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MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 SHAABAN 11, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Simpson case Clay court at 20: Views machine Nadal in black reaches cloud and14 white nine20 in Paris Strongman Sisi sworn Max 48º Min 29º in as Egypt president High Tide 08:20 & 21:12 Ex-army chief vows no reconciliation with Islamists Low Tide 01:44 & 15:10 40 PAGES NO: 16191 150 FILS CAIRO: Ex-army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi promised yes- terday to build a stable Egypt as he was sworn in as president almost a year after he overthrew the country’s first freely elected leader, but vowed there will be “no leniency” for those who commit acts of violence. The retired field marshal became Egypt’s second elected president since a popular uprising overthrew longtime strongman Hosni Mubarak in 2011, unleashing more than three years of unrest. Western countries alarmed by the brutal crackdown on dissent following Sisi’s July 3 ousting of Islamist pres- ident Mohamed Morsi mostly sent low-level representa- tives to his inauguration. In a speech to Arab royals, for- eign dignitaries and Egyptian public figures at the presi- dential palace, Sisi said it was time “for our great people to obtain the fruits of their two revolutions”. “The time has come to build a more stable future,” he said, after signing a power transfer with outgoing interim presi- dent Adly Mansour, a chief justice who Sisi had installed when he toppled Morsi. Guests lined up to shake Sisi’s hand at the ceremony, which appeared choreographed to display regional support for the new president. Many Egyptians view Sisi as the leader best suited to restoring stability and he scored a lopsided victory in a vote boycotted by Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood and secular dissidents, targeted by the army-installed government in a sweeping crack- down. Soldiers and police deployed in force around Cairo in anticipation of protests by the battered Brotherhood movement and possible militant attacks. No violence was reported. Later yesterday, Sisi hosted a reception for Egyptian public figures and delivered his first national address as CAIRO: (Left) Former army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi takes the oath of office as he is sworn in as Egypt’s president at the Supreme Constitutional Court yesterday. president. (Right) Sisi greets Kuwait’s Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during his inauguration ceremony at the presidential palace. — AP Continued on Page 15 Tensions soar ahead Social Security employees strike of opposition rally Militants attack Top court jails 3 ex-MPs Karachi airport By B Izzak meanwhile declared its support for the gathering in order to “expose corruption KARACHI: Heavily armed militants attacked Pakistan’s KUWAIT: Political tension in the country cases and reveal the full truth to the busiest airport in the southern city of Karachi yesterday has soared ahead of tomorrow’s opposi- Kuwaiti people”. The movement said on night, forcing the suspension of all flights as the army tion-sponsored public gathering as Thursday that former MP Musallam Al- was called in to repel the gunmen, officials said. Dr Seemi Kuwait appeared it was sliding back into Barrak will announce details of a num- Jamali of Jinnah Hospital said five bodies had been turmoil following several months of rela- ber of high-profile corruption cases brought there, as well as one wounded person. The tive stability. The country’s top court amid reports that the prominent oppo- assault has raised fears about the possibility of a pro- meanwhile yesterday issued a 20-month sition leader may even declare names of longed siege similar to other brazen attacks on key suspended jail term against three for- former and current senior officials installations in recent years. Army spokesman Colonel mer opposition MPs on charges of involved. Nayer said that troops had been deployed from the Malir insulting HH the Amir, reversing an earli- During an interview with local televi- cantonment near their airport. “They have reached the KUWAIT: Public Institution for Social Security employees stage a strike yester- er ruling by the court of appeals to sion Al-Youm, Barrak spoke about a scene,” he said. day at the body’s headquarters. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat acquit them. number of major corruption scandals A spokesman for Airport Security Force (ASF) told The call for the public gathering by and illegal multimillion-dollar transfers AFP: “Four to five terrorists have managed to reach the By A Saleh diately be known, while the union plans to the Popular Action Movement (PAM) last by a former senior official, saying the runway, they are heavily armed with ammunition and continue work stoppage until their Thursday received solid support by the money was stolen from public funds. grenades and ASF commandos have cordoned off the KUWAIT: Employees at the Public demands are met. The Public Institution for bloc of former opposition parliamentari- Tension also soared on the back of area along with police and rangers. A gun battle is con- Institution for Social Security staged a Social Security handles payments of pen- ans at a meeting late Saturday night. reports that authorities may move to tinued between terrorists and forces.” The spokesman strike yesterday at the body’s headquarters sions and state benefits to retired citizens. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, shut Al-Watan and Al-Youm local satel- said the gunmen had entered the airport by cutting and all branches, one week after holding a Saleh had called Saturday for negotia- former MP Faisal Al-Mislem said the bloc lite channels to prevent Sheikh Ahmad through a barbed-wire fence at the airport’s old terminal partial strike based on the labor union’s tions, but demanded that the union call off unanimously backed the public gather- Al-Fahd Al-Sabah from appearing on the which is no longer used for passengers but instead has request. The union reiterated demands its planned strike before opening his office ing that was called to expose major cor- two channels. The report could not be offices, workshops and hangars. “The old terminal is during the protest for pay increases “to to listen to their demands. Several other ruption cases. Mislem also called on all independently confirmed. attached to the runways being used for the new airport’s achieve justice and equality as guaranteed labor unions announced their support to political groupings to support and In another development, the National flight operations,” he added. An intelligence official con- by the constitution,” President Manal Al- the strike hours after news came out that attend the gathering in order to expose Assembly’s public funds protection com- firmed the ASF’s account. Rashidi said. Meanwhile, Ali Al-Tuwaijri, the minister requested canceling the strike forces of corruption, adding that tomor- mittee yesterday called for referring offi- Senior police official Rao Muhammad Anwar had ear- President of the Civil Service Commission’s as a precondition to discuss labor row’s gathering outside the National cials responsible for a number of contro- lier placed the number of attackers at “four to six”, while a labor union, issued a statement in support demands, which indicates that workers in Assembly will herald the start of a new versial mega projects to the public pros- spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority added all of yesterday’s strike, blaming Finance other state bodies are closely watching the campaign against the government. ecution, the head of the panel said. flights had been suspended. Minister Anas Al-Saleh of ignoring workers’ PIFSS strike to determine any action of The leftist Progressive Movement Continued on Page 15 Continued on Page 15 demands. their own. The effect of the strike could not imme- Continued on Page15 Call for Mideast peace at Vatican

VATICAN CITY: Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas called for peace yesterday at an unprecedented prayer with Pope Francis yesterday amid heightened tensions between the two sides. Peres said peacemaking was a “duty” and a “holy mission” at the spiritual event in the Vatican Gardens, and Abbas called for a “comprehensive and just peace” that could bring stability to the Middle East. Joined by the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew I, the three spoke after hearing Christian, Jewish and Muslim prayers and musical interludes in what Peres defined as “an unusual call for peace”. “Two peoples, Israelis and Palestinians, still are aching for peace. The tears of mothers over their children are still etched in our hearts. We must put an end to the cries, to the violence,” Peres said. Abbas said: “We want peace for us and our neighbours.” The four leaders then symbolically shovelled soil for a newly-planted olive tree and held a closed-door meet- ing in a Vatican pavilion, following the collapse of US- VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis (center) sits between Palestinian leader Mahmoud backed Middle East peace talks earlier this year. Francis Abbas (right) and Israeli President Shimon Peres during a joint peace prayer yes- called for the “courage” to make peace. terday in the gardens of the Vatican. — AFP Continued on Page 15 MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 LOCAL

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A potter deftly spins a clay vessel into shape at a recent heritage expo at the American University of Kuwait. —Photo by Joseph Shagra Recommendations to save 20% in subsidies New electricity, water tariffs

KUWAIT: The Cabinet is studying a recommen- ous subsidization program, amid concerns that per month. The prices start from 2 fils per kilo- authorized to speak publicly about the matter. Company argued in its complaint that the min- dation filed by a Finance Ministry committee that increasing current spending raises the risk of the watt, and increase gradually to 12 fils for bills of The committee did not make any recommen- istry seems to favor dealing with one company calls for limiting high consumers’ access to subsi- state falling into a budget deficit in 10-15 years, 12,000 kilowatts or higher. As for water, the tariff dations to remove subsidies on gasoline, a sub- despite the fact that there are many companies dized electricity and water, but does not address based on the International Monetary Fund’s esti- will remain at 800 fils per 1,000 imperil gallons ject that needs thorough study due to its direct that provide the same product in Kuwait. gasoline subsidization. Subsidization has allowed mations. The committee made its first recom- for consumers classified under the category of connection to daily activities and its certain ASICO did not name the company in ques- Kuwait to maintain one of the lowest fee rates for mendation to the Cabinet recently, which con- 10,000 gallons or less per month. The price effect on individuals and institutions alike, the tion, but the report mentioned the Kuwait electricity and water in the world. A kilowatt of tains a categorized system that charges con- increases gradually, reaching up to KD 2.5 for sources added. Cement Company - in which the Kuwait electricity that costs the state 30-40 fils to gener- sumers based on their consumption levels while monthly bills exceeding 30,000 gallons. Investment Authority has an estimated 30 per- ate is sold to consumers for 2 fils. Meanwhile, help cut the total subsidization value, which is The recommendation also calls for selling Subsidized cement cent share - as the company that has an exclusive water is sold for 800 fils per 1,000 imperil gallons. currently estimated at over KD 5 billion a year, by unsubsidized diesel at gas stations, while allow- In other news, a local company lodged a com- contract with the ministry to supply it with According to the World Bank, Kuwait’s average 20 percent or KD 500 million. ing factories and companies using diesel to run plaint with the Ministry of Commerce and cement listed among subsidized construction electricity consumption per capita is 16,122 kilo- their machines to have access to subsidized fuel Industry, criticizing what it says is the ministry’s material. The report further indicates that watts per hour, which is almost double of Saudi Consumption categories through main supplying stations in order to pre- favoritism towards a certain company in buying Abdulaziz Al-Khaldi, the ministry’s undersecre- Arabia’s rate of 8,161 kilowatts per hour. The system, according to sources familiar with vent effect on inflation and production costs, concrete included in the list of subsidized prod- tary, ordered an investigation to determine the The government formed a committee late last the project, sets categories for electricity con- said the sources who spoke to Al-Qabas on the ucts provided to Kuwaitis. According to sources technical aspects pertaining with the company’s year to study ways to restructure Kuwait’s gener- sumption starting from zero to 12,000 kilowatts condition of anonymity because they were not quoted by Al-Rai yesterday, ASICO Industries complaints. KIA to invest in food security KUWAIT: After a year of studies and take advantage of good returns from term creates an uncertainty regarding discussions, the Kuwait Investment this sector which has proven to be fea- the country’s ability to feed itself when Authority (KIA) has decided to invest in sible for investment, the sources oil revenues decline. Like many of its the food security sector in the near explained. Gulf neighbors, Kuwait has begun in future. The KIA prepares to select an Food security centers largely recent years to invest more heavily in international consultancy office to help around the ideas of availability and food producing regions in the world, put a plan to invest in the agricultural accessibility of food with adequate buying farmland in Asia and other field, Al-Qabas reported yesterday nutritional content. Kuwait is able to areas as part of its long term food secu- quoting sources familiar with the news. meet its food demands due to the rity strategy while also incentivizing The plan will determine the value and country’s oil wealth and income but it the growth of the agricultural sector at places of the investments and carry relies heavily on imports for almost all home. The growth of local farming, out feasibility studies, the sources said. its food including basic commodities. however, is limited due to the country’s The project will help achieve food This makes Kuwait vulnerable to dis- arid climate and severely limited fresh security in Kuwait, and allow the KIA to ruptions in food supply and longer water supplies.

KUWAIT: Employees at the Public Institution for Social Security holding a strike yesterday. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat p3.e$S_Layout 1 6/8/14 11:19 PM Page 1

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 LOCAL

CAIRO: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, accompanied by a delegation of senior officials, arrive in Egypt yesterday to attend the ceremonial inauguration of Egyptian President Abdulfattah Al-Sisi. The Amir was received by Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation Hosam Kamal, Kuwait’s ambassador to Egypt Salem Al-Zamanan and Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the Arab League Ambassador Aziz Al-Daihani and a number of senior officials. ‘Summer is Dubai 2014’ campaign reaches Kuwait Increase in number of visitors

By Ben Garcia GCC visitors will provide further incen- tives for them to experience our city dur- KUWAIT: Dubai does not believe in the ing a season which is framed by a calen- impossible - they make things possible. dar of cultural and celebratory festivals Speaking during a road show to promote and events and during which holiday- Dubai at the Regency Palace Hotel, Hoor makers will enjoy the best that Dubai has Al-Khaja, Dubai Department of Tourism to offer.” and Commerce and Marketing (DTCM), DTCM has formed partnerships with said Dubai can boast of an increasing eight major travel agents across Saudi number of visitors year in and year out. Arabia, Oman and Kuwait to promote “Last year, we released our 2020 vision in ‘Summer is Dubai’ and create tailored which we planned to attract 20 million flight and hotel packages, enabling visi- tourists. Just last year, we received 11 tors to experience the famous Dubai lux- million visitors,” Khaja noted. According ury offerings at surprisingly low prices. to Khaja, Dubai’s high standards, targets At the event, Dubai Festivals and and expectations in the tourism industry Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency contributed to the growing number of of the DTCM, presented its exciting sum- international visitors. mer calendar, kicking off with the 15th “Back then, no one in the world want- edition of Modhesh World, one of the ed to be in Dubai for a vacation, but the largest themed family indoor edutain- situation today is completely different. ment facilities in the region. To be held KUWAIT: Dubai Tourism promotion at Regency Palace on Thursday. —Photo by Joseph Shagra Dubai right now is number 7 in the world between June and September, Modhesh in terms of tourist arrivals. We always World will offer a range of activities seek to be number one - we believed we spread across more than 40 zones. are, and it’s achievable,” she said. The The summer calendar will also include event also highlighted this year’s Ramadan in Dubai (June 29 to July 27), ‘Summer is Dubai’ festival. Visitors from which will showcase Islamic culture, the GCC are being welcomed to Dubai Emirati traditions and hospitality; Eid in with open arms this summer, with a Dubai (July 28 to Aug 1) a grand celebra- range of attractions designed to appeal tion of the Eid Al Fitr festival that will to families, including a calendar of festi- involve people from all communities; vals and cultural activities, the ever-pop- and lastly the iconic family summer ular Modhesh World, and an array of extravaganza, Dubai Summer Surprises shopping offers and promotions. from Aug 2 to Sept 5. The UAE and particularly Dubai is his- Saeed Mohammad Mesam Al-Falasi, torically the region’s holidaymakers’ Director, Strategic Alliance Division, favourite destination during the summer Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment months, DTCM said. “We want to pro- (DFRE) an agency of the Department of mote our selling points, and we will con- Tourism and Commerce Marketing tinue to redefine our places to visit and (DTCM), said: “Every year, during the the experiences of people across the city. summer, the festivals and celebrations We will add more products for our cus- organized by DFRE have contributed tomers, so anywhere from the airport to towards an increase in visitors to Dubai the places where people visit, they will from the region. The GCC region has get what they want,” Khaja said. always been a core market for Dubai, giv- “Dubai is the best city for shopping, en the UAE’s close proximity and com- but we don’t settle for that. We won’t set- mon values and culture that we share. tle for the tagline that Dubai is the must- Again, we look forward to welcoming visit city in the world. We want people to large numbers of tourists from the know that our place is a place where region, especially families to our summer everyone will not come once, but over celebrations this year.” and over again, and every time you visit Dma Al-Herais, Vice President Dubai, there is something new to experi- Commercial Operations and Distribution, ence that you never experienced the last Emirates Holidays, said: “This summer, we time you visited us,” Khaja added. would like to encourage travellers from Saleh Al-Geziry, DTCM’s Director of Kuwait to avail of the special offers pre- Overseas Promotions and Inward sented by Emirates Holidays and enjoy Missions, said: “This summer is an ideal an entertaining family break in Dubai. time to visit Dubai, whether you have The KIDS GO FREE offer is available on never been to our city or have been three-night packages in over 30 three, many times before. Under the guidance four and five star hotels in Dubai, includ- of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin ing the new Waldorf Astoria Palm Rashed Al-Maktoum, UAE Vice President Jumeirah and the newly refurbished and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheraton Dubai Creek, plus specially the emirate continues to focus on being selected family friendly apartments. The a family destination of choice, with a Summer is Dubai campaign highlights range of activities, entertainment and some of the very best places to go, experiences for parents and children to things to see and ways to keep children enjoy.” “A number of flight and hotel entertained and we are pleased to be offers created in partnership with our partnering with DTCM to offer these holi- travel agency partners specifically for day packages for visiting guests.”

KAC profit expected in four years

KUWAIT: Kuwait Airways (KAC) board of mechanism before choosing the consult- directors contacted Minister of ant. Chairperson and Managing Director Communications Essa Al-Kandari to learn Rasha Al-Roumi said meanwhile that the the government’s mechanism of choice to loss-making KAC is expected to begin mak- finance its fleet renovation deal signed ear- ing profits within four years after a success- lier this year. ful restructuring plan. She added in an The KAC would like to know whether interview with Al-Qabas daily that the com- the funding mechanism will be direct, or pany’s situation is unique in the scenes that through a guarantee letter from the gov- its privatization process is going simultane- ernment to the local or foreign bank that ously with a restructuring that sees nearly finances the deal, according to sources 1,800 employees with experience walking familiar with the news. out of the door. The board has already contacted five The Kuwait Airways’ privatization law international banks to serve as consultants gives Kuwaiti employees the option to to ‘engineer’ financing the $4.4 billion deal transfer to the public sector before the firm with Airbus to purchase 25 aircrafts and is turned private. The company, which cur- lease 12 more, said the sources who spoke rently has around 6,000 employees, will to Al-Jarida on the condition of anonymity. likely need 4,500 to operate its fleet as per They added that the KAC is waiting for the the IATA’s plan for the upcoming five years, government’s response on the financing Roumi said. MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 LOCAL

kuwait digest In my view Opposition’s Preparations dilemma in advance

By Ghunaim Al-Zo’bi By Labeed Abdal ews have been going around about the opposition’s intention to postpone its activ- Nities and marches till after the FIFA World Cup and the holy month of Ramadan, which brought them much sarcasm and criticism in all social media for such a step that only reflects the [email protected] opposition’s dilemma and strife to attract the attention of more citizens, namely the youth. Such an opposition failed to get rid of the slug- he Ministry of Electricity and Water deserves credit for its efforts to improve the quality of its services in prepara- gishness and indifference their rallies have been Ttion for the summer each year. Most recently, the min- suffering. After they used to fill Irada Square and istry signed a KD74 million contract to upgrade the produc- the surrounding streets with supporters, they now tion capacity at the West Doha power and desalination plant. hardly fill diwaniyas of their own members with a It goes without saying that we need similar efforts to be few people attending including at least 25 percent taken by all state departments, including the Ministry of media members. Health for example. The increasing population requires large- One of the main reasons why the youth have scale projects in various fields, including public transporta- abandoned the opposition is its leadership on top tion, education, public health and security. The efforts must of the pyramid. These leaders include people with include preparations in advance and cooperation so that state long legacies and history in political life, yet they departments become ready to meet public requirements suc- are still stuck to old methodologies. They are out- cessfully. Regional coordination is also important, especially that dated in terms of modern technology that has cre- Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and ated huge barriers between them and the youth. Oman share similar environmental conditions with Kuwait. I The best proof of this is that many of them do not believe that cooperation between these countries in the ener- even have Twitter accounts, and even if they do, kuwait digest gy field can help achieve enough production to cover all those accounts are so humble in terms of the num- needs there, and save costs in the long term. For example, ber and quality of tweets made through them and giant generators can be established in one state to feed all the number of followers compared to many young Hope they get the message countries in case of emergency. people such as Meshari Bo Yabis, Faisal Al-Basri and For those who are spending their first summer in Kuwait, many others who are being followed more than the temperature increase is a temporary phase that ends in By Qais Al-Asta the traditional opposition leaders. August, after which temperatures begin to drop, leading to However, this is not the only problem Kuwaiti moderate weather and many opportunities to spend good opposition is facing. They are active in one of the hat happened recently at the Public those who work in state departments. His Highness times outdoors. world’s richest countries that enjoys a relatively Authority for Applied Education and the Prime Minister needs to have a firm stance against huge amount of freedom compared to other Arab WTraining, which saw a lawmaker storm the that action. General Director’s office and verbally assault him as In the meantime, Deputy Prime Minister and or regional countries. Thus, they cannot make kuwait digest Kuwaiti youth follow them to demand their ‘bread’ rumored, is something that needs to be addressed. Acting Education Minister Dr Abdulmuhsen Al-Medej that is already delivered to their doorsteps on Conviction in this case is not alone. I don’t think is also urged to take actions that protect the PAAET’s golden plates. They will not be beguiled into that someone, whose grandfather is a judge, his uncle director; something that I am confident that he will A hospital for demonstrating to demand more freedom of is a judge, and his brothers are either judges or univer- take, knowing Medej’s sense of justice. expression because they can already criticize and sity professors while he himself heads a key educa- On his part, PAAET General Director Dr Ahmad Al- senior citizens ridicule the prime minister, his Cabinet members tional institution in the country, needs anyone to Athari must not yield to pressures in the form of and top officials on their Twitter accounts on a dai- defend him. demands he will soon receive, calling him to drop the By Dr Mohammad Al-Shaibani ly basis without being threatened or held legally We are talking about the repeated incidents in case under the pretext of preventing the issue from accountable. which parliament members offend state employees becoming overblown. The issue already became a big t became necessary to establish a hospital for senior citi- How, then, can the opposition attract such inside their office. The same MP had physically assault- deal when the MP forgot that his role is to legislate zens, because of what we hear and see of negligence and youth who have no ‘living’ or freedom problems? ed the director of the overseas treatment program and monitor the government’s performance, and Ierrors committed daily against this sector of society. It The best thing to do is to step down and allow the department at the Ministry of Health before. With the instead stormed into the general director’s office ille- appears that some doctors and nurses feel that old people second in opposition lines to step forward and take most recent case, the MP is insulting the parliament, gally. The case will be discussed in the parliament, and admitted to hospitals suffer from incurable diseases and will the lead to continue their struggle. Otherwise, the and it is the parliament’s role to defend itself by form- MPs will vote on a request to lift their colleague’s eventually die, therefore there is no need to give much atten- opposition will eventually fade away because post- ing a values committee that holds accountable law- immunity so that he can stand before the court. I tion to their cases. poning demonstrations till after the World Cup has makers that stray away from the right path. hope that all MPs remember then that the vow they Such a flimsy justification reflects lack of knowledge and really cost them much support and brought much There are conflicting opinions regarding this parlia- took at the beginning of their term was to protect the experience, in addition to recklessness and taking irresponsi- ble decisions. In the meantime, there are many cases of senior sarcasm and mockery on them, leading many of its ment in specific, as some people believe that it does public interest, not their fellow lawmakers. citizens who were cured after receiving treatment abroad. In leaders to lose supporters’ respect! not fully represent the public. Behaviors lack that of Will they get the message? I hope so. such cases, the citizens were misdiagnosed locally, which fur- the MP in question only make matters worse. ther proves doctors’ lack of knowledge and experience in their — Translated by Kuwait Times from A-Anbaa The government meanwhile is required to protect — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas field. There are many stories of people who were diagnosed with certain diseases, but discovered that they suffered from a different illness after seeking a second opinion abroad. Therefore, I think it has become necessary to establish a hospi- kuwait digest tal where professional geriatricians handle cases of senior citi- zens, who need someone to deal with their situations with care adequate to their old age and condition. Rebelling against And when we ask to have such a cultural step in our coun- try, we would only be asking to follow on the footsteps of social authority advanced nations that adopted this step before us out of respect for human dignity. One of these countries is Japan, where care for the elderly exceeds the boundaries of hospitals, By Abdullatif Al-Duaij and is seen even in their cultures and general behavior with each other. And today, their mercy has expanded to also cover ome people, out of good intentions or perhaps animals, as they established hospitals to take care of old dogs. overexcitement over the political issues they This kind of mercy is what our great religion and Prophet Sactively support, insist through social media that Muhammad (PBUH) calls for. I have changed or no longer the strong oppositionist I wrote this article seven years ago, and decided to take it that I used to be. That might partially be correct, as I from my archive as the Ministry of Health is still studying a personally feel that I am leaning more towards calm proposal to establish a hospital for senior citizens, to prove and prudence. Therefore, I became more supportive of that nothing has changed all these years. dealing with issues more realistically, and with more flexibility even when that might not be in full coordina- — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas tion with my beliefs. But that definitely does not mean that my position has shifted towards the right, or that I have become more accepting to our backwardly reality. It is the exact kuwait digest opposite, in fact. They are the ones who moved to the other side, and became more compliant with our polit- Goodbye to ical and social backwardness. The problem with people who deal with politics Fantasy Island here is that they evaluate leftism and rightism, pro- gressiveness and conservatism, based on one’s posi- tion from the political authority. Personally, I believe By Prof Ghanim Al-Najjar that the social authority is the strongest and the cen- ter, while political authority, or the government, is only hearing for the Kuwaiti detainee in the Guantanamo its reflection. prison Fawzi Al-Odah was held on June 4. We hope a Therefore, my main position is for the sake of Adecision to transfer Fawzi to a ‘pending release’ catego- changing or rebelling against the social authority, tra- ry will be made. Being a follower of the case and an actual ditions and heritage; and not opposing social or state participant in it, especially with the detainees’ families and establishments that reflect it or fall under its control. lawyers, and in view of Kuwaiti authorities cooperation, Current members of the opposition seek to change or namely the foreign ministry, we can say that all legal, security and political loopholes have been covered. ‘refine’ the political authority, but strive at the same The Universal Periodic Review Council (UPR) was formed last year comprising of elements from government bodies like the Pentagon, the US State Department, the Justice The problem with people who deal Department, Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence with politics here is that they evalu- Agency and the Army Joint Chief of Staffs - these are not judi- cial bodies and are only focused on security and politics, and ate leftism and rightism, progres- therefore, things are already decided. siveness and conservatism, based on The other problem is the US government had not previ- ously shown any commitment to court orders on releasing one’s position from the political detainees and kept illegally detaining them and that was authority. what president Obama vowed to reform in an earlier speech. So, will things change this time? We hope so. The next hearing will be held for the other Kuwaiti time to keep the traditions, heritage and limitations of detainee Fayez Al-Kandari, on June 12, and it has been pre- the social authority as they are. pared the same way like that of Odah. It is also expected to be In fact, they are leaning towards tightening the cur- affected by Fawzi’s hearing’s results. Upon a request from the rent rightist fist by reinforcing heritage - such as when lawyer, I will be taking part in the hearing in Washington as a they proposed a draft law that sets the death penalty witness and hope all will end well. as the sentence for offenders of God, the Prophet There are three possibilities for the two hearings. The first one is to recommend releasing both detainees, the second is (PBUH) or religious figures. The overzealous activists to recommend releasing one of them and resuming the are the ones who moved to the other side, and per- detention of the other, and the third is to go on detaining haps ‘changed’ as well. I became a strong supporter of them both. However, instead of guessing, we better wait for the political authority after political activity became the official decision and we hope it would be for the best of controlled in favor of further backwardness and more both of them. political and social controls. Many poems have been written about Guantanamo. Most The current opposition wants to trade the small of them are romantic ones with “Guantanamera” probably the amount of political and social freedoms that we have most famous of them. That spot of the world used to be with a few dinars they claim they can take back from described as ‘Fantasy Island’ and many poems were written thieves of public funds. When oil prices dropped, I about it before the Guantanamo prison was placed there. It is wrote and suggested that they take KD 5 billion in not possible to write the same romantic poems about it any- exchange of our political and social rights. Today, I say more because it has turned into a symbol of justice violation. take KD 50 billion but do not execute someone who However, regardless of it being a fantasy or a nightmare expresses his opinion. island, it will never be a normal place unless the prison is removed for good! — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Jarida LOCAL MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 Conferences major element in boosting countries’ economy Praise for Fair Grounds services

KUWAIT: The General Manager of Leaders Group over 15 percent of the touristic journeys organ- Company for Consultancy and Development ized worldwide (over 135 million) were to attend (Leaders Group) Nabila Al-Anjari stressed the conferences and exhibition. importance of the Exhibitions and Conferences According to a report by the Meetings Sector as a major element in boosting many Professionals International organization (MPI), countries’ economy and making considerable the report also stressed that the income through profits that help increasing national incomes. conferences industry can sometimes exceed that In this regard, the Leaders Group monthly made through any other sector. “For example, report stressed the importance of including con- the conferences industry is a major element in ferences and exhibitions in Kuwait’s develop- the US national income employing over 1.5 mil- ment plan and that the conferences and exhibi- lion and making $250 billion annually,” said the tions industry be given enough care through set- report, adding that conference industry was ting flexible legislations to help revive the sector. responsible for 2 percent of the Canadian nation- The report also hailed the services provided by al income, making $32 billion and employing Kuwait International Fair Grounds in this regard over half a million people. It added that accord- as they exert much efforts organizing around 70 ing to the Australian Business Activities Council, exhibitions annually. “Yet, they still need more the industry annually makes Australia over $17 support from either the government or a strate- billion, employing over 200,000. It added that the gic partner,” stressed the report, noting that exhi- conferences sector makes China $10 billion bitions held in Kuwait do not match gigantic annually. ones held in other countries. Moreover, the report highlighted that some The report added that there were many suc- international conferences have been organized cessful international experiences in this regard for over a century and that they have gained such as those of China, Germany, France, Austria enough fame and actually became touristic and Malaysia that prove the strong link between attractions for the countries hosting them such economy, tourism and the industry of confer- as the Quanzhou Conferences, China that have ences and exhibitions, especially when they two cycles a year and date back to 1957, the Paris Nabila Al-Anjari cross-link with other economic sectors, boost Air Show that has been held in each odd year invests around $10 billion in the conferences sec- communication between buyers and sellers and since 1909 and the Frankfurt Automobile tor and it is getting ready to take the sector to improve the skills of economic sector employees. Exhibition that dates back to 1911. higher levels of performance, especially by The report added that such activities also pro- The report also noted that conferences and preparing for the Dubai Expo 2020. mote the cities hosting them both regionally and exhibitions sectors were remarkably growing in The report also highlights a number of chal- internationally. the Gulf region and that many Gulf states were lenges Kuwait’s conferences sector is facing, such focusing on it such as UAE where Dubai hosts as: Beneficiary Sectors around 200 annual conferences and Abu Dhabi 1. Governmental responsibilities overlap- The report stressed that there was a major link hosts 180 international activities that are profes- ping between several governmental bodies between the conferences and exhibitions sector sionally prepared each year. “Kuwait comes 5th in 2. Difficulty in visa issuance for confer- and the tourism, namely hotels, trip organizers, GCC states (after UAE, Qatar, KSA and Bahrain) in ence visitors KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem and other officials receving travel agents and others. “Most hotels include terms of having adequately equipped halls ready 3. Social factors concerning public aware- Albanian Parliament Speaker Ilir Meta at the Kuwait International Airport yesterday. conference halls that host participants who stay to host international activities and the number of ness and interaction with such activities activities they annually host. Notably, Dubai Albanian parliament in the same hotels,” added the report noting that 4. Lack of sub-services and facilities. speaker arrives

KUWAIT: Albanian Parliament Speaker Ilir Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Meta and his accompanying delegation Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh arrived in Kuwait yesterday for a several- Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on bilat- day official visit. eral relations between the two countries. Meta was received by National He will also meet Minister of Health Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, Dr. Ali Al-Obaidi, Director-General of head of the mission of honor and MP Saud Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Al-Heriji, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Albania Development (KFAED) Abdulwahab Al- Najeeb Al-Bader, Albanian Ambassador to Bader, in addition to the chairman and Kuwait and Parliament Secretary General members of the Chamber of Commerce Allam Al-Kandari. During his visit, Mela will and Industry. Meta will be attending part hold talks with the parliament speaker, His of a National Assembly session sched- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber uled tomorrow. — KUNA KUWAIT: The drugs, mobile phones and knife confiscated during the Rescheduling causes KUWAIT: The inspection campaign in progress yesterday. campaign yesterday. confusion, students miss test Security campaigns continue KUWAIT: Some public educational depart- finals, could create trouble for the absen- ments asked middle school administrations tees, since they would be required to take By Hanan Al-Saadoun to prepare lists of students who did not tests covering the entire curricula, instead attend the first final exam last Sunday. of the second semester only was the case KUWAIT: Mubarak Al-Kabeer security forces Kuwaiti judicial Many students were absent due to confu- with the finals. launched a campaign from Thursday to sion surrounding a change in the test date. Saturday and 20 checkpoints were set. The delegation visits Oman The Education Ministry decided to advance German school campaign resulted in making 608 stops, 302 the start date from June 4 to June 3 but In other news, the ministry approved an traffic citations, 43 cars were impounded, 40 MUSCAT: A visiting Kuwaiti judicial delegation The visiting Kuwaiti delegation also met announced the decision after students had investor’s request to establish a German- persons without identification were arrested, met with Oman’s Deputy Chairman of the with Omani General Prosecutor Hassan Al-Hilali already finished classes. language school for the first time in Kuwait. apart from 16 persons wanted for debts, 10 Supreme Judicial Council Dr Ishaq Al-Busaidi to who presented a detailed account of the The situation created confusion at some The school’s owner is currently working on iqama violators, 12 roaming vendors, two discuss judicial cooperation between the two Bahraini prosecution’s development through- schools; where administrations contacted constructing its building in Farwaniya, and suspected of drug possession, 26 absconders countries, Omani Ministry of Justice said in a out the years. students’ parents and in some cases, sent is waiting licensing procedures to open at and two stolen vehicles. statement yesterday. The aim of the two-day visit is to exchange representatives to pick students up from the start of the 2015/2016 academic year, Meanwhile, campaigns in Ahmadi result- The Ministry’s statement pointed out that expertise and training courses in the judicial their homes. Al-Rai reported yesterday quoting a min- ed in the arrest of 11 wanted persons, two the Kuwaiti delegation met with Dr Al-Busaidi, and legal fields. It also seeks collaboration in The fate of the absent students is still istry source. The school will follow the min- Asians with 25 liquor bottles, two in an who is also Chairman of the Omani Supreme the publication of various literature on judicial unknown, with options to deal with their istry’s regulations and teach the Holy abnormal state with shabu, hashish and a Court and Head of the Administrative Affair and legal matters. case include having them take a makeup Quran and Islamic studies to Muslim stu- knife, while one of them was found wanted Council, to give them an overview of Oman’s Director of Kuwait Institutes for Judicial and exam, or a ‘second chance’ test during the dents, in addition to Arabic language, as on drugs charges. Two cars were impound- judicial system, its functions and specializa- Legal Studies Adel Al-Essa is heading the summer break. The second option, which is well as social studies of the State of Kuwait ed. All suspects were sent to concerned tions. Kuwaiti delegation. — KUNA normally given to students who fail their in the school’s main language. authorities.

KUWAIT: Some of the firemen who were honored yes- terday pose for a group photograph with officials. Firemen honored

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Services Directorate held an honoring ceremony for those who passed the recruitment courses for eight area directors, one from the National Guard. Twenty firemen were also honored by heads of centers and 21 firemen who passed the investigations in fire causes. The ceremony was under the patronage of KFSD Director General Maj Gen Yousuf Abdallah Al-Ansari.

Fire in Rai A fire broke out in a carpentry shop in Rai. Fire brigades rushed to the shop that contained wood, paint and highly flammable chemicals, causing the speedy spread of the fire that engulfed the entire building, which collapsed. The municipality was called to remove the debris. KFSD Deputy Director General for Fighting and Human Resources Affairs Brig Khalid Al-Mikrad received a delega- tion from the American Army as the two sides discussed means of developing means of cooperation. LOCAL MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

KUWAIT: Kuwait dive team completed the installation of 12 new buoys around coral reefs in Qaroah Island, as part of the total maintenance project. Praise for Kuwaiti lawmakers’ Man bitten by pet tiger visit to Brunei Girls held at mall for public indecency BANDAR-SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Dr Fahad Al-Dhafiri said yesterday that the Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation’ visit to Brunei, headed KUWAIT: A man was hospitalized with a achievement was a bronze medal in the kata their addresses. The two eventually con- ing not to cause her harm. by Deputy National Assembly Speaker Mubarak Al-Khurainej, severe injury after he was bitten by a one- competition during the 2007 World Junior fessed after they were faced with their was successful. Ambassador Al-Dhafiri also lauded results of year-old tiger he keeps inside his house. and Cadet Championships in Turkey. Harbi friend’s testimonies. The three were remand- Minor’s kidnap the Kuwaiti delegation’s visit as the first official parliamentary Police had headed to the Farwaniya Hospital began his career with the Arabi Club and ed in custody pending further action. A man faces charges of kidnap of a minor tour to the Sultanate since establishment of diplomatic rela- after being informed that a Kuwaiti man in transferred to the Salmiya Club then the after he took his 19 year old girlfriend to a tions between the two countries in 1990. his twenties with a large animal bite on his Shabab Club where he last played before he Runaway girl hotel. The girl’s mother accused him of kid- This visit has been prepared for since last February, he arm which required minor surgery. The man died. reunited with family napping her daughter. The Kuwaiti woman added, noting that Bruneian officials aspire to such visits, told officers that one of two tigers he keeps A girl ran away from her family’s house had filed a case at the Sabah Al-Salem police especially since it comes following Bruneian Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Al- at his house bit his arm while he was petting Stray bullet hurts teen and stayed for two days at a family friend’s. station, and told police that she suspects that Muhtadee Billah’s visit to Kuwait last March. it. Keeping exotic pets including lions, tigers, A teenager was injured by a stray bullet When her family eventually found her, she a young man she had previously ordered her Brunei’s Crown Prince’s visit to Kuwait has launched new- alligators, snakes and other animals has that came from a wedding near his uncle’s escaped again but this time, to the police sta- daughter not to talk to, had kidnapped the er prospects and paved the way for a joint cooperation become popular in Kuwait and owners often house in Subahiya. The 16-year-old was play- tion to seek help. The incident took place teenager. Police could not trace the girl’s cell between the two countries as it comes prior to holding the show off their wild pets on social media. ing with his cousins in front of their house Friday night when the woman came running phone signal since she had the device second session of the Kuwaiti-Bruneian joint committees, set when he fell with a gunshot wound on his on foot to the Salmiya police station, and switched off. Instead, they arrested the young to take place in Kuwait in November, the Kuwaiti diplomat Public indecency foot. His uncle rushed him to the Adan passed out moments after she reached there. man in an ambush outside his house, after said, adding that an MoU on investment cooperation is to be Two women were arrested after they Hospital, then headed to the Subahiya Police then stopped people who were run- they used his information that the mother signed during the second session, as well as another MoU on clashed with policemen who came to a mall police station and reported the incident. An ning after her, and learned after inspecting provided to get his address. The man said visa waiver for those who hold special and diplomatic pass- in response to emergency calls made investigation was opened. their IDs that they were her family members. during questioning that the girl went out ports. Moreover, Ambassador Al-Dhafiri mentioned that the regarding their apparel. Police had headed Paramedics soon arrived to the scene and with him willingly, adding that he first took Kuwaiti delegation’s visit also included a meeting with to the mall in Al Rai following reports about Trio arrested for helped the woman regain consciousness. The her to visit her female friend, then she asked Brunei’s Mufti of the State Abdulaziz bin Junaid and mem- bers of Brunei’s Shura Council, during which they discussed a scene caused by crowds of young men detective’s assault woman refused to go to the hospital, and him to take her to a hotel to have a tanning strengthening bilateral relations in the field of student schol- around two women in revealing clothes. The Three men were arrested Saturday an told police that she was running away from session. Police headed to the hotel and wait- arships exchange in the area of Islamic Law and other Islamic women refused to cooperate with police hour after they assaulted a police officer and her family members because they wanted to ed outside until the girl came out, then took majors. Mufti of the State also gave the Kuwaiti delegation a when they asked for their IDs, then got in an escaped in Salmiya. The suspects had beat her. Her family said during questioning her for questioning. She was later allowed to comprehensive explanation on application of Islamic law in argument with the officers before they refused to cooperate with a police detective that the girl left their home two days prior to leave with her mother, while her boyfriend the Sultanate, said the Kuwaiti Ambassador. assaulted them physically. The two were who asked for their IDs after pulling their car the incident, and they later discovered that was remanded in custody on kidnap charges arrested and taken to the Andalus police sta- over at a street in the area. The Syrian men she stayed with an Egyptian doctor who is a since the girl is under the legal age of 21. Mutual cooperation tion where they were charged with public beat up the policeman immediately after he close family friend. When they went to his The Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation also met with indecency, assaulting police officers on duty called for backup, and drove away from the apartment, the woman rushed to her car and Sleepless in Jahra Secretary General of Brunei Chamber of Industry and Commerce and disobeying police orders. They were scene before backup police arrived. drove away, but eventually stopped when A Jahra man sought police’s assistance to Dato Hajji Abdulsamad, discussing commercial issues and ways referred to the proper authorities for further Detectives were able to identify the car own- her car hit a sidewalk near the police station help him sleep which he said he hadn’t for boosting mutual cooperation between Kuwait and Brunei in action. er after the policeman provided its license and walked there instead. The woman said the investment and commercial sectors as both countries aspire experience for two days. Officers and para- to diversify income resources, investments, trade and economic plate number. The man was arrested in an during questioning that big family disputes medics had arrived to a street in the area in cooperation, said Ambassador Al-Dhafiri. The delegation also Karate champion killed in accident ambush outside his house, and taken for she did not name were the reason she response to an emergency call reporting a met with Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, during which they A young Kuwaiti martial artist died in a questioning during which he initially denied escaped. The woman eventually left with her man in a state of hysteria there. The man addressed the establishment of a $100-million investment fund traffic accident Saturday. Yousuf Al-Harbi, 24, the accusations, but later admitted when the family after the two sides refused to press explained that he has been struggling with between the two countries, as well as means to further bolster was a distinguished fighter with several officer identified him. His accomplices, who charges, and after the woman signed a docu- insomnia that prevented him from sleeping bilateral relations, he added. —KUNA achievements on the regional, continental he had blamed for encouraging him to use ment pledging not to run away again, while for two days. He was taken to the Jahra and international scenes. Harbi’s greatest violence, were arrested after he gave police her family singed a similar document pledg- Hospital under tightened security.

SHARJAH: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al-Qasimi pictured during her visit to the Refugee Camp in Marjeeb Al- Fahood, in Jordan. Library opened for Syrian refugee children in Jordan

SHARJAH: Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al-Qasimi, UAEBBY ing support for refugee children, but also aimed to offer moral Patron and Head of the Organising Committee of Knowledge and emotional support and to give hope to all the refugees in Without Borders (KWB), said that the suffering of Syrian the camp. She expressed her wishes that the Syrian people will refugee children requires significant international cooperation be able to return home soon to a happier and more stable life. to help them withstand the drastic situation they are going The tour to the camp commenced with a visit to a training through, adapt to their temporary living conditions in refugee workshop, organized by UAEBBY and KWB in cooperation with camps, and give them hope for a better future. parents. The session focused on bibliotherapy and how chil- The statement was made during Sheikha Bodour Al- dren can use reading and books to relieve depression and take Qasimi’s visit to the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp in a positive approach. Marjeeb Al-Fahood, in Jordan, to launch Sharjah’s Cultural During her meeting with parents at the workshop, Sheikha Initiative for Syrian Children ‘Read for Syria’s Children’. Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi called on them to inspire their children to Bodour was accompanied by Hadi Hamad Al-Kaabi, Manager read, as reading helps bring happiness to children, even tem- of the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp. porarily. She emphasized that reading helps children see differ- Co-organized by UAEBBY and KWB in collaboration with ent beautiful things and think differently, and will open minds UAE Red Crescent, the initiative supports the Big Heart towards a better future after the crisis is over. Campaign launched by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint During the visit, Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi opened a 3000- Mohammed Al-Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, book children’s library. Named the Big Heart, the library is the Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs. first of its kind for Syrian refugees in the region. Books were Sheikha Bodour Al-Qasimi said: “Syrian children and other deliberately selected by the UAEBBY and KWB to be used by underprivileged children in the world deserve attention and children for bibliotherapy and to help solve many problems care to put them on the right path towards a better future. She and behaviors they are suffering from. emphasized that access to books and the opportunity to read During the opening ceremony, Sheikha Bodour conducted are as important as food and medicine for children in crisis. She a reading session for a group of children who attended. She added: “The aim of this visit is to offer moral and psychological read to children one of Kalimat Publishing’s books titled “What support to Syrian children. We believe that children have the is the color of love” which talks about love, optimism and hope. right to read, to have access to quality books, and to be literate Sheikha Bodour encouraged them to enjoy reading the books regardless of their circumstances. We seek to promote, stimu- which will be available to them throughout the year. At the late and maintain the concept of bibliotherapy to ensure spiri- end of the tour, Sheikha Bodour joined the children who were tual motivation for children. We try to encourage a positive painting a mural at the entrance of the library, in collaboration outlook through reading and culture”. with a number of professional illustrators who came from She said that hope is the only comfort in adversity and a Sharjah to share with children their expression of their vision companion to alleviate despair and disappointment. She for the future. added: “reading and books play a great role in venting psycho- The visit saw a number of activities which were organized in logical pressure, giving children hope, drive and inspiration, collaboration with Tales and Music House from Jordan, in the and helping them to imagine and create an alternate universe presence of a large number of children and parents. The activi- that inspires them to withstand hardship with endurance and ties included reading sessions with music effects, face painting, optimism for a better future”. and reading Fly Away the Kite book, winner of the Etisalat Sheikha Bodour expressed great appreciation for the efforts Award for Arabic Children Literature 2011. The moral of the of the Emirati-Jordanian Refugee Camp’s management and the story is that happiness is not determined by what is going on Emirates Red Crescent in offering humanitarian relief to Syrian around you, but rather what is happening inside you. The refugees and providing care, accommodation and subsidies to pleasant surprise for children was a kite for everyone at the ease their suffering. She said that the visit focused on provid- end of the activity.

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 INTERNATIONAL In Syria’s ‘Berry Place,’ residents dodge bullets DAMASCUS: The Damascus neighbourhood the capital’s central Abbasid Square. If the is known as “Berry Place,” but its bucolic name rebels took the square, they could take the hides its difficult reality-it is the front line heart of Damascus. between rebels and soldiers loyal to President So residents of Berry Place have found Bashar Al-Assad. The area is an island in the themselves trapped, trying to go about their eastern district of Jobar, where rebels hold the lives in the crossfire. “When the bombing east and the army controls the west. On the starts, we tell the children to come inside, and two streets on the edge of the regime-held when it calms down, they return to the street,” portion, lined with modest one-storey homes, al-Masri said. “We can’t keep them locked up,” children play, shouting and laughing, their she adds, insisting she will stay “so long as the voices occasionally drowned out by the rum- army is here.” For Wafic Kamshi and some of ble of artillery or the crack of a sniper’s rifle. his Christian neighbours, the situation is even “They (the rebels) threatened us to try to worse. “I live between the army and the Free make us flee but we have stayed despite the Syrian Army,” he said. bombings,” said Um Imad Al-Masri, a woman He lives just east of Berry Place, in a no- in her forties in a black robe and turquoise man’s-land in Jobar that nearly no one enters. headscarf. “Despite the deaths of our neigh- He works as a taxi driver near Abbasid Square, bours, Karim, Marc, Abu Mohamed, killed in but rides his bicycle to work each day for fear their homes by mortars, we haven’t left. a car could attract the snipers’ attention. Anyway, where would we go?” Sharpshooters riddled a vehicle with bullets The government considers Berry Place a near Kamshi’s home, where it still lies aban- strategic area because it provides access to doned. — AFP

UR: Iraqis look at a destroyed shop following a car bomb the day before in neighborhood of Ur in eastern Baghdad, yesterday. In Iraq’s worst violence in years, militants have launched major operations in multiple provinces in recent days that have killed over 200 people and highlight- ed their long reach. — AFP Bombings against Kurds kill 18 as Iraq violence rages Bloodshed likely to continue unabated

BAGHDAD: A car bomb attack and a suicide In the northern city of Mosul, where security Nineveh province, killed more than 100 people. blast yesterday killed 18 people at a Kurdish forces have battled militants in days of heavy And on Thursday, militants travelling in political party’s office north of Baghdad and 11 clashes, shelling hit three western areas, killing dozens of vehicles, some mounted with anti-air- others died in other violence in Iraq. eight people and wounding three. craft guns, attacked the city of Samarra, north of Militants have launched major operations in Three roadside bombs also killed a civilian Baghdad, and occupied multiple areas. multiple provinces in recent days, killing scores and wounded three soldiers northwest of the They were only dislodged after heavy house- of people and highlighting both their long reach city of Kirkuk. And in Baghdad, gunmen opened to-house fighting and helicopter strikes, during and the weakness of Iraqi security forces. fire on a police checkpoint in the Bayaa area, which officials said 12 police and dozens of mili- Iraq is suffering its worst violence in years, killing two police and wounding at least one tants were killed. and with none of the myriad problems that con- more. Violence is running at its highest levels since tribute to the heightened unrest headed for 2006-2007, when tens of thousands were killed quick resolutions, the bloodshed is likely to con- Major operations in sectarian conflict between Iraq’s Shiite majori- tinue unabated. The violence followed a series of major opera- ty and Sunni Arab minority. More than 900 peo- In yesterday’s deadliest attack, a car bomb tions by jihadists in recent days that have killed ple were killed last month, according to figures exploded near an office of President Jalal dozens of people. On Saturday, militants took separately compiled by the United Nations and Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) par- hundreds of hostages at Anbar University in the government. ty and a Kurdish security forces building in the Ramadi, west of Baghdad, the last of whom were So far this year, more than 4,600 people have town of Jalawla, north of Baghdad. only freed in an assault by security forces that been killed, according to AFP figures. As emergency workers came to the scene, a sparked hours of fighting. Officials blame external factors for the rising suicide bomber detonated explosives, with the And a series of blasts in Baghdad on Saturday bloodshed, particularly the civil war in neigh- two blasts killing 18 people and wounding 67. night killed at least 25 more people. In Mosul, bouring Syria. There was no immediate claim of responsibility, heavy fighting broke out on Friday and contin- But analysts say widespread Sunni Arab though suicide bombings are a tactic mainly ued into the following day. The clashes, com- anger with the Shiite-led government has also employed by Sunni Muslim militants. bined with other attacks in the surrounding been a major factor. — AFP INTERNATIONAL MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 Voting trends undermine parties’ Senate dreams WASHINGTON: With most of this year’s Senate pri- Democratic upsets in those states. Senate races tives and extremely unlikely to vote for Grimes. mary elections complete, Democrats talk boldly Anything is possible, of course. But those scenar- Four Democrats now seeking re-election proved McConnell, a ferocious and seasoned campaigner, will about their chances in Kentucky and Mississippi, ios would defy recent trends in American voting. that in 2008, by winning after their states voted spend millions trying to persuade them to show their while Republicans gaze hungrily at Oregon and “There’s a larger proportion of Senate seats going to Republican in the previous presidential contest: Mark dislike for Obama by voting against the Democratic Colorado. the party that won the presidential election” in the Pryor of Arkansas, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Kay nominee, even if holding their noses. “I have a very Time for a reality check. Both parties face big hur- state, said professor Gary Jacobson, who tracks such Hagan of North Carolina, and Mark Begich of Alaska. hard time seeing a scenario where he loses,” said GOP dles in achieving such against-the-grain triumphs. data at the University of California, San Diego. For all Hagan’s victory, however, came on the same day consultant Brian Walsh. “He’s got the best campaign Studies show it’s increasingly difficult for Senate the talk of low approval ratings for Senate Obama narrowly carried her state. He lost North team in the country,” he said, and Obama’s new limits candidates to win in states their party lost in the pre- Republican leader Mitch McConnell in Kentucky, Carolina in 2012. on coal-fired power plants will hurt Grimes in the vious presidential election. Jacobson said, “it’s a pretty red state. It’s tough to Privately, Democrats have all but conceded West coal-producing state. Georgia is a bit more worrisome That leaves Republicans, virtually assured of imagine him losing.” Virginia and South Dakota, where Obama lost badly for Republicans, Walsh said. Democratic political keeping control of the House, hopeful about gaining Emory University political scientist Alan and longtime Democratic senators are retiring. novice Michelle Nunn, daughter of former Sen. Sam the six seats they need this fall to control the Senate Abramowitz agreed. Senate races are becoming They’re also deeply worried about Montana, where Nunn, is running in a state where GOP Senate victo- for President Barack Obama’s last two years in office. increasingly “nationalized,” he said. That means vot- Obama also lost. Few Senate races stir more passion ries are almost routine. Two establishment-backed Democrats are defending Senate seats in seven ers’ presidential sentiments are more likely to match than Kentucky’s. Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes, Republicans, businessman David Perdue and Rep. states that Obama lost, sometimes badly. All those their Senate choices. Kentucky’s secretary of state, is trying to oust Jack Kingston, are competing for the GOP nomina- races are leaning Republican or considered highly The trend poses problems for Democrats in states McConnell. The five-term senator is poised to become tion. Obama lost Georgia by only 7 percentage points competitive. The only Republican seeking re-elec- such as Georgia and Kentucky, where Obama is majority leader if he survives and Republicans take in 2012 without seriously campaigning there, and tion in an Obama-won state is Maine’s three-term largely unpopular, Abramowitz said. On the flip side, over the Senate. Democrats say the state is trending their way. Sen. Susan Collins, considered safe. the same trend erects serious barriers for Strategists in both parties agree that if generic, Privately, however, top strategists say a true The GOP’s impressive recruiting has Republicans Republicans trying to grab Senate seats in Oregon, plain-vanilla nominees were running, hardly anyone Democratic tilt is probably several years away, and talking of possibly taking Democratic-held Senate Iowa, Colorado, Michigan and other states Obama would consider Kentucky a serious Democratic Nunn faces a tough battle. Walsh said Republican seats in Oregon, Colorado, Iowa and other states carried. Republicans hope for an anti-Democratic prospect. But they note McConnell’s low approval rat- campaign professionals feel confident about winning Obama carried. Promising Democratic candidates in wave, largely fueled by distaste for the president’s ings, and Grimes’ youthful, non-Washington image. Senate seats in West Virginia, South Dakota and Kentucky and Georgia, plus bitter Republican health law. Democrats say Republicans are choosing The same handicappers, however, often ignore the Montana. They would need only three more pick-ups infighting in Mississippi, have stoked talk of possible nominees too conservative for these states. fact that some McConnell critics are fierce conserva- to control the Senate. — AP Poroshenko plans new team to take on Putin First test of new relationship may be gas talks

KIEV: Ukraine’s newly-installed President Petro Poroshenko is with big experience in government, says he is pen-poised to rewarded in the shape of aid worth $48 million from street protests that finally drove him from office - will take set to remake a governing team which will handle the crisis sign an association and trade agreement this month with the Washington to go towards economic reform. Ukraine into a free-trade zone with the European Union, with Russia, with talks on gas prices yesterday providing an EU. His pledge to stick to West-leaning policies was quickly The EU agreement - which Yanukovich spurned, sparking thwarting Putin’s ambition of keeping Kiev in his sphere of early test of his new relationship with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. influence. Putin, who is under threat of further Western sanc- Poroshenko’s swearing-in as president at a pomp-filled, but tions over his Ukraine policies, warned on Friday that as soon relaxed, ceremony on Saturday conveyed the feeling that a as Ukraine signed the agreement and it came into force Russia line had been drawn under six months of unprecedented and would be obliged to take steps to defend its economy and its bloody upheaval which toppled his predecessor, Viktor markets. In his inaugural speech, Poroshenko vowed he would Yanukovich. never accept the loss of Crimea which Russia annexed in But behind the euphoria that Ukraine might now, at last, March following the fall of the Moscow-backed Yanukovich. He start to “Live in a new way”, as Poroshenko’s campaign slogan declared: “Crimea was, is and will be Ukrainian soil”. But the has promised, lies the reality of seething separatism in the east reality on the ground is that there are few, if any, forces that in which Ukraine sees Moscow’s hand, and Russia’s opposition can persuade Russia to hand the territory back. to his plans to lead Ukraine into mainstream Europe. A greater priority, analysts say, must be to end the rebel- Poroshenko’s blunt refusal to accept the loss of Crimea in a lions which threaten Poroshenko’s vision of a unitary state. combative inaugural speech puts him further at odds with He reached out to the people of the east on Saturday Putin. An indication of whether Putin is ready to give the 48- promising to guarantee their Russian-language rights and the year-old businessman-politician some early breaks or test him prospect of a bigger say in running their own affairs. in his first days in office may come in trilateral talks in Brussels He offered rebels an amnesty if they laid down their today aimed at solving a dispute over the price of Russian gas. weapons and a secure corridor back to Russia for Russian fight- Russia has threatened to cut off supplies to its neighbour, a ers. But - as with almost all the problems facing Poroshenko - major gas transit route to the European Union, if it fails to pay ending the rebellions requires the goodwill and cooperation its debts to Gazprom by tomorrow. of others, in this case that of Putin. In early steps to install key allies, Poroshenko is expected in the coming days to name new foreign and defence ministers. New Ministers The rebellions, in which pro-Russian separatists have declared In what might be a positive signal from Moscow, Russian “people’s republics”, have claimed scores of lives in clashes news agencies reported Putin had ordered the Federal between government forces and armed militias. Militia leaders Security Service to strengthen protection of the border with declared on Saturday they would not give up their fight. These Ukraine and prevent people crossing illegally. are not the only challenges facing Poroshenko. He inherits a DONETSK: People pray during the Orthodox Holy Trinity in a church in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, yesterday. The move was potentially significant because Ukraine and country on the verge of bankruptcy which is rated by monitor- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko’s inaugural address after taking the oath of office in parliament gave little Western governments have been pressing Moscow to stop ing agencies as one of Europe’s most corrupt and ill-governed. sign of a quick resolution to the conflict in the east, which Ukrainian officials say has left more than 200 people what they say is a flow of Russian arms and fighters into east- Poroshenko, a billionaire from a confectionery business dead. — AP ern Ukraine. —Reuters Kosovo snap vote tests EU efforts in Balkans

PRISTINA: Kosovo’s citizens are voting in an early parliamentary election that is important for European Union efforts toward stabilizing the Balkan flashpoint 15 years after its independence war. Sunday’s election was called after parliament ran into blockage over key issues, including formation of Kosovo’s armed forces. Some 1.7 million voters were poised to cast ballots with former Prime Minister Hashim Thaci bidding for a third term. Thaci, a former ethnic Albanian rebel leader during the war, faces a strong challenge from the oppo- sition. “Today is a special day for our country and for the citizens of Kosovo,” Thaci said. “I call upon them to take part in the elections, for the elections to be fair, and to send a message to Europe that we are a democratic country.” PRISTINA: Leader of Kosovo’s opposition party “Vetvendosje” Albin Kurti Minority Serb participation in the prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station in Pristina yesterday, during vote is vital for EU-brokered talks to help Kosovo’s parliamentary elections. — AFP Kosovo normalize ties with Serbia. Hundreds of Serbs cast ballots during signed an agreement with Kosovo last rigging. Kosovo’s independence war in the first hours of voting, but turnout in year to help advance Serbia’s EU mem- 1998-99 left some 10,000 people dead. Serb-held areas was still expected to be bership bid. Among Kosovo’s dominant The war ended after NATO bombed low. No incidents were reported, unlike ethnic Albanian population, issues such Serbia to stop the onslaught. Some 100 during previous two elections. as economy topped the agenda. countries have recognized Kosovo’s “I want to believe in what the gov- Lis Balaj, a 23-year-old economy stu- independence, including the United ernment of Serbia is doing,” 39-year-old dent, said that “whoever comes to pow- States and most EU nations, but not Lazar Peric said after casting his ballot in er, they should first fight corruption and Russia and China. Jovana Gec in the northern town of Zvecan. unemployment.” About 100 prosecutors Belgrade, Serbia, and Zvezdan Belgrade has rejected Kosovo’s 2008 and judges have been mobilized to Djukanovic, in Mitrovica, Kosovo, con- declaration of independence, but impose strict penalties in cases of vote- tributed to the report. — AP Remains recovered in Australian croc attack

SYDNEY: Human remains were recovered yesterday in the stand how (the man’s family) must feel. hunt for a man snatched by a crocodile in front of terrified ”While the man’s wife and daughter-in-law drove two relatives on a boat trip in northern Australia. hours to the nearest lodge to raise the alarm his son The man, 62, was taken from his boat on the South remained in the area searching for his father, which Alligator River in northern Australia’s Kakadu national Superintendent Bob Harrison earlier described as “obviously park late Saturday afternoon as his wife, son and daugh- traumatising” “Anyone’s heart would go out to the family in ter-in-law looked on. Northern Territory police sergeant that sort of incident,” Harrison told ABC radio. Andrew Hocking said two large crocodiles were shot and Crocodiles are a common feature of Australia’s tropical cut open by search crews Sunday at the waterhole where north, and their numbers have increased steadily since the the man was last seen. “One of those crocs was later introduction of protection laws in 1971, with government examined and a quantity of human remains was recov- estimates putting the population at 75,000-100,000. ered,” Hocking told reporters, adding that the creature Saltwater crocs can grow up to seven metres (23 feet) had been 4.7 metres long. long and weigh more than a tonne. Saturday’s attack is The remains were yet to be formally identified, but Australia’s first fatality since January, when a 12-year-old boy Hocking said the animal was recovered just 1.5 kilometres was taken by a crocodile in the Kakadu national park, a from the attack site. “The difficulty in this location is getting sprawling World Heritage-listed nature and cultural reserve in large boats, we’re only able to bring in small boats. But in Australia’s Top End. Another boy suffered bite wounds in using the expertise of the Territory Parks and Wildlife staff, that incident as he fought the crocodile off. According to the they managed to help us bring it to a conclusion,” he said. international CrocBITE database of attacks set up at “Thankfully this was carried out and (the remains) recov- Australia’s Charles Darwin University last year, there have ered very, very quickly.” Crocdile expert Graeme Webb said it been 66 fatalities globally so far in 2014. was unusual for a crocodile to attack at this time of the year, The database was set up with the aim of firming up anec- when Australia experiences cooler weather. dotal reports that harmful or fatal incidents are increasing. “I don’t know what has happened in this case but it just There were 76 fatalities recorded by CrocBITE over the same sounds horrific. It’s just awful, you just can’t begin to under- period in 2013. — AFP

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Vietnam, Philippines turn to sports in Spratlys

MANILA: Vietnamese and Philippine that are believed to be sitting atop oil said. “We want to show that there can be limits of its claims. Philippine Supreme oil rig in waters also claimed by Vietnam, naval personnel played football, volley- and natural gas deposits and straddle other approaches to the disputes that Court Justice Antonio Carpio, who has setting off violent protests in the ball and tug of war yesterday in a rare some of the world’s most traversed sea can in fact ease the tensions.” done extensive studies on the South Southeast Asian country that killed at display of camaraderie in the South lanes. Although they’re technically rivals, The rare event aimed “to foster cama- China Sea disputes, said in a Manila least two Chinese and led to the burning China Sea, where their territorial rifts Vietnam and the Philippines recently raderie and friendly relations between forum Friday that dozens of official and of several factories suspected to be with China have flared alarmingly. have discussed ways to cooperate to the two nations,” the two navies said, unofficial Chinese maps produced for owned by Chinese. The violence has The daylong sports festival was held ease tensions in the disputed waters, adding that it was “proof that disputes nearly a century until the early 1900s since died down, but Chinese and on Vietnamese-occupied Southwest Cay where both have been engaged in dan- do not hinder development of practical showed Hainan Island as China’s south- Vietnamese ships remain in a tense Island and also included cultural presen- gerous standoffs with China. Southwest and angible cooperation.” ernmost territory, not the South China standoff near the rig. tations, the two countries’ navies said in Cay Island, which the Philippines also “This also serves as a model of coop- Sea, which lies beyond that point. Chinese coast guard ships have also a joint statement. Philippine officials said claims and calls Pugad, used to be occu- eration for the other navies to emulate,” “China’s nine-dash line claim is on its faced off against a small contingent of about 40 Filipino navy personnel sailed pied by Filipino troops but was seized by they said. China, which claims it has had face a gigantic historical fraud,” Carpio Philippine marines stationed on a by boat to the island, bringing local deli- Vietnamese forces in the 1970s. sovereign rights over virtually the entire said, referring to a rough demarcation grounded navy ship in the Second cacies such as rice cakes. During the games, each team includ- South China Sea since ancient times, has on official Chinese maps that envelops Thomas Shoal in the Spratlys since last China, the Philippines, Brunei, ed Vietnamese and Filipinos to under- protested any military activity in the area virtually the entire South China Sea. year. The Chinese ships have tried to Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have over- score the friendly nature of the event, other than its own. Beijing has so far The Chinese Embassy did not imme- block Philippine civilian vessels deliver- lapping claims in the Spratlys, a group of Philippine navy spokesman Gerald Fabic ignored a call by the United States and diately respond to a request for com- ing fresh batch of marines and food sup- mostly barren islands, reefs and atolls said. “We’re trying to set an example,” he other governments for it to define the ment. In early May, China deployed an plies to the disputed shoal. — AP China’s foreign minister visits new Indian leaders India looks to China for lessons on manufacturing

NEW DELHI: China’s foreign minister was visit- ing India’s new leaders yesterday in hopes of spurring stalled trade and easing decades of ten- sions between the Asian nations. Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which took power late last month, for its “sincerity and enthusiasm” in immediately reaching out to China and other countries, according to an inter- view published yesterday in The Hindu newspa- per. “India was a cradle of splendid ancient civi- BANGKOK: Thai soldiers stand guard at Victory monument in Bangkok yesterday. lization, and I am glad to see this country gain- Thousands of soldiers and police were deployed across Bangkok yesterday, an offi- ing new vigor and vitality,” Wang was quoted as cial said, as anti-coup protesters vowed to stage flashmob rallies in several locations saying. “The international community, impressed in defiance of an army edict banning political assemblies. — AFP by the great opportunities in India, is full of con- fidence in the future of the country.” India has long been cautious in its relation- Thai junta security forces stay ship with China amid worries about Beijing’s growing power as well as a decades-old border in barracks as protests dwindle dispute. During the election campaign, Modi said India did not want a war with China but BANGKOK: Thailand’s junta kept many of the real power behind the deposed gov- would be prepared to deal with what he called the thousands of troops and police it read- ernment of his sister. Beijing’s possible expansionist designs. ied to deal with protests in Bangkok yester- Yingluck was prime minister until May 7, However, Modi - who campaigned largely on day off the streets as the number of people when a court found her guilty of abuse of promises of economic growth - surprised making a public show of dissent to the May power and she stepped down. Indians by focusing his first week in office on for- 22 coup dwindled. The army toppled the remnants of her eign relations with India’s neighbors, including The military has cracked down hard on government on May 22, saying it needed to Pakistan, its traditional archrival. For the first pro-democracy dissidents and supporters restore order after six months of sometimes NEW DELHI: Visiting Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi (L) shakes hands with Indian time, India invited South Asian leaders to the Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj during a meeting in New Delhi yesterday. China’s since it ousted Prime Minister Yingluck violent anti-government protests that had prime minister’s inauguration. Shinawatra last month, seeking to mute brought the economy to the brink of reces- foreign minister began a two-day visit to India yesterday for the first high-level talks between The move had the double effect of distracting the world’s two most populous nations since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took charge. — AFP criticism and nip protests in the bud. sion. Thailand has been without a properly the Indian public from election-time divisions A heavy security force presence at functioning government since December, and confirming India’s key role in the region. It is seen as crucial for creating jobs in India, where ment of our relations,” Wang told The Hindu. potential flashpoints in Thailand’s largest when Yingluck dissolved parliament and also set the stage for Wang’s visit, signaling around 13 million youths are entering the labor China claims around 90,000 square kilome- cities has limited protesters to small gather- called a February election in a bid to end China and India could be growing closer. market each year. ters (35,000 square miles) of land in India’s ings, which are often coordinated through anti-government protests. But protesters Wang met yesterday with his Indian counter- Wang said that India and China were close to northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, while social media and mostly located around disrupted the vote, the election was part, Sushma Swaraj, and planned to meet with deals setting up China-dedicated industrial India says China is occupying 38,000 square kilo- shopping malls. annulled, and her caretaker government Modi today. Given China’s dominance in the parks in India, but that China was still hoping for meters (15,000 square miles) of territory on the Yesterday, few protests took place and limped on until Prayuth seized power. global economy, Modi is expected to court more preferential policies. He also dismissed the Aksai Chin plateau in the western Himalayas. the security presence was lighter. Half a Beijing’s help in reviving India’s stalled economy. idea that the “difficult” dispute over their 4,000- Earlier yesterday, about 100 Tibetans held a dozen women outside a mall gave the Coup leader heads Trade between China and India has also kilometer (2,500-mile) Himalayan border should protest in New Delhi, urging Modi to raise the three-fingered salute that has become a Investment Board stalled, falling to $65 billion last year, with China get in the way of improving relations. Seventeen Tibet issue with Wang. China claims Tibet has symbol of defiance to the coup. The military has moved swiftly to revive enjoying a $48 billion surplus. rounds of talks have failed to resolve the dispute, been part of its territory for centuries, while Protesters posted photographs on social the economy, and has given itself two over which the countries fought a brief but Tibetans say the Himalayan region was virtually media of small groups at Bangkok’s main months to clear a backlog of applications Industrial parks bloody war in 1962 and engaged in a three- independent until China occupied it in 1950. international airport making the same from local and foreign investors to spend India may look to China for lessons on manu- week standoff last year. India is now home to Tibet’s exiled spiritual salute, which was inspired by the film “The more than $21 billion on projects in facturing, which makes up only 15 percent of “Even if we could not resolve it for the time leader, the Dalai Lama, who fled the region after Hunger Games.” Police detained four pro- Thailand. India’s economy, compared with 31 percent in being, we could at least manage it effectively, a failed 1959 uprising and trekked across the testers, deputy national police chief The backlog arose because Yingluck’s China. Enticing foreign investment and factories not allowing it to affect the normal develop- snowy Himalayan mountains to the city of Somyot Poompanmoung said. Since the caretaker government lacked the power to coup, authorities have forced detainees to appoint a new team to run the Board of sign statements declaring they will desist Investment to replace executives whose from political activity as a condition of term ended in October. Rescuers battle to aid Afghan flood victims release. Prayuth on Saturday declared himself “Those four people will be brought to the head of the body considering the KUNDUZ: Rescuers scrambled yesterday to deliver more bodies under the rubble and mud,” affected families. the army camp to tune their political atti- investment applications, a position typical- food and medical supplies to Afghan families Mohammad Nasim Kohzad, head of NDMA in Last month a landslide triggered by heavy rains tude later,” Somyot told Reuters. “We did ly held by the prime minister. marooned on mountaintops after flash floods Baghlan, told AFP. “We are still looking for other vic- buried a village in a remote area of northeast not use the full capacity of the forces. The Quick approval would bring longer-term killed 80 people in a remote northern district, tims of this flood.” Badakhshan province, killing at least 300 people. protest was peaceful and it has ended stimulus to the economy and follow the washing away hundreds of homes and forcing The May 2 disaster left hundreds of families now.” payment of billions of dollars in subsidy thousands to flee. ‘Massive’ damage homeless in Argu district of the mountainous The force yesterday ready for deploy- arrears to rice farmers that has already lift- The death toll was expected to rise, with scores “The floods destroyed four villages, and washed province which borders Tajikistan, China and ment numbered more than 6,000, Somyot ed consumer sentiment. of people said to be missing in the mountainous away 2,000 residential houses, agricultural fields Pakistan. The floods and landslides follow recent said. Army chief and coup leader General The military’s move to pay debts to district of Baghlan province after torrential rains and also killed thousands of cattle,” Noor severe flooding that have affected a vast swathe of Prayuth Chan-ocha had instructed security farmers quickly after seizing power con- unleashed the floods on Friday. Mohammad Guzar, the governor of the remote Afghanistan, particularly northern provinces, leav- forces to avoid confrontation, he said. tributed to the first rise in consumer senti- The floods come a month after a landslide trig- affected district of Guzargah-e-Nur, told AFP. ing 175 people dead and tens of thousands dis- Police would photograph protesters, identi- ment in 14 months in May. Political turmoil gered by heavy rains buried a village and killed 300 Officials were further assessing the extent of the placed. fy them and issue arrest warrants later. had sunk consumers confidence to a 12- people in a nearby region. The twin disasters high- damage on life and property in the affected area, Flooding and landslides often occur during the The military coup in May was the latest month low in April. light the challenges facing underdeveloped Mohammad Aslam Sayas, the deputy head of the spring rainy season in northern Afghanistan, with convulsion in a decade-long conflict The junta is reviewing infrastructure Afghanistan’s next leader as the country heads into National Disaster Management Authority, said. flimsy mud houses offering little protection against between the Bangkok-based royalist estab- projects planned by the previous govern- the second round of the presidential election on “Our teams have also provided some edibles (food rising water levels and torrents of mud. lishment and the rural-based supporters of ment but delayed during the protests and June 14. items) and medication to the affected people. Afghanistan is currently voting to choose a suc- Yingluck and her brother, former prime will press ahead with some. In the face of “People have lost everything they had-houses, More aid will get there soon,” he said. Outgoing cessor to Karzai, who has been in power since the minister Thaksin Shinawatra. international condemnation of the coup, property, villages, agricultural fields, cattle,” Afghan President Hamid Karzai in a statement said fall of the 1996-2001 Taleban regime. Thaksin, who was ousted in a 2006 coup Prayuth has asked for patience for at least a Baghlan police spokesman Jawed Basharat said he was saddened by the loss of life and property in Afghan presidential front-runner Abdullah and has lived in self-exile since a 2008 cor- year while the military engineers reforms about the floods. “There’s nothing left for them to Baghlan province, and directed disaster manage- Abdullah faces former World Bank economist ruption conviction, won the loyalty of the that he says the country needs before survive. People don’t even having drinking water,” ment officials to dispatch emergency relief aid to Ashraf Ghani in next week’s vote run-off. —AFP rural poor with populist policies and was democracy can be reinstated. — Reuters he said. Television channels relayed footage of one man wading through a gushing stream of muddy brown flood waters, his back stooped under the weight of a burlap sack. India minister says rapes Basharat said the death toll had climbed to 80. The Afghan army, he added, was battling to deliver happen ‘accidentally’ aid to the affected families, many of whom have fled to mountaintops to escape flood waters. NEW DELHI: A minister from Indian Prime month. Modi, whose party came to power in a Afghanistan’s defence ministry had dispatched Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling party has said landslide election victory and has pledged two helicopters to deliver aid packages to the area rapes happen “accidentally” in the latest contro- increased women’s security, has so far stayed as roads and mountain passes were left devastated versial remarks by a politician, amid renewed out- silent over the rapes. India brought in tougher by the floods, said Obaidullah Ramin, an MP from rage over attacks against women. laws last year against sexual offenders after the Baghlan province. Ramsevak Paikra, the home minister of central fatal gang-rape of a student in New Delhi in “Some nine kilometres of roads were destroyed Chhattisgarh state who is responsible for law and December 2012, but they have failed to stem the by floodwaters, so officials are trying to deliver aid order, said late on Saturday that rapes did not tide of violence against women across the coun- by air,” Ramin told AFP, confirming that 80 bodies happen on purpose. try. Police said a Malaysian woman, 30, was raped had so far been recovered by authorities. “Such incidents (rapes) do not happen delib- in a car last Thursday in the western state of “Relief agencies have distributed some aid, but erately. These kind of incidents happen acciden- Rajasthan after a man, whom she had met to dis- it is not enough. The problems of the flood-affect- tally,” Paikra, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) cuss business projects, drugged her-the latest in ed people need to be addressed fully,” he said, which also rules at the national level, told a series of sex attacks on foreigners in India. adding that he had toured the affected areas. Most reporters. Paikra, who was asked for his thoughts “As she came to us, we rounded up the disaster management officials were difficult to on the gang-rape and lynching of two girls in a accused and placed him under arrest. We have reach Sunday due to poor telecommunication net- neighbouring state, later said he had been mis- seized his car and also recovered a pistol from the works in the remote area. quoted. His original remarks were broadcast on vehicle,” Amandeep Singh, a senior state police The governor of the province, Sultan television networks. official, told AFP yesterday. Earlier this year, a Mohammad Ebadi, warned the extent of the disas- The remarks come just days after the home Danish tourist was gang-raped at knifepoint after ter was “massive”. minister of the BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh state losing her way in central Delhi. Uttar Pradesh Bodies of women and children were among said rapes were “sometimes right, sometimes Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has faced severe QUETTA: A Pakistani resident takes a photograph of a burning NATO oil supply those recovered from the inundated areas, the wrong”. The minister, Babulal Gaur, gave the criticism for his perceived insensitivity over the tanker in Dera Murad Jamali some 200 kms southeast of Quetta yesterday. Gunmen National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) remarks on Thursday amid growing anger over attacks on the low-caste girls in his state, who in restive southwest Pakistan fired bullets at an oil tanker carrying fuel bound for said, adding that scores of people were missing. the gang-rape and murder of the girls, aged 12 were found hanging from a mango tree after NATO troops in Afghanistan, setting the vehicle and a car ablaze, police said. — AFP “There is a lot of stagnant water, and there are and 14, in northern Uttar Pradesh state late last being sexually assaulted multiple times.—AFP MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

Israel backs law to block Palestinian prisoner releases

JERUSALEM: The Israeli cabinet yesterday “The mass release of terrorists through diplo- lating to the extreme right and supporting a administrative detention. approved changes in a law that could block matic deals makes a mockery of the Israeli pub- demagogic law”. Of that number, 125 have been refusing food amnesty for Palestinians imprisoned for mur- lic as does shortening the prison terms of crimi- In 2011, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was freed for more than six weeks, with 65 of them being dering Israelis. nal murderers,” she said in a statement. from more than five years of captivity in Gaza in treated in hospital, the Israeli Prisons Service The amendment, which needs to be The latest round of US-led peace talks col- exchange for the release of 1,027 Palestinians. said yesterday. approved by parliament before passing into lapsed in April after Israel refused to release a In a separate development, the Israeli gov- In a mass show of solidarity, shops, business- law, would give the courts power to prevent fourth and last round of 26 long-term prisoners ernment is also seeking to push through legisla- es and restaurants went on strike in Ramallah Israel’s president from granting clemency or imprisoned for killing Israelis, breaching a com- tion which would allow for the forced medical and El Bireh, as well as in the northern West shortening the jail term of anyone imprisoned mitment made in 2013. treatment, including feeding of Palestinian pris- Bank town of Tulkarem yesterday, AFP corre- for murder. Throughout the talks, Israel released 78 of oners on hunger strike. spondents said. UN chief Ban Ki-moon has Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home the promised 104 prisoners, in a move which The bill, which must pass two more readings urged Israel to either charge or release the strik- party who initiated the change said it was angered hardliners. Zehava Gal-On of the in parliament before becoming law, came as ing prisoners without delay. Some 5,000 aimed at preventing the release of Palestinian dovish Meretz party said the amendment would 285 Palestinian prisoners were observing a mass Palestinians are being held in Israeli jails, nearly militants who killed Israelis as well as other mur- tie Israel’s hands in future talks and accused hunger strike in protest against their being held 200 of whom are being held in administrative derers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “capitu- without charge under a procedure called detention. — AFP MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 ANALYSIS

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Focus Simpson case taught police what not to do

By Tami Abdollah

he OJ Simpson murder trial cast a harsh light on police and forensic work, and gave law enforcement Ta textbook example of what not to do at a crime scene. At the trial two decades ago, Simpson’s defense attorneys poked gaping holes in the prosecution’s case by exposing problems the Los Angeles Police Department had in handling evidence. Among the les- sons: follow procedure, make sure evidence is always accounted for and properly logged and be brutally hon- est to a jury even if it hurts. Simpson case at 20: Views in black and white “If your mission is to sweep the streets of bad people ... and you can’t prosecute them successfully because By Jesse Washington friend Ronald Goldman were found knifed to death out- who used the N-word and then lied about it on the you’re incompetent and can’t do your job, you’ve defeat- side her Los Angeles condo. Suspicion quickly focused stand. (He was later convicted of perjury.) ed your primary mission,” said Mike Williamson, an attor- he OJ Simpson murder trial exposed many painful on Simpson, who had beaten Nicole in the past and had Defense lawyers suggested Fuhrman planted the ney and a former veteran LAPD officer. After Simpson was truths. None hit harder than the idea that white and no alibi. Several factors heightened and complicated glove out of a racist desire to frame a black man. They acquitted of killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, Tblack people often look at the same facts and see the drama: Simpson had a mixed-race marriage in a said that other blood evidence could have been planted, and her friend, Ronald Goldman, the LAPD made signifi- different realities. Today, 20 years after the case divided nation that had historically punished black men who too, or at least was unreliable due to sloppy police work. cant changes in the scientific investigation division, the United States, few opinions have changed. Despite dared to explore interracial sex. He was the target of a “That was huge for me,” recalls Carter. “I thought (police) which defense attorney Johnnie Cochran referred to as “a two decades of increasing racial acceptance, highlighted Los Angeles Police Department that had a reputation compromised it so much I can’t trust the evidence. The cesspool of contamination” for sloppy evidence-handling. for racism and corruption. corruption overshadowed all the other things that may As a result of the headlines, the crime lab was provid- by the election of the country’s first black president, the ed more funding and additional staff, and it was also saga still reflects deep-rooted obstacles to a truly united But Simpson also was a wealthy Hollywood actor and have been logical to me.” accredited in 1997. “One of our major learning points in America. ad pitchman with little connection to the black commu- Cameron Vigil, who is white, saw it differently. “Clearly the Simpson trial was when we were taken to task. It was Most people still believe that Simpson, the black foot- nity, a man who divorced his black wife for a young (Fuhrman) was difficult and lying and trying to obfuscate difficult to point to notes that we had taken in order to ball legend, killed his white ex-wife and her friend, polls blonde and traveled in Los Angeles’ most privileged while he was up there,” recalls Vigil, a 45-year-old strate- demonstrate that work was done in a certain way,” said show. But for many African-Americans, his likely guilt white circles. His money and fame placed him far from gic retail analyst from North Carolina. But he separated Doreen Hudson, who now heads the crime lab. remains overwhelmed by a potent mix: the racism of the the poor, black men languishing in the criminal justice that from the evidence. “Just because he is a not very Analysts began to take more detailed notes so that lead detective and the history of black mistreatment by system. “OJ was in a weird place,” says Ronnie Duncan, a smart, racist guy,” Vigil says, “I don’t know that means OJ’s information was memorialized and not left to memory. the justice system. For these people, Simpson’s acquittal black man who was then working as a TV sportscaster. not guilty.” Yet that was the verdict from the 12-person Henry Lee, the defense forensic expert during the trial, is a powerful rebuke to what they see as America’s racial “He lived a lavish life in LA, sunny skies, beautiful jury. Nine jurors were black, two white, and one Hispanic. said that although there was lots of evidence, the source crimes. Others simply see a murderer who played the women, everyone takes you out to lunch. But one thing Duncan literally jumped for joy when he heard the of evidence wasn’t always explained and it wasn’t closely race card to get away with it. Across the board, emotions we recognize, you can deny it all you want, but I can be verdict on television. “It wasn’t so much for OJ I was tracked. During the case, no one noticed any blood on a remain vivid. driving right now and -” Duncan makes the sound of a jumping for joy. ... It was the victory over the United pair of socks collected from Simpson’s bedroom until two “We were consumed with it,” recalls Carlos Carter, who police siren. States justice system that has always had a different months later at the crime lab. Defense experts suggested at the time was one of the few black people working in treatment for me and my brother.” The cheers that blood was smeared on them while they were lying flat the trust department of a Pittsburgh bank. “It represent- Compromised Evidence echoed across black America that day troubled Spicker. not while someone was wearing them. ed something bigger than the case, the battle between Simpson was charged with double murder, punish- “These two innocent people were killed, and you’re Police forensic technicians were also faulted by the defense for improperly packaging evidence samples and good and evil, the battle between the white man and the able by the death penalty. The prosecution had a pile of cheering because their murderer was just set free,” she then leaving them in an overheated van on a summer black man. It was at that level.” It was at a different level evidence, including something relatively new then: DNA said. “It was a shame. It feels racist against the white vic- day. A rookie technician had collected most of the evi- for Shannon Spicker, a white woman working her way analysis. Prosecutors said that DNA matched Simpson’s tims.” Carter now thinks that Simpson was guilty, but he dence. The lab now uses barcodes to scan and track evi- through college in Ohio at the time. “Most of us didn’t blood to samples from the murder scene. makes no apologies for his feelings at the acquittal 20 dence. And crime scenes are also more tightly controlled. understand why it was racially charged,” she says. “We They said they found blood matching the victims’ in years ago. “That pride that I felt, I don’t take it back. I Trainees like the one who helped at multiple crime didn’t understand how people could defend him ... We Simpson’s Bronco, on a glove at his property, and on a don’t feel I was hoodwinked. I was just living in the scenes in the Simpson case now can only observe the knew he was guilty, but they defended him because he sock in his bedroom. But the prosecution had a big prob- moment, and it was a victory for my people,” says Carter, work done by two fully trained criminalists. was black. It was weird.” lem: Lead detective Mark Fuhrman, who had produced now 42. “I could have cared less about OJ,” he says, “but “We’re more cognizant of contamination or the possi- On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown Simpson and her the bloody glove from Simpson’s estate, was a white cop when I saw him, I saw myself.” — AP bility of contamination or the appearance of contamina- tion - that a jury might toss out some evidence,” said Cmdr Andrew Smith. Teams of criminalists overseen by a crime scene manager, who coordinates with detectives, OJ TV: ‘Trial of the Century’ and then some now respond to high-profile and complex crimes, Hudson said. Another criticism during the trial dealt with By Frazier Moore a vial of blood taken from Simpson. Police Detective Philip Vannatter drew Simpson’s blood at the LAPD on June 13, the day after the killings. But instead of booking TV was a national pastime. The OJ Simpson it into evidence, Vannatter put the blood vial in his pock- Show - with its centerpiece a former football et and went to Simpson’s home where criminalists were OJgreat on trial for double homicide - comman- collecting evidence. deered the media, especially television, along with a spell- Jurors questioned why he would have carried it bound audience for nearly 16 months. It began as little around for hours rather than booking it and the defense more than a juicy crime story: the ex-wife of a celebrity and argued it may have been used to plant evidence such as a male acquaintance slain outside her home on June 12, blood drops on Simpson’s front walkway. That would nev- 1994. Then things took a shocking turn: Simpson, initially er happen today, Hudson said. Officers still get side- seen as the grieving former husband, became the accused. tracked following a suspect or victim to a hospital, for But OJ TV erupted in full force late in the afternoon of example, before returning to the scene, but today they June 17, with Simpson (charged with the murder of Nicole wouldn’t be allowed to re-enter a crime scene with evi- Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman) the focus of a slow- dence. Looking back on the case, Hudson said, “the only speed police chase in his white Ford Bronco, apparently thing you can do is when something really bad happens considering suicide en route. More than 90 million is to try to make something good out of it.” — AP Americans watched, thunderstruck, as TV helicopters tracked this beyond-bizarre motorcade along the freeways of Los Angeles, then, after some 90 minutes, witnessed Simpson surrender in the driveway of his Brentwood home. “You didn’t dare turn away,” says Greta Van Susteren, now a Fox News Channel host, who became a legal analyst for CNN’s trial coverage. “Everybody was watching it, live, wondering if OJ was going to blow his brains out. That’s when the hook was set for everything that followed.” What followed was labeled the Trial of the Century, with TV perfectly poised to give it the full treatment, serving as its primary dispatcher and enabler. Endowed with cameras in the courtroom, this was the first big TV trial. It was lurid, star-driven and racially charged, with elements of glitz, sex In this June 21, 1995 file photo, OJ Simpson holds up his hands before the jury after putting on a new pair of and domestic violence all wrapped in mystery and super- gloves similar to the infamous bloody gloves during his double-murder trial in Los Angeles. — AP charged with who-will-win suspense. pecking at his laptop. Robert Kardashian (the father of by cable channels CNBC, CNN, Court TV, E! Entertainment, In this Oct 3, 1995 file photo, O J Simpson reacts as And it had the perfect headliner. “Here was a man who future TV dominatrices Kim, Khloe and Kourtney) as OJ ESPN and Headline News, with 91 percent of all TVs in use he is found not guilty at the Criminal Courts had transcended sports and even race, a guy who had lawyer and hanger-on. And so many more, including OJ, of tuned to this bombshell. OJ TV came to an end with the Building in Los Angeles. — AP achieved single-name status,” says Jack Ford, now CBS course: somber, stone-faced, always leading-man hand- audience deeply divided on his guilt. But there was unity News Legal Analyst, who covered the trial for NBC News. some. on something else: Viewers wanted more and since then, OJ TV kept viewers hooked with jury selection that fall, have joined the media in hopefully framing each new trial through the trial’s start in January 1995, then through Interactive Media (Timothy McVeigh, Scott Petersen, Casey Anthony, Oscar All articles appearing on these months of proceedings, carried gavel-to-gavel by numer- The jury was unseen, out of camera range, but it, like Pistorius) as the Trial of the Century. pages are the personal opinion of ous networks and recapped daily on numerous shows. the rest of Simpsonalia, was scrutinized, analyzed and Yet none has been. As tawdry, tragic melodrama, noth- the writers. Kuwait Times takes no It swamped the airwaves, from network evening news- argued about. And not just by the scores of on-air com- ing has come close to OJ TV, the first and only of its kind. “It responsibility for views expressed casts (where the Simpson case was the most heavily cov- mentators. The Simpson case was Topic A among the was a freak event in television,” says Van Susteren. Other ered story of 1995) to magazine shows, talk shows and watching hordes, and television welcomed their opin- news stories have seized society and rattled the culture. therein. Kuwait Times invites read- CNN, whose ratings increased eight-fold. ions. Thus was OJ TV a forerunner of today’s interactive News will never lose its capacity to startle, grip and horrify ers to voice their opinions. Please “At the beginning we knew it was a big story,” says Ford, media. Geraldo Rivera’s nightly CNBC talk show, all-con- its audience en masse. send submissions via email to: opin- “but I don’t think any of us anticipated how the public sumed with the Simpson case, invited viewer call-ins. E! But such seismic TV stories as 9/11 and Katrina didn’t [email protected] or via snail would be so invested in it.” solicited viewers’ faxes, one of which, shown on camera, unfold in a courtroom. With a bland, cramped LA court- The case, with all its constituent parts, became second- advised prosecutor Marcia Clark to “take a pill and chill, room its main stage, OJ TV boasted characters, theatrics mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. nature to viewers: Nicole’s front walkway on Bundy Drive or OJ will walk.” and novelty ensuring its reign as the Trial for the Ages. To The editor reserves the right to edit and OJ’s towering hedge on Rockingham Avenue. Ron Then on Oct 3, 1995, the jury’s shocking verdict was expect it to be equaled by a future trial is to imagine that, any submission as necessary. Goldman’s father’s upturned mustache. OJ houseguest pronounced. Identical courtroom video was carried by someday, four young Liverpool lads could spark another Kato Kaelin’s flowing locks. Judge Lance Ito on the bench ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The WB broadcast networks, and round of Beatlemania. — AP NEWS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

Visitors watch an elephant bathing in the newly opened elephant park ‘Kaeng Krachan’ at the Zurich Zoo yesterday. Opened after three years of construction, the 11,000-sq-m park provides a spacious living area for the six elephants of the zoo. — AP Qatar confident of remaining World Cup host

DUBAI: Qatar said yesterday it is confident it will retain Qatar has denied wrongdoing and insisted that bin worth tens of millions of dollars to Thailand”, and was and 2022 bid process. the rights to host the 2022 World Cup following new Hammam played no official or unofficial role in its bid. invited by Vladimir Putin to discuss sports-related rela- “Consistent with FIFA’s rules we have been asked to allegations that an official from the country used his The paper yesterday published new allegations sur- tions between Russia and Qatar before their victories in refrain from commenting on the investigation and we high-level contacts to help win support for the OPEC rounding bin Hammam, a onetime member of FIFA’s the votes for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The news- will comply with that request,” it said. “Qatar has won member’s bid. Questions about the integrity of natural- executive committee and president of the Asian paper also alleged he made payments of $1.7 million to the bid on its merits and we are confident that at the gas rich Qatar’s win have swirled since the 2010 vote. Its Football Confederation. He has since been expelled win support from Asian officials. end of the appropriate process, the award of the 2022 winning proposal has come under renewed scrutiny in from FIFA for corruption. The Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee for Delivery and World Cup to Qatar will stand.” A FIFA investigation into the run-up to this year’s World Cup in Brazil after Among the latest allegations were charges that bin Legacy said yesterday that it stands by a statement the winning bids from Russia and Qatar is expected to Britain’s The Sunday Times last week disclosed what it Hammam arranged government-level talks for issued last week denying any impropriety in securing finish this week. FIFA’s ethics investigator, Michael alleged were $5 million in payments Qatari Mohammed Thailand’s FIFA executive Worawi Makudi to discuss a rights to host the tournament. It added that it has fully Garcia, a former US Attorney in New York, plans to deliv- bin Hammam made to build support for Qatar’s bid. natural gas sale that the paper said was “potentially cooperated with an ongoing investigation into the 2018 er his findings by July. — AP

Militants attack Karachi airport Call for Mideast peace at Vatican Continued from Page 1 gunmen attacked a Karachi naval base in 2011, destroying two Continued from Page 1 head of the Franciscan Order in the Middle East who US-made Orion aircraft and killing 10 personnel in a 17-hour helped organise the historic event. “But this time to stop Television footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the siege. Taleban and other militants in uniform carried out a similar “Peacemaking calls for courage, much more so than and breathe has been absent for some time,” he told runway and fires where planes were parked. It has not yet been raid at Pakistan’s military headquarters in the garrison city of warfare,” said the Argentine pontiff, who invited the two reporters at a briefing, adding: “Not everything is decided confirmed whether there have been casualties on either side. The Rawalpindi in 2009, leaving 23 dead. during his visit to the Middle East last month. “It calls for by politics.” Francis has admitted it would be “crazy” to attack happened at a terminal not generally used for commercial Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s government began negotia- the courage to say yes to encounter and no to conflict, yes expect any Vatican mediation in the Israeli-Palestinian flights but for special VIP flights. Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city tions with the umbrella militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan to dialogue and no to violence, yes to negotiations and conflict but said that praying together might help in some and has been the site of frequent militant attacks in the past. (TTP) in February, with a ceasefire beginning March 1 but break- no to hostilities, yes to respect for agreements and no to way. There has so far been no claim of responsibility for Sunday ing down a month later. The TTP emerged in response to a raid acts of provocation, yes to sincerity and no to duplicity,” In a tweet from the Argentine pontiff’s @pontifex night’s incident but similar raids in the past have been claimed by on a radical mosque in Islamabad, but Islamist violence in the he said. account on Saturday, Francis said: “Prayer is all-powerful. Taleban militants who rose up against the Pakistani state in 2007 country began to surge in 2004 following the army’s deployment Abbas and Peres, who is 90 and is stepping down next Let us use it to bring peace to the Middle East and peace in an insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives. Taleban in the volatile tribal areas. — Agencies month, greeted each other warmly when they arrived at to the world.” The prayers were recited in the chronologi- the Vatican and met Francis outside his residence. Abbas cal order of the three monotheistic religions, starting with said he hoped the that ceremony would “help Israel Judaism, followed by Christianity and then Islam. Each of Strongman Sisi sworn in as Egypt... decide” to make peace and told La Repubblica daily that the three faiths prayed an “invocation for forgiveness” and the pope’s invitation had been “courageous”. Tensions are an “invocation for peace” and prayers were read in Arabic, Continued from Page 1 worse than under Mubarak. In the run-up to the elec- running high between the two sides following the forma- English, Hebrew and Italian. tion, Sisi said that “national security” takes precedence tion of a new Palestinian unity government backed by the Rabbi Abraham Skorka and Muslim professor Omar In the televised address, Sisi promised to work over democratic freedoms. Islamist group Hamas. Abboud, two friends of Francis’ from Buenos Aires who toward “reconciliation” but not with those who have Sisi will be the fifth Egyptian president to rise from Israel has since announced plans for building 3,200 travelled and prayed together with the pontiff on his trip “shed blood”. Sisi said there will be “no leniency and the ranks of the military, and is expected to reassert the new settler homes and has said it will boycott what it to the Middle East also attended. Every detail of the event truce with those who resort to violence”, a thinly veiled army’s grip on politics. Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, denounces as a “government of terror”. Peres yesterday was carefully planned. The day was chosen to avoid the reference to the Muslim Brotherhood and other who opposed the Brotherhood, called for a donor con- said the Palestinian unity government was “a contradic- Muslim holy day of Friday and the Jewish Sabbath on Islamists. “I am looking to a new era built on reconcilia- ference to help Egypt after the results were announced. tion that can’t last very long”, but Abbas defended it say- Saturday and falls on the Christian holiday of Pentecost - a tion and tolerance.. except with those who committed The oil kingpin was represented at inauguration cere- ing: “One should never reject a chance for dialogue, inter- celebration of the Holy Spirit considered appropriate for crimes or used violence as a tool,” he said. “I am saying mony by Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, alongside nally as well.” the event. The choice of the Vatican Gardens as a location clearly that those who shed the blood of the innocent the rulers of Kuwait and Bahrain. State media said Sisi The Vatican was realistic about the effect of the event. was also significant since it was considered the most neu- and killed ... the sons of Egypt, they don’t have a place in had meetings yesterday with the Saudi crown prince “Nobody is fooling themselves that peace will break out in tral territory in the Vatican, with none of the Christian (our) march.” Sisi spoke before more than 1,000 guests and Kuwaiti Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. the Holy Land,” said Father Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the imagery that might have caused offence. — AFP gathered at Cairo’s Quba palace. Those in attendance Western nations, which congratulated Sisi on his included politicians, clerics and public figures, including election win while stressing the importance of safe- celebrities. guarding human rights, sent low-level delegates or Earlier, hundreds of Sisi supporters celebrated by set- were represented by ambassadors at his swearing in Tensions soar ahead of opposition rally ting off fireworks at the capital’s iconic Tahrir Square, ceremony. Washington has voiced concerns about “the Continued from Page 1 them to pay a bail of KD 2,000 each to suspend the imple- with its entrances guarded by armoured army vehicles. restrictive political environment” during the vote, urg- mentation of the jail term. The former lawmakers were sen- Sisi took his oath at the Constitutional Court, next to the ing Sisi to show “commitment to the protection of the MP Jamal Al-Omar said the recommendations were tenced to three years in jail by the criminal court in hospital where his predecessor Mubarak, 86, is being universal rights of all Egyptians”. Senior State made as the committee voted on the final reports of the February last year on charges of insulting HH the Amir and detained after being convicted of corruption. Elite Department official Thomas Shannon represented investigations it has launched in those projects. The proj- undermining his status in comments they made at a public policemen stood guard outside the court as helicopters Washington at the palace ceremony. ects include the $800 million contract between Shell and rally in Oct 2012. However, the court of appeals overturned dropped posters of Sisi on well-wishers who turned up “Sisi has to do something in his first 100 days, people Kuwait Oil Co, the diesel smuggling case, the awarding of the sentences five months later and acquitted them, saying to see the former army commander. will watch closely and there might be another revolu- the Subbiya Causeway project and the Russian loan issue. that their comments were part of freedom of expression. “I’m here to congratulate Sisi, the man who rescued tion. That’s what people are like in this country,” said The recommendations become effective only after the Lawyer Yousif Al-Hirbish said the three former lawmak- us from terrorism and the Muslim Brotherhood,” said theology student Israa Youssef, 21. Child nursery Assembly approves them. ers would continue to participate in political rallies, though one flag-waving supporter, Amira Ahmed. Riding a employee Kamal Mahmoud, 25, said he was optimistic The court of cassation, whose rulings are final, yesterday a special committee has yet to decide whether they can run wave of popularity since Morsi’s overthrow, Sisi won the but would give Sisi only two years to bring change. If he overturned the acquittal of former opposition MPs Falah Al- again for public office. “They believe in their cause, and May 26-28 election with 96.9 percent of the vote doesn’t succeed “he has no right to hold that position Sawwagh, Khaled Al-Tahous and Bader Al-Dahoum and have announced their participation in a political protest against his only rival, leftist leader Hamdeen Sabbahi. and he should join the others sitting in prison”, he said. sentenced them to a 20-month jail term each, but asked this coming Tuesday,” he said. The nature of his election victory showed Sisi still “Sisi was the best option we had, so even if I still have enjoyed immense support for his overthrow of the divi- worries about his stand on freedoms and even if he lets sive Morsi, after millions held protests demanding an Mubarak’s people come back, he is still the best candi- end to the Islamist’s turbulent year in power. But the date for now,” said Mohamed Ahmed, an employee in a Social Security employees strike lower than anticipated turnout of about 47 percent private firm. “So I hope he will consider my concerns Continued from Page 1 action in 2011 when the government gave oil sector denied him the overwhelming mandate he had called and act well for the sake of the country.” employees, who had threatened to down tools, salary for ahead of the vote. Sisi’s main challenges will be to The Brotherhood has been declared a terrorist group The parliament and government are currently working increases ranging from 15.5 percent for senior officials to restore stability and revive the economy after the three and has been driven underground but it has survived on a draft law to unify salaries in the public sector based 66 percent for Kuwaiti technicians, at an estimated annual years of turmoil that followed a 2011 uprising that oust- repression before. “Sisi does not enjoy legitimacy or on job descriptions and work hours at all state depart- cost of KD 142 million. When news of the deal spread, so ed Mubarak. support from the people,” said Morsi supporter Wael ments. The so-called ‘strategic alternative for the public did the strikes. Soon customs officials, port workers, and Since Morsi’s ouster, the crackdown on his support- Kamel, a physician who lives in the town of Fayoum, sector’s payroll’ project is expected to be discussed in the staff at the ministries of interior, health and social affairs ers has killed more than 1,400 people and left thou- south of Cairo. “The election was a farce.” Radical parliament before the end of the current term, but there and labor all started mass walkouts in protest against sands behind bars, while militants have killed hundreds Islamist groups, who have threatened to bomb their are no guarantees either from lawmakers or the govern- poor salaries and benefits. Incidentally, oil workers again of policemen and soldiers. Sisi’s opponents fear that way into power, have proven resilient despite army ment that it could be approved before the term’s end. threatened to go on strike early this year over changes to under his rule Egypt will return to an autocratic regime, offensives. — Agencies Kuwait was hit by a series of strikes and industrial the bonus system. MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 SPORTS

Owen tips Argentina SA expect fearsome Gullit hopes for African to win World Cup Welsh challenge surprise at World Cup HONG KONG: Former England striker Michael Owen believes that the bril- CAPE TOWN: South Africa expect a strong challenge from the tour- HONG KONG: Ruud Gullit hopes a team from Africa will perform well and be liance of Lionel Messi and the familiarity with the conditions in Brazil will help ing Wales team in two Tests this month despite a one-sided history the surprise package at the World Cup in Brazil, the former Dutch footballer Argentina win the World Cup. of success over the principality. told Reuters yesterday. After a spectacular haul of trophies with Barcelona, Messi has a chance to “Wales will be well prepared,” said South Africa coach Heyneke lead Argentina to glory on the World Cup stage and build on his reputation as Meyer yesterday following his side’s 47-13 win over a World XV in Four years ago in South Africa, Ghana were the only one of the continent’s one of the all-time greats. Cape Town in Saturday’s warm-up match. six representatives to reach the knockout stage, where they beat the United The four-times World Player of the Year has won a glittering array of club sil- “They are a quality side with big backs, which will give them States but lost to Uruguay on penalties in the quarter-final. Gullit, who played at verware and has established himself as one of the finest footballers to good forward ball. They also played together in the Six Nations, the 1990 World Cup, but missed the 1994 competition after walking out of the pre- while we are just starting out. grace the game, but some believe he must win the World Cup tournament training camp, picked hosts Brazil as the favourites. “Well I think Brazil before he can be hailed as a true great. “We need a big step up in our work,” he added of the First Test on of course is favourite. They’re playing at home. It’s a lot of pressure on them “They’ve got some fabulous players in (Angel) Di Maria and Saturday against the Welsh in Durban and a second encounter in Messi, Higuain, and Aguero - lots of top-class players,” Owen told Nelspruit on June 21. winning it,” the 51-year-old said. “I hope that Holland will do well, they have Reuters at a promotional event in Hong Kong. Despite a rusty start to their encounter with the World XV, Meyer a less experienced team. They have a lot of youngsters in the team, espe- “I know Brazil is next door but I think they are playing basically in said he was pleased with a number of aspects of his team’s play and cially defensively. “I hope that an African country will do well. A lot of feels they will be much better prepared with another week of train- their home conditions and I think that this is Messi’s time to shine African countries have players that play in the Champions League, play on the world stage.—Reuters ing. “This match was important to us, because we have to play together as a team to become better,” he said.—Reuters in good teams in Europe.—Reuters Rosberg takes pole ahead of Hamilton

MONTREAL: Nico Rosberg continued to enjoy he added: “It’s just working at it all the time, he went off and parked his Lotus at Turn Three his ascendancy over Mercedes team-mate Lewis looking at the data, working with engineers and and he was soon followed by Swedish rookie Hamilton on Saturday when he snatched pole trying to understand areas where I can do better. Marcus Ericsson who hit the barriers on the exit position for late yesterday’s Canadian Grand Prix. It’s just a process and I’m glad it’s worked out.” of turn eight, damaging the left rear quarter of Championship leader Rosberg produced a Hamilton said: “Nico did a fantastic job so his car. near-flawless lap of controlled speed around the congratulations to him. It was not a particularly Hamilton topped the opening stint which barrier-lined Circuit Gilles Villeneuve to outpace bad lap, it just wasn’t the greatest qualifying - saw Maldonado, Marussia duo Max Chilton and his nearest championship rival by just 0.079 sec- sometimes you have a good qualifying, some- Jules Bianchi eliminated along with the onds in the final seconds of a dramatic qualify- times you have bad one. “But it’s a great to get a Caterham pair of Kamui Kobayashi and Ericsson. ing session. one-two for the team and a fantastic perform- Massa then set the pace in Q2 with Bottas Two weeks after his controversial pole suc- ance. Let’s hope we can make history tomorrow.” close behind but in a final flurry Rosberg took cess at the Monaco Grand Prix, the German Defending four-time world champion over at the top before Hamilton snatched it from erased all doubts about his raw speed and talent Sebastian Vettel bounced back from an inconsis- him by two-tenths in the final seconds as as he drove with precision and pace to secure his tent weekend to grab third place in his Red Bull Mercedes improved significantly. first pole in Canada, his second pole in succes- car ahead of Valtteri Bottas and his Williams The late drama saw Vettel grab a place in the sion and the seventh of his career. team-mate Felipe Massa. top-ten shootout, but pushed Nico Hulkenberg It was his third pole performance this year Daniel Ricciardo was sixth in the second Red and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez out and came at a track where Hamilton has always Bull ahead of two-time champion Fernando in 11th and 13th places with rookie Kevin ELMONT: Tonalist No. 11 (left), ridden by Joel Rosario, races to the finish line enroute shone and previously claimed three poles. It was Alonso of Ferrari, Jean-Eric Vergne of Toro Rosso, Magnussen 12th between them. to winning the 146th running of the Belmont Stakes. —AFP also the Mercedes team’s fourth front row lock- Jenson Button of McLaren and Kimi Raikkonen This set up a dramatic duel between the two out this year. “I know it’s a track where Lewis is in the second Ferrari. Mercedes men after Bottas had laid down a really strong,” said Rosberg. “I’m very happy it On a much warmer afternoon than Friday, the marker lap to suggest Williams had the pace to Tonalist upsets worked out. It has been a fantastic day and session began with plenty of early action for the beat Red Bull. through the weekend we have been progressing 21 cars involved, Esteban Gutierrez of Sauber On their first runs, Rosberg was quickest by a all the time and I’m in the best position for having been forced to sit it out after damaging fraction and, with a lap in 1:14.946, the first man California Chrome tomorrow so I am very happy.” his chassis in a heavy accident in final free prac- to break through the 1:15 barrier. This ensured a Asked how he achieved his success against tice. big effort in response from Hamilton in the final NEW YORK: California Chrome’s bid to thought he finished second, but we got Hamilton on one of the Briton’s favourite tracks, Pastor Maldonado continued his ill luck when action of the hour. —AFP complete US racing’s elusive Triple Crown lucky, he won.” After winning the Kentucky ended in disappointment when he finished Derby and the Preakness Stakes last month, fourth behind Tonalist in the Belmont California Chrome was bidding to become Stakes on Saturday. just the 12th horse - and the first since Ridden by Mexican jockey Victor Affirmed in 1978 - to achieve the rare feat, Espinoza, California Chrome moved into regarded as the ultimate challenge in contention down the final stretch but could American racing. not sustain his run and catch the flying An unlikely contender who was bred by Tonalist (9-1), who won in a thrilling photo- a factory worker and a scientist for just finish. Commissioner, a 28-1 longshot, held $10,500, California Chrome’s fairytale suc- on for second, beaten by just a head, after cess story endeared him to millions of leading until the final turn while Medal Americans who were instantly captivated Count (24-1) took third, a further length by his rags to riches tale and the prospect behind. that he could be the chosen one to break California Chrome (4-5 favourite) dead- the Triple Crown drought. But it was not to heated with Wicked Strong (9-1) for fourth, be and instead of becoming the 12th Triple sending the huge expectant crowd of more Crown winner, he became the 12th horse than 102,000 into a stunned silence at the since Affirmed to win the first two legs then realisation that the long wait for a Triple come unstuck in the Belmont, which is Crown winner would continue for at least known as the Test of the Champion. another year. His chances of winning were hampered “Turning for home, I was just waiting to at the start when he jumped out sideways have the same kick like he always had and clipped the horse next to him, before but today, he was just a little flat Matterhorn. When he returned to his stable down the lane,” said Espinoza. after the race he had a small cut on his “I think it was tough for him. He ran right front hoof. back-to-back races in different tracks “It’s a long hard ride on these young against all those fresh horses.” Tonalist horses and that’s why the Triple Crown is so missed both the Kentucky Derby and the tough to win,” said California Chrome’s Preakness and showed the benefits of assistant trainer Alan Sherman. being fresh as he surged to victory in the 1 “The horse tried, that’s all I can ask for. 1/2-mile (2,400 metres) classic, the longest He took me on the ride of my life and I’ll MONTREAL: Mercedes’ German driver Nico Rosberg during the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix. —AFP and most gruelling races of the Triple always have that in my heart for that horse.” Crown series. Part of the challenge for the potential “This is the Belmont, so this is great,” said winners is that not only do they have to Tonalist’s jockey Joel Rosario. “(But) I’m a lit- race three times in five weeks on different Cotto clobbers Martinez, tle bit upset about California Chrome. If I tracks over distance distances, but often was going to get beat, I wanted to just get against fresher opposition, which infuriat- beat by him.” ed California Chrome’s co-owner Steve Tonalist had been earmarked as one of Coburn. wins middleweight title the early favourites for the Kentucky Derby “This is his third great big race. These but was forced to skip the race after he suf- other horses, they sat them out and tried to NEW YORK: Miguel Cotto used a furious start to terfully. “He had him moving into the hook all operations in holding off Briton Martin Murray fered a lung infection and missed a key upset the apple cart. I’m 61 years old and I’ll win the World Boxing Council middleweight night long,” Roach said. “Miguel is a better boxer in a battle last April in Buenos Aires despite qualifier. never see another Triple Crown winner championship as title holder Sergio Martinez of than Martinez.” being knocked down in the eighth. The loser His connections set their sights on win- because of the way they do this,” an angry Argentina surrendered the crown when he did Cotto landed twice as many punches in the did not attend the post-fight news conference. ning the Belmont and he emerged as one Coburn told NBC. not answer the bell for the 10th round on bout and also proved to be the bigger puncher “Sergio said he had no excuses,” Lou DiBella, the of the leading threats to California Chrome “It’s not fair to these horses that have Saturday. even though he was fighting at the 160-pound fighter’s promoter, told reporters. “After that first with a runaway win in last month’s Peter been in the game since day one. I look at it Cotto, with a ferocious left hook and punish- limit for the first time in his career. round, he felt dizzy throughout the fight but he Pan Stakes. this way, if you can’t make enough points ing combinations, knocked Martinez down Martinez, 39, has had physical ills to contend wanted to continue. “But obviously he was tak- “I’m absolutely thrilled. It’s wonderful,” to get in the Kentucky Derby, you can’t run three times in the first round, and continued to with, showing the effects of shoulder and knee ing a terrible beating.” —Reuters said Christophe Clement, the trainer of the other two races. dominate the scheduled 12-round bout at Tonalist. “He trained great, he looked great “It’s all or nothing. This is not fair to Madison Square Garden. before the race. I’m absolutely delighted these horses who’ve been trying their guts Martinez’s corner waved an end to the fight that he won. out. This is a coward’s way out. Our horse as the bell rang for round 10. The Argentine, “I wasn’t sure he won. We actually had a target on its back.” —Reuters who wore supportive sleeves on both his knees, was cut near his right eye and over his left eye and his knees buckled several times during the one-sided contest. Ogier extends lead Cotto, 33, became the first Puerto Rican ever to win titles in four different weight divisions after previously holding the junior welter- with Rally of Italy win weight, welterweight and super welterweight crowns. CAGLIARI: World champion Sebastien and this is a really good feeling,” Ogier “This is the biggest achievement I ever had in Ogier in a Volkswagen Polo won the Rally said. my career,” said Cotto, who improved to 39-4 of Italy for the second straight year yester- The Frenchman now heads the drivers’ while the 39-year-old Martinez fell to 51-3-2. day to extend his lead in this season’s standings with a 33-point lead over Martinez said he never recovered from championship. Latvala mid-way through the season. The Cotto’s stunning start. “I got hit and I never The Frenchman finished the sixth leg of reigning world champion won three of recovered after that. I tried my best,” said the rally world championship 1 minute Saturday’s four stages to propel himself to Martinez, speaking through a translator. “He 23.1 seconds clear of Norway’s Mads the top of the timesheet ahead of caught me cold, he caught me hard at the Ostberg in a Citroen and 1 minute 32 sec- Sunday’s four concluding specials. beginning and I didn’t recover from it.” onds better than teammate Jari-Matti Ogier’s championship points were Martinez looked set to continue, despite Latvala of Finland. swelled by finishing third in the 8.98km buckling after another powerful left in the ninth Finland’s Latvala lost time after being Power Stage, SS17, which was won by round that the referee ruled a knockdown even forced to stop to change a rear wheel after Norway’s Andreas Mikkelsen. though the Argentine did not touch the canvas. hitting a rock at the side of the road. It was “I could let up a bit on Sunday having But his corner surrendered. Ogier’s 20th overall victory on the rally cir- built up a 1min 40sec lead on Ostberg,” “More than a boxer, he’s my brother and he’s cuit and his fourth this season, having said Ogier. “The number one aim of the my friend,” said trainer Pablo Sarmiento. Freddie already secured victories in Monaco, season is to hold our title. There are seven Roach, Cotto’s trainer, said the winner executed Mexico and Portugal this term. races to go. I have to give it everything to the game plan to perfection. “I’m really proud of “I had a very tough beginning on this overcome Jari-Matti who is currently in him,” Roach said. “We had a great game plan and NEW YORK: Miguel Cotto (left) of Puerto Rico, is hit in the jaw by a right hand punch by Sergio rally and had to put pressure on Jari (Matti great shape.” The next race will be held in he followed it to a tee.” Martinez of Argentina during the eighth round as they battle for the WBC Middleweight Latvala) yesterday. Luckily that paid off Poland from June 27-29. —AFP Roach said Cotto maneuvered Martinez mas- Championship. —AFP MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

GROUP A Divisions threaten BRAZIL Cameroon campaign

YAOUNDE: Cameroon have brilliant “Everybody is ready to listen to ter than in 2010 because we are in a players like Samuel Eto’o but keeping each other and to make sacrifices,” he difficult group.” Record five-time them together holds the key to 2014 told Cameroon media. “We are ready world champions and hosts Brazil are World Cup success as the team makes to give our best for the sake of the overwhelming favorites to top Group a record seventh appearance by an country, our team-mates and our- A, leaving Cameroon, Croatia and African country. selves.” But not everyone is convinced Mexico to scrap for the other second- Squad cliques were blamed for a and Eto’o complained that team- round place. disastrous 2010 tournament in South mates refused to pass him the ball Francois Omam-Biyik, a star of the Africa with the ‘Indomitable Lions’ los- during a play-off in Tunisia late last 1990 squad inspired by Roger Milla, ing all three matches they played. The year. Defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto fears the ‘Lions’ will be among early same cannot happen in Group A this from English second-tier outfit departures from South America. year against hosts Brazil, Croatia and Queen’s Park Rangers condemned “Cameroon cannot get past the Mexico. other players in an interview. first round because although they Captain and star striker Eto’o was “This team compares favorably have quality footballers, the team at the centre of the 2010 storm as with the one which reached the 1990 does not play as a unit. “Everybody some players backed him while oth- quarter-finals in terms of technique believes he is a star and it will be ers sided with deposed skipper and skill. “But when the players meet tough winning against a Brazilian Rigobert Song. they all consider themselves big shots team with home advantage, and French coach Paul le Guen from so-called top clubs and silly little Croatia and Mexico,” he said. replaced ageing Song with former problems spoil the change room German coach Volker Finke plans Barcelona and Inter Milan star Eto’o a atmosphere. to prove the doubters wrong and World Cup heat is on Brazil year before the World Cup. “Many of us are parents with says 33-year-old Chelsea goal The move opened deep wounds young kids, but it is us adults who are poacher Eto’o will play a vital role. RIO DE JANEIRO: A team boasting neers of the five titles we have won relied on friendly games against top with Barcelona midfielder Alex Song, acting like children. We need to “Samuel is back to his best level at Neymar, Oscar and Dani Alves should since then. Those players got there class opponents such as Argentina, a relative of Rigobert, among those change our mindsets and put the Chelsea. He is the best Cameroonian win the World Cup, but Brazil know and made Brazilian history. France and Netherlands after the who shunned the national team for a egos aside.” footballer and can make a big differ- there are no guarantees even when “We built our success on top of World Cup finals in South Africa. long time after the debacle. Haphazard preparations have also ence.” Former Liverpool goalkeeper you host the biggest global sporting them. We are going to try and get Brazil lost to Paraguay in the quar- However, Sevilla midfielder previously hampered Cameroon, who Charles Itandje, centre-back Nicolas spectacle. back to the Maracana for the final ter finals of Copa America in 2011 Stephane Mbia believes Cameroon, have won just one of 12 World Cup Nkoulou, midfielders Jean Makoun Brazil lifted the trophy in 1958, and properly remember the team of however and after the sacking of the first of only three African nations games since the last-eight loss to and Song and striker Benjamin 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. But a the 1950s because they were won- Mano Menezes in November 2012, to reach the World Cup quarter-finals, England 24 years ago. Moukandjo are other key fig- country that clamours for football derful and fantastic and that’s how I’d Scolari had to act to end some worry- can present a united front in Brazil. Mbia said: “We must prepare bet- ures.—AFP perfection keeps looking back to a like Brazilians to think about them,” ing results. They lost to England in his defeat in 1950 when Brazil last organ- said Scolari. first game in charge in February 2013 ised the World Cup. Brazil legend Pele said the 1950 and drew with Italy, Russia and Chile. CAMEROON Some 200,000 people packed Rio finals were “a bad experience” for the But the win over South Africa gave de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium then country. “Now the people are afraid Scolari a 13th victory in 14 games. to see Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1 in a of the same thing happening. But I The coach said he only returned to football ambush that has gone down think it will be different now,” Pele the national team because he is sure in history as the ‘Maracanazo’. told AFP in a recent interview. On that Brazil will win the World Cup. He The angst of 1950 will be hanging paper, Brazil, the only team to have also knows what it is like to reach a over Sao Paulo’s Corinthians stadium played in every World Cup finals, has final and lose. when Brazil play Croatia in the open- little to worry about. Neymar’s speed Scolari coached the Portuguese ing World Cup game on June 12. and finish has made the 22-year-old team that hosted the 2004 European They also face Cameroon and Mexico one of the most feared strikers in the Championships, reached the final in Group A. world. He scored his second interna- Nerves could be jangling if Brazil tional hat-trick in Brazil’s 5-0 thrash- and lost to Greece. “It was a helpful reach the final, which will be back in ing of South Africa in March. experience,” said Scolari. the modernised Maracana, where the Captain Thiago Silva holds the “I now have a better idea of how capacity is now less than 80,000. back four together which allows the we should behave going into a final, Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who fullbacks, Dani Alves in particular, the and how a team playing a final in its guided Brazil to their 2002 triumph, freedom to launch incisive attacks up own country should organise itself wants that 1950 team to be treated the flanks. and approach the match in order to as heros rather than the villains they And with Oscar in midfield con- lift the trophy. are now cast as. stantly prising open opposing “I know we can enjoy the experi- “My vision of 1950 is entirely dif- defences for Chelsea this year, Scolari ence of playing in front of home ferent to what most people think,” has a threatening team. crowds, but at the same time we Scolari said at a recent FIFA work- But that was not so clear when he have to be aware that it will hurt shop. “Before 1950 Brazil had never took over last year. As Brazil did not more if we lose,” he declared philo- reached the final. They were the pio- have to qualify for the finals, they sophically. —AFP Croatia relishing fiery World Cup opener Mexico seek redemption

MEXICO CITY: Mexico are seeking He said being the outsiders become frustrated and demand redemption after winning the could help Mexico after their near more from them,” he told AFP. “The Olympic football gold and then humiliation. “Maybe some will pressure could get to them.” almost failing to qualify for the underestimate us, and this can help For the moment the pressure is World Cup finals. But coach Miguel us demonstrate that we are alright still on Mexico after their near miss. Herrera says it may do the team to and that we can surprise anybody,” Elimination would have cost spon- be treated like outsiders. Herrera told AFP in an interview. sors and broadcasters hundreds of Mexico, who have been to every With Brazil favoured to win millions of dollars in a nation pas- World Cup finals since 1994, will be Group A, Mexico will have to hope sionate about the sport. Mexico also in a tough Group A with hosts and they can take second place. They had to deal with a long-running five-time winners Brazil, Croatia and will play Cameroon first on June 13, saga with Carlos Vela, who plays for Cameroon. They almost did not Brazil on June 17 and Croatia on Spain’s Real Sociedad and is consid- make it that far. Mexico had high June 23. ered the most in-form Mexican play- hopes after they defeated a Brazil Herrera said he hoped Brazil and er but has rejected overtures to team featuring Neymar, Oscar and Neymar will feel the pressure of return to the national squad. When CROATIA Thiago Silva to win the gold medal playing in front of a demanding he took over for the games against at the London Olympics in 2012. home crowd. “Where we can find a New Zealand, Herrera dropped all ZAGREB: Croatia coach Niko Kovac is er to Scotland, with the Balkan side this time.” Despite the enormity of the But they managed only two wins weak point is by taking the ball Europe-based stars and instead only intent on challenging golf legend claiming second, albeit nine points task ahead of them Kovac is relishing and seven goals in 10 games in the away from them a little bit, make used domestic league players. But Walter Hagen’s claim that ‘no one behind Belgium. his date with Neymar and co. “Brazil in North and Central American qualify- time go by without letting them he said Hernandez and dos Santos remembers who came in second’ at Kovac’s elevation from the ranks of the first game with the whole world ing contest. Mexico missed out on hurt us, and then people will will be on World Cup duty.—AFP the World Cup. coaching the Under 21s proved watching will be something,” said the an automatic qualifying place-they Kovac’s Croats, who made the inspired with Croatia ultimately beat- 42-year-old. went to the United States, Honduras Brazil finals through the play-offs, ing Iceland to their fourth World Cup Croatia are returning to football’s and Costa Rica-and needed a play- ‘Little Pea’ looks for lift have the dubious honour of opening finals after 1998, 2002 and 2006. The top table after missing out on South off against New Zealand to gain the 2014 football showcase against tense date with Brazil is not the first Africa four years ago. Their best show- their ticket to Brazil. They only got to the playoff after bitter rivals, the MANCHESTER: Four years after leaving one World Cup finals as a new the hosts in Sao Paulo on June 12. time the two countries’ paths have ing came in France ‘98 when they football hero, Mexican striker Javier Hernandez returns to the sport’s With the presence of Brazil casting crossed at a World Cup. secured third spot-Kovac missed out United States, defeated Panama in the last match of the qualifying greatest stage desperate to reignite a spluttering career. a long shadow over Group A the for- Eight years ago the pair met in on that because he had just returned From the moment Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson mer national captain has realistically Germany, with Kovac figuring in the from injury. tournament. The Mexican federation fired plucked Hernandez from the obscurity of FC Guadalajara just before the set his team’s sights on the runners-up side that put up a brave fight before Against Brazil Croatia will be miss- 2010 finals started in South Africa, the diminutive striker enjoyed a spot behind the five-time world succumbing to a Kaka goal in the ing Mario Mandzukic, the striker who three coaches in six weeks before hiring Miguel Herrera, manager of meteoric rise to fame. champions to make it into the last 16. group game in Berlin. Kovac com- scored in the play-offs but also picked Emboldened by his move to United, Hernandez-known as Chicharito Mexico and Cameroon are also in the mented: “We will try to make it diffi- up a red card ruling him out of the 2013 Mexican league champions Club America. (Little Pea) because he is only 1.75 metres (5 feet 9 inches) tall- group. cult for them but it won’t be easy. June 12 curtain-raiser. announced himself to the global audience with two memorable goals. “I think Brazil are the obvious “Look at 2006, though, when we Croatia are captained by the expe- The team’s bad form was all the more surprising because it featured For the first, he came off the bench to score Mexico’s opening goal in a favourites. They are one of the best gave them a very difficult game. Dida rienced Darijo Srna, with the midfield shock 2-0 win over France. In doing so emulated his grandfather Tomas sides in the world, after all. But second made some good saves and Brazil inspiration coming from playmakers Manchester United striker Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Villareal Balcazar, who scored against France in the 1954 World Cup. Hernandez, place is wide open,” was his assess- needed a cracking goal from Kaka to Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar. whose father played for Mexico at the 1986 World Cup finals, then scored ment of Croatia’s prospects. win. With Mandzukic absent in Sao playmaker Giovani dos Santos. The outspoke Herrera has voiced against Argentina in the last 16, though Mexico were beaten. Kovac was parachuted in to steer “I remember that I only played Paulo the attack will be led by the The World Cup success carried over to life with United as he quickly Croatia through the play-offs after about half an hour in that game and likes of Brazil-born former Arsenal optimism since steering the team away from the abyss by trouncing became one of the most clinical forwards in the top-flight and helped Igor Stimac resigned, following had to go off with an injury. I hope I’ll striker Eduardo, veteran Ivica Olic and his new team win the Premier League in his first season.—AFP Croatia’s 2-0 defeat in the final qualifi- be able to have a bit more influence Hull City’s Nikita Jelavic.—AFP New Zealand the two-game play-off in November. Modric — Croatia’s midfield magician

ZAGREB: With his long hair and his Real career made a stuttering were not following. trademark headband Luka Modric start. After a successful four years “That’s why maybe people didn’t would not look out of place shuffling with Tottenham Hotspur in England, appreciate my performance. “This round Stonehenge in a kaftan cele- Modric completed a dream 33 million season, I am at the peak of my game brating the summer solstice. pound (44 million euro) move to and we have good results....I feel real- But rather than dabbling in new Madrid. But his first season under ly, really good.” age mysticism in England, Modric will then boss Jose Mourinho was a When Modric arrived in the be worshipping at the high altar of nightmare. Premier League some suggested, giv- football, the World Cup finals, where Deployed irregularly he suffered en his size, he might struggle to cope Croatia are counting on the inspira- the ignominy of being voted the with the physical demands of the tional playmaker to maintain the worst signing of the year in one English game. stunning form he has produced this Spanish newspaper poll. That bumpy Yet Modric is made out of stern season at Real Madrid. landing in the Spanish capital must stuff, resilience forged in part from Modric’s compact frame has seem light years away now as under growing up in the horrors of the played a giant role in Madrid’s sea- Mourinho’s successor Carlo Ancelotti brutal 1990s Balkans civil war. He son, with the hard to please he has lit up Real’s campaign. prefers not to dwell in public on Bernabeu crowd chanting his name Reflecting on the difference a sea- that traumatic period in which his at every opportunity. son makes Modric, in a rare interview, grandfather was killed and his fami- MEXICO The love-in would have been told the BBC: “Last season I played ly fled their village when he was inconceivable 12 months ago when some good games but our results just six.—AFP MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

GROUP B Never a dull moment SPAIN with coach Sampaoli

SANTIAGO: Nothing stops Chile’s take charge of Chile after his compa- Sampaoli orders a high energy World Cup coach Jorge Sampaoli get- triot Claudio Borghi was sacked, hav- charge into the opposition half with a ting his hyper-active point across- ing guided Universidad de Chile to playmaker behind two forwards who even if he has to sit in a tree to shout three national titles and the Copa press wide, a style that can be spec- at his players over a stadium wall. Sudamericana, as well as the semi- tacular but is difficult to maintain. The 54-year-old Argentine is a bun- finals of the Copa Libertadores, South The Chilean squad now know each dle of energy at matches, charging America’s leading club competition. other well, and in friendlies ahead of along the touchline in a trademark A double fracture of the leg ended the World Cup they have beaten baseball cap, urging the likes of Alexis Sampaoli’s playing career at Newell’s England 2-0 at Wembley, drawn with Sanchez and Arturo Vidal to attack. Old Boys at the age of just 19, but he Spain and only narrowly been beaten Though discreet with journalists, went into coaching and his tigerish by Brazil. Sampaoli rarely holds back in firing character quickly became apparent. In typical aggressive style, verbal assaults against refereeing In the year that he took Belgrano Sampaoli insists that Chile can win the decisions that go against his players. de Arequito to a local Argentine World Cup. “It’s safe to say that Chile Sampaoli’s arrival as coach in championship in 1996, Sampaoli was are contenders,” he said. December 2012 transformed a side ordered out of a stadium because of a “History says that in World Cups that had lost three World Cup qualify- verbal assault on a referee. people always list the same favourites ing matches in a row and seemed The Rosario newspaper La Capital and names, but we will be as competi- something of a disorganised rabble. published a picture of Sampaoli sat in tive as possible. Five wins and a draw from their last a tree shouting instructions at his “We will not change how we play. six matches in the marathon South players. Newell’s president Eduardo We will not allow ourselves to be American qualifying campaign saw Jose Lopez saw the image and put modified by our opponents. We have them through, but they were handed him in charge of one of the club’s to want it more than opponents, to a tough draw in Brazil, alongside reserve teams. surpass them in spirit. Spain, the Netherlands and Australia Sampaoli had a journeyman career “We will go man to man against in Group B. with teams in Peru, Chile and Ecuador anyone. Our idea is to surprise oppo- Spain aim to extend historic run Nevertheless, they are considered before taking over at Universidad de nents who are used to having oppo- among the teams capable of causing Chile in 2011 and demanding the nents play against them in a certain an upset as they look to reach the unrelenting attacking football that he way.” There will not be a dull moment MADRID: Spain aim to extend a his- None of the winners in each of the Martinez offer high quality reserve quarter-finals for the first time since learned from his mentor Marcelo in any World Cup game where toric run at the World Cup in Brazil as previous four Confederations Cups options in central midfield and hosting the World Cup in 1962. Bielsa, another Argentine who Sampaoli is involved.—AFP they target a fourth successive major held the year before a World Cup have defence respectively. Sampaoli seemed a natural choice to coached Chile at the 2010 World Cup. tournament triumph. been able to repeat their success Given the draining conditions that Vicente del Bosque has created a when the stakes are raised 12 months all sides will encounter in Brazil, formidable football machine that won on. though, fatigue remains the biggest CHILE the European Championship in 2008, Indeed, Spain suffered a shock 2-0 worry for the reigning champions. the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa defeat to the United States in 2009 On top of their commitments at and a second European title two years before returning to conquer the world international level, the majority of the ago. in 2010. A slow drip of fresh faces into Spanish squad have been involved in Should Spain retain the World Cup, a highly experienced squad has also the final stages of European competi- it would be the first time any country sparked optimism that this Spain side tions for a number of years without a has sealed consecutive triumphs since will have the requisite hunger to drive break. Brazil in 1958 and 1962. They start in a them to success once more. This season is no different as all tricky Group B however against the The most noteworthy addition is three of the country’s best teams Netherlands, Chile and Australia. that of Atletico Madrid striker Diego Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico And there is scepticism as to how Costa, who completed his controver- Madrid cruised into the quarter-finals long a squad of players that have won sial conversion from Brazilian interna- of the Champions League. almost everything at club as well as tional to Spain’s first-choice centre for- “The competitions are very intense, international level can dominate. ward in under 12 months. Costa was there are games every three days. All Those fears were realised when a allowed to switch allegiance as he had the games are hard and we have to be young and highly-motivated Brazil only previously represented Brazil in prepared in case we lose someone to side destroyed Spain 3-0 in the final of friendly matches and could prove to injury,” warned Del Bosque. the Confederations Cup last year. be a huge asset for Del Bosque in one However, with their tournament “Brazil are the big favorites for me,” of the few positions where Spain are know-how and depth of squad, Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina admitted lacking in depth. remain one of the most feared sides recently. Yet, Spain can point to their The emergence of Cesar on show in Brazil. As Del Bosque said own experience in South Africa to Azpilicueta at Chelsea this season has after learning that his side will face prove that the dress rehearsal of the made him the favourite to cover the Dutch in a re-match of the 2010 Confederations Cup isn’t always the another problem position at right- final in their opening game, “I am sure best indicator of how the World Cup back. Meanwhile, the Bayern Munich they didn’t want to face us as much as will develop. duo of Thiago Alcantara and Javi we didn’t want to face them.”—AFP Dutch old masters must raise their game for World Cup

NETHERLANDS Australia look to Ange for glory

SYDNEY: Ange Postecoglou has experience for us all, but I don’t “We want all our teams to be promised to restore positive, want a team of players that just attacking teams, and our players attacking football as he leads want to go to the World Cup,” said like to play that way. That’s been Australia’s transition away from Postecoglou, who was capped my philosophy-to play attacking, their “golden generation” at the four times by the Socceroos be aggressive.” World Cup. before a knee injury ended his A major part of Postecoglou’s Greek-born Postecoglou, 48, career early. coaching remit is to bring who migrated to Australia as a “I want a team of players who through a new younger genera- five-year-old, was flung into the want to make a difference. It’s a tion of players, looking ahead to coaching hot seat in October, just tough group, but the flip-side of next year’s Asian Cup in Australia eight months ahead of the Brazil that is that there’s an opportunity and beyond to the 2018 World finals. to do something that no one Cup in Russia. Goalkeeper Mark He was given a five-year con- expects us to do. We can capi- Schwarzer, Harry Kewell and Brett AMSTERDAM: A pivotal figure in European football in ruled out of the finals with ruptured knee ligaments. tract by Football Federation talise on that. Holman have retired from inter- recent years, Arjen Robben leads a clutch of Dutch masters “It’s a small catastrophe,” said Van Gaal, who made his Australia (FFA) after the sacking of “Australia is a sporting nation national football, and skipper who know this year may represent their last chance to help name as a top-level coach with a young Ajax side that won German Holger Osieck who paid and we never go into any contest Lucas Neill has been told he will the Netherlands finally get their hands on the World Cup. the Champions League in 1995. “Kevin was in his best form the price for 6-0 thrashings by thinking we can’t win and football miss out because of a lack of Bayern Munich winger Robben and Manchester for both the national team and Roma. It is an enormous Brazil and France. is no different. “There’s a real game time. United’s Robin van Persie, both 30, Hamburg’s Rafael van loss for the Netherlands because he contributed largely to Postecoglou, the Socceroos’ chance for us all to create a spe- Luke Wilkshire and Mark der Vaart, 31, and Galatasaray’s Wesley Sneijder, who will qualification.”—AFP first full-time Australian coach in cial moment that lasts longer Bresciano have also been left out be 30 on June 9, are driven by the memory of their extra- nine years, won two A-League than the competition.” Dutch of friendlies under Postecoglou’s time defeat to Spain in the 2010 World Cup final in Robben unbreakable championships with Brisbane coach Pim Verbeek was criticised watch. Johannesburg. Roar and gained a reputation for for his negativity at the last World New faces are in the squad, European champions in 1988, the Netherlands have man of glass fast-paced, aggressive, passing Cup in South Africa after setting plenty of home-based players are reached three World Cup finals and lost them all. An ele- football. up the Socceroos with the onus getting a chance and Postecoglou gant side were beaten by hosts West Germany in 1974 and MUNICH: Arjen Robben’s ability as a footballer has nev- But Postecoglou and his on defence. is building his squad around Tim Argentina four years later. In 2010, a team full of talented er been in doubt but it is the ease with which the Dutch Socceroos face a monumental That is something that does Cahill, Tom Rogic and Mile players eliminated Brazil in the quarter-finals but they are winger falls that makes many reluctant to adorn him challenge in Brazil, drawn along- not sit well with Postecoglou and Jedinak. best remembered for their aggressive tactics which includ- with the ‘legend’ epithet. ed a studs-up challenge by Nigel de Jong on the chest of The 30-year-old began his career with local club side World Cup holders Spain, irrespective of Australia’s formida- “Everything I’ve done is about Spain’s Xabi Alonso in the final. Groningen, but has since starred at Chelsea, Real Madrid 2010 runners-up Netherlands and ble opponents in Brazil, the new growing the game. I win if this Coach Louis van Gaal, in his second spell in charge hav- and the side where he has really flourished, German Chile. coach wants to encourage his game grows and is the biggest ing stood down when they failed to qualify for the 2002 giants Bayern Munich. Australia could struggle to get players to be attack-minded. game in the county. That’s what I World Cup, has injected some younger talent into the side It is this form that has made him indispensable to a point, let alone advance from “Having grown up in this coun- want,” Postecoglou said. In that failed so abysmally at Euro 2012.Just two years after Dutch coach Louis van Gaal as he prepares for a tough Group B, but the low expectations try, I’ve got an awareness of what Postecoglou’s mind Australia reaching the World Cup final they went out in the group Group B at the World Cup against holders Spain, Chile do not dampen Postecoglou’s the public expects from its have nothing to lose, but plenty stage in Ukraine. and Australia. Van Gaal, who signed Robben when he positivity. national teams. Our players will to gain at the World Cup in Van Gaal, who is standing down after the finals whatev- was coach of Bayern Munich for 25 million euros “The World Cup will be an respond to that,” he said. Brazil. —AFP er the outcome, has not let an excellent qualifying cam- ($34.4m) from Real Madrid in 2009, will be hoping he paign-they won nine and drew one of their 10 games — brings this form to Brazil. AUSTRALIA cloud his appraisal of their chances of success in Brazil. While van Gaal has complete faith in Robben, man- The 62-year-old’s attempts to play down expectations agers such as Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger have been driven look even wiser given the tough draw they were handed. to distraction by a side of Robben’s game that many find Indeed, they could even struggle to reach the knockout unattractive and potentially controversial with so much stages from a group also containing reigning champions focus on refereeing at the World Cup. Spain, dark horses Chile and rank outsiders Australia. “He is a very good diver, but that is the way it goes. It “We are not one of the favorites,” he said back in March.”I is the referee - Robben is a fantastic player, but he view Brazil and Argentina and, from Europe, Spain and doesn’t need to do it.” Germany as the favorites. “If the referee gives him a yellow card he won’t do it “We consider ourselves as outsiders. I arrived as coach again,” Wenger griped after Bayern eliminated Arsenal (after Euro 2012) with certain targets: qualify for the finals from the Champions League in the last 16 this season. and then reach the semi-finals. However, Robben is a hardheaded character. His “We have introduced a lot of fresh young blood into the unsmiling exterior and habit of wagging his finger at ref- team and played really nice football and scored a lot of erees as if they are always in the wrong has not goals in the qualifying group. endeared him to many fans. And he has shown real steel “However, the semi-finals will be a really hard goal to to prove his detractors wrong. He arrived at Bayern in achieve.” A 2-0 defeat in their friendly with France in March- 2009 after a troubled spell at Real despite having their first loss since August 2012 — added weight to van accrued league title winners medals in the Netherlands- Gaal’s comments. with PSV Eindhoven-two with Chelsea in England and a It was followed shortly afterwards by a hammerblow Primera Liga crown with Real Madrid. But the Spanish when 24-year-old Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman - fans dubbed him ‘crystal man’ because he spent more along with Robben and van Persie one of the three players time injured than on the pitch.—AFP the coach had singled out as being indispensable - was MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

GROUP C Pekerman has scores to settle in Brazil COLOMBIA Japan need Honda power at World Cup

TOKYO: Japan, led by bleach- Kagawa, after enduring a frustrat- through Asian qualifying to secure blond haired Keisuke Honda, have ing season at Manchester United, a fifth successive World Cup a habit of making bold statements could prove to be Japan’s X-factor. appearance, finishing four points of intent ahead of a World Cup, A bench-warmer at the English clear of Australia at the top of their and this year’s tournament in Brazil Premier League club, Kagawa final-round group after winning is no different. rarely disappoints for his country five and losing just one of their Talisman Honda has declared and enjoys the unwavering sup- eight games. “there is no reason Japan can’t win port of Japan coach Alberto Three defeats at last year’s the World Cup” as they prepare to Zaccheroni. Confederations Cup raised con- do battle with Colombia, Ivory The mercurial 25-year-old cerns, but with a driving force of Coast and Greece in Group C. should be fresh and, perhaps sig- Honda, Kagawa and Inter Milan’s At the 2010 finals in South nificantly, will have a point to Yuto Nagatomo, and a clinical fin- Africa, then coach Takeshi Okada prove in Brazil as prospective suit- isher in Shinji Okazaki, Japan have ambitiously targeted a semi-final ors look on. the weapons to hurt their rivals in spot, despite a miserable run of Japan’s rise from soccer make- Brazil. BOGOTA: Jose Pekerman will be looking to erase the bit- at the age of 28. ter memories of his last World Cup campaign when his tal- He was working as a taxi driver in 1978 when Argentina form in the build-up. weights to potential World Cup Zaccheroni, who faced an anx- ented Colombia team start the World Cup in Brazil. first lifted the trophy, before later coaching lower division Against the odds, however, a giant-killers since their finals debut ious wait over the fitness of cap- Eight years ago, the respected tactician dreamed of teams. He was hired as Argentina youth team coach in Honda-powered Japan upset in 1998 is little short of staggering. tain Makoto Hasebe before nam- leading Argentina to glory in Germany, emulating his trio 1994, and within seven years had completed an unprece- Cameroon and Denmark to reach As 2002 co-hosts, Japan also ing him in his squad, may adopt a of Under-20 World Cup triumphs in 1995, 1997 and 2001 dented hat-trick of junior world crowns. —AFP the last 16, only to lose to Paraguay reached the last 16 under Philippe cautious approach in Japan’s open- with the Albiceleste’s youngsters. on penalties. Troussier, who created the blue- ing match against a Didier Drogba- Yet after a promising start to the 2006 finals, Argentina’s Honda, who joined AC Milan print for the team’s attacking style. led Ivory Coast in Recife on June campaign ended in disarray, losing a stormy quarter-final Rodriguez from CSKA Moscow in the January Although overshadowed by 14, but the Italian will view on penalties to Germany before an ugly mass brawl broke transfer window, is the heartbeat South Korea’s astonishing run to Colombia and Greece as winnable out on the pitch. of the Japan side, giving the Blue the semi-finals, the Frenchman had fixtures. It was to be Pekerman’s last game in charge of new kid star Samurai thrust and added steel in put Japan on the footballing map. While admirable, the rhetoric of Argentina. He resigned after the loss amid a chorus of criti- midfield. Much like Hidetoshi Japan’s upward curve could have Honda appears fanciful, however, cism over his decisions in the defeat, notably leaving a MONACO: James Rodriguez has been compared to Nakata before him, the peroxide been even steeper but for a sur- with one of the top two from a teenage Lionel Messi on the bench and omitting Javier Colombia’s finest player, the curly-haired Carlos Honda is Japan’s superstar, both on prising blip after Troussier quit. Group D including England, Italy Zanetti. Valderrama, but he will be hoping for a happier ending and off the pitch, a prickly persona Brazilian Zico failed to build on and Uruguay potential last 16 Spells in Mexican and Colombian club football followed to his country’s World Cup campaign than that of his in aviator shades and leather jack- his predecessor’s work, despite a opponents. between 2007 and 2009, before the 64-year-old was predecessor’s generation. et. so-called ‘golden generation’ of Should Japan emerge from recalled from the wilderness to take over as Colombia’s In the likely absence of star striker Radamel Falcao, a Honda’s aura, similar to the one players, and Nakata tearfully Group C and then stun one of that national team coach in 2012. His side are in Group C with lot will be asked of the Monaco star, who will be 23 on Nakata carried at the 2002 and announced his retirement after battle-hardened trio, it would send Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan. July 12, the day before the World Cup final. 2006 World Cups, lifts his team- Japan’s flop at the 2006 World Cup. shockwaves around the world of Pekerman’s reign started slowly, with a 1-0 win over While Colombia should get past Group C-where they mates, but playmaker Shinji This time around, Japan stormed football. —AFP Peru in Lima followed by a loss to Ecuador in Quito. Yet the are pitted against Ivory Coast, Greece and Japan- rest of South America took note when those early results Rodriguez will need a miracle to be playing in the final were followed by a 4-0 thumping of 2011 Copa America as a birthday present. He and his team-mates should at JAPAN champions Uruguay. least escape the fate suffered by Valderrama’s 1994 Colombia built on that success to emerge as one of the team-mate defender Andres Escobar. Escobar scored an most exciting sides in qualifying, their skilful Europe-based own goal in a group stage defeat by the United States- players thriving under Pekerman’s doctrine of stylish allegedly costing crime bosses huge gambling losses- attacking football. and was shot dead shortly after returning home. Inspirational striker Radamel Falcao, who is struggling Rodriguez, who started his career at 16 for to be fit for the World Cup, believes Pekerman was pivotal Colombian side Envigado FC, has accrued several nick- in helping the side reach their first World Cup finals since names in a short space of time. He is the ‘James Bond of 1998. Banfield’ after scoring an extraordinary goal for the “Without a doubt, Pekerman’s arrival turned things unfashionable Argentinian side in February 2010, and he round for Colombia in terms of the team’s football, results has been compared to Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. and self-confidence,” Falcao told FIFA.com in a 2012 inter- However, Rodriguez, who also scored one of the goals view. that secured Banfield their first national title in 2009, “He tried to give us the necessary belief to go out there prides himself most in having been dubbed ‘El Pibe with freedom and play the kind of football that we’re used Nueva’ (the New Kid) as opposed to Valderrama’s ‘El Pibe’. to. “That means always trying to compete toe-to-toe “It’s an honor to be considered the heir to ‘El Pibe’ at whether home or away and seeking to win, but without my age,” he told FIFA.com in November. “Since I was lit- throwing caution to the wind. We’ve become a more tle, I admired Valderrama and I always wanted to be like mature and balanced team.” him. He was my hero and I am proud to wear the num- Colombia’s rise is reflected in their position in the FIFA ber 10 for Colombia while helping the national team rankings. Before Pekerman took over, the Colombians lan- return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. guished in 35th spot. As of March 2014, they are in fifth. “I’ve only met Valderrama once and he’s a good per- Pekerman’s latest World Cup adventure is the latest son, someone who has done a lot for Colombia. And to stage on a colorful coaching career that began earlier than be praised by him is an even greater honour.”—AFP most after his playing days were cut short by a knee injury GREECE Drogba seeks to go out on a high

ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast icon Didier “We have a realistic chance to do the coach. Drogba hopes to exit the international better in Brazil and get past the first “Ivory Coast have never reached football stage in a blaze of glory at the round,” added the 99-cap star, who the second round and should we do 2014 World Cup. has scored 63 goals for the ‘Elephants’. so in Brazil, there is a sense that noth- That would mean the ‘Elephants’ Sabri Lamouchi had never coached ing is impossible.” claiming at least a top-two finish in a at senior level when put in charge of Neutrals are divided over the Group C with no clear favourite and the country that has topped the Africa ‘Elephants’ with former Liverpool and reaching the knockout stage for the rankings for many years despite win- England midfielder John Barnes opti- first time. ning no titles. mistic and ex-Ivory Coast coach Unlucky 2006 and 2010 group He took charge in 2012 after Philippe Troussier pessimistic. draws condemned the West Africans Francois Zahoui paid the price for los- “I believe Ivory Coast will go fur- to finishing third behind Argentina ing a Cup of Nations final shootout to thest of the five African teams,” said and the Netherlands in Germany and outsiders Zambia. Barnes, an analyst for the third behind Brazil and Portugal in A year later the former France mid- Johannesburg-based SuperSport South Africa. fielder did the once unthinkable by channel. But fixtures against Colombia, dropping Drogba for a Nations Cup Troussier tips Colombia and Japan Japan and Greece present 36-year-old group game and later for two World to advance, adding: “The Ivorians are Drogba with an excellent opportunity Cup qualifiers but it had a positive less hungry for success now and phys- One last battle for to retire on a high. effect on the player. There were no ically the team is getting very old.” The Ivorians have been branded tantrums from the former Chelsea Age is a concern with goalkeeper Africa Cup of Nations ‘chokers’, having star, who left China for a higher level Boubacar Barry 34 and centre-backs failed to justify being title favourites of football in Turkey and improved his Kolo Toure and Didier Zokora will both warrior Karagounis at five consecutive tournaments. form and fitness. be 33 when the World Cup kicks off. However, they proved stubborn Lamouchi is convinced Drogba- Midfield strongman Yaya Toure, a World Cup opponents, holding whose greatest moment came when younger brother of Kolo, has added ATHENS: The fighting spirit of the players, it is an incentive,” that quarter-final with Germany was a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portugal 0- he scored the equaliser and then the consistent scoring to his powerful Giorgos Karagounis has helped long Karagounis told Sky Sports in March. great achievement,” he told The 0 in 2010 and going down by one- winning penalty for Chelsea in a running and precision passing and suffering Greeks seek solace from However, for Karagounis success is Guardian last year. goal margins to Argentina and the shootout against Bayern Munich in will be another key figure. The foot- financial crisis in the exploits of their not about personal glory, but giving “In terms of what we were up Dutch. the 2012 Champions League final-can work, pace and creativity of midfielder national team. some respite to the people back against, it was almost up there with “Competing at the previous two play a pivotal role in a group with no Gervinho-who has had an outstand- To the outsider their style may not home just as he did when he scored what we did in Portugal winning the tournaments was very difficult,” clear favourites. ing season for Serie A side AS Roma-is be aesthetically pleasing. But to the only goal in a crunch Euro 2012 competition (Euro 2004). It was us Drogba, who now plays for “Didier is a great footballer who another reason why Ivory Coast and Greeks their grit and determination game against Russia. against everything. We had a duty to Galatasaray in Turkey, admitted to contributes so much to the team and Drogba could enjoy a memorable has set an example for the daily grind, The victory saw the Greeks once put a smile on people’s faces back Ivorian reporters. he can be a major factor in Brazil,” said World Cup. —AFP and none more so than iconic captain again upset the odds and progress home. Karagounis. The 37-year-old midfield- out of their group at the more favored “There was a desperation for us to er-Greece’s most capped player-will Russians expense. do well. We had to give people some- IVORY COAST tackle his last campaign in the World For Karagounis, it came at a per- thing positive to cling to.” Cup finals in a group that offers his sonal cost as a booking in the game Karagounis, who was also suspend- team a chance to achieve another saw him suspended for the high- ed for the Euro 2004 final having got exploit in taking them into the second octane quarter-final against Germany, them off to a winning start with the round for the first time. who were seen as the bad guys for only goal in the opening group game Greece are drawn in Group C with Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conditions against hosts Portugal, is painfully Colombia, Ivory Coast and Japan. And for bailing out the Greek economy. aware of how lucky he is compared to they fancy their chances. While Kostas Karagounis’s despair when he was the majority of his compatriots. Mitroglou will be the player they look booked and realised what it meant “I’m luckier than most in Greece,” to to provide goals, it is his Fulham was one of the most heart-wrenching he told The Guardian. “When you see team-mate Karagounis-who has also images of the championships. your friends with the smile wiped played for Panathinaikos, Inter Milan For the Greeks it rivalled the tears from their face, not having enough to and Benfica-who is the soul of the of England midfielder Paul Gascoigne provide for their families, to buy food team. “It is very important that we when he was booked in the 1990 from the supermarket-You can’t live qualified for this World Cup. It is World Cup quarter-final and was sus- your life oblivious to that, knowing important to make Greeks proud, and pended for the semi-final with West how they’re struggling back home. It’s for them to enjoy watching their Germany. there all the time. Nagging at you. country play at the world stage. For “Beating Russia and getting into There is no escaping.”—AFP MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

PARIS: Spain’s Rafael Nadal bites the trophy after winning the final of the French Open tennis tournament against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic at the Roland Garros stadium. — AP Nadal wins ninth French Open, 14th Grand Slam

PARIS: Rafael Nadal clinched his ninth French Open and 14th against the fierce sun, pounced to break for 5-3, after Nadal career Grand Slam title yesterday with a brutal 3-6, 7-5, 6-2, 6-4 put too much zip on a forehand. victory over a battling Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard had two points to break back in the ninth The world number one also became the first man to win game but two more ballooned forehands kept Djokovic, who five Roland Garros crowns in succession as the 28-year-old had even served and volleyed at 0-30, in the picture. took his record at the tournament to 66 wins against just one He took the opening set when Nadal, off balance and defeat. stranded behind the baseline, went long with a slapped back- His tally of 14 majors equals the mark of Pete Sampras and hand. It was only the second time the champion had dropped puts him just three behind the all-time record of Roger Federer the opening set of a final in Paris-in 2005 against Mariano who is almost five years older. Puerta and in 2006 against Roger Federer. Defeat was cruel for world number two Djokovic, the 2012 However, he regained the advantage with a break to lead runner-up, who still needs a French Open title to become just 4-2 in the second set with an inside-out forehand stretching the eighth man to complete the career Grand Slam. “Every the Serb who could only net a desperate return. moment was crucial, all the points were so hard,” said Nadal. But back came Djokovic for 3-4 after a sloppy Nadal service “Playing against Novak is always a big challenge, I have lost to game, punctuated by an untimely second double fault. The him the last four times. Every chance I have to beat him it’s world number two saved a break point to go to 4-4, Nadal then because I have had to play to my limit. I feel sorry for Novak. He held before Djokovic suffered his first serious lapse which was deserves to win this tournament one day and I am sure he will.” as sudden as it was surprising. He added: “It’s an amazing, emotional moment for me. I lost A wild forehand gifted Nadal two set points and the top the Australian Open final this year when I had a problem with seed converted with a merciless, crunching forehand. Djokovic my back. Today tennis has given me back what happened in was rapidly wilting as a 22-shot rally laid the foundation for a Australia.” Nadal break for 2-0 in the third set, courtesy of a weary back- The Serb dominated the early stages of Sunday’s final, the hand volley into the net. pair’s 42nd meeting, seemingly immune to the sweltering 30- A love service game followed for 3-0 with Nadal having tak- degree heat on Philippe Chatrier court. en five games in succession. Djokovic had break points in the But Nadal, playing in his 20th Grand Slam final to Djokovic’s fifth game as well as an 11-minute seventh game but had no 13th, grew stronger as the final wore on as he ended a four- response to Nadal’s iron will and rock-solid defence. match losing streak against his old rival. As the sun disappeared, so did Djokovic’s hopes as Nadal The 3hr 31min duel ended on a sour note when Djokovic claimed the third set off a long forehand from the Serb. double-faulted on match point, shaken by a shout from the Djokovic appeared to vomit early in the fourth set and he was crowd. “Congratulations to Rafa. To win the French Open nine feeling even worse when he was broken in the sixth game as times is incredible,” said Djokovic. “There’s a lot of emotions for Nadal again turned defence into scintillating attack. me. I gave my maximum with all my strength and force but In keeping with their gripping eight-year rivalry, however, Rafa was better on the court. Djokovic ensured another twist with a break back for 3-4. But “But I will keep coming back and coming back and try to Nadal clinched victory in the 10th game on Djokovic’s third win it at least once.” In a tense opening to their seventh Grand double fault with his second serve interrupted by a scream Slam final meeting, the steadier Djokovic, sporting a white cap from the crowd. — AFP England, Germany arrive in Brazil for World Cup RIO DE JANEIRO: England touched their opening Group D match against course Brazil are favourites too, because down in Rio de Janeiro yesterday to Italy in the Amazonian city of Manaus they will play at home.” Germany play launch their World Cup campaign after on June 14. their opening Group G match against escaping unscathed from a bruising final The rest of the 32 World Cup teams Portugal on June 16. friendly against Honduras. Germany continue trickling in to their base camps Russia’s manager Fabio Capello for his were also amongst the 19 teams, includ- ahead of the June 12 kick-off match part complained it had been a long trip ing the hosts, to have their feet on between Brazil and Croatia. from Moscow to Sao Paulo. “It was a long Brazilian soil. Germany, Algeria, Russia and Greece flight,” said the Italian. The Three Lions caught an overnight also arrived in Brazil yesterday, with “But after 14 hours on the plane we flight to Brazil after Saturday’s 0-0 draw Spain due later. Several hundred cheer- are happy to have arrived in Brazil. in Miami, which was interrupted by light- ing people greeted Germany as they Everyone in our team is looking forward ning and also featured some stormy arrived at Santa Cruz Cabralia in the to the start of the FIFA World Cup.” moments on the pitch, including two northeastern state of Bahia and boarded Russia, who are playing in their first full-blooded challenges that got a boat to take them to Santo Andre and finals since 2002, kick off against Group Honduras’ Brayan Beckeles sent off in the their specially built “Campo Bahia” base H rivals South Korea on June 18. Greece 66th minute. camp. Fans waved Brazilian and German also touched down in Sao Paulo, delayed “It doesn’t mean anything,” England flags as the team, dressed in black suits, a day from their originally scheduled manager Roy Hodgson said of the goal- headed to their hotel, where they were arrival, and caught a connecting flight to less draw as his squad arrived in Rio. “The also treated to a demonstration of Aracaju in the northeast ahead of their team is in good shape, we are all united capoeira martial art-style dancing. June 14 opener against Colombia. “My and anxious for the first match against “The expectations are high like every feelings are that this World Cup will be a Italy,” he added in a statement released time a German team goes to a World great success,” said coach Fernando by FIFA. Cup,” said coach Oliver Bierhoff. “We Santos, whose squad will also face Japan England, who will be based in Rio’s came here to play a good tournament. and Ivory Coast in Group C. upscale Sao Conrado district, play We are among the favourites and of “We have a real tight group in which all four teams have great chances. It will depend much on the game that we can develop.” Algeria, who open their campaign against Belgium on June 17, arrived in Campinas, just outside Sao Paulo. The Desert Foxes have vowed to turn around their World Cup record in Brazil. They last won a match at the tournament 32 years ago and have only scored once in two subsequent appearances. African rivals Cameroon meanwhile delayed their arrival, originally scheduled for Sunday, after the players refused to board the plane because they were unhappy with their bonuses. The players were demanding more than the 50 million CFA francs (76,000 CURITIBA: A women takes a picture in front of Baixada Arena, in the euros, $104,000) they were offered by Brazilian city of Curitiba, a few days prior to the start of the 2014 FIFA the government, a Cameroon Football World Cup in Brazil. — AFP Federation official told AFP. — AFP ‘Dire’ Afghan economy on edge as investors flee

Page 22 Business China’s trade surplus rises to $35.92bn in May: Govt MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 Page 23 Zain, Huawei open joint innovation center in ME Lexus LX 570 offers ultimate in luxurious comfort and safety Page 26 Page 25

KUWAIT: VIVA officials during the annual general meeting. VIVA announces KD 24.2m net profit for 2013 Revenue of KD 182.4m reflects revenue growth of 33% KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most devel- end of 2012 to well over two million by the end of 2013. oped telecom operator, yesterday held its Annual This means by the end of last year, VIVA had captured 33 General Meeting (AGM) at the Regency Hotel in Bida’a, percent of the Kuwait mobile market, which compares Kuwait and approved the company’s audited financial to 29 percent at the end of 2012. This real growth, in a results for the year ended 31 December 2013. very competitive market, is an indicator of our progress Adel Al-Roumi, Chairman of the Board, said: “2013 and the success of our customer-centric strategy. These had been another milestone year for VIVA on many lev- are record-breaking achievements for a recently estab- els, not least by delivering profitability for the second lished mobile operator, when compared to our regional consecutive year since we began our commercial opera- and international counterparts. tions in the fourth quarter of 2008, and by expanding “During 2013 we maintained our steady develop- our customer base at record speed. ment across the whole of the business. We signed a “Our performance in 2013 reflected our consistent financing agreement worth $270 million with the hard work and dedication in an exceptionally competi- National Bank of Kuwait Group (NBK), to support our tive market. During the year we delivered solid perform- expansion projects; we commercially launched our 4G ance with revenues of KD 182.4 million, which reflects LTE network across Kuwait, enriching customer experi- strong revenue growth of 33 percent, when compared ence with high speed data networks; and our imple- to the year before. This has resulted in a net profit of KD mentation of mobile number portability (MNP) services, 24.2 million, or earnings per share of 48 fils, and com- in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications, pares to net profit of KD 3.9 million in 2012. These was a further success in 2013. As part of our growth results illustrate our continued upward trend as well as strategy, and in response to the increase in our cus- enabling us to achieve positive shareholder equity of KD tomer base, we also expanded our commercial pres- 9.6 million. ence across Kuwait to 48 outlets by the end of 2013, to Eng. Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Badran, VIVA’s Chief “These excellent results represent a huge leap in the be closer to our customers and to meet the growing Adel Al-Roumi, Chairman of the Board Executive Officer company’s development, and reflect the many other demand for our products and services. pillars of our strategy. As a result of this, 61 percent of ably a short time frame in the telecommunications sec- record breaking achievements VIVA routinely delivered our workforce is now Kuwaiti, which is comparatively tor and despite of the intense competition and opera- over course of the year.” EXCELLENCE high when compared to other major companies in the tional challenges.” “Our success was also recognized by our industry private sector in Kuwait.” Al-Qatie added: “VIVA continued in its expansion LISTING ON KSE peers in 2013 and we won several awards for excellence, “In addition to our commercial operations, we have a plans with investments exceeding KD 193 million for the During the AGM, Al-Roumi reconfirmed that the com- including the ‘Best LTE Deployment’ award at the long-standing commitment to supporting the local development of its infrastructure and enhancing its pany applied for listing on the Kuwait Stock Exchange ‘Telecoms World Awards - Middle East’, the world’s lead- community. We are consistently involved in many areas operational efficiency; this generated an operating prof- from the Capital Market Authority (CMA) on 16 February ing event for telecom operators; the ‘Best Wireless in Kuwait’s society, including social, health, sports and it over the year, before accounting for all earnings 2012, and is awaiting the CMA’s response on this. The Broadband in the SAMENA Region’ from the SAMENA education.” before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization CMA have requested that VIVA provide the annual finan- Council, which highlighted our efforts to provide an Al-Badran concluded: “I would like to express my (EBITDA) of KD 66 million. We will continue our efforts in cial statements for 2013 approved by the General integrated and complete internet solution; the ‘Best appreciation to the whole VIVA family, including all our order to achieve further growth and success in the com- Assembly in order for them to complete their assessment CFO’ and ‘Best Financial Team’ in the Middle East and employees, our business partners, customers and share- ing year.” regarding our application for listing on the Kuwait Stock North Africa at the Annual CFO Strategies Forum MENA holders, who we owe our success in 2013.” The AGM’s attendance represented 50.07 percent per Exchange, hoping to obtain approval in the near future. Awards; and ‘Best Small Help Desk’ at the Insights Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Qatie, Chief Financial Officer cent of the number of ordinary shares of the company. Eng. Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Badran, VIVA’s Chief Middle East Call Center 2013 Awards, which is the only said: “VIVA has exceeded expectations in terms of This does not fulfill the quorum for the AGM, in accor- Executive Officer said: “In light of the fierce competition call-center dedicated professional services organization attracting more customers in 2013, which enhanced the dance with the Ministry of Commerce’s regulations, in the telecom sector in Kuwait, we are very pleased with in the Middle East.” financial performance of the company. This reflected which requires the presence of 75 percent of the compa- the sustained growth in our customer base. The clearest “A consistently important aspect is investing in our positively on the growth of VIVA’s revenues and profits ny’s shareholders. Accordingly, it has been determined indicator of our success has been the exceptional growth human capital, and our commitment to the govern- in less than five years (until the end of 2013) when com- that the Extraordinary General Meeting will be held in in our subscriber base, from almost 1.6 million at the ment’s Kuwaitization program remains one of the main pared to international counterparts, which is consider- two weeks to discuss its agenda. Dubai falls after CB warning; Kuwait hit Dubai property bubble may be forming: UAE CB MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Dubai led stock market losses in the gains are 18 percent and 63 percent respective- first World Cup sponsor to call for a thorough DUBAI: Low residential rental yields in real estate markets and the banks’ exposure Gulf yesterday after the United Arab Emirates ly. Emaar Properties was the main drag on investigation into accusations. A former US Dubai and Abu Dhabi may indicate grow- to it remains a core financial stability priori- ing imbalances and overheating in the real ty,” it added. central bank said it saw potential signs of a Dubai yesterday, down 2.0 percent, while Dubai prosecutor leading FIFA’s investigation into the estate sector, the United Arab Emirates cen- property bubble, while investors in Kuwait sold Islamic Bank shed 3.0 percent. Shares in Dubai matter is expected to deliver his report in July. tral bank said yesterday, in the first official Crash off small-cap stocks as opposition politicians Financial Market fell 2.8 percent. Builder Arabtec Although Qatar’s economy is unlikely to suffer warning about soaring property prices. During the UAE’s last real estate crash, called a public protest. The Dubai benchmark Holding led losses among Dubai’s MSCI compo- seriously if it loses the tournament hosting House prices in Dubai, which nearly property prices plunged more than 50 per- fell 2.5 percent, dragged down by property and nents, dropping 6.7 percent. The stock has more rights, the issue could hurt sentiment among defaulted on its debt in 2009 after a prop- cent from their peaks. They are now rising banking stocks which had outperformed the than tripled in value this year, making it one of local retail investors who the main force moving erty bubble burst, soared 27.7 percent from strongly again on the back of healthy eco- market in the last few weeks as they became the most volatile names on the market. the market. a year ago in January-March, leading the nomic growth and progress by Dubai’s state- part of MSCI’s emerging market index at the end MSCI components also weighed on Abu Kuwait’s main index fell 1.4 percent, its global rankings for a fourth straight quar- linked firms in working through their piles of of May. Dhabi’s index, which lost 1.1 percent. National biggest daily drop in three months. Small-cap ter, according to consultancy Knight Frank. restructured debt. The UAE’s economy grew In the first official warning on the risks of a Bank of Abu Dhabi fell 1.7 percent, Abu Dhabi companies posted the biggest losses, while the In some areas, prices are back near pre-cri- 5.2 percent in 2013, the fastest pace since bubble forming in the UAE’s property market, Commercial Bank slipped 1.6 percent and First blue-chip index was down only 1.0 percent. sis levels. 2006, data from the national statistics office the central bank said yesterday that residential Gulf Bank was down 0.9 percent. Aldar Opposition politicians, some of whom are for- In an annual financial stability report, the showed yesterday. In the past year, authori- rental yields in Dubai and Abu Dhabi could indi- Properties slid 2.6 percent. mer parliament members, have decided to call central bank said there was no build-up of ties have taken some minor steps to head off cate growing imbalances and overheating in for a public gathering near parliament tomor- vulnerabilities in the banking system, and it another property bubble; Dubai doubled its the country’s real estate sector. Kuwait protest row to publicize what they describe as failures did not indicate that it planned to take any fees on property transactions to 4 percent to The central bank also said the banking sys- Qatar’s market, which MSCI also upgraded at of the government, Kuwaiti media said yester- concrete action towards the real estate mar- curb “flipping”, in which investors buy and tem was not at risk, and it did not indicate it the end of May, followed a similar pattern and day, raising fears of a renewal of a campaign of ket. With US interest rates still ultra-low, any sell properties in quick succession to make planned to take any concrete action towards shed 0.6 percent. Islamic lender Masraf Al-Rayan protests demanding political reforms. rate hike in the UAE still looks very unlikely, speculative profits. the real estate market. But its warning could was the main drag, down 2.7 percent, along “There has been in the past few weeks a especially given the UAE dirham’s peg to the On the federal level, the central bank last eventually lead to further steps to cool the mar- with mobile phone operators Vodafone Qatar weakness on the market in terms of liquidity,” US dollar. year introduced ceilings on the mortgages ket by local authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. and Ooredoo whose shares fell 2.2 and 2.0 per- said Fouad Abdulrahman Alhadlaq, deputy gen- But the central bank’s warning was strik- which banks can offer to home buyers, “I think that report was probably a factor in cent respectively. eral manager at Al-Dar Asset Management. ing because authorities in the UAE almost although the rules were softened after inten- today’s drop, although it was not the only one,” Profit-taking in the local market last week “When this came in, it was just a catalyst for the never discuss economic risks in public, pre- sive lobbying by the banking industry. In said Amer Khan, senior executive at Shuaa Asset was amplified by allegations of corruption relat- market to go down.” ferring to insist that the outlook is rosy. Dubai, officials have said they will take fur- Management. Some profit-taking in Dubai is ed to Qatar’s winning bid to host the 2022 soc- Saudi Arabia’s bourse slid 0.1 percent. Shares “Current average rental yields in Dubai and ther steps to cool the market if necessary, natural following the MSCI upgrade and ahead cer World Cup, which the government strongly in petrochemical company Saudi International Abu Dhabi are approximately 70 and 130 but have not said what those might be, and of the summer lull, he added. denies. Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) fell 2.1 percent basis points below historical averages, they have appeared reluctant to do anything Dubai’s index, dominated by property and Yesterday, British newspaper The Sunday after Sipchem and Sahara Petrochemical called which could indicate growing imbalances - which might slow growth. Dubai’s Land banking names, is up 51 percent this year after Times published more articles which it said sup- off their proposed merger yesterday. Sahara (an) overheating real estate market,” the cen- Department, which regulates the property jumping 108 percent last year. Abu Dhabi’s ported the allegations and Sony became the edged up 0.3 percent.— Reuters tral bank said. market in the emirate, did not respond to “Monitoring developments in the UAE requests for comment yesterday. — Reuters MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 BUSINESS ECB has literally become ineffective By Hayder Tawfik

et again the ECB met last week to announce some measures to stimu- Ylate economic activities in the euro- zone but again I think with no effect at all. The ECB has lagged behind the Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan and the Bank of England in coming up with drastic meas- ures such as quantitative easing. Unfortunately under the Maastricht Treaty the ECB has no such mandate. However, bad times requires drastic measures and if so then the treaty should be amended instantly to give more power to the ECB to get on with its job. Politicians that dis- agree should be told to come up immedi- ately with alternative measures rather than wasting time. Last week the ECB told banks that it the short-term changes. would charge them interest if they park I personally expect that inflation rates access monies at its accounts. The ECB will start falling again once the ECB has hopes that this measure will force banks to exhausted all the measures at its disposal. lend to borrowers again. For sure this May be the ECB knows something we are measure will fail. Banks will only lend if not aware of it. May be its models indicat- they feel that they will get their money ing that deflation is not possible. If this is back. The problem is not with lending the case then unfortunately its hands are itself; it is with the quality of borrowers. tight and for sure the guards at the Those who would like to borrow are Bundesbank will not allow it to introduce denied for whatever reason or they are not Quantitative Measures to stimulate good borrowers in the eyes of the banks. growth and push inflation higher. KABUL: Afghan laborers working at a construction site in Kabul. Jackhammers are down and excavators gather dust at a Kabul construction Also, those who the banks would like to Sometimes investors and markets hope for site, highlighting an aid-reliant economy that is on the edge of a precipice as the 13-year war winds down and a tenuous political transition lend are not interested as they have their miracles and that will not be delivered by looms. —AFP own financial resources. The ECB should the ECB. Actually I believe that the ECB has be focusing its resources on creating an literally become ineffective. If investors economic environment where growth become convinced about this, I am afraid ‘Dire’ Afghan economy on picks up and investments accelerates they could start attacking the Euro again. rather than tinkering with whatever left of That will be a bigger headache for the ECB. interest rates, it is actually zero. I always believed that a single currency Over the past few years short and long cross so many countries has no virtues at edge as investors flee term interest rates have fallen dramatically all. It took a civil war in the United States and this have not led to growth in the to enforce a single currency on all states. money supply at all. The broader measure But the US is a young country and has one Banks are at risk of being put on blacklist of money i.e. M3 has hardly grown. Money language and a single culture whereas KABUL: Jackhammers are down and excavators this office.” The problem with Afghanistan isn’t the Taliban, supply growing in only one area and that Europe is very old with a bloody history. It gather dust at a Kabul construction site, spotlight- adds Wahedi. is in lending to the residential mortgage has so many languages, different bound- ing an aid-reliant economy on the edge of a ‘Corruption, corruption, corruption’ “It is corruption, corruption, corruption,” he said. business. This hardly enough to generate a aries and totally different cultures. The precipice as Afghanistan’s war winds down and a Some Afghan observers, dismayed by the inter- While searching for alternate business ideas, he sustainable economic activity. We have problem for the Euro started from the start tenuous political transition looms. The country’s national withdrawal, liken the situation to a coma recently approached the Afghan agriculture min- already experienced this in the US housing when it forced on some nations that hard- banks are at grave risk of being put on an interna- patient who is propped up for years through intra- istry to seek help to buy land for a $500,000 cold market. Another area that most of the ly could cope with it from the start. By tional blacklist this month if parliament fails to pass venous drugs. The dosage is then suddenly storage facility. The entrepreneurial idea could money went into is government bonds i.e. locking some countries to an exchange a long-demanded money laundering bill-with stopped-and the patient is expected to get up and prove lucrative in a country where fresh fruits are lending to governments. What great suc- rate that only suited some others was a potentially devastating consequences for the run. often transported at huge costs to cold storages in cess!! The actual growth in money supply big mistake. The result of which they suf- already-fragile economy. “Even after 13 years of international support, neighboring Pakistan in the sweltering summer. within the Euro area is less than 2 percent. fered over the past 14 years. I still believe Economic growth fell through a cliff this year, Afghanistan is just not ready-or able-to take charge Wahedi needed the ministry’s blessing to purchase A figure that is far less to be called success after 14 years that the single currency in touching a low of three percent from around 14 of its own affairs,” said a cashier at a Kabul-based land to stave off “greedy officials” who would story. the euro-zone was a historical mistake. My percent in 2012, with aid and investment in the branch of Finest Supermarket, a chain of Western- harass him for bribes should he go it alone, he said. It seems that the ECB has finally admit- argument against the euro as a single cur- war-ravaged country seeing an inexorable exodus. style retail outlets. He did not wish to be named. But for three months, he said, he was tossed ted its failure and has painted a gloomier rency is historical and cultural rather than The timing is largely to blame, observers say-the But others in Afghanistan counter that view by around from one ministry to another-until he final- picture for the outlook of the Euro Zone just economic. year 2014 has come to symbolize a feared bogey- asserting what many economists have dubbed as ly gave up. “I have a business plan, I have the mon- economies. The measures taken by the Economic union or let call it conver- man for many Afghan businesses. US plans to the “aid curse”. ey. But I still can’t make it here,” Wahedi said. “The ECB sounds quite desperate but sadly will gence is a dream cannot be realized at a withdraw a bulk of its troops by December after 13- The double-digit growth boom of previous bureaucracy, the corruption, the insecurity won’t not solve the problem of the high unem- time when there is no political or fiscal years of war, despite a resilient Taliban insurgency years was mainly as a result of a huge influx of for- let me.” —AFP ployment and falling inflation. Both could union. Can you just imagine a German and next week’s tense run-off election, has stoked eign aid money since US-led forces ousted the be quite hindrance to any kind of invest- politician becomes the prime minister of concerns over the future of the country. Askari Taliban from power in 2001. Afghanistan, sitting on ment. Also, it seems that the ECB has final- Spain or Greece? No chance whatsoever. Wahedi hasn’t abandoned Afghanistan like several mineral deposits estimated at around $3 trillion, Food costs soar to ly accepted that falling inflation could ulti- The economic destruction that the single of his business peers who have transferred their needs to be weaned off its dependence on this 41.2% in Sudan mately lead to an outright deflation. The currency has created will last forever in the wealth overseas and bought second homes in money as troops and foreign contractors depart. real question for the ECB is weather defla- mind of those who got worse affected. If Dubai or Istanbul. At least not yet. But that goal would be a long shot without key KHARTOUM: Sudan’s annual inflation rate tion would be short-lived. Their focus is on this was a structural reform then I believe But the 28-year-old director of logistics compa- structural and financial reforms in the country long rose to 41.2 percent in May, reflecting a 3.9 the medium-term inflation outlook, not on they failed miserably. — Dimah Capital ny Askary Group has seen business evaporate in convulsed by war and corruption, economists say. percent monthly rise, the Central Statistics just a few months. “I was here last year, now I am For one, Afghanistan risks being cut off from Office said yesterday, underlining the soaring here,” he said, swinging his hand from his head to international financial institutions if parliament cost of food. his waist to illustrate his plunging fortunes. does not pass a key money-laundering law by June Prices have surged in Sudan since South Lloyds Bank to price TSB Last year he had 15 contracts with the US army- 22. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter- Sudan seceded in 2011, taking with it three- to provide logistical services such as operational national body that sets global standards on tack- quarters of the state’s oil output - Sudan’s IPO below book value maintenance and catering at military bases. His ling money laundering, has threatened to blacklist main source of foreign currency, which it turnover soared and he employed 300 people Afghanistan if it does not pass the law by that needs to support its pound and pay for food and other imports. The Statistics Office’s LONDON: Lloyds Banking Group will today during the financial crisis five years ago and across various provinces including in Helmand and deadline. monthly bulletin said the monthly rise was price the sale of a 25 percent stake in its TSB therefore must now sell the whole of TSB by the Kandahar-Taliban-infested areas where joblessness So far Afghan lawmakers have shown what due to “an increase in the prices of food and business at below its book value, according to end of 2015. The price reflects a cooling of is endemic. But with military bases winding up many see as staggering indifference to the crisis, beverages in May”. In April, annual inflation industry sources. Lloyds will publish the pricing investor interest in UK company flotations in operations as US forces pull out, he only has one refusing to relent despite various parliamentary was running at 37.7 percent. A government and prospectus for an initial public offering of recent weeks following a rush of activity earlier in contract left-due to expire in two months-forcing debates on the proposed law. Afghanistan is cur- decision to cut fuel subsidies along with other TSB shares today, the sources said. The sale, 2014. Clothing chain Fat Face pulled its planned him to lay off 260 employees. rently in the middle of elections to choose a suc- austerity measures last year prompted which will take place before the end of June, London listing last week while shares in insur- He also invested $2 million in constructing a six- cessor to President Hamid Karzai-in the country’s protests in which dozens were killed and hun- will value TSB at between 0.7 times and 0.9 ance to holidays firm Saga have fallen below storey residential tower where construction tools first democratic transfer of power. A second-round dreds were injured. times its book, or net asset value of 1.6 billion their IPO price. Nevertheless, Saga’s private equi- now lie idle and workers slumber in the shade. But presidential vote is scheduled on June 14 between Yesterday, around 300 unemployed pounds ($2.7 billion), the sources said, giving it ty owners are pressing ahead with plans to float in a sagging property market, he hasn’t managed former foreign minister Abdullah Abdullah and ex- Sudanese protested in front of Khartoum’s a valuation of between 1.12 billion and 1.44 bil- its sister firm, roadside recovery services and to sell a single apartment. “What options do I have World Bank economist Ashraf Ghani. governor office asking for jobs. “I graduated lion pounds. insurance firm the AA. And TSB’s public share left in this country?” he said, slouched in an over- “The new government should immediately from the faculty of science five years ago and I Lloyds is obliged by European competition sales will still fetch more than Lloyds’ initial plan stuffed armchair in his posh office in Kabul. “If I focus on accelerating policy, structural and regula- am still unable to find a job,” said 28-year-old regulators to sell the 631 branches which now to sell the branches to the Co-operative Bank for don’t have an alternate business within two tory reforms,” Joji Tokeshi, director of the Asian protester Mohamed Abdel Allah.— Reuters form TSB as a condition of receiving state aid 750 million pounds. —Reuters months, I will have to fire everyone and shut down Development Bank for Afghanistan, told AFP. EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.222781 0.228781 South African Rand 0.020714 0.029214 ASIAN COUNTRIES Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001870 0.002450 Japanese Yen 2.761 Australian Dollar 267.50 264.50 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009294 0.009474 Indian Rupees 4.764 Canadian Dollar 262.65 265.65 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008342 0.008892 Pakistani Rupees 2.868 Swiss Franc 320.80 318.80 Arab Srilankan Rupees 2.167 Euro 388.78 389.78 Bahraini Dinar 0.743411 0.751411 Nepali Rupees 3.009 US Dollar 282.10 285.10 Egyptian Pound 0.036848 0.039948 Singapore Dollar 225.420 Sterling Pound 476.98 479.98 Bahrain Exchange Company Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Hongkong Dollar 36.489 Japanese Yen 2.83 2.85 Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Bangladesh Taka 3.638 Bangladesh Taka 3.631 3.901 CURRENCY BUY SELL Jordanian Dinar 0.394509 0.402009 Philippine Peso 6.466 Indian Rupee 4.787 5.087 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Thai Baht 8.661 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.163 2.598 Belgian Franc 0.007347 0.008347 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.996 3.531 British Pound 0.468888 0.477888 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024387 0.048387 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.863 2.790 Czech Korune 0.006203 0.018203 Nigerian Naira 0.001195 0.001830 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 76.87 77.34 Danish Krone 0.047691 0.052691 Omani Riyal 0.728253 0.733933 Saudi Riyal 75.470 Bahraini Dinar 750.84 752.91 Euro 0.380776 0.388776 Qatar Riyal 0.076941 0.078154 Qatari Riyal 77.763 Egyptian Pound 39.44 40.04 Norwegian Krone 0.043476 0.048676 Jordanian Dinar 401.50 407.15 Saudi Riyal 0.074750 0.075450 Omani Riyal 735.190 Romanian Leu 0.081572 0.81572 Omani Riyal 733.64 740.94 Syrian Pound 0.001753 0.001973 Bahraini Dinar 751.690 Slovakia 0.008092 0.018092 Qatari Riyal 77.90 78.45 Tunisian Dinar 0.169074 0.177074 UAE Dirham 77.074 Swedish Krona 0.038582 0.043582 Saudi Riyal 75.36 75.76 Turkish Lira 0.136759 0.143759 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.310498 0.320698 Turkish Lira 0.136759 0.143759 UAE Dirhams 0.075987 0.077136 Egyptian Pound - Cash 38.601 Yemeni Riyal 0.001275 0.001355 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.550 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.321 Australian Dollar 0.255952 0.267452 Tunisian Dinar 173.930 New Zealand Dollar 0.234264 0.243764 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate America Al Mulla Exchange Jordanian Dinar 399.660 US Dollar 281.500 Canadian Dollar 0.253597 0.262097 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.899 Canadian Dollar 259.510 US Dollars 0.278600 0.282950 Syrian Lira 2.017 Sterling Pound 475.750 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.187 Euro 391.810 US Dollars Mint 0.279100 0.282950 US Dollar 282.400 Asia EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 320.975 Euro 388.000 Bangladesh Taka 0.003335 0.003935 US Dollar Transfer 282.900 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Pound Sterlng 476.650 Chinese Yuan 0.044057 0.047557 Euro 386.440 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Canadian Dollar 260.350 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034375 0.037125 Sterling Pound 474.280 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Indian Rupee 4.771 Indian Rupee 0.004438 0.004839 Canadian dollar 259.540 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Egyptian Pound 39.475 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Turkish lira 133.730 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.165 Japanese Yen 0.002674 0.002854 Swiss Franc 316.270 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Bangladesh Taka 3.633 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Kenyan Shilling 0.003306 0.003306 Australian Dollar 263.100 Philippines Peso 6.460 Indian Rupees 4.679 Korean Won 0.000267 0.000282 US Dollar Buying 281.700 Pakistan Rupee 2.867 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083988 0.089988 GOLD Bahraini Dinar 751.300 Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Nepalese Rupee 0.003007 0.003177 UAE Dirham 76.800 20 Gram 245.000 Philippines Pesso 6.322 Pakistan Rupee 0.002661 0.002941 Saudi Riyal 75.300 10 Gram 124.000 Cyprus pound 691.420 Philippine Peso 0.006342 0.006622 *Rates are subject to change 5 Gram 64.000 Japanese Yen 3.750 BUSINESS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 China’s trade surplus rises to $35.92bn in May: Govt Export growth accelerates 7% to $195bn y-o-y

BEIJING: China’s trade surplus surged in May, official data showed yesterday, as export growth accelerated sharply while imports showed a sur- prise fall. Exports increased 7 percent to $195.47 billion year-on-year, while imports declined 1.6 percent to $159.55 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $35.92 billion, the General Administration of Customs announced. It represented a 74.9 percent jump from the same month last year. The figure, China’s third straight monthly surplus, also surpassed the median forecast of a surplus of $23.4 billion in a survey of 15 economists by Dow Jones. Exports, which sharply outpaced April’s 0.9 percent gain, were in line with the median prediction of a 7.2 percent rise, while imports missed their forecast of a 6.0 percent increase. Liu Li-Gang and Zhou Hao, economists at ANZ Bank, attributed the drop in imports to a recent crackdown by Chinese regulators on the use of commodities as collateral to finance deals. But they noted: “As the import growth weak- ABK launches Bedayati ened, the trade surplus widened substantially ... suggesting that the RMB appreciation pressure remains over the foreseeable future.” account for children Beijing is under pressure from the US and oth- er countries to allow its yuan currency, also known as the renminbi (RMB), to rise in value. under 8 years old QINGDAO: A truck loaded with containers leaves a port in Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Chinese exporters worry that persistent yuan province yesterday. China says its export growth accelerated in May but imports dipped in a strength hurts their sales by making their prod- KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait Introduces Bedayati the savings account for chil- mixed sign for the world’s second-biggest economy. — AP the new Bedayati account, for children upto dren can be opened with KD 10. Account ucts more expensive overseas. monthly deficit in 11 months. In March, China’s the health of the economy. A reading above 50 8 years old. Bedayati enables the child to holders will enjoy a range of exclusive ben- The mixed trade results came as worries over trade volumes fell dramatically in a development indicates expansion. China’s leaders say they take its “first step” at developing financial lit- efits such as SMS messaging, online bank- China’s growth outlook have increased this year that analysts blamed on the continued impact of want to transform the country’s growth model to eracy and provides an interesting way to ing and Ahlan Ahli call centre service avail- after a series of generally weaker-than-expected fake over-reporting of exports seen in early 2013. make consumer spending and other forms of pri- show kids just how much fun saving can be. able 24 hours a day that will motivate them statistics, though trade data distortions have par- In a sign of optimism for China’s economy, the vate demand the key drivers of the economy. The Stewart Lockie - ABK’s General Manager to save and earn monthly interest. The most tially clouded the situation. country’s manufacturing sector has shown new model would steer the Chinese economy of Retail Banking stated, “Bedayati account exciting of all is the Bedayati ATM card, renewed vigour recently, with key surveys indi- away from an over-reliance on huge and often is customized for children and aims to sup- which will instill confidence in kids and help GDP growth weakens cating an improving situation. wasteful investment projects that have girded port parents to begin saving for their chil- them to handle and save money. China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew The National Bureau of Statistics announced a decades of past expansion. dren from a young age. Lockie added, “Bedayati offers children a 7.4 percent in the first three months of 2014, week ago that the official purchasing managers’ Such a makeover is expected to result in slow- The account offers them an opportunity unique banking experience along with ben- weaker than the 7.7 percent recorded in index (PMI) rose to 50.8 in May from 50.4 in April, er but more sustainable growth in the long run. to manage money for the future with the efits that include free entrance to the Arabi October-December last year and the worst since the third straight month of improvement and a China in March set its annual growth target for “Bedayati account...Learn, play and grow Club matches related to Kuwaiti leagues, to a similar 7.4 percent expansion in the third quar- five-month high. And, on Tuesday, British bank- this year at about 7.5 percent, the same as last together! “. This account features advan- be held at the Arabi Club Stadium.” ter of 2012. The country’s trade statistics this year ing giant HSBC released a private PMI survey that year. The World Bank on Friday said it expects tages to provide an enjoyable banking For more information please visit have been erratic, with Beijing reporting an showed it came in at 49.4, the highest reading China’s economic growth to moderate over the experience for children, one that will teach www.eahli.com and speak directly with our unexpected trade deficit of almost $23 billion in since January’s 49.5. next few years, with GDP expansion to slow to them the value of money and savings at an customer service via Ahli Chat or call our February, which authorities blamed on the Lunar Both indexes are closely watched indicators of 7.6 percent this year. — AFP early age.” call centre AhlanAhli 1 899 899. New Year holiday season. That was China’s first Daring central banker with the magic touch Mario Draghi takes another crucial step

PARIS: Mario Draghi took another great step last week in lead- Trichet had won breathing space, but the euro-zone was ing the euro-zone, including the reluctant German still on the verge of another crisis which could tear it apart and Bundesbank, into the world of negative interest rates, showing dislocate the European Union when Draghi took over one of for the second time that he is a central banker with the magic the most demanding jobs in global finance, in June 2011. Some touch. “Super Mario”, as he is called by many analysts, waved his commentators were skeptical that an Italian could retain the wand to fight off the rising dangers of deflation by cutting the respect of the German central bank, the Bundesbank, founded ECB’s three main interest rates so far that one of them means on principles of monetary rigor. that banks must now pay for the security of parking their cash with the central bank. Roman emperor, In so doing, he has led the European Central Bank into with German steel uncharted territory where no leading central bank has ever set The German popular newspaper Bild greeted Draghi with foot before. The policy body of the bank agreed a wave of irony, but soon changed its tone portraying him wearing a measures to push more funds through the banking system to German iron helmet. Last month, the German business news- stimulate lending, investment and consumption, and indirectly paper Handelsblatt portrayed him in clothes like a Roman weaken the euro which would help exporters. emperor, as “Mario Cesar Draghi” in defense of the euro. Draghi first made his big mark in 2012 about 10 months after taking office. On July 26, in two short sentences he said that “the ECB is ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro,” adding a warning to skeptics on the markets, “and believe me, it will be enough.” Then on September 6, he announced that the ECB was making a leap of principle by undertaking to buy bonds already issued by euro-zone govern- ments in trouble. This would be a “fully effective backstop”, he said. The euro was “irreversible”. Those audacious decisions turned out to work. Tension slowly ebbed away. Draghi is now widely acclaimed as the man with the magic touch, the magi- cian who risked his wand and saved the euro, although he had the benefit of the work, and cultural changes, already achieved by Trichet.

‘Praised to the heavens’ In one sense Draghi, with vast experience as an academic and international banker, fits the image of the sophisticated Italian. Always elegantly dressed, he is said to exercise great FRANKFURT: President of European Central Bank charm and to have a clever way with words, although initially Mario Draghi speaks during a news conference in markets sometimes misread his more colorful statements. Frankfurt. — AP One of his greatest skills lies in winning people over, and knowing when to stop, people who follow his actions say. He Draghi succeeded Frenchman Jean-Claude Trichet, but had used “remarkable communication skills” to calm the markets, already served on the policy committee as governor of the but knew when he had to act “so as not to lose credibility,” Italian central bank. Trichet had seen the first financial crisis analyst Alexander Baradez at IG France finance house in Paris coming, and had prepared defences. In a landmark event, on told AFP. The next great step came on Thursday, just as cere- August 9, 2007, he launched special measures to prevent a monies began in Normandy for the 70th anniversary of the D- seizure in the eurozone interbank lending market which could Day invasion which was to end World War II and result eventu- have triggered a systemic collapse. ally in the creation of the European Union. Draghi led the poli- Those tensions then exposed critical budget and econom- cy committee, including the Bundesbank, into the negative ic weaknesses in some euro-zone countries which dragged rate experiment and other measures to push money into the the single currency area into a debt crisis. Trichet was in the economy. This was the ECB’s “D-Day”, said Union Bancaire front line of orthodox crisis management for four years. This Privee chief economist Patrice Gautry. “The ECB is writing a new culminated in a letter to the Italy then headed by Silvio page in European monetary history.” Paris School of Economics Berlusconi that laid down reform conditions in return for any Professor Agnes Benassy-Quere said that with his actions in help in buying Italian bonds to push down borrowing rates 2012, Draghi had “toppled an enormous taboo” for German for the government. hardliners. —AFP Sipchem, Sahara drop merger plan over regulatory hurdle

DUBAI: Saudi International Petrochemical Co (Sipchem) able to both companies where both companies will contin- and Sahara Petrochemical called off their proposed merger ue to exist whilst achieving operational integration,” the yesterday, citing an inadequate regulatory framework in the statement said. kingdom for the collapse. The tie-up, which would have cre- They added talks had been postponed but they may ated a firm with a market capitalization of $5.7 billion at cur- look at different structures in future to see if a tie-up was rent values, would have been only the second ever example possible. The Capital Market Authority couldn’t immediately of a merger between two listed Saudi companies. be reached for comment. Talks have been ongoing since June last year between Saudi Arabia’s existing regulation on mergers and acqui- the two firms, with an announcement in December that a sitions was brought in by the CMA in 2007. Since then, there share-swap agreement was likely to be agreed in the first has been only one tie-up between listed firms: the 2009 half of 2014. However, in bourse filings yesterday, the com- merger by food group Almarai and Hail Agriculture panies said that while they still saw a merger as in the best Development Company. “There’s limited precedent of such interest of shareholders, it couldn’t be achieved under the transactions between the two listed companies in Saudi current regulatory regime. “The companies reached a con- Arabia... regulatory issues could have been a concern,” said clusion that it is difficult to implement this merger under Ankit Gupta, assistant vice president of research at NBK the current regulatory framework using a structure accept- Capital. —Reuters BUSINESS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 Investors look to China, US as ECB acts

GLOBAL ECONOMY WEEKAHEAD BRUSSELS: This week’s light calendar gives quarter. investors room to digest the European The ECB cut rates on Thursday and will Central Bank’s radical moves to avert defla- pump in money in an effort to steer the tion and look beyond US data which, in bloc away from the economic quicksand of more normal times, might imply higher deflation, promising to do more if all this is interest rates. Global markets will keep an not enough. After the bank deployed pret- eye on China’s investment activity and ty much every measure it had left, bar industrial production, US retail sales, the printing money, the question is if and when euro-zone’s Sentix sentiment index and quantitative easing becomes a live possibil- industrial production as well as UK unem- ity. There is, however, a high bar for such an ployment figures. action. “After all the excitement of last week, “If we see a sort of vicious circle emerge the coming week will be much calmer,” said out of (low) inflation and an unanchoring Frederic Neum, co-head of Asian Economic of expectations and an outward shock that Research at HSBC, referring to the ECB’s would create a reverse spiral, that would radical plans to fend off deflation and US require a broad program of asset purchas- data showing employment bouncing back es,” ECB Vice President Vitor Constancio said to its pre-recession peak in May. on Friday. Despite the confirmation that the The bloc’s retail sales data for April hit a world’s largest economy has bounced back seven-year high and investors anticipate from a winter chill, analysts do not expect that Thursday’s industrial production data the Federal Reserve to switch from pump- for that month will show output returning ing billions of dollars into the economy to to growth on both on a monthly and annu- raising interest rates until well into next al basis. year. A major focus will be US May retail June’s reading of euro zone investor sales on Thursday, expected to rise 0.6 per- sentiment today is predicted to tick up cent on the month after slowing sharply to again after slipping in May from April’s 0.1 percent in April from strong gains in the three-year high. prior two months. Friday’s producer prices data for May, a CB WATCH proxy for consumer inflation, will shed some Japan’s central bank holds a two-day light on whether a second quarter accelera- policy review, ending June 13. It is likely to tion in the US economy is feeding inflation. maintain its current massive monetary Analysts are looking to China’s May industri- stimulus but stick to its upbeat view on the al output measure, due on Friday, for some economy and prices. Investors will scour reassurance that the world’s second largest Governor Haruhiko Kuroda’s words for economy is regaining momentum. The con- clues as expectations for fresh monetary sensus forecast is for 8.8 percent growth on stimulus recede near-term. Policymakers the year, up from 8.7 percent. “China, after and private-sector economists see the all, has been the engine of global growth for economy as able to weather temporary the past decade, and its recent sputtering pain from the sales tax hike that took effect has caused jitters among investors. Soothing on April 1. data from China is just what investors need The Mansion House dinner in London, at the moment,” Neum said. one of Britain’s biggest set-pieces of the Investors will also watch China’s urban year, will give Bank of England Governor investment data on Friday. Growth is pre- Mark Carney a chance on Thursday to com- dicted to slow to 17.1 percent year-on-year ment on how to calm housing market hot in May from 17.3 percent in April. spots, notably London. The International “An increasing headwind is coming from Monetary Fund has urged Britain to cool its investment in real estate due to accumulat- housing market by reining in risky mort- ed oversupply as well as manufacturing due gages. The UK unemployment rate on June to efforts to slash overcapacity,” UniCredit 11 is forecast to ease to 6.7 percent in April wrote in its weekly focus. from 6.8 percent in March, feeding specula- tion about how soon interest rates will rise, BREATHING SPACE while several members of the ECB’s The 9.5 trillion euro ($13 trillion) econo- Governing Council will be commenting on my of the 18 countries sharing the euro local economies and the latest policy pack- grew much more slowly than expected at age. Iceland’s central bank announces its the beginning of the year and analysts rate decision on Wednesday, followed by warned it could slow further in the second New Zealand on Thursday. — Reuters

SEOUL: A general view of the Seoul city skyline at dusk. A lengthy property market slump and low interest rates are threatening the future of a uniquely South Korean home lease system that traces its roots back to the 19th century. — AFP Ukraine’s separatist regions face bleak economic future DONETSK, Ukraine: With major enterprises down after rebels tried to take it and were met closed for the past month, coal production by a lethal counterattack by Ukrainian authori- down, and the transportation system in disar- ties in late May. ray, the economic future of eastern Ukraine’s Train traffic has been disrupted by explo- separatist territories looks bleak. “The conse- sions on the rail network, and on most major quences of the conflict for the local economy roads throughout the region, checkpoints have been disastrous. We’re looking at a 30 have been set up by rebels and Ukrainian percent decline in output from last year,” said forces, making goods transport a risky busi- Yuriy Makogon, an economist at the University ness. AFP journalists saw two trucks, riddled of Donetsk. with bullets and abandoned, along a road near The areas of Donetsk and Lugansk, in the Slavyansk. middle of the coal-producing Donbas region, Pro-Russian insurgent leaders try to instill declared independence last month and cut optimism by rattling off figures about the eco- ties with the central government in Kiev. Since nomic importance of the Donbas area. It then, the region of six million people, Ukraine’s accounts for just four percent of Ukraine’s total industrial heartland accounting for one fifth of territory, but has 14.5 percent of the nation’s the country’s total gross domestic product, has population, accounts for 20 percent of its gross slipped into lawlessness. The two largest com- domestic product, and is the source of 25 per- panies, chemical heavyweights Stirol and cent of exports. Severodonetsk Azot, halted their operations in “If the ‘People’s Republics’ of Donetsk and early May, citing the ongoing hostilities Lugansk are not recognised by the internation- between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian al community, we cannot export our products forces. abroad,” said Makogon, the economist. One of the nation’s largest shale gas proj- “Currently we only export 30 percent of our ects, with an investment of over $10 billion (7.3 production to Russia. Russia won’t be able to billion euro), has stalled. The project’s operator, buy everything we produce.” Anglo-Dutch corporation Shell, insists that it is still on track, but Ukrainian Prime Minister Crisis industries Arseniy Yatsenyuk has acknowledged it is in Despite their riches, the separatist regions trouble.The reason: A crucial portion of the have been net loss makers for the government deposits are located in Slavyansk, a rebel in Kiev. Official Ukrainian statistics show that stronghold surrounded by Ukrainian forces Donetsk receives three times as much money and the scene of daily combat. as it pays back to Ukraine. Lugansk receives twice as much. Rinat Akhmetov, a billionaire Leave without pay whose sprawling empire covers everything Several mines have also been forced to from mining to banking and employs 100,000 close down, causing a year-on-year drop in people in the east of Ukraine, is opposed to coal production of 10 percent in recent weeks. the separatists. “That’s 7,000 to 10,000 tons of coal that we In return, the head of the pro-Russian “par- miss out on every day,” said Ukraine’s deputy liament”, Denis Pushilin, has threatened to seize coal minister Yuriy Zyukov. “Many companies his enterprises and nationalize them. But the in Donetsk have closed the gates and sent prime minister of the “People’s Republic of their staff home on unpaid leave,” said Donetsk”, Aleksandr Borodai, has rejected the Gennadiy Tkachenko, the deputy mayor of threats. “There is no way the enterprises will be Donetsk, a city of one million inhabitants. nationalized,” he said, while expressing he hope Transportation is in trouble too. The that Akhmetov, the region’s top employer, Donetsk International Airport has been closed might change his anti-Russian stance. — AFP BUSINESS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, and Huawei, a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider inaugurated a first-of-its-kind Joint Innovation Center in the Middle East. Sitting from left, James Wu, President of Carrier Business Group, Huawei Middle East, Alex Zhang, Board Member & President of Carrier Software Business of Huawei, Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Group CEO and Omar Al Omar, Zain Kuwait CEO. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Zain, Huawei open joint innovation center in ME

KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications global experts, engineers, and others to lead the latest developments and solutions” Al-Omar con- that can be used to measure subscribers’ quality of company in Kuwait, and Huawei, a leading global center’s development. cluded. service and allow Zain to perform more robust cus- information and communications technology (ICT) Commenting on the latest collaboration To date Huawei has launched more than 28 joint tomer-experience analysis. solutions provider, have inaugurated a first-of-its- between the two partners, Omar Al Omar said: innovation centers worldwide with telecom opera- In recent years Zain and Huawei have done much kind Joint Innovation Center in the Middle East, to “through the Joint Innovation Center, we aim at cre- tors in addition to 16 global research and develop- in the area of mobile broadband including the serve as a research hub from which Zain will be able ating synergy between Huawei’s latest ICT develop- ment (R&D) centers. launch of the first commercial LTE services in Kuwait to further advance its mobile broadband network, ments and Zain’s strategies to better serve our cus- Alex Zhang, Board Member & President of the in late 2012. Zain’s current nationwide LTE network services, and applications offered to customers in tomers and provide them with a superior telecom Carrier Software & Core Network Business Unit, provides customers in the country with the fastest Kuwait and across the region. experience. Though the new center, Zain has a valu- Huawei commented: “Kuwait is an exciting market mobile Internet speeds in the market. Zain and The announcement was made during a launch able destination to further develop our innovative within the region’s telecom landscape and an inspi- Huawei have since expanded their partnership to ceremony attended by top executives from both platforms to better serve our customers, especially rational one from the perspective of innovation with include plans to launch a commercial LTE-Advanced organizations including Scott Gegenheimer, Zain with our future plans to develop the LTE technology a significant geography in which we can contribute network delivering connectivity speeds up to twice Group CEO, Omar Al-Omar, Zain Kuwait CEO, Alex and related applications.” to the development of the overall mobile broad- the speed currently possible with existing LTE Zhang, Board Member and President of Carrier Al-Omar continued, “The center serves as a vital band ecosystem.” Zhang added, “This latest Joint mobile technology. Software Business of Huawei, and James Wu, and dynamic link between Zain’s and Huawei’s Innovation Center underscores Huawei’s longstand- Globally Huawei has been able to lead on ICT President of Carrier Business Group, Huawei Middle Research and Development teams, through the use ing strategic partnership with Zain based on a technology developments through investing an East. Commenting on the milestone, Scott of several available virtual conferencing technolo- mutual dedication to customer-centric innovation. average over 10% of its total annual sales revenues Gegenheimer said: “Over the years Zain has gies. In addition, it will serve as a pioneering Through the center’s activities, we can further into R&D with approximately 45% of its more than remained at the forefront of mobile broadband research hub to build the latest innovative solutions assure a superior mobile broadband experience 150,000 employees worldwide currently specialized innovation partnering with leaders in the ICT field to and technologies to help Zain tap into new markets designed to exceed all customer expectations.” in R&D activities. push the boundaries of what is possible for our cus- and provide a superior telecom customer experi- During the inauguration, both Zain and Huawei The inauguration of the Joint Innovation Center tomers. Both Zain and Huawei enjoy a history of ence”. “The Joint Innovation Center consists of four highlighted the role that new research & develop- comes shortly after Zain and Huawei entered into an heightened customer satisfaction generated by suc- main areas: Enterprise, Home, Individual, and Zain ment (R&D) programs would play in enhancing enhanced MoU between them that was signed in cessful research and development efforts. Through Zone. The Enterprise area will provide an excellent Zain’s service offerings while helping the operator to China as part of His Highness the Prime Minister the new Joint Innovation Center, our mobile cus- destination to the research and development of our realize additional revenues streams. The center Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al Sabah’s recent tomers can look forward to even better, faster, and corporate customers’ needs, while the Individual includes various sections dedicated to smart con- state visit to the People’s Republic of China to dis- more seamless communication experiences.” area caters to the research and development of our sumer technology, new media services for the cuss mutual economic developments last week, in The two companies signed a Memorandum of consumer customers’ needs. home, industry-specific ICT solutions, as well as which Zain Group Chairman Asaad Ahmad Al- Understanding (MoU) at Mobile World Congress in Additionally, the Home area specializes in the offerings developed for enterprise customers such Banwan and Huawei’s Vice President of Middle East Barcelona last year, in which they outlined their research and development of home automation as telepresence and other virtualization platforms. Region He Tao were present. The two companies will ambitions for the creation of a joint innovation cen- solutions, specifically the designing of smart home Much of the initial work will also serve to test further extend and enhance their strategic efforts in ter and have since invested in the construction of solutions and applications. Our corporate customers future LTE-compatible services and applications, as the fields of telecommunications and information the facilities, bringing together an elite team of are welcome to visit the center and learn about the well as the development of sophisticated processes technology as part of this MoU.

NBK MONEY MARKETS REPORT Rollercoaster FX ride against volatile dollar

KUWAIT: Mixed performance in the FX market last billion, from $ -44.2 billion the previous month. The that’s the reason for suspending this commitment”. week as major currencies gained against a less volatile gap grew by 6.9 percent, exceeding the estimated $ - Draghi says they are confident their measures will US dollar. The economic expansion in the United 40.8 billion. help drive inflation to 2 percent over the medium States reached a milestone last month, with unem- term. ployment exceeding pre-crisis peaks for the first time; ADP non-farm payrolls almost five years after the recovery began. While eco- US companies employed fewer workers than Manufacturing PMI nomic data came better than expected, the US dollar expected in May; a sign of oddly distributed progress The manufacturing sector kept on expanding at a could not push hard enough against its European in the labor market. The ADP Non-Farm Payroll rose by rapid pace in May. The Manufacturing Purchasing counterpart. Across the Atlantic, the European Central 179,000, the smallest gain in 4-months. The figure Managers’ Index’s (PMI) dropped only slightly to 57.0 Bank caused slight turbulence in the FX markets, by came much lower than the previous months’ figure of from 57.3, well above the 50 mark that divides growth cutting their benchmark interest rate, and becoming 215,000, and lower than the forecasted 210,000. The from contraction. The PMI fell below economists’ the first major central bank to drop deposit rates ADP figure excludes the farming industry and govern- expectation of 57.1. The manufacturing production is MUMBAI: AirAsia’s chief executive Tony Fernandes laughs during a press conference below zero. ment job. expanding at a quarterly rate close to 1.5 percent, in Mumbai. — AFP The euro started the week at 1.3635, range trading between 1.3600 and 1.3650 during the week. The sin- AirAsia sparks fare war gle currency then plummeted to touch a low of 1.3503, after the European Central Bank announced that they would cut the benchmark interest rate by with first India flight 0.10 percent, and deposit rates to -0.10 percent. The EUR then regained its losses and more, to touch a high NEW DELHI: Asia’s biggest budget carrier 452 million by 2020-21, according to CAPA. 1.3677; on speculation, the European Central Bank’s AirAsia is set to make its maiden Indian “But if an unbridled fare war continues... we round of growth-boosting measures is not enough to flight this week, fuelling a cut-throat fare may see financial distress increasing and the weaken the currency as part of efforts to bolster eco- war in a sector already reeling from losses. probable exit of one or two airlines in the nomic growth. The single currency slightly lost its AirAsia India will take off on Thursday with next 12-18 months,” Dubey warned. momentum, to close the week at 1.3643. an eye-catching promotional fare of 990 The sterling pound endured a solid performance rupees ($17) for flights between high-tech Deep in the red against the US dollar. The pound opened at 1.6755, hub Bangalore and the popular coastal All but one of India’s half-dozen airlines falling to a low of 1.6699. The Pound then erased its resort of Goa-cheaper than a second-class are haemorrhaging losses, and AirAsia’s plan losses, as the better than expected economic data sur- train ticket. to pitch its fares 30 percent below those of faced. Cable continued to gain against a weaker US “The price war has already begun and even low-cost rivals will create new strains. dollar, following the ECB’s conference. The GBP will only intensify in the lean July- The Federation of Indian Airlines made a touched a high of 1.6845. At the end of the week, September quarter,” Amber Dubey, partner final appeal last week to the new right-wing Cable eased against the greenback, to close at 1.6755. at global consultancy KPMG, said. The carri- government led by Narendra Modi to stop The Japanese yen went with the trend of the US er’s founder and chief executive Tony AirAsia taking flight. dollar. The currency opened the week at 101.77, weak- Fernandes-a millionaire ex-music executive “While foreign investment needs to be ening rapidly as optimism in US economy pushes the who styles himself as Asia’s answer to British encouraged, the same cannot be at the cost greenback higher in the FX market. The Japanese yen tycoon Richard Branson-is a hardened dis- of the domestic industry,” said the federa- was unable to break resistance levels, touching a low count-fare warrior. tion’s associate director Ujjwal Dey. of 102.80. The Yen then reversed its direction, gaining against the greenback, as investors halted the selling But analysts warn that Fernandes could Fernandes, who calls himself a “disruptor”, of the Euro. The Japanese Yen continued to gain, end- Number of Americans filing for unemployment although the sector is still around 7.5 percent smaller find the ride more turbulent than he reck- tweeted in reply: “Some airlines scared of us. ing the week at 102.48. benefits came near the lowest level in almost 7-years, than its pre-crisis peak. The survey pointed to sub- oned in India, where no-frills carriers already We must be doing something write (sic).” The Swiss franc followed suit with the euro. The showing that the world’s largest economy is increas- dued price pressures, with factory output prices rising dominate with a near 65-percent market Indian budget rival SpiceJet, which posted a franc opened the week at 0.8952, range trading ing the pace of growth. Jobless claims 4-week average at the slowest rate since last August, and input prices share in the country of 1.2 billion people. record loss of 10 billion rupees last year, has between 0.8945 and 0.8995. The CHF weakened dra- fell to 310,250, the lowest since June 2007. The slow- slipping for a fourth consecutive month. “India could be AirAsia’s greatest test,” said cut fares on southern routes and blasted matically following the ECB’s decision, but was down in dismissals is due to the reason that compa- Kapil Kaul, head of India operations for the AirAsia’s “predatory pricing”. Indigo, the only unchanged against the EUR, taking pressure off the nies a preparing for a rise in sales as the economy Construction PMI Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), a money-making Indian carrier, has followed Swiss National Bank to introduce additional measures gains momentum. Moreover, the unemployment rate The United Kingdoms’ Construction Purchasing consultancy. suit, with promotional fares of just one to defend its currency cap. The CHF continued to held steady at 6.3 percent. Managers’ index slowed even further, against market The company will start with just one rupee plus taxes. “Indian carriers have a track decline, touching a low of 0.9037, only to regain its forecasts. The Purchasing Managers Index fell to 60.0, plane-less ambitious than the three-to-four record of engaging in unsustainable fare dis- losses to hit a high of 0.8908. The CHF ended the week ECB slashes rate from last months’ 60.8, failing to meet economist aircraft first envisaged-but aims to scale up counting,” said Kaul of the Centre for Asia at 0.8936. The European Central Bank has cut its benchmark expectations of 61.2. A reading above 50 indicates to 10 planes and 10 cities by the end of the Pacific Aviation, “and an unusual willingness interest rate to 0.15 percent from 0.25 percent, and expansion. It was the fourth month in a row that the fiscal year in March 2015. Malaysia-based to bear losses”. Over the past seven years, Manufacturing & Services cut the deposit rate below zero, to -0.10 percent, in an pace of growth eased after hitting a six-and-a-half- AirAsia, whose net profit leapt 33 percent to Indian carriers have lost a combined 594 bil- The Institute of Supply Management effort to boost lending by European banks instead of year high in January. The United Kingdoms’ construc- 140 million ringgit ($43.6 million) in the past lion rupees ($10.1 billion), or an average of Manufacturing Index rose in May to the highest level parking cash at the ECB. This step made the European tion industry was affected badly by the financial crisis, quarter, is hoping to break even in India $22 every time a passenger boards an air- since November 2013. The manufacturing index rose Central Bank the first major central bank to use nega- but has been recuperating since last year as a result of within four months through ambitious oper- craft, Kaul notes. Fernandes, who rescued to 55.4 against a forecasted 55.7, and higher than the tive interest rate. record-low interest rates. Nonetheless, the construc- ational targets. AirAsia from near collapse in 2001 and previous months’ figure of 54.9. This signals that the The President of the ECB unveiled Targeted Longer tion industry remains about 10 percent smaller than It plans to achieve an aircraft turnaround turned it into a success story, “may have expansion of the ISM this year is consistent with the Term Refinancing Operations, or TLTRO. The initial size before the financial crisis. The construction PMI index time-the time it takes to unload one set of under-estimated the capacity of Indian carri- strong momentum we saw in the past few months, of TLTROs is about EUR 400 billion and all TLTROs will has been above the 50-threshold mark for 13 straight passengers and board another-of 20 min- ers to pursue irrational pricing”, he said. that is being sustained to carry growth from Q2 into mature in September 2018, or in about 4 years. Draghi months. utes, far lower than the 30-to-35 minutes of Aside from the ferocious competition, the second half of the year. stated that, “From March 2015 to June 2016 all count- the best Indian low-cost airlines. Fernandes faces other challenges-among Moreover, the service industry in the United States er parties will be able to borrow quarterly up to three Gold rises on fears expanded last month at a faster pace than forecasted. It also aims to have its plane flying 16 them the fact India is an expensive place to times the amount of their net lending to the euro area Gold rose last week, as fears from the euro area The Institute for Supply Management’s Non- non-financial private sector, excluding loans to house- overwhelm investors, extending demand for the pre- hours a day in contrast to the global indus- operate an airline. Carriers pay 50 percent Manufacturing index surged to 56.3 from April’s figure holds”. Draghi added “the ECB is intensifying prepara- cious metal. While unemployment claims near 7-year try level of 13, and significantly higher than more for fuel than in Bangkok, Dubai, Kuala of 55.2, the highest level since August 2013. As the tory work for outright purchases in the asset backed lows, and PMI’s outperform previous months in the the 12 hours achieved by AirAsia in the Lumpur or Singapore because of hefty state number above 50 signals expansion, the index sur- securities market, and that it will also suspend its United States, euro area fears gave investors a scare wider region. And it’s looking at cutting taxes, while airport charges are also high. passed the expected 55.6. weekly securities market program sterilization”. Draghi on the economic situation, and increasing risk aver- costs by encouraging staff to multi-task. Fernandes also may soon be shopping explained, “the main reason to commit to sterilization sion. Gold rose since the beginning of the week from a The Indian launch of AirAsia “affirms for a new partner as analysts say the Tata Trade balance widens by my predecessor first and by myself later was based low of 1,240.73 to a high of 1,257.68 USD per ounce. India’s reputation as a lucrative aviation mar- conglomerate could pull out of the venture The US trade deficit widened against all forecasts, on the effects that this additional liquidity might have ket in the long run”, Dubey said. Even because it has since tied up with Singapore as Americans bought record amounts of consumer on inflation and that this decision takes place in a Kuwait though airlines are making losses at present, Airlines to start Tata-SIA Airlines Ltd, a full- goods and automobiles from abroad. The trade bal- background characterized by low inflation, weak Kuwaiti dinar at 0.28185. The USDKWD opened at passenger numbers are expected to triple to service carrier. — AFP ance widened by the most in two years to USD -47.2 recovery and weak monetary and credit dynamics, 0.28185 yesterday morning. MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 BUSINESS

Lexus LX 570 offers ultimate in luxurious comfort and safety Comprehensive safety features offer high level of protection KUWAIT: The exclusive in terms of craftsmanship to pam- Enhancing the looks further are musical clarity and deliver home ally selected for consistent color applies the brakes if the driver fails Supercharged Lexus LX 570, which per its occupants. Safety is also a wood grained and metal plated theater quality in-car entertain- and grain. Other standard luxury to react to system warnings. Also, has been recently introduced in huge priority and the vehicle ornamentation additions. ment. The system also offers a amenities include front power the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control the region makes an exciting new comes fully equipped with an Distinctive touches in the interior home theater experience, with in- seats, cushion extender for driver sensors use radar technology to addition to the iconic LX family innovative range of safety features revolve around the aluminum dash DVD player, and a USB/mini- seat, a rear back-up camera and an maintain a pre-set following dis- that has already established a to deliver complete peace of mind. sport pedal for the accelerator and jack for connecting media players 8-inch display screen. tance from the car traveling in niche of its own with its two The Supercharged Lexus LX 570 brake, Smart Key feature, to a large and a central 9-inch touch screen front. In addition to the normal Luxury and Sports editions. With boasts power generation like no metal plate with the Supercharger display. In terms of space, the LX Comprehensive safety features Cruise Control System, radar cruise unprecedented luxury and other. The 5.7-litre V8 Engine with logo and illumination arranged on 570 is both spacious and versatile. The powerful off-road delivery control is also available to enhance superlative comfort, the LX family supercharger generates 450 HP the inner scuff plate. With three rows and room for eight capabilities of the Lexus LX 570 is safety and to provide excellent offers a spacious interior that can and 72.0 kg-m of Torque, mated to passengers, the luxury SUV offers combined with uncompromising driving support. accommodate up to eight passen- a six speed automatic transmission Luxurious comfort attributes an extremely comfortable cabin levels of safety to offer a vehicle The advanced electronic trac- gers. A comprehensive lineup of with standard full-time four-wheel Luxury features in the LX 570 experience for all the occupants. that can be driven with complete tion control technologies, sophisti- safety features also enable the drive to maximize displacement. boost the Lexus driving experience The one-touch tumble mechanism peace of mind at all times. The cated AVS (Adaptive Variable driver and occupants to enjoy the The SUV’s exceptional response to new heights. The vehicle’s air for the second-row seat offers a extensive use of high-tensile steel, Suspension) systemand full-time wildest off-road adventure sprees and unprecedented ability as a conditioning system has a 4-zone 40/20/40-split seatback to fit a vari- especially in the frame area, makes 4WD also contribute to an agile as well as navigate through city towing vehicle, is a result of the independent temperature control ety of items. In addition, with the the LX 570 an extremely safe and and remarkably comfortable on- traffic with much ease. ninety percent of the peak torque with 28 air vents and twin A/C press of a button, the 50/50-split robust vehicle. The front of the LX road handling and performance. The Lexus LX was the first pre- The AVS adjusts vehicle height as mium, full-capability prestige appropriate by reducing ride three-row luxury utility series, and height to enhance aerodynamic the latest supercharged edition performance and smoothly lower- enhances that impeccable reputa- ing vehicle height when stationary tion even further while standing to ease entry and exit. out with its bold spindle grille front Active Traction Control (A-TRC) design in terms of the Lexus system helps enhance the ability brand-signature. to grip the road, especially when According to Nobuyuki Negishi, starting off or accelerating on Chief Representative of Middle uneven or slippery surfaces. East & North Africa Representative Corrective measures are applied Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, the moment the risk of wheelspin “For nearly 20 years, the Lexus LX is detected to help maintain trac- models have offered an optimal tion. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) balance of luxury and everyday helps prevent the loss of vehicle usability. The supercharged LX 570 control, particularly when corner- builds on this proud past and ing quickly or at the onset of a skid. enhances it even further with coming on stream at just 2,200 units to maintain an optimal envi- third-row seats stow to the side in 570 frame integrates a three-stage Selective application of the brakes Lexus’s signature characteristics rpm. In addition, the Multi-Terrain ronment throughout the length seconds. A 10-way power seat with crush structure to help reduce and / or reducing power helps to from its highly desirable luxurious Select contributes further to the and breadth of the vehicle, includ- power functions for reclining, lum- frame damage to other areas of ensure stability and reduce vehicle layout, to its impeccable sense of vehicle’s performance, making it ing the right and left sides as well bar support, vertical adjuster, and the vehicle in certain severe frontal speed. comfort to offer a truly remarkable an effortless ride even on the most as front and rear. cushion front tilt mechanism is impacts. The patented design can Hill-Start Assist Control, when ride. From its class leading enter- challenging terrains by maximizing The Lexus LX 570 also offers adopted for the driver’s seat. A disperse collision force from the starting off on a slope automatical- tainment attributes to its spacious the vehicle’s performance through outstanding comfort and enter- headrest with manual vertical and main side members to the floor ly maintains brake pressure to help but distinctively tasteful interiors, optimizing the Active Traction tainment attributes that make the front-to-back adjustment is also frame members, helping to reduce prevent the LX 570 from slipping this unique SUV redefines the con- Control. In terms of aesthetics, the driving experience inside the vehi- available. Personalized comfort deformation in the passenger backwards. It works in both on- cept of a luxury SUV while being Lexus LX 570 has been treated cle all the more desirable such as a and craftsmanship are attributes compartment. road and off-road conditions to true to its safety heritage with with the L-finesse design theme to premium sound system that cre- that are integrated throughout the The Pre-Collision System (PCS) help reduce driver fatigue. comprehensive safety features.” retain the feel of a Lexus’s flagship ates sound like that of an audio cabin. The driver’s power seat fea- with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) The Lexus LX 570 makes driving model. With an objective of blend- studio through a Mark Levinson tures heating and available ventila- act together, whereby the PCS pre- with Electronic Brake Force a truly rewarding experience with ing both agility and power, the Reference Surround Sound System. tion, along with 10-way adjustabili- emptively retracts front seat belts Distribution (EBD) helps to ensure its outstanding features to create a SUV exudes a strong presence. On The system has been designed to ty. The supple leather trim is craft- and pre-initializes Brake Assist so optimum braking force for each truly awesome entertainment the inside, the vehicle opens into create a realistic sensation of being ed from the highest-quality full- that increased braking can be wheel. The brake assist system experience while distinguishing an inviting cabin space, marked by at a movie or concert theater. It grain stocks, including available applied at the very instant the driv- comes into action during emer- itself with its versatile comfort comprehensive elements of luxury, features 19 speakers that distribute semi-aniline leather. The exclusive er depresses the pedal. The active gency braking and increases brak- attributes and distinctive touches comfort and convenience. multi-dimensional sound and brown wood accents are individu- braking feature automatically ing force automatically if required. Atlantis summer offer from ABK and VISA Al-Tijari announces winners

KUWAIT: In cooperation with VISA, Al-Ahli gives you access to one of the ultimate of Najma Account draw Bank of Kuwait is offering its customers family holiday spots. So indulge yourself in exclusive benefits and special discounts a family adventure this summer with KUWAIT: Commercial Bank of Kuwait held The Commercial Bank of Kuwait vided that the money is in the account one when booking their stay at Atlantis the Atlantis, The Palm’s exclusive room package the Al-Najma Account daily draw yesterday, announces the biggest daily draw in Kuwait week prior to the daily draw or 2 months pri- Palms in Dubai by using their ABK VISA for ABK VISA Cardholders.” Lockie added”In 2014. The draw was held under the supervi- with the launch of the new Najma account. or to the mega draw. In addition, for each KD Debit, Credit or Prepaid Cards. addition, our cardholders also earn sion of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Customers of the bank can now enjoy a KD 25 a customer can get one chance for win- Stewart Lockie, GM Retail Banking stat- Emirates Skywards Miles for every KD1 represented by AbdulAziz Ashkanani. 7,000 daily prize which is the highest in the ning instead of KD 50. ed: “ABK is extremely pleased to offer such spent locally or overseas on theirEmirates The winners of the Najma daily draw are :- country and another 4 mega prizes during Commercial Bank of Kuwait takes this value added benefits, through our partner- Credit and Prepaid cards, exclusively with the year worth KD 100,000 each on different opportunity to congratulate all lucky win- ship with VISA, where your ABK VISA cards ABK.” Travel, spend and be rewarded with Mostafa Farghal Mohammed — KD 7000, occasions: The National Day, Eid Al-Fitr, Eid ners and also extends appreciation to the you ABK Visa Cards this summer. For more details, please visit any ABK branch or call Mohammed Kheir Al-Heraki — KD 7000, Al-Adha and on the 19th of June which is the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for their Ahlan Ahli 1899 899, alternatively you Badrah Ali Bin Nekhi — KD 7000, date of the bank’s establishment. effective supervision of the draws which could also chat live with ABK’s customer Entesar Hassan Essa — KD 7000, With a minimum balance of KD 500, cus- were conducted in an orderly and organized service representative on Ahli Chat at Mohammed & Shaikh & Puttoor Saheb —KD 7000. tomers will be eligible for the daily draw pro- manner. www.eahli.com. Burgan Bank announces New trade record between winners of Yawmi draw Gulf and China this year KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yes- The newly designed Yawmi account terday the names of the lucky winners has been launched to provide a highly of its Yawmi account draw, each taking innovative offering along with a higher home a prize of KD 5,000. frequency and incentive of winning for KCIC WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT ON ASIA The lucky winners for the daily everyone. Today, the Yawmi account is By Francisco Quintana given the ongoing trends in the world energy mar- exports went up in ten years from 2.5 percent to draws took home a cash-prize of KD a well understood product, where its kets, the economic links between both regions can almost 9 percent. The UAE remains one of the less 5000 each, and they are: popularity can be seen from the num- iplomatic ties between China and the Gulf only get stronger. China-dependent countries in the region. China 1. Abdulaziz Haydar Jawhar Hassan ber of increasing account holders. are strengthening steadily. Last week a Trade flows are an excellent proxy to measure only buys 4.4 percent if its exports, although it still Alsarraf Burgan Bank encourages everyone DKuwaiti delegation led by the Prime the dynamics of the Sino-Gulf connection and the represents three times the share in 2003, which 2. Ahmad Mohammad Abdullah to open a Yawmi account and/or Minister of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al- most recent data on exports and imports released was 1.4 percent. However, these numbers are Ashkanani increase their deposit to maximize Mubarak Al-Sabah completed an official visit to by GCC countries confirm that the connection is watered down by the large size of re-exports in 3. Samir Abdul Rasoul Qamber their chances to becoming a daily win- China. The Prime Minister signed a total of 10 growing stronger very rapidly. In January 2014 Dubai. Overall, the weight of China in regional Mohammed ner. The more customers deposit, the agreements on visa exemptions, education, trade flows hit a new record in terms of trade exports has more than doubled to reach 10.8 per- telecommunications, oil and even on the possibili- between the two regions: 14 percent of the total cent of the total. In absolute terms, the GCC export- 4. Ahmed Kadhem Ghadhban higher the chances they receive of ty of coordinating joint investments in Africa. imports received by the GCC countries came from ed $96 billion to China in 2013, the equivalent to 5. Faten Farouq Najem Aldin Al- winning the draw. Kuwait’s interest in reinforcing its relationship with China. The weight of China in the Gulf’s imports the GDP of Morocco. Naqeeb Opening a Yawmi account is simple, China is not an exception in the region. Only a few has more than doubled. Ten years ago, only 6.4 per- Energy still plays a central role, and it will With its new and enhanced features, customers are urged to visit their near- days earlier, UAE’s Minister of State Sultan Al- cent of the regional imports were Chinese. A simi- remain so. Oil represents 80 percent of these the Yawmi Account has become more est Burgan Bank branch and receive all Jabervisited China to discuss cooperation in the lar trend is taking place on the exports side. Twenty exports, and oil-related products such as petro- convenient, easier, and faster for cus- the details, or simply call the bank’s areas of energy, infrastructure and technology and, years ago, in 1994, less than 1 percent of the Gulf’s chemicals and plastics, an additional 16 percent. tomers to benefit from. Now, cus- Call Center at 1804080 where cus- last March, Saudi Crown Prince Salman Bin exports went to China. Ten years later, it had gone Given the lack of success of diversification policies tomers will be eligible to enter the tomer service representatives will be Abdulaziz signed a number of economic and ener- up to 4 percent. Now China purchases almost 11 across the Gulf, it is unlikely that the GCC countries draw after 48 hours only from opening delighted to assist with any questions gy agreements in an official visit to China. These percent of total regional exports. The relative will be able to change substantially the profile of the account. Customers are also on the Yawmi account or any of the diplomatic trips loaded with economic agreements importance of China varies across countries. For their exports in the coming future, but Chinese will become increasingly more frequent. Economic Saudi Arabia China is by far the most relevant com- growth will generate massive energy needs in the required to deposit KD 100 or equiva- bank’s products and services. and financial links between China and the Gulf mercial partner, as it represents 14 percent of its coming two decades. The Energy Information lent only to enter the daily draw, and Customers can also log on to Burgan Cooperation Council (GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, exports in 2013 compared to 5.5 percent a decade Administration estimates that China’s oil imports the coupon value to enter the draw Bank’s www.burgan.com for further UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain) have risen spectac- ago. Kuwait is also becoming rapidly dependent on will rise to 8.7 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2020 stands at KD 10. information. ularly in the last twenty years. More importantly, Chinese purchases: the share of China on its total from today’s 6 million. MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 technology Japanese TV makers bet on super-HD as World Cup looms

TOKYO: With a hopeful eye on the to Sony’s core business. approaching World Cup, Japan’s embattled TV makers are hoping the key to their rescue ‘Great quality, limited programs’ can be found on the second floor of Bic Sony’s rivals Panasonic and Sharp have Camera’s downtown Tokyo outlet. Sales of also suffered massive losses in their TV busi- big-screen televisions with super-high defi- nesses, although their units are recovering as nition 4K technology are picking up at the they look to go on the offensive with high- nationwide electronics retailer, and their fat- end televisions. The Japanese giants have ter profit margins are offering a lifeline to been hammered by razor-thin margins and one-time industry giants Sony and ferocious competition from overseas rivals, Panasonic. particularly in South Korea and Taiwan. Retailers report that demand for the cut- Panasonic and Sharp have both said they ting-edge technology-with four times the will boost their lineup of 4K televisions and resolution of standard HD sets-has surged computer monitors, while Sony, a world sports fans shell out big bucks with the foot- leader in the technology, is also eyeing the ball World Cup kicking off in Brazil on booming health field. It is hoping that a tie- Thursday. “Many customers are coming to up with Olympus-best known as a camera buy a new TV set because of the World Cup,” maker but which also makes medical equip- said Daisuke Kogure, visual products floor ment-will usher in endoscopic 4K images manager at Bic Camera’s Yurakucho outlet. that can better diagnose diseases. In a corner of the store devoted to 4K But persuading enough consumers to screens, crystal-clear images of footballers embrace the cutting-edge technology could and flowers show off the new technology. still be a struggle. Sales of 4K-equipped TV “Even though commercial broadcasting is sets remain a small fraction of sales of LCD still to come, customers are still interested in flat screens. And while the average price of seeing photo images and movies on 4K tele- 4K TVs has dropped to 330,000 yen ($3,300) TAIPEI: This photo shows motorcyclists riding past a billboard showing the latest HTC M8 smartphone in Taipei. — AFP vision screens,” Kogure added. from 491,000 yen a year ago, the technology Today, a consortium of major Japanese is still expensive and offers limited viewing broadcasters, TV manufacturers and com- options. munications firms began test broadcasts of “The success of 4K television will depend HTC hopes beloved M8 satellite television programs in 4K across the on the richness of its content,” said Eiji Mori, country of 128 million, with some World Cup analyst with Tokyo-based research company games set to be shown. The move comes BCN. “So far what’s available is just test with Tokyo’s backing as it looks to boost the broadcasting, and it’s unclear when private will revive fortunes competitiveness of the world’s number three broadcasters will start supplying 4K-quality economy-neighboring South Korea is TV programs,” he added. already testing 4K technology for cable pro- And the planned rollout of next-genera- gramming. tion 8K technology-offering quadruple the Does HTC need to emphasize its uniqueness? Sony president Kazuo Hirai recently resolution of 4K-for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo could also hold sales back, Mori said. pointed to the ultra-high-definition technol- TAIPEI: Once a star of the intensely competitive improved the interface, says Healey. Paul Golden, who devised Samsung’s highly suc- “Broadcasters have to decide whether ogy as a possible savior for the company’s smartphone sector, Taiwan’s HTC has seen its for- Respected tech news site The Register cessful Next Big Thing campaign. investing in cameras and editing equipment money-losing TV unit, which has bled about tunes collapse in recent years but the success of described it as the “Alfa Romeo” of the smart- But even with this added firepower, with a for 4K programs can pay off in just a few 790 billion yen ($7.8 billion) over the past its latest model provides a glimmer of hope. The phone world. HTC would not comment on sales much smaller marketing budget than its major years,” he said. “There is also a question about decade. Hirai’s efforts to drag the TV busi- company started out as a contract smartphone figures for the M8, but says it expects to swing rivals, it will be a big ask for HTC to challenge their whether consumers will choose 4K televi- ness into the black have so far failed, but he manufacturer for major foreign players including back into profitability in the next quarterly results, grip. “They’ve made an attempt to be cleaner and sions when they buy one with a 50 inch-dis- has repeatedly shrugged off pleas to aban- Microsoft and only began developing its own doubling its revenues in the three months to clearer with the One M8, but we’re still talking play or larger.” — AFP don a division that he insists remains central brand of handsets in 2006. June. “We believe that we are on course for a about a marketing budget that barely even It quickly built up a loyal following as the first strong 2014,” said chief executive Peter Chou. scratches what Apple and Samsung can throw at to use Google’s Android operating system-now There was also a hint at a new collaboration with a device,” says CNET’s Healey. the most popular OS for mobile devices and Microsoft at last week’s Computex tech show in “HTC needs to emphasize its uniqueness. It’s adopted by global smartphone leader Samsung. Taipei. not being bold enough,” added Pallenberg. And But from stellar performances in 2011, HTC has where the Android operating system used to be a nosedived as Samsung, Apple and strong Chinese Mountain to climb defining feature, some say it could now be a dis- brands like Lenovo and Huawei surge ahead. In “The M8 is selling fast across global markets,” advantage. Samsung took a step away from the first quarter of this year, it posted a net loss of Sascha Pallenberg of technology consultancy Android dependence last week, launching a new Tw$1.88 billion ($62.3 million) while sales hit a Mobile Geeks told AFP. “In terms of the build qual- smartphone powered by its own operating sys- five-year low of Tw$33.1 billion. ity and the materials this is the most sophisticated tem, Tizen. While Samsung and Apple dominate Now, though, there’s a much-needed buzz phone on the market.” HTC took a leaf out of Western markets, in China domestic players such around the brand once more, following the Apple’s book by ensuring that the device was as Xiaomi have built up a staunch following for launch of the HTC One M8 handset in March. “It’s immediately available to consumers after its quality devices at lower prices, says Pallenberg- a mix of being genuinely functional, but also a media launch in New York, London and Paris, making that another difficult nut to crack. The M8 real statement device,” said Nic Healey of leading rather than waiting to bring it to market, said typically sells for around $600-700. But though tech review site CNET. “Something like the M8 is a Pallenberg. Remedial action was urgently needed HTC doubtless still has a mountain to climb, the real stand-out on the shelf.” Reviewers and con- after HTC’s global market share slumped from 8.8 success of the M8 could still be a significant step sumers have praised the M8 for its high-quality percent in 2011 to 4.6 percent in 2012, according in the right direction. “The One shows you they’re design, with a brushed aluminum case, as well as to data from market researchers IDC. capable of doing amazing things,” Pallenberg said. powerful speakers and a dual-lens camera for The firm has brought in Hollywood star Robert “We’ll see how the market reacts. A lot of people special effects on photos. The look and feel of Downey Jr as its public face and become a spon- love this phone-the emotional connection is very TOKYO: This picture shows Japanese electronics giant Sony’s 4K 85-inch sized HTC’s on-screen menu system were previously sor of the UEFA Champions League and Europa high and they’re very loyal to this brand. The May Bravia X9500B television and new line-up of 4K television sets. — AFP criticized as over-complicated, but the M8 has League football tournaments. It has also hired results will be very interesting.” — AFP

Microsoft, Sony battle for throne at gaming world’s E3 ‘Internet of Things’

SAN FRANCISCO: Muscular new consoles Twitch, a startup that specializes in WASHINGTON: It’s not just smartphones and tablets any- from Microsoft and Sony are girding to battle streaming play to viewers in a hot trend of more. The world’s tech giants are now battling over a for the throne of the video game industry at video games becoming spectator sports, this wider array of connected devices, from refrigerators to the E3 extravaganza set to kick off in Los week released a study indicating that the cars to wristwatches. Announcements in recent days from Angeles tomorrow. The two rivals will show- notion of gamers being basement-dwelling Apple and Samsung made clear they are staking their case blockbuster titles to the press today with hermits is off mark. The survey, conducted by claim to the “Internet of Things” following Google’s eye-popping graphics, and promote their LifeCourse Associates, indicated that gamers announcement earlier this year that it was creating a new consoles that are evolving into multipurpose evidently have more balanced lives than their Android platform for wearable electronics. “The Internet home entertainment centers. non-gamer counterparts. “The old stereotype of Things is the next big platform,” said Roger Kay, an ana- Nintendo, whose new-generation Wii U of the solitary geek gamer is over,” said Neil lyst with Endpoint Technologies Associates. consoles were eclipsed by Microsoft’s Xbox Howe of LifeCourse. “It turns out gamers “These are potentially billions of devices. That’s a big One and Sony’s PlayStation 4, is taking a low- today are more educated, optimistic, socially market, so every consortium is lining up for that.” A study er profile approach with an online event it conscious and connected to friends and fami- released by research firm IDC said the market for the will stream before the huge industry event ly than non-gamers.” Internet of Things (IoT) will grow from $1.9 trillion in 2013 officially opens. “At the end of the day, what to $7.1 trillion in 2020 as businesses and consumers sells video game systems are blockbuster Blockbuster sequels adopt smart technology for homes, cars and a variety of games,” said Phoenix Online Studios manager Eagerly awaited titles to be shown off at accessories. Apple unveiled last Monday its new mobile and strategy analyst Scott Steinberg. E3 should include new installments of block- operating system iOS 8 along with HealthKit software to “The competing players will trot out major buster franchises such as “Call of Duty,” “Halo,” manage personal healthcare and HomeKit for home titles and try to establish dominance.” Sony This photo provided by Sony shows a scene from the video game, “Sunset “Assassin’s Creed,” “Far Cry,” “Resident Evil” and appliances, while encouraging developers to create serv- goes into the video game industry’s biggest Overdrive.” — AP Photos “Uncharted.” The studio behind the beloved ices for the iOS operating system used in iPhones and annual trade show with an edge, its PS4 hav- films, music, games and more, according to giant’s own studios. Games designed exclu- “Halo” video game franchise is also due to iPads. ing trumped Xbox One in sales since the Forrester analyst James McQuivey. “That was sive for Xbox One or PS4 are expected to be show off what it hopes will be its next block- competing consoles hit the market in a pretty big play,” McQuivey said. “Hardcore scarce at E3, but Microsoft and Sony will play buster-”Destiny.” The first major new franchise Apple opens up November. gamers didn’t want to hear that Netflix was up whatever content that might differentiate created by Bungie Studios and published by “Apple iOS 8 has the beginnings of a full-fledged plat- Microsoft last month effectively cut the anywhere near (the popular game) ‘Halo,’ their consoles. Activision will be released on September 9 for form supporting IoT, you can see it with their health and Xbox One retail price, deciding to sell a ver- even though Microsoft knows viewing Netflix Sony is also likely to give a deeper look at PlayStation and Xbox consoles. fitness hooks and their ability to entertain more third par- sion of its Xbox One console without its accounts for a huge amount of time spent on its augmented reality headset. “If Microsoft The console war is being fought on a land- ty devices,” said Compass Intelligence chief mobile ana- Kinect motion detection system. Upon Xbox.” can’t catch up with Sony in the short run, it scape being transformed by the popularity of lyst Gerry Purdy. But Apple is following its own path, aim- release of the Xbox One, Microsoft included will not own the market in the long run,” playing games on smartphones or tablet ing for tighter control and with less interoperability by the Kinect voice and gesture recognition Gamers targeted McQuivey said. Xbox and PlayStation con- computers. “I don’t believe the set-top console limiting connections with non-Apple devices. accessory, saying it was integral to the per- Meanwhile, Sony aimed squarely at soles have both been evolving into home is going the way of the dodo any time soon,” “It may be that Apple will just colonize a few areas and formance of the console. gamers while pitching PS4 even though the entertainment hubs of the future as pressure Steinberg said. “What we will see is battle to do it well,” said Kay. Samsung, meanwhile, is jumping into Microsoft basically “put all of its cards on consoles also deliver films, music, television mounts smartphones, tablets, and even “don- be the center of living room entertainment the fray with Tizen, an open-source operating system that the table” early, billing Xbox One as an all-pur- shows and other digital entertainment, a gles” that can interactively route rich content with a device that is more than a video game could take on iOS and Android for connected devices. pose living room entertainment device for chunk of it from the Japanese entertainment to television screens. system. It’s kind of a no-brainer.” — AFP Frank Gillett at Forrester Research said Samsung-by far the most successful maker of Android phones and tablets-wants to distance itself from Google in the next phase of technology. “I think Samsung is in a challenging and difficult place,” Gillett told AFP. “They have been successful in building devices but they don’t have a software platform or a consumer relationship.” Gillett said that with Tizen, Samsung is aiming for “a multi-part software and services strategy to build sticky relationships with customers to keep them buying hardware.” Still, he said it was “an uphill battle” for Samsung, which is trying to establish a new platform to compete against Android, iOS and others-including Microsoft’s Windows and BlackBerry’s QNX, which is widely used in automobile systems. Richard Windsor of Edison Investment Research says Google has shown it can make money from this strategy of offering Android for free. “Samsung has mistakenly assumed that it can maintain its 18 percent handset mar- gins by focusing on hardware. Consequently, it has been willing to cede complete control of the ecosystem to Google,” he said in a research note. “This has ensured that SAN FRANCISCO: Marcus Ingvarsson (right) tests out the PlayStation 4 virtual reality headset Project Morpheus in a demo area at the Game Developers Conference 2014. Google will grow nicely driven by mobile advertising rev- (Left) This photo provided by Activision shows a scene from the video game, “Destiny.” enues while we expect Samsung to experience declining MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Building blocks missing for 2015 climate pact

BONN: The clock is ticking for countries to lay the The Paris agreement is meant to set the cap on Protocol, which has a tough and legally enforceable development causes, meanwhile, formally returned foundations of a 2015 deal to tackle dangerous cli- years of haggling among the 195 parties of the UN compliance mechanism. Xie said priority should be to the UNFCCC process after walking out at the mate change, ministers warned in Bonn on Friday. A Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFC- given to the content of the pledges, rather than the annual conference in Warsaw in 2013. special UN summit in September, followed by a CC). Taking effect from 2020, the pact must curb legal architecture. China would go along with the The UN talks seek to limit warming to two round of talks in Lima in December, must lay the first heat-trapping emissions from fossil fuels that are consensus, he said. degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) over pre- bricks of a highly complex accord due to be sealed damaging Earth’s fragile climate, amplifying risks He stressed that a key to success in Lima, and industrial levels-but scientists say current emission in Paris in December 2015, they said. China’s top from drought, flood, storms and rising seas. then in Paris, lay in developed countries showing trends could hike temperatures to more than twice negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, pointed to traumatic mem- Negotiators hope that the Lima deal, at the very good faith in their pledges to act on climate change that level by century’s end. Veteran observer Alden ories of the 2009 Copenhagen Summit, the last time least, will agree on rules for vetting and comparing before 2020. This includes a promise made in Meyer of US group the Union of Concerned countries tried to forge a worldwide deal on curbing national pledges that will form the core of the pact. Copenhagen to channel up to $100 billion a year in Scientists (UCS) said crunch time would come next Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions. aid by that time. year when national pledges are put on the table. The much-touted event became a near-fiasco Assessing the promises “Unfortunately we are seeing very little of the The White House, meanwhile, said that proposed when heads of state were confronted with a sprawl- The pledges will be a disparate mix of promises finance that was pledged,” said Ugandan US action against climate change would save thou- ing, fiercely contested draft agreement at the last to curb emissions, bolster climate defenses, boost Environment Minister Ephraim Kamuntu, represent- sands of lives by reducing asthma, heat-related ill- minute. “We hope we do not see a recurrence of the funds for vulnerable countries and transfer cleaner ing the world’s bloc of least-developed countries. nesses and other health hazards. Less than a week Copenhagen scenario... (with) a final agreement that technology to the developing world. There is a big The 12-day session in Bonn included two ministeri- after President Barack Obama laid out his most is accepted by some parties but not accepted by technical challenge in ensuring that individual al-level sessions meant to give a political boost to ambitious moves yet to reduce carbon emissions, a others,” Xie said. national efforts are verifiable and comparable, to the troubled process. Ministers from several dozen White House report said: “we have a moral obliga- Peruvian Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar- avoid accusations that some countries are getting a countries attended, but there were many absentees tion to leave our children a planet that’s not irrevo- Vidal, who will chair the December 1-12 meeting, free ride. from big players, including the US and France, the cably polluted or damaged.” The US Environmental urged colleagues gathered for an interim round of The pact’s legal status-whether it should be legal- 2015 host. Protection Agency said Monday it would require negotiations in Bonn since Wednesday to “commit ly binding or not, and what the term actually means- Many hopes ride on a summit in New York on states to take binding action to reduce carbon emis- to commit”. “This train is moving and we cannot wait is also not settled. The United States, for one, has September 23 called by UN Secretary General Ban sions from power plants by an average of 30 percent until Paris to get onboard,” he said. ruled out a format similar to the UNFCCC’s Kyoto Ki-moon. Campaigners for 73 environmental and by 2030 from 2005 levels. — AFP Inflammation may explain depression, diabetes link Sedentary lifestyle blamed for diabetes LONDON: People with both depression and dia- results published in Diabetes Care. After the cular system.” betes have higher markers of inflammation in researchers took into account other potential dif- Dr Anne Peters said she often sees patients their blood than those with diabetes alone, a new ferences between study participants, such as their with diabetes, depression and elevated markers study suggests. Researchers have known that age, sex, amount of body fat and use of certain for inflammation. But there are still many ques- people with diabetes have a higher rate of medications, six of the 12 inflammatory markers tions about how they are related. “The develop- depression than those without the blood sugar they measured were still linked to depression. ment of depression could in part be triggered by disorder. And people with both conditions tend inflammation, but we don’t know what comes to do worse over the long run than people with Death rates twice as high first,” she told Reuters Health. “This paper can’t diabetes but no depression. Inflammation is a More than one in 20 Americans reported prove causality. The interplay is so complicated.” sign of the body responding to disease, trauma or depression in 2005-2006, and about one in 12 Peters directs the University of Southern other stressors. The new study suggests higher has diabetes, a major cause of heart disease and California Clinical Diabetes Program in Beverly inflammation levels may help explain the link stroke, according to the Centers for Disease Hills and was not involved in the current study. MEXICO CITY: Jorge Morales of the soccer team Guerreros Aztecas, or Aztec between diabetes, depression and worse overall Control and Prevention. Death rates are up to “To me, it’s as much a part of diabetes care as Warriors, controls the ball during a match with Los Dragones, or the Dragons in health, researchers said. But it’s still not clear how, twice as high among people with depression looking at blood sugars to screen for and treat Mexico City. — AP exactly. and diabetes as those with diabetes alone, Ismail depression,” she said. “We asked, why is depression so bad for dia- said. She believes the best way to begin to combat betes? The study suggests that we have a possi- “The conventional wisdom is that this is a both depression and diabetes is to eat well and Mexico amputee soccer ble biological explanation,” Dr Khalida Ismail told consequence of the psychological burden of exercise. Her own study found that depression Reuters Health. “Inflammation may be driving a having diabetes,” she said. “If that’s the case, if scores among people with diabetes dropped players train for own Cup number of different long-term conditions. That’s you treat the depression, the diabetes control when they were physically active. “If you exercise, quite a new way of thinking of the mind and the should improve.” But it does not, Ismail said. So you feel better, your inflammatory markers MEXICO CITY: Two World Cups of soccer Alejandro Balurch, 17, had a leg ampu- body,” she said. Ismail worked on the study at the she began to wonder if inflammation, often seen improve. It’s all about lifestyle interplaying with will be held this year, and members of tated because of cancer two years ago Institute of Psychiatry at King’s College London in in people with diabetes, could help explain both your health. We’re just living lives we were not the Mexico City’s Aztec Warriors are and now practices as much as his the UK. She and her colleagues examined 1,227 conditions and the worse outcomes. made to live. We sit still too much at work. We’re training tirelessly with the dream of play- chemotherapy will allow. “We want to people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. caged up in a way,” she said. Peters cited a 2012 ing in one of them. Players race across show that there are no barriers or limita- Those who reported symptoms of depression Eat well and exercise study that found that people taking antidepres- the field on special crutches, dribbling tions to attaining what one desires,” said tended to be younger and heavier. They also had “It’s a bit like an engine,” Ismail said. “You’re sants were at higher risk for diabetes than non- and kicking fierce shots at the net. Their the coach of the Aztec Warriors, Carlos higher rates of heart and circulation problems running a bit higher. So there’s this constant antidepressant users, even after taking their goal: The Amputee Soccer World Cup Espinosa. Before the start of each game and higher concentrations of established markers low-grade inflammation and that’s causing dam- weight into account. The current study did not which will be held in Culiacan, Sinaloa players remove the artificial legs they of inflammation in their blood, according to age to your brain, your pancreas and to your vas- examine antidepressant use. — Reuters from Nov 30 to Dec 8. Most of the play- use, playing only with crutches and kick- ers lost a leg in car accidents or to dis- ing the ball with their remaining foot. ease. One player, Niseforo Bazan, lost a Espinosa says that the players are prac- limb to a stray bullet in Guerrero state. ticing hard in the hopes that some of The goaltender is missing an arm. them will be chosen to join Mexico’s Some team members play while still national amputee soccer team that will fighting to overcome health issues. play in Sinaloa. — AP Once-condemned doc helps Haitians

NORTH MIAMI: It may be hard to remember clue. They’re seeing all these cases, and this is now, but there was a time when a mysterious how the scientific mind works: You’re trying to autoimmune disease baffled doctors and fright- put all the pieces of the puzzle together. When ened a world unfamiliar with what is now called you’re right, it’s wonderful, but sometimes you AIDS. Arthur Fournier recalls the rise of the epi- have trial and error before you get it right,” she demic far better than most. In some ways it says. From Fournier, now 65, there was never an made him. In others, it nearly broke him. Above “I’m sorry” for what happened in the aftermath all, it helped define the rest of his life. In 1979, of those early AIDS studies. Shortly before the GRASSY KEY: In this photo, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin named Fournier was a young doctor at Miami’s public research in Miami was published, officials at the Tanner is shown during a demonstration at the Dolphin Research GRASSY KEY: Karen, a blind and aging sea lion, swims while working hospital when patients exhibiting the symp- Centers for Disease Control began warning doc- Center on Grassy Key in Marathon, Fla.— AP photos with a trainer at the Dolphin Research Center. toms of AIDS began flooding in - only these tors who cared for Haitians that their patients patients weren’t gay men, who accounted for might be prone to terrifying infections. many early cases of the disease. Rather, they were Haitian. ‘Words and actions’ Florida Keys creatures: Confounded, Fournier and some of his col- In the panic that followed, Haitians in the US leagues soon published a study about what reported losing jobs, and their children were they were seeing among their Haitian patients, taunted at school. The US government would concluding “it is possible that this syndrome ... is briefly ban Haitians from donating blood. Anger the same as that found among homosexual in the Haitian-American community manifested Fish, birds, 6-toed cats men.” Their work would go a long way toward in massive rallies that blocked the Brooklyn helping the medical community better under- Bridge and Miami streets. Fournier, who KEY LARGO: Activities for visitors to the Florida there are also wild pelicans freely strolling about. stand how AIDS spread, but it also had unin- endured pressure to cut back on his AIDS work, Keys range from snorkeling, boating and fishing to More wild birds can be found on the beach nearby. tended consequences: Just being Haitian was says he never felt like he had to apologize for bar-hopping in Key West at sunset. You don’t even Admission to the center is free but donations are initially listed by the federal government as a contributing to the stereotype that shadowed have to leave your car to enjoy the tranquil scenery encouraged. risk factor for AIDS, along with heroin use, Haitians for years. Rather, he says: “I did it with of water and sky on either side of the toll-free hemophilia and homosexuality - a macabre “4- my words and actions.” Florida Keys Overseas Highway, a series of bridges HUNGRY TARPON H club,” as it became known. Growing up north of Boston, Fournier was and roads that connects the 125-mile (200-kilome- The Hungry Tarpon Restaurant at Robbie’s For years, discrimination and recrimination the oldest of six children whose assembly-line ter) chain of islands. And while the Keys are not as Marina in Islamorada is a Keys institution. The food against Haitians ensued. Fournier and the other worker father died at age 40. In medical school, well-known for beaches as other parts of Florida, a is good and reasonably priced, with everything doctors were blasted for committing bad sci- he was keenly aware that he hadn’t shared few spots - like lovely Sombrero Beach in Marathon from fish tacos to Key lime pie, but the main attrac- ence, asking biased questions, failing to employ many of the privileges enjoyed by most of his - are worth a visit. tion is what you see, not what you eat. Outdoor Haitian Creole translators when talking with classmates - they were the sons of lawyers and But wherever your wanderings through the tables overlook the water, which is crowded with their patients and targeting an immigrant com- doctors, while he was selling his own blood to Keys might take you, chances are you’ll encounter tarpon. munity derided as “boat people.” Now, some 35 help pay for the engagement ring he gave to some of the islands’ many creatures on land, in the years later, Fournier is one of the Haitian com- the woman he courted with dates in the med- sea or flying overhead. Tarpon fish crowd the docks TINY DEER munity’s biggest champions: A man whose ear- ical school cafeteria. at waterfront restaurants, birds and tiny Key deer As you get to the Lower Keys, signs warn you to ly missteps led to a career dedicated to improv- He wanted to work with the poor - circum- abound in nature preserves, and stingrays can be slow down and watch for Key deer, an endangered ing access to medical care for Haitians in Miami stances he found familiar - and after completing seen through glass-bottomed boats at John and back home. his residency at the University of Miami hospital, Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. And six-toed cats species. The small animals with white tails can often be seen by the roadside in the vicinity of Big he spent two years practicing medicine in rural have the run of the place at Ernest Hemingway’s KEY LARGO: Visitors on the Spirit of Pioneer of the movement Virginia. Fournier’s return to Miami to teach home in Key West. Here are some details. Pine and No Name Keys, which are part of the Pennekamp tour boat peer through viewing “I think I believe in reincarnation, and I’m public health in 1978 coincided with the arrivals 8,000-acre (3,340-hectare) National Key Deer ports above the coral reef off Key Largo, Fla. convinced he was Haitian in a different life, of thousands of Haitians, mostly by boat. When UNDER THE SEA Refuge. But you won’t find a traditional park because he has given and done so much for these Haitians got sick, they lacked the money entrance. Instead there are a few trails accessed TURTLES One of the first major attractions you hit driving Sick and injured sea turtles have their very own Haiti and the Haitian community,” says Dr Marie- to go anywhere else but Miami’s public hospital, through the Keys from Miami or Fort Lauderdale is from Key Deer Boulevard where you can take a Denise Gervais, a professor of medicine at the exposing Fournier for the first time to Haitian short hike. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter a deer or hospital in Marathon at mile marker 48.5. The Turtle Pennekamp Park. Glass-bottomed boat tours are Hospital has released more than 1,300 rehabilitat- University of Miami who works with Fournier in culture and AIDS. offered three times a day to the offshore coral reef. two in the brush in a moment of mutual surprise. a network of school-based health clinics. ed turtles into the wild since it was founded in The tours take about 2 1/2 hours and you’re likely 1986. Gervais, a native of Haiti, remembers feeling Terrified of infections to see sharks, stingrays and smaller tropical fish DOLPHINS the stigma about Haitians and AIDS as she pur- “The people in the hospital, they were going through the clear, angled panels in the floor of the The Dolphin Research Center in Marathon on sued her medical degree. For a time, even after nuts,” is how Fournier remembers those early HEMINGWAY’S CATS boat once you reach the reef. Snorkeling and other Grassy Key offers hands-on training in the care of The Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum in Key a ban on Haitians donating blood in the US was days of the AIDS epidemic. He would step into boating excursions throughout the Keys offer marine mammals for would-be professional care- lifted, she stopped giving blood just to avoid elevators at Jackson Memorial Hospital to see West offers an entertaining look at the legendary views of wildlife as well. givers and trainers. But the center also welcomes writer’s life and times, and you don’t have to be a being questioned about her heritage. Gervais orderlies dressed head to toe in protective suits visitors daily, offering narrated presentations every sees Fournier as a pioneer of the movement to just to transport AIDS patients, whom some res- fan of his fiction or films made from his work to RESCUED BIRDS half-hour with the opportunity to observe the cen- enjoy the guided tour. Stories of his travels, his improve health care for Haitians, not as the idents refused to examine. When he got home Also in Key Largo, the Florida Keys Wild Bird ter’s dolphins and sea lions. Pricey interactive expe- cause of the stigma. from work his wife, terrified of infection, women and his passions - hunting, deep-sea fish- Center (near mile marker 93) is a sanctuary for res- riences are also available, such as a 20-minute “Looking back, obviously he wrote some ordered him to shower before he did anything ing, bullfighting - are fun to hear whether or not cued and rehabilitated wild birds. You’ll see falcons, “Dolphin Dip” for $119 which involves interacting article, but the scientific community had no else. — AP you’re familiar with books like “The Old Man and owls, cormorants and more in large cages, but with a dolphin in the water. the Sea” or “A Farewell to Arms.” — AP

WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

The Regency Hotel launches ‘French Connection’ at Silk Road

iven its unique location on the shores different dishes from all over the world cooked Invitees enjoyed dishes prepared by Chef array of desserts. The French gastronomy mour in zucchini crust and butter sauce, of The Arabian Gulf and with a view of by professional chefs, it introduced Australia Christophe Buffille, winner of numerous inter- adventure includes items like “Saumon “Navarin d agneau au champignons” with GThe Regency’s gardens and swimming Week, The Thai Feast, Spanish Week and much national culinary awards and Executive Sous Bellevue sauce gribiche” a rich appetizer dish mushrooms. As for desserts, Chef Buffille pre- pools, the hotel’s restaurant Silk Road is con- more. And once again The Regency presents a Chef of The Regency Hotel. Chef Christophe with salmon and mustard, “Salade tiede sented guests with “Tarte aux pommes”, sidered to be one of the finest restaurants in new extensive culinary offering during the prepared a flavorful and aromatic buffet with a pomme de terre hareng” which is herring and “Meringue” and much more to conclude this Kuwait that serves a full buffet of international month of June. The hotel launched ‘French number of rich dishes, starting off with salads potato salad and more appetizers. Guests also culinary journey. dishes. As a continuation to The Regency’s Connection’ on June 7 in the presence of and appetizers, continuing with different main enjoyed main dishes that include “Merou en efforts to offer guests the opportunity to taste members of the media. dishes and ending the night with a delicious croute de courgette Beurre blan” cooked ham- MoH celebrates 3 successful years of training with CCE he Center for Continuing Education (CCE) at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) concluded a six-week General TEnglish course offered to employees of the Ministry of Health (MoH) on May 28. CCE has been working closely with the MoH since the establishment of their relationship in 2010, and has tailored intensive language programs specifically to train professionals from the Ministry. To date, more than 330 employees from MoH have successful- ly completed programs created by CCE over the past three years. In recognition of this and to celebrate the third successful year of cooperation between CCE and MoH, Buthaina Al-Kubaizi, Director of CCE, invited Fawaz Al-Gharaballi, Controller of Training for the Training and Development Department at MoH, along with members of his training team, Bedour Ali and Reem Al-Dalmani, to meet and provide feedback on the programs and discuss future endeavors. During the visit, Al-Khubaizi presented the MoH team with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of AUK. CCE was established in 2004 and, in addition to offering lan- guage courses in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, offers an array of courses and workshops aimed to assist in the personal and professional development of individuals and groups within the community. Course offerings are specifically tailored to meet the needs of their clients, whether they are independent groups or corporations. In addition to the courses and workshops, CCE also offers proctoring services throughout the year for universi- ties and examining bodies worldwide. World Environment Day celebrations at IES

he Earth and its inhabitants are facing an unprece- produce awe-inspiring charts with slogans like ‘Modern dented situation with the rising levels of carbon diox- technology owes an apology to ecology’, ‘Only when the Tide in the atmosphere. More than a threat, global last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the warming has become a reality. The United Nations last fish been caught will make us realize that we cannot Environment Program (UNEP) identifies June 5 as the eat money.’ The competition was adjudged by the senior World Environment Day. Every year a theme is chosen by staff members. Prizes and certificates to the winners will be UNEP to observe this day. The theme selected for 2014 is given away in the morning assembly next week. “Raise your voice and not the sea level.” Sensing the sensibilities, students of Indian Educational Earth parade School, Kuwait (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) sprang into action The ‘earth parade’ was another interesting activity that to mark the World Environment Day majestically in all its mesmerized the onlookers. Students of grades 7 and 8 intents and purposes on the 5th of June. An assortment of paraded themselves in green outfits with flash cards bear- activities was conducted under the aegis of the Social ing slogans befitting the occasion. Science, Science and English Departments in collaboration Grade 11 students joined the primary kids in the morn- with the Student Supreme Council of the school. ing assembly. A special earth song was composed and pre- The World Environment Day wave swept all the classes sented by the music maniacs among the eleventh graders in the on the 5th of June. Right from kindergarten to senior in the assembly. ‘World Environment Day’ thoughts were secondary classes, an all-inclusive array of activities was shared by the eleventh graders with all the Bhavanites in organized by the environment-sensitive students and the morning assembly. teachers of IES. Beach cleaning Tiny tots turn green Grade 12 students, dedicated to the cause of The most joyous celebrants of the World Environment ‘Conservation of Nature’ volunteered to clean Shaab Beach. Day within the campus were the peppy kids of kinder- The students trashed several of plastic waste from the garten. As part of the ‘Go Green Celebrations’ planned for beach. They also spent the day hoeing the beach as well as the KG, the tiny tots staged a skit on the theme ‘Save our its surrounding areas, leaving it spic and span for the Earth.’ The children and the teachers attired in green added evening beach-goers. jollity and festivity to the day’s events. Waste Warriors Special assembly Another initiative taken by the students of IES was the The Primary Wing of IES organized a special morning launching of the club ‘Waste Warriors.’ The students have assembly to convey the message ‘protect our Environment’. pledged to reduce the use and wastage of paper so that The young students emphasized on the importance of more and more trees can be saved from felling. Therefore, conserving nature for the generations to come. Speeches students have kept separate bins for paper waste so that were delivered at the morning assembly to sensitize the the same can be segregated from other inorganic waste children to the ‘dangers of global warming and increasing materials. The paper waste thus collected will be sent for carbon dioxide emissions in the environment.’ recycling. In the last academic session also students had collected about 800 kg of paper waste and the same was Literary events sent for recycling. The English Department of IES propelled the students to actively take part in a slew of activities including versifi- Principal’s message cation, compare and contrast two poems on the theme The events of the day were concluded in the afternoon. ‘nature’, poster designing, and speeches on the theme Principal T.Premkumar exhorted the students to pay heed ‘Raise your voice and not the sea level.’ to the UN call ‘Raise Your Voice and Not the Sea Level’. He The icing on the cake was indeed the activities planned asked the students and teachers not to limit their ‘conser- by the Social Studies and Science Departments of IES such vation of nature’ activities with the mere celebration of as ‘Best out of Waste Competition’, ‘Slogan Writing’, ‘Earth World Environment Day. He asked them to be always a part Parade’, and ‘Beach Cleaning.’ of clean-up campaigns, recycling drives, walk-to-work days, plastic purges, tree planting drives, electricity saving cam- Best out of waste paigns, and even social media campaigns - every effort to Students of classes 5 and 6 took part in the ‘Best out of mitigate the ill-effects of global warming and climate Waste’ competition and crafted an assortment of useful change. He reiterated that Bhavan has always strived to household gear and showpieces. The exhibition of these make a difference by sensitizing the young minds to the exhibits attracted a crowd comprising teachers, students social and environmental problems and thereby fostering and parents that were highly appreciative of the inge- their social and environmental sensibilities. He added that niousness of the innovative children. Bhavan believes in the maxim ‘refinement through educa- tion’ and not in ‘insular and blinkered methods of educa- Slogan writing tion.’ Students of grades 5-12 partook in the Slogan Writing Competition. The joint efforts of the students were dis- played on the classroom doors in the form of colourful Bristol boards. The students combined art and literature to WHAT’S ON MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 Iranian film ‘The Cow’ screened

Patrons of The Scene watched the film ‘The Cow’, which was directed by Daryoush Maharjawi. This film is considered among the first of Iran’s new wave films and is 105 minutes long. The film stars Ezzatallah Intizami, Maheen Shihabi, Ali Naseerman, and Jamsheed Mashiki. It is worth mentioning that The Scene organizes a cinema event every Saturday under the patronage of Al-Sanabel Al-Thahabiya Establishment and Dunkin’ Donuts.

Marina Hotel Kuwait announces new Executive Assistant Manager

arina Hotel Kuwait yesterday and marketing activities to maximize hotel announced Ziad Boujaber as revenue. MExecutive Assistant Manager In Moreover, the hotel also announced a Charge of Sales & Marketing. An accom- number of promotions across various plished leader with over 17 years of valu- departments in recognition of the employ- able experience in the hospitality industry, ee’s dedication and hard work. Tony Boujaber has been a vital member of Tannous was promoted to Assistant Food & Marina Hotel’s management team. For the Beverage Manager In Charge of Banquet, past three years, Boujaber was Marina Houssam Abou Dargham promoted to Hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing, where Restaurants Manager, Mohamed Rashan he consistently strengthened business ties promoted to Executive Housekeeper, and with existing clients and stakeholders, as Ahmed Elfeky promoted to Assistant well as generating leads for new business. Personnel Manager. In his new role, he will not only support his Nabil Hammoud, General Manager, prior duties, but will also assist in the devel- Marina Hotel Kuwait, said, “These promo- opment of strategies and carry out sales tions are a testament to the deep strength and tenure within our various depart- ments. We have been very impressed with our five employees’ performance and applaud them for their hard work. Their boundless enthusiasm and strong track record of delivering outstanding results will further strengthen our hotel’s leadership position. We congratulate Ziad Boujaber, Tony Tannous, Mohamed Rashan, Houssam Abou Dargham and Ahmed Elfeky and will continue extending our full support.” Marina Hotel Kuwait continues to appre- ciate and recognize employees for their efficiency and exceptional service towards guests. Employees are always encouraged to aim higher and work better through constant commitment always striving for Oula Fuel Company organized a ceremony to award a number of staff members from the project management, safety management and quality Ziad Boujaber excellence. control sectors for their contributions at the Omariya fuel station. SUKA-RI supports Indonesia presidential polls

embers of Indonesian society Indonesia Presidential Election July 4, and investment company in Kuwait and chairman of said SUKA-RI. The event was Head of Campaign Team for Prabowo- through the newly established 2014, and reaffirmed their support to the Noor Aziz, outstanding student at the held by 98 representatives of Indonesian Hatta Presidential and Vice President MSUKA-RI, Indonesian Voice of Presidential and Vice President candidate, Kuwait University who currently works at a senior figures around Kuwait. During the Candidate, to deliver the declaration of Aspiration and Empowerment (Suara dan Prabowo - Hatta. SUKA-RI is founded by ministry in Kuwait. Also present were declaration, the committee conducted a SUKA-RI support to the said candidate. Karya Rakyat Indonesia - SUKA-RI), Dian Setio Budy, a professional who Chairman of the Prosperous Justice Party teleconference with Mahfud MD former declared support for the execution of worked at the one of the leading finance (PKS) Kuwait Branch who served as the the Chairman of Constitutional Court, the TV PROGRAMS MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

Africa 05:15 The Chase 10:45 Come Dine With Me 06:05 Dancing On Ice 09:55 Austin & Ally 01:50 Craft Wars 11:35 Masterchef: The Professionals 07:30 Lewis 10:15 A.N.T. Farm 02:40 My Teen Is Pregnant And So 12:25 Bargain Hunt 09:20 Take On The Twisters 10:40 Good Luck Charlie Am I 00:45 Sharks Of Palau 13:10 Homes Under The Hammer 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 11:05 Suite Life On Deck 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 01:35 Animal Cops Houston 14:05 Food & Drink 11:10 Emmerdale 11:25 Jessie 03:55 Long Island Medium 02:25 Sharks Of Palau 14:30 Come Dine With Me: South 12:00 Coronation Street 11:50 That’s So Raven 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress 03:15 Gangland Killers Africa 12:30 The Chase 12:15 Hannah Montana 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 04:05 Shamwari: A Wild Life 15:20 Come Dine With Me 13:20 Dancing On Ice 13:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 04:30 Shamwari: A Wild Life 16:10 Masterchef: The Professionals 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 13:25 Wizards Of Waverly Place 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 04:55 Animal Cops Houston 17:05 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 15:35 Take On The Twisters 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 07:00 What Not To Wear 05:45 Treehouse Masters 17:30 Bargain Hunt 16:30 Shetland 14:10 Jessie 07:50 Here Comes Honey Boo Boo 14:35 Dog With A Blog 06:35 Wildlife SOS 18:15 Beat My Build 17:25 Seven Dwarves 08:15 Here Comes Honey Boo Boo 15:00 Good Luck Charlie 08:40 World’s Worst Mum 07:00 Animal Airport 19:10 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 18:20 Murdoch Mysteries 15:25 Liv And Maddie 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras 07:25 My Cat From Hell Notebook: Cosmo Cook 19:10 Coronation Street 15:50 Gravity Falls 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress 08:15 Wildest Indochina 19:35 Come Dine With Me 19:35 Take On The Twisters 16:10 A.N.T. Farm 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress 09:10 Too Cute! 21:20 Antiques Roadshow 20:30 Shetland 16:35 A.N.T. Farm 11:10 Cake Boss 10:05 Natural World 22:15 Bargain Hunt 21:25 Seven Dwarves 17:00 Dog With A Blog 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 11:00 Animal Precinct 23:00 Beat My Build 22:20 Coronation Street 22:50 Emmerdale 17:20 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 Little People, Big World 11:55 Animal Airport 17:45 Liv And Maddie 12:25 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 18:10 Jessie 13:15 Extreme Cheapskates 12:50 Bondi Vet 18:30 Austin & Ally 14:05 Craft Wars 13:45 The Jeff Corwin Experience 18:55 Mako Mermaids 14:55 Extreme Couponing 14:40 Natural World 19:20 Violetta 15:20 Cake Boss 15:30 Tanked 00:20 You Have Been Warned 20:05 Liv And Maddie 15:45 What Not To Wear 16:30 Wildest Indochina 01:10 How Techies Changed The 00:00 The Truth Behind 20:30 Jessie 16:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 17:25 Cats Of Claw Hill World 01:00 D-Day Sacrifice 20:50 Dog With A Blog 17:25 Say Yes To The Dress 17:50 Cats Of Claw Hill 02:00 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 02:00 Animal Mega Moves 21:15 Mako Mermaids 17:50 Say Yes To The Dress 18:20 Must Love Cats 02:45 Kings Of Construction 03:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 21:40 Austin & Ally 18:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 19:15 Too Cute! 07:00 Sci-Fi Science 04:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 22:00 Shake It Up 18:40 Little People, Big World 20:10 Preposterous Pets 07:25 Sci-Fi Science 05:00 The Known Universe 22:25 A.N.T. Farm 19:10 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 21:05 Natural World 07:55 Prophets Of Science Fiction 06:00 Alaska Wing Men 22:50 Good Luck Charlie 20:05 Extreme Couponing 22:00 Too Cute! 08:45 You Have Been Warned 07:00 Rescue Ink 23:10 Wolfblood 20:30 Cake Boss 22:55 Preposterous Pets 09:40 Food Factory 08:00 The Truth Behind 21:00 Iyanla, Fix My Life 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 10:05 Food Factory 09:00 D-Day Sacrifice 21:55 Breaking Amish: The 10:30 Kings Of Construction 10:00 Animal Mega Moves Shunning Truth 11:20 NASA’s Greatest Missions 11:00 Wild Untamed Brazil 22:50 Long Island Medium 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive 12:10 Junkyard Wars 12:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 23:15 My Teen Is Pregnant And So 01:00 Extreme Cheapskates 13:00 Things That Move 13:00 The Known Universe Am I 13:30 You Have Been Warned 00:40 Mistresses 14:00 Alaska Wing Men 14:20 Mythbusters 01:30 Waking The Dead 15:00 Rescue Ink 15:10 Junkyard Wars 02:20 The Mimic 16:00 The Truth Behind 16:00 Superships 02:45 The Cafe 17:00 D-Day Sacrifice 16:50 Meteorite Men Childhood changes 03:10 Hunderby 18:00 Animal Mega Moves 17:40 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 03:35 The Job Lot 19:00 Adventure Wanted 18:30 How Techies Changed The for Spain’s eight-year 04:00 Doctor Who Confidential 20:00 Somewhere In China World 04:15 Doctor Who 21:00 Street Monkeys 19:20 How Tech Works 05:00 Nina And The Neurons 22:00 Salvage Code Red old queen-to-be 19:45 Things That Move 05:15 Poetry Pie 23:00 Close Quarter Battle 20:10 Mythbusters 05:20 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 23:30 Close Quarter Battle 21:00 World’s Top 5 05:40 Jollywobbles 21:50 Nyc: Inside Out 05:50 The Green Balloon Club 22:40 You Have Been Warned 06:15 Nina And The Neurons 23:30 NASA’s Greatest Missions 06:30 Poetry Pie 06:35 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 06:55 Jollywobbles GANGSTER SQUAD ON OSN MOVIES HD 07:05 The Green Balloon Club 07:30 Gavin & Stacey 00:00 The Crazy Ones 08:00 Big Bear Diary 01:30 Saturday Night Live 17:30 ICC World T20I Highlights 08:25 Getting On 00:00 The Soup 02:30 Veep 18:30 ICC World T20I Highlights 09:00 Keeping Up Appearances 00:30 Opening Act 03:00 Dads 19:30 IPL Highlights 01:25 Style Star 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 09:30 Doctors 03:30 The Neighbors 00:00 Suits 01:50 Style Star 01:00 Buried-PG15 21:00 IPL Highlights 10:00 Casualty 04:00 Seinfeld 01:00 Top Gear (US) 02:20 E!ES 03:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark 22:00 IPL Highlights 10:50 Only Fools And Horses 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 02:00 Supernatural 03:15 Extreme Close-Up Stranger-PG15 23:00 IPL Highlights 11:25 The Weakest Link Jimmy Fallon 03:00 Nip/Tuck 04:10 E! Investigates 05:00 Moonrise Kingdom-PG15 12:10 Big Bear Diary 05:30 Two And A Half Men 04:00 Burn Notice 05:05 The E! True Hollywood Story 07:00 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Dog 12:40 Getting On 06:00 Better Off Ted 05:00 Witches Of East End (From left) Spain’s King Juan Carlos, Queen Sofia, 06:00 THS Days-PG 13:10 Keeping Up Appearances 06:30 Friends 06:00 Suits Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia attend a 07:50 Style Star 09:00 Carnage-PG15 13:40 Doctors 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:00 C.S.I. New York reception marking Spain’s Armed Forces Day at 08:20 E! News 08:00 Seinfeld 10:30 Lincoln-PG15 14:10 Casualty 08:00 Warehouse 13 00:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To the Royal palace in Madrid yesterday. — AFP 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 08:30 Two And A Half Men 13:00 Now Is Good-PG15 15:00 The Weakest Link 09:00 Top Gear (US) Basics 11:10 E!ES 09:00 Dads 15:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 ike many eight-year-old girls, she eats in the school 15:50 Gavin & Stacey 10:00 Witches Of East End 00:30 Extra Virgin 12:05 E! News 09:30 Last Man Standing 17:00 Carnage-PG15 canteen and goes to ballet class. Her friends know her 16:20 Lark Rise To Candleford 11:00 Burn Notice 00:55 Siba’s Table 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 10:00 Melissa & Joey 18:45 Life Of Pi-PG as Leonor-but soon they will have to call her 17:15 Eastenders 12:00 Emmerdale 01:20 Cooking For Real L 13:35 E!ES 10:30 Friends 21:00 Gangster Squad-18 “Highness”. Her childhood will not be the same now that her 17:45 Doctors 12:30 Coronation Street 01:45 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 14:30 Style Star 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 23:00 A Good Day To Die Hard- grandfather Juan Carlos is stepping down as king of Spain. 18:15 32 Brinkburn Street 14:00 Warehouse 13 03:25 Andy Bates American Street 15:00 Keeping Up With The Jimmy Fallon PG15 Once her father Felipe is crowned king, she will no longer 19:00 Roger & Val Have Just Got In 15:00 Suits Feasts Kardashians 12:00 Better Off Ted 19:30 The Mimic 16:00 Emmerdale 03:50 Iron Chef America be “Infanta”, but Princess-and one day Queen. She will be 17:00 The Drama Queen 12:30 Seinfeld 20:00 Waking The Dead 16:30 Coronation Street 04:40 Chopped the youngest direct royal heir in Europe. 18:00 E! News 13:00 Two And A Half Men 20:50 Spooks 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:30 Unwrapped She will step out for the cameras to zoom in on her blue 19:00 E!ES 13:30 Friends 21:45 Hunderby 18:00 Warehouse 13 00:00 Celeste And Jesse Forever- 05:50 Tastiest Places To Chowdown eyes, blonde hair and toothy smile. Royal-watchers say 20:00 Keeping Up With The 14:00 The Neighbors 22:10 The Mystery Of Edwin Drood 19:00 Drop Dead Diva PG15 06:10 The Next Food Network Star those may be just the charms the Spanish royal family Kardashians 14:30 Last Man Standing 23:00 Lark Rise To Candleford 20:00 Royal Pains 02:00 Skyline-PG15 07:00 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam needs to save its image. “Until now, her parents have delib- 21:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On 15:00 Melissa & Joey 21:00 Dracula 04:00 Disturbia-PG15 07:25 Roadtrip With G. Garvin erately protected her so that she is not in the papers all the 22:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 16:30 Better Off Ted 22:00 Game Of Thrones 06:00 Love Birds-PG15 07:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives time. Those days are over,” said the prince’s biographer, Jose 23:00 Worst Thing I Ever... 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 23:00 Nip/Tuck 08:00 Oz The Great And Powerful- 08:15 Iron Chef America Apezarena. “They will still try to minimize the impact on her 23:30 Worst Thing I Ever... 18:00 Community PG 09:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To personal life, but soon she is going to be the heir to the 19:00 Last Man Standing 10:15 Zambezia-PG Basics throne. It will change her life,” he added. “I feel a bit sorry for 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 12:00 Jack The Giant Slayer-PG15 09:30 Amazing Wedding Cakes her because the change is going to take away some of her 00:30 Bargain Hunt 20:00 The Goldbergs 14:00 From Prada To Nada-PG15 10:20 Easy Chinese freedom.” 01:15 Beat My Build 20:30 The Crazy Ones 16:00 Oz The Great And Powerful- 10:45 Andy Bates Street Feasts 05:15 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 21:00 The Daily Show Global 00:00 Grave Encounters-18 PG 11:10 Tastiest Places To Chowdown ‘Normal’ childhood Notebook: Cosmo Cook CHOICE HD Edition 02:00 Diggstown-PG15 18:15 Down The Shore-PG15 07:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 11:35 Grill It! With Bobby Flay Prince Felipe and his wife Letizia were already darlings of 00:05 Blandings 21:30 The Colbert Report Global 04:00 Hudson Hawk-PG15 20:00 The East-18 07:50 Bargain Hunt 12:00 Reza’s African Kitchen the celebrity press when Leonor was born on October 31, 00:35 Dancing On Ice Edition 06:00 Armageddon-PG15 22:00 Insidious-PG15 08:35 Homes Under The Hammer 12:25 Charly’s Cake Angels 2005. Letizia, an ex-newsreader, has made countless front 02:00 Emmerdale 22:30 Silicon Valley 08:30 The Bourne Legacy-PG15 09:30 Food & Drink 12:50 Siba’s Table pages. The births of Leonor and her sister Sofia, who is now 02:55 Coronation Street 23:00 Veep 10:45 Batman: The Dark Knight 09:55 Come Dine With Me: South 13:15 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco seven, turned them into possibly the cutest royal family in 03:25 Lewis 23:30 The Goldbergs Returns Part Two-PG15 13:40 Andy Bates Brazilian Street the world: a tall prince, glamorous mother and two little 12:15 Riddle-PG15 Feasts 01:00 International Rugby Union girls with long blonde hair. The couple have kept their 14:00 The Bourne Legacy-PG15 14:05 The Next Food Network Star 16:15 Dante’s Peak-PG15 03:00 International Rugby Union daughters largely out of view so their childhoods can be as 05:00 NRL Premiership 14:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 18:15 Riddle-PG15 15:20 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives normal as possible. 20:00 Concrete Blondes-18 07:00 Golfing World The few glimpses of the girls allowed by the palace have 08:00 International Rugby Union 15:45 Chopped 22:00 My Soul To Take-PG15 16:35 Tastiest Places To Chowdown shown them smiling as they hold hands with their mother 10:00 International Rugby Union and father or their grandmother, Queen Sofia. “Leonor is a 12:00 Golfing World 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives very intelligent child, very active but calm. She faces the 13:00 Live Tennis Gerry Weber cameras with great serenity,” said Apezarena. “She is very Open 18:15 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:40 Siba’s Table caring towards her sister. She makes sure to give her advice 00:00 Peep World-18 15:00 Live Tennis Gerry Weber 19:05 Reza, Spice Prince Of India and help,” he said. “She does the same things as her class- 02:00 Office Space-PG15 Open 19:30 Andy Bates Brazilian Street mates, eats in school, goes to ballet class, and studies 04:00 Father Of The Bride-PG15 17:00 Live Tennis Gerry Weber Feasts English.” She is said to speak good English, learned from her 06:00 Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot- Open 19:55 Roadtrip With G. Garvin grandmother and a British nanny as well as at Holy Mary of PG15 19:00 Live Tennis Gerry Weber 20:20 Chopped the Rose Bushes, her expensive private school in western 08:00 Surf’s Up-PG Open 21:10 The Next Food Network Star 10:00 Paranorman-PG 21:00 World Cup Of Darts Madrid. 22:00 Andy Bates Brazilian Street 12:00 Father Of The Bride-PG15 Feasts 14:00 The Impostors-PG15 Learning who you are 22:25 Andy Bates Brazilian Street 16:00 Paranorman-PG History is changing the childhood routines of Leonor de Feasts 18:00 Father Of The Bride Part II- 01:00 HSBC Sevens World Series Borbon y Ortiz, however. Just weeks before the king 22:50 Jenny Morris Cooks The PG15 Highlights announced his abdication, Leonor made her first official Riviera 20:00 Servitude-PG15 01:30 PGA European Tour royal outing. In a white cardigan and green shorts, she 23:15 Jenny Morris Cooks The 22:00 Peep World-18 06:30 HSBC Sevens World Series stood beside her father in his blue air force uniform to Riviera Highlights watch a ceremonial fly-past on May 2. Royal-watchers say 23:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 07:00 World Cup Of Darts the timing was not random. Juan Carlos, 76, had already 10:00 NRL Premiership decided to step aside and the outing was the start of 12:00 Live NRL Premiership Leonor’s new higher-profile role as future heir to the throne. 14:00 Web.Com Tour When Felipe is crowned, Letizia will become queen and 01:00 Dark Tide-PG15 16:00 Champions Tour Leonor will take the title Princess of Asturias. She is expect- 03:00 Me And You-PG15 18:00 Golfing World ed to follow the same preparation for the crown as her 05:00 Kathmandu Lullaby-PG15 00:00 Violetta 19:00 PGA Tour Highlights father did, with military training when she is older. At 18, 07:00 The Double-PG15 00:45 The Hive 20:00 PGA European Highlights she must swear loyalty to the king and the constitution. 09:00 Dark Tide-PG15 00:50 Art Attack 21:00 NHL “They have been explaining to her for some time who she 11:00 The Double-PG15 23:00 International Rugby Union 01:15 Art Attack 13:00 Centre Place-PG15 01:40 Wolfblood is, who her parents and grandparents are, and what their 15:00 Emperor-PG15 02:05 Wolfblood role is in the country,” said Apezarena, who has written sev- 17:00 Love And Honor-PG15 02:30 Violetta eral books about the prince’s family. “She has been listening 18:45 Jobs-PG15 03:15 The Hive to that, but she is still very young.” 21:00 Barney’s Version-18 03:20 Art Attack 00:30 ICC Cricket 360 23:00 Machine Gun Preacher-18 03:45 Art Attack Pretty face, saving face 01:00 IPL Highlights 04:10 Jungle Junction Behind the walls of the royal Zarzuela Palace and Holy 02:00 IPL Highlights 04:25 Jungle Junction Mary of the Rose Bushes, Leonor may hear little of the noisy 03:00 IPL Highlights 04:35 Jungle Junction street protests by those who want Spain to be a republic. 04:00 IPL Highlights 04:45 Jungle Junction Spain’s main political forces, the ruling Popular Party and 05:00 IPL Highlights 05:00 Art Attack opposition Socialists, back Felipe’s succession however and 06:00 IPL Highlights 05:25 Art Attack are expected to speed it through parliament, with the new 00:45 A League Of Their Own 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 05:50 Mouk 03:00 Margot At The Wedding 07:30 ICC World T20I Highlights king likely to be sworn in on June 19. 06:00 Austin & Ally 05:00 The Key Man 08:30 ICC World T20I Highlights Felipe will then have to win over Spaniards fed up at 06:25 Dog With A Blog 07:00 Of Two Minds 09:30 IPL Highlights corruption scandals and two recessions. For that, the new 06:45 Mako Mermaids 09:00 Jack The Bear 10:30 IPL Highlights heiress could be one of his biggest assets. “Whenever the 07:10 A.N.T. Farm 11:00 Not Without My Daughter 11:30 ICC Cricket 360 infantas Leonor and Sofia appear in public, they win the 07:35 A.N.T. Farm 13:00 Crazy / Beautiful 12:00 ICC World T20I Highlights affection of the people. They are very pretty girls and 07:55 Good Luck Charlie 15:00 Saving Grace B. Jones 13:00 ICC World T20I Highlights seem very well brought up,” Apezarena said. “We are 08:20 That’s So Raven 16:45 Not Without My Daughter 14:00 IPL Highlights going to be seeing a lot more of those images from now 08:45 Suite Life On Deck 18:45 Reign Over Me 15:00 IPL Highlights on, and they are going to help the new king to win over 09:05 Dog With A Blog 21:00 Seven Pounds 16:00 ICC Cricket 360 the people.” — AFP 09:30 Shake It Up GRAVE ENCOUNTERS ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 23:15 Cosmopolis 16:30 ICC World T20I Highlights Classifieds

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY ACCOMMODATION (05/06/2014 TO 11/06/2014) Abraq Khaitan sharing bed space available for decent Goan bachelor from June SHARQIA-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG-3D) 4:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:15 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED in C-AC building. Beside MALEFICENT (DIG) 3:00 PM FANAR-3 X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 9:45 PM main road & bus stop with EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:00 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 12:30 PM BLENDED (DIG) 9:45 PM BAIRAQ-1 wife, kitchen facility. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:15 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 2:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:30 AM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM Contact: 97523316 or EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 9:45 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 5:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 2:45 PM 24745162. (C 4741) EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:05 AM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:00 PM 360º- 1 HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM 7-6-2014 A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 9:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 2:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM SHARQIA-2 BLENDED (DIG) 9:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 9:15 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 1:30 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 11:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 7:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 11:15 PM FOR SALE HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM NO THU NO WED CHANGE OF NAME HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 5:45 PM FANAR-4 Special Show “EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG)” 7:00 PM BLENDED (DIG) 11:15 PM GMC Envoy registered in MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 1:45 PM THU WED 2008 in excellent condition I, Patan Basha, holding A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 10:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM for sale, SUV maintained by Indian Passport No: MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:15 AM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 6:15 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:05 AM BAIRAQ-2 dealer and having full serv- E8322965, hereby change MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 8:30 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 2:00 PM ice record. Contact: my name to Patan Mubarak SHARQIA-3 MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:30 PM 360º- 2 GODZILLA (DIG) 4:00 PM 99893082. (C 4743) Khan. ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:30 AM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 6:45 PM 9-6-2014 9-6-2014 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 2:45 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 3:15 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 8:30 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 4:45 PM FANAR-5 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 5:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:30 PM Volvo model 2003 - S40, 4 I, Ronda Ramakrishna (my ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 6:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:00 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 7:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:15 AM cylinder - run 1,14,000 km, old name) hereby change JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:30 PM HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 3:30 PM Special Show “EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG)” 7:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED engine, gear tyres, battery, my name to Rondla BLENDED (DIG) 8:30 PM HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 6:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 9:30 PM and AC all in excellent con- Ramakrishna Reddy (my ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:45 PM NIREL (DIG) (Tulu) 6:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 11:30 PM BAIRAQ-3 dition, black color, interior new name. Address: 1/70-A, ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:30 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 9:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:15 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 1:15 PM and exterior neat and clean, Atlur (Vil, Post & Mandal), X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 12:30 AM HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 3:30 PM all service done till today at YSR (Dist.) MUHALAB-1 360º- 3 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 6:30 PM Volvo service center. For (C 4736) ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:30 PM MARINA-1 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:45 PM serious buyers, call LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY’S RETURN (DIG) 2:30 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 2:00 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 11:00 PM 5-6-2014 69698484 / 99072651. ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 4:30 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 4:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 7:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:15 AM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 6:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 6:30 PM NO THU NO SUN+TUE+WED JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:45 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 8:15 PM Special Show “EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG)” 7:30 PM LOST TUITION BLENDED (DIG) 8:45 PM BLENDED (DIG) 8:15 PM THU PLAZA ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 11:00 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 10:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 4:00 PM Arabic Teacher for non- I, Abdurrahman Hassan Al- ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:00 AM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:15 AM GODZILLA (DIG) 12:30 AM FRI+SAT+MON native speakers beginners & Qaddah, hereby state that I HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 6:00 PM advanced - All levels of the have lost my Syrian MUHALAB-2 MARINA-2 AL-KOUT.1 MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:15 PM Arabic language - IGCSE & Passport. Number: MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:30 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 1:45 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 12:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:15 PM GCSE, language training syl- A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 3:30 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 4:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 3:00 PM 003327362 - issued in Syria. labus foreign and common- MALEFICENT (DIG) 5:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 6:15 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 5:15 PM LAILA Date of issue: 12/3/2008. wealth office. Only KD 10 for A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 7:45 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 8:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 7:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 6:15 PM Date of expiry: 11/3/2014. an hour & free books. MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:00 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:45 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 9:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:30 PM (C 4737) Contact: Mr Khalid: A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 12:05 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 1:00 AM MALEFICENT (DIG) 11:45 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST 10:45 PM 5-6-2014 NO SUN+TUE+WED 99619998. (C 4740) MUHALAB-3 MARINA-3 AJIAL.1 5-6-2014 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 1:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:30 PM AL-KOUT.2 NIREL (DIG) (Tulu) 3:45 PM MATRIMONIAL HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 3:30 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 1:45 PM UN SAMAYAL ARAYIL (DIG) (Tamil) 4:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 3:45 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 5:45 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 3:45 PM SAT+MON Wanted bride: BE mechani- HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG-3D) 6:00 PM MALEFICENT (DIG-3D) 8:00 PM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 5:45 PM UN SAMAYAL ARAYIL (DIG) (Tamil) 7:00 PM cal boy from Kerala - EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 8:15 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 10:00 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 7:45 PM NO FRI Roman Catholic/28 yrs/ 168 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG-3D) 10:30 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 12:05 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM NIREL (DIG) (Tulu) 6:45 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:45 AM A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST (DIG) 12:45 AM FRI cm, working in Greek AVENUES-1 UN SAMAYAL ARAYIL (DIG) (Tamil) 10:00 PM Construction Co., looking FANAR-1 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 2:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 for alliance from RC girl. MALEFICENT (DIG) 1:00 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 4:15 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:30 PM AJIAL.2 Contact email: EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 3:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 6:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 3:00 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 3:45 PM [email protected] EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 8:15 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 5:30 PM FRI+SAT+MON (C 4739) 112 JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 7:45 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:15 PM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 7:45 PM HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 (DIG) 6:00 PM 5-6-2014 EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:00 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:15 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 10:15 PM MALEFICENT (DIG) 8:15 PM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:15 AM EDGE OF TOMORROW (DIG) 12:30 AM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:15 PM AVENUES-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED Prayer timings FANAR-2 GODZILLA (DIG) 2:00 PM AJIAL.3 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 1:30 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 4:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 3:45 PM Fajr: 03:13 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 3:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 6:45 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:30 PM FRI+SAT+MON Shorook 04:48 THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 5:15 PM JIRAN AL SAAD (DIG) 9:15 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 2:30 PM HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 6:45 PM Duhr: 11:47 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 7:15 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 11:30 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 4:15 PM HOLIDAY (DIG) (HINDI) 9:45 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 9:00 PM THE ANGRIEST MAN IN BROOKLYN (DIG) 6:45 PM Asr: 15:21 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 11:00 PM AVENUES-3 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 8:45 PM AJIAL.4 Maghrib: 18:46 ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 12:45 AM X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST (DIG) 1:30 PM ALIEN ABDUCTION (DIG) 10:30 PM GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (DIG) (Malayalam) 3:30 PM Isha: 20:18

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

Arrival Flights on Monday 9/6/2014 KAC 538 Sohag 13:40 Departure Flights on Monday 9/6/2014 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 FDB 057 Dubai 13:50 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 DLH 637 Dammam 00:35 KAC 562 Amman 15:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 KAC 562 Amman 15:30 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 MSC 403 Asyut 01:30 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 MSC 403 Asyut 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:50 AFG 416 Jeddah 01:30 OMA 645 Muscat 15:50 AFG 416 Jeddah 01:30 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:55 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 KNE 460 Riyadh 15:55 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 KAC 118 New York 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 KAC 118 New York 16:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:50 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 UAE 857 Dubai 16:55 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 UAE 857 Dubai 16:55 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 RJA 644 Amman 03:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 RJA 644 Amman 03:10 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:00 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 RBG 555 Alexandria 05:25 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 RBG 555 Alexandria 05:25 FDB 063 Dubai 18:35 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 FDB 063 Dubai 18:35 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 104 London 18:45 BAW 157 London 06:35 KAC 104 London 18:45 BAW 157 London 06:35 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 FDB 053 Dubai 07:00 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 FDB 053 Dubai 07:00 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 JZR 503 Luxor 07:40 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 JZR 503 Luxor 07:40 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:20 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:20 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:55 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 JZR 189 Dubai 20:25 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:30 KAC 344 Chennai 09:35 KAC 344 Chennai 09:35 AFG 405 Kabul 20:40 AFG 405 Kabul 20:40 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:35 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:35 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 352 Kochi 09:55 KAC 352 Kochi 09:55 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 IRC 6521 Lamerd 10:50 IRC 6521 Lamerd 10:50 FDB 059 Dubai 21:40 FDB 059 Dubai 21:40 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:20 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 SYR 341 Damascus 12:20 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 SYR 341 Damascus 12:20 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 FDB 071 Dubai 12:35 TAR 327 Tunis 22:55 FDB 071 Dubai 12:35 TAR 327 Tunis 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JZR 185 Dubai 22:55 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 579 Sohag 13:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 MSR 579 Sohag 13:05 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 JZR 557 Alexandria 13:15 JZR 557 Alexandria 13:15 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 23:40 KAC 672 Dubai 13:40 KAC 672 Dubai 13:40 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 KAC 538 Sohag 13:40 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 CROSSWORD 573 STAR TRACK

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

This day may be the beginning of a long dreamy time when you find it easy You will often find yourself choosing between comfort and progress. to lose yourself in one flight of fancy or another. Normally clear in your thinking, ideas Progress is occasionally comfortable, but only when you are looking at where you have temporarily become fuzzy, and it is hard to be logical or consistent. Let yourself dream been. Today you choose to improve or enhance your surroundings with trees, flowers and today. Work will go well but it is the quiet moments that make thinking difficult. A little perhaps a vegetable garden. Designate a little area for the younger members of the family writing may help. Busy yourself in new projects that show your bent for beautification, and you could help teach the importance of helping things grow. Perhaps radishes and perhaps planting a vegetable garden or putting in a fish tank. This would be a great time onions will be on your table this summer. This afternoon you may decide to watch a car to treat your kids or the neighbor’s kids to a visit to the zoo. Perhaps you will enjoy a race, participate in team sports or enjoy some trendy pastime with a friend. Your sense of good book or movie later today. Consider the stars tonight. Being more closely involved mission makes for impulsive, sometimes rash, but always brave actions. A restful evening with another person may well become your highest priority. will help you be prepared for the busy week ahead.

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

You may have the opportunity to play the role of guardian angel or mentor Increasing inner confidence helps you emerge from a long period of doubt. to someone in need today. You can demonstrate a great deal of understanding and sensi- Finances are better and you can now pay more attention to the needs you have been push- tivity to the needs of others and you are in a good position to communicate and promote ing aside. There is much to accomplish today. Perhaps some repair work or catch-up work a healing. A very young relative might not want to wait on the next vacation to enjoy needs your attention. You push hard and much energy can be wasted if you do not stop to those children’s books that you have accumulated over the years. Consider mailing a few plan for the end result you want to achieve. You seem to choose friends that plan well, and fun books so they can receive something special in the mail. They will love whatever you today would be a good time to toss around a few ideas with them. This afternoon you can send because you thought of them. Breakthrough thinking is available today and may balance all this hard work with some fun activity. You will be pleased to discover that some- come through your immediate surroundings, home and environment–your support sys- body who opposed you in the past is now more understanding of your viewpoint. It is most tem. You will receive monetary rewards today. important to set aside time for family tonight.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Immediate needs are where your attention is today. Shopping and tending to In a word, it is your emotions and inner strength that holds your innermost chores are high on your to-do list. You have learned to prioritize and this is self together. Your feelings are not just important–they are central to know- good. You have the patience that is necessary for helping friends this afternoon. This could ing more about you. A strong devotional nature becomes apparent to anyone who takes ACROSS products. mean a move or perhaps watching the kids while the parents tend to some difficult project. time to know you. Everything else is centered upon this inner drive and energy. The 1. An implement used to propel or steer a 85. Having no arms. You are good at communicating and conveying yourself to others. You have a lot of energy search for a mate and marriage in particular are crucial for you. Communication with boat. 86. (physics and chemistry) The smallest com- and come across as assertive and in control of whatever is set before you now. You pursue those in a place of worship is possible, enjoyable and uplifting at this time. You are driven 4. An ancient branch of the Semitic lan- your obligations with much emotion and obvious enthusiasm. You are conventional when it ponent of an element having the chemical to unite and find out what togetherness means. Cleaning, health-awareness, shopping comes to your needs and surroundings. Small and less are okay with you. Take it easy and be guages. properties of the element. and cooperation from each member of the family or from friends make your day move good to yourself tonight. 12. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. along easily. Someone will join you today in your fitness program or they will help you. 15. A sudden loss of consciousness resulting DOWN when the rupture or occlusion of a blood ves- 1. English scholastic philosopher and sel leads to oxygen lack in the brain. assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285- 16. An ancient maritime country (a collection 1349). Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) of city states) at eastern end of the 2. A genus of Indriidae. Mediterranean. 3. A switch made from the stems of the rattan There will be less of an impulse now for recognition. There is a growing need to A lazy morning may consist of updating a scrapbook or photograph album. A 17. Having undesirable or negative qualities. palms. enjoy some quality time this day. Perhaps you like to listen to teaching tapes or cycle of nostalgia and domesticity begins now emphasizing a need for security a hobby has taken up space in your creative sector. This time will be less outward and may and a sense of roots. Family, home and relatives play big parts in your life. This mood may 18. Feline mammal usually having thick soft 4. The month following March and preceding promote a frenzy of phone calls to out-of-touch loved ones or friends. You want to belong on fur and being unable to roar. May. call for a change of action. This is not a time of outreach and not necessarily the best point to start any great projects. There is introspection, and you may find yourself letting go of plans a private, intimate and personal level. A hobby is most fun when it is shared, and that is where 19. An acute viral disease of the nervous sys- 5. Botswanan statesman who was the first and projects started in a more outward phase. You may take an interest in your own psyche, a friend might find you this afternoon, playing with a hobby. You may enjoy some time in a tem of warm-blooded animals (usually trans- president of Botswana (1921-1980). religion and spiritual ideas. You take in new impressions. With all of this desire for productive park with a friend later today. Helping others is what you do best; you attract more people to mitted by the bite of a rabid animal). 6. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a time alone, you will still find time to enjoy your friends from time to time, especially today. you than you believe possible. 20. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind skewer usually with vegetables. and raisins and almonds. 7. A blue dye obtained from plants or made 22. According to the Old Testament he was a synthetically. pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel 8. Having relatively few calories. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) (9th century BC). 9. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted You could find that you are appreciated and valued for your feelings and your You always seem to say just what you mean. You will be right-on when it 24. A thick black tar intermediate between by the anterior pituitary. comes to questions of feelings–you may be more interested in matters of psychology, differ- petroleum and asphalt. 10. The branch of computer science that deal ability to get things done. You can always find the resources you require, plus the necessary instruction in how to use them. You have an inner vision and you are able to understand the ent cultures and history. You can find support from all sides when it comes to any sort of men- 26. The length of a straight line passing with writing computer programs that can true picture. This often finds you working as a go-between with others. Today you might use tal activity. A new game or an interesting movie may be the goal for the afternoon. You com- through the center of a circle and connecting solve problems creatively. your special gift for spanning the generation gap by bringing older and younger people municate with accomplished skill and it is stimulating just being with you. Your high degree of two points on the circumference. 11. Tag the base runner to get him out. together. Your wisdom can be shared as you may find yourself involved in settling disputes. mental concentration makes you an excellent student, able to excel in speaking, writing and 27. (British) A minicar used as a taxicab. 12. A gradual decline (in size or strength or Because you love animals so very much, this evening may become your special time to work all types of communication skills. Your ambitions go hand-in-hand with communication and 29. The protruding part of the lower jaw. power or number). in finding homes for lost animals. You may talk with the new owners and help with food and using the mind and the two should never be far apart. The evening has romantic possibilities– 30. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali 13. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. training issues that may be frustrating. a time you may look back on fondly. earth group. 14. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 31. Gully or streambed in North Africa and the mythology. Middle East that remains dry except during 21. (psychology) An urge to accept or Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) rainy season. approach a situation or an object. 34. Oval reproductive body of a fowl (espe- 23. Top part of an apron. Interaction with others is the focus of this day. Neighbors, friends and family Family members may want to talk to you about family business matters. It cially a hen) used as food. 25. Harsh or corrosive in tone. members may take on more importance. Outdoor activity through, perhaps, a tour of a would be wise to listen and take notes. This is nothing serious–just preventative measures 37. (British) Your grandmother. 28. A high-crowned black cap (usually made nearby park, zoo or group garage or yard sale can be enjoyed by many. You have a lot of for future safety and a good feeling of completion and belonging. Break up the sober 40. A digital display that uses liquid crystal of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey energy and tend to be impatient with those who slow your pace–careful. You soak up what moment and open up the discussion to praise and encouragement for others. Some may cells that change reflectivity in an applied and Iran and the Caucasus. you need to see quickly and are ready to go forward with new experiences. You could be think you are older than you are, for you can step in and offer wonderful advice and electric field. 32. A river in north central Switzerland that awed as you may find yourself unexpectedly involved with some influential individuals. This insight. You may even enjoy the thought of being older and probably treat authority, the 42. American poet (born in England) (1907- runs northeast into the Rhine. may be a great time to suggest a future meeting that will give you time to communicate elderly and your teachers with great respect. Life seems to be working with rather than against you so do not hold back. This may include anything from repairs on the house to 1973). 33. A person who is tricked or swindled. some of your ideas. Keep your composure and you will do fine. Many of your friends wish they had thought of your ideas; you are spontaneous. some serious hobby involvement. 43. A radioactive element of the actinide 35. Small genus of Eurasian herbs. series. 36. An effigy in the shape of a man to frighten 44. A unit of current equal to 10 amperes. birds away from seeds. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE 46. An association of people to promote the 38. True firs. Yesterday’s Solution welfare of senior citizens. 39. Smaller of two tall fast-running flightless 48. Large genus of African trees bearing kola birds similar to ostriches but three-toed. nuts. 41. An official prosecutor for a judicial district. 50. Of or relating to or characteristic of the 45. The 3 goddesses of fate or destiny. Bronze Age culture of Crete. 47. A silvery ductile metallic element found 52. The sediment from fermentation of an primarily in bauxite. alcoholic beverage. 49. Rounded like an egg. 54. At any time. 51. A quantity of no importance. 55. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling). 53. The capital and largest city of Yemen. 56. An associate degree in nursing. 57. Sexually transmitted urethritis (usually 58. How long something has existed. caused by chlamydia). 59. An ancient Assyrian city on the River Tigris 60. Make a marcel in a woman's hair. and traditional capital of Assyria. 61. Spider monkeys. 63. A genus of Platalea. 62. A book by Sir Thomas More (1516) 65. Pulled or drawn tight. describing the perfect society on an imagi- 66. Australian shrubs and small trees with nary island. evergreen usually spiny leaves and dense 64. A port in western Israel on the clusters of showy flowers. Mediterranean. 69. Fertility goddess in ancient Greek mythol- 67. In bed. ogy. 68. God of love and erotic desire. 71. Large elliptical brightly colored deep-sea 70. The emotion of hate. fish of Atlantic and Pacific and Mediterranean. 72. Closely confined. 75. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 73. Formerly a large constellation in the from aba cloth. southern hemisphere between Canis Major 76. Foul with waste matter. and the Southern Cross. 79. A drama set to music. 74. A complex red organic pigment contain- 80. A spacecraft that carries astronauts from ing iron and other atoms to which oxygen the command module to the surface of the binds. moon and back. 77. A river in north central Switzerland that 81. Having facets. runs northeast into the Rhine. 83. English prelate noted for his pessimistic 78. Electronic warfare undertaken to prevent sermons and articles (1860-1954). or reduce an enemy's effective use of the 84. A federal agency established to regulate electromagnetic spectrum. the release of new foods and health-related 82. An honorary degree in science. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 Al-Madeena 22418714 Al-Shuhada 22545171 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Al-Shuwaikh 24810598 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Al-Nuzha 22545171 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Sabhan 24742838 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Al-Helaly 22434853 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Al-Faiha 22545051 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967

Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Al-Farwaniya 24711433 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Al-Sulaibikhat 24316983 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Al-Fahaheel 23927002 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh 24316983 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Ahmadi 23980088 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Al-Mangaf 23711183 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Al-Shuaiba 23262845 Rawda 22517733

Adaliya 22517144 Al-Jahra 25610011 Khaldiya 24848075 Al-Salmiya 25616368 Kaifan 24849807 Shamiya 24848913 INTERNATIONAL Shuwaikh 24814507 CALLS Abdullah Salem 22549134

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

GOSSIP

Nicole Scherzinger’s urban pop

icole Scherzinger’s new album is “urban pop”. The former Pussycat Dolls singer has promised fans her new material - the first since her last LP ‘Killer Love’ was released in 2011 0 is worth the wait. She said: N“Hopefully it’ll be worth the wait. I’m really excited about this album - it’s pop, but urban pop. I’ll just let the music speak for itself.” Asked what her new songs are inspired by, Nicole, who is dating racing driver Lewis Hamilton, claims they are about “life and relationships and love.” She added to Britain’s HELLO! maga- zine: “That’s always pretty expected. It’s natural. It’s the easiest thing to write about. It’s what we work off of, right? Live off of, breathe off of, eat off of, sleep off of, right?” The brunette beauty recorded half of the new record in Los Angeles and the rest in Miami but insists she still loves her second home, London, where she lived while she was a judge on ‘The X Factor’. She said: “I love recording in London though. After experienc- ing last summer, I feel like England’s got a bad rep. Last summer was glorious and, during my stay here, even though the weather was a bit moody at times, I can be a bit moody so I empathized with it. And I was quite impressed.”

Baldwin Kasem accepts key to remains in critical US city for donation condition ctor Alec Baldwin has received the key to Rhode asey Kasem, host of the “American Top 40” count- Island’s smallest city for his donations to help down for four decades, remained in critical condition Areopen the financially struggling city’s library. Cat a Washington state hospital yesterday and was Baldwin donated $10,000 to the Adams Memorial Library being treated for an infected bedsore, a hospital in Central Falls in 2011 after he read a New York Times story spokesman said. Kasem, who was also the voice of Shaggy about how it was forced to close because of financial prob- in the “Scooby-Doo” cartoons and one of the most recog- lems. He gave another $5,000 in 2012. The 1-square-mile nizable voices on American radio, was admitted to St (2.6-square-kilometer) city emerged from bankruptcy that Anthony Hospital in Gig Harbor last week. The 82-year-old year. Baldwin’s visit Saturday was his first to the library. former DJ has been alert throughout his hospitalization, Library director Joel Pettit says Baldwin accepted the key receiving wound care, intravenous antibiotic therapy, from the mayor on the library steps. He was headlining a blood pressure support medication and treatment for his fundraiser Saturday night in nearby Providence for the pain, hospital spokesman Scott Thompson said. Kasem suf- library. Pettit said Baldwin is a great guy, and he’s hopeful fers from Lewy body disease, a form of dementia with the event will bring attention to the importance of symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease and hallucinations. libraries. His medical care and visitor access has been at the centre of a legal tussle between the children from his first mar- riage - Kerri, Julie and Mike - and his second wife, Jean Kasem, with whom he has one child, Liberty. A Washington state judge ruled on Friday that Kasem’s care would be decided by his daughter, Kerri, and not her stepmother. As the ruling took effect, a family spokesman said Kasem “won’t be with us much longer”. Rupert Grint’s secret skill upert Grint can play the didgeri- accordion, sax, guitar, and never really doo. The ‘Harry Potter’ actor clicked with any of them. But the Radmits he’s tried to master didgeridoo, I can make pretty decent numerous instruments but he can noise.” The 25-year-old actor, was given make a “decent noise” with the wind a didgeridoo when he was young and instrument developed by Indigenous has a particular technique to help him Australians years ago. He said: “I can play the instrument. He added in an play the didgeridoo fairly well. I’ve tried interview with Empire magazine: “I a variety of instruments in the past - acquired one early on, when I was quite young. It went from there really. It’s quite a tricky technique, you have to do this circular breathing thing where you have a continuous breath.” The flame- haired hunk - who is best known for playing Ron Weasley in the film adapta- tion of JK Rowling’s popular novels - recently lent his voice to the character of Josh in ‘Postman Pat: The Movie’ and is set to hit the big screen in next year’s ‘Enemy of Man’ and ‘Moonwalkers’.

Tough motivator Mark Wahlberg ark Wahlberg will threaten to “crack heads open” to get work done. The ‘Transformers: Age of Extinction’ actor enjoys working behind the scenes as a pro- Mducer and says he is good at the job because he understands how to motivate dif- Jolie ferent groups of people. He said: “I’ve got people where positive encouragement is going to get the best results and other people where I have to threaten to crack their head open.” got emotional The 42-year-old star began his production career with TV show ‘Entourage’ and says he made the change because he wanted to be in control and have the perfect projects to over script work on. He explained: “I got tired of waiting for the right project to drop on to my desk.”If I don’t do it, nobody else is going to do it, and if I don’t tell everybody how to do it, it’s not ngelina Jolie was “really emotional” when her going to be done the right way.” Though Mark does a lot of preparation for his acting roles, children listened to her read ‘Maleficent’. The 38- he insists he turns in a performance with “no great effort”. He told Britain’s GQ magazine: Ayear-old actress plays the title role in the “Everyone’s different. I know some actors have their whole routine where they don’t want reimagining of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ tale and was anybody around them or they need to play music or whatever, but the James Cagney phi- delighted when her six kids, Maddox, 12, Pax, 10, losophy always made more sense to me. Prepare for the part. Be the part. And with no Zahara, nine, Shiloh, eight, and five-year-old Knox and great effort, play the part. Vivienne, enjoyed the story when she ran through the script with them. She said: “I got really emotional because the script is very powerful. The kids loved it.” Amanda Seyfried Though the tale is aimed at children, the actress - who is engaged to Brad Pitt - thinks it is interesting enough to keep adults gripped too. She told Psychologies mag- azine: “We tried to make this sophisticated enough that will sing in Ted 2 adults will read things into it that kids won’t. “Parents watching the movie will identify with Maleficent in a manda Seyfried will sing in ‘Ted 2’. The ‘Million Ways to Die in the West’ actress has different way, which I think is fun.” The brunette beauty impressed her co-star and writer Seth MacFarlane with her “beautiful” singing voice was overjoyed to be offered the lead role in the film so he wrote a special medley for her to perform in the comedy sequel. Seth said: A because Maleficent is a character she has always been “She’s going to sing in ‘Ted 2’. She has a beautiful voice.” Amanda added: “He wrote a nice “fascinated” by. She said: “I was afraid of her, but I loved medley, a Ted-ley, but I don’t know if I’m up to speed yet.” her too because she was this elegant, sexy, evil crea- While Amanda is comfortable singing on camera, one thing she is relieved she won’t ture. I was drawn to her. “I was fascinated by her as a have to do is master a Boston accent for the role. Asked during an interview to mimic one child. I thought she was the scariest and most interest- of the characters from ‘Family Guy’, another of Seth’s creations, she said: “I can’t, I can’t do a ing of all the Disney characters. But I wanted to know Boston accent.” Seth exclaimed in response: “You can’t do a Boston accent? But you’re star- more about her. Who is that gorgeous, elegant crea- ring in ‘Ted 2’!” Amanda replied: “You said I didn’t have to do that, like, weeks ago. God, if ture? So I loved the idea of playing a Disney villain. It you want me to do a Boston accent, I gotta... I would never embarrass myself in front of sounded so much fun.” him by trying to do his voices.” lifestyle MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014

Features Ghanaian garage start-up targets world’s well-shod

hen Michael Agyeman-Boaten need- Ghana’s rate of economic growth, which as ed some shoes to match one of his recently as 2011 was one of the highest on the Wcustom-made suits, he turned not to continent, slowed from 8.8 percent in 2012 to a fancy Italian shoemaker but to a group of an estimated 7.1 percent in 2013. craftsmen working out of a garage in Accra. In an attempt to wean the economy off Ghana is west Africa’s second-largest economy imports, President John Dramani Mahama and is known more for its export of raw materi- announced in February that the government als than for craftsmanship of luxury items But would help local producers of rice, poultry, fish Heel the World, a small leather-working com- and other foodstuffs. But Deegbe thinks Ghana pany based in a quiet neighborhood of the is capable of making more than just its own sprawling capital is trying to change that. food. “We’re competing with Louis Vuitton and Hermes from our garage,” says the company’s Branson and the A-Team chief executive, Fred Deegbe. “We’re making After an abortive attempt at making T-shirts, shoes that can go global. But we’re also making Deegbe said he was inspired to take a stab at shoes that have a social imperative behind leatherwork when he went out to buy a pair of them.” shoes to wear for socializing. When he asked a nearby shoe shiner if he thought the foreign- Economic downturn made, high-end dress shoes he ended up buy- Ghana’s economy has seen rapid growth in ing could be made in Ghana, the shoe shiner recent years thanks to exports of gold, cocoa replied that it wasn’t possible. That spurred him Emmanuel Adu poses with his pair of custom Heel the World shoes Heel the World’s shoes are pictured in the company’s workshop. and, since 2010, oil. But like many of Africa’s into action. “We’ve always been capable as a in Accra.—AFP photos emerging economies, it produces little of the people of doing quality,” he says. “We’ve just time. He has so far sold about 1,000 shoes from The A-Team, known for their get-it-done spirit. Deegbe said. “It started from here and every goods it consumes. High demand for imports never been pushed.” his workshop in his father’s house. The five The motto “Hard Work Never Killed Anyone” is time the diaspora or returnees came down, has sent the local currency plunging. The cedi Along with a business partner, Deegbe shoemakers he employs labor under pictures emblazoned on the workshop’s wall. they looked for us.” shed about a quarter of its value last year and launched Heel the World in 2011, later quitting of exuberant entrepreneur Richard Branson has lost another 23 percent so far this year. his job at a bank to manage the company full- and the cast of the classic US television show Shoemaking tradition Made in Ghana Ghana has a long tradition of shoemaking, Entrepreneur Emmanuel Adu said Heel the much of it centered on the central city of World inspired him to try his hand in business Kumasi. But Deegbe has managed to venture in Ghana, rather than where he was schooled beyond Ghana’s marketplaces and go interna- in the United States. He now owns 13 pairs, tional. Orders come into the workshop from as ranging from loafers to patent leather shoes. far away as Finland, Canada, Morocco and the “When you look at the price point, Heel the United States, said Johnson Oladele, Heel the World shoes are pretty close to the other World’s production manager. The company brands,” Adu said. “They did it how they do it in gets most of its leather from Italy but has London or Copenhagen but they did it in recently started purchasing from a tannery in Ghana.” For about $140 (100 euros), Agyeman- Burkina Faso. Boaten got some purple leather shoes made to Beyond shoes, Heel the World has tapped his exact specifications. both into World Cup fever and Ghanaians’ love “It was right on. I loved it,” said Agyeman- of funerals and weddings by making armbands Boaten, who also spent several years in the and other leather goods emblazoned with United States before returning to head up a favorite teams and names of family members. printing company in Ghana. “This custom shoe “The local Ghanaian population gobbled up for me, in the US, that would cost a huge Heel The World faster than we expected,” amount of money.”—AFP

Transform yourself this summer with Iconic summer ‘14 collection

pdate your summer wardrobe with Iconic Summer 1950s with influences coming from the highways and 14 collection for women and men. The women’s col- byways of the USA. Think bad boys, early rockers, 50s B- Ulection focuses on three covetable trends Sports movies, all mixed in with retro monotone floral and geo Chic, Retro Romance and New Boho. The Iconic summer ‘14 prints and clean tailoring. Achieve this trendsetting look in collection for men is an embodiment of casual elegance, fabrics like new polkas, satin shirt, micro ginghams, jacket sophistication and attitude of the by-gone era. weights and embroidery. Sports chic: The sports trend goes luxe by moving from Cruise resort: The nautical trend is a statement that the simple, clinical looks of previous seasons to take on a continues to linger and provides fashion an everlasting more luxurious, glamorous edgy feel. Expect minimal and look that only evolves every season. This commercial, prep- simple relaxed silhouettes with textured surfaces in pieces py-nautical trend brings together several of the season’s like shift dresses with soft shoulders. key fabrics like natural linens- wovens/ jerseys, slubby can- Retro romance: Summer without flowers doesn’t seem vas, smooth cottons, jacquard knits and wovens. Prints like complete does it? The collection showers romance in the florals, preppy spots and stripes and silhouettes form an air by flirting with overtly feminine looks, incorporating a easy and cohesive casual smart look. pretty palette of pastels with a bouquet of floral prints. Reminisce: Embrace the carefree outlook of a nomad Pure white, sunshine yellow, yves klein blue, mint green are and incorporate the rustic elegance in preppy summer the prominent shades used lavishly over lace and guipure smart casual wear enhanced with a refined, tailored aes- fabrics. thetic. From bold neo geo patterns, updated through tex- New boho: The evergreen carefree trend of the nature tural applications and decorative geometric repeats, this is girl explores updated festival looks with 1970s influences an ideal 70’s summer holiday look. This undated photo provided by Sotheby’s auction house shows the painting entitled ‘Antibes, vue de plateau drawn into the mix. Festival trend staples include maxi Earthy tones dominate the trend that reflects the influ- Notre Dame’ by artist Claude Monet.—AP photos dresses, full length skirts that will create a casual vibe and ence of nature with shades of sand and beige with summer bypasses the usual hippy boho aspects. The 2014 men col- olives. Add to it a bright palette of vermilion orange and lection will showcase three key trends that will ensure you bright yellow which adds to the glory of summer. Head Bills owner’s estate auctioning off art collection look effortlessly stylish this season. over to Iconic and shop our latest summer collection avail- 50’s return (monochrome): Channel the inner chic able at The Avenues, The Mall, Level 1. laude Monet certainly made an impression on late “Antibes, vue du plateau Notre Dame,” which is valued retro man in you as you relive the fond memories of the Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson. Two Monet paint- between $10 million and $13 million. Then there’s Edouard Cings, each valued at more than $10 million, will be Manet’s “Jeune femme dans les fleurs,” which is valued among four pieces that Wilson’s estate is putting on the between $5 million and $7 million, and Alfred Sisley’s “Les block at Sotheby’s semi-annual Impressionist and Modern bords du Loing,” which is valued between $1.6 million and Art sale in London on June 23. $2.5 million. Wilson’s collection will lead the auction, and highlight- Wilson died in March at the age of 95. His estate is also ed by Monet’s “La Seine a Argenteuil,” which Sotheby’s val- in the process of selling the Bills, the franchise he founded ues at $12 million to $17 million. Wilson purchased the in 1959. “Too modest to style himself as a collector, he painting from the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in nonetheless chose works of great beauty, rarity and his- 1997. The other Monet in Wilson’s collection up for sale is toric importance,” said David Norman of Sotheby’s, who knew Wilson. “His delight in great works of art was infec- tious, and it is a true privilege to present these paintings to a new generation of collectors and honor his memory.” Wilson purchased all four paintings in the 1990s. The Bills and members of Wilson’s estate did not immediately return requests for comment on the sale. The Monet’s are highly anticipated to draw the most interest because they represent the pinnacle of the 19th Century Impressionist movement, and because his works don’t often go on the market. Sotheby’s Charles Moffett described Monet’s “Argenteuil” as a “quintessential Impressionist masterwork that was rightly treasured by Wilson until the end of his remarkable life.” Moffett added: “The opportunity for col- lectors today to acquire such a major work from a critical moment in the artist’s career is not likely to be repeated in the foreseeable future.” They will be part of a much larger This undated photo provided by Sotheby’s auction sale featuring 46 pieces of art, including Monet’s house shows the painting entitled ‘La Seine a “Nympheas,” and several works by Pablo Picasso.—AP Argenteuil’ by artist Claude Monet.

Splash launches FIFA inspired collection

t’s that time again when frenzy takes over football fans across the world. The FIFA 2014 World Cup in IBrazil will see scores of fans supporting their favorite teams. Splash has introduced its special line for the event with a range of apparel and accessories that will ensure you support your teams in style. The range will be available under the Kappa and SPL Active labels for the top 8 countries- Germany, Spain, Argentina, Brazil, England, Portugal, Netherlands and Italy for both men and women. You can choose from a variety of T-shirts, shorts, vests, tracks, knit dresses and three-quarter pants. Add a dash of accessories like bags, water bottles, caps, wrist bands, scarves, socks, sunglass- es and chains to complete your look for the games. Visit Splash at all Centrepoint Stores and the Avenues Mall to explore the FIFA Collections. lifestyle MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES Oscar winner Nyong’o named MTV Africa 2014 personality scar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita took the best group award, while their track Nyong’o won the personality of the “khona” was voted song of the year. They Oyear award at the 2014 MTV African beat other strong nominees including Music Awards (MAMA) held in South Africa’s Nigeria’s popular R&B duo P-Square. southeastern city of Durban on Saturday. Nigerian afro-pop artist and producer The 31-year-old, who won the best support- Davido won the favorite artist of the year ing actress Academy Award in March for her award. He also took the best male artist role in historical drama “12 Years a Slave,” prize while his compatriot, the multi-talent- was not present to receive her award. She ed sensation Tiwa Savage took the best became the first winner of the newly intro- female artist award. duced lifestyle non-music personality of the Sarkordie of Ghana was named the best year award. hip-pop group. Awards host, American IN doing so she beat Nigerian award-win- stand up comic, film and television sensa- ning novelist Chimamanda Adichie, South tion Marlon Wayans expressed the wish for African top stand up comedian Trevor Noah, the “safe return” of the more than 200 Ivory Coast footballer Yaya Toure and popu- Nigerian girls kidnapped by extremist lar Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade- Islamist group Boko Haram . Wayans also Ekeinde. The MTV African Music Award cele- paid tribute to anti-apartheid icon Nelson brates pan African music, youth culture and Mandela.”Madiba had a profound impact on Actress Lupita Nyongío attends the 2014 CFDA fash- talent, and winners are chosen by public not only South Africa but on the entire ion awards at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on June vote. Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyongío attends the White House Correspondents’ world as a whole, so tonight we pay tribute 2, 2014 in New York City. — AP/AFP photos South Africa’s afro-pop duo Mafikizolo Association Dinner in Washington, DC. to Mr Mandela,” said host Wayans. —AFP Griffith files to divorce Banderas elanie Griffith filed for divorce the 1999 film “Crazy in Alabama.” Friday from Antonio In 2011, the couple hosted a MBanderas, her husband of 18 fundraiser for President Barack Obama years. For years they were among at their Los Angeles home. Griffith has Hollywood’s hottest couples, with been married four times, including Banderas publicly supporting his wife’s twice to actor Don Johnson. Banderas treatments for addiction and both has one previous marriage. Banderas supporting charitable causes. Griffith in recent years has served as the voice cited irreconcilable differences in the of the animated character Puss in court filing in Los Angeles. The actors Boots in the “Shrek” films and starred were married in 1996 and have a 17- in Pedro Almodovar’s two most recent year-old daughter together. Griffith, films, “The Skin I Live In” and “I’m So 56, is seeking spousal support but is Excited!” willing to pay her own attorney fees, Griffith was nominated for an Oscar her filing shows. for her performance in the 1998 film Griffith, who has a tattoo of “Working Girl.” She has recently turned Banderas’ first name in a heart on her to television work, guest-starring in right shoulder, signed the divorce peti- “Hawaii Five-0,” “Hot in Cleveland” and tion on May 30 but did not specify the “Raising Hope.” In 2003, she won praise date of their separation. They first for her role in the Broadway revival of George Strait performs during his farewell tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Saturday. — AP photos worked together on the set of the “Chicago.” An email sent to the cou- 1995 romantic comedy “Two Much,” ple’s publicist, Robin Baum, was not Banderas, 53, later directed his wife in immediately returned. — AP Last stop, Texas, for country star George Strait ountry music king George Strait perform his songwriting debut, the stage for an encore. The show This Feb 27, 2005 file photo shows capped off the last tour of his “Arkansas Dave.” The unusually chatty brought an end to Strait’s nearly 40 actor Antonio Banderas with his wife Ccareer with an epic, star-studded Strait appeared to bask in the enor- years on the road, starting in 1975 Melanie Griffith, left, at the 77th final performance at the billion-dollar mous crowd of fans, standing at their with the Ace in the Hole Band. Many of Academy Awards in Los Angeles. stadium where the Dallas Cowboys seats, swaying and singing along, reg- the 11-piece band’s original members play, dazzling an audience of nearly ularly raising his arms like a band con- played back up Saturday, “the best 105,000 people with duet after duet ductor to raise the volume. “That’s band anybody could have out here on with some of the biggest names in what I’m going to miss the most right the road,” Strait said. Born in Poteet country music. The attendance shat- there, I tell you what. Thank you so and raised in Pearsall, about 60 miles tered the previous record set by The much,” he said. southwest of San Antonio, Strait has Rolling Stones at The Louisiana Strait is also beloved by his legions had more gold and platinum albums Superdome in 1981. More than 10,000 fans alone took in the three-hour show from the stadium floor. This Feb 26, 2012 file photo shows actress Melanie Griffith sporting a tat- “Oh, man. I tell you what. This is too too, left, and her husband Antonio Banderas at 84th Academy Awards in much fun,” he said. Known for his the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. — AP photos honky-tonk style, classic interpretation of Western swing and Texas cowboy get-up, Strait is the undisputed patri- arch of a generation of country music stars, none of whom left the stage Saturday without paying homage to or receiving a hug from the country music legend. This Sept 7, 2008 “In the early 80s when I was a file photo shows young man in Georgia, I was a big fan actors Antonio of ‘Unwound,’” Alan Jackson said of the Banderas, right, 1981 hit that propelled Strait to star- and his wife dom. “You’re the reason I came to Melanie Griffith at Nashville, Tennessee. God bless you.” the Gala premier of Jason Aldean credited Strait as “not of fans for his gracious, everyman than any other music act except The ‘The Other Man’ at This Nov 18, 2013 file photo shows only a huge influence for me but demeanor, which was in ample display Beatles and Elvis Presley. And while the Toronto actors Melanie Griffith, left, and everyone else in Nashville.” After Saturday. During the second half of he’s quitting the road, he may yet add International Film Antonio Banderas at the ‘Black Martina McBride joined Strait to sing the show, he played the 2011 hit “I’ll to his chart-topping total after renew- Festival in Toronto. Nativity’ premiere in New York. “Jackson,” the country classic made Always Remember You,” which he said ing his deal with MCA Records last famous by the Johnny Cash-June was inspired by his fans. “When I take year to produce five more albums. Carter rendition, she remarked on the the stage for the last time, you won’t Strait began this last tour, The fun the two had on tour together in be far away,” he said, inspiring some Cowboy Rides Away, last year. Each of 2011 and 2012. enthusiastic female fans to tear up. the 45 stadiums and arenas he’s Jerry Lewis keeps the comedy coming at 88 Kenny Chesney called the two “Damn, I’m so lucky,” Strait said so played during the tour has sold out. years he spent on the road with Strait many times, it became almost a He’s performed for an estimated 1 mil- t this point, Jerry Lewis feels but Lewis makes several trips a year early in his career “the most education- refrain. lion fans. As he sang the tour’s epony- more comfortable with an from his Las Vegas home to the pri- al” in his touring life. Strait’s son, mous song at the end of the set, fans Aaudience than without. So vate comedy club in New York City, Bubba, a pro team roper on the rodeo Fans waved, cheered waved, cheered and did the two-step. after nearly 70 years in show busi- where he serves as abbot. circuit, even joined his dad on stage to All of Strait’s guest stars returned to And the cowboy rode away. — AP ness, Lewis continues to do standup When Lewis comes to club head- and serve as leader of the storied quarters on 55th Street in Midtown Manhattan, “it’s like Dad came home and he’s got presents for everyone in the form of laughter,” said Friars Club Bill Watterson makes spokesman Barry Dougherty. Lewis has been the club’s leader since 2006. The late comic Alan King brief return to cartooning held the post previously, following Frank Sinatra’s 20-year tenure. As alvin and Hobbes” creator Bill Watterson says to ghost ‘Pearls’ sometime, just to flip it all on its head,” In this April 12, 2014 file photo, Abbot, Lewis oversees the annual he made a brief, unannounced return to news- Watterson said. “It was just a silly idea, and I didn’t know actor and comedian Jerry Lewis is roasts and helps with fundraising, paper cartooning to raise money for a good Stephan, so I never pursued it, and years went by.” The honored with a hand and footprint “C continuing the philanthropic tradi- cause - and because he thought it would be funny. idea resurfaced, Watterson said, after Pastis visited ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre tion he started with the Muscular Watterson collaborated with “Pearls Before Swine” car- Cleveland on a book tour and the charity was looking for in Los Angeles. — AP photos Dystrophy Association more than 60 toonist Stephan Pastis on three strips that ran this week. new ways to raise money. Friars Club. He was set to host a din- years ago. The strips made fun of Pastis’ drawing ability, and “I thought maybe Stephan and I could do this goofy ner at the venerable comedy institu- The comedian’s abrupt departure Watterson drew one panel in each. It was the first time collaboration and then use the result to raise money for tion on Thursday night to celebrate as national chairman of the organi- his art has appeared in the funnies since “Calvin and Parkinson’s research in honor of Richard Thompson,” the 50th anniversary of his film “The zation and face of its Labor Day Hobbes” ended its run in 1995. Watterson said. “It just seemed like a perfect conver- Nutty Professor.” He’s also set to per- telethon still hasn’t been explained, The reclusive Watterson, who lives in Ohio, told The gence.” Pastis and Watterson did not disclose their collab- form a show in Las Vegas next and Lewis refuses to talk about it. Washington Post for Saturday’s editions that he joined oration until after the strips had run, leaving “Calvin and month and has two fall concerts “He’s thrilled to channel those par- up with Pastis to raise money for Team Cul de Sac, a char- Hobbes” fans to speculate on blogs about Watterson’s planned for Los Angeles. ticular energies our way,” Dougherty ity co-founded by cartoonist Richard Thompson that rais- involvement. Pastis paid tribute to the final “Calvin and “The Friars are the third most said of the Friars Foundation, which es money to fight Parkinson’s disease. Thompson suffers Hobbes” strip in Saturday’s panels. The original “Pearls exciting thing I do,” the 88-year-old provides scholarships for aspiring from Parkinson’s. Before Swine” strips featuring Watterson’s work will be This undated photo shows comedi- entertainer said during a recent entertainers and brings comedians “Several years ago, when Stephan did one of his strips auctioned off for Team Cul de Sac. Pastis said he never an Jerry Lewis in a scene from the interview. The first two are making to military hospitals to cheer up that mocked his own drawing ability and mentioned my expected to even speak with Watterson. Working with film,’ The Nutty Professor. movies and performing on stage, wounded veterans. —AP strip in comparison, I thought it might be funny for me him, he said, “Is like getting a call from Bigfoot.” — AP lifestyle MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 MUSIC & MOVIES Young filmmakers honored at Academy Awards ifteen student filmmakers from around the world were honored with Academy Awards on Saturday Fnight in a preview of the showbiz excitement that likely awaits them in the years ahead. Previous winners have gone on to receive 46 Oscar nominations and have won eight statuettes. The 41st annual Student Academy Awards were pre- sented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with gold, silver and bronze medals awarded in five categories. The ceremony at the Directors Guild Theater in Los Angeles included presenters Adrian Daniel Sierra, Grenier, Nate Parker and Demian Bichir. Tel Aviv second from University and the UK’s Northern Film School were first right, a student time winners this year, and Stanford University and New York University saw double wins. Drew Brown of The Art Institute of Jacksonville in Florida at the School of accepts the Gold Medal in the Alternative Category for Visual Arts in The full list of honorees: his film ‘Person’ at the 41st Student Academy Awards at New York, poses Alternative the Directors Guild of America on Saturday in Los with ‘Frozen’ Gold Medal: “Person,” Drew Brown, The Art Institute of Angeles. — AP photos filmmakers, from Jacksonville, Florida. left, Peter Del Silver Medal: “Oscillate,” Daniel Sierra, School of Visual Vecho, Jennifer Arts, New York. Lee and Chris Buck after Animation winning the Gold Medal: “Owned,” Daniel Clark and Wesley Silver Medal in Tippetts, Brigham Young University, Utah. the Alternative Silver Medal: “Higher Sky,” Teng Cheng, University of Category for his Southern California. film ‘Oscillate’. Bronze Medal: “Yamashita,” Hayley Foster, Loyola Marymount University, California.

Documentary Gold Medal: “The Apothecary,” Helen Hood Scheer, Stanford University, California. Silver Medal: “White Earth,” J Christian Jensen, Stanford University, California. Bronze Medal: “One Child,” Zijian Mu, New York University.

Narrative Gold Medal: “Above the Sea,” Keola Racela, Columbia Teng Cheng of the University of Southern California University, New York. speaks to the audience after winning the Silver Medal in Silver Medal: “Door God,” Yulin Liu, New York the Animation Category for his film “Higher Sky”. Animation Category University. winners, left to right, Bronze Medal: “Interstate,” Camille Stochitch, American Hayley Foster, of Film Institute, California. Loyola Marymount University, Wesley Foreign Film Tippetts, of Daniel Gold Medal: “Nocebo,” Lennart Ruff, University of Clark of Brigham Television and Film Munich, Germany. Young University and Silver Medal: “Paris on the Water,” Hadas Ayalon, Tel Teng Cheng, of the Aviv University, Israel. University of Southern Bronze Medal: “Border Patrol,” Peter Baumann, The California, pose Northern Film School, United Kingdom. — AP together before the 41st Student Academy Awards ceremony.

Wesley Tippetts and Daniel Clark of Brigham Young University address the audience after winning the Gold Medal in the Animation Category for their film ‘Owned’. Student filmmaker Zijan Mu of New York University addresses the audience after winning the Bronze Medal in the Hayley Foster of Loyola Marymount University Documentary Category for his film ‘One accepts the Bronze Medal in the Animation Child’. Category for her film “Yamashita”.

Yulin Liu, a winner in the Narrative Category for her film ‘Door God,’ poses alongside an Oscar statue.

Actor Adrian Grenier, right, hands student filmmaker Helen Hood Scheer of Stanford University the Gold Medal in the Documentary Category for her film ‘The Apothecary’. Lennart Ruff, right, a student at the University of Television and Film Munic in Germany, is congratulated by actor Demian Bichir after receiving the Gold Student filmmaker Helen Hood Scheer of Stanford Medal in the Foreign Film Category for University addresses the audience after winning the his film “Nocebo”. Gold Medal in the Documentary Category for her film “The Apothecary”.

Camille Stochitch of the American Film Institute in California Keola Racela of accepts the New York J Christian Jensen of Stanford Peter Baumann of The Northern Film Bronze Medal University accepts University addresses the School in the United Kingdom in the the Gold Medal in audience after receiving the addresses the audience after receiv- Narrative the Narrative Silver Medal in the ing the Bronze Medal in the Foreign Category for Category for his Hadas Ayalon of Tel Aviv University in Israel Documentary Category for Film Category for his film ‘Border her film film ‘Above accepts the Silver Medal in the Foreign Film his film “White Earth”. Patrol’. “Interstate”. the Sea’. Category for her film “Paris on the Water”. Young filmmakers honored at Student Academy Awards

MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 39

Performers of ‘Sapucaiu no Samba’ group attend the Festival of Cultures yesterday in Berlin.

A performer of ‘China meets Berlin’ Performers of group attends the ‘China meets Berlin’ Festival of Cultures. group . — AFP photos Berlin prayer house unites Jews, Christians, Muslims

hristians, Muslims and Jews, all praying “We wanted to revive this place, not by build- question of not mixing the religions while under the same roof-that’s the ground- ing a church again but by constructing a place ensuring mutual recognition,” he said. Each of Cbreaking project of a pastor, a rabbi and that says something about the life of religions the three religions will have its own equal-sized an imam in Berlin. Still a sand-strewn vacant today in Berlin,” Stolte said. Nearly 19 percent of prayer space, all on the same floor, with each construction site, St Peter’s Square in the centre Berlin’s 3.4 million residents described them- leading out to a common room where the con- of the German capital will-God willing-by 2018 selves as Protestant, according to 2010 official gregations will be able to mix and chat. host a building that’s so unusual it doesn’t have data. Some 8.1 percent said they were Muslim Hohberg said that after much consideration, an official term. Not a church, nor a synagogue, and 0.9 percent Jewish, while more than 60 per- they had decided against a common prayer or a mosque as such, but a bit of all three, the cent said they did not adhere to any religion. room “because that risked putting off more peo- centre known currently as a “House of Prayer ple than it would have attracted”. “And we want and Learning” will be unlike any other religious ‘Be patient’ venue in the world, its initiators say. Pastor Gregor Hohberg said it had been cru- The aim of the 44-million-euro ($60-million) cial to also get the centre’s Jewish and Muslim project, whose fundraising kicked off Tuesday partners involved right from the start, well but has been several years in the making, is not before work got underway on building it. “From only to show the importance of multi-faith dia- the beginning we wanted it to be an inter-reli- logue but to mirror multi-cultural Berlin. “It gious project, not a place built by Christians in seemed to us that there was a very strong desire which Jews and Muslims would then be added,” for the peaceful coming together of the reli- he said. Imam Kadir Sanci, who’s of Turkish ori- gions,” said Roland Stolte, one of two Protestant gin, told AFP that a Catholic-Protestant church representatives on the board of the association in western Germany had inspired him to dream behind the project. that such a centre could be possible. Not by coincidence, it will stand at a location “When I was doing my Muslim theology with a strong and long religious significance. In studies in Frankfurt, I had seen in the neighbor- 2007 archaeological excavations unearthed the ing town of Darmstadt, a Catholic church and a (From left) Pastor Gregor Hohberg, Rabbi Tovia Ben-Chorin and Imam Kadir Sanci hold foundations of four previous St Peter’s churches Protestant church under the same roof,” he said. bricks as they pose for photographers in the vacant lot where they hope to build a multi- that had stood on the site at different periods “I said to the priest it would be great to one day faith prayer building, in Berlin June 3, 2014. — AFP photos since the Middle Ages, Stolte told AFP in an have a shared place with Muslims. But the priest also to address the more conservative believers, ed to buy a “brick” for 10 euros. “We wanted for interview. The last one, which had a striking 100- told me ‘be patient, it took us 600-plus years’,” to show that inter-religious dialogue is not only this project to be base-driven,” Stolte said, metre-tall (328-foot) steeple and dated from the the imam said. Architect Wilfried Kuehn, whose possible but important,” he said. However, adding that they had sought out local partners mid-19th century, was damaged in World War II design for the new building was chosen in 2011 financing must still be found, and organizers such as Berlin’s Jewish community or the and later demolished by the former East from around 200 entries in a competition, said it have sought to keep even that aspect of the Muslim group Forum for Inter-Cultural Dialogue German communist state in the early 1960s. A had posed many challenges that spanned archi- ambitious project firmly at the grassroots level. rather than involving higher religious echelons. car park then occupied the site which the city tecture and theology. A crowd funding campaign via the website was For this reason, an upper limit has been set on authorities later handed back to the local “It was a challenge to try to combine the dif- launched Tuesday to raise the 43.5 million euros individual donations-at one percent of the total Protestant community. ferences and the universal aspects. It was a needed. Donors are, among other things, invit- or 435,000 euros. — AFP Harvard confirms antique book is bound in human skin

arvard University scientists have was made from the skin of a goat, a sheep Bouland. Bouland said the skin was taken donated to science, and the skins given to confirmed that a 19th century or another animal. “They are 99 percent from the back of a woman who suffered tanners and bookbinders,” the library’s HFrench treatise in its libraries is confident that the binding is of human ori- from mental illness and had died of a blog entry said. Two other books thought bound in human skin, Harvard University gin,” said a post on the library’s blog, citing heart attack. The doctor said he had to be bound in human skin, from Harvard’s said last week, after a bevvy of scientific senior rare book conservator Alan Puglia. another book bound in human skin in his law library and its medical library, were testing. Arsene Houssaye’s “Des destinees The conclusions confirm the veracity of personal collection that was tanned with also analyzed, but the tests revealed the de l’ame” (On the destiny of the soul) is part a handwritten note in French found in the sumac. Harvard said that “Des destinees binding was sheepskin. —AFP of the antique book collection of the uni- book, which said the book was bound “in de l’ame” was the only book in its collec- versity’s Houghton Library, which special- human skin parchment.” “By looking care- tion bound in human flesh. However, the This undated image courtesy of the izes in rare and antique works. Harvard con- fully, you easily distinguish the pores of practice, called anthropodermic bibliope- Houghton Library at Harvard servators and scientists used several meth- the skin,” added the note, written by a gy, was once somewhat common, the uni- University in Cambridge, ods to test the origin of the book binding doctor who was a friend of Houssaye, who versity said. Massachusetts, shows the front cover material, using microscopic samples. lived 1815-1896. “A book about the “There are many accounts of similar of ìDes destinees de l’‚me’ by 19th Through these tests, they were able to human soul deserved to have a human occurrences in the 19th century, in which Century French author Arsene exclude the possibility that the book cover covering,” explained the doctor, Ludovic the bodies of executed criminals were Houssaye. —AFP