SUBSCRIPTION

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 RAJAB 19, 1435 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Bird numbers Turkey mine Arsenal hit Atletico Madrid increase on rescue ends, back to win win La Liga Boubyan death toll thrilling title after Island 2 at12 301 FA20 Cup final draw20 at Barca Saudi Arabia bans Dutch Max 35º Min 22º firms over Islam insult High Tide 02:53 & 13:22 Low Tide Wilders defiant after Riyadh slaps sanctions 08:08 & 21:01 40 PAGES NO: 16169 150 FILS RIYADH: Saudi companies have been ordered to exclude Dutch firms from future projects over an anti- Islamic stunt by a far-right Dutch politician, in a royal Modi on symbolic victory lap decree made public by the Makkah chamber of com- merce. The decree bans “Dutch firms from taking part in VARANASI, India: Indian prime minis- far stronger country than it was a decade future projects in the kingdom, whether directly or ter-elect Narendra Modi offered prayers ago,” the 81-year-old said in a typically through sub-contracting,” according to a chamber circu- by the river Ganges yesterday in a reli- low-key speech - a great contrast to the lar seen by AFP yesterday. It also reduces to a minimum gious ceremony beamed live on televi- bombastic, high-energy style of his suc- the number of visas “for Dutch companies and investors sion that underlined his Hindu national- cessor. Modi is expected to be sworn in who are not part of vital projects in the kingdom.” And it ist roots a day after his stunning electoral this week, and Singh will remain in office orders an end visits by trade delegations between the triumph. The 63-year-old leader of the on a caretaker basis until then. two countries. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept Modi helped the BJP to the first In November, anti-Islamic through the capital earlier yesterday, majority in parliament since 1984 after a lawmaker Geert Wilders print- where he was greeted by thousands of campaign focused on delivering new ed stickers imitating the Saudi well-wishers who mobbed his car and jobs and development, despite fears flag. The Arabic text on the showered him with rose petals. raised by opponents of his impact in offi- flag, which reads “There is no The victory lap continued to the cially secular India. “The country has giv- god but Allah and Muhammad sacred city of Varanasi, from where he en us an unprecedented mandate. I is the messenger of Allah” was stood for parliament, ending on the want to thank the country for giving us changed. The Dutch foreign banks of the Ganges which is revered by the opportunity to serve with a clear ministry told AFP earlier yester- Hindus and is believed to cleanse sins. As majority,” he said. day that Saudi Arabia feels priests and onlookers chanted devotion- “Modi is our lion! He will work for the “insulted” by Wilders, and spokesman Friso Wijnen said al songs, Modi prayed and lit a tradition- people of India, he will work for develop- Geert Wilders al oil lamp before climbing atop a ment, he will work for every Indian,” this could entail “commercial flower-decked dais where he sat next to shouted Om Dutt, a 39-year-old shop measures against the Netherlands.” The Dutch govern- several senior BJP colleagues, thanking owner as Modi arrived in New Delhi ear- ment distanced itself from Wilders’ actions at the time, local residents who elected him by a lier in the day. A crowd of supporters, pointing out that the populist firebrand is not part of crushing margin of 370,000 votes. who had waited at the airport since early the government and his ideas are not representative. Among other election promises, morning while being entertained by a In addition to trade in oil and gas, the Netherlands including ideas to build a hundred new marching band and thumping dance exports a wide range of products and technology in the cities and high-speed rail network, he music, burst through police barricades at agriculture, machinery, chemical and petrochemical has said he will work to clean up the the sight of his cavalcade arriving. sectors in Saudi Arabia. Wilders, in reaction to possible filthy river whose sacred status has not His triumph has redrawn India’s trade measures by Saudi Arabia, said in a statement that prevented rampant pollution. The con- political map, elevating the BJP to a the Netherlands “should have boycotted that country a troversial politician, a former tea boy pan-national force and heaping humili- long time ago”. tainted by anti-Muslim riots on his watch ation on the ruling Gandhi political Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) is expected to make as chief minister in Gujarat, has the dynasty, whose Congress party has gains in European elections at the end of May, and has strongest mandate of any Indian leader been in power for 10 years. Final figures allied with other far-right parties across the continent, in 30 years. from the Election Commission showed including France’s National Front led by Marine Le Pen. Beleaguered outgoing Prime Minster the BJP had secured 282 seats in the Attempts to prosecute him for his claims have failed. He Manmohan Singh resigned yesterday, 543-member parliament, while the was acquitted on charges of inciting hatred in 2011, ending his 10 years in charge, and a final Congress slumped to its lowest ever tal- with judges arguing that his comments were directed televised address thanked the Indian ly of just 44 - a quarter of its haul in NEW DELHI: Supporters shower flower petals on opposition Bharatiya Janata against a religion rather than an ethnic group. There people for their support. “Today India is a 2009. — Agencies Party (BJP) leader Narendra Modi as he arrives at the party headquarters yes- was recent outrage after he promised during local elec- terday. — AP tions in March to ensure “fewer Moroccans” in the Netherlands. — Agencies Egypt Salafists Fossils of ‘largest’ dino found BUENOS AIRES: Paleontologists in er first spotted a massive leg bone, meas- Argentina’s remote Patagonia region have uring some 2.4-m in length. discovered fossils of what may be the Excavations starting Jan 2013 also split over Sisi largest dinosaur ever, amid a vast cache of uncovered complete bones of the tail, tor- fossils that could shed light on prehistoric so and neck - which will allow for a fuller life. The creature is believed to be a new picture of what the entire animal looked CAIRO: When Egypt’s military chief Abdel experienced Brotherhood, and it lobbied species of Titanosaur, a long-necked, like when alive. The 36-year-old scientist, Fattah Al-Sisi announced in a television for a larger role for Islamic law in a new long-tailed sauropod that walked on four one of a team of Argentine and Spanish address the overthrow of Islamist presi- constitution. legs and lived some 95 million years ago researchers, said the group had uncov- dent Mohamed Morsi, an ultraconserva- “We are for the implementation of in the Cretaceous Period. Researchers say ered “10 vertebrae of the torso, 40 from tive Salafi party official sat by his side, Islamic law but not a state within a state,” the plant-eating dinosaur weighed the the tail, parts of the neck and complete making an unlikely ally. Almost 11 months Bakkar said of Morsi’s Brotherhood move- equivalent of more than 14 African ele- legs”. “Until now, what was known, world- later, with Sisi poised to win a presidential ment, removed from power after mass phants, or about 100 tonnes, and wide, about sauropods was from frag- election amid a crackdown on Islamists protests against Morsi. “We want a parlia- stretched up to 40 m in length. Photos mentary discoveries,” said Carballido, a that has killed at least 1,400 people, the mentary system, not a president who show a fossilized femur larger than the paleontologist at the Egidio Feruglio Salafists of Al-Nour party are sticking by monopolises all powers,” he said. The par- paleontologist pictured next to it. Museum in the southern Argentine city of him. ty now faces the prospect of a retired mili- Further exciting researchers, bones Trelew, calling the find “extraordinary”. The support of Al-Nour, whose Galal tary leader as president, who says he is from at least seven individual dinosaurs, Even more bones may be forthcoming, Al-Morra appeared in the dramatic televi- pious but will leave religion out of politics. including some believed to be younger, Carballido said. So far, “we have only sion broadcast last July, has allowed it to A new constitution approved in a were found at the site. This is “the most recovered an estimated 20 percent of survive the crackdown January referendum complete discovery of this type of giant what’s in the field,” he said. The but splintered its base. removed much of the dinosaur in the world, a momentous dis- researchers have also found what they Many Salafists were Islamist-inspired wording covery for science,” cheered Jose Luis believe to be muscle insertions, which will among the estimated of the one adopted under Carballido, one of eight scientists who help them reconstruct the form of the 700 protesters killed on Morsi, and partly drafted participated in the research. The fossils creature’s muscles and calculate how Aug 14 when police by Salafists. Bakkar says were accidently discovered in 2011 by a much energy was needed to move them. raided a pro-Morsi his party was backing Sisi farm worker in a remote area in the The find will also be able to shed light on protest camp in Cairo. in the May 26-27 election Patagonian province of Chubut, some more than just the anatomy of these The leaders of Egypt’s because he was the best 1,300 km south of Buenos Aires. The work- remarkably large herbivores. — AFP Salafists - adherents of a man to restore “stability” Kuwait film to be puritanical school of and fight “terrorism”, Islam - have had a histo- referring to militant shown at Cannes ry of falling in line with attacks which have killed CANNES: Kuwaiti film ‘Falafel Cart’, directed by strongmen. Their oppo- hundreds of security per- Abdullah Al-Wazzan, was selected for the 2014 nents, including the sonnel. The decision has Cannes International Film Festival’s short film corner Muslim Brotherhood, shorn it of support from competition. In a statement to KUNA, Wazzan said he say they are mere many Islamists ahead of Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi was proud to represent Kuwait at the renowned film opportunists. parliamentary elections festival, adding that the selection of his film reflected But the Salafi leaders argue their prag- scheduled for later this year. Kuwait’s youth’s ability to produce internationally matism helps avoid the turmoil and Mohamed, a 37-year-old Salafist who recognized films. bloodshed of rebellion, and serves their runs a Cairo pharmacy, accused the Falafel Cart is a ten-minute film revolving around endgame of a society which accepts group of sacrificing “religion for the sake an unseen falafel cart owner who regains his passion Islamic law. “We have a long-term vision,” of politics”. “Al-Nour leaders have chosen for cooking after stumbling upon a special flower said Nader Bakkar, a spokesman for Al- to be pragmatic ... They know Field that holds the essence of his past. Wazzan affirmed Nour party. The party was formed in 2011, Marshal Sisi will win and they prefer to be that it was important to support Kuwaiti youth in months after an uprising overthrew Hosni with the ruling power,” he said. “They are their ambition to produce films, saying that the Mubarak - an uprising Egypt’s most simply afraid of going through what’s Cannes festival was the perfect venue to showcase prominent Salafi clerics viewed with cau- happened to the Muslim Brotherhood.” such talents. The Cannes International Film Festival tion. Al-Nour won the second largest Most of the Brotherhood’s leadership, began on May 14 and will continue till the 25th of number of seats in a 2011 parliamentary including Morsi, has been arrested and this month. Eighteen films are competing to for the election, behind the more politically put on trial. — AFP RAWSON, Argentina: A picture taken on Friday shows a technician next to the Palme d’Or. — KUNA femur of a dinosaur - likely to be the largest ever to roam the earth. —AFP SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 LOCAL Transportation authority, housing top discussions Busy week for Assembly panel

By A Saleh women’s affairs committee will discuss amend- discussion of the state’s policies regarding the ments to a draft law on children’s right, with the national economy and diversifying sources of KUWAIT: Parliament committees start a busy expected presence of Dr Ali Al-Obaidi, Minister income, based on a request presented by 10 week today by looking into finalizing a number of Health, and Hind Al-Subaih, Minister of Social MPs. Lawmakers are also expected to discuss the of important issues before MPs discuss seven Affairs and Labor and Minister of Planning and state’s policy with regards to protecting histori- draft laws and three investigation committee Development. cal places in Kuwait. Meanwhile, the parliament requests during its session Tuesday. The housing In the meantime, the public facilities’ commit- is set to discuss the foreign committee’s report committee meets today Minister of State for tee is set to discuss the draft law to establish a on the Gulf security pact and vote on draft laws Housing Affairs Yasser Abul in order to discuss a transportation authority with Abdul-Aziz Al- that include environment protection and the draft law to establish residential cities. Sources Ibrahim, Minister of Electricity and Water and public transportation authority. indicate that Abul is not against the law in prin- Minister of Public Works. Sources with knowl- In other news, the government told the leg- ciple, but is likely going to request that the law is edge of previous discussions over the issue indi- islative and legal committee that the Fatwa and delayed for further deliberation. “[The minister] cate that the minister had informed the panel legislation authority is studying a mechanism to will explain the need to come up with a practical that the government will likely reject the law in enforce a gun control process that does not economic vision that lures private companies to its current form because it believes that it does require exceptional procedures. The government become a partner in the solution for the housing not serve the main objective of resolving road- clarified in a letter to the committee that a simi- crisis,” said the sources who spoke on the condi- related problems through the authority. lar draft law presented by the parliament is ‘diffi- tion of anonymity. cult’ to be applied since Kuwait is not going The law stipulates establishing shareholding Sources of income through exceptional circumstances that require companies that oversee construction of inte- Also today, the legislative committee meets exceptional procedures that the law stipulates, grated cities to meet the rising demand on gov- to discuss proposals to establish a fund under such as raiding houses and searching people, Al- ernment housing. The government is concerned the Public Institution for Social Security to grant Qabas reported yesterday. The government also the time required to build projects of this size soft loans to retired Kuwaitis, a health insurance suggested controlling the import and sale of might prolong the crisis, therefore it prefers to fund for athletes and a fund for end of service light weapons, the report indicates. carrying out suburban projects instead. indemnity that the state finances for five years. The same daily also reported that the parlia- The budget committee meets meanwhile The panel also discusses a law to protect salaries ment’s investigations committee into the Kuwait with representatives from the Finance Ministry, from suspension without a court order, and a Airways’ contracts has asked Speaker Marzouq Audit Bureau, Public Authority for Housing proposal to amend the Kuwait Fund for Arab Al-Ghanem to summon 14 persons to provide Welfare and Public Authority for Civil Economic Development’s law, Al-Rai daily documents that the panel previously requested, Information to discuss the 2014/2015 budgets of reported yesterday. according to rapporteur MP Dr Abdulhameed the PAHW and PACI. In the meantime, the Tuesday’s ordinary session is set to feature Dashti. Former minister, lawmakers to run for by-elections

KUWAIT: Several political groups, tribes and Moving on before by-elections are ever held. This direction independent politicians have started gearing up Numerous MPs hoped meanwhile that the is motivated by the need to make sure that the for by-elections to elect replacements of five parliament ‘turns the leaf’ of the resignations parliament does not become dominated by MPs whose resignations were officially accepted issue, and focus instead on its legislative duties. pro-government MPs, said sources familiar with on Thursday. The National Islamic Alliance (NIA) “The parliament is required to take the initiative the plan. They did not provide details about the reportedly plans to announce former MP Ahmad and enforce laws and legislations that help push scenario, but hinted that it could include filing Lari, former minister Fadhel Safar and former MP the development process forward,” MP Awdah a series of grilling motions to force a parliamen- Mubarak Al-Najadah to run in the second, third Al-Ruwaiei told Al-Jarida daily. tary dissolution. Birds numbers increase and fourth constituencies respectively, accord- MP Khalil Al-Saleh said meanwhile that the Separately, former MP Riyadh Al-Adasani ing to sources. The insiders spoke on the condi- parliament needs to focus on issues of top prior- gave details during a recent televised interview tion of anonymity to Al-Rai daily, which also ity “in order to make achievements” before the about the multimillion deposits case - a politi- at Boubyan island quoted ‘parliamentary sources’ that predicted end of the current term, while MP Khalil cal bribes scandal which led to the parliament’s KUWAIT: Kuwait Environment Protection added that many birds had been spotted by-elections will be held on Tuesday, June 24. Abdullah agreed that legislative and executive dissolution and resignation of former prime Society’s birds tracking and recording team towards the northern part of the island by The fourth constituency has so far seen the authorities need to give more attention to issues minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah announced that birds spotted at Boubyan the beginning of spring when they come to largest activity with candidates announcing that matter citizens the most. MP Hamdan Al- on Dec 2011. island were considerably increasing. breed. plans to run for by-elections including Amsh Al- Azmi argued meanwhile that while cooperation In an interview with Al-Adalah (justice) TV, In this regard, team member, Rashid Al- Al-Hajji added that observations Tawalah, Faisal Al-Rushaidi, Mohammad Al- between the two authorities is necessary, that Adasani claimed that one out of 13 former Hajji said that, in collaboration with the showed that at least ten new species of Rushaidi, Amin Al-Shuraifi, Farraj Al-Arbeed, should not allow the parliament to come ‘under lawmakers accused in the case received KD coastguards, KEPS usually sends teams to birds, including some very rare ones, were Mashhour Al-Saiedi and Yousuf Al-Enezy. the control’ of the government. 9.7 million, whereas another cashed in with the island to track and follow up the num- annually nesting on the island during mat- Meanwhile, former MP Tahir Al-Failakawi, lawyer KD 7.4 million. He added that one MP was bers, species and conditions of birds. He ing seasons. Bassam Al-Assousy and media personality Dissolution? paid KD 6.5 million, two collected KD 4 million Abdullah Al-Saleh announced plans to run in the Al-Watan daily reported meanwhile that 15 each, three obtained KD 3 million each, while third constituency, while Abdullah Khasrouh MPs who voted against their colleagues’ resig- four lawmakers were paid KD 1 million to KD from the Justice and Peace Movement is expect- nations Thursday are currently pushing for a 1.5 million each, in addition to one who ‘Special censorship’ for ed to make an announcement soon. scenario that results in holding snap elections received KD 700,000. violent movies, video games

KUWAIT: The government plans to crack- games that encourage violence among down on movies and video games consid- children off shelves, according to a letter ered to be encouraging violence, especially signed by the Cabinet’s Secretary General among young people. Abdullatif Al-Roudhan and sent recently to No timeline was given in a report carry- Minister of Municipality Affairs Essa Al- ing the news and published by Al-Qabas Kandari. yesterday. It indicates that the Cabinet has Movies in Kuwait are already subjected assigned the Ministry Commerce and to heavy censorship under which graphic Industry and the Kuwait Municipality to scenes are often cut out, while extremely enforce ‘special and quick censorship’ on violent motion pictures are often banned violent movies and video games. from screening or being sold to home A Cabinet committee formed to study video. Video games that feature high levels violence among young people in Kuwait of violence, such as Rockstar’s Grand Theft has called for taking movies and video Auto series, are banned in Kuwait as well. MoH employee reinstated by court

By A Saleh addition to reinstating the employee, the court ordered the Ministry of Health to pay KUWAIT: The appeals Court upheld a rul- him KD 5,000 in damages. ing that orders the Ministry of Health to reinstate an employee after tests came Freedom of opinion negative for hepatitis C. The ministry had In other news, the court of cassation terminated the employee’s contract on the overruled an appeals court ruling which grounds that he was medically unfit to suspended the Al-Mustaqbal newspaper work in public hospitals and polyclinic for one month due to publishing a state- because of his sickness. He filed a case, and ment from the Amiri Diwan without per- won a court order based on tests carried mission. The ruling was based on articles 36 out by the Criminal Evidence Department and 37 of the Kuwaiti constitution which and Kuwait University’s College of Medicine guarantees the rights of belief and opinion, and Ministry of Health, which all came neg- including the right of criticism and publica- ative for the virus, said Sheikh Dawood Al- tion, said lawyer Khalid Al-Zamel in a state- KUWAIT: A fire broke out over an area of 300 square meters at the new scarp market in Naayem along Salmi highway, said security sources. Salman Al-Sabah, the plaintiff’s lawyer. In ment published by Al-Qabas yesterday. Firemen from Salmi and Jahra industrial area rushed to the scene and managed to contain the fire. The fire destroyed some oldhags, s automo- bile scrap and lumber without any casualties. —By Hanan Al-Saadoun MoE performance bonuses by September WANTED KUWAIT: Upon instructions from Minister of Education Ahmed Al- Mulaifi, specialized committees have recently finished preparing lists of teaching and administrative staff members who deserve performance Center to launch bonuses for the past two years, pending paying them once the finance ministry approves increasing MoE’s bonus allocations to KD 60 million. first national robotic Educational sources said Mulaifi asked all sectors to prepare the lists Editors & Reporters and that he sent a letter to the finance ministry requesting approval of sciences contest paying the bonuses that vary between KD 300 and KD 1,800. The sources noted that the sums needed were KD 60 million per year. KUWAIT: The Sabah Al-Ahmad Center for Giftedness and The sources added that ministry’s financial department was ready to Creativity, affiliated with the Kuwait Foundation for the pay last year’s bonuses where KD 10 million had been reserved for this Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), announced yesterday the purpose. “Once the finance ministry approves the sums, the payment launching of the first national contest for robot sciences on May Full time, must be in Kuwait, will start immediately,” said the sources, noting that the bonus payment 21, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. would take place by August at most. The contest is geared towards highlighting the role of a have transferrable 18 visa On a similar note, the Ministry of Electricity and Water employees’ robot as an educational tool that opens unlimited prospects for syndicate’s Secretary General Awad Shuqair said that Minister of students to think, design, implement, and employ the educa- Electricity and Water and Minster of Public Works Abdul Aziz Al-Ibrahim tional principles in order to achieve their goals, the Center’s and writing experience recently approved performance bonuses and that they would be Chairman Dr. Bader Al-Omar said in a press statement. deposited in employees’ bank accounts by next week. Shuqair also not- Robots are considered as one of modern day’s fields for all ed that he discussed several MEW employees’ demands in a meeting engineering sciences and their applications as they have been with undersecretary Ahmed Al-Jassar, and that the ministry had agreed also widely used among educational circles in many countries to some of them such as refurbishing the furniture at power plants and around the world, Al-Omar said, adding that robots are also Send CV, letters of reference emergency centers. He added that the ministry also agreed to open regarded as tools to achieve various tasks in practical and special first aid clinics in power plants in addition to special canteens. domestic life. and 3 writing samples to Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health announced that the Civil Services He also said applying robotic sciences to educational curricu- Commission (CSC) has approved paying expatriate anesthetics and lums has become one of the Center’s main priorities in order to [email protected] technicians working in anesthetization and ICUs at Al-Sabah and Zain keep up with the technological development, adding that this hospitals contamination and pollution allowances, said informed contest is based on the Center’s keenness to use several meth- sources, noting that the monthly value of the allowance is KD 35 as per ods and ways to encourage learning among students.—KUNA Only those who are shortlisted will be contacted CSC decision number 13/2012.

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 LOCAL

LUXEMBOURG: Opening of Q8’s largest highway site and its largest station in Luxembourg in progress. Q8 opens its ‘biggest site’ in Luxembourg Milestones in Europe’s energy market LUXEMBOURG: Kuwait Petroleum on one of the world’s best performers in journey’ for motorists who are looking a 24- ed by either of us, as it is open to market sun, and sea respectively,” explained, Al International (Q8) has scored major mile- environmental protection. KPI will play its hours a day full service petrol station that volatility and political stability in both our Rashidi. stones in Europe’s energy market by open- part in maintaining Luxembourg’s culture offers complete services including a big regions,” he said. “We certainly will keep on expanding ing its first highway site and its largest sta- of showing respect to the environment Delhaize Shop and Go Centre. “It is also directly related to the global our network in Europe, since the European tion in the world in Luxembourg. The serv- without making our products expensive to Highway petrol stations in Luxembourg financial crisis, which some countries are market is of utmost importance to our busi- ice station is located in Capellen on the our consumers,” he added. are well-known stops for tourists, since fill- recovering from while some countries in ness. This expansion in our retail network busy trans-European E25 motorway in Kuwait Petroleum Northwest Europe ing up the tank in Luxembourg is generally Europe are still struggling with it. Kuwait will happen in all countries where we have Luxembourg very close to the border with Managing Director, Azzam Al-Mutawa, more advantageous in price due to lower constantly monitors the health of global a retail presence, Benelux, Italy, Denmark Belgium and not far from the borders with explained that this is the first highway serv- taxes than in other European countries. economies to reach an adequate and a fair and Sweden,” he said. Germany, France, and the Netherlands. ice station that is fully operated under Q8 in Kuwait Ambassador Dharar Abdul equilibrium that is acceptable to both con- “In this perspective, Q8 Capellen is a true The opening ceremony held at the huge Luxembourg, and it is the first Q8 service Razzak Razzooqi, expressed his happiness sumers and producers. This equillibrium milestone and the largest site Q8 has ever site last Thursday was attended by the CEO station to show the renewed Q8 logo. over the opening of biggest site of Q8 in should be supportive to global economic had, the first highway in Luxembourg and of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation Nizar Al- “The traffic stopping at the E25 Capellen the world. growth, while still maintaining profitability the third largest site in the world. A great Adsani, Kuwait Petroleum International site is somewhat different to our usual cus- “We are very proud that Kuwaitis or for us as oil producers. We believe that achievement we are all really proud of, and President Bakheet Al-Rashidi, Kuwait tomer profile, and we therefore have every Kuwaiti companies themselves have mutual economic growth is the balancing we are proud of our team in Europe for Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and reason to believe our presence there will reached the level where the are engaged in factor,” Al Adsani said. their work,” he told KUNA. Kuwait the EU, Dharar Abdul Razzak Razzooqi who help us enhance our sales and market share production line, shipping and delivering,” On his part, Bakheet Al-Rashidi told Petroleum Luxembourg is said to be one of was accompanied by Mohammad Khalid Al in the BENELUX region, and further improve he told (KUNA). KUNA that “we are managing over 4,000 the major players on the Luxembourg fuel Huwailah and Sami Shammas from the our position in the market,” said Al-Mutawa. “We are very proud that the Kuwaitis retail sites in several countries. As well we market with over 40 service stations. embassy in Brussels. Koen Vankelst, retail and IT director in have the know-how , the technology and offer a whole range of other services such Apart from the sale of fuels, Kuwait In attendance at the ceremony were Kuwait Petroleum North West Europe, the access to the markets outside. We think as Aviation and Lubricants. We continue to Petroleum is also active on the market for government officials from Luxembourg and informed the audience that there are 41 this is a major step in broadening our rela- invest in Europe as this is of high strategic the production, marketing and sale of Q8 stakeholders in the energy sector as well as brand new fuel pumps at the site with 28 tionship in Europe, specially with importance to our company. Q8 Capellen is lubricants, and also supplies fuels to profes- representatives of the media. filling positions for truck, 11 for cars and 2 Luxembourg and Benelux countries,” he one of our major achievements in this per- sional end consumers and resellers. Addressing the gathering, Al-Rashidi for LPG. added. On his part, CEO of Kuwait spective.” Q8 also produces and sells “special prod- noted that the Capellen service station is The site will serve over 100 million litres Petroleum Corporation Nizar Al-Adsani, Secondly, he noted, “we are very proud ucts”, including bitumen. Kuwait Petroleum also the third biggest motorway site in the of fuel each year which means that there told KUNA that “ Europe remains KPI’s home to officially introduce our renewed logo in Luxembourg owns one of the major depots world. are four customers filling up the tanks of base, where we started in 1983 and never Capellen, Luxembourg. The Q8 Capellen in Luxembourg in Bertrange. “This is a tremendous achievement, and their vehicles every minute of the day. stopped growing. Our long term strategy site is the first site to carry our renewed cor- Last October, Q8 opened its first will be the beginning, we hope, of more Each pump makes about 25,000 transac- focuses on growth in Europe, expanding porate brand.” unmanned fuel station, Tango, at a high- ties between Kuwait and Luxembourg,” said tions yearly and the sites expect to wel- our businesses, and being a reliable suppli- “Our corporate brand - represented by way near the Dutch town of Eemnes. the KPI president. come over one million customers per year. er of energy.” our Q8 logo - was originally launched in Tango means ‘tank and go’ and they are “Luxembourg may be a small country in “The site itself is huge, spread over 7 “We believe in market stability and we 1986. The design itself reflects our share- unmanned which saves on costs. The size, but just like Kuwait, it stands tall on hectares in a space equivalent to about 10 believe in serving the interests of our cus- holders’ maritime heritage; the sails sym- Tango national network in the the international scene. Not only it is the football fields,” Vankelst pointed out. tomers in Europe,” he stated and explained bolize the Arab dhow while the colours yel- Netherlands was bought by Kuwait second richest economy in the world, it is The Q8 Capellen site will also ‘ease the that “the price of oil, however, is not decid- low, red, and blue symbolise the desert, Petroleum ten years ago. —KUNA

NBK, KFAS organize ‘Innovative Training Program’ for employees

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait and invest in human capital.” vate sector. KFAS strongly believes (NBK) in partnership with Kuwait “NBK strongly believes in promo- that developing the local human capi- Foundation for the Advancement of tion from within and in encouraging tal is a key to achieve its mission and Sciences (KFAS), organized the”Future professional development and growth therefore supports training programs Think Program”, an innovative training of staff. This initiative expands partici- that provide the necessary skills and program for NBK employees. pants’ risk tolerance, emphasizes sim- tools to enable innovative thinking Fifty two trainees were selected for plicity, and arms leaders with tech- which in turn would increase business the program that is tailored to provide niques for activating their teams’ productivity and competitiveness. keen understanding of best practices potential immediately.” Added Al- Adding through best practices for and actionable techniques for culti- Ablani. Director of Innovation and innovative problem-solving, partici- vating a culture of lasting innovation. Enterprise Directorate at Kuwait pants learn new techniques for ignit- “Investing in human resources is Foundation for the Advancement of ing a culture of innovation within investing in our future,” said Emad Al- Science Dr. Mohammed Salman stat- their organization.The program is a Ablani, NBK Deputy General Manager, ed that KFAS is playing a major role in part of KFAS’s new strategy that sup- Human Resources Group. “NBK’s part- establishing a knowledge based econ- ports developing the scientific and nership with KFAS is part of a continu- omy through promoting science, technological capabilities of the pri- ous process that helps develop talents technology, innovation in Kuwait’s pri- vate sector. Museums .. a link between past, future

KUWAIT: Museums are the barome- Museum of Kuwait, which opened dedicated to science, space and ter of civilisation and human legacy its doors to the public in 1957. The desert and marine wildlife. The of nations, representing a link museum has three main sections - museum includes a state-of-the-art between the past and the future and the first dealing with local history, aquarium and an IMAX theatre, sending out an accumulation of the second, Islamic history and the which features 3D films and docu- knowledge to the masses, genera- third, a planetarium. mentaries. tion after generation. As the In 1972, the Museum of Science Three years later, Bait Al-Othman International Council of Museums was inaugurated, aiming to shed was opened by a group of volun- (ICOM) marks International Museum light on the desert environment, teers opting for the traditional Day on May 18, Kuwait follows suit, space and science, and natural histo- Kuwaiti house of the late renowned in the aim of encouraging more ry. Tareq Rajab, in 1980, showcased academic Abdullah Al-Othman as its people to visit museums due to their his personal collection of “approxi- building. role in society. mately 10 thousand” antiquities The museum focuses on every- The northeastern Gulf state has from various civilisations around the thing Kuwaiti. In addition to exhibit- been a firm advocate of the impor- world, including calligraphy, textiles, ing historically significant aspects of tance of these cultural hubs within costumes, jewellry, art and musical Kuwait, like old currencies and busi- the community and has launched a instruments. nesses, the museum also showcases number of museums during its Some ten years after the Iraqi modern-day images such as the modern post-oil discovery era. occupation, the iconic structure of launch of the state carrier, Kuwait The first of these is the National the Scientific Centre was launched, Airways. — KUNA SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 LOCAL Construction worker killed in road accident Duo hurt in parking lot brawl KUWAIT: A man died in an accident on Friday Pakistani man was rushed to the operations 16-year-old Syrian boy over in the area for on Nuwaiseeb Road. Paramedics and police room for emergency surgery as soon as he uneven driving. They found an AK-47, two found that the Egyptian national had already arrived at Farwaniya Hospital, but died during shotgun rounds, one AK-47 bullet, pock- succumbed to his injuries by the time they the operation. His compatriot who ran him etknives and drug paraphernalia when they arrived in response to an emergency call. over accidently at the site was taken in police searched his car after suspecting that he was in Preliminary investigations indicate that the custody for questioning. an inebriated state. The teen was taken to the man was driving to his workplace at a con- Criminal Investigations Department’s juvenile struction site when he lost control over his Two hospitalized division for further action. vehicle after a tyre exploded. The vehicle lost Two men were hospitalized with multiple balance and overturned at the side of the road, stab wounds after they engaged in a heated Thieves nabbed killing the driving instantly, according to inves- fight in a school’s parking lot in Saad Al- Ahmadi detectives arrested two men hours tigations. The body was taken to the forensic Abdullah. Police managed to break up the after they robbed 5 briefcases from a bank department after criminal investigators exam- fight before they were taken in ambulances to employee’s car, which had no cash. The Arab ined the scene. A case was filed. Jahra Hospital under tight security. Police and man told officers at the Fintas police station In another accident, a man in his twenties paramedics arrived at the scene in response to Thursday afternoon that his car’s window was died after his motorcycle was involved in an an emergency call about a fight between two smashed and briefcases inside were stolen. He accident with a vehicle near the Salmiya fire young men armed with pocketknives. added that the cases included cheques, credit station. Paramedics pronounced the motorcy- Preliminary investigations indicate that the cards and documents, but did not have money clist dead at the scene before police sum- two wanted to settle old disputes after they in them. Criminal evidence department person- moned criminal investigators. The victim’s ran into each other. Further investigations are nel were able to identify the suspects through body was taken to the forensic department ongoing. fingerprints they left on the scene. The two after investigations. The status of the car’s driv- Kuwaiti men, aged 30 and 17, were located and er was not mentioned in the report. A case was Teen charged arrested inside a cafe in the Qurain Markets. KUWAIT: The Arab Open University hosted a seminar and workshop on safety filed to investigate the circumstances behind A teenager faces charges after police found They said during questioning that they moni- precautions in cooperation with the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate. Maj Majid the accident. (Anbaa) an automatic weapon, bullets and drug para- tored the bank employee’s activity throughout Al-Utaibi, Capt Yousuf Al-Blushi and Lt Hamid Al-Mershad lectured students phernalia in his possession. He will also be the day, and waited until he left his car. They about safety precautions against house fires, which include using smoke detec- Work mishap questioned for suspected drug abuse, driving confirmed that they were expecting to find tors and keeping fire extinguishers within reach. They also gave demonstrations A worker was killed after he was run over by under the influence and driving without a cash in the briefcases. The suspects were taken of firefighters’ rescue missions. a bulldozer at a company site in Sulaibiya. The license. Hawally patrol officers had pulled the to the public prosecution to face charges. Praise for awareness-raising role of auto mechanics contest

KUWAIT: Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Traffic Affairs Maj Gen Abdulfatah Al-Ali applauded the Palestinian Embassy eulogizes Al-Barjas role played by the Auto Mechanics and Traffic Systems KUWAIT: Ambassador of Palestine to Kuwait Rami the delivery of aid to Palestinians for decades, and Competition in raising people’s traffic awareness. Over 3,600 Tahboub expressed condolences to the State of Kuwait under the most extreme circumstances,” Tahboub said school students, male and females, have taken part in this on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a statement to the press. year’s edition of the contest which is co-organized by Kuwait and the Palestinian government, on the sad demise of Ambassador Tahboub mentioned projects carried Science Club and ministries of interior and education. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 22nd edition of pioneering Kuwaiti philanthropist and Kuwait Red out in Palestinian territories, from Jenin north of the the contest late Thursday, Al-Ali said the contest sheds light Crescent Society Chairman Barjas Al-Barjas. West Bank to Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, which on importance of auto mechanic awareness for drivers and Calling his passing ‘a great loss’ for Palestine and the were all carried out under Barjas’ instructions. “These people safety on the road. Palestinian people, Ambassador Tahboub praised projects which are worth tens of millions of Kuwaiti Traffic accidents are the third’s biggest causes of death in Barjas’ humanitarian efforts in Palestinians’ aid either dinars have helped create thousands of jobs and there- Kuwait, Al-Ali regretted, adding that such events help inside Palestine or in refugee camps. fore maintain the dignity and decent living of many increase awareness and thus reduce the number of traffic “The late Al-Barjas used to personally follow up with Palestinians,” the ambassador said. accidents. Al-Ali thanked all the co-organizers and the par- ticipants in the competition. For his part, Board Chairman of Kuwait Science Club Iyyad Al-Kharafi said that the competition is meant to pro- Kuwait oil faces heated vide students with the required skills and information to secure their safety when they have their own driving licens- competition in Southeast Asia es and cars.

By A Saleh The situation could become even Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al- worse for Kuwait as Iraq plans to Maliki visits China this week to par- KUWAIT: Kuwait could lose oil deals make similar offers to Japan, South ticipate in the Fourth Summit of the in Southeast Asia as Iraq is expand- Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and the Conference on Interaction and ing its exports to the Gulf nation’s Philippines, and as Iran plans to mar- Confidence Building Measures in largest market. Officials in both ket its oil products in those markets Asia (CICA), which Iraq was officially China and India have reportedly cho- soon, the sources warned. Kuwait invited to. Malik is set to meet on the sen offers from Iraq that came with has already considered offering con- sidelines of the conference with his more privileges and lower prices cessions on conditions and prices to Russian, Iranian and Chinese coun- compared to similar bids presented compete with the Iraqi and Iranian terparts, Vladimir Putin, Hassan by Kuwait, according to sources with offers, said the sources who spoke on Rouhani and Xi Jinping respectively, knowledge of the negotiations. the condition of anonymity. according to the sources.

KUWAIT: Ministry of Interior assistant undersecretary for IT and Communication affairs, Sheikh Mesh’al Al- Jaber Al-Abdullah yesterday received at his office the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, Eric Rosenbach and his accompanying delegation. Both sides discussed bilateral affairs and means of cooperation in fighting cyber crimes and spaces. KD 10,000 donation for refugees AMMAN: A relief aid Kuwaiti delegation visited several sites hosting Syrian refugees in Jordan, donating KD 10,000 Syrian families, children, and the wounded. During its two-day visit, the delegation, compromising Kuwaiti businessman Abdulaziz Al-Babtain as well as media figures Sami Al-Nesif and Dr Isam Al-Fulaij, met with Syrian refugees, providing them with much needed sup- port. Al-Babtain said that it was an obligation to support Syrian refugees, noting that through the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO), led by Abdullah Al-Maatouq, around KD 250,000 were donated in the last three years to help the Syrians here. — KUNA SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 LOCAL

In my view Local Spotlight Creativity of Egyptian young people election Al-Anbaa

By Labeed Abdal

By Muna Al-Fuzai

[email protected] [email protected] inister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud MAl-Sabah reiterated the government’s bdel Fattah Al-Sisi is the new president of keenness on supporting creative citizens and Egypt. He is expected to win by an over- encouraging their activities. His statements came Awhelming majority. This election is a picnic during a recent ceremony to reward Dr Layla Al- for this ironman, if we exclude the security threats Saban, the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Arabi Magazine for he is confronting. This article will not analyze the the success of the 13th annual intellectual forum Egyptian election. I’m more concerned on how which took place in March. the new presidency of Sisi will handle the econo- The ceremony itself was an important step to my? Economy is associated with security and you encourage creative young men and women and can never split these two. promote a magazine that earned a high status of Recently, I met some Syrians who have been cultural importance in Kuwait and the Arab world. kuwait digest supporters of the revolution and I asked them The campaign was titled “The Arab Culture on the Silk Road”. The title is a symbol of a period of histo- about the only thing they miss from Syria? They ry when the East and West were connected said ‘security’. Yes, there was poverty, but people through cultural, economic and civil interactions Local market requirements were secure. Now they lost both! The same situa- that helped promote diversity of civilizations. tion applies to Egypt. It is interesting that the minister chose this Economy for Egypt is everything. The public By Abdullatif Al-Duaij occasion to point out the importance of support- anger in Egypt will always be associated with ing innovative young citizens in the fields of arts, hunger and desperation. Sisi needs to restore music and all kinds of cultural production. he Democratic Circle List criticized the general direc- despite the fact that it is unable to provide classroom seats Egypt’s economy, get the tourists’ money flowing Governmental support that the minister under- tor of the Public Authority for Applied Education and for them all the time. back, open arms to foreign investments and lined provides a motivation for every young man TTraining over statements regarding the plan to As if that is not enough, the state is forced after that to reshape a new policy with the so called free world and woman who chooses the creativity road, so assign freshmen next year with majors required for the provide convenient jobs to high school and college gradu- to avoid vital mistakes of supporting the enemies. that they can leave more artistic impressions on labor market, instead of allowing them to choose the topic ates who forced the government to pay for their educa- Sisi will not end poverty in Egypt, but he can of their studies. tion. If no jobs are immediately available, the state is the society. offer solutions to the key issues that led to pover- And by constantly supporting young people’s In short, the students’ list refuses the process of linking required to pay them unemployment allowances, or in between study majors and local market’s requirements. other words, take care of their living costs until the state ty such as unemployment. Security will refresh distinguished activities, the state establishes the tourism and more jobs will be available. The correct principles for utilizing their efforts and Their argument sounds logical-as they argue that the gov- itself, and no one else, provides a job for them. ernment so far lacks a clear vision for the future require- And despite all these astronomical obligations the state expansion of foreign investments over farming making sure that they are put into good use when ments of the labor market, and therefore does not have has to bear, the Democratic Circle List criticizes the plan to lands outside the capital Cairo is essential to sup- their skills are being improved. This definitely has the right to force students to take specific majors. assign students with subjects according to the labor mar- port the presidency’s economic strategy. Most Sisi benefits in protecting young people from negative Not to mention that the list refuses the intervention of ket’s needs! That step would have been a mistake if stu- supporters hope that a new era of strongman aspects, such as being affected by extremism. the PAAET’s administration in principle, as it says that even dents paid from their own money for their education. It leadership will guide the country back to eco- Finally, I hope that we see other ministries show if the government had a clear plan regarding the labor would also be a mistake if the state was not responsible for nomic, security and social stability. similar efforts in endorsing young people’s creativi- market’s capacity, this still is not a justification to interfere providing jobs for graduates. I would have criticized this Egypt is a key player in the Middle East. Neither ty in fields that include construction, energy, in students’ choices. ‘blatant intervention’ if the state was not compelled to pay terrorist groups should be allowed to interfere or petroleum and technology. Embracing Kuwaiti and We have a strange situation here in Kuwait. The govern- for the living costs of a student who cannot find a job that expatriate innovators is a great investment for the ment is forced to pay for students’ tuition from the ele- matches with his or her major of studying. threaten its status nor should any foreign power young generations. mentary until the college stage, despite the fact that the But as long as the state pays for education costs and miscalculate its power. Sisi now is the suitable constitution limits compulsory education to the intermedi- study rewards, provides jobs and pays unemployment man to rule in Egypt. He needs to solve the out- ate stage. Not only is the state in Kuwait required to take allowances, should it not at least have the right to assign comes of three years of chaos since 2011. care of students’ education and preparation for the labor students subjects according to what it sees most appropri- Democracy theories are dreamers’ thoughts at this market, but it is also required to provide financial aid and ate, or simply what it wants?! stage. What Egypt needs now is the restoration of rewards to encourage students to continue studying, — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas security. The world needs to congratulate Sisi and kuwait digest support Egypt.

kuwait digest Bring back Letters to Muna our girls Our crisis is ethical! Dear Muna This refers to your article on taxes in Kuwait. By Iqbal Al-Ahmad While it is true that we would hate subsidies to go, By Ali Mahmoud Khajah there is an extraordinary abuse of these subsidies was glad to read MP Abdullah Al-Turaiji’s questions by all and sundry. Expatriates are no less guilty, for to the interior minister over an incident involving often wrote about political reform, thinking it is the way favoritism in all sectors, while at the same time, we example, of abusing water and electricity than cit- Ian Arab woman who was subjected to physical out of the state of deterioration we are experiencing. consider it gallantry that someone gets a transaction izens. Car washers in expatriate buildings are used assault at the hands of four women. I appreciate the IHowever, I found out that day by day, I become more done for us, forges a medical leave for us, exempts us to bathing instead of cleaning the cars. The lights fact that he highlighted the humanitarian aspect of convinced that political solutions and correction of the from having to wait in long queues or appoints us in a political situations are but a small part of the reasons lead- position that is more deserved by others. and AC is on even when they are out. And I am the case, especially that the victim is an expatriate. It is sure it is annoying for the government which so indeed a great thing, an attitude that I hope to see ing to this dilemma. Our crisis is more ethical than it is • We applaud all forms of laws abroad and fully abide by far has been generous to all residents. In my opin- continuing from our lawmakers. political. I have previously written about this and today, I them even more than natives of any given country we In Nigeria, the extremist group Boko Haram com- am rewriting the same in an attempt to prove my point of visit, yet we keep groaning when our country’s laws ion, there is a lack of proper education over the mitted a religious, moral and humanitarian crime view, especially in view of attempts to advocate that politi- are applied to us. “Why only us?”, we say. abuse of facilities. when they kidnapped more than 200 girls less than 15 cal reforms would make us live in a ‘paradise’. Here is some • We demand appointing well-qualified citizens and go To start with, let our religious leaders start years of age from their schools a month ago. The of what I wrote: purchase degree from other countries. switching off more lights than necessary in group’s leader Abubakar Shekau appeared in a video • We accept having two opinions about the same issue Lack of ethics is actually our real problem and crisis. The mosques. And the Friday sermon should include later calling the girls ‘captives’ of war, and threatened depending on change in people or positions and call examples listed above are but proofs of this. We have a exhortations to this effect. Then let shop owners to sell them outside the country as well as subject this ‘adaptation’, giving enough excuses talking about desperate problem in ethics without which nothing will whose neon signs have more light than our two- them to forced marriage. circumstances. At the same time, when others do the ever be reformed. Our ethics are constantly deteriorating same, we describe that as hypocrisy and start using while we stand still doing nothing to correct them. On the room flats start economizing. Same way with Quranic verses and prophetic traditions to criticize contrary, we enhance such deterioration in a way that will water. Let outside connections that are used for them. eventually make us live in a ‘jungle’. washing cars be metered and the haris should be The terrorist Boko Haram • We do not care if people deprived of identity, educa- All the behaviors we are suffering from are but details questioned if the water reading is abnormally group destroyed several tion, health, housing and jobs live among us for fifty of a real crisis in ethics basically resulting from our educa- high. Let our malls start switching off some lights. years and we simply say: Let them show their real tional system. The state has the advantage of the first 14 A unit saved by all will reflect a huge change. But bridges in order to hinder nationalities, as if humanity is restricted to certain years of citizens’ lives starting from kindergarten all the it requires education and appeal by the govern- nationalities. At the same time, we demand writing cit- way to high school during which it can carve the identity ment by taking residents and commercial estab- the search operations for izens’ loans off and drain state funds to avoid overbur- and ethics we want our kids to grow up to and thus form lishments in confidence. Till then, Allah forbid, if dening citizens even if the loans they got were to pur- them as required to present good ethics to our state. But subsidies are removed, all will suffer for the guilt the little girls, who they chase a luxury vehicle or go on vacation. we are not doing so, and unfortunately, it does not seem • We keep saying that we are fed up with corruption, the we will ever do! — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al- of a few. see as an easy prey to country’s retreat and the spread of wasta and Jarida Khalid feed their sick needs.

A few days ago, the terrorist Boko Haram group destroyed several bridges in order to hinder the kuwait digest search operations for the little girls, who they see as an easy prey to feed their sick needs. I was hoping that Turaiji or any other MP would make a statement to address the situation of Nigeria’s little girls, and Real estate prices increase inquire about the activity - or lack of, for that matter - of so-called ‘Islamist’ societies and groups in Kuwait. I was hoping to read a statement from these By Ahmad Al-Sarraf groups that express condemnation. Until former MP Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak released a statement to early everybody is complaining from increasing continually on the rise, even if they temporarily go down other than a villa of not less than 350 sq m is a shame. condemn this crime, everyone in Kuwait, including the prices of real estate, especially private residence or get frozen for a period of time, they will go up in the So there is nothing on the horizon about a climb- government, was in deep sleep. No strong condemna- homes, as their average price has reached nearly end, and the reasons are simple: down in the prices of housing lands or even a halt in tions from Muslims in the Arab and Islamic worlds N KD 1,100 per square meters in arid areas that do not First: Small size of the country. their rise for the above mentioned reasons, especially were made regarding this shameful act that disgraces have water or plants! Second: The house does not mean a thing without with the government’s inability to provide all what it the name of Islam. Many, at the same time, are concerned and worried services, and these are slow, and the cost of providing promised in the form of housing units. The solution, as France and the United Kingdom announced send- about searching for solutions of the huge shortage of them is very high. mentioned by more than one fair guy, is to go vertical, in ing specialists to help in search operations for the homes for more than 100,000 applications that piled up Third: Owners of the large housing lands are not in a buildings with high specifications located in distin- girls. China, meanwhile, promised to provide any use- on the government’s tables through the past few years, hurry to get rid of them. Experience proved that each guished areas, as then citizens will fight over getting ful information that its satellites and intelligence serv- which the government could not find a solution for oth- real estate seller, especially if he has much money, will them. ices detect. And for the first time in the history of the er than tranquilizing the applicants with various promis- regret the sale at the end, as lands are limited, availability Note: Among the ridiculous demands of some legisla- United States of America, First Lady Michelle Obama es, which everybody knows, except those concerned, is rare and the rise in prices cannot be avoided. tors is to make children’s allowance higher and to include gave the weekly address on behalf of President Barack that they are impossible to fulfill. Because how can the Fourth: The government subsidizes materials, and it is seven children! While at the same time they demand the Obama to talk about the crime. If any Muslim imag- government distribute 34,000 housing units during the noted that the value of residential lands and construc- government to provide private housing for citizens, with- ined that his daughters were kidnapped in the name next three years, as stated by its housing minister? tion material goes up every time a subsidy is announced out any sense that these two requests contradict each of Islam, and transferred to be sold as ‘captives’, he or The funny or regretful thing is that the government, with the same percentage, and this means that all what other! Because encouraging the citizen to have more she would have thought a thousand times and would its minister and every rational person knows Kuwait’s cir- the person who wants to build a house will gain from the children means more housing requests! So, if we are in not choose shameful silence. Violence against children cumstances and how projects are executed, and that it is government subsidy will be paid to the land owner or this bad condition now, how will the situation be when in any part of the world and in any society of any reli- impossible for any government to build this huge num- the building material supplier. we approve the seven-children allowance? gion is an unacceptable crime. — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas ber of housing units during this short period. Fifth: Bad curricula which failed to eradicate what the It seems no one knows, and no one wants to know! Logic and rationale say that prices of real estate are citizen has instilled in his brains that living in anything — Translated by Kuwait Times from Al-Qabas SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Despite deaths and Modi urged to reach out to India Muslims crackdown, Sahara migrant trail thrives Page 11 Page 8

MAKKAH: Muslim pilgrims picturing pigeons wear surgical masks to prevent infection from respiratory virus known as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. — AP Saudi MERS death toll rises to 163 Saudis question Makkah preparedness as MERS spreads RIYADH: Health authorities in Saudi Arabia have reported three navirus was spreading in part because hospitals are not taking more fatalities from the MERS respiratory virus, taking the death anti-infection measures. toll in the world’s worst-hit country to 163. The health ministry Only one medical facility in Makkah - the King Abdullah website also revealed yesterday that 520 cases have been Medical City - is equipped to handle MERS cases, according to recorded in the country since Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Ismail Mohammed, the director-general of another hospital in first appeared in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It said three women died the city, Umm Al Qura. “Makkah is almost considered to be free” on Friday, including one in Riyadh, 48, and a 67-year-old in the of the virus, he told AP. But he warned steps have to be taken to western city of Taif. A third woman died in Jeddah, the port city ensure it remains so. Government policies have largely only where a spate of cases among staff at King Fahd Hospital last been reactive; greater patient education is needed; and there is month sparked public panic and the dismissal of its director and still no “overall orientation (of anti-MERS policy) toward the pil- the health minister. grims.” Preparations, he said, are only on “an ad hoc basis.” Al-Bar, who served for years as Makkah’s general health direc- Officials raise alarm tor, said the Health Ministry should be overhauled to become Meanwhile, officials in Saudi Arabia are raising alarm that the less bureaucratic and that Makkah’s medical infrastructure needs kingdom is not doing enough to prevent Makkah from becom- a rapid transformation. Already, it does not have enough facili- ing a route for exporting an often deadly respiratory virus as mil- ties to provide primary care for pilgrims. “The current health lions of Muslims from around the world converge on the city to care system in the Makkah does not cover half of the needed perform pilgrimage at Islam’s holiest site. The calls have taken on services,” he said. greater urgency as Saudi Arabia struggles to contain a surge in Fortunately, MERS is not highly contagious - person-to-per- infections from the Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS. son spread has been seen only in close contacts, like family The country has seen the most infections worldwide by far - members or health care workers who care for an infected per- more than 500 since 2012 - and in past weeks the numbers have son. The World Health Organization said Wednesday the virus accelerated with several deaths reported nearly every day and does not yet constitute a global health emergency. Worldwide, new infections often numbering in the double digits. So far WHO has confirmations of at least 572 cases, including 173 Makkah, near the western Red Sea coast, has seen fewer cases deaths. The vast majority has been in Saudi Arabia - 163 dead than other parts of Saudi Arabia. Since the coronavirus was first and 514 confirmed cases since 2012, according to government discovered in 2012, there have been two annual hajj pilgrimages figures. to the city, and neither saw instances of pilgrims being infected. MERS often starts with flu-like symptoms but can lead to Most of the cases that have appeared outside Saudi Arabia, pneumonia, breathing problems and in severe cases, kidney fail- including two in the United States, have been from foreigners ure and death. Scientists are unsure exactly how people are returning home from work in the kingdom or from Saudis travel- catching MERS but suspect the disease is linked to camels. ing abroad. But as the number of cases rises in the kingdom, the Pilgrims are largely undaunted. Sharihan Abdel-Mofty, a 61 year- concern is that there are not enough precautions being taken in old Egyptian pilgrim, wore a blue surgical mask around the Makkah, an obvious potential hotspot for spreading the disease. Grand Mosque that houses the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure Experts say the Saudi Health Ministry needs to move faster to draped in black cloth. It is her first time to visit Makkah and she create more public awareness, promote more aggressive testing wanted to be careful, but she says the chance to pray at the base in hospitals and take better precautions among medical staff - of the Kaaba supersedes any concerns about the virus. “Is there who have made up a significant proportion of those infected anything more beautiful after this?” she said. “I hope to come because of improper conditions. every year.” — Agencies Makkah sees a constant stream of pilgrims throughout the year from around the world, and their numbers swell during the holy month of Ramadan, which begins in late June. The hajj pil- grimage - which Islam says is a duty of all able-bodied Muslims to perform once in their lives - brings even more gigantic crowds: Some 2 million pilgrims from all over the world, packed into the close quarters as they visit the Kaaba, Islam’s holiest site, and other locations in and around Makkah for a period of around five days. This year, hajj starts in early October. Also, most of the international pilgrims travel to Makkah through the closest international airport, in the coastal city of Jiddah, which has seen far more cases. Notably, no posters warn- ing of the virus or giving visitors information on how to prevent its spread were visible during a recent visit by an Associated Press reporter through Jiddah airport or at the Grand Mosque in Makkah, where pilgrims circumambulate the Kaaba. The Hajj Ministry’s website, which many international pilgrims refer to for information, makes no mention of MERS or special precautions. The Health Ministry’s website, however, advises people over 65, children under 12 and those who are ill to delay their pilgrim- age. “Makkah is a location for people from all over the world with all kinds of problems that could be spread all over,” said Adnan Al-Bar, a member of Saudi Arabia’s top consultative body, the Shura Council, at a recent summit in Jiddah on development in the holy city. Since the beginning of April, Makkah has seen 21 new confirmed cases - including one Turkish pilgrim - and four deaths. Over the same time period, there have been 114 new infec- tions in Jiddah and 23 deaths. Asia saw its first MERS death last month, when a Malaysian man who went on pilgrimage to Makkah and passed through Jiddah in March returned home and was found to have been infected. King Abdullah last month replaced the health minister in a sign of displeasure over efforts to control the virus’ spread. The new minister, Adel Faqih, visited health workers in Jiddah on Wednesday and told them the coro- INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

News 43 die as Libya ex-general in brief

‘Executed’ N Korean battles Benghazi Islamists singer alive and well SEOUL: A North Korean singer said to be leader Kim Jong-Un’s ex-girlfriend and rumored to have been Libyan forces vows to flush out ‘terrorists’ executed last year has appeared on state television, apparently alive and well. Pyongyang’s state TV BENGHAZI: Libyan forces loyal to a rogue said it took in four bodies and 27 wounded. wave of abductions and attacks targeting for- showed Hyon Song-Wol, the head of a band known as general, vowing to flush “terrorists” out of The fighting subsided in the afternoon, an eign diplomats, was taken in coordination Moranbong, delivering a speech at a national art Benghazi, clashed with former rebel Islamist AFP journalist said, as witnesses reported that with Libyan authorities. There was no men- workers rally in Pyongyang on Friday. She expressed groups in the eastern city, killing 43 people Haftar’s forces were pulling back south to Sidi tion of the violence in Benghazi. But the gratitude for Kim’s leadership and pledged to work and wounding some 150. The violence in Fradj. Haftar heads a group calling itself the clashes in the Mediterranean city underscore harder to “stoke up the flame for art and creative what was the cradle of Libya’s 2011 revolution “National Army” which launched “a large- the government’s struggle to rein in former work”. Her appearance came after months of specula- comes weeks after the government acknowl- scale operation to flush terrorists out of rebels who helped topple Kadhafi nearly tion about whether or not she was alive. Japan’s Asahi edged for the first time the existence of “ter- Benghazi”, said a spokesman, Mohammed Al- three years ago. The city has been rocked by Shimbun and South Korean media said in September rorist groups” in the country and said it was Hijazi. “This is not a civil war. It’s an operation almost daily attacks that have killed dozens of that Hyon, members of the Unhasu Orchestra and mobilizing against them. Authorities have against terrorist groups,” said Hijazi, who like members of the security forces, judges and other state musicians had been executed by firing been avoiding a full-blown confrontation with Haftar was a former officer in Kadhafi’s army foreigners. There have been no claims of squad for taping themselves having sex. South the heavily armed ex-rebels who have bas- before defecting. responsibility but Islamists have been blamed Korea’s spy chief Nam Jae-Joon added weight to the tions in Benghazi and other eastern regions, Libya’s armed forces chief of staff, for the bloodshed. reports when he said in October that he was “aware” until they can bolster the army and police. Abdessalam Jadallah Al-Salihin, denied any In March, the government issued a state- of the alleged execution. “We are aware of the execu- The clashes erupted after a group led by army involvement in the Benghazi clashes. ment blaming “terrorists” for dozens of dead- tion of some 10 people associated with the Unhasu Khalifa Haftar, a retired general who led “The (regular) army has nothing to do with ly attacks and vowed to eradicate these Orchestra”, two lawmakers quoted Nam as saying at a ground forces in the 2011 uprising that top- the clashes. The army did not give any orders groups. Its pledge came after Haftar, in a closed door parliamentary session, according to pled dictator Muammar Gaddafi, pounded a for any sort of operation” in Benghazi, he said. video posted on the Internet, announced an Yonhap news agency. The Asahi said the rare execu- barracks of the “February 17 Brigade”, witness- Salihin admitted, nevertheless, that some offi- “initiative” under which the interim govern- tion of state performers had been ordered to prevent es said. Warplanes backed up the attack on cers and units from the regular army had ment and parliament would be suspended rumours spreading about the supposedly decadent the Islamists who responded with anti-aircraft joined Haftar’s group. Prime Minister in preparation for elections. That video lifestyle of North Korean first lady Ri Sol-Ju while she fire. The two groups also fought pitched bat- Abdullah al-Thani denounced Haftar’s forces sparked rumors on social media that a coup tles in Sidi Fradj, south of Benghazi, an AFP as “outlaws” and told a news conference in might be in the offing. The government, was an entertainer. journalist said, and witnesses said Haftar’s Tripoli that the army was “in control on the TRIPOLI: Libya’s interim premier Abdullah Al- which has come in for criticism for failing to men seized the headquarters of Rafallah Al- ground”, urging restraint in Benghazi. Amid defeat lawlessness in Libya, was quick to Thani, speaks during a press conference in Myanmar rally calls Sahati militia. Medical sources at Al-Marj hos- the violence, air traffic was suspended in quash the rumors and insist it was in control. Tripoli on the security situation in the coun- for charter change pital, east of the city, where Haftar’s casualties Benghazi during the day while in the evening, try’s eastern coastal city of Benghazi. — AFP Weeks later it declared a “war against terror- were taken, said four bodies and 70 wounded an official said the city’s airport would be ism”. However, no concrete measures have YANGON: Thousands of people joined a rally in were brought in. closed for 24 hours due to security reasons. embassy and consulate in Tripoli, saying it been taken. Attacks against the army have Myanmar’s main city yesterday to call for changes Benghazi hospitals gave a toll of 16 dead had received a “real and imminent threat” to spurred tribesmen, soldiers and some ex- to a military-drafted constitution that bars opposi- and 49 wounded, without identifying them. Algeria closes embassy its diplomats and staff. The foreign ministry in rebels to join forces with Haftar against the tion leader Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming presi- And Al-Abyar hospital south of the restive city As the fighting raged, Algeria closed its Algiers said the decision, which comes after a jihadists. — Agencies dent. The former political prisoner-turned-politi- cian has been campaigning to amend the charter since she became a lawmaker two years ago. The 2008 constitution blocks anyone whose spouse or children are overseas citizens from leading the country-a clause widely believed to be targeted at the Nobel laureate, whose two sons are British. It also ring-fences a quarter of the seats in parliament for unelected military personnel, leaving the army with a significant political role despite the end of outright junta rule. Addressing a crowd at the rally in Yangon, Suu Kyi urged the military top brass as well as rank-and-file soldiers to support a petition campaign to amend the charter. “I would like you all to consider whether getting more opportunities than ordinary citizens is really fair,” Suu Kyi said. “The main strength of the military forces is weapons. So I would like you to consider whether getting special opportunities because of the power of arms is dignified or good for yourself,” she said. Parliamentary elections due to be held in 2015 are seen as a definitive test of whether the military is willing to loosen its grip on power.

BOUFARIK: Illegal migrants from Niger stand next to their tents after settling, some of them for Illegal migrants from Niger hang clothes on a string near the fruit market in the Algerian town Lao military plane with more than one year, near the fruit market in the Algerian town of Boufarik, 35 km south of the of Boufarik. defense chief crashes capital Algiers in the Blida province. — AFP photos BANGKOK: A Laos air force plane carrying about 20 people including the country’s defense minister and other senior officials crashed yesterday, Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said. There was no immediate word Despite deaths, crackdown, on casualties, said the Foreign Ministry spokesman, Sek Wannamethee. The plane took off from the capi- tal, Vientiane, early yesterday morning and crashed in the northeastern province of Xiangkhoung, about Sahara migrant trail thrives 470 kilometers away. The aircraft was carrying Lao Defense Minister Douangchay Phichit, who is also a AGADEZ: After 92 people died of thirst attempt- slung mud brick houses perched on the south- Given the nature of the trade, statistics on We were able to go after the chain of corruption deputy prime minister, and several other high-rank- ing to cross the Sahara in late September, the ern rim of the Sahara. For years it has served as a the numbers of those who try to cross the that operated the business.” At the entrance to ing officials, including the governor of Vientiane. They government of Niger moved to shut down its hub in the networks that smuggle people, guns, Sahara are sketchy. At least 34,800 people have one Agadez transit house a gate now sits pad- were heading to an official ceremony for the Ministry decades-old desert migrant routes. “We cannot drugs and food across the desert. Although made the treacherous crossing from North locked. Next door, the “Restaurant African”, previ- of Defense, said Sek, who was informed of the crash remain indifferent in the face of this tragedy,” home to some of the continent’s fastest growing Africa to Europe so far this year, compared to ously a favourite of migrants, has been aban- by authorities in neighboring Laos. He did not imme- Colonel Garba Maikido, the governor of the economies, West Africa is struggling to generate 43,000 in all of 2013, according to figures from doned. The weekly, convoy of dozens of diately have any other details, and there was no offi- country’s main northern town of Agadez told enough jobs for its mushrooming young popu- the UN refugee agency, UNHCR. Hundreds of migrant-filled vehicles has been reduced to a cial statement on the crash from authorities in Laos, national radio. “We must take measures so that lation. As a result, migrants from countries as those are likely to have come via Agadez. handful of trucks ferrying locals, sheep and which is ruled by a secretive Communist Party. In this type of tragedy never happens again on our diverse as oil-rich and democratic Ghana to Maikido, the Agadez governor, estimates that some hay north. Hawkers peddling plastic October, a Lao Airlines ATR-72 turboprop crashed dur- territory.” Police raided dozens of transit houses, Gambia, a relatively poor police state, are still some 3,000 migrants a week headed to Libya sachets of water, toothbrushes and packets of ing a heavy storm as it approached Pakse Airport in where would-be emigrants stay until heading off taking their chances by heading north to before the crackdown. A Niamey-based diplo- medicines for travelers lament the drop in cus- southern Laos, killing all 49 people on board. across the desert for North Africa and Europe Europe, often through Agadez. mat put the weekly number at 3,000 to 5,000. tomers. beyond, and arrested a handful of smugglers and “They talk about economic growth but we Reseau Exodus, a project that worked with officials. About 50 policemen in the region don’t see it,” said Emmanuel Apiah, a Ghanaian police in Niger to collect data on registered Nothing has changed around Agadez were replaced. Niger’s govern- from the southern gold mining and cocoa grow- migrant flows towards Libya, recorded just over Quietly, though, the migrant trade contin- ment says large-scale migrant smuggling, which ing region of Ashanti, as he waited for a bus 40,000 people leaving Agadez travelling north ues. At a bus depot in downtown Niamey each in effect was officially tolerated for years, has now from Niamey to Agadez from where he planned over nine months in 2013. About half of these evening, a steady flow of migrants arrive from ended. But interviews with migrants, smugglers to cross the Sahara. According to Frontex, the were from Niger, so some may have been head- across West Africa ahead of the 3 a.m. bus for and officials in Agadez and in the capital Niamey European Union’s border management agency, ing to remote towns in the northeast. Most of Agadez. They gather in groups, resting on mats tell a different story. The crackdown initially the single biggest route for migrants entering the migrants from Niger said they intended to laid out in the open to catch the occasional stemmed the flow of migrants. But the people the EU is by air, and most of those illegally in work in Libya. But nearly half of those from else- breeze during the intense night heat. “Nothing smugglers have opened up new, more danger- Europe first entered with valid documents and where in West Africa told the researchers they has changed,” said Bachir Amadou, who works ous routes, and begun charging people more then overstayed. But tens of thousands also pay saw the North African nation as a stepping stone as a guide for Ghanaians headed for Libya. than ever to make the journey. The crackdown smugglers to make the dangerous journey for Europe. Amadou collects passports and cash from his has ended the spectacular mass departures of across central Asia and the Middle East, from the eight charges for the next trip. Briefing them the past, but migrants are still leaving the ancient Horn of Africa through Sudan, or from West Phenomenon defeated on what to expect, he tells them that on top of trading town, often in small groups at night to Africa across the Sahara to the Mediterranean. For years, the Agadez route operated largely the 17,000 CFA ($36) bus ticket, they will have meet up with 4x4s waiting in the desert. At least The trade took off in the mid 1990s, when in the open. Most people left in trucks and bene- to pay 43,000 CFA in bribes to get through the CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas 13 migrants died this month after being aban- countries like Spain and Italy imposed stricter fited from weekly escorts provided by Niger’s police checkpoints between the capital and Maduro (right) and Palestinian leader Mahmud doned by smugglers near the Niger-Algeria bor- visa requirements. Africans began making the military. That changed with last year’s deaths. Agadez. For anyone without correct docu- Abbas, pose after decorating each other during der, officials in northern Niger said. dash across the Strait of Gibraltar, slipped into Most of the 92 were women and children who ments it will be double, he says. An official at a a ceremony at Miraflores presidential palace in Spain’s North African enclaves of Ceuta and had been abandoned in the desert when the regional bus company said that following a dip Caracas on May 16, 2014. — AFP Smuggling gangs Melilla, or attempted treacherous boat trips to trucks they were in broke down. Marou in numbers after the crackdown, “the flow (in The measures have also pushed the multi- the Canary Islands in the Atlantic or the Italian Amadou, Niger’s justice minister and the official migrants) is up again.” Behind a corrugated Venezuela to send million dollar business further into the hands of island of Lampedusa in the Mediterranean. The government spokesman, said the incident gal- iron gate in one Agadez neighborhood a few oil to Palestinians smuggling gangs, dominated by the Sahara’s popularity of routes changes as authorities vanized public opinion and helped end a culture weeks ago, a dozen migrants from Senegal, CARACAS: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro nomadic Toubou tribe. The speed with which adapt. A crackdown by Spanish and African of denial. “The large scale nature of the phenom- Mali and Guinea sat on the floor of a single- pledged Friday to send oil and diesel to the the trade has sprung back into life shows how authorities on the Canary Island route over enon has been defeated. We cannot end 100 roomed house. A 20 year-old Guinean who Palestinian Authority, as part of agreements signed hard it is for nations such as Niger to stop illegal recent years has meant more traffic through the percent of the fraud but we think the govern- gave his name as Amadou said he hoped to with its leader Mahmud Abbas during his visit to emigrants from leaving. The experience of the Sahara, where the violence and chaos of post- ment had recorded a big victory,” he told reach Libya. “My family tells me I that I should Caracas. Venezuela, which sits atop the world’s past few months in Agadez also highlights the Gaddafi Libya has made things easier. Reuters. “We were able to dismantle the camps. not do it but I am going to try in any case. I am largest oil reserves, said it would provide an initial problem of official collusion in the trade. Often, scared of the desert but I will go and get a job.” shipment of 240,000 barrels of oil, but gave no the very people meant to police the immigrant In the centre of town, a line of people waiting details as to how it would send them. “Thanks to routes are involved in the business themselves, to receive money via Western Union transfer Venezuela for supporting Palestine... to break Israel’s say migrants, diplomats and an internal govern- curled round the corner from a bank. Migrants monopoly on our economy, for your response to our ment report seen by Reuters. So far, no one in a say they often travel to Agadez with little mon- needs, for your willingness to support the senior position has been charged with involve- ey to make sure they are not robbed. Once Palestinian people in their long struggle,” Abbas ment in the trade. Immigration has re-emerged there, they get a relative or friend to wire them said, according to an official translation. During the as a hot topic in Europe as the continent recov- cash. meeting, Maduro also agreed to support the ers from years of economic hardship. Fringe par- The Reseau Exodus project ended in January Palestinian Authority’s quest to be granted observer ties are likely to score strongly in elections to the after funding from the Italian government and status in three Latin American regional organiza- EU parliament later this month, many demand- non profits ran out. In the first two weeks of this tions: the Union of South American Nations (UNA- ing that borders be shut to new migrants or year, the organization recorded nearly 500 for- SUR), the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our numbers be strictly rationed. But if Agadez is eigners arriving in Agadez, down by about two America (ALBA) and the Community of Latin anything to go by, the flow of migrants to thirds on the levels of earlier last year, but up American and Caribbean States (CELAC). “The Europe from West Africa is set to continue. “The again after the November crackdown. “People Palestinian people have the right to maintain com- corruption will never end,” said Mohamed are still coming in. This means they must be mercial relations with the world as well,” Maduro Anacko, a former Tuareg rebel leader who is now going out,” said Mohamed Andando, a member said. During his third visit to Venezuela in five years, president of Agadez’s regional council. “These of an Agadez-based organization called Gage Abbas visited the grave of Maduro’s predecessor, networks are reorganizing themselves and that carried out much of Reseau Exodus’s longtime leader Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer becoming stronger.” research. Aboubacar Issaka Oumarou, Agadez’s last year. new police commissioner, said migrants were Shifting routes being ferried out at night to waiting Toyota Hilux Agadez is a maze of sandy streets and low- Illegal migrants prepare food next to their tents. pick-ups. —Reuters INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

US death row inmate wants execution taped

WASHINGTON: A death-row inmate scheduled to be “To my knowledge, Missouri’s execution pro- put to death Wednesday in Missouri wants his execu- tocol provides no contingency for a failed exe- tion to be videotaped so there is evidence it flouts cution, or a situation in which the prisoner the US Constitution. Russell Bucklew is set to be exe- starts gasping for air or experiences hemor- cuted on May 21 in Bonne Terre for the murder of a rhaging.” The lawsuit, which is pending in the love rival and the rape of his former girlfriend, in US District Court for the Western District of what would be the first execution in the United Missouri, says that Missouri’s use of unregulat- States since a botched lethal injection last month in ed, compounded drugs further increase the risk Oklahoma. Bucklew’s attorneys have filed a com- that Bucklew will suffer a prolonged death. plaint alleging that the secrecy surrounding “Missouri has cloaked its lethal injection proto- Missouri’s lethal injection drugs, combined with a col in extreme secrecy, refusing to disclose the rare medical condition that leaves the inmate with source of the drugs and preventing complete growths on his head and neck, create significant risk access to information about the drugs planned that he will die a “tortuous” death. for Mr Bucklew’s execution,” Pilate said. Such treatment would be in violation of the “All we know is that the drug is compounded Constitution’s Eighth Amendment prohibiting cruel pentobarbital, not manufactured. We know noth- and unusual punishment. “If Missouri officials are con- ing about its safety, potency of efficacy, and we fident enough to execute Russell Bucklew, they should have no information about where it’s from, how be confident enough to videotape it. It is time to raise it’s made, whether the facility or pharmacist is the curtain on lethal injections,” said Bucklew attorney licensed or even if the drug is tested.” Last month, Cheryl Pilate. On Monday, Emory University School of convicted killer and rapist Clayton Lockett was UTAH: Photo shows the firing squad execution chamber at the Utah State Prison in Draper, Utah. In Medicine professor Joel Zivot examined Bucklew. executed in Oklahoma and died 43 minutes after the wake of a bungled execution in Oklahoma last month, a Utah lawmaker wants to resurrect fir- “During execution, Bucklew will be at risk of choking the start of a lethal injection process that should ing squads as a method of execution in his state. Rep Paul Ray, a Republican from Clearfield, says and suffocating because of his partially obstructed air- have taken little over 10 minutes, prompting firing squads would be a quick and humane way to put someone to death as lawsuits and drug way and complications caused by his hemangiomas accusations of torture and renewing debate in shortages have hampered lethal injections in recent years. — AP (noncancerous growths),” Zivot said in an affidavit. the US about the death penalty. — AFP Container linked to nuclear dump leak

ALBUQUERQUE: A radiation leak at the The lab had been on target to have the last government’s troubled nuclear waste dump of the containers shipped to the Waste has been linked to a waste container Isolation Pilot Plant by June 30 when the shipped from Los Alamos National repository was shuttered by the leak Feb. 14 Laboratory, officials said, raising questions that contaminated 22 workers with low lev- about the safety of other barrels being els of radiation. stored on the lab’s northern New Mexico Last week, Department of Energy offi- campus and at a temporary site in West cials said leak was likely caused by a chemi- Texas. Lab Director Charlie McMillan, in a cal reaction in nuclear waste that was memo Friday to lab employees, said Los mixed with nitrate salt. Among the possibil- Alamos “is fully cooperating” with state and ities that officials have since confirmed are federal officials and has taken extra precau- being studied: a switch in the kitty litter- tions to ensure that similar waste drums at type substance used to absorb moisture the lab and those sent to Waste Control before the containers are sealed and Specialists in Texas “are in a safe and con- shipped to the nuclear-waste dump. “While trolled configuration.” many details remain unknown,” McMillan “Based on this,” he wrote, “we do not said, “additional investigative work is being believe there is any imminent threat to the planned to pinpoint the cause of the safety of our employees, the public, or the breached drum, the radiological release, environment at this time.” But watchdog and whether other containers were Don Hancock of the Southwest Research involved in the release. Experts from DOE, and Information Center in Albuquerque said WIPP, Los Alamos, and Savannah River that until more is known about the breach, National Laboratory are working together “we can’t have assurances.” In a statement, to establish the range of possibilities that the US Department of Energy said pictures may have caused this event.” from the latest entry into the half mile deep The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is the fed- Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near eral government’s only permanent reposi- Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico con- tory for low-level nuclear waste from Los CALIFORNIA: The Las Pulgas Fire lights the night at Camp Pendleton, California. The fire is one of three large wildfires on CampPendleton that firm that a container from Los Alamos has a Alamos National Laboratories and other have scorched more than 22,000 acres. — AFP cracked lid and evidence of heat damage. federal facilities. The containers include Officials last week zeroed in on the con- things like gloves, tools and protective tainers from Los Alamos, prompting officials clothing worn by lab workers. Nine days to suspend shipments of waste from Los before the release, a truck hauling salt in California burns Alamos to the temporary site in West Texas. the mine caught fire. But officials have said Los Alamos is under orders to remove thou- the fire was far from the waste-handling sands of such barrels of toxic waste from area and that the events were likely unrelat- outdoor storage on a mesa. The presence of ed. Initial investigations into both accidents Arson suspect arrested the waste, and its potential dangers, came have blamed them on a slow erosion of the to light three summers ago as a massive safety culture at the 15-year-old, multibil- SAN DIEGO: A man was charged with setting Escondido, was 50 percent contained Friday fighters, and thousands of people began wildfire lapped at the edge of lab property. lion-dollar site.— AP one of nearly a dozen fires that have night after burning 2,520 acres. The fire wasn’t returning home. destroyed homes and raced through nearly growing, and crews planned to keep mopping Six fires were entirely surrounded and sev- 20,000 acres of northern and eastern San up hotspots, state fire Capt Kendal Bortisser eral others were reduced to smoldering Conundrum of living on under Diego County brush land, but most of the said. An evacuation of the area was partially hotspots. Eight of the San Diego County blazes seemed to be dying down, despite the lifted, but some of those returning found dis- blazes popped up between late morning and $4,500 a month in Switzerland eruption of a new fire at the Camp Pendleton aster. Dave Roberts’ home in Escondido was sundown on Wednesday, raising suspicions Marine base. Thousands of firefighters and gutted and its roof collapsed, although about that some had been set. In Carlsbad, investi- GENEVA: Surrounded by luxury at the She certainly cannot afford small pleasures fleets of water-dropping military and civilian 20 goats and some poultry he kept survived. gators finished examining the burn site across high-end Geneva hotels where she works, like going to the cinema, which in Geneva helicopters planned fresh battles yesterday. “My whole life is here and I lost everything,” the street from a park and focused on inter- Alcina Esteves de Almeida sometimes goes costs 19 francs a ticket for adults and 14 Investigators, meanwhile, continued to seek Roberts told KGTV-TV. He built the home 20 viewing people who called a hotline that was hungry-her salary not enough to make francs for children. De Almeida is not the causes of the conflagrations that burned years ago by hand. But he and his wife, Sherri, set up to report any suspicious activity. “Do ends meet in pricy Switzerland. “I have to alone. One in 10 people working in at least eight homes and an 18-unit condo- weren’t giving in to disaster. “Between my people have suspicions? Yes,” said police Capt. give up a lot, and I often can’t eat properly,” Switzerland, an estimated 330,000 individ- minium complex, emptied neighborhoods family and friends and relatives and every- Neil Gallucci, noting there has been no light- the 52-year-old Portuguese chambermaid uals, make less than 4,000 Swiss francs a and spread fields of flame, smoke and ash that body,” he said in a choked voice. ning that could explain the blazes. “But can said. While De Almeida’s gross monthly month, according to promoters of the dirtied the air in neighboring Orange County we confirm them? The answer is no.” salary of 3,400 Swiss francs ($3,840, 2,790 “Decent Salary” initiative. and as far north as Los Angeles County. ‘I’ll make it somehow’ Police in Escondido arrested two people, euros) might sound decent, it does not Opponents stress that minimum pay is Alberto Serrato, 57, pleaded not guilty “Everything is gone,” Jack Whitling said of ages 17 and 19, for investigation of arson in stretch far in the wealthy Alpine nation. In already written into collective bargaining Friday to an arson charge in connection with his aunt’s home. “The fire just blew down the connection with two small fires that were fact, unions and leftwing parties in agreements for many sectors, but the one of the smaller fires, a 105-acre fire in sub- hills. We managed to keep my mom’s house extinguished within minutes. But they found Switzerland insist that no one in the coun- unions maintain that such agreements urban Oceanside that started Wednesday and and the house next door.” Whitling, who has no evidence linking the suspects to the 10 try should make do with less than 22 Swiss cover only about half of all workers. And is fully contained. Tanya Sierra, a spokes- lived in the Escondido neighborhood, told biggest wildfires. The Bernardo fire, the first of francs ($25, 18 euros) an hour, or 4,000 they point out that most sectors that are woman for the San Diego County district KCAL-TV that he had never seen a fire so the North County blazes to break out, burned francs ($4,515, 3,280 euros) a month. heavily dominated by women, such as attorney’s office, said witnesses saw Serrato close or of such intensity. The region had 1,548 acres and was 95 percent contained Their initiative to introduce the world’s retail, hotel and restaurant services and adding dead brush onto smoldering bushes, become a tinder box in recent days because Friday night. A backhoe operator at a develop- highest minimum wage will be put to a call centers, are not covered. “Emma”, a 30- which flamed up. He has not been connected of conditions not normally seen until late ment site accidentally started the fire while referendum today as part of Switzerland’s year-old Italian citizen who wished to to any other fire, Sierra said. summer - extremely dry weather, 50-mph digging trenches, San Diego fire officials said direct democratic system. A poll last week remain anonymous, said there were no Oceanside police Lt Sean Marshand said Santa Ana winds and temperatures in the Friday. Investigators will visit each burn site however hinted that two-thirds of voters such agreements regulating wages at the Serrato is believed to have added fuel to the 90s. On Friday, though, slightly cooler weath- and go down a list to determine a cause, mark- in the country, which currently has no watchmaking subcontractor business she fire but not to have started it. “Unfortunately er and calming winds aided the 2,600 fire- ing what they know and don’t know.— AP obligatory national minimum salary, will had been working at for the past three we don’t have the guy that we really want,” he say “no”. Opponents, including the govern- years as an administrative assistant. said. He remained jailed Friday, and Sierra said ment and most of Switzerland’s powerful Making 3,600 francs a month before she didn’t know whether he had an attorney. business community, argue that requiring social charges, she said she had no choice All together, the wildfires about 30 miles a minimum wage would make it more dif- but to live with her boyfriend, who helps north of San Diego have caused more than ficult for young people to enter the work- cover the 2,600-franc rent for her Geneva $20 million in damage. Three fires continued force and could prove deadly to many flat and the 500 francs she pays each to burn at Pendleton: A 15,000-acre blaze that businesses. month for her daughter’s daycare. “When I began Thursday was 40 percent contained, But De Almeida, a youthful divorcee go to the supermarket, I can’t spend more and a new fire Friday that quickly grew to 800 with a tight ponytail and dark eyes, insists than 100 francs a week,” Emma said. acres was 25 percent surrounded that night. A a minimum wage should be established to Giuliana Mion, a 31-year-old Venezuelan 6,500-acre fire that started Wednesday at a ensure working people “can live a decent chambermaid at a luxury Geneva hotel, neighboring Navy weapons station and rolled life.” “That is not the case for me currently,” said the only way her family could afford to onto the base and the city of Fallbrook was 65 she said, sitting on a bench near the high- eat meat and fish was by shopping across percent contained. rise on the outskirts of Geneva that she the border in France, where her 3,400-franc At their peak, the fires prompted about calls home. After unemployment insurance monthly salary stretched much further. 8,400 military personnel and their families to and other social charges, De Almeida nets “Mario”, a 25-year-old Italian citizen also be sent home from various parts of the 2,800 francs a month, but when she has requesting anonymity testified to the diffi- sprawling coastal base between Los Angeles paid the 1,200 franc rent for her cramped culty of making ends meet even when and San Diego, but some housing-area evacu- studio, plus taxes, phone bills and a working what most people would consider ations were lifted, base spokesman Jeff monthly bus pass at 70 francs, there is little a good job. Currently unemployed, he Nyhart said. The most destructive fires started left. On top of that, she dishes out 400 spent three years working as a private in Carlsbad - a densely populated coastal sub- francs a month for health insurance, which business pilot for a Geneva-based compa- urb of 110,000 people where a badly burned kicks in only after her medical expenses ny, earning a gross salary of just 2,000 body was found Thursday in a transient camp pass the 1,500-franc mark. francs per month. He had lived near the - and San Marcos, a neighboring suburb of Geneva airport with two colleagues, each 85,000 people where strip malls and large Reluctant to see a doctor paying 700 francs a month in rent. “At the housing tracts mix with older homes whose “I really have trouble living on my end of the month, I basically had nothing residents cherish their large lots and country salary,” she said, noting that she is reluc- left,” he said, lamenting that saving up for living. tant to see a doctor, and always considers the future, a holiday, or even a new pair of The Cocos Fire, which hopscotched CALIFORNIA: An Erickson air crane firefighting helicopter flying to collect water from a lagoon to price over quality when food shopping. shoes was difficult.— AFP through San Marcos and neighboring fight the Talega Fire passes a surfer hiking to Trestles beach near San Clemente, California. — AFP INTERNATIONAL SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 Terrorist threat to UK rated as ‘substantial’

LONDON: Britain needs to take urgent action to stop citi- Substantial threat zens travelling to fight in Syria and other conflicts, a parlia- Britain has been considered a prime target for militant mentary committee said, amid fears they could be radical- Islamists since the 9/11 attacks. Four suicide bombers killed ized there and return to carry out attacks on their home- 52 people in 2005 when they attacked London’s transport land. The head of the Home Affairs Committee also warned system. Britain’s threat level is currently “substantial”, the that Britain faced a “terrorist threat” as grave as at any point third-highest rating of five, meaning that an attack is a since the Sept 11 attacks on the United States 13 years ago. strong possibility, but the committee said the divergent “The number of UK citizens and Westerners travelling to nature of the threat made it more complex than before. fight in foreign conflicts has reached alarming levels unlike “Recent events involving Boko Haram (in Nigeria), Al anything seen in recent years,” the committee said in a Shabaab (based in Somalia) and al Qaeda show that the report on counter-terrorism. “We require an immediate terrorist threat to the UK is as grave as at any point in the response targeted at dissuading and preventing those who past 13 years,” said Vaz. However, the lawmakers on the wish to go to fight from going.” committee were highly critical of parliament’s mechanism Britain and other European governments have for checking on the work of Britain’s intelligence agencies stepped up warnings in recent months that Muslims who following the release of documents by former US National go to fight against the forces of President Bashar Al-Assad Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden suggesting in Syria could end up posing a threat to their home coun- they were involved in mass surveillance programs. tries. Security chiefs reckon several hundred Britons have The report said the current oversight by parliament’s joined the Syrian conflict. Last month, British counter-ter- Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) was ineffective rorism police launched a campaign to help Muslim and that this impacted the agencies’ credibility. “It is an women dissuade young people in their communities embarrassing indictment of our system that some in the from trying to go to Syria. “Stopping British men and media felt compelled to publish leaked information (from women going to become foreign fighters, in Syria and Snowden) to ensure matters were heard in parliament,” Vaz other theatres of conflict, and engaging with them when said. The comments came a day after the chairman of the they return is vital to avoid endangering the security of ISC, which has seen its powers beefed up in recent years, RASOVO: A man carries bread on his bicycle in the village of Rasovo, some 150 km north from Bulgarian capital the UK for many years to come,” said committee chairman issued a robust defense of the work of both his committee Sofia. — AFP Keith Vaz. and of the spies they monitored. — Reuters Misery deepens in A poor corner of Spain, transformed by Europe northwest Bulgaria ‘The only events are funerals’ CAMINOMORISCO: In the 1930s the Spanish district of Las the European elections with other Socialist Party activists. Hurdes was a case study in rural poverty, immortalized by In the late 1990s, with EU funding, Las Hurdes got its first RASOVO: In Rasovo in northwest Bulgaria, the most impov- try. Economist Yavor Alexiev from the Sofia-based Institute the filmmaker Luis Bunuel in his bleak documentary “Land public high school. erished area of the EU’s poorest country, the village square for Market Economics said that much of the EU investment Without Bread”. But residents in this remote corner of the “We were the first ones who were able to stay here for is newly paved and the church has been whitewashed, has failed to tackle the deeper problems. Some measures southwestern Extremadura region say it was saved by high school, instead of leaving at the age of 14,” said a fel- courtesy of development funds from Brussels. But there is “improve the environment and the infrastructure, no Spain joining the European Union-and now its leaders are low campaigner, Noelia Martin, 31. no masking the fact that 25 years since the end of commu- doubt, but do not influence the standard of living and peo- anxious to translate that into votes in the European elec- Extremadura also suffered, however-more than most- nism and seven years after Bulgaria joined the European ple’s incomes and employment,” Alexiev said. In addition in tions on May 25. “This is nothing like the Las Hurdes of from the economic downturn in Spain that started in 2008. Union, life here is bleak-and getting bleaker. “They re-did a country long criticized by Brussels for failing to tackle Bunuel,” said local parish priest Angel Luis Lorenzo, point- Even with aid from Europe, Extremadura had the fifth high- ing to the well-made slate roofs of the nearby houses. est regional unemployment rate in Europe last year-a mas- the square, the children’s playground, the library and made corruption and organized crime, money earmarked for “Everything has changed. Look at the buildings. The peo- sive 34 percent, according to EU data. In Las Hurdes, as in a new sewage system,” local Rosa Ivanova, 78, a retired administrative improvements often gets “syphoned off”, he ple are more open, the roads are better.” Spain generally, people are fed up with hardship and with agronomist said. “But there are no people!” There are “no said. For the classic film director, Las Hurdes was a “sterile” politicians, making them more likely to skip voting in this jobs whatsoever for the young people... My kids ran away, In agriculture, the mainstay of the local economy, the land-one of the poorest in a country on the fringes of month’s European polls, the mayor fears. “Europe seems far my house is empty-only me and three goats left,” said hopes of small farmers for EU aid have been dashed, with Europe under the dictator Francisco Franco. But Franco’s away from us, sadly,” he said. “I think that is a mistake, retired bus driver Stoyan Naydenov, 62. government data showing that 80 percent of farming sub- death in 1975 and most of all Spain’s accession to the because the things that affect us are being decided there Under communism more than 4,000 people lived in sidies have gone to six percent of farmers.”Whoever has European Union in 1986 changed all that. Locals here are more and more. But we politicians have not been able to Rasovo, 140 kilometers north of the capital Sofia, some small patch of land has rented it to the big tenant still grateful to the far-away bureaucrats in Brussels. explain that.” employed by huge cooperative farms and factories. Now farmers. There’s three of them here, farming all the land in “During the dictatorship we were totally abandoned,” said there are fewer than 1,000 residents and those who remain Rasovo and getting any subsidies there is to get,” retired Gervasio Martin, the Socialist mayor of one of the main vil- In it for the honey are mostly old, rattling past collapsed buildings along pot- tractor driver Rangel Dimitrov, 69, said. Optimism a year lages in the district, Caminomorisco, with a population of Local beekeeper Anastasio Marcos has seen for himself holed streets in carts pulled by donkeys. Rasovo’s spruced- ago that an impressive new road-and-rail bridge across the 1,400. “Today we are proud to be a normal district, like any how decisions in Brussels affect the people of this remote up playground is devoid of children. Schools in the area Danube into Romania-paid for by the EU-would give the another,” he added, largely “thanks to European funds”. corner of Europe. “I am very worried because high absten- have been renovated, but some have been forced to close area a shot in the arm has also faded. tion does discredit to the European Union,” he said, as he as there are very few kids. The situation is not much differ- “There was a bit of a stir, Romanians coming to shop Money from far away oversaw the collection of pollen from his hives-his family ent in the nearby small town of Brusartsi. “There are no here during the first month when the crossing was toll- Spain has received 300 billion euros ($410 billion) in aid business for four generations. “With the aid they have given factories, unemployment is pervasive,” retired train driver free. Then everything died out,” musician Ira Dimcheva, 29, from the European Union since joining. The Spanish gov- us, we have restructured the whole sector,” he said. “We have Zhivko Yordanov, 64, said. “The only events are funerals.” said in Vidin. Bad roads in the region however have put ernment estimates that seven percent of this has gone to made our activity profitable and so it can allow our families truckers off. Most of them still prefer to cross over the developing Extremadura, a relatively small region of about to live here, in our villages.” His beekeeping cooperative Deeper problems Danube further east, even if this means waiting for hours at a million inhabitants. That helped partly reverse the exodus Apihurdes exports up to 80 percent of its honey to Europe, In the regional centers of Vidin, Montana and Vratsa ferryboat ports. Still, with EU elections set for May 25, most of young people who for generations had been leaving Las with the business supporting 150 families. Unlike the few unemployment last year was between 20-22 percent - Bulgarians remain pro-European, even if surveys find them Hurdes in search of opportunities elsewhere. “I got tired of cork beehives filmed by Bunuel, the Las Hurdes honey trade almost twice the national rate of 11 percent and double unhappy about progress their country has made. “We want Madrid so I came back here,” said Soraya Conde, a 31-year- now accounts for 30 percent of the district’s economy and the rates of seven years ago. The rural region bordering to be in Europe and here we are. But how come the stan- old town councilor, out putting up campaign posters for one of its main drivers along with tourism. —AFP Serbia and Romania traditionally tops the tables with some dard of living is so much lower than in other countries?” of the lowest birth and highest mortality rates in the coun- wonders Dimitrov.— AFP Russia-Ukraine crisis spices EU campaign

BERLIN: They may denounce Vladimir Putin in public the amount of hate mail it gets about the EU is on the at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said for- but mainstream EU leaders may quietly thank Russia’s wane. It may also benefit from party leader Merkel’s eign policy was clearly more important in this year’s president for one thing - talk of World War Three over prominent role in diplomatic efforts to negotiate with election campaign than in the previous vote in 2009 Ukraine could teach voters to stop carping and love Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine. because of Ukraine. This could potentially improve the European Union. Eurosceptic radicals, channeling The leader of one Nordic centre-left party said its mainstream parties’ prospects in the vote. “But for that rage against austerity, Brussels bureacracy and the tra- internal polls showed it made sense at a time of to be the case, it would be necessary for the EU to vails of the euro, will still do well in this month’s geopolitical uncertainty to emphasize the values show that it is acting more cohesively and is effective European Parliament election; but tanks and cruise Europe stood for, including the peace and security the in putting together a reply to Putin’s actions,” he missiles rumbling across Red Square as armies face off EU helped foster since World War Two. With Putin added. Member states are at odds over sanctions on on the bloc’s eastern borders may focus voters’ minds overturning years of post-Cold War diplomacy by seiz- Russia that will hurt national economies in different on the EU’s role in defending rights and keeping the ing Crimea from Ukraine and a pro-Moscow uprising ways. Governments are also reluctant to squeeze tax- peace for six decades. The Cold War-scented crisis over in the east of the country, EU citizens “tend to revert to payers to increase defense spending. Ukraine has provided no shortage of opportunity for what they know, to feel reassured by the parties that “At the moment I don’t see politicians having the Brussels’ critics to deride its lack of military bite and have been there over the decades and helped main- appetite to promise more sacrifices,” Torreblanca said. diplomatic cohesion. But mainstream parties hope tain stability, rather than test their luck with radical or “People have had enough of sacrifices for the last five Putin’s reminder of the risks of war and authoritarian fringe parties”, the politician said. Guy Verhofstadt, a years.” Eurosceptic parties have tried to use the rule can give them a late boost in voting for the EU former Belgian prime minister who leads the Liberal Ukraine crisis to gain support too. Marine Le Pen, legislature. “My impression is that we’ll see vehement bloc in the outgoing European Parliament, said leader of France’s far-right National Front, said the EU polemics against the EU decline significantly,” said Ukraine would be prominent in voters’ minds and the had declared a new Cold War on Russia and Dutch David McAllister, the lead candidate for the European onus was on EU member states to stand united right-wing populist Geert Wilders said of the crisis that SLOVYANSK: Pro-Russian militants guard a checkpoint blocking the major highway election in Germany for Chancellor Angela Merkel’s against Putin and prevent the country of 45 million “Europe is responsible for a lot of the mess here”. The which links Kharkiv, outside Slovyansk, eastern Ukraine yesterday. — AP Christian Democrats (CDU). people being carved up. “The situation will pressure National Front led the contest in France in one survey “A lot of people seem to be getting very reflective politicians into working more together on the this week while Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) was One month on, Ukrainian in view of the alarming situation in Ukraine,” he told European level. Not only in foreign policy but also in tied in first place in a recent Dutch poll. Reuters. Candidates and campaign managers say energy,” he said “It shows us in tomorrow’s world, a In Britain, which votes on May 22, polls indicate the Ukraine is an issue in voting to be held in most of the more united Europe is the only way to safeguard our United Kingdom Independence Party could come top army fails to rout rebels 28 member states on May 25. Traditional parties that prosperity.” Matthias Machnig, election campaign with nearly a third of the vote on a platform of quitting have promoted European integration hope the crisis manager for Germany’s Social Democrats (SPD), said the Union. The showdown with Moscow has also fea- DONETSK: Without even firing a shot, masked sought to capitalize on Moscow’s annexation may prompt more of the 400 million voters to choose Ukraine demonstrated the importance of the EU as “a tured in campaigning among British parties. In high- rebel gunmen overran a Ukrainian military of Crimea in March and began overrunning the familiar over radical change; but a diverse array of stabilizing factor, a European peace project”. Merkel profile broadcast debates with London’s staunchest headquarters in the main eastern city of city halls, police stations and military barracks anti-Brussels outsiders, such as France’s National Front, stressed Europe’s role as a guardian of peace in her pro-Europe leader, Liberal Democrat Deputy Prime Donetsk on Friday and swiftly declared they across the far east. The army moved in with UKIP in Britain or the Dutch Freedom party, have leapt first speech of campaign for this European election: Minister Nick Clegg, UKIP’s Nigel Farage held up the were in control. After a couple of hours of what clear objectives-to disarm the rebels, clear on the chaos to the east to blame the EU for fuelling “The whole Ukraine issue highlights the extent of the unrest in Ukraine as an example of dangerous EU one local described as “negotiations”, uni- them from scores of occupied buildings and the conflict. Oliver Krieg, head of Germany’s TNS peace and possibilities with which we live in the EU. expansionism and said the Union had “blood on its formed members of a National Guard special reestablish Kiev’s authority over the region. Emnid polling institute, said it was not yet clear which On the basis of those reasons alone we need Europe,” hands” for encouraging the uprising in Kiev. forces unit simply took off in a few trucks, leav- “We will not allow Russia to repeat the side would benefit from the crisis but he suspected it she said. Defending the EU as a force for democracy, Clegg ing the building to the rebels. Ukraine’s military Crimea scenario in the east of Ukraine,” interim would weaken support for the likes of Germany’s anti- seized on Farage’s professed admiration for the offensive against pro-Russian insurgents in the President Oleksandr Turchinov has vowed. But euro party, the Alternative for Germany (AfD). That is Eurosceptic criticism Russian leader’s political adroitness to denounce the east, already a month old, has so far been a the human cost has been high, with the UN partly because the EU is now seen as a stabilizing fac- Jose Ignacio Torreblanca, a senior research fellow eurosceptics as the “party of Putin”. — Reuters humiliating failure, with separatists now firmly on Friday putting the number of dead in the tor while the issues championed by the AfD and like- in control of large swathes of the country’s southeast at 127- exceeding the toll from the minded parties elsewhere in Europe - giving up the industrial heartland. bloodletting in Kiev earlier this year during euro or tighter immigration controls - have faded in Despite its superior military firepower, the pro-EU protests that saw the ouster of the cor- voters’ minds, he said. A dispute is brewing in the AfD Ukrainian army is running into almost nightly ruption-stained Kremlin-backed president. over Ukraine - federal party leaders say borders are confrontations with well-armed insurgents bar- And since the Russian takeover of Crimea, “not immovable” but this week Bavarian party officials ricaded in a dozen towns and cities. It has lost rebels are now claiming control of the main said the AfD should condemn Russia’s annexation of at least a dozen men, seven of them this week industrial regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, Crimea as a breach of international law and call for “an in a single bloody ambush near the epicenter although residents say it is not really clear end to Russia’s aggressive policies towards its neigh- of the uprising in Slavyansk. “The operation has who is actually running things on the ground. bors”. proved to be ineffective because Ukrainian The two regions-home to seven million of forces were not prepared,” said military expert Ukraine’s 46 million population declared ‘Peace project’ Mykola Sungurovsky. Yaroslav Gonchar, deputy themselves independent “republics” after Ukraine was one of the central topics during a battalion commander of the Azov volunteer claiming victory in weekend referendums broadcast debate among the four main candidates to unit in the Ukrainian National Guard, pulled no denounced as illegitimate farces by Kiev and head the European Commission, the EU executive. punches in apportioning blame. “At the local the West. Donetsk, the larger of the two and Centre-right candidate Jean-Claude Juncker told level, we faced betrayal by the police and the the hub of Ukraine’s sprawling coal and steel Reuters the idea that Europe was a “peace project” had opposition of the local people, as well as the industry, has already asked Moscow if it can become relevant again. “For years, I’ve emphasized incompetence of those planning the opera- join the Russian Federation. From the first that Europe, the European Union, is primarily a peace tion,” he said. days of the offensive, the Ukrainians had to project and I kept being told that was old talk ... Now KIEV: People hold hands as they dance during the traditional spring Vyshyvanka Mega March in the deal with a number of embarrassing blows. we’re discovering, in close proximity to the EU, that the Ukrainian capital yesterday. Thousands of Ukrainians wearing vyshyvankas, the traditional embroi- ‘No repeat of Crimea’ Several military helicopters were shot down issues of war and peace have not resolved them- dered shirts, take part in the march in some Ukrainian cities as well as in London and Toronto. The Ukraine’s new leaders launched the “anti- and tanks and armored vehicles were seized selves.” Anecdotal evidence suggests the crisis may be mega march is non-political, the presence of symbols of political parties is prohibited, but this year terrorist” operation on April 13 after gunmen by the rebels.—AFP helping mainstream parties like the CDU, which says the march carries special meaning and is aimed at preserving a united Ukraine. — AFP SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 INTERNATIONAL

54 bodies found as Bangladesh ferry search resumes

MUNSHIGANJ: Rescuers have recovered 54 bodies from a ferry open spaces, but could not open the doors of the cabin rooms that sank in a river during a storm in central Bangladesh, resum- where many passengers took shelter after the storm had hit,” ing their search yesterday after protests by relatives of people Haque said. “I tried to open those doors but could not as huge missing in the disaster. Officials said that 12 people were still volumes of sand have buried many of the doors.” unaccounted for, although there has been confusion over how Relatives of the missing and the dead have been gathering many were aboard the ferry M.V. Miraz-4 when it sank Thursday since Thursday on the banks the Meghna River, near where the in the River Meghna. Earlier yesterday, authorities called the boat capsized. Several bodies, covered in cloth, were laid out on search off after retrieving 40 bodies, but hundreds of relatives the ground yesterday. “I came here yesterday for my brother, but and local residents protested at the scene of the accident in I don’t have any trace yet. Nobody can assure me of anything,” Munshiganj district, forcing authorities to announce that they said a sobbing relative, Lokman Hossain. Sabuj, a passenger who would continue to look for bodies. jumped overboard when the ship began to sink, said he was “I haven’t got my brother, where is he? Why do authorities among about 25 survivors who swam to shore. He said the cap- stop searching?” asked Mohammad Moniruzzaman. By late after- tain of the double-decker ferry ignored the passengers’ calls to noon, a total of 54 bodies had been recovered, said stay close to the shore as the storm started brewing. “But he con- Shamsuddoha Khandaker, chief of Bangladesh’s water transport tinued to steer the ship” out into the water, said Sabuj, who uses authority. “We will continue our search,” he said. “We have towed one name. the ferry to the shore, but we will continue to search for bodies in The ferry was apparently overcrowded and its lower deck was the waters.” There has been confusion over how many passen- loaded with goods, said Mohammad Ali, a director of the gers were on board the sunken vessel. Ferry operators in Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority. Officials were Bangladesh usually do not maintain a list of passengers, and investigating whether the vessel was overcrowded or had design none was available in Thursday’s disaster, said local administrator faults. Ferries are a common mode of transportation in this pop- Saiful Hasan. ulous delta nation, and the Meghna River has been the scene of Before 11 more bodies were recovered after the search past accidents. In 2012, at least 150 people died when a ferry car- resumed yesterday, police had estimated that at least 100 people rying about 200 people capsized at night in the river. In 2003, an were still missing. Rescue diver Masudul Haque said Friday overcrowded ferry capsized in flood-swollen waters at the con- MUNSHIGANJ: Bangladeshi rescue workers search for dead bodies inside the sunken evening that many bodies were still trapped in cabin rooms. “We fluence of the Padma, Meghna and Dakatia rivers near ferry on the river Meghna in Munshiganj district, some 50 kilometers south of Dhaka have recovered the bodies mainly from the lower deck and other Bangladesh’s capital, Dhaka. Up to 400 people died. — AP yesterday. -— AFP

Norway marks 200th Bodies pulled from flooded constitution ’versary amid hypocrisy spat homes in Bosnia and Serbia OSLO: Norway celebrated the 200th paper Aftenposten wrote in the paper. Worst flooding in Balkans in over a century anniversary of its constitution yesterday Norway’s constitution was penned in shortly after a controversy on whether the 1814 in an effort to free the country from country betrayed its democratic principles the foreign domination of Danes and by snubbing the Dalai Lama to please Swedes, but the country only obtained its China. The religious leader-in Oslo independence from Sweden in 1905. between May 7 and 9 to commemorate Paradoxically, the Dalai Lama is a symbol the 25th anniversary of his Nobel Peace for the autonomy of the Chinese-domi- Prize-was not received by any member of nated region of Tibet and considered a Erna Solberg’s right-wing government, or “separatist” by Beijing. Since Chinese dis- the parliament’s president. “The president sident Liu Xiaobo, considered a criminal should have met the Dalai Lama, given by his country, was awarded the Nobel that the parliament has the ultimate Peace Prize in 2010, Beijing has stopped responsibility for the Peace Prize,” Frank all high level diplomatic contact with Aarebrot, a political science professor at Norway. Bergen University said. The five members Prime Minister Erna Solberg said the of the Nobel committee are appointed by Dalai Lama’s visit had put her in a compli- the Norwegian assembly. cated situation. “I made the difficult Others accused the government of choice. It would have been easier to play “cowardice” and highlighted the contra- the hero,” she told Norwegian daily diction of hailing the anniversary of their Dagbladet. The spiritual leader was constitution-the second oldest in the received in parliament by several mem- world after the US-with grandiose words bers of the cross-parliamentary commit- while bending to China out of economic tee for Tibet, which includes the govern- interest. “The contrast is embarrassingly ing right-wing parties. The meeting was large to all the fat words that the presi- held in a screening room, rather than an dent of the parliament and others use official reception room. As the tradition now in the grand year of the jubilee of the marks, Norwegians celebrated the constitution. Words about democracy and anniversary of their constitution with a independence, freedom of speech and children’s parade in front of the royal human rights,” the political editor of news- palace in Oslo. — AFP police break up Tamil remembrance service

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s police broke up a (250 miles) north of Colombo, but authori- OBRENOVAC: Serbian emergency services workers evacuate people from floodwaters in the town of Obrenovac, 40 kilometers west of remembrance service for ethnic Tamils ties have warned they would use tough Belgrade. — AFP killed in the separatist war, residents said anti-terror laws against those defying the yesterday, as the military prepared to cele- ban. OBRENOVAC: Emergency services pulled seven found in Obrenovac, worst hit by the heaviest northern Bosnian towns of Samac and Modrica brate its victory over Tamil Tiger rebels five Government forces declared an end to dead bodies from flooded homes in Bosnia yes- rainfall in the region since records began almost and trucks and bulldozers carried food to the years ago. Tamil politicians attempted to the 37-year war after killing Velupillai terday and soldiers rushed to free hundreds of 120 years ago. He did not specify how many peo- hardest hit areas. About 1,000 people, including stage the remembrance on Friday at local Prabhakaran, leader of the Liberation Tigers people stranded in a school in Serbia during the ple had died. babies, pregnant women, invalids and elderly council offices in the northern battle- of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in a final battle in the worst floods to hit the Balkans in over a century. In Serbia, some 95,000 homes were without were evacuated from the region of Zeljezno Polje scarred town of Jaffna, defying a ban on northeast on May 18, 2009. Local residents A Reuters photographer in the town of electricity yesterday, with the country’s energy in central Bosnia, where hundreds of homes were public commemorations of war victims, in Mullaittivu district where he died told Obrenovac, 30 km southwest of the Serbian capi- system near breaking point. The country hiked destroyed in landslides. “I think we’ll never be witnesses said. The government is planning AFP this week they will hold private memo- tal Belgrade and the worst hit by days of heavy imports to make up for a cut of 40 percent in able to return to our village,” local Muslim imam a major military “victory parade” today to rials but no public events out of fear of rainfall, estimated the water level at 2-3 meters. capacity. By Friday in Serbia, three people had Zuhdija Ridzal told Reuters by telephone from mark five years since the defeat of Tamil arrest. Human Rights groups have said at “The whole town is under water,” he said. drowned, including a rescue worker. In Bosnia, Zeljezno Polje. “It has disappeared in landslides.” Tiger rebels, who waged a decades-long least 40,000 civilians were killed in the final Residents stood on roofs and terraces waiting to the death toll reached 11, with the discovery of Serbia’s state-run power utility Elektroprivreda battle for a separate homeland for minority months of the fighting alone and have be rescued, while soldiers in amphibious military six bodies in the eastern town of Doboj yesterday Srbije (EPS) trimmed output at its largest hydro Tamils. Services have been banned to hon- accused government forces of war crimes, vehicles tried to evacuate an estimated 700 peo- and another in Samac in the north. “I’m afraid power plant, Djerdap 1, on the Danube river by a or Tamil rebels and remember civilians an allegation Colombo strongly denies. ple, mainly women and children, from a primary that won’t be the end,” Bosnian Serb leader quarter and closed down 1,650 MW in capacity killed in the conflict which ended in 2009 The defense ministry said arrangements school located on higher ground. Milorad Dodik told a news conference with Vucic of its largest coal-fired power plant Nikola Tesla after claiming at least 100,000 lives. were in place for today’s parade in Matara, Further to the west, thousands of volunteers in Belgrade. (TENT) late on Friday, on top of a 10 percent cut In Jaffna, police barricaded the building, the southern heartland of the majority eth- joined soldiers, police and firefighters overnight in total output a day before. Flooding of the preventing politicians from entering, and nic Sinhalese and the birthplace of in building sandbag flood defenses around the Landslides Kolubara, the Danube and the Sava rivers smashed a banana tree branch brought to President Mahinda Rajapakse. “All arrange- town of Sabac, threatened by the rising waters of Authorities in Bosnia said they would evacu- brought down cables and transformer stations, the service in a Hindu religious practice to ments have been finalized for the holding the River Sava. “Now we have to sit and wait, to ate about 10,000 people from the eastern region soaked coal depots that feed power plant and commemorate the dead, witnesses said. of the 5th Victory Day in Matara today,” the wait for that next wave and to hope,” Serbian of Bijeljina, accomodating them in schools. caused a fire inside the Kolubara power plant “They lit camphor lamps just outside the ministry said, adding that more than 7,500 Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic told a news con- Mayor Mico Micic appealed for blankets and complex which had been shuttered since council wall because they could not go in,” troops and police will be deployed. Over ference. Vucic said the first bodies had been food. Helicopters evacuated people from the Thursday. — Reuter a witness said asking not to be named. 100 military vehicles, 40 ships and gun- “But, a policeman stamped on the camphor boats and 35 military aircraft will take part and snuffed out the flames.” There were no in the celebrations in the coastal town of reports of arrests in Jaffna, 400 kilometers Matara. — AFP Modi urged to reach out to Muslims NEW DELHI: Indian newspapers yesterday urged prime minister-elect Narendra Modi to reach out to Muslims and avoid the temptation of tri- umphalism after the Hindu nationalist leader’s crushing election victory. After winning the first outright majority by anyone for 30 years, Modi will not have to seek out coalition allies who might otherwise act as a moderating influence on his right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party. But the main newspapers said it was vital Modi allay the fears of minorities who did not jump on his electoral bangdwagon, particularly Muslims who remember how around 1,000 people died in communal riots in 2002 soon after he took over as chief minister of Gujarat state. “The reality remains that there is a huge trust deficit with the minorities, especially the Muslim community, which must be addressed,” said an editorial in The Hindu. “He is still regarded as a deeply polarizing figure not really reaching out to minorities. “In order to close the credibility gap that per- sists as regards his acceptability to govern all Indians, Mr Modi must ensure that the idea of NEW DELHI: An Indian supporter of the Chief Minister of the western Indian state of Gujarat India as a pluralist and inclusive landscape in and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime-ministerial candidate Narendra Modi collects flowers which all citizens have equality before the law as ahead of his arrival in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP constitutionally decreed, is upheld consistently the Muslim community,” said an editorial in The Modi said in a speech on Friday that he would and transparently, while he is in office as Prime Indian Express. ensure that he governed on behalf of all of Minister.” While Modi made governance and “Ever since the violence in Gujarat in 2002 India’s 1.2 billion people, the Times of India development the focus of his campaign, several on the Modi government’s watch, and because pointed out that the new parliament would senior BJP figures were accused of trying to whip of his refusal to directly address questions of contain just 24 Muslim MPs, the lowest number MULLAITTIVU: Abandoned vehicles are seen at a yard in Sri Lanka’s former war zone up antagonism against the Muslim minority for his own political and moral accountability, a since 1952. The Hindustan Times said it was in the northern district of Mullaittivu. Sri Lanka’s military celebrates its stunning vic- electoral gains in key battlegrounds. A Modi gov- Modi prime ministership stokes insecurities in vital that what it called the “bad eggs in the tory over Tamil rebels five years ago, but minority Tamils face jail if they mourn their ernment “needs to, first and foremost, reach out India’s largest minority that Prime Minister party do not make overtly triumphal remarks dead from the same killing fields. — AFP to those that did not vote for it. It needs to talk to Modi cannot afford to relegate or ignore.” While about any community.” SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 INTERNATIONAL Election candidate praises Assad, eyes ties with West DAMASCUS: One of President Bashar Al- about how to react to this new democracy” Assad’s two challengers in next month’s elec- and even some of Nouri’s friends were reluc- tion praised his military campaign against tant to endorse him in public, he said, but Islamist rebels but said Syria must do more to state media were giving fair coverage to him maintain ties with the West and rebuild its and the other challenger, parliamentarian economy after three years of war. Hassan Al- Abdul-Hafiz Hajjar. “The problem is you are Nouri said there was no difference between competing (with) Bashar al-Assad - 14 years a the three candidates over military strategy president and coming from a heritage of a against Syrian rebels and their foreign Sunni great president of Syria,” he said, speaking in Muslim backers in the ongoing conflict. “Our English. “But you have to admit that I am very enemy is still the same enemy. We are all courageous to build my program to go against terrorism,” Nouri told Reuters in an (against) the system ...I am not with Assad. I interview less than three weeks before an am going to compete with him to the end.” election which authorities portray as a land- Nouri, a 54-year-old Damascene who has mark for democracy and the West has dis- an MBA in public management from missed as a sham. Wisconsin University, said that if elected he The June 3 election is the first time in half would push harder for “international dia- a century that Syrian ballot papers will con- logue” including with Assad’s Western critics. tain any name other than Assad. The last sev- “I would be trying to adapt the relationship en votes were referenda to approve Bashar with the West in a more aggressive way,” he Al-Assad or his father, Hafez Al-Assad. Hafez said, adding that Damascus should keep SOMA: Police officers pray at the graves of the victims of the mine accident in Soma, Turkey, yesterday. — AP never scored less than 99 percent, while his chances alive “for very strong diplomatic ties son got 97.6 percent seven years ago. Despite with all countries, including the USA.” He said the move to allow two rivals approved by he would be ready to negotiate with armed parliament and the constitutional court to groups but would “never deal with terrorist Turkish mine rescue winds run this time, Assad’s international foes say groups”, a position he portrayed as being in the election is a charade intended to rubber line with Assad’s policy. stamp his rule for another seven year term. While suggesting authorities gave protest- up; death toll rises to 301 They say no credible vote can be held in a ers little chance to voice grievances when the country fractured by a war which grew out of uprising erupted in March 2011, he said it a popular uprising against the president and would be wrong to criticize the government which has displaced millions of people. But now that “terrorism has become the number Anti-government protests spread Nouri, a US-educated economist and former one factor in this revolution”. Syria’s opposi- junior minister, said most Syrians would be tion in exile says it was Assad’s forceful SOMA: Rescue workers began winding up their water cannon to disperse several thousand pro- Technical University occupied the mining faculty able to vote. “In the middle of the country the response to peaceful demonstrations which operations yesterday after finding the bodies of testers. on Friday evening in protest at links between the situation is perfect for election. On the coast pushed the uprising towards armed insur- two more miners, believed to be the last remain- Overnight, demonstrators clashes with police university and the company which operates the the situation is very good. In the southern gency, now backed by foreign jihadi fighters. ing in the mine, bringing the death toll in in the western port city of Izmir, some setting up mine - Soma Holding, the private Dogan news part of Syria the situation is getting better,” “After evaluating the current government Turkey’s worst industrial disaster to 301, the makeshift barricades and throwing stones and agency reported. the grey-suited Nouri said in the interview at and the current president’s performance con- energy minister said. Earlier a new fire broke out fireworks aimed at the police, Hurriyet newspa- They said they would continue their protest a Damascus hotel. cerning this ... I see they are doing fine,” said in the mine, hindering the rescue teams. Taner per reported. Some 40 people were detained. until various demands were met, including a Some Syrians still “have doubt and fear Nouri. — Reuters Yildiz said it had been extinguished and two There were also protests in Istanbul. Some resi- guarantee that the university’s links with the more dead workers found. He said the numbers dents in the city banged pots and pans from company were cut and the resignation of an aca- added up with the missing persons’ information their windows, an act which was a feature of last demic there who said those who die from car- provided by families. summer’s nationwide anti-government unrest. bon monoxide poisoning “died sweetly”. He has “The newly discovered workers will be The police intervention in Soma could add to apologized for his comment. The mining compa- brought up and given back to their families. If public anger towards Erdogan. He survived mass ny managers held a fractious news conference there is no further demand to us and, the infor- demonstrations and a corruption probe into his on Friday where they said an unexplained build- mation we have backs that up, then we will have government over the past year to remain up of heat was thought to have led part of the finished our search work,” he said. However, he Turkey’s dominant politician, but now risks alien- mine to collapse, fanning a blaze which spread said rescue teams would first conduct a final ating conservative, working-class voters that rapidly more than two km under the surface. search throughout the mine before making a form his party’s base. Opponents of Erdogan blame the govern- decision on ending the operation, four days after ment for privatizing leases at previously state- an initial fire sent deadly carbon monoxide University sit-in controlled mines, turning them over to political- coursing through it. There was wide media coverage of footage ly-connected businessmen who they say may The disaster triggered angry protests across apparently showing Erdogan slapping a man as have skimped on safety to maximize profit. Turkey, aimed at mine owners accused of ignor- locals jeered his entourage when he visited Questioned on links between Soma Holding ing safety for profit, and at Prime Minister Tayyip Soma this week. The man, Taner Kurucan, said executives and Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, a mine Erdogan’s government, seen as too close to Erdogan had slapped him and told Kanal D TV executive confirmed his wife was a local AK Party industry bosses and insensitive in its reaction to he was then beaten by the prime minister’s politician. Company chairman Alp Gurkan said the tragedy. Erdogan has presided over a decade bodyguards. His adviser Yalcin Akdogan accused he had never met the prime minister before this of rapid economic growth but worker safety “gang members” of provoking Erdogan’s team as week. The AK Party said the formerly state-run standards have failed to keep pace, leaving he went to meet mourning families. Anger was mine at Soma, 480 km (300 miles) southwest of Turkey with one of the world’s worst industrial intensified by a photograph of an Erdogan aide Istanbul, had been inspected 11 times over the ALEPPO: Syrians inspect the rubble of destroyed buildings following a Syrian gov- accident records. The frustrations boiled over in kicking a protester held down by police special past five years. It denied any suggestion of loop- ernment airstrike in Aleppo, Syria. — AP Soma on Friday as riot police fired tear gas and forces. A group of students at the Istanbul holes in mining safety regulations. — Reuters How a stand-off at sea led to Vietnam mob violence

HANOI: As a thousand Vietnamese rioters stormed his factory prices. But the noisy anti-Chinese protests that began last ing new fronts for the hard-pressed police. At 10:30 pm, antici- would have been stampeded to death,” said Shen. “I saw sever- on Tuesday night, smashing windows and ripping down Sunday in Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and other Vietnamese cities pating trouble at its petrochemical and fiber material plant, al policemen walking around. But what could they do?” The Chinese-language signs, Taiwanese executive Henry Yeh hid were the biggest in decades. The government tolerated them Formosa Plastics Group called the police, who were over- Grobest factory was spared, but a neighboring Chinese one with a colleague in the back of a fire truck, clutching the only initially, apparently wanting to send a message to China, while whelmed by the rioters on motor-bikes, who broke in just was looted. weapon he could find: a golf club. “With that many people sur- allowing people to let off steam. But it may have miscalculat- before midnight. rounding us, it was useless. I was afraid they would kill us,” said ed how much larger, more focused and more violent the In a four-hour spree of theft and vandalism, they robbed ‘Treat Chinese like they treat us’ Yeh, 27, who works for a Taiwan textile company at an indus- protests would become. the offices and company dormitory of televisions, computers By Wednesday evening, 460 companies in Binh Duong had trial park in the suburbs of Ho Chi Minh City. Yeh and his col- and other valuables. “The looters claimed to be patriotic, but reported some damage, according to a report by the league eventually escaped unscathed. Others were not so for- Mob rule actually broke into Chinese-owned factories in the province province’s police cited in the state-run Thanh Nien (Young tunate. By Tuesday morning, protesters had gathered outside for stealing and destruction,” the company said in a statement. People) newspaper. At least 40 policemen were injured by What started as heated but peaceful nationwide protests Chinese-and Taiwanese-owned factories at the Vietnam Many foreign workers fled the area, despite reports of road- rock-throwing “extremists” and 599 people arrested, said the against Chinese oil-drilling in a patch of the South China Sea Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in Binh Duong, considered blocks put up by rioters. Taiwanese businessman Chong Ming- newspaper. But Wednesday’s worst violence was in Ha Tinh claimed by Vietnam exploded into two days of rioting that left one of the country’s best industrial parks. The ring leaders cheng, 50, disguised himself as a Vietnamese worker and rode province, far to the north, at a giant steel plant under con- hundreds of Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean factories dam- pressured factory workers to join the protests, said the general out on a motor-bike. “The Vietnamese didn’t really notice me,” struction by Formosa Plastics Group, Taiwan’s biggest investor aged or destroyed. The Vietnamese government says one per- director of a Western company at VSIP, who requested he said. in Vietnam. son was killed but a doctor at a hospital near one area of riot- anonymity. By mid-morning, crowds were vandalizing Chinese One foreign businessman told Reuters Westerners helped There, anger over Chinese muscle-flexing in the remote ing said he had seen 21 dead bodies and that at least 100 peo- and Taiwanese factories nearby. “It was ratcheting up as the Taiwanese flee at least one industrial park in the trunks of their South China Sea commingled with local grievances. Nguyen ple were wounded. Anger over China’s maritime claims day went on,” he said. The crowd swelled into the thousands, cars. Others spent a terrifying Tuesday night holed up in Van Phong, 56, a farmer in Ha Tinh, accused the steel plant of sparked the unrest, but it was also fuelled by local grievances he said, then atomized into hundreds-strong mobs which besieged factories. Dexter Hsu, a product developer at a grabbing land and inundating the area with Chinese workers. and exploited by criminal elements intent on looting and van- rampaged through the park attacking factories. Taiwan-owned footwear company in Binh Duong, hid with “We’ve been angry with China for a long time,” he said. A fac- dalism, witnesses told Reuters. The violence quickly spread, One mob arrived at the front gate of his factory, which Chinese and other Taiwanese workers at a company dorm, its tory worker in Ha Tinh, speaking to Reuters by phone, said five apparently wrong-footing the police who struggled to dis- employs about 100 workers. “They left after they were sure doors barricaded with furniture. Earlier that day, thousands of Vietnamese protesters entered the Formosa complex on perse mobs of hundreds and even thousands. that we were not a Chinese factory,” he said. Afterwards, he flag-waving Vietnamese had entered the factory, which Wednesday afternoon to ask the workers to join them. The first factories hit were in Binh Duong and Dong Nai, sent his workers home and shut the factory. Witnesses told employs 9,000 Vietnamese and about 100 Taiwanese or Rumors circulated among the crowd that two of the two provinces indistinguishable from Ho Chi Minh City’s man- Reuters the violence seemed coordinated, with men on Chinese. “We took turns watching out for intruders,” said Hsu. Vietnamese had been beaten to death by Chinese. ic sprawl. The worst violence took place in Ha Tinh province, motor-bikes scoping out targets then calling in the mob by “We were too scared to even turn on the lights.” The next day, Soon, about 5,000 Vietnamese were battling 1,000 Chinese 1,300 km further north, where pitched battles between mobile phone. “There were definite instigators who were Hsu and his foreign colleagues sneaked out a back door into at the entrance before setting parts of the plant ablaze. “I saw Vietnamese rioters and Chinese workers at a big Taiwanese using the protest as a way to engage in criminal behavior. I cars with tinted windows and drove to the safety of Ho Chi 13 Chinese dead and dozens of them injured,” said the Ha Tinh steel project filled a hospital with dead and wounded. Some don’t think this just sort of organically happened,” said the Minh City. factory worker, who asked Reuters to withhold her name. ruined factories were still smouldering on Thursday and hun- Western company director. “Overall, this is a terrifying situation,” said Hsu. “Most “Vietnamese workers didn’t want to send the Chinese to hos- dreds of foreign workers, fearing for their safety, fled from the Little or no protection was provided by the police, accord- Vietnamese can’t tell the difference between Taiwan and pital. They said, ‘Let them be. We treat Chinese like they treat- country by road and air. Factories can be rebuilt. Much harder ing to witnesses of the Binh Duong violence. Instead, factories China. They generally think Taiwan is simply a province of ed us’. But then the police came and took them to hospital.” Up to repair is the confidence of foreign investors attracted by hung signs over their gates expressing solidarity with China.” Wednesday morning came, and the violence spread in to 21 people were killed and hundreds injured, a local doctor Vietnam’s strong economic growth and stable government. Vietnam, hoping it would deter attacks. “Down with China,” Dong Nai. At the factory of Simon Shen, a Chinese employee told Reuters. Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh con- The scope and ferocity of the riots have shaken that gov- read a sign at one Taiwanese factory. As night fell on Tuesday, at Taiwanese shrimp feed firm Grobest Industrial, employees firmed one death and described media reports and accounts ernment. It has always tried to keep tight controls on anti- a much larger police presence was seen entering the area. took down all signs with Chinese characters, then convinced a on social networking sites of higher casualties as “groundless”. Chinese protests, for fear that nationalistic fervor might Overnight, however, unrest spread to neighboring Dong Nai mob outside that the company was American. “I don’t remem- Ha Tinh police said they had detained 76 people as of morph into anger against corruption, land grabs and soaring province, taking many companies there by surprise and open- ber if they carried sticks or other weapons, but if I walked out, I Thursday afternoon. — Reuters

BINH DUONG: Photo shows a damaged car at a Taiwanese furniture factory in Binh Duong as anti-China protest- BINH DUONG: Smoke billows from a Taiwanese furniture factory in Binh Duong as anti-China protesters set ers set more than a dozen factories on fire in Vietnam. — AFP more than a dozen factories on fire in Vietnam. — AFP

ANALYSIS14 SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

FOCUS NY Times axing sparks debate on women in media

By Rob Lever

he firing of top New York Times editor Jill Abramson has sparked debate on the role of Twomen in media and about equal pay in the industry. The storied US media group has said Abramson, abruptly dismissed earlier this week, was not paid less than her male counterparts, although some reports dispute this. Still, the incident prompted renewed concerns about gender discrimination and Obama Asia pivot tested by China claims leadership roles for women in the industry. “The fury of women journalists who identify with By Matt Spetalnick and Manuel Mogato influence to calm the mood in Vietnam, Abramson stems from what we know: that excellent where anti-China rioting subsided on performances are not enough,” said Emily Bell, director S President Barack Obama sought to Friday. He said the concern among of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia reassure allies in Asia last month Southeast Asian countries was that China Vietnam violence University, in a column in The Guardian. “Women must Uthat the United States would sup- was seeking incremental gains in provok- be completely different from the men they replace (or port them in the face of a more assertive ing a series of crises with its neighbors, a who replace them), apparently - they must adapt to China. But after one of Beijing’s boldest tactic that could eventually change the throws snag the power they are briefly allowed to hold without moves in years to lay claim to contested regional landscape unless it was met with transgressing the gender roles they aren’t allowed to waters off Vietnam, some Asia countries are a resolute response. By Shaun Tandon direct investment muddies that,” Cheng escape.” asking a simple question: Where is said. The analyst said that the violence - Some said the unceremonious axing of Abramson Washington? Days after Obama left the Asia Allies Keep Close he outbreak of deadly anti-China also targeting businesses from Taiwan, set back the cause for women, just three years after she region, China deployed an oil drilling rig Eye on US Response protests in Vietnam raises the stakes which is autonomous from China - risked ascended to arguably the most prestigious job in 240 km off the coast of Vietnam, into a part The United States does not have a Tfor the United States, which has ral- making Vietnam appear “a lot less pleas- of the South China Sea claimed by itself treaty obligation to defend Vietnam as it American journalism. “Abramson’s presence allowed a lied behind Beijing’s neighbors but faces ant” as an investment destination. and Hanoi. That sparked deadly anti-China does the Philippines, and there was no ugly new realities. Demonstrations have Asia as a whole could ultimately be the new generation of women at the Times to begin to see riots in central Vietnam and raised ques- sign Washington was considering tougher a possible future in leadership at the paper, but it also spread to a third of Vietnam’s provinces, loser if foreign investors decide the tions over whether Obama’s long-promised actions such as sending more navy ships to with workers attacking Chinese workers region is too risky, Cheng warned. China helped disrupt the paper’s masculine approach to strategic “pivot” of military assets to Asia is the area or imposing sanctions on Beijing. and factories, in a wave of nationalist out- was similarly hit by violent protests in news coverage,” writes Amanda Hess for Slate.com A more than talk. Due to the intertwined nature of the US rage after Beijing moved a deep-water 2005 and 2012 against Japanese busi- report released last month by the Women’s Media “We have been pushing the US to and Chinese economies, there is little drilling rig into waters claimed by Hanoi. nesses, troubles some Tokyo officials Center, a group founded in 2005 by Jane Fonda and change its policy and take sides in the appetite in Washington for the kind of The escalation came despite months of US linked to the Beijing government. activist Gloria Steinem, suggests that progress has regional dispute,” said a senior Philippine punitive measures that have been used cajoling for an easing of tensions in the stalled for women in the news media. defense official. “I wanted to see the US against Russia over the Ukraine crisis. myriad disputes in the South China Sea A Chinese Strategy? match with stronger action what President Some China watchers believe a firmer US and a separate conflict between China Vietnam, a communist nation that Lack of Newsroom Progress? Obama has said during his recent visit in stand is needed. “The United States should and US ally Japan in the East China Sea. generally keeps a tight lid on political The report said that the percentage of women the Philippines.” China claims a stretch of be prepared to offer support to Vietnam President Barack Obama has put a unrest, had been seen as taking a more newsroom staff last year was 36 percent “a figure large- water off its south coast and to the east of through an increased naval presence,” high priority on building relations with conciliatory approach toward China than ly unchanged since 1999.” The report said snapshot in mainland Southeast Asia, setting it in wrote Elizabeth Economy and Michael Levi Southeast Asia, seeing the region as eco- the Philippines, a robust democracy that 2013 of articles appearing on The New York Times’ direct conflict with claims of US allies of the Council on Foreign Relations, a well- nomically dynamic and eager for warmer has similar disputes with Beijing but has front page showed that men were quoted 3.4 times Vietnam and the Philippines. Brunei, known think tank. “This would give US relations faced with China’s rise. shown defiance both at sea and in inter- more often than women, though the rate was not as Taiwan and Malaysia also lay claim to parts Washington the ability to assess Chinese Vietnam has been a case in point, readily national bodies. Ernie Bower, the chair of high when women wrote the story. A separate Indiana of the South China Sea. capabilities and to help de-escalate the sit- seeking military ties with the United Southeast Asian studies at the Center for University study found the median income for women At stake is control over what are uation.” States in a dramatic shift for the onetime Strategic and International Studies, said employed at newspapers in 2012 was about $5,000 believed to be significant reserves of oil Another option, they said, could be war adversaries. “I think this poses a huge that Vietnam - which has thousands of and gas. Estimates for proven and undis- restrictions on the US activities of China’s less than for men. And Pew research Center analysts dilemma for the United States,” Patrick years of complex relations with China - covered oil reserves in the entire sea range state-run oil company CNOOC, which painted a similar picture. Cronin, an Asia expert at the Center for a had been “trying hard not to take the bait from 28 billion to as high as 213 billion owns the $1 billion rig. “If the United States New American Security, said of the vio- as they are students of the Chinese “Our data analysis finds that overall there has been barrels of oil, the US Energy Information can’t back up its words with actions, its little significant change in the share of women news- lence in Vietnam. approach.” Administration said in a March 2008 credibility in promising to uphold peace “It’s not enough to have a strategic But the violence in Vietnam “plays room employees and news managers in recent years,” report. The United States has responded and stability in the region will be gutted,” said Monica Anderson of the Pew Research Center dialogue between Hanoi and right into China’s hands” by giving Beijing with sharpened rhetoric toward China, they wrote. The US administration had Washington. We really have to reassure a rationale to dig in on its stance, Bower Journalism Project. Anderson said in a blog post that describing a pattern of Chinese “provoca- hoped China would heed condemnation “virtually the same proportion of women (35 percent) the Vietnamese public - not just the gov- said. A top Chinese general, Fang tions”. But it has taken no tangible action, a of its air defense identification zone in the ernment - that there are going to be Fenghui, meanwhile vowed during a visit worked in supervisory positions in newspapers in stark reflection of the limited options avail- East China Sea, which China established agreed-upon rules and that Vietnam will to Washington to keep operating the oil 2012, a number that has also barely changed since able to an administration already stretched last year to enforce its claims on tiny not be victimized.” State Department rig despite Vietnam’s anger. The intense 1998.” by the crisis in Ukraine and faced with a Japanese-administered islands there. spokeswoman Marie Harf reiterated the pressure campaign, including the deploy- quandary over how to deter China without But Washington now believes that A report by New Yorker journalist Ken Auletta said US criticism of China’s “provocative” ment of the oil rig and clashes at sea, are damaging broader ties with the world’s Beijing learned the “wrong lesson” from Abramson’s starting salary in 2011 as executive editor actions but called for protests in Vietnam likely part of a strategy of growing second-biggest economy. Russia’s annexation of Ukraine’s Crimea was $475,000, compared to $559,000 for her predeces- to be peaceful. assertiveness by China since President Xi The United States has refused to take peninsula on how to pursue its own terri- sor Bill Keller. The report said her salary was raised to Jinping assumed power last year, accord- sides in maritime disputes and urged torial claims, a senior US official said. The $503,000, and then to $525,000 after she protested, A Setback for Vietnam ing to Bower. negotiations. Washington itself has ruled official insisted that Beijing’s behavior had Auletta also said his figures showed Abramson was Dean Cheng, a senior research fellow Bower said he would not be surprised out mediating between Beijing and Hanoi. only reinforced allies’ desire for an expand- paid less as managing editor a male counterpart. at the conservative Heritage Foundation, if China followed up by imposing an Air Some of America’s friends in the region ed US diplomatic, military and economic The figures appeared to be at odds with a state- said that the violence risked playing into Defense Identification Zone over the have little patience with a measured US presence in Asia, Obama’s signature sec- ment released by Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger. “It the hands of Beijing, which would consid- South China Sea, as it did in November in approach, especially after Obama, during ond-term foreign policy initiative. is simply not true that Jill’s compensation was signifi- er itself the aggrieved party. China has the East China Sea despite protests by his four-country Asian tour, raised expecta- Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty cantly less than her predecessors,” Sulzberger said in a tions for an increased effort to keep China Natalegawa suggested that his country accused Hanoi of “connivance” with riot- Japan, South Korea and the United States. memo to staff Thursday. “In fact, in 2013, her last full from overstepping in maritime disputes might be able to help mediate the China- ers. “It certainly complicates American cal- “We’re just seeing the real Xi Jinping,” year in the role, her total compensation package was with its neighbors. Vietnam standoff. “If no one tries to make culations because the US tends to want Bower said. “I think that this is actually more than 10 percent higher than that of her prede- An Asian diplomat in Washington said it some kind of an effort, then the risk of the people it supports to be pristinely part of a broader plan and that this is not cessor, Bill Keller, in his last full year as executive editor, was essential the United States took a escalation and a worsening situation is a pure and good, and attacking foreign the last provocation we will see.” — AFP which was 2010. It was also higher than his total com- firmer line with Beijing while also using its very real one,” he said. — Reuters pensation in any previous year.” The discrepancy could reflect factors other than salary - bonuses, stock compensation and pension Optimism remains despite tough nuke talks benefits, some pointed out. The incident appeared to leave questions unanswered and shocked some in the By Simon Sturdee rounds no set date was announced, and there was no Iran’s past nuclear work. This last issue is critical, said industry. “Abramson’s firing was among the most harsh joint statement. Mark Hibbs from the Carnegie Endowment for and humiliating I’ve ever seen play out in the media’s ran and world powers were nursing their wounds yes- The aim of the sought-after accord is to reduce the International Peace. “Because the deal with Iran says that recent history,” wrote Rebecca Traister in the New terday after a bruising round of nuclear talks, but scale of Iran’s nuclear activities, easing fears it is seeking at the end of the day Iran will be treated no differently Republic. “Whatever the (possibly caveman) calcula- Idiplomats and experts remain hopeful a historic deal to construct a bomb, in return for a lifting of all sanc- than any other state without nuclear weapons, the IAEA tions performed by Arthur Sulzberger Jr, the publisher can still be struck by a July 20 deadline. With three previ- tions. At the heart of the debate is uranium enrichment, needs to know from Iran what its capabilities are related and chairman of the Times, his dismissal of Abramson - ous rounds already under their belts, the three-day ses- which can provide nuclear fuel but also the fissile core of to nuclear weapons-making,” Hibbs told AFP. and naming of Dean Baquet, the paper’s managing sion that ended in a rainy Vienna on Friday night had a nuclear bomb. It is the same issue that has dogged editor, to the top spot - should have been marked by been billed as the clincher, where the leaders would diplomatic efforts for years. The worry is that Iran could Ups and Downs something approximating respect. It was not.” — AFP finally put pen to paper and start drafting the actual text in theory use its 20,000 centrifuges - and newer, faster Diplomats insist the process was always going to be of the deal. ones under development - to further purify its already hard and that the gaps can be bridged before the July But it was clear from the exhausted expressions on considerable low-enriched uranium stockpile to 20 deadline, when a six-month interim deal agreed in the faces of Iranian diplomats and their counterparts weapons-grade. November in Geneva expires. “In any negotiation there All articles appearing on these pages from the five permanent members of the UN Security The powers want Iran to slash the number of cen- are good days and bad days, and there are ups and Council plus Germany that nothing is in writing yet. “The trifuges, but Tehran denies wanting nuclear weapons downs. This has been a moment of great difficulty, but are the personal opinion of the writers. gaps were too large to begin drafting the text,” said Iran’s and considers this is a “red line” that it will not cross. In one that was not entirely unexpected,” the US official Kuwait Times takes no responsibility chief negotiator Abbas Araqchi, adding that “no tangible fact, it wants to install more. “The Western powers want said on Friday. “We believe we can still get it done,” she for views expressed therein. Kuwait progress” had been made. “This has, candidly, been a to divide the number of centrifuges by four or five ... said. Times invites readers to voice their very slow and difficult process, and we are concerned while the Iranians believe that they need at least 50,000 Kelsey Davenport from the Arms Control Association with the short amount of time that is left,” a senior US for their future needs in research and nuclear power,” agreed, saying the differences are “large, but not insur- opinions. Please send submissions via official said. “Huge gaps remain. There is really more real- said Francois Nicoullaud, former French ambassador to mountable”. “Negotiators on both sides expected obsta- email to: [email protected] or ism needed on the other side,” said another Western Iran. “The gap between these starting positions is cles, but if they are willing to be flexible and creative, a via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, diplomat. “We had expected a little more flexibility.” immense,” Nicoullaud told AFP. deal can be reached,” she told AFP. “The next few months Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to But it is not the only issue. Others are the new Arak will be critical, as they twist and turn the nuclear Rubik’s Old Demons reactor, which could give Iran weapons-grade plutoni- Cube to achieve a realistic deal with a strong base on edit any submission as necessary. Officials said negotiations would resume in the um, and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s which to build in the succeeding years,” said Ali Vaez, Iran Austrian capital next month, but unlike in the previous snail’s-pace probe into alleged “military dimensions” of expert at the International Crisis Group.— AFP p15_Layout 1 5/17/14 10:42 PM Page 1

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 SPORTS

Blake ponders sprint double Singapore businessman Scolari unworried by probe LONDON: Jamaica’s 2011 100 metres world champion Yohan Blake has said BRASÔLIA: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, under investigation for tax eva- he could run in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the forthcoming Lim buys Valencia club sion in Portugal, insisted yesterday that the “malicious” disclosure by Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. BARCELONA: Singapore businessman Peter Lim is the new owner of Portuguese authorities would not affect his work for the World Cup. Blake failed to beat compatriot and training partner Usain Bolt’s world debt-ridden Valencia after buying 70.4 percent of the shares owned “If it is a confidential inquiry, why has it been madepublic? Because it’s best for the rarely-raced 150 metres on a temporary track laid over by the club’s foundation, the La Liga side said yesterday. something malicious,” Scolari said in an interview with Brazilian magazine Manchester’s Deansgate yesterday but still won in 14.71 seconds. The 24- The Valencia Foundation’s patrons voted for Lim’s proposal ahead Epoca. Former Portugal coach Scolari was this week charged by Portuguese year-old blamed the lack of a proper warm-up area for failing to get closer of other offers from international consortiums offering large cash authorities with tax fraud, less than a month before the World Cup starts. to Bolt’s mark of 14.35secs or American Walter Dix’s 14.65secs, although injections. “Peter Lim has completed the takeover,” a club spokesman Scolari is accused of hiding about seven million euros ($9.6 million) in Blake’s time was still the third quickest recorded over the distance. income when he was Portugal’s coach between 2003 and 2008. told Reuters. Afterwards Blake, the double Olympic silver medallist, said he would Describing it as “a problem to be resolved,” Scolari denied any wrongdo- probably compete in both the 100m and 200m in Glasgow The spokesman added that the next task for the new owner will ing and said that he was “not concerned” by the investigation as Brazil pre- where the track programme in the multi-sport be to agree a deal with creditors Bankia, who are owed 220 million pares to host the World Cup, which starts on June 12. Commonwealth Games, an event mainly for countries once euros ($301.50 million). “I continue to do what I have to do-take care of the ruled by the British Empire, starts on July 27. The club’s total debt is around 360 million euros. Lim was the national team, be happy with the group I work with,” he “I haven’t chosen (my events) yet,” Blake said. “I’m just choice of club president Amadeo Salvador who felt that his offer explained. “I’m going to welcome players, hug them, work waiting to talk to my manager and my coach when I get was best suited to turning around the fortunes of the club which with joy. And if later I have to take a different attitude, I’ll do back, but I will probably double up. failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League and were it. For now, that’s my goal.” Scolari coached Brazil to their “It’s always nice to have good credentials. I’ve got knocked out of the Europa League earlier this month by eventual World Cup triumph in 2002 and has returned to the world and Olympic medals and it would be good to winners Sevilla in the semi-finals. Valencia are 10th in the 20-team national side for the campaign on home territory which have some Commonwealth medals as well.”—AFP La Liga standings.—Reuters they are favourites to win.—AFP Rockies thrash Padres

DENVER: Jorge De La Rosa carried a no- ter. Manny Parra got one out in the hitter through six innings and pitched eighth and Aroldis Chapman struck out seven scoreless innings, as the Colorado pinch hitter Cesar Hernandez on a 102 Rockies withstood a late rally to beat the mph fastball with runners on second San Diego Padres 3-1 Friday night. and third for his second save in two tries. De La Rosa’s bid for the first no-hitter The Phillies haven’t scored a run in by a Rockies pitcher at Coors Field end- the last 20 innings and were shut out for ed in the seventh inning, when Chris the sixth time this season. They have lost Denorfia led off with a triple off the four straight and eight of 10 to fall a sea- scoreboard in right field, just the second son-worst five games under .500 at 17- time a Padres batter had gotten the ball 22. Kyle Kendrick (0-4) lost his ninth out of the infield to that point. straight decision, dating to last Aug. 11. But De La Rosa stranded Denorfia by He allowed three runs and four hits in retiring the next three batters, getting seven innings. Everth Cabrera on an infield grounder, Chase Headley on a liner to second and CARDINALS 5, BRAVES 2 Carlos Quentin on a pop-up to blank the Allen Craig had three hits, drove in a Padres on one hit through seven run and scored twice and Lance Lynn innings. allowed two runs over seven innings to De La Rosa, who was pitching on lead St. Louis. eight days’ rest because of a bout of Lynn (5-2) allowed seven hits, walked back spasms, struck out five and walked two and struck out three. Carlos one in winning his fifth straight since an Martinez retired the Braves on four 0-3 start. pitches in the eighth and Trevor ARLINGTON: Texas Rangers Leonys Martin (2) dives back to base beating the pick off throw from starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (not shown) to Rosenthal set down the side in order for Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Edwin Encarnacion (10) during the sixth inning of a baseball game. —AP GIANTS 7, MARLINS 5 his 12th save in 13 opportunities. Matt Casey McGehee singled home the Carpenter and Kolten Wong had two hits winning run with one out in the ninth each and scored a run for St. Louis. Matt Blue Jays blank Rangers inning to help Miami earn a rare road Holiday, Matt Adams and Yadier Molina win. Derek Dietrich and Christian Yelich all drove in a run for the Cardinals. homered, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia The Braves’ Chris Johnson went 2 for 4 ARLINGTON: Drew Hutchison outdueled Yu RAYS 3, ANGELS 0 The right-hander won for the first time in four starts snapped an 0-for-26 skid by tying his with a run scored. Johnson is batting Darvish and Melky Cabrera hit a two-run double in Yunel Escobar homered off Jered Weaver, and this month. career high with four singles to stop .377 (20 for 53) in May. Ervin Santana (4- the eighth inning to lift the Toronto Blue Jays to a James Loney and Evan Longoria had RBI singles to Miami’s slide. The Marlins entered the 1) took his first loss as a member of the 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Friday night. lead Tampa Bay to victory. TWINS 5, MARINERS 4 game losers of six of their past seven Braves. Santana lasted five innings and Cabrera’s liner sailed just beyond the out- Chris Archer (3-2) allowed two hits over 5 2-3 Kyle Gibson allowed one run in seven innings, games and with a majors-worst 4-16 allowed five runs and 10 hits with one stretched glove of Texas first baseman Mitch innings and won for the first time in his last five Brian Dozier and Josmil Pinto homered, and record away from home. walk and three strikeouts. Moreland, scoring Erik Kratz and Anthony Gose. starts, striking out five and walking five. Minnesota held on to beat Seattle. Dozier and Trevor Santiago Casilla (1-1) got out of a Hutchison (2-3) shut out Texas on three singles Jake McGee, who has stranded all 13 baserun- Plouffe each hit RBI doubles in the third inning bases-loaded jam in the eighth but NATIONALS 5, METS 2 in his first career complete game, earning his first ners he’s inherited, started the seventh inning fresh against Chris Young (3-1) to give the Twins an early couldn’t escape trouble in the ninth. The Tyler Moore had two hits and drove in victory since his first start of the season on April 1. after Juan Carlos Oviedo got the last out in the lead on their way to their fifth win in their last six right-hander allowed two baserunners a pair of runs, and Washington’s relievers Kratz and Gose each reached against Darvish (3- sixth. McGee gave up a single by Erick Aybar and a home games. Gibson (4-3) hadn’t earned a victory 2) on infield bunts. The right-handed hitting Kratz walk to Mike Trout, his third of the game. But Albert since winning his first three starts this season. He before McGehee’s tiebreaking single to threw four scoreless innings in the win bunted to third and beat an off-balance throw by Pujols, who stranded six runners on the night, flied struck out four and recorded 13 groundball outs to right field. over New York. Adrian Beltre. Gose, a left-handed hitter, drag bunt- out to right field. Joel Peralta pitched a scoreless lower his ERA to 4.20. Garrett Jones added an RBI single off Scott Hairston had an RBI double and ed up the first-base line. Moreland’s throw to sec- eighth and Grant Balfour pitched a perfect ninth Robinson Cano reached base for the 24th consec- lefty Javier Lopez and made a leaping a single for Washington, which has won ond baseman Rougned Odor covering first base for his eighth save. Weaver (4-3) allowed two runs utive game and broke the Mariners’ 21-inning score- catch in the netting of the photogra- nine straight against the Mets going wasn’t in time. Darvish was making his first start and three hits over seven innings with five strike- less drought with an RBI double in the fifth. phers’ well in foul territory in the ninth. back to last season. Nationals starter since throwing a one-hitter against Boston last outs and three walks. Mike Dunn (4-3) pitched a scoreless Tanner Roark (3-1) pitched five innings, Friday that Major League Baseball ruled on WHITE SOX 7, ASTROS 2 eighth, and Steve Cishek converted his giving up two runs on four hits. Ross Wednesday was a two-hitter. ORIOLES 4, ROYALS 0 Adam Dunn hit a three-run home run and Conor eighth save. Detwiler, Drew Storen, Tyler Clippard Chris Tillman tossed his first career shutout and Gillaspie added two RBIs to lead Chicago over and Rafael Soriano each pitched one TIGERS 1, RED SOX 0 Nelson Cruz drove in two runs for Baltimore. Tillman Houston. The White Sox trailed by two and had man- DODGERS 7, DIAMONDBACKS 0 inning. Soriano got his ninth save after Max Scherzer tossed six shutout innings, outdu- (4-2) scattered five hits and a walk while striking out aged just one hit off of Collin McHugh (2-2) through Zack Greinke threw eight sharp walking two batters with two outs eling Jon Lester and leading Detroit over Boston in three. His dominant outing came one night after Wei- the five innings before Dunn launched his soaring innings, Yasiel Puig and Scott Van Slyke before Jayson Werth made a jumping the opener of a three-game series. Yin Chen and four relievers combined to beat Kansas homer into the second deck in right field with one homered and Los Angeles added to its catch against the right field wall on a Torii Hunter delivered an RBI single in the first City 2-1. Chris Davis homered and Steve Clevenger out in the sixth to put Chicago on top. White Sox mastery of Arizona. drive by Daniel Murphy in the ninth. inning for the Tigers, playing their first game also drove in a run for the Orioles. Jeremy Guthrie (2- starter Jose Quintana (2-3) allowed seven hits and Los Angeles improved to 8-1 against against the defending champion Red Sox since los- 3) lasted eight innings against his former team, two runs in five innings for his first win since April 8. Arizona this season, and the Dodgers are BREWERS 4, CUBS 3 ing last year’s American League Championship allowing four runs, eight hits and a walk while strik- Tyler Flowers had an RBI in the sixth and Gillaspie 15-19 against everybody else. Greinke Kyle Lohse pitched seven effective Series in six games. Scherzer (6-1), the reigning AL ing out two. He is 0-3 with four no-decisions in his drove in two runs with a double in Chicago’s three- (7-1), in his longest outing of the season, innings in his first victory in three weeks, Cy Young Award winner, allowed three hits over last seven starts. Tillman lasted more than six innings run eighth inning. Rookie George Springer and Jason allowed two or fewer runs for the 21st and Milwaukee beat sloppy Chicago. six-plus innings in winning his sixth straight start for the first time since April 11, a span of five starts. Castro each had an RBI for the Astros.—AP and lowering his league-leading ERA to 1.83. The consecutive game, the longest such Lohse allowed three runs and seven hits right-hander struck out seven, walked four and was MLB results/standings streak in the majors since at least 1914. as NL Central-leading Milwaukee won removed after yielding a leadoff single to Mike He gave up five hits, struck out six, for the fifth time in six games. He retired Carp in the seventh. Milwaukee 4, Chicago Cubs 3; Oakland 11, Cleveland 1; Washington 5, NY Mets 2; Cincinnati 3, Philadelphia 0; walked two and had an RBI double. his last 13 batters in his first win since Joba Chamberlain retired the side in the eighth Detroit 1, Boston 0; Toronto 2, Texas 0; Baltimore 4, Kansas City 0; Minnesota 5, Seattle 4; Chicago White Sox 7, Puig had three hits and drove in two April 23 against San Diego, ending a and closer Joe Nathan pitched a perfect ninth for Houston 2; St. Louis 5, Atlanta 2; Colorado 3, San Diego 1; LA Dodgers 7, Arizona 0; Tampa Bay 3, LA Angels 0; runs. He and Van Slyke hit solo homers streak of three starts without a decision. his 11th save of the season. The game was delayed Miami 7, San Francisco 5. off Wade Miley (3-4) as the Jean Segura had three hits and two 47 minutes by rain in the top of the fourth inning. American League National League Diamondbacks fell to 4-16 at Chase RBIs for Milwaukee, which improved to Eastern Division Eastern Division Field. Van Slyke is 7 for 16 in his career 15-9 against its division this year. Elian ATHLETICS 11, INDIANS 1 W L PCT GB Atlanta 22 18 .550 - Baltimore 22 18 .550 - against Miley with four home runs, three Herrera doubled twice in a spot start in Josh Reddick homered twice, including a grand Washington 22 19 .537 0.5 NY Yankees 21 19 .525 1 Miami 22 21 .512 1.5 this year. Puig extended his career-best right field for Ryan Braun, who got the slam, and drove in a career-high six runs, and Josh Toronto 22 21 .512 1.5 hitting streak to 15 games. day off as he makes his way back from a Donaldson added a three-run shot in Oakland’s NY Mets 19 22 .463 3.5 Boston 20 21 .488 2.5 Philadelphia 17 22 .436 4.5 rout of Cleveland. right oblique strain. Tampa Bay 19 24 .442 4.5 Central Division Central Division REDS 3, PHILLIES 0 Darwin Barney hit a two-run homer Reddick’s second career grand slam and Milwaukee 27 15 .643 - Detroit 25 12 .676 - Alfredo Simon allowed five hits over 7 and Junior Lake had a solo shot for the Donaldson’s homer sparked an eight-run second St. Louis 22 20 .524 5 Minnesota 20 20 .500 6.5 2-3 strong innings, Devin Mesoraco hit a Cubs, who have lost three straight and inning. Reddick added a two-run homer in the sev- Cincinnati 19 21 .475 7 Chicago White Sox 21 22 .488 7 three-run homer and Cincinnati beat 10 of 12. Jeff Samardzija lasted five enth. Sonny Gray (5-1) allowed one run and two Pittsburgh 17 23 .425 9 hits with nine strikeouts in six innings for Oakland, Kansas City 20 21 .488 7 struggling Philadelphia. innings after getting off to a slow start, Cleveland 19 23 .452 8.5 Chicago Cubs 13 27 .325 13 which has won seven of eight. Simon (5-2) had a season-high eight but is winless in his last 15 games dating Western Division Western Division strikeouts, walked one and hit one bat- to last season.—AP Both homers in Oakland’s biggest inning of the Oakland 26 16 .619 - San Francisco 27 16 .628 - season came off Zach McAllister (4-3), who struck LA Angels 22 19 .537 3.5 Colorado 24 19 .558 3 out the side in the first, but retired only one batter Seattle 20 21 .488 5.5 LA Dodgers 23 20 .535 4 in the second for the shortest outing of his career. Texas 20 22 .476 6 San Diego 20 23 .465 7 Reddick came into Friday in an 8-for-43 skid over Houston 14 28 .333 12 Arizona 16 28 .364 11.5 his last 13 games. Jimenez slips up at Spanish Open

GIRONA: Belgium’s Thomas Pieters carved out a played to my strengths. I got two over par early Chinese Taipei event,” the 24-year-old said later, two-shot lead after three rounds of the Spanish just because my short game wasn’t sharp referring to the Yeangder Tournament Players Open yesterday after veteran home star Miguel enough but I took advantage of the par fives Championship on the Asian Tour in Taipei, where Angel Jimenez suffered a late mini-collapse. again today and the shots dropped in the end,” he had been in a similar position but was denied Jimenez had carded six birdies in 13 holes but said the Belgian. victory by Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand. then bogeys at the 15th and 18th holes gave “I stayed really patient, you need to be on this “I would like to get some redemption there him a 69 for the day and five-under for the tour- course and I’m getting better and better at it. and win a tournament this week,” Kim said. Kim nament with Pieters knocking in birdies at 15 You know that it’s going to be a hard day and an was one-under for the day when his wayward and 16 for a round of 71 and seven under. even par is a good score.” tee shot on the eighth hole landed 36.6 metres “I’m a little disappointed with that,” said 50- Meanwhile, Korean-American Chan Kim over- (40 yards) from the elevated green. year-old Jimenez who is the oldest winner in came a horror quadruple bogey to grab a one- He next hit into a tree branch, then found European Tour history, beating his own record shot lead after the third round of the Philippine himself in more trouble when his third and by winning the Hong Kong Open at the age of Open yesterday. fourth shots landed inside the greenside sand 49 years and 337 days last December. Kim nailed three birdies after his stumble at trap. But he has yet to win the Spanish Open. “It the tricky par-three eighth hole at the Wack He finally two-putted for seven, before hitting would be nice. I’d love to win the Spanish Open Wack Golf and Country Club to put himself on a bogey on the 10th hole. “It felt like I was play- of course and we’ll see what happens tomor- pole position to win his first Asian Tour title. ing mini golf on the eighth hole,” he said later. row.” “To be honest, I’m very surprised to be in the Overnight leader Marcus Both of Australia Pieters, 22, only turned professional in June lead! I didn’t think that five-under would be shot a disappointing 76 and found himself in a last year and secured his European Tour card via leading the tournament,” Kim said. three-way tie for second place with South DENVER: Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa pitches against the San the Qualifying School in November. “I’m feeling a bit nervous and excited. Last Korea’s Wang Jeung-hun and Filipino Jay Diego Padres in the fourth inning. —AP “It was a solid day. I hit solid shots and really year I had the lead going into the final round in a Bayron.—AFP p16_Layout 1 5/17/14 10:41 PM Page 1

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 SPORTS Heat and Pacers set for East Final clash

MIAMI: LeBron James and the two-time ing 13 of their last 23 games and then series clinching win over the Wizards on ing title this season with a career-high Parker, critical to the Spurs’ attack with defending champion Miami Heat have struggled to beat the eighth-seeded Thursday. “This group has stayed strong. 32-point average, and the speedy, high- his daring drives to the hoop and soft rolled through the first two rounds of Atlanta Hawks in seven games in their We trusted in one another even when leaping Westbrook averaged 21.8 points jumper from mid-range, left the playoffs and now face the familiar, opening playoff series. Rumors swirled we had some internal turmoil. “It’s only to give opponents fits. Wednesday’s second-round clincher over but unpredictable, Indiana Pacers as the about Frank Vogel’s future as coach as going to get tougher. We’ve been talking Oklahoma City are hungry for victory, Portland early in the second quarter due last hurdle to another NBA Finals. the imposing Roy Hibbert went into a about this series all year,” West said eager for another chance at the NBA title to a strained left hamstring. Miami, who have lost one game this funk and seemed to disappear, quite a about getting another crack at Miami. after falling in five games to the Heat in Last year a strained hamstring limited postseason, are looking to become the trick for a 7-foot-2 (2.18 m) center. “We’re going to need everything from the 2012 Finals. him in San Antonio’s agonizingly close first team to win three straight NBA titles Hibbert, who averaged 22 points in everybody.” Meanwhile, the San Antonio The Spurs, meanwhile, deploy a deep bid for the NBA title against Miami. All- since the Los Angeles Lakers in the early last year’s bruising playoff series against Spurs lost all four of their regular season bench to keep their core veterans such Star guard Parker was optimistic in a text 2000s, but the brawny Pacers could pres- Miami and their smaller front line, was games to Kevin Durant and the as Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu message he sent to the San Antonio ent a challenge. Indiana will host Miami held scoreless in two games and aver- Oklahoma City Thunder but a suspense- Ginobili fresh and to keep pressure on Express-News after taking an MRI. in Sunday’s opener of the best-of-seven aged a mere five points a game in the ful, hard-fought series would be no sur- the opposition with their motion and “It’s OK; not too bad,” said Parker, who Eastern Conference Finals by virtue of Atlanta series. The big center came back prise in their clash for the Western ball movement. San Antonio posted a turned 32 yesterday. “Not as bad as the finishing first overall in the East with a to life with 28 points in a Game Two win Conference title. 62-20 record, three games better in the NBA Finals (last June). NBA Finals was a 56-26 record, two games ahead of the in Indiana’s six-game series triumph over While Oklahoma City owns bragging standings than Oklahoma City, who lost Grade 2. This one is Grade 1. So should second-place Heat. But which Pacers the Washington Wizards in the second rights from those head-to-head meet- Westbrook for almost half the season be fine for tomorrow.” team shows up at Bankers Life round. ings, San Antonio owns the rings, having after knee injuries. Parker averaged 23.5 points in the Fieldhouse is the question after a regular won four NBA titles in the glorious career An impressive six Spurs averaged first four games of the Western season that saw Indiana soar to lofty OUTBURST of forward Tim Duncan and fallen just double figures this season. Highly heights only to sputter at the end of the The younger, deeper Pacers will need shy in last year’s seven-game NBA Finals respected coach Gregg Popovich juggles Conference semi-finals against the campaign. more of that kind of performance to end to the Miami Heat. a lineup with a distinctly international Blazers before hurting himself in Game Indiana, who last year pushed the the run by the Heat, whose leading man The ball-sharing flow of the top-seed- flavor that, besides Parker of France and Five. The Thunder also have a concern as Heat to seven games in a grueling East James is averaging 30 points a game in ed Spurs will once again be measured Argentina’s Ginobili, includes Mario power forward Serge Ibaka of Congo Final, looked like world beaters for much the playoffs including a 49-point out- against the Thunder’s one-two knockout Belinelli of Italy, Frenchman Boris Diaw, was forced to leave Thursday’s series- of the season as smooth forward Paul burst against the Brooklyn Nets in round punch of league MVP Durant and Australian guard Patty Mills and Brazilian clinching win over the Los Angeles George, a dogged defender with a silky two. dynamic guard Russell Westbrook when Tiago Splitter. Clippers due to a calf injury. Heading jump shot, raised his game. “We’ve been through a lot,” veteran the teams launch their series on Monday into Game Six against the Clippers, Ibaka They charged out to a 46-13 mark, yet Pacers forward David West said after in San Antonio. INJURY WATCH was averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds turned lackluster toward the finish, los- scoring a game-high 29 points in their Durant, who won his fourth NBA scor- Injuries could sway the balance. and 2.0 blocks a game.—Reuters Dominant Marquez takes pole in France

LE MANS: MotoGP world champion and “However, I know they will be there in series leader Marc Marquez took pole posi- the battle and we must be prepared. tion for the fifth successive race yesterday Starting from pole is an advantage and I as he timed fastest in qualifying for today’s will try to capitalise from it and give 100% French Grand Prix. — as always-to fight for the win.” The 21-year-old Spanish Honda rider, The second row features Stefan Bradl on who was second in the race last year, a Honda with Rossi, a three-time Le Mans secured the 42nd pole position of his winner, and his factory Yamaha teammate career ahead of compatriot Pol Espargaro Lorenzo 0.857sec off pole in sixth place. (Yamaha Tech3) and Italy’s Andrea “I’m quite happy, especially after Friday Dovizioso (Ducati). Marquez has carried all which was a disaster. I wasn’t able to ride before him this season winning all four the bike in a good way then, but today with races and should he win today he would my team we improved the setting a lot and match Italian great Giacomo Agostini’s five I’m satisfied,” said Rossi. straight wins to open the 1972 season. “I’m always fast. I have a good pace and Victory on Sunday would also make him a good setting so I like the bike. In the the youngest ever rider to win five succes- qualifying I had the potential to be on the sive races in the premier class, taking the front row but at the end it’s ok like this.” record from Mike Hailwood who was 22 He added: “I’m in fifth ahead of Lorenzo years and 160 days old when he won five and Dani Pedrosa and I think they will be successive races in the 500 class in 1962. great rivals. Marc Marquez is also very fast, Marquez was immediately on the pace but I can fight with them.” on Saturday with his time of 1min Making up an all Spanish the third row 32.567sec becoming a new lap record of Le are Alvaro Bautista, Aleix Espargaro and Mans. But things got even better when the Marquez’s Honda teammate Pedrosa who world champion improved to another won the race in 2013. record time of 1min 32.042sec to maintain German rider Jonas Folger secured the his 100% qualifying record in 2014. fifth pole position of his career when he Marquez was 0.692sec clear of rookie was fastest on his Kalex in qualifying for the LILLE: Montpellier’s Mamuka Gorgodze (center) is tackled during the French Top 14 rugby union semi-final match between Castres nda Espargaro who secured his best MotoGP Moto2 event. Montpellier, at the Pierre Mauroy stadium.—AFP grid result to date in just his fifth elite class The 20-year-old, who is in 11th position race. in the championship standings, edged out Dovizioso qualified 0.713sec behind Spanish duo Esteve Rabat and Luis Salom, Marquez to take the final spot on the front both also on Kalex bikes Efren Vazquez of Castres edge Montpellier row. “I’m very happy to be on pole and also Spain will start in pole position for the with the gap between myself and second Moto3. Vazquez, third in the world champi- PARIS: Defending champions Castres will play traught. “It is difficult to take,” said the 22-year- an early second-half penalty to make it 16-10 place on the timesheet,” said Marquez. onship, steered his Honda to the front of European champions Toulon in a repeat of the old. “We wanted to and should have played a lot but a couple of quickfire penalties by Trinh-Duc “Tomorrow will be interesting as my main the grid for the fifth race of the season, 2013 French championship final after they better than this. We were too tense and nervous.” levelled the game at 16 apiece in the 57th rivals-Dani (Pedrosa), Jorge (Lorenzo) and ahead of championship leader Jack Miller edged Montpellier 22-19 after extra-time in an Kockott, the mastermind behind their title minute. Valentino (Rossi) — are not on the front of Australia, on a KTM, and fellow-Spaniard engrossing encounter in Lille yesterday. win last season, kicked them into an early 3-0 Trinh-Duc gave Montpellier the lead for the row but on rows two and three. Alex Rins, on another Honda.—AFP For Castres it was the third successive time lead, although Francois Trinh-Duc levelled short- first time in the match just after the hour mark they had beaten Fabien Galthie’s Montpellier in ly after Castres had wing Remy Grosso sin- but Kockott levelled at 19-19 in the 66th minute. the play-offs after their opponents had got the binned. Kockott, who France coach Philippe Saint- better of them on their way to the final in 2011. However, Montpellier were unable to turn the Andre would like to include in his future plans, While Castres South African scrum-half Rory one man advantage into points and it was missed a late chance to settle the match in nor- Kockott scored 14 of their points it was 35-year- Castres who edged ahead again through a long mal time but his penalty attempt from inside his old Fijian centre Seremaia Bai who dropped a range penalty by Kockott in the 21st minute. own half went well wide of the posts. rare goal on the stroke of half-time of extra-time Kockott missed a chance to make it 9-3 but The game went into extra-time and Castres that made the difference in the end. that was compensated for when France’s South had the first real chance with Claessens releasing Castres will meet Toulon at the Stade de Africa-born international No8 Antonie Claessens Remi Lamerat but he was hauled down just France in a fortnight, a year on from beating stormed over for a try which Kockott converted short of the line and in his desperate effort to them 19-14 in the final, and just a week after for 13-3. stretch over the tryline he dropped the ball and their opponents play English side Saracens in However, Montpellier got back into the it went forward. the European final. match as New Zealand wing Rene Ranger burst However, Castres went ahead from an unusu- Toulon beat Racing-Metro in Friday’s first through the centre of the Castres defence and al source on the stroke of half-time of extra-time semi-final. “It was a really tough, hard match as touched down under the posts-Trin-Duc con- as Bai took his chance and dropped a goal to they always are with Montpellier,” said Castres verted after he had recovered from a heavy make it 22-19. captain and fly-half Remi Tales. knock picked up in the move leading to the try. Kockott missed with a penalty attempt a “However, the important thing is we are in Castres should have gone in at half-time with minute into the second period and despite the final having held our nerve and we have Act a bigger lead as they had an overlap out on the Montpellier twice having the opportunity to II of last year’s final,” added the 30-year-old right wing but a superb tackle by Berard saved take advantage of five metres scrums Castres France international. Montpellier as he got his man over the touchline came away with the ball and ended their hopes LE MANS: Spanish rider Marc Marquez competes on his Honda to clock the pole posi- Montpellier fullback Pierre Berard was dis- just as he dived to touch down. Kockott scored of revenge.—AFP tion during the qualifying session of Moto GP at Le Mansí circuit. —AFP Napravnik looks to break Stormers outplay Force more barriers in Preakness CAPE TOWN: Western Stormers belied Juan de Jongh over in the corner. score within a minute as giant lock ing out a possible try owing to a for- BALTIMORE: When Rosie Napravnik first She won her debut race at Pimlico in their bottom place in the Super 15 Grant converted from almost the same Ruan Botha brushed off the challenge ward pass. became a jockey, she went by the name AR 2005 at the age of 17 and is making her standings with a convincing 24-8 vic- position that he failed to goal an early of diminutive scrum-half Ian Prior to As Stormers battled to keep out the Napravnik “so no one would know I was a second appearance in the Preakness after tory over high-flying Western Force in penalty attempt on a warn, clear touch down. Grant maintained his per- rejuvenated visitors, infringements girl.” finishing third aboard Mylute last year. Cape Town yesterday. The South evening in the south-western city. fect conversions’ record in the match mounted and Kolbe and Taute were A lot has changed in the last decade for “In the earlier years of my career I just Africans applied relentless first-half Force closed the gap to seven points and, trailing 24-3, the Force appeared sin-binned within three minutes. the diminutive jockey with the soft wanted to ride, ride, ride, ride and win, win, pressure to build a 17-3 half-time lead when South Africa-born fly-half Sias to be heading for a fourth loss in 11 Stormers defence was finally breached demeanor but tenacious get-out-of-my- win,” she told Reuters. “Now I’ve got the and kept the sixth-place Australians Ebersohn kicked a close-range penalty matches this season. The rare sight of when Hodgson went over, but way attitude on the racetrack. opportunity to ride really big horses and try-less until nine minutes from time. in front of the posts. Force applying pressure close to Ebersohn saw his conversion fade to Napravnik, who was born Anna Rose but ride in prestigious races like Triple Crown By that stage of the match at An injury crisis that has plagued Stormers’ line ended with the TMO rul- the left of the posts.—AFP now goes by the name of Rosie, has estab- races and Breeders’ Cup. Newlands stadium, the home side had Stormers this season got worse on 24 lished herself as one of the best jockeys in “Now I’m really hungry for those good only 13 men after left-wing Cheslin minutes when loose-head prop Brok North America, regardless of gender. horses. It doesn’t take away from the every Kolbe and full-back Jaco Taute were Harris was forced to go off. Late yesterday, she hopes to become day. I enjoy what I do always. But now, in yellow carded. Force had lock Adam Referee Chris Pollock warned Force the first woman to win the Preakness the back of my mind, I’m always looking for Coleman sin binned late in the first skipper and flank Matt Hodgson over Stakes when she rides Bayern in the $1.5 the big horse. half, and his absence proved costly continuous infringements by his for- million classic at Pimlico Race Course in “I love riding in big races and I’ve done with Stormers scoring 14 points while wards and yellow-carded Coleman for Baltimore. considerably well for the small amount of numerically advantaged. Stormers collapsing a maul near half-time. She’ll be riding for Hall of Fame trainer races that I’ve ridden at this level compared spent virtually the entire opening half The referee punished the Perth out- and five-time Preakness winner Bob Baffert, to some of the guys have been doing it for camped in the Force half and were not fit more severely just before the break, who said he picked Napravnik purely for years.” flattered by the 14-point advantage at awarding the home side a penalty try her talent. On 15 mounts for Baffert, Napravnik has the break. Heroic defending kept the after a five-metre scrum turned into a “A lot of jockeys are intimidated when eight wins and three seconds with earnings home team at bay for 16 minutes shambles. Grant converted. they ride for me. She’s not,” Baffert said. topping $1 million. Three of those triumphs before Peter Grant, making his 100th After the boost of winning an early “She just rides her horse. I never say hardly have been in Grade I races. Super Rugby appearance, kicked a second-half scrum against the head a word to her. I just throw her on there, Despite the impressive numbers, Baffert close-range penalty. Force entered with seven men, Force found them- that’s it, and I just leave her alone. said the 25-year-old Napravnik is still Stormers’ half for the first time when selves back in the familiar role of des- “She does her homework and I don’t improving.”She’s a great rider and I think play restarted, but were soon 10 points perate defence. have to say too much to her.” Napravnik she’s getting better and better,” he said. behind as the South Africans finally Stormers felt they had a third try began competing in Pony Club events in “She’s better this year than she was last unlocked a brilliant defence. when hooker Deon Fourie crossed the New Jersey when she was around four year. I’ve seen her really changing a lot. The ball was moved quickly along line, but the television match official CAPE TOWN: Western Force’s Zack Holmes of Australia (center) tries to years old and by age seven, she set her “Once you have it, you still need the horse the line after another maul close to the (TMO) ruled he had been held up. break away from the Western Stormers’s defence, during their Super sights on becoming a jockey. underneath you.—Reuters Force try-line and Kolbe sent centre However, the Cape Town outfit did Rugby 15 match at the Newlands Stadium. —AFP SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 SPORTS

Campbell-Brown makes Photo of the day return after doping row

SHANGHAI: Veronica Campbell-Brown will track from compatriot Fraser-Pryce, who take on world and Olympic 200m champi- comfortably won the 100m at the Diamond on Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce in Shanghai League season-opener in Doha. Justin today as she returns to the Diamond Gatlin, who came back from a four-year League circuit after her doping controversy. doping ban in 2010, said he was hoping to The Jamaican former Olympic champion run 100m below 10 seconds for the first spent 10 months on the sidelines before time this year as he takes aim at Gay’s US having a two-year ban overturned in record of 9.69sec. February, and said she is still working her “This is a down year in terms of there way back to full fitness. being no world championships or “I’m working on getting back into a Olympics, so I want to set the tempo as competitive spirit and getting race-sharp some opponents take it easier, and then again,” Campbell-Brown said, according to carry that dominance on to the world the International Association of Athletics championships in 2015 and Olympic year,” Federations (IAAF) website. he said. “I just want to get better technically, “I believe as athletes we have a duty to because it’s all about preparing myself for train as hard as we can and look for oppor- the next two years... It’s good to be here in tunities to break records. Records that China with the world championships in stand for a long time put an event on Beijing next year.” pause. Campbell-Brown was cleared because of “For me, I want to go out and break the procedural breaches when her urine sam- US record. That’s my focus for this year and ple was collected by Jamaican authorities the next.” Other big names on the track last May, a failing slammed as “deplorable” include Olympic champions Aries Merritt by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. and Allyson Felix, who are both hoping to Athletics has suffered other high-profile reclaim some of their magic after a poor doping cases recently with US sprinter season last year. Tyson Gay handed a one-year ban and Felix, 28, won the 200m Olympic title in Jamaica’s Asafa Powell hit with an 18- 2012 but she crashed out of the race at last month suspension. year’s Moscow world championships with a Campbell-Brown turned 32 on Thursday hamstring injury. She will run the 400m in and but she will be getting no gifts on the Shanghai.—AFP Kings top Ducks, Gary Hunt of the UK dives from the 27 metre platform on Morro Castle during the first training session of the first stop of the reach West finals Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, Havana, Cuba.— www.redbull.com

LOS ANGELES: The Los Angeles Kings Mike Richards saw them storm ahead of opened with five straight goals and domi- Anaheim and they never let up. nated the Anaheim Ducks in a 6-2 Game Kopitar added a goal before Marian Evans takes overall Giro lead Seven win to advance to the Western Gaborik converted his ninth of the playoffs Conference finals. in the second period to chase Anaheim’s MONTECOPIOLO: Veteran Australian Cadel In what had been a tight, pressure- 20-year-old goaltender John Gibson. Evans replaced compatriot Michael Matthews in packed series against cross-town rivals, the Gibson had been a revelation for the the overall leader’s pink jersey following the 179 Kings sucked the energy out of the Ducks as he won Games Four and Five, kilometres eighth stage of the Giro d’Italia yes- Anaheim home crowd and wrapped up the before dropping the final two of the series. terday from Foligno to Montecopiolo. best-of-seven series 4-3. Jonas Hiller came on in relief and stopped The 37-year-old Evans, Tour de France cham- “I don’t think anyone expected it to be 10 of 12 shots. Jonathan Quick made 25 pion in 2011 and third in this race last year, came that high scoring,” said Kings center Anze saves to aid the Kings’ victory. fifth in the stage, eight seconds adrift of Italian Kopitar, who had a goal and an assist. “We Anaheim finally got on the scoreboard Diego Ulissi, who was winning his second stage got on a roll and we took off after that. We late in the second on a score from Kyle of this year’s race. “The stage went just as we had knew this would have to be our best game Palmieri. Corey Perry netted a goal in the hoped even if we were a little tired from the pre- of the series, and I think it was.” third to make it 5-2 before Kings winger vious days,” said Evans. “A two-second lead on a Los Angeles are in the West final for the Tanner Pearson closed the scoring. climber such as (Nairo) Quintana (who is 1.45sec third consecutive time and face a rematch The loss ended the career of 43-year-old behind in the classification)....I am very satisfied against the defending Cup champion Ducks right winger Teemu Selanne, who is with the first week. It would have been hard to Chicago Blackhawks. retiring. Selanne was given an ovation at hope for better. Chicago dispatched of Los Angeles in the end, with the Kings staying on the ice “But the Giro is long. Who do I have to look just five games last season en route to the to show their respect. “It was unbelievable,” out for? Again, it’s too early because there plenty Stanley Cup final. For Los Angeles, first peri- Selanne said, about the Kings. “It was so of good riders within two minutes.” od goals by Justin Williams, Jeff Carter and much respect.”—Reuters Evans also praised the work of Swiss team- mate Steve Morabito who is fourth overall. “Steve was really the man of the day for us,” said the Australian. “The team was going all day and he was there all the way to the finish.” Matthews, who had led for a week, was already a quarter-of-an-hour behind approach- ing the final climb which was 6.4km long. Evans, who saw one of his main rivals for overall victory Joaquim Rodriguez crash out on Thursday when he broke three ribs, holds a lead of 57 seconds over Colombian Rigoberto Uran while Polish rider Rafal Majka is third, 1min 10sec adrift. Ulissi, who won the fifth stage on Wednesday, came home ahead of Croatian Robert Kiserlovski with Wilko Kelderman of the Netherlands third. It was the 24-year-old’s third career stage win in the race. Frenchman Pierre Rolland had seen victory snatched from his hands 250m from the line after he had chased down and passed Colombian Julian Arredondo. Arredondo had been part of a group that had escaped from the peloton early in the stage and he had gone clear on the first climb of the stage the Carpegna, where the late legendary Italian NEWTON: Austin Theriault, driver of the No. 5 SPY/Dirty Mo Radio Chevrolet, watch- climbing specialist Marco Pantani used to train. es practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series Get To Know Newton 250 Presented By Today’s ninth stage is the 172km ride from Lugo ITALY: Italy’s Diego Ulissi celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the eighth stage of the Sherwin Williams at Iowa Speedway. —AFP to Sestola, with the climax a 16.5km climb.—AFP Giro díItalia, Tour of Italy cycling race. —AP Zain welcomes Kuwait’s National Handicapped Basketball Champions

KUWAIT: Underlying its utmost support to port and pride in Kuwaiti sportsmen, espe- accomplish”. an important segment in the society, Zain, cially those with special needs. Al Kharafi added: “such sport clubs are in the leading telecommunications company The company’s participation was part of need of constant support and attention. in Kuwait, announced that it has welcomed its latest initiative where it presented the They continue to achieve great titles while Kuwait’s National Handicapped Basketball Kuwait Sports Club for the Handicapped facing many challenges, and with Zain’s Team’s champions in Kuwait Airport after with specially customized wheelchairs with presence today, we hope that we affirm our the team won the first West Asia an aim of facilitating their comfort while Corporate Social Responsibility strategy Handicapped Basketball league in Dubai, training and competing in tournaments and that caters to the special needs community”. United Arab Emirates. championships, raising the Kuwaiti flag high Zain’s support of people with special Zain Deputy Chairman Bader Nasser Al with their persistence. needs has long been a core focus for the Kharafi along with Sheikha Sheikha Al Zain Deputy Chairman Bader Al Kharafi company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Abdallah Al Subah, the honorary president expressed his pleasure and pride in the win- strategy, and by presenting such initiatives, for the disabled club, Deputy General ing title the champions achieved saying: the company reassures its continuous sup- Manager of the Public Authority for Youth “we are extremely proud of the great port to this much cherished segment of the and Sport Dr. Jassim Al Huwaidi, and Kuwait achievements the handicapped basketball society. Going forward, the company Handicapped Sports Club president Shafi Al team and the Kuwait Handicapped Sports pledges to spare no efforts in providing Hajri welcomed the champions in Kuwait Club have achieved overall, and we are even comprehensive support that help to reflect Airport’s Honorary Hall, where the compa- more proud today of this achievement that a positive image to the Kuwait sports and ny’s presence affirmed its continuous sup- the Kuwaiti champions worked very hard to youth segments. SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 SPORTS

CHARLOTTE: Michael Phelps competes in the men’s 100m butterfly preliminaries during day 1 of the Arena Grand Prix at Charlotte at Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center. —AFP Phelps rules the pool again

CHARLOTTE: Michael Phelps was back in speed by winning the 100m butterfly final. Phelps has now qualified for the nationals in the national titles if he wants a place on the Olympics. familiar waters and on top of the winner’s He also qualified for the 200m freestyle final the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle. Both 4x200m relay team. Phelps finished a close second in the podium in his comeback to competitive but scratched from the race after achieving Phelps and his long-time coach Bob Bowman “I thought technically he was pretty good,” 100m butterfly to his great rival Ryan Lochte swimming at the US Grand Prix in Charlotte his goal in the heats - qualifying for this year’s have been coy about their future plans but said Bowman. “He was much better than he’s at his comeback in suburban Phoenix last on Friday. US national championships, which double as Bowman was pleased by what he saw on been in training so far so he’s definitely month but touched the wall first on Friday. Competing for just the second time since the selection event for next year’s world titles Friday. improving in that stroke and I think as he Lochte was not in the race, watching from retiring after the 2012 London Olympics, in Russia. “I thought Michael’s 200 free was actually goes along that will get a lot better.” the stands as he recovers from a knee injury, Phelps ticked off all the important boxes he His time in the 200m free was one minute pretty good for the first one in a couple of The 100m butterfly is one of two individ- allowing Phelps to coast to victory. His 52.13 needed to. 51.69 seconds, way below his best, but 0.2 years,” Bowman told reporters. “Now we have ual events that Phelps won at three succes- seconds was slightly below his best time in In the morning heats, he tested his stami- seconds inside the US qualifying time. a real picture of where he is at. I think he sive Olympics. And if he qualifies for the Phoenix but enough to register his first win na by entering two lung-sapping events - the His best times from previous years don’t could definitely do better.” Phelps is unlikely event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, he will auto- since he retired and send an ominous warn- 200 metres freestyle and 100m butterfly - count for future meetings because they hap- to swim the more gruelling 200m freestyle in matically make the U.S. men’s medley relay, ing to his rivals that he is back and means then in the evening finals, he tested his pened outside the qualifying window but individual events but he needs to enter it at which has never been beaten at the business.—Reuters Djokovic into Rome final after epic Raonic struggle

ROME: Novak Djokovic battled into the Rome variety in his shots. You could feel the improve- secutive semi-final place on Friday when she Masters final yesterday after coming through a ment in his game,” he added. produced a stunning upset in overcoming tough semi-final with Milos Raonic to beat the Djokovic, who took exactly three hours to China’s number two seed Li Na 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. Canadian 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-3. rack up his second win against Montenegrin- Jankovic had accounted for Agnieszka Djokovic, the number two seed, will face born Raonic in as many encounters, has won Radwanska, the third seed from Poland, 6-4, 6-4 world number one Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s the Rome Masters twice, in 2008 and 2011. to reach the last four. But the Serbian sixth seed final should the Spaniard defeat Bulgaria’s Nadal is in the hunt for an eighth win in the was never in the match against 2012 French Grigor Dimitrov in the second semi-final. Italian capital but Djokovic hopes Saturday’s Open finalist Errani, who will appear in Djokovic had ousted David Ferrer 7-5, 4-6, 6- tough work-out will stand him in good stead. Sunday’s final for the first time in her career. 3 in the quarter-finals while Nadal came “It is a big win because it gives me a lot of “It was quite difficult out there, Sara played a through a tough clash with British number one strength and belief that I can carry into tomor- great match and credit to her,” said Jankovic. Andy Murray on Friday. row’s final, and also for the rest of season,” “Overall it was a difficult day, I gave my best but But the world number two was stretched by added the 26-year-old. there are a lot of things I could have done bet- the hard-hitting Raonic, whose serves were reg- Overall, Djokovic has won 18 of his 40 previ- ter.” Errani, 27, was ousted from the semi-finals ularly coming in just under the 230 km/h mark. ous encounters with Nadal, including the last last year by Victoria Azarenka. But she admitted “I can’t recall last time when I was feeling so three, although they all came on hard courts. the home support was so intense she had to helpless returning, even his second serves,” said Of the duo’s 16 meetings on clay, Nadal has concentrate hard. “I’ve never felt something like Djokovic. won 13 including their last meeting on the sur- the before. The crowd were giving me so much The pair’s only previous meeting came last face at the semi-finals of the French Open in support that it almost put me off,” said Errani. year when Djokovic beat the Canadian 7-6 2013. In today’s final she will meet either (7/1), 6-2, 6-2 in a Davis Cup semi-final rubber. Earlier, Sara Errani beat Jelena Jankovic 6-3, Jankovic’s 11th seeded compatriot Ana A year on from that win, Raonic left a much 7-5 to book her place in the women’s final and Ivanovic or defending champion and top seed bigger impression on the six-time Grand Slam maintain her hopes of becoming the first Italian Serena Williams. Raffaella Reggi was the last ROME: Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after winning the ATP-WTA Rome’s champion. “He did surprise me with his move- woman to win the tournament in 29 years. Italian woman to win the Italian Open in Tennis Masters semi-final against Milos Raonic of Canada. —AFP ment, especially given his size, and he’s got Errani, seeded 10, claimed her second con- 1985.—AFP TACK-Huawei XI off to dream start in DPL

DUBAI: TACK-Huawei XI’s month long campaign for the ries of last year’s DPL finals along with the backing of brutal hitting of TACK-HUAWEI XI in the first innings and Desert Premier League (DPL) in the Emirates came a full TACK-MG and Huawei, TACK-HUAWEI XI has so far man- crippled under the scoreboard pressure as they circle on Monday evening, 1May 12 as the team took off aged to live up to the expectations in grand style by required more than 10 runs an over from the first ball. for Dubai from Sheikh Saad General Aviation Terminal, putting up a clinical performance against Lifeline They were bundled out cheaply for 81 runs for the loss Fly Dubai’s home terminal who is TACK-MG’s travel part- Advertising in their first game and thrashing them by a of 9 wickets giving the tourists their first win of the ners for DPL season 2 - 2014. The immense amount of huge margin of 138 runs, followed by a close match tournament. Kashif was the pick of the bowlers as he thought, planning and hard work by TACK-MG that has against 360 Arc Warriors where TACK-HUAWEI XI man- picked up 3 wickets for just 22 runs while Asghar, Imran gone into the preparation for this mega tournament aged to sneak home by 8 runs. Playing back-to-back and Zahid chipped in with a wicket each while suffocat- has been there for all cricket lovers to see in the month matches against two strong teams in this weather ing the batsmen with their tight bowling and not let- prior to the team’s departure. Ever since Huawei speaks volumes about the commitment, fitness and ting them score freely while chasing a big target. became the exclusive partner of TACK for DPL - the endurance levels of TACK-HUAWEI XI. biggest corporate tournament in GCC, the whole pro- TACK-HUWAEI XI v/s 360 Arc Warriors motion got bigger and better right up to the Press TACK-HUWAEI XI v/s LIFELINE ADVERTISING With just a one hour break between the two match- Conference where the official jersey was unveiled and TACK-HUAWEI XI started on a thunderous note in es, TACK-HUAWEI XI did not get much time to enjoy the final squad was announced. their game with star player Khalid Butt in a destructive their thumping win as they had another challenge wait- TACK-HUAWEI XI officially kicked off their campaign mode. Batting first, last year’s finalists (TACK) put on a ing for them in the form of 360 Arc Warriors. The team on Tuesday; less than 24 hours after arriving in Dubai mammoth 219 for the loss of 3 wickets in their 20 overs. was hoping for an encore performance from Khalid Butt with back-to-back matches against Lifeline Advertising Khalid Butt, who commands immense respect among but their hopes were dashed soon when Khalid was dis- at 6:30pm followed by a late evening encounter with fellow players due to his talent, his countless match missed for a quick fire 35. The onus was on rest of the 360 Arc Warriors at 9:30pm. The team is playing all its winning innings and stupendous performance in last batsmen to get their team to a fighting score but they league matches at Emirates the Sevens Dubai, with the year’s DPL, scored a brilliant century scoring 105 of just were unable to do so as TACK-HUAWEI XI could not play final game against La Marquise XI played on Wednesday 52 balls with vital contributions from Usman Ghani out their allotted 20 overs as they were dismissed for May 14th 2014. With strenuous training sessions for five (42*) and Asghar (21) but it was a Khalid Butt show all 124 runs in the 19th over. Usman Ghani top scored with consecutive weeks prior to departure and good memo- the way. Lifeline Advertising never recovered from the 40 as 360 Arc Warriors put in a disciplined bowling per- formance with Riyaz, Shibu and Russel picking up a wicket each. With the warriors needing a run a ball to secure victory, TACK-HUAWEI XI bowlers had to put up a special show to give their team a chance of winning. With disciplined bowling along with brilliance in the field, TACK-HUAWEI XI managed to sneak home in the end by a hair splitting margin of 8 runs. Raheel and Imran were the chief destroyers and picked 3 wickets each. Ali Shehzad bowled a splendid spell in the middle overs stifling the flow of runs and picking up 2 wickets in the process. Fahad from 360 Arc Warriors top scored with 31 but could not see his team through in the end. they achieved against the Warriors. Yasir Butt smashed 3 brilliant sixes to take his individual score to 27 in 11 TACK-HUWAEI XI v/s La Marquise XI balls and Usman Ghani top scored for TACK-HUAWEI XI Coming off back-to-back wins especially against 360 by playing a composed knock of 36 runs in 31 balls. It Arc Warriors which was a tough fight, TACK-HUAWEI XI was again up to the bowlers of TACK-HUAWEI XI to pull confidence was sky high for their last league match their team out of a hole and they responded brilliantly played on Wednesday. Batting first against La Marquise and uprooted La Marquise XI for a paltry 89 all out in XI, the visitors (TACK-HUAWEI XI) were in trouble again 16.3 overs. Faizal and Sasi were the pick of the bowlers as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and picking up 4 wickets each with Imran and Ali Shehzad could only manage 129 runs in 20 overs, similar to what keeping it tight from the other end with a wicket each. SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 SPORTS

GERMANY: Bayern’s Arjen Robben of the Netherlands holds the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after they won the German Soccer Cup Final between FC Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at the Olympic Stadium Berlin. —AP Bayern clinch German Cup

BERLIN: Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller son. Having also scored the late winner in the Bayern were forced into a late change Dortmund captain and goalkeeper Roman At the other end, Lewandowski cannoned scored extra-time goals as Bayern Munich won 2013 Champions League final against when Austria left-back David Alaba dropped Weidenfeller into early saves. his shot over the bar moments later. Both the German Cup with a 2-0 victory over rivals Dortmund at Wembley, Netherlands winger out with a stomach muscle injury and Brazil’s LAHM LEG INJURY teams had clear chances in the second half as Borussia Dortmund yesterday. Robben again broke Dortmund hearts. Rafinha slotted into his place. There were worrying scenes ahead of next Mueller’s shot at point-blank range was After the first 90 minutes finished goalless, And there was no fairytale finish for Poland Munich were already without defensive month’s World Cup in Brazil when Bayern’s smothered by Weidenfeller on 56 minutes. Robben broke the drought in the 107th- striker Robert Lewandowski who had prom- midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, ruled out Germany captain Philipp Lahm limped off with And at the other end, Dortmund defender minute before Mueller added a second in time ised to finish his four years at Dortmund by with a knee injury while striker Mario half an hour gone to be replaced by Franck Mats Hummels’ header was saved off the line added-on. lifting the cup before joining Bayern next sea- Mandzukic having been dropped. Ribery. on 64 minutes by Bayern’s Dante. Coach Pep Guardiola finishes his first sea- son. This was the fourth and final time Guardiola opted to play a new 3-4-3 system The Bayern bench said Lahm had taken a After the game went to extra-time, Robben son in charge of Bayern with four trophies hav- Germany’s top two sides met this season with and included 18-year-old midfielder Pierre- knock to the fibula, but it was not serious and broke the drought when he fired home at the ing already won the Bundesliga title, Club both sides finishing with two wins apiece. Emile Hoejbjerg, who was making only his he is expected to join the Germany training near post from five metres out. Mueller then World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. But it was a nervy, tense affair in front of a 11th first team appearance. camp which starts on Wednesday. took advantage of tired Dortmund legs when Bayern won the German Cup for a record 71,967 crowd at Berlin’s sold-out Olympic Dortmund were at near full strength with Hoejbjerg squandered a great chance with he held off Germany team-mate Marcel 17th time to claim the domestic league and Stadium which also included Hollywood star Lewandowski making his final appearance in half-time approaching when he fired wide Schmelzer and rounded Weidenfeller just cup double-the Champions League was the Tom Hanks who is filming ‘A Hologram for the the yellow-black shirt. Bayern made a bright from the penalty area after being left before the final whistle as Bayern defended only title to evade the Bavarian giants this sea- King’ in Germany’s capital. start as Mueller and Robben both forced unmarked. their cup title.—AFP St Johnstone end 130-year wait for Scottish Cup win GLASGOW: St Johnstone clinched the a fine fingertip save from Cierzniak to keep Scottish Cup for the first time in their 130- out a fierce James Dunne strike from the year history with a 2-0 win over Dundee edge of the box. United in a pulsating final at Celtic Park. David Wotherspoon was next to threat- United had come close to taking the en for St Johnstone but after twisting and lead on the half hour mark when Ryan turning the midfielder saw his shot deflect Dow’s flick came back off the post before off Gavin Gunning and straight to Steven Anderson headed St Johnstone in Cierzniak. United had failed to test Mannus front in first half stoppage time following a until the 32nd minute when only the post blunder from ‘keeper Radoslaw Cierzniak. stopped them taking the lead. Nadir Ciftci almost had United on level Andrew Robertson sent a curling cross terms minutes after the break as his free- into the box where Dow applied the kick nicked the inside of the bar while pro- deftest of touches only to see his effort lific Saints striker Stevie May had a goal cannon off the base of the post before it ruled out after he bundled the ball over the was hacked clear. line with his arm. The half looked to end goalless before a The game was being played at a terrific goalkeeping error handed Saints the lead tempo with chances at either end before in stoppage time. Cierzniak was caught in Steven MacLean fired home in the 84th no-man’s land as he flapped at minute to spark wild celebrations amongst Wotherspoon’s corner allowing Anderson the St Johnstone fans. time and space to send a looping header St Johnstone’s victory is their first major into the empty net. trophy success and means the past nine United were almost on level terms four domestic cup competitions in Scotland minutes into the second half when Cifti’s have been won by eight different clubs. 20-yard free-kick hit the underside of the “This is the pinnacle of my career,” said bar before bouncing down on to the line jubilant Saints manager Tommy Wright. but keeper Mannus somehow managed to “For us to win the Scottish Cup-our first keep it out. There were jubilant scenes major trophy-words can’t describe how I amongst the St Johnstone fans three min- feel about it all because it’s so special for so utes later when May bundled the ball into many people.” the net but their celebrations were cut A despondent Dundee United manag- short when the goal was quickly chopped er Jackie McNamara couldn’t hide his dis- off. Cierzniak made a fantastic save to keep appointment. “I think today just wasn’t our May’s initial header out and the striker then day. We hit the post and the bar and to lose used his hand to force the ball over the line. the goal just before half-time was a real May was booked for the offence after body blow,” McNamara said. Saints keeper referee Craig Thomson initially looked to Alan Mannus made a nervous start to the have signalled for a goal before consulting final as he fumbled an early cross from Dow with his assistant referee. before the ‘keeper needlessly raced out of From a United corner Wotherspoon ran his box to head the ball clear just in front of almost the length of the pitch to fire in a Gary Mackay-Steven. shot that Cierniak did well to clear up field However, St Johnstone were showing allowing Robertson to test Mannus with a more composure going forward and it took low drive.—AFP Corruption, Premier League worship hinder Asia

SINGAPORE: Asian football is slowly climb- ond round, a performance matched by Japan ing the ladder but problems with corruption and South Korea in 2010. Currently, Iran are and a fixation with European leagues mean Asia’s top-rated side at 37th in the FIFA rank- the region will be waiting years for a maiden ings, with Japan the only other team in the World Cup win. top 50. If success were measured in population size or spending, Asian countries would be STEADY STREAM world-beaters but of the billions splashed Despite this, individual players have made out on TV feeds and football merchandise, lit- an impact, with Park Ji-Sung, Shinji Kagawa, tle finds its way to domestic leagues. The Keisuke Honda and Yuto Nagatomo among a result is that Asia, encompassing two-thirds steady stream to succeed at European clubs. of humanity, is predominantly a region which And the English Premier League draws a consumes football from afar, rather than pro- huge Asian audience while European team ducing teams capable of taking on the world. shirts are a fashion symbol on streets from Ambitious Japan look like Asia’s best hope Bangkok to Beijing. “Southeast Asia in partic- for the World Cup in Brazil. But few believe an ular remains enamored by the charms of Asian side will win this year-or at Russia 2018, Europe’s elites, but stubbornly resistant to or Qatar 2022. their domestic leagues,” said football colum- “I think Asian football has progressed but nist and author Neil Humphreys. the question is, has it progressed at a faster “Persistent allegations of match-fixing rate than other areas of the world to enable and corruption do not help of course, but the an Asian country to win the World Cup?” said lack of corporate and financial interest in Singapore-based Andy Jackson of local leagues will always make it difficult to FourFourTwo magazine. “I’m not sure it has.” entice local talent and convince their parents When co-hosts South Korea made their that football is a viable career.” improbable run to the 2002 World Cup semi- It is no coincidence that Japan, widely finals, it seemed like a watershed. But viewed as Asia’s best national team, also has progress since has been mixed. arguably its strongest, best organised and In 2006, only Australia reached the sec- cleanest league.—AFP Dominant Marquez Phelps rules the takes pole pool again in France

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 16 18

Corruption, Premier League worship hinder Asia Page 19

BARCELONA: Atletico de Madrid’s football players and staff pose as they celebrate their Spanish League title at the end of the ootballf match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou stadium. Atletico Madrid claimed their 10th Spanish League crown but first in 18 years. —AFP Atletico win Spanish crown

BARCELONA: Atletico Madrid claimed happiness that you cannot explain,” end football has been fair to us.” Barca, pulled up with the recurrence of a Courtois at the Belgian’s near post. home Gabi’s corner. their 10th Spanish League crown yes- said Atletico boss Diego Simeone. “I meanwhile, finish a disappointing sea- hamstring injury that will also make Atletico forced a series of corners Barca then suffered an injury blow terday but first in 18 years after coming want to thank the players and the peo- son without a major trophy for the first him a huge doubt for the Champions without carving out a clear-cut of their own as Busquets had to be from behind to draw 1-1 away at title ple that always believed in us. time in six years. “Congratulations to League final against Real Madrid next chance in their search for an equaliser replaced by Alex Song, whilst Neymar rivals Barcelona. “There is no replacement for hard Atletico. They are deserving champi- weekend. Arda Turan was then also before the break, but the half-time was also introduced by coach Gerardo Alexis Sanchez’s stunning strike work. The team has understood that, ons,” said Barca captain for the day forced off with a hip injury as Adrian whistle also brought frustration on Martino in the search for a winner. fired Barca into the lead on 33 minutes, done the work and today is one of the Andres Iniesta. “We had our chances Lopez and Raul Garcia entered the fray. the part of the Barca players as both Messi did have the ball in the net but Diego Godin’s header four minutes most important days in the history of until the final game but they have Barca grew into the game as the Messi and Sergio Busquets were with 25 minutes remaining, but he was into the second-half was enough to Atletico Madrid.” Goal hero Godin been better and there is nothing more half developed and could have been booked for dissent. flagged offside as he latched onto a give Atletico the point they needed to added that Simeone had fuelled his to say. We are hurt to lose the league in ahead when Pedro Rodriguez waste- David Villa came within inches of an loose ball inside the area. Alves stung become the first side other than Barca players’ belief when they were trailing the final game. fully headed over Dani Alves’ precise equaliser a minute after the restart the palms of Courtois with an effort and Real Madrid to win La Liga in 10 at half-time. “We depended on ourselves to win cross from the right. when his low effort came back off the from 25 yards as Barca camped them- years. “We have fought all year and the and we haven’t done, so there is great When the Catalans did go in front post and the former Barca striker had selves in the Atletico half for the final A point for both sides means that work we have done is amazing. To last disappointment because if we had just after the half hour it was in spec- another opening moments later that 10 minutes. However, despite piling Barca finish the season ahead of third- 38 games against two great teams Real managed to do it the feeling would be tacular fashion as Lionel Messi cush- was smothered by Jose Manuel Pinto bodies forward, Barca failed to carve placed Real Madrid thanks to a better Madrid and Barcelona is incredibly dif- very different.” ioned the ball into Sanchez’s path on in the Barca goal. out another clear opening in the final head-to-head record, three points ficult,” he told Canal Plus. The visitors had started brightly but the right side of the area, but despite However, Simeone’s men only had stages as Atletico saw the game out to adrift of Atletico. “The boss told us at half-time that were dealt a huge blow after just 15 the narrow angle he managed to to wait a minute longer to be level as stretch their unbeaten run against “There is an enormous feeling of we were going to score a goal. In the minutes when top scorer Diego Costa thrash the ball high past Thibaut Godin rose highest in the box to power Barca to six games this season. — AFP Arsenal end trophy drought with thrilling FA Cup win

LONDON: Aaron Ramsey scored an extra-time winner as remaining, Ramsey drilled home the winner in the extra Arsenal ended their nine-year trophy drought by coming period. from two goals down to beat Hull City 3-2 in a gripping “We have conceded early in lots of big games this sea- FA Cup final yesterday. son, but we showed great strength of character to come Appearing in their first ever major final, Hull rocked back, and to score the winner is something I have Arsenal by going 2-0 up inside just eight minutes dreamed of,” Ramsey told ITV. through goals from centre-backs James Chester and It was the Welsh midfielder’s 16th goal of a campaign Curtis Davies. that has seen him emerge as Arsenal’s most influential But Santi Cazorla’s sumptuous free-kick reduced the player and brought Arsene Wenger’s side a first trophy arrears in the 17th minute and after Laurent Koscielny since the 2005 FA Cup. netted an equaliser with 19 minutes of normal time Wenger, who is still to extend his contract, which expires shortly, has now won five FA Cups, while Arsenal have equalled Manchester United’s record of 11 success- es in the competition. “We wanted to make history tonight and win the game and we did that in both ways-how not to start the cup final and how to come back,” said Wenger. “I’ve praised the spirit of this team and they showed that today.” Hull faded badly after their stunning start, but Steve Bruce’s side could console themselves with the knowledge that a Europa League place was already secure. “In terms of effort, endeavour and determination you couldn’t fault them to a man,” said Bruce. “Proud? Of course I am. They were magnificent.” Chester had unexpectedly overcome a hamstring LONDON: Arsenal players celebrate after winning the English FA Cup final soccer match between Arsenal and Hull problem to take his place in Hull’s three-man defence, City at Wembley Stadium. — AP but nobody could have predicted how quickly he would have an impact on the game at a muggy Wembley reduced the arrears with a glorious 25-yard free-kick that Gibbs then wasted a gilt-edged chance to put Arsenal Stadium. arced into the top-right corner. ahead by blazing over from only six yards after being Hull’s fans were still adjusting to the novelty of seeing Arsenal continued to force the issue in the second half teed up by Sanogo, before Cazorla was again refused a their side in an FA Cup final when Chester put them and had three penalty claims turned down by referee Lee penalty following a tangle with David Meyler. Giroud, ahead in the fourth minute, clipping the ball into the bot- Probert in the space of 10 minutes. twice, and Sanogo went close in the closing minutes of tom-left corner from Tom Huddlestone’s mishit volley. Huddlestone appeared to drag Giroud back with his normal time and Arsenal’s dominance spilled over into Huddlestone had been picked out by Stephen Quinn hand, Arsenal substitute Yaya Sanogo saw a header hit extra time, with Giroud heading a cross from Ramsey from a corner and four minutes later, Arsenal were again Jake Livermore on the arms and Cazorla was caught by against the bar. exposed at a set-piece. Davies, but Probert allowed play to continue on each Wenger introduced Jack Wilshere and Tomas Rosicky After Ahmed Elmohamady’s free-kick was partially occasion. at half-time of extra time, but it was Ramsey who made cleared, Quinn put the ball into the box from the left and Amid the flurry of appeals, Koscielny headed wide the difference, ghosting onto Giroud’s back-heel and when Alex Bruce’s downward header came back off the from a corner, but in the 71st minute the Frenchman drilling an exquisite half-volley into the bottom-right cor- LONDON: Arsenal’s club captain Thomas Vermaelen post, Davies rattled the rebound home from a tight found the target. Cazorla’s corner was knocked down at ner. Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski gave his team’s watches as coach Arsene Wenger (right) holds the tro- angle. the back post and Koscielny swivelled to hook the ball fans one last fright by rushing out of his box and missing phy aloft as he celebrates after his team won the It might have been 3-0 minutes later, with Kieran home from close range despite being flattened by Hull the ball, but Hull substitute Sone Aluko’s effort from out English FA Cup final soccer match. — AP Gibbs heading off the line from Bruce, but Cazorla goalkeeper Allan McGregor. on the left bounced agonisingly wide. —AFP US investors play it safe as doubt over economy rises Page 23

Deloitte sees promising Business opportunities in Kuwait SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 Page 25 A blunt Bernanke Saudi non-oil growth moderates in 2013 sounds theme of low interest rates Page 26 Page 22

MUMBAI: A portrait of India’s next prime minister Narendra Modi is displayed on a screen on the facade of the Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai on Friday. Indian stocks jumped as results from national elections showed the pro- business opposition BJP won a landslide victory. —AP Modi faces huge ‘burden of expectation’ Stock market bullish on hopes of free-market ‘Modinomics’

NEW DELHI: Indian shares have soared on remains a strong protectionist movement, resist- hopes newly elected leader Narendra Modi can ant to opening up the still inward-looking econ- revive a slumping economy, but analysts warn omy to outsiders. impossible expectations are riding on the right- While the BJP promises a welcome mat to for- winger’s free-market “Modinomics”. eign investors in defense and infrastructure, the His Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party party is against a previous reform by the left- (BJP), which ousted the left-leaning Congress leaning Congress government to open the retail with the best results in 30 years, will take power sector to foreign supermarkets. Also, in his fief- with India’s economy growing at its lowest rate dom of Gujarat, he was able to centralize control in a decade. The chief minister of prosperous and browbeat India’s notoriously slow bureau- Gujarat state criss-crossed India in what the crats. As a national leader, he will need to build media called a “shock and awe” campaign, consensus, analysts say. pledging faster growth, new infrastructure and One huge advantage is that he will not have more jobs to employ a mushrooming young to deal with unruly coalition partners, but state workforce. governments will be key to making real changes But the promises of the 63-year-old barrel- on the ground. chested leader have also stirred cynicism even as JP Morgan’s India economist Sajjid Chinoy foreign investors have poured billions into local warned against overly high expectations, noting financial markets. “Indian politicians promise the that under India’s federal system “75 to 80 per- earth to get elected,” said economist Rajeev cent of the problems on the ground are outside Malik from the CLSA investment bank. the direct jurisdiction of the central govern- Analysts warn it would be simplistic to ment”. “Some shovel-ready projects could be NICOSIA: A woman leaves a branch of bank of Cyprus after using the ATM machine in Nicosia yesterday. Cyprus’ Financial minis- believe Modi can quickly transform India, but implemented which could produce a growth ter Harris Georgiades says international creditors have given a fourth straight positive review to the country’s financial rescue the PM-in-waiting fed optimism on Friday by pop for a quarter or two,” he said. “But a more program and are projecting that its economy will shrink this year slightly less than earlier forecasts. —AP saying he could make the 21st century “India’s sustained recovery will be far more challenging century” within 10 years. “There’s no magic and time-consuming.” wand,” warned D K Joshi, chief economist of Also, although Gujarat’s expansion outdis- Lenders see shallower recession in Cyprus credit rating agency Crisil. tanced the India-wide average in 11 of the past For a start, India is gripped by stagflation- dozen years, some economists say the achieve- NICOSIA: International lenders anticipate a cial collapse in March 2013 after its bank- could be moved earlier, saying it would be growth has crashed to 4.9 percent from nine ment may not be all that impressive in a state shallower recession in Cyprus this year as ing system imploded from risky lending, discussed with parliament. percent two years ago and consumer inflation is known for its spirited entrepreneurs long before private consumption continued to drive exacerbating a cash squeeze on a state Lenders say Cyprus is fully-funded and at a wage-eroding 8.6 percent, the highest Modi arrived. Many global investment houses the economy, authorities said yesterday, which has been shut out of financial mar- do not anticipate the island requiring more holding out the possibility of an earlier kets for three years. The island, one of the financial assistance than that in the bailout, among top emerging economies. For another, predict growth of just 5.5 percent in 2014-15, ris- than envisaged return to international mar- euro zone’s smallest, required a 10-billion- the Commission source said. “I wouldn’t there are still a number of no-go areas in India’s ing to around to 6.5 percent the next year, but kets. Lenders concluded their fourth mis- euro ($13.7 billion) bailout and is following rule out that there will be a possibility of economy such as its inflexible hire-and-fire labor these forecasts might now be revised upwards. sion to the island and said an economic a three-year economic adjustment pro- Cyprus returning to markets earlier. From a laws which discourage employers from taking adjustment program was on track, Finance gram. The positive review means that financing envelope perspective, its not on new workers. ‘Breath of fresh air’ Minister Haris Georgiades told reporters. Cyprus will receive a new tranche of aid in strictly needed because it is fully funded,” Infrastructure needed to underpin the indus- Still, the “Modi-economics” mantra of “mini- “It was noted that progress was excess of 600 million euros, mostly provid- the source said. trialization process is poor in large parts of the mum government, maximum governance” achieved in all sectors of the economy,” ed by the European Union, by the end of Cyprus has consistently outperformed country and a new land acquisition law has fur- marks a watershed departure from the socialist Georgiades said. Lenders, known as the June. The amount will be used to finance lenders’ expectations after the bailout ther complicated the process of buying space for course set by India’s first premier Jawaharlal troika, had lowered their expectations on the deficit and refinance maturing debt. yanked the island from the brink of bank- new factories. Nehru after independence from Britain. the depth of recession to 4.2 percent, from The new memorandum of understand- ruptcy. It involved closing a major loss- Arun Jaitley, who is tipped to be finance min- India-born Jagdish Bhagwati, a professor at a February projection of 4.8 percent, ing, a game plan of economic adjustment making bank and imposing losses on large ister, told a small group of foreign reporters last Columbia University in New York, praises the BJP Georgiades and EU officials said. Cyprus’s modified with every troika assessment, will depositors in a second to recapitalize it. The month that there was little prospect of early leader’s aim of reducing government’s role as a economy contracted by 5.4 percent in call for reforms to Cyprus’s public health- troika has also asked that banks directly reforms of the labor market or any major roll- “breath of fresh air”. Sen, who also teaches at 2013, more than 2 percentage points bet- care system. “We think it is urgent,” the affected by the bailout assess any connect- ter than initial expectations. commission source said. ed lending practices by past or present back of pro-poor welfare programs. Britain’s Cambridge University, says the country “Consumption is holding up better than board members or managers which may is at a critical fork in the road. “For now, election we expected,” a senior European Early return have caused “disproportionate losses”. Reform reversals euphoria is the order of the day”, said Miguel Commission source said, adding it was also Under the present timeframe, Cyprus The Bank of Cyprus had converted For all his reform talk and the first parliamen- Chanco, an analyst from Capital Economics. due to the carry-over effect from 2013. The anticipates a full return to financial markets deposits to equity while the CoOperative tary majority for a single party since 1984, Modi But markets can lose patience quickly and if source said the possibility of Cyprus return- by the end of 2015, even though Nicosia Bank took 1.5 billion in taxpayers’ money to will have to contend with entrenched resistance the new government fails to impress rapidly, ing to international markets earlier than its tested the waters for Cypriot debt with a recapitalize. “We feel strongly that every to radical change in many quarters which could “investor optimism could soon turn to more end-2015 game plan could not be dis- private placement of bonds in April. reasonable attempt must be made to disappoint foreign companies eyeing new widespread investor disillusion”, drying up for- counted, given its performance so far. Georgiades avoided giving a direct answer recoup that money,” the Commission opportunities. In India, and within the BJP, there eign inflows, Chanco cautioned. —AFP Cyprus teetered on the verge of finan- when asked if the end-2015 timeframe source said. — Reuters SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 BUSINESS French corn A blunt Bernanke sounds farmers turn to drip irrigation theme of low interest rates THOUARS: Corn farmers in the verdant plains of south- western France have responded to dwindling water resources by adopting drip irrigation-a money-saving Hedge funds at $250,000 meetings with former Fed chief technique invented in the 1960s in Israel. Initially adopted in water-poor regions including the vineyards and NEW YORK/BOSTON: In a series of quarter-million-dol- orchards of southern France, the method has begun lar dinners with wealthy private investors, Ben Bernanke appearing in big agriculture further north in the past has been clearer than he ever was as chairman of the three years. Tension over water use is emerging in the Federal Reserve on his expectations that easy-money southwest where corn is a major crop, warns agronomist policies and below-normal interest rates are here for a Marc Dufumier, author of a book seeking to dispel dubi- long time to come, according to some of those in atten- ous conventional wisdom on farming and food. dance. “There are these tensions because of cultural changes Bernanke, who retired from the US central bank in in these areas and the advent of corn in the late 1980s, January, has predicted the Fed will only very slowly which requires more water, especially in chalky soil,” said move to raise rates, and probably do so later than many Alexis Delaunay of the French National Agency for Water forecast because the labor market still has a lot more and Aquatic Environments (Onema). Some farmers are room to recover from the financial crisis and recession. upset over water rationing. Broaching the subject with The accounts of the discussions come from attendees as Joel Herault, a farmer in the western Deux-Sevres area, is well as those who heard second-hand what was said at delicate. He was slapped with a 1,000 euro ($1,370) fine the dinners, where hedge fund managers and others for ignoring water rationing orders, saying they are too willing to foot the roughly $250,000 bill for each event severe. “It gave me a depression,” he said bitterly. asked the former Fed chairman questions in a free-flow- ing round-table fashion over recent weeks. 20 percent less water Bernanke has no constraints on expressing his views Nearly 10 years later he decided to introduce drip irri- in public or private, providing he does not talk about gation to about one third of his 120 hectares (300 acres). It confidential Fed matters. He declined to comment on was a big investment of at least 4,000 euros per hectare, any of his remarks at the private events. but Herault hopes it will increase his yield and keep The demand for Bernanke’s time shows that many of watchdogs at bay. Drip irrigation on big farms consumes Wall Street’s highest-profile brokers and investors see about 30 percent less water because it does not evapo- him as holding rare insight on how the Fed will react in rate and cannot be diverted by wind, notes Netafim, the the months and years ahead - and are prepared to pay Israeli pioneer of the method. big bucks to get private access to those views. At least Pipes are buried some 20 to 30 centimeters below the one guest left a New York restaurant with the impres- sion Bernanke, 60, does not expect the federal funds surface near the corn’s roots, with small amounts of water rate, the Fed’s main benchmark interest rate, to rise oozing from holes spaced about 50 centimeters apart. Ben Bernanke back to its long-term average of around 4 percent in France’s National Research Institute of Science and Bernanke’s lifetime, one source who had spoken to the The baseline fee for a private get together is thing extra to them, but he never does,” said one person Technology for Environment and Agriculture (IRSTEA), guest said. $250,000, and more if Bernanke needs to travel from his who attended one of the dinners. which is testing a drip irrigation system set up in southern Under his direction, the Fed took the fed funds rate, home in Washington, though the price has dropped Montpellier in 2008, estimates the savings at between 15 its key policy lever, to near zero in late 2008 as the finan- some as he has done more events, the sources said. The “We” the Fed and 20 percent. But the advantages do not stop there. The cial crisis raged. The central bank has held it there ever size of that decline could not be immediately learned. Financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase & tubes also are used to deliver fertilizer to the roots, and since in a bid to stimulate a stronger rebound in the He is known to be close with his successor, Janet Yellen, Co and institutional brokerage BTIG, have hosted at again in smaller amounts than are used on the surface. world’s largest economy. Another dinner guest was adding to perceptions that he should know what the least four Bernanke dinners for their clients since March, The plots stay dry, which helps control weeds and fungus- moved when Bernanke said the Fed aims to hit its 2 per- thinking is at the Fed months after his departure. It is a the sources said. Venues included Manhattan’s Eleven thus limiting the need for herbicides and fungicides. cent inflation target at all times, and that it is not neces- particularly sensitive time as Yellen works to reverse the Madison Park and Le Bernardin, where the four-course Furthermore, the system obviates the need for staff to sarily a ceiling. biggest monetary stimulus experiment ever - and prix fixe menu is $135 a plate. More are expected, the water, notes Christophe Harel, a Netafim official for north- “Shocking when he said this,” the guest scribbled in investors who understand how the Fed is going to pro- sources said. western France. The Thuaud brothers in the western his notes. “Is that really true?” he scribbled at another ceed have an advantage over those who don’t. JPMorgan and BTIG declined to comment. The department of Loire Atlantique say they have reduced point, according to the notes reviewed by Reuters. Hedge fund attendees have included Paul Tudor investors have asked Bernanke about everything from their water use by 40 percent and fertilizer by 20 percent. The sources requested anonymity because the din- Jones of Tudor Investment Corp and David Einhorn of how the Fed will shrink its $4.3 trillion balance sheet to And they say the “baby bottle” approach has significantly ners were private and they were not authorized to dis- Greenlight Capital. Others have included Michael why exactly it didn’t start to cut bond purchases last increased their corn yields and the amount of protein in cuss the material publicly. The Washington Speakers Novogratz of Fortress Investment Group, and Larry September, when expectations were high. their wheat. Despite these advantages, only 1,000 Bureau, which organizes the events and advertises the Robbins of Glenview Capital, as previously reported in By most accounts, Bernanke has been candid and hectares of France’s total of 1.8 million hectares of agricul- former chairman’s availability on its website, did not other media. All declined to comment to Reuters. sometimes feisty, defending his eight-year record of tural land use drip irrigation. In the United States and Italy return calls. David Tepper, the hedge fund manager who earned steering the US economy through the deepest reces- the method is used in many thousands of hectares. On $3.5 billion in 2013 to rank as the industry’s best paid sion in decades. Often using the pronoun “we” to the downside, the technology requires a major invest- After the Fed investor, said at an industry conference this week that describe the Fed, he has been careful not to contradict ment and rigorous maintenance. — AFP Since leaving the Fed at the end of January after he attended the first private dinner and peppered Yellen’s public comments, in which she too has stressed serving eight years as chairman, Bernanke has taken a Bernanke with questions. But Tepper said he didn’t that the labor market is far from fully healed. In its first Morocco’s royal position as a distinguished fellow at the Brookings make the best use of the information, a lapse he now policy statement under Yellen, in March, the central Institution, a think tank in Washington. He kept a low regrets. “I screwed up that trade,” he said. bank said the federal funds rate may need to stay below investment vehicle profile for the first month after his departure, delivering At the same conference, Novogratz from Fortress average even after it reaches its goals for employment his first public remarks to a banking conference in Abu said many hedge funds that bet on big interest rate and and inflation. to sell stake in Lesieur Dhabi on March 4 and earning a $250,000 speaker’s fee. currency movements missed a hint from Bernanke at In one dinner-table exchange with investors, RABAT: The Societe Nationale d’Investissement (SNI), the His annual paycheck from the Fed was $199,700 last the dinner and failed to buy long duration Treasuries. Bernanke argued that fiscal tightening, constrained investment vehicle of Morocco’s royal family, will sell its year - an amount that he would have already exceeded Bernanke’s last major act as Fed chairman was to financial markets and lower US productivity all point to remaining 23.6 percent stake in cooking oil producer many times over from the fees he has earned in the past announce, in December, plans for the winding down of lower real rates than would be considered normal for a Lesieur Cristal in a public sale, the stock exchange regula- couple of months. By contrast, his predecessor at the the central bank’s huge stimulus, a bond-buying pro- long time to come. Based on trading in the massive tor said yesterday. Fed, Alan Greenspan, waited only a week after his gram called “quantitative easing,” which should end by Eurodollar futures market, investors have in recent SNI, responding to mass protests in recent years against departure before addressing a private dinner hosted by this fall. months tempered expectations of rate rises in the years the monarchy’s broad influence over the Moroccan econo- Lehman Brothers, the investment bank whose collapse That was greeted by a sell-off in the bond market, ahead; as it stands, they don’t expect the fed funds rate my, is selling some of its interests and shifting its main in 2008 sent the financial crisis into high gear. where expectations for future interest rate levels are to return to 4 percent until 2022. As recently as last focus to energy, mining and telecoms. It has already sold That also brought in a reported $250,000, while a pri- particularly important, because many investors September, futures markets signaled they thought this interests in Morocco’s sole sugar supplier, Cosumar, dairy vate telechat with investors in Japan that same day in believed the Fed would move on to raising interest would happen by the end of 2018. firm Centrale Laitiere and Morocco’s top biscuit maker, 2006 was worth about half of that, each drawing criti- rates in fairly short order. The yield on the benchmark At the dinners, Bernanke has also argued the Fed Bimo. cism for giving high-paying investors a leg up on others 10-year Treasury note ended the year just above 3 per- would want to delay raising rates if the tighter financial SNI will sell 6.29 million shares at 93 dirhams ($11.37) cent, the highest since the summer of 2011. conditions created could threaten to harm the econo- each and at 83 dirhams each for SNI and Lesieur employ- who didn’t have access to Greenspan. Bernanke’s private dinners began near the end of To the surprise of many, however, bonds have rallied my. He has also stressed that financial stability concerns ees, the financial market watchdog CDVM said in a state- back hard this year, driving the 10-year yield down by would more formally be considered in policy-making, ment. SNI is expected to raise 580 million dirhams from the March, roughly two months after his retirement. “It’s not atypical for what other former Washington big shots half a percentage point. The shift comes as more and according to the sources. sale. CVDM suspended trading in Lesieur Cristal on Friday more investors come to embrace a view Bernanke has For hedge fund managers who have big bets riding pending the announcement, when shares were at 103 do,” said Jan Baran, a partner and head of the election been sharing with his dinner guests: There is just too on when exactly the Fed will raise rates, dining with dirhams. SNI already sold an initial 41 percent stake in law and government ethics group at law firm Wiley Rein Lesieur to the French firm Sofiproteol which remains the LLP. much slack remaining in the economy to support a rise Bernanke is part ego and part professional necessity. top shareholder. Other institutional investors share a 24 “He’s being paid ... for sharing his wisdom and pre- in interest rates. The average US hedge fund has returned only 0.9 per- percent stake, while the free-float will stand at 34 percent dictions, and presumably not to exert his influence on Still, not every guest believes they came away from a cent in the first four months of the year after two con- after the deal. The offer will run from May 26 to May 30, the the Fed,” he added. This will go on “until he’s proven to Bernanke dinner with an exclusive insight. “People can secutive months of losses in March and April, leaving CDVM’s statement said. — Reuters not be all that clairvoyant.” try all they want to feel that they got him to say some- many top managers on edge. — Reuters EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen 3.750 Philippine Peso 0.006328 0.006608 UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.900 Sierra Leone 0.000069 0.000075 Nepalese Rupees 3.880 Singapore Dollar 0.222210 0.228210 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH Malaysian Ringgit 87.040 South African Rand 0.021326 0.029826 Japanese Yen 2.781 Australian Dollar 268.50 265.50 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.395 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001845 0.002425 Indian Rupees 4.792 Canadian Dollar 263.45 264.45 Thai Bhat 9.680 Taiwan 0.009252 0.009432 Pakistani Rupees 2.864 Swiss Franc 320.06 318.06 Turkish Lira 134.045 Thai Baht 0.008309 0.008859 Srilankan Rupees 2.163 Euro 388.97 389.97 Nepali Rupees 3.009 US Dollar 281.70 284.70 Arab Singapore Dollar 226.380 Sterling Pound 476.00 479.00 Bahrain Exchange Company Bahraini Dinar 0.741820 0.749820 Hongkong Dollar 36.416 Japanese Yen 2.82 2.84 Egyptian Pound 0.036413 0.039513 Bangladesh Taka 3.630 Bangladesh Taka 3.631 3.901 COUNTRY SELL CASH SELLDRAFT Iranian Riyal 0.000078 0.000079 Philippine Peso 6.453 Indian Rupee 4.748 5.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Iraqi Dinar 0.000181 0.000241 Thai Baht 8.701 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.164 2.599 Jordanian Dinar 0.393659 0.401159 Irani Riyal transfer 0.271 Nepali Rupee 2.979 3.514 Europe Kuwaiti Dinar 1.0000000 1.0000000 Irani Riyal cash 0.273 Pakistani Rupee 2.865 2.790 Belgian Franc 0.007331 0.008331 Lebanese Pound 0.000138 0.000238 UAE Dirhams 76.76 77.23 British Pound 0.469031 0.478031 Moroccan Dirhams 0.025272 0.049272 GCC COUNTRIES Bahraini Dinar 749.77 751.84 Czech Korune 0.006173 0.018173 Nigerian Naira 0.001191 0.001826 Saudi Riyal 75.310 Egyptian Pound 39.38 39.98 Danish Krone 0.047917 0.052917 Omani Riyal 0.726694 0.732374 Qatari Riyal 77.598 Jordanian Dinar 400.93 406.58 Euro 0.382178 0.390178 Qatar Riyal 0.076776 0.077898 Omani Riyal 733.630 Omani Riyal 732.60 739.90 Norwegian Krone 0.043582 0.048782 Saudi Riyal 0.074590 0.075290 Bahraini Dinar 750.100 Qatari Riyal 77.79 78.34 Romanian Leu 0.081398 0.81398 Syrian Pound 0.001749 0.001969 UAE Dirham 76.911 Saudi Riyal 75.25 75.65 Slovakia 0.008064 0.018064 Tunisian Dinar 0.170875 0.178875 Swedish Krona 0.038949 0.043949 Turkish Lira 0.138907 0.145907 ARAB COUNTRIES Swiss Franc 0.310963 0.321163 UAE Dirhams 0.075824 0.076973 Egyptian Pound - Cash 39.395 Turkish Lira 0.138907 0.145907 Yemeni Riyal 0.001281 0.001361 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 39.488 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Australasia Tunisian Dinar 174.910 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Australian Dollar 0.255193 0.266693 Jordanian Dinar 398.810 Al Mulla Exchange Rate for Transfer Selling Rate New Zealand Dollar 0.236876 0.246376 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.895 US Dollar 281.500 America Syrian Lira 2.013 Canadian Dollar 259.510 Canadian Dollar 0.253497 0.261997 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Morocco Dirham 35.243 Sterling Pound 475.750 US Dollars 0.278000 0.282350 US Dollar 281.700 Euro 391.810 US Dollars Mint 0.278500 0.282350 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Euro 388.400 Swiss Frank 320.975 US Dollar Transfer 282.300 Pound Sterlng 474.750 Bahrain Dinar 749.235 Asia Euro 388.140 Canadian Dollar 260.150 UAE Dirhams 76.620 Bangladesh Taka 0.003299 0.003899 Sterling Pound 477.650 Indian Rupee 4.713 Qatari Riyals 78.200 Chinese Yuan 0.044034 0.047534 Canadian dollar 262.000 Egyptian Pound 39.585 Saudi Riyals 75.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.034305 0.037055 Turkish lira 134.270 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.159 Jordanian Dinar 396.715 Indian Rupee 0.004385 0.004786 Swiss Franc 319.160 Bangladesh Taka 3.628 Egyptian Pound 40.115 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000020 0.000026 Australian Dollar 265.790 Philippines Peso 6.460 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.154 Japanese Yen 0.002677 0.002857 US Dollar Buying 281.100 Indian Rupees 4.679 Kenyan Shilling 0.003315 0.003315 Pakistan Rupee 2.859 Pakistani Rupees 2.852 Korean Won 0.000265 0.000280 Bahraini Dinar 750.200 GOLD Bangladesh Taka 3.622 Malaysian Ringgit 0.083256 0.089256 UAE Dirham 76.650 20 Gram 245.000 Philippines Pesso 6.322 Nepalese Rupee 0.003000 0.003170 Saudi Riyal 75.150 10 Gram 124.000 Cyprus pound 691.420 Pakistan Rupee 0.002654 0.002934 5 Gram 64.000 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 ‘Best before’ dates add to food waste: EU paper

ATHENS: “Best before” dates on food add to a port methods, as well as irresponsible retailer and Austria, Denmark, Germany and Luxembourg, supermarket shelves is wasted - often because of mountain of waste in Europe and could be consumer behavior. The discussion paper, seen says food waste has a social, environmental and poor understanding of best before and use by scrapped for some long-life produce, a group of by Reuters and put forward by the Netherlands economic dimension. “The need to reduce food dates. A use by date is applied if there is a health European Union states have argued in a discus- and Sweden, says date-labelling in many EU losses and food waste is also closely linked to the risk in eating food after that date, whereas a best sion paper prepared for an agriculture ministers countries is adding to the problem and calls on principle that everyone in the world has a right to before date is more about quality - when it meeting tomorrow. the European Commission to consider whether adequate food,” it says. According to figures from expires it does not necessarily mean food is Food waste in the West has become a hot top- products with a very long shelf life could be the Commission, up to 100 million tons of food harmful, but it may lose flavor and texture. The ic because of its environmental and humanitarian exempt from best before labels. are wasted in Europe each year, while last year’s Commission says it is looking at solutions to food implications. A report last year found up to half of It also wants EU policymakers to explore how report from the London-based Institution of waste, including how to end the confusion over the food produced worldwide was wasted to make consumers better understand durability Mechanical Engineers found that between 30 date labeling, and will issue a policy paper on the because of poor harvesting, storage and trans- dates. The paper, which also has the backing of percent and 50 percent of the food which gets to issue later this year. — Reuters

Moody’s upgrades Ireland by 2 notches

WASHINGTON: Moody’s raised its Ireland exited a tough three-year credit grade for Ireland Friday by two bailout program of the International steps, to Baa1 from Baa3, citing the Monetary Fund and European Union in impact faster growth will have on December, necessitated by a banking improving the country’s debt profile. crash and the implosion of the housing While the country still has a high level market in 2010. Under the program, the of public debt and sizable fiscal deficits, government was pressed to implement Moody’s said faster growth will reduce austerity measures to shore up its its debt ratio faster than had been finances, and the economy still contract- expected. ed by 0.3 percent last year. “Moody’s expects Ireland’s economy But the program boosted confidence to grow considerably faster than the in its finances and allowed Dublin to euro-area average over the near to return to commercial debt markets for medium term,” the agency said. funding in January. “Domestic demand is now accelerating, Ireland still had a fiscal deficit of sev- led by a broad-based recovery in gross en percent of gross domestic product fixed investment but also by a revival in last year and Moody’s said it could be private consumption spending despite downgraded if it fails to cut that to households’ high debt overhang. below three percent of GDP by 2015. “Faster growth will support ongoing The National Treasury Management fiscal consolidation and put the debt on Agency, which manages the govern- a firm downward trajectory,” it added. At ment’s assets and liabilities, cheered the same time, the recovery of the Irish the ratings hike in a statement. property market has allowed the gov- “Moody’s upgrade means that all of the ernment to reduce contingent liabilities three main rating agencies now have by selling off assets taken over in the Ireland rated at BBB+ (or equivalent), KABUL: Afghan street vendors wait for customers in Kabul yesterday. Afghanistan’s economy is recovering from decades of conflict but financial crisis. which clearly ranks Ireland as an invest- despite the significant improvement in the last decade it is extremely poor, and highly dependent on foreign aid. — AFP Moody’s said that puts Ireland in bet- ment-grade credit and reflects the con- ter shape going forward than other fidence in Ireland shared by investors countries in the same ratings class such generally,” NTMA Chief Executive John as Italy and Spain, meriting the upgrade. Corrigan said. — AFP US investors play it safe as Amplats CEO apologizes doubt over economy rises for fair pay comments A case of the jitters at Wall Street JOHANNESBURG: The chief executive of wages that would dent the country’s high strike-hit Anglo American Platinum unemployment rate, “rather than compar- NEW YORK: Wall Street has caught a case of sectors in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. attribute that to harsh winter weather. They are (Amplats) apologized for saying this week ing salaries of educated, skilled executives the jitters. Employers are hiring at their fastest Most surprising is the new ardor for US gov- confident of a big expansion in the current his seven figure salary was justified because with workers with few or no skills and limit- pace in 2 1/2 years, the economy is expected ernment bonds. Instead of fleeing them as quarter. he was skilled whereas miners were not. ed education.” to expand by a robust 3.5 percent this quarter they had late last year, investors can’t seem to A raft of recent reports suggests they might His comments cause an uproar in the Griffiths earned 17.6 million rand ($1.7 and corporate earnings have hit a record. But buy enough. On Friday, the yield on US be right. Employers added 288,000 jobs in midst of a violent 16-week strike in the million) in 2013 according to the compa- you wouldn’t know it from the way many Treasury notes maturing in 10 years stood at April, the most in 2 1/2 years. Americans have platinum companies Amplats, Impala ny’s latest annual report. The companies investors are acting. 2.52 percent, half a percentage point lower stepped up their spending. And on Thursday, Platinum (Implats) and Lonmin by the have said they cannot afford AMCU’s They’re pouring money into US Treasury that it was just five months. That is a big move the Labor Department reported that the con- Association of Mineworkers and demand for a “living wage” of 12,500 rand bonds, considered the world’s safest asset. for bonds. sumer price index rose a healthy 2 percent in Construction Union (AMCU). “My choice of while the union’s president have ques- They’re loading up on dull, but reliable utility There’s plenty of reason for caution - a April compared with a year earlier. words was inappropriate and a poor way to tioned salaries of company executives. stocks. They’re dumping holdings that would stalled housing recovery, for instance, disap- describe the extremely challenging situa- Implats said on Friday its chief executive, Higher inflation can be a sign of economic tion we find ourselves in,” Chris Griffiths, who earns about 7.5 million would not be get hurt most from a stalled recovery, like pointing first-quarter economic growth in the strength because it usually reflects more Amplats chief executive said in a statement taking a pay hike in light of the strike which stocks of retailers and risky small companies. US and Europe, a possible civil war in Ukraine spending by shoppers and businesses. But it on Friday. He had told the Business Day would cripple the company’s production Just a few months ago, investors thought the and a cooling Chinese economy. The flood of also is bad for bond investors. The money that the focus should be on affordable for the rest of its financial year. — Reuters economy would grow rapidly this year. Now money into US government bonds may reflect returned to them when their bond matures will they’re not so sure and shifting money around frustration as much as fear. Investors seeking buy less. But instead of selling US Treasurys, in surprising ways, a sign that confidence income may be turning to the US because investors bought on the inflation news, push- remains fragile five years into a recovery. they’re unhappy with the paltry payouts on ing the 10-year yield to its lowest in 10 months. Taiwan approves “It doesn’t take much - an itsy-bitsy sell-off - bonds of other rich countries, such as those of This year’s nervousness follows an exuberant and suddenly everyone is conservative,” says Japan and Germany, where yields are even 2013, when the S&P 500-stock index surged Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at lower. nearly 30 percent, not including dividends. By ‘rich man’s tax’ Wells Capital Management. “We’ve climbed a But something not as easy to pinpoint, some measures, that has left stocks at danger- wall of worry throughout this recovery and more ephemeral, may also be prompting ous highs compared to earnings, another rea- TAIPEI: Taiwan’s parliament has approved and insurance sectors. we’re still doing that.” Many experts had investors to play it safer: Many Americans, still son for today’s skittishness. a so-called “rich man’s tax” on nearly Finance minister Chang Sheng-ford expected a recovery that finally felt like one haunted by the financial crisis, don’t trust the This year, the S&P 500 has hit ten new highs, 10,000 of the island’s wealthiest people in has said that the taxation reform was this year. More companies would be hiring, recovery. two this week alone. But they have been on a bid to narrow the widening income gap. aimed at improving income distribution consumers would spend more, and businesses “They’re not willing to take risks,” says Matt tiny gains, and the index itself is only 1.6 per- Starting next year, those with annual net and was backed by tycoons such as that had slashed expenses to generate profits Lloyd, chief investment strategist of Advisors cent higher than it was at the start of the year. income of over Tw$10 million ($333,000), Foxconn Group founder Terry Gou. would now earn them by selling more. Asset Management. He points to bankers still On Friday, after waffling between small gains or the richest 1.5 percent of individuals or Taiwan’s income gap reached a record lev- Investors would unload safe government too scared to lend, CEOs playing it safe by and losses, the index ended slightly higher. families, will be subject to a 45 percent el in 2011, as the wealthiest families bonds, forcing their prices down and their using cash to buy back stocks instead of If this is the top of the market, it feels differ- income tax rate, up from the current 40 earned 96 times more than the poorest, yields, which move in the opposite direction, expanding operations, and consumers not ent from previous peaks. In 2000, the stock percent, said the finance ministry. according to the latest official data. up. “buying that fifth TV.” market’s surge was accompanied by books The revised income tax law passed by The bottom five percent of families But the year is unfolding somewhat off Jeff Klingelhofer, an associate bond portfo- such as “Dow 36,000” which offered tips to parliament Friday also includes business reported an average annual income of script. Small-company stocks that are often lio manager at Thornburg Investment profit from a continued climb. The run-up in tax hikes on banks and insurers as well as Tw$48,000, compared with Tw$4.63 mil- good bets in an accelerating economy are tee- Management, says investors are second-guess- stocks that ended in 2007 was marked by more tax deductions for low-income fami- lion earned by the top five percent in tering on a “correction,” Wall Street parlance for ing the health of the economy. “We’ve seen heavy borrowing by consumers, investors and lies, salarymen and the disabled, the min- 2011, based on their income tax filings. a drop of 10 percent from a high. Many these fits and starts of positive economic businesses, with little inkling of the danger istry said. It is expected to generate an Observers have blamed the rapidly Internet stocks, the ultimate optimistic bet, (news) only to see a few months later disap- ahead. Today, the mood is sober. “We don’t extra Tw$65 billion more a year in revenue widening gap between the rich and the passed that level weeks ago - and are still drop- pointing data,” he says. So investors are taking sense any excitement,” says Jim Russell, a for the government, including Tw$9.9 bil- poor as one of the reasons behind a ping. Meanwhile, utilities - unsexy, but stable - a wait-and-see approach. regional investment director at US Bank. lion from the richest people as well as recent string of anti-government have soared 10 percent so far this year, more Many economists suspect the US economy Instead, he says investors are filled with worry around Tw$20 billion from the banking protests. — AFP than double the gain of any of the other nine shrank in the first three months of the year, but “waiting for the next shoe to drop.” — AP UK’s Co-op group accepts reform proposals

MANCHESTER: Britain’s Co-operative Group voted ing society, which saddled it with a portfolio of risky unanimously yesterday to accept proposals for far- property loans during the global financial crisis. reaching reforms designed to avoid a repeat of the A drugs scandal involving Paul Flowers, the former near-catastrophic mistakes of recent years and secure chairman of its bank, then moved the group’s problems the mutual’s future. from the business pages to the front pages. Lidbetter Independent director Paul Myners drew up the pro- told the meeting “years of bad business decisions crys- posals to change the governance of the 150-year-old tallised into one very ugly number at the bottom of our supermarkets-to-funerals group, which lost control of accounts: A 2.5 billion pound loss. its bank and slumped to a 2.5 billion pound ($4.2 bil- “We are at a very fateful point in the history of The lion) loss last year. The reforms voted on by delegates Co-operative Group, and indeed the whole of the at a special general meeting included creating a new movement.” Myners, a former government minister and board led by an independent chairman, and non-exec- City grandee, said earlier this month “radical decisions utive directors with commercial experience on a par on governance needed to be taken very soon” if the with the boards of its retail rivals. Co-op was to be saved. Co-operative Group chair Ursula Lidbetter said it As well as reforming the board, which is currently was a “hugely significant” moment for the group, which elected from local and regional co-operatives and has a 10 billion pound turnover, 90,000 employees and includes a nurse, a farmer and a retired telecoms more than 3,000 stores. “Our members have voted engineer, Myners recommended a new membership unanimously in favor of reform,” she told reporters after council that would protect its co-operative principles. the vote. “It is clear that colleagues, members and cus- He also wanted to give all the group’s 8 million mem- tomers are looking to the democrats to deliver the bers a bigger say in its operation under a “one mem- reforms necessary to restore the group’s reputation and ber, one vote” framework, and include provisions in LISBON: A seller sits behind her stall at the Lisbon’s wholesale market in Loures, outskirts of Lisbon yester- return it to financial health.” The Co-op’s problems stem the group’s rulebook to protect against de-mutualisa- day. Portugal exits a three-year, 78-billion-euro ($108 billion) international bailout program today, a land- from an ill-fated 2009 takeover of the Britannia build- tion. — Reuters mark that sparks little joy in a population still struggling on a diet of economic austerity. — AFP SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 BUSINESS Liquidity in Kuwait’s real estate sector rises

AL-SHALL WEEKLY ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: The latest available data from the Ministry of shares worth KD 2.251 billion, capturing 90.4 percent of total billion assets value in the first quarter of 2013. Item of percent of total assets) it increased by KD 307.5 million, or by Justice - the Real Estate Registration and Authentication sold shares, (92.7 percent for the same period 2013), and financing receivables rose by KD 173.7 million, 8.1 percent, 107.1 percent. Department- for April 2014, indicate increase in real estate purchased shares worth KD 2.101 billion capturing 84.4 per- to KD 2.315 billion (68.7 percent of total assets) comparing liquidity vis-a-vis March 2014. Total trading value of con- cent of total value of purchased shares (91.9 percent for the with KD 2.141 billion (67.6 percent of total asset) in the end The weekly performance of KSE tracts and agencies scored KD 478.1 million, higher by 18.9 same period 2013). As such, their net trading, the only ones of December 2013. It also increased by KD 481.7 million, 26.3 The performance of Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) for the percent than its counterpart value in March 2014 which was selling, was worth KD 150.540 million. percent, when compared with the same period 2013 when last week was mixed, the traded volume index and the trans- KD 402.2 million and also was higher by 54.8 percent com- Other investors’ share, out of total purchased shares, they scored KD 1.833 billion (65 percent of total assets). Item actions index showed an increase, while the traded value pared with April’s 2013 liquidity. April’s liquidity trading was scored 11.8 percent, i.e. the share of investors from outside of cash and balances with banks increased by KD 212.4 mil- index and general index showed a decrease. AlShall Index distributed as follows: KD 449.5 million for contracts and Kuwait doubled, which is another positive indicator (6.5 per- lion to KD 594.5 million (17.6 percent of total assets), or by (value index) closed at 492.6 points at the closing of last KD 28.6 million for agencies. Number of real estate deals for cent for the same period 2013), worth KD 293.116 million 55.6 percent comparing with KD 382.1 million (12.1 percent Thursday, showing a decrease of about 1.4 points or about this month scored 743 deals (after excluding the Crafts while value of their sold shares scored KD 174.338 million, 7 of total assets) in the end of last year. Compared with its 0.3 percent comparing to last week and an increase of 37.9 Activity and the Coastal Strip System) distributed between percent of total value of sold shares, (5.5 percent in the same amount in the same period last year KD 287 million (10.2 points or about 8.3 percent compared with the end of 2013. 675 contracts and 69 agencies. Ahmadi Governorate period 2013). Thus, their net trading, more purchasing, secured the highest number of real estate deals by about scored KD 118.778 million. 297 deals representing 40 percent of total real estate deals, GCC Investors’ share out of total purchased shares scored followed by Mubarak Al-Kabir Governorate by 164 deals rep- 3.9 percent (1.6 percent in the same period 2013), or KD resenting 22.1 percent while Al-Jahra Governorate secured 96.700 million, while value of their sold shares scored 2.6 the lowest number of trading deals by 25 deals, 3.4 percent. percent (1.8 percent in the same period 2013), worth KD Value of private housing trading scored about KD 240.4 64.938 million. Their net trading was purchasing by KD million, up by 18.4 percent, compared with KD 203.1 million 31.762 million. for March 2014 with a slight drop in its contribution percent- Relative distribution among nationalities changed from age to 50.3 percent (50.5 percent in March 2014). The before: 87.4 percent for Kuwaitis, 9.4 percent for traders from monthly average of private housing trading during 12 other nationalities and 3.2 percent for GCC traders (92.3 per- months scored KD 191.1 million, which means that trading cent, 6 percent and 1.7 percent for Kuwaitis, other nationali- value during this month is higher by 25.8 percent compared ties and GCC traders respectively for the first third 2013). This with the average. Number of deals of this activity increased means Kuwait Stock Exchange remained domestic with to 539 deals in April 2014 vis-a-vis 502 deals in March 2014. more trading for investors from outside the GCC region than As such, average deal value of the private housing activity their GCC counterparts with trading prevalence to individu- scored KD 446,000. als. Investment housing trading value rose to KD 196.8 mil- Number of active trading accounts between January lion, 48 percent, versus KD 133 million in March. Its percent- 2014 and April 2014 dropped due to the reflection of weak age out of total liquidity went up to 41.2 percent (33.1 per- trading in stock markets during the past months on cent in March 2014). Monthly average value of investment traders accounts by about -50.4 percent (a rise by 14.5 housing during 12 months scored about KD 157.8 million. percent between December 2012 and April 2013). Number This means the trading value of this month is higher by 24.7 of active trading accounts in the end of April 2014 scored percent compared with the past 12 months’ average. 66,411 or 20.1 percent of total accounts vis-a-vis 88,213 However, the number of its deals dropped to 190 deals (196 accounts in the end of March 2014, 26.9 percent of total deals in March 2014). As such, average deal value of the accounts for the same month, a drop by -24.7 percent investment housing activity scored KD 1.035 million, up by from the end of March 2014 in one month. 52.7 percent from March average. Value of the commercial trading activity dropped to Real estate buildings and units about KD 39.2 million, a drop by -62.3 percent, versus KD Number of buildings in Kuwait -according to the latest 61.6 million in March 2014. Its percentage out of total real issue of the Public Authority for Civil Information’s Buildings estate trading value declined to about 8.2 percent (15.3 per- and Units Guide-, scored about 189.2 thousand buildings in cent in March 2014). Monthly average value of commercial the end of December 2013 (185.8,000 buildings in the end activity during 12 months scored about KD 39 million, which of 2012). This reflects a growth rate by 1.9 percent which is means that the activity of this month is within the average. higher than the registered annual growth rate in the end of Number of its deals scored 13 deals, the same for March 2012 at 1.7 percent. 2011 began the sustained increase by 2014; as such, the average deal value scored KD 3 million. 0.7 percent by ushering the transform year after the global Value of the warehousing trading activity in March 2014 financial crisis in 2008. scored KD 1.7 million and for only one deal in this month. Buildings are divided into various units which scored When we compare April 2014 trading with April 2013, we 635.4,000 units in 2013 (619.6,000 units in 2012). Total num- note increase in real estate market liquidity from KD 309 mil- ber of units increased by 2.6 percent (1.5 percent in the end lion to about KD 478.1 million, up by 54.8 percent as indicat- of 2012). The compound growth rate for the number of units ed above. The rise included the investment activity by 66.4 during the period from 2004 through 2013 scored 3.4 per- percent, the private housing by 49.8 percent and the com- cent while the compound annual growth rate for the num- mercial activity by 33.2 percent. ber of buildings in the same period scored 1.8 percent. This The latest CBK statistics for March 2014 indicates contin- confirms the continued reduction of the units’ areas within ued rise in personal credits value (assigned for non-commer- each building. This means a change in the demand pattern. cial especially what goes to buying homes) versus the end of Most buildings in Kuwait are used for residence and repre- February 2014. Those loans amounted to KD 7241.3 million sent 68.6 percent of total buildings. Units assigned for living up by 0.9 percent in one month. Growth rate in these loans and work come next and finally are the units assigned for value during 12 months scored 14.2 percent. These loans work only. represent about 62.4 percent of total personal loans to indi- Percentage of vacant buildings increased and formed viduals. We shall wait until credits data for April are pub- 12.3 percent in 2013 according to PACI and number 23.2 lished to determine whether the growth in loans is sus- thousand buildings out of 189.2,000 buildings (22.6 thou- tained and at what pace. sand empty buildings out of 185.8 thousand buildings in the end of 2012), ie 12.2 percent. Trading Features at KSE The following table displays the number of buildings and Kuwait Clearing Company issued its report titled “Trading their usage type, as per governorates, in the end of 2013. Volume According to Nationality” covering the period In accordance with PACI statistics, apartments represent 01/01/2014 to 30/04/2014 and published it on KSE official the majority of units and represented 45.9 percent of the website. The report indicated that individuals are still the total. Then homes came next by 23.2 percent and shops by predominant group though their share declining and cap- 17.6 percent. Apartments and home sector maintained reg- tured 54 percent of total value of sold shares (about 60.2 ular increase of its share out of the total units since 2004 percent for the first third of 2013) and about 49.1 percent of until the end of 2013 while the shops and annexes percent- purchased shares value (57.6 percent for the same period age decreased. The compound annual growth rate for 2013). Individual investors sold shares worth KD 1.344 billion apartments, homes and shops (2004-2013) scored 4.6 per- and purchased shares worth KD 1.244 billion, with a net cent, 3.3 percent, and 3.9 percent respectively. But the com- trading, selling, by KD 119.959 million. pound growth rate for annexes declined by 6.4 percent. The Corporations and companies sector captured 26.6 per- percentage of vacant units dropped in 2013 to 27.3 percent cent of total value of purchased shares (19.3 percent for the down from 29.3 percent in the end of 2012. The following same period 2013) and 17.8 percent of total value of sold graph shows the percentage of the vacant and occupied shares (about 17.9 percent for the same period 2013). The from 2004-2013. sector purchased shares worth KD 662.242 million and sold shares worth KD 442.272 million with a net trading, more Ahli United Bank financial results purchasing, by KD 219.970 million indicating a rising share. Ahli United Bank announced its results for the first quar- The third contributor to market liquidity is the clients’ ter of the current year which indicate the bank achieved net accounts sector (portfolios) which captured 20.3 percent of profits, after due deductions, worth about KD 12.1 million, total value of sold shares (about 16.8 percent for the same up by KD 987,000, or by 8.9 percent, (KD 11.1 million for the period 2013) and 14.8 percent of total value of purchased same period 2013). Total operations incomes scored KD 24.8 shares (17.1 percent for the same period 2013). The sector million up by KD 2.9 million, or by 13 percent compared with sold shares worth KD 505.448 million and purchased shares KD 21.9 million in the same period last year. This rise resulted worth KD 369.471 million, thus making its net trading more from the rise in net interests’ income by KD 2.5 million, 14.3 selling by KD 135.977 million. percent, to KD 20.4 million (KD 17.8 million for the same The last contributor to liquidity is the investment funds period 2013). Item of other incomes also rose by KD 345,000 sector which captured 9.5 percent of total value of pur- to KD 663,000 (KD 318,000 in the same period 2013). chased shares (about 6 percent for the same period 2013) On the other hand, total operational expenditures rose and 8 percent of total value of sold shares (about 5 percent by less than the rise in total operations income scored by KD for the same period 2013). This sector purchased shares 304 thousand, or by 4.1 percent, to KD 7.7 million (KD 7.4 worth KD 235.278 million and sold shares worth KD 199.312 million in the first quarter 2013) because the item of staff million with a net trading, purchasing, by KD 35.966 million. costs increased by KD 389 thousand to KD 4.8 million (KD 4.4 This means the corporations, companies, portfolios and million for the same period of last year). Total provisions funds all gained a share in the market at the expense of indi- increased by KD 1.5 million, 52 percent, to KD 4.5 million (KD viduals, which is a positive indicator that conforms to liquidi- 3 million for the same period 2013). Therefore, the net profit ty trend in the past three months -February to April- margin dropped to 45.8 percent (48.8 percent in the same towards heavy companies. However, the time is still early to period 2013). conclude solid results. The bank’s total assets scored about KD 3.371 billion, up KSE still continues to be a domestic stock exchange; by 6.5 percent (KD 3.165 billion in the end of 2013). They Kuwaiti traders formed the biggest trading group and sold increased by 19.6 percent when compared with KD 2.818 SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 BUSINESS Kuwait’s credit growth strong in March

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: March’s credit recorded its strongest gain since the crisis on the back of an improving non-financial busi- ness sector, with real estate leading the way. Despite the family fund settle- ments, household credit came in stronger than expected as well. Meanwhile, a sizeable increase in private deposits, notably in sight and time deposits, saw money supply expand healthily. Credit saw its strongest month in over six years during March, with growth accelerating to 8.0 percent (y/y) follow- ing four consecutive month of weaker credit gains. The monthly gain was KD 469 million, nearly three times the 12- month average. Most of the strength came from the non-financial business sector. Household credit was also stronger than expected given the write- off of Family Fund loans Household debt (personal facilities Non-bank financials continued to 2009. Real estate credit (+KD 193 million) ed to 8.8 percent y/y with private accelerated to 19.7 percent consequent- ex-securities) was up KD 64 million, with deleverage during the month seeing a and loans for the purchase of securities deposits up KD 1 billion, supported by a ly. Deposit rates on dinar time deposits y/y growth easing to 14.8 percent. The larger drop than usual. Credit to the sec- (+KD 172 million), both of which saw large increase in the net foreign assets of increased across the board by 3 to 5 bps. gain was below the recent 12-month tor was down by KD 83 million in March record gains, were the main sources of the central bank of KD 645 million and Rates on the 1-month, 3 months, 6 average largely due to the settlement with the y/y decline reaching 18.4 per- strength. Trade and industry also saw the strong growth in credit. The gain was months and 12-months timed deposits and write-off of Family Fund loans. If the cent. healthy gains as did the “other” sector. the largest in three years and was visible stood at 0.59 percent, 0.78 percent, 0.97 effect of the latter is taken into account, All remaining credit gained KD 487 Construction was the only sector to see a largely in KD sight and time deposits, percent, and 1.17 percent. Meanwhile, growth in March appears to have been million, with growth reaching 7.9 per- notable decline. which increased by KD 426 million and interbank rates continued to edge high- somewhat stronger. cent y/y, its most rapid since August Money supply (M2) growth accelerat- KD 492 million, respectively. M1 growth er averaging 1 percent in March. Deloitte sees promising opportunities in Kuwait Technology, media & telecommunications sectors

KUWAIT: Within its regional roadshow to the ship with Deloitte, and are pleased to participate and market actions for the year ahead and promising Middle Eastern countries in terms of in bringing this unique event to Kuwait, which beyond,” Saguto explains. growth and development in the Technology, we would like to see continue in the coming Key trends and outlooks derived from the Media & Telecommunications - TMT sectors, years.” report for Kuwait include: Technology: Massive Deloitte held in collaboration with Noor The second annual Middle East TMT predic- Open Online Courses (MOOCs): Kuwait is Telecommunications Company KSCC (NOOR- tions report is a tailored version of the global expressing interest in MOOCs, with universities TEL), the first-of-its kind TMT event to launch the TMT predictions report which has been in circu- starting to recognize MOOCs through certifi- 2nd Middle East TMT predictions report with lation for the last 13 years. It covers the latest cates of achievement. emphasis on predictions specific to Kuwait. TMT industry trends, which is presented and eVisits: based on GCC estimates, the address- The event, which was held in Salmiyeh city, in shared with key TMT players spanning over 70 able market for eVisits in Kuwait is about $155- Kuwait, was attended by the country’s TMT lead- countries across the world. With the Middle 210 million, which could increase by as much as ers and decision makers, Santino Saguto, Partner East’s rising growth, significance and influence in $17-23 million this year. and TMT industry leader at Deloitte Middle East the global TMT space, this year’s Middle East Media: Broadcast Sports Rights: Kuwaiti pre- commented: “We are now seeing increasing Predictions report, provides the most in depth mium broadcast sports rights are predicted to TMT activity in Kuwait, a positive sign of the regional perspective on the latest TMT trends, grow by 15-20 percent, driven mainly by growth growing awareness and recognition of the highlighting the foremost developments unique in broadcast rights of the top local football opportunities at hand in the country.” He elabo- to the region. league. NEW YORK: Trader Ryan Falvey (left) works on the floor of the New York Stock rated: “Kuwait is one of the region’s emerging The report further covers the far reaching Telecommunications: Short Messaging Exchange on Friday. — AP and largely untapped technology, media and implication and impact of these trends on key Services versus Instant Messaging: Coupled with telecommunications markets today and it has a areas of the wider Kuwaiti and Middle East econ- increased multimedia sharing in the region, promising TMT market.” omy, addressing key issues in the education, Instant messaging services on mobile phones Don’t leave small-cap “We were pleased to host the TMT Predictions healthcare, small-mid size business and sports (MIM) is a stronger driver for data consumption with in Kuwait for the first time, showing their sectors. and can expand new revenue streams for commitment to the development of the TMT “We seek not only to share a point of view, Kuwaiti operators.Kuwaiti operators are likely to stocks for dead sectors in the country and the wider region,” but more importantly to spark key discussions follow the lead of Saudi telecom operators in Saguto added. amongst Kuwait’s leading TMT players and those partnering with Instant Messaging providers to In his turn Eng Ayman Al-Bannaw, Chairman in key sectors of the wider Kuwaiti economy in a encourage data consumption and expand new WALL STREET WEEKLY OUTLOOK & CEO of NOORTEL said: “We value our relation- forum which stimulates their strategic thinking revenue streams.

NEW YORK: There are many reasons for the was near its highest going back to at least sharp underperformance of small-cap 1978, according to data from Citi. The stocks in the past six weeks, but the recent Russell’s forward P/E ratio was 24 then and Five myths about non-profit careers in MENA correction may be winding down, which the S&P 500’s was 15.7. Now the Russell’s means investors worried about a broader forward P/E ratio is 21.5 and the S&P 500’s selloff might be able to breathe more easi- is 15.3. That’s still a substantial difference. BAYT.COM WEEKLY REPORT ly. Looking at earnings, large caps have The Russell 2000 briefly dipped into cor- performed better. Just 25 percent of S&P KUWAIT: Like most myths, the ones about the this stereotype, but so do some of the for-profit careers working for non-profit organizations. rection territory - down 10 percent from its 500 components have missed expectations non-profit sector also stem from prejudice rather businesses. Many non-profits are fast-paced, Myth #4: Nonprofit jobs are secure. March peak - two days after the Dow Jones for per-share earnings in the first quarter. than fact. The non-profit sector of today hardly demanding, and disciplined; in fact, there’s a Truth: One of the biggest myths related to industrial average and the S&P 500 closed By comparison, a Thomson Reuters index of resembles the non-profit sector of five, 10, or 15 growing movement in that direction. Business nonprofit careers is that they’re “safe” careers. at record highs. That divergence is uncom- nearly 2,000 companies in the small- and years ago. In fact, it barely resembles the non-prof- people are often surprised to learn how diffi- Those non-profits also have some great back- mon. It has caused some to fear that a mid-cap space showed 44 percent have it sector of former years. With each passing day, cult it is to make the transition into the non- ers. A non-profit job is like any other. If a fun- strong selloff in large-cap stocks will follow, missed earnings forecasts so far, according the sector becomes more and more competitive, profit sector which has different, often rigor- der pulls their funding out, that non-profit painting an all-around dire picture for equi- to StarMine data. and this serves to benefit non-profit professionals ous, standards of success. In fact, 92 percent of organization is done. Just like every business, it ties. Some investors don’t see it that way, “The most pronounced divergence I am and job seekers alike. Here, the career experts at professionals in the MENA feel that people all depends on where the money is coming though. They believe that improved eco- seeing this year relates to quality and con- Bayt.com, the Middle East’s #1 job site, debunk working for a non-profit organization are more from. According to the Bayt.com ‘Working for nomic growth and rising merger-and- sistency of earnings,” said Brad Lipsig, sen- five myths about non-profit careers in the Middle ‘mission-driven’ than professionals in other Non-profit Organizations in the MENA’ poll, 75 acquisition activity should halt the decline ior portfolio manager at UBS Financial East and North Africa (MENA) region: sectors (as per the Bayt.com ‘Working for Non- percent of MENA professionals believe that job in smaller-cap names. Services, speaking of small- and large-cap Myth #1: Non-profits are for people who could profit Organizations in the MENA’ poll, May security is lower in the non-profit sector. “Growth in small-cap business is still stocks. Fear has been part of the equation not make it in the business world. 2014). Moreover, 74 percent say that there are ‘few’ to intact, and they will continue to do well,” as well. Investors have shied away from Truth: Non-profit organizations are full of intel- Myth #3: Working for a non-profit is ‘no’ opportunities to find employment with a said Gary Bradshaw, portfolio manager at hyper-growth companies since February as ligent people with a passion for their work, many not really a career path. non-profit organization in their country of resi- Hodges Capital Management in Dallas. biotechnology and Internet stocks with graduate degrees and years of experience in Truth: Working in the non-profit sector can dence. “Large-caps are flush with cash, and we slumped. That drove flows away from the the sector. While many professionals switch be sometimes seen as taking a break from the Myth #5: Non-profit employees think there’s going to be a lot of acquisi- iShares Russell 2000 exchange-traded fund, between the non-profit, government and private “real world”, with the implied assumption that have better work-life balance. tions out of small-caps.” which in turn pressured the underlying sectors during their careers, each line of work it is not an option to spend a lifetime doing Truth: There are some non-profits that pro- The slide in small-cap companies’ stocks stocks. presents its own set of challenges. Switching from this work. In reality, the non-profit sector pro- mote work-life balance for their employees, might be more related to valuation than But the tide may be changing. Weekly for-profit industry to the non-profit sector is vides many people with a lifetime of exciting just like there are some for-profits that do. But any bigger signal on the economy or a sud- inflows into the IWM ETF in the week end- becoming a growing trend and a career aspiration work. Non-profits also tend to offer young there are also non-profits where long hours are den aversion to equities. The small caps ed Wednesday were the highest in dollar for many in the MENA region. According to the people more leadership opportunities than the norm - particularly since what’s at stake had an outstanding run in 2013 that made terms in four years, according to Lipper Bayt.com ‘Working for Non-profit Organizations in other sectors. Many non-profits offer solid can be so important. According to the them look vulnerable, and this past earn- data. “If this does stabilize, we could see a the MENA’ poll, 48 percent of MENA professionals career paths and opportunities for advance- Bayt.com ‘Working for Non-profit ings period made that all too clear. turn, with small caps holding up better,” would love to work for a non-profit organization. ment. According to the Bayt.com ‘Working for Organizations in the MENA’ poll, 52.3 percent At the end of 2013, the difference Steven DeSanctis, small-cap strategist at Myth #2: Non-profits are laid back, less pro- Non-profit Organizations in the MENA’ poll, 53 of respondents believe that working for a non- between the forward price-to-earnings Bank of America Merrill Lynch, told clients fessional and less rigorous. percent of professionals in the MENA feel that profit organization means sacrificing more of ratio on the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500 in a Friday note. — Reuters Truth: There are certainly non-profits that fit career-oriented people can have satisfying your health and family time. StanChart scores double win at Volkswagen Behbehani Smart Cards & Payments Award announces special trade-in DUBAI: Standard Chartered won the ‘Best Credit Pakistan at Standard Chartered said: “We thank the prices on all 2014 models Card’ and ‘Best Premium Card’ awards at the Smart organizers and the judges of The Smart Cards & KUWAIT: Volkswagen Behbehani is offering a unique opportunity to Cards & Payments Awards Middle East, which was Payments Awards Middle East for these prestigious own German quality engineering at the best price possible with special held recently at The Armani Hotel, Dubai. The recognitions. The ‘Best Credit Card’ and the ‘Best trade-in prices on their 2014 fleet lineup models. For a limited time, ‘Standard Chartered MasterCard Titanium Credit Premium Card’ awards reflect our commitment to Card’ and ‘Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit not only offer world-class products and services, but Volkswagen lovers can purchase a new 2014Touareg starting at KD Card’ were recognized by a panel of world-class also provide substantial value to our cardholders 13,999, 2014Tiguan at KD 6,999, Volkswagen CC at KD 7,999, and the Golf judges for offering unique, innovative and signifi- such as unique features and best-in-class customer GTI at KD 8,555. cant value propositions to its card holders. experience.” These great offers are inclusive of many benefits that customers have The Smart Cards & Payments Awards Middle East The Standard Chartered Visa Infinite Credit Card, come to love from Volkswagen Behbehani, including 3 years’ free manu- were organized on the sidelines of the Card & winner of the Best Premium Credit Card in the facturer’s warranty with unlimited mileage; 3 years’ free service, up to Payment Middle East 2014, the Middle East’s largest Middle East, matches the lifestyle needs of the most 45,000 kilometers; replacement car during servicing with VIP service; and smart cards, payments and ID event, being held affluent and high net worth customers in UAE 3 years’ free third-party insurance and free car registration. from May 13 to 14, 2014 at the Dubai International through offering best in market privileges across 4 The highly celebrated Volkswagen line-up of vehicles features Convention and Exhibition Center. The prominent benefit pillars: Travel, Golf, Fitness and Dining. While unmatched design, German quality engineering, dynamic engine power awards ceremony for smart cards in the region had there are other premium cards in the market that and efficiency, top-level safety enhancements and numerous standard received strong and compelling nominations from offers benefits across these four pillars, Standard features not found in many other vehicles. all the leading and established local and regional Chartered claims that this “absolutely everything With vehicles suitable for both families and individuals, Volkswagen’s banks. card” is best in class, based on the many exclusive, self-assured design and respected reputation for quality engineering, Shehzad Hameed, Regional Head of Retail unlimited and market first benefits in each of these Volkswagen Behbehani’s special trade-in prices offer customers a golden Banking Products, Middle East, North Africa and four areas. chance not to be missed! SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 BUSINESS Saudi non-oil growth moderates in 2013

NBK ECONOMIC REPORT

KUWAIT: The Saudi Arabian government has intensified its enforcement of work- force nationalization - known as “Saudization” - in order to tackle high unemployment amongst nationals. The past year has seen renewed impetus in the “Nitaqat” labor reform program, or quota system, which aims to replace expatriate workers with Saudi nationals in the private sector. Expats account for almost 90 percent of total private sector employment. It is hoped that increased hiring of higher-paid Saudis will provide a boost to income levels and consumer spending in the long run. A wide crack-down on illegal foreign workers led to the expulsion of more than 1 million expatriates in 2013.Those deported had failed to regularize their legal status during a seven-month amnesty period which ended in November 2013. Some immediate impact on domestic consumption levels Non-oil growth moderates Consumer sector 2014, the index fell back to a 5-month low year as a result of the recent labor market was inevitable, but the extent might Growth in the non-oil sector moderat- Recent data point to a softening in the of 57in March. Within the overall index, policies and a shortage of affordable have been mitigated by the fact that ed to 4.9 percent in 2013 - its slowest rate consumer sector. Growth in bank lending both the output and new orders compo- housing. Limited progress to-date in the most deportees represented low-skilled since 2009 - as labor market disruptions to the private sector has eased back from nents fell for three months in a row, while construction of new housing means that labor with a higher propensity to save impacted activity in the private sector. a peak of 17 percent in mid-2013 to a 2- the employment component contracted rental inflation may remain elevated. and remit. Overall growth also slowed to 3.8 percent year low of 12 percent in February 2014 - for only the second time in the reading’s Meanwhile, the workforce nationalization Yet, disruptions to economic activity from 5.8 percent in 2012.Meanwhile, oil- still a very firm pace. Additionally, growth history - signaling weaker domestic program could have a knock-on impact have already been felt in the expat- sector GDP saw a small contraction as figures for point-of-sale (POS) transac- demand in recent months. on prices as firms pass on the resulting intensive sectors - namely construction Saudi Arabia cut output in order to sup- tions and ATM cash withdrawals have higher wage costs to consumers. We and retail trade. The construction sector port oil prices at close to $100 per barrel trended lower through 2013 and early Pace of government spending expect inflation to average a moderate in particular accounts for around half of in light of rising supplies and weaker 2014; growth in the value of POS transac- Saudi Arabia’s fiscal surplus shrank to 7 3.0 percent this year on softer food prices, global demand. tions averaged 18 percent in 2013 down percent of GDP in 2013 on lower oil rev- before rising to 4.0 percent in 2015. total non-Saudi employment in the pri- We expect non-oil growth to continue from 25 percent in the previous year, enues. In order to improve fiscal sustain- vate sector. Data on the Saudi cement to ease to around 4-5 percent in 2014 and while growth in the value of cash with- ability, the pace of government spending Stock market rallies market show a year-on-year contraction 2015, given an easing in private-sector drawals has fallen into negative territory is expected to moderate over the next The Saudi stock market has continued in sales during 4Q2013 and 1Q2014. activity and a moderation in the pace of twice in the past year. few years. But despite slower expenditure to rally in early 2014, following significant Moreover, the shortage of low-cost labor government spending. Nevertheless, the The latest PMI figures suggest that growth, the surplus is projected to contin- gains made last year. The index advanced is already reported to have delayed con- implementation of large government activity in the non-oil private sector may ue to shrink to around 5 percent of GDP in to its highest level since mid-2008. In struction projects and raised costs. This projects should provide underlying sup- have weakened, though it remains in 2014 and 2015 as oil prices slip and rev- March 2014, the market was up by a has also raised concerns over the gov- port for steady growth in non-oil GDP. expansionary mode. The PMI index enues decline. whopping 33 percent from a year ago ernment’s infrastructure development Meanwhile, we project oil-sector output logged its lowest average reading on and 11 percent higher since the start of plans and the potential bottlenecks that to continue to fall by some 2 percent in record in 2013. And despite trending Inflationary pressures the year, boosted by Fitch’s upgrade of could emerge. 2014, before stabilizing in 2015. upward in 4Q2013 and at the start of Inflation is expected to pick-up next the country’s ratings. GIC launches 20% discount campaign on travel assistance insurance Campaign includes full coverage programs for clients KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance, a leader in providing attempts, losing passport, personal accidents, insurance services in Kuwait and the Middle and civil liability towards third party resulting East, announced the launch of a 20 percent dis- from an accident that entails the death of others count campaign on its travel Assistance insur- or injury or physical damage to property.” ance products. The campaign, which runs Al-Rashoud also added, “The discount cam- between the 15th of May and until the 31st of paign includes family travel Assistance insurance July, 2014, is available through the company’s policy that covers the husband, wife, and an Head Office, the company’s 15 branches as well unlimited number of children who are under the as through the company’s digital platform that age of 18.The policy covers all the countries includes its website www.clickgic.com , iPhone around the world and meets all the require- App and its Android App. ments of the European Union (Schengen). It also Aisha Al-Rashoud, Deputy Department covers people who are over the age of 65 years Manager of Property and Casualty at Gulf to 80 years old with special prices. Moreover, the Insurance said, “These discounts are launched policy also includes coverage for individuals during the holiday’s season and reflect the com- who are 81 years old with competitive prices to pany’s understanding of the importance of trav- accommodate the requirements of Schengen MARK Technologies el Assistance insurance policies. The company’s countries only. An annual travel insurance policy objective is to provide the best insurance servic- is available that covers multiple journeys es and solutions to its clients. These services throughout the year (the number of days of bags IMS recognition include an extensive range of full coverage pro- each journey should not exceed 92 consecutive grams such as urgent medical expenses, urgent days) along with insuring short journeys from 7 Aisha Al-Rashoud KUWAIT: MARK Technologies Company positioned us among the most trusted hospitalization, urgent dental treatment ,com- to 180 days.” The company’s policies and fea- clients are required to call the service center WLL, a prominent organization in the realm companies in the Oil and Gas Sector”, Pillai pensation for loss of baggage, kidnapping tures are ready. During cases of emergencies, which is available 24/7 to start the procedure. of oil and gas sector, has bagged continued. Integrated Management System (IMS) “MARK has carved its name in the Oil & recognition. Gas arena by providing support services to Speaking about the recognition at a Early Production Facility, Horizontal press conference, Suresh C Pillai, CEO said Pumping System, Installation of Oil & Gas that with the accreditation of IMS from Pipelines, Facility Shutdown etc, at KOC.” Bureau Veritas, they are further confident During the conference, Prathap, Director to present efficient and qualitative project - Finance and Administration, announced execution over the complete span of proj- that MARK Technologies, an engineering ect. “And with our competent professionals, mark for oil and gas, is recently approved we are in a position to deliver world -class with KGOC (Kuwait Gulf Oil Company) for services to our valued business partners” taking up various direct contracts under Pillai added. KGOC operations at JO Wafra and JO Khafji. “Though young, MARK has been at the “We are happy to say that within a spe- forefront with its quality standards and cus- cific period, MARK Technologies has com- tomized services, by which, our venture has petently demonstrated its ability by being accomplished a name to reckon within the certified to IMS accredited to UKAS, Kuwait market. Peerless projects experi- Shivkumar Iyer, Certification Manager, ence in engineering, construction, commis- Bureau Veritas Certification said. Dignitaries sioning strategic project planning and exe- shared their views and experience with cution and a successful track record, have MARK after presenting the certification. Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Leadership Gulf Bank announces winners of Al-Danah daily draws Program opens its 2014/15 edition

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank held its Al-Danah daily KD250,000 in the second Al-Danah quarter- Ajman Holding Group is program’s main sponsor draws on May 11, 2014, announcing the ly prize draw for 2014. Any withdrawal names of its winners for the week of May 4 before the draw in June would reduce KUWAIT: The Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Leadership 12, 2014, 92 candidates have registered. holds and operates a diverse range of sub- to May 8. The Al-Danah daily draws include chances of winning. Program, a first-of-its-kind program that aims to Application is open to GCC nationals between sidiaries structured to rapidly address demand in draws each working day for two prizes of Al-Danah allows customers to win cash empower talented young individuals with essen- the ages of 25 and 35 who have at least a higher Ajman and the surrounding areas. They include KD1000 per winner. prizes and simultaneously encourages tial leadership qualities, marked the launch of its diploma, a minimum of two years’ work experi- Askaan, a company at the forefront of the emi- 2014/15 edition by holding a press conference ence, are currently employed and satisfy a mini- rate’s real estate industry; Makateb, a group of them to save. Each KD100 gives the cus- on May 13, 2014. mal English skills standard. business centres offering complete high-end The winners were: tomer 1 chance daily which accumulates The press conference included a speech by As well as being personally overseen by office solutions; Gulf Petroleum, a leading pri- (Sunday 4/05): Ali Abdullah Ali Al-Yasin, day by day. The more money saved and the the Chairman of the Committee at the ALP, Faisal Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, the vate trading company for refined petroleum Mansour Mohammad Marzouq Sultan longer it is in the account, the more Al-Nuaimi, who is Director General of the Ajman Program has the patronage of Sheikh Humaid products; Rayaat, a multiservice marketing and (Monday 5/05): Mohammed Ahmed Ateya chances individuals stand to win. Every Al- Tourism Development Department. The ALP bin Rashid Al-Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member communications agency which holds executive Ali Al-Daqadous, Jassem Ahmed Hussain Danah prize draws will automatically be team member Humaid Al Ajmani also gave a and Ruler of Ajman, and Ammar bin Humaid Al- rights to all outdoor lamppost advertising in Al-Qattan deposited into the winner’s account within presentation about this year’s Program - which Nuaimi the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Ajman; and Amaan Systems, one of the Emirate’s (Tuesday 6/05): Bader Matouq Awad two working days. Al-Danah also offers a for the first time has expanded its eligibility to Executive Council. Its classroom modules will leading contractors in Fire Protection and Matouq, Ahmed Khairy Mostafa Hussain El- number of unique services including the include all GCC nationals - before hosting a Q&A focus on six core competencies: Organizational Security Systems. Shewy Al-Danah Deposit Only ATM card which session for the media and a gala lunch. Behavior & Sustainable Excellence, Strategic The Ajman Holding Group takes advantage of (Wednesday 7/05): Danah Abdullah Joudah helps account holders deposit their money Faisal Al-Nuaimi, Head of the committee at Management, Performance Management, a strategic location at the crossroads of trade Sayer, Saleh Hassan Ajeel Atshan Al-Eneizi at their convenience; as well as the Al- ALP said, “We are delighted to introduce this Personal Development & Financial Planning, between the East and West, offering the latest (Thursday 8/05): Naji Zaki Sanad Yousuf, Danah calculator to help customers calcu- year’s ALP, which promises to build upon the Change Management, and Emotional Intelligence. lifestyle standards that reflect its contemporary Yousef Mohammed Ali Al-Tarakmah late their chances of becoming an Al- exceptional success of our Pilot Program. There will also be supplementary modules on vision. Its core values encompass accountability, Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah 2014 draw lineup Danah winner. Expanding the ALP’s intake this year underlines Health & Nutrition, Etiquette & Protocol, Coaching efficiency, transparency, objectivity, profession- includes daily draws (2 winners per work- Gulf Bank’s Al-Danah account is open to our emphasis on inclusiveness: to give young & Mentoring, Media Coaching, and Experiential alism, integrity and quality - all integral values ing day each receive KD1000). Al-Danah’s Kuwaitis and all residents of Kuwait. men and women from all across the region a Learning. The ALP’s main sponsor is Ajman for effective leadership. 2nd Quarterly draw for 2014 will be held in Customers who open an account and/ or unique opportunity to hone their skills, broaden Holding, which consolidates the various large A total of 109 candidates applied for the June (KD250,000, KD125,000, and deposit more will enter the draw within their horizons, and learn from our vastly experi- scale infrastructure and investment projects that ALP’s pilot scheme last year. Of these, 78 were KD25,000). Gulf Bank advises all its Al- two days. To be part of the Al Danah draws, enced team of trainers to step up and become contribute towards the Emirate’s economic, invited to complete interviews, and 61 passed Danah customers to keep their money customers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 successful leaders of the future. social and industrial development. The group is through to the next stage. On 26 September saved in their accounts to enhance their branches, transfer on line, or call the Online registration for the Program began on looking to forge partnerships with other organi- 2013, following a psychometric test, 16 candi- chances of winning one of the major cash Customer Contact Center on 1805805 for May 1, 2014, and will remain open for one zations that shares its vision of empowering dates were accepted onto the ALP - all of whom prizes of KD25,000, KD125,000 and assistance and guidance. month. The latest figures show that up until May young leaders through the ALP. Ajman Holding ultimately completed the Program successfully. SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 technology Snapchat settles FTC charge it deceived users SAN FRANCISCO: US regulators have the initial app was released in ‘Snaps’ that linger erased after viewing; how well Snapchat with financial penalties if it doesn’t stick announced a deal with Snapchat to set- September of 2011. Its growth initially An FTC complaint charged that lets senders know when messages with the conditions it agreed to in the tle a charge that the Internet firm misled sparked fears that, in a world of selfies, it Snapchat misled users on a number of intended for destruction were saved, settlement, according to the FTC. users into believing images sent over would provide a false sense of security fronts, including how “ephemeral” and how open it is about information it Snapchat said in an online statement the popular phone application disap- for teenagers thinking of sexting risque smartphone pictures or video snippets collects from users. that it entered into the consent decree peared permanently. Terms of the pro- photos. referred to as “snaps” actually are. to address FTC concerns but had pre- posed settlement include Snapchat The US Federal Trade Commission Snapchat boasted of letting people Hackers grab data preemptively resolved most of the con- ramping up privacy and security at its said it had launched an investigation send images that “disappear forever” The FTC complaint contended that cerns raised by regulators. “While we popular self-destructing messaging into whether Snapchat was not up front seconds after being viewed by recipi- Snapchat gathered contact information were focused on building, some things service and having an independent about how much data it collected from ents, neglecting to inform users that from address books of people accessing didn’t get the attention they could monitor track its efforts for the next 20 users, how well it protected them, and there are ways people can save pictures the service form iPhones, iPads, or iPods have,” Snapchat said. “One of those was years. The Southern California-based whether disappearing messages could indefinitely, according to the FTC. without telling them. Regulators being more precise with how we com- service has gained notoriety for the app be copied or resurrected. “If a company People who get snaps can use third-par- blamed Snapchat’s failure to effectively municated with the Snapchat communi- that lets people send smartphone pho- markets privacy and security as key sell- ty applications to save images; grab secure a Find Friends feature for allow- ty.” Snapchat said it continues to invest tos or video snippets timed to self- ing points in pitching its service to con- screen-shots, or even just take another ing hackers to breach its database and heavily in security and measures to pre- destruct 10 seconds or less after being sumers, it is critical that it keep those picture using a camera. Concerns steal user names and phone numbers of vent abuse of its service. The settlement opened. promises,” FTC Chairwoman Edith expressed by regulators included the about 4.6 million users. No fines were needs the approval of the full commis- Snapchat rocketed to popularity after Ramirez said in a release. extent to which snaps could actually be announced, but Snapchat could be hit sion to become final.—AFP China smartphone maker Xiaomi unveils first tablet Xiaomi challenges rivals Samsung, Apple

BEIJING: Chinese budget smartphone maker Xiaomi has unveiled its first tablet, expanding its product lineup to directly challenge established rivals Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Apple Inc. The MiPad, which comes in six colours, will have a 7.9 inch screen, the same size as an iPad Mini. Like other tablets, it comes equipped with wireless internet, front and back cameras and a built-in memory capacity of 16 gigabytes or 64 gigabytes. But it is priced cheaper than comparable iPad Mini and Samsung Galaxy Tab models at 1,499 yuan ($240) for the smaller version. The company did not say anything about a 4G version. “We wanted the hardware to come close to, or even sur- pass Apple’s iPad,” Xiaomi’s founder Lei Jun said at the launch event in Beijing. Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones, PARIS: This combination of two pictures shows Google’s logo (top) during a press and which are among the fastest selling in China, resemble Apple’s logo in Paris. Google and Apple, the two technology titans behind the Apple’s iPhone. Lei said an initial version of the tablet world’s top smartphone platforms, called a truce on May 16, 2014 in a long-running would be available for testing by the public in mid-June, patent war. —AFP but he declined to specify a launch date or sales targets. It was also not clear if the MiPad would be sold outside China. Apple, Google call truce The worldwide tablet market, which saw shipments of 195.4 million devices in 2013, is forecast to grow nearly 40 in smartphone patent war percent this year, according to consultants Gartner, Inc, with China especially seeing significant growth. Privately SAN FRANCISCO: Google and Apple, the Property High Court has ruled that held Xiaomi became the world’s sixth-largest smartphone two technology titans behind the world’s Samsung could claim 9.96 million yen vendor in the first quarter of 2014, according to data firm top smartphone platforms, called a truce ($98,000) from its US arch-rival for use of Canalys, after repeatedly doubling its sales. It’s cheap yet Friday in a long-running patent war. “Apple Samsung’s data transmission technology, sleek phones are popular in China, the world’s largest mar- and Google have agreed to dismiss all the found to have been used in Apple’s iPhone ket for smartphones. The company expects to sell 40 mil- current lawsuits that exist directly between 4 and iPad 2. lion phones this year, compared to 18.7 million last year the two companies,” the companies said in And early this month in Silicon Valley, and 7.2 million the year before. a joint statement. “Apple and Google have jurors at a different patent trial held the line also agreed to work together in some areas on its $119.6 million damages award to Different business model of patent reform.” The companies made it Apple in a patent battle with Samsung. Xiaomi said its MiPad will have a plastic case and run on clear that the detente does not include While the amount of the award is huge, it is its own Android-based operating system. The company, licensing their technology to each other. a fraction of the more than $2 billion Apple founded in 2010, leads a group of young Chinese home- Motorola filed a patent lawsuit against had sought at the outset of the trial against grown handset brands that have successfully attracted Apple in US federal court four years ago, is South Korean competitor in the hot local consumers with advanced features at lower prices prompting the iPhone maker to fire back smartphone and tablet computer market. than global brands. “Xiaomi has a different business model with a patent suit of its own. Litigation Jurors agreed that Samsung violated three than Apple or Samsung,” said Ben Thompson, founder of spread to more than a dozen other courts. of five Apple patents at issue in the two- Stratechery.com, a technology and strategy website. “The parties have entered into a second- month trial. Jurors also found that Apple “Apple makes it profits on the hardware, while Xiaomi class settlement from a position of mutual violated a Samsung patent, and said Apple claims they will make their profits on services.” Xiaomi is weakness,” wrote intellectual property ana- should pay its rival $158,400 in damages. now looking to expand abroad, and has already started lyst Florian Mueller at fosspatents.com. selling its phones in Singapore and Taiwan. At an April “They had to recognize that under the pro- Holy war event in Beijing, Hugo Barra, a Xiaomi vice president and cedural circumstances their patents were Samsung lawyers maintained that the former Google Inc executive, said the firm is planning to not strong enough to give either party legal onslaught emerged from a “holy war” expand into Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, decisive leverage over the other, at least Apple declared on Google-made Android India, Brazil and Mexico. not anytime soon,” Mueller wrote. software used to power smartphones. The In October, Xiaomi launched its flagship Mi 3 smart- argument evidently struck a chord with phone, selling 100,000 units in 90 seconds when it was Widespread patent fight members of the panel, who remarked after released online. Its low-cost Redmi handset has also saw Google took on the legal wrangling the verdict that Apple and Google should strong sales in China and was recently launched in when it bought Motorola Mobility in 2012 deal with their mobile gadget patent issues Singapore. Xiaomi’s success also is creating new opportuni- in what was seen at the time as a move to face to face instead of in courts. The truce ties for parts suppliers in Japan, including display makers SINGAPORE: Hugo Barra, Xiaomi’s global vice-president, speaks at the Startup Asia use its patents for defending Android oper- did not touch on Apple patent lawsuits Sharp Corp and Japan Display Inc, as they bolster their technology conference in Singapore. Xiaomi may be little known outside China, but ating software in the increasingly litigious aimed at Google partners who make offerings of high-specification features to compete with the fast-growing smartphone maker is at the forefront of a new wave of Asian smartphone and tablet markets. Early this Android-powered smartphones or tablets. global brands. Xiaomi lists Sharp as a supplier and said it brands challenging the dominance of Apple and Samsung with high-spec, low-price year, Google agreed to sell Motorola The outcome in the recent Silicon Valley tri- had provided the displays for the tablet.— Reuters phones. —AFP Mobility to China-based computer giant al pitting Apple against Samsung was Lenovo. The sale has yet to be completed. sharply different from a 2012 patent trial in California-based Apple has been battling the same court. Unlike the previous case in smartphone competitors in courts around which Apple was a clear winner, this time the world, accusing rivals using Google’s Samsung prevailed in many areas. In Android software of copying features from August 2012, a separate jury in the same its popular mobile devices. court decided that Samsung should pay The legal truce between Apple and Apple $1.049 billion in damages for illegally Google does not take the pressure off copying iPhone and iPad features, in one of South Korea-based Samsung, which has the biggest patent cases in decades. The been a prime legal target for the maker of damage award was later trimmed to $929 iPhones and iPads. Japan’s Intellectual million and is being appealed.— AFP Man gets 20 years for cybercrime role

LAS VEGAS: A man has been sentenced to 20 institutions, and of committing more than $50 years in federal prison for his role in what million worth of financial fraud. authorities say is an unprecedented criminal Prosecutors say its scheme revolved largely case involving an international cybercrime around the buying and selling of pilfered debit syndicate with hundreds of thousands of US and credit card information on an Internet site victims. A federal judge in Las Vegas imposed called Carder.su. The secretive criminal organi- the sentence Thursday on David Camez, 22, zation had more than 7,800 members world- who already is serving a seven-year term in wide. Camez became involved at the age of 17. Arizona for similar crimes. Camez, who was “Camez was a member of a vast criminal convicted of racketeering charges late last organization that facilitated rampant cyber- year, is the first of 55 members of the Las fraud throughout the world,” said David O’Neil, Vegas-based “Carder.su” syndicate to go to tri- acting assistant attorney general of the Justice al. They were charged in four separate indict- Department’s Criminal Division. “This organiza- ments in 2012. About 20 defendants have tion is the new face of organized crime - a pleaded guilty. Of the handful who have been highly structured cyber network operated like HAVANA: People try to connect to the Etecsa server as they wait with other customers outside the offices of the state telecom monopoly Etecsa sentenced so far, all have drawn only two years a business to commit fraud on a global scale.” in Havana, Cuba. Cuba’s government blames their technological problems on a US embargo that prevents most American businesses from sell- in prison. Two dozen defendants, including the Michael Adams, a Secret Service agent who ing products to the Caribbean country. Critics of the government say it deliberately strangles the Internet to halt the spread of dissent. —AP group’s Russian leaders Roman Zolotarev and infiltrated the crime ring, testified Thursday Konstantin Lopatin, are still at large, authorities that federal agents recovered 210,000 stolen said. credit and debit account numbers in raids. Cuba mobile phone email The case marks the first time the Justice Camez, whose online nicknames were “Bad Department has used federal racketeering Man” and “Doctorsex,” had nearly 2,000 com- statutes to go after a cybercrime syndicate, the promised account numbers in his possession, Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. “As shown Adams said. He also was ordered to share in experiment causes chaos in this case, cybercrime has grown into an restitution of nearly $51 million. During sen- industry and is rapidly overtaking traditional tencing, US District Judge Andrew Gordon said crime, such as bank robbery,” Nevada US he had sympathy for the victims because he HAVANA: The arrival of mobile phone email messaging mobile service down with it. The the problems offer a rare window into the Attorney Daniel Bogden said. “Cybercrime was also has experienced identity theft. “You service was embraced with joy in Cuba, where island’s aging cellphone towers became Internet in Cuba, where the digital age has been once viewed as the crime wave of the future, appear to be a pretty smart guy,” Gordon told most people have no internet access. Tens of swamped by the new flood of email traffic, cre- achingly slow to spread since arriving in 1996, but in reality that threat is here now.” The syn- Camez. “It’s a shame you used your talents in a thousands of Cubans began emailing like crazy ating havoc for anyone trying to use the system. leaving the country virtually isolated from the dicate is accused of victimizing hundreds of bad way. Your history tells me I need to protect in March. Then service started to fail, taking The state telecom monopoly Etecsa has issued a world of streaming video, photo-sharing and 4G thousands of Americans and several financial the public from you.”—AP much of Cuba’s already shaky voice and text- rare apology and the troubles have eased. But cellphones.— AP SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 HEALTH & SCIENCE Better year for honey bee colonies

WASHINGTON: Nearly one out of four American Before a parasitic mite - just one of a handful of Federation, thinks the numbers are lower than real- but that has gone away the past few years, they honeybee colonies died this winter — a loss that’s problems attacking the crucial-for-pollination hon- ity. His losses were around 30 percent, he said. And said. Pettis and van Engelsdorp said now the prob- not quite as bad as recent years, says a new US eybees - started killing bees in 1987, beekeepers then earlier this year there was a massive die-off in lem seems to be a combination of parasitic varroa Department of Agriculture survey of beekeepers. would be embarrassed if they lost more than 5 or the California almond fields, where “probably mites, a relatively new class of pesticides, and poor Under siege from parasites, disease, pesticide 10 percent of their colonies over the winter. Now 100,000 hives got nailed,” he added. nutrition because there’s a lack of diversity in crops use, nutrition problems and a mysterious sudden they see a 23 percent loss as a bit of a break, said where they get their pollen. die-off, 23 percent of bee colonies failed and survey co-author Jeff Pettis, USDA’s bee research Sudden die-off Honeybees pollinate more than 90 of the experts say that’s considerably less than the previ- chief. The experts aren’t certain why this year wasn’t world’s flowering crops, including apples, nuts, ous year or the eight-year average of 30 percent “It’s encouraging that if anything it’s not a as bad as previous years. Maybe 2012-2013 was so broccoli, squash, citrus fruit, berries and melons. losses. steady downward trend,” said University of Illinois bad that beekeepers had to try harder to keep bees It’s getting to the point where many beekeepers “It’s better news than it could have been,” said entomology professor May Berenbaum, who wasn’t alive and baby their hives more, Pettis said. can’t keep afloat, van Engelsdorp, Pettis and bee- Dennis van Engelsdorp, a University of Maryland part of the survey of 7,200 beekeepers. There’s no one reason for the losses, Pettis and keeper Mendes said. entomology professor who led the survey. “It’s not David Mendes, a North Fort Myers beekeeper others said. Several years ago they were surprised “It’s a really wild ride,” Mendes said. “It’s not a good news.” and past president of the American Beekeeping by a sudden die-off, called colony collapse disorder, whole lot of fun.” — AFP

Canada vending machines pop out marijuana VANCOUVER: The vending machines at a Calls are now growing to also decrimi- Vancouver storefront look ordinary-but nalize recreational marijuana use-which instead of spitting out gum or snacks, for a Canada has prohibited since 1923. few coins they deliver medical marijuana. For Can$4 (US$3.70), the brightly lit ‘Pain is gone’ “gumball” machine drops a plastic ball filled The medical dispensaries are relatively with the so-called “Cotton Candy” variety of new. For generations, pot has been pro- the drug. The “Purple Kush” option costs duced and sold here as a street drug, Can$6. including by gangs, and fueled a vibrant But the really good stuff, said proprietor underground economy. Chuck Varabioff, is “Pink Kush,” available A decade-old study by an economist for from another machine the size of a fridge the libertarian Fraser Institute think tank that delivers a wide range of marijuana in estimated the street value of the weed at plastic bags heat-sealed for hygiene. Can$7 billion a year in British Columbia. His British Columbia Pain Society is one Back at the British Columbia Pain of about 400 pot stores-which call them- Society, customers have to be 19 or older, selves medical marijuana dispensaries-in and are required to show a signed form the western Canadian city. They’re all part of a booming medical from a medical professional-such as a marijuana industry that operates in a legal physician or naturopath-to enter the gray zone since a federal court ruling fenced area where the marijuana is sold. recently overturned Ottawa’s latest attempt They can take their purchase away, or to regulate its distribution. smoke it at a large table with an air filtra- Under the new regulatory regime, as of tion system. April 1, some 30,000 home-based growing Justin Johnson sat at the table and operations and distributors across Canada inhaled deeply from a bong-a glass pipe are to be replaced by fewer but larger com- contraption. mercial operations. “I feel stoned, slightly euphoric, a little Many of the smaller growers and distrib- anxious,” he said with a little smile. utors, particularly in westernmost British “And immediately all the pain I have is Columbia province, however, refused to gone.” Johnson said he has relied on mari- step aside. juana to reduce pain since injuring his back The drug is illegal outside of the new lifting a heavy box of potatoes in his former regime, Vancouver police said in March, but job as a chef. it’s not one of the force’s top priorities, He now works as a pot advocate and is YUCATAN PENINSULA: Diver Susan Bird, working at the bottom of Hoyo Negro, a large dome-shaped underwater cave in Mexico’s Yucatan which are instead focused on violent and currently setting up a new storefront for Peninsula, brushes a human skull found at the site while her team members take detailed photographs. — AP predatory drug traffickers, gangs and hard the British Columbia Pain Society. drugs including cocaine, heroin and British Columbia Pain Society director methamphetamine. Varabioff said the shiny new vending “Medical marijuana dispensaries operat- machines and a second storefront for the Ancient skeleton shedding ing today in Vancouver do not meet these business are just the start of his big plans. criteria,” the police warning said. He hopes to install marijuana vending Official city policy-and to a lesser degree machines in nursing homes and medical light on first Americans British Columbia government policy-tack- les all illegal drugs as a health instead of a clinics. criminal issue. Varabioff said he’s a businessman who The use of marijuana for medicinal pur- does not smoke pot because he has asth- Huge chamber deep underground poses was effectively legalized in Canada in ma, but supports its medical use after 1999, and its use has been expanded watching an elderly relative suffer in NEW YORK: Thousands of years ago, a teenage he said. they said. through a series of court challenges. pain. — AFP girl toppled into a deep hole in a Mexican cave The analysis of her remains, reported The finding does not rule out the idea that and died. Now, her skeleton and her DNA are Thursday in the journal Science by researchers some ancient settlers came from another place, bolstering the long-held theory that humans from the United States, Canada, Mexico and noted Deborah Bolnick, a study author from the arrived in the Americas by way of a land bridge Denmark, addresses a puzzle about the settling University of Texas at Austin. from Asia, scientists say. The girl’s nearly com- of the Americas. plete skeleton was discovered by chance in 2007 Most scientists say the first Americans came Genetic relationship by expert divers who were mapping water-filled from Siberian ancestors who lived on an ancient Dennis O’Rourke, an expert in ancient DNA at caves north of the city of Tulum, in the eastern land bridge, now submerged, that connected the University of Utah who didn’t participate in part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Asia to Alaska across the Bering Strait. They are the work, said the finding is the first to show a One day, they came across a huge chamber thought to have entered the Americas sometime genetic link to Beringia in an individual who deep underground. “The moment we entered after 17,000 years ago from that land mass, clearly had the anatomical signs of a very early inside, we knew it was an incredible place,” one called Beringia. And genetic evidence indicates American. He said he considered the notion of of the divers, Alberto Nava, told reporters. “The that today’s native peoples of the Americas are multiple migrations from different places to be floor disappeared under us and we could not related to these pioneers. “quite unlikely.” see across to the other side.” Last February, other researchers reported that They named it Hoyo Negro, or black hole. Crucial link DNA from a baby buried in Montana more than Months later, they returned and reached the But the oldest skeletons from the Americas - 12,000 years ago showed a close genetic rela- floor of the 100-foot tall chamber, which was lit- including Naia’s - have skulls that look much dif- tionship to modern-day native peoples, espe- tered with animal bones. They came across the ferent from those of today’s native peoples. To cially those in Central and South America. An girl’s skull on a ledge, lying upside down “with a some researchers, that suggests the first author of that study, Mike Waters of Texas A&M perfect set of teeth and dark eye sockets looking Americans came from a different place. University, said the Mexican finding fits with the back at us,” Nava said. Naia provides a crucial link. DNA recovered one in Montana. The divers named the skeleton Naia, after a from a molar contains a distinctive marker found There are so few such early skeletons from water nymph of Greek mythology, and joined up in today’s native peoples, especially those in the Americas, he said, that “every single one of with a team of scientists to research the find. Chile and Argentina. The genetic signature is them is important.” The girl was 15 or 16 when she met her fate in thought to have arisen among people living in However, Richard Jantz, a retired professor of a cave, which at that time was dry, researchers Beringia, researchers said. forensic anthropology at the University of said. She may have been looking for water when That suggests that the early Americans and Tennessee in Knoxville, said he still believes early she tumbled into the chamber some 12,000 or contemporary native populations both came settlers arrived by boat from east Asia before any VANCOUVER: Chuck Varabioff, Director of the BC Pain Society in Vancouver, British 13,000 years ago, said lead study author James from the same ancestral roots in Beringia - not migration occurred via Beringia. That’s based on Columbia, Canada loads marijuana in a vending machine. The vending machines at a Chatters of Applied Paleoscience, a consulting different places, the researchers concluded. The anatomical evidence, he said. The argument in storefront in this western Canadian city look ordinary-but instead of spitting out firm in Bothell, Washington. Her pelvis was bro- anatomical differences apparently reflect evo- the new paper “leaves a lot of unanswered ques- gum or snack foods, for a few coins they deliver marijuana. — AFP ken, suggesting she had fallen a long distance, lution over time in Beringia or the Americas, tions,” he said in an email. — AP Three cities at higher dengue risk Company seeks early approval for breast cancer drug PARIS: Three Brazilian host cities-Fortaleza, how a dengue outbreak builds up. Catalan Institute of Climate Sciences in Natal and Recife-are at higher risk than the oth- It takes between seven and 14 days for a Barcelona, Spain, told AFP by email. TRENTON: Pfizer Inc. said Friday that the to medicines for diseases with no or inade- er nine of a dengue fever outbreak during the mosquito to become infectious with the virus it The three northeastern cities and Manaus Food and Drug Administration will let the quate treatments. It’s meant to speed up World Cup, scientists said yesterday. has picked up from a human. And when the are considered to be comparatively more at drugmaker apply for approval of its heavily the testing and approval process. The des- In absolute terms, the risk is low in all Cup insect bites another human, the virus needs risk because the Amazon region had heavier- touted experimental breast cancer medi- ignation was based on interim results from venues, but comparatively greater in the three four to seven days to incubate. than-usual rainfall in the 2013-14 southern cine based on midstage patient testing the PALOMA-1 study. northeastern cities and authorities should beef Visitors are not expected to stay in the same hemisphere summer. results. Those showed that by combining palbo- up steps to prevent an outbreak, they said. city for more than two or three weeks, which The south and southeast of the country had That means New York-based Pfizer won’t ciclib with letrozole, patients on average A potentially dangerous fever caused by a means an epidemic must already be well an atypically hot and dry summer, which have to do bigger, and very expensive, late- survived 20.2 months before their tumors virus for which there is no vaccine or cure, underway for large numbers to be vulnerable reduced mosquito infestation in Porto Alegre, stage patient studies to apply for approval worsened. That was about twice as long as dengue is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti in June. Curitiba and Sao Paulo. of palbociclib, as company executives and the benefit for women in a comparison mosquito when it takes a blood meal. Dengue incidence rates are considered investors had hoped. group who only received letrozole. Doctors last year sounded the alarm over Calculating the risk “high” by the Brazilian ministry of health when Having to run those additional studies Pfizer has already begun two late-stage dengue at the June 12-July 13 tournament. The “Our forecasts for June 2014 showed that they exceed 300 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, could have delayed Pfizer’s application by studies of palbociclib, and breast cancer disease is endemic in Brazil, which is expected dengue risk was likely to be low in the host said Lowe. up to a couple of years, keeping patients researchers in Spain and Germany are to lure hundreds of thousands of football visi- cities Brasilia, Cuiaba, Curitiba, Porto Alegre The team added a large margin (18 percent) and doctors waiting and ultimately reduc- doing their own studies testing it in combi- tors. and Sao Paulo,” wrote the team. to this threshold for their World Cup forecast, ing how much money the drug could bring nation with other treatments. Writing in the journal The Lancet Infectious “The risk was medium in Rio de Janeiro, Belo given that short-range predictions can be Pfizer before its 20-year patent expires. BernsteinResearch analyst Dr. Timothy Diseases, a team of European and Brazilian Horizonte, Salvador and Manaus. High-risk prone to greater error, she explained. Pfizer, the world’s second-biggest drug- Anderson wrote to investors that Pfizer’s experts crunched the numbers to pinpoint alerts were triggered (in the study) for the Fortaleza and Natal had a higher probability maker by revenue, said that after discus- discussions with the FDA “should not be sions with the FDA, the final results of a viewed as an implicit approval of sorts,” but areas of risk. northeastern cities of Recife, Fortaleza and than Recife of exceeding the benchmark. study called PALOMA-1 will be sufficient for that he does expect approval. They looked at real-time weather patterns Natal.” About 80 percent of people infected with review. “We currently forecast a launch of pal- provided by four meteorological agencies, par- It added: “efforts to reduce dengue inci- the dengue virus develop no symptoms, but Pfizer said that by the third quarter of bociclib in 2015 with sales reaching $1.9 ticular rainfall which affects mosquito breed- dence and severity should be concentrated in about five percent develop severe illness and this year, it will apply for approval to use (billion) in 2020,” Anderson wrote, noting ing. these cities.” for a further one percent, it is life-threatening. palbociclib with a drug called Femara, or that rivals Novartis AG and Eli Lilly and Co. They matched these against 13 years of Potential measures include attacking mos- So far this century, Brazil has recorded letrozole, as an initial treatment for post- aren’t far behind Pfizer in their develop- data from prior dengue outbreaks in the quito breeding sites in stagnant pools of water more cases of dengue than any other coun- menopausal women with a certain type of ment of similar drugs. month of June in 553 “microregions” of Brazil, and rubbish. try in the world, with more than seven mil- advanced breast cancer. Pfizer shares initially jumped 1.7 percent including the 12 tournament host cities. “The risk is more likely to be low in all 12 lion cases between 2000 and 2013, the study The FDA last year named palbociclib a on the news and were up 15 cents at The researchers factored in the dynamics of host venues,” lead author Rachel Lowe from the said. — AFP breakthrough therapy, a designation given $29.21 in midafternoon trading. — AP

WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co announces winners of daily ‘Cash Promo’ draw

l-Muzaini Exchange Co, Kuwait’s leading winners of KD 100 cash prize for the period of tomers, extended opportunities to fulfill their Al-Muzaini Exchange Company, a pioneer service. Al-Muzaini Exchange Company pro- Exchange and Remittance Company, May 8-15, 2014 are: dreams in an easy and simple manner. and leader in the foreign exchange business in vides customers a broad range of services that Aannounced the daily winners of the Upon using any of Al-Muzaini’s services The fourth draw is scheduled to take place Kuwait for over 70 years now with network includes issuing checks and collection of ‘Cash Promo’ draws. The third draw was con- which consist of Western Union, Drafts, Money on May 22, followed by the fifth draw on June branches that spans over 60 branches located checks drawn on foreign banks and the sale ducted on May 15, 2014 at the Consumer transfers, Travelers Checks, Couriers (DHL), or 1, and the final draw on June 9, 2014. Al- across Kuwait. To ensure customer satisfaction, and purchase of foreign currencies and remit- Protection Andallus Department under the bank notes, customers will automatically be Muzaini advises everyone to take advantage arrival and departure sections of the Kuwait tances (to all parts of the world), DHL related supervision of Abdulaziz Al-Attar representa- included in the draw. Al-Muzaini has launched of this promotion by using any of its services International airport and the Sheikh Saad air- services while also benefitting from Western tive from the Ministry of Commerce. The lucky this promotion with an aim to offer its cus- for a chance to become a winner. port guarantee 24 hours 7 days a week full Union’s varied services that are on offer. ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller CEO Jumeirah Group appoints General Manager at Jumeirah Messilah honored with SABRE Award Beach Hotel & Spa in Kuwait

unil John, founder and CEO of ASDA’A with Emaar Properties’ Downtown Dubai New umeirah Group, the Dubai-based luxu- Burson-Marsteller, the region’s leading pub- Year’s Eve Gala and the Vogue Fashion Dubai ry hospitality company and a member Slic relations consultancy, has been awarded Experience, NestlÈ Middle East’s Kit Kat Comedy Jof Dubai Holding, has appointed the “SABRE Award for Outstanding Individual Break and the regional rollout of Ford Middle Hakan Petek as the new General Manager Achievement”, the first person from the Middle East’s Global CSR Campaign, Warriors in Pink. for Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa in East to be honored with this prestigious global In October 2013, ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Kuwait. A Turkish/British national, Hakan award. was presented with nine awards at the Petek joined Jumeirah in June 2010 as The SABRE Awards, which are presented by International Business Awards 2013, including the Executive Assistant Manager, Rooms. He The Holmes Group, a leading global public rela- prestigious Gold Stevie for the Public Relations was a key player in the pre-opening period tions publishing organization, acknowledged Agency of the Year in the Middle East and Africa. of the hotel as well as a member of the John’s position at the “forefront of change” in In the 15-years since John founded ASDA’A - Executive Committee. Petek was formally helping to move the region’s PR industry “beyond which takes its name from the Arabic word for promoted to his new post after having suc- product publicity and special events to encom- echoes - he has set a new benchmark for the PR cessfully managed the operations of the pass the full range of corporate reputation man- sector. Between 1999 and 2008, ASDA’A operated hotel and constantly building its business agement and branding functions, digital and as an independent firm, growing its operations since being made Acting General Manager social media, and more”. across the Middle East and North Africa. In 2008, in December 2013. “Sunil John is a prime example of pioneering WPP acquired a majority stake in its parent com- Hakan has spent a number of years in leadership that has not only helped ASDA’A pany, MENACOM, forming a partnership between Sunil John Germany and has over 24 years’ experience Burson-Marsteller to become the leading WPP PR ASDA’A and Burson-Marsteller. The firm currently ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller offering, the agency in the hotel industry. His career highlights consultancy in the region, but also has taken the employs over 150 people across the Middle East recently launched the firm’s research associate, include eight hotel openings and he has PR sector to new heights. This award is testament and North Africa and has a presence in 19 coun- PSB Middle East. The firm, which has been provid- worked across a number of international to all of the hard work that he and his team have tries through 11 owned offices and 10 affiliates. ing research-based advice for winning political, locations including several five-star luxury Hakan Petek done and the partnerships the agency has with its John is also the driving force behind the corporate and marketing campaigns for over 30 brand properties in Turkey: Dedeman and blue-chip clients,” said Joseph Ghossoub, thought leadership platform, the annual ASDA’A years, conducts the field research and analysis of the Sheraton in Antalya, Conrad in Istanbul, Marwan Al-Ali, Jumeirah Group’s Senior Chairman and CEO of MENACOM, the parent com- Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Survey, which is the annual ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller Arab Youth Swissotel in Istanbul and Izmir, as well as Vice President for Operations Middle East, pany of ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller. now in its sixth edition. Much before the events of Survey. John is the only PR professional in the Top Raffles Browns and Guoman Hotel both in Africa and South Asia. Fluent in English, John’s nomination follows shortly after the the Arab Spring, the Arab Youth Survey sought to 20 rankings of the Arabian Business Indian Power London. German and Turkish, Hakan studied announcement that the agency has been short- gauge the sentiments of the region’s youth, and List 2012 and 2013. He also chaired the 20th In his new role, Hakan Petek will lead the Hospitality & Tourism Management in listed for four EMEA SABRE Awards in various cate- their overwhelming desire for better jobs and per- Public Relations World Congress held in Dubai in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa team Istanbul, Marketing at Cornell and has an gories. The nominations, which are due to be sonal dignity, and their views on democracy. March 2012, attended by 500 delegates from 28 in building on the success of the property MBA in International Business from the announced on May 20 in London, include its work As part of the horizontal expansion of the countries. since its opening in 2013. He will report to Liverpool University, UK. GE and AMIDEAST extend professional training for English teachers in MENA

E Foundation, the philanthropic also been part of the program, with 11 of English language speakers in the region.” ment to the rigorous course. organization of GE (NYSE: GE), which them already licensed and the others soon Nabil Habayeb, GE’s President & CEO for The overwhelmingly positive response Gfocuses its efforts in the areas of to be fully qualified PCELT trainers. the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, to PCELT by both teachers and trainers has health, education, the environment and Led by the success of PCELT, new oppor- said: “The PCELT program is one of the key been reinforced by graduates’ post-pro- disaster relief, has joined hands with the tunities for its expansion have emerged, initiatives supported by GE in the MENA gram experiences in leading workshops at American educational organization including the launch of PCELT in Lebanon region, where we have been working with their own schools, mentoring other English AMIDEAST, to offer the Professional and Yemen. The GE-funded pilot program communities for over 80 years. One of our language teachers, attending professional Certificate in English Language Teaching has also advanced AMIDEAST’s goal of core commitments to the region is to fur- conferences for the first time, creating (PCELT) program for English language offering PCELT throughout the region, ther develop human capital, and create a online communities and, most importantly, teachers in the Middle East and North building on the organization’s extensive talented pool of professionals. Through the improving the English language learning of Africa (MENA) region. experience in English language training PCELT program of AMIDEAST, we hope to their thousands of students. Many gradu- Launched in 2012, the program is and educator development. New courses expand opportunities for youth by ates have said that PCELT was a turning offered by AMIDEAST in partnership with following the pilot phase, through such strengthening their English language profi- point in their lives as teachers. the World Learning/SIT Graduate Institute funders as the U.S. Embassy, have resulted ciency.” Zeinab Deymi-Gheriani, a PCELT gradu- and aims at raising the overall standards for in an additional 102 teachers completing The 120-hour PCELT program is based ate in Tunisia, said: “PCELT has given me a teaching English in the region’s schools and the program to date. As AMIDEAST offices on an experiential approach in which par- clearer vision of what is going on in my universities by providing candidates with build capacity to offer PCELT on a sustained ticipants observe, analyze, experiment classroom. Now, I have learnt to put my stu- an innovative approach and curriculum basis, those numbers will continue to rise. with, and adapt a broad range of new dents at the heart of the learning process...I that combines international best practices Theodore H Kattouf, President and CEO teaching practices - continually linking am really a different teacher now. I’ve learnt and topics relevant to the region. of AMIDEAST, said: “English language skills these to their own students’ needs and to step back, speak less, and give the stu- The program has trained and certified are a gateway to academic, professional, contexts. PCELT’s practice teaching compo- dents ample time to think and voice their 132 English language teachers in Egypt, and lifelong opportunities that would oth- nent gives them the opportunity to apply ideas.” Jordan, Tunisia and Palestine (24 each) and erwise not be available to the vast majority their developing skills daily to students in In 2011, the GE family-including busi- Iraq and Morocco (18 each). These PCELT of individuals. The PCELT program, made an authentic classroom. The participants nesses, employees, retirees and the GE graduates come from over 43 locations in possible through a generous GE grant, rep- are selected following a detailed process Foundation-contributed more than an esti- the MENA region, with approximately 90 resents a strategic direction for AMIDEAST that involves recommendations by educa- mated $198 million to community and per cent being public school teachers, from in providing the region’s teachers with the tional partners, an application with educational programs, of which more than primary to university level, and represent- right skills to further their students’ English writing samples, TOEFL scores, and $100 million came from the GE Foundation. ing a broad range of learner needs and language proficiency. The program clearly interviews to measure attitudes towards Alghanim Automotive realities. Additionally, 20 local trainers have addresses the severe shortage of qualified professional development and commit- launches campaign

dhering to its commitment to educate and inform its customers to exclusively use authentic high-qual- Aity spare parts so as to ensure their car as well as their own safety on the road, Alghanim Automotive, the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles in Kuwait as well as one of the largest distributors of genuine spare parts from General Motors and ACDelco products, has launched a new promotional offer on spare parts that gives customers the chance to enter a draw to win KD 400 and 10 Samsung Galaxy S5 mobiles with every KD 25 pur- chase they make. Customers who wish to purchase genuine spare parts from Alghanim Automotive’s auto parts and ACDelco cen- ters may visit one of the branches at Shuwaikh, Sharq, Canada Dry Street, Jahra, and Fahaheel. Every KD 25 pur- chase gives customers the chance to enter the draw. The draw will take place on August 7, 2014. The offer confirms Alghanim Automotive’s steadfast commitment on developing the best offers that truly bene- fit the end user on many levels including customer’s safety, providing the customer with budget-friendly options as well as adding a valuable edge with the rewarding oppor- tunities that come from a simple, routine purchase. WHAT’S ON SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Palestinian Ambassador Dr Rami Tahboub The audience is seen during the national anthems. AUK revives Palestinian Land Day Palestinian ambassador attends event

UK students celebrated Palestinian nied by his wife and a distinguished delega- The event began with Kuwaiti and Land Day event, Ambassador Tahboub invited sands of acres of land that provoked a Land Day “traditionally observed on tion from the embassy, including the Palestinian national anthems, followed by a them to a dinner banquet hosted under the Palestinian reaction and a general strike and AMarch 30 every year. ” The celebration, Palestinian Consul Firas Al-Balaawi; and statement by the Palestinian ambassador auspices of the Palestinian embassy for dele- marches were organized in Arab towns from which saw over 250 attendees, included Director of Public Relations, Thaer Nasser. The about the importance of the commemoration gations participating at the Palestinian the Galilee to the Negev. In the ensuing con- national songs, poetry, drama and perform- embassy delegation was received by Prof of special Palestinian occasions like the Land Industries Exhibition. frontations with the Israeli army and police, ance of Palestine folklore. The honoree of the Hanan Arnous, Prof Maher Al-Tamimi, Dr Day and Palestinian Prisoners Day. Arabs and Palestinians commemorate six unarmed Arab citizens were killed, about a celebration was Ambassador of Palestine in Raymond Farrin, Dr Khetam Al-Kholi, in addi- In recognition of the efforts of the organiz- Land Day, which dates back to 1976 when hundred were wounded, and hundreds of Kuwait, Dr Rami Tahboub, who was accompa- tion to AUK students and staff members. ers and participants in putting together the Israeli authorities illegally confiscated thou- others were arrested.

Group photos of AUK students celebrating Land Day.

AUK representatives meet and greet the ambassador’s family and the embassy delegation. Ambassador Tahboub with his wife and AUK Professor Hanan Arnous

Students perform a play on Land Day. Arabic Professors Dr Raymond Farrin and Dr Khitam Al-Khouli

AUK students and faculty seen during a dinner banquet hosted under the auspices of the Palestinian Embassy. TV PROGRAMS SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

09:20 May The Best House Win 16:00 The Glass Slipper-FAM 20:00 Cajun Pawn Stars Abroad 17:45 The Barretts Of Wimpole 20:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 10:15 Doc Martin Street-PG 21:00 Pawn Stars 11:10 Emmerdale 19:50 The Champ-PG 21:30 Storage Wars 00:45 I’m Alive 12:00 Coronation Street 22:00 The Gypsy Moths 22:00 Storage Wars Texas 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 00:30 Treehouse Masters 12:30 The Jonathan Ross Show 23:50 The Wild Bunch-U 22:30 Storage Wars Texas 02:25 Wild Africa Rescue 01:20 Mind Control Freaks 13:25 May The Best House Win 23:00 Duck Dynasty 02:50 Wild Africa Rescue 01:45 Mind Control Freaks Abroad 23:30 Duck Dynasty 03:15 Natural World 02:10 Mythbusters 14:20 Doc Martin 04:05 Wildest Indochina 03:00 You Have Been Warned 15:10 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 04:55 Animal Cops South Africa 03:50 Border Security Dogs 05:45 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 04:15 Baggage Battles 15:35 The Chase 00:00 Storage Wars 06:10 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 04:40 Lost And Sold 16:30 56 Up 00:30 Pawn Stars 00:10 Hoarding: Buried Alive 06:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 05:05 How It’s Made 17:25 The Hungry Sailors 01:00 Pawn Stars 01:00 Iyanla, Fix My Life 07:00 Escape To Chimp Eden 05:30 How Stuff’s Made 18:20 Doc Martin 01:30 Pawn Stars 01:50 Breaking Amish 07:25 Weird Creatures With Nick 06:00 Survive That! 19:10 Coronation Street 02:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 02:40 Sister Wives Special Baker 07:00 You Have Been Warned 19:35 The Chase 02:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 03:30 I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant 08:15 Galapagos 07:50 Finding Bigfoot 20:30 56 Up 03:00 Storage Wars 03:55 Long Island Medium 09:10 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 08:40 Fast N’ Loud 21:25 The Hungry Sailors 03:30 Storage Wars 04:20 Say Yes To The Dress 09:35 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 09:30 Border Security 22:20 Coronation Street 04:00 Pawn Stars 04:45 Say Yes To The Dress 10:05 Wild Africa Rescue 09:55 Baggage Battles 22:50 Emmerdale 04:30 Pawn Stars 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 10:35 Wild Africa Rescue 10:20 Lost And Sold 23:45 Doc Martin 05:00 Shaun Ryder On UFOs 11:00 Animal Precinct 10:45 How It’s Made 06:00 Storage Wars Texas 06:00 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 11:55 Escape To Chimp Eden 11:10 How Stuff’s Made 06:30 Counting Cars 07:00 What Not To Wear 12:20 Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors 11:35 Treehouse Masters 07:00 Pawn Stars 07:50 Ultimate Shopper 12:50 ER Vets 12:25 Mind Control Freaks 07:30 Pawn Stars 08:40 Craft Wars 13:15 ER Vets 12:50 Mind Control Freaks 08:00 American Restoration 09:30 Toddlers & Tiaras 13:45 Austin Stevens Adventures 13:15 Mythbusters 08:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 10:20 Say Yes To The Dress 00:00 Megacities 14:40 Wild Africa Rescue 14:05 Border Security 09:00 Storage Wars Texas 10:45 Say Yes To The Dress 01:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 15:05 Wild Africa Rescue 14:30 Baggage Battles 09:30 Counting Cars 11:10 Cake Boss 02:00 Hunter Hunted 15:30 Tanked 14:55 Lost And Sold 10:00 Pawn Stars 11:35 Jon & Kate Plus 8 03:00 A Traveler’s Guide To The 16:30 Galapagos 15:20 World’s Biggest Ship 10:30 Pawn Stars 12:00 Little People, Big World Planets 17:25 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 16:10 Fast N’ Loud 11:00 Storage Wars 12:25 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 04:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 17:50 The Wild Life Of Tim Faulkner 17:00 Flying Wild Alaska 11:30 Storage Wars 13:15 Oprah’s Next Chapter 05:00 Animal Intervention 18:20 Journey Of Life 17:50 Wheeler Dealers 12:00 Pawn Stars 14:05 Oprah’s Next Chapter 06:00 Salvage Code Red 19:15 Call Of The Wildman: Viva 18:40 You Have Been Warned 12:30 Pawn Stars 14:55 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 07:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic Live Action! 19:30 Survive That! 13:00 Ancient Aliens 15:20 Cake Boss 08:00 Megacities 20:10 Swimming With Monsters: 20:20 How It’s Made 14:00 Cajun Pawn Stars 15:45 What Not To Wear 09:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy Steve Backshall 20:45 How Stuff’s Made 14:30 Cajun Pawn Stars 16:35 Toddlers & Tiaras 10:00 Hunter Hunted 21:05 Wild Africa Rescue 21:10 Baggage Battles 15:00 Pawn Stars 17:25 Say Yes To The Dress 11:00 A Traveler’s Guide To The 21:35 Wild Africa Rescue 21:35 Lost And Sold 15:30 Pawn Stars 17:50 Say Yes To The Dress Planets 22:00 Call Of The Wildman: Viva 22:00 Sons Of Guns 16:00 Pawn Stars 18:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 12:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest Live Action! 22:50 Amish Mafia 16:30 Pawn Stars 18:40 Little People, Big World 13:00 The Pack 22:55 Swimming With Monsters: 23:40 Amish Mafia 17:00 Pawn Stars 19:10 Oprah: Behind The Scenes 14:00 Salvage Code Red Steve Backshall 17:30 Pawn Stars 20:05 Extreme Couponing All-Stars 15:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 23:50 Animal Cops South Africa 18:00 Storage Wars 20:30 Cake Boss 16:00 Megacities 18:30 Storage Wars 21:00 Secret Eaters 17:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 19:00 Pawn Stars 21:55 My 600lb Life 18:00 Dogtown 19:30 Pawn Stars 22:50 Long Island Medium 19:00 Nat Geo’s Top 10 Photos 23:15 Sister Wives 00:00 Chelsea Lately 20:00 Mega Breakdown 00:30 The Spin Crowd 21:00 Engineering Connections 00:15 Doctors 00:55 The Dance Scene 00:45 Silk 22:00 Air Crash Investigation 01:25 Style Star 01:40 Alan Carr: Chatty Man 23:00 Lords of War 01:50 Style Star DSK-inspired 02:25 Twenty Twelve 23:30 Mystery Files 02:20 THS 02:55 Absolutely Fabulous 03:15 Extreme Close-Up Depardieu film 03:25 The Children SKYFALL ON OSN MOVIES HD ACTION 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:15 The Weakest Link 04:10 E!ES 05:00 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 02:30 Weeds 14:00 Skyfall-PG15 22:00 Krazzy Planet premieres at Cannes 05:05 E!ES 05:20 The Green Balloon Club 03:00 Community 16:30 The Marine-PG15 23:30 Sky Force 06:00 E!ES 05:45 Poetry Pie 03:30 Community 18:15 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 t’s the talk of the town. Abel Ferrara’s highly- 07:50 Style Star 00:20 In The Womb 05:50 Nina And The Neurons: In 04:00 Seinfeld 20:00 Virtuosity-PG15 08:20 E! News 01:10 Shark Men anticipated movie inspired by the sordid sex The Lab 02:00 Man-Eater of The Congo 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 22:00 Devil’s Playground-18 scandal that brought down IMF chief Dominique 06:05 Balamory 09:15 Scouted Jimmy Fallon I 23:45 Billy Bathgate-18 10:15 Married To Jonas 02:50 Alaska Fish Wars Strauss-Kahn got its world premiere yesterday in 06:25 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 03:45 Python Hunters 05:30 My Boys 10:40 Chasing The Saturdays 00:00 Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Cannes. But far from being shown in one of the big, 06:45 The Green Balloon Club 04:40 Bug Attack 06:30 Friends 11:10 Eric And Jessie: Game On Chrome plush theatres in the festival hall, the film starring 07:10 Poetry Pie 05:35 Man-Eater of The Congo 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 11:35 Eric And Jessie: Game On 01:45 Iron Man 3 Gerard Depardieu as a man with striking similarities 07:15 Nina And The Neurons: In 06:30 Alaska Fish Wars 08:00 Seinfeld 12:05 E! News 04:00 3 Times A Charm The Lab 07:25 Python Hunters 08:30 My Boys 00:00 See No Evil, Hear No Evil-PG15 to “DSK”, whose alleged 2011 sexual assault on a 07:30 After You’ve Gone 13:05 Extreme Close-Up 06:00 From Prada To Nada 08:20 My Life Is A Zoo 09:00 Community 02:00 Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo- New York hotel maid shook the world, will be 08:00 Twenty Twelve 13:35 THS 08:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark 09:15 Dangerous Encounters 09:30 2 Broke Girls PG15 screened in a small, local cinema. 08:30 Absolutely Fabulous 14:30 Style Star Stranger 10:10 World’s Weirdest 10:00 Trophy Wife 04:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- “Do you know who I am?” reads the poster adver- 09:00 Eastenders 15:00 Keeping Up With The 10:00 Love Birds 11:05 Night Stalkers 10:30 Friends PG 09:30 Doctors Kardashians 11:45 Iron Man 3 tising “Welcome to New York”, as a handcuffed, suit- 12:00 Planet Carnivore 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 06:00 Spy Hard-PG15 10:00 The Weakest Link 16:00 Keeping Up With The 14:00 Interview With A Hitman ed man seen from behind, faces flashing photogra- 12:55 Monster Croc Hunt Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Home Alone: The Holiday 10:45 King Edward VII: King Of Kardashians 16:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark phers with the gleaming lights of New York in the 13:50 Alaska Fish Wars 12:30 Seinfeld Heist-PG Pleasure 17:00 Giuliana & Bill Stranger background. The premiere of the film by US director 14:45 Python Hunters 13:00 My Boys 10:00 A Christmas Story 2-PG 11:40 After You’ve Gone 18:00 E! News 18:00 Red 2 15:40 Mustang Millionaire 13:30 Friends 12:00 Three Men And A Little Lady- Ferrara has caused a scrum among film buffs and 12:10 Absolutely Fabulous 19:00 E!ES 20:00 Ruby Sparks 16:35 Dangerous Encounters 14:00 Community PG journalists alike, all keen to get hold of one of the 12:40 Twenty Twelve 20:00 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 22:00 21 & Over 14:30 2 Broke Girls 14:00 Frankenweenie-PG 500 seats available in the cinema. 13:10 Eastenders 17:30 Man v. Monster 18:25 Night Stalkers 15:00 Trophy Wife 16:00 A Christmas Story 2-PG 13:40 Doctors 15:30 Last Week Tonight With John 14:15 The Weakest Link 19:20 Monster Croc Hunt 18:00 Asterix And Obelix-PG15 Fiction taken from reality 20:10 Alaska Fish Wars Oliver 20:00 Your Sister’s Sister-18 15:00 King Edward VII: King Of 02:00 AFL Premiership Highlights The start of Ferrara’s film states that it is a fiction 21:00 Python Hunters 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 22:00 See No Evil, Hear No Evil-PG15 Pleasure 03:00 Premier League Darts inspired by a court case but has been widely seen as 21:50 Mustang Millionaire 18:00 The Simpsons 15:50 After You’ve Gone 18:30 Raising Hope 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 a fictionalized account of the downfall of the man 16:20 Lark Rise To Candleford 00:35 The Jonathan Ross Show 22:40 Dangerous Encounters 19:00 About A Boy 07:00 AFL Premiership Highlights who was once a strong contender to become presi- 17:10 Eastenders 01:30 Emmerdale 23:30 Man v. Monster 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 08:00 Super Rugby dent of France. Strauss-Kahn was arrested in May 17:45 Doctors 02:25 Coronation Street 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 10:00 Super Rugby 18:15 The Weakest Link 02:55 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 2011 as he boarded a plane in New York heading Jimmy Fallon 01:00 The Good Doctor 12:00 Golfing World 19:00 My Hero Dogs back to Paris, and was forced to live under house 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 03:00 Blue Like Jazz 13:00 PGA Tour Highlights 19:30 The Cafe 03:25 Vera arrest for weeks after posting $1 million bail. Stewart 05:00 Dark Horse 14:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 20:00 The Children 05:15 May The Best House Win Criminal charges in the case were eventually 22:00 Sean Saves The World 07:00 Scents And Sensibility 15:00 NRL Premiership 20:45 Love Life Abroad 17:00 HSBC Sevens World Series dropped and at the end of 2012, Strauss-Kahn set- 21:30 Getting On 06:10 The Jonathan Ross Show 00:00 Parks And Recreation 22:30 Web Therapy 09:00 The Good Doctor 20:00 NRL Full Time tled a civil suit brought by the maid by paying her 22:00 Incredible Journeys With 07:05 Paul O’grady: For The Love Of 00:30 Last Week Tonight With John 23:00 Wilfred 11:00 The Twilight Saga: Breaking 20:30 Futbol Mundial undisclosed damages, which reportedly exceeded Steve Leonard Dogs Oliver 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers Dawn Pt. 2 21:00 Golfing World $1.5 million. “Ferrara does do certain things that are 22:50 The Weakest Link 07:30 Vera 01:30 Girls 13:00 A Woman 22:00 NRL Premiership 23:35 Eastenders 02:00 Silicon Valley 15:00 Kathmandu Lullaby very documentary-style,” Scott Foundas, chef film 17:00 Someday This Pain Will Be critic for entertainment-industry magazine Variety, 00:00 Graceland Useful To You told AFP. “He actually has some of the real police 01:00 Game Of Thrones 19:00 The Company You Keep from the actual case playing the cops in the movie 01:00 PGA Tour Highlights 02:00 The Blacklist 21:00 and he also films in the real apartment in downtown 03:00 Nip/Tuck 23:00 Zero Dark Thirty 02:00 Live NHL 04:00 Revenge 05:00 NRL Premiership New York where DSK and (then wife) Anne Sinclair 05:00 Drop Dead Diva 07:00 Golfing World were living during the house arrest period. “So in 06:00 Graceland 09:00 NRL Premiership that sense, there are some things that are very much 07:00 Devious Maids 10:00 Prague Marathon taken from reality.” 08:00 Helix 13:00 Futbol Mundial 09:00 Revenge 01:00 Savages-18 13:30 Sevens World Series 10:00 Drop Dead Diva 03:15 Flatliners-18 ‘Huge performance by Depardieu’ Highlights Initial reviews of the film have been mixed, but 11:00 The Blacklist 05:15 Life Happens-PG15 14:00 ICC Cricket 360 12:00 Emmerdale 07:00 Tricks Of A Woman-PG15 14:30 Golfing World most critics have lauded Depardieu’s performance 12:30 Coronation Street 09:00 Encounter With Danger- 15:30 IndyCar Series as a superb return to form. “The most exciting thing 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show PG15 18:00 NHL to see in the movie is Gerard Depardieu giving one 14:00 Helix 11:00 Darling Companion-PG15 15:00 Graceland 20:00 IndyCar Highlights of his very great performances after many years in 13:00 Remember Sunday-PG15 16:00 Emmerdale 21:00 Bellator MMA Season 10 which he seemed to be doing a lot of movies just for 15:00 Another Harvest Moon-PG15 16:30 Coronation Street 23:00 Super Rugby the money,” Foundas said. 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Darling Companion-PG15 On the film poster, famed film director Milos 19:00 You Got Served: Beat The 18:00 Helix Forman is quoted as hailing a “huge performance by 19:00 Once Upon A Time In World-PG15 Wonderland 21:00 Charlie Wilson’s War-18 Depardieu” and “Abel’s best film.” Acclaimed as one 20:00 Grey’s Anatomy 23:00 Once Fallen-18 of the greatest actors of his generation, Depardieu 21:00 24: Live Another Day has become as famed in recent years for his off- 22:00 True Detective 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 screen antics as for his performing talents. 23:00 Nip/Tuck 02:30 IPL Highlights The star announced in November 2012 that he 03:30 IPL Highlights was moving abroad after President Francois 01:15 Love And Honor-PG15 04:30 IPL Highlights Hollande’s Socialist government sought to impose a 03:00 All In Good Time-PG15 05:30 IPL Highlights 00:00 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire 05:00 Muhammad Ali’s Greatest 06:30 ICC Cricket 360 75-percent tax rate on annual incomes over one mil- Hunter Fight-PG15 07:00 IPL Highlights lion euros. 02:00 Dungeons & Dragons: The 07:00 Thunderstruck-PG 08:00 IPL Highlights He took up residency in Belgium and was grant- Book Of Vile Darkness 09:00 Hyde Park On Hudson-PG15 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 ed Russian citizenship by President Vladimir Putin. 04:00 Nothing Left To Fear 10:45 Argo-PG15 09:30 IPL Highlights The decision sparked controversy, as have his friend- 06:00 Super Cyclone 12:45 Les Miserables-PG15 10:30 IPL Highlights 08:00 Chinese Zodiac ships with Putin and Chechnya’s strongman leader 15:30 The Call-PG15 11:30 IPL Highlights Ramzan Kadyrov. Depardieu was also fined for 10:00 Skyfall 17:15 Hyde Park On Hudson-PG15 12:30 IPL Highlights drunk-driving this year over an incident two years 12:30 The Tuxedo 19:00 Jack The Giant Slayer-PG15 13:30 Live IPL 14:15 Dangerous Attraction 21:00 Hick-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket 360 ago, when he fell off his scooter while more than 16:00 Skyfall 23:00 Django Unchained-18 17:30 Live IPL three times over the alcohol limit. 18:30 The Marine 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 The French actor was due to appear at a press 20:15 Dangerous Attraction 21:30 IPL conference about the film yesterday evening along- 22:00 Virtuosity side Ferrara, and possibly his co-star Jacqueline Bisset who plays the character of his wronged wife. 01:00 Emperor’s Secret 02:45 Gnomeo & Juliet And the many who will not see “Welcome to New 04:30 Wheelers York” in the small Cannes cinema will be able to turn 06:00 Cher Ami 01:30 The Prodigal-PG to the Internet where the film will be available on 00:00 Dungeons & Dragons: The 08:00 The Apple & The Worm 03:25 Flipper’s New Adventure- demand, in an audacious distribution move. “They Book Of Vile Darkness-18 09:45 Problem Child 2 FAM will be turning hundreds of people away (at the cin- 02:00 Nothing Left To Fear-18 11:30 Wizards And Giants 05:15 Hotel Paradiso-PG ema),” said Foundas. “It’s a very smart strategy. Even 04:00 Super Cyclone-PG15 13:00 Gnomeo & Juliet 07:00 The Main Attraction-PG though the movie is not in any official section of 06:00 Chinese Zodiac-PG15 14:30 Krazzy Planet 09:20 Les Girls-PG 08:00 Skyfall-PG15 11:15 Speedway-FAM Cannes, this screening will be all that everybody is 16:00 Sky Force talking about here.” — AFP 10:30 The Tuxedo-PG15 18:00 Problem Child 2 12:50 Hotel Paradiso-PG THE MARINE ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 12:15 Dangerous Attraction-PG15 20:00 Turboosters 14:25 Girl Happy-FAM Classifieds

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Kuwait KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (15/05/2014 TO 21/05/2014)

SHARQIA-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:45 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 3:30 PM FANAR-3 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:15 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 1:00 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 9:00 PM TRACKS (DIG) 3:15 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 11:45 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 5:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED TRACKS (DIG) 7:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 9:45 PM SHARQIA-2 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 11:45 PM TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 12:30 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 2:30 PM CHANGE OF NAME GODZILLA (DIG) 5:00 PM FANAR-4 GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 7:30 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 12:45 PM I, Bhaskar Hungarkatha GODZILLA (DIG) 10:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 2:45 PM holder of Indian Passport GODZILLA (DIG) 12:30 AM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 5:15 PM No. G0638528, hereby wish NO SUN+TUE+WED GODZILLA (DIG) 7:45 PM to change my name to GODZILLA (DIG) 10:15 PM JOHN D’ALMEIDA for all SHARQIA-3 GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 12:45 AM purposes. (C 4723) GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 1:00 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 18-5-2014 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 3:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 5:30 PM FANAR-5 I, SafiaBegum, D/O THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 7:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 1:45 PM Murugesan holder of Indian GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 9:45 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 4:30 PM Passport No. L0038625 has THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 12:05 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 7:15 PM changed religion NO SUN+TUE+WED THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 10:00 PM (embraced Hindu) shall ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:05 AM henceforth be known as MUHALAB-1 NO SUN+TUE+WED Murugesan Uma GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 PM Mageswari. (C 4722) THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-1 15-5-2014 TINKER BELL AND THE PIRATE FAIRY (DIG) 4:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 12:30 PM 112 THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 6:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 2:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 8:30 PM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 4:30 PM I, Varughese Shaji Mathew, THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:30 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 6:30 PM holder of Indian Passport THE PUBLIC No: H0590417 hereby GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 AM THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 8:30 PM AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL NO SUN+TUE+WED THE FACE OF LOVE (DIG) 10:30 PM change my name to Shaji GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:30 AM Mathew Varughese. INFORMATION MUHALAB-2 NO SUN+TUE+WED (C 4720) Automated enquiry SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 12:30 PM aboutthe Civil ID card is THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 2:30 PM MARINA-2 SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 5:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:45 PM FOR SALE 1889988 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:30 PM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 7:15 PM Chevrolet Captiva, white, ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 10:00 PM 2009, urgent sale, KD 3,000, Prayer timings NO SUN+TUE+WED ELISA KHATAFHA JAMEEL (DIG) (Kuwaiti Film) 12:45 AM ono. Please call 97855876 NO SUN+TUE+WED (Eng), 55426224 (Arabic). MUHALAB-3 (C 4721) GODZILLA (DIG) 2:15 PM MARINA-3 14-5-2014 GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 2:00 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 7:15 PM GODZILLA (DIG) 4:30 PM 2014 Suzuki 5x4 Sedan, GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 9:45 PM GODZILLA (DIG-3D) 7:00 PM color seashell white, GODZILLA (DIG) 12:15 AM GODZILLA (DIG) 9:30 PM mileage 21,000 km, original NO SUN+TUE+WED GODZILLA (DIG) 12:05 AM owner, price KD 2,450. Tel: NO SUN+TUE+WED 99526902. (C 4719) FANAR-1 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 2:00 PM AVENUES-1 12-5-2014 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 4:15 PM THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 2:15 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 6:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 5:00 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 8:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 7:15 PM ACCOMMODATION Fajr: 03:27 GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 10:30 PM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 9:45 PM GRACE OF MONACO (DIG) 12:45 AM SALEM ABO OKHTO (DIG) (Arabic) 12:05 AM Sharing accommodation Shorook 04:56 NO SUN+TUE+WED NO SUN+TUE+WED available for decent execu- tive bachelors at Abbassiya Duhr: 11:44 FANAR-2 AVENUES-2 near United Indian School THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 1:15 PM THE LOVE PUNCH (DIG) 1:15 PM (Kalabhavan building) sep- Asr: 15:20 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 4:00 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 3:30 PM arate bathroom/ balcony, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 6:45 PM THE LOVE PUNCH (DIG) 5:45 PM rent KD 75. Tel: 50903076. Maghrib: 18:33 THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 9:30 PM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 8:00 PM (C 4717) THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 (DIG) 12:15 AM THE QUIET ONES (DIG) 10:15 PM 10-5-2014 Isha: 20:00

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

Arrival Flights on Sunday 18/5/2014 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 Airlines Flt Route Time IRC 6507 Shiraz 11:00 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:25 JZR 152 Dubai 13:10 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 JZR 151 Dubai 11:50 UAL 981 Bahrain 22:40 SYR 342 Latakia 13:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 JZR 561 Sohag 12:00 JZR 157 Dubai 22:55 IRC 529 Ahwaz 13:50 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 SYR 341 Latakia 12:20 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 JAI 574 Mumbai 23:20 THY 767 Istanbul 14:10 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 IRC 528 Ahwaz 12:50 THY 772 Istanbul 23:45 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 PIA 205 Lahore 23:50 KAC 561 Amman 14:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 THY 766 Istanbul 13:10 QTR 1079 Doha 14:55 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 KAC 742 Dammam 13:30 Departure Flights on Sunday 18/5/2014 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:05 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 KAC 672 Dubai 13:40 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 617 Doha 15:15 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 QTR 1078 Doha 13:45 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 KAC 673 Dubai 15:20 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:20 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:20 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:35 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 UAL 981 IAD 00:25 SVA 503 Madinah/Jeddah 15:45 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:40 DLH 635 Frankfurt 01:35 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 UAE 857 Dubai 14:55 THY 773 Istanbul 02:20 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:00 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 02:45 KAC 513 Tehran 16:20 QTR 1084 Doha 00:05 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 PGT 859 Istanbul 02:55 FDB 051 Dubai 16:35 JZR 239 Amman 00:20 RJA 640 Amman 15:55 FDB 5068 Dubai 03:45 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 JZR 267 Beirut 00:25 FDB 051 Dubai 15:55 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 539 Cairo 00:30 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:20 QTR 1073 Doha 17:20 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:25 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 QTR 1077 Doha 04:25 JZR 538 Cairo 17:40 THY 764 Istanbul 01:40 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:45 QTR 1085 Doha 05:20 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:45 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 UAE 854 Dubai 05:30 UAE 858 Dubai 18:15 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 01:45 UAL 982 IAD 17:25 JZR 560 Sohag 05:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 GFA 211 Bahrain 01:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 CLX 732 Hong Kong 05:45 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 UAE 853 Dubai 02:25 JZR 153 Dubai 17:45 THY 765 Istanbul 06:00 JZR 156 Dubai 18:20 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 02:30 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:50 RJA 643 Amman 06:05 UAL 982 Bahrain 18:40 JAI 576 Kochi/Abu Dhabi 02:35 JZR 483 Istanbul 17:55 JAI 575 Abu Dhabi/Kochi 06:30 JZR 238 Amman 18:45 FDB 5067 Dubai 03:05 KAC 542 Cairo 18:15 FDB 056 Dubai 06:35 JZR 134 Bahrain 18:50 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 RBG 553 Alexandria 18:20 THY 771 Istanbul 06:50 RBG 554 Alexandria 19:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:25 QTR 1080 Doha 18:25 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:00 QTR 1081 Doha 19:25 CLX 732 Luxembourg 03:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:30 JZR 150 Dubai 07:15 ABY 120 Sharjah 19:40 JZR 553 Alexandria 04:10 KAC 166 Paris/Rome 18:40 QTR 8632 Lahore 07:25 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 544 Cairo 04:10 AXB 393 Kozhikode 18:55 FDB 054 Dubai 07:50 AXB 394 Kozhikode 19:55 THY 770 Istanbul 04:35 ABY 129 Sharjah 19:00 BAW 156 London 08:25 MSR 619 Alexandria 20:30 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:00 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 FDB 055 Dubai 05:50 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 QTR 1087 Doha 08:55 JAI 571 Mumbai 20:35 QTR 8632 Doha 05:55 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:55 FDB 5062 Dubai 20:50 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 06:15 KAC 502 Beirut 19:20 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 BAW 157 London 06:35 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:30 MSR 606 Luxor 19:30 OMA 648 Muscat 20:55 FDB 053 Dubai 07:00 KAC 102 New York/London 19:35 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:35 DLH 636 Dammam 21:00 KAC 382 Delhi 07:30 JAI 572 Mumbai 19:35 JZR 482 Istanbul 09:45 FDB 064 Dubai 21:15 KAC 206 Islamabad 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:50 OMA 647 Muscat 19:55 KAC 117 New York 10:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:55 KAC 562 Amman 20:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:15 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 22:05 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 FDB 5061 Dubai 20:05 FDB 5056 Dubai 10:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:00 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 KAC 352 Kochi 08:05 DLH 636 Frankfurt 20:15 KAC 741 Dammam 10:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:25 KAC 286 Dhaka 08:15 FDB 063 Dubai 20:15 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 514 Tehran 20:50 KAC 541 Cairo 11:30 KAC 343 Chennai 22:30 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 KLM 417 Amsterdam 21:05 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 QTR 1075 Doha 22:40 ABY 125 Sharjah 08:50 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 KAC 501 Beirut 11:40 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:40 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:45 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:30 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:15 IRC 6508 Shiraz 12:00 KAC 351 Kochi 23:00 FDB 5055 Dubai 09:35 QTR 1074 Doha 21:30 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:15 KAC 205 Islamabad 23:35 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 KAC 103 London 12:30 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:40 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 JZR 135 Bahrain 21:45 JZR 786 Riyadh 12:50 KAC 415 Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta 23:50 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 CROSSWORD 551 STAR TRACK

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

Living in the past may be tempting today, but it is unproductive. Come on Your friends, partners and relationships mean a lot to you. They are a pri- now-move onward and upward. Love, spontaneous socializing and young people’s prob- mary source of strength and you often look to them for encouragement. You are indeed lems will keep you on the go and in the know. You can demonstrate great understanding a social being and will no doubt weave this fact into your lifestyle. You seem to assert and sensitivity to the needs of others just now and are in a good position to lend a help- your independence in relationships. Unconventional, to say the least, you may well enjoy ing hand-emotionally or otherwise. You can really communicate and convey yourself to a different kind of marriage or friendship. You have insight into marriage or yoga-the ties others verey well. You have a lot of energy and come across as assertive and strong. Your that bind. You never forsake your principles when it comes to relationships of any kind. powers of creativity are strong and you may enjoy activities that show off your talents. Today is all about relating to others and counting your blessings. You are in a good place You may find yourself leading children in a fun activity that will show off everyone’s cre- and look for many ways to keep everyone together. There is a pleasant environment at ativeness. A clown or magic show might be fun. A new relationship begins. home and you are filled with the desire to enjoy your family.

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

“eccentric” may often be the word people use in place of trying to under- Your inner resources and emotions are accented. Expect a sense of good stand a personality or action that does not fit the usual human behavior. You are the one will from those around you. This is a great day for surrounding yourself with that will create a cure for some disease or discover the next most useful tool. Keep on friends and young people and for having a good time. You appreciate your particular situ- making discoveries and helping others. As a remarkable person, you will heed our ation and enjoy the interaction of all ages and they enjoy you. Circumstances could dictate encouragement to continue to follow your heart. Today, a variety of people express their your guidance. You feel healthy and natural. Others value you for your ability to take con- appreciation for your contributions to family, friends and work environments. Positive trol, organize and rationalize and create a positive atmosphere for all. People in positions attention toward your direction may be difficult for you but you can handle it and you of responsibility are quite impressed by your intelligence and your abilities. You may reach secretly love it, especially when you know that you can return to your research or project out to a loved one and be pleasantly surprised at the response. Avoid being extravagant. If there is a need, you know how to secure domestic tranquility. after the good wishes are over. Happy birthday!

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You are motivated to work around the house today-getting things in order. Perhaps some yard or gardening work is in order this morning. There is a Move yourself out-of-doors for a bit of relaxation in the sun and perhaps, to golden opportunity to make some changes around the house as well-perhaps some visit with neighbors or friends. Not feeling much like getting into emotional discussions, ACROSS DOWN repairs. This is not a good time to put off till tomorrow what you can do today. You will you may find yourself working in the garden, writing letters or going for a drive in the 1. A French abbot. 1. An Arabic speaking person who lives in enjoy good relations with family members. You may also find that financial problems are country. Perhaps a nearby vegetable stand will have fresh vegetables and fruits or plant- eased because of your association with a family member. If there are problems between 5. A resident of Kansas. Arabia or North Africa. ings for your yard, patio or kitchen. You could find yourself in a museum or art show later you and a loved one, now is the time to find a better understanding. Hidden matters and today. Marriage and other close relationships give rise to great expectations now. This is a 11. A material effigy that is worshipped as a 2. A small cake leavened with yeast. bottled feelings are not healthy. Be open-minded and diplomatic now. Reflect on past time to enjoy and appreciate your ties to others and to seek and promote harmony in the god. 3. A coffin along with its stand. achievements and the positive friends you have rather than any negatives. Unexpected interaction between people. communication may occur during this time through a letter or a visit. 15. A sudden short attack. 4. A doctor's degree in education. 16. Sightlessness (especially because of a 5. A traditional Japanese system of unarmed structural defect in or the absence of an eye). combat. 17. European twining plant whose flowers are 6. Again but in a new or different way. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) used chiefly to flavor malt liquors. 7. (Roman Catholic Church) A devotion con- Social and group affairs could be fun, but you will probably find yourself off Some changes around your house or in the workplace may have you feel- 18. In bed. to the company of nature and enjoying creative arts most of this day. You sisting of prayers on nine consecutive days. ing like you could let out a yelp or two but you are not the only one feeling that way. find yourself appreciating what is quite normal or ordinary today, such as little baby 19. To patch up or renovate. 8. A cut of pork ribs with much of the meat Listen to the questions others have and hear the answers. You will be reassured that you ducks, etc. Everyone in your family could be going in different directions today. This is a can handle these changes and more positives than negatives will gain your attention. 20. A ruler of the Inca Empire (or a member of trimmed off. great opportunity to enjoy the hobby you never have time to have fun with, or to be with You could come up with some wonderful ideas for bringing more jobs to your communi- his family). a friend and learn about each other’s hobbies. You and a friend may want to learn how to 9. An anticipated outcome that is intended or ty. Consider submitting these ideas to a news service that would appreciate your kind of 21. A room or establishment where alcoholic that guides your planned actions. do some engraving in order to mark your possessions. This is a great time to reflect and thinking. This is a good day. Your family and friends support you, wherever you have understand each other. drinks are served over a counter. 10. Any of various volatile flammable liquid your attention. 23. Evasively worded in order to avoid an hydrocarbon mixtures. unqualified statement. 11. In the same place (used when citing a ref- 26. A close and affectionate (and often pro- erence). Leo (July 23-August 22) Aquarius (January 20- February 18) longed) embrace. 12. Go "ding dong", like a bell. 28. Witty language used to convey insults or 13. Belonging to some prior time. A picnic or a trip to the zoo or an art show might be enjoyed today. You You draw strength and a sense of wellbeing from ideals, friends and a social scorn. tend to be out front and personable. It is easy for you to express yourself with others . . . involvement. You may feel a need for change, a desire to break with outmoded patterns 14. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic ele- from the past and a longing for the new, the different and the unique. The cycle that 31. (of persons) Highest in rank or authority or You are a real smoothie. There is some talk this evening about all work and no play, so you ment. might decide to learn a new hobby or perhaps, complete something you started long ago. begins for you now will be marked by a more intense focus on mental and communicative office. activity than you may ever have experienced before. It’s a time of more involvement with 22. (obstetrics) The number of live-born chil- Your personal appearance is important, and you put a lot of thought and effort into how 32. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake you appear or come across to others. You may decide a shopping trip is in order-but other people, a time for gathering information. You are apt to be most active at this time dren a woman has delivered. Chad. before you go, consider sorting through your clothes closet in order to get rid of the and want to join several activities. There is an emphasis on reading, writing, studying and 24. Angular distance above the horizon things that no longer serve you. Encourage others to do the same and you will have a bag all forms of exchanging information with others in the years ahead. This will all serve as a 36. Any of several tall tropical palms native to (especially of a celestial object). full of clothes for a needy family. path for self-discovery and personal development. southeastern Asia having egg-shaped nuts. 25. A tax on employees and employers that is 38. A plant hormone promoting elongation used to fund the Social Security system. of stems and roots. Virgo (August 23-September 22) 27. Large shrimp sauteed in oil or butter and Pisces (February 19-March 20) 39. The habitation of wild animals. garlic. 40. An island in Indonesia south of Borneo. You may enjoy probing into your inner workings or some good solid gossip 29. A member of a widespread group of You may find a shift in your routine today. You should be extremely careful 41. A ballistic missile that is capable of travel- if this shift requires travel. Tend to your vehicle first and you will have what you or a loved today. You do not mind working through some sensitive problems. This Amerindians living in northeastern South may even include a self-help lecture by a known psychiatrist or similar type of lecture. Your ing from one continent to another. one needs to navigate traffic safely. A volunteer service or caring for the needs of a family member brings you much pleasure. It is good to be needed and to be able to render aid to life takes on a kind of mystical quality at the emotional and instinctive levels. Dreams and 45. An overwhelming feeling of wonder or America. illusions, forgiveness and understanding human frailties arouse deep feelings. You will find 30. The fourth month of the civil year. those that ask. Occasionally, you will find opportunities to serve others when they do not admiration. ask, which puts a smile on everyone’s face. While visiting with friends this afternoon con- that you understand your friends and family members better at this time; perhaps you are 33. A river in northern Italy that flows south- sider bartering for what you want. You may glean some spiritual insight or self-discovery just more patient. There is an intense focus on mental and communicative activity and a 48. A closed plane figure bounded by straight time of involvement with others. You will enjoy being with your friends and family more east into the Adriatic Sea. today. This may also come from a book, a lesson or a lecture you may be attending this sides. afternoon, a growing day. often this summer and fall. There is a bit of self-discovery. 50. A Bantu language sometimes considered 34. Felt hat with a creased crown. a dialect of Zulu. 35. A fictitious name used when the person 52. The ability to form mental images of performs a particular social role. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution things or events. 37. The face of a timepiece. 53. A state in northwestern North America. 42. The short weak cry of a young bird. 54. A state of southwestern India. 43. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike 55. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. part of an organism. 57. Before noon. 44. Type genus of the family Zygnemataceae. 59. (often followed by `with' or used in com- 46. Relating to the abomasum (the fourth bination) Troubled by or encroached upon in compartment of the stomach of ruminants). large numbers. 47. (statistics) Approximating the statistical 63. United States biochemist (born in Spain) norm or average or expected value. who studied the biological synthesis of nucle- 49. The ending of a series or sequence. ic acids (born in 1905). 51. A fee charged for exchanging currencies. 66. A mask with a filter protects the face an 56. A silvery ductile metallic element found lungs against poisonous gases. primarily in bauxite. 69. The cry made by sheep. 58. The sacred city of Lamaism. 70. Large South American evergreen tree tri- 60. Growing old. foliate leaves and drupes with nutlike seeds 61. A member of a Turkic people of used as food and a source of cooking oil. Uzbekistan and neighboring areas. 74. An indehiscent fruit derived from a single 62. The capital and largest city of Bangladesh. ovary having one or many seeds within a 64. The work of caring for or attending to fleshy wall or pericarp. someone or something. 75. The bureau of the Treasury Department 65. Characterized by rising prices. responsible for tax collections. 67. Someone who works (or provides work- 76. The state of being allied or confederated. ers) during a strike. 78. A rotating disk shaped to convert circular 68. God of love and erotic desire. into linear motion. 71. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm 79. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves used in India for writing paper. in water. 72. Aromatic bulb used as seasoning. 80. Be about. 73. A column of light (as from a beacon). 81. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 77. A white metallic element that burns with from aba cloth. a brilliant light.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 information

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

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

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

Nuzha 22526804 Afghanistan 0093 Iran 0098 Albania 00355 Iraq 00964 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Algeria 00213 Ireland 00353 Qadsiya 22515088 Andorra 00376 Italy 0039 Angola 00244 Ivory Coast 00225 Dasmah 22532265 Anguilla 001264 Jamaica 001876 Antiga 001268 Japan 0081 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 Argentina 0054 Jordan 00962 Shaab 22518752 Armenia 00374 Kazakhstan 007 Australia 0061 Kenya 00254 Qibla 22459381 Austria 0043 Kiribati 00686 Bahamas 001242 Kuwait 00965 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Bahrain 00973 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Mirqab 22456536 Bangladesh 00880 Laos 00856 Barbados 001246 Latvia 00371 Sharq 22465401 Belarus 00375 Lebanon 00961 Belgium 0032 Liberia 00231 Salmiya 25746401 Belize 00501 Libya 00218 Jabriya 25316254 Benin 00229 Lithuania 00370 Bermuda 001441 Luxembourg 00352 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Bhutan 00975 Macau 00853 Bolivia 00591 Macedonia 00389 Bayan 25388462 Bosnia 00387 Madagascar 00261 Mishref 25381200 Botswana 00267 Majorca 0034 Brazil 0055 Malawi 00265 W Hawally 22630786 Brunei 00673 Malaysia 0060 Bulgaria 00359 Maldives 00960 Sabah 24810221 Burkina 00226 Mali 00223 Jahra 24770319 Burundi 00257 Malta 00356 Cambodia 00855 Marshall Islands 00692 New Jahra 24575755 Cameroon 00237 Martinique 00596 Canada 001 Mauritania 00222 West Jahra 24772608 Cape Verde 00238 Mauritius 00230 South Jahra 24775066 Cayman Islands 001345 Mayotte 00269 Central African 00236 Mexico 0052 North Jahra 24775992 Chad 00235 Micronesia 00691 Chile 0056 Moldova 00373 North Jleeb 24311795 China 0086 Monaco 00377 Ardhiya 24884079 Colombia 0057 Mongolia 00976 Comoros 00269 Montserrat 001664 Firdous 24892674 Congo 00242 Morocco 00212 Cook Islands 00682 Mozambique 00258 Omariya 24719048 Costa Rica 00506 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 N Khaitan 24710044 Croatia 00385 Namibia 00264 Cuba 0053 Nepal 00977 Fintas 23900322 Cyprus 00357 Netherlands (Holland) Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 0031 Czech Republic 00420 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Denmark 0045 New Caledonia 00687 Diego Garcia 00246 New Zealand 0064 PRIVATE CLINICS Djibouti 00253 Nicaragua 00505 Dominica 001767 Nigar 00227 Dominican Republic 001809 Nigeria 00234 Ecuador 00593 Niue 00683 Egypt 0020 Norfolk Island 00672 El Salvador 00503 Northern Ireland (UK) Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Ophthalmologists Endocrinologist England (UK) 0044 0044 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Equatorial Guinea 00240 North Korea 00850 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Eritrea 00291 Norway 0047 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Estonia 00372 Oman 00968 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Ethiopia 00251 Pakistan 0092 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Falkland Islands 00500 Palau 00680 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Faroe Islands 00298 Panama 00507 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Fiji 00679 Papua New Guinea 00675 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Finland 00358 Paraguay 00595 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 (1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 France 0033 Peru 0051 French Guiana 00594 Philippines 0063 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, Rheumatologists: French Polynesia 00689 Poland 0048 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 FRCS (Canada) 25655535 Gabon 00241 Portugal 00351 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dentists Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Gambia 00220 Puerto Rico 001787 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Georgia 00995 Qatar 00974 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Germany 0049 Romania 0040 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ghana 00233 Russian Federation 007 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Gibraltar 00350 Rwanda 00250 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Greece 0030 Saint Helena 00290 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Greenland 00299 Saint Kitts 001869 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Grenada 001473 Saint Lucia 001758 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Guadeloupe 00590 Saint Pierre 00508 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Guam 001671 Saint Vincent 001784 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Internists, Chest & Heart Head, Division of Cardiology Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Guatemala 00502 Samoa US 00684 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Guinea 00224 Samoa West 00685 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Guyana 00592 San Marino 00378 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Haiti 00509 Sao Tone 00239 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Saudi Arabia 00966 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Honduras 00504 Scotland (UK) 0044 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Hong Kong 00852 Senegal 00221 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Hungary 0036 Seychelles 00284 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Sierra Leone 00232 Soor Center Iceland 00354 Singapore 0065 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 India 0091 Slovakia 00421 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 Indian Ocean 00873 Slovenia 00386 Indonesia 0062 Solomon Islands 00677 lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Gossip Kim Kardashian furious with Joan Rivers for calling North ‘ugly’

he ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ star, who is set to away from her. It was a juggling act keeping Joan away from wed rapper Kanye West in a $400,000 ceremony at everyone!” Joan made the remarks about baby North in TForte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy on May 24, and her January and also said the tot was “desperately” in need of a younger sister Khloe Kardashian reportedly refused to sit wax. Despite her issues with the comedienne, Kim, 33, has beside the ‘Fashion Police’ host at the NBC Upfronts event in never confronted the 80-year-old star for her comments. The New York City on Thursday night because they are fed up of insider said the duo also came face-to-face backstage at her mocking their family, including 11-month-old North, on Jimmy Fallon’s late night talk show recently, but the reality the E! series. A source told UsMagazine.com: “Khloe and Kim TV star “was polite and didn’t say anything. They even took a were seated next to Joan Rivers, but they had them move pic together when Joan asked.” Joan has also spoofed the her. “Kim and Khloe both don’t want drama and can’t fake it brunette beauty’s sex tape with ex-boyfriend Ray J and anymore with Joan, so they asked the staff to keep them made fun of her stepfather, Bruce Jenner, for his appearance separate. “Apparently it was a hard task because two other on ‘Fashion Police’ in the past. people have issues with her and also asked to be seated

Charlize Theron has ‘no diva blood’

he 57-year-old actor thinks the South this, let’s have some fun.’ You know she’s just one African beauty, whom he stars alongside in of us. It was always relaxed it was never any of T‘A Million Ways to Die in the West,’ is one of that walk lightly around her kind of thing, which the most down-to-earth actresses in Hollywood. makes it even better.” Meanwhile, Charlize was Asked what it was like to work with the Oscar- nervous about her boyfriend, Sean Penn, seeing winner, he told E! News: “Fantastic. She was great. the new movie even though she brought him to She was one of the guys. She really is. There’s no the Los Angeles premiere on Thursday night. She diva blood going on in her whatsoever. She’s a said: “Yeah you always get nervous. You know my consummate actor and she’s fun as hell, really whole family is here and some of my best friends really great.” But Rex admits he was initially sur- who worked on the movie and it’s that final prised by the 38-year-old star’s relaxed attitude. release that you send something that you really He explained: “I didn’t know what to expect. But love out there but it’s still subjective and people with an actor of her caliber you never know what are going to see it and think something of it. But to expect but she was one of the dudes, man. I love this movie. So I am really excited to share it She’s awesome, she’s fantastic. “When she’d come with everyone I’m here with tonight.” on the set it wasn’t like [whispers] ‘OK Charlize is on set’ she’d just come on the set with the guys and it was like ‘What’s happening dudes. Let’s do Jennifer Lopez hates working out

he ‘I Luh Ya Papi’ hitmaker, who has because they don’t think about she’s old or six-year-old twins Max and Emme, she’s young, she’s just Jennifer. That’s what I Trecently embraced a vegan diet and love, that I’ve been able to let you see my feels healthier, but admits she struggles to spirit and not just my shell on the outside. stay motivated in the gym. She said: “I do “Yes, I try to keep myself up, I try to work have a healthy breakfast and try to fit in a out, like any girl I want to look my best, but workout when I can. I’m in fight mode right at the end of the day, it’s my heart, it’s my now because I have so many shows com- spirit that I hope shines through.” The ing up, I’m trying to be healthy.” But she ‘American Idol’ judge is very proud of her added: “It’s so not easy. I hate it just like curves and has recorded a new track called anybody else. It’s not fun. You do it because ‘Big Booty’ for her upcoming album, ‘A.K.A.’ you want to feel good and it does make She said: “It’s a great song, it’s a fun song you feel good after you do it.” The 44-year- and it’s about owning everything about old star claims she doesn’t feel under pres- you and embracing who you are.” sure to go under the knife because she feels young at heart. She told Angie Martinez on New York’s Hot 97 radio sta- tion: “I do feel like people relate to me

Siva Kaneswaran wants a ‘Star Wars’-themed wedding

he Wanted singer and his fiancee, Nareesha McCaffrey, who he ing and obviously carry on singing.” The ‘Walks Like proposed to last December, are planning their nuptials, and Rihanna’ group announced in January they were to sepa- Tthough they have already agreed to ask guests to dress in a 1920s rate after their tour, but have insisted they are only taking style for a ‘Great Gatsby’ celebration, the 25-year-old star admits he a break and will work together again in the future. They would much prefer to pay homage to the sci-fi franchise when he ties said in a statement: “This tour will be their last for a the knot. He said: “We’re thinking of a ‘Great Gatsby’-themed wedding while as Tom, Max, Jay, Siva and Nathan have collective- with costumes and all that. “I want a Star Wars wedding but maybe my ly decided to take time to pursue personal endeavors missus doesn’t want that so we’ll have to discuss it.” The Wanted - which following the tour’s conclusion. “The band wants to also comprises Max George, Jay McGuiness, Tom Parker and Nathan stress to their fans that they will continue on as The Sykes - are set to go their separate ways when their world tour comes to Wanted and look forward to many successful projects an end this weekend, but Siva has vowed it doesn’t mean fans have together in the future. They thank their fans for their seen the last of him. Speaking to People in a video interview, he continued love and support and look forward to seeing revealed: “I’m going to move [to Los Angeles] and do a little bit of act- them on tour.”

he ‘Fighter’ singer is pregnant with her second child - her first with fiance Matthew Rutler - and can’t get enough of over-grilled Tmeaty treats. A source told OK! magazine: “The other day, she for creating all things blossoming new on the horizon... album, baby & went nuts for a plate of blackened BBQ. “She laughs about it, but she beautiful music to come.” Christina announced she was expecting in was also relieved when she found out this craving isn’t all that strange.” February, a week after Matthew proposed in the backyard of their new Around 25 percent of women are said to suffer from cravings for non- home in Los Angeles, which is still under construction, on Valentine’s nutritious things, such as charred food, which contains lots of carbon. It Day. Christina was said to be completely “shocked” by the sunset pro- has been suggested this can be caused by a mineral deficiency, posal, for which Matthew wore a suit and filled a gazebo with candles although there is no conclusive evidence. Aside from her cravings, the and red roses. - Bangshowbiz 33-year-old star says her pregnancy with a sister to Max, six, is going smoothly. She recently wrote on Twitter: “So blissful in taking this time lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Gossip

Jessica Simpson he 33-year-old star - who found fame at 19 and split from her first husband, Nick Lachey, in 2006 after four years of marriage - had a turbulent love life before she met her current fiance TEric Johnson, but she is very grateful for all of her experiences and claims she wouldn’t change a thing. Asked what she would tell her younger self, the fashion mogul told NBC’s doesn’t regret the past ‘Today’ show, in a new interview that will air in the US tomorrow: “Hold on. I think that more than anything, I would just tell myself to get ready, saddle up, this is going to be a long ride.” Weight Watchers spokesperson Jessica, who has two-year-old daughter Maxwell and 11-month-old son Ace with Eric, also previously endured criticism for gaining weight, but she is glad that she decided to pursue a career in the spot- light. She said: “I couldn’t be happier to have this and I feel very blessed, and my kids inspire me every day to be a better and harder-working mom.”

Bono celebrates 54th birthday with star-studded party

he British model, 27, and her he U2 frontman invited everyone from Pharrell Williams to Jared Leto to help him long-term partner tied the mark the special day with a giant houseparty at the band’s manager Guy Oseary’s Tknot in a star-studded ceremo- Thouse in Los Angeles. A guest informed Us Weekly: “There were a lot of surprise per- ny at St Paul’s Church in formances - Herbie Hancock came to surprise him, he got up on stage to sing ... and then Knightsbridge, London. The blonde Williams joined him to sing ‘Happy’.” Pharrell told Bono on stage: “You’ve changed the beauty, who wore a custom-made James Cook James Cook world with everything you do. You give people hope, especially with your song ‘Sunday, white Chanel wedding dress, was Bloody Sunday.’ “ Bono replied: “Well, if we just keep singing ‘Happy,’ we won’t need songs escorted down the aisle by her like ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday!’” Party-goers were treated to a special underwater perform- father, Charles, and 17 bridesmaids, ance from illusionist David Blaine, who attempted to hold his breath in a glass tank for including her younger sister, Cara over 10 minutes. While he failed to complete the impossible feat, he apparently did man- Delevingne, who was the Maid of age to smoke an e-cigarette and eat a banana underwater. The bash also marked father- Honor, according to the MailOnline. of-four Bono’s daughter Jordan’s 25th birthday so he arranged a special performance from Cara, 21, also wore a white Haute her favorite rapper ASAP Rocky, who serenaded her with ‘Happy Birthday’. Meanwhile, Couture Chanel gown, and the Bono was surprised by his friends Charlize Theron and Sean Penn, who sent him an bridal party got ready at Claridge’s unusual gift since they couldn’t attend the event in person. The Irish singer was stunned

marries Hotel in Mayfair before the nuptials. to see a shaving cream performer arrive at the party, who amazed him by transforming Guests at the event included com- his body into different characters using just shaving cream. poser Andrew Lloyd Webber, former Spice Girl Gerri Halliwell, her boyfriend Christian Horner, and TV presenter Trinny Woodall. Cara’s girl- friend Michelle Rodriguez, 35, was not spotted at the ceremony despite previous reports indicating she Emily Blunt would be on the guest-list, amid rumors the actress and the model recently split up. Poppy is also plan- ning to have another ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco with James, almost broke her nose who works for his family’s aerospace firm. The couple got engaged in October after seven years of dating he Devil Wears Prada’ actress takes on her first role as an action hero in her latest movie, and and Poppy - who is eager to carve even though she prepared for it with Krav Maga martial arts, sprinting, gymnastics, yoga out a career in Hollywood - celebrat- ‘Tand weight training, it still hurt when she started doing stunts. Emily - who appears along- ed her hen party in December with side action veteran Tom Cruise in the film - said: “In my initiation to the action world, in stunt training pals, including Alexa Chung and I almost broke my nose. “It wasn’t even a cool story. I smacked myself in the face with my sword. Tom Georgia May Jagger. came into the trailer as I was sitting there with ice on my face and high-fived me and said, ‘Welcome to the club.’ I said, ‘Dude, I’m in so much pain.’ He said, ‘Yeah!’ “ Tom, 51, famously does all his own stunts, but even he isn’t immune to mishaps, and fell off a car while shooting one scene. He added to People magazine: “I was bleeding - I got slashed by the metal. “But that stuff happens. The thing with Emily was, we never compared bruises. Making an action movie everyone’s in pain, so you just don’t

Poppy Delevingne Poppy mention it.”

Kendra Wilkinson gives birth to a baby girl

he reality TV star, who also has four-year-old son Hank Jr. with husband Hank Baskett, welcomed their second child into the world in Los Angeles. Former NFL star Hank, 31, told UsMagazine.com: “I feel great and I am so Thappy.” Asked about Kendra, he said: “She is great and did an amazing job,” and their daughter is “healthy with all 10 fingers and all 10 toes.” The blonde beauty hinted she was in labor on Thursday night as she wrote on Twitter: “This is it guys. It’s time. Love you all n tweet to ya again when I can. Xoxoxo. (sic)” The couple first revealed they were expecting another baby in October, and the ‘Kendra On Top’ star, 28, recently said she hoped their daughter would be a cheeky and confident girl. She said: “Iget to teach my daughter what I’ve learned. I don’t want her to feel she has to be a certain way to impress society. If she wants to spit or go play some ball, I’ll be so proud, because that’s who I am, and that’s a real person. “I don’t want her to be a robot. I want her to stick her tongue out, wiggle her butt, laugh and play.” The former Playboy model, who doesn’t plan to have more children, really enjoyed her second pregnancy because she was much more relaxed than when she was expecting Hank. She explained: “I’m more relaxed. Last time, everything was so serious and tense. We didn’t know what to expect. This time, we know we can just chill.” lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014 Cannes biopic probes Yves Saint Laurent dark side

ves Saint Laurent, France’s shy fashion AIDS days of the early 1970s. Laurent’s flamboyant artistry,” said entertain- genius of fashion, came to the big screen There are gay sex parties and drinking and ment magazine Variety. Yat Cannes yesterday with a biopic delving drug-taking in nightclubs with muses Betty “Bonello’s sexier number must gamble on into the darker side of the celebrated designer Catroux and Loulou de la Falaise played by new- sustained audience interest in a chilly figure and his struggles with depression, drink and comer Aymeline Valade and “Blue is the Warmest whose life-notwithstanding the drugs, desires drugs. The high priest of fashion who pioneered Color” star Lea Seydoux respectively. Bonello and debauchery that go with the high-fashion tuxedos for women and ready-to-wear is shown said he did not set out to make a traditional terrain-wasn’t extraordinarily dramatic.” The cruising for sex, taking cocaine and pills and biopic that showed how “Saint Laurent became Hollywood Reporter said the screenplay rarely indulging in casual cruelty to women in Saint Laurent”. managed to “get inside the head of the self- Bertrand Bonello’s film “Saint Laurent”. The Yves Saint Laurent that emerges is far darker than the character presented by a rival biopic released earlier this year that won the support of Saint Laurent’s romantic and busi- ness partner Pierre Berge. Producer Eric Altmayer said the news that director Jalil Lespert was also making a movie about the designer had come as a surprise. Unlike their film, Lespert’s received the “firm support” of Berge who repeatedly and publicly demonstrated his approval. But he said the emergence of a second film ultimately had a liberating effect on the produc- tion, allowing them to avoid the usual con- straints of the traditional biopic. “We had access An unidentified man (bottom left) who ran onto the red to absolutely nothing, not even a shirt,” he told carpet crawls next to the cast of How to Train Your Dragon reporters. “We rented these costumes from a col- 2 as they arrive for the screening at the 67th international lector, all the dresses you see... had to be recreat- film festival, Cannes, southern France. — AP ed. We built a studio with all the seamstresses... it was a tremendous investment in terms of time Man dives under and effort,” he said. Born depressive Saint Laurent, who died aged 71 in 2008, is star’s dress on regarded as one of the most influential design- ers in fashion history. His creations such as the trapeze dress and the female tuxedo or Le Cannes red carpet Smoking became instant classics and largely shaped the way women dress today, according man rushed onto the red carpet at the Cannes Film to fashion historians. French actor Gaspard Ulliel Festival and dove beneath the dress of actress America donned Saint Laurent’s trademark horn-rimmed AFerrera. Security officials quickly pulled the man away glasses and bouffant, helmet-like hairstyle for (From left) French actress Amira Casar, French actress Lea Seydoux, French screenwriter Thomas Bidegain, French actor Gaspard Ulliel and French producer Christophe Lambert arrive for a press conference for the film “Saint-Laurent” at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film as he tried to hide under Ferrera’s voluminous gown before the film which starts at the height of the design- Festival in Cannes, southern France yesterday. — AFP the Friday premiere of “How to Train Your Dragon 2.” It was a er’s depression in 1974. bizarre incident on a red carpet renowned for its strict deco- “Yves was born a depressive almost. He had destructive character the designer had become rum. The man was later identified as Vitalii Sediuk, a Ukrainian suffered from depression from adolescence at Extraordinarily dramatic by the 1970s”. The film was 47 minutes longer prankster known for such stunts. Yet Ferrera didn’t seem ruf- least,” Ulliel said in production notes. “His homo- Instead, he said, he tried to show “what it than its rival “though to no apparent benefit,” it fled on the carpet and was in good spirits at the movie’s after- sexuality also exposed him to mockery and costs him to be Saint Laurent... having to deliver added. “Saint Laurent” is one of 18 films in com- party, laughing with guests and taking pictures. She declined hasty judgments, as did his fragility and slender- four collections a year, being a star”, he added in petition for the top Palme d’Or prize at the comment on the incident, however, and festival organizers ness. Part of his success undoubtedly comes the notes. Critics were largely unimpressed, Cannes Film Festival. — AFP didn’t immediately return messages about the matter. The for- from taking revenge on the hand life had dealt albeit more complimentary than they were mer “Ugly Betty” star was on her way into the Palais des Festivals for the world premiere of the DreamWorks animated him,” he added. Bonello’s non-linear film, largely about its “bland” rival. “(The film) while seduc- sequel. — AP concentrating on a few episodes between 1967 tively silly and largely unmoving, does a better and 1976, vividly conjures up the hedonistic pre- job than its predecessor of celebrating Saint

‘Thin Ice’ director sees China’s art-house scene breaking through

irector Diao Yinan is enjoying unprecedented different rules,” said Diao. China’s communist authorities domestic success with his gritty thriller “Black Coal, impose strict rules over what films can be seen by the DThin Ice”, but says he could achieve more if it were public, banning what it considers any negative portrayal not for the restrictions censors impose on him and his fel- of contemporary politics or issues seen as potentially lead- low Chinese art-house filmmakers. Diao’s film went on ing to social unrest. release in March and has become the first art-house pro- Rules governing censorship in China are opaque and duction to break the RMB100 million ($16 million) mark at reasons are not given for why cuts are made. Few films the Chinese box office, which is dominated by commercial escape the censors unscathed, unless they offer a particu- blockbusters. larly flattering depiction of Chinese people. Last year Jia Although the film about a former policeman ensnared Zhangke’s “Tian Zhu Ding” (“A Touch of Sin”) was nominat- in a mysterious series of murders is an unvarnished portray- ed for the Palme d’Or and won Best Screenplay at the al of modern China, Diao said the true reach of the nation’s Cannes International Film Festival. A violent, four-part sto- filmmakers and storytellers was being stymied by stringent ry that took real life events as its inspiration, the film daz- censorship. “Chinese filmmakers are not lacking in imagina- zled critics worldwide. But it has not yet been given clear- tion and if we manage to get more freedom, we could cer- ance by China’s censors. In contrast, Diao says censors tainly reach the level of US directors,” said Diao, talking to required only minor cuts to his film. —AFP AFP at the Far East Film Festival in the northern Italian city of Udine where “Black Coal, Thin Ice” was showing. “It is like Hollywood filmmakers and Chinese filmmak- ers are playing the same game of soccer but they play to Actress Zsofia Psotta (left) looks on as director Kornel Mundrucz is licked by a dog during a photo call for the movie Feher Isten at the 67th international film festival, Cannes, southern France yesterday. — AP Cannes snapshots

Mexican-US actress and producer Salma Hayek- Pinault poses during a photocall for “A Tribute to Animated Films (Hommage au cinema d’Animation)”.

French actress Lea Seydoux poses for a selfie during a photocall for the film “Saint-Laurent” at the 67th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France yester- day. — AFP/AP photos

Belgian actor Jeremie Renier poses during a photocall for the film “Saint-Laurent”. US actress Blake Lively poses as she arrives for the screening of the film “Captives”. lifestyle SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2014

Successful value fashion outlet twenty4 gets bigger ollowing on their success in Al-Jahra and Al-Rai, the sumers, who are spoilt for choice with the brand’s exciting ue market by building in their pricing structure incredible twenty4 already has several stores throughout the GCC thriving new concept value fashion outlet, twenty4, is variety of clothing and accessories for women, men, chil- fashion inspired by the latest trends around the world. The region, including the UAE , Bahrain and Saudi and the new Fexpanding in Kuwait. Their latest store, which opened dren and home. new Spring 2014 collection, currently in stores, further store in Salmiya is part of a long term expansion program in Salmiya on Wednesday, May 14, was inaugurated by twenty4’s Concept Head, Tarique Azmi commented, “We underlines the brand’s highly trendy and vibrant range of that will sustain their vision to offer customers in the value Ahmed Al-Rifai, owner of Anfal Mall, in front of a large recognize the popularity of our store amongst our young, fashion within considerably competitive prices. fashion arena a destination outlet that exceeds in great gathering of twenty4 management, customers and well- hip, and trendy market and this promotion is our way of As seen in all existing stores, the new outlet in Salmiya fashion at great prices. wishers. The new store is set to give consumers more of the rewarding our loyal customers whilst also reminding them has a stylish and vibrant layout creating an inviting ambi- popular outlet’s unmatched value. that we do value fashion better than anybody. This will ence for aspiring fashion shoppers. With each department twenty4’s young, cool and trendy collection offers only continue with our new store.” distinctively laid out, the store delivers a seamless shop- incredible value to fashion conscious customers of any age. As part of the highly successful retail stable from BMA ping experience. This makes twenty4’s exciting range This formula has proven highly popular amongst con- International, twenty4 has carved an exciting niche in a val- accessible to all ages. McCartney cancels Tokyo concert

aul McCartney came down with a virus and can- Stadium Nagai in Osaka next Saturday. He then plays celed his Tokyo concert yesterday, but he added in Seoul, before hitting several US venues, including Pa performance to make up for the lost show. “I Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. am very sorry to all my fans as I was greatly looking Some disappointed Japanese fans grumbled on forward to the concert, but the situation is out of my social networking sites that they had traveled for hands,” the former Beatle said on the official Facebook hours from out of town, while others expressed site for his “Out There Japan Tour 2014.” He said he felt hopes McCartney would get better soon. The online sick Friday, and that doctors told him yesterday to sites periodically went down yesterday from exces- cancel his appearance that night at the National sive clicks. “We are planning to replay this show Stadium in Tokyo. tomorrow. I really hope you can make it. Love, Paul,” But McCartney said he should be well enough for McCartney said. — AP today’s scheduled concert and tomorrow’s makeup. Organizers said tickets for yesterday’s show are valid for tomorrow, but a refund will also be offered. Ticket prices range from 13,500 yen ($130) to 17,500 yen ($170), and an extra 67,000 yen ($650) payment allows entry into the sound-check. McCartney is also scheduled to perform at Nippon A girl poses for a picture with a cat wearing a vyshyvanka, a traditional embroidered shirt, during the traditional spring Budokan hall in Tokyo on Wednesday, and at Yanmar Vyshyvanka Mega March in the Ukrainian capital Kiev yesterday. Thousands of Ukrainians wearing vyshyvankas, the traditional embroidered shirts, take part in the march in some Ukrainain cities as well as in London and Toronto. — AFP

Have fun by the sea for free in Santa Cruz

alking along the bluffs of Santa Cruz, continues up a short, steep hill to West Cliff bandstand. Smash Mouth and Eddie Money are wind in your hair, sparkling blue ocean Drive is worth a stroll. Just below the Jack O’Neill among the acts booked this season, which runs Wat your feet, you can spend a happy Lounge at the Santa Cruz Dream Inn, check out June 13 through Aug 29 and features two shows few hours taking in the million-dollar views the mural honoring local hero and wetsuit pio- a night, at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Also free, a dis- without spending a dime. But beautiful scenery neer O’Neill. The path ends after about 3 miles (5 play of vintage photographs of Santa Cruz can isn’t all that’s available at no cost in this laidback kilometers) at Natural Bridges State Beach, be seen on the upper floor of the Neptune’s surf city just 70 miles (115 kilometers) south of which has tide pools and a Monarch Butterfly Kingdom building, which once was home to The San Francisco. (There are a few ways to get here Natural Preserve. (If you are bringing a car, there Plunge, an indoor swimming pool, and now but the scenic route is to take Highway 1 straight is a free lot outside the entrance with short-term holds a miniature golf course and other games. down the coast.) Here’s a rundown of five ways parking only, or a pay lot inside the park.) to have fun by the sea for free. Surf through history All aboard the boardwalk The Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, located at Life’s a beach Riding the rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive, is a small Set on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz is known for Boardwalk does cost money but there’s no but interesting collection chronicling more than its wide, sandy beaches and surf-happy waves. admission fee to walk around and soak up the 120 years of local surfing history. Look for the The Cowell Beach-Main Beach stretch of sand off ambience of this classic seaside park overlook- surfboard missing a few chunks courtesy of a of, you guessed it, Beach Street, draws the ing the beach. Be sure to check out the Laffing hungry shark. After your visit, stroll outside to biggest crowds and is closest to restaurants, the Sal automaton: You can hear her creepy cackle take in the views of Steamer Lane, where you A man stands on the upper level of the Neptune’s Kingdom amusement center of the Municipal Wharf and other attractions. A hiking for free. And on Friday nights in high summer, can see surfers skimming across the waves. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. and biking path that starts on Beach Street and enjoy the sound of free concerts on the beach Peer at the pier The Santa Cruz Wharf is the longest wooden pier in California at 2,745 feet (837 meters) and one of the oldest in the state, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Lined with shops and restaurants, it’s a great place to stroll and take in sweeping views of the bay. During the day, walk to the very end of the pier and look down to the lower decks to see sea lions basking in the sun. As evening closes in, stop by one of the many benches set along the wharf to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Be a sea student The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is just across the street from the wharf and includes a number of exhibits designed for children and adults, including an exploration theater, intertidal touch-pool and In this photo, seagulls man-made Kelp Forest. The Santa Cruz Beach fly at sunset near the Boardwalk also has a free Ocean Ecology class Santa Cruz Municipal which is being offered this year by the Marine Wharf in Santa Cruz, Mammal Center which rescues sea lions and oth- Calif. — AP photos er animals found in distress on beaches. — AP People walk below the Sky Glider and make their way along the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Man dives under star’s dress on Cannes red carpet

SUNDAY, MAY 18 , 2014 38 zombies

Participants take part in a ‘zombie walk’ at a park in Tokyo yesterday. Some 80 people dressed as ‘zombies’ attended the event. — AFP

Return of the