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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 RABI ALTHANI 2, 1437 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Interior minister Four wheels good, ‘Revenant,’ Lionel Messi warns security two wheels better ‘Martian’, Damon, scoops campaigns will for Pakistan’s Stallone, Winslet record fifth continue3 female11 motorists win38 big at Globes Ballon20 d’Or Bahrain hikes price of Min 06º Max 18º fuel as Kuwait dithers High Tide 00:16& 14:20 Low Tide Govt to take issue to Assembly • Ghanem reassures low-income people 07:50 & 19:42 40 PAGES NO: 16753 150 FILS

By B Izzak and agencies

Aid trucks enter starving Syria town DUBAI/KUWAIT: Bahrain yesterday announced a hike of more than 50 percent in petrol prices following its MADAYA, Syria: The first trucks carrying desperately cut in subsidies for energy products as oil producing needed aid entered the besieged Syrian town of countries struggle with nosediving crude prices. The Madaya yesterday, where more than two dozen peo- government said the price of regular petrol will increase ple are reported to have starved to death. The Syrian today from 80 fils (20 cents) per litre to 125 fils (33 Arab Red Crescent said two trucks loaded with food cents), an increase of 56.3 percent. The more expensive and blankets entered the rebel-held town in the late super petrol will increase by 60 percent, from 100 fils afternoon, at around the same time a military source (27 cents) to 160 fils (42 cents) per litre, it said after a said that three others entered the government-con- cabinet meeting. Earlier this month, Bahrain cut govern- trolled towns of Fuaa and Kafraya. ment subsidies for diesel and kerosene following similar “The operation has started. It is likely to last a few moves by its Gulf neighbors. days. This is a very positive development,” said Saudi Arabia in December raised petrol prices by 50 Marianne Gasser, the head of the International percent as part of subsidy cuts for petroleum products, power and water, after the country posted a record $98 Committee of the Red Cross delegation to Syria. “But billion budget deficit for 2015. The United Arab Emirates it must not be just a one-off distribution. To relieve has liberalized fuel prices, while Kuwait lifted subsidies the suffering of these tens of thousands of people, on diesel and kerosene from the start of 2015. Arab there has to be regular access to these areas,” she said states of the Gulf, heavily reliant on oil income, have in a statement. been hit hard by the sharp decline in crude prices. The Red Crescent, ICRC and the United Nations and Kuwaiti Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh said the gov- its World Food Programme have been trying to get ernment plans to take proposals to cut subsidies on supplies to Madaya since President Bashar Al-Assad’s commodities and public services, as suggested by an regime gave permission for the deliveries on international consultant, to the National Assembly. The Thursday. The deliveries come after an outpouring of aim is to rationalize the use of these services and to international concern and condemnation over the ensure that subsidies reach those who deserve it, the dire conditions in Madaya, where some 42,000 people minister said. National Assembly speaker Marzouq Al- have been living under a government siege. An AFP Ghanem meanwhile said that he was assured by the correspondent who reached Madaya with the aid prime minister that the government will not take any convoy said the town’s streets were deserted, with unilateral decision on subsidies and that it will share it only a service station open. with the Assembly. A pair of elderly women were seen sitting on suit- Ghanem however insisted that the Assembly is pre- cases waiting to be evacuated. People said they pared to adopt measures that do not harm low-income resorted to extreme measures to survive. “For 15 days people and pave the way for “real economic reforms” to we have been eating only soup,” said Hiba Abdel deal with the distortions in the national economy. He Rahman, 17. “I saw a young man killing cats and pre- underscored the need to “tackle the large distortions in senting the meat to members of his family as rabbit. MADAYA, Syria: A convoy containing food, medical items, blankets and other materials is delivered to this the state budget”, adding that “it is not possible to lead Continued on Page 13 besieged town yesterday. — AP the state to bankruptcy”. Continued on Page 13 On Iran-Saudi Music legend David rift, Gulf acts Bowie dies aged 69

LONDON: British music legend David ordinary artist”, collaborator Iggy Pop with caution Bowie has died at the age of 69 after a called his friendship “the light of my life” secret battle with cancer, unleashing a while Madonna described him as DOHA: Gulf Arab states rallied dutifully behind Saudi cascade of tributes for one of the most “Unique. Genius. Game Changer.” Arabia when it cut relations with Iran last week, influential and innovative artists of his Bowie spanned styles ranging from recalling their ambassadors and cancelling flights to time. A notoriously private person, glam rock, New Romantic and dance Tehran in solidarity with the oil-rich kingdom after its Bowie’s death in New York was a shock to music to alternative rock, soul and hard embassy in Iran was torched by protesters. But all the world with the announcement com- rock, underpinned by an astonishing apart from Bahrain stopped short of severing ties, ing just three days after he released his array of stage personas from the sexually responses that suggest these small states - energy 25th studio album “Blackstar”, on his 69th ambiguous Ziggy Stardust to the Thin powers but military minnows - wish to safeguard birthday on Friday. “David Bowie died White Duke. “He will be remembered strategic interests and avoid a full-blown conflict with peacefully today (Sunday) surrounded by amongst the greats but not just one of Iran in which they would fare poorly. his family after a courageous 18-month them, as a unique great,” said Bowie The crisis erupted when Saudi Arabia executed a battle with cancer,” said a statement biographer Paul Trynka, describing him prominent Shiite cleric on Jan 2 and Iranian protesters posted Monday on his official social as “a creative force” who redefined pop retaliated by storming and setting fire to the Saudi media accounts. music over decades. embassy in Tehran. Tensions in the Gulf have reached The death brings the curtain down on Fans left flowers and messages by a levels unseen since the 1980s, when Iraq received RAMALLAH: Palestinian Mohammed Khatib trains on Nov 16, 2015 in this West an extraordinary musical innovator and colorful mural of him in Brixton, the Gulf Arab funding for its 1980-88 war against Iran in a style icon, with a career dating back to south London district where he was born Bank city as part of his preparations for the qualification of the 2016 Summer pan-Arab effort to stem the influence of the Islamic Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro. —AFP his first major hit “Space Oddity” in 1969, David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947, revolution that had toppled the Shah. about an astronaut called Major Tom and where preparations were underway Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia has warned it who became lost in orbit. Tributes for a street party in his honor. Although Palestinian dreams of could take further steps against Shiite Iran, which it poured in from the world of music, show Bowie left school with just one qualifica- accuses of meddling in Arab affairs. That raises the business and politics for the singer-song- tion, an O-level in art, he went on to sell racing past Usain Bolt prospect of renewed Saudi pressure on its Gulf writer, producer and actor described as a an estimated 140 million records world- Cooperation Council (GCC) allies to adopt more visionary and master of re-invention. The wide. energetic responses. “Gulf countries are under Mohammed Khatib is 25 watched Arab TV shows. “I saw how hap- Rolling Stones hailed Bowie as an “extra- Continued on Page 13 RAMALLAH: immense pressure from Riyadh. Most are trying to and dreams of winning Palestine’s first py people were. They partied all night appease Saudi and maintain minimal relations with Olympic medal. The yoga instructor with because a Palestinian had won thanks to Iran to prevent further escalation,” said Lina Khatib, a sociology degree first starting dream- the votes of the public across the Arab former director of the Carnegie Middle East Center ing of flying the Palestinian flag after world. I told myself ‘imagine what it in Beirut. “They fear they’ll get caught in the middle”. winning a 100-meter sprint a few years could be like if a Palestinian won a glob- In solidarity with Riyadh, Kuwait and Qatar last ago. So every day, he rushes at full speed al competition.’” week pulled out their ambassadors from Tehran, and on an asphalt track - neither very profes- Since that night listening to the horns the United Arab Emirates downgraded its ties. sional nor very safe - in Ramallah in the and cheers, Khatib has trained alone Bahrain and two non-Gulf states, Djibouti and occupied West Bank where he lives. with exercises he found on YouTube. In Sudan, severed relations completely. But long-stand- “There are football stadiums but for ath- three years, he said, he has managed to ing trade links, shared access to oil and gas fields letics almost nothing. There are 100- lower his 100 m time from 15 seconds to and the presence of sizeable Shiite communities meter tracks, but they are asphalt and 11. But it is still far from the 9.58 sec stopped many Gulf states from shutting the door on can cause injuries,” laments the young world record held by Usain Bolt, and a Iran, opting instead for positions of neutrality and man wearing a keffiyeh in the colours of distance from the 10.16 sec he needs to diplomatic half-steps that could be quietly reversed the Palestinian flag around his neck and qualify for the Rio Olympics this year. if the furore were to die down. with a curly mop of hair falling over his Mohammed wants to believe. “Many The Sunni-ruled Gulf states face a long-standing forehead. people think I’m crazy for choosing the dilemma over Iran, whose regional clout gained an But Mohammed Khatib has no time hardest discipline to win - the 100 and unintended boost from the 2003 US-led war that for the lack of infrastructure because the 200 m - but I’m sure I can do it and I’ll toppled its Iraqi foe, Saddam Hussein. Many of the stakes are high and the smiling boy with show them,” he insists. smaller Gulf Arab states fret that deeper Saudi- crinkled hazel eyes has always set the There were times when he lost hope Iranian tensions may only spur Iranian muscle-flex- bar high. He wants to “create hope and but he never stopped going every day ing. “The Saudis are on the phone lobbying coun- happiness” for Palestinians, who have and sprinting 100 or 200 m, headphones tries very hard to break off ties with Iran but most been waiting 70 years for international attached to his ears - “psychedelic Gulf states are trying to find some common ground,” recognition. The idea came to him in trance, believe it or not, and dub reggae said an Arab diplomat in Doha. 2013, the year the Gazan Mohammed for the rhythm”. Continued on Page 13 FRANKFURT: A photo taken in May 1983 shows British rock music legend David Bowie Assaf won Arab Idol - one of the most Continued on Page 13 performing onstage during a concert at the Festhalle. —AFP (See Pages 14 and 40) LOCAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is pictured with Minister of Justice and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets the new Japanese Ambassador to Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane. — Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos Kuwait Takashi Ashiki. Amir, Merkel discuss ties Crown Prince meets new ambassadors

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber ly awarded the medal of honor of the first Prince received the newly appointed Tunisian as Chairman of the National Security Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday Al-Sabah. His Highness the Amir also received degree by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al- Ambassador to Kuwait Ahmad bin Al-Habeeb Apparatus (NSA) Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali Al- received a phone call from Chancellor of Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Ali Sisi. Sane was honored for his efforts in the bin Al-Sagheer. His Highness the Crown Prince Sabah. Also yesterday, Foreign Minister Sheikh Germany Angela Merkel, regarding bilateral Al-Ghanem, His Highness the Prime Minister promotion of religious moderation and toler- also received the newly appointed Sabah Al-Khaled received the outgoing Azeri ties and issues of mutual concern. His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, ance. During the meeting, His Highness the Ambassador of Switzerland to Kuwait Aldo de Ambassador to Kuwait Tural Rzayev. Sheikh the Amir expressed his appreciation for the and First Deputy Minister, Minister of Foreign Amir hailed Sane’s effective efforts in spreading Luca, and the new Japanese Ambassador to Sabah hailed the ambassador’s efforts in devel- deep historic ties between Kuwait and Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- the Islamic concepts of tolerance and modera- Kuwait Takashi Ashiki. The audiences were oping bilateral ties between the two countries. Germany, while also sending his greetings to Sabah. tion. attended by Protocol Chief at His Highness the The meeting was attended by assistant Foreign German President Joachim Gauck. Separately, His Highness the Amir received Crown Prince Diwan, Sheikh Mubarak Sabah Minister for the First Deputy Prime Minister’s Meanwhile, His Highness the Amir received Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf and New ambassadors Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. His Highness office affairs Ambassador Sheikh Ahmad at Seif Palace yesterday His Highness the Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane who was recent- In the meantime, His Highness the Crown also received Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, as well Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. —KUNA

KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Sabah chaired Sunday a meeting of the Supreme Petroleum Council. The meet- ing, held at Seif Palace, touched on items on the agenda. — KUNA Arab Parliament official KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Salim Al-Jabouri. — Amiri Diwan photo calls for emergency meeting

CAIRO: Deputy Speaker of the Arab challenges and risks in the Arab arena Iraqi Speaker lauds talks Parliament MP Mohammad Al-Jabri called beginning with the formation of the Arab yesterday for holding an emergency meet- army to support the legitimacy in Yemen in ing for heads of Arab Parliaments in the fight against Houthi group and militias February to discuss challenges facing the of Ali Abdullah Saleh, he said. He also with Kuwaiti officials Arab nation. announced proposed plans aimed at form- Speaking to KUNA on sidelines of the ing an Islamic army to fight terrorism. parliament’s permanent four committees KUWAIT: Iraq’s Parliament Speaker Salim Al- later this month, he said, pointing out that the Parliamentary Union of the Organization meetings, he called the Arab Parliament, Saudi support Jabouri yesterday commended talks he held Kuwait had been invited to attend the event. of Islamic Cooperation member states (PUIC) the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Meanwhile, Kuwaiti MP and member of with the Kuwaiti side during his official visit to The Iraqi chief parliamentarian stressed conference which will be held in Iraq in the Arab League to meet the challenges, name- the Arab Parliament Mohammad Al- the country. Jabouri said in a press statement that Kuwait played a significant role for the foreseeable future. ly terrorism facing the Arab world at pres- Huwaila stressed that Arab foreign ministe- that he had met His Highness the Amir Sheikh conference to be held in Baghdad. The event The meeting was attended by chief of hon- ent. rial support of Saudi Arabia is reflective of Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, National will focus on regional developments, and seek orary mission MP Faisal Al-Shaye, Treasurer MP Preparations are underway for the par- the stance of the Arab Parliament. Huwaila Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanem, a unified view to overcome all political wor- Adel Al-Jarrallah Al-Kharafi, Kuwaiti liamentary summit, to be held with co- made the comments in a statement at the His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber ries. Jabouri said that he acquainted the Ambassador to Iraq Ghassan Al-Zawawi, chairmanship by President of the Arab conclusion of a meeting of the Committee Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and First Kuwaiti side with the nature of events in Iraq, Charge D’affaires at the Iraqi embassy in Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the of Social, Educational, and Cultural Affairs Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister the liberation of Ramadi, the return of the dis- Kuwait Yaseen Al-Jabouri and Kuwaiti Kuwaiti National Assembly Marzouq Ali Al- of Female and Youth, an affiliate of the Arab Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. placed to the provinces recaptured from the Parliament Secretary General Allam Al- Ghanem, President of the Arab Parliament Parliament. “The stance of Arab foreign Talks addressed several regional issues that IS. He underlined keenness on dissolving dif- Kandari. Ahmed Al-Jarwan in addition to the ministers upholds Arab security and stabili- necessitate unity, based on the necessity of ferences among countries in the region. In other news, Ghanem sent a cable of con- Secretary General of the League of Arab ty,” the Kuwaiti MP said. There are insur- calming the situation and promoting a state of gratulations to Egypt’s newly-named Speaker States, Dr Nabil Al-Araby in Cairo in mountable obstacles that threaten peace rapport among regional and international par- Intensified efforts of House of Representatives Dr Ali Abdulaal. In February, he added. in the Arab world, ones that call for con- ties to avoid further aggravation of crises, said Ghanem discussed with his Iraqi counter- the cable, Ghanem, who is also the Arab Inter- Jabri also pointed out to the statements certed Arab efforts to overcome any threat Jabouri, who left Kuwait later yesterday, con- part bilateral ties and means of promoting Parliament Union (AIPU) President, said he was of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf to any Arab nation, Huwaila said. Moreover, cluding a two-day visit to the country. them in different domains, especially the par- confident in Abdulaal’s capability in leading Cooperation Council and the Arab the Committee meeting yesterday revealed Meanwhile, Jabouri called for joining forces liamentary one. The meeting, held in the Egyptian Parliament to attain its national Ministerial Council regarding condemna- plans to introduce an Arab law designated against terrorism and the so-called Islamic Ghanem’s office yesterday, also tackled recent and constitutional duties for the interest of tion of Iran’s acts in regard to the attack on for environment conservation. A final draft State (IS). Featuring high on the agenda was developments on regional and international Egypt and Egyptians. He also expressed his the embassy of Saudi Arabia in Iran and of a special resolution on Arab youth, to be the forthcoming 11th conference of the fronts. The two officials agreed to intensify aspiration to cooperate with the new Egyptian infringements of international conventions. verified in an Arab Parliament session Parliamentary Union of the Organization of efforts to face diverse challenges in the speaker at bilateral level, or through activities There are already steps to address the today, was also discussed.—KUNA Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Baghdad will host region. They also touched on preparations for and actions of AIPU.— KUNA Hala February to revitalize commercial, touristic activities Ooredoo main sponsor of the event By Nawara Fattahova head of the media committee of the tion to a camp in Bneider. A marathon festival, during a press conference yes- will also be held on Gulf Road and a KUWAIT: This year’s edition of the terday. special competition for horses will take annual Hala February Festival will be Madina Ismaeil, head of the pro- place, in addition to many other activi- held between Jan 28 and Feb 24, 2016, grams and activities committee, noted ties,” added Ismaeil. Hundreds of stores and its various events will be broadcast that the festival is made up of various will be participating in this festival by by local and international media. activities. “The main and first of these holding special sales and providing dis- Ooredoo is sponsoring the festival this activities is the opening carnival, which counts. “A daily raffle draw will be held year. will be held on Gulf Road and will for a vehicle in addition to cash and The main goal of the festival is to include a huge parade of floats from other valuable prizes given away daily revitalize commercial and touristic the public and private sectors. The festi- as well,” she concluded. activities. “This year we are celebrating val will also include musical concerts, Mijbil Al-Ayoub, Corporate the 10th anniversary of His Highness poetry evenings and religious sympo- Communication Manager at Ooredoo, the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- siums, in addition to special activities stated that Ooredoo is cooperating Jaber Al-Sabah’s rule, 25th anniversary held for the first time like ‘Graffiti in the with the organizing committee of Hala of liberation and 55th anniversary of Love of Kuwait’, which is a competition February to present it in a new innova- Kuwait’s independence. The previous for the best graffiti symbolizing love of tive style this year. “The company will editions of the Hala February festivals Kuwait,” she stated. sponsor various cultural and entertain- proved a success through high atten- “Furthermore, there will be sports ment activities of the festival to make it dance, as Kuwait is the perfect place to activities and international shows for the cultural showcase of Kuwait,” he KUWAIT: Organizers and sponsors of the Hala February festival are pictured during a press conference yester- organize it,” said Waleed Al-Suqoubi, children at the Ice Skating Rink in addi- pointed out. day. — KUNA photo TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 LOCAL Cabinet lauds Amir’s efforts to free Kuwaitis at Guantanamo KUWAIT: The cabinet yesterday commend- ed His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s efforts to free Kuwaitis at Guantanamo, which eventually led to the release of the last Kuwaiti citizens there. During a weekly meeting held at Seif Palace and chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Hamad Al-Sabah, the cabinet stressed that the US authorities responded to His Highness the Amir’s efforts and set free the last Kuwaiti detainee at Guantanamo. The move reflects the deep-rooted ties between Kuwait and the US, said Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Electricity and Water Sheikh KUWAIT: His Highness the Prime Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al- Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Sabah. Fayez Al-Kanderi has been recently Hamad Al-Sabah chairs the cabinet’s released, and returned home. meeting yesterday. — KUNA As yesterday’s meeting started, the cabi- net was informed of two messages to His paid to Kuwait. The visit discussed means Highness the Amir from Presidents of of enhancing bilateral ties in all fields, France Francois Hollande, and Kyrgyzstan besides regional and international security KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah meets KUNA Chairman Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Almazbek Atambayev, on means of pro- and political developments of common Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah. —KUNA moting bilateral ties, Sheikh Mohammad concern, topped with the attacks on the Abdullah added. Saudi embassy in Tehran and the consulate in Mashhad. Interior Minister appreciates GCC meeting In addition, the First Deputy Premier Then, First Deputy Prime Minister and and Foreign Minister apprised the ministers Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled of the outcome of the recent visit to Kuwait Amir’s trust in security forces Al-Hamad Al-Sabah briefed the cabinet on by Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Morteza the outcome of the GCC Ministerial Council Sarmadi. During the visit, Kuwait renewed meeting held in Riyadh on Saturday, which its rejection of the aggression on the Saudi discussed the aggression on the Saudi diplomatic missions, and reiterated solidar- ‘Campaigns will continue to achieve law and order’ embassy and consulate in Iran. In a state- ity with the Kingdom and fellow GCC mem- ment issued by the meeting, the GCC states ber states in this regard. KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister and Interior the safety of Kuwaitis inside the country but istry collected weapons and ammunitions from voiced support to all measures taken by The cabinet lauded the statements Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah also look after them elsewhere, pointing to His the public. Also, it is striving to get the approval the Kingdom to counter terrorists and agi- issued by the recent meetings of the GCC congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Highness the Amir’s endeavors towards releas- to mount surveillance cameras in many vital tators. in Riyadh, and the Arab League in Cairo. It Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His ing Kuwaiti detainees at the Guantanamo Bay. locations for greater security measure, in addi- They held the Iranian authorities fully reaffirmed Kuwait’s solidarity with the Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- He added that His Highness the Prime Minister tion to encouraging the application of an envi- responsible for the aggression, in line with Kingdom and the GCC, as well as its rejec- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the and National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al- ronment law. Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations tion of violating the sanctity of diplomatic Premier Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Ghanem spare no effort in supporting the coun- On freedoms, the Minister reassured that (1961), and the Vienna Convention on missions, and the interference in the inter- Sabah on the national celebrations of the 55th try’s security’s apparatuses. “freedom is prerogative for everyone in the Consular Relations (1963) and the nal affairs of other countries. of the National Day and 25th of Liberation Day. “The Government does not fall short of pro- country,” promising that people’s rights will not International Law. The Minister also extended greetings on the tecting the country and its people and Kuwait be touched unjustly once the genetic data law The GCC also stressed that such acts Relocation occasion of His Highness the Amir’s 10the will always remain safe and secure,” he reas- is applied; “its goal is to provide a comprehen- serve neither peace nor security in the Meanwhile, the cabinet approved a rec- anniversary of ascending the throne. sured. “We will not allow anyone to jeopardize sive database that will be beneficial for every- region, or the world at large. They contra- ommendation on a request by the Ministry The minister made these remarks in his office the security of this country. We will not compro- one.” dict with principles of good neighborliness, of Social Affairs and Labor to move the yesterday, while receiving Chairman of the mise people’s rights and freedoms,” he affirmed. On terrorism, he pointed out that Kuwait has non-interference in the internal affairs of administration of the Department of Federation of Arab News Agencies (FANA), and succeeded in combating terrorism by taking other countries, and respect of a state sov- Disabled Care and the Vocational Training Board Chairman and Director General of Kuwait Security campaigns precautionary measures. “It is important to go ereignty. They can ignite the fuse of more Center to be affiliated to the Public News Agency (KUNA) Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled added that after terrorism before it gets to us,” stressing crises in the region. Authority for Disabled Affairs. It also agreed Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah. security campaigns will be carried out in many that the country’s security forces will not allow Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled, also notified to shift supervision of private kinder- Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled expressed his areas of the country in order to achieve “law and any harm to come to the country and its people. the cabinet of the outcome of the recent gartens from the Ministry of Social Affairs appreciation to His Highness the Amir for put- order”. He encouraged violators of the residen- Furthermore, the Minister pointed out that emergency meeting for the Council of the and Labor to the Ministry of Education. ting his trust in security forces for keeping the cy visa to rectify their legal status to avoid tak- there is a multiple cooperation agreements Arab League on the same issue. The Cairo Concluding yesterday’s meeting, the country’s security. “This trust is a great incentive ing any disciplinary measures against them. among Kuwait, GCC, Arab and international meeting formed a committee form the for- cabinet appreciated the hard efforts by to keep giving,” he said. To ensure further safety in the country, nations to exchange information and to moni- eign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Minister of Information and Minister of State His Highness the Amir not only cares about Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled noted the min- tor criminal and terrorist acts. —KUNA Bahrain and Egypt to follow up develop- for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem ments of the crisis with Iran, and discuss Al-Humoud Al-Sabah and members of the means to combat its interference in inter- Standing Committee of the celebrations of nal affairs of Arab countries. Kuwait’s national holidays. This followed a Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also briefed the video review of the preparations for the Activists call for amending meeting on the outcome of the recent visit 2016 celebrations of the National Day and commercial monopoly laws Iraq’s Foreign Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari the Liberation Day next month. —KUNA World-class ambulances By Meshaal Al-Enezi and A Saleh

KUWAIT: Speakers at a seminar titled ‘National join medical emergency Assembly: Between commercial monopoly and the nation’s interests’ unanimously agreed that fleet: Minister parliamentary proposals and laws on commer- cial monopoly do not serve consumers, and KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ali Al- are equipped with internal cameras so as called for amending them. Speaking at the semi- nar held in Andalus, Nasser Al-Shulaimi, Obaidi announced on Sunday that 51 to communicate easily with hospital’s Secretary General of the ‘11/11’ movement world-class ambulances joined the fleet casualty departments to help doctors stressed that they were not against merchants of medical emergency services (EMS), achieve their missions. and were only fighting greedy ones, which were reaching up to 219. In a festival marking few but had enough power to have some legis- this occasion, Obaidi said this move is Cooperation protocols lations passed like a ‘shadow government.’ part of the ministry’s plan to expand and In other news, the Ministry of Health Former minister Jassim Al-Oun stressed that develop emergency services so as to said it intends to sign a number of coop- governments worldwide have defined agendas upgrade skills of staff and ambulances eration protocols with some Egyptian and programs and that bills and parliamentary through cooperating with international and Jordanian universities in areas of proposals do change by changing some people. centers in this field. He stressed the training and development so as to “Our government lacks such concepts,” he necessity of benefiting from international upgrade skills of psychologists and social underlined, noting that once the government techniques to develop systems of com- workers at ministry. This came during a proposes a bill, the bill is subjected to change munications among EMS main opera- speech by Ministry’s Assistant according to the interests of the group new min- tions room and all ambulances. Undersecretary for Public Health Dr isters assuming power belong to. Asked about the service of air ambu- Majda Al-Qattan at a workshop on med- Oun added that comparing various proposals lances, the minister said that it started ical social care. KUWAIT: A photo showing the speakers at a seminar titled ‘National Assembly: Between com- last March and has transferred about 400 She said that the workshop, which was made under the same name, one would find 180 mercial monopoly and the nation’s interests,’ held Sunday night. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat degree changes, though the monopoly law cases so far from remote areas. He co-organized with Egypt’s University of affects all citizens and expats. “The government or agendas,” he underlined. Victimizing citizens revealed that services of EMS are provid- Helwan, focused on social workers at the seems to be held hostage by each group for a Also speaking at the seminar was manage- Meanwhile, MP Faisal Al-Kandari strongly ed to people through 64 centers across ministry’s hospitals, noting that the event while,” he said, noting that it was politically unac- ment sciences professor Dr Yousif Al-Mutairi, who rejected passing the commercial agencies law in the country, noting that the department featured more than 250 social workers. ceptable to change government policies when stressed that the articles discussed would make a way that takes merchants’ side at the expense has up to 1,500 employees. She urged the ministry’s employees to changing ministers. the law come out differently and that certain par- of citizens. “Passing the law with some amend- acquire science and knowledge from all ties were actually working in favor of enhancing ments that changed its essence would victimize 167,000 cases sources, and develop themselves through Enormous burdens monopoly. Representative of the Civil Society for citizens and place them under the mercy of mer- The department’s staff dealt with training courses, workshops and confer- MP Mohammed Tana Al-Azmi said that the Consumer Protection Mohammed Al-Ali said that chants,” he said, noting that all anti-citizen and more than 167,000 cases last year, he ences. agencies’ bill would be reviewed today and that the state was heading towards reducing subsidies pro-merchant amendments will be rejected. said, stressing the importance of imple- Qattan stated that social care is a both the government and the parliament have and at the same time try to keep prices under Kandari added that the law had been set to pro- menting “the national project for train- humanitarian profession which interests enormous burdens and need to join hands to control. “With monopolizing certain goods, prices tect agents’ rights and achieve honest competi- ing”, which aims to train about 10 percent in concerns of people, appealing to work- fight corruption and get the development wheel will never go down,” he said. Former minister tiveness amongst commercial agencies in order of Kuwait’s population on first aid skills ers to cope with the latest developments moving forward. Azmi added that he was sur- Ahmed Baqer stressed that Kuwait still has only to eventually provide consumers with the best and life-saving. High rates of injuries are in this field in order to provide better prised with amendments the financial commit- one stock market while the UAE has two. goods and services. “How can competitiveness due to road accidents and high rates of services for people. Meanwhile, Dr Sara tee made to article one of the bill in a way that “Competitiveness is very important and we had a be achieved when the law was amended in a heart diseases are among challenges fac- Al-Mutairi, a senior official at the ministry, alienates the principle of banning monopoly. competitiveness law passed in 2007, but it was way that bans the presence of more than one ing the department, he stated. said in a similar speech that the work- “Laws should not be set to meet certain interests never put into practice,” he rued. agent or distributor?” he wondered. Meanwhile, the ministry’s Assistant shop discussed several topics, including Undersecretary for Medical Service Affairs skills of social workers and preparations Dr Jamal Al-Harbi said that ambulances for researches and studies. — KUNA GCC to sign VAT agreement by June

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is due to sign an agreement on applying value added tax (VAT) by June at the latest, after all requirements need- ed to pass it were completed, said the Saudi Okaz newspaper. According to Okaz, a special schedule will be prepared to indicate member states’ readiness pending actual application by the beginning of 2018.

Draft laws KUWAIT: Hawally prevention department at Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) carried out an The government yesterday referred inspection campaign at public and private hospitals in the Hawally Governorate. Brigadier Khalid Al- two draft laws to the parliament on psy- Ajmi said KFSD is keen on carrying out those campaigns because they are related to places with spe- chiatric health, psychiatric patients’ care KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi speaks during a ceremony to announce cial nature such as hospitals. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun and social care for senior citizens. acquiring 51 world-class ambulances. —KUNA photos TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 LOCAL Kuwaiti students begin trip to China

NINGXIA/DAKAR: A group of high-achieving historical and cultural sites in Senegal on Sunday Kuwaiti female students began a tour in the as part of a trip organized by Kuwait Fund for Arab Ningxia autonomous region in China on Sunday, Economic Development. After their arrival a day as part of an annual trip organized by Kuwait prior, the students were taken to Goree Island’s Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) House of Slaves, locally referred to as Maison des and the Ministry of Education. The trip included a Esclaves, a museum and memorial said to have visit to Ningxia’s public hospital in Yinchuan, the once housed slaves who were being transported capital of the autonomous region, where the Hui to the Americas during the colonial period. Muslim ethnic community lives. Located in the Atlantic Ocean, the island itself is a The hospital, funded by KFAED with $34 million stark reminder of a European colonial past in West (41 percent), stretches over 43 hectares and con- Africa which stretched over three centuries. The tains 2,630 beds, deputy chairman of the hospital island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, carries a tradi- told KUNA yesterday. It is currently considered the tional feel that is full of life scattered with outdoor fourth best in China, said the official, adding that markets selling local handmade goods. Other sites the building will be renovated while another sub- on the island include William Ponty School, a French branch of the hospital with 800 beds will be colonial school established in 1903 which was opened. Meanwhile, the group also visited the instrumental in producing some of the most accom- Ningxia institute for Islamic studies, where students plished leaders on the continent. receive education on Arabic, Islamic and literature Ali Al-Doukhi, one of the students, said that subjects, as well as studies on Chinese history. The the visit, which concludes on January 16, has giv- Kuwaiti students were accompanied by their en him new insight into the tradition and culture Chinese counterparts during their tour in the insti- of West African peoples, along with the impacts of KUWAIT: A group photo for the students and organizers of a graduation ceremony of the fifth batch of ‘The Proteges’ program. — Photo by tute, where they exchanged cultural experience. colonialism on this part of the world. Yasser Al-Zayyat Ningxia was established in 1945 in northwestern The visit has also contributed to the photo- China. The autonomous region is the smallest graphic indulgence of Abdulredha Al-Muhanna, province in the country, stretching over 66,400 who said that the images he had witnessed were ‘The Protégés’ fifth batch square kilometers. Meanwhile, another group of a great chance for him to take many a snap of tra- distinguished Kuwaiti high school students visited ditional houses and colorful birds. — KUNA students celebrate graduation

By Faten Omar Mentor Shamlan Al-Bahar, The Protégés’ gen- impact society, and their goal is to collect 3,500 eral manager, spoke about The Protégés’ begin- books in eight weeks. KUWAIT: The graduation ceremony of the fifth nings. “We were six persons when we started The Protégés program is a part of a social batch of ‘The Protégés’ program’s students was The Protégés, and we decided to take out time enterprise that is designed to positively influ- held on Sunday at Yarmouk cultural center. It to make a better future for Kuwaiti youth. Now ence the youth of Kuwait through an inclusive was organized by Kuwait Projects Company we are here to graduate 24 young Kuwaitis with program that combines travel, lectures, group Holding (KIPCO). “The Protégés has proved its their humane ideas. The Protégés was our brain- activities, challenges, games and fun. Guided by success through its great projects, and I was very child, and thousands of Kuwaitis applied this a team of mentors, The Protégés are encouraged impressed with the quality of our Protégés and year, although we only accept 25 students in our to discover their passions and are given the nec- the work they did,” said Abeer Al-Omar, corpo- program. And this shows how successful the essary tools to assist them excel in their future rate communications manager at KIPCO, the program is,” he said. “It has been a pleasure to careers and contribute positively to society. main sponsor of Generation 5. get to know these passionate and motivated The Protégés aims to discover extraordinary young people, and I am eager to see what they potential in the youth and develop it through Inspiring will achieve in the future. Young people are the this once-in-a-lifetime experience. They offer Omar noted that KIPCO is keen to invest in means to uplift any community.” these bright young minds the chance to master Kuwaiti youth and the development of their skills and techniques necessary to meet their skills. “The enthusiasm and teamwork that we Underprivileged students goals. The Protégés are selected based on a thor- saw from these guys is very inspiring, and it was The Raqsh project seeks to provide books to ough screening process ensuring that they meet a pleasure to recognize them. ‘Raqsh: Donate to underprivileged students by collecting books via high standards of excellence. Applicants must Educate’ was a great humanitarian project, devices placed in selected locations and by mass meet the following criteria: Aged 16 to 24, be where members collected books and donated donations - the books donated are sent to charismatic, social, disciplined, tolerant, moral, them to those in need in order to promote edu- refugee camps. The project emerged from The eager to learn, hardworking, and demonstrate cation,” she enthused. Protégés Generation 5 team of 24 to positively superiority to peers by successful achievements. Indian embassy conference discusses community issues DAKAR: Kuwaiti high school students visit historical and cultural sites in Senegal. Jain highlights achievements at PBD 2016 Education Minister underlines By Sajeev K Peter contracts for various projects in importance of guide movement Kuwait in the year 2015, the ambassa- KUWAIT: The Indian Embassy in dor said. In 2015, Kuwait Investment KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister President of the Girl Guides Society Hind Kuwait hosted a conference at its Authority (KIA) has also made sub- of Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa under- Al-Houly said the camp aimed at promoting auditorium on Saturday and dis- stantial investment in India showing lined importance of the guide movement in values of belonging and loyalty to the cussed several welfare issues concern- the growing confidence of Kuwait in strengthening loyalty to the nation and vol- nation. She said the camp also aimed at hon- ing the Indian community in Kuwait the Indian economy, he pointed out. unteering. The guide movement is quite oring aspirations of the girl guides, allowing on the occasion of the Pravasi Various issues such as streamlining active in Kuwait, which houses the Arab Girl them to interact and get acquainted with Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2016. PBD is cel- the activities of Indian associations, a Guides and “is proud to do so,” Essa said in a each other as well as improving their skills. ebrated every year in India since 2003 platform for hosting Indian cultural statement following the opening of the The girl guides should develop their skills, in order to connect India to its vast events, exorbitant air fares being annual Peace Camp on Sunday. The camp’s she said, in a positive fashion. Other speakers overseas Diaspora and bring their charged by India’s state carriers from theme this year is strengthening principles highlighted the importance of promoting knowledge, expertise and skills on a passengers from Kuwait were also of loyalty to the nation. sound educational values. — KUNA common platform. This year, making raised and discussed during the con- a paradigm shift in its format, PBD ference. conferences were held at various Reaven D’Souza, Sajeev K Peter, Indian embassies across the world in Ashfaque Khan, Mohd Farooq, Sunoj which delegates participated and Nambiar, Dr Shansethil, Vibheesh KUWAIT: Indian Ambassador to Kuwait Sunil Jain speaks at the PBD presented proposals on improving Thikkody, Chaitali Roy, S K Wadhawan, 2016 conference at the embassy. the lot of the diaspora. Rajpal Thyagi, Sharafudeen Kanneth, In his opening remarks, Indian Nurses growth of 16 percent while 94,363 Dr Vinod Grover, Prashanth Nair and Ambassador Sunil Jain highlighted The embassy also signed an agree- attestations were done compared to Hari Balaramapuram addressed the the achievements of the government ment with the Kuwait’s Ministry of 94,363 in 2014 registering a growth of conference speaking on different and the measures the embassy has Health streamlining the recruitment two percent. The embassy issued issues. Deputy Chief of Mission taken in solving several issues of the of nurses from India through govern- 3,923 emergency certificates for repa- Subhashish Goldar concluded the community. Specifically talking about ment agencies such as NORKA, ODE- triation of Indians in 2015 compared event while A K Srivastava coordinat- the issue of unfair practices of recruit- PC and OMCL. It was a landmark to 2,791 in 2014. The ambassador also ed the event. ing Indian labor from Kuwait, Jain agreement that has virtually abol- noted that there is a 33 percent Representatives of various Indian pointed out several improvements. ished overseas recruitment of nurses increase in drug and liquor related associations, representing the com- Firstly, he said the India government by private agencies from April 30, crimes by Indians living in Kuwait, munity attended the event. had put an end to recruitment of 2015, he said. which is a worrying factor. PBD is held on 9th of January female domestic servants to Kuwait. In service to citizens in Kuwait, the every year to mark the contribution of Currently there are about 300,000 embassy last year issued 87,083 pass- Contracts overseas Indian community in the Indian domestic helpers in Kuwait. ports compared to 75,031 showing a Indian companies won several development of India. KUWAIT: Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa lights the torch of the camp. — KUNA UN official praises Kuwait’s Zakat House launches NUKS - USA honors ABK for golden humanitarian work urgent relief campaign for sponsorship of 32nd Annual Conference GENEVA: Director of United Khalikov praised Kuwait in a KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait recently efforts of the members of NUKS - USA for suc- Nations Office for the Coordination meeting with Kuwait’s permanent Syria’s Madaya residents announced that it was honored by the National cessfully organizing the 32nd conference, and of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) delegate to the UN, Ambassador Union for Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) - USA branch, the active participation of students during the Rashid Khalikov lauded yesterday Jamal Al-Ghunaim, at the Kuwaiti KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Zakat House launched an urgent relief campaign Sunday, represented by its President, Fahad Al-Jadaan event. Sumait also highlighted the Bank’s keen- Kuwait’s prominent role in support- Commission headquarters in receiving donations and alms to rescue residents of Madaya town in Syria who and Treasurer, Daood Al-Busairi, for its Golden ness to support Kuwait’s youth and to offer have been stricken by hunger and poverty due to the ongoing conflict in that sponsorship of the 32nd annual conference. these students job opportunities by participat- ing United Nations organizations Geneva, held ahead of his official country. The conference, which took place in San ing in the job fair held at the conference. This tasked with humanitarian missions visit to Kuwait planned today. He Zakat House’s Diego - California, was held under the patronage participation allowed the Bank to introduce stu- worldwide. added that his visit to Kuwait will Director General Dr and presence of Kuwait’s Minister of Education dents to its activities, operations and services tackle topics related to cooperation Ibrahim Al-Saleh has and Higher Education, Dr Bader Al-Issa, and offered to its clients. between Kuwait and the United met with organizers of Kuwait’s Ambassador to the United States, This sponsorship comes in line with the Nations in humanitarian field. the relief campaign to Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Sabah. Banks Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ini- “The United Nations cannot for- discuss the current situ- Abdulla Al-Sumait, Deputy Chief General tiatives which include the education sector and get Kuwait’s voluntary contribu- ation in Madaya, and the Manager at ABK, recognized the tremendous the support of Kuwait’s youth. tions and rapid action to deal with possibility of granting disasters and conflicts wherever aid convoys an access to they occur in the world; reflecting the besieged town in its adherence to humanitarian work order to deliver the relief regardless of ethnic or religious materials to the resi- affiliations,” Khalikov added. dents, the Kuwaiti chari- Khalikov also expressed deep ty house said in a press appreciation to Kuwait for its statement. Saleh stressed the importance of speedy delivery of these aid to the remarkable efforts to tackle the town’s families to enable them rescue their children and elders from starvation, humanitarian situation in Syria by the statement said, adding that he has affirmed Zakat House’s willingness to hosting three donors’ conferences. receive donations from companies and individuals to aid devastated families. Zakat House called on Kuwait’s citizens and residents to donate to help Meanwhile, Ambassador Ghunaim Madaya residents via the House’s website: http://www.zakathouse.org.kw, its pointed out that the cooperation branches that are usually located near cooperative societies in various areas between Kuwait and the United around the country, or by calling 174 to be informed on donation methods. GENEVA: Kuwait’s permanent dele- Nations in the humanitarian field The House is moving on with supporting philanthropic and humanitari- gate to the UN, Ambassador Jamal comes from Kuwait’s foreign policy an projects as part of implementing the directions of the Kuwaiti political Al-Ghunaim with the Director of UN principles, and out of Kuwait’s keen- leadership in cooperation with Kuwaiti philanthropists, companies and Office for the Coordination of ness in alleviating human suffering individuals, who trusted the House in delivering their aid to devastated Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) caused by crises and disasters families and people. — KUNA KUWAIT: Abdulla Al-Sumait, Deputy Chief General Manager at ABK receives a com- Rashid Khalikov. — KUNA around the world. — KUNA memorative plaque from NUKS - USA branch President Fahad Al-Jadaan. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 LOCAL

In Brief Leak controlled Military drill Aid to refugees KUWAIT: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) said Sunday a KUWAIT: The Ministry of Defense announced yes- BEIRUT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) leak in one of the fuel supply lines for power and terday a military drill code-named ‘kolona eyalak,’ delivered a new batch of humanitarian aid to Water Distillation station in Sabbiya Area has been would be held near Failaka island on January 16th. help 30,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Head of controlled. The station was not affected because The exercise will be held between 4:00 am and KRCS’ team Minhel Al-Enezi said yesterday that there were alternative supply lines, KOC Spokesman noon time, the ministry said in a brief statement. the new aid package consists of 300 detergent Menahi Al-Enezi said. KOC teams were cleaning the The Ministry urged citizens and residents to items and 600 blankets. The number of Syrian fuel and would repair the defect in the original fuel abstain from approaching locations close to the refugees in Lebanon amounts to more than one supply line, he said, adding that KOC would investi- drill zone during the declared scheduled of the million, stationed in various camps across the gate the causes of the leak. —KUNA training. —KUNA country. —KUNA

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: A statue made from copper of a man dragging a bull using a rope. It is from Persia or Mesopotamia, and dates back to the Bronze Age (2800 - 3000 BC). It is displayed at the Dar Al-Athar Al- Islamiyyah museum in Kuwait City. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

KUWAIT: Food restaurants’ complexes overlooking seashores. —KUNA Seaside restaurant complexes: Growing real estate investment

KUWAIT: A total of nine food restau- ing the sea. family gatherings. rants’ complexes overlooking Real-estate experts in interviews The restaurant sector is considered seashores of the country reflects with KUNA said continuous success in as the most successful in Kuwait and remarkable growth of this sector in the restaurants’ sector is considered the Gulf region, as 10 percent of the the few recent years-starting from Al- the main reason behind this phenom- Kuwaiti people visit the restaurants Kout Mall in Al-Fahaheel city to Kuwait enon. Another cause is shortage of daily, according to recent statistics, Towers at the Gulf Street. entertainment and cultural places in she added. This sector in Kuwait Half of these complexes of various the country. reached the value of KD 1.5 billion in designs were built three years ago 2012, which increased to KD 2.2 bil- only. Many reasons are forcing real Two million a day lion in 2014, with an annual growth of estate investors to finance such proj- Consumers spend KD 700 million, 15 percent, thus reflecting its impor- ects, regarding that tourism in Kuwait of average of two million daily, in the tance and vitality, she said. is of seasonal nature, which negatively restaurant sector in Kuwait-of a total Managers at these complexes are affects revenues. of 5,000 restaurants visited by 615, now working on new food concepts; Such a phenomenon could be 000 people on a daily basis, they merging between a numbers of viewed “as a seasonal one or as a nat- said. Director General of ‘Daam’ Real cuisines to create food fusion, she ural development in the realty com- Estate Development Company Gazal mentioned. Director of Al-Dlaijan real mercial sector.” The complexes offer Al-Mufti, owner of the first project in estate office Slaiman Al-Dlaijan said consumers various choices of several Kuwait of such restaurant complex- that the strong purchasing power of and different restaurants and cafes, all es, said they offer comfortable the Kuwaiti people contributes to situated in a single location overlook- accommodation for socializing and encouraging the business. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) announced Hussein Nabil Asiri as the winner of a BMW X5, presented as part of a campaign targeting Kuwaiti employees who transfer their salaries to CBK. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 From the Arabic press

Al-Anbaa Al-Anbaa Al-Jarida I’m free with Responsibility for impoverishing my tummy

regional countries By Samy Al-Khorafy

Many people have become more concerned with By Sami Al-Nisf appearances than real essences. I recently had the pleasure of running into Bo Hamad, an old friend I espite its industrial and scientific renaissance, had not seen for long. It really caught my eye how Europe experienced severe poverty in the overweight he was compared to the good old times period between the Thirty Year War (1618- D when he used to be a role model in agility and fit- 1648), which was a sectarian war amongst European ness amongst us and throughout various neighbor- monarchies, and the end of World War II in 1945. hoods around us. “What is wrong with you.....you are Most resources, revenues by factories, farms and becoming as roundish as the Sadeq Roundabout?” I colonies was spontaneously spent and consumed by asked him. wars, and up until a few decades back, it was Responding with a grin, he said: “Look, Bo Fahad, Europeans’ life dream to have simple jobs in peaceful I have tried everything. I ate dark bitter chocolate rich countries like....Egypt. because somebody told me it helps lose weight and Up until 1945, European conflicts were based on I found out it was nonsense. I tried all the diet meal severe hatred amongst various peoples, races and companies and got fed up with machbous plates sects. The German people had never imagined living going past totally ignoring me as if they were laugh- peacefully while the French still existed and vice ver- ing at me and saying: ‘You will regret this, you fat sa, feelings that, by the way, do not exist in our man!’ I tried saccharin with the hope of cutting region because GCC and Arab peoples, for instance, down on sugar but I stopped using it when I learnt have no hard feelings or grudges for the Iranian peo- that it was bad for the heart and that many coun- ple and vice versa. There is nothing that proves this tries have banned it. I was advised not to eat red more than the eight-year Iraq-Iran war when Iranians meat because it is harmful and might lead to what is continued working in GCC states without any prob- known as the ‘Kings disease’, and you know I am lems and Iranian pilgrims continued to receive dead poor.....so what do you want me to have...just utmost care and support in Saudi Arabia. settle for nakhi and bajella?! Well, without any nice talk or courtesy, the main “I am the type of person who adores Adani fat, thing that is really destroying the Middle East, wast- especially when used in cooking mutabbaq fish. But ing its resources and impoverishing its peoples is the I stopped it when they told me it increases choles- unconceivable policies of the Iranian government of terol levels and blocks arteries and veins. So I interfering in domestic affairs of Arab countries like stopped using it with tears in my eyes over such a Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Palestine and Lebanon, that silly advice. Others advised me not to go to bed always leads to foreign and civil conflicts resulting in after lunch to avoid turning carbohydrates into sectarianism, bloodshed, destroying houses, facto- blood sugar. Who do they think I am - Napoleon ries and cities and farms, wasting Arab as well as Al-Anbaa Bonaparte?! Iranian resources at the same time. “I was advised to eat as much vegetables as I The funny thing is that Iranian interference is lim- could and I did to the extent that I started feeling ited to Arab countries and does not include others Egypt: A phoenix that will rise from the ashes like a goat totally ignored on a ranch. For god’s sake, surrounding Iran despite the presence of followers of I am fed up with this! I was also advised to walk for the same doctrine in them. The region and its peo- half an hour every day to improve my blood circula- ples’ future is very gloomy and heading to severe By Thaar Al-Rasheedi tion and I got everything set up and lost money to a impoverishment, spread of famine, fatal diseases and company that got richer at my expense. I walked for displacement of millions because of one reason - know each and every detail about Egypt, its build- Egypt is capable today of going through them all and a whole week and breathed in to make my tummy Iranian interference in domestic affairs that results in ings, people’s aspirations and visions, media figures, resume its status as the main Arab attraction. Egypt has look smaller during the exercise, but the minute I creating extreme groups like Al-Qaeda, IS, Houthis Ipolicies, politicians and history very well and when- been and will always be Arabs’ cultural and political returned to the scale, it seemed to be laughing at and others, who are all illegitimate armed groups ever I write about it, it is as if I am writing about Kuwait minaret. It has always embraced Arabs and will always me and saying ‘There is no way you will lose weight’. that must be dealt with equally. because I know its sorrows and its many joys. In June do so despite the temporary current delay in the after- “Getting fed up with this routine, I tried alterna- It is not acceptable to support the Iraqi army in its 2013, I wrote an article predicting that the Muslim math of the revolution, which is historically insignifi- tive medicine and took many laxatives with no use. war against IS in the north, and at the same time, Brotherhood would once more be deemed ‘a banned cant and Egypt will overcome it, passing into a better Whenever I leant about a new medicine, they told fight the legitimate Yemeni army in its war against group’. The article was written just before the runoff future. me it was perfect, but later said it is harmful....and so the Houthi troops and the troops of the deposed between Ahmed Shafiq and Mohamed Morsi. Many All logical political analyses we have studied in on. Eventually, I decided to follow the old song that president Saleh. Most of the regional problems will analysts from both Egypt and Kuwait criticized me at books, universities and political science books does not says: ‘What do I have to do with people and what do be solved, peace will prevail and regional peoples, the time, saying that I was only fortunetelling, but in apply to Egypt because it has been and will always be a people have to do with me.’ And now, I am back to primarily the Iranians, will start enjoying their wealth less than a year after that, all I wrote about my beloved blessed land beyond any political theories and expla- square one with the result that you currently see - and fortunes before they become finite, with the Egypt was realized simply because I wrote about it out nations. I do realize the amount of pessimism most Sadeq Roundabout!” he told me. very moment in which Iran changes its extreme poli- of full knowledge of Egypt and Egyptians’ mentality. Egyptians might feel, but I assure them that tomor- —Translated by Kuwait Times cies towards it neighbors, because they do not serve Nowadays, some people expect Egypt’s total failure, row’s dawn is very close and it will be much better, Iran or other regional countries and only serves the while historic facts, for those who never read history, bringing a wonderful future beyond the most opti- interests of a third party that all extremists claim to say that Egypt and its people have always been mistic people’s aspirations or dreams. antagonize while they are in fact their closest allies! unbreakable. It never falls, breaks or dies. Egypt’s geo- Egypt will once more be better and purer than ever Two sisters — Translated by Kuwait Times graphic location and people are an exception regard- and will once more be Arabs’ beating lively heart. less of who is ruling them, be they pharaohs, Romans, Egypt is fine today and do not worry about some pes- Islamists, Ottomans or republicans. It is always capable simistic statements made by some media figures or attack doctor of rising from the ashes of crises like a phoenix that is politicians, because it has always been more like a Crime always reborn from its own ashes. phoenix that always comes back to life and rises from KUWAIT: An Egyptian doctor was beaten by two Kuwaiti Report Despite repeated domestic and regional crises, its own ashes. —Translated by Kuwait Times sisters following a verbal exchange at north Sabah Al- Salem health center, before others intervened and solved the problem, with the sisters leaving. Informed sources Citizenship forgery said a citizen went for treatment at noon, accompanied with her sister, and as soon as they entered the clinic, a ver- case discovered bal exchange took place. Then the two attacked the doctor, who attempted to defend herself but to no avail. A com- KUWAIT: A security source said based on instructions from plaint was filed in the police station. — Al-Qabas Deputy Premier and Defense Minister Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah to cooperate and exchange information between security departments with regards to forgeries in nationali- ties, the first case was discovered and sent to public prosecu- 1-year rehab tion of a citizen accused of adding one of his cousin’s children (a bedoon) to his file and got him Kuwaiti nationality from which he benefited in his studies, worked in the defense min- for Kandari istry and received a marriage loan besides other financial and social advantages. The security source said under the instruc- KUWAIT: Fayez Al-Kandari, who returned from tions and supervision of Interior Ministry Assistant Guantanamo Bay prison, will go through a rehab program Undersecretary for Nationality and Passports Affairs Maj Gen for one year and will be integrated with the society as soon Mazen Al-Jarrah, and exchange of information between as his health program is completed. Sources said a joint nationality detectives and defense ministry intelligence, it committee from the foreign, awqaf, interior and health was learnt that the accused citizen, (A.R.A.) born in 1961, ministries, that was formed to follow the case of fellow added the son of the second suspect (A.H.A.) who is his returnee Fawzi Al-Odah, will also handle the case of bedoon brother-in-law, to his nationality file and got him offi- Kandari. — Al-Qabas cial documents as a Kuwait citizen in the name of (A.A.R.). The source added that after making sure about the infor- mation, the first suspect’s home in Ahmadi was raided and he was arrested. He told authorities that during the Iraqi inva- KD 1.34 billion sion, he left for Syria where the second suspect asked him to add his newborn child in his name to get him to Kuwait fol- uncollected dues lowing liberation and add him to his Kuwaiti nationality file, and he obliged and submitted inaccurate information to the KUWAIT: Informed sources said that dues owed to the Kuwait embassy in Syria. He brought him to Kuwait with a government continue to accumulate from the previous fis- travel document then got him a birth certificate from the cal years, reaching KD 1.34 billion and are concentrated in health ministry, then added him to his file in 1993. The sec- KUWAIT: Retired Lieutenant General, Fahad Ahmad Al-Amir, the Governor of Al-Jahra, Salah Yousef Al-Fulaij, NBK- five ministries. Sources said the amount includes dues on ond and third suspects were referred to the defense ministry companies under the income tax decree, labor support as they are military men. Kuwait Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Al-Othman, Deputy General Manager, Consumer Banking Group and Ghadeer Al Awadhi, Assistant General Manager, Consumer Banking group during the branch opening. and zakat law, with over KD 500 million, in addition to nearly KD 200 million due to MEW. They said the dues also Drunk driver arrested include KD 86 million for the post office, KD 64 million for traffic in addition to KD 25 million for the health ministry. “I am a drunk, not a thief,” is how an Iraqi man NBK opens new branch The sources said some ministries provided the State Audit explained his condition when he was arrested with a Bureau with information to take action to collect the dues liquor bottle. He was taken to the police station and and go to court. — Al-Qabas charged with public drunkenness and possession of alcohol. Patrol officers spotted a car being driven errat- in Saad Al-Abdullah ically that almost hit other cars and ran over pedestri- Exception for expat ans. When stopped, he was found heavily drunk. KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait largest banking network in Kuwait Online Banking, or by simply calling (NBK) opened recently a new branch with more than 68 branches.” NBK Call Center on 1801801. teachers at Khaitan fire in Saad Al Abdullah City, the third in “NBK’s new branch in Saad Al- Al-Jahra Governorate. The opening of Abdullah, in Al-Jahra Governorate Firemen put out a fire in a Khaitan flat which started due Education Ministry the new branch comes in tandem reflects our commitment to continu- to faulty wiring. The speedy response of firemen prevented ‘No marriage with the bank’s strategy to strengthen ously develop services and maintain the spread of the fire, and only material losses were reported. loan reduction’ its domestic presence and better our leading position as the bank of KUWAIT: Informed sources said the Civil Service serve its customers. choice for customers,” Fulaij added. KUWAIT: Sources said the eco- Commission (CSC) informed the Education Ministry not KD 23,000 debt The opening ceremony was The new branch provides cus- nomic committee at the cabi- to hire non-Kuwaitis except as teachers, adding that Capital patrols arrested a 28-year-old citizen want- attended by Retired Lieutenant tomers with complete banking solu- net asked for the cancellation there will not be any openings for expat employees dur- ed for a KD 23,000 debt, and he was sent to the civil General, Fahad Ahmad Al-Amir, the tions. It is fully equipped with the lat- of a suggestion to reduce the ing the next school year except for teachers. Meanwhile, implementation department. The arrest was made in Governor of Al-Jahra, Salah Yousef Al- est technology in banking services to subsidy on marriage loans in CSC asked five government entities to provide it with Sharq when a patrol officer suspected the man who Fulaij, NBK-Kuwait Chief Executive ensure that customers are able to the necessary job descriptions and employment grades seemed nervous when police approached him. When Officer, Mohammed Al Othman, issue their cards instantly, carry out the study presented to the they checked his information, he was found wanted. Deputy General Manager, Consumer their transactions easily and meet finance ministry by Ernest & for rare specialties for those registered in the central Banking Group and Ghadeer Al- their expectations. Young. The sources said the employment system among graduates of Kuwait Awadhi, Assistant General Manager, NBK has maintained its leading committee rejected any change University and foreign ones. The sources said these Kidnappers caught Consumer Banking group along with position in the market by constantly in marriage grants to citizens, areas are for the health, education, electricity and public Jahra police arrested three persons who kidnapped a NBK officials. investing in its local network to justifying it by saying they are works ministries in addition to the Environment Public bedoon (stateless) man, took him to the Jahra stables area “NBK has maintained its leading ensure the reach of products and not high to a point that make Authority. He said these bodies are the ones most bene- and beat him up because of previous disputes. They were position in the market by constantly services to a wider segment of cus- charged accordingly. A security source said a call was them part of the reasons for the fiting from rare specialties such as physics, biology and investing in its local network to tomers. NBK customers can control budget deficit, because it is engineering. He added that the number of holders of received about a kidnapping, so Waha policemen went to ensure the reach of products and their accounts and manage their only KD 2,000 given to the mar- such specialties has reached record levels over the wait the area and found the victim, who told them about the services to a wider segment of cus- finances around the clock, seven days period for employment, nearly 1.5 years, which did not three who beat him and fled. Policemen combed the area tomers.” said Fulaij. “NBK enjoys the a week via NBK Mobile Banking, NBK ried man. — Al-Qabas and found the three in a car and were arrested.—Al-Rai occur previously. — Al-Qabas TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 Pakistan’s female Probe blames migrants for New Year’s Eve violence motorists push boundaries set by men Page 10 Page 11

ISLAMABAD: In this photo released by Associated Press of Pakistan, delegates from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and United States attend a meeting hoping to lay the roadmap for peace talks with the Taleban, at the foreign ministry. — AP Pakistan hosts four-way peace talks Afghanistan, China, US pave roads to peace

ISLAMABAD: A key gathering was underway yesterday in withdrawal of NATO-led combat troops from Afghanistan a along with other contraband helps fund the insurgency. think Gen. Raheel Sharif has turned that page.” Though the Islamabad with four countries - Afghanistan, Pakistan, China year ago, testing government forces that are forced to spread In the province’s Sangin district, the Taleban besieging the Taleban were not invited to yesterday’s talks, a senior and the United States - hoping to lay the roadmap to peace their resources across the country. But while the fight intensi- local army base for days before reinforcements, backed by Taleban official, who spoke on condition of anonymity fear- for the war-shattered Afghan nation. The meeting comes as fies, the insurgents rarely hold territory they take for more USair strikes and British military advisers, were sent in to repel ing exposure and capture, told the AP that two Taleban Afghanistan’s battlefield losses are mounting and some parts than a few days and are often driven back by Afghan security the attackers. As the prospect of a peace dialogue grows, the delegates, currently headquartered in Qatar, will meet of the country are under constant threat from Taleban gun- forces, sometimes with the support of US airstrikes. Taleban can be expected to step up their fight in order to “soon” with China’s representatives. The meeting, which men. Taleban representatives have not been invited to the Aziz refused to say whether Pakistan has a list of Taleban ensure they join any peace dialogue from a position of will also include Pakistan, is to be held in Islamabad, said talks, vowing to talk only to the US and not to the govern- representatives prepared to enter into peace negotiations. strength. the official. ment in Kabul. The existence of such a list was announced Sunday by Javid Imtiaz Gul, whose Center for Research and Security Studies Still, there seems little to no chance for early peace talks As the gathering got under way, host Pakistan - seen as key Faisal, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Chief Executive has delved deeply into the Afghan conflict and Pakistan’s between the Taleban and the Afghan government. The to bringing the warring Taleban factions to the table - cau- Abdullah Abdullah. At the start of yesterday’s conference, Aziz decades-old involvement, says Pakistan has significant lever- Taleban, struggling to consolidate their leadership council tioned of the difficulties ahead. Sartaj Aziz, adviser to the urged that participants avoid the media and work toward age with the Taleban, led by Omar’s replacement Mullah following Omar’s death, have drawn their line in the sand: Pakistani prime minister on foreign affairs, warned against finding ways to get all the Taleban to talk peace. He said the Akhtar Mansoor. no official talks with Kabul on a peaceful end to their pro- prematurely deciding which Taleban factions are ready to talk, Islamabad gathering needs to define the “overall direction of Militants in both countries are allied, and getting rid of the tracted and bloody war until direct talks can be held with urging instead “confidence building” measures to get even the the reconciliation process” and goals that would create a “con- Haqqanis, for example, could unleash a violent backlash the United States. recalcitrant Taleban to the negotiating table. ducive environment for holding direct talks between the inside Pakistan where the army has been fighting for several “We want talks with the Americans first because we But analysts and participants say much of the hope for Afghan government and Taleban groups.” After Aziz’s tele- years to defeat a coalition of militant groups largely based in consider them a direct party,” the Taleban official said in a progress toward peace rests with Pakistan, which is accused vised remarks, the meeting proceeded behind closed doors its border areas with Afghanistan, Gul said. That battle has face-to-face interview with the AP. The Taleban want recog- of harboring some of the fiercest factions of the Taleban, into afternoon hours. been brutal with thousands of Pakistani soldiers killed and nition of their Qatar office under the banner of the Islamic including the Haqqani group, a US-declared terrorist organi- wounded and thousands more Pakistani civilians killed in Emirate of Afghanistan, the name they used when they zation. Pakistan says its influence over the Taleban is overrat- Taleban ready for talks deadly retaliatory suicide attacks by the militants. ruled Afghanistan until they were ousted by the US-led ed. Meanwhile, a breakaway Taleban group said yesterday it coalition in 2001. They also want the United Nations to was ready for talks. The faction, which emerged following the Past practices remove the Taleban from its wanted list and they want Spreading resources revelation last year that the Taleban leader and founder Gul said last month’s trip by Pakistan’s army chief Gen. their prisoners released from Afghan jails. “Even at the best of times they (Taleban) didn’t listen to us,” Mullah Mohammed Omar had died two years ago, is believed Raheel Sharif, who travelled to Afghanistan unaccompanied Afghan President Ashraf Ghani wants no part in giving Aziz said earlier. “Look at Bamiyan,” he said, referring to the to be relatively small and its absence from the battlefield is by the country’s powerful ISI intelligence agency, long con- the Taleban official recognition. Maulvi Shazada Shaeid, a Taleban’s destruction in the summer of 2001 of some of the unlikely to be a game changer. sidered the force behind the Taleban, was a signal the mili- representative on Afghanistan’s High Peace Council, tasked world’s most precious statues of Buddha. The Taleban blew up In Afghanistan, the Taleban have recently been on the tary was ready to move away from past practices and center with seeking peace with the Taleban, said the distance the statues, ignoring the roars of dissent, including from offensive in southern Helmand province bordering Pakistan, future policy decisions only at the army headquarters. between the two sides is vast, holding out little hope for Pakistan. threatening key towns, including the capital of Lashkar Gah. Changes won’t come quickly, says Gul, “but important peace. “In the current situation, it is not possible to bring The Taleban have stepped up their insurgency since the Most of the world’s opium is produced in Helmand, which for us is to turn the page (from supporting militants) and I peace,” he said. — AP Al-Qaeda threatens Saudi over jihadists’ executions DUBAI: The Saudi-Yemeni and North African branch- tyranny and their fight against jihad (holy war)”, the Riyadh announced the execution of 47 people es of Al-Qaeda have threatened to avenge Saudi statement added, claiming that the judicial system convicted of “terrorism”. Among them were four Arabia’s execution of more than 40 jihadists, calling serves the ruling family in “cementing their rule and Shiites, including prominent cleric Nimr al-Nimr, the measure a “foolish act.” Al-Qaeda in the Arabian oppressing their opponents”. whose death triggered a diplomatic crisis between Peninsula (AQAP) and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic “They should fear the day when the relatives of Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite-dominated Iran. In an Maghreb said in an online statement Sunday that the those martyrs, their brothers and partisans... celebrate audio statement posted online, leading Saudi Al- kingdom executed the militants despite knowing (vengeance) against the infidel tyrants.” The state- Qaeda chief Ibrahim Al-Assiri warned: “we will deal that the “mujahedin have pledged to avenge the pure ment charged that the rulers of the leading Sunni with Al-Saud, now that the blood has been shed”. blood of their brothers”. Muslim kingdom “shed the blood of the mujahedin as AQAP is considered by the United States to be the The January 2 executions were a “new crime com- an offer to the crusaders who were celebrating the most dangerous affiliate of the global extremist mitted by the regime of Al-Saud, demonstrating their beginning of their new year.” network. — AFP Mumbai police force-feed thief dozens of bananas MUMBAI: Indian police successfully “Eventually the chain was found. We deployed an unusual technique to made him wash and disinfect it,” the retrieve a gold chain that a thief had policeman added. The 25-year-old man swallowed while officers were in hot pur- appeared in court on Friday and is in suit-they force-fed him more than 40 police custody, said Dhanavade. bananas. The man denied snatching the According to reports, it was not the first chain from a woman in the street in time Mumbai police had turned to the Mumbai and swallowed it in a desperate fruit in order to recover a stolen item. bid to conceal his crime last week, but In July last year a chain was retrieved hospital X-rays suggested otherwise. after a thief was made to eat two dozen Police in the western Indian city bananas and drink several liters of milk administered an enema which failed to laced with laxatives, the Hindustan yield the desired result. Doctors said an Times reported. Months earlier in April, a operation would be the best way for- thief was fed five dozen bananas after ward, but police officers decided it would swallowing a gold chain with a large be too expensive and opted instead for pendant. The thief successfully excreted the bananas. “He was fed more than 40 the loot. But the disgusted victim bananas throughout the day,” Mumbai refused to touch it and instead took it to police Senior Inspector Shankar a jeweler in a plastic bag, the newspaper Dhanavade said. said. — AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 Deadly strike on Yemen MSF clinic draws condemnation A ‘worrying pattern’ of such attacks

DUBAI: A missile strike on a Doctors Without in the rubble,” it said, adding that the missile hit MSF hospitals hit Borders clinic in Yemen killed at least four peo- the medical facility in the Razeh district of Saada MSF last month accused the coalition of ple Sunday, the group said, condemning what it province. bombing its clinic in Taez, southwest Yemen, called a “worrying pattern” of such attacks. The All staff and patients had been evacuated, wounding nine people including two staff mem- raid was the third of its kind in four months in with the patients being transferred to another bers. The coalition said it would investigate that the war-ravaged country, where a Saudi-led MSF-supported hospital in Saada, it said. MSF claim although it has repeatedly insisted it does coalition has been battling Shiite Houthi rebels director of operations Raquel Ayora denounced not attack civilians. And in October, air strikes hit who have seized territory from the international- the strike and repeated that the organization another hospital run by MSF near Saada without ly-recognized government. constantly shares the coordinates of its facilities causing any deaths. It also follows a US strike in Afghanistan on a with those fighting in Yemen. “There is no way MSF facilities have also been hit elsewhere, facility run by the Paris-based medical humani- that anyone with the capacity to carry out an air with the deadliest recent strike coming during a tarian organization, known by its French strike or launch a rocket would not have known” US air raid on the hospital in the Afghan city of acronym MSF, which killed 42 people. MSF could that the clinic was a functioning health facility Kunduz. Washington has said the October strike, not specify whether the medical facility was hit supported by MSF, Ayora said. which came as NATO-backed Afghan forces in an air strike by the Saudi-led coalition or by a “We strongly condemn this incident that con- clashed with insurgents for control of the north- rocket fired from the ground. firms a worrying pattern of attacks to essential ern provincial capital, was “caused primarily by Three MSF staff was among 10 people medical services and express our strongest out- human error”. wounded in the Yemen strike, and two other rage as this will leave a very fragile population The EU led international condemnation of the members of staff were in “critical condition”, MSF without healthcare for weeks,” said Ayora. “Once latest strike, describing it as an “unacceptable said in a statement. “The numbers of casualties more it is civilians that bear the brunt of this could rise as there could still be people trapped war,” she added. attack”. Saada is the heartland of the Shiite Houthi rebels that the coalition has been bomb- ing since March in support of Yemen’s belea- guered government. More than 5,800 people have been killed in ROMULUS: In this Thursday, Dec 17, 2015, file photo, Syrian refugee Refaai Hamo Yemen since the start of the bombing campaign, addresses the media during a news conference. — AP about half of them civilians, according to the United Nations. At least 27,000 people have been wounded and 80 percent of the popula- Syrian refugee among first lady’s tion is in need of humanitarian aid, according to UN figures. The UN envoy for Yemen, Ismail Ould guests for State of Union address Cheikh Ahmed, arrived in Sanaa on Sunday to WASHINGTON: A Syrian scientist stricken issues that Obama has attempted to priori- convince the rebels and their allies to attend a with cancer and seeking a new start for his tize during his tenure, such as expanded new round of peace talks. family in Michigan will represent Syrian health insurance coverage, and issues that He had met with Yemeni government officials refugees as a guest of first lady Michelle he hopes to work on during his final year, temporarily based in Riyadh, before he headed Obama for the president’s final State of the such as criminal justice. The guest list to Sanaa. Foreign Minister Abdel Malak Al- Union address. includes a California man whose partner Mekhlafi said the talks, initially scheduled to President Barack Obama has committed was killed in the San Bernardino attack, the start on January 14 had been postponed until to accepting an additional 10,000 Syrian first female Army Reserve officer to gradu- January 20 or 23. The government sat down with refugees, but some Republican lawmakers ate from the Army’s elite Ranger School the rebels and their allies last month in and presidential candidates are critical of and a plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Switzerland for six days of talks that ended with- the expansion. Republican presidential Court case that found same-sex couples out a major breakthrough. Also on Sunday, candidate Ted Cruz, for example, noted the have a constitutional right to marry. One SANAA: Yemeni protesters hold a banner during a protest in front of the United Nations (UN) Yemeni intelligence colonel Ali Saleh Al-Nakhibi recent arrest of two Iraqi refugees. During seat will be empty, to represent the victims office calling for an end to the military operations carried out by the Saudi-led coalition on was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in sec- an interview with CNN that aired Sunday, of gun violence. Yemen. — AFP ond city Aden, a security official said. —AFP Cruz emphasized that they came to the Obama read about Hamo’s story last United States “using the same vetting that month. His cancer had gone untreated President Obama wants us to trust with because he lacked health insurance. More Syrian refugees.” than $450,000 for the family was raised Refaai Hamo, his son and three daugh- through an online fundraising campaign Palestinian on hunger strike ters landed at Detroit Metropolitan Airport actor Ed Norton had set up for them. The in December, anxious to rebuild their lives. White House described Hamo as living the Hamo fled to Turkey from Syria after a mis- kind of life in Syria that is associated with in Israel in critical condition sile attack killed his wife and one other the American dream. He married his col- daughter. He was profiled on the popular lege sweetheart, and they built a life RAMALLAH: The condition of a Palestinian jour- which would not comment on his condition. His them at the end of their terms of detention. photo blog Humans of New York as “The together before a missile tore through the nalist on a 48-day hunger strike in an Israeli jail is wife, Faihaa Al-Qeq, said Israel “accused him of Israel sometimes extends the administrative Scientist.” The White House said Sunday complex he helped design and where his deteriorating, the man’s wife and a Palestinian incitement.” detention of suspects. that Hamo will be among about two dozen family lived. official said yesterday. Mohammed Al-Qeq is Al-Qeq, 33, works as a correspondent for the A contentious law passed last year allows guests invited to sit near the first lady on Obama told Hamo through a Facebook protesting his six-month sentence without trial Saudi channel Al-Majd and also appears as an Israel to force-feed a hunger striker if his life is in Tuesday. The guests include several veter- posting that, “Yes, you can still make a dif- or charge, under a measure called administrative analyst on channels linked to Hamas. Israel has danger, even if the prisoner refuses. Israel’s med- ans and service members, including one of ference in the world, and we’re proud that detention. Israel’s internal security agency Shin arrested him in the past for his activities with ical establishment has protested the law, and the three Americans who thwarted an you’ll pursue your dreams here. Welcome Bet said Al-Qeq was arrested in connection with Hamas’ student organization. He was arrested there are no known instances of a prisoner attack aboard a Paris-bound train. to your new home. You’re part of what his alleged involvement in “terror activities” Nov 21. Palestinian prisoners have used hunger being force-fed. Also yesterday, the Israeli mili- Those on the guest list will highlight makes America great.” —AP linked to the Islamic militant group Hamas. strikes before to draw attention to their deten- tary said forces shot and wounded a knife-wield- “Al-Qeq is in critical condition after 48 days in tion without trial or charges. Al-Qeq is the first ing Palestinian who the military said attempted hunger strike and his life is at risk,” said Issa journalist to do so. to stab a soldier in the West Bank, the latest in a Qaraqe, the Palestinian minister of prisoner Fearing that a fasting detainee’s death could four month-long wave of Israeli-Palestinian vio- 12 children killed after affairs. Al-Qeq is being monitored in an Israeli spark violence, Israel has at times acceded to lence that is roiling the region. The Palestinian’s hospital, according to Israel’s prison service, hunger strikers’ demands by agreeing to release condition was not immediately known. — AP Russia strike hits school

BEIRUT: At least 12 children and three since shortly after fighting began there in adults were killed in a Russian air strike that mid-2012. Government forces regularly car- hit a school in Syria’s Aleppo province yes- ry out air raids on the east, while rebels fire terday, a monitor said. The Syrian rockets into the west. The situation is large- Observatory for Human Rights said the ly reversed in the countryside surrounding three adults included a teacher, and that the city, with rebels controlling much of the the strike in the town of Anjara also injured area west of Aleppo, and the government at least 20 people, all of them children and present to the east. teachers. Russia, a staunch ally of President Bashar The monitor said there had been heavy Al-Assad’s regime, began air strikes in sup- air strikes and clashes between govern- port of the central government in late ment and rebel forces since Sunday in the September. It says it is targeting the Islamic Northern Province, which is controlled by a State group and other “terrorists,” but a mixture of moderate and Islamist rebels. third of those killed in its strikes have been Photos distributed by media activists in civilians, according to the Observatory. Aleppo province showed a classroom full of The monitor said in late December that rubble with the wooden tops of desks Russian air strikes had killed more than blown off their metal frames. 2,300 people since they began on The Britain-based Observatory also September 30, among them 792 civilians. reported that three children were killed by Moscow has slammed as “absurd” allega- rebel rocket fire on a government-held dis- tions that its strikes have killed civilians. trict in Aleppo city. Control of the city has More than 260,000 people have been killed been divided between government forces in Syria since the conflict began in March in the west and rebel fighters in the east 2011 with anti-government protests. —AFP Iraq Turkmens alarmed by deep Kurdish trench

BAGHDAD: Iraqi Turkmen leaders yester- litical map,” he said. Jassem Mohammed day accused the country’s Kurds of exploit- Jaafar, a Turkmen MP, also accused the ing the war on jihadists to dig a trench that Kurds of using the war against IS as a pre- would strengthen their grip on expanded text to further the expansion, and ultimate- territory. Officials from the Turkmen minori- ly the secession, of their region. ty said the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) was digging the trench roughly fol- ‘Fait accompli’ ASSALUYEH: A handout picture provided by the office of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani shows him attending the opening of the phase 15- lowing conflict lines between the Islamic “It is against international conventions, 16 of the South Pars gas field facilities in the southern Iranian port town. — AFP State group and Kurdish forces across it violates the rights of the people who end northern Iraq. up on one or the other side of it,” he said. Kurdish officials insisted the trench was “There is little doubt that this trench is part Rouhani promises a ‘year of prosperity’ not a political act but rather a purely defen- of a project to divide Iraq,” Jaafar said. The sive measure aimed at preventing attacks KRG acknowledged it had recently stepped TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani pledged rent price of crude to its value during the era of greater inroads in domestic policy. by IS suicide car bombers. “We see this up the fortification of its frontline with IS yesterday that Iran was about to enter “a year of his hard line predecessor Mahmoud If the president’s allies poll well they could move to dig a trench as suspicious,” Arshad but it denied any political motive. economic prosperity”, with sanctions lifted, and Ahmadinejad. swing the balance of power away from conser- al-Salehi, the head of the Iraqi Turkmen “The purpose of the trench is to build a said his government had delivered on its prom- “The government is running the country vatives in the 290-member parliament, poten- Front, told AFP. “It starts in Rabia... and ends defensive system against vehicles used by ises. His comments referred to last July’s nuclear under sanctions not under normal circum- tially leading to social and political reforms he in Khanaqin,” he said. Daesh (IS) terrorists who blow up car deal with world powers that is finally expected stances. God willing, in the coming days we will promised before being elected in 2013. But Rabia is a northwestern town on the bombs,” peshmerga spokesman Jabar to be implemented soon, possibly within days. witness a wrapping up of the sanctions scroll in Rouhani has faced criticism from hardline Syrian border and Khanaqin lies 400 kilo- Yawar said. “It is two meters deep and three Speaking near Bushehr, a southern port city this country.” Rouhani said his cabinet “was groups about the nuclear deal, with opponents meters to the southeast, near the Iranian wide. It is not everywhere, some areas don’t on the Gulf, Rouhani, a moderate cleric, also proud to have been able to curb inflation warning it could lead to “infiltration” by the border. The Turkmens are one of Iraq’s need it. It is the military leadership that drew attention to elections on February 26 in despite all difficulties” and said the economy will United States and derailment of Iran’s revolu- largest ethnic minorities and many of their makes this decision,” he said. Turkmen offi- which his allies are looking to make gains in par- be shown to have grown by the end of the cur- tionary principles. hubs are in disputed areas, which are just cials said their information showed that the liament. “I promise the nation of Iran that next rent year. The US led the nuclear talks, which also beyond the KRG borders but claimed by planned path of the trench would include year, with sanctions behind us and by young involved Britain, China, France, Russia and the Kurds. The Kurdish peshmerga took the town of Tuz Khurmatu in the Kurdish people’s efforts, will be a year of economic pros- Atomic activities Germany. On the same day as the parliamentary over many of those areas on the back of region and leave that of Amerli out. perity,” he said in a speech broadcast on state Inflation was more than 40 percent when polls, the electorate will pick 88 members for the the June 2014 IS offensive that saw the The trench has not been dug there yet television. Rouhani came to power in August 2013 but it Assembly of Experts, a committee of clerics that Iraqi federal security forces collapse com- but work has begun in areas around the oil- The government is this week expected to has since fallen to 13 percent, according to the monitors the work of Iran’s supreme leader pletely. Salehi said he wanted Iraqi Prime rich city of Kirkuk and in the Jalawla region outline its budget for the next Persian year, national statistics agency. On the back of the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Assembly has the Minister Haider Al-Abadi to clarify his posi- near the Iranian border, they said. Mehdi which starts March 20, and like last year will do deal on Iran’s nuclear program-the Islamic power to dismiss Khamenei, who is 76 and has tion on the trench and said he would bring Saadoun, an activist from the Turkmen so at a time of plunging oil prices. “This govern- republic has always denied seeking a bomb but led the Islamic republic since 1989. But its more up the issue in parliament. “We see it as the Rescue Foundation, said the trench was ment is running the country with $30 oil and not agreed to curbs on its atomic activities in return likely and most crucial role will be to pick his beginning of the division of Iraq. It gives being used to further Kurdish nationalist with $147 dollar oil,” he said, comparing the cur- for sanctions relief-Rouhani wants to make successor. — AFP reality on the ground to a redrawn geopo- ambitions. — AFP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 Rolling Stone faces interview criticism

NEW YORK: It was a big scoop, and one It also raised questions of ethics and relying too strongly on the account of changes or not,” Andrew Seaman, chair- Castro and Venezuelan leader Hugo Rolling Stone may well regret. The mag- judgment, namely whether Penn should the alleged victim and failing to carry man of the ethics committee of the Chavez. Rolling Stone has long mixed azine made stunning news over the have met secretly with one of the out basic fact-checking. Society of Professional Journalists, said aggressive investigative and political weekend by revealing that actor Sean world’s most-wanted fugitives, whether It is being sued for tens of millions of in a blog post titled “Rolling Stone reporting with coverage of rock stars Penn landed a rare interview last fall the actor crossed the line by giving dollars by the fraternity, former frat Gathers No Accolades.” “The writer, who and other celebrities. Former staff writ- with the notorious drug lord Joaquin “El Guzman approval over the article members and a university administrator. in this case is an actor and activist, may ers such as Greil Marcus and Jim Chapo” Guzman while Guzman was on before it was published, and whether Writing for Rolling Stone, Penn acknowl- write the story in a more favorable light DeRogatis have accused publisher Jann the run after escaping through a tunnel Penn trivialized El Chapo’s murderous edged that Guzman was granted prior and omit unflattering facts in an Wenner of allowing undue input from from a maximum-security Mexican past by asking him such questions as approval over the article (Guzman attempt to not to be rejected.” interview subjects or interfering with prison. “Do you have any dreams?” and “If you requested no changes, according to the Penn, an Oscar-winning actor who music reviews he found too negative Guzman was recaptured Friday in could change the world, would you?” actor), a violation of the commonly held played a drug dealer in the 1985 movie about artists he likes. “It’s unfortunately Mexico after a shootout that killed five A Rolling Stone spokeswoman did rules of journalistic integrity. “The Falcon and the Snowman,” has had in keeping with Jann’s tendency to of his associates and wounded one not immediately return requests for news-making encounters in other coun- ignore professional scruples in an effort marine. Penn’s long and often rambling comment. Penn’s story ran nine months ‘Discredits the entire story’ tries. In 2002, as the US was threatening to curry favor with celebrities,” said essay, widely mocked on social media, after Rolling Stone retracted its discred- “Allowing any source control over a war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq, Robert Draper, a correspondent for GQ included comments from Guzman on ited story about a gang rape at a frater- story’s content is inexcusable. The prac- Penn visited the country and met with and author of “Rolling Stone Magazine: everything from his childhood to his nity party at the University of Virginia. tice of pre-approval discredits the entire senior officials. He has also spoken with The Uncensored History,” said of the El thoughts on the drug trade. The magazine was strongly criticized for story - whether the subject requests such foreign critics of the US as Fidel Chapo story. — AP

Rubio shifts immigration focus to national security concerns BEDFORD: Marco Rubio is increasingly por- “Radical jihadist groups, the same peo- traying immigration as a national security ple who carried out the attacks in Paris, issue rather than a question of what to do who inspired the attacks in California, are with millions of people in the country ille- trying to use our immigration system gally, a sign of his evolving stance on a top- against us,” Rubio said Thursday to a crowd ic that remains one of his liabilities with packed into a Bedford home. conservative voters. “They’ve already gotten someone into “The issue is not the same one we had a this country as a fiancee,” he said, referring few years ago,” Rubio told voters recently in to Tashfeen Malif, the wife accused in the New Hampshire. “This issue’s different now; California shootings. A Pakistani citizen, she we have radical jihadist groups that are was allowed into the country in 2014 to using our immigration system against us.” marry a US citizen. The FBI said after the As he seeks to emerge as a top con- shooting that Malif and her husband had tender in the GOP’s crowded presidential been radicalized for some time, but the FBI field, Rubio still finds himself explaining his also said recently there’s no evidence of past support for an immigration overhaul outside actors in coordinating the shoot- bill that included a path to citizenship. ing. Texas Sen Ted Cruz, one of his chief rivals, tries to use the bill to brand Rubio as too IS concerns soft on the issue. And on the campaign Rubio says if the government doesn’t trail, Rubio is often asked about immigra- know “100 percent” who someone is or why tion, either by skeptical voters or those sim- they are coming into the United States, ply seeking an explanation of where he they won’t be allowed in under his adminis- stands. tration. “This has become a national securi- “He still hasn’t made up with me yet ty issue, and when an issue changes, so regarding the Gang of Eight,” said David must your policies,” he said. But Rubio’s Merritt, a Massachusetts voter who came to stance on immigration was fluid long see Rubio in Atkinson, New Hampshire. before the Islamic State was a concern. Merritt’s comments refer to the immigra- As Florida’s House speaker in 2008, tion bill Rubio co-authored. “I’m not 100 Rubio came under fire from GOP col- percent sure that I trust him,” Merritt said. leagues for not bringing several bills aimed The overhaul bill passed the Senate, with at discouraging illegal immigration to the Rubio’s help, but he later backed off the House floor for a vote, including bills to MEXICO CITY: A woman reads La Jornada newspaper in Mexico City, on January 10, 2016 which shows a picture of drug lord Joaquin Guzman, proposal as it began to draw fire from the increase employer verification require- aka “El Chapo” (right), shaking hands with US actor Sean Penn. — AFP conservative right. Asked to explain, he ments and require police to report those says he now favors a one-piece-at-a-time suspected of being in the country illegally. approach. He began to shift rightward when he ran for the Senate in 2010 as a tea party Mexico begins extradition Modernize system favorite, pledging to oppose any legislation He says the federal government needs that would grant amnesty to the millions to boost border security and modernize here illegally. Pressed about what to do the legal immigration system before it with millions already here illegally, Rubio process against ‘El Chapo’ deals with the 11 million people here ille- said then that they would return to their gally. He says the government must do bet- homelands and re-enter once the federal ter at tracking the millions who overstay government enforced a legal immigration Movie stars, sewer escapes and bloody shootouts visas and must make mandatory the e-veri- system “that works.” He also opposed a fy system, an Internet-based program that 2007 comprehensive immigration reform MEXICO CITY: Mexico began the process of elaborate security precautions, but also said hood of Los Mochis, where they’d been moni- allows employers to check the eligibility of bill authored by Sen John McCain because extraditing drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” that as he flew to Mexico on Oct 2 for the meet- toring a suspected safe house. Guzman was prospective employees through federal it included “amnesty” for millions. Yet the Guzman to the United States, two days after ing, “I see no spying eyes, but I assume they are able to escape via storm drains and exited a databases. bill he helped craft in 2013 included a path the famed fugitive was recaptured following a there.” He was apparently right. manhole in the street. But he was captured in a But in recent weeks, Rubio also has shift- to citizenship. dramatic, months-long hunt featuring movie A Mexican federal law enforcement official, vehicle on the highway. ed the conversation, starting the immigra- Rubio’s shifting stance isn’t a problem stars, sewer escapes and bloody shootouts. speaking on condition of anonymity because he In the interview in Rolling Stone, Guzman tion segment of his stump speech by paint- for some voters. Cindy Coutu of Bedford Officials warned that the process could take a was not permitted to comment on the issue, defends his work at the head of the world’s ing gaps in the US-Mexico border and the considers immigration a top concern, and long time as Guzman’s lawyers file legal told the Associated Press the Penn interview led biggest drug trafficking organization, one existing legal immigration system as a she appreciates his focus on the issue from appeals and maneuver to keep their client in authorities to Guzman in the area of Tamazula, a blamed for thousands of killings. When asked if national security threat. And he’s taken to a national security perspective. “Who’s Mexico, where he has already escaped from rural part of Durango state. They raided he is to blame for high addiction rates, he telling voters that the Islamic State group is coming in? Who are you? Where are you maximum security prisons twice. Guzman’s remote hideout a few days after the responds: “No, that is false, because the day I actively recruiting fighters to send to the from? Let’s get a better idea, and then start On Sunday, agents formally notified Guzman interview and narrowly missed capturing don’t exist, it’s not going to decrease in any way United States posing as doctors, students dealing with who is already here,” she said. that he was wanted in the United States. In a Guzman following his July escape from Mexico’s at all. Drug trafficking? That’s false.” and investors. “That makes sense.” —AP statement, the Attorney General’s Office said top security prison though a mile-long tunnel. Penn wrote that Guzman was interested in Mexican agents assigned to the international having a movie filmed on his life and wanted police agency Interpol served two arrest war- ‘Actors and producers’ Mexican actress Kate del Castillo, who had por- rants to the drug lord, who is being held at the Describing the capture, Attorney General trayed a drug trafficker in a television series, Altiplano prison following his capture by Arely Gomez said that investigators had been involved in the project. “He was interested in Mexican marines on Friday. aided in locating Guzman by documented con- seeing the story of his life told on film, but Guzman’s defense now has three days to tacts between his attorneys and “actors and would entrust its telling only to Kate,” wrote present arguments against extradition and 20 producers” she said were interested in making a Penn, who appears in a photo posted with the days to present supporting evidence, beyond film about him, though she did not name them. interview shaking hands with Guzman. Penn’s the plethora of other appeals they have already Three months after that close call, marines representatives have not commented on the started filing. Guzman’s powerful Sinaloa cartel finally caught him in a residential neighbor- claims by Mexican officials. — AP smuggles multi-ton shipments of cocaine and marijuana as well as manufacturing and trans- porting methamphetamines and heroin, mostly Senate Democrats rammed through to the US He is wanted in various US states and his July escape deeply embarrassed the gov- judges, now GOP calling the shots ernment of President Enrique Pena Nieto and strained ties between the countries. WASHINGTON: After more than 400 days, Luis Patrick Leahy of Vermont, criticized Felipe Restropo is finally getting a confirma- Republicans in a Senate speech last month for ‘National sovereignty’ tion vote in the Senate that would make him having “the dubious distinction of matching Guzman’s attorney Juan Pablo Badillo has the first Hispanic federal judge on the US the record for confirming the fewest annual said the defense has already filed six motions to Court of Appeals for the 3rd Circuit. number of judicial nominees in more than half challenge extradition requests. Badillo said that With yesterday’s vote on the federal judge a century.” Leahy added: “Too many Americans CONCORD: Republican presidential candidate, Sen Marco Rubio, R-Fla reaches out his client shouldn’t be extradited to the US from Philadelphia, the Senate will have cleared who have sought justice in our federal courts for a handshake during a town hall campaign stop. — AP because “our country must respect national sov- its to-do list of nominees to the powerful this year have instead found delays and empty ereignty, the sovereignty of its institutions to appeals courts. Nine vacancies will remain, but courtrooms because of Senate Republicans’ impart justice.” On Saturday, a Mexican federal President Barack Obama has yet to nominate obstruction on judicial nominees.” Presidential hopefuls take law enforcement official said the quickest people for those posts. Among federal trial It is true that the number of vacancies has Guzman could be extradited would be six judges, 26 of Obama’s nominees - out of 59 risen, but it is still slightly below the 59 vacan- months, but even that is not likely because of current vacancies - await votes. The Judiciary cies Obama inherited in 2009 when he suc- ‘Problem Solver Promise’ the many appeals filed by his lawyers. He said Committee has approved 13 of them, all by ceeded Republican President George W. Bush. that the appeals are usually turned down, but routine voice votes. Vacancies spiked after that as more judges CONCORD: Six presidential hopefuls have who are interested in a Problem Solvers each one means a judge has to schedule a hear- The vacancy rate for the federal judiciary stepped down and as the Obama White House found some common ground on the promise,” No Labels co-chairman Jon ing. “That can take weeks or months, and that rivals recent lows, and the number of current moved slowly on nominating replacements. nation’s future, according to a bipartisan Huntsman told The Associated Press. “That delays the extradition,” he said on condition of vacancies is almost exactly the same as it was Confirmations to lifetime appointments to group created to bridge the divide means they’re thinking beyond the primary anonymity because he was not authorized to when Obama took office seven years ago. But the federal courts have long been a flashpoint between Republicans. No Labels, formed and thinking about the process that will comment. “We’ve had cases that take six years.” don’t give credit to Republicans who now con- in an increasingly polarized Washington. The after the 2010 midterm elections, is asking need to be in place to get some really Mexico’s willingness to extradite Guzman is trol the Senate. Chalk it up to a burst of confir- current situation pales in comparison with the candidates to embrace four broad goals important things done for the American a sharp turnaround from the last time he was mations in 2014 after majority Democrats 2014 struggle that divided the Senate over related to job creation, the federal budget, people.” The poll-driven No Labels agenda captured in 2014, when then-Attorney General rewrote filibuster rules and rammed through new rules to accelerate the process. Almost a energy independence and entitlements, calls for creating 25 million new jobs over Jesus Murillo Karam said the extradition would 89 judges, almost double the number of the decade prior, after a spate of Democratic fili- promote them in the campaign and prom- the next decade, securing Social Security happen only after he finished his sentence in previous year and the most since Bill Clinton’s busters of President George W. Bush’s judicial ise to work with a bipartisan group in and Medicare for the next 75 years, balanc- Mexico in “300 or 400 years.” second year in office. When 2015 opened, nominees, GOP leaders explored the same Congress on at least one of them within 30 ing the federal budget by 2030 and making Guzman was re-apprehended on Friday after there were just 40 vacancies out of 852 “nuclear option” to get nominees confirmed, days of taking office. the United States energy secure by 2024. a shootout between gunmen and Mexican authorized federal appeals and trial judges. but the fight was diffused by a bipartisan com- To be sure, the goals are general enough marines at the home in Los Mochis, a seaside promise. so that people of vastly different political Dogging candidates city in Guzman’s home state of Sinaloa. Five ‘It’s glacial’ When Democrats controlled the Senate, opinions - not to mention temperaments - More than 1,000 people came to the suspects were killed and six others arrested. Last year, the GOP-led chamber confirmed Republicans were less likely to filibuster out- can get behind them. Yesterday, the group’s convention in Manchester in One marine was injured. Mexican authorities just 11 federal judges, the least in recent mem- right, though they were often stingy in per- group’s leaders are announcing the six who October, when eight candidates showed say actor Sean Penn’s contacts with Guzman ory. That has Democrats crying foul, suggest- mitting votes. In December 2014, Texas Sen. stepped up: Democrat Martin O’Malley, and up. Volunteers have been dogging candi- helped them track the fugitive down - even if ing the pace is dictated by electoral politics. Ted Cruz, now a Republican presidential Republicans Ben Carson, Chris Christie, dates at town hall forums around New he slipped away from an initial raid on the “It’s glacial,” says New York Sen. Chuck contender, created an opening that John Kasich, Rand Paul and Donald Trump. Hampshire. Next week, the group will hideout where the Hollywood actor apparently Schumer, one of the Democrats’ point men on Democrats exploited, allowing 11 new “I’m totally blown away that notwith- deploy several trucks adorned with bill- met him. judges. “It’s for the partisan purpose of hoping judges to be confirmed in an end-of-session standing the ugly talk you find during any boards to serve coffee to people and enlist Penn’s article on Guzman was published late for a Republican president.” burst just before Republicans retook control primary campaign, you have six very their interest in having more candidates Saturday by Rolling Stone magazine, a day after The top Judiciary Committee Democrat, of the Senate.— AP diverse candidates - a bipartisan group - make the promise.—AP the drug lord’s recapture. In it, Penn wrote of INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Students back to Kenya univ 9 months after massacre

GARISSA: Students trickled back yester- “There are some memories of a lot of Security tightened saved some of my students from their 2013 siege of the up market Westgate day for classes at a university in north- our friends we lost here, but despite “We are really missing those students killers,” the principal said. Witnesses last shopping mall in Nairobi, when four eastern Kenya where at least 148 people what happened, life must go on... we who were killed, and we are very bitter week gave evidence in the ongoing trial Shebab gunmen killed at least 67 peo- were killed by Islamist gunmen nine just pray for our friends,” she added. The about it...the people of this area were of five men accused of supporting the ple. Last month Kenyan police warned months ago. Security was tight but only gunmen had lined up non-Muslim stu- really affected,” said Hassan Kune Mire. attack. The four gunmen who carried of the risk of fresh attacks by Shebab around 20 students resumed classes at dents for execution in what President “It is very important for us that learning out the massacre were all killed when insurgents, claiming they had split into Garissa University, which had some 800 Uhuru Kenyatta described at the time as has resumed, and that we shall continue Kenyan commandos stormed the build- rival factions inside Kenya, with some students before the massacre. a “barbaric medieval slaughter”. The with our education.” ing. Survivors described how the laugh- shifting allegiance from Al-Qaeda to The high-profile assault on April 2, massacre was Kenya’s deadliest attack University principal Ahmed Osman ing gunmen taunted their victims amid Islamic State. The militants say their 2015 was the deadliest yet in Kenya by since the 1998 bombing of the US Warfa, speaking last week when teach- scenes of total carnage. attacks are retaliation for the Kenyan the Somali-led, Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab embassy in Nairobi. ers returned, said security had been Students, some who had to play dead military presence in Somalia and “war group. Nearly all the victims were stu- Most students, especially those who tightened with a new police post built among the pools of blood of their crimes” committed by Kenyan troops. dents. Emotions were mixed for those were not originally from Garissa, have within the compound and a perimeter friends until they were rescued, said the Inside Somalia, they fight to overthrow returning. “I am very happy for the transferred to other colleges. The stu- fence planned. “I wish I was armed and gunmen shouted “We have come to kill the internationally-backed government reopening...we went for our first lesson dents now returning are mainly those trained on the use of firearms on that and be killed” as they prowled the stu- in Mogadishu, which is protected by and we are really back to the university who come from the town, some 365 night, I would have fought with the dent dormitories shooting those they 22,000 African Union troops, including as normal,” said Shamza Abdi, a student. kilometers north of the capital Nairobi. attackers and at least ensure I have found. The Garissa attack followed the Kenyan soldiers. — AFP

Tighter border checks leave migrants trapped in Greece ATHENS: Dreams rarely come true, at least as a notional net. Inside, migrants are com- not for long. For a few incredible months, ing to terms with their bleak future. the prospect of a better life in Europe “I can’t go back to Somalia,” said English seemed within grasp, attracting a wave of teacher Ali Heydar Aki, who hoped to settle more than 1 million migrants from the war- in Europe and then bring his family. “I have torn, poverty-stricken Middle East and sold half my house” to fund the trip. While Africa. To get there, they risked their lives at it’s unclear exactly how many are stuck in sea and parted with fortunes. But a tighten- Greece, a comparison of arrivals there and ing of border controls closer to the prom- in Macedonia since late November leaves ised lands of Germany and Sweden has left about 38,000 people unaccounted for. thousands trapped and destitute in the last Greek immigration minister Ioannis place most want to be - financially wrecked Mouzalas’ best guess is “a few thousand.” Greece. “But (that’s) a calculation based on experi- Ayman Daher, 29, from Lebanon, paid ence, not something else,” he said. Syed smugglers $1,500 to squeeze onto a rubber Mohammad Jamil, head of the Pakistani- boat with 80 people for the short and often Hellenic Cultural Society, says about 4,000 deadly crossing from Turkey to the Greek Pakistanis could be stuck in Greece, mostly island of Chios. His destination was still on the islands, and about as many Germany, where his father and three broth- Bangladeshis. “Every day we get ... phone ers live. “Life is good and safe there,” Daher calls from people in tears asking for help,” said. “In my country it is not.” To reach he said. “We can’t help - send them where? Germany, he would have to traverse the Germany, Spain, Italy, England? We can’t.” western Balkans, starting with Macedonia All now face two legal options: To seek on Greece’s northern border - as hundreds asylum in Greece - which has 25 percent of thousands did with relative ease for unemployment and a crumbling welfare about five months last year. That happened system - or volunteer for repatriation. Greek because Balkan countries opened their authorities have recorded an increase in borders in June to all transient asylum- both since Macedonia tightened controls. seekers, in one of several policy lurches as a Karim Benazza, a Moroccan hotel worker in SACRAMENTO, California: Amanda Wilcox, a member of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, shows a photo of her daughter, Laura, fragmented Europe vacillated between pity his 20s, has signed up to go home on Jan who was killed in a shooting at a mental health clinic in 2001, following a hearing on gun violence on Monday. — AP for refugees and concern over security and 18. “This is all I do now, smoke and smoke, integrating huge numbers of immigrants. but no money, no food,” he said, lighting a But in late November the Balkan gate- cigarette outside the International ways started to close, and Greek officials Organization for Migration building. “There Probe blames migrants for fear they could be completely shut in com- is nothing for us in Greece, and the ing months. Now, only Syrians, Afghans Macedonian border is closed.” and Iraqis are deemed refugees and let Daniel Esdras, IOM office head in Greece, through, with all others - about 12,000 of sees a steep increase in voluntary repatria- New Year’s Eve violent acts the 103,000 who entered Greece in tions, which the IOM organizes. About 800 December rejected as economic migrants. people registered in December and 260 have been sent home. “It’s one thing to ‘Countries are at war’ return in handcuffs ... and quite another to Nearly all suspects ‘of foreign origin’ This seems absurd to Saleh Al Riyashy, go as a normal passenger with some mon- COLOGNE: German authorities said yesterday picked,” he said.Quoting confidential police number of refugees in the country. 45, a former policeman from Yemen - ey in your pocket, because we give them that nearly all the suspects in a rash of New reports, Bild am Sonntag said some North Critics have questioned Germany’s ability to whose civil war has been compounded by each 400 euros ($435),” Esdras said. Year’s Eve violence against women in Cologne Africans had sent out calls using social networks integrate the unprecedented number of new- 10 months of airstrikes by a Saudi-led coali- were “of foreign origin”, as foreigners came under for people to gather in Cologne on New Year’s comers, many of whom hail from Syria, Iraq and tion. “Why does Macedonia only allow peo- Deportation awaits attack amid surging tensions. Ralf Jaeger, the Eve. Separately in Hamburg, police said they had Afghanistan. Merkel had until now not wavered ple from three countries through?” he said. Although able to continue north, interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia received 133 criminal complaints for similar vio- from her stance but has adopted a firmer tone “Other countries are at war too. My home Afghan Masoud Aziz, 23, will seek asylum in state, released initial findings of a criminal probe lence during the northern city’s own New Year’s after Cologne, even pledging to change the law was badly damaged in the fighting.” Greece. “I do not want to go to another over the crime spree that has piled pressure on Eve celebrations. to make it easier to expel convicted asylum seek- Al Riyashy and his family have spent the country because it is difficult now, too Chancellor Angela Merkel over her liberal stance ers. past week at Athens’ Elaionas migrant (many) refugees go there,” he said. towards refugees. Turning point? “It’s not premature to speak of a turning point camp, where about 560 people from 14 Deportation awaits those who don’t qualify “Witness accounts and the report by the With thousands of asylum seekers still (after Cologne), or at least the reinforcing of a countries live in prefabricated homes. He for asylum and reject repatriation - with (local) police as well as findings by the federal streaming into Germany every day, Merkel has trend that had already started to take shape wants to reach Sweden. As twilight falls several hundred currently interned in police indicate that nearly all the people who come under fire, even within her own conserva- lately,” Andreas Roedder, contemporary history outside the Hellenikon shelter - a former Greece. About 20,000 were repatriated or committed these crimes were of foreign origin,” tive alliance, who want her to put a cap on the professor at Mainz University said. — AFP Olympic field hockey venue currently hous- deported last year. But most were he said. Although no formal charges have been ing about 280 people - Iranian men play Albanians, and only one in 10 from the laid, Jaeger said the attackers emerged from a volleyball, a red line on the ground serving Middle East and Africa.—AP group of more than 1,000 “Arab and North African” men who gathered between the main Spain’s princess, husband on railway station and the city’s iconic Gothic cathe- dral during the year-end festivities. trial in landmark graft case Amid concerns over reprisal assaults, police said a mob attacked a group of six Pakistanis late PALMA: Spain’s Princess Cristina and her hus- complaints-and that is just what anti-graft cam- Sunday in Cologne, two of whom had to be hos- band went on trial yesterday under intense paigners “Manos Limpias”-or “Clean Hands”-did. pitalized. Shortly afterwards, five unidentified global media scrutiny in a landmark corruption Cristina’s lawyers cited Spanish jurisprudence assailants attacked a 39-year-old Syrian national, case that has outraged the country and sullied which allows an accused to escape trial if the vic- injuring him slightly. the monarchy’s reputation. tim of a crime does not back the charges-and in After far-right protests erupted in Cologne Cristina, a 50-year-old mother-of-four with a this case the alleged victim is the state. But during the weekend, a sister group of the xeno- master’s degree from New York University, is the Virginia Lopez Negrete, the lawyer representing phobic PEGIDA movement was due to hold first Spanish royal to face criminal charges since “Manos Limpias”, rejected the argument. “All citi- another rally later yesterday in the eastern city of the monarchy was reinstated following the 1975 zens are equal before the law and as a result Leipzig. In the face of outrage over the New death of dictator General Francisco Franco. The anachronistic doctrines cannot be applied” that Year’s Eve violence, Merkel has taken a tough princess and her husband, former Olympic would “privilege” the princess, she said. line against convicted refugees. She has sig- handball medalist Inaki Urdangarin, arrived Journalists from around the world have naled her backing for changes to the law to ease together at a makeshift courtroom in Palma on flocked to cover the trial, which was moved from expulsion rules, with officials within her ruling the Mediterranean island of Mallorca as photog- a courthouse to a public administration school coalition expected to swiftly negotiate the pro- raphers snapped pictures and a police helicop- on the outskirts of Palma to accommodate the posals this week. ter flew overhead. Following courtroom rules, large number of reporters and lawyers. It comes ATHENS: In this photo taken on Saturday, Jan 9, 2016 a Pakistani man plays cricket as they had to sit apart as judges read out the as Spain seethes over repeated corruption scan- a boy covers his face at the Eleonas refugee camp. — AP Police said late Sunday that more than a week on from New Year’s Eve, some 516 complaints alleged crimes committed by the total of 18 sus- dals that have exposed politicians, trade unions, had now been lodged, including 40 percent that pects in the case, which alleges that Urdangarin bankers and footballers, eroding Spaniards’ faith are related to sexual assault. Witnesses embezzled public funds through a foundation in their institutions and elites after a major eco- Reformist lawmaker elected as described terrifying scenes of hundreds of he once chaired. Cristina has been charged with nomic crisis and a government austerity drive. women running a gauntlet of groping hands, tax evasion while her husband is accused of the “We have never had as much corruption in Greece’s new opposition leader lewd insults and robberies in the mob violence. more serious crimes of embezzlement, influence Spain’s democratic history,” said 45-year-old peddling, document falsification, money laun- unemployed masseur Francisco Solana, one of a ATHENS: Greece’s conservative opposition ing to do the bidding of Greece’s creditors. ‘Assaults were planned’ dering, forgery, breach of official duty and tax handful of protesters who gathered outside the New Democracy party elected a reformist on “New Democracy will now become a The scale of the Cologne assaults has fraud. Almost immediately after the trial opened, courtroom. “No judge will dare send Princess Sunday as its new leader. Former administra- hardline neo-liberal party that will only do shocked Germany and put a spotlight on the 1.1 Cristina’s lawyers called for the case against her Cristina to jail. I think justice is not equal for all, it tive reform minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis the bidding of the oligarchs, losing any con- million asylum seekers who arrived in the coun- to be thrown out. Prosecutors have always favors the rich,” added Solana who was wrapped defeated party stalwart Evangelos nection with the people,” the Independent try last year. It has also fuelled fear, with a poll refused to press charges against her, but under in the yellow, red and purple flag of Spain’s Meimarakis in a leadership contest open to Greeks said in a statement. Even Mitsotakis’ published by the Bild am Sonntag newspaper Spanish law, private entities can also file criminal 1931-1939 second republic.—AFP all party members. With only partial results opponents, however, largely refrained from saying that 39 percent of those surveyed felt available, Meimarakis called Mitsotakis to referring to his status as a political family police did not provide sufficient protection for congratulate him on his victory. scion, at a time when nepotism and political the public at large, while 57 percent did. Both candidates were seen as moderate, dynasties have been convenient scapegoats And just under half (49 percent) believed the but Mitsotakis, the 47-year-old son of former for the ills of crisis-ridden Greece. Mitsotakis same sort of mob violence could hit their home- New Democracy leader and Prime Minister has created a profile of his own, distinct town, reported the newspaper which headlined Constantine Mitsotakis, was considered the from his father’s, and that of his elder sister, its article with the question: “Is the New Year’s change candidate. Mitsotakis is more clearly Dora Bakoyannis, who herself had unsuc- Eve scandal the result of wrong policies?” A sep- a market-friendly politician and less likely to cessfully sought the party leadership in arate poll by broadcaster RTL found that 57 per- use populist rhetoric. 2009. cent of Germans feared crime would rise along And while Meimarakis has been an Nonetheless, the family patriarch, 97, was with the record influx of asylum seekers, while unsparing critic of left-wing premier Alexis there Sunday to congratulate his son and 40 percent disagreed. Tsipras’ government, Mitsotakis has prom- wish him to become prime minister in his Nevertheless a majority — 60 percent-said ised an even tougher opposition line against turn. With 70 percent of polling, New their opinion of foreigners has not changed, what he called late Sunday a Democracy officials announced that while 37 percent said they have become more “populist...incompetent government.” Mitsotakis was leading Meimarakis, 51 per- critical and negative about newcomers. Justice Tsipras called Mitsotakis to congratulate cent to 49 percent. About 400,000 people Minister Heiko Maas has said he believed the him and invite him to a meeting this coming were eligible to vote. In the first round, held violence in the western city of Cologne was week, an invitation the new opposition on Dec. 20, Meimarakis had led Mitsotakis, organised. “For such a horde of people to meet leader accepted. But it is unlikely that their 39.8 percent to 28.5 percent. Two other can- and commit such crimes, it has to have been MALLORCA: Spain’s Princess Cristina (right) and former Olympic handball player and hus- relationship will remain as courteous. Tsipras’ didates were eliminated. Meimarakis, 62, is a planned somehow,” he told Bild am Sonntag band of Spain’s Princess Cristina, Inaki Urdangarin arrive for a hearing held in the court- Syriza party and their government partners, former minister and parliamentary speaker. newspaper. “No one can tell me that this was not room in the Balearic School of Public Administration (EBAP) building in Palma de the right-wing Independent Greeks, have He served as the New Democracy interim coordinated or planned. The suspicion is that a Mallorca.— AFP repeatedly portrayed Mitsotakis as too will- leader from July to November 2015. — AP specific date and an expected crowd was TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 INTERNATIONAL

India detains 25 foreign ship crew members in arms case

CHENNAI: An Indian court yesterday properly registered. “We are speaking sentenced crew members of a private to our consulate ... this is not justice,” American ship, including 25 foreigners, said Towers. The British High to five years in prison for illegal posses- Commission in New Delhi said it was sion of arms in Indian waters in a verdict providing consular assistance but could that could spark diplomatic tension. not interfere in another country’s judi- The crew, which included foreign cial process. nationals from Ukraine, Estonia and six “Our staff in India and the UK have British former soldiers, was arrested been in close contact with all six men from the ‘Seaman Guard Ohio’ in 2013 since their arrest to provide support to after they failed to produce papers them and their families, including authorizing them to carry weapons in attending court,” it said in a statement. India’s territorial waters. Ten Indians “Ministers have also raised this case at were also arrested. The court in India’s the highest levels, pressing for delays southern city of Tuticorn, in Tamil Nadu to be resolved.” No comment was state, found the crew guilty of violating immediately available from the Indian laws by possessing prohibited Ukrainian and Estonian embassies. arms. It also fined each crew member The southern tip of India is close to 3,000 rupees ($45). major trade routes and cargo ships “This judgment is totally unfair and a often travel with armed guards to deter great injustice to the accused,” pirates. The ship was operated by a US Arumugaram Ravipandian, a lawyer maritime security firm and the incident representing all 35 crew members, told highlighted the loosely regulated prac- Reuters. Ravipandian said his clients tice of placing guards on ships for pro- would seek bail and challenge the ver- tection against pirate attacks. Action by dict in a higher court. The crew, that the Indian authorities has led to diplo- spent nine months in prison after the matic rows in similar cases. Relations incident, has been out on bail but not between India and Italy soured after a allowed to leave India since 2013. 2012 incident in which two Italian Paul Towers, a former British soldier marines allegedly killed two Indian fish- among those convicted, said the ermen mistakenly believed to be weapons on board their ship were pirates. — Reuters LAHORE: Pakistani housewife Hina Kazmi rides a motorcycle on a street. — AFP photos Pakistan’s female motorists push boundaries set by men Four wheels good but two wheels better LAHORE: On the crowded roads of the teeming eastern Pakistani city of Lahore, Tayyaba Tariq zips through the rowdy traffic on her brand new motorcycle. In jeans and a bright jacket, with a white helmet clasped over her hair, the 22-year- old student is part of a new wave of female driv- ers in Pakistan who are pushing the boundaries set for them by men. The idea of women straddling motorcycles, clambering into the cabs of Pakistan’s iconic heavy trucks, or driving rickshaws for money is still taboo in the deeply conservative Muslim country of some 200 million, where gender dis- YANGON: This photo taken on January 10, 2016 shows ethnic minority Karen, who crimination is routine. There have been a slew of have their own calendar and have officially celebrated their New Year since the recent campaigns by women for greater access 1930s, gathered to celebrate their New Year festival. — AFP to public spaces to which they are often denied, such as roadside eateries-and the roads them- Hopes for peace: Myanmar’s selves. The importance of the issue is underscored by the fact that three quarters of Pakistani women Karen celebrate New Year do not participate in the labor market, mainly YANGON: Myanmar’s ethnic minority Karen meeting is set to be the last major push to due to a lack of safe transportation, according to rung in their New Year with song, dance and cement the current leadership’s peace-building a study by the International Labor Organization. traditional kickboxing, in celebrations a day legacy before handing over power to Aung San “If girls learn to ride a motorcycle, they can move before fresh efforts to reach a ceasefire to end Suu Kyi’s party which won November elections. freely, come and go independently,” says Tariq, who rides 25 kilometer to the border with India the country’s myriad rebel conflicts. Suu Kyi used the New Year to send a mes- ISLAMABAD: Pakistani truck driver Shamim Akhter, 53, drives a truck loaded with bricks. Tens of thousands of people, many in sage on efforts to end fighting between the and back every day for her job as a customs offi- bright traditional clothing, thronged through army and rebels. She has said ending the vio- cer on her motorbike, a far more affordable For Zar Aslam, the solution was obvious: Now the 53-year-old works night and day to teeming Yangon streets, in a three-day cele- lence, which has plagued a horse-shoe of bor- mode of transportation than a car. women-only rickshaws, driven by women for transport bricks in the capital Islamabad. “My bration. The Karen, who are Buddhist and der regions for decades, is her first priority of Sajjad Mehdi, a traffic police official in Lahore, women, empowering both passengers and husband doesn’t live with me, he lives with his Christian, have their own calendar and have government. “We will have to build a peace said he had trained nearly 150 women to ride a enterprising women who need a source of second wife and I have to bear the expenses of officially celebrated their New Year since the that takes into account the rights of ethnic motorbike recently. “But there are many women income. Aslam launched her Pink Rickshaws my family alone,” she says. She learned to drive a 1930s. “I love my Karen people and value my people and most importantly we must be unit- who learned to ride a bike on their own,” he scheme in 2014 beginning with just five rick- car first then heavy vehicles and passed a test for ethnicity in my heart,” Sa Ye Kyaw Oo, an event ed. So let us seek out a real peace for our added. The government of Punjab province has shaws, and paraded them through the streets of the newly launched metro bus service in the cap- volunteer said. nation,” Suu Kyi said in a statement published also realized the importance of getting women Lahore in October last year. ital-but was denied a job by the government New Year events, marked by dance compe- on her official Facebook page. on to motorcycles, launching an awareness cam- “What we are doing is we are trying to help because it was not policy to have female drivers. titions and bouts of the country’s lethwei kick- The powerful Karen National Union (KNU) paign in November titled “Women on Wheels” women become entrepreneurs and operators So, she contacted a local trucking company. “I boxing, were also held across southeastern battled for greater political autonomy for that highlighted gender-based violence and and owners of their own rickshaws,” she said. get 1,000 rupees (US$10) for a longer trip outside Karen state. The guns have largely fallen silent decades before joining a peace process led by street harassment. “Anyone over 18 and under 102 can drive this Islamabad,” she said, cleaning one of the cabs as in the state after ethnic minority rebels waged general-turned-reformist President Thein Sein. rickshaw from any class, from any background,” she worked. The amount of trips she gets varies, one of the world’s longest insurgencies- He has targeted ending the country’s myriad City in pink said actress Nadia Jameel, an ambassador for the she says, and her income each month usually although recent months have seen sporadic ethnic minority rebellions as the final plank of The campaign saw 150 women, who had scheme. “Some women will come out and drive falls below average for a worker in Islamabad. “It clashes linked to smaller rebel factions. his agenda before handing over power to Suu completed a police-run motorbike training pro- because they have to. They need the money.” doesn’t meet (all of) my expenses but ... one can’t The conflict saw Myanmar’s army accused Kyi’s opposition in March. gramme, ride through the streets of Lahore on sit idle,” she said. “If we need 10,000 rupees and of widespread rights abuses that prompted Thein Sein has sought to hold up war- Sunday in a rally attended by diplomats and Driven by necessity get 7,000 rupees, it’s better than having nothing.” tens of thousands of ethnic Karen to flee their battered Karen as an example of the devel- human rights lawyers, as it was revealed that Money was also the driving force behind Learning to drive will hopefully give many homes, many into border camps in neighbor- opment potential for peace in Myanmar’s 1,000 subsidized pink scooters would be given to Shamim Akhter’s decision to become one of the women an economic boost but it will still take ing Thailand. “All ethnic groups have to take restive borderlands. In quotes published in working women and students under the scheme. first female drivers of Pakistan’s famous heavy time for social attitudes to change-even in responsibility for the peace process if it is the state-backed New Light of Myanmar yes- Tariq may be able to avoid men harassing trucks, chaotically decorated from top to bottom Lahore, arguably Pakistan’s most cosmopolitan going to be really successful,” Mann Phoe Saw, terday, Thein Sein acknowledged that the her by nipping through traffic, but women in merry “truck art”. Abandoned by her husband city. “Many times boys follow us (on their bikes),” an organizer of the festivities said. Karen “have had to endure a tough road for a using Lahore’s many rickshaws are often not so after the birth of their five children, Akhter strug- Tariq the motorcyclist admits. “They think that a The celebrations come ahead of political very long time”. “But today, the rays of peace fortunate: trapped by necessity in a tiny vehicle gled in odd jobs for years to feed her family girl can’t ride and will be frightened... But I have a dialogue between the Myanmar government have already dawned,” he was quoted as say- with a male driver, getting from A to B can often before she clambered into the cab of a truck to message for boys. They should not consider girls and ethnic minority groups on Tuesday. The ing. — AFP be a hassle. make history. inferior.” — AFP

Syria FM visits India before peace talks Indonesian forces NEW DELHI: Syria’s foreign minister arrived in New Delhi yesterday for talks with his Indian counterpart, try- regroup after failing ing to build international support for President Bashar Al-Assad’s government before peace talks in Geneva. to capture top militant Walid Muallem will meet Sushma Swaraj and “other government functionaries” during a three-day official JAKARTA: Indonesian security forces Details of how the military and police visit, foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said. are regrouping to launch a more aggres- would join forces still had to be worked Peace talks between Assad’s government and the Syrian sive campaign to hunt for the country’s out, he said. Officials at the presidential opposition are due to begin in January 25 as part of an most-wanted man, police said yester- palace were not available for comment. ambitious 18-month plan endorsed by the UN Security day, after months of fruitless searching Determined to capture Santoso, Council. in the jungles of Sulawesi island. President Joko Widodo in March More than 260,000 people have died since Syria’s President Joko Widodo has made the approved the first major military count- brutal civil war erupted in March 2011, and previous arrest of Santoso, Indonesia’s most er-terrorism operation since the bomb- efforts to find a political solution to the war have failed. high-profile backer of Islamic State, one ing of two Jakarta hotels in 2009. A blitz The UN-backed plan foresees a rapid ceasefire, and calls of his national security priorities and by troops, warships and fighter jets had given security forces until Jan. 9 to weakened Santoso’s forces, but he got for talks that would lead to the “establishment of an arrest him. But Santoso, who has been away and officials believe he still com- inclusive transitional governing body with full executive on the run for more than three years, mands up to 40 men. powers” within six months, although it does not directly has proven to be more difficult to catch While security forces increase their address Assad’s fate. than expected. focus on Santoso in Central Sulawesi, Analysts said the Syrian minister’s India visit, which Security forces plan to bring in 500 analysts have raised alarm over a follows trips to Russia and China, was an attempt to more policemen and soldiers to rein- growing network of Islamic State sup- build international support for the Syrian president, force the 1,600 personnel looking for porters around the capital, Jakarta. who is backed by Russia. “The fact that the Syrian for- Santoso, who analysts say could be an Police over the weekend arrested eign minister is visiting India is a clear indication that inspiration for Indonesian militants three people after finding bomb-mak- India supports and has given legitimacy to the Assad returning from fighting with Islamic ing equipment at a house near government,” said Ranjit Gupta, an independent analyst State in the Middle East. Jakarta, said a police spokesman, and former Indian ambassador. “There is a new operation called Sulistyo Pudjo Hartono. Police said the “India is not expected to give explicit public support, Tinombala that will focus on Poso and three were suspected of having links except to say that there should be no regime change the surrounding areas,” said Hari with a group of men arrested across through external force... which in itself is a big boost for NEW DELHI: Indian Foreign Ministry official Satbir Singh (right) welcomes Syrian Suprapto, spokesman for the Central the island of Java last month, who the Syrian government.” The visit comes as Swaraj and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Walid Al-Moualem, upon his Sulawesi police, referring to the district were believed to be planning attacks Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepare for visits to the arrival at the Indira Gandhi International airport, in New Delhi, India , Monday, Jan. where Santoso is believed to be based. over the New Year holiday. — Reuters Middle East. — AFP 11, 2016. Al-Moualem is on four day official visit to India. — AP INTERNATIONAL TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 China to restrict family size for up to 30 years

BEIJING: China will stick to family plan- couples are now not keen on having 20 years, 30 years,” Wang said. “After a rich before it got old, Wang said an age- to prevent population growth spiraling ning restrictions for up to 30 years, a sen- more children. period of time, along with demographic ing population was a global problem out of control, but is now regarded as ior Chinese official said yesterday, reject- China’s population is set to peak at changes, and along with changes in the and “an inevitable trend of a society’s outdated and responsible for shrinking ing concern that limits on the number of about 1.45 billion by 2050 when one in population’s socio-economic develop- development”. China’s main problem the labor pool. It has also led to the children had shrunk the pool of workers every three people is expected to be ment situation, we will adopt a different with its labor force was not the number problem of an aging society, with a needed to support an aging population. more than 60 years old, with a shrinking population policy.” He said it was difficult of workers but “how to improve the qual- smaller number of productive young Last year, the ruling Chinese proportion of working adults to support to give a specific time on how long the ity of workers”, he said. people, a phenomenon usually seen in Communist Party announced it would them. But officials would adhere to fami- restrictions on family size would be Wang said there was a demographic industrialized countries. With the adop- relax its long-standing and controversial ly planning restrictions “for the long maintained, saying it was an issue that “imbalance” in China between poorer tion of the two-child policy, China’s labor “one-child policy”, allowing all couples to term”, Wang Pei’an, vice minister of the had to be dealt with “in line with the regions with higher fertility levels than force could rise by more than 30 million have two children. But critics say the pol- National Health and Family Planning times”. cities, where many people are reluctant by 2050 and its aging population will be icy change comes too late to avert a dan- Commission, told a news conference. Asked about the danger the two-child to have more children. The one-child reduced by 2 percentage points by 2030, gerous population imbalance as many “This long-term adherence is at least policy would prevent China from getting policy was introduced in the late 1970s Wang said. — Reuters Eight reasons china off to a rocky 2016

BEIJING: Barely more than a week into dent whose party opposes Beijing’s goal of 2016, Chinese President Xi Jinping is hav- unification between the sides. Beijing’s eco- ing a rough time of it, with challenges nomic inducements have failed to per- ranging from a plummeting stock market suade the Taiwanese public of the benefits to new provocations from obstreperous of political union. If opposition Democratic ally North Korea. While none pose an exis- Progressive Party candidate Tsai Ing-wen tential threat to his administration, the wins Saturday, as she is widely expected to world will be watching to see whether he do, Beijing may feel compelled to embark has the sophisticated touch needed to find on economic and diplomatic pressure that durable solutions and maintain stability. could send relations into reverse. It’s Below is a look at eight key issues Xi is con- unlikely that Beijing would go so far as to tending with: back up its longstanding threat to use force to bring the island under Chinese control. Stock market volatility China twice deployed its “circuit break- Politics er” mechanism to halt trading as stock mar- While Xi faces no such electoral chal- kets nosedived by 10 percent in the first lenges under China’s one-party system, he week of the year. Beijing finally abandoned does face resistance from political rivals the mechanism, and left the perception and the vast bureaucracy. Xi shows no sign that regulators don’t have a clue as they try of abandoning his signature anti-corrup- to stabilize a market that more than dou- tion campaign blamed for creating a sense bled between late 2014 and June, then of fear and paralysis among the rank and dived 30 percent, causing deep pain file. His growing cult of personality exudes among retail investors. an exterior confidence. But with the econo- my slowing and no sign of political reforms, Currency queasiness he may come under pressure from critics Meanwhile, China’s currency, the yuan, and rivals to show results on jobs, growth, has slid to a five-year low against the dollar, good governance and addressing the PYONGYANG: This undated picture released from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on January 10, 2016 showsNorth forcing the government to spend tens of yawning income gap. Korean leader Kim Jong-Un delivering a speech at the Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces. — AFP millions of dollars from its foreign currency stockpile to defend it. The government last South China Sea week guided the yuan 1.5 percent lower to Since the year began, China has landed Kim’s nuke test proves gift of assist hard-pressed exporters, but the three aircraft on a new island it built in the clumsy move sent shockwaves through South China Sea, drawing protests from world markets, further weighing on Vietnam and the Philippines, which have Chinese share prices. competing territorial claims in the region. sorts for S Korean president China’s robust assertions of its claim to vir- Slowing economy tually the entire South China Sea have long Hiccups in the world’s second-largest drawn complaints and sparked the occa- Test stopping Park’s slide in popularity economy are expected to continue in 2016, sional maritime confrontations in the area with growth falling to a six-year low of 6.9 through which $5 trillion in global trade SEOUL: North Korea’s nuclear test has provoked partially banned South Koreans from a jointly poses. The most tangible effect of the South’s percent in the July-September quarter and passes each year. The test flights landed on global outrage, a push for sanctions, even fear. run factory park in the North and allowed huge retaliation so far is that it has helped Park forecast by the International Monetary one of seven new islands Beijing has built But Kim Jong Un’s decision to conduct it has green speakers along the border to begin crank- change the conversation back home. Fund to decline further to 6.3 percent this by piling sand atop reefs and atolls. The US also handed a gift of sorts to his rival in the ing out South Korean K-pop songs and criticism Though the president has a strong base of year. That bodes ill for the economy’s ability is adamant that the new features don’t South. In an instant, Wednesday’s explosion of the North’s leadership. conservative supporters, thousands of oppo- to generate enough new jobs for the more deserve the legal status of actual islands, shifted the focus on the presidency of Park She could have done more to punish the nents took to the streets on several occasions than 7.5 million students due to graduate and the US Navy has flown and sailed close Geun-hye, who has faced several mass protests North, by slapping them with bilateral punitive before the nuclear test to criticize her policies from college this year, while also building to them, drawing a furious response from condemning her leadership in recent weeks. measures and ending the South’s participation and what they saw as her attacks on personal momentum for a transition from an invest- Beijing. Xi now has to defend China’s Park’s swift, hard-line response, including a in the factory park, which is a rare cash cow for and political freedoms. ment-based economy to one focused on actions while avoiding damage to its for- return of cross-border propaganda broadcasts the impoverished, widely shunned North. The There’s resistance to a new requirement for services. eign relations. that Pyongyang loathes, has, for the time being, park, however, is also the last major inter- schools to use only state-issued history text- overshadowed criticism over her leadership Korean project from an earlier era of rapproche- books starting in 2017, which critics call an North Korea Hong Kong style, her alleged abuse of workers’ rights and ment. She’s attempting to walk a delicate line: attempt to whitewash past dictatorships - Despite persistent calls for restraint, China faces continuing opposition from her purported submission to Tokyo in a deal To show South Korea’s intense displeasure with- including that of Park’s father, Park Chung-hee, China’s traditional ally North Korea staged pro-democracy forces in Hong Kong, the meant to end a dispute over Japan’s wartime out killing the possibility of drawing the North who ruled South Korea in the 1960s and 1970s. what it claims was a hydrogen bomb test former British colony that reverted to sexual enslavement of Korean women. into future diplomacy that could settle the The country’s military dictatorship ended only blast on Jan. 6 that sent actual tremors Chinese rule in 1997 while retaining its own Park has temporarily stopped a slide in popu- neighbors’ many differences. in the late 1980s and the divide between left across the border into northeastern China legal and economic systems. Beijing’s larity by doing something she has proven her- A military clash is also a worry. Pyongyang and right remains deep. and drew condemnation from Beijing. hand-picked chief executive, Leung Chun- self adept at: Standing tall in the face of what posts a large part of its 1.2 million military and a Park has also received massive public criti- China now finds itself again under pressure ying, is deeply unpopular, and planned Seoul sees as a provocation from its northern huge array of weapons along the Korean border, cism for a botched rescue operation during a to use any possible leverage with the North electoral changes stalled after massive rival. A survey showed her approval rating rose within easy striking range of the South Korean ferry disaster in 2014 that killed more than 300, to tamp down tensions in northeast Asia, street protests in 2014, leaving deep rifts in slightly last week, for the first time in five weeks. capital, Seoul, and its 10 million residents. mostly schoolchildren, and for the handling of a while facing the possibility of more robust hyper-efficient Hong Kong’s society and While the boost is likely temporary, the timing The North views the restart of the propagan- MERS virus outbreak last year that killed 38. security cooperation between South Korea politicizing a generation of students. Now, of the nuclear test may help Park and her ruling da broadcasts and their criticism of its authori- Most recently, the nuclear test tamped down and China’s traditional rivals Japan and the the recent disappearances of people asso- party. Crucial parliamentary elections loom in tarian leadership as tantamount to war. Seoul anger over an “irreversible” settlement last United States. ciated with a publishing company that spe- April. says the broadcasts led the North to fire artillery month between Japan and South Korea of a cializes in titles critical of China’s leadership across the border the last time they happened, decades-long standoff over Korean women Taiwan have raised fears that Beijing is tightening ‘Quieting down’ in August. British Foreign Secretary Philip forced into sexual slavery by Japan’s World War Voters on the self-governing island its grip on Hong Kong’s freedom of the The test is “immediately quieting down” the Hammond on Friday publicly urged Seoul to II military. All those controversies may have democracy appear set to elect a new presi- press and other civil liberties. — AP most contentious complaints against Park, said refrain from the broadcasts. been muted by the nuclear test, but none are Yoon Tae-Ryong, a professor at Seoul’s Konkuk going away. “Conservatives have mustered sup- University. “Some members of the ruling party Propaganda purposes port temporarily because of this external shock,” must be grinning inside.” Shortly after the North Korea, however, has done little to Jang Seung-jin, a professor at Seoul’s Kookmin North’s test, Park put her front-line troops on respond to the broadcasts this time, perhaps University, said of the nuclear test. “When the their highest alert, reportedly moved missiles, because Pyongyang is too focused on celebrat- nuclear news calms down, I think her approval artillery and other weapons closer to the border, ing its nuclear test for internal propaganda pur- rating will dip back to where it was.” — AP Pastor detained by N Korea struggles with hard labor

SEOUL: A 60-year-old Canadian pastor, jailed for with the pastor being briskly marched inside by ing factories. Pyongyang views foreign mission- life with hard labor in North Korea, spends eight two uniformed guards holding his arms. The aries with deep suspicion, though it allows hours a day, six days a week digging holes in an guards left the room but the South Korean-born some to undertake humanitarian work. A num- orchard in a prison camp where he is the sole Lim, who speaks and understands English, said ber of Christian missionaries-mostly ethnic inmate. In an interview in Pyongyang with CNN, he had been told to answer all the questions in Koreans who are US citizens-have been arrested Hyeon Soo Lim said it had been tough adapting Korean-suggesting the conversation was being in the past, with some of them only allowed to to the physical rigors of his internment follow- closely monitored. Lim was detained by North return home after intervention by high-profile ing his conviction last month on charges of Korean authorities in January last year after US political figures. —AFP “subversive” acts against the state. arriving from China. HONG KONG: In this Sunday, Jan 10, 2016 file photo, a protester wearing a mask of “I wasn’t originally a laborer, so the labor was At his sentencing last month, North Korea missing bookseller Lee Bo stands in a cage during a protest against the disappear- hard at first,” said Lim, his head shaven and said he had admitted all charges against him, ances of booksellers in Hong Kong after five men associated with a Hong Kong pub- wearing a grey prison outfit with the number including “viciously defaming” the North Korean lisher known for books critical of China’s leaders have vanished one by one in the last 036. The interview was conducted in the room system and its leader, and plotting to overthrow three months. The sign in front reads: “Missing men.” — AP of a Pyongyang hotel, where the North Koreans the state. Lim, a pastor at the Light Korean also presented another ethnic Korean prisoner, Presbyterian Church in Toronto, was the latest in whom they said was a US citizen arrested for a series of foreign missionaries to be arrested, Frail Thai king leaves hospital spying in October. deported or jailed for allegedly meddling in There have been no recent reports either state affairs. BANGKOK: Thailand’s ailing but much- statement added. It was a rare foray out- from Pyongyang or Washington of any Lim said he was required to work eight hours loved King Bhumibol Adulyadej left hospi- side the hospital where the king has spent American having been detained. But the North a day, six days a week, digging in the orchard of tal yesterday for the first time in several much of the last two years. He was last seen Korean side produced a US passport identifying a labor camp with no other prisoners except months in a surprise visit to a Bangkok in an official photograph distributed in the man as Kim Dong-Chul, 62, who became a himself. He said he received regular medical palace, an official statement said. The 88- mid-December. Few details concerning his naturalized US citizen in 1987. Kim told CNN he care and three meals a day, and was hoping for year-old king, who is regarded by many health are given out by the palace. But on had been living in China near the North Korean a Bible which he had requested but still not Thais as a near-deity and a unifying figure Sunday it issued an update reporting that border for the past 15 years, commuting regu- received. “I pray every day for the country and in the bitterly split nation, was driven from the king’s pulse and blood pressure had larly to Rason-a North Korean special economic the people, I pray for North and South to be Bangkok’s Siriraj Hospital to the sprawling returned to normal after he was given zone. reunified, so that a situation like mine won’t Chitralada Royal Villa nearby. antibiotics to fight an infection and fever. happen again,” he said. “The king went to the Chitralada Royal In September the palace released a Spying for S. Korea? The interview lasted almost an hour, after Villa by personal car,” according to a state- video of the monarch in a wheelchair, look- In the interview-conducted through an offi- which the guard returned and Lim was marched ment on the Facebook page of the office of ing visibly weakened, visiting a shop in the cial translator-Kim said he had spied on behalf out. Canada has protested at the “unduly harsh” PYONGYANG: This file picture taken by North the king’s principal private secretary. In a hospital. Most Thais have only known King of “South Korean conservative elements” and sentence and complained that consular officials Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency trip lasting around an hour the world’s Bhumibol on the throne and anxiety over taken photos of military secrets. The foreign had been denied access to Lim. Lim was no (KCNA) on July 30, 2015 shows Canadian rev- longest-reigning monarch paid a visit to a the future once his six-decade reign ends is ministry in Seoul had no immediate comment stranger to North Korea, having led multiple aid erend Hyeon Soo Lim, who is being held in pond as well as other “projects” in the com- seen as an aggravating factor in Thailand’s on the report. missions to the country, involving work with North Korea, during a public interrogation at pound before returning to the hospital, the bitter political divide.—AFP The interview with Hyeon Soo Lim began orphanages, nursing homes and food process- the People’s Palace of Culture.—AFP NEWS TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 On Iran-Saudi rift, Gulf acts with caution Continued from Page 1 were already poor. Over the past four years, Bahrain Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan said in an interview on napped in December while on a hunting trip in south- has regularly accused Tehran of meddling in its inter- Sunday after an emergency Arab League meeting in ern Iraq. “The Saudis need to know who supports “The problem is, common ground between every- nal affairs by backing various Shiite opposition groups Cairo. them and who does not, because major, fateful bat- one in this region is shrinking.” since the start of the Arab Spring in 2011. tles have no grey areas,” wrote Jamal Khashoggi, a Some officials calculate that cutting ties with Elsewhere in the region, though, the calculus is less ‘No Grey Areas’ Saudi commentator, in an article published in a Qatari Tehran would complicate efforts to end Syria’s war, in straightforward. Oman stands apart from its Gulf Arab Navigating the rift between Iran and Saudi Arabia newspaper on Sunday that compared Riyadh’s conflict which Iran is providing military support to President neighbors in keeping a cordial, even collaborative, is particularly tricky for Qatar. The tiny, vastly wealthy with Iran to the European fight against fascism in the Bashar Al-Assad. It would also risk antagonizing an relationship with Iran: much to the chagrin of its GCC monarchy shares access to the world’s largest natural 1930s. Middle Eastern countries, Khashoggi wrote, emerging regional power that is set to benefit from an partners, it played the role of intermediary in opening gas field beneath the Gulf waters with Iran which, fol- faced a choice: “Submit to the Guardianship of Islamic easing of international sanctions after its landmark negotiations between the United States and Iran. lowing the nuclear deal, has sought to entice Jurists or defend freedom.” nuclear deal with world powers last July, and is Then there is the UAE, Iran’s most important regional European and US oil firms to invest in its energy infra- But the GCC has so far largely avoided the upheaval already being courted by Western investors. “Sudden trade partner. Despite a decades-old territorial dis- structure. Qatar has drawn closer to Saudi Arabia that has swept the region, and analysts say sugges- escalations like this create a lot of anxiety in the pute between the two countries over small Gulf since a spat in 2014 when Riyadh briefly withdrew its tions that the hardline Saudi position on Iran could region, a lot of fear. Oil prices are getting lower and islands near the Strait of Hormuz, the UAE in 2013 ambassador from Doha in a dispute over Qatar’s cause splits within the economic bloc, or see states lower and budgets are being restricted,” said Shafeeq sent over $12 billion worth of goods to Iran according alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood. break away, are overstating the case. “We can go on Ghabra, a professor of political science at Kuwait to IMF estimates. Most of this was exported from Still, it took Doha more than three days after the forever talking about disunity within the GCC. Yes of University. “For business at least, it’s a bad time to be Dubai, which is home to a large population of Iranian attack on the Saudi embassy in the early hours of Jan course there are differences of opinions, but to make making enemies.” nationals. 3 to announce it was withdrawing its ambassador to too much of that diversity is to neglect completely the Trade between the other Gulf states and Iran is Tehran. During that time, Saudi Arabia banned access unity that also prevails, especially over Iran,” said Different Outlooks small, but goes back centuries. Much of that, too, is for its citizens to a major Qatari-owned news site, sig- Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a political science professor in Despite their similarities, the Gulf Arab monarchies routed via Dubai. “We, as Arabs, do not want a con- nalling the potential for tensions between the neigh- the United Arab Emirates. “This is a time when the GCC have varying regional outlooks, economies and politi- flict, a confrontation or even a war with Iran. Instead bors to reignite. Analysts see another possible reason are standing up to Iran and saying ‘we’ve had enough cal systems. Relations between Iran and Bahrain, a we seek to drive development in our countries, our for Qatar’s cautious approach: Iran has declared its of Iranian expansionism and we’re going to be more Sunni-ruled monarchy where Shiites are a majority, peoples and our region,” UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh support for efforts to free 26 Qatari nationals kid- determined to confront it.’”— Reuters Palestinian dreams of racing past Usain... Music legend David Bowie dies aged 69 Continued from Page 1 political statement in support of a Palestinian state. Continued from Page 1 portraying inventor Nikola Tesla in “The Prestige” (2006). Khatib is convinced he can set an example: Israel “wants Rarely seen in public, Bowie’s last live performance And when he runs, he “meditates at the same time.” to convince us that we can’t do anything, you will always In the first of many re-inventions, he took the name was a decade ago. But he surprised the world by Nothing stops him: Not even the construction of a new remain backwards, that’s what they want the Palestinians David Bowie in 1966 to avoid being mixed up with Davy launching a surprise single “Where Are We Now?” on his building in Ramallah that encroaches on his athletics field, to believe,” he said. “I will prove them wrong.” Instead of Jones, lead singer with Beatles rivals The Monkees, and 66th birthday in 2013 after nearly 10 years of silence, including cranes carrying iron sheets over the track. using his energy throwing stones at Israeli soldiers like also studied Buddhism and mime. Married twice, he recalling his days in Berlin in the 1970s and hailed by For Mohammed has already been through a lot, he said many young Palestinians, “I prefer to use it to build some- was notorious in the 1970s for his hedonistic lifestyle critics as a major comeback. An innovator to the end, from the garden of the stone house where he lives with his thing for my society: The idea of the Olympic Games is to and ambiguous sexual orientation, once declaring he Bowie on Friday released his final album “Blackstar”. The roommates. He has not yet known international competi- create hope, to show that we are able to succeed”. was bisexual but then retreating from his comments. work can be seen in a new light by the revelation of tions, adrenaline-filled stadiums or the stress of the start- To take the next step after years of training without During the 70s, he brought out a string of successful how ill he was when he created it, with lyrics including ing blocks, but he has entered competitions “where the supervision, he needed a push from outside. For that, he albums, dominating the British music scene, and also “Look up here, I’m in heaven, I’ve got scars that can’t be lanes are not curved but square, with 90-degree turns”. found a coach, but in Texas. After obtaining an American conquered the United States, his ever-changing fashion seen.” Even if he doesn’t make the time, other potential qualifica- visa - far from a formality for Palestinians - he needed to as groundbreaking as his music. Long-time collaborator Tony Visconti wrote on tion routes exist: A small number of places are usually giv- raise nearly $8,000 for three months in America. So he Beginning with the critically-acclaimed “Hunky Dory”, Facebook that he had known for a year what was com- en to those who fell just short of the time, while some turned to the Internet. Launching a fundraising page, he he went on to produce “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy ing. “His death was no different from his life - a work of countries that have no representative are also granted a was amazed at the result. “In three or four days, I met the Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”, followed by rock art,” Visconti wrote. “He made Blackstar for us, his part- ‘wildcard’ spot. whole amount.” A few days later, it was close to $13,000. album “Aladdin Sane”, the apocalyptic “Diamond Dogs” ing gift.” He leaves behind his second wife Iman, a Of the five members of the Palestinian delegation to If after his training he is fast enough then “we are ready before a fling with so-called plastic soul on “Young Somali-born supermodel who he married in 1992 and the London 2012 Games, four were wildcards. The fifth, to support him and send him to train abroad as we do Americans”. He then switched gears once more, moving with whom he had a daughter, Alexandria Zahra Jones. judoka Maher Abu Remeleh, was the first Palestinian in already with several other athletes”, Munther Masalma, to Berlin to work with the electronic experimentalist He also had a son, film director Duncan Jones, with his Olympic history to qualify on merit. Palestine has never Secretary General of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Brian Eno to produce a trio of albums - “Low”, “Heroes” first wife Angie Bowie. She was informed of her ex-hus- won an Olympic medal and its national committee is told AFP. “This year we hope to achieve an unprecedented and “Lodger”. band’s death while cut off from the outside world on under no illusions about the difficulty of doing so. But, as feat and send between eight and ten Palestinian athletes The 1980s saw him win over a new generation with the television show “Celebrity Big Brother”. with qualifying matches for the football World Cup, partici- to Rio,” he added. Ten more reasons for hope for the “Let’s Dance”, which yielded the hit singles “China Girl” Germany thanked Bowie for what it said was his role pation in the Games is not only a sporting event but a Palestinians. — AFP and “Modern Love” before a 1985 team up with Mick in helping topple the Berlin Wall in 1989, with a tweet Jagger for a cover of “Dancing in the Street” that helped linking to a video of his Cold War-era anthem “Heroes” to push the BandAid and LiveAid charity projects. His set in the then-divided city. “For gay people, he was a chameleon-like ability to reinvent his image, drawing leading light to give us hope,” said charity worker Aid trucks enter starving Syria town on everything from cabaret to kabuki theatre, was Charlie Rice, 66, who was visiting the Brixton mural. “He accompanied by a string of albums until heart problems was fearless.” One tribute came from a real star man: Continued from Page 1 deaths, including that of a nine-year-old boy. “MSF-sup- curtailed his productivity in the 2000s. But he also British astronaut Tim Peake, who wrote a message from ported medics in the besieged town have 10 critical star- appeared on screen, making a striking appearance in the International Space Station: “Saddened to hear Some people went through garbage bins, others ate vation patients needing urgent hospitalization,” said MSF. the 1986 cult film “Labyrinth”, playing a prisoner-of-war David Bowie has lost his battle with cancer - his music grass. We sought food from the fighters but they refused It said that “200 more malnourished patients could in Japan “Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence” (1983) and was an inspiration to many.” — AFP to give it to us.” Since Dec 1, some 28 people had died of become critical and in need of hospitalization within a starvation in Madaya, according to Doctors Without week if aid doesn’t arrive”. Borders, a Paris-based charity known by its French Another 13 people who tried to escape in search of Bahrain hikes price of fuel as Kuwait... acronym MSF. Residents have described desperate scenes, food have been killed when they stepped on landmines saying they have been reduced to eating weeds and pay- laid by regime forces or were shot by snipers, according to Continued from Page 1 action on this issue. The speaker said the country is facing ing exorbitant prices for what little food could be smug- the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a British-based difficult challenges but “we are capable of overcoming gled through the blockade. Fifty trucks bearing the Red monitor. Last week, the UN said only 10 percent of its Saleh said that the government will explain to the them without hurting low-income people”. Crescent symbol were on their way to Madaya and 21 requested aid deliveries to hard-to-reach and besieged Assembly the financial and economic status of the nation At the start of last year, the government lifted subsidies heading to Fuaa and Kafraya, the ICRC said. The trucks areas of Syria last year were approved and carried out. and the urgent financial challenges the country is facing. for diesel and kerosene. Under a law, the government can- were carrying food, water, infant formula, blankets and More than 260,000 people have been killed in Syria since The government will brief the Assembly on the proposed not increase charges on public services without amend- medication for acute and chronic illnesses, as well as sur- the conflict began in March 2011 with anti-government measures to face the challenges to ensure a sustainable ing a two-decade old law that bans the government from gical supplies. demonstrations. capability for the state to continue to provide a dignified doing so without prior approval of the Assembly. But it is The three towns, along with rebel-held Zabadani near Britain yesterday called for an end to all sieges in Syria. living for citizens, the minister said. in the hands of the government to raise the prices of fuel Madaya, were part of a landmark six-month deal reached “Starving civilians is an inhuman tactic used by the Assad Saleh did not say what measures the government without prior consent of MPs. in September for an end to hostilities in those areas in regime and their allies,” said Matthew Rycroft, the British plans to propose to face the impact of the sharp fall in oil Kuwait’s moves come after almost all GCC peers have exchange for humanitarian assistance. A first aid delivery ambassador to the United Nations. “All sieges must be lift- prices on the Kuwaiti economy, but he was referring to a increased or plan to raise the prices of fuel and other went ahead in October and in December some 450 fight- ed to save civilian lives and to bring Syria closer to peace,” study made by Ernst &Young that proposed massive cuts heavily-subsidized commodities and services. With the ers and civilians were evacuated from Zabadani, Fuaa and he said in a statement. in subsidies on a wide range of services and commodities, latest decisions, Kuwait collects the cheapest rates on Kafraya. But aid had not reached Madaya in nearly three Elsewhere in Syria, at least 12 children were killed especially raising the price of petrol, electricity and water. electricity, water and fuel in the GCC. Based on an oil price months, and residents and rights groups have raised the along with their teacher and two other adults when a A large number of MPs have openly refused any gov- of $45 a barrel, the total cost of subsidies on fuel and elec- alarm about deteriorating conditions. Russian air strike hit their school in the west of Aleppo ernment austerity measures that could impact citizens tricity is about KD 2.2 billion in the budget of the current Government forces have been able to airdrop some province, the Observatory reported. Russia, a staunch ally and urged the government to find other alternatives to fiscal year 2015/2016, which ends March 31. supplies into Fuaa and Kafraya, which are home to around of Assad, began a campaign of air strikes in support of the cut spending and deal with the budget deficit. Ghanem A similar amount of subsidies is spent on social 20,000 people, but rebel forces are not able to do the regime in late September. It says it is targeting the Islamic said that the Assembly may hold a special meeting or allowances and aid to citizens, which includes KD 625 mil- same for Madaya. Over the weekend, MSF said 23 people State group and other “terrorists” and has dismissed debate to discuss the issue, adding that he met Prime lion for social aid, KD 495 million for supporting national had died of starvation since Dec 1 at one of the facilities it reports that its raids have killed hundreds of civilians as Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah who labor employment in the private sector, marriage and supports in Madaya. On Sunday it reported five additional “absurd”. — AFP promised that the government will not take any unilateral housing allowances and others. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 ANALYSIS

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Focus Seeking support, Khartoum moves closer to Riyadh

By Tom Little

ong one of Iran’s few Sunni Arab partners, Sudan has cut ties with Tehran in the latest step in its move towards LSaudi Arabia as Khartoum seeks to end its isolation and right its economy. The impoverished east African state fol- lowed Riyadh in severing relations with Iran, saying it was responding to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran after the execution of a Saudi Shiite cleric. But with Khartoum hungry for Saudi investment to boost its battered economy, the move was made for “pragmatic reasons”, said Al-Tayeb Zein al-Abidine, political science professor at Khartoum University. It follows Sudan’s surprise decision in March to send troops to join the Saudi-led coalition against Yemen’s Shiite Houthi rebels. “The government realized it was very isolated, David Bowie: Chameleon of rock even within the Arab world, and decided to change sides,” Abidine said. President Omar Al-Bashir’s 26-year rule has seen Sudan slapped with sanctions over rights abuses and its sup- By Naomi O’Leary love of mime, fashion and theatre to his music - enabling port for Islamic extremists, including Osama bin Laden. Bashir him to challenge traditional views on style, gender and himself is wanted on war crimes charges related to the insur- rom Ziggy Stardust to the Thin White Duke and sexuality. In 1973 he moved on to create the Aladdin Sane gency in the western region of Darfur. Aladdin Sane, David Bowie was rock’s ultimate persona and two years after that made his breakthrough in Ties with the Gulf disintegrated over Khartoum’s support Fchameleon. A master of reinvention whose career the US with “Fame”, co-written with John Lennon and of the 1991 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, leaving Sudan to turn to spanned two generations, he dazzled millions with his Carlos Alomar. The singer was living in the US with his wife Iran, also isolated and hit by sanctions. Reports said Tehran taste for experiment, taking on everything from glam rock Angie, but in 1976 he moved to West Berlin with his son supplied Sudan with ammunition and small arms, helping to and soul to electronica and jazz. Bowie’s sexuality was an Zowie, in a bid to escape a hedonistic life of drugs, drink develop its arms industry. Iranian warships used to stop over experiment too - he played with gender on stage and and orgies. The marriage ended in divorce in 1980. in Port Sudan across the Red Sea from Saudi Arabia. remained ambiguous on the issue off stage. He marked his From 1976 to 1979, during his Berlin period, he pro- 69th birthday on Friday by releasing his 25th studio album duced a trilogy of albums with Brian Eno (“Low”, “Heroes” ‘Relationship of Convenience’ “Blackstar”, hailed by many as one of his most innovative and “Lodger”). His album “Let’s Dance” in 1983, which But it was a “relationship of convenience”, said Magdi El yet. yielded hits like “China Girl”, conquered a younger audi- Gizouli, an independent analyst. “I don’t think there’s a strong Delighted critics heralded a new musical era for the star. ence on the dance floor and was his biggest-selling album ideological commitment,” he said. The partnership soured in But just two days later, Bowie’s family made the shock to date. His late-1980s hard-rock period with the band Tin Sept 2014, when Sudanese officials ordered the closure of an announcement of his death Sunday via social media, Machine, received mixed reviews. He married Somali Iranian cultural centre in Khartoum, accusing its employees of revealing that the star had endured a secret 18-month bat- supermodel Iman in 1992, with whom he had a daughter, preaching Shiite Islam in majority Sunni Sudan. Observers tle with cancer. Starting with “Space Oddity” in 1969, Bowie Alexandria, and after a period living in Switzerland the saw underlying motives. “They closed the centres to give a scored hit after hit over more than four decades, ranging family decided to split their time between London and positive signal to Saudi Arabia,” a diplomatic source in from “The Jean Genie” and “Heroes” in the 1970s to “Let’s New York. Khartoum told AFP. Dance” and “Modern Love” in the 1980s to more recent hits The closure came with the economy faltering after nearly like 2013’s wistful “Where Are We Now?” Web Trailblazer 20 years of sanctions. When South Sudan became independ- Many of these became era-defining hits around the True to form, he was an online musical pioneer, releas- ent in 2011, it took with it three quarters of the country’s oil world while successively defining what it meant to be a ing his 1999 album “Hours” on the Internet and sharing his reserves. And Sudan’s lifting of fuel subsidies triggered street music legend. Bowie was “an innovator who proved time news and passions on a website. Alongside his music protests in Sept 2013, in one of the most serious challenges and again that the only way to make music a vital part of career, Bowie took on regular film roles, from “The Man to Bashir’s rule since he seized power. “The main driver of for- our culture is to continue to break the rules,” said Bowie’s Who Fell to Earth” in 1976 to starring alongside Michael eign relations is the situation of the ‘bank of Sudan’,” said long-term producer Tony Visconti. Caine and Scarlett Johansson in the period film “The Gizouli, referring to the overall state of the country’s econo- Prestige”, months before his 60th birthday. British media my. Sudan made a firmer commitment to Riyadh and its Gulf From South London to Superstardom reports suggested he had declined a knighthood from allies in March when it joined the coalition, despite fighting Bowie sold an estimated 140 million records worldwide Queen Elizabeth II in 2003. He did not confirm this but insurgencies in the western Darfur region and South but the scale of his influence goes far beyond sales, with reportedly said of such honours: “I seriously don’t know Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Its troops have reportedly musicians from Lady Gaga to Blur citing the importance of what it’s for.” Bowie suffered a minor heart attack in 2004 been active in combat roles in Yemen and Sudanese troops his work for theirs. Born David Robert Jones in Brixton, which cut short his “A Reality Tour” concert schedule, after have been filmed driving in convoy through the southern south London on January 8, 1947, his family moved out to which he kept a relatively low public profile. But to an port of Aden. In August, Sudan said it had received a $1 bil- the leafy suburb of Bromley when he was six. He changed ecstatic reception from fans, he released “The Next Day”, his lion deposit in its central bank, with media reports at the time his name to avoid being confused with The Monkees first album of new material for ten years, in 2013. That saying it was aimed at shoring up Sudan’s foreign reserves. singer Davy Jones. Bowie’s eponymous first album was became his first UK number one for 20 years and his high- Foreign ministry spokesman Ali Al-Sadiq denied Sudan’s “very released in 1967 but it was “Space Oddity” that first caught est entry on the US billboard charts, at number two. good relations” with Riyadh were driven by financial and eco- people’s attention. “Blackstar”, released on Friday, had also drawn critical nomic motives. “The flow of investments has (been) coming Then in 1972 with his first re-invention as the androgy- acclaim, with many fans hoping it would lead to more new all the time,” he said. nous Ziggy Stardust, he hit the big time. He brought his work in the coming years. — AFP

More Investment But since Sudan’s rapprochement with Riyadh and its Gulf allies, officials have been promising there will be more Saudi British employers keep tight grip on pay investment in the country. The investment minister told par- liament last week that Saudi investments in Sudan were worth $11 billion. And after Sudan cut ties with Iran, the By William Schomberg BoE has predicted, earnings growth has to 0.5 percent. The Bank of England expects the new deputy head of its mission in Riyadh met the head of the slowed down, even as unemployment Jenny Holloway, who runs a not-for- minimum wage to add just 0.1 percent- Saudi chamber of commerce to discuss more financial and ritain’s economy is heading into its has fallen back to its levels before the profit clothes factory employing 85 peo- age points a year to earnings growth in economic projects. The diplomatic change of course is also seventh year of growth after the financial crisis. Inflation has been stuck ple in London, shares the wariness of the next few years. At the same time, the likely to prove popular with the families of the hundreds of Bfinancial crisis but for many around zero, easing the strain of low pay many employers. She held off on pay ris- BoE’s forecast that wages would be rising thousands of Sudanese workers living in the Gulf. “They give employers such as Mike Naylor, who runs growth for households, but looks set to es for her staff in January, when their by 3.75 percent a year by the end of 2016 support to many families in Sudan, so mending relations with a small metal-casting firm, business is start edging up soon. Trade union offi- wages usually go up. The firm, Fashion looks too optimistic to many experts. the Gulf was a very popular step,” Abidine said. too uncertain to raise staff pay by much cials say stronger wage growth is needed Enter, is facing demands for ever cheaper This prediction, made in November, In March 2014, Saudi banks stopped dealing with Sudan, this year. With the Bank of England hold- urgently to make up for several years of clothing from high-street stores who already depends a lot on an improve- hitting the workers sending remittances back badly. ing off on raising record-low interest below-inflation rises. “It will take until themselves are resorting to almost per- ment in stubbornly weak productivity Following Sudan’s decision to join the war in Yemen, officials rates until it sees stronger pay growth, 2018 for average earnings just to get manent discounts to win over careful growth. said the measures could be eased. There has been little Naylor said he would probably only be back to the real value they held in 2008 - shoppers. Around a third of her lowest- BoE officials accept unemployment improvement in Sudan’s economy since its attempted rap- able to offer an increase that is less gen- 10 years of pay going backwards,” Trades paid staff will benefit from a 7.5 percent might fall further without pushing up prochement, and Riyadh is also facing uncertainties due to erous than last year’s. “If the confidence Union Congress chief Frances O’Grady rise from Britain’s new minimum wage wages. Deputy Governor Minouche the slump in oil prices. But Sudan is still banking on its back- isn’t there, it’s very difficult to say we will said. starting in April. But the outlook for the Shafik, whose views are close to Carney’s, ing. Khartoum may also hope Riyadh will lobby Washington give you 2 percent or 3 percent this year,” The breakdown in the usual economic rest of her team is unclear. “At the has said she expects wages to resume over its sanctions regime, the removal of which would also lift he said. relationship between employment, moment I am just waiting. It’s not very their recovery soon but acknowledged the economy. “All countries lead a foreign policy in line with their interests,” the diplomatic source in Khartoum said. Business has slowed recently at wages and inflation has stumped the BoE fair to staff, but I have got to read the this could take longer. Carney is likely to “Sudan’s interest now is economic.” — AFP Naylor’s firm, Durham Foundry, in line as well as other central banks witnessing economy,” Holloway said. want to give a new message on the BoE’s with much of British manufacturing, and a similar phenomenon. Carney said in Things are brighter in some pockets of outlook, as his previous guidance that a he worries about the coming year. “I can’t November he would look for annual the labor market. Firms desperate for decision on rates would become clearer see what 2016 is going to do for us,” earnings growth of more than 3 percent, skilled workers in areas such as cyber- around the turn of the year has timed All articles appearing on these Naylor said, adding he wished he could compared with a little more than 2 per- crime prevention and digital marketing out. Pay growth may be part of that. pages are the personal opinion of do more for the 15-strong team at cent now, to help him feel that Britain are offering double-digit pay increases to The Chartered Institute of Personnel Durham Foundry, which is based in the was finally ready for a rate rise. Since poach staff, according to Benjamin Frost, and Development, a trade group for the writers. Kuwait Times takes no northern English city of Sheffield - a cen- then, oil prices have tumbled again and a a consultant with Hay Group, a human human resources firms, expects pay ris- tre for metal-working since the 14th cen- new slump in China’s stock markets has resources firm. Long-standing shortages es to remain stuck around 2 percent this responsibility for views expressed tury. revived concern about the growth out- of engineers and other science-based year. Unlike in previous economic recov- therein. Kuwait Times invites BoE Governor Mark Carney has sound- look there, prompting finance minister professionals have pushed up their pay. eries, British employers can hire workers ed equally wary and few economists George Osborne to say the British econo- Wages for construction workers are also from across 27 other EU countries, eas- readers to voice their opinions. expect the central bank to move closer my faced a “dangerous cocktail” of rising more quickly as building picks up. ing the pressure usually felt when Please send submissions via email to a rate rise this week when it holds its threats. The new minimum wage will directly skilled workers become hard to find first policy meeting of 2016. After sug- boost the earnings of Britain’s nearly 2 locally, the CIPD’s chief economist Mark to: [email protected] or gesting the BoE might increase rates on a Trying to Read the Economy million lowest-paid workers in April. Beatson said. Tougher welfare rules that via snail mail to PO Box 1301 couple of occasions in the past two years, On top of the risks from abroad, About the same number who earn a bit have pushed more Britons into work only to be knocked off course by plung- investors have also become nervous more are likely to get a rise too, albeit a and a steady rise in the number of peo- Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves ing inflation, Carney and his fellow poli- about a planned referendum on whether much smaller one, as its effects ripple up ple delaying retirement have also kept the right to edit any submission cymakers are looking at pay, among oth- Britain should remain in the European the pay scale, according to the the heat off wages. “I think it’s old-fash- er factors, to help them decide when to Union. Markets are now betting on no Resolution Foundation, a think tank. ioned to think that we hit skill shortages as necessary. move on borrowing costs. increase in BoE rates until 2017, which But the impact for Britain’s 31 million and then prices start going up,” Beatson But rather than speeding up as the would be eight years after they were cut workers as a whole is likely to be small. said.— Reuters TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015 SPORTS

Benzema ‘scared’ Valbuena Leicester sign Fleming to link up over sex-tape blackmail winger Pietersen with Dhoni in Pune MUMBAI: Stephen Fleming will reunite with India’s limited-overs skipper Mahendra PARIS: Mathieu Valbuena said that France teammate Karim Benzema “lied” and LONDON: Leicester Tigers have signed South Africa winger JP “scared” him over a sex-tape blackmail bid, according to testimony published yester- Singh Dhoni at the new Pune team after the former New Zealand captain was named Pietersen on a three-year contract starting next season, the as coach for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 tournament. Dhoni was cap- day. The account given by the Lyon midfielder, reported by Le Monde newspaper, Premiership rugby club said on their website yesterday. The 29-year- highlighted tensions even though Valbuena said Sunday he would be ready to play tain of the Chennai Super Kings when Fleming was coach and he led them to the IPL old was a member of the Springboks squad that won the 2007 World title in 2010 and 2011. The ninth edition of the tournament will be played from April 9 with Benzema at the European Championships this year. Charges of Cup and he also played in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments. “We have complicity to attempted blackmail and conspiracy made against to May 29. The franchise owners of Chennai and Rajasthan were suspended for two been looking to add world-class quality throughout the squad and JP years in July following an illegal betting and spot-fixing scandal surrounding the IPL, Real Madrid striker Benzema have jolted France’s preparations for is certainly in that class,” Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill which has an estimated brand value of $3.5 billion and boasts the Euro 2016. Three men, including a friend of Benzema, have said. “He has played at the very highest levels of the game for a long Bollywood stars and major conglomerates as investors. The west- been charged over the blackmail. Benzema has been excluded time ...and is keen to experience club rugby in Europe.” Leicester are ern Indian cities of Pune and Rajkot were named as home to two from the national squad. Benzema approached Valbuena one of English rugby’s most successful teams and have twice been new franchises for the next two years and Dhoni was Pune’s about the tape at a national training camp in October. “He European champions. first pick in a player draft held last month. Fleming, 42, was assured me he had seen it ... he swore on his daughter’s life, he They last won the Premiership title in 2013 and lie fourth in the New Zealand’s longest-serving and most successful test cap- told me it was hot. He scared me,” Valbuena was quoted as table mid-way through the season. Pietersen, currently playing in tain and is his country’s highest test run-scorer. He retired from telling an investigating judge on November 20. “He lied to me to Japan, has scored 22 tries in 66 internationals. He will join Leicester international cricket in 2008. “He has been remarkably success- make me meet this person, just to help his friend. “Afterwards after the end of this year’s southern hemisphere Super Rugby club ful as a player in the international arena and I firmly believe that I thought Karim is intelligent enough. He knows that if I competition, in which he will play for the Natal-based Sharks. “I’m really his technical knowhow, perseverance and organisation skills will meet his friend, it won’t be for nothing,” Valbuena looking forward to joining up with a quality team like Leicester Tigers work wonders for our team,” Sanjiv Goenka, chairman of the added. Benzema later told investigators had not seen and competing for silverware in the Premiership and European Cup,” RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group that owns the Pune fran- the sex-tape. — AFP Pietersen said. — Reuters chise, said in a statement. — Reuters

The winners with their trophies and officials. Annual shooting tourney of Mustafa Karam concludes

By Abdellatif Sharaa Mohammad Karam and board members, tournament in the skeet, trap and double trap * In the skeet’s men event Mansour Al- strong showing and took first place, Fatima Assistant Secretary General Eng Mohammad Al- events, and it was pleasing to see the strong Rashidi, followed by Abdelaziz Al-Saad and Abdelmalek second and Sarah Al-Hawal third. KUWAIT: The Annual Shooting Tournament of Ghurba and Assistant Treasurer Adnan Al- competition between participants most notably Mohammad Al-Daihani. * The women skeet gold went to Eman Al- Mustafa Karam Contracting Company conclud- Ibrahim. the juniors. * In the trap men Abdelrahman Al-Faihan Shammaa, while Munira Al-Subaiti came in sec- ed during a ceremony held at Sheikh Sabah Al- Speaking on behalf of the Shooting Club Eng Al- Al-Ghurba said this tournament coincides took first place while Mohammad Mizyad Al- ond and Sheikh Al-Rashidi third. Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex, in the pres- Ghurba thanked the company which has been with preparations being made for HH the Amir Daihani took second and Talal Al-Rashidi ended * In the juniors skeet event Nasser Al-Mutairi ence of President of Arab and Kuwait Shooting supporting the Kuwait shooting sport activities, Annual Grand Prix tournament to be held from in third place. took gold, as Hamad Al-Khalidi took second and Federations Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi, Director and encouraging the outstanding among March 1 -8, 2016 with the participation of more * In the double trap Hamad Al-Afasi first, Salem Al-Rashidi was third. General of Mustafa Karam Company and Vice national team players. than 45 countries. Saad Lafi second and Jarrah Al-Shuwaier third. * In the juniors trap Khalid Al-Murad first, President of Kuwait Shooting Sport Club He said over 100 shooters participated in the Results of the tournament are as follows: * In women trap Shahad Al-Hawal made a Yousuf Torky second and Fares Al-Mutairi third. Middle Eastern GT Academy Winner to be sponsored by Nissan in 2016

DUBAI: Nissan has confirmed it will be sponsor- ing the winner of its 2014 GT Academy, Ahmed Khaled, in the Hankook 24H Dubai endurance race, which is to take place at Dubai’s Autodrome between 14 and 16 January. The race, which constitutes the first round of Hankook’s 24H Series, marks a symbolic return for Khaled, having competed in it for the first time as a professional race driver in 2015. “Nissan’s GT Academy has proved, beyond doubt, that racing talent can be bred with gam- ing as its starting point,” says Samir Cherfan, Nissan Middle East’s Managing Director. “With the backing of Nissan, Ahmed Khaled has been able to turn dreams into reality and his story will inspire generations to come. We are all extreme- HAWAII: Jordan Spieth places the trophy on the podium after the final round of the ly proud of what he and others like him have Tournament of Champions golf event, Sunday, at Kapalua Plantation Course in achieved and to be competing once again at this Kapalua, Hawaii. Spieth finished at 30 under par for the tournament win. — AP prestigious event is an honour. “It’s only through carefully constructed con- Spieth opens new year in tinuous development programmes that drivers with his talent can continue in their success sto- ry and Nissan has been happy to help him style with win at Kapalua exploit many opportunities and continue to nur- ture his racing career.” KAPALUA: The view from the top looks as spec- Reed ended his bogey-free week on the 15th Having won the Middle East round of 2014’s special as this is where my racing career began a drivers, cars and team members pushed to tacular as ever for Jordan Spieth. He was standing hole and closed with a 69. Brooks Koepka, play- GT Academy was only the start point for Khaled year ago. To be competing at the top level in unimaginable extremes over an unbroken 24- in the 18th fairway Sunday at Kapalua, his victory ing with Spieth in the final group, had a wild start and, since then, he has competed as one of such a car is an enormous privilege and I am hour race. “To succeed in endurance racing,” adds in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions easily to his round but never got closer than the five- Nissan’s drivers in the Altima 24 Hours, as well as looking forward to hopefully improving on last Cherfan, “everyone needs to operate under enor- secured, when his thoughts were interrupted by a shot deficit he faced at the start. Koepka closed in Drifting competitions across the region. Now year’s debut performance, which is something I mous pressure and Nissan’s Nismo GT-R GT3 has comment from caddie Michael Greller: “Way to with a 71 and tied for third with Brandt Snedeker Nissan is continuing its support by sponsoring am still very proud of.” proved its mettle time and again in the world’s make a statement.” (67). Spieth won for the seventh time on the PGA him in Molitor Racing’s GT-R GT3 for the highest The 24H Dubai event is one keenly followed toughest competitions. The legacy of Nissan’s GT The statement was nearly as big as his eight- Tour, joining Tiger Woods as the only players to profile endurance race in the Middle East. shot victory. Coming off a year that Spieth knows get that many at age 22 since complete records by motorsports fans all over the world and is Academy is unparalleled in this industry and all will be tough to match - the Masters, US Open, began in 1970. That requires a little context. “I am extremely happy to be back racing at open to both professional and semi-professional of us at Nissan wish him and the team well and five wins, the FedEx Cup - the 22-year-old Texan Spieth won his seventh title in his 77th start as a this event,” says Khaled. “For me, it is even more teams. It is grueling for everyone concerned, with look forward to seeing the action unfold.” backed up his sage comment at the start of the pro. Woods won his seventh PGA Tour event in week that 2016 wasn’t about an encore because his 38th start, and he had 18 wins in his first 77 that would mean the show was over. tournaments. Pistorius moves to appeal murder Even so, comparisons with Woods in golf can IT’S NOT only mean great play, and no one is playing bet- Spieth crushed the winners-only field by clos- ter. “Nowhere near,” Spieth said on how his record conviction in S Africa’s top court ing with a 6-under 67 to become only the second stacks up with Woods. “I don’t think there’s any player in PGA Tour history to finish a 72-hole tour- reason to compare. It’s awfully early. We’re excited JOHANNESBURG: Paralympic champion Oscar ness of the likely outcome of an action-which has nament at 30-under par or lower. An 8-foot birdie about where we’re at to start our career. What on the final hole put him at 30-under 262, one Tiger has done, I can’t imagine ever being done. Pistorius yesterday made a last-ditch attempt with been at the crux of the long-running case. short of the record Ernie Els set at Kapalua in But it’s nice to be in that company. It’s fantastic South Africa’s top court to overturn his murder con- 2003. “I thought that was cool,” Spieth said about being out here with what we’re trying to do, and viction for shooting dead his girlfriend in 2013. OUT ON BAIL his caddie’s comment. “It’s not what I’m going for. doing it well.” He has been on bail awaiting a new sentence Pistorius was last seen in public at his bail hear- It’s not why I do what I do. I don’t do it to talk back It was the fifth time in the last 13 months that since December, when judges found him guilty of ing on December 8 in Pretoria High Court, after to any people that believe it’s not possible or ‘He Spieth had at least a two-shot lead going into the murder, overturning his earlier conviction on the which he was fitted with an electronic monitoring got a lucky year’ or something.” final round, and he was never seriously chal- lesser charge of culpable homicide. tag. Under his bail conditions, he is allowed to leave And then he paused with a smile and added, lenged. That’s not to suggest it felt like a breeze, The double-amputee killed Reeva Steenkamp, a his uncle’s house at set times with official permis- “But I still think it’s going to be very difficult to especially early. His approach shot on No. 1 model and law graduate, in the early hours of sion, and not travel further than 20 kilometres (12 have a year like last year.” This one could not have somehow ended up just out of a steep bunker on Valentine’s Day, saying he mistook her for an intrud- miles). “The application has been served on the gotten off to a better start. Staked to a five-shot the very edge of sand, some 50 yards to the hole. er when he shot four times through the door of his director of public prosecutions,” Fawcett said. lead, Spieth made two straight birdies around the He pitched it onto the green and let the grain bedroom toilet. Under the new conviction for mur- “They will now indicate when they will be turn to restore his margin, and he spent the rest take it to 4 feet for a save, and then he holed a 35- der, Pistorius, 29, faces a minimum 15-year jail term opposing the application and what the grounds of of the afternoon soaking up sights of the sun and foot birdie putt on the next hole. Spieth called that may be reduced due to time already spent in opposition will be. “Then we wait for the surf on Maui. The view of him at No. 1 in the those two holes the toughest because of the jail and the fact that he is a first-time offender. Constitutional Court to make a ruling on whether or world only looks daunting to the guys trying to Kona wind. He played them in 1 under. He wasted “We have lodged an application for leave to not they will hear the appeal.” Pistorius denied catch him. birdie chances on a pair of holes, made another appeal to the Constitutional Court,” Andrew killing Steenkamp in a rage and, during his dramatic Patrick Reed got within three shots before he bogey on No. 8 as Reed closed within three, but Fawcett, a lawyer on Pistorius’s legal team, told AFP. trial, sobbed and occasionally vomited in the dock stalled on the back nine and Spieth poured it on any tension didn’t last long. “I knew I had to make Pistorius was released from jail in October to live as details of his lover’s death were examined in with a combination of great shots and smart birdies early to put pressure on him,” Reed said. “I under house arrest at his uncle’s property in excruciating detail. shots. It was like last year never ended, and that’s got it to within three. The next time I saw a board Pretoria after serving one year of his five-year prison Some legal experts have dismissed his chances what Spieth wanted. it was back to five. He’s not going to shoot over sentence for culpable homicide-the equivalent of of success at the Constitutional Court. “He is wast- “I felt like it was short three-week break and par, especially the way he’s playing now.” The next manslaughter. But Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ing his time. It is certainly not a constitutional mat- continue what we were doing last year,” Spieth questions is how good he can get. judges last month described his testimony at his tri- ter,” Tyron Maseko, a Johannesburg attorney told said. “That’s the way I’ll keep on thinking about it. After a week at home in Dallas, he heads to PRETORIA: This file photo taken on December It worked this week. All parts were firing.” the Middle East for the HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf al in 2014 as “untruthful” and delivered a damning 8, 2015 shows former Paralympic champion AFP. “If he ever succeeds then I will know there is no Championship and Asia for the Singapore Open indictment of the original verdict. Legal papers filed Oscar Pistorius arriving in the South African justice in this country.” Pistorius shot Steenkamp at GREAT PLAY before resuming his PGA Tour schedule at Pebble at the Constitutional Court on Monday by Pistorius’s Gauteng Division High Court in Pretoria, the peak of his fame, and he has since lost his glit- Reed, the defending champion at Kapalua, Beach and Riviera. lawyers contended that the SCA had “acted unlaw- South Africa, ahead of his hearing. Pistorius tering sports career, lucrative contracts and status got within three shots with a birdie on the par-5 Much like Woods in 2000, and even David fully and unconstitutionally” by rejecting factual yesterday, made a last-ditch attempt with as a global role model for the disabled. Her family ninth. Spieth answered with a two-putt birdie in Duval in 1999, he sent an early message by win- findings of the original verdict. South Africa’s top court to overturn his mur- welcomed his murder conviction and described his the group behind him, and then rolled in a 15- ning Kapalua that he wasn’t interested in this They also accused the SCA of making “errors of der conviction for shooting dead his girl- appeal to the Constitutional Court as a “delaying foot birdie putt on the 10th and was on his way. wave to end. — AP law” over the principle of “dolus eventualis”-aware- friend in 2013. — AFP tactic” to keep him out of jail. — AFP TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 SPORTS Bengals pay the price for character of players

CINCINNATI: Vontaze Burfict was having the game of issues. Burfict went head hunting, Jones went after the Bengals defense was still allowed to spiral out of The Steelers aren’t exactly innocent victims them- his life when he ran into the bowels of Paul Brown Steelers assistant Joey Porter, and the Bengals went off control when the teams met once again. Ugly isn’t the selves. Ryan Shazier crumpled Giovanni Bernard with a Stadium with what appeared to be a clinching intercep- into the rainy night as losers once again. word for how this one played out in prime time on a hit that looked to be initiated by Shazier’s helmet. tion, trailed by Adam “Pacman” Jones and several team- Blame owner Mike Brown and team management Saturday night. From fans throwing garbage at an Shazier wasn’t penalized, and the Steelers recovered mates eager to celebrate. for taking a chance on volatile players no one else injured Ben Roethlisberger to the brutal hit by Burfict Bernard’s fumble. That hit seemed to turn up the anger Had Burfict and Jones only stayed there, the would touch. Blame coach Marvin Lewis for not control- that spun Antonio Brown’s head around in a frightening of the Bengals. Jones complained that Porter - known Cincinnati Bengals might still be playing next week. ling them at the most critical time in the game. moment, the rough edges of the NFL were on display. for some big hits of his own as a player - was on the field That irony will probably not be lost on Bengals fans as Do, however, give them credit for this: At a time the illegally when Jones was penalized. they cope with yet another playoff meltdown, this one NFL says it is trying to cut down on cheap shots and VIOLENT GAME There’s not anything wrong with good, hard football. unlike any other. They’ll spend a miserable offseason head injuries, they helped showed how little has really “A vicious, violent game,” said CBS announcer Jim In this case, though, there wasn’t a lot of good on the wondering what might have been had Burfict and changed in the league. Heads are still being hunted. Nantz, normally an apologist for any sport he covers. field. This could have been remembered as a game Jones exhibited just a modicum of self-control in the Defenseless players are still being knocked silly. “What a disgrace an embarrassment,” former Bengals where AJ McCarron made his mark by leading the final seconds against a Pittsburgh team with a quarter- And all the fines and suspensions - Burfict will almost quarterback Boomer Esiason tweeted. Bengals to the go-ahead touchdown in only his fourth back who could barely lift his right arm. surely get one to start next season - are simply accepted Indeed, this was much like the NFL of old, where NFL start. It could have been a game made memorable It happened at the worst time and on the biggest as a cost of doing business. Just last month, Burfict got everything goes and only the strongest survive to play by Roethlisberger heroically coming back from being stage. But no one can say the Bengals didn’t see it com- involved in a pregame alteration with Steelers players again the next week. Two teams that despise each other knocked out of the game by Burfict to rally his team ing. A team that gambled on a pair of players with well- and was fined $69,454 by the league for three different in a game decided by two personal foul penalties - despite hardly being able to throw. Instead, it will be known issues got beat precisely because of those plays in the game. Yet the linebacker who is the star of there were seven total in the game - on the same play. remembered for all the wrong reasons. — AP Afghanistan’s cricket team returns home victorious

KABUL: Afghanistan’s national cricket team the few bright spots for Afghanistan, as the returned home yesterday after securing a Taleban insurgency intensifies and spreads second Twenty20 win over Zimbabwe in across the country, killing thousands of three months, propelling the squad into troops and civilians. The cricket victory the top 10 in both the one-day and T20 for- made up for the disappointment of mats. Hundreds of fans gathered at the air- Afghanistan losing the final of the South port in Kabul to welcome the team back Asian Football Federation championship from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. They days earlier to India. lined the capital’s main roads, cheering, The team has the support of the whistling and waving Afghanistan’s black, International Cricket Council, which put red and green flag. Afghanistan 10th in its one-day interna- “Our cricket heroes continue to surprise tional and ninth in the T20 international us with the amazing performance. We rankings. The ICC promoted Afghanistan to proudly thank you for all the efforts and associate member in test cricket in 2013. hard work,” Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Nazeem Jaar Abdurahimzai, the domes- tweeted. Cricket is rapidly gaining a solid tic manager with the Afghanistan Cricket fan base in Afghanistan, which has been at Board, said the national team had earned war for almost 40 years. Most members of the support of the public and the govern- the team learned to play while growing up ment. Bringing in foreign coaches, includ- in refugee camps in bordering Pakistan. ing former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul- The Afghans clinched the two-game Haq as head coach, has boosted the profes- series Sunday after Mohammad Shahzad sionalism of the team, he said. hit the fourth-highest score in the format’s “In the current situation, with the war, history with 118, taking his team to an 81- few jobs available for young Afghans and run victory. Shahzad was also a key part of many people leaving the country, cricket is the earlier five-match ODI series in Sharjah, certainly something that can grip the imag- which Afghanistan won 3-2. The humilia- ination of Afghans, as well as teach them tion for Zimbabwe was complete, after los- patience, focus and tolerance because both ing an ODI series to Afghanistan on home are needed to play the game well,” turf in October. Abdurahimzai said. Afghanistan’s cricket That thrilled fans across the country team secured a berth at the World Cup in when Gulbadin Naib hit a six with only Australia and New Zealand last year. They three balls remaining to propel Afghanistan dropped out during the first round, after to their target of 254 and a victory that was beating Scotland but losing the rest of their greeted with celebratory gunfire across group matches. The tournament was won Afghanistan. Sports have become one of by Australia. — AP MINNEAPOLIS: Minnesota Vikings kicker Blair Walsh (3) reacts after missing a field goal during the second half of an NFL wild-card football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, in Minneapolis. The Seahawks won 10-9. — AP Seahawks escape with 10-9 win over Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS: Russell Wilson and the Seattle left the Vikings a yard short of the first down. from the crowd, most of which was dressed in as Seahawks needed more than three quarters to Walsh, whose third kick was nearly blocked by many layers as those purple replica jerseys warm up at Minnesota, their quest to avenge Sherman, jogged out for the defining moment. would allow. The announcement of the minus- last year’s Super Bowl loss nearly frozen before it And the Seahawks were suddenly celebrating an 25 degree wind chill factor a few minutes later began. improbable win, not unlike their rally past Green drew an equally loud cheer. The Vikings, after gritting through this grind- Bay in the NFC championship game last year. Every mistake and break was magnified in a it-out wild-card round playoff game, booted “It’s a chip shot,” Zimmer said. “He’s got to game like this, and the Vikings benefited for the their chance to beat the two-time defending make it.” The Seahawks left their last visit to majority of the first three quarters. Punter Jon NFC champions. Blair Walsh’s 27-yard field goal Minnesota with a 38-7 victory, pure domination Ryan had to pick up a low snap on Seattle’s first try into the frigid wind hooked left with 22 sec- on both sides of the ball that left no doubt that possession and, avoiding a potential block, tried onds remaining, handing the Seahawks a 10-9 Dec. 6 afternoon they’d be a legitimate con- to run up the middle before being upended by KABUL: Afghans hold a trophy as they celebrate the victory of the national cricket victory over the stunned Vikings on a Sunday in tender to reach their third straight Super Bowl Jason Trusnik well shy of the first down. Ryan team over Zimbabwe as the team returns and celebrates in Kabul, Afghanistan, yes- below-zero weather that tied for the third-cold- even without the ear-splitting advantage of landed on his face, breaking and bloodying his terday. Afghanistan’s national cricket team returned home victorious Monday after est NFL game on record. their home by the bay at CenturyLink Field. nose, and the Vikings turned the shortened field securing their second Twenty20 win over Zimbabwe in three months in a compelling “A lot of people would’ve folded up and said, For all their skills, experience and swagger, into their first field goal. series that propelled the Afghans into the world top ten in both the one-day and T20 ‘That’s it,’ but we’ve got a team full of fighters,” though, the combination of these conditions Wilson, who led the NFL in passer rating after formats. — AP Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman said. and a well-prepared, embarrassed-by-the-previ- racking up a remarkable 24 touchdown passes The Seahawks (11-6) didn’t score until Russell ous-performance Vikings team proved to be with only one interception over the last seven Wilson’s short touchdown pass to Doug Baldwin quite the challenge. This was a fittingly frigid fin- games, was essentially reduced to a scrambler in Injured Steyn early in the fourth quarter. Then, a fumble by ish for Minnesota’s two-year stint outdoors at the deep freeze. Facing the wind in the second Adrian Peterson for the Vikings on the next pos- the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium quarter, he had Baldwin wide open behind the session set up a field goal by Steven Hauschka. during construction of the new covered down- safeties at the goal line, but the ball hung in the out of third Test The Vikings (11-6) took the ball for the decid- town stadium. For the first au naturel postsea- air and was easily batted down. Headed the ing drive with 1:42 left at their 39 and, aided by a son game here since the NFC championship same direction toward the open end of the sta- JOHANNESBURG: South Africa paceman career at all,” Domingo said. “All players are pass interference penalty on Kam Chancellor, game in 1976, the grizzled coach of that team, dium in the third quarter, Wilson overthrew Dale Steyn was ruled out of the third test going to experience some type of niggles at drove deep into Seattle’s territory. After draining Bud Grant, served as an honorary captain. He Chase Coffman, and Trae Waynes intercepted against England yesterday after failing to some stage. He’s just had a few of late. “He’s a recover from a shoulder injury, depriving the great athlete. These things happen and I’m the clock for the seemingly inevitable win, Walsh strolled out for the coin flip in a Vikings cap and the deflected pass to set the Vikings up for Proteas of the world’s top-rated fast bowler as sure he’ll get through it.” simply missed the winner after making all three a purple short-sleeved polo shirt, looking ready another field goal. Cliff Avril’s roughing-the- they attempt to even the four-match series. Kyle Abbott is fit to return to South Africa’s of his earlier attempts. for a round of golf. passer penalty gifted Minnesota 15 yards on Steyn missed the drawn second test in squad for the match in Johannesburg starting “That’s called grace,” Chancellor said. “That’s The 88-year-old Grant got a roar of approval that drive. — AP Cape Town with the injury, but was retained Thursday after a hamstring injury, and will all it is.” Seattle will play next weekend at in the squad for the final two matches and compete with fellow pacemen Morne Morkel, Carolina, where the Panthers had a first-round was expected to be available. He was hurt Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada and Hardus bye in balmy mid-50s weather. during the first test, won by England. Viljoen for a place in the team. Vernon “I think we were fortunate that we got the Australia new boys Paris, South Africa coach Russell Domingo said Philander has already been ruled out for the win,” Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said. “A lot of Steyn is not ready to return and will undergo series. England also said former national team those times, guys make those kicks. There’s a Boland to face India further scans, although downplayed any spinner Robert Croft will join the coaching high percentage that they make them, but long-term concerns about a player who will staff to work with the one-day squad for its you’ve still got to do it.” Walsh didn’t hide. Holder PERTH: Australian pacemen Joel Paris and hurry up the Indian batters a bit.” Smith said he be missing his fifth test in his team’s last sev- five-match series against South Africa next Jeff Locke had the laces turned in, not out, but Scott Boland will make their international would decide who takes the important final en. “I don’t think it is the end of Dale Steyn’s month. — AP there were no excuses to be made. debuts but Shaun Marsh will miss out when overs of the Indian innings on the day. “You’re confident, but you never think that the one-day series opener against India starts “We’ve got a few options, all of our fast you have it or take it for granted,” Walsh said, in Perth today. Western Australia’s Paris and bowlers in this game can perform a role at the subdued with glassy eyes in the locker room Victoria’s Boland get their chance following death,” Smith said. Marsh, who has scored 218 afterward. “I just didn’t put a swing on it that the retirement of Mitchell Johnson and injury runs in five matches for the Perth Scorchers in would be acceptable by anybody’s standards.” to Mitchell Starc. the BBL at 72.67, could not force his way back Huddled around sideline heaters and wear- Australia captain Steve Smith said Paris’s into the Australian team with George Bailey ing huge capes on the shaded side of the stadi- left-arm swing in his home conditions swayed filling the batting spot left by the retirement of um, the Seahawks were subdued themselves for the selectors in his favour. “Traditionally we former captain Michael Clarke. like to play a left-armer here who can use the “It’s very difficult but Shaun’s been excep- much of the game. Trailing 9-0 at the 13-minute breeze and move the ball so hopefully he’ll be tional,” Smith said. Marsh has been unlucky mark, Wilson nearly took a huge loss on first able to do that for us tomorrow,” Smith told this season after scoring his highest Test score down when he fumbled a shotgun snap he was- reporters yesterday. of 182 in the first Test against the West Indies n’t ready for. But the guy Vikings coach Mike “He’s been very impressive in the (one-day) in Hobart, only to make way for the return Zimmer called “Houdini” during the week darted Matador Cup in the last couple of years and in from injury of Usman Khawaja in the second right, dodged a sack and found Tyler Lockett the T20 Big Bash this year. We look forward to Melbourne Test. “He hasn’t whinged once, he’s wide open for a 35-yard completion to set up seeing how he goes. “It’s a good opportunity taken it on the chin and he’s been great the score to Baldwin. for him and some other young quicks around around the group,” Smith said. the country. So it’s an exciting time for Joel to “He’s been really impressive and hopefully IMPROBABLE WIN make his debut at the WACA.” Boland gets the every time he goes back (to state cricket) he “Just tried to extend the play,” said Wilson, nod after being on the fringes of the can continue to dominate, keep scoring big who went 13 for 26 for 142 yards. “Find a way.” Australian Test team this season. runs and to put his name up there.” Chancellor, who ripped the ball away from “His death bowling has been very impres- Australia - David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steve PESHAWAR: Pakistani One Day cricket captain Azhar Ali (C) holds ICC 2016 World Peterson that Ahtyba Rubin recovered, missed a sive,” said Smith of Boland’s efforts with the Smith (capt), George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell, Twenty20 as he poses for a photograph with students from the Army Public School tackle on tight end Kyle Rudolph’s 24-yard Melbourne Stars in the BBL. “I think he hits a Mitchell Marsh, Mathew Wade, James (APS) which was the scene of the deadliest terror attack in Pakistan’s history, in reception that let the Vikings advance to the 18 yorker as well as anyone at the moment. He’s Faulkner, Joel Paris, Scott Boland, Josh Peshawar yesterday. The International Cricket Council (ICC) 2016 World Twenty20 with 1:26 left. But Peterson’s next three carries got a bit of pace to him so hopefully he can Hazlewood. — AFP trophy has reached Pakistan for a two-day tour. — AFP TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 SPORTS Ovechkin becomes first Russian to score 500 goals WASHINGTON: Washington Capitals super- so in his 801st game. Ovechkin’s snapshot 575 games, Mario Lemieux (605), Mike Bossy (16). Capitals coach Barry Trotz said this week star Alex Ovechkin joined the NHL’s 500 goal from the top of the left faceoff circle beat (647) and Brett Hull (693) — have reached that he thought Ovechkin was more nervous club Sunday, becoming the first Russian- Ottawa goaltender Andrew Hammond on 500 goals quicker. That’s caused some to about passing Fedorov than he was about born player to reach the milestone. the glove side to give the Capitals a com- wonder if Ovechkin could ever catch Gretzky reaching 500. “He’s going to score a lot more Ovechkin’s 500th NHL goal came on a manding 5-1 lead. as the league’s all-time goal leader with 894. than 500 goals, I’m pretty sure on that,” Trotz powerplay against the Ottawa Senators with The 30-year-old Capitals left winger cele- Ovechkin had already notched one mile- said. Ovechkin has achieved numerous indi- 3:41 left in the second period, and he added brated with a left fist pump and was then stone this season, when his 484th career vidual milestones but is still seeking team his 501st in the third to wrap up the Capitals’ mobbed by his teammates who came off goal on November 19 saw him surpass success as he has yet to win an Olympic 7-1 victory. “It’s a great feeling, obviously, to bench while the crowd at the Verizon Center Sergei Fedorov for most goals by a Russian medal with Russia or a Stanley Cup with his do it in front of our fans,” Ovechkin said. arena gave their hero a standing ovation. in the NHL. Capitals. “Mom and dad are here. Celebrating. “I was surprised,” Ovechkin said of his Since entering the NHL in 2005-06, Washington has lost in the Conference Everybody jumping. Yeah! It was a very spe- teammates’ instant celebration, but added Ovechkin has posted 150 more goals and 50 semi-finals two out of the past five seasons. cial moment.” teammate Jason Chimera told him they had more points than any other player. He ranks They lost in the Conference quarter-finals in Ovechkin became the 43rd player in planned it. “I’m sure everyone is going to first in the Capitals’ 42-year history in goals 2012-13, failed to reach the postseason in NHL history to score 500 goals, and the remember that moment,” he said. “It’s histo- (501), points (934), power-play goals (185), Washington Capitals left wing Alex 2013-14 and were bounced in the second fifth-fastest to reach the milestone, doing ry.” Only four other players-Wayne Gretzky in game-winning goals (85) and overtime goals Ovechkin. round last season. — AFP Aussie Kyrgios in the spotlight at Kooyong

MELBOURNE: The pre-Australian Open improve on. You can never be too ready, I spotlight will be fixed firmly on volatile feel, for a Grand Slam,” world number 30 Nick Kyrgios with the exuberant young Kyrgios said as he prepared for the busi- Aussie heading the field at the Kooyong ness end of the Australian tennis summer. Classic starting today. “I’m nervous, I’m excited. I don’t really Days after leading Australia to only its know how much or how little to do. I’m second title at the Hopman Cup mixed- just going to get out there and practise a teams event in Perth, the 20-year-old has bit more. “I feel like I play my best tennis become a hot topic in the Grand Slam on big stages. If I’m serving well and play- run-up due to his heroics on court-and ing the right game style, I think I’ve got a his new-look good behaviour. good chance.” Kyrgios, who had frequent brushes Tuesday’s opening programme will with officialdom last season, is the top feature half of the field on court with the drawcard in an expanded 12-man field at remainder to play Wednesday. As in the Kooyong Club in Melbourne, former past, winners progress while losers com- home of the Australian Open and venue plete relegation play. for an upcoming first-round Davis Cup tie Today, Frenchman Gilles Simon brings against the United States in March. a 2-2 record into an opening match with The richly-talented youngster is com- Spain’s Feliciano Lopez as the pair meet ing off a contentious 2015, including an for the first time since 2014. infamous on-court spat with Stan Australian Open wildcard Omar Jasika Wawrinka which sparked stinging criti- faces South Korea’s Hyeon Chung and cism from fellow players. Nicolas Almagro and Paul Henri Mathieu It led to the ATP handing him a 28-day hold another Spain-French clash. suspended sentence that remains in The Wednesday line-up includes for- effect until late February. It will be mer Australian Open finalist Marcos WASHINGTON: Patrick Wiercioch #46 of the Ottawa Senators checks Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals as Andrew Hammond #30 waits imposed if he gets in trouble on court Baghdatis taking on Spanish youngster to make a save at the Verizon Center on Sunday in Washington, DC. — AFP again, something he managed to avoid in Pablo Carenno Busta, while German teen Perth. The powerful Kyrgios, who won all Alex Zverev plays Britain’s Kyle Edmund in four of his singles rubbers at the Hopman addition to the showcase Kyrgios match. Panthers extend winning Cup and helped team-mate Daria The event is also used by major players Gavrilova to the first Aussie victory in the for one-off warm-ups under match condi- event for 16 years, will take to the court tions with Kei Nishikori to take advantage on Wednesday when he faces Belgian of an invitation do that by testing himself streak, beat Oilers 2-1 David Goffin. “My game can always get against Jasika, a former US open junior better. There’s always things I need to winner. — AFP EDMONTON: The Florida Panthers directed only 14 shots on goal but Jaromir Jagr and Jonathan NHL results/standings Huberdeau were still able to find the net in a 2-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. It was the Panthers 12th straight win-marking the first Buffalo 4, Winnipeg 2; Washington 7, Ottawa 1; Chicago 6, Colorado 3; New Jersey 2, Minnesota time a team has won a dozen games in a row 1; Detroit 2, Anaheim 1; Florida 2, Edmonton 1. since the Boston Bruins did it during the 2013-14 Western Conference Detroit 22 13 7 105 108 51 season. After just 3:22 of the first, the ageless Central Division Montreal 23 17 3 122 107 49 Jagr scored on a breakaway. The 43-year-old WL OTLGFGAPTS Boston 21 14 5 123 108 47 actually lost control of the puck as he bore down Dallas 29 11 4 149 116 62 on Oilers goalie Cam Talbot but still managed to Tampa Bay 21 17 4 107 102 46 Chicago 27 13 4 126 104 58 Ottawa 20 17 6 119 131 46 slide a shot between the netminder’s pads. It St. Louis 24 14 7 111 112 55 Toronto 16 17 7 104 112 39 was Jagr’s 737th career goal, putting him just Minnesota 22 12 8 111 99 52 four behind Brett Hull for third all-time on the Nashville 19 16 7 107 115 45 Buffalo 16 22 4 97 115 36 NHL all-time goals list. Huberdeau scored less Colorado 21 19 3 125 123 45 Metropolitan Division than four minutes later before Oilers center Mark Winnipeg 19 20 3 111 121 41 Washington 32 7 3 139 90 67 Letestu halved the deficit at 12:32 of the first but Pacific Division NY Rangers 22 14 5 121 109 49 there were no more goals in a feisty, fight-filled Los Angeles 26 12 3 108 90 55 NY Islanders 22 15 5 114 107 49 encounter. Arizona 21 16 4 116 125 46 New Jersey 21 17 5 97 102 47 Vancouver 16 16 10 102 118 42 Pittsburgh 20 16 5 97 100 45 CAPITALS 7, SENATORS 1 Anaheim 17 17 7 78 99 41 Alex Ovechkin became the fifth-fastest player Philadelphia 18 15 7 91 108 43 San Jose 19 18 2 109 108 40 Carolina 18 18 7 102 118 43 to record his 500th NHL goal and added his Calgary 19 19 2 105 124 40 Columbus 15 24 4 109 139 34 501st for good measure, leading the Washington Edmonton 17 23 3 105 127 37 Capitals to a 7-1 rout over the Ottawa Senators. Eastern Conference Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one It was the 30-year-old Ovechkin’s 801st NHL Atlantic Division point in the standings and are not included in game. Justin Williams, T.J. Oshie, Zach Sill, Tom Florida 26 12 4 116 89 56 the loss column (L). Wilson and Dmitry Orlov also scored goals for the Capitals. The Senators’ only offense came from Mike Hoffman, who netted his team-high SABRES 4, JETS 2 four games. Adam Henrique also scored for the 20th goal of the season in early in the second Marcus Foligno snapped a tie early in the Devils. Darcy Kuemper returned from an injury period. third period with his third goal of the season to make 15 saves in the loss for the Wild. Zach to help spark Buffalo over Winnipeg. Sam Parise had the only goal for Minnesota, scoring BLACKHAWKS 6, AVALANCHE 3 Reinhart’s hat-trick scored three goals for the for the first time against his former team. Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa scored two other Sabres goals. Blake Wheeler fired his goals apiece, and Chicago overwhelmed 11th and Mathieu Perreault scored his sev- RED WINGS 2, DUCKS 1 Colorado. Jonathan Toews scored a goal and enth for the Jets. Riley Sheahan scored with 3:44 to play, giv- added two assists, Brandon Mashinter also ing Detroit a victory over Anaheim at the Honda scored for the Blackhawks. Matt Duchene led the DEVILS 2, WILD 1 Center. Petr Mrazek stopped 30 shots to earn his Avalanche with two goals and Nathan Jon Merrill scored for the first time in 13 fourth consecutive win for the Red Wings, who MacKinnon added a goal. Corey Crawford months, and New Jersey snapped a three-game now have their longest winning streak of the stopped 34 shots for the Blackhawks and losing streak with a victory in a defensive battle season: four games. Semyon Varlamov allowed four goals on 20 with Minnesota. Tomas Tatar scored in the game’s opening shots before he was replaced by Calvin Pickard, Cory Schneider did the rest of the work for seconds. Corey Perry collected his 16th goal for who stopped 13 of 15 shots in relief for the the Devils, stopping 17 shots for a New Jersey the Ducks, who took their second loss in three Avalanche. team that has scored just four goals in its past games. — Reuters

SYDNEY: Nick Kyrgios of Australia reacts during an exhibition match of Fast4 Tennis Kerber survives ‘extreme against Gael Monfils of France during the Sydney International tennis tournament in Sydney yesterday. — AFP heat’ test in Sydney SYDNEY: Germany’s Angelique Kerber over- anywhere. I will just try to recover and see how I Bouchard comeback came the loss of the first set on a day of extreme feel tomorrow. But my body feels good.” Kerber heat in Sydney as she maintained her build-up struggled with the intense heat early in her to next week’s Australian Open yesterday. The match, dropping the opening set without win- gathers steam fourth seed, one of the few members of the ning a game, but she battled on. “It’s good to women’s world top 10 not to be hit by injury in have a match like this under my belt. It’s always HOBART: Canadaís Eugenie Bouchard ìI was feeling pretty solid out there,î the lead-up to the year’s first Grand Slam, came hot in Australia. I think it was a good match to swept into the second round of the Bouchard said after her latest win. ìThe from a set down to oust Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina prepare for Melbourne,” she said. With tempera- Hobart International with a straight sets foundation of my game is to be really 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 in Sydney International’s first round. tures hitting 37 Celsius (99 Farenheit) the WTA’s demolition of American Bethanie Mattek- aggressive, but I also want to have that Kerber, who lost to Victoria Azarenka in extreme heat policy came into force, allowing Sands yesterday. balance with consistency and I think I did Saturday’s Brisbane International final, is look- Kerber and Svitolina to take a 10-minute break The former world number 5 now a good job of that today.î Bouchard lost ing for more matches to hone her form leading before the third and deciding set. ranked 47 took just 57 minutes to dis- just 14 points on serve in her first win in into the Australian Open in Melbourne. While Australia’s Samantha Stosur fought back pose of one-time tournament finalist three attempts against the more experi- defending champion Petra Kvitova and second from a set and a service break down to over- Mattek-Sands 6-2, 6-1. Bouchard, 21, who enced American. seed Agnieszka Radwanska pulled out of the come defeat Italy’s Roberta Vinci 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in reached the semi-finals of the 2014 ìIt was nice to get a win against her Sydney event citing injuries, Kerber powered on two hours 30 minutes. Among other first-round Australian and French Opens before play- finally,î Bouchard said. ìSheís a great play- to get in some valuable match practice. winners on Monday were Italy’s world number ing in the final at Wimbledon in the same er and I was really aware that when she Kvitova and Radwanska’s withdrawals came 19 Sara Errani, over Spanish seventh seed Carla year, suffered a big setback at the US came to the net she is really solid, so I after injury problems at other Australian tourna- Suarez 6-3, 6-3, and German Sabine Lisicki, who Open last September. was just always trying to pass her.î ments for the world’s top-ranked stars including eased past Slovenia’s Polona Hercog 6-4, 6-3. In She sustained a head injury after slip- Bouchard said she was feeling good. Serena Williams (knee), Simona Halep (Achilles), the men’s draw, Italian fifth seed Andreas Seppi ping in the locker room and was forced ìThe most important part right now for Garbine Muguruza (foot) and Maria Sharapova eliminated Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan in three to pull out of her fourth-round match at sure is feeling healthy and I walked off (forearm). sets, but Seppi’s compatriot Simone Bolelli went Flushing Meadows with a concussion, the court feeling healthy, and thatís a “I had a lot of matches last week, but that out to American qualifier Alexander Sarkissian which also forced her to withdrew from very good positive sign,î she said. The was actually also my plan to come to Australia, 6-2, 7-6 (7/5). SYDNEY: Angelique Kerber of Germany hits a return an event in Wuhan, China later that Canadian will next play eighth seed to have a lot of matches, and also to play a few In the evening match, experienced Spaniard against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during their women’s month. Alison Van Uytvanck of Belgium. — AFP more matches here,” Kerber said. “I don’t know Tommy Robredo was too strong for Australia’s singles first round match at the Sydney International how far I can get. I’m healthy. I have no pain John Millman 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. — AFP tennis tournament in Sydney yesterday. — AFP TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 SPORTS UK Athletics: Reset world records amid doping crisis LONDON: All world records in track and have been let down. Trust in the sport is at was struck down after the World Anti- Minimum bans for serious doping former IAAF president Lamine Diack were field should be reset and lifetime bans its lowest point for decades.” Doping Agency found the rule non-compli- offenses should be extended to eight years banned for life last week for engaging in should be imposed on serious drug cheats One of the federation’s proposals is to ant with its code. “Greater transparency, to ensure cheats miss two Olympic and blackmail, bribery and extortion to cover up to clean up the sport amid its global doping ‘investigate the implications of drawing a tougher sanctions, longer bans - and even Paralympic cycles. The supply or procure- a Russian doping case. Lamine Diack also is crisis, the governing body of British athletics line under all pre-existing sport records ... resetting the clock on world records for a ment of performance-enhancing drugs under criminal investigation in France over said yesterday. and commencing a new set of records.” new era - we should be open to do whatev- should be criminalized. “UKA believes the allegations he took payments for deferring UK Athletics published “A Manifesto for Triple-jumper Jonathan Edwards and er it takes to restore credibility in the sport,” time has come for radical reform if we are to sanctions against Russian drugs cheats. Clean Athletes” containing 14 proposals marathon runner Paula Radcliffe are current Warner said. UK Athletics also proposed: help restore trust in the sport,” Warner said. The IAAF said it welcomed the proposals aimed at restoring credibility to a sport bat- British world-record holders. Creation of a public register of athletes “Athletics needs to act very differently if we from UK Athletics, adding: “We look forward tered by allegations of widespread doping, UK Athletics also proposed a lifetime being tested. Sponsors should withhold are to move on from the crisis facing the to reviewing the recommendations in full cover-ups and corruption. ban for British athletes guilty of a serious support of athletes caught doping. sport.” Russia is currently banned from inter- over the coming days.” “The integrity of athletics was chal- anti-doping violation, rather than the cur- Member federations should be account- national track and field after a report com- Dick Pound, chairman of the WADA’s lenged as never before in 2015,” UK rent standard of four-year suspensions. The able for loss of prize money to athletes of missioned by WADA alleged widespread independent commission, will announce Athletics chairman Ed Warner said. “Clean British Olympic Association previously had a other nationalities if their own athlete’s doping and cover-ups in the country. Last the second part of the findings of his inves- athletes and sports fans the world over lifetime ban for drug cheats, but the policy medal winning result is later annulled. week, two Russian officials and the son of tigation on Thursday. — AP Maradona offers praise on golden day for Napoli

MILAN: Diego Maradona offered glowing can enjoy such emotion makes me even praise as Napoli boosted their hopes of a more happy for them. Go on Napoli. Now I first Serie A title since 1990 by going two want us to win the league title.” points clear of champions Juventus and Against a Frosinone side fighting for top Inter Milan. The last time Napoli were top of flight survival, Napoli took a 20th minute the table at the halfway stage of the season lead when Raul Albiol coolly flicked a volley in Italy was 26 years ago, when Maradona into the net at the back post following a cor- led the ‘Partenopei’ to the second of their ner. two leagues titles in 1990. Higuain doubled Napoli’s lead from the But Fiorentina’s shock 3-1 defeat to Lazio penalty spot on the half-hour and claimed on Saturday whet Napoli’s appetite, and it his second in two crazy, second-half minutes grew considerably earlier Sunday when Inter that saw captain Marek Hamsik on target. suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo at Frosinone’s defence backed off as Hamsik the San Siro. ran towards the edge of the area before Napoli pounced on those setbacks to unleashing a drive that beat Massimo hammer league new boys Frosinone in a Zappino down low in the 59th minute. one-sided encounter that saw Gonzalo Barely 60 seconds later, Higuain muscled his Higuain hit a brace, including one from the way through two defenders to beat Zappino spot, to take his goals tally to 18 goals from down low as the ‘keeper came rushing out 19 games. Sarri has consistently played to block. The goals took the Argentinian’s down Napoli’s title hopes and has every rea- tally to 18 from 19 games, an impressive son after Juventus beat Sampdoria 2-1 in return given the league’s ‘Capocannoniere’ Genoa to claim their ninth victory on the (top scorer) award has been won the past trot to move two places up to second. two seasons with 22 goals. Paul Pogba broke the deadlock on 17 Sarri replaced Higuain with Manolo minutes with an angled strike and Sami Gabbiadini 20 minutes into the second half, Khedira found himself in acres of space to and six minutes later the striker hit Napoli’s double the champions’ lead on 46 minutes fifth, a superb curling effort that sneaked before Antonio Cassano hit a consolation into the far top corner. just after the hour. Inter dropped to third Napoli looked to be heading for their sec- due to inferior goal difference, while ond 5-0 win of the season having routed Fiorentina are in fourth place at three points Lazio by the same scoreline in September, behind and Roma are seven points off the but with nine minutes remaining Paolo pace in fifth after being held 1-1 by AC Milan Sammarco swung at a short pass on the on Saturday. Only four months ago right side of the area to beat visiting ‘keeper Maradona publicly embarrassed Napoli Pepe Reina with an angled drive. Sarri, who coach Maurizio Sarri following an inauspi- celebrated his 57th birthday on Sunday, was cious start to the campaign. On that occa- quick to underline the persistent threat of sion Sarri, a lifelong Napoli and Maradona Juventus. “They’ve won four titles in four fan, soaked up the criticism and on Sunday years, so you could say they’ve got some- it was time for payback. thing extra we don’t,” he said. VIGO: RC Celta’s Sergio Gomez challenges for the ball with Atletico Madrid’s Yannick Carrasco during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between “It’s with great joy that I heard about “I’m the only one who’s been consistent Celta Vigo and Atletico Madrid at the Balaidos stadium in Vigo, Spain Sunday. — AP Napoli’s result, which we’ve all been waiting in saying that, even when Juve were down on for many years,” said Maradona in a mes- near the bottom of the table, they would sage sent to Sky Sport Italia. “Knowing that come fighting back with a series of wins and Atletico Madrid beat Celta to the city of Naples and my Neapolitan fans that’s what they’re doing.” — AFP regain Spanish league lead

MADRID: Atletico Madrid returned to the top of points after 19 rounds. There were few signifi- his right leg. Earlier Sunday, striker Cedric the Spanish league on Sunday after second-half cant scoring chances in bad weather at the Bakambu scored a goal in each half as fourth- goals from Antoine Griezmann and Yannick Balaidos in Vigo, but Griezmann’s goal was place Villarreal defeated Sporting Gijon 2-0 to Carrasco secured a 2-0 win against Celta Vigo. enough for Atletico to start relying on its solid reach 39 points. Griezmann scored from close range in the defense. Atletico has the league’s best defense at Bakambu scored in the 26th and 51st min- 49th minute after a nice exchange of passes with the halfway stage of the season, having conced- utes at the Estadio El Madrigal to give Villarreal Luciano Vietto and Carrasco sealed the victory in ed only eight goals. It was the 14th league vic- its sixth consecutive league victory. the 80th after getting past a couple of Celta tory for Diego Simeone’s team, and seventh in its Real Sociedad won 2-0 against visiting defenders outside the area. last eight matches. Its only setback was a 1-0 loss Valencia with goals by Brazilian striker Jonathas Atletico has 44 points, two more than at Malaga three rounds ago. Celta was coming in the 79th and 82nd. Barcelona, which beat Granada 4-0 with a hat off two straight league losses, but had defeated Valencia remains winless in the league since trick by Lionel Messi on Saturday. Barcelona has Cadiz 3-0 on Wednesday in the first leg of the signing former Manchester United defender a game in hand after playing in the Club World round of 16 of the Copa del Rey. It remains fifth Gary Neville as its coach. The team has drawn Cup late last year. in the standings despite Sunday’s loss, but 13 three matches and lost twice since the former Real Madrid, which routed Deportivo La points behind leader Atletico Madrid. England player took over. Valencia’s winless Coruna 5-0 on Saturday in club great Zinedine Celta was without forward Manuel “Nolito” streak in the league reached eight matches, and Zidane’s first match as coach, is third with 40 Agudo, who has been nursing a muscle injury in it’s 11th in the 20 team standings. — AP Kuwait, Salmiya clash today Fallen FIFA chief Blatter in Crown Prince Cup final to appeal eight-year ban KUWAIT: The final match of the Crown ning the competition for eight times, fol- Prince 23rd Cup between Kuwait and Salmiya lowed by the Al-Arabi seven times and then sporting clubs will be held today at Sheikh Kuwait, Salmiya, along with Kazma, which PARIS: Fallen FIFA chief Sepp Blatter will appeal race earlier this week, saying the ban has made it er candidates. “In withdrawing, I am dedicating Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. won the title once in 1995. Meanwhile, against his eight-year ban, his lawyer said Sunday, impossible for him to put together a campaign to myself to my defence.” FIFA has since last May be Kuwait Club is looking forward to win its Kuwait Sport Club Manager Mohammad joining fellow suspended official Michel Platini in a take on the sport’s most powerful job. rocked to its core by a cascade of corruption sixth title in the competition’s history after Ibrahim, and Salmiya Manager Salman Al- fight to clear his name. He told French sports newspaper L’Equipe that charges and arrests that culminated with the impli- winning it five times in 1994, 2003, 2008, Sarbel said the match will be difficult, adding “We will appeal it, of course,” Blatter’s US-based he no longer had “the time nor the means to go to cation of the two long considered world football’s 2010 and 2011, while Salmiya is hoping to during the press conference that was held at attorney Richard Cullen confirmed to AFP in an the voters, to meet people, to fight against the oth- most powerful men. — AFP get its second title after the first achieve- Kuwait Football Association that opportuni- email. The confirmation came after FIFA’s ethics tri- ment in 2001. ties must be utilized efficiently. Ibrahim said bunal on Saturday revealed it had provided Blatter The qualification of Salmiya and Kuwait the match brings the two best teams in the and UEFA president Platini with the reasons for for the final competition which includes a country together based on their results both imposing the ban, clearing the way for both men football festival and valuable gifts for people in this tournament and the league. to appeal. A lawyer for Platini, who has also been attending the match, came after winning on He said his team, Kuwait, is suffering from banned for eight years, had earlier confirmed an Sulaibikhat and Al-Arabi counterparts. The injuries. Al-Sarbal said Kuwait team has appeal would be launched. In December, FIFA’s last competition between the two teams was enough experience in dealing with finial ethics tribunal ruled both men had abused their in November 27 last year during VIVA League matches, though his team, Salmiya, is ready positions over a 2 million Swiss francs ($2 million, and ended in a positive draw. Qadsia Club for the match and does not have any injured 1.8 million euros) payment made to Platini in 2011 holds the record for the number of times win- players as Musaed Nada is ready to play. for work carried out between 1999 and 2002. Blatter, who has headed FIFA since 1998, was also fined 50,000 Swiss francs while Platini, a FIFA vice-president, was fined 80,000 Swiss francs. The court insisted there was “no legal basis” for the pay- ment that Blatter authorised for Platini in 2011. Platini’s lawyer Thibaud d’Ales said Saturday that his 60-year-old client had indeed received the reasons behind the ban. “We’ll read them, analyse them and launch an appeal on Monday,” D’Ales said. The tribunal did not provide further details of the reasoning behind its decision. Instead it stressed it had now “fulfilled its com- mitment to provide the grounds for the respective decisions to Mr Blatter and Mr Platini within the first half of January 2016.” “After receiving the grounds for the decisions, both officials may lodge an appeal with the FIFA Appeal Committee,” the statement said. If that appeal is rejected, the two men can appeal further to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest tribunal in sports. At the time of the verdict, both men angrily vowed to fight the bans, which started immediately. The tribunal decision promises to end 79-year- old Blatter’s four decades with FIFA in disgrace. It MARSEILLE: Marseille’s French goalkepper Steve Mandanda, in action during the also dealt a devastating blow to Platini’s hopes of GENOA: Juventus’ Sami Khedira center, is celebrated by his teammates after scoring a goal League One soccer match between Marseille and Guingamp, at the Velodrome taking over as head of FIFA in an election on during a Serie A soccer match between Sampdoria and Juventus Milan, in Genoa, Italy, Stadium, in Marseille, southern France, Sunday. — AP February 26. The UEFA president pulled out of the Sunday. — AP TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 SPORTS Hiddink wants Loftus-Cheek to make his mark

LONDON: Guus Hiddink has challenged boss Jose Mourinho was critical of his atti- much hard work, but that’s not what we young players in the team.” club in his previous interim spell in 2009 — Ruben Loftus-Cheek to put in the hard tude and rarely used him. want. “I start knowing these youngsters would help salvage a troubled campaign. work required to fulfil his potential after After pumping millions into overhaul- now. I can see the possibilities they have REHABILITATION “We are aiming for the FA Cup, we have the teenager scored his first Chelsea goal ing the youth system of a club that hasn’t and what they have to work on also.” Hiddink has overseen a four-match the Premier League which is difficult to get in their 2-0 FA Cup win over Scunthorpe. produced a star of their own since John Asked if he felt pressured by Abramovich unbeaten run, including successive victo- to fourth place, so it was a very important Loftus-Cheek gave a glimpse of his tal- Terry, Blues owner Roman Abramovich is to introduce more youngsters into the first- ries against Scunthorpe and Crystal Palace, game to get to the next round,” he said. ent when he came off the bench to sweep desperate for more homegrown players to team, Hiddink insisted he is free to pick who since replacing Mourinho. “We are very determined to go on to home Cesar Azpilicueta’s pass with a com- emerge. Abramovich celebrated in unusu- he likes, but the Dutchman did concede But the savvy veteran is well aware that get silverware.” To enjoy a successful end posed finish in the 68th minute at ally exuberant fashion when Loftus-Cheek Chelsea were right to expect more from Chelsea’s rehabilitation after their remark- to the season, Hiddink will need Costa to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. scored, but Hiddink made a point of high- such a heavy investment. “It is normal when able collapse under Mourinho is still far stay fit and in form. The Spain striker’s The 19-year-old finished off third tier lighting both the youngster’s potential you have the academy with a lot of invest- from complete. “There were some vulner- fourth goal in his last three appearances Scunthorpe after Diego Costa had given and areas where improvement is needed. ment you must develop players in the abilities in the second half, it is true. We was well timed after his midweek training Chelsea an early lead in the third round tie, “Ruben came in and he had a beautiful Premier League,” he said. “If you see three or have to improve,” Hiddink said. ground row with Oscar once again raised but Hiddink claims the gifted midfielder goal, not just in the execution but the way four of these players coming into the team “It was a difficult game, which we questions about his explosive temper. still has a lot of work to do before he is the he prepared himself, and that was good to that is what you want. “It is not said (by expected. We got a little bit sloppy in fin- “If you see his goal in slow motion it finished article. see,” Hiddink said. Abramovich) but that is the consequence of ishing it off after a good start.” was a difficult goal, but he was so focused London-born Loftus-Cheek has been “It’s important he also has a hard-work- the academy; you have to use them, under With their Premier League title defence and concentrated to get the flick on it. It’s regarded as the jewel in Chelsea’s acade- ing role. If you play number 10 it’s a role the conditions that they learn. “Our position already in tatters, Hiddink says reclaiming nice to see when he is focused on the right my crown for some while, but previous where you can maybe get away without so in the league gives a few options for putting the FA Cup-a competition he won with the things,” Hiddink added. — AFP Villa well on way to joining list of fallen English giants

LONDON: Evoking memories of Operation in the boardroom, of strategic failures in recruit- Desert Storm during the Gulf War, an American ment, and of a squad that has been regularly board member at Aston Villa recently urged fans stripped of its best players. The people in key of the Premier League’s last-place club not to positions at the club appear to be either unsuit- give up hope in its increasingly desperate bid to ed to the task, not up to it, or simply don’t want escape relegation. “We were standing next to to be there. Randy Lerner, the former owner of minefields separating Saudi Arabia and Kuwait,” the Cleveland Browns, bought Villa in 2006 for Gen. Charles C. Krulak, a former Commandant of $104 million but has been looking to sell the the Marine Corps, recounted in British newspa- club since May 2014, saying he was drained by per The Sun. “There were trenches filled with gas, the “week-in, week-out battles.” massive artillery ready to rain down on us and Villa’s current manager is Remi Garde, hired in the threat of chemical attack. November as its sixth coach since 2010. Garde is “My next-in-command looked at me and said, a Frenchman with no previous coaching experi- ‘How are we gonna get through this?’ I said, ence in England. Thrust immediately into a rele- ‘We’re gonna do it, we’re gonna go through this gation dogfight, he has yet to win a game after like a knife through butter.’ It’s easy to give up, 10 in charge. It sums up Villa’s plight that in wel- but you can’t do that.” coming Garde to Villa Park, the club misspelt his This particular call to arms, however, looks to name, saying on Twitter: (hashtag) be in vain. Villa, a seven-time English champion WelcomeRemy. and European Cup winner in 1982, is an odds-on Villa has an American chief executive, Tom favorite to lose its unbroken status as a Premier Fox, whose background is mainly in marketing League club. Winless since the opening day of and who risked intensifying fan ire by saying last the season on Aug. 8, the biggest team from cen- week that the club was “making progress” tral England - boasting famous fans in Prince because it has “generated more revenue on both William and British Prime Minister David our shirt and kit deals and in our ability to con- Cameron - heads into a home match against trol costs.” Crystal Palace on Tuesday 11 points from safety Fox arrived from Arsenal, as did newly hired with 18 games remaining, and in turmoil on and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt, who off the field. brought with him the risky transfer strategy of Two weeks ago, disgruntled supporters buying young to get better value-for-money chanted, “You’re not fit to wear the shirt,” as Villa signings so they can be sold for a profit. The so- players prepared to leave the stadium in called “Moneyball” policy has been a disaster so FUNCHAL: Benfica’s Brazilian defender Jardel Vieira (R) heads the ball during the Portuguese league football match CD Nacional sv SL Benfica at Sunderland after a 3-1 loss to the league’s next- far. Thirteen players - many unproven youngsters the Da Madeira stadium in Funchal yesterday. The match was suspended yesterday due to the fog. — AFP to-last team. from overseas - joined last offseason for 50 mil- On Saturday, the atmosphere became more lion pounds ($72.5 million), but for a reported heated, with players requiring a police escort to net spend of only 7 million pounds ($10 million) get on the team bus as angry Villa fans vented as Villa used the cash recouped from selling Van Gaal clings to results their fury following a humiliating 1-1 draw at Belgium striker Christian Benteke and England fourth-tier club Wycombe in the FA Cup. midfielder Fabian Delph - its two best players. How has it come to this? How has a team that Garde has the January transfer window to finished sixth in the Premier League for three work a miracle, but which potential savior wants as Manchester Utd toil on straight seasons in 2008-10 and has long been to join a club destined for relegation? Garde may one of the most celebrated clubs in English soc- just have to work with the current set of players, cer fallen this far? It’s a story of inertia and apathy who have proven this season they are simply not NEWCASTLE: Manchester United manager Louis with Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the fourth points from safety. McClaren hopes to welcome good enough. van Gaal admits that his side need to play better, and final Champions League qualification place back midfielder Jack Colback from injury as he Since the departure of manager Martin but they will go in search of a third successive and host second-place Leicester City on attempts to win round supporters who are O’Neill in 2010, Villa has been on the slide and victory at Newcastle United today. United last Wednesday. “As we enter the second half of the growing frustrated with the lack of progress Matches on TV only narrowly avoided relegation the last three managed that in November, when victory over season the games come quickly, so we want to made during his eight-month tenure. seasons. A late-season surge under Tim CSKA Moscow in the Champions League fol- build and move up the league as fast as we can,” There were calls for him to go from some (Local Timings) Sherwood, Garde’s predecessor, saw Villa escape lowed by Premier League wins over West Van Gaal added. “This won’t be easy, but I know travelling fans at Watford and he must halt a the drop and reach the FA Cup final, where the Bromwich Albion and Watford had everything in that we are all determined to do this.” Only record that has seen his side win just four of English Premier League team lost 4-0 to Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. the Old Trafford garden looking rosy. United, Tottenham have conceded fewer league goals their last 20 home games if he is to orchestrate a Villa hasn’t recovered from that loss, and is set Newcastle v Man United 22:45 briefly, were second in the league, but after that than United this season, but it is in attack where climb up the table. “We’re frustrated and angry to lose its top-flight status just when Premier they would not record another win until January Van Gaal’s side badly need to improve. Van Gaal at being out of the FA Cup, and we have to chan- BeIN SPORTS League teams are about to carve up a record 9 Bournemouth v West Ham 22:45 2, during which time they also limped out of the hinted that Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard nel that in a positive way against Manchester billion pounds ($13 billion) from domestic and Champions League in the group phase. could come into the team after coming off the United,” said the former Manchester United BeIN SPORTS overseas TV deals over the next three years. The Aston Villa v Crystal Palace 22:45 United have eased some of the pressure on bench against Sheffield United. assistant coach. timing couldn’t be worse and there’s no telling Van Gaal by recording back-to-back home wins, “At this stage, I can’t ask for more from the BeIN SPORTS when Villa will recover. but Saturday’s FA Cup victory over third-tier ‘ANGRY AND FRUSTRATED’ players. We have to get on with it, that’s the Once upon a time, Leeds, Nottingham Forest Spain Copa del Rey and Coventry were established top-division Sheffield United, secured by Wayne Rooney’s “I think that we have to play with wingers, nature of football. The players have to be big Deportivo v Mirandes 22:30 teams. Relegation led to financial problems and injury-time penalty, was far from convincing. who make the pitch as big as possible,” he said. enough, bold enough and show courage. BeIN SPORTS they’ve been unable to rebound. Could Villa be “The result is all right, but the performance was “And with Memphis and Lingard, I know it is like “It’s Manchester United next. We’ll have Sevilla v Real Betis 22:30 next? That 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the not all right,” said Van Gaal, whose side were that.” Newcastle manager Steve McClaren is 50,000 people who have to get behind this side BeIN SPORTS 1982 European Cup final seems a long, long ironically applauded by their own fans as they under increasing pressure after his side’s poor and support them. time ago. — AP toiled to break down their third-tier opponents. recent league form transferred to the FA Cup “We have to stick together. It’s difficult for But as long as United keep winning, Van Gaal with a third-round defeat at Watford. all of us to show a little bit of patience, but has a defence and his team are looking to record It is 412 minutes since they last scored and there’s work going on and today is the next a fourth successive Premier League win over the reverse at Vicarage Road was their fourth challenge.” Newcastle remain without long- struggling Newcastle in meetings at St James’ successive 1-0 loss. They go into the game third term injury victims Tim Krul, Gabriel Obertan Park. Victory would take United level on points from bottom in the Premier League and two and Papiss Cisse. — AFP Feast and famine as Arsenal face Reds

LONDON: Two teams coping very differently with Leicester City, two points behind Arsenal in sec- sometimes, in the League Cup-and now they play English football's high-intensity mid-season fixture ond place, return to White Hart Lane to face in the FA Cup, and I think they deserve a positive programme meet tomorrow when Premier League Tottenham Hotspur, just three days after a 2-2 draw result," he said. leaders Arsenal resume their pursuit of the title at between the teams there in the FA Cup. "Two-two is a positive result. Well done!" Spurs injury-ravaged Liverpool. Leicester were a minute from victory when start the week in fourth place, but Manchester While Arsenal could afford to make five changes Harry Kane equalised from the penalty spot for United can go draw level on points with Mauricio as they breezed past Sunderland in the FA Cup on Spurs, but having made seven changes to his line- Pochettino's men if they win at struggling Saturday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's deci- up, Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri was satisfied Newcastle United in Tuesday's stand-out fixture. sion to field a youthful starting XI at fourth-tier with the outcome. United required a stoppage-time Wayne Rooney Exeter City on Friday almost backfired as his side penalty to see off third-division Sheffield United in scraped a 2-2 draw. WELL DONE! the FA Cup on Saturday, but midfielder Marouane First-team regulars like Mesut Ozil, Aaron "I was very pleased with our performance Fellaini believes there was no shame in being made Ramsey and Per Mertesacker will come back into because eight players without play some play to toil by well-drilled opposition. —AFP the Arsenal team at Anfield and right-back Hector Bellerin believes such strength in depth bodes well for the months ahead. "The legs are fine and we have shown that we have very good players on the bench also and the rotation helps us get good results," said the Spaniard, who set up goals for Ramsey and Olivier Giroud in the 3-1 success against Sunderland. "We have a lot of games and they are all hard games, but we have to respond in the way we did (against Sunderland) and I'm sure we will be fine. "The team was up to the challenge. We didn't rush the games and we knew we had to be patient. It is nice to get the three goals and that is confidence for the team as we had a difficult week ahead." Klopp can only envy the riches at Arsenal coun- terpart Arsene Wenger's disposal as he contem- plates an injury list that currently features 11 senior players. Seven of those-including playmaker Philippe Coutinho, striker Daniel Sturridge and centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel-have hamstring problems, but Klopp has dismissed suggestions that his hard-running playing style is to blame. BORDEAUX: This file photo taken on November 29, 2015 shows Bordeaux’ Assessing the situation after the draw at Exeter, Senegalese forward Henri Saivet running with the ball during the French L1 football he said: "The main problems we have is because match between Bordeaux and Caen at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux, our centre-halves are injured in this moment. "We southwestern France. Bordeaux captain and Senegalese international midfielder had five centre-halves at the beginning of the sea- ZURICH: Vila Nova’s Brazilian forward Wendell Lira, formerly of Goianesia, poses after receiving the Henri Saivet has agreed terms to join English Premier League side Newcastle United, son and at this moment no centre-halves. That's the 2015 FIFA Puskas Award for the “goal of the year” award, which he scored with Goianesia, during the French club’s coach Willy Sagnol said yesterday. — AFP situation, but next week it could be different." the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich yesterday. — AFP Ovechkin becomes Maradona offers first Russian to praise on golden score 500 goals day for Napoli

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 17 18

Seahawks escape with 10-9 win over Vikings Page 16

ZURICH: (From L) Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva, Croatia and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, Brazil and Real Madrid defender Marcelo, France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, Spain and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, Brazil and FC Barcelona forward Neymar, Brazil and FC Barcelona defender Dani Alves, Argentina and FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, Spain and FC Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta and Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo pose on stage after being selected in the 2015 FIFA FIFPro World XI during the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich yesterday. — AFP Messi wins record fifth Ballon d’Or Carli Lloyd gets FIFA world player award

ZURICH: Lionel Messi reclaimed the FIFA Ballon d’Or However, whilst others may use his record with award for the world player of the year yesterday, after Argentina to doubt his candidacy as the best player watching his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo walk off ever, in Barcelona 2015 enshrined his legacy as the James scores 37, leads with the prize for the previous two years. The greatest. He scored the goal that sealed a fifth La Liga Barcelona and Argentina forward finished ahead of title in seven years and maybe even his best ever goal Cavaliers past 76ers Ronaldo and Brazil forward Neymar as he scooped in the Copa del Rey final. Yet, his signature moment the award for the fifth time overall, having previously came with the return of an old mentor in Pep won it four years in a row from 2009 to 2012. Guardiola when Bayern Munich visited in the PHILADELPHIA: LeBron James raised the had a few more highlight plays during New Messi helped Barcelona win a Spanish league, cup Champions League semi-finals in May. roof, then lifted the Cleveland Cavaliers to York’s high-flying third quarter against and Champions League treble plus the Club World Guardiola had made his long-awaited return to their seventh straight win, 95-85 over the Milwaukee. The Knicks broke it open in the Cup and also led Argentina to the Copa America final, the Camp Nou as a fan in the earlier rounds, unable to Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night. James third by outshooting and outdunking one of where they lost to Chile. “It’s a very special moment to hide his admiration as Messi’s repertoire of outra- tied a season high with 37 points and the NBA’s most athletic teams. Porzingis was be back here, winning another Ballon d’Or,” said Messi geous skill tore Manchester City to shreds in the last- pushed both hands up in the air after sever- at the forefront, with a sensational follow as he received the award. 16. His first visit as an opposition coach since winning al powerful dunks, drawing a rise out of the dunk on one end and a blocked shot on the “It’s incredible to win a fifth... more than anything I 14 trophies in four years between 2008 and 2012 was nearly 20,000 fans at the Wells Fargo Center. other as the Knicks began pouring it on in the ever dreamed of as a kid. “I want to thank my team seen as a referendum on who had been the inspira- He had nine assists and seven rebounds in middle of the period. He had 15 points for the mates, without them none of this would have been tion for the most glorious period in Barca’s history. Cleveland’s 13th win in the last 15 games. Knicks, who won for the fourth time in five possible.” Barcelona’s Luis Enrique was voted coach of Even when James seems fallible he still games. Greg Monroe had 28 points and 10 the year. MAGICAL GOALS steals the show. An unsuspecting James rebounds for the Bucks, and Khris Middleton United States World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, who Messi won by a landslide. Two magical goals in took an errant ball to the face during added 20. scored a hat-trick in the final against Japan, was three minutes at the Camp Nou dealt a killer blow pregame warmups. The clip was a hit on named women’s player of the year. from which Bayern never recovered. “There is not a social media. The 76ers pulled as close as GRIZZLIES 101, CELTICS 98 Ronaldo ended last season trophyless with Real system or coach to stop talent of his magnitude,” said two points with 8 minutes left before James Zach Randolph had 25 points and 13 Madrid although he helped Portugal qualify for Euro Guardiola. After a two-year spell on top, not even thwarted the upset bid. Jahlil Okafor had 21 rebounds and Memphis overcame a 21-point 2016. Neymar won a treble alongside Messi at Ronaldo could prevent Messi’s march back to being points for the Sixers, and Ish Smith had 18 deficit in the second half to beat Boston. Barcelona but had less happy time with Brazil, receiv- the world’s best. The ceremony, at the Zurich points and 10 assists. Philadelphia is an NBA- Isaiah Thomas, who led the Celtics with 35 ing a four-match international ban after he was sent Kongresshaus theatre, was held against the backdrop worst 4-35. points, launched a 3-pointer as time expired off during the Copa America. of FIFA going through the worst corruption crisis but officials confirmed the basket came after Much has changed since, just 12 months ago, a since it was founded in 1904. CLIPPERS 114, PELICANS 111, OT the horn, giving Memphis its biggest come- disgruntled Messi, fresh from losing a World Cup final The sport is facing criminal investigations in both Chris Paul had 25 points and 11 assists, back victory of the season. Mario Chalmers and disillusioned with coach Luis Enrique’s regime at Switzerland and the United States, where some lead- Jamal Crawford added 21 points, and Los added 18 points for the Grizzlies, hitting 11 of Barcelona, sat in stony silence as Ronaldo announced ing FIFA officials are among 41 individuals and sports Angeles beat New Orleans in overtime to 13 free throws. Tony Allen finished with 15 his intention to hunt down the Argentine’s then- entities who have been indicted on corruption extend the NBA’s longest active winning points and 10 rebounds. Amir Johnson and record four Ballon d’Or haul. charges. Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter, nor- streak to nine games. Two-time All-Star Avery Bradley had 14 points apiece for A year on, the roles were reversed, Messi’s record mally a central figure at the ceremony, was not Anthony Davis, the Pelicans’ leading scorer Boston. Johnson also grabbed nine now even further beyond Ronaldo’s reach in the per- involved after being banned for eight years by the and rebounder, did not play because of a rebounds. sonal duel between the two men who have taken Ethics Committee in December. back contusion. He was hurt when he dove standards to unseen heights in their domination of There was no President’s Award, traditionally over the first row of seats chasing a loose ball ROCKETS 107, PACERS 103, OT the sport during the past decade. Rarely has there awarded for outstanding services to the game. Blatter ZURICH: FC Barcelona and Argentina’s for- early in the Pelicans’ 91-86 home loss to Trevor Ariza scored a season-high 24 been such little debate over who was the deserving was replaced by acting president Issa Hayatou who ward Lionel Messi poses with trophy after Indiana on Friday night. The Pelicans forced points and Corey Brewer hit the go ahead 3- winner. Even in the Spanish capital, unlike in previous played a low-key role, reading a brief speech before overtime when Jrue Holiday made three free pointer in overtime to help Houston beat receiving the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award years, there was no campaign for Ronaldo in the year the start of the ceremony and appeared on the stage for player of the year during the 2015 FIFA throws after he was fouled by Austin Rivers Indiana. James Harden had 21 points and he became Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer. when the awards for best player and women’s player on a 3-point attempt from the top of the key Dwight Howard added 21 points and 17 Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the In Zurich last year, Messi had even cast doubt on were presented. — Agencies Kongresshaus in Zurich yesterday. —AFP with 1.6 seconds left. Los Angeles native rebounds for his fifth straight double-double his future at Barcelona. His benching for a 1-0 defeat Holiday scored 12 of his season-high 29 in his return after missing a game with sore- to Real Sociedad the most ignominious start to what points off the bench in the fourth quarter to ness in his lower back. Indiana’s Paul George would turn out to be the second most successful in help New Orleans erase a 12-point deficit. had just four points in the first half before Barca’s 116-year history. Tyreke Evans added 26. Ryan Anderson, mak- scoring 14 of his 20 in a 27-point third quarter ing his fourth start of the season in Davis’ to help the Pacers build a big lead before DISSAPOINTING YEAR power forward spot, had 16 points and 10 Houston came back in the fourth. Messi missed an open training session with the rebounds in 42 minutes. club’s fans, Barca sporting director Andoni MAVERICKS 93, TIMBERWOLVES 87 Zubizarreta was sacked and club legend Carles Puyol TRAIL BLAZERS 115, THUNDER 110 Dirk Nowitzki scored 29 points, converted walked. Enrique would have followed suit had Messi Damian Lillard scored 31 points, hitting a big three-point play and grabbed a key demanded it. Instead, he used the fuel of the most five 3-pointers in the last 3:07, and Portland loose ball in the final seconds to lead Dallas disappointing year of his career in 2014 to fire Barca rallied to beat Oklahoma City. CJ McCollum past Minnesota. Nowitzki hit four of Dallas’ six to a treble of Champions League, La Liga and Copa added 22 points for Portland, which hit a sea- 3-pointers. Andrew Wiggins led Minnesota del Rey trophies. son-high 19 3-pointers to snap a three-game with 21 points. The Timberwolves have His partnership with Neymar and Luis Suarez sud- losing streak. Thunder guard Russell dropped six straight and 10 of 11. denly kicked into gear, between them hitting 137 of Westbrook nearly had his fourth triple-dou- Barca’s record 180 goals in 2015, making the South ble of the season, but fell just short with 25 JAZZ 86, LAKERS 74 American trio one of the most frightening frontlines points, 15 assists and nine rebounds. Last sea- Gordon Hayward scored 25 points and the game has ever seen. son, Westbrook led the NBA with 11 triple- Utah beat Los Angeles to snap a seven-game Even a two-month injury layoff due to knee liga- doubles. Kevin Durant had 28 points for road losing streak. Kobe Bryant didn’t play for ment damage couldn’t derail Messi’s case as he also Oklahoma City. the Lakers because of a strained right Achilles scored in the UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup tendon. Lou Williams led the Lakers with 18 finals to take Barca’s total trophy haul for the year to KNICKS 100, BUCKS 88 points, eight rebounds and six assists, after five. There was still disappointment at international ZURICH: USA and Houston Dash’s midfielder Carli Lloyd speaks after receiving the 2015 Carmelo Anthony had 24 points, 10 scoring a career-high 44 on Friday night a level. Another final defeat this time on penalties to rebounds and eight assists, Kristaps Porzingis home loss to Oklahoma City. — AP Chile at the Copa America - means Messi has still to FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award during the 2015 FIFA Ballon d’Or award cer- deliver a major trophy for La Albiceleste. emony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich yesterday. — AFP Any Aramco share listing will take time: Chairman Page 22

UAE’s real GDP growth Business in non-oil sector to remain resilient TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 Page 23 Honda, Volvo take top awards at Detroit EU shuts down Belgium tax breaks for multinationals Auto Show Page 25 Page 27

JIUJIIANG: A man looks at stock prices at a brokerage house in Jiujiang in central China’s Jiangxi province yesterday. China’s stock benchmark sank more than 5 percent and other Asian markets fell while Europe rose moderately. — AP China stocks plunge on economic gloom Ruble slumps on first day of trading after holiday

SHANGHAI: China’s stock market resumed its twice in just four days. Ruble plummets volatile plunges yesterday, as worries over the The plunges have brought a rough start to The Russian ruble fell sharply on its first day slowing economy and the government’s ability the year for an index which soared 150 percent of trading after a ten-day holiday period, as a to manage it sent traders fleeing, dealers said. in the 12 months to mid-June and then plum- drop in the price of oil cast a shadow across the Investors have been alarmed by slowing meted more than 30 percent in three weeks, energy-exporting economy. The national curren- growth in the world’s second-largest economy, prompting an unprecedented government res- cy dropped by nearly 2 percent half an hour into which is expected to have expanded last year at cue package which helped the market end the trading, to 76.1 rubles, as the Moscow exchange its slowest pace in a quarter of a century. Official year up 9.4 percent. resumed trading in foreign exchange for the first data on fourth-quarter and annual growth is due time since Dec 31. to be released next week. Pessimism dominates The price of oil, the backbone of the Russian But early indicators have stoked pessimism. To the dismay of investors, China’s central economy, has declined over the past week amid The government said on Saturday that China’s bank recently guided the yuan currency down fears about a slowdown in China’s growth. Russia consumer price inflation came in at 1.6 percent by setting its daily fix lower for eight sessions, has also been hit by economic sanctions that in December, well short of the government’s tar- representing a 1.4 percent fall, before a slight Western nations imposed following the 2014 get of “around three percent”. reversal on Friday. annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea. The sharp Yesterday, the Shanghai Composite Index Yesterday, the People’s Bank of China set the decline in the price of oil, now trading at 12-year plunged 5.33 percent, or 169.71 points, to daily reference rate-around which the yuan can lows at $34 per barrel for Brent crude, will likely 3,016.70 on turnover of 286.4 billion yuan ($43.6 move up or down two percent-at a stronger cause a drain on Russia’s reserves and push the billion). The Shenzhen Composite Index, which 6.5626 to $1.0, up .02 percent against the US government to cut down on expenses. tracks stocks on China’s second exchange, dollar. “Pessimism is the dominant sentiment,” Russia has based its budget this year on an dropped even more, tumbling 6.60 percent, or William Wong, head of sales trading at Shenwan average oil price of $50 per barrel and Finance 130.62 points, to 1,848.10 on turnover of 377.8 Hongyuan Group in Hong Kong, told Bloomberg Minister Anton Siluanov indicated last month MOSCOW: A woman walks past a board listing foreign currency rates against the billion yuan. In Hong Kong, the benchmark Hang News. that the government is prepared for cuts if crude Russian ruble in Moscow yesterday. — AFP Seng Index slipped 2.8 percent, or 565.21 points, “Market conditions will remain challenging were to fall to $30. The Russian daily Vedomosti to close at 19,888.50. given weak growth, volatility in external markets last month quoted a ministry draft proposal that “The market is already in a downward spiral and the yuan’s depreciation pressure.” would see budget expenses cut by 5 percent and it’s still exploring the bottom after last Yuan weakness, believed by some analysts to Saudi shares pare losses, across the board. Russia is running a budget week’s plunge,” Zhang Yanbing, an analyst at be a creeping devaluation, sparked worries deficit of 3 percent of GDP this year and since Zheshang Securities, said. China could set off a currency war in a bid to banks weigh on Abu Dhabi “The economy remains weak and there’s no boost exports. President Vladimir Putin has ordered it to be driver for a market rebound.” The Shanghai index In August last year, China moved the yuan kept below that level, the government will have fell nearly 10 percent last week, slammed by down nearly five percent over a week, saying the to let the ruble depreciate further to balance the MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS budget. concerns over China’s flagging economy and drop was a result of reforms aimed at making DUBAI: Petrochemical and small-cap versus international players and we Analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch said weakening currency but also a regulatory blun- the unit more flexible. Beijing is seeking to tran- stocks turned around Saudi Arabia’s index expect 2016’s net income to decline,” said in a research note last month that the ruble der. On Friday, authorities reversed course and sition the country’s growth model away from after early declines yesterday while blue- a note from Riyadh-based NCB Capital. would need to weaken to a staggering 94 rubles suspended a new “circuit breaker” mechanism reliance on exports and fixed-asset investment chip companies dragged other Middle Traders also bought back speculative to the dollar if Russia wants to keep its budget that had fuelled investor panic and a global rout towards a consumer-driven economy, but the Eastern bourses lower. The Saudi bench- stocks which slumped on Sunday, trig- deficit below 3 percent. — Agencies by automatically closing Chinese markets early reform is proving bumpy. mark swung in volatile trade, dipping gered by margin calls. Emaar Economic below the critical 6,000 level but then City and Knowledge Economic City, mid- gaining momentum mid-session as petro- tier stocks, each soared more than 7.0 per- chemical and speculative stock were heav- cent. Saudi riyal stable: Monetary chief ily bought, lifting the index 1.4 percent to Yanbu Cement, a pure play on the settle at 6,177 points. kingdom’s construction sector, jumped 7.1 “The swing factor in the stock market percent after releasing its fourth quarter RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday said its cur- by some of the market participants,” billion from the reserves, which stood at were the petrochemical shares,” said a earnings on Sunday. Net income rose 8.3 rency was stable despite volatility in the Mubarak added. $732 billion at the end of 2014, and issued Riyadh-based trader. “Further dips in the percent from a year earlier, according to a futures market as the kingdom takes Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil bonds worth around $20 billion. market will make those stocks relatively bourse filing. unprecedented measures to deal with low exporter, reported a record budget deficit of All Gulf Cooperation Council states more attractive from a valuation perspec- “We believe the 8.3 percent year-on- oil prices. $98 billion for 2015 after a drastic fall in except Kuwait peg their currencies to the US tive.” Saudi Basic Industries (SABIC), the year growth in net income is attributed The Saudi riyal will remain pegged at 3.75 global crude prices. dollar. Earlier in December, Saudi Arabia, largest stock by market value, jumped 3.3 mainly to higher sales volumes coming to one US dollar, said the Governor of the The finance ministry last month imposed Kuwait and Bahrain raised interest rates after percent, helping lift the petrochemical from a low base because 2014’s fourth Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, Fahad bin unprecedented cuts, including an immedi- the US Federal Reserve increased its rates for index 3.1 percent. quarter was hampered by the changes in Abdullah al-Mubarak, according to the Saudi ate reduction in fuel subsidies, with plans to the first time in more than nine years. Upcoming earnings will show how far the labour market and the lower demand Press Agency. further diversify the economy and possibly In an interview published last week, petrochemical companies’ gross margins due to the Hajj season,” said a note by The currency is “backed by a full range of increase charges on public services. Saudi’s Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed were squeezed by subdued global NCB Capital. High inventory levels and monetary policy instruments, including for- Riyadh maintained high spending last bin Salman told The Economist that the demand and the resumed slump in oil continued demand slowdown led larger eign exchange reserves,” he said. “The year, and launched a costly military interven- country is “far” from an economic crisis, prices, coupled with higher operating cement companies to offer sales dis- agency noticed recent volatility in the tion against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen, by because it still has ample reserves and grow- costs following recent moves by the gov- counts in 2015. “We believe Yanbu futures market of the Saudi riyal against the drawing on huge fiscal reserves it accumu- ing non-oil revenues. Global crude prices ernment to reduce subsidies. Cement offered an average discount of 7 dollar as a result of wrong perceptions of the lated when oil prices were high. have plunged from above $100 a barrel in “Petrochemical had a challenging year percent to its product in 2015,” the note general economic situation in Saudi Arabia The kingdom withdrew more than $80 early 2014 to below $33 yesterday. — AFP in 2015 and have lost their cost advantage added. — Reuters TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 BUSINESS Any Aramco share listing News in brief

US dollar stable against will take time: Chairman Kuwait dinar at 0.303 KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar yesterday was stable at KD 0.303, as well Only downstream sale being considered as the euro at KD 0.331 compared to the exchange rates for Sunday, said a statement by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). According to the CBK, the exchange rate RIYADH: Any share listing of state-owned Saudi Aramco, one source said. Shares in the parent firm would not be has already said it is looking at listing its shares eventually of the Sterling pound was stable at KD 0.440 while the the world’s largest crude producer, will take time, the com- offered, he added. on the Saudi stock market. Swiss franc went up to KD 0.305. Exchange rate of the pany’s chairman told The Wall Street Journal in an inter- “The holding company is the one which could be listed, Subsidiaries of Aramco abroad include S-Oil in Korea; a Japanese yen remained the same at KD 0.002. view published yesterday. not Aramco itself,” he said, declining to be named because refinery in Fujian, China owned jointly with Exxon and Khalid Al-Falih also said the potential sale of shares of political sensitivities. Sinopec; and Motiva in the United States, which is a ven- Egypt’s treasury bond could include listing at least part of Aramco’s crude extrac- The global energy market has been awash with specula- ture with Shell. tion operations. “There is no plan that is concrete at this tion since Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Prince Mohammed told The Economist that he expect- yields rise at auction stage to do the listing. There are studies ongoing. Serious appeared to indicate in an interview with The Economist ed a decision on the Aramco privatisation to be made CAIRO: Yields on Egypt’s 18-month, three-year and seven- consideration,” Falih told The Journal. magazine last week that Saudi Arabia might sell shares in “over the next few months”. But an actual sale of shares year treasury bonds rose at an auction yesterday, data from His comments came after Aramco said Friday it “has Aramco, as part of a privatization drive to raise money in an would probably take much longer to happen as it would the finance ministry website showed. The average yield on been studying various options to allow broad public par- era of cheap oil. On Friday Aramco, the world’s largest oil involve reorganising Aramco. “This is still at a very prelimi- Egypt’s zero-coupon, 18-month bonds rose to 12.306 per- ticipation in its equity”. The move would be part of eco- company, issued a brief statement saying it was consider- nary stage. They have to do a study first and submit the cent from 11.993 percent at the last auction on Dec 28. The nomic reforms by the kingdom coping with a collapse in ing options including the stock market listing “of an appro- results to the board members, and then decide whether average yield on the three-year bond rose to 12.965 per- global oil prices. priate percentage of the company’s shares and/or the list- to go ahead with it or not,” said the first source. cent from 12.663 percent and on the seven-year bond to Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman first ing of a bundle (of) its downstream subsidiaries”. Selling shares in joint ventures could prove problemat- 14.870 percent from 14.572 percent. revealed that a share offer was under review, in an inter- Aramco has crude reserves estimated at about 265 bil- ic if foreign partners did not agree. An industry source view Thursday with The Economist. Falih told The Journal lion barrels, over 15 percent of all global oil deposits, so it said Aramco’s foreign partners had not yet been consult- Saudi Aramco is considering listing “the main company, could become the first listed company valued at $1 trillion ed on the idea; at present, they are “like a deaf man at a Orascom Construction wins and obviously the main company, will include upstream,” or more if it went public, analysts have estimated. But sev- wedding”, he said. $420m power plant contract or the exploration and production sectors. eral sources close to Aramco said its massive size, and the At the right price, foreign investors might be keen on Aramco manages crude reserves that exceed 261 billion confidentiality surrounding it as the main instrument of grabbing a chunk of Saudi Arabia’s refining operations, DUBAI: Egypt’s Orascom Construction has been award- barrels. The company might also list refining and petro- the kingdom’s oil policy, meant the sale of a stake in the which have been growing even as global oil prices have ed a $420 million contract to revamp two government- chemical units, The Journal said. parent firm was not being actively considered. plunged in the last 18 months, squeezing upstream pro- owned power stations, the company said yesterday. “Many of these assets are also with other joint venture “The government will never give up its crown jewel,” ducers. But Saudi political sensitivities may influence any Orascom was part of a consortium that completed the partners so we have to go through the process of review- said a senior banker in Riyadh. Instead, authorities are look- sale. Traditionally, shares in state firms have been sold at build of the Assiut and West Damietta plants in the third ing the legal agreements between us and our partners,” ing at accelerating plans that have been in the works for discounted prices exclusively to Saudi investors as a way quarter of 2015. The plants, which are operational and said Falih, who is also health minister. “It will take time.” Any many years to sell shares in part of Aramco’s vast refining of sharing the kingdom’s oil wealth. have a combined capacity of 1,500 megawatts, will now listing would primarily occur on the Saudi exchange, “but I and petrochemicals empire, which by itself is estimated to So any listing of shares would probably have to occur be converted to a so-called combined cycle from a sim- would not exclude at this stage international listings given be worth tens of billions of dollars. on the Saudi bourse, and though the market opened to ple cycle. A combined cycle re-uses waste products, the potential size,” Falih told The Journal. A precedent for the sale already exists: PetroRabigh , a direct foreign investment last year, participation in an ini- increasing capacity by 50 percent with no additional A public listing by Saudi Aramco would make it the first refining and petrochemicals venture in which Aramco and tial public offer might well be limited to local investors; fuel intake. major state-owned oil firm in the Gulf to be floated on Japan’s Sumitomo Chemical each own 37.5 percent. It held foreigners would have to buy the shares in the secondary markets. The kingdom has adopted a policy of selling an initial public offer on the Riyadh bourse in 2008. market. UAE revokes license of shares in all major state-owned companies and last year “The higher priority is to IPO downstream - it would be The Saudi bourse, capitalised at only $379 billion, has opened its Tadawul All-Shares Index to direct foreign low-hanging fruit,” said Essam Al-Zamel, a prominent eco- been hit hard by the tumble of oil prices - it is trading at Al-Zarooni Exchange investment. nomic columnist in Saudi Arabia. Aramco could not be four-year lows - so it is in poor shape to absorb a big new ABU DHABI: The central bank of the United Arab Emirates reached for comment on Sunday, a day off for the compa- supply of equity. Initially, any sale of Aramco assets yesterday said it had revoked the license of local money Downstream sale ny’s employees. might therefore be limited to several billion dollars, exchange firm Al-Zarooni Exchange due to anti-money Saudi Arabia is considering selling shares in refining bankers say. laundering compliance violations. The license has been ventures with foreign oil firms but would not offer a stake Ventures Nevertheless, the government appears determined to revoked with effect from Jan. 10, 2016, and comes after a in the crude oil exploration and production operations of It is not clear which ventures might be involved in a proceed with a sale - not merely to raise money, but as special examination of the firm, the Central Bank said in a state oil giant Saudi Aramco, sources familiar with official sale. But the range of candidates is wide; Aramco and part of a drive to diversify the economy beyond crude oil statement. Al-Zarooni was initially suspended on Nov. 10, thinking said. subsidiaries own or have an equity interest in over 5 mil- production and have the private sector play a bigger role, 2015 from conducting business in remittances, currency Some Aramco managers have been informed that the lion barrels per day of refining capacity. Its operations analysts said. “This is part of the reformist tidal wave char- exchange and payment of wages, the statement added. company is looking at listing shares in “joint downstream include a joint refinery with Royal Dutch Shell in Jubail acterising Saudi Arabia...It’s part and parcel of The US Treasury said on Nov. 12 it had imposed sanctions subsidiaries” at home and abroad, the sources said. One known as SASREF; a venture with Exxon Mobil in Yanbu Mohammed bin Salman’s drive to alter the structure of on the Altaf Khanani Money Laundering Organization and option is to create a holding company that would group known as SAMREF; and its YASREF refinery, which is a ven- the economy,” said John Sfakianakis, a Riyadh-based its Dubai-based supporter, the Al-Zarooni Exchange, for together Aramco’s stakes in the downstream subsidiaries, ture with China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec). YASREF economist. —Agencies laundering money for criminals and political extremists. Moody’s downgrades Malaysia outlook

KUALA LUMPUR: Moody’s Investors His government introduced an Service yesterday downgraded unpopular consumption tax last year Dubai airport Malaysia’s sovereign outlook from to raise revenue and has rationalized “positive” to “stable”, citing deepening fuel subsidies, but Moody’s said traffic grows economic woes from falling oil prices those moves have had limited 8.1% in Nov and global economic uncertainty. impact on the government’s balance In a statement, the ratings agency sheet. DUBAI: Dubai International said the country faced slowing Critics have been demanding that Airport, the world’s busiest by growth and world market factors Najib explain allegations that mas- international traffic, experi- that have “undermined Malaysia’s sive sums went missing from deals enced an 8.1 percent increase in external position, with large capital involving state-owned company passenger numbers in outflows, a falling current account 1Malaysia Development Berhad November, its operator said yes- surplus, sharp exchange rate depre- (1MDB), and the revelation that near- terday. Traffic rose to 6.01 mil- ciation and falling reserves.” ly $700 million in mysterious lion passengers from 5.57 mil- Malaysia’s economic outlook has deposits were made to his personal lion a year earlier, taking the been a source of major concern since bank accounts. total so far in 2015 to 70.96 mil- oil prices plunged in 2014. Exports of The transfers were made shortly lion, up 10.9 percent. The largest increase in passen- oil and natural gas are a major source before a hotly contested election in gers came from the Indian sub- of earnings for the country. The trou- 2013. Najib’s government calls the continent from where new flights ble has been compounded by a deposits “political donations” from were launched, while the most financial scandal involving Prime foreign donors but has refused to significant growth was driven by Minister Najib Razak, which has fur- specify the source, purpose, or ulti- Eastern Europe and North ther rattled the country’s markets. mate fate of the money. Both Najib America, the latter where The situation caused the ringgit and 1MDB have fiercely denied any Emirates added new destinations. to plummet, making it the worst-per- wrongdoing. Air freight volumes rose 3.8 per- forming Asian currency last year. Najib, who is also the finance min- cent in the month to 218,323 Najib in October forecast slower ister, announced on Friday that the tons. Some cargo operations growth of 4-5 percent in 2016 and 2016 government budget released in have moved to Al-Maktoum announced measures to spur October will be revised in light of the International-Dubai World KARACHI: Pakistan brokers watch the latest share prices on a monitor during a trading session at the demand, but has insisted the econo- further deterioration of the global Central (DWC). —Reuters Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSE) in Karachi yesterday. The benchmark PSE-100 index was down my remains on solid footing. economic situation. —AFP 32354.43 in mid-day trade. —AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. GOLD Saudi Riyals 81.960 US Dollars Mint 0.300650 0.304650 20 Gram 226.690 Jordanian Dinar 429.370 Asia 10 Gram 116.040 CURRENCY BUY SELL Egyptian Pound 38.814 Bangladesh Taka 0.003477 0.004077 ASIAN COUNTRIES 5 Gram 58.700 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.123 Chinese Yuan 0.044632 0.048132 Japanese Yen 2.593 Indian Rupees 4.563 Hong Kong Dollar 0.037155 0.039905 Indian Rupees 4.565 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Pakistani Rupees 2.902 Indian Rupee 0.004208 0.004598 Pakistani Rupees 2.900 Bangladesh Taka 3.877 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 Srilankan Rupees 2.119 Philippines Pesso 6.470 Japanese Yen 0.002505 0.002685 Nepali Rupees 2.859 CURRENCIES TELEX TRANSFER PER 1000 Cyprus pound 580.550 Kenyan Shilling 0.003162 0.003162 Singapore Dollar 212.170 Australian Dollar 203.08 Japanese Yen 3.595 Korean Won 0.000244 0.000259 Hongkong Dollar 39.200 Canadian Dollar 218.17 Syrian Pound 2.380 Malaysian Ringgit 0.066266 0.072266 Swiss Franc 310.48 Bangladesh Taka 3.876 Nepalese Rupees 3.850 Nepalese Rupee 0.002884 0.003054 Euro 335.10 Philippine Peso 8.460 Malaysian Ringgit 69.735 Pakistan Rupee 0.002639 0.002919 Thai Baht 84.100 US Dollar 304.45 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 46.740 Sterling Pound 444.75 Philippine Peso 0.006372 0.006652 Thai Bhat 9.355 Japanese Yen 2.63 Sierra Leone 0.000067 0.000073 GCC COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 101.100 Saudi Riyal 81.177 Bangladesh Taka 3.881 Singapore Dollar 0.208533 0.214533 Qatari Riyal 83.620 Indian Rupee 4.560 South African Rand 0.013058 0.021558 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001765 0.002345 Omani Riyal 790.670 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.118 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 808.420 Nepali Rupee 2.850 Taiwan 0.009071 0.009251 UAE Dirham 82.879 Pakistani Rupee 2.901 Thai Baht 0.008099 0.008649 UAE Dirhams 0.08285 CURRENCY BUY SELL ARAB COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 0.8091 Europe Arab Egyptian Pound - Cash 40.900 Egyptian Pound 0.03879 British Pound 0.436272 0.445272 Bahraini Dinar 0.800139 0.808139 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 38.923 Jordanian Dinar 0.4330 Czech Korune 0.004287 0.016287 Egyptian Pound 0.035146 0.038272 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.420 Omani Riyal 0.7906 Danish Krone 0.040493 0.045493 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Qatari Riyal 0.08394 Tunisian Dinar 150.250 Euro 0.327539 0.335539 Iraqi Dinar 0.000200 0.000260 Saudi Riyal 0.08115 Jordanian Dinar 428.910 Norwegian Krone 0.030249 0.035449 Jordanian Dinar 0.425130 0.432630 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.028 Romanian Leu 0.087277 0.087277 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Syrian Lira 2.169 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Slovakia 0.009092 0.019092 Lebanese Pound 0.000153 0.000253 Morocco Dirham 31.141 Swedish Krona 0.031892 0.036892 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021541 0.045541 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Swiss Franc 0.299844 0.310044 Nigerian Naira 0.001258 0.001893 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.096751 0.107051 US Dollar Transfer 304.250 US Dollar 304.800 Omani Riyal 0.783839 0.789519 Australasia Euro 333.460 Canadian Dollar 216.885 Qatar Riyal 0.082859 0.084072 Australian Dollar 0.204485 0.215985 Sterling Pound 443.440 Sterling Pound 443.575 Saudi Riyal 0.080274 0.081197 Canadian dollar 215.470 Euro 334.510 New Zealand Dollar 0.193584 0.203084 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 Turkish lira 100.410 Swiss Frank 304.295 Tunisian Dinar 0.146586 0.154586 Swiss Franc 307.630 Bahrain Dinar 806.370 America Turkish Lira 0.096751 0.107051 Australian Dollar 213.130 UAE Dirhams 83.225 Canadian Dollar 0.209827 0.218327 UAE Dirhams 0.081855 0.083004 US Dollar Buying 303.050 Qatari Riyals 84.445 US Dollars 0.300150 0.304650 Yemeni Riyal 0.001375 0.001455 TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 BUSINESS Real GDP growth in non-oil sector to remain resilient

NBK ECONOMIC OVERVIEW AND OUTLOOK: UAE

KUWAIT: Real economic growth in the UAE is estimated at 3.9 percent year-on-year (y/y) for 2015, as real oil GDP growth continued to be affected by conditions in interna- tional energy markets. A resilient non-oil sector and a recovery in oil GDP are expected to drive overall GDP growth higher in 2017. Real oil GDP growth is expected to be weak in the near-to-medium term amid low global demand. Real oil GDP growth is estimated to slow down from 4.0 percent y/y in 2014 to 1.6 percent y/y in 2015. Growth is likely to be flat in 2016, before picking up in 2017 thanks to rising oil production. Non-oil sector growth is likely to accelerate to around 5.5 percent and 6.0 percent y/y for 2016 and 2017. This sector should be led higher by firmer activity in tourism, financial services and construction. Construction activity is set to accelerate as the Dubai Expo 2020 draws closer. Furthermore, the President, Sheikh Khalifa, recently announced that the federal authorities plan to invest more than Dh300 billion ($82 billion) domestically to fos- ter a post-oil “knowledge economy”. The plans also envis- age tripling the labor force in the knowledge economy by 2021.

PMI trends lower in 2015 The Markit Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) trended lower throughout 2015, against a backdrop of a stronger US dollar (and thereby UAE dirham) and weak global demand. In Q4 2015, the UAE’s headline PMI (a forward- looking economic indicator) averaged 53.9, down from 56.7 the first 3 quarters of the year but still consistent with economic expansion. (A reading above 50 indicates an expansion in activity; a reading below 50 indicates a con- traction in activity.) Inflationary pressures appeared to be rather subdued as input costs edged lower and staff costs remained steady. It is also worthwhile to note that employment conditions have remained modest, even while oil prices trend lower. This should help allay fears of a major oil- induced disruption to domestic consumption and the overall economy.

Residential property price growth Growth in sales prices in Dubai’s residential property sector continued to trend lower in 2015. However, data for the latter part of 2015 pointed to signs of stabiliza- tion, particularly in the case of apartment sales prices. According to Asteco, a major real estate services com- pany, prices of apartments in Dubai fell by around 5.0 percent y/y in 3Q15 for the second consecutive quarter. Villa prices, meanwhile, had fallen by 10.2 percent y/y and 13.3 percent y/y in 2Q15 and 3Q15, respectively. The imposition of higher transaction fees in 4Q13 and federal mortgage caps in early 2014 (before oil prices fell) undoubtedly delivered the results the ects. In Dubai, infrastructure spending is expected to authorities were looking for: cooling off the property accelerate in the run-up to the Expo 2020 event. market and curbing speculative buying. These meas- That is not to say that the major emirates have not ures have also been recently compounded by an on- exercised some fiscal prudence and reforms recently. going rise in housing supply and a change in prefer- According to official reports, Abu Dhabi has curtailed ences and risk appetite within the residential property and/or delayed spending on a number of projects desig- market. nated as low-priority. Dubai is poised to pass a law cover- Against a backdrop of greater supply, sellers have ing public-private partnerships (PPP) late in 2015, to tap been forced to lower prices. Also, more and more buy- into private sector funding for key projects. Furthermore, ers are favoring affordable (mid-range) and/or end-use the UAE government is expected to impose further reduc- housing. While transaction values continue to fall, tions in subsidies. At the start of 2015, it took the decision growth in the number of transactions has recovered of to hike utility tariffs. Later, in August, it deregulated petrol late thanks to rising activity in the “more affordable” prices. This will help lower subsidy costs. The fiscal bal- housing segment. (Charts 4 and 5.) Looking ahead, we ance is expected to return to a surplus in 2017 on the expect to see more of this shift towards mid-range back of an expected (delayed) oil price recovery and a housing, especially amid a low oil price environment planned increase in oil production. and tighter lending restrictions. The property market has also been hampered by a Current account surplus stronger dirham (higher US dollar) currency relative to The current account is expected to continue to post a key emerging market currencies. This has dented sales months. In October 2015 it climbed to a three-year high surplus, of 14-15.0 percent of GDP in 2016 and 2017, on of 103.2 percent. to Russian and Asian buyers. But for the majority of buy- the back of strong non-oil export revenues. Downward ers, hailing from the UAE or GCC region (dollar-based), Slowing deposit growth is also evident in the slow- pressures on the surplus from lower oil export earnings the impact is expected to be more muted. down in annual broad money supply (M2) growth. This and higher imports are being partly offset by robust non- It is safe to conclude that Dubai’s property market is has been trending downwards since mid-2014. oil export revenues, especially from the tourism, trade going through a significant correction and that the Monetary policy remains accommodative, and there is and financial services sectors. measures that were put in place have so far shepherded room for monetary tightening if need be. The UAE’s three- The UAE’s non-oil exports may be slightly affected by the market in the right direction, with perhaps further month and one-month interbank rates both saw a slight the strength of the dirham. The stronger dollar has led to correction ahead. uptick in 2H15, but they both remain low and below 1.0 percent. A rise in the US Fed rate is expected to further tighten liquidity conditions in the banking sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in Dubai have been struggling of late due to delayed payments by their customers. Since the summer of 2015, there have been anectodal reports of defaults or late payments. According to the Dubai SME report (2013), SMEs account for about 95 percent of the enterprise population in Dubai, 43 percent of the workforce and 40 percent of the total value-added to the Dubai economy. Thus, they are one of the main driving forces behind the economy. The trading sector accounts for the majority (around 57 per- cent) of SME businesses in Dubai. Given that the trading sector is dominated by commodity trading, it has been hurt by the on-going weakness in commodity prices. Also, with around 51 percent of the SME businesses heavi- ly dependent on trade/exports, they have been hit by the appreciation in the dirham against most major currencies Consumer price inflation (with the exception of the US dollar). After accelerating throughout 1H15, headline inflation an appreciation in the UAE’s trade-weighted index The UAE Banks Federation estimates that among SMEs, is expected to moderate over the coming months as increasing the costs of its exports and making it a more loans amounting to between Dh5 billion and Dh7 billion housing inflation (rent, which weighs heavily in the index) expensive place to visit and invest in for expatriates out- ($1.36 billion-$1.9 billion) are at risk of default. While pro- stabilizes. September data showed inflation in the CPI side the GCC region and the US. The UAE’s major trading visions for non-performing loans (NPL) have remained slowing to 4.3 percent y/y as inflation in housing costs partners are in Asia, and those countries that are not steady in 2015, loan defaults among SMEs would ulti- eased and food inflation remained subdued. pegged to the dollar could see further depreciations in mately lead to a pickup in NPL provisions. The govern- The rise in housing costs appears to have peaked at their currencies vis-�-vis the dirham. However, given that ment has vowed to step up its efforts in formulating a 10.2 percent y/y last June. It had been on an upward tra- the majority of tourists visiting the UAE are from the GCC new bankruptcy law to help support SMEs and reduce the jectory since the end of 2013 on the back of a recovery in region and that UAE nationals are the predominant risk of default. However, with gross credit valued at Dh1.4 the residential property sector. The steep rise in housing investors in the country’s real estate sector, the non-oil trillion and SME loans at risk of a default valued at Dh7 bil- costs in 1H15 mainly came on the back of the one-off hike economy should continue to perform well in the current lion, the impact on the banking sector should be limited. in electricity and water tariffs (for both nationals and low oil price environment. expatriates) and the removal of the rental cap in Abu Furthermore, a potential removal of sanctions on Iran Markets and interest rates Dhabi. But with more housing set to enter the market and by the West in early 2016 could be a huge boost for UAE The main Abu Dhabi and Dubai markets were under the effect of the one-off hike in utility tariffs set to wane, trade, particularly in the non-oil sector. The UAE is Iran’s pressure in the second half of 2015, in sync with interna- we should see inflation in the housing segment steady biggest non-oil trading partner and its biggest source of tional and other GCC markets, and amid a softer oil price over the medium-term. imported goods. environment. A stronger US dollar and lower commodity prices will The main credit default swaps (CDS), good indications also help limit any further gains in the headline rate. Banking sector of the level of risk within an economy, have stabilized Consequently, we forecast inflation to average 4.0 percent Growth in bank loans continues to hold on to its recent recently. In mid-November, the CDS on five-year Dubai in 2015 and 3.5 percent in 2016 and 2017. moderate pace, even amid softer oil prices and a slowing and Abu Dhabi government debt stood at 206 and 75 real estate market. Within the non-oil sector, lending to basis points, respectively. Modest fiscal deficits in 2015 and 2016 the construction sector has proven robust. In October In the near-to-medium term we may see the nascent Amid steady spending and lower revenues, the UAE’s 2015, loan growth was hovering at 7.7 percent y/y. With effects of the long-awaited changes in the UAE’s compa- fiscal balance (breakeven oil price is $70/b) is expected to capital spending expected to increase further in the run- nies’ law. One of the changes includes lowering the mini- swing from an estimated surplus of 4.2 percent of GDP in up to the Expo 2020 in Dubai, we should continue to see mum percentage of equity that a company needs to float, of $1 = 3.673 Dhs since 1997. The current exchange rate 2014 to a deficit of 1.2 percent and 1.5 percent of GDP in healthy gains in loan growth. from 55 percent to 30 percent. This should lead to an policy has thus far helped the UAE economy instill macro- 2015 and 2016, respectively. Bank deposit growth has, however, been trending low- increase in initial public offering (IPO) activity; the 55 per- economic stability, keep the rate of inflation in check and With abundant financial reserves (a staggering 200 er in 2015 as a result of a slowdown in government cent requirement was deemed too high by entrepreneurs, maintain investor confidence. However, the peg has come percent of GDP) to help finance these deficits, however, it deposit growth. As of October 2015, total deposit growth many of whom were reluctant to divest too much from under pressure of late against a backdrop of falling oil is unlikely that the UAE economy will need to carry out stood at 1.4 percent y/y. Growth in government deposits, their own businesses. prices and a stronger US dollar against most other curren- any significant fiscal consolidation in the medium-term. which is closely correlated with oil revenues, has slowed. cies. Nonetheless, thanks to the country’s abundant for- Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are scheduled to maintain With deposit growth trailing credit growth, the loan-to- US dollar-dirham peg is here to stay eign reserves, the UAE has enough ammunition to defend their high levels of public spending on infrastructure proj- deposit ratio has consequently edged higher in recent The dirham has been pegged to the US dollar at a rate its peg to the US dollar. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 BUSINESS Oil prices fall for 6th session as recovery hopes wane

LONDON: Oil prices fell for a sixth session to Analysts pointed to China’s slowdown, on a bad note and ended on a good one other currencies. “A 15 percent CNY Gold down trade at almost 12-year lows yesterday as which saw a slide in the yuan and two but the market response, worryingly, was (Chinese yuan) depreciation alone Gold retreated yesterday as the dollar slowing growth in China rattled investors’ emergency suspensions in stock trading the same to both - sell, sell, sell,” David could send oil into the $20s,” the bank rose versus the euro, but was still around hopes for demand this year and traders markets last week, as the main reasons for Hufton, of oil brokers PVM Oil Associates, said. Yesterday’s decline adds to last a nine-week high as pressure on Asian increased bets against any near-term recov- lower oil and commodity prices. Yesterday, wrote in a note. week’s more than 10 percent drop in stock markets continued to support ery. Brent crude futures were down by 47 turbulence gripped Chinese markets once “China has torpedoed the hopes of the both Brent and WTI prices. Goldman investors’ flight to safety. Asian shares cents at $33.08 a barrel by 0935 GMT, off 15 again, as blue-chip stocks fell by another 5 optimists. The third leg of the financial Sachs analysts, who have also said oil sank to their lowest in over four years percent in a week, while US West Texas percent and overnight interest rates for the crises involving emerging markets that the could hit $20 a barrel, said in a note on after the People’s Bank of China guided Intermediate (WTI) crude was down 52 cents yuan outside of China soared to nearly 40 IMF, World Bank, BIS and various messen- Friday that sustained lower prices were the yuan’s midpoint rate sharply at $32.64 per barrel. Speculators increased percent, their highest since the launch of gers of doom had warned of has come into needed in the first quarter “so produc- stronger, a move that might calm con- their net-short positions to a record high in the offshore market. “If the first week is any- play,” he said. Morgan Stanley said yesterday ers will move budgets down to reflect cerns about a competitive devaluation the week to last Tuesday, in a sign that they thing to go by we are in for a long, volatile that oil prices in the $20s were possible, $40 a barrel oil for 2016”. but only added to market confusion as are losing faith in a price rise anytime soon. and very exhausting year. The week started especially if the dollar surges more against Oil prices have fallen over 70 per- to Beijing’s ultimate intent on its curren- cent since the downturn began in mid- cy policy. 2014 as soaring global production sees European shares were steadier, slight- hundreds of thousands of barrels of ly weighing on bullion prices, usually crude produced every day without a seen as a safer bet by investors. Spot buyer. gold was down 0.1 percent at $1,103.06 Adding to overproduction is slowing an ounce by 1301 GMT, while US gold demand, especially in China where futures gained 0.5 percent to $1,103.60. growth has dropped to its lowest rate in “Gold should be a lot higher, you’ve got a generation and experts see few signs all the China concerns, the Middle East of improvement for the next few years. tensions ... clearly there is a lot of over- “Chinese oil data are finally starting head selling, which is capping the price,” to reflect weak economic activity. Societe Generale analyst Robin Bhar Implied oil demand in China contract- said. ed 4.9 percent (537,300 thousand bpd) Gold climbed to its highest since early month on month and 2.0 percent November on Friday, adding more than (216,700 thousand bpd) year on year in 4 percent to its value this year, on con- November, the first decline since July cerns over the Chinese economy and 2014,” Barclays bank said in a note on tumbling stock markets. Perceived mis- Friday. “We expect further compression steps by China’s authorities in controlling in growth rates this year, with an aver- their share market and currency have led age of 300,000 barrels per day (2.7 per- to concerns Beijing might lose its grip on cent),” it said. economic policy too. —Reuters BUSINESS TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

BAIC’s BJ40 — Ready for adventure Eye-catching design with strong body, unique sports appearance

KUWAIT: When China launched it automo- and rear constitutes a natural barrier to bile industry way back in the 1990s, people ensure passengers’ safety. The anti-com- were skeptic about those automobiles. But pressive stiffness on the roof is very high. a decade later, international companies The BJ40 is manufactured to meet mili- started flocking to China to build their own tary requirements, tested to military vehicle factories there or sign contracts with standards and comparable to a military Chinese giants to completely or partially vehicle. It is also equipped with Off-Road manufacture their vehicles. Survival Information System: The dash- Over the last three years these groups board shows such information as gradient, proved their competitiveness in manufac- direction, altitude and atmospheric pres- turing for others. Today, they decided to sure. manufacture their own brand vehicles and Practically speaking, BJ40 also has spa- they are now roaming the streets across the cious trunk space and rear seats can be world with absolute confidence, great per- adjusted according to use and need and formance and unlimited factory support. when folded, they provide up to 600 liter Recently, the Better And Ingenious storage space. Choice (BAIC) Company, one of the behe- In addition, BJ40 has so many other fea- moth Chinese groups specialized in auto- tures such as front and rear A/C, smart mobile industries, unveiled its BJ40 with its screen with detailed information about eye-catching design that attracts beholders journey, fuel consumption, gradient, direc- for a closer look. tion, altitude and atmospheric pressure. It BJ40’s exterior design implies its readi- is also equipped with GPS and DVD, cup ness for adventure with its fashionable holders near the air vents, panoramic streamline and ground clearance that is reversing radar, powered foldable side mir- perfect for off-road and watery terrains. rors and overhead stereo system. From the front, BJ40 has height- Safety-wise, BJ40 is equipped with ABS, adjustable halogen headlights for better EBD, Crash Sensor Activating Central lock- vision with a uniquely designed front grill, ing Release, Engine immobilizer with alarm, long hood, black protection shields on both ISOFIX, front airbags for driver and front lower sides of the body, which give it a seat passenger, reverse sensor, anti- theft unique sports appearance. alarm system and anti- roll cage. It is a mul- Mechanically, BJ40 has a four cylinder, ti-purpose vehicle equipped with unlimited 2.4 liter, 143 horse power and 217 N/M rota- potentials. tion power engine and a five-speed manual BAIC has contracts with major interna- transmission and a maximum speed of 190 tional automobile manufacturers like kph. Mercedes, Hyundai, Suzuki and Saab. It BJ40 is characterized by flexible body owns automobile and spare part factories arrangement as the roof, doors and wind- in many countries worldwide like Russia, shields are easily detachable. It is designed Holland and Kenya and has exported its to match many extra accessories such as products to over 80 countries worldwide. front overhead lights, windshield LED BAIC is keen on using SAAB technology in lights, stone tires, front support, side steps automobile industries, that is efficiency, and unique matte colors. quality, effectiveness and high precision. BJ40 has Strong Separate Frame BAIC managed to expand within and out- Construction: the BJ40 boasts separate side the Chinese markets, in South East frame construction, which increases the Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, South, body frame stability by 40 percent. The north, East and West Africa in addition to cross section of its frame is 138x60mm≤, so Southern America. BAIC recently started that BJ40 is able to withstand extreme operating in local market through a part- torque. nership with The First Trading Company, a Safe and Reliable: A standard configura- subsidiary of Mutawa and Alkazi group, the tion of ultra-high anti-roll frame in the front exclusive agent of BAIC in Kuwait.

KUWAIT: BJ40 with its eye-catching design attracts beholders for a closer look. TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 BUSINESS

Lincoln reveals all-new view from the top Two new camera features a 360-degree bird’s-eye and a 180-degree split view

DUBAI: Lincoln is taking “Quiet Luxury” to experience. The front camera, for example, sits for objects and perspectives not easily seen, “While an amplified level of luxury is one of bocharged GTDI V6, or the standard 3.7-litre another level with the introduction of ingen- behind the Lincoln Star badge in the middle stitching images from the front, rear and both our main goals, safety is of paramount impor- V6 Ti-VCT, the all-new Lincoln MKX also comes ious 360-degree camera technology in the all- of the split-wing grille. When in Drive, Park or sides to create a composite view of the area tance, which is why the addition of a 360- with a line-up of innovative features like the new MKX crossover. This feature is a first-in- Neutral and the button is pushed, the Lincoln directly surrounding the vehicle. degree camera system in the MKX is ideal for state-of-the-art Revel audio system to com- class for the medium premium utility seg- Star badge moves out about one inch and tilts The 12-sensor ultrasonic system enables Lincoln clientele,” said Alex Schaeffer, head of plement the revolutionary 360 degree cam- ment. In addition to the 360-degree bird’s-eye up to deploy the available front camera. the full range of available parking-assist fea- Lincoln Middle East. “Being surrounded by era. Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of view, the camera system offers a 180-degree The combination of front-camera deploy- tures: front, rear, side sensing; perpendicular such advanced technology will inevitably add Ford Motor Company, committed to creating split view, which is particularly helpful in ment, and how the lens is cleaned via a built- and parallel parking; and park out. The cam- a heightened sense of safety, instilling even compelling vehicles with an exceptional own- assisting in difficult parking situations. in automatic washer, is an industry first. The era system’s 180-degree split view can also be greater confidence in the Lincoln MKX driving ership experience to match. Lincoln is in the The available features and technologies 360-degree camera system - which shows up helpful in looking out in cross-traffic situa- experience.” process of introducing four all-new vehicles in have been orchestrated to provide a seamless to seven feet all around the vehicle - looks out tions. Powered by the 2.7-litre twin-tur- the next four years.

More market woes as China seeks temporary relief

By Camille Accad clarity is hurting market sentiment. Asiya Capital Investments As a response to the sell-off, China Company Analysis stepped in aggressively to restore confi- dence. The central bank has been active KUWAIT: Last Monday, Markit released through open market operations, as well the Caixin manufacturing PMI, showing as required major state-controlled funds a fall from 48.6 in November to 48.2 last to support the stock market and curren- month. When the PMI figure is below the cy. On Friday, the emergency trading 50.0 neutral level, the sector is consid- halt mechanism which gradually ered to be in contraction. According to became a concern for investors was the report, output and employment are removed altogether and the yuan cen- in decline as demand for Chinese manu- tral parity rate was increased. facturing goods is weakening, both on Additionally, the ban on major investors the domestic and external front. In fact, was adjusted to allowing them to sell up new export business fell for the first time to 1 percent of a company’s share every in three months. China’s national bureau three months, requiring them to file of statistics (NBS) also released its ver- their plans three weeks in advance. sion of the manufacturing PMI, confirm- These market interventions have been ing that the sector was in contraction in temporarily easing selling pressure in December. Markets reacted negatively China, but they have been significantly to the release. The Shanghai stock undermining the credibility of China’s exchange dropped 6.9 percent in the pledges to move towards less inter- first half of the session which triggered vened markets. an emergency trading halt that closed The sustained currency devaluation the exchange in the afternoon. The against the US dollar, the manufacturing emergency trading halt set off again on sector weakness and Chinese interven- Wednesday after the market fell by tion are not expected to dissipate soon. KFH participates in Auto another 7 percent on Thursday morning. The Chinese yuan has been appreciating Markets dipped worldwide as a result. against its trade partners, as suggested Information showing that China’s by the nominal effective exchange rate manufacturing sector is deteriorating is and the freshly introduced CFETS index. Moto 16 at 360 Mall not new to markets. December’s con- This is causing a loss of competitiveness traction is the seventh in the past eight in the economy, mainly in the export-ori- months for the Markit index and the fifth ented manufacturing sector. in a row for NBS’s version. As a matter of Additionally, the widening spread Bank offers visitors vast array of financing services fact, two other key factors exacerbated between the onshore and offshore the loss of confidence in China last week. exchange rate shows a mismatch KUWAIT: Executive Manager - Car Financing at umbrella which gives clients the opportunity to KFH manages its operations in the GCC, Asia, First, a ban from selling shares by major between the managed currency and the Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Ahed Alessa said choose and compare between cars in a stream- and Europe through over 400 branches, includ- stakeholders introduced last summer market view. This year, the central bank that KFH’s participation in the Auto Show Auto lined manner. This adds value to clients’ car-buy- ing KFH-Turkey, in order to offer services for the was near its expiration date, which will devalue the currency further. The Moto 2016 as a strategic partner, confirms its ing experience,” added Alessa. bank’s clients in Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, raised worries about the downside effect effect of the ban expiration may have keenness on serving its clients and the society, KFH spares no efforts in strengthening its role Bahrain, Germany, Jordan, and Dubai. it may have on the stock market when eased for the time being, but other and its readiness to offer visitors a vast and com- in the auto market by revitalizing the market, KFH’s mission is to achieve highest levels of removed. Second, and more importantly, emergency measures introduced after prehensive array of financing solutions. KFH’s increasing sales and addressing the require- excellence and innovation in the field of client the ongoing devaluation of the currency last summer’s market plunge still need active role and contributions in auto market reit- ments of clients and suppliers alike. service, while developing common interest for against the US dollar has fueled con- to be winded down, which could poten- erate its flagship status and leading position in It is worth noting that Auto Moto 16 is con- all those concerned with the financial institution. cerns about capital outflows from China. tially cause further market instability. financing automobiles. KFH builds strong ties sidered as the largest auto show in Kuwait. It KFH’s vision is to spearhead the global develop- The country’s foreign exchange trade Overall, the presence of these factors will with the domestic suppliers for the benefit of encompasses the best and the top luxury car ment in Islamic financial services, and to system (CFETS), an arm of the central continue to add downside pressure to clients and the national economy. brands. It is attended by local and international upgrade the bank into the level of becoming the bank, sets a new central parity rate for the stock market this year. China is aware “KFH, thanks to its extensive experience, dis- car agents’ representatives, which comprises a most sustainable profitable Islamic bank in the the Chinese yuan every day. Last week, that it needs to move to a clearer and tinguished relationships with clients and suppli- chance to know more about the latest develop- world. the currency was set lower in four out of less interventionist market process if it ers, and the long track record of achievements, ments in this industry and the extent of its influ- KFH’s values include cementing leadership the five trading days, at a total of around hopes to attract investors with a longer managed to develop strategic relationships with ence on the economy movement. through all its businesses, including leadership 1 percent lower against the US dollar, term horizon. But for now, China is all car suppliers in Kuwait with the objective of KFH was established in Kuwait in 1977 and is in the Islamic banking services worldwide, the most since the August devaluation. focusing on stimulating the economy serving its clients, and consolidating the com- enlisted in the Kuwait Stock Exchange. KFH through innovation and in client service and the The currency already depreciated before it resumes its liberalization mon interest. KFH’s car showrooms have Group is a global pioneer in the field of Islamic development of its employees. In addition, KFH around 1.5 percent so far this year. The process, a positive development for become a major destination for people who banking services, where it offers a wide array of is committed to all its procedures, and to setting central bank is signaling further currency export oriented manufacturing compa- wish to own a car. At Shuwaikh showroom, KFH Islamic products and services, not to mention a up long-life partnerships with the concerned depreciation this year, but the lack of nies. encompasses over 20 brands of cars under one high standard of innovation and client service. authorities. Malabar Gold & Diamonds launches its 144th outlet globally at Al-Wahda Mall

ABU DHABI: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the lead- One of the most important factors driving the achieve maximum perfection. Absolute customer ing jewellery retailer launched its 144th outlet group’s success are innovation in their strategies, satisfaction is the overriding promise in every- globally & 8th outlet in Abu Dhabi. Yusuff Ali M.A, designs, promotions and the trust Malabar Gold & thing they do. renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist inau- Diamonds evokes. With a rich mix of traditional Ornaments have never been so easier to buy, gurated this beautiful showroom on 7th January, and trendy jewellery in gold, diamond and plat- sell and exchange as it is in Malabar Gold & Thursday, 2016 in the presence of Dr PA Ibrahim inum, Malabar Gold & Diamonds is one of the Diamonds and with their customer friendly poli- Haji - Co-Chairman, Malabar Group, Shamlal most preferred destinations for quality jewellery. cies, they give their customers enough reasons to Ahamed M.P, Managing Director- International The combination of purest jewellery and cutting come back to their stores. The jewellery group also Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, edge designs combining unmatched grace and gives their customers the advantage of using their Mohammed Korath - Chairman & Managing style makes their jewellery unique. 0% Easy Payment Plan with selected banks Director, KM Trading, other directors, dignitaries, The branded jewellery segment of Malabar through which they can pay the total amount up invited guests and well-wishers. Gold & Diamonds that includes Ethnix - to 12 monthly installments without any interest This elegant showroom conveniently located at Handcrafted Designer Jewellery, Era - Uncut (T&C Apply). Al Wahda Mall, the iconic landmark & shopping Diamond Jewellery, Mine - Diamonds Unlimited, The group is in the forefront when it comes to destination of Abu Dhabi will be their 8th show- Divine- Indian Heritage Jewellery, Precia - Precious CSR activities as well. The group sets apart a fixed room in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Like all other Gem Jewellery and Starlet - Kids Jewellery are percentage of its net profit to the benefit of needy Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets, this showroom renowned globally for their flawless craftsmanship and the charity projects of Malabar Gold & will also display a significantly large collection of and the impeccable style. Diamonds have touched the lives of thousands of traditional as well as contemporary jewellery in The leap from a single store to 144 outlets people across the world. They focus primarily in gold, certified diamonds, platinum and precious globally did not happen overnight. It was five priority areas such as health, education, envi- stone jewellery from across the world that can achieved through consistent effort & an insis- ronment, housing and women empowerment. hold you spell-bound with their awe-inspiring tence on setting exceptionally high standards to In Abu Dhabi, Malabar Gold & Diamonds oper- beauty. Jewellery lovers in Abu Dhabi can find meet the aspiration of customers over a period of ates showrooms at Hamdan Street (2 showrooms), beautiful gold jewellery in 18K and 22K at the out- 22 years. Their dedicated and highly skilled Al Wahda Mall, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, let in Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi. employees invest heart and soul in striving to Mushrif Mall, Capital Mall, Shabia & Ruwais Mall. technology TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

DETROIT: John W Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co, Inc, poses with the DETROIT: Volvo Car USA Senior Vice President Americas President and CEO Lex Kerssemakers stands Honda Civic, winner of the North American Car of the Year award in Detroit yesterday. —AP next to the Volvo XC90 after winning the truck/utility of the year at the North American International Auto Show yesterday in Detroit. —AP Honda, Volvo take top awards Detroit Auto Show

DETROIT: After a few years of Detroit domina- Nissan Titan XD and Honda Pilot. Chevy was a Honda’s US operations. The Civic also garnered and CEO for the Americas. “It’s a very well- double-barreled wins in 2013 and 2014, and tion, two foreign automakers nabbed 2016 particularly strong contender, with 2 additional the award in 2006. Still, he pointed out the vic- known award, and I think people look at it,” he took top truck honors last year with the Ford North American Car and Truck/Utility of the cars on the pre-finalist short list of 10. It was the tory lap will be brief, as the award is “added said. “Customers need references. It’s a very F-150. The last year both awards went to for- Year honors. first time in the 23-year history of the awards pressure” to the development team already competitive environment outside.” eign manufacturers was 2012, when the A panel of about 55 independent automo- program that a brand had three representatives working on the next-generation Civic. The award for the XC 90, he said, validates Hyundai Elantra and Land Rover Evoque won. tive journalists selected the Honda Civic and on the short list, and General Motors Co. CEO Volvo’s award should help the automaker Volvo’s newly designed architectures and envi- A vehicle must be all new or substantially Volvo XC90 yesterday. The winners were Mary Barra was standing close by in case the as it tries to re-establish itself in the US market ronmental engines and transmissions. “As we changed for eligibility. The awards program unveiled at the start of press previews for the big honor came her company’s way. after being sold in 2010 by Ford Motor Co to are using in the future the same platforms, the launched in 1993, and patterned itself after North American International Auto Show in Instead the Civic became a two-time win- Chinese investors. same drivetrains for all the other cars to follow, the European Car of the Year. Organizers Detroit. ner. “What a great competitive set to be in The company intends to use the award in this shows that were absolutely on the right accept no advertising, though carmakers try Civic bested the Chevrolet Malibu and the with Malibu and Miata. All great cars,” said its marketing, especially as it rolls out other track,” Kerssemakers said. to capitalize on the marketing value of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, and the XC90 edged out the John Mendel, executive vice president of new models, said Lex Kerssemakers, president The Detroit automakers came away with honors. —AP German automakers to push With SUV look, tech touches, diesel in US despite VW scandal

DETROIT: German automakers will continue tors discovered the problem. The so-called Chrysler aims to revive minivan to push diesel sales in the United States defeat devices turn on pollution controls despite the Volkswagen pollution-cheating when the car is undergoing testing, and off DETROIT: Thirty-three years ago, Chrysler stopped making them altogether. Last Country and Dodge Grand Caravan. settled on “Pacifica,” the name of a small scandal, the head of the VDA automaker’s when it is back on the road, allowing it to invented the minivan. Now, it’s reinvent- year, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles - Chrysler’s There’s hardly anything the company did- SUV Chrysler sold a decade ago. association said yesterday at the Detroit auto spew out harmful levels of nitrogen oxide. ing it with styling reminiscent of an SUV, current owner - sold less than 200,000 n’t change with the Pacifica - members of The Pacifica has a sleeker, swept-back show. “The diesel strategy that the German auto- high-tech features and a first-ever hybrid minivans in the US. some focus groups didn’t realize it was a look than the current boxy models, which “Despite the resistance we are naturally motive industry has been pursuing for version that Chrysler hopes will make FCA aims to reverse that slide with the minivan, the company says. FCA’s car were last redesigned in 2008. It sits lower experiencing here in the US, the German many years, in particular on the important minivans popular again. The 2017 Pacifica, which goes on sale this spring. It chief, Tim Kuniskis, says a vehicle so differ- to the ground and has bigger wheels, giv- automotive industry will stand by its diesel US market, has suffered considerably as a Chrysler Pacifica was yesterday morning replaces both the Chrysler Town and ent deserved a new name; the company ing it a more substantial feel. It looks more strategy,” VDA president Matthias Wissmann results of the events,” Wissmann said at a at the North American International Auto luxurious, with bright chrome strips out- said. Diesel engines, which are about 30 per- press conference on the sidelines of the Show in Detroit. lining the windows and LED-accented cent more fuel efficient than gasoline Detroit auto show. It’s the latest incarnation of the family headlights and taillights. engines, can help the United States and other “I am sure that Volkswagen will do the hauler that took the suburbs by storm. Lee But FCA knows looks alone aren’t countries meet stringent carbon dioxide utmost to regain lost confidence in North Iacocca, Chrysler Corp’s former chairman, enough to fend off rivals like the Honda reduction targets, Wissmann told reporters. America.” drove the company’s first minivan off the Odyssey and the Toyota Sienna, which And, despite the problems at Volkswagen, While this will not happen “overnight,” assembly line in 1983. Baby Boomers have been eating away at Chrysler’s mar- advanced exhaust technology allows diesel Wissmann said all German automakers will loved its sliding doors and roomy interior, ket share for years. engines to “comply with the most stringent “work hard to convince consumers of diesel’s and the minivan quickly replaced station So it’s debuting several segment firsts. pollutant limit values... completely legally advantages for fuel efficiency and CO2 reduc- wagons as the vehicle of choice for shut- The Pacifica will be the only minivan with without any tricks.” tion.” German carmakers account for 95 per- tling around kids. By the early 1990s, a plug-in hybrid version. The hybrid will “We stand firmly behind diesel vehicles,” cent of diesel sales in the United States, Chrysler was selling more than 500,000 go up to 30 miles on electric power alone Wissmann said. The remarks come hours which comprise just three percent of overall per year. US minivan sales peaked at 1.37 before its gas engine kicks in, thanks to a after Volkswagen chief executive Matthias auto sales. million in 2000. But minivans took a hit lithium-ion battery tucked under the sec- Mueller apologized for cheating diesel car Diesel became popular in Europe after when car companies started making ond-row seats. Gas-powered models have emissions tests on his first official US visit governments shifted tax policies in the 1990s crossovers - small SUVs that had as much a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 287 horsepow- since the scandal broke in September. VW in order to cut carbon emissions. It never real- space as minivans but handled more like er. Chrysler promises the new minivan, admitted it installed software in around 11 ly caught on with American consumers, who cars and had better fuel economy. DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 11: Chrysler introduces the 2017 200 pounds lighter than its predecessors, million diesel cars of its VW, Audi, SEAT and face lower fuel taxes and were unwilling to Minivans suddenly looked clunky and will have the best fuel economy in the Pacifica Minivan. —AFP Skoda brands worldwide that helped them pay thousands upfront for an engine that undesirable. General Motors and Ford segment. —AP evade emissions standards after US regula- would save them money over time. —AFP

IDC Report: In 2014 Kaspersky Lab grew Info generation, data-driven faster than the market DUBAI: International Data Corporation (IDC) has exam- consumer & digital business ined the consumer and corporate endpoint security market and issued a report based on the data for 2014. According to this, Kaspersky Lab is growing faster than the market as a whole: worldwide revenues for all end- 2016 predictions point security vendors increased by 2.6 percent in 2014, while Kaspersky Lab’s revenues grew by 6.5 percent. By Jeremy Burton become masters of their own physical performance. But Usain Bolt is al- and augmented-reality technology will quicken, with enter- The report shows that worldwide revenues for end- not going to be wearing a Fitbit as he competes: to make an impact, tainment leading the way. point security vendors reached a total of $9.0 billion in t’s that time of year again, where we look ahead to determine wearables will be tailored to each athlete’s bespoke needs. Imagine going to a rock concert where you can have a front 2014, with four endpoint security vendors achieving rev- what tech trends will make the most significant impact in 2016. Prediction 3: Wearables won’t equal personalized medicine, yet row view of the stage and a backstage pass - without ever leaving enues in excess of $700 million. Between them, these IFrom my view data analytics and our digital way of life will Despite the hype generated by Jawbones and Fitbits, wear- your living room. Led by Facebook introducing Rift, consumers vendors account for 64 percent of total revenues. increasingly transform the world and the nature of business. Here ables won’t make a widespread impact on personal health next will get their hands on high quality VR. And sports leagues and Kaspersky Lab is one of them, holding fourth position are a few ways I see that playing out in the year ahead: year. For wearables to deliver on the promise of personalized entertainers - with their eyes on turning an 80,000 seat stadium with revenues of $710.6 million. In 2014, the company’s Prediction 1: Digital business makes its way medicine, healthcare professionals will need direct access to the into an 800,000 seat one - will seek to transform digitally to take earnings grew by 6.5 percent and captured a 7.9 percent The C-suite increasingly understands the value of digital busi- data they generate about their patients so that time isn’t wasted advantage of this in order to leap ahead. Sports teams and major share of the market. Kaspersky Lab was also ranked ness and the data it produces, but they when early warning signs surface. Will device makers and physi- touring acts will offer the first of a set of totally immersive experi- fourth in 2013, when earnings increased by 6.1 percent, have yet to bring new executives perma- cians connect to build out the needed back-end? Will consumers ences - a 360 degree view from inside an F1 cockpit, a front row nently into the room to drive a digital want to grant this type of continuous access to their biometric seat to U2 - that you can fully experience without getting off your with revenues of $667 million. agenda across their company. That’s data? In my view, the cultural hurdle is the bigger barrier than the couch. Except to dance. Or brace for impact. In addition, Kaspersky Lab is named a notable gainer about to change. Increasingly Chief Digital technology, but neither will be addressed to make personalized While I still think VR live streaming will take more time than by IDC for its growing share of the consumer endpoint Officer’s will be appointed and tasked medicine a reality in 2016. 2016 offers, these first offers will start to get people hooked. security market. This segment grew a paltry 1 percent with utilizing the latest and greatest tech- Prediction 4: The dark web: A tool for criminals in 2015, a There’s plenty of incentive. It’s a $4.5 billion opportunity for worldwide in 2014, while Kaspersky Lab’s share grew by nology to make products smarter and cre- source of security in 2016 sports and entertainment brands and it’s a way for everyone else more than 9 percent. The low overall growth of the seg- ate frictionless service experiences for cus- In 2015, pop culture fed the legend of the dark web - the to avoid paying $15 for hot dogs and $100 for parking. ment is associated largely with declining shipments of tomers. Data - the digital exhaust that steamy digital back alley where criminals sell their illicit goods and PCs. these new capabilities leave behind - will occasionally order hit men. Digitally speaking, the dark web is the Prediction 6: Software eats the car Garry Kondakov, Chief Business Officer, Kaspersky need to analyzed and exploited for competitive advantage. This is dark web because it is not indexed by search engines. But that will For a couple of years now I’ve been talking about how elec- Lab, commented: “We are very glad to have been named not a tech industry phenomenon - it is an “every industry” phenome- change - not so it can be searched by you or me (it’ll stay very tric power is not the most interesting new innovation in the by IDC as one of the notable gainers. Endpoint security non. Yet while the C-suite know it’s good for them, they’ll still grap- dark), but so that the dark web will actually turn into a tool for the automotive industry - software is, and specifically, automation has always been the core of our business, especially in ple with decisions about org charts, duties and turf wars. Should the good guys. Counterintuitive? Let me explain: most companies through software. The mighty German and Japanese automak- the consumer and small-to-medium-sized business seg- Chief Digital Officer report to the CEO, the CMO... or the CIO? now understand that for security breaches it is not a question of if, ers are in a race unlike anything they’ve ever seen before - a race ments. We will continue to provide best in class solu- Prediction 2: Wearables win Olympic gold but when. With this accepted, companies will embrace technolo- to do to the car what Apple did to the phone. Having spent time tions for them. At the same time, over the next few Wearable sensors will usher in a new era that will overcome gy that minimizes risk. How? By looking for data in the place data playing with Tesla’s new ‘Autopilot’ feature on my recent drive years, we expect one of our main growth drivers to be in some of the, ahem, hurdles for some sports. Swimmers already rely goes after it’s been stolen: the dark web. Software-driven tools down Highway 101 to Carmel I’m convinced more than ever that the enterprise segment, particularly in the non-endpoint on underwater cameras for stroke analysis, but those provide fairly that trawl the dark web as a means to identify stolen info will every car will go this way - and the pace will accelerate dramati- security area. Our customers’ needs have changed in line limited insight. Newly developed sensors for that sport will be just propagate in 2016. Eventually, use of these tools will reduce the cally in 2016. And I don’t just mean a self-driving car... but a car with the evolution of the threat landscape and the rise one example of how 2016 will be a breakthrough year for athletes to amount of time security breaches last, while increasing the per- that connects to your Wi-Fi when you pull into your garage, a car of targeted attacks. Kaspersky Lab’s global cybersecurity use data analytics to execute peak performance. Companies like ishability of the data stolen. In doing so, companies will be able to that is continuously updated with new features, a car that Nike - which calls data “the new voice of the athlete” - will aid them in take corrective action much more quickly to protect customers becomes much smarter about you every time you drive it, a car intelligence and advanced technologies can help them that pursuit as they harness data for innovation, which will be both than they can today - all by using the dark web itself. that predicts your needs before you need them. All of this is to address the most sophisticated threats. In the near on display and behind-the- scenes at the Olympic Games like never Prediction 5: VR will bring the stadium to your living room enabled by software ... and analytics on the data that software future we will expand our enterprise portfolio with secu- before. We’ll see sensors integrated into wearables to assess elite ath- Already you can buy a cheap set of VR goggles to clip onto collects. In the next 10 years half the automakers we know rity solutions and services that extend beyond classic letes across multiple dimensions - from diets and sleep patterns to your smartphone, but who does that? No one - ah, ok, maybe a today will be gone - eaten by software.-Jeremy Burton is presi- endpoint security, in accordance with our long-term running styles and optimum body angles - empowering athletes to couple of you. But that’s not the point. This is: Innovation in virtu- dent, Products and Marketing, EMC. strategic plan.” TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Court rejects challenge to Delhi car restrictions

NEW DELHI: A Delhi court yesterday reject- should consider such concerns before ed a legal challenge to driving restrictions implementing permanent restrictions. aimed at reducing pollution in the smog- Authorities have already said the choked Indian capital. The court said the scheme may be extended beyond Friday if Delhi government could continue to ban it is successful. Environmentalists have wel- most private cars from the city’s roads on comed the restrictions, but say they are alternate days until Friday, when a 15-day unlikely to make a dramatic difference in trial of the scheme is due to end. the short term. The US embassy in Delhi The restrictions are part of a slew of ini- put PM2.5 levels at 97 yesterday afternoon- tiatives announced last year by the Delhi lower than earlier in the day, but still nearly government, under pressure to improve air four times World Health Organization safe quality in the world’s most polluted capital. limit of 25. A number of challengers had argued that PM2.5 refers to microscopic particles they were not effective in bringing down that penetrate deep into the lungs and are pollution, and that the city’s public trans- particularly harmful to health. Delhi’s air port system was not up to the task. quality traditionally worsens in winter as “All the petitions challenging the odd- the cooler air traps pollutants and people even policy have been dismissed. We will start lighting fires. A 2014 WHO survey of continue with the scheme,” the govern- more than 1,600 cities ranked Delhi as the ment’s lawyer Rahul Mehra said. However, most polluted, partly because of the 8.5 the court said the Delhi government million vehicles on its roads. —AFP Cancer now No 1 killer in 22 states

NEW YORK: Cancer is becoming the No 1 cent since its peak in 1991. The decrease is killer in more and more states as deaths attributed to declining smoking rates and from heart disease have declined, new advances in cancer detection, treatment health statistics show. Nationwide, heart and prevention. The heart disease death disease is still the leading cause of death, rate fell 46 percent in that time. The cancer just ahead of cancer. While death rates for society predicts there will be nearly 1.7 mil- both have been falling for nearly 25 years, lion new cancer cases this year, and nearly BEIJING: In this picture taken on January 10, 2016, a woman poses for a photo in front of a beluga whale at a zoo. — AFP heart disease has dropped at a steeper rate. 600,000 deaths. As a result, cancer moved up to the top Government figures for 2014 show slot in 22 states in 2014, according to the cancer was the leading cause of death in latest government figures. It’s also the lead- Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Secondhand smoke hits almost ing cause of death in certain groups of peo- Delaware, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, ple, including Hispanics, Asians, and adults Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, ages 40 to 79. The trend is noted in the Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, half of teens who don’t smoke American Cancer Society’s latest annual New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, report released Thursday. Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West The cancer death rate has fallen 23 per- Virginia and Wisconsin. —AP Research says it’s still affecting millions of kids

CHICAGO: Even though fewer US teens are smoking, secondhand smoke remains a big prob- lem for them, a government study found. Nearly half of nonsmoking kids in middle school and high school encountered secondhand tobacco smoke in 2013, and rates were even higher among smokers. Earlier studies on teens and secondhand smoke in specific places, such as cars or indoors, indicate that the problem has declined in recent years but the new research suggests it’s still affecting millions of kids. “These findings are con- cerning because the US Surgeon General has concluded that there is no safe level of second- hand smoke exposure,” said lead author Israel Agaku, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Secondhand smoke has been linked with sev- eral illnesses in children, including breathing problems, ear infections, bronchitis and pneumo- nia. In adults, it has been linked with heart dis- ease and lung cancer. The study results are based on a national survey of more than 17,000 middle school and high school kids. Exposure was defined as being around tobacco smoke at least once within the past week. KAZAKHSTAN: British astronaut Tim Peake, member of the main crew of the Nearly 1 in 4 nonsmokers who reported any expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), prior the launch of Soyuz exposure said they were around tobacco smoke ALABAMA: In this Saturday, March 2, 2013, photo, a cigarette burns in an ashtray at a TMA-19M space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome. —AP daily. Settings included home, school, cars and home in Hayneville. A government study released yesterday shows that even though few- public places. It’s not clear how many had only er US teens are smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke remains a big problem. —AP brief exposure. The study was published online Astronaut pays tribute to yesterday in the journal Pediatrics. among high schoolers in 2014. At least 26 states of U.S. homes have no-smoking rules. The CDC data show that youth smoking has fallen have smoke-free laws affecting indoor public researchers say the study results show efforts are ‘Starman’ Bowie in space steadily in recent years, reaching about 9 percent places and worksites, and more than 80 percent needed to expand smoke-free zones. —AP

LONDON: Here he is, sitting in a tin can, far The cosmos fascinated him from his above the world - and saying goodbye to first big hit, “Space Oddity.” Released in David Bowie. Messages of condolence for 1969, the year of the first moon landing, it the late rock star flowed yesterday from told the story of Major Tom, an astronaut EPA: Pesticide harms around the world - and from space, where adrift, “sitting in my tin can, far above the British astronaut Tim Peake tweeted from world.” The song caught the world’s imagi- the International Space Station. nation again in 2013 when Canadian “Saddened to hear David Bowie has lost astronaut Chris Hadfield strummed it on bees in some cases his battle with cancer - his music was an his guitar while orbiting Earth aboard the inspiration to many,” Peake wrote Monday. space station. The video was viewed mil- The outer-space tribute seemed fitting. lions of times, and Bowie gave the rendi- Unique and otherworldly, Bowie often tion his seal of approval, calling it “the WASHINGTON: A major pesti- pute those studies and this one significant effect,” namely fewer “weak.” seemed like a creature from another planet, most poignant version of the song ever cide harms honeybees when from the EPA. Europe banned bees, less honey and “a less Jones said this is a draft of a the “Starman” of one of his 1970s hits. created.” —AP used on cotton and citrus but the pesticide class, and then lift- robust hive,” said Jim Jones, EPA’s scientific report, not a regulation. not on other big crops like corn, ed the ban. assistant administrator for chem- After public comments and the berries and tobacco, the Don’t expect any future ical safety and pollution preven- report is finalized, then EPA may Ebola survivors’ blood no Environmental Protection action on this pesticide to solve tion. But if the nectar chemical act. Imidacloprid-maker Bayer Agency found. It’s the first scien- the dwindling bee problem level was below 25 parts per bil- Crop Sciences said EPA “appears help to patients in Guinea tific risk assessment of the much- because it’s not just this pesti- lion, it was as if there were no to overestimate the potential for debated class of pesticides cide alone, but a complicated imidacloprid at all, with no ill harmful exposures in certain LONDON: Giving the blood of Ebola survivors blood and are thought to have immunity to called neonicotinoids and how puzzle that includes lack of food effects, Jones said. It was a clear crops” and ignore its benefits. to patients didn’t seem to make a difference, the strain. Scientists didn’t know what the anti- they affect bees on a chronic for bees, parasites, disease and line of harm or no harm, he said. “With hundreds of studies con- doctors found in the biggest study so far on the body levels were in the donated plasma and long-term basis. the way different pesticides and Levels depended on the crop, ducted and their demonstrated approach, prompting some scientists to say it’s said it was possible some plasma was more The EPA found in some cases fungicides interact, said bee Jones said. While nectar of cot- safe use on farmland across the time to abandon the strategy. potent than others. the chemical didn’t harm bees or expert May Berenbaum at the ton and citrus fruits were above country, we know more about With no licensed treatment for the devastat- their hives but in other cases it University of Illinois. the harmful concentrations, the the safe use of neonics to honey- ing disease, doctors have sometimes used Worth pursuing posed a significant risk. It mostly “Anything to reduce stress on levels were not harmful for corn - bees than any other pesticide,” blood from survivors to treat the sick, hoping its A similar study on the blood of Ebola sur- depended on the crop, a bees is helpful,” said University of the nation’s top crop by far - Bayer Vice President Dana infection-fighting antibodies might help vivors in Liberia was discontinued because nuanced answer that neither Maryland entomologist Dennis most vegetables, berries and Sargent said in a statement. patients defeat the virus. It seemed to help there weren’t enough patients and another clears the way for an outright vanEngelsdorp. “I am not con- tobacco. Other crops weren’t University of Maryland’s van some patients in the past but there was no clear study in Sierra Leone had treated just three proof. Amid the world’s biggest outbreak of patients by last October. To date, the outbreak ban nor is a blanket go-ahead for vinced that neonics are a major conclusive and need more test- Engelsdorp said in email that all Ebola in West Africa in 2014, scientists decided first noted in 2014 has killed more than 11,000 continued use. Both the pesti- driver of colony loss.” Before it ing, including legumes, melons, too often farmers use the pesti- to put the treatment to the test in Guinea. people in West Africa. Ebola was declared over cide maker and anti-pesticide acts on a pesticide, EPA wanted tree nuts and herbs. cide to protect “against pests At a clinic in the capital Conakry, scientists in Guinea last month, the first time all three advocates were unhappy with more specific and targeted Also, the controversial prac- that are simply very scarce or not found no difference in survival between 84 affected countries have stopped the virus’ report. research. The risk report released tice of treating seeds with the found in the landscape. There patients who got survivor blood compared to spread. The issue is important Wednesday is the first of four on chemical seemed not to harm are studies (including EPA’s) that about 400 patients treated some five months Some said the disappointing results should because honeybees are in trou- this class of chemicals. The study bees, Jones said. The problem show no benefit to production earlier, according to the study published in New be enough to convince scientists to abandon ble and they do more than make was done by the EPA and crops of cotton and citrus are No when these products are used.” England Journal of Medicine Thursday. “We this strategy. “From the data presented, it honey. They are crucial to our California’s environmental 7 and 9 in US production value in Last year the EPA proposed would have liked to have seen more dramatic doesn’t look like this is worth pursuing,” said food supply: About one-third of agency, with a similar one done 2014, according to Agriculture banning use of many pesticides results,” said Johan van Griensven of the study in Thomas Geisbert, an Ebola expert at the the human diet comes from by Canada. Department statistics. The study that harm bees when crops are Guinea, the paper’s lead author. “But this University of Texas Medical Branch at insect-pollinated plants, and the looked just at commercial hon- in bloom and bees are being doesn’t mean (blood) plasma treatment doesn’t Galveston, who has done similar studies in honeybee is responsible for 80 ‘Significant effect’ eybees because they are a good used as commercial pollinators work by definition.” monkeys. He was not connected to the latest He said antibody levels are often low in research. “The idea that antibodies from a per- percent of that pollination. EPA analysis of detailed tests surrogate for all pollinators, and the federal government is patients who have only recently recovered son who survived Ebola could save lives was Some advocacy groups target found a clear level of concentra- Jones said. But Lori Ann Burd, also trying to increase wild from Ebola and that doctors might need to use always a long shot, but it was too good an idea neonicotinoids - the chemical tion of the pesticide imidaclo- environmental health director of flower planting to give bees blood from long-term survivors to get a better not to test,” said Ben Neuman, a virologist at works on insects’ central nervous prid, the most common neoni- the advocacy group Center for more food. Honeybees pollinate effect. Van Griensven and colleagues studied Britain’s University of Reading. “The most valu- systems and are often called cotinoid, in which things start to Biological Diversity, criticized the more than 90 flowering crops, people who got two transfusions of plasma - able thing this study provides is clarity,” “neonics” - and call for bans on go awry. If nectar brought back agency for ignoring wild bees, including citrus, peaches, berries, the clear part of blood that contains antibod- Neuman wrote in an email. “Finally, the idea of the chemicals. Recent scientific to the hive from worker bees like bumblebees, which studies melons, apples, nuts, avocados, ies - in Guinea last year. The plasma came from using (survivor’s blood) can be crossed off the studies have pointed to prob- had more than 25 parts per bil- show are much more sensitive to soybeans, asparagus and 58 Ebola survivors, most of whom had recov- list and other more promising drugs and vac- lems and pesticide makers dis- lion of the chemical, “there’s a the pesticides, calling the report cucumbers. —AP ered from Ebola within six months of donating cines can be tested.” —AP TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 HEALTH & SCIENCE Hunter cancels lion hunt after protests JOHANNESBURG: A professional hunter in Zimbabwe has canceled a plan to raffle a lion hunt at a hunters’ convention in the United States, following protests from activists. Martin Nel said he is scrapping the raffle in which he hoped to sell 100 raffle tickets for $1,500 each in Las Vegas next month. LionAid, a group based in Britain, had expressed shock at the proposal, which focused attention on the heated debate about whether hunting hurts already vulnerable species, or can help them by raising funds for conservation. In a statement this month, Nel said the raffle winner could also have chosen to have a lion collared for research, and that the project was designed to raise funds for conservation studies at Zimbabwe’s Bubye Valley Conservancy. The conservancy defended its record, saying cattle ranchers had wiped out lions, rhinos, elephants and other wildlife in the area decades ago. Established in 1994, the conservancy reintroduced lions in 1999 and today has a population of nearly 500 as well as a signifi- cant number of endangered black rhinos, it said. WildCRU, a wildlife research group based at Oxford University in Britain, operates at Bubye. It said it did not endorse any proposal to auction a lion hunt and would not accept any donation from such an event. Last year, an American killed a well-known lion named Cecil in Zimbabwe in an allegedly illegal hunt, causing an international outcry. The number of wild lions in Africa has been dwindling for many years. In his statement, Nel said there were more lions in Zimbabwe’s hunting areas than in the country’s national parks. Without well-managed hunting operations, he said, “many hunting areas would go back to goats and cattle at the expense of the wildlife and their habitat - how can that be considered a win for conservation?”—AP LOGAN: This Dec 29, 2015 photo provided by the Logan, Utah, Police Department shows baby formula seized as evidence in a police department storage room. —AP Scrape ground marks linked Big-dollar baby formula thefts to dinosaurs dog stores, police across US NEW YORK: Scientists say they’ve discovered evi- dence of a frenzied mating ritual by dinosaurs: Long grooves in the ground etched by the pawing SALT LAKE CITY: The recent arrests in quently hitting multiple stores around shoplifting,” said Jennifer Hatcher, a sen- version online. of clawed feet. Such behavior is seen nowadays in Utah of three people accused of stealing the San Francisco Bay Area, according ior vice president for government and Her 5-month-old daughter has a some birds, and the discovery suggests that two- thousands of dollars’ worth of baby for- to police Lt Kurt Schlehuber. He doesn’t public affairs at the Food Marketing protein allergy requiring a specific for- legged, meat-eating dinosaurs called theropods mula is the latest example of a problem think the culprits are parents trying to Institute, which represents supermarket mula that costs $32 for a 1-pound can did it about 100 million years ago, the researchers that officials say is vexing stores and feed their kids. “There are people that chains, small grocery stores, pharmacies that lasts four days at most. Still, Otten said. police nationwide as thieves systemati- are making money off of selling the and other food retailers. Large thefts sticks to the major retailers. “It sounds Martin Lockley of the University of Colorado cally swipe the mixture from shelves stuff,” Schlehuber said. In April, can be a particularly costly problem for scary because you’re feeding it to your Denver said the dinosaurs, probably males, appar- and resell it to unsuspecting parents. Pleasanton police arrested two people many such stores, which are required to infant,” she said. “I inspect everything ently gathered in groups and “went crazy scraping” Baby formula is a major expense for suspected of stealing dozens of con- keep a minimum amount of formula on like crazy - the expiration date, the fact with their clawed, three-toed feet to attract mates. many new parents, with small canisters tainers of the product. Officers hap- their shelves to accept customers that it’s sealed.” To help with the cost, The beasts were built roughly like smaller versions starting around $20 and special or pre- pened to see the pair running from the spending money dispersed through the Otten signed up to receive regular of a T Rex. Footprints near the grooves suggest a scription blends costing two or three store with shopping baskets full of for- federal Women, Infants and Children coupons from formula manufacturers variety of body lengths, up to about 16 feet from times that. It’s also widely used. More mula. But arrests can be rare when nutrition program, known as WIC. while pregnant. She now swaps the snout to tip of the tail. The grooves they carved are than a third of infants receive formula in police often have only an anonymous Hatcher said the industry has been coupons she doesn’t need with other up to 6 feet long. addition to breast milk in their first six face captured by a surveillance camera, working to combat the thefts for about mothers around the country. The ritual would have been entertaining to months, the federal Centers for Disease Schlehuber said. 15 years. Some retailers take extra steps to watch, Lockley said in an interview. “These animals Control and Prevention estimates. Often, Around the country, law enforcement combat thefts, keeping their baby for- would have been really frenzied.” Lockley, an emer- babies who are weaned off breast milk agencies in recent years have reported Safety concern mula under lock and key. Others stamp itus professor of geology, is an author of a paper will continue to drink formula into their heists ranging from thousands to sever- For parents, stolen formula can be a their store names and locations on con- on the discovery released Thursday by the journal toddler years. The high price and broad al million dollars’ worth of baby formula. safety concern. They can’t be sure that tainers to alert consumers or police if Scientific Reports. The grooves were found at three demand make it an enticing target for In 2009, Florida authorities arrested 21 what they’re buying has been stored at the stolen product turns up for sale sites in western Colorado and another just west of thieves, who typically sell the stolen for- people accused in an elaborate theft proper temperatures or isn’t past its somewhere else, Hatcher said. When Denver. mula at flea markets or list it on websites ring that officials say pilfered more than expiration date. Some sophisticated large amounts of formula are stolen, lot Dinosaur expert Thomas Holtz Jr. of the like Craigslist and eBay. In late December, $2 million in formula annually. theft rings even print counterfeit for- numbers are provided to websites like University of Maryland, who didn’t participate in police in Logan, about 80 miles north of Investigators working on that sting - mula labels to make a cow’s-milk-based eBay that can monitor sale listings for the work, said it’s reasonable to think that Salt Lake City, confiscated 422 cans of called “Operation Hot Milk” - said thieves product appear to be a more expensive the products. theropods created the grooves. But was it for mat- stolen formula worth $8,000 to $10,000. were paid between $100 and $300 a day soy or rice formula designed for chil- To chip away at the black market ing? Holtz said he wasn’t convinced that the new It came from stores in Logan and three and used multiple lookouts while filling dren with milk allergies, Hatcher said. demand, federal officials have started paper had sufficiently ruled out other explana- other northern Utah cities, and officers bags with formula. They hit 15 or more Mardi Mountford, the nutrition requiring grocery stores and retailers tions. But he added that there’s no particular evi- are looking for ties to similar recent stores a day and later repackaged the council’s executive director, recom- that participate in the WIC program to dence for rejecting the mating idea. thefts in Idaho cities about 150 miles formula and sold it in other states, mends that formula be bought only buy formula only from approved “Whatever behavior is being recorded here, it is away, Police Capt. Curtis Hooley said. authorities said. The Infant Nutrition from a trustworthy retailer, either in- wholesalers. “Each one of these tactics, an expression of the fact that dinosaurs like all ani- Council of America, an association of store or online. New mother Erica it seems to have helped alleviate some mals did more than hunt and attack and devour Multiple stores baby formula manufacturers, does not Otten of Tabernacle, New Jersey, said of the ability for them to resell this and fight and all that limited set of behaviors that In Pleasanton, California, thefts of keep statistics on the thefts but said it’s she understands a parent’s tempta- product quickly,” Hatcher said. “That popular culture often portrays,” Holtz wrote in an large amounts of formula are reported a continuing problem nationwide. tion to try and save on the expensive doesn’t mean it’s still not an incredibly email. —AP at least once a month, with thieves fre- “We’re not talking about petty product by shopping for a discounted attractive product to try to steal.” —AP WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Muhammad Aslam Khan, Pakistani Ambassador Fariha Pervez —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Aslam Khan Fariha Pervez Performs. to Kuwait speaks at the event. welcome Palestinian Ambassador Rami Tahboub. Fariha Pervez performs in ‘Sham-e-Ghazal’

By Ben Garcia concert. The ghazal is one of the most popular famous and leading female singers from in 1996. Fariha has release seven albums and cried when I heard such a melodic voice per- and revered forms of classical and semi-classi- Pakistan. She has many invitations from all is recognized as one of the best female forming right in front of me - such a gentle he Pakistani Embassy in collaboration cal music in south Asia and for many it is the over the world and I am truly thankful singers in Pakistan. She has been a regular tel- voice, as if I was being rocked in a cradle,” said with the Kuwait National Council for soul of poetry in both Urdu and Persian. because she accepted my invitation to per- evision guest on various programs and ren- teary-eyed Emily, a European mother who TCulture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) and Fariha also rendered some Arabic and form for you here in Kuwait,” the ambassador dered popular songs for the audience. She’s attended the event with her teenage son. Bait Al-Othman organized on Sunday evening English popular songs to the approval and mentioned. been considered to be among the most versa- Ghazal means conversation with the beloved. a ‘Sham-e-Ghazal’, featuring famous Pakistani applause of the crowd. In his welcome Fariha started her career with anchoring tile singers in her generation with the ability It consists of rhyming couplets and a refrain, artiste Fariha Pervez. Muhammad Aslam Khan, address, Khan thanked attendees for gracing and acting, appearing in several drama serials to perform in various genres including classi- with each line sharing the same meter. Ghazal Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait, welcomed the event, which included top officials in including the famous kids’ drama ‘Ainak Wala cal, folk, ballad and modern pop songs. can be understood as poetic expression of visitors who thronged the Bait Al-Othman Kuwait and members of the diplomatic corps. Jin’. She then switched to singing with the “Her performance was superb. I love ghaz- both pain and loss of separation, and beauty Museum in Hawally to witness the thrilling “I am proud to introduce to you one of the release of her first album ‘Nice and Naughty’ al music and it is one of my weaknesses. I of love despite pain.

Pakistani Ambassador Muhammad Aslam Khan welcome guests at the event. A view of the audience.

Parent Teacher Make Marina Hotel Kuwait your one Association at BBS stop destination for all weddings organized Staff Appreciation Luncheon he magnificent Shaikha Salwa Sabah Al- guests exclusive wedding packages across the year, l-Bayan Bilingual School (BBS) Parent and Teacher Ahmad Theater and Hall of Marina Hotel which include accommodation for one night in a Association (PTA) organized a staff Appreciation Kuwait, nestled in the heart of Salmiya with a beautiful superior room and a romantic candle-lit T Luncheon to express gratitude for their sincere spectacular seaside location, is your one-stop-desti- dinner and breakfast in the room for the bride and A efforts and dedication to offer the best educational nation for all weddings. No matter what size wed- groom. For the wedding celebrations, a custom- Environment to BBS students. ding you are planning, Marina Hotel offers couples a made, three-tier wedding cake is offered. The Luncheon started with a speech by Sundus Hussain, truly memorable wedding to suit any type of wed- Such a momentous occasion that unites hus- PTA President, who welcomed the Employees and ding festivity. Having a great layout and capacity of band and wife must be conducted in a venue that expressed her gratitude and said “Another school year and up to 500 persons, the Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al- can provide only the finest setting. This includes the there’s a good chance you haven’t been thanked your hard Ahmad Theater and Hall is an ideal place for your most delightful cuisine and a magnificently decorat- work. teacher. I am sure you have had a few students thank special event. The hall unravels beauty and flexibility ed ballroom. With a venue that can also bring back you, tell you that something you taught them, did for with its expert wedding planning team who devote treasured memories of lavish wedding celebrations them, helped them learn was important and meaningful their attention to every detail ensuring that your from previous generations, today’s weddings at the and changed them and inspired them and meant the wedding will surpass all expectations. The package is Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad Theater and Hall are world to them.” “So if you haven’t received the thanks you further complemented with an award winning culi- among the most extravagant and memorable wed- deserve, we as the BBS PTA want to thank you publicly nary team comprising of dedicated chefs who con- dings imaginable. now. And by “you” I mean those teachers who love to teach stantly explore delivering tailor made menus and Combining unparalleled excellence in service and do so with all their heart and soul to provide their stu- bringing to the hotel’s guests a wide range of excit- and hospitality with outstanding presentation and dents with what is important and necessary and inspiring ing experiences to each event. Wedding guests can personal service, the hotel holds a reputation as an and beautiful and meaningful and true and good and hon- enjoy the wide variety of scrumptious delicacies from expert in turning your wedding celebration into a est.” She concluded. During the event, PTA members pro- the elaborate buffet at Shaikha Salwa Sabah Al- truly magnificent event. vided the teachers with a fun-filled and exciting atmos- Ahmad Theater and Hall. If you are looking for a beautiful wedding cere- phere that included raffles prizes and open buffet. This ini- The memories of your wedding day will last a life- mony venue, the wedding package at Marina Hotel tiative validates an appreciation and a positive platform to time and Marina Hotel Kuwait will ensure that your is available all through the year. For more informa- deepen the teachers’ sense of compassion. special day is perfect. The hotel is delighted to offer tion, please visit our website: www.marinahotel.com

Japanese Government Scholarship (Teacher Training Students) for 2016 he Embassy of Japan is pleased to announce that the Government of Japan offers scholarship to teachers who wish Tto conduct research on school education at Japanese Universities. The Japanese Government Scholarship was established in 1954 in order to increase mutual understanding between the people of Japan and other countries as well as to make an international contribution to the intellectual field. All Kuwaiti citizens who meet the qualifications below are eligible to apply: a) Applicants are those who are born on or alter April 2, 1981. b) In principle, applicants must be graduates of universities or teacher training schools and have worked as teachers at ele- mentary, middle or secondary schools for at least five years in total. c) Applicants should be physically fit to participate in the program. d) Applicants must be interested in Japan and be willing to deep- en their understanding of Japan after arriving in Japan. Applicants must also have the ability to do research in Japanese and adapt to liv- ing in Japan. e) Japanese Embassy will carry out screening, interview and writ- ten examinations, Application forms, detailed information and other conditions can be downloaded from Embassy’s page: (http://www.embjapan.go.jp/itprja/00_000043htnil). The deadline for submitting applications is Thursday March 3, 2016. Only hard copies, preferably printed on A4 size paper, and mailed through courier or hand-delivered to the Embassy, will be accepted. The application process consists of’ document screening, written exams, and personal interview. Academic exams will be held Monday March 7, 2016. Past exam until 2013 can be provided for public reading at the Embassy of Japan. For inquiries, please contact cultural section, Embassy of Japan on 25309426. A New Year’s Eve celebration and Christmas caroling were held at sister Edith Lazo’s residence. WHAT’S ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Information and Youth Affairs Minister Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah speaks at the opening ceremony of the 8th Arab Theater Festival. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Sheikh Salman opens Arab Theater Festival

inister of Information and Minister of Hamad Al-Qassemi, member of the UAE enlightenment throughout the Arab world State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Al- over long decades. He cited as example the MAl-Sabah said Sunday Kuwait’s the- Sharjah Emirate, for his role in founding the ATI presence at every Arab library of Kuwait publi- aters are glowing with joy pride as the country in 2009 and the promotion of the Arab theatri- cations such as ‘Al-Arabi’ magazine, ‘Alam Al- hosts the 8th edition of the Arab Theater cal arts. Maarifa’ (world of knowledge) and ‘Alam Al- Festival. He noted that Dr Al-Qassemi, the co- Masrah’ (world of theater). The Kuwaiti theatrical troupes share the joy founder and president of the ATI, made several Zinaty Qodsia, a Palestinian-Syrian artist, with their peers from Arab countries that deliv- initiatives to advance the march of Arab the- said meanwhile that theater provides a unique er a noble, civilizational and humanitarian mes- ater, including the offering of the ATI award - aesthetic platform for theatrical artists to high- sage, said Sheikh Salman, who is also President the most prestigious Arab theatrical prize. light the significance of “beauty making at a of the National Council for Culture, Arts and time of rampant distortion. “The journey of the Letters (NCCAL). He made the comments in a Islamic culture festival started from Sharjah before coming to statement on behalf of His Highness the Amir He conveyed to the audience the best wish- Kuwait - the oasis of culture, arts sciences, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to es of His Highness the Amir, adding that the peace and love,” Qodsia pointed out. the opening ceremony of the festival. festival coincides with the celebrations mark- During the opening ceremony featured the The current session of the annual event, ing the selection of Kuwait as “capital of Islamic offering of a performance titled “panorama” themed “towards new and renewable Arab culture for 2016,” and the preparations for cele- which includes excerpts from Kuwaiti immortal theater,” is co-organized by NCCAL and the brating the country’s 55th National Day and plays such as ‘Bye Bye London,’ ‘30 Days of Love,’ Arab Theatre Institute (ATI) until January 16 the 25th Liberation Day. ‘Bye Bye Arabs,’ ‘Hami Al-Diyar,’ and ‘Party on a and gathers more than 400 Arab theatrical fig- Meanwhile, Secretary General of the ATI stake.’ The NCCAL has nominated a number of ures; its agenda includes several performances Ismail Abdullah thanked His Highness the Amir notable figures who influenced the Kuwait the- by Arab troupes and artistic workshops. for his kind patronage of the event and appre- ater for honoring during the current session of Sheikh Salman spoke highly of Dr Sultan bin ciated Kuwait’s role in promoting cultural the festival. —KUNA

GUST Partners with LOYAC to Develop Youth Initiatives

ulf University for Science and internships, and volunteer work oppor- to give our students the best opportu- tions locally and internationally to degree upon successfully finishing the opportunities”. Technology (GUST) and LOYAC, tunities. By leveraging LOYAC strength nities in the market to grow, develop, ensure that students explore their full program. LOYAC was founded by a group of Ga non-profit organization, in creating and overseeing professional and explore their interests. This collab- potential. LOYAC Board Member, Fetouh Al- committed women who hoped to pro- signed a memorandum of understand- and personal development programs oration is one of those opportunities This collaboration creates many Dalali, said, “LOYAC and GUST have vide youth with opportunities for per- ing yesterday to further enhance the for youth, GUST exposes its students to which we believe it opens many doors viable opportunities for GUST students, been working together for some time, sonal growth, experiencing the joy of interaction between the students and a range of development programs to for our students, and give them unique whether through part-time job oppor- and we are very excited to be embark- service, and developing their profes- graduates of GUST and the community take advantage of and interact with life experiences to add to their aca- tunities or internships. Students will ing on this formal partnership. Among sional skills through on job training through LOYAC’s youth programs and the local community. demic and professional achievements”. also be fast-tracked in applying for the programs we are looking into the internships that build self-confidence. initiatives. GUST Vice President for Academic GUST places great importance on LOYAC’s Local and Global internship selection of a LOYAC Student Today, LOYAC has become the first GUST and LOYAC are set to collabo- Affairs and Acting Vice President for youth programs and community out- programs. Those awarded would Ambassador from GUST to help us con- choice of the youth in Kuwait when it rate on a number of events including Planning and Development, Dr Salah reach and has been initiating partner- receive certificates from LOYAC, and nect directly with the entire student comes to innovative and high quality seminars, workshops, career fairs, Al-Sharhan, said, “We work vigorously ships with many esteemed organiza- attain three credit hours towards their body on potential development programs. Bridal packages launched by Talise Spa in Kuwait Packages offer stunning results for your special day

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15:45 Jessie 15:35 Pick Me! 16:10 Violetta 16:30 Vera 17:00 The Next Step 18:20 Paddock To Plate 17:25 Liv And Maddie 19:10 Coronation Street 17:50 Jessie 19:35 Pick Me! 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 18:15 Austin & Ally 20:30 Vera 00:00 Hitman-18 01:10 Gold Rush 18:40 I Didn’t Do It 22:20 Coronation Street 02:00 Android Cop-PG15 02:50 Catching Monsters 19:05 First Class Chefs 22:50 Emmerdale 04:00 Big Ass Spider!-PG15 03:40 Auction Hunters 19:30 Violetta 23:15 Paddock To Plate 06:00 Arachnophobia-PG15 04:05 The Liquidator 20:20 The Next Step 08:00 The River Wild-PG15 04:30 Storage Wars Canada 20:45 Good Luck Charlie 10:00 Jurassic Attack-PG15 05:00 What Happened Next? 21:10 Good Luck Charlie 12:00 Percy Jackson And The 05:30 How It’s Made 21:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place Lightning Thief-PG15 06:00 Ice Cold Gold 22:00 Binny And The Ghost 14:00 Arachnophobia-PG15 06:50 Wheeler Dealers 22:25 Sabrina Secrets Of A 00:00 Weird Loners 16:00 Destruction: Las Vegas 07:40 Fast N’ Loud Teenage Witch 00:30 Cristela 18:00 The River Wild-PG15 08:30 Auction Hunters 22:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 01:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 20:00 Days Of Thunder-PG15 08:55 The Liquidator Teenage Witch Wilmore 22:00 The Scorpion King 4: Quest 09:20 Storage Wars Canada 23:10 Wolfblood 02:30 The Big C For Power-PG15 09:45 What Happened Next? 23:35 Wolfblood 04:00 Men At Work 10:10 How It’s Made 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 10:35 Gold Rush Jimmy Fallon 12:15 Catching Monsters 05:30 Young & Hungry 13:05 Auction Hunters 06:00 Til Death 13:30 The Liquidator 06:30 New Girl 13:55 Storage Wars Canada 00:00 Live From The Red Carpet 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 00:00 Three Night Stand 14:20 Ice Cold Gold 01:50 The Soup 08:00 Men At Work 02:00 The Love Punch 15:10 Wheeler Dealers 02:20 E! News 08:30 Young & Hungry 04:00 The Misadventures Of The 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 03:15 Escape Club 10:30 New Girl Dunderheads 16:50 What Happened Next? 04:10 E! Entertainment Special 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 06:00 Cas & Dylan 17:15 How Machines Work 05:05 E! Entertainment Special Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Vampire Dog 17:40 Spawn Of Jaws: The Birth 06:00 Keeping Up With The 12:00 Til Death 10:00 The Misadventures Of The 18:30 Dual Survival Kardashians 12:30 Men At Work Dunderheads 19:20 Manhunt With Joel Lambert 06:55 Keeping Up With The 13:00 Young & Hungry 12:00 The Love Punch 20:10 The Liquidator Kardashians 13:30 New Girl 14:00 Roommates 20:35 Storage Wars Canada 07:50 Style Star 15:30 Cristela 16:00 Vampire Dog 21:00 Bride Of Jaws 08:20 E! News 16:00 The Nightly Show With Larry 18:00 Napoleon Dynamite 21:50 Dual Survival 09:15 Giuliana & Bill Wilmore 20:00 A Case Of You 22:40 River Monsters 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 16:30 Til Death 22:00 The Right Kind Of Wrong 23:30 Wheeler Dealers 11:10 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 11:35 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 18:00 Last Man Standing 12:05 E! News 18:30 The Goldbergs 13:05 House Of DVF 19:00 Modern Family 14:05 Fashion Bloggers 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 14:30 Fashion Bloggers Jimmy Fallon 01:00 One Chance-PG15 00:35 Mythbusters 15:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take 21:00 Cristela 03:00 Reach Me-PG15 01:20 How It’s Made The Hamptons 21:30 The Nightly Show With Larry 05:00 Wrath-PG15 01:44 How It’s Made 16:00 Kourtney And Khloe Take Wilmore 07:00 The French Minister-PG15 02:08 Strangest Weather On Earth The Hamptons 22:30 You’re The Worst 09:00 Still Mine-PG15 02:55 What Could Possibly Go 17:00 Giuliana & Bill 23:00 The Big C 11:00 Wrath-PG15 Wrong? 18:00 House Of DVF 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 13:00 United Passions-PG15 03:42 How The Universe Works 19:00 WAGs 15:00 At Middleton-PG15 04:29 Mythbusters 20:00 Live From The Red Carpet 17:00 Still Mine-PG15 05:16 Strangest Weather On Earth 22:00 Fashion Police 19:00 The Wee Man-PG15 06:03 What Could Possibly Go 23:00 Dash Dolls 21:00 The Disappearance Of Wrong? 00:00 Defiance Eleanor Rigby: Him-PG15 06:50 Mega Builders 01:00 Quantico 23:00 Kelly & Cal-18 07:37 How Do They Do It? 02:00 Rosewood 08:00 How Do They Do It? 03:00 Allegiance 08:23 Mythbusters 04:00 Switched At Birth 09:08 How The Universe Works 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 09:53 Mega Builders 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 06:00 Covert Affairs 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:00 Switched At Birth 10:38 How It’s Made 01:30 Suspension Of Disbelief 11:00 How It’s Made 01:00 Staten Island Cakes 08:00 Odyssey 02:00 Mystery Diners 09:00 Quantico 03:30 Vanity Fair 11:23 How The Universe Works 06:00 Seven Days In Utopia 12:08 What Could Possibly Go 02:30 Mystery Diners 10:00 Covert Affairs 03:00 Man Fire Food 11:00 Switched At Birth 07:45 Great Expectations Wrong? 10:00 Vanity Fair 12:53 Mega Builders 03:30 Man Fire Food 12:00 Coronation Street 04:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:30 Coronation Street 12:30 The Bag Man 13:38 Mythbusters 14:30 Mr. Pip 14:23 How It’s Made 04:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 14:00 Odyssey 16:30 Great Expectations 14:46 How It’s Made 19:00 The Hi-Lo Country 15:10 How The Universe Works 06:00 Chopped 15:00 Live Good Morning America 07:00 Man Fire Food 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 21:00 How I Live Now 15:57 How The Universe Works 23:00 Enemy 16:44 What Could Possibly Go 07:30 Man Fire Food 18:00 Odyssey Wrong? 08:00 Chopped 19:00 Complications 17:31 Mega Builders 09:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 20:00 The Night Shift 18:18 How The Universe Works 10:00 The Kitchen 21:00 Deadline Gallipoli 19:05 Mythbusters 11:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 22:00 Supergirl Basics 19:50 Food Factory 23:00 Scream Queens PERCY JACKSON AND THE LIGHTNING THIEF ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 20:15 Food Factory 11:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To 01:00 Serena-PG15 Basics 20:40 What Could Possibly Go 03:00 Hercules-PG15 05:25 Henry Hugglemonster 19:05 Miles From Tomorrow 12:00 Chopped Wrong? 05:00 Selma-PG15 05:35 Calimero 19:30 Sofia The First 13:00 Guy’s Big Bite 21:25 How It’s Made 07:15 Closed Circuit-PG15 05:50 Zou 19:55 Doc McStuffins 13:30 Guy’s Big Bite 21:50 How It’s Made 09:00 Annie-PG 06:00 Loopdidoo 20:15 Jake And The Never Land 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 22:15 How The Universe Works 00:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 11:00 If I Stay-PG15 06:15 Art Attack Pirates 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 23:00 Food Factory 01:00 Good Morning America 13:00 The Hunger Games: 00:00 The Aggression Scale-PG15 06:35 Henry Hugglemonster 20:45 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West 15:00 Man Fire Food 23:22 Food Factory 03:00 Mistresses Mockingjay Part I-PG15 02:00 In My Dreams-PG15 03:00 Killer Kids 06:50 Calimero 21:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:30 Man Fire Food 23:45 What Could Possibly Go 04:00 Grimm 15:15 Drumline: A New Beat-PG15 04:00 Lmn Crime Specials 07:00 Zou 21:35 Sofia The First 16:00 Chopped 03:45 Christmas In Conway-PG15 Wrong? 05:00 Good Morning America 17:00 Annie-PG 05:00 Born To Kill 07:20 Loopdidoo 22:00 The Adventures Of The 17:00 The Kitchen 05:30 The Hobbit: The Battle Of 07:00 Coronation Street 19:00 The Maze Runner-PG15 06:00 I Survived 07:35 Art Attack Disney... 18:00 Siba’s Table 07:30 Coronation Street 21:00 The Song-PG15 The Five Armies-PG 07:00 Crime Stories 08:00 Calimero 22:25 The Adventures Of The 18:30 Grandma’s Secret Cookbook 08:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:00 A Million Ways To Die In The 08:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 08:00 Surveillance Oz 08:10 Zou Disney... 19:00 Chopped 09:00 Parenthood West-18 10:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 10:00 Frenemies 08:25 Loopdidoo 22:55 The Adventures Of The 20:00 Guy’s Grocery Games 10:00 Coronation Street 11:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 08:40 Jake And The Never Land Disney... 21:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 12:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja 00:15 California Investigator 10:30 Coronation Street 12:00 Crime Stories Pirates 23:20 Lilo And Stitch 21:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Turtles-PG15 00:40 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 13:00 Homicide Hunter 09:05 Sofia The First 23:45 Cars Toons 22:00 Man v Food 01:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 12:00 C.S.I. 14:00 Heart Of The Country-PG15 14:00 I Survived 09:30 Miles From Tomorrow 23:50 Zou 22:30 Man v Food 01:30 The Haunted 13:00 Shark Tank 16:00 Kon-Tiki-PG15 15:00 Frenemies 10:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:05 Henry Hugglemonster 23:00 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 02:20 Ghost Lab 14:00 Parenthood 18:00 Rio 2-FAM 16:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 10:35 Doc McStuffins 00:20 Calimero 23:30 Roadtrip With G. Garvin 15:00 Franklin & Bash 01:00 Pim And Pom: The Big 03:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 20:00 Dracula Untold-PG15 17:00 Crime Stories 11:00 Sofia The First 00:35 Zou Jones 16:00 The Voice Adventure 22:00 The Interview-18 18:00 The First 48 11:30 Jake And The Never Land 00:50 Loopdidoo 04:00 California Investigator 18:00 Shark Tank 02:45 Curious George: Back To 19:00 I Survived Pirates 01:05 Art Attack 04:25 California Investigator 19:00 Supernatural The Jungle 20:00 Homicide Hunter 12:00 Miles From Tomorrow 01:30 Henry Hugglemonster 20:00 C.S.I. 04:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 04:30 Ploddy Police Car On The 21:00 Crime Stories 12:25 Special Agent Oso 01:45 Calimero 05:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 21:00 Shark Tank 22:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 12:40 The Hive 02:00 Zou 22:00 Mistresses Case 05:30 The Haunted 06:00 Captain Sabertooth And 23:00 When Life Means Life 12:50 Handy Manny 02:15 Loopdidoo 06:20 Deadly Affairs 00:10 Pick Me! 23:00 Grimm 00:00 They Took Our Child, We Got 13:15 Jungle Junction 02:30 Art Attack The Treasure Of Lama Rama 07:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 01:05 Emmerdale Her Back 13:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 08:00 The Heart Of The Oak Jones 01:30 Coach Trip 03:55 Ghoulies 01:00 Campus Nightmares 14:00 Sofia The First 02:00 Coronation Street 10:00 Marco Macaco 08:00 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 05:15 Hero’s Island 02:00 My Ghost Story 14:25 Sofia The First 08:50 On The Case With Paula 02:30 Murdoch Mysteries 11:30 Snow Queen 06:50 Saved! 14:50 Miles From Tomorrow Zahn 03:25 Endeavour 00:00 Get Lucky 13:00 Curious George: Back To 15:15 Jake And The Never Land 08:20 Breakin’ 09:40 Fatal Encounters 05:15 The Chase 02:00 Hitman The Jungle Pirates 06:10 Paddock To Plate 09:45 Hercules 10:30 Murder Shift 04:00 Android Cop 14:30 The Adventures Of Don 15:40 Jake And The Never Land 11:20 Deadly Affairs 07:05 Coach Trip 06:00 Big Ass Spider! 11:25 Adventures Of Hercules Pirates 07:00 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 07:30 Endeavour Quixote 12:10 True Crime With Aphrodite 08:00 Arachnophobia 12:50 It Runs In The Family 16:05 The Adventures Of The 07:25 Boyster Jones 09:20 Murdoch Mysteries 16:00 Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania 14:15 Music Of The Heart 03:05 Calimero Disney... 07:50 Supa Strikas 10:15 The Chase 10:00 The River Wild Mystery 13:00 The Will 12:00 Jurassic Attack 16:20 Nobody’s Fool 03:20 Zou 16:35 Miles From Tomorrow 08:15 Lab Rats 13:50 I Almost Got Away With It 11:10 Coach Trip 18:00 Marco Macaco 03:30 Loopdidoo 08:40 K. C. Undercover 14:00 Percy Jackson And The 18:05 Puckoon 17:00 Sofia The First 14:40 California Investigator 11:35 Pick Me! 03:45 Art Attack 09:10 Star vs The Forces Of Evil Lightning Thief 20:00 Tom And Jerry: Santa’s 19:30 Saved! 17:25 Aladdin 15:05 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 12:30 Paddock To Plate Little Helpers 04:10 Henry Hugglemonster 17:50 Gummi Bears 09:35 Kirby Buckets 13:25 Emmerdale 16:00 Arachnophobia 21:00 No Mercy 15:55 Fatal Encounters 21:00 The Heart Of The Oak 04:20 Calimero 18:15 Chip ‘n’ Dales Rescue 10:00 Lab Rats 16:45 On The Case With Paula 13:50 Coach Trip 18:00 Destruction: Las Vegas 22:50 Groundhog Day 04:35 Zou 10:25 Kickin’ It 22:15 The Adventures Of Don Rangers Zahn 14:20 Coronation Street 20:00 The River Wild 00:35 Fargo 04:45 Loopdidoo 18:40 Jake And The Never Land 10:50 Mighty Med 17:35 Murder Shift 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 22:00 Days Of Thunder Quixote 02:10 No Mercy 05:00 Art Attack Pirates 11:20 Supa Strikas 18:25 I Almost Got Away With It 11:45 K. C. Undercover 19:15 The Will 12:10 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 20:05 Deadly Affairs 12:35 Annedroids 20:55 True Crime With Aphrodite 13:00 Cloud 9 Jones 14:25 Guardians Of The Galaxy 21:45 California Investigator 14:30 Phineas And Ferb 22:10 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 14:45 Phineas And Ferb 22:35 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 15:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 23:00 Deadly Sins 15:15 Rocket Monkeys 23:50 Deadly Women 15:40 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 16:05 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 16:30 Kirby Buckets 16:55 Gamers Guide To Pretty Much Everything 17:25 K. C. Undercover 17:50 Supa Strikas 00:00 Violetta 18:15 Lab Rats 00:45 The Hive 18:40 Mighty Med 00:50 Sabrina Secrets Of A 19:10 Annedroids Teenage Witch 19:35 Kickin’ It 01:15 Sabrina Secrets Of A 20:00 K. C. Undercover Teenage Witch 20:25 Supa Strikas 01:40 Wolfblood 20:55 Lab Rats 02:05 Wolfblood 21:20 Gamers Guide To Pretty 02:30 Violetta Much Everything 03:15 The Hive 21:45 Kickin’ It 03:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 22:10 Phineas And Ferb Teenage Witch 22:40 Super Matrak 03:45 Sabrina Secrets Of A 23:05 Super Matrak Teenage Witch 23:30 Boyster 04:10 Wolfblood 00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am 04:35 Wolfblood KSA 05:00 Violetta 05:45 The Hive 05:50 Mouk 06:00 Lolirock 06:25 Hank Zipzer 06:50 Girl Meets World 03:00 American Pickers 07:15 H2O: Just Add Water 04:00 American Restoration 07:40 H2O: Just Add Water 05:00 Shipping Wars 08:05 Austin & Ally 05:50 American Pickers 08:30 Austin & Ally 06:45 American Restoration 08:55 Sabrina Secrets Of A 07:35 Shipping Wars Teenage Witch 08:25 Counting Cars 09:20 Sabrina Secrets Of A 09:15 Mountain Men Teenage Witch 10:05 Ax Men 09:45 Jessie 11:00 The Legend Of Shelby The 10:10 Jessie Swamp Man 10:35 High School Musical 12:00 Mountain Men 12:20 Hank Zipzer 13:00 American Pickers 12:45 I Didn’t Do It 14:00 Storage Wars 13:10 I Didn’t Do It 15:00 Pawn Stars 13:35 Liv And Maddie 16:00 Shipping Wars 14:00 Liv And Maddie 17:00 Pawn Stars 14:30 H2O 18:00 American Pickers 14:55 H2O 20:00 Storage Wars 15:20 Jessie A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST ON OSN MOVIES HD 21:00 Ax Men Classifieds

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (07/01/2016 TO 13/01/2016)

SHARQIA-1 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM EXTRACTION 10:30 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 5:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 12:00 PM EXTRACTION 12:45 AM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 2:00 PM FANAR-3 PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 4:00 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 11:45 AM AVENUES-3 FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 12:05 AM DILWALE - Hindi 6:00 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 AM DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 3:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 2:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 DADDY’S HOME 12:05 AM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 5:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:30 AM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 9:00 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 PM SHARQIA-2 PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:15 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 12:05 AM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 4:45 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:30 PM AVENUES-4 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 6:45 PM THE REVENANT 3:15 PM FANAR-4 DADDY’S HOME 11:45 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 8:45 PM FOR SALE THE REVENANT 6:15 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM DILWALE - Hindi 2:00 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 10:45 PM THE REVENANT 9:15 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 5:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 3:15 PM NO THU+SUN THE REVENANT 6:15 PM “STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS” 5:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 Toyota, Orion, SHARQIA-3 THE REVENANT 9:15 PM Special Show “THE BIG SHORT” 5:30 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:30 AM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM DILWALE - Hindi 8:30 PM SNOWTIME! 1:30 PM 2007. Full THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:45 PM THE REVENANT 3:15 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:00 PM FANAR-5 THE REVENANT 6:15 PM option, 94500 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 4:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 12:00 PM AVENUES-5 THE REVENANT 9:15 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 6:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 3:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM km, gold color PAPARAZZI -Arabic 8:45 PM WAZIR - Hindi 6:00 PM THE REVENANT 3:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 8:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 6:45 PM BAIRAQ-2 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:45 AM DILWALE - Hindi 11:30 PM THE REVENANT 9:00 PM EXTRACTION 12:30 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 2:30 PM Contact: 99068246. MUHALAB-1 MARINA-1 DADDY’S HOME 4:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:45 AM 360º- 1 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 6:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 8:45 PM EXTRACTION 3:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 3:15 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 10:45 PM Accommodation DADDY’S HOME 5:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 5:00 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM EXTRACTION 12:30 AM DILWALE - Hindi 7:30 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 6:45 PM THE REVENANT 9:00 PM Accommodation available DADDY’S HOME 10:30 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:00 PM THE REVENANT 12:15 AM BAIRAQ-3 EXTRACTION 12:30 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM for a decent non-smoking THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:00 AM 360º 2 DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM bachelor/ working MUHALAB-2 THE REVENANT 1:15 PM DILWALE - Hindi 3:30 PM lady/couple with a couple THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 11:45 AM MARINA-2 THE REVENANT 4:30 PM DILWALE - Hindi 6:30 PM in 2BR C-AC in Abbassiya THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 1:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:45 AM THE REVENANT 7:45 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 9:30 PM WAZIR - Hindi 3:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 1:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:00 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 11:45 PM nearIntegrated school. PAPARAZZI -Arabic 5:30 PM POINT BREAK 3:45 PM Contact:66005134. PAPARAZZI -Arabic 7:45 PM DADDY’S HOME 6:15 PM 360º- 3 PLAZA (C 5111) PAPARAZZI -Arabic 10:00 PM EXTRACTION 8:15 PM EXTRACTION 12:30 PM THE REVENANT 4:15 PM 10-1-2016 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:15 AM THE REVENANT 10:15 PM SNOWTIME! 2:45 PM CHARLIE- Malayalam 7:30 PM EXTRACTION 1:15 AM EXTRACTION 5:00 PM THE REVENANT 7:30 PM MUHALAB-3 EXTRACTION 7:15 PM PAPARAZZI -Arabic 10:30 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM MARINA-3 EXTRACTION 9:30 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM THE REVENANT 12:30 PM EXTRACTION 11:45 PM LAILA THE REVENANT 5:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 1:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 4:00 PM THE REVENANT 8:30 PM THE GOOD DINOSAUR 3:30 PM AL-KOUT.1 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 6:15 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 PM THE REVENANT 5:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:30 AM DADDY’S HOME 8:15 PM THE REVENANT 8:45 PM THE REVENANT 2:30 PM THE REVENANT 10:15 PM FANAR-1 THE REVENANT 11:45 PM THE REVENANT 5:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 11:30 AM THE REVENANT 8:30 PM AJIAL.1 DADDY’S HOME 1:30 PM AVENUES-1 THE REVENANT 11:30 PM WAZIR - Hindi 3:45 PM THE PEANUTS MOVIE 3:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 12:30 PM WAZIR - Hindi 6:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 5:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 2:45 PM AL-KOUT.2 WAZIR - Hindi 8:15 PM Prayer timings FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 7:30 PM GET SQUIRRELY 5:00 PM DADDY’S HOME 12:30 PM WAZIR - Hindi 10:30 PM DADDY’S HOME 9:45 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 7:15 PM EXTRACTION 2:45 PM THE REVENANT 11:45 PM APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 9:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 5:00 PM AJIAL.2 Fajr: 05:20 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 11:15 PM DADDY’S HOME 7:00 PM HO MANN JAHAAN - Pakistani 4:15 PM Shorook 06:44 FANAR-2 APARTMENT NO. 6 - Kuwaiti Film 1:15 AM DADDY’S HOME 9:00 PM CHARLIE- Malayalam 7:30 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 12:30 PM EXTRACTION 11:00 PM HO MANN JAHAAN - Pakistani 10:00 PM Duhr: 11:56 THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 2:30 PM AVENUES-2 EXTRACTION 1:00 AM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 4:30 PM EXTRACTION 1:00 PM AJIAL.3 Asr: 14:50 EXTRACTION 6:30 PM EXTRACTION 3:15 PM AL-KOUT.3 DILWALE - Hindi 3:45 PM THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE DEAD 8:30 PM EXTRACTION 5:30 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 12:45 PM DILWALE - Hindi 6:45 PM Maghrib: 17:09 EXTRACTION 10:30 PM CHARLIE- Malayalam 7:45 PM FATHERS AND DAUGHTERS 3:00 PM DILWALE - Hindi 9:45 PM Isha: 18:30

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

DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 CROSSWORD 1135 STAR TRACK

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

You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. Your man- If a new business idea is going to work, it will take some planning. If it is agement and directional abilities are in high focus. Remember, if your workload is too quiet around you today, you could work on this plan. Be aware that some people full you can always consider an advisor position. This has been a time of cleaning up make big promises and have no intention of providing results-think about your ideas old debts and any other difficulties. You are able to cut through the red tape in order before you act upon them. Express your ideas, hopes and dreams with friends-they to get beneath and behind most any problem that comes to your attention. The pres- will probably want to help you as you begin your venture. This is a rewarding day and sures you may have been feeling to complete your own personal concerns have either by the time this evening comes around you will have many things to think about for been eliminated or reduced for now. This is a very nice day, perhaps filled with some this year’s endeavors. You are thankful for many things at this time, including the renewed appreciation for all that is beautiful. A sense of value and valuing may find wonderful, thoughtful people in your life. Marriage, contracts and partnerships are you lavishing affection on those near you this evening. seen as keys to success and happiness-they have plenty of lessons to teach you.

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

This day may have a few challenges. It may be difficult to be appreciative This is the time for positive thinking and actions that promote a healing. of a particular situation, but . . . Everything has a way of working out for you-particularly That could mean the earning of money as well as the cure for cancer! You find new if you take on the attitude of going-with-the-flow. Your mental discipline should come ways to earn money today and may have to shoo away others from taking your ideas. easily-you put it to work now. Obstacles will disappear when you shine the light of Write your ideas down, but do not leave them in clear view for others to see. The old knowledge on them. Creating a structure to maintain your ideals and principles ideas do not cut it anymore: it’s the new, the unique and the original that catches and becomes a high priority-an article of faith. By completing your tasks and carrying out holds your interest now. You may go into business for yourself soon or make a pres- your responsibilities, you become an inspiration to others. You have respect for your entation of your own inventions. Idealism, rationality and critical thinking become co-workers who work hard and by the end of this day you all will see great progress. It more and more a part of your mental patterns and the way you communicate. You is important to spend the evening in rest and relaxation. are inventive, original and high-tech.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Now is the time to examine and think about what is important and of Being in touch with ideas and people on a large scale keeps your mind lasting value and bring your goals into focus. If you do not have clear, busy. Your taste in art and appreciation of life in general are sharply tuned. Be sure to short-term as well as long-term goals, you need to bring a focus on these matters. This ACROSS DOWN keep an open mind about all ideas or proposals, paying attention to all the details is a great time to work with others. Some sort of group project is forming. Your atti- 1. The compass point that is one point east 1. A fraudulent business scheme. involved. You could make your living at buying or selling art, furniture, vehicles, etc. tude toward cooperation is commendable and others learn from your efforts. You are of due south. 2. A Chadic language spoken in northern Remember that this is a planning time and although action can be stimulating-making willing to compromise when problems arise. You have a clear vision into your own plans can also be fun. The domestic scene gains new appeal. This afternoon is a good 4. Husk of a pea. Nigeria. inner sense of values, how you appreciate and love. Any feelings of confusion or frus- 3. Tropical starchy tuberous root. time to talk with your parents and family. Interactions with friends are free of complica- tration will pass quickly. Your personal creativeness is at a high just now. 12. Being one hundred more than two hun- tion and much good can come about through spending time with people you have not 4. An electronic device that generates a dred. seen in a while. Have some special time with someone you love. series of beeps when the person carrying it 15. Someone who is morally reprehensible. is being paged. 16. City in central Iran. 5. The compass point midway between east Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 17. A slippery or viscous liquid or liquefiable and southeast. Cancer (June 21-July 22) substance not miscible with water. 6. Abbreviation of a word by omitting the This morning there is plenty of work. A question arises as to which person 18. A condition (mostly in boys) character- Organizing and administering people and carrying out projects will final sound or sounds. become central to your lifestyle in the workplace. You are very motivated has the responsibility regarding a puzzle or problem. Just get started and ized by behavioral and learning disorders. 7. A port city is southern Indonesia. to improve business. Outside influences can undermine your professional status, knowl- do a little whistling while you work-others will soon pitch in to help or they will just be 19. A mathematician specializing in geome- 8. Any place of complete bliss and delight edge, skills and influence-careful. Remember to analyze your motives and intentions- more positive. In no time, you will find it is quitting time but not before you gather try. and peace. control or respect. Do not compromise your values. Set a daily routine for yourself and with friends to do a little celebrating. The happiest and most rewarding times this 9. Feline mammal usually having thick soft try to settle into the pattern. Every day that goes by brings you closer to an understand- month come when you gather with friends. You may be able to talk others into help- 20. (computer science) A measure of how ing you with some charity organization that you favor. Charitable activities bring you fur and being unable to roar. ing of your psychic insights, study of phenomena and past lives, and a better under- densely information is packed on a storage standing of life as we know it on planet earth. rewards that you would have never thought about before now. medium. 10. A member of the Iroquoian people for- merly living east of Lake Ontario. 21. English economist noted for his studies 11. The act of mending a hole in a garment of international trade and finance (born in with crossing threads. Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) 1907). 12. COmmon Business Oriented Language. Working on some project around the house this morning has you in a 23. Airtight sealed metal container for food 13. An oral antibiotic (trade name Cipro) This morning provides the quiet time you have been searching for-no quandary. You see what is wrong and you know what to do but there is just no time- or drink or paint etc.. used against serious bacterial infections of interruptions. Someone is determined for you to start a new project, but perhaps a lit- take notes. Later this afternoon a friend may want to help you with these projects if you 24. Normally existing at birth. the skin or respiratory tract of urinary tract tle later in the day. Consider planning before you dive into the unknown. The most would return the favor. Later there is time for a little relaxation and a call to the pizza 26. Tree (as opposed to shrub). or bones or joints. successful results will come from your careful planning. The reformer, the inventor, the place for dinner. An important new goal comes more clearly into focus and the two of engineer, the revolutionary-these are important archetypes for you, as a new cycle 27. A conversation between two persons. 14. Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh you may talk about setting goals and making plans for later this year. This evening is a adheres strongly to the pit. gets underway in your life. They are icons of the ambitions that stir you at this time. great time to reflect and understand your own situation. Being distracted from the 28. United States writer (born in Poland) Independence, freedom from past patterns and a daring readiness to innovate-such 22. The longer of the two telegraphic sig- family is difficult and you plan to spend more time with family members in the future. who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957). are the paths of achievement for you now. Your home life will lay the foundation for greater confidence at work. 31. An elaborate representation of scenes nals used in Morse code. 25. The peninsula and island in the from history etc. Philippines where Japanese forces 34. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet. besieged American forces in World War II. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) 36. The vertical triangular wall between the 29. A fixed number of lines of verse forming sloping ends of gable roof. a unit of a poem. Your sense of humor is in fine form and you can make the hours seem You will be presented with a financial opportunity now and you will 40. The state that precedes vomiting. 30. Any taillike structure. like minutes when it comes to work. You are able to sway others to your way of think- want to check out ways to investigate and multiply your good fortune. You seem to 42. A person with an unusual or odd per- 32. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth ing. If you are purchasing or selling for someone else, you will have plenty of intuitive attract good luck in money matters and if you find a few extra dollars to invest this insight that will lead you in successful directions. This afternoon your friends are run- week, you might be surprised with the results of your investments. Anything that does sonality. and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ning behind schedule and may need your help, or at least, understanding. You may not serve you successfully in your life may need to be placed in the past. You may 44. An elaborate song for solo voice. ancient mythology. want to spend a large amount of money on others tonight-perhaps buying everyone a want to rid yourself of a difficult relationships as well. It may be the only fair way for 45. Either extremity of something that has 33. Resembling or characteristic of or meal. This could present some real problems later and you will be wise to abstain from two people to move forward and progress-healings are possible. There is a personal length. appropriate to an elegy. those urges just now. There are strong possibilities that you will heal some misunder- project you have on your mind today and you need to follow through on this project standings with a close friend or loved one today. all by yourself. 46. Bark in a high-pitched tone. 35. United States baseball player. 37. Flesh of any of various freshwater fishes 48. The property characteristic of old age. of the families Centrarchidae of North WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution 50. The god who fathered the islands and America or Cyprinidae of Europe. gods of Japan with his sister Izanami. 38. A fabric woven with lisle thread. 51. A plant hormone promoting elongation 39. An upright tripod for displaying some- of stems and roots. thing (usually an artist's canvas). 52. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to 41. An unfledged or nestling hawk. but heavier than beer. 43. Large brownish-green New Zealand 53. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- parrot. trict. 47. Pearl oysters. 54. Roman statesman and philosopher who 49. (Irish) Chief god of the Tuatha De was and advisor to Nero (circa 4 BC - 65 AD). Danann. 55. A soft silver-white ductile metallic ele- 56. Industrial city of Belarus southeast of ment (liquid at normal temperatures). Minsk. 57. United States assassin of President John 60. A large number or amount. F. Kennedy (1939-1963). 62. A salt or ester of sulphuric acid. 58. Having winglike extensions. 67. New Zealand timber tree resembling 59. A person forced to flee from home or the cypress. country. 71. Title for a civil or military leader (espe- 61. Jordan's port. cially in Turkey). 63. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tan- 72. Russian ballet dancer (1910-1998). gerine and grapefruit having a thick wrin- 75. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. kled skin. 76. In or of the month preceding the pres- 64. A member of the Athapaskan people of ent one. the Trinity River valley in California. 65. A city in northwestern Syria. 77. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 66. A town in north central Oklahoma. alling). 68. The sixth month of the civil year. 78. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of 69. God of love and erotic desire. Lamaism. 70. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian 79. A statement that deviates from or per- mythology. verts the truth. 73. South American wood sorrel cultivated 80. The great hall in ancient Persian palaces. for its edible tubers. 81. A unit of apothecary weight equal to an 74. Artists or writers whose ideas are ahead eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains. of their time.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 information

For labor-related inquiries and complaints: INTERNATIONAL Call MSAL hotline 128 CALLS

Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Dasmah 22532265 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Shaab 22518752 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Sharq 22465401 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Jabriya 25316254 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Bayan 25388462 Dominica 001767 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 Sabah 24810221 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 New Jahra 24575755 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 South Jahra 24775066 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tone 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 North Jleeb 24311795 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Hungary 0036 Toga 00228 Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 India 0091 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Zambia 00260 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lithuania 00370 lifestyle TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 Stars strutFASHION their stuff on Globes red carpet

ollywood’s top stars oozed glamour on Sunday as they hit the Golden Globes Hred carpet in plenty of bling and sequins-and with lots of attitude. Here are a few key takeaways from the A-list fashion parade:

Strapless glamour Gina Rodriguez, who won a Globe last year for best actress in a comedy series for “Jane the Virgin” and is a nominee again this year, sizzled in a strapless sapphire blue Zac Posen gown, and had a quality accessory on her arm: her father. “Downton Abbey” star Joanne Froggatt, nominated for her supporting role on the wild- ly popular television series, meanwhile chose a

Eva Green Brie Larson

Taraji P Henson

Gina Rodriguez pale blue Reem Acra gown with a daring neck- line. Comedian Amy Schumer sported a color- block black and white Prabal Gurung gown with pockets-certainly not a fashion Jennifer Lopez “Trainwreck,” the name of her hit film, nominat- ed for best comedy on Sunday. And pop diva Lady Gaga, nominated for her role in fright fest “American Horror Story: Hotel,” channeled Marilyn Monroe in a form-fitting black Versace gown, her platinum hair swept into a very Marilyn-esque style.

The bling ring Brie Larson, nominated for best actress in a motion picture drama for her searing portrayal of a woman in captivity in “Room,” stunned in a gold sequined halter gown from Calvin Klein, Pops of color were also a staple on the with cutouts at the waist. Julianne Moore glit- carpet, by way of lead actress nominee tered from head to toe in a deep blue sequined Jennifer Lawrence, who dazzled in a bold gown by Tom Ford-and with Ford on her arm. Dior design with side cutouts in red-the color also chosen by “Shameless” star Amy Schumer and Jennifer Hudson Cleavage - lots of it Emmy Rossum, who wore Armani Privee. Viola Davis, already an Emmy winner for her Blue-Green jewel tones were seen on portrayal of law school professor Annalise stars from Jaimie Alexander to Rachel Keating in ABC’s “How to Get Away with Bloom to Gina Rodriguez (in a navy Murder,” left little to the imagination in her princess-y Zac Posen). Marchesa navy blue frock with sheer sleeves, all And both America Ferrara and Jennifer encrusted with silver accents. Pop star Katy Lopez opted for mustard; Lopez’s bright Julianne Moore Perry also dared in a plunging Prada gown in yellow gown by Giambattista Valli was slit this year’s Pantone color of the year, rose quartz. up to there, revealing her fiercely toned And Jaimie Alexander, the star of NBC hit drama legs. But the dress featured a capelet, cov- “Blindspot” and a presenter at Sunday’s ceremo- ering most everything else, and was fin- ny, wowed fashionistas in her emerald and ished off with a snaking diamond neck- black Genny gown, which featured geometric lace, the former in a Jenny Packham hal- patterns-and a plunging wide neckline. ter gown, and the latter in boxy and sophisticated Giambattista Valli. “It was so (Somewhat) demure looks different from anything I’ve done,” stated Alicia Vikander, a double nominee for her Lopez, who added even more pizzazz work in “The Danish Girl” and “Ex Machina,” with 200 carats of Harry Winston diamond looked ethereal in a pleated white goddess bling. — Agencies gown from Louis Vuitton with a sweet ruffled neckline. Saoirse Ronan, also up for best actress, similarly picked white-a feminine Yves Saint Laurent Couture gown with draping cape-for her big night. “(My Globes look) will Viola Davis be elegant, but it will still be young,” Ronan told Variety at this week’s “Brooklyn” celebra- tion. “I have a brilliant stylist who has really encouraged me to just have fun with what I wear. When you’re young, you don’t want to be taken too seriously.” Other ladies making statements in white included “Transparent’s” Judith Light, who chose a sleek pantsuit. “Orange is the New Black’s” Laverne Cox, who wore a simple white Elizabeth Kennedy dress with dramatic train. Eva Longoria, who picked a fitted white dress with floral embellishments and open back; and Taraji P Henson, who opted for a strapless Stella McCartney dress. Staying in the light col- or family, lead actress nominee Cate Blanchett picked an elegant silk Givenchy dress in a pale shade of pink, while “Hateful Eight’s” Jennifer Jason Leigh went for a Roland Mouret bespoke galaxy gown in powder blue. Lady Gaga Many other Globe attendees chose to stand out by way of sparkle. “American Crime’s” nom- inee Regina King caught eyes in a caped Krikor Jabotian gown-which screamed haute cou- ture. Eva Green glittered in gold Elie Saab. And Kate Hudson shimmered and showed a sur- prising amount of skin in a Michael Kors crop top and mermaid-cut skirt. Jaimie Alexander Joanne Froggatt Saoirse Ronan lifestyle TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 FASHION

Cate Blanchett Katy Perry Queen Latifah

Judith Light Regina King

America Ferrera and Eva Longoria

Madison Justice, left, and Victoria Justice

Danielle Panabaker Barbara Meier Selena Gomez America Ferrera and Eva Longoria Lola Kirke

Paz Vega Malin Akerman Xosha Roquemore Aja Naomi King

Kelly Rowland Kate Bosworth lifestyle TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 AWARDS Stallone, Lawrence, ‘Mr Robot’ win

In this image released by NBC, Leonardo DiCaprio, left, looks on with the crew of “The Revenant,” as director Alejandro G Inarritu, right, accepts the award for best motion picture drama during the 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. — AP/AFP photos

In this image released by NBC, Leonardo DiCaprio accepts the award for best actor in a motion picture drama for his role in “The Revenant”.

ylvester Stallone scored a knockout 29 years view of life inside Auschwitz. Said Nemes: “The after the first “Rocky,” Jennifer Lawrence Holocaust over the years has become an abstraction. Snotched her third Golden Globe and Matt For me, it is more of a face. Let us not forget this face.” Damon landed both best actor for his stranded astro- Best animated film went to Pixar’s acclaimed naut in “The Martian” and withering jabs from host “Inside Out.” Lady Gaga, who has seven Grammys, Sophia Stallone, from left, Sylvester Stallone, Jennifer Flavin, Sistine Stallone, Ricky Gervais at the 73rd annual Golden Globes won her first major acting honor for her performance and Scarlet Stallone. Awards. Nominated for the same character that on the anthology series “American Horror Story.” Gaga earned him his only other Golden Globe nod, compared the sensation to being like Cher in Stallone took best supporting actor for the “Rocky” “Moonstruck.” Best actress in a TV drama went to sequel-reboot “Creed.” The Beverly Hills, California, Taraji P Henson for “Empire.” Jon Hamm won his sec- crowd greeted him with a standing ovation. “I want to ond Globe for the final season of “Mad Men.” He thank my imaginary friend Rocky Balboa for being thanked the HFPA for the support to their long sup- the best friend I ever had,” said Stallone. port of the show and his “horrible” character, Don Though security was especially tight to guard against terrorism, the Gervais-led Globes, evidenced little of seriousness that marks most award shows, or the teary-eyed acceptances speeches. Instead, the Matt Damon poses in the press room with Globes had a particularly unraveled atmosphere that the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture included Jonah Hill dressed as the bear from “The - Musical or Comedy for ‘The Martian”. Revenant,” copious discussion of “Transparent” star Jeffrey Tambor’s male anatomy by Gervais, and much buzzing about Sean Penn’s escapade with Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Gervais greeted the crowd (which he labeled “pill-popping sexual deviant scum”) with a predictably astringent opening, setting the tone for a much-bleeped night that was at turns irreverent and frivolous.

Awkward encounter Taraji P Henson poses in the press “I want to do this monologue and then go into Jennifer Lawrence poses with the room with the award for best per- hiding. Not even Sean Penn will find me,” he said, award for Best Actress in a Motion formance by an actress in a TV series pausing for a swig. “Snitch.” In his fourth time hosting, Picture, Comedy for her role in “Joy”. - drama for “Empire”. Gervais’ act dominated the evening, often drawing loud laughs from the Beverly Hilton hotel audience, but also the expected criticism. In a particularly awk- ward encounter, he and Mel Gibson stood arm-in- arm after exchanging insults. “I love seeing Ricky once every three years because it reminds me to get a colonoscopy,” said Gibson. Lawrence, who spent much of the night with her new friend and collaborator Amy Schumer (her- self a nominee for “Trainwreck”), scored her third Globe for a David O. Russell-directed film. After win- ning for “Silver Linings Playbook” and “American Hustle,” she made it three for “Joy,” besting the cate- gory favorite Brie Larson (“Room”). Damon had to suffer being introduced by Gervais as “the only person who Ben Affleck hasn’t been unfaithful to,” but he later won best actor in a comedy for Ridley Scott’s sci-fi hit “The Martian.” Damon said the film’s success was an unlikely pleasure: “I have made a lot of movies that people just didn’t go see.” (“The Martian” also won best film comedy.) Scott was also pegged by many for best director, too, but that honor went to Alejandro Inarritu for the frontier thriller “The Revenant,” fresh off a $37 million debut Brie Larson poses in the press room with the that nearly topple the box-office behemoth “Star Levente Molnar, from left, Geza Rohrig, Laszlo Nemes, Gabor Sipos, and Gabor award for best actress in a motion picture - Wars: The Force Awakens” - which didn’t screen in Rajna pose in the press room with the award for best motion picture - foreign drama for “Room”. time for the Hollywood Foreign Press to consider. language for “Son of Saul”. Referencing the production difficulties of the on- Rachel Bloom accepts the award for best actress location shoot in the Canadian Rockies, Innaritu - an in a TV series, comedy or musical, for her role in Oscar winner last year for “Birdman” - said: “Pain is “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”. temporary. A film is forever.” Though “Steve Jobs” failed to win over many critics Draper. Quentin Tarantino accepted the award for or moviegoers, Danny Boyle’s drama about the Apple Ennio Morricone’s score for his “The Hateful Eight” a co-founder earned best screenplay for Aaron Sorkin winner that presenter Jamie Foxx initially read as and best supporting actress for Kate Winslet. Winning “Straight Outta Compton” in a parody of the Miss her fourth Globe in 11 nominations, Winslet tri- Universe winner debacle. umphed over the lauded Alicia Vikander for “Ex Machina,” though Vikander is also contending for best Losing actors actress in “The Danish Girl.” Citing the crowded cate- Oscar Isaac, a star of the box-office behemoth gories, Winslet remarked: “What an incredible year for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” won best actor in a women in film.” USA’s “Mr Robot” won best TV drama miniseries for HBO’s “Show Me a Hero.” Best limited for its first season, besting more established favorites series went to “Wolf Hall.” Gervais spared little time like HBO’s “Game of Thrones” and Fox’s “Empire.” Best before laying into the HFPA and the awards’ network, comedy series was a similar upset, with Amazon’s NBC, which he noted had no nominations. He “Mozart in the Jungle,” winning over the HBO heavy- mocked the whole enterprise, assuring losing actors weight “Veep.” Actors in both shows - Christian Slater that “no one cares about awards as much as you do.” for “Mr Robot” and Gabriel Garcia Bernal for “Mozart The Globe award, itself, he said, is “a bit of metal that in the Jungle” - also won. some confused old journalist wanted to give you to meet you in person and take a selfie.” One of his three Memorable moment Globes, Gervais said, he stuffs up his rear. In an election year, Gervais had the only cutting After a 10-year ratings high three years ago, the political remark in the show. He introduced presen- Golden Globes’ viewership has dipped slightly since, ters Eva Longoria and America Ferrera as two talent- with an audience of 19.3 million tuning in last year. ed actresses that “your next president, Donald Trump, That, though, is still very strong for the Golden can’t wait to deport.” The Cecil B DeMille lifetime Globes, which have worked to shed an image of achievement honoree, often an emotional high point eccentric selections made by a group of little-known in the awards, also lacked a memorable moment. international journalists. The Globes have instead Honoree Denzel Washington fumbled with his grown into one of the most popular award show speech, while his wife, Pauletta, prodded him. As he broadcasts of the year, thanks to increasingly credible Director Quentin Tarantino accepts In this image released by NBC, Laszlo Nemes wound down, Washington finally granted: “Yeah, I do nominees, its trademark relaxed atmosphere and its the award for best original score on accepts the award for best foreign language need my glasses.” Best foreign language film went to unique position as a major awards show that honors Aaron Sorkin accepts the award for behalf of Ennio Morricone for the film for “Son of Saul”. Hungary’s Laszlo Nemes’ “Son of Saul,” a harrowing both film and television. — AP best screenplay for “Steve Jobs”. film, “The Hateful Eight.” lifestyle TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 AWARDS

Sam Esmail, foreground, accepts the award for best TV series drama for”Mr Robot”. List of winners for the Golden Globe Awards

Motion pictures Simon Kinberg, Picture, Drama: “The Revenant.” from left, Ridley Picture, Musical or Comedy: “The Martian.” Scott, and Actor, Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Revenant.” Michael Actress, Drama: Brie Larson, “Room.” Schaefer pose Denzel Director: Alejandro Inarritu, “The Revenant.” in the press Washington, Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon, “The Martian.” room with the left, stands with Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence, “Joy.” award for best his wife Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone, “Creed.” motion Pauletta and his Supporting Actress, Motion Picture: Kate Winslet, picture - family as he “Steve Jobs.” musical or accepts the Foreign Language: “Son of Saul.” comedy for “The Cecil B Demille Animated Film: “Inside Out.” Martian”. Award. Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, “Steve Jobs.” Original Score: Ennio Morricone, “The Hateful Eight.” Original Song: “Writing’s on the Wall” music and lyrics by Sam Smith, Jimmy Napes), “Spectre.”

Television Series, Drama: “Mr Robot.” Actor, Drama: Jon Hamm, “Mad Men.” Actress, Drama: Taraji P Henson, “Empire.” Series, Comedy: “Mozart in the Jungle.” Actor, Musical or Comedy: Gael Garcia Bernal, “Mozart in the Jungle.” Actress, Musical or Comedy: Rachel Bloom, “Crazy Ex- Girlfriend.” Movie or Limited Series: “Wolf Hall.” Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie: Oscar Isaac, “Show Me a Hero.” Actress, Movie or Limited Series: Lady Gaga, “American Horror Story: Hotel.” Actor Oscar Isaac, winner of Best Performance in a Jimmy Napes, left, and Sam Smith pose in the press Sylvester Stallone, winner of the award for best per- Supporting Actor, Series, Limited Series or TV Movie: Miniseries or Television Film for ‘Show Me a Hero’. room with the award for best original song in a motion formance by an actor in a supporting role in any Christian Slater, “Mr Robot. picture for “Writing’s on the Wall” from “Spectre”. motion picture for “Creed”. Supporting Actress, Series, Limited Series or TV Movie: Maura Tierney, “The Affair.” — AP

Lady Gaga poses with award for Best Kate Winslet poses in the press room with Actress TV Series or Limited Movie, for her the award for Best Supporting Actress - role in “American Horror Story: Hotel”. Motion Picture for her role in “Steve Jobs”.

Christian Slater poses in the press room Jon Hamm poses in the press room with the with the award for best supporting actor in award for best performance by an actor in a Jada Pinkett Smith, a series, limited series or TV movie for his TV series - drama for “Mad Men”. Bryce Dallas Howard, left, and left, and Will Smith. role in “Mr Robot”. Orlando Bloom present an award.

Colin Callender, center, appears with the cast and crew as he accepts the award for best TV limited series or TV movie for Roman Coppola, foreground, accepts the award for best TV comedy series for Mark Wahlberg, left, and Will Ferrell present an award. “Wolf Hall”. “Mozart in the Jungle”. Stallone, Lawrence, ‘Mr Robot’ win Golden Globe Awards

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016 38

This is a June 19, 1987 file photo of David Bowie.

A woman with a painted face stands for a photograph in front of a mural of British singer David Bowie, painted by Australian street artist James Cochran, aka Jimmy C, fol- A makeshift memorial surrounds David Bowie’s star on lowing the announcement of Bowie’s death, in Brixton, south London yesterday.—AP/AFP photos the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles.

David Bowie’s last album fitting epitaph wo days before his death, David Bowie released “Blackstar,” his 25th album, which serves as a fit- Tting musical epitaph. On “Blackstar,” he trans- forms himself once again, proving that at 69, he still had plenty of surprises up his musical sleeve. Recording primarily with an avant-garde jazz quartet and with a longtime collaborator, co-producer Tony Visconti, Bowie crafted a haunting, seven-song col- lection that deals thematically with death and despair - and now will be endlessly parsed for clues is groundbreaking career was as much about style as it was about music- about his own impending mortality. David Bowie plundered a wild array of influences to redraw the bound- Far from being depressing, the album feels uplift- Haries of fashion and blur the lines between masculine, feminine and oth- ing and relentlessly inventive. Credit, of course, goes er-worldly. Throughout his heyday in the 1970s and beyond, each new album to Bowie, but his new playmates here keep pace with and sound was matched by a radically new look, bringing a dimension of per- him note for note, especially drummer Mark Guiliana, formance art and daring experimentation to the world of pop music. Among whose persistent beats provide an earthly tether to the most memorable outfits: the huge, billowing trousers in black vinyl and Bowie’s often ethereal vocals, and saxophonist white stripes from his Aladdin Sane period in 1973, inspired by Japanese kabuki Donny McCaslin, whose bleating playing often gives theatre. Or the iconic appearance on British TV show “Top of the Pops” a year the project a deliberately off-kilter, discordant feel. earlier, with his shock of fiery hair and gender-bending outfit in gold, red and Whether on the disturbing title track, which ties azure blue-inspired by the dystopian futurism of Stanley Kubrick’s “A Clockwork together two seemingly disparate tunes and is Orange”. rumored to be about ISIS, the narrated-from-heaven The gang of “Droogs” in the film, Bowie drily commented, were “Ultraviolence tale “Lazarus,” or the album closer, “I Can’t Give in Liberty fabrics,” referring to the famous London fashion store. Some of his Everything Away,” Bowie has - for the last time - rein- styles were just too much for censors to stomach. A cobweb bodysuit-with two vented not only himself, but popular music in a way hands clutching the chest-designed by Natasha Korniloff for a Ziggy Stardust that challenges, but never alienates, the listener. It’s show in 1973 had to be modified at the insistence of a US TV network to remove an appropriate and satisfying musical goodbye.—AP a third hand thrusting up between Bowie’s legs. He also used Korniloff for one of his more striking costumes-the blue Pierrot outfit that featured in his “Ashes to Ashes” video in 1980, recalling a classical clown and 17th century theatre.

‘Radical innovations’ A photo taken on February 22, 1997 shows British rock music legend David Bowie per- Bowie always had an eye for emerging fashion talent. In 1997, he solicited forming on stage during the German TV program “Wetten, da?...?” in M¸nster, western Alexander McQueen, then a young graduate, to design his Union Jack coat, Germany. inspired by that of Pete Townshend from The Who. “He mixed a very punk aes- thetic-rips, cigarette burns-with this tradition of classic British tailoring, which is very Bowie,” said Victoria Broackes, who helped curate a highly popular exhibi- tion of the singer’s clothes and style. “At the time, Alexander McQueen was not yet well known to the public. But Bowie always knew how to work with the most extraordinary and interesting guys,” she added. The retrospective, which first appeared at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in 2013, underlined the extent of his influence on fashion and his enduring popularity as a multimedia artist. “David Bowie Is” was the museum’s fastest-selling show of all time, and brought together everything from baby photographs to painstaking sketches of designs for his own costumes. “His radical innovations across music, theatre, fashion and style still resound today in design and visual culture and he continues to inspire artists and designers throughout the world,” the V&A’s director Martin Roth said at the time. Even in his early days, appearing with bands The Kon-rads and The King Bees, Bowie had an instinctive grasp of the power of image, meticulously designing In this Sept 14, 1995, file photo, David Bowie per- the fledgling groups’ costumes and stage sets. He went on to take obsessive forms in Hartford, Conn. care over every aspect of his appearances, from lighting to graphic design. This file photo taken on February 13, In this file picture taken on October 1997 shows David Bowie and his wife, 20, 2003, British rock legend David The Berlin years supermodel Iman smile as they pose Bowie performs on stage at the Bercy The exhibition travelled the world, including an important stop in Berlin for photos after Bowie received a star stadium in Paris. where Bowie spent three influential years in the late 1970s. That was the period on the world famous Walk of Fame. of his slick Thin White Duke persona that spawned a trilogy of groundbreaking albums: “Low”, “Lodger” and “Heroes”. All were recorded at Hansa Studios, over- looked by the guard towers of the Berlin Wall. “It was here that he seemed to escape his demons, to throw off creative burn-out and rejuvenate his inspira- tion,” said Broackes. Wearied by fame, trying to kick a cocaine addiction and drawn by new elec- tronic music, Bowie arrived in still war-scarred West Berlin in 1976 where he indulged his fascinations with German Expressionism, the 1919-1933 Weimar Republic and the buzzing subcultures of the 1970s. “It’s a city that’s so easy to ‘get lost’ in-and to ‘find’ oneself, too,” Bowie said in 2001. His love affair with Berlin fed not only his personal style but also that of his friends, leading to the iconic image of US rocker Iggy Pop on his album “The Idiot” in 1977, which Bowie produced and photographed. The East German Stasi secret police feared Bowie’s attraction, with files show- ing their concern that a 1987 concert in front of the Reichstag in West Berlin would draw young East Berliners to listen across the Wall. His love of Germany was always reciprocated, even beyond his death yesterday on day when the Somoli-born model Iman and her This is a Dec 1, 1993 file photo of the German foreign ministry wrote on Twitter: “Good-bye David Bowie. You are now husband David Bowie (right) arrive Princess of Wales, shaking hands among #Heroes. Thank you for helping to bring down the #wall.”—AFP A customer picks up a copy of “Blackstar” the lat- for the 17th Annual Glamour Women with David Bowie after a show in est album by British musician David Bowie. of the Year awards. London.