censorship... it’s cost of living and rental space. Tiananmen Square protests. M+ chief curator Doryun Chong happening, it’s just still under the table,” she said. “The fear is “M+ will be exceptionally important for Hong Kong when defended the new exhibition, saying it is a “whole, full histori- here, and the tightening of control is definitely here.” it opens.” Hong Kong is already a burgeoning art hub, the cal survey” of Chinese modern art-one that includes works by world’s fourth-largest art market and hosts major interna- Beijing’s bete noir Ai Wei Wei. He also insisted M+ has not Artistic ambitions tional show Art Basel. There has been a recent explosion of been subject to political pressure, but admits the gallery In this picture taken on February 22, 2016 visitors The harbor front M+ gallery venue in Hong Kong’s West galleries, with major Western brands like White Cube and takes a conservative approach to its collection and exhibi- stand by an artwork by Chinese artist Wan Guangyi Kowloon remains a sprawling construction site 20 years after Galerie Perrotin opening offices in the past five years, and tions. “There might be certain institutions or curators who titled “Mao Zedong: red Grid No. 2” during the pre- it was first dreamt up. Political interference has been blamed smaller local art studios setting up home in former industrial believe in the idea or the power of provocation, but I don’t view of the M+ Sigg art show in Hong Kong. — AFP for delays that have eaten up the project’s entire HK$21.6 bil- heartlands. —AFP ‘Fuller House’ may please fans (but no one else)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016 38

A model presents a creation from Maria Escote’s Autumn / Winter 2016-2017 collection during the Mercedes-Benz Madrid Fashion Week in Madrid. —AFP Spud-only diet a Bugs are recipe for success for mash hit for Australia’s Mr Potato Head n Australian man who plans to eat nothing but potatoes for an entire year said yesterday that Adespite his strange diet he was not only feeling French pasta maker better, but surprisingly enjoying his meals. Unlike Matt Damon’s character in “The Martian”, who is stranded on the Red Planet with little else to eat, Andrew Taylor, 35, made a deliberate decision to eat only the starchy staple for 12 months, to break what he termed his “food addic- tion”. While addicts can go “cold turkey” on their vice, such as alcohol or cigarettes, it is impossible to do so with food, so Taylor settled on making his diet as boring as possible. “The next best thing was to find one thing that sustained me healthily,” he told AFP, saying that besides potatoes, he also considered mangoes, bananas and watermelon. After deciding there were more options with the humble spud, Taylor now eats as many as he wants each day, boiled, mashed and even made into pancakes, occasionally flavoring them with seasonings such as garlic and salt. “I’m not having any fats, no butter, no meat, no dairy... no oil either,” the stay-at-home dad said, adding he was coping well on day 54. Taylor is documenting his experience on his Spud Fit Facebook page, which has more than 6,000 likes, and An employee of the factory “L’Atelier a pates” (“The pasta shop”) makes a special pas- Packages of pastas made with flour of insects (locusts or crickets at the factory says while losing weight was not his ultimate goal, he ta with insects flour made with locusts or crickets on February 8, 2016 in Thiefosse. “L’Atelier a pates” — AFP photos has so far shed 17 kilograms. “I’m sleeping better and have better mental clarity and focus,” he said, adding n artisanal pasta-maker in northeastern France is ing it strictly within the culinary traditions of the Lorraine that his joint pain from playing football had also disap- struggling to meet demand after adding a crunchy, region, using wild garlic, nettles and safran, for example. peared. Aprotein-rich ingredient to the noodles: insects. “The All of her ingredients were from Lorraine except durum Taylor shrugged off the idea that he is not getting name of the ingredient may be a turnoff, but it’s really deli- semolina, which Richard says is incompatible with the cli- enough nutrients, saying he is taking vitamin B12 cious, especially with game meat,” smiles Alain Limon as he mate. Four years on with the addition of insect flour to the tablets and is under medical supervision. “People spreads cricket-flavored fusilli on a drying rack. mix, “it’s working so well that we will soon be able to hire a assume that I am going to be sick and die,” he jokes. “If I Limon, 52, is the only employee at the Atelier a Pates second person,” Richard says, proud of her weekly produc- feel sick, I’ll just eat something else.” While he’s no food (Pasta Workshop) in Thiefosse, northeastern France. His tion now at some 400 kilos. activist, and insists he is not trying to make people fol- boss Stephanie Richard began her homemade pasta busi- And she does not plan to stop there: she is working on a low his diet, Taylor believes the potato is vastly underrat- ness in 2012, and is now hiring again thanks to the success new recipe using Maroilles cheese from northern France, ed. “Potatoes are a real powerhouse,” he said, adding of her latest creations made from insect flour. “The insect is and plans to start making stuffed pastas. At a little over six that he was amazed at how his radical eating plan had the protein of the future,” Richard says. “It’s protein of high Euros ($6.60) for a 250 gram package, insect flour pastas attracted media interest worldwide. “The biggest sur- quality that is well digested by the body.” are more expensive than standard kinds, but Richard notes prise of all is that I’m enjoying it.” —AFP In fact, a 2013 by the UN Food and Agriculture that they can replace meat for vegetarians-or for people Organization (FAO) noted the “huge potential” of insects, who prefer crickets. “People with iron or magnesium defi- for feeding not only people but also livestock. Insects are ciencies will also eat these products,” she says. — AFP already a common food in many developing countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceania. Some European cheeses also contain or use insects, like France’s mimolette, whose grey crust is the result of cheese mites intentionally introduced to add flavor, or the Sardinian casu marzu, which contains live insect larvae.

‘Kind of nutty’ For Richard’s unique pastas, she uses pulverized crickets and grasshoppers, sometimes mixing the two, and sometimes mixing ground cepes with cricket flour. “There’s a kind of nutty taste thanks to the cepes, making it taste more like whole wheat pasta,” Richard says. She was developing a high-protein pasta for athletes when an insect dis- tributor in eastern Lyon contacted her. Sold on the idea, she began producing pasta made from insect flour in time for the December holidays, and around 500 packages flew off her shelves. “The product piqued the curiosity and had great success,” says Richard, An employee of the factory “L’Atelier a pates” makes a who is also a part-time French teacher. special pasta made with flour of insects. Whole eggs are added to a mixture of seven percent insect flour to 93 percent organic spelt wheat flour, producing a brownish pasta that is shaped into radiatori, fusil- This undated picture provided on February 23, 2016 by Melbourne man Andrew Taylor shows him posing li, spaghetti and penne. At first Richard made plain fresh The locusts used to make a special insects flour to make for pictures with potatoes in Melbourne.—AFP egg pasta before diversifying her production while keep- pasta at the factory “L’Atelier a pates” (“The pasta shop”).