April 9, 2012

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012

@alwatandaily

Issue No. 1399

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Committee approves blasphemy death sentence bill

Staff Writers

KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee approved on Sunday an amendment on the Parliamentary Penal Code, as it endorsed a proposed law which calls for tougher penalty against those who blaspheme God, the Prophet (PBUH), his companions and wives. The proposed penalty suggests death sentence or life imprisonment.

The rapporteur, Dr. Mohammed Al-Dallal said in a statement that the committee discussed

amending the text in its second article in respect to how to deal with this situation, adding that the committee drafted the amendment at once following its adoption by a majority of its members.

He added that the committee adopted the amendment to the law after hearing the official views represented by the legal opinion committee in the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, “which supported (the) approach”.

He also asked the Fatwa (religious edict) Department to offer its opinion on two proposals call-

ing for the loan interests to be dropped and to scrap usurious interests from Kuwait’s legislative system.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly also witnessed a hectic activity, signaling different performance over the coming period.

In what appears to be back-off, MP Waleed AlTabtabaie stated that the timing of his interpellation against the First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Sabah is no longer urgent, even though he was however quick to add that if issues arise for interpellation, the motion will stand relevant. For his

part, MP Mohammad Hayef affirmed that his intended interpellation against the Minister of Awqaf Jamal Al-Shehab remains valid. The lawmaker explained that the ministry’s decision to scrap an earlier decision to have sermons recorded is part of oversight; hence there is much to be done.

Meanwhile, MP Osama Al-Menawer of the Justice Bloc described the measures taken by the minister as positive, though they are short of meeting all the demands. “Al-Shehab has acted responsibly and agreed to many of our demands,” the lawmaker said. Al-Menawer also said that there is a

general impression that the planned interpellations may split the Majority Bloc, affirming that there is no difference on the issue of priorities.

In another development, MP Nabeel Al-Fadl has called on the Chairman of the Parliamentary Legislative Committee Waleed Al-Tabtabaie to stay away from the committee’s session which has been set aside to vote on requests to lift the immunity of the MPs who are accused of storming the Parliament building. According Al-Fadl, MP Al-Tabtabaie is one of the accused persons whose immunity CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 needs to be lifted.

Syria demands guarantees to pull back troops

•Concern over possible ceasefire deal collapse •Rebels say peace plan doomed, Annan ‘shocked’ by continuous violence CAPITALS: A UN-brokered peace deal for Syria appeared to collapse Sunday as the government made a new demand that its opponents provide “written guarantees” to lay down their weapons before regime forces withdraw from cities, a call swiftly rejected by the country’s main rebel group. The deal, brokered by UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, was due to take effect on Tuesday, paving the way for negotiations to end the country’s year-old crisis, which the UN estimates has killed 9,000 people.

Peace envoy Kofi Annan said on Sunday he was shocked by mounting violence in Syria ahead of a UN deadline for regime forces to cease fire, as Damascus said its troops will not withdraw from protest hubs without written guarantees.

“I am shocked by recent reports of a surge in vio-

lence and atrocities in several towns and villages in Syria, resulting in alarming levels of casualties, refugees and displaced persons, in violation of assurances given to me,” Annan said in a statement.

It came as Syria’s main opposition group urged UN intervention after one of the deadliest days in a year saw nearly 130 people killed, mostly civilians. As Tuesday’s deadline loomed for regime forces to cease fire and pull back from rebel cities, the foreign ministry said it had not been given assurances that “armed terrorist groups” would also put down their guns. “To say that Syria will pull back its forces from towns on April 10 is inaccurate, Kofi Annan having not yet presented written guarantees on the acceptance by armed terrorist groups of a halt to all violence,” it said.

Annan said last week that Syrian President Bashar

Al-Assad had accepted the plan and its call for government forces to pull back from urban centers. But on Sunday Syria’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdessi, placed a new condition - that the opposition agree in writing “to halt violence with all its forms and their readiness to lay down weapons.”

The commander of the rebel Free Syrian Army, Riad Al-Asaad, said his group was prepared to abide by the Annan agreement, but rejected the government’s new unilateral demand.

The FSA does not recognize the regime “and for that reason we will not give guarantees,” he told The Associated Press by telephone from his base in neighboring Turkey. He said government forces should return to their bases and remove checkpoints from the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 streets.

Sanaa International Airport reopens day after attack

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Afghans, US sign deal on night raids

Soldiers look at burnt motorcycles off the street in the northern Nigerian cty of Kaduna after a car explosion killed at least 20 people on April 8, 2012, most of them commercial motorcyclists near a church. The explosion, a stark reminder of Christmas Day attacks that left dozens of people dead in Africa’s most populous nation and largest oil producer, hit the city of Kaduna, a major cultural and economic center in the north. Motorcycle taxi drivers and passers by appeared to have borne the brunt of the blast, and body parts littered the area. (AFP)

KABUL: The US and Afghanistan signed a deal Sunday giving Afghans authority over raids of Afghan homes, resolving one of the most contentious issues between the two wartime allies. The majority of these raids are nighttime operations in which US and Afghan troops descend without warning on homes or residential compounds searching for insurgents.

The raids are widely resented by Afghans, and President Hamid Karzai had repeatedly called for a halt to all night raids by international forces. He said for months that they would have to stop before he would sign a much-anticipated pact governing the long-term US presence in Afghanistan.

Both countries have said that they wanted that bigger deal signed before the NATO summit in May, so the night raids agreement announced Sunday makes hitting that deadline possible.

Sunday’s deal appeared to be a compromise: a panel of Afghan security officials get authority to decide what raids will take place and US forces still play a large part in operations, including entering Afghan homes if needed. The Americans also now have an Afghan partner that will be held equally to account if there are civilian casualties or allegations of mistreatment. -AP See also 5

Mali junta sees civilian government ‘in days’ BAMAKO: Mali’s coup leader said on Saturday the junta would hand power to civilians within days in a deal under which neighboring nations agreed to lift sanctions and help tackle Tuareg rebels who have seized much of the north.

The March 22 coup by soldiers angry at ousted President Amadou Toumani Toure’s handling of a two-month-old rebellion backfired, emboldening the Tuareg nomads to seize the northern half of Mali and declare an independent state there. After three days of negotiations and growing international pressure to step down, Mali’s junta announced late on Friday it would begin a power handover in return for an amnesty from prosecution and the lifting of trade and other sanctions. “It is the will of the committee to quickly move towards the transition,” coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo said at the barracks outside the capital Bamako which has been the headquarters of his two-week-old rule. “In the next few days you will see a prime minister and a government in place,” Sanogo, sitting in an armchair in the middle of his cramped office, said in an interview with Reuters, France’s

i-tele and the Spanish-language channel Telesur.

A five-page accord agreed by Sanogo and the 15-state West African bloc ECOWAS for a return to constitutional order did not specify when the handover would start.

The agreement calls for Toure, who is still in hiding, to formally resign. Sanogo’s junta must then make way for a unity government with Mali’s parliament speaker Diouncounda Traore as interim president. Elections would follow as soon as allowed by the widespread lack of security in the north, now mostly overrun by Tuaregs accompanied by groups of Islamists with links to Al-Qaeda.

In an interview with Burkina Faso state radio before he flew back to Mali on Saturday, Traore said the top priority was to restore order to Mali’s state institutions after the coup and to deal with “this problem of the north”. “Our goal is the territorial integrity of Mali and the pursuit of our democratic project,” Traore said of a state which had been viewed as one of the region’s more stable democracies. He made no comment to reporters as he arrived in Bamako later. -Reuters

Cruise ship to retrace voyage of Titanic

The MS Balmoral sets sail for the Titanic memorial cruise from Southampton, England, Sunday, April 8, 2012. (AP)

LONDON: A cruise carrying relatives of some of the more than 1,500 people who died aboard the Titanic nearly 100 years ago is setting sail from England on Sunday to retrace the ship’s voyage, including a visit to the location where it sank. The Titanic Memorial Cruise, carrying the same number of passengers as the Titanic did, is set to depart from Southampton, where the doomed vessel left on its maiden voyage.

The 12-night cruise will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the White Star liner. As passengers gathered to board, many self-professed “titanoraks” wore period costumes as first-class passengers, crew members, steerage passengers More on 16 and stewards.

Scientists appraise satellite that would beam solar power to earth PASADENA, California: An energyhungry Earth is in need of transformational and sustainable energy solutions, experts say according to SPACE. For decades, researchers have been appraising the use of power-beaming solar-power satellites. But the projected cost, complexity and energy economics of the notion seemingly short-circuited the idea.

Now, a unique new approach has entered the scene, dubbed SPS-ALPHA, short for Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily Large PHased Array. Leader of the concept is John Mankins of Artemis Innovation Management Solutions of Santa Maria, Calif.

Mankins provided a detailed overview of the power-beaming concept here during the 2012 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts meeting March 27-29.

Last August, Artemis Innovation Management Solutions was selected for a NASA NIAC award to dive into the details of what Mankins labels “the first practical solar-power satellite concept.”

The project will be an energetic oneyear study of the design. Mankins is drawing upon a 25-year career at NASA and Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, doing work that ranged from flight projects and space mission operations to systemslevel innovation and advanced technology research.

Along with reviewing the conceptual feasibility of the SPS-ALPHA, the team will carry out select proof-of-concept technology experiments. SPS-ALPHA is a novel “biomimetic” approach to the challenge of space solar power, Mankins More on 15 told SPACE.

Faithful stand at St Peter’s square during the Easter Holy Mass on April 8, 2012 at The Vatican. In spring weather, watched by some 100,000 faithful crammed into the square, Pope Benedict XVI made his way slowly to the altar erected in front of the basilica, surrounded by beds of fresh flowers flown in from the Netherlands. (AFP)

Some Alaska polar bears losing their fur: USGS

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Egypt tensions rise as nominations close

CAIRO: Registration for candidacy in Egypt’s first post-uprising presidential election closed on Sunday, amid last-minute twists and turns that have shaken the political race.

Sixteen people have registered so far, each hoping to lead the Arab world’s most populous nation through a fragile transition following an uprising that toppled veteran president Hosni Mubarak last year.

The candidates include former Arab League chief Amr Mussa, ultra-conservative Islamist preacher Hazem Abu Ismail, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat El-Shater and Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq. Former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, a stalwart of the Mubarak regime and seen as More on 4 close to the ruling military, is due to register later on Sunday.

Egyptian supporters of former Egyptian Vice President Omar Suleiman surround his car as it is escorted by military police outside the Higher Presidential Elections Commission, in Cairo, Egypt, Sunday, April 8, 2012. (AP)

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ALWATAN DAILY

kuwait

monDAY, april 9, 2012

Legislative Committee approves blasphemy death sentence bill CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

“There is no conspiracy involved in the matter, considering that it was an act watched by the entire world on TV,” he pointed out. Moreover, Al-Fadl addressed a set of questions to the interior minister demanding answers about the entry of MPs in Qatar since 1996 up to date.

He also inquired whether certain Kuwaiti lawmakers or candidates have political engagements in the said Gulf State.

In other news, the committee which has been charged with probing alleged illicit financial transfers listened to the testimony of the former Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah.

Following his testimony, the ex-minister said, “The committee completed its investigation with me and will proceed with the rest of the probe.”

He however declined to disclose the nature of questions addressed to him and the information he provided. Al Watan was informed that the former minister unreservedly provided all the information in his domain and elaborated on the action he took after receiving queries about the matter.

Committee chairman Dr. Faisal AlMislem confirmed that the committee will meet on Sunday with Abdullah Murad, Khaled Al-Duwaisan and Dirar Al-Razouqi,

Kuwait’s Ambassadors to Washington, London and Geneva respectively to testify on the issue. In the meantime, the Chairman of the Parliament’s Budgets Committee MP Adnan Abdulsamad accused the government of being responsible for the delay in approving the budget.

According to the lawmaker, the government sent the budget incomplete, while criticizing the Minister of Finance Mustafa Al-Shamali for the delay. He equally revealed that the new proposed budget did not include the proposed pay increases, which implies that the government will likely sent a supplementary budget.

The MP also stated that the committee has deferred decision on requests to lift the immunity of a number of MPs accused of attacking the Parliament. Al-Dallal, on the other hand, questioned a request by the interior minister to lift the immunity of MP Faisal Al-Mislem. The lawmaker described the request as strange and out of step with the customary parameters, and explained that such a request should emanate from the public prosecution.

Further, the head of the committee probing alleged multimillion deposits announced that the committee will meet Saturday, while warning against evasion from providing the members with the necessary information.

The Legislative Committee seen during their meeting held on Sunday, April 8, 2012. (Al Watan)

Finance Committee finalizes entrepreneurships fund bill Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Parliamentary Finance and Economic Committee on Sunday finalized a law proposal which calls for a national development fund for small projects. The proposal mainly seeks to create job opportunities for the youth with the government providing support for entrepreneurships through the allocation of land and the provision of loans.

Committee Rapporteur Ahmad Lari stated that the committee held its 15th meeting to discuss the proposed law in the presence of the Chairman of the Industrial Bank Abdulmohsen Al-Haneef and the head of investment at the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA).

MP Lari explained that the fund aims at supporting projects meant for citizens or companies with low income where the State provides easy loans, supervises the projects and offer advice for their owners.

Elaborating on the conditions for eligibility, the lawmaker explained that an applicant should be aged 25 - 45 with low or medium income.

He added that the State will allocate five million square meters in addition to 10 percent of agricultural and industrial area as a start for the project.

Under the law proposal, the fund will include a seven-member board, in addition to a nine-member consultative expert council including five international experts and four locals in order to assess the project on annual basis.

Lari further pointed out that there will be a complaints committee to execute projects without the government bureaucracy.

“We aim at involving the government so that it becomes a sponsor for the enterprise to ensure that the projects get access to the local market which is a step toward supporting the youth and creating greater job opportunities, as well as enhancing resources other than oil” the MP was quoted as saying.

In the meantime, the lawmaker revealed that the committee will meet next Sunday to deliberate over the early retirement draft law, noting that the Public Authority for Social Securities has finalized its report to this effect.

Joint Kuwaiti-Iranian committee meets today

Jameel W. Karaki Staff Writer

KUWAIT: A meeting will be held today to discuss ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation, said the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Rouhullah Qahremani in a statement on Sunday. The committees will include experts and specialists from various fields. Qahremani described the bilateral relationship between the two countries as brotherly and are heading towards a better position, based on the wise leadership in both countries that aim to cement the good- neighborly relations and communication between the two Muslim states.

Qahremani added that the meeting of the joint industrial and commercial committee will address the mutual cooperation in customs affairs and focus on the food security project between the two countries, particularly those concerning livestock, agriculture and investments between Kuwaiti and Iranian companies.

Cabinet discusses local, international political affairs during weekly meeting KUWAIT: The Cabinet held Sunday its weekly meeting at Seif Palace here, under His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah made a statement on the meeting’s deliberations and outcome.At the onset of the meeting, the Cabinet was briefed on the visit of Spanish King Juan Carlos to Kuwait and the talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah which focused on bilateral ties and latest developments on the international arena.

The Cabinet was also apprised of two letters sent to HH the Amir from Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Eretria President Isaias Afworki.

The letters focused on bilateral relations and how to enhance them as well as an invitation from Cyprus President to the Amir to visit his country. Then, Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid explained to the Cabinet the outcome of the “Friends of Syria” conference which was held recently in Istanbul.

Sheikh Sabah Khalid, who headed Kuwait’s delegation to the conference, said the meeting pledged support to UNArab Envoy to Syria Kofi Annan’s mission to stop bloodshed in the Arab nation.He noted that Kuwait has donated $ 1 million for UN refugee agency offering relief aid to displaced Syrians.

For his part, Information Minister Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak

He also expressed the readiness of the Iranian sector to export livestock and to contribute to the formation of clusters of breeding sheep in Kuwait and exchange of expertise between the two sides in the field of self-sufficiency and food security. The Iranian ambassador also asserted on the importance of trade fairs between the two countries and the bilateral investment opportunities in the field of industry and mining as well as the technical cooperation and support among steel and cement factories in Iran and Kuwait.

Moreover, he revealed that consular relations play a fundamental role between both countries; therefore, the consular committee of the two countries will be held and headed by the heads of consular affairs in the foreign ministries of both countries to discuss legal and judicial cooperation regarding civil and criminal issues, prisoners’ exchange, providing the other party with information about detainees, awarding their families visas and the possibility of providing an interview for them.

Three tweeters accused of slandering Amir released Youssef Al-Youssef Staff Writer

KUWAIT: Public Prosecution released three tweeters after paying 1,000 Kuwaiti dinars as bail.

The three are accused of slandering His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah on their Twitter accounts.

It is worth noting that the suspects had been detained for a week at State Security, and were interrogated several times by the prosecution regarding the charges they face. However, the suspects denied making those tweets and said that they fully respect Al-Sabah. In addition, two other suspects remain at large overseas, and will be arrested and interrogated once they arrive to Kuwait.

MP Al-Juwaihel: Interpellation filed against Al-Humoud ready, Safar will also face interpellation Staff Writer

Photo of the Cabinet’s weekly meeting at Seif Palace on Sunday, April 8, 2012.

(KUNA)

Al-Sabah informed the Cabinet about the grilling motion filed against him on March 27 by MP Hussein Al-Qallaf who accused the minister of breaching the constitution and being lenient in applying laws.

The Cabinet listened to the minister’s views and defense about the accusations.

It expressed content with the Information Minister’s stance and proofs against the accusations.

The Cabinet also reviewed the latest developments over the implementation of the law No. 39 of 2010 which calls for the establishment of a shareholding company for water and electricity.

The ministers approved a request from head of the committee of following up on security decisions and head of the committee in charge of removing the encroachment upon state properties, Lieutenant General Mohammad AbdulAziz Al-Bader to appoint Eng. Khalid Al-Mohsen as head of the state property encroachment committee.

The Cabinet reviewed the main issues on the National Assembly agenda.

Finally, the Cabinet discussed the political affairs in light of the reports related to the overall political developments at the Arab and international levels. -KUNA

Al-Fadhl asks Al-Tabtabaie not to attend voting session KUWAIT: Lawmaker Nabeel Al-Fadhl asked the Head of the Legislative Committee, MP (Member of Parliament) Dr. Waleed Al-Tabtabaie, not to attend the meeting where a voting will be held to lift the parliamentary immunity off the MPs who were accused of storming the National Assembly. MP Al-Tabtabaie is one of the accused lawmakers in the case. Al-Fadhl also asked the citizens to attend the very session in order to identify the lawmakers who respect the Kuwaiti people.

“We read the statements of some MPs who were accused of storming National Assembly saying that

they asked for the immunity to be lifted and are ready to present before court to prove that accusations are false,” he said. Al-Fadhl expressed his appreciation to such stance, adding that the lawmakers will not neglect the youths who were detained because of the very case.

The lawmaker affirmed that the committee has no excuse to reject lifting immunity as the concerned MPs called for that.

Al-Fadhl emphasized that this case is one of the tragic cases in the political and parliamentary history of Kuwait.

KUWAIT: Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammed Al-Juwaihel announced that he will file an interpellation against Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud next week. He revealed that he has completed the interpellation, and stressed that he will add Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Development Fadhel Safar to the interpellation, because Safar received 40,000 Kuwaiti dinars as a bribe from a person with dual citizenship, in order to overlook the issue. He went on to say that he will offer documents that prove the lack of security in Kuwait, in addition to corruption that is rampant at border checkpoints, where people enter Kuwait without any documentation, and manipulating citizenship files. He asked AlHumoud to shoulder his responsibilities.

Meanwhile, MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei asserted that the interpellation of Al-Humoud is not urgent anymore, although there are some issues that require Constitutional action. He revealed that the release of Nahar Al-Hajiri and the readiness of remand law defused some points that were included in the interpellation. However, he mentioned that the interpellation still exists.

In other news, It is expected that the court will

Photo of Member of Parliament Mohammed Al-Juwaihel during Sunday’s Parliament session, April 8, 2012. (Al Watan)

hand down a verdict regarding the case of writer Mohammad Al-Mulaifi, who is accused of spreading false news overseas regarding Kuwait’s domestic affairs through his Twitter account; making claims that the Kuwaiti society is divided, and disdaining and ridiculing the Shiites sect, is also accused of slandering an MP from the First Constituency.

Educational Affairs Committee: CSC must complete its proposal within two weeks Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Parliamentary Committee for Educational Affairs assigned a period of just two weeks for Civil Service Commission (CSC) in order to complete its proposal about executing the law of teachers` cadre.

Meanwhile, the rapporteur of the committee Bader Al-Dahoum disclosed that the committee has held a meeting yesterday with representatives of CSC, Teachers` Society and Fatwa and Legislation Department to discuss the obstacles which

might interrupt carrying out the law.

The committee has listened to the different opinions and then gave CSC two weeks to submit its proposal about executing the cadre.

The lawmaker added that the committee has held another meeting with officials of the Ministry of Education and the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training to discuss the project of Jaber University, and that the committee will pursue holding meetings to follow up the execution of the leading projects as well.

ALWATAN DAILY

KUWAIT

mondAY, april 9, 2012

KD 13.5 million roundabout project to be tendered: Official KUWAIT: Project for developing the seaside AlBida’a roundabout is to be floated for tendering in July at a forecast cost of 13.5 million Kuwaiti dinars, declared the Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Labor Saud Al-Neqi on Sunday.

Al-Neqi, the assistant undersecretary for Roads Affairs, said in a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the designing of the project, due to include construction of a causeway above the junction, had been mostly finalized after 24 months of work.

Plan for the venture stipulates keeping the roundabout for sake of facilitating flow of traffic. It was originally designed to be part of Abdul Karim Al-Khitabi road venture, but following consultations with Kuwait Municipality, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Public Works, relevant authorities opted to develop the circular road intersection, favored by many motorists for quick access to multiple destinations.

Al-Bida’a roundabout is one of the major traffic points in Kuwait, linking several of the residential districts with entertainment complexes, hotels and restaurants, dotting Kuwait beach.

Regarding the ministerial commission for tackling the traffic problem, he said that it comprises representatives of the three government departments, in addition to the department of traffic studies at Kuwait University. It holds a weekly meeting to examine various issues related to traffic congestion and road projects.

The commission had discussed various issues related to traffic jam, namely some roads known for witnessing congestion. Its members looked into possible emergency schemes and solutions and agreed on tackling problems at up to 29 points across the country.

As to the project to upgrade the fourth ring road, AlNeqi said the ministry was seeking approval of the Audit Bureau and other supervisory authorities, ahead of taking other moves for execution of this venture. He indicated that construction works would not spread to residential districts and locations and that visibility barriers might be placed at locations overlooking some resident.

DOHA: Chairman of the Executive Committee for Addressing the Status of Illegal Residents Saleh Al-Fadhalah stressed here on Sunday the deep-rooted ties between Qatar and Kuwait.

This came in statements made by the Al-Fadhalah to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) after his meetings with Qatari officials, led by Minister of State for Interior Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al-Thani and Director of Public Security Major General Saad Al-Khulaifi in the presence of Kuwaiti ambassador to the State of Qatar Ali Salman Al-Haifi.

Al-Fadhala said what affects Qatar’s security affects Kuwait’s security, adding that both countries support the mission of the Executive Committee for Addressing the Status of Illegal Residents to make it a success.

He expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for the cooperation extended by the State of Qatar, which reflects the depth of bilateral relations between the two countries.

He explained that his meeting with Al-Khulaifi tackled means to provide a full explanation of the roadmap prepared by Kuwait to address the situation of illegal residents, noting that it became clear that this problem is experienced by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and “I have noticed that during my Gulf tour”.

He said that during the meeting, both sides agreed to complete such meetings in the coming period through bilateral visits and exchange of information for the benefit of both parties.

Al-Fadhalah pointed out that the roadmap drawn up

by Kuwait, represented by the Executive Committee has been widely extolled by the Qatari officials because it has been drawn with care and precision. -KUNA

Staff Writer

Arab judicial inspection chiefs meet in Kuwait

A concept render of how the Bida’a roundabout would look like after the development project is completed. A forecast cost of 13.5 million Kuwaiti dinars tender will be floated in July, announced an official on Sunday, April 8, 2012. (KUNA)

In other news, Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Planning and Development Affairs Fadhil Safar signed here Sunday a KD 1.1 million contract for establishing and maintaining the Public Authority for

Minors’ Affairs at Fahad Al-Ahmad Suburb in Ahmadi Governorate.

The project covers 3,250 square meters and consists of a basement and three floors. -KUNA

Amir of Kuwait father of all: UAE’ Sheikh Nahayan

Kuwait’s Diving Team is seen lifting a submerged boat of 31 feet in length and four tons in weight at Failaka Port on Sunday, April 8, 2012.

(KUNA)

Qatari-Kuwaiti ties extolled

Lawmaker Al-Diqbasi calls on citizens to purchase local products

KUWAIT: Lawmaker Ali Al-Diqbasi praised the role of the ‘One of Us’ national campaign set up for the purpose of prompting Kuwaiti products organized by the Public Authority for the Industry for the third consecutive year.

The MP (Member of Parliament) said in a statement on Sunday that the organization of the event is worthwhile, urging the public and consumers to contribute by buying Kuwaiti national products to maintain sustainability and high quality. He expressed his belief that the Kuwaiti products deserve such support from the private and public sectors as well as the consumers. He believes that once a proper coordination between the three is made there will be better products and continuity of producing national products. He also said that such products will reach other GCC countries.

Diving team lifts sunken boat at Failaka

KUWAIT: Kuwait Dive Team of The Environmental Voluntary Foundation lifted a submerged boat of 31 feet in length and four tons in weight at Failaka Port.

Head of the operation, Faisal Al-Harban, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the team used air bags and water pumps to force the boat to float after tying its bottom with a rope.

The boat had sunken in an accident.

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He added that such accidents cause marine pollution, calling on people to be more careful about their personal properties, such as boats and marine equipment. He expressed thanks to the Marine Rescue Center and people of Failaka for offering support to this operation.

The foundation divers, who have lifted 520 sunken boats since 1986, offer services for free. -KUNA

ABU DHABI: UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al-Nahyan described on Sunday His Highness the Amir of Kuwait as the “father of all” in GCC countries, adding that he holds qualities and honorable stance which benefited all Gulf countries through collaboration and cooperation.

The UAE official attended, in Kuwait earlier today, the inauguration of the third Gulf festival for social work, under the theme “quality and pioneering.”

The festival will last until April 14th.

After the short visit, Sheikh Nahyan made his remarks in an exclusive interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Sheikh Nahyan said that during his visit he was honored to meeting with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah.

“We were received with warm welcome and reception from our brothers in Kuwait,” Sheikh Nahayan added.

“I took this opportunity to meet with my brothers in Kuwait, representing the UAE,” Sheikh Nahayan said. -KUNA

College of Business Administration opens ‘Step towards Success’ Exhibition Jarrah Al-Nahar Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The College of Business Administration in Kuwait University opened “Steps towards Success” Exhibition which was held and organized under the patronage of Member of Parliament (MP) Riyadh Al-Adsani.

The MP expressed his pride and joy that Kuwaiti youth is weary of the country’s general interest, praising at the same time the organizers of the event describing it as one of the best exhibitions. The MP said that such exhibitions are of significance because it would be beneficial for them in their career.

On his part, the Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. Rashed Al-Ajmi said that the college is always keen to come up with this kind of activities which are beneficial to the interest of the country and that they always stand out as committed to this kind of activities. Similarly, the head of the Public relations Office Saad Al-Hadya said that the college is keen to hold such events for students registered in the College of Business Administration as they exchange the skills and expertise.

He also added that his office is coordinating with all university and college departments to hold and organize events for the students.

KUWAIT: Officials from the judicial inspections services of Arab States met on Sunday in Kuwait to launch the 16th conference.

Head of the Supreme Judicial Council and President of the Court of Cassation Advisor Faisal Al-Marshad said in his speech at the opening of the conference that establishing justice among the people is the purpose of the judiciary, indicating that citizens’ confidence in their justice lies in the good performance, neutrality and impartiality in its judgments and decisions.

He stressed the need to work on developing judiciary and improving its performance, indicating that the advancement of justice is not only the overcoming of obstacles but to put their affairs as a priority by increasing their efficiency.

For his part, Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League and President of the Arab Center for Legal and judicial Research Ambassador Abdul Rahman Al-Sulh said in his speech that the conference adds to the march of the Arab Judiciary another importance which “we are looking forward to in these exceptional circumstances, where the Arab nation is facing a difficult stage of its history that requires full solidarity”.

He said the judicial inspection bodies, as a regulatory authority, ensure proper functioning of the courts and monitor judicial activity.

He explained that the convergence of such gathering is among the tasks entrusted with the Arab Center for Legal Research and judicial prosecution to be a beacon to reach the lofty goals “that we work for in line with the directives of the Council of Arab Ministers of Justice in unifying legislation and development of these devices.” -KUNA

Kuwait keen on GCC social cooperation: Minister

Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Labor Ahmad Al-Rujeib during the 3rd Gulf Festival for Social Work held on Sunday, April 8, 2012. (KUNA)

KUWAIT: The leadership of Kuwait is very keen on bolstering ties within the social affairs domain amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to provide welfare and development to the region, said Minister of Social Affairs and Minister of Labor Ahmad Al-Rujeib here Sunday.

In a keynote speech at the 3rd Gulf Festival for Social Work, held under the auspices of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Al-Rujaib said that Kuwait, through its various institutions, called for meeting the expectations of the GCC citizens via enhancing cooperation among social institutes in the region.

He noted that the festival, to be held under the theme “quality and pioneering” on April 8-14, would focus on moves to solidify social cooperation.

On his part, Saudi Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Yusuf bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen said in his speech that the festival, held every two years, was a reflection of the GCC states’ keenness on social cooperation. He stressed that challenges facing social cooperation amongst GCC statues would be focused upon during the event, hoping that addressing the problems facing social cooperation would yield some fruitful solutions. The festival will shed light on social affairs achievements in the six GCC countries - Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It will include an exhibition displaying production of family businesses and organizers will honor leading figures who contributed to the social affairs field in the Gulf region. -KUNA

Forum: bureaucracy, routine foes to investments in Kuwait KUWAIT: Bureaucracy, routine and corruption are the main foes to investments in Kuwait and there should be measures to combat such problems, said participants in Kuwait Investment Forum here Sunday. The participants in the forum, which began on Saturday, called on the legislative and executive powers to work on steps to make Kuwaiti investments attractive to local and foreign business personnel.

Director General of the Arab Planning Institute (API) Dr. Bader Malallah said that addressing such challenges was the responsibility of all involved in the Kuwaiti investment scene, adding that API was willing to cooperate on that level.

On his part, former Minister of Development and

Planning Abdulwahab Al-Haroun said that Kuwait’s development plan was aimed at breaking the cycle of corruption and bureaucracy to make Kuwait an attractive country for investors from all around the globe. Meanwhile, Kuwait Foreign Investment Bureau’s (KFIB) Chief Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that the investment forum came at an important shifts within the region and the world, adding that KFIB was established to lessen the dependence on oil as the major source for investment and reflect Kuwait’s investment opportunities.

Other participants called for more feasible measures to improve investments in Kuwait and to allow the country to flourish and prosper. -KUNA

Arab Planning Institute (API) Dr. Bader Malallah (right) speaking during the Kuwait Investment Forum that was held on Sunday, April 8, 2012. (Al Watan)

4

ALWATAN DAILY

regional

The lineup takes shape

By Hossam Fathi Staff Writer

KUWAIT: Former Vice President and intelligence chief Omar Sulaiman gathered 127,000 signatures to run for presidency. Sulaiman was flanked by the Republican Guard, his supporters, and the Military Police while he was submitting his papers on the last day. During those final hours, the head of Freedom and Justice Party Mohammed Morsy submitted his papers, in addition to Safwat Hejazi and former ambassador Abdullah Al-Ashaal. Reluctantly, lawyer Khaled Ali, who is supported by the youths, submitted his papers too.

So now we have three candidates that were part of the former toppled regime, who are Omar Sulaiman, Amro Moussa, and Ahmed Shafiq. We also have two candidates that belong to the Muslim Brotherhood, who are Khairat Al-Shater and Mohammed Morsi, in addition to Salafists candidates, who are Hazem Abo Ismail, Mohammed Al-Awwa, and Abdullah AlAshaal. In addition, we have Hamdein Sabbahi, Abo Al-Ezz Al-Hariri, Ayman Nour, and former Muslim Brotherhood member Abdul Moneam Abol Fotouh.

I am sure the magician still has many tricks up his sleeve, such as the American passport of Abo Ismail’s mother, and the sudden discovery of Moussa’s French brother Pierre. I think there will also be a few gunshots to sideline other candidates, and Sulaiman will be the last man standing.

MONDAY, april 9, 2012

Bahrain rejects deporting jailed activist DUBAI: Bahrain on Sunday turned down a request to transfer to Denmark a jailed Shiite activist who has been on hunger strike for two months and also holds Danish nationality, state news agency BNA reported.

“The handover of accused and convicted persons to foreign countries takes place under specific conditions ... This does not apply in Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja’s case,” a Supreme Judiciary Council official said, quoted by BNA. The statement did not gave any further details. Khawaja, who was condemned with other opposition activists to life in jail over an alleged plot to topple the Sunni monarchy

during a month-long protest a year ago, began his hunger strike on the night of Feb 8-9.

BNA reported on Saturday that Bahrain was examining a request to transfer him to Denmark.

“Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa received a written letter from Danish Foreign Minister Villy Soevndal asking Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja be transferred to Denmark since he holds Danish citizenship,” it said.

The request was referred to the head of the Supreme Judicial Council.

Front Line Defenders, a Dublin-based non-

governmental organization, warned Tuesday after a visit to Manama that Khawaja, who had shed 25 percent of his body weight, could die in jail and was “at risk of organ failure.”

Bahraini authorities said he had lost some 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and was showing signs of low hemoglobin, “although not at a critical level, since prior to going on the strike.”

Khawaja was “taking fluids, mineral supplements, glucose and juice on a daily basis.”

Bahrain’s largest opposition movement AlWefaq urged the international community to intervene and press for his release, in a state-

Israel calls on Iran Egypt tensions rise to give up enriched uranium as nominations close CAIRO: Registration for candidacy in Egypt’s first post-uprising presidential election closed on Sunday, amid last-minute twists and turns that have shaken the political race.

Sixteen people have registered so far, each hoping to lead the Arab world’s most populous nation through a fragile transition following an uprising that toppled veteran president Hosni Mubarak last year.

The candidates include former Arab League chief Amr Mussa, ultra-conservative Islamist preacher Hazem Abu Ismail, Muslim Brotherhood candidate Khairat El-Shater and Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq.

Former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, a stalwart of the Mubarak regime and seen as close to the ruling military, is due to register later on Sunday.

The registration process alone has been filled with drama, becoming the butt of jokes likening it to a soap opera.

Abu Ismail, known for his fervent anti-US rhetoric, was found to have a mother who held an American passport, disqualifying him from the race.

The presidential election law states that all candidates must be born to Egyp-

hossam@alwatan.com.kw Twitter:@hossamfathy66

NEWS IN BRIEF Istanbul to host nuclear talks: Iran State TV TEHRAN: Iran’s state media says Istanbul has been confirmed as the venue for a new round of talks scheduled for this week between Tehran and the six major powers over the Islamic Republic’s disputed nuclear program. Iran’s official English-language Press TV cited anonymous sources in its report Sunday that the negotiations would take place in Istanbul.While Iran has considered Istanbul an acceptable location for talks, Tehran had proposed other venues - such as Iraq or China - for the negotiations scheduled to start Friday as Iran’s ties with Turkey have soured over the crisis in Syria.

The suggestions of alternative sites raised the possibility of complications to get talks under way as expected on April 13 between Iran and envoys from the five permanent UN Security Council members and Germany. -AP

Bahrain hosts warplane drills with US, Arab allies MANAMA: Bahrain’s military says the US and eight other countries are taking part in the Gulf nation’s largest air force exercises in more than two decades. The official Bahrain News Agency says at least 100 warplanes will join the drills Sunday, which come amid heightened Western pressures on Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. Bahrain also is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet. Bahrain says the aerial maneuvers are its biggest since 1988 and include Arab allies, Turkey, Pakistan and the US. Bahrain’s Sunni monarchy is facing a nearly 14-month-old uprising by the kingdom’s majority Shiites, who are seeking a greater political voice. -AP

Gazans fire 2 rockets into Israel; no injuries JERUSALEM: Militants in Gaza have fired two rockets into Israel a day after Israeli airstrikes injured two Palestinians in the coastal territory. Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said the rockets landed in open areas near the Gazan border early Sunday and did not cause injuries. The exchange shows cracks in the shaky cease-fire that Egypt brokered to stop a barrage of rockets and air strikes between Israel and the Gaza Strip last month. Militant groups in Gaza frequently launch rockets into Israel but rarely inflict casualties. There are many small factions, and cease-fires reached by some does not mean others abide by them. Another rocket landed Thursday in the southern Israeli city of Eilat near the Egyptian border. Israel says it was fired from Egypt. -AP

ment on Friday as hundreds of people demonstrated in the kingdom demanding his release.

Tensions have been running high in Bahrain where an independent inquiry said in November that 35 people were killed in Shiite-led unrest between mid-February and mid-March 2011.

Former world champion Damon Hill has demanded a rethink over the contentious Bahrain Grand Prix which is due to take place later this month despite ongoing anti-government protests in the troubled Gulf state.

Last year’s event was cancelled because of the unrest. -AFP

A picture released by the official website of the Iranian presidency shows President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad delivering a speech to the Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization scientists during a ceremony to mark National Nuclear Day in Tehran on April 8, 2012. (AFP)

JERUSALEM: Israel’s defense minister on Sunday called on the international community to press Iran to give up its stockpile of high-grade enriched uranium in upcoming negotiations over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program. With the comments, Ehud Barak appeared to offer a possible way out of the standoff over the Iranian nuclear program. However it appears unlikely Iran, which maintains its right to enrich uranium, would accept his demands.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to use force against Iran if diplomacy and international sanctions fail to curb the Iranian nuclear program.

Speaking to CNN, Barak said Israel has told the US and European countries that “the threshold for successful negotiations” would be a halt in Iranian enrichment of uranium to the 20 percent level. In addition, he said, all uranium already enriched to that level should be transferred to a “neighboring trusted country.”

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, along with Germany, are to begin talks Friday with Iran. Many in the international community, including Israel, suspect Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons.

While Barak said the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran should concern the entire world, Israel views a nuclear Iran as a threat to its very existence. It cites Iran’s support for militant Arab groups, its calls for Is-

rael’s destruction and its development of long-range missiles.

Barak’s comments largely reiterated previous positions, but the timing was significant because it comes days before a new round of international talks with Iran.

Barak also believes that most of Iran’s lowergrade uranium, enriched to just 3.5 percent, should be stored outside the country, Iran should decommission its enrichment site at Fordo, which is buried deep inside a mountain, and accept supervision by UN nuclear inspectors.

Iran insists it will never surrender the ability to enrich uranium. But with tough new economic sanctions set to go into effect in the coming months, Iran is under heavy pressure to show more flexibility than in the last round of talks, which broke down 14 months ago.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said they hope international pressure will succeed in curbing the Iranian nuclear program, but also refused to rule out a military option. Israeli officials have said that as Iran continues to enrich uranium and move its facilities deep underground, time is running out to act. Barak refused to give a deadline, but suggested military action would have to take place in the next few months.

“We don’t have to make a decision next week,” he said. “We cannot wait years, though.” -AP

tian parents who have never held citizenship of another nation.

And the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, which had repeatedly vowed not to field a candidate, made a dramatic U-turn and put forward Shater, only to find out later that he too may be disqualified.

Politician Ayman Nur, whose unprecedented challenge to Mubarak in presidential elections in 2005 earned him worldwide recognition, was last week pardoned of a conviction for fraud, allowing him to run for the top job.

But then on Saturday he was told that under the law he could only stand for the presidency six years after his pardon.

If Shater is banned under the same rule as Nur - he was freed from prison in March 2011 - the Muslim Brotherhood may instead field Mohammed Mursi, another candidate waiting in the wings just in case.

In response to what it called a “massacre” of Islamist candidates, the ultraconservative Gamaa Islamiya announced that it was nominating hardliner Safwat Hegazy to stand, the official news agency MENA reported.

The first round of the election is due to take place on May 23 and 24. -AFP

Iraq Kurd leader accuses PM Al-Maliki of ‘dictatorship’ CAPITALS: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki is monopolizing power and preparing the ground for a return to dictatorship, Kurdish leader Massud Barzani charged in an interview published on Sunday.

“Iraq is moving towards a catastrophe, a return to dictatorship,” said Barzani in the interview published in pan-Arab newspaper, Al-Hayat, adding that it was “unacceptable” that Al-Maliki was also Iraq’s “defense minister, interior minister, intelligence chief and commander of the armed forces.”

Barzani, who was received at the White House on Wednesday, said on his return to Arbil he would call a meeting of Iraqi leaders to “save” Iraq which is facing a political crisis.

Iraq’s political woes deepened after the arrest warrant issued in December against Vice President Tareq Al-Hashemi, a Sunni, accused of running a death squad.

The meeting must come up with “radical solutions... specific timeframe to exit the crisis,” Barzani added.

If the meeting failed “we will take another decision,” he warned, in reference to the possible secession of Kurdistan.

“This is not blackmail or a threat. I’m serious. I will put a referendum to the Kurdish people. Whatever the price, we will never accept a return to dictatorship in Iraq,” Barzani said, referring to Saddam Hussein whose iron-fist rule was staunchly criticized by Iraqi Kurds.

Tensions are high between Iraqi Kurds and Al-Maliki, a Shiite, mainly over the distribution of nation’s oil wealth. -AFP

Sanaa International Airport reopens day after attack Syria demands guarantees to pull back troops CONTINUED from PAGE 1

Army soldiers stand outside Sanaa International Airport, after the airport was reopened April 8, 2012.

(Reuters)

SANAA, Yemen: The airport in Yemen’s capital reopened Sunday after a one-day shutdown over threats from loyalists of a sacked general close to former strongman Ali Abdullah Saleh, as Washington praised new President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi.

“The airport has opened after we have received reassurances from the air force that there will be no threats to aviation,” an aviation official said.

“We are now preparing for the first flight” to take off since forces loyal to Saleh’s half-brother, General Mohammed Saleh Al-Ahmar, who has refused to quit after being sacked by Hadi, surrounded the airport late on Friday.

The general manager of Sanaa International Airport, Naji Al-Murqab, told the defense ministry’s news website 26sep.net that “all airlines were informed that the airport will receive incoming flights after all problems and obstacles which were threatening planes were resolved.”

A military source said on Saturday that Ahmar had refused to go unless the defense minister and other senior

officials also step down.

He also demanded that several members of the powerful Hashed tribe, which backed defectors during last year’s anti-regime protests, be forced into exile.

Political sources in Sanaa said Ahmar had come under pressure from several parties, including Western ambassadors in Sanaa, to retract a decision to halt air traffic. On Saturday, an airport official said the facility was closed after forces loyal to Ahmar had threatened to shoot down planes. But a military official said the decision was taken after an air force officer who lives nearby had fired 10 shots at the control tower demanding compensation for land belonging to his tribe that was seized to expand the airport.

In addition to Ahmar, Hadi also sacked Saleh’s nephew, General Tareq Mohammed Abdullah Saleh, who heads the presidential guard. In other developments, the defense ministry and a tribal chief said on Sunday that air strikes had killed 24 Al-Qaeda suspects in their strongholds in the south and east. -AFP

Annan’s six-point peace plan calls for government forces to withdraw from population centers by Tuesday, to be followed by a full cease-fire by both sides by 6 a.m. Thursday.

However, with the deadline looming, Syrian forces have stepped up attacks on restive towns in recent days, and activists say scores of civilians have been killed daily. Annan condemned the government offensive, saying in a statement Sunday that “the present escalation of violence is unacceptable.”

He also reminded the government “of the need for full implementation of its commitments,” though it was unclear whether his statement was issued before or after Damascus imposed new conditions for complying with the truce.

The cease-fire was meant to pave the way for negotiations between the government and the opposition to end the country’s yearold crisis. Street protests against Al-Assad erupted 13 months ago, inspired by the Arab Spring’s pro-democracy uprisings in the region, but the revolt has turned violent in the face of a brutal regime crackdown.

Since Al-Assad first agreed to the peace plan, the Syrian opposition and Western leaders have expressed skepticism about his regime’s intentions because of broken promises in the past and the recent escalation in attacks on opposition strongholds.

Last year,Al-Assad agreed to an Arab-brokered peace plan similar to Annan’s, pledging to work with observers who traveled to Syria on a mission to end the crackdown. But the regime failed to pull out its tanks from towns and cities, saying the country was under attack from the armed groups, and the blood-

shed has escalated sharply since the League halted its observer mission on Jan. 28.

Makdessi, the Foreign Ministry spokesman, said Syria will not allow a repeat of what had happened in January, when Al-Assad pulled back his armed forces from cities and their surroundings, only to see rebels flood the areas vacated by government troops.

“Armed terrorist groups used this to rearm its elements and spread its authority on entire districts,” Makdessi said. He also alleged that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are arming and funding the opposition and demanded guarantees that this will be halted.

Damascus-based activist Maath Al-Shami said he is not surprised by the latest government tactic because “whenever the regime pulls out its troops and tanks, people will march to Damascus and topple the regime.”

“Frankly speaking, the regime will collapse if checkpoints are removed,” he said.

Annan’s spokesman, Ahmad Fawzi, refused to comment on the Syrian regime’s new conditions. On Thursday, a UN statement raised the possibility of “further steps” if Damascus doesn’t implement Annan’s six-point peace plan, which Al-Assad agreed to on March 25. At the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI implored Damascus to heed international demands to end the bloodshed.

“Particularly in Syria, may there be an end to bloodshed and an immediate commitment to the path of respect, dialogue and reconciliation, as called for by the international community,” Benedict said in his traditional Easter speech. With the deadline looming, Syrian troops pounded restive regions in the north and center of the country Sunday, a day after activists said more than 100 people were killed across Syria.

Some of the heaviest fighting Sunday was taking place in the central city of Homs, where government troops fired mortar rounds at the rebel-held neighborhood of Khaldiyeh, said activist Tarek Badrakhan from Homs.

“Mortar rounds are falling like rain,” Badrakhan told The Associated Press via Skype as explosions could be heard in the background. He said troops were attacking on three fronts the rebel-held areas Deir Baalbeh, Khaldiyeh and Old Homs.

“They are giving the regime permission to kill and commit massacres,” said Badrakhan referring to the cease-fire. He added that people have not been able to bury the dead in Khaldiyeh because of the shelling. He said that 40 bodies are piled in a room in a makeshift hospital, and that activists are trying to keep the bodies cold by directing a fan toward them.

“We might have to bury them in public gardens,” he said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said intense clashes occurred in Homs’ Qusour, where defectors were able to kill four government soldiers and damage an armored vehicle.

In the northwest, the Observatory said regime troops were fighting near the town of Jisr Al-Shughour. The group also reported clashes between troops and defectors in several towns in the northern province of Aleppo.

Activists also reported raids in the Damascus suburbs of Darya, Douma and Beit Jin. The Local Coordination Committees said 23 people were killed Sunday, including five in Beit Jin. The Observatory said clashes and government troops shelling killed at least 14 civilians Sunday as well as seven defectors and 12 soldiers. -Agencies

ALWATAN DAILY

WORLD

mondAY, april 9, 2012

Nuclear-armed foes Pakistan, India talk peace over lunch NEW DELHI: President Asif Ali Zardari and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stood side-by-side in New Delhi on Sunday at the highest-level meeting on each other’s soil in seven years as the nuclear-armed foes seek to normalize ties.

Relations have warmed since Pakistan promised its neighbor most favored nation trade status last year, although a 10 million US-dollar-bounty offered by Washington for a Pakistani Islamist blamed for the 2008 attacks on Mumbai has stirred old grievances.

Without giving details, the two leaders said they discussed a wide range of issues during a “fruitful” meeting before sharing lunch. Singh said he hoped to make his first visit to Pakistan at a convenient date.

“We would like to have better relations with India. We have spoken on all topics that we could have spoken about and we are hoping to meet on Pakistani soil very soon,” Zardari said as the two men emerged from Singh’s residence.

On his first visit to India as part of the 40member delegation, Zardari’s son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, stood behind the leaders at the briefing, possibly a sign of his growing role in politics.

“Relations between India and Pakistan should become normal. That’s our common desire,” Singh said. “We have a number of issues and we are willing to find tactical, pragmatic

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (right) shakes hands with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari during a meeting in New Delhi April 8. (Reuters)

solutions to all those issues and that’s the message that President Zardari and I would wish to convey.”

Zardari’s visit proceeded as rescue teams, backed by helicopters and sniffer dogs,

searched for 124 Pakistani soldiers and 11 civilians engulfed by an avalanche on Saturday near the 6,000-meter-high Siachen glacier in Kashmir - known as the world’s highest battlefield.

India and Pakistan fought two wars over Siachen and hundreds have died there, mostly from the inhospitable conditions.

India has yet to comment on the disaster.

The continued freedom of Islamist Hafiz Saeed, suspected of masterminding an attack

by Pakistan-based gunmen on India’s financial capital, Mumbai, in 2008 that killed 166 people, caused some friction in the days before the meeting.

India is furious Pakistan has not detained Saeed, despite handing over a dossier of evidence against him. Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Friday that anyone with concrete proof to prosecute Saeed should present it to the courts.

And with Zardari and Singh both suffering major domestic problems, prospects are low for fixing the complex stand-off over disputed Kashmir, the trigger of two of three wars between the two countries since independence from Britain in 1947.

Lasting Pakistan-India peace would go a long way to smoothing a perilous transition in Afghanistan as most NATO combat forces prepare to leave by the end of 2014.

Hopes are focused on resolving the conflict at the Siachen glacier and a dispute over an oilrich river estuary called Sir Creek.

Musharraf, the last Pakistani head of state to visit India in 2005, has said both issues were as good as fixed while he was in office. -Reuters

China, Japan, South Korea in talks ahead of North’s rocket launch BEIJING: The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea met Sunday in the Chinese city of Ningbo for talks on regional security and cooperation days ahead of a planned North Korean rocket launch.

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, Japan’s Koichiro Gemba and South Korea’s Kim Sung-Hwan posed for photographers before starting talks in the eastern city near Shanghai.

China’s foreign minister said Sunday that Beijing is troubled by North Korea’s plans to launch a rocket and has urged more diplomacy to handle the situation, a measured response to a provocation that has unsettled the region.

Yang Jiechi said he discussed North Korea’s launch plans during trilateral talks with his counterparts from Seoul and Tokyo in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo.

Japan’s defense minister has ordered missile units to intercept the North Korean rocket if it or its fragments threaten to hit Japan. Seoul has also warned it might shoot down any parts of the North Korean rocket heading for South Korean territory.

“We considered and exchanged views about the situation on the Korean peninsula, including the announcement by the DPRK that they plan to launch a satellite,” Yang told reporters at a press briefing, referring to the North by its formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

North Korea says the rocket will carry a satellite into orbit to study crops and natural resources.

China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, (center), Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, (right), and South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan (left) pose for a photo before the start of the 6th Trilateral Foreign Ministers Meeting between China, Japan and South Korea in the eastern Chinese city of Ningbo, April 8. (AP)

“The Chinese side is troubled by the developments, and strongly encourages everyone involved on all sides, at high and low levels, to remain calm and reasonable,” Yang said. “These issues need to be worked out in a diplomatic and peaceful manner.”

South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-

hwan said at the briefing that the launch, planned for sometime between April 12-16, would represent a backward step for the North as they try to rejoin the international community.

Japanese Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said the key result from the talks was a plan to

continue to work together to stop the launch.

The Yonhap news agency reported Saturday that Kim told Yang during bilateral talks that Beijing should play a larger role in mediating international concerns over the launch and called for sanctions if Pyongyang goes through with it.

The North Korean launch is meant as a showcase of national power and technology during celebrations of one of the country’s most important days - the centennial of the April 15 birth of national founder Kim Il Sung.

Washington and others call the launch a cover to test missile systems that could target parts of the United States. While North Korea has conducted two nuclear tests, analysts don’t believe it has yet mastered the technology needed to shrink a nuclear weapon and mount it onto a missile.

North Korea angered the United States and its regional allies Japan and South Korea with its announcement last month that it would launch a rocket between April 12 and 16, which it says is to put a satellite into orbit for peaceful purposes.

Washington, along with Tokyo and Seoul, regard it as a disguised ballistic missile test that would be in breach of UN resolutions and has called for Pyongyang to abandon its planned launch.

Japan has rejected an invitation from North Korea to send observers to attend the rocket launch, which is part of celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary on April 15 of the birth of founding leader Kim Il-Sung. -Agencies

Rebel South Ossetia holds run-off election Afghan, US governments reach

deal on controversial night raids KABUL: Afghanistan and the United States have reached an agreement to curb divisive night raids on Afghan homes, giving local authorities veto power over planned operations and more say in the treatment of detainees, Afghan officials said on Sunday.

The deal would be signed later on Sunday by Afghan Defense Minister General Abdul Rahim Wardak and NATO’s top commander in the country, US Marine General John Allen, at the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said.

Night raids on suspected militants are hated by most Afghans, but backed

by NATO commanders as a key anti-insurgent tactic. They are seen as the biggest hurdle in negotiations on a broader strategic pact to underpin a future US

A pedestrian walks past campaign posters in Tskhinvali, the capital of Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia, April 7. South Ossetia held a run-off vote Sunday to elect a leader after months of political turmoil. (AFP)

TKHINVALI: Georgia’s breakaway region of South Ossetia held a run-off vote Sunday to elect a leader after months of political turmoil.

Former local head of the KGB security service Leonid Tibilov was facing human rights commissioner David Sanakoyev after falling short of the 50 percent required to win in the first round, with 42.5 percent of votes last month.

Residents of South Ossetia’s main town Tkhinvali slowly gathered at polling stations to cast ballots after polls opened at 8 a.m. local time on the day when the mostly Orthodox Christian region celebrates Palm Sunday.

About 35,000 people are registered voters at the 84 polling stations in the impoverished region where a heavy Russian military presence remains after the 2008 war with Georgia.

The tiny region, which is recognized by Moscow as independent after the brief war between Russia and Georgia in 2008, has been in political turmoil since November, when opposition candidate Alla Dzhioyeva’s victory was annulled in court, leading to 10 days of street rallies.

Dzhioyeva did not register for the ballot in the repeat election last month, after a long stay in the hospital and allegations that she was beaten and held against her will.

Russia recognized the independence of South Ossetia and another breakaway Georgian region, Abkhazia, shortly after the 2008 war, while other world powers insisted that both territories should remain an integral part of Georgia.

Georgia called the leadership elections a sham.

“It’s a continuation of farce and an imitation of elections in the Russian-occupied ethnically-cleansed region,” Eka Tkeshelashvili, a minister in charge of reintegration with breakaway regions, told AFP. The population of South Ossetia is also the subject of dispute, with the separatist authorities claiming 70,000, but Tbilisi saying the real figure is closer to 15,000 due to migration and what it describes as wartime “ethnic cleansing.” Most South Ossetian residents hold Russian passports and some 15,000 also voted in Russia’s presidential polls last month.

Official reports said 92.7 percent of them voted for president-elect Vladimir Putin. -AFP

troop presence after most Western combat troops withdraw in 2014.

Under the deal, Afghan authorities would have control over prisoners taken in night raids and would decide whether to allow US interrogators access to detainees, a senior government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.

A warrant would be needed before operations were approved, with Afghan and supporting US forces required to apply to an Afghan judge. Analysts have said such changes may delay operations and reduce their impact. There is growing sensitivity in Afghanistan over the presence of foreign troops after a series on incidents, including the massacre of 17 Afghan villagers for which a US soldier was charged, and the burning of copies of the Koran at a NATO base. -Reuters

Afghan policemen inspect a police post after a night raid by US troops in Ghazni province in November, 2011. (Reuters)

5

NEWS IN BRIEF Japan deploys missile defenses for North Korea rocket TOKYO: Japan has deployed missile batteries in Tokyo and dispatched destroyers as North Korea makes final preparations for a rocket launch that could take place this week despite fierce condemnation from across the globe. Pyongyang says it will launch a satellite for peaceful scientific research between April 12 and 16 to mark the 100th anniversary on April 15 of the birth of founding leader Kim Il-Sung. But the United States and its allies say it is a disguised missile test and that the launch would contravene UN sanctions aimed at curbing North Korea’s missile program. -AFP

Twenty people killed in Haiti road accident PORT-AU-PRINCE: Twenty people were killed in a major accident on a highway south of Haiti’s capital, hospital officials said. “We have counted 20 dead at the Notre-Dame de Petit-Goave hospital,” hospital administrator Joel Charles told AFP by phone on Saturday. “Seventeen of the bodies were brought to the morgue and three died after being rushed for treatment by Haitian Red Cross ambulances,” he explained. About 40 people were injured in the crash between the capital and the town of Petit-Goave. -AFP

Rescue to resume after deadly Pakistan avalanche ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani military was Sunday to relaunch rescue efforts to find survivors after an avalanche engulfed an army camp high in the mountains of Kashmir, leaving up to 135 people feared dead. The search on the Siachen Glacier, where Pakistani and Indian troops face off on what is known as the world’s highest battlefield, was called off late Saturday because of darkness and poor weather. No survivors had been found after an all-day search involving more than 150 soldiers, sniffer dogs, and helicopters of the avalanche site that covered an area of one-square kilometer (a third of a square mile). -AFP

Taiwan president makes surprise India transit MUMBAI: Taiwan’s President Ma Yingjeou made a surprise stopover in Mumbai on his way to Africa in what officials said was a sign of improving ties with India despite a lack of diplomatic recognition. Ma had kept tight-lipped about the two-hour refuelling stop in India until he departed Taipei late Saturday for his first trip to Africa since he was elected in 2008. The three-leg trip will take Ma to Burkina Faso, Gambia and Swaziland. “This is a sign of the improving ties with India,” foreign ministry spokesman James Chang said, adding that Taiwan planned to open a second liaison office in India, in addition to the one already in New Delhi. -AFP

Nigeria bomb blast rocks area near church LAGOS: A large bomb explosion rocked an area near a church in the northern Nigerian city of Kaduna on Easter Sunday, residents and police said, though it was unclear if there were casualties. “We have a bomb explosion. We are trying to sort things out,” police spokesman Aminu Lawal told AFP, declining to comment further. “I was in my house when I heard a loud explosion that shook my house, causing my ceiling to cave in,” one local resident told AFP by phone. -AFP

West African leaders lift all sanctions on Mali

BAMAKO: West African leaders have lifted all sanctions imposed on Mali with immediate effect following accord on restoration of constitutional order, a statement from the regional body ECOWAS said on Sunday. The consultations between Mali junta leaders and ECOWAS authorities “resulted in the signing of a framework agreement on Friday, 6 April 2012 for the restoration of constitutional order in Mali,” ECOWAS said. The junior officers who seized power last month have agreed with ECOWAS to give up power in return for an amnesty deal and a lifting of sanctions that the regional body had imposed on landlocked Mali. The deal came amid growing concern at the situation in northern Mali, which is now torn between the Tuareg rebels who have declared independence and Islamists determined to impose sharia law.

The junta agreed to a timetable for a return to constitutional rule and elections following their March 22 overthrow of President Amadou Toumani Toure, a power grab that sparked international condemnation. Under the agreement, the new interim president will be the speaker of parliament Dioncounda Traore, ruling with a transitional government until elections are held. -AFP

6

ALWATAN DAILY

OPINION

monDAY, april 9, 2012

What a dream?! Soon another one bites the dust Fuad Al-Hashem

A

bout eight months ago, I have published in this very same column a report related to the Shiite Representative of Clerical Authorities Sayyed Mohammad Baqir Al-Mahri and his visit to the Syrian capital to meet up with the dim-witted Syrian President Bashar AlAssad.

I have also reported then that when he met with the dim-witted Syrian President Bashar, Sayyed Mohammad Baqir Al-Mahri told him, in the presence of three Kuwaiti nationals, that he had a dream about the dim-witted Syrian President Bashar where “the shield and sword of Imam Ali were fighting alongside him in this current war.”

It would seem that Sayyed Al-Mahri had realized the awful mistake he had committed. For the Shiite Representative of Clerical Authorities to announce that he had a dream of that nature and that epic level, he is simply announcing to the masses that the dim-witted Bashar is victorious regardless and that legendary possessions of Imam Ali has granted him is own blessings and even more than that his legacy the Imam’s own shield and sword.

Such figurative and symbolic language is a made-belief and Sayyed Al-Mahri after eight months had elapsed when there was no signs of the epic war taking place and realized the true interpretation of his dream. Last Friday, suddenly, Sayyed Al-Mahri declared that he never actually had any dreams of such an epic proportion and then he added that he had never visited the dim-witted Bashar!

Baqir Al-Mahri resembles me in many ways. I for example take my time before I start writing and sending my article to the newspaper for publication. I enjoy a nice

You need to ponder extremely carefully over your dreams and the epic wars you have been portraying about the dim-witted Bashar.

meal and then go to the gym for a bit of exercise then go back home to start writing which I usually send by fax because I happen to be of the old school and traditional when it comes to modern day technology. I simply have no business with the web of all its kinds.

I tend to take my time when I do my errands. I am very stickler to organized schedules, this is why after I write and fax my stuff I must go afterwards to a nearby café where I should order double French coffee with a bottle of Perrier.

Next, I go back home to watch a program for a specific period of time then after that I hit the sack with my heart content.

In similar fashion, I say to Sayyed Al-Mahri, I am not in any form in a hurry to see the downfall of his friend the dim-witted Bashar. I know that the two have never been friends. There is nothing in common between the two in terms of politics. It is the religious beliefs and ideology which put the two together in the same camp. The similarity between the two in terms of religious ideologies here is akin to the similarities between various militant groups in the past such as Arab nationalism with Jamal Abdulnasser, George Habash with Fidel Castro, Michael Aflaq with

Saddam Hussein and so on and so forth.

Now let us discuss the differences between the two after we finished with the common ground which puts them together. The dim-witted Bashar is a liberal, Baathist, and a man who seeks worldly pleasure. He had a private flat in one of the prestigious areas in Damascus when his father was in power. It was there where he used to meet with the most beautiful celebrities for quiet and private evenings.

On the other hand, Sayyed Al-Mahri is a religious figure who is always keen to maintain his religious observations and visiting religious burials and sites. The dim-witted Bashar has never practiced any of the Shitte practices like beating oneself on the chest. He was never seen crying over the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him. So for the naked eye, one can easily discern the common grounds and interest of the two extremes. There isn’t anything in common and one can compare such commonality between those two extremes with former leader of Libya Colonel Gadhafi with the King Hasan II of Morocco.

I am saying to Sayyed Al-Mahri again and again that

just like it has taken him eight months to realize the size of the actual events of what is happening in Syria, I am too very patient and willing to wait months to see the fateful ending of the dim-witted Bashar.

I am waiting for that time when crowds of people storm into the secret archives of the state and the intelligence to reveal to us unknown secrets of the regime and its dubious dealings.

But while you and I are waiting for the final solution, I may remind you that many innocent people are being killed for no reason. Their patience is different from mine; their days are by far much longer than my days!

You need to ponder extremely carefully over your dreams and the epic wars you have been portraying about the dim-witted Bashar. Just think about the shield and sword as well as tanks and firepower of the regime against innocent and unarmed people of Syria. Just think if the shield and sword of Imam Ali would be needed in such an atrocious situation and whether if they need to be the side of the aggressor or the oppressed.

If we to look at it from a different perspective, the shield and the sword are not needed for someone who managed to net 200 million US dollars profit for the last month alone as he and his gangs were selling Syrian oil illegally.

The president of Syria didn’t stop at this. He, his wife, his brother, and the biggest thief Rami Makhlouf have managed to convince to have the names of 17 people as the legal and lawful owners of their fortune which if we are to break them down they vary from a yacht to business and hotels.

The revolution of eradicating dictators The Persian agent has also forgotten that his party was financed by Persia to topple Saddam`s regime but he and Persia couldn’t achieve that and he reached power after the US decided to topple the Iraqi regime.

Ali Farzat

Abdullah Al-Hadlaq

W

e wonder how the chief of the Daawa Persian Party in Iraq and the agent of Persia in the Iraqi government Nouri Al-Maliki- the Prime Minister- endorses a clear stance for supporting the Ba`ath regime in Syria through rejecting providing the Free Syrian Army with weapons as well as toppling the regime by foreign forces. The premier might forget that he himself reached power due to the help of foreign forces such as the United States. If the United States did not use forces to liberate Iraq then Al-Maliki and Persia would have never reached power.

We might have the question “does the Syrian revolution that was erupted to eradicate dictators need the permission of Al-Maliki or Persia for getting weapons!?”

How could a person who was living in a poor Syrian area located in the countryside near the Syrian capital talk inappropriately about Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Iraqi premier who lived a in a poor Syrian area for a long time changed his name from Jawad into Nouri as he was afraid of the former Iraqi regime!!

The premier talked inappropriately about the two sisterly states Saudi Arabia and Qatar because they called for providing the Free Syrian army with weapons to defend themselves against the brutal Syrian regime.

Al-Maliki forgot that the Syrian revolution is a comprehensive one where the different factions of the Syrian society have participated in. It submitted huge numbers of martyrs and it lasted for more than one year unlike the Arab revolutions in the modern age. Therefore neither Al-Maliki nor anybody else can have the right to belittle the Syrian revolution which will achieve victory God Willing very soon. The Persian agent has also forgotten that his party was financed by Persia to topple Saddam`s regime but he and Persia couldn’t achieve that and he reached power after the US decided to topple the Iraqi regime.

After the fall of monarchy in Iraq and announcing the Republic or Iraq, the United Kingdom had lost its influence and then the UK attempted to find an alternative agent after losing the monarchy wherein the UK can impose pressure on the Iraqi government through the agent. The UK asked Iran at that time to establish a party in Iraq and then they established the Daawa party.

The two prominent figures who established the party are Mohammad Mahdi Asifi and Ali Akbar Shuraiati. Both of them were Persian. The party was a sectarian one which depends on two stages; the first is spreading instructions and certain principles and then call for armed confrontations during the second stage. After the Iraqi revolution of 1968 the party started implementing its schemes in which it committed several terrorist actions, bombing Al-Mustansiriya University and attempting to assassinate some Iraqi officials but the Iraqi intelligence at that time could penetrate the party and eradicated all its dens.

Following the Iraqi invasion, the target of the United States became clear for toppling Saddam’s regime therefore the party and other Kurdish parties became the new followers of the United States and they agreed on dividing Iraq under the pretext of federalism. The US exploited such parties known for treason to achieve its goal in Iraq. Since that time the parties which work as agents for the Persian regime started executing their wicked plans of dividing Iraq and sharing its oil. As a result, we witnessed several visits paid by the Iraqi premier to Tehran and Qum and the Iranian President Najad also visited the Iraqi capital and Basra to dominate Iraq.

Meanwhile, Persia had established military bases in the middle and south of Iraq.

After talking inappropriately about Saudi Arabia and Qatar several newspapers of the two countries scolded the Persian agent, indicating that Al-Maliki wants to play a new role similar to that of Saddam. Especially about how he had a role in providing the Ba`ath regime in Syria with huge quantities of weapons via Iraq but he in the meantime opposes arming the Free Syrian Army!!

Open the file of wealthy expatriates Rashid Al-Radaan

I

disagree with endorsing the penalty of provisional detention of certain detainees especially those who are arrested due to opinion cases because the conditions of provisional detention are not available in opinion cases wherein the persons who are accused of such cases are not expected to escape from the country just to avoid the case, there is not a victim where authorities might be afraid that the family or relatives of the victim will attack them to take revenge and they can`t hide the traces of the crime as the very crime has no traces. Therefore, a lot of persons who are accused of such cases visit the Public Prosecution by themselves and explain the circumstances of the whole case and then they are released immediately.

The MPs` attempt for reducing the period of provisional detention also needs further study be-

Every now and then we hear stories about foreign expatriates in Kuwait who turned into dealers owning big commercial complexes and other kinds of property. cause the decision of detection should be taken according to the opinion of investigation departments which consider the case and its circumstances then they can decide whether the provisional detention period will be short or long particularly that some crimes require detaining certain persons until taking a decision about the case by the relevant court.

Every now and then we hear stories about foreign expatriates in Kuwait who turned into dealers owning big commercial complexes and other kinds of property.

The very stories indicate that some of them work

for intelligence apparatuses of their countries!! Security authorities did not follow such dealers to unveil apparatuses that they work for and whether they got their money by legal ways or not! They might be involved in money laundry cases!

Such enquires need clear answers since Kuwait has become in the last stage as a suspected environment in the field of money laundry and the bribed MPs might be partners of those dealers as well. Is it reasonable to hear that an MP of modest economic background purchases an estate worth millions of dinars!!

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views

monDAY, april 9, 2012

Obama’s blunder at the Bank Jagdish Bhagwati Project Syndicate

T

he selection of a successor to Robert Zoellick as President of the World Bank was supposed to initiate a new era of open meritocratic competition, breaking the traditional hold that the United States has had on the job. Indeed, Zoellick’s own appointment was widely regarded as “illegitimate” from that perspective. But US President Barack Obama has let the world down even more distressingly with his nomination of Jim Yong Kim for the post. To begin with, it should have been clear that a most remarkable candidate - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - was already at hand. She had impressive credentials: degrees in economics from Harvard and MIT, experience working on a wide variety of development issues as a managing director of the World Bank, and stints as Finance Minister and Foreign Minister of Nigeria. She also possesses and has amply demonstrated that rarest of qualities: a willingness to fight corruption at the expense of her job.

Moreover, Okonjo-Iweala is witty, articulate, and no wimp when it comes to taking on shoddy arguments. She is a dream candidate to lead the World Bank.

What, then, does Obama’s choice tell us about the sincerity of his feminist rhetoric?

Does he draw the line wherever it suits him?

In fact, if Obama and his advisers could not stomach Okonjo-Iweala on the ground that she is not American, surely they could have nominated an American woman who was also vastly superior to Kim for the job.

At least two come to mind: Laura Tyson (my former MIT student), who chaired the President’s Council of Economic Advisers under Bill Clinton, and Lael Brainard, who is both a superb scholar and is now Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs.

Perhaps Obama believed that picking Kim, a Korean-American and public-health specialist who is currently President of Dartmouth College, would advance his immediate security

Jim Yong Kim, (front right) meets with Brazil’s Economy Minister Guido Mantega, (bottom left) in Brasilia, Brazil, Thursday April 5, 2012. (AP)

In the same vein, American backing for South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon to become United Nations Secretary-General has delivered what the US wants on international economic issues. agenda in Seoul where he arrived immediately after announcing the nomination, as well as America’s medium-term economic agenda in Asia. But one may well ask: Is what is good for the US necessarily good for the world?

In the same vein, American backing for South Korea’s Ban Ki-moon to become United Nations Secretary-General has delivered what

the US wants on international economic issues. Whereas Ban’s predecessor, Kofi Annan, was independent enough to endorse efforts to conclude the Doha Round of global trade negotiations, and advance a global compact on immigration I advised him on both issues, the Obama administration has shied away from these issues. So has Ban.

Why is Jonathan Sobel suing William Eggleston?

Felix Salmon Reuters

B

oth Kelly Crow, at the WSJ, and PDN have interviews with Jonathan Sobel, a photography collector who is now suing the legendary color photographer William Eggleston.

Neither of them actually posts the suit itself, however; you can find it here.

At first glance this looks like what it is: one of the silliest lawsuits the art world has seen in a very long time.

In order to win, Sobel will need to demonstrate two things, neither of which is true. Firstly, he’ll have to show that the value of his vintage Eggleston prints has been diminished as a result of Eggleston making a new series of much larger digital prints.

And secondly, he’ll have to show that Eggleston had no right to make the new prints.

In reality, however, Sobel’s prints have probably gone up in value, not down, as a result of Eggleston’s splashy reintroduction to the contemporary art market, in the form of a Christie’s sale which raised 5.9 million US dollars and set a new record price for the artist.

And in any case, Eggleston has every right to create new editions of his work. Sobel owns vintage 16_x20_ dye-transfer prints; Eggleston can’t make more of those. But creating a brand-new series of 44_x60_ digital prints is perfectly fine.

As Daniel Grant explains, print disclosure laws make explicit exceptions for prints of different sizes, or even just series which have different numbering. And Josh Holdeman, Christie’s international director of 20th century art, goes so far as to say that “I don’t know of any photographers who haven’t produced multiple editions of the same images”: this is undoubtedly standard practice in the art and photography world.

So what’s really going on here? Sobel is no naif, and it’s hard to imagine he thinks he really has much of a case. This suit is brought not for money, but out of a sense of being angry and aggrieved; of having his ownership violated I haven’t talked to Sobel myself, but my feeling is that the motivation behind the suit comes from a few different feelings about what’s going on with the Eggleston market.

First of all, as PDN’s Conor Risch explained in a great article last month, the Christie’s auction was more or less an explicit attempt to wrest the Eggleston market away from photography collectors like Sobel, and reorient it towards deeper-pocketed contemporary art collectors. Here’s Holdeman again: According to Joshua Holdeman, international director of the Christie’s photography department, the point of the sale was to establish a new market for Eggleston’s photography in the contemporary art world.

“Eggleston has been kind of stuck in the old school world of the photography collectors for a long time, whose primary concerns are about process, print type, print date, etcetera,” says Holdeman.

Whereas the type of print and the exact date a print was made is “a huge deal” for photography collectors, Holdeman says, “for contemporary art collectors it’s much more about the object itself-they couldn’t care if it’s a dye transfer or a pigment print or whatever, as long as the object itself is totally amazing, that’s what they care about.”

“This is an attempt to start a migration of Eggleston from the quote unquote confines of the photography world into the larger context of the art world,” Holdeman adds.

This kind of talk is basically a slap in the face to collectors like Sobel - people who are used to being a big fish in the small photography pond, and who now find themselves small fish in the much bigger art pond.

The writing has been on the wall since November 2011, when Eggleston officially joined Gagosian in Los Angeles, but the Christie’s auction was probably enough to tip Sobel over the edge.

It’s often a sad day, for photography collectors, when photographers join high-end art galleries and thereby become much more expensive. I can add a personal datapoint here: I’ve long loved Todd Eberle’s photographs of Donald Judd’s art in Marfa, Texas, and there’s one photograph in particular which I was interested in buying.

But when I got in touch with Eberle, he told me to talk to Gagosian, since they’re in charge of selling his prints. And Gagosian, in turn, was perfectly happy to sell me a whopping great

There might be lots of money in the contemporary world right now, but that world is fickle.

50x60 print (plus frame) for 15,000 US dollars.

Even if I could afford that kind of money, I don’t have anywhere to put a photograph that big. But Gagosian isn’t selling the prints in the smaller sizes that photography collectors generally like. The Gagosian announcement and the Christie’s sale, then, were a sign to Sobel that he wasn’t really wanted in the Eggleston world any more. But what’s going on here is not just a question of whether Eggleston is owned by the photography world or by the contemporary-art world. There’s another issue, too: are Eggleston’s images owned by Eggleston, or did he sell them, in some sense, to the people who bought his photographs?

The legal and moral answer to that question is clear: Eggleston’s images are owned by Eggleston. Sobel owns physical photographs, which have some kind of value.

But Sobel, unlike Eggleston, has no right to reproduce those images. But after Sobel shelled out 250,000 US dollars for “his” photograph, it’s pretty easy to see how he felt some kind of ownership of what he was looking at, and felt that Eggleston had no right to start creating lots more versions of the same image.

(In fact, Eggleston didn’t do that: while Sobel’s prints are generally in editions of 20, the new digital prints are in editions of just 2.) Of course, Sobel’s feelings are neither here nor there when it comes to the merits of his lawsuit, but they probably explain why he brought the suit in the first place.

I suspect that what was most galling to Sobel, however, was the fact that Eggleston had simply managed to conjure up 5.9 million US dollars for himself (or rather, for his foundation), without going out and shooting a single new photograph.

Eggleston is quite explicitly following in the footsteps of Damien Hirst, here: Hirst was the first artist to shamelessly make millions of dollars by consigning new work directly to auction, much to the displeasure of the art world. And as a result, Hirst has gotten to a point where he, Hirst, captures most of the increase in the value of the global Hirst market - and Hirst’s collectors don’t.

What Sobel sees, when he looks at the Christie’s Eggleston auction, is a serious increase in the value of the Eggleston market, with the overwhelming majority of that increase accruing to Eggleston himself, rather than to collectors who were prescient enough to buy early.

You can hear the whine quite explicitly in Crow’s article: Sobel used to own the most valuable Egglestons in the world, and he was very proud of that. And now he doesn’t. And he’s upset.

This is all very childish, of course - which is par for the course when it comes to the art world. And somewhere underneath it all, Sobel might even have a legitimate beef.

Eggleston is 72 years old, and suddenly, after decades of being a photographic eminence, he’s deserting the photography community and throwing his lot in with Larry Gagosian and the contemporary-art crowd, just because that’s where the money is.

Eggleston has had a devoted following in the photography community for a very long time, and his latest move seems designed to annoy his base, which is never a particularly wise thing to do. There might be lots of money in the contemporary world right now, but that world is fickle.

Here’s the thing, though: if the fine-art crowd ever gets sick of Eggleston, the photography crowd will always be there for him. They’re going to keep the Eggleston faith no matter what he does in his old age. Even if they act out sometimes by filing frivolous lawsuits.

Felix Salmon is the finance blogger at Reuters. The opinions expressed are his own.

But perhaps the most compelling factor in Obama’s choice seems to have been a fundamental misunderstanding of what “development” requires. Micro-level policies such as health care, which the Obama administration seems to believe is what “development” policy ought to be, can only go so far. But macro-level policies, such as liberalization of trade and in-

7

vestment, privatization, and so forth, are powerful engines of poverty reduction; indeed, they are among the key components of the reforms that countries like India and China embraced in the mid-1980’s and early 1990’s.

Such reforms turned these countries from stagnation to stellar growth. The anti-reform lobbies reacted by arguing that poverty and inequality had worsened. But new empirical studies show otherwise: growing economies benefit the poor not because wealth “trickles down,” but because growth “pulls up” those at the bottom.

In fact, it is the rapid acceleration of economic growth in the major emerging countries that has reduced poverty, not only directly, through jobs and higher incomes, but also by generating the revenues governments need to undertake the public-health, education, and other programs that sustain poverty reduction - and growth - in the long term. India followed this path. So did Brazil’s former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva - after the reforms undertaken by his predecessor produced the revenues that could then be spent on programs to aid the poor further. The problem with Kim, and presumably with the Obama administration’s development experts, is that they do not understand that successful development requires big-payoff pro-reform, pro-growth policies, not just small-payoff micro-level policies.

Bangladesh has gone down that road, substituting such policies for macro-level reforms, and is developing at a far slower pace than India, where macro-level reforms came first.

Kim is hardly likely to understand this dynamic. A decade ago, he cheered on the tirades against “neoliberal” reforms that, in fact, were the harbingers of higher growth and lower poverty around the world. The World Bank presidency should not be an apprenticeship.

Jagdish Bhagwati, Professor of Economics and Law at Columbia University and Senior Fellow in International Economics at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author of In Defense of Globalization.

Emerging markets’ higher-education challenge Shaukat Aziz Project Syndicate

A

s many high-income economies continue to flounder, many regard Brazil, China, India, Russia, and smaller emerging-market countries as the best hope for short-term global recovery. Cautious optimism seems justified if emerging markets can weather the impact of shrinking demand for their exports, and sustain their recent records of prudent macro-economic management. But, unless constraints to longerterm growth are addressed soon, the emerging markets’ rise to prosperity and global influence will be short-lived.

The main constraints include environmental degradation, economic deprivation, social inequality, ineffective public-sector management, and weak corporate governance. None of these challenges can be overcome without a massive increase in the number of competent and motivated leaders and professionals. But that requires reforming and expanding access to post-secondary education. Tertiary education’s pivotal importance in emerging markets was emphasized at a recent symposium that I chaired at Green Templeton College, Oxford. We concluded that expanding access to higher education could be a game-changer for emerging markets if they act promptly and decisively.

Changes are needed on three levels. First, all tertiary-education institutions should ensure that their missions remain relevant in fast-changing economic and social environments, while continuously evaluating their competitive and collaborative advantages. Moreover, they should balance the demands of the marketplace with the need to nurture ethical values and social skills, and adopt admissions and financial-aid policies that give socially disadvantaged students access without compromising standards. And they should embrace governance arrangements that include adequate representation from business and civil society, while anchoring their visions for the future in local, national, and global realities.

Second, at the national level, within their specific economic and demographic contexts, all emerging-market governments should define the strategic role of tertiary institutions in terms of national educational needs. That means embedding primary, secondary, and tertiary education, as well as continuing education and vocational training, in a comprehensive strategy.

National education strategies should be formulated with broad participation from government agencies, business leaders, and civil-society organizations. They should facilitate accelerated transfer between different types of institutions, in order to satisfy changing student preferences, while enforcing nationally applicable accreditation standards in all public and private tertiary institutions taking international standards into account wherever possible.

Such strategies also should balance the promotion of top institutions with the development of those that serve the majority of students. In other words, they should make the search for excellence compatible with national priorities and objectives.

And they should encourage tertiary institutions to develop internal assessment mechanisms, use transparent criteria for external assessment, and employ current information and communications technologies.

Finally, at the international level, the global-

National education strategies should be formulated with broad participation from government agencies, business leaders, and civil-society organizations. ization of tertiary education has become evident in rising flows of students between high-income, emerging-market, and poorer countries; in everimproving Internet-based access to knowledge; and in the proliferation of global institutional partnerships. Yet while teachers and scholars have traveled the world for centuries seeking employment and knowledge, the modern global educational marketplace is riddled with problems that impede academic travel and distort educational choices.

The desire for academic travel is driven by contrasts in the quality, cost, and accessibility of tertiary education; by differences in admissions criteria, accreditation processes, and potential social and occupational networks; and by capacity constraints in emerging-market institutions that are not growing fast enough to meet growing demand.

In a world in which free-trade regimes facilitate the mobility of capital and enterprise, students, teachers, and researchers should be correspondingly mobile. Yet burdensome visa procedures and heavy-handed immigration procedures are having dire counterproductive effects on global tertiary education.

National security requires border controls. But increasingly arbitrary and nonsensical restrictions are impeding the diffusion of knowledge through personal contact, and choking the global flow of skills and learning.

The transformation of tertiary education is a fundamental condition of sustainable growth in emerging markets. Failure to address its constraints will not cause a catastrophic economic collapse, but neglecting the leadership, managerial, professional, and technical skills that emerging markets increasingly require will inevitably lead to gradual deterioration in overall performance.

The economic, social, and political health of emerging-market countries demands attention to tertiary education now if their potential role as global leaders is to be realized.

Shaukat Aziz is former prime minister of Pakistan and Chairman of the Emerging Markets Symposium’s Steering Committee.

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(All three pieces for KD. 35) 2. Wooden coffee table with 4 drawers (Home Centre) Price: KD. 15 3. Side table with wooden drawers (3 shelves) Price: KD. 6 4. Dark brown three door cupboard with two full length mirrors Price: KD. 30 5. Full length light brown cupboard with mirror Price: KD. 30 6. Wooden shelves Price: 500 fills each 7. Book stand Price: KD. 5 8. Ikea Wooden crib Price: KD. 15 9. Ikea changing table Price KD 8 10. Playpen Price: KD. 5 11. Baby Pram Price: KD. 8 12. Sony Trinitron TV, 29 inches Price: KD. 25 13. Queen size bed (includes mattress) Price: KD. 30 14. Wooden Master bed (King size) Price: KD. 40

(includes mattres)

Tel:67058331

SLR

FOR RENT

One big room available for Keralite couple or working ladies in Hawally with Keralite family.

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom rent KD 85. Tel: 50824257

bathrooms, living room and kitchen along a maid room.

Tel: 90958689-99925977

Carpenter.

Tel: 66291129 SLR

Westener teacher available to tutor English American and British Curriculums in English, Math and Science or Art.

For rates, please call

6068 5554

WDLR

Deluxe villa for rent in Egila, strategic location located around 3 streets, 2 floors, 7 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, 4 living rooms + 2 kitchens and 2 gardens. Tel: 55969322

Arabic Teacher for non-native speakers Beginners and advanced - All levels of the Arabic language - IGCSE & GCSE. Only 10 KD for an hour and free books

WDLR

Apartment in Zahra, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room and kitchene, KD360, Tel: 99725755 Apartment in Manqaf, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room and kitchen.Tel: 90958689

Apartment in Mahboula, 4 master bedrooms with baths, living room, kitchen, maids room, laundry and storage room ,swimming pool, parking.

Tel: 65563683

Apartment in Salmiya, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, pool, DSL and kids playground, KD475.Tel: 66297171

Chevrolet Lumina V6 2008 model done 80000 km in good condition for KD 2800, single used. Tel: 99962456

Volkswagen Touareg 2005, navy exterior in a very good condition, KD 2500.Tel: 94404405

Toyota mini buss KD2900.Tel:24747418

2005.

Ford Lincoln, grey exterior.

Tel: 99288558

2005,

Mercury Grand Marquis 2005, hardly used in great condition with valid insurance.Tel:97175533

Lexus IS400 1998, navy full option, KD 1900.Tel: 97803380 Hyundai 2000, green exterior, KD 500.Tel:99628345 BMW 2000, White exterior, beige interior, KD 1250 Tel: 97878183 Toyota Camry 2000, in great condition.Tel:99734995

EB-5 Investor Program

Homemade Easter Eggs Available

Chocolate Easter eggs, Easter cookies, Easter cupcakes available.

For further details,

please call 66052065

19-03/19-04

Investors looking to take advantage of EB-5 Investor Program to obtain US Citizenship, Investing US$ 500,000 in Approved Regional Center, investors receives “Green Card” within 4 months allowing permanent residency. Fund is placed on real estate investment for 5 years with up to 6% income per year. For appointment call: (965) 66834599, Email: nkoni@ konikonsultants.com / website: www.KoniKonsultants .com

Learn French, Speak French!

FOR SALE

Tel:97601745

A well known Bakala

located at Block 4 Mahaboula behind Alia and Galia Tower.

Floor space 5mX5m, with bathroom, include 2 chillers, 2 freezers, cash register, vegetable scale, with stocks.

Private French lessons with an experienced teacher in all levels and with all age groups. Interested?

Please call: 97722008

21-03/21-04

Laptop repairs, Formats, anti-virus program and games.

SLR

Paints and wallpapers, professional work.

Tel:99795097

Interested parties may contact

60452716

SLR

20-03/20-04

I am an MBA holder with more then 23 years experience in Accounting, Analysis, and Business development. Responsibilities in India & Kuwait, now I am looking part time job after 6 pm from Sunday to Thursday, Friday & Saturdays full day free, if any suitable vacancies for me please contact 55710397.

Learn Arabic For foreigners to learn Arabic easily.

Contact: 66972388

SLR

Packing and moving services.

06-03/06-04

Required Sales person for men’s textiles shop with sales experience (speaks Arabic). Salary KD 160 + commission.

Tel: 66970789

Tel:65599091

SLR

24-01/24-02

Laptops rent,

Seeking qualified female Nail Technicians of Filipino Nationality. If interested please contact 99030565 or 25319812.

Tel: 66644270

16-01/16-02

Required sales person with knowledge of using the computer. Tel:66292269

SLR

Egyptian babysitter, baby sit kids from 1 years old to 4.

Tel:94996159

Required chef for Lebanese restaurant. Tel: 6509292697686366

SLR

Apartment in Abdullah Al Ahmad, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room and kitchen.

Tel:90958689.

Cars

30-01/30-02

02-04/02-05

Apartment in Salmiya, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, maid room, living room and kitchen, KD400.

Tel:67004704

Cars

Nissan Altima Tel:94915050

25/12 - 25-02

Apartment in Jabriya, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living and kictehen.Tel: 66256814

Studio in Salwa, block 1, street 6, house360, KD260.

Tel:66143662

Apartment in Manqaf, private entrance, 3 bedrooms, 3

Arabic Teacher

Super deluxe furniture apartment in Salmiya, 2 rooms, 2 baths, living room, kitchen and laundry room, KD500.Tel:25352200

Apartment in Hawalli, duplex furnished, great location, 2 master rooms, kitchen, living.

Tel: 97720081

Apartment in Hawalli, 2 master rooms, kitchen, balcony and living room.

Tel:60001848

69696177

Work/Employment

FOR RENT

Room available only for Filipino, single lady near Kuwait National English School, Hawally. Accessible to bus going to City and Sharq. New building with Pinoy TV Channel and large sala & dining area. Tel: 97197268

Slimming massage, manicure, pedicure, acrylic and nail extension. Please call

25/12 - 25-01

SLR

Professional gardening services.

Home Service Available

28-02/28-03

Serious buyers please contact 67002524

Tel: 9769364

contact Mr. Khaled Ph: 99619998 & 55619998

1/02-02/03

Items for sale

27-02/27-03

TREADMILL excellent condition, high-tech screen, KD 35.

Tel:90989840 Billiard table for sale in great condiditon.Tel:66666168

Contact: 67009278

Kitchen Equipment repairs 24hours.

Abu Mahmud: SLR

KD 50 KD 25 KD 60 KD 35 KD 10

Pictures and Information of all items available upon request…!!!

SLR

Satellite service, 24hours, covers all area.

WDLR

Brand New Items…!!!

5) MOTHERCARE 2 position Baby Carrier – KD 5 (sold in MC for KD 10) 6) AVENT’s Award Winning ISIS Breast Pump Set (with 2 Bottles & Accessories)

KD 20 (sold in MC for KD 30)

Tel: 93399180

Satellite

Mudarrib Nafais : Contact: 65553012

1) GRACO Baby Stroller (designed by Laura Ashley) 2) GRACO Baby Car Seat (designed by Laura Ashley) As a Set – both Stroller & Car Seat for 3) JUNIORS Car Seat (from Birth upto 18kgs) 4) JUNIORS Baby Tub + Stand

Tuitions available with a qualified /experienced teacher in Hawalli for students from Class 1 to Class 7 in all subjects except Arabic.

27-02/27-03

- Flexible Timing - Reasonable Price - For all languages

Baby Items in “Excellent Condition” For Sale

Tuition available in Hawalli

Western Expat teacher certified, offering English lessons to adults or children. Preparation for exams, or Immigration, also available. Please call: 6556 7494

Driving Instructors available for learners

GMC Yukon 1999, spacious and clean. KD 1700, price is negotiable. Tel:66694310 Nissan Maxima 2008, 6VS, KD 3200. Tel: 99997494 Nissan Maxima KD1500. Tel: 66565511

2004,

WDLR

Carpool service, female driver covers all Kuwait areas.

Website designer and management

Tel:60361977

SLR

Sewer system cleaning.

Tel:66070166

Tel:66238890

SLR

Paints and wallpapers.

SLR

Baraka: Tel: 99881053

SLR

BUSINESS

MONdAY, APRIL 9, 2012

m ar ket watc h KUWAIT 0.13% 6154

DUBAI

QATAR

1.1% 1669

0.5% 8778

Egypt’s EFG-Hermes 2011 profit tumbles 63% CAIRO: Egyptian bank EFG-Hermes reported a 63 percent drop in 2011 net profit on Sunday as the economic fallout from uprisings across the Middle East pushed down brokerage, investment banking and asset management revenue. Net income before minority interests was 307.7 million Egyptian pounds (51 million US dollars), down from 826.2 million pounds in 2010, a statement from the bourse said.

See page 10

OIL MARKETS

OMAN

ABU DHABI

BAHRAIN

0.3% 5842

0.0% 2558

0.2% 1143

EGYPT

SAUDI

2.2% 4722

1.8% 7718

US Crude $103.31 $0.11 London Brent $122.43 $0.11 Kuwait Crude $121.13 $0.45 Information Courtesy: KAMCO

CURRENCIES US Dollar

British Pound

Saudi Riyal

Qatari Riyal

Indian Rupee

Euro

Japanese Yen

UAE Dirham

Bahraini Dinar

Philippine Peso

Buy 0.2785 Sell 0.2786 Buy 0.3647 Sell 0.3649

Buy 0.4424 Sell 0.4426

Buy 0.00341 Sell 0.003413

Buy 0.0743 Sell 0.0743

Buy 0.07582 Sell 0.07585

Tourists take picture of cherry blossoms at yu yuan tan park in Beijing, China, Sunday, April 8, 2012. Growth of the Chinese economy is expected to reach its slowest point since the global financial crisis, as authorities deliberately restrain the Asian powerhouse. First quarter GDP figures published this week are likely to show growth has eased from 9.2 percent last year, to 8.4 percent in the first three months of this year.

(AP)

sirability of a fair and sophisticated tax system and the authorities had also stressed legislation in this regard must be debated and finalized and approved without delay to help counter current budget structural imbalance.

On the law to support national labor, the report said it was unfair and a violation of so-

cial equality to impose a tax of 2.5 percent on net annual profit on companies listed with Kuwait Stock Exchange but not the others.

It would be fair and advisable to impose the same tax on other Kuwaiti companies as well, to take part in supporting the national labor programs.

Buy 0.7387 Sell 0.73919

Buy 0.005451 Sell 0.005448 Buy 0.006524 Sell 0.006507

Prices in Kuwaiti fils As of April 8, 2012 Courtesy: KAMCO

Tax policy review a must to hike state revenues KUWAIT: It is essential to reconsider the state’s tax policy and “seriously consider” a tax mechanism that would increase revenues into the state’s budget and also function as an effective tool of monetary and economic policy, said Kuwait Audit Bureau.

A recent bureau report said that it is now “crucial to make overall tax reforms” to overcome loopholes in implementation of the current income tax and address shortcomings affecting support of national labor.” It is particularly important to do so now in view of developments in global tax systems and the shortcomings now perceived in the state’s tax laws.

The report noted that most countries, of different economic systems, have tax systems to help steer their economic and social affairs in a manner that satisfies national interest. It defined tax as “a fee levied by the state on individuals and corporations and other bodies in proportion to their finances and for the aim of public good.” One change proposed was imposition of tax on national companies too, while only foreign investors now pay a 15 percent tax on their net profit. “This state of affairs is both discriminatory and a damper on foreign investors’ interest in opportunities in Kuwait.”

This also brings the risk of investors resorting to “on paper only” legal alliances with local agents to evade payment.

The report also listed “loose terminology” in the concerned tax decree, which brings about lack of transparency in legislation and predictability upon implementation. It added that the law specified percentage of tax on national and on other bodies, but failed to classify tax due based on type of activity, which is the case elsewhere.

The bureau noted that the government’s working program had clearly indicated the de-

Buy 0.07652 Sell 0.07649

A good alternative is to impose tax on all at a percentage of 2.5 percent which would serve as an acceptable permeable to a comprehensive tax system.

In view of desired expansion in mega projects by Kuwaiti and foreign private sector entities, introduction of this tax on all alike would increase shared responsibility to bolster state budget.

The imposition of tax with all its documentation would assist in compilation of thorough and regular records to be used as reference in later follow up on project execution by concerned companies.

The Finance Ministry’s Tax Division is the Kuwaiti body responsible for supervising the state’s budget and implementation of tax laws and systems. It oversees implementation of laws on taxes imposed on foreign companies and the law taxing listed companies under the “support of national labor” article.

The ministry also implements the law issued in 2006 on Zakat paid by companies to the state budget, which states a one percent tax on net annual profit, with sums spent as specified by Sharia (Islamic Jurisprudence).

As shown by official records, the ministry collected a 15 percent tax imposed on 560 foreign companies operating in Kuwait between 2008-2009 and 2010-2011, at a total value of KD 43 million.

The ministry also collected a tax of 2.5 percent imposed on 222 KSE-listed companies for the said period, at a total sum of KD 28 million.

The one percent tax levied by the Zakat law meanwhile affected 1,121 Kuwaiti shareholding companies at a total of 16 million.

The total sum of tax collected for the said time period comes to KD 87 million, as shown by the ministry records. -KUNA

Saudi tumbles as traders eye world markets

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s bourse made its largest one-day decline in eight months on Sunday and most other regional markets also fell as investors sold off ahead of an expected drop in global markets on Monday. The kingdom’s index dropped 1.9 percent, its biggest daily decline since August 20. Shares worth 18 billion Saudi riyals (4.80 billion US dollars) exchanged hands. The market is still up nearly 20 percent this year and analysts had warned it was over-bought. US stock futures fell more than one percent on Friday after US payrolls grew by 120,000 in March, far below the expected gain of 203,000 jobs. World markets look poised to fall this week even as the focus shifts to the beginning of earnings season.

Technical analysis suggests the index has support between 7,500 and 7,600 points. Petrochemical and banking shares fell, with these two the largest sectors on the kingdom’s bourse.

Bellwether Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) slid 1.9 percent,Al Rajhi Bank declined 0.9 percent and telecoms operator Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) shed 2.2 percent. In Dubai, contractor Arabtec led declines as the index fell for a second session, down 1.1 percent.

Shares in the builder dropped 4.4 percent, down for a second session since Wednesday’s four-week high. The stock had surged after Abu Dhabi’s Aabar Investments doubled its stake in Arabtec.

The emirate’s benchmark is moving within a tight range as it consolidates following sharp gains in the first quarter. It is up 23.3 percent in 2012. -Reuters

10

ALWATAN DAILY

BUSINESS

monDAY, april 9, 2012

Egypt’s EFG-Hermes 2011 profit tumbles 63% Orascom leads Egypt lower on Algeria concerns

CAIRO: Egyptian bank EFG-Hermes reported a 63 percent drop in 2011 net profit on Sunday as the economic fallout from uprisings across the Middle East pushed down brokerage, investment banking and asset management revenue.

Net income before minority interests was 307.7 million Egyptian pounds (51 million US dollars), down from 826.2 million pounds in 2010, a statement from the bourse said.

Like other Egyptian financial firms, EFG was hit last year by the turmoil that followed a popular uprising that unseated the country’s president.

Consolidated operating revenue fell 31 percent as investment bank revenue tumbled 65 percent.

The unit’s fee and commission income fell 31 percent, EFG said in a statement. It closed four major transactions during the year with a combined value of over $27 billion. Assets under management grew 2.2 percent from the third quarter after three quarters of declines.

The company said commercial bank Credit Libanais, which EFG bought in 2010, reported a profit that offset a net loss in investment banking, “underscoring the wisdom of management’s pursuit of a universal banking strategy”.

EFG shares were little changed after the results, in

line with a flat benchmark Egyptian index.

In more news, Egypt’s main index slipped 0.85 percent in thin volume as Orascom Telecom continues to decline on bleak prospects for any resolution of a dispute with Algeria over its local mobile business, a trader says.

Talks between Orascom’s parent company Vimpelcom and Algeria over the future of Orascom’s unit Djezzy have soured since the imposition last month of a $1.25 billion fine on Djezzy, according to sources on both sides.

“Since the Algerian news, the stock has just been falling,” says Omar Darwish of CIBC brokerage.

Orascom Telecom sees the second-biggest trading volume on the Egyptian Exchange as it dropped 5.9 percent.

Telecom Egypt, whose shares go ex-dividend from Monday, is one of just three gainers on the benchmark index, edging up 0.5 percent.

A last-minute decision by deposed President Hosni Mubarak’s former intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to contest Egypt’s presidential election is having little effect on the market, says Darwish.

He says foreign activity in the Egyptian stock market, always slower on a Sunday which is the European weekend, is even weaker because of the Easter religious holiday.

“Nothing is moving,” he says. “Foreigners are less than seven percent of the market and retail investors represent 80 percent. There is strong retail selling.”

-Agencies

FILE - Workers at Egypt’s stock exchange market are seen in the trading hall in Cairo, Egypt Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Egyptian bank EFG-Hermes reported a 63 percent drop in 2011 net profit on Sunday as the economic fallout from uprisings across the Middle East pushed down brokerage, investment banking and asset management revenue. (AP)

Abu Dhabi sells stake in GPCE kicks off amidst outstanding presence of Gulf countries electric carmaker Tesla

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi National Energy (TAQA), a state-owned oil explorer and power supplier, has sold its seven percent stake in Tesla Motors Inc, cashing out from the US electric carmaker’s steady stock rally.

TAQA, which is 75-percent owned by the government of Abu Dhabi, said it made a profit of 113 US dollars million on the sale, which was effected through the stock market and at Tesla’s last closing price would have fetched $250 million.

Tesla, founded in 2003 by a group of Silicon Valley engineers, is best known for the Tesla Roadster, a car launched in 2008 and now sold in 32 countries.

Carmakers Daimler and Toyota also own stakes in the company, which expects to turn profitable in 2013 and sees revenues this year nearly tripling, spurred by deliveries of its premium electric sedan, the Model S, set to begin in July.

Tesla shares have risen 21 percent year-to-date and have doubled from its 2010 listing price of $17 on bullish investor sentiment towards the electric car industry at a time of rising oil prices.

TAQA said it had sold the 7.3 million shares transferred to it by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) in December 2010.

“While TAQA respects and has admiration for Tesla’s vision, technology and products, Tesla was a non-core investment for TAQA that was originally made by ADWEA and transferred to us. We hope to use the profit to pursue energy opportunities in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region,” said a TAQA spokesman.

Oil-rich Abu Dhabi, which accounts for more than half of the UAE’s economy, is reviewing its overseas investment portfolio as part of measures to instill more discipline in dealmaking among its investment firms.

The emirate is still the largest shareholder in Daimler through its sovereign wealth fund Aabar Investments.

Kurdistan buy

In a separate statement, TAQA said it bought a 50 percent interest in a Kurdistan power plant, which has been operating since 2009. The power plant has a capacity of 750 megawatts, with an additional 250 megawatts under construction, TAQA said.

The company signed a joint venture agreement with Mass Global Investments Co Ltd for the purchase, it said.

“There is a 15 year take or pay agreement (750 MW) in place with the Ministry of Electricity, Kurdistan Region. The facility receives gas from an underground pipeline connecting the Khor Mor gas field to the plant,” said Virtanen.

Semi-autonomous since 1991, Kurdistan has enjoyed more security than the rest of Iraq and energy majors have flocked into the region with big investment plans.

Abu Dhabi-listed TAQA, which invests in oil and gas overseas, also runs power plants in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, India and the United States and plans to start oil and gas operations in north Africa.

TAQA is a major shareholder in the Netherlands’ Bergermeer gas storage facility with capacity of 4.1 billion cubic meters, and is also involved in an offshore gas production project in the Dutch North Sea. -Reuters

KUWAIT: With the motto ‘The integration of Gulf petroleum Industry. Prospects and challenges’, the Gulf Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (GPCE) launched Sunday. This was stated in a press release on Sunday.

The GPCE is a two-day event organized by the Investors Group and sponsored by the Minister of Oil, the Chairman of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Hani Hussain and with the presence of chairpersons of local, Gulf and world oil companies as well as oil experts from inside and outside Kuwait. On this occasion, Chairman of the Steering Committee for the event, Jamal AlGharaballi, said that the Conference convenes in view of the regional developments that highlight the global oil markets, stressing the importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region that offers great possibilities and capabilities that help bringing stability and reinstating confidence in the oil markets.

He added that this conference is the first of its kind that translates the interest of Kuwait in the oil sector development plan. The conference will be sponsored by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) as well as a number of local, regional and global oil and gas companies. He highlighted that the conference will address the horizons and challenges facing the oil and gas industry in the GCC region in particular and in the world in general.

Al-Gharaballi added that the Conference attracts the most important companies operating in this vital sector in Kuwait, GCC and in the world to showcase the latest techniques and technology they use and to create awareness about their current and future projects.

He added that the conference will be an excellent opportunity for international companies to view the latest developments in the Gulf oil sector and the businesses and tenders that will be offered as part of Kuwait’s and regional mega projects.

From his side, the Chairman of the scientific Committee of the GPCE, Dr. Jasem Bishara, said that the conference will discuss a number issues which highlight important aspects related to oil, gas and petrochemical industry as well as the

technical, economic and commercial issues and the role of this vital industry in the development of Kuwait in particular and GCC countries in general. Bishara pointed out that the conference comprises five main sessions each of them discusses a key element of the conference in addition to the inaugural speech by the Minister of Oil, Hani Hussain, and the conference organizer.

The former Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ambassador Abdullah Bishara, will also launch an inaugural speech highlighting the issue of Gulf integration. Ambassador Bishara is a leading person in the Gulf cooperation field as he headed the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is to mention that the Arab Gulf overlooking countries possess 65 percent of the global oil reserves, and therefore, they are of a strategic importance in this area. He added that the first session will highlight the oil industry horizons and the opportunities provided in this industry. This session will be attended by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of KPC, Farouk Al-Zanki and the Secretary General of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, Abbas Naqi.

Bishara said that the second session of the first day will discuss the current trends in the field of oil exploration filed and production operations.

The session will be attended by the CEO of Kuwait Oil Company (KOC), Sami Al Rushaid, the Deputy CEO for Petroleum Engineering and Development Operations, Saudi Aramco Company, Dr. Mohamed Al-Kahtani, Chairman of Gulf Oil Company, Hashem Al-Refaei, and the Advisor to the CEO of Canadian Natural Resources Company Limited, Dr. Hamid Maguid.

Partnership between public and private sectors

From his side, and on the occasion of participating in the Conference, Chairman of the Kuwaiti Industries Union, Hussain Al-Kharafi, talked about the current status of the industrial sector and its developments stating that the industrial sector is a key component of the Kuwaiti economy. However, it suffers from a number of difficulties that prevent it from fulfilling its tar-

Spring: A time for flowers, high gasoline prices NEW YORK: Ahh, spring. The days get longer, flowers bloom, and gasoline gets more expensive.

It’s a galling time for drivers, and it’s more maddening than usual this year. The average price of gasoline could surpass four US dollars per gallon nationwide as early as this week. It’s already $3.93 per gallon, a record for this time of year.

Why the seasonal spike? It’s the time of year refineries reduce output to repair equipment and start making a cleaner, more expensive blend of gasoline for summer.

Since 2000, pump prices have risen every year between early February and late May. The annual increase has boosted prices by 27 percent on average, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. This year, prices have risen 14 percent, or 48 cents per gallon, since Feb. 1.

“There’s always built-in increase, and it’s going to be accentuated this year,” said Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at Oil Price Information Service.

Gasoline was expensive even before the seasonal runup. Strong global demand, heightened tensions with Iran and a smattering of supply disruptions have kept crude oil prices elevated for months. The oil used to make most of the gasoline in the US has averaged $120 per barrel this year.

This year’s spring surge is more extreme than usual because three refineries that serve the East Coast were shut down last fall and another one may be closed in July.

That’s threatening supplies in one of the country’s most densely populated regions, and pushing prices higher everywhere.

Demand for gasoline tends to drop off in winter. That makes it the perfect time for refineries to get ready for summer, when the objective is to produce as much fuel as possible. The catch is that the refining industry’s version of spring cleaning causes supplies to shrink and prices to rise.

To be specific: - Refineries need major maintenance once every four years, on average. On a practical level, that means onefourth of the nation’s refining capacity is temporarily shut down in the first quarter of every year. Because the US has

FILE - People drive past a service station in Silver Spring, Maryland, on Feb. 23, 2012. High gasoline prices correlate with the season of spring. (AFP)

half the number of refineries it did in 1980, a delay in getting one or two back up and running has a greater impact than in the past.

- To comply with the Clean Air Act and limit smog, refiners have to make a special blend of gasoline that doesn’t easily evaporate in the warm summer air. The fuel is five to

15 US cents a gallon more expensive to make because of raw material costs.

- The nationwide fuel supply can’t be transformed overnight. Between April 1, when refiners must start making the summer blend, and June 1, when retailers have to be selling it, supplies become uncertain, and prices at the pump rise.

geted role.

He pointed out that the Gulf Petroleum Conference and Exhibition is a real opportunity to assure the partnership between the industrial sector and the Government oil companies, and highlighted the interest of both parties to overcome the obstacles that hinder the national product development and growth.

Al-Kharafi stressed the importance of the role played by the industrial sector to create national job opportunities, diversify the productivity base and income sources and to provide the food and strategic security that is a key driver in the comprehensive development.

He added that there are currently some obstacles that prevent the development of Kuwaiti industry, expressing his belief that such obstacles face the industrial sector since long time, but they have been aggravated by the forced involvement of industry in the political conflict which weakened the investor’s confidence in this sector.

He said that the mid term development plan 2010-2011 to 2013-2014 is the right and required frame to push the development wheel and achieve the progress adding that the strategic objectives highlighted by the development plan till 2035 are based on increasing the economic growth of non oil sectors and the private sector leadership of the economic activity.

As for the key obstacles facing the industrial sector, Al-Kharafi said that they include the lack of industrial lands required for the construction of new factories or enhancing existing factories.

This requires a quick assignment of new lands for local industries. He expected that this crisis will be solved very soon as it was launched by the Central Tenders Committee.

He added that the government bureaucracy also contributes in hindering the timely achievement of transactions. This requires the development of mechanism of work of the government authorities concerned with the sector, increasing the work efficiency and guaranteeing performance. He expressed his optimism towards the launch of an integrated service center as of Feb. 15, 2012 and the control of efficiency of such authorities.

During this period when refiners are doing maintenance and making summer gasoline, the odds of an unexpected supply disruption rise, analysts say.

To protect themselves against this possibility, energy traders buy wholesale gasoline futures on financial exchanges. That pushes wholesale gasoline prices up. And higher wholesale prices are quickly translated to higher retail prices.

Distributors and gas station owners buy gasoline every day based on a price set on exchanges. Station owners then change their prices based on how much their last shipment cost, how much the next shipment is likely to cost and what their closest competitors are charging.

Retailers can go back to selling winter blends on Sept.

15. While it’s not required, most do so because it is less expensive. Gasoline prices generally decline in the autumn, along with gasoline demand.

Seasonal price swings are not unique to the energy business. Flights to Europe are more expensive in summer, when travel demand rises, and strawberries and tomatoes get more costly in winter because they must be shipped from far-flung places. Yet when it comes to gasoline and spring price hikes, drivers don’t want to hear about supply and demand or higher production costs.

Tony Kost of Leesburg, Fla., who commutes 80 miles roundtrip a day for work, says it’s hard to buy the industry’s explanation for the seasonal price spikes.

He has a simpler, if unproven, theory: “Oil industry price fixing.”

“The oil industry has inflated the price of gasoline,” says Kost, who paid $3.91 a gallon the last time he tanked up.

There are some consolations for Kost and other drivers.

Even though it may not feel like it, gasoline prices do usually dip after their spring peak. Last year gasoline fell from $3.98 per gallon on May 5 to $3.55 on July 1 and finished the year at $3.28.

Also, summer gasoline blends improve fuel economy by one percent to two percent. That means drivers will at least get to go a little bit farther on that pricey tank of gas. -AP

ALWATAN DAILY

BUSINESS

Iran’s official inflation climbs to 21.5%

Q1 bank results face great expectations

FILE- A woman enters a currency exchange shop in Tehran’s business district Oct. 24, 2011. Iran’s official inflation rate has almost doubled over the past year.

(Reuters)

DUBAI: Iran’s official inflation rate has almost doubled over the past year as prices are driven up by budget reforms, a weak currency and international sanctions, according to new data which could add to criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Inflation in urban areas was 21.5 percent for the last Iranian year which ended on March 19, the central bank said in a statement on Sunday. Prices of goods and services rose 12.4 percent during the preceding year, according to figures previously released by the bank. During the final month of last year, when consumer demand related to year-end celebrations added to upward pressure on inflation, prices jumped 3.4 percent from the previous month.

Ahmadinejad’s economic management is being attacked by some lawmakers and last month he was summoned to parliament for an unprecedented interrogation on his policies. Many Iranians believe real inflation is much higher than the official rate, and some clerics and lawmakers have accused the government of providing incorrect figures.

Inflation has been rising relentlessly from a low of 8.8 percent in August 2010. The main cause has been the government’s decision to begin phasing out subsidies on food and fuel in December 2010, in order to

reduce wasteful consumption and cut state spending.

But prices have also been hit, indirectly, by a tightening of international sanctions over Iran’s disputed nuclear program.

The sanctions, led by Washington and Europe, have frozen Iran out of much of the global trading system in the last several months, forcing importers to use more expensive channels to obtain food and intermediate and consumer goods.

The sanctions have also pushed down Iran’s currency which has in turn added to inflationary pressure by making imports more expensive.

Many businessmen think the central bank will prevent any further free-fall of the rate; the rial was quoted at 19,050 to the dollar by the Association for Exchanges of Iran on Sunday, barely changed from 18,890 just after the policy shift. Nevertheless, the rial’s free-market rate has roughly halved against the dollar over the past year, adding to import costs.

Despite the misery caused by surging prices among ordinary Iranians, the economy is self-reliant compared to many other oil exporters in the Gulf, and has demonstrated it can operate in a high-inflation environment. Inflation hit levels of around 30 percent in 2008. -Reuters

Trading Prices of Kuwait Exchange Trading Prices of Kuwait Stock Stock Exchange Date of Closing Prices: 08 / 04 / 2012 For more information please contact “Global” at (+965) 180 42 42 or www.globalinv.net

Company National Bank Gulf Bank Commercial Bank Ahli Bank Ahli United Bank International Bank Burgan Bank Kw Finance House Boubyan Bank

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1,080

1,040 425 810 270 410 740 550

430 820 280 410 770 550

Global Index - Banking Kw Investment Commercial Facilit.

Int'L Financial Adv. National Invest.

Kw Projects Ahlia Holding Coast Invest.

Int'L Investor Securities House Ind. & Fin. Inv. Securities Group Int'L Finance MARKAZ KMIFIC Aref Inv. Group Al AMAN Inv. ALOLA Inv. ALMAL Inv. Gulf Inv. House A'ayan Leasing Bayan Inv. GLOBAL Inv. Osoul Inv. KFIC KAMCO Nat. Int'l Holding Housing Finance MADAR Al Deera Holding Al Safat Inv. Al Salam Group Ekttitab Holding Al Qurain Holding Sokouk Holding Al-Madina Finance NOOR Tamdeen Inv. Int'll Exch KW BH Int Exch.

Taiba Kuwaiti Holding

Kuwait Syrian Strategia Kuwait China Inv. Manafae Inv. Gulf North Africa Amwal Al Masar Al-Imtiaz

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106 280 162 340 112 146 53 36.5 64 61 39.5 -

260.0 114.0

80.0 184 310 67 51 53 128

106 280 160 335 112 142 51 36.0 64 61 36.5 250.0 108.0 75.0 182 295 67 51 52 126

Global Index - Investment Kuwait Insurance Gulf Insurance Ahlia Insurance Warba Insurance Kuwait Re-Ins. First Takaful Ins. Wethaq Insurance

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57 114 124 244 37.5 97

1,080

72 64.0 94 59 67 87 18.5 38.5 70 164 42.5 36.0 21.5 54 355

Global Index - Real Estate Nationl Ind. Group Pipes Ind. & Oil Kuwait Cement Refrigeration Ind. Gulf Cables & Elec.

Heavy eng. & Ship.

Marine Services Portland Cement Shuaiba Industrial Metal Collecting Kuwait Foundry

232 120 440 124 300 890 106 -

226 116 440 124 300 880 104 -

1060 425 790 610 810 280 415 770 560 316.93 106 280 52 160 340 13.0 55 25.0 130 25.0 230 99 112 102 52 26.0 144 51 26.5 71 37.0 48.5 64 26.0 242 57 38.5 51 38.5 100 255.0 108.0 22.0 22.5 75.0 29.0 186.0 305 114 28.00 80 67 56 52 64 42.50 128 83.35

300 560 500 148 220 122 40.50 44.17

300 560 500 148 220 122 40.50 44.17

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57 112 118 240 32.5 240 118 91 36.5 110 96 1,080 72 12.5 64.0 94 58 67 74 36.0 86 17.5 87 17.5 37.5 70 80 164 42.0 28.5 35.0 17.5 21.0 134 134 220 53 350 57.44

58 116 124 242 32.5 240 118 91 38.0 110 97 1,020 68 12.5 60.0 94 58 69 74 36.0 84 19.0 87 17.5 37.5 66 80 174 42.0 28.5 33.5 17.5 22.0 134 134 220 55 350 56.83

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226 118 440 124 1,300 300 140 890 216 106 315

234 118 445 126 1,300 300 140 890 216 112 315

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56 112 118 240 36.5 96 1,020 71 59.0 94 58 66 84 17.5 37.5 70 164 41.5 32.5 21.0 52 350

1080 430 790 610 820 275 410 740 550 316.79 106 280 52 160 340 13.0 55 25.0 130 25.0 230 99 112 102 52 26.0 144 51 26.5 71 36.0 48.5 64 26.0 242 61 38.5 51 39.5 100 255.0 110.0 22.0 22.5 79.0 29.0 182 310 114 28.00 80 67 51 52 64 42.50 128 83.40

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Global Index - Insurance Kuwait R.E. United R.E. National R.E. Salhia R.E. Pearl R.E. Tamdeen R.E. Ajial R.E. Massaleh R.E. Arab R.E. Union R.E. ERESCO Mabani INJAZZAT RE Inv. Holding Grp Int'L Resorts Commercial R.E Sanam R.E. Aa'yan R.E Aqar Kuwait R.E Holding AL Mazaya Al Dar National R.E Themar Int'L Holding Grand R.E Projects Tijara & R.E Invest Al Tameer Arkan Al-Kuwait R.E Al Argan Int'L Abyaar Munshaat First Dubai KBT Manazel REAM Mena Real Estate Al Moudon Intl. R.E Markaz Real Estate Kuwait Remal R.E

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Last Close 176.74 6,153.60 Last Prev.

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Previous Close Change 176.80 -0.06 8.10 6,145.50 Trading Activity Tran. Value(KD) Chng Volume

Date of Closing Prices:

DTD -0.03% 0.13% Last Bid

Last Ask

MTD YTD -3.52% -1.43% 5.84% -0.18% Div. Annual Close High Low P/E Yield

58 10 3 52 13 165 31 332

1,766,250 42,750 12,200 1,519,450 274,700 2,142,900 434,500 6,192,750

1,060 425 600 800 270 405 740 540

1,080 430 630 820 275 410 750 550

3.7% 0.0% 1.9% 3.3% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 2.0%

1,220 510 800 680 920 285 480 900 590 326.42

1,060 425 700 600 790 236 410 740 530 316.79

15.63 30.97 90.92 17.36 30.07 26.15 11.48 22.77 104.63 18.51

20,000 950,000 1,820,000 280,000 80,000 13,020,000 4,600,000 800,000 80,000 40,000 5,200,000 3,400,000 18,820,000 24,720,000 80,000 20 000 20,000 760,000 360,000 480,000 1,920,000 77,450,000

1 32 32 14 3 116 71 8 2 1 52 100 332 273 4 2 8 7 6 51

104 280 158 335 112 142 51 35.5 65.0 38.5 250.0 110.0 78.0 180 280 27 66 51 51 124.0

108 285 160 340 230 114 96 144 52 36.5 69.0 60 39.5 255.0 112.0 79.0 186 300 31 85 67 56 52 128.0

0.0% 7.9% 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.3% 4 2% 4.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.4%

112 285 67 182 345 18.5 69 25.0 130 36.0 230 122 120 102 52 35.5 144 65 35 71 44.0 48.5 70.0 26.0 244 62 39 51 47.5 104 270.0 130.0 25.0 33.5 96.0 29.0 190 310 114 32 89 73 60 59 64 42.5 140.0 85.99

104 255 40 158 295 11.5 50 25.0 130 21.0 230 99 102 50 52 24.0 106 47 21 71 28.5 48.5 64.0 26.0 242 51 36 51 26.0 61 99.0 19.5 19.0 16.0 38.0 29.0 154 255 114 26 58 50 51 47 64 42.5 112.0 74.96

40.56 13.02

1,115

2,120 266,000 291,600 93,900 8,960 1,884,960 238,840 28,920 5,120 2,440 201,840 871,600 2,088,280 1,942,120 14,640 6 050 6,050 50,920 18,360 25,040 242,400 8,284,110

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255 480 500 29.0

300 520 550 144 43.0

6.7% 4.5% 5.0% 6.8% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 4.7%

325 610 540 148 220 134 40.5 44.91

280 550 450 102 220 102 40.5 42.22

15.67 12.90 10.21 23.37 296.83

-1 -4 -6 -2 -

2,760,000 3,340,000 1,760,000 220,000 3,840,000 560,000 1,270,000 120,000 35,120,000 1,000,000 720,000 1,000,000 1,520,000 2,640,000 800,000 40,000 20,000 9,920,000 4,960,000 3,120,000 520,000 2,920,000 78,170,000

37 24 45 10 25 10 64 3 238 12 15 17 20 27 10 1 1 63 50 35 13 82 802

157,200 376,720 211,560 53,080 141,520 54,000 1,331,500 8,560 2,172,520 94,000 42,120 66,400 130,680 47,760 30,360 2,800 3,280 415,360 174,840 66,200 27,680 1,033,650 6,641,790

56 112 118 240 234 108 87 36.0 96 1,060 70 63.0 93 58 65 86 17.5 87 37.5 75 164 41.5 35.0 21.0 31 52 350

57 114 120 242 244 138 37.0 97 1,080 72 64.0 94 59 67 87 18.0 97 38.0 71 85 174 42.0 35.5 21.5 130 34 53 355

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.3% 0.0% 4.2% 0.0% 5.5% 0.0% 6.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 5.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 3.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0%

63 118 152 246 37.5 250 130 100 52.0 120 104 1,080 85 20.0 67.0 94 75 73 90 38.0 92 23.0 91 17.5 45.0 70 80 174 52.0 39.5 39.0 28.5 25.5 134 34 220 70 480 57.93

47 97 108 200 32.5 224 114 77 27.0 108 94 840 62 11.0 35.0 77 56 52 74 33.0 59 13.5 87 17.5 31.0 57 64 116 27.5 22.0 25.0 17.5 15.0 134 31 220 49 270 49.06

44.17 14.37 21.14 21.40

2,320,000 640,000 10,000 20,000 40,000 125,000 40,000 -

55 26 1 1 3 21 2 -

531,920 76,200 4,400 2,480 12,000 111,200 4,200 -

224 118 440 124 1,260 295 136 880 104 300

226 120 450 134 1,340 300 144 890 216 110 340

0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 4.0% 5.0% 3.3% 3.6% 11.2% 4.6% 0.0% 6.3%

260 136 470 158 1,480 345 222 920 216 120 495

214 118 415 124 1,300 300 140 660 180 102 315

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4 1.0 2.0 4.0 4.050 5.0 -5 0.05

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1.5-1 60 4 4.0 -2 2 1.54 -10 1.5 1.0Ex-D -2 0.61 -8 -5 -2 -6 -

bank profits. “Slowly, but surely, people are going to realize that this is for real,” Kotowski said.

In the meantime, sorting out what is real could be difficult. Some banks will likely report loan growth that stems not from new demand from customers for funds, but from taking business from competitors, said analyst Paul Miller of FBR Capital Markets & Co. “The overall economic growth needed for loan growth still is not there,” Miller said. Loan balances at banks in recent weeks have been running about 4.0 percent higher than a year earlier, according to Federal Reserve data, but some of that increase is thought to have come at the expense of European banks and lenders in the capital markets.

JPMorgan and Wells Fargo kick off bank earnings Friday morning. For 81 financial companies in the S&P 500 stock index, first-quarter earnings are expected to be up 6.5 percent from a year ago, according to surveys of analysts by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S through April 4. For the full year, analysts expect the earnings will be up 22.4 percent from 2011.

Underneath the averages are likely to be confusing cross-currents about whether the quarter was good or bad. For example, while profits are expected to be higher for banks in general, earnings per share will be down in the first quarter from a year earlier for JPMorgan and Citigroup Inc , according to surveys of analysts.

But compared with the fourth quarter, profits for JPMorgan and Citigroup are expected to be higher. The big reason for the expected flip-flop in fortunes for the two banks: Their trading and investment banking business in the first quarter were worse than a year before but better then three months ago.

Profit from making new mortgages is expected to counterbalance the loss of fee income from new restrictions on how much banks can charge merchants for debit card transactions. Wells Fargo and JPMorgan have big mortgage operations and some regional banks, such as SunTrust Banks Inc and Fifth Third Bancorp could get a lift, too. Though most new mortgages are used now to refinance existing loans, they are generating additional revenue for the banks.

“We’re going to see decent earnings for banks that embrace mortgage banking,” said Miller of FBR Capital Markets & Co. “It’s probably some of the most profitable stuff you can do.”

With overall revenue weak, bankers know investors will be looking hard at their expenses. At Bank of America Corp, whose shares are up 66 percent this year, more than any other big bank, executives are expected to supplement their April 19 earnings report with details of the second phase of a campaign that has already set out to eliminate $5 billion in annual expenses and 30,000 jobs.

Analysts caution that there are at least two wild cards that could rock the results of the biggest banks: trading revenue and the impact of accounting adjustments, known as debt valuation adjustment or DVA, which must be made for changes in the value of debts the banks owe.

Bond trading increased as investors were more willing to take on risk in the quarter than they were at the end of the year. But profit margins for the dealers tightened. Overall, quarterly revenue from fixed income, currency and commodity trading at the investment banks was likely down more than 20 percent from a year earlier, but up more than 100 percent from three months earlier, analyst David Konrad of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods wrote in a report April 2.

Equity capital markets volumes and fees for advising completed takeovers were down about 25 percent in the quarter from a year earlier, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The accounting adjustments known as DVA perversely reduce the reported earnings of banks when their creditworthiness improves. Because analysts vary in how much work they do to factor DVA into their earnings estimates, the adjustments can create confusion about whether banks actually missed or beat Wall Street expectations.

Bank stock buyers may chose to ignore the accounting noise and the mixed signals. “The psychology seems to be getting better,” said Frank Barkocy, director of research at Mendon Capital Advisors.

“We’re continuing to see signs of improvement in the US economy.” -Reuters

05 / 01 / 2012

For more Information please contact "Global" at (+965) 180 42 42 or www.globalinv.net

1,667,500 100,000 15,000 5,510,000 670,000 2,855,000 790,000 11,607,500

20 5 10 -5 -5 -30 -10 0.14-

CAPITALS: Bank executives face great expectations from investors when they report first-quarter results beginning Friday. Bank stocks have shot up 24 percent this year, as measured by the KBW Banks index, in their steepest ascent in any quarter since the end of September 2009. Now investors want to know if they should stick with their bets that the economy will strengthen and lift bank lending margins and profits, or take their gains and get out. “Investors are out on a limb,” said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer at Harris Private Bank. They won’t get much help from the earnings, which are expected to be murky this quarter and confused by accounting items. Investors may have to rely on their own hunches to sort conflicting numbers and comments from bank executives about the unfolding course of the economy.

Chris Bingaman, a portfolio manager at Diamond Hill Capital Management in Columbus, Ohio, is among the buyers.

Bingaman, whose firm manages nine billion US dollars, said he’s been picking up shares of Wells Fargo & Co, JPMorgan Chase & Co, US Bancorp and PNC Financial Services Group Inc lately. The prices, compared with expected future cash flows, are still attractive, he explained.

Still, Bingaman called the banks “revenue challenged” because bank customers remain reluctant to borrow and profit margins are being held down by low interest rates. “That puts a damper on revenue growth overall,” Bingaman said. At the least, Bingaman said, he wants to see the banks report that their lending margins have stopped contracting. Net interest margins at JPMorgan, for example, were down to 2.70 percentage points in the fourth quarter of 2011 from 2.88 points a year earlier and 3.33 points in 2009.

Even if the contraction were to stop, at least another three to six months must pass before lending margins actually increase, said Chris Kotowski, an analyst at Oppenheimer. “You need to see more loan growth,” he said.

But Kotowski said that the current slow growth in loan portfolios is a big step from the shrinkage two years ago and points toward increasing momentum in borrowing and a stronger recovery in

Trading Prices of Kuwait Stock Exchange Date of Closig Prices: 8/04/2012

For more Information please contact "Global" at (+965) 180 42 42 or www.globalinv.net Global General Index KSE Price Index

11

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012

83.70 13.75 1.39 0.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 30.41 0.00 139.70 0.00 0.00 0.00

0.00 9.54 27 68 27.68 11.92 50.59

0.00 5.19 13.90

12.81

17.36 5.87 15.57 39.24 27.25 0.00 17.55 32.65

5.18 23.51 12.99 7.12 42.45

23.07 18.82 0.00 0.00 19.21 68.75 17.98 5.94 7.18 128.01 118.86 13.09 23.59 20.17

212 212 Last Close ŷ 88 176.5389 źź 620 620 ŷ ź 5,726.90 1,100 1,100 Gulf Glass ŷ Last Prev.

216 216 HilalCompany Cement ŷ Close 415 415 Al Kout Ind. Project High ŷ Close 275 275 1,140 1120 1120 K-PAK Bank National ŷ ŷ 495 495 Gulf BankMaterial 495 224 224 ŷ Building 770 770 Commercial Bank 770 ŷ 300 300 Nat. Ind.Co. ŷ 640 660 Ahli Bank 640 źŸ 102 100 Equipment Holding 106 800 850 Ahli United Bank 850 Ÿŷ 33 33 Mena Holding 248 248 International Bank 248 ŷ 102 102 Consumer Industries ŷ 460 465 460 Burgan ź 128 128 Kuwait Bank Gypsum 890 880 890 Kw Finance House źŷ 216 216 216 Qurain 590 590 Boubyan Bank 590 ŷ 44 44 Salbookh Trading ŷ 319.54 źŷ 319.37 Global 202 202 IKARUSIndex - Banking 75 75 106 106 Boubyan Int'L Ind. ŷ Kw Investment -ŷ 260 265 265 260 źź Commercial Facilit.

166.80 167.90 Global Index - Industrial 40 41 41 40 ź Int'L Financial Adv. 960 910 NationalInvest.

Cinema 910 źź 910 170 172 174 National 170 280 280 KwProjects Hotels 300 295 300 - Ÿŷ Kw 300 400 405 395 ŷź Agility 400 12.5 12.5 12.5 Ahlia Holding 13.5 52 52 Market Complexes 52 53 Coast Invest.

53 52 - źŷ 700 700 ZAIN 25.0 25.0 -710 -690 ŷŷ Int'L Investor 76.0 76.0 77.0 75.0 Safat Energy 130 130 Securities House - ŷŷ 110 110 Educational - ŷŷ 31.0 31.0 Ind. & Fin. Inv.Group 340 340 230 230 Indep. Petroleum -Securities Group - - ŷŷ 102 102 152 150 Int'L Finance - ŷź National Cleaning 154 150 108 112 110 MARKAZ 108 106 108 106 Sultan Center 104 ŷź 50 50 KMIFIC - ŷź 104 102 104 Arabi Group 102 44.0 44.0 Int'L Group 550 550 CityInv. Group - ŷŷ 52 52 Aref Inv. Group - ŷź 2,220 2,200 2,200 2,200 Wataniya Tele.

74 74 Investment Dar - ŷŷ 112 112 114 Kw Gulf Link 112 28.5 28.5 Al AMAN Inv. 58 58 - ŷŷ Kw Cable Vision 108 108 ALOLA Inv. System 110 108 - ŷŷ 300 300 Automated 49 49.5 ALMAL Inv. 50 49 ź 370 370 NAPESCO 23 23 Gulf Inv. House - ŷ 280 285 KCPC 285 280 ź 71 71 - ŷ A'ayan Leasing 255 255 K.S.H - ŷ 31.0 31.0 31.0 ŷ 32.5 Bayan Inv. 260 260 Eyas ŷ 48.5 48.5 GLOBAL Inv. ŷ 112 108 Hits Telecom 68 68 -116 -110 ŷŸ Osoul Inv. 17.5 17.5 Al Safwa Holding 17.5 17.0 ŷ 20.5 20.5 GULFINVEST ŷ 270 270 - ŷŷ Human Soft 26.0 26.0 KFIC 78 78 78 Privatization Holding 78 244 244 KAMCO - ŷŷ 89 89 Nafaaes Holding 94 94 Int'l Leasing & Inv. -- - ŷŷ 154 154 National Slaughter 51 51 - - ŷŷ Nat. Int'l Holding -104 106 104 106 Aref energy 36 36 - ŷź Housing Finance 600 600 51 51 MADAR -- - ŷŷ Safwan 26.5 26.5 26.5 Al Deera Holding 78.0 75.0 74.0 ŷŸ 78.0 26.5 Gulf Petroleum 75 75 Al Safat Inv. - ŷŸ 23.5 22.5 23.5 Gulf Franchising 23.5 122.0 - 114.0 - Ÿŷ 120.0 112.0 Al Salam 120 120 Credit & Group Collection 39.5 41.5 41.0 Ekttitab Holding 17.5 15.0 16.0 źŸ 17.5 39.0 National Ranges 19.0 19.0 Al QurainWell Holding 260 260 - ŷŷ Burgan Drilling 16.5 16.5 16.5 Sokouk Holding 400 380 400 16.5 365 ŷŸ IFA H&R 39.0 38.5 Al-Madina Finance 40.0 1,680 1,640 1,700 38.5 1,660 źŸ Combinted Group 29.0 29.0 NOOR ŷ 80 80 - ŷ Jeeran Holding 160 158 Tamdeen Inv. 160 158 ź 114 116 116 114 ź Palms Agro 255 255 KW BH Int'l Exch.

- ŷ 74.0 75.0 73.0 ź 74.0 Safat TEC 114 114 Taiba Kuwaiti Holding - ŷ 87 89 88 87 Mushrif Trading ź 26.00 26.00 Kuwait Syrian - ŷ 325 325 UPAC 68 68 -Strategia - - ŷŷ 315 310 ALAFCO 305 310 53 53 53 53 ŷź Kuwait China Inv. 160 160 Al-Muwasat 60 60 -- - ŷŷ Manafae Inv. 280 285 Mashaer 290 280 46.5 46.5 Gulf NorthHolding Africa - ŷŸ 275 275 Oula Fuel 280 275 ŷ 64 64 Amwal - ŷ 285 285 - ŷŷ Future 42.50 42.50 Al MasarComm.

99 94 95 Hayat Comm.

99 128 130 Ÿ 124 ź Al-Imtiaz 132 60 62 63 60 źź 75.90 Mubarrad Transport 76.02 Global Index - Investment 50.0 52.0 53.0 Kuwait Resorts 49.0 ź 325 325 Kuwait Insurance - ŷ 750 750 Advanced Technolgy - ŷ 560 560 - ŷ Gulf Insurance 370 360 370 360 Yiaco Medical 485 485 - ŷŸ Ahlia Insurance 460 460 Al Jazeera Airways 460 450 źŷ 118 110 112 108 Warba Insurance 242 242 Al Soor Fuel 242 242 ŷ 220 220 Kuwait Re-Ins. 98 98 Future Kid ŷ 114 114 First Takaful Ins. - ŷ 300 285 K G L Insurance 40.50 40.50 Wethaq -300 -285 ŷŸ ACICO

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United Industries Global General Index 89 Boubyan Petroch.

620 KSE Price Index

78 Al Nawadi Global Index - Insurance Alrai Media Kuwait R.E. 48 Zima Holding

88 620 Low 1,120 490 770 640 100 800 248 455 880 214 580 --

78 ź - ŷ 48 - ź ŷ

100 United R.E. 100 Global R.E. Index - Services 118 National 126 200 Salhia R.E. Trans.

204 LiveStock 188 184 -100 Pearl -102 DanaR.E. Al-Safat 224 224 Tamdeen R.E. United Poultry Ajial R.E. 1,400 Kw FoodStuff 1,380 -Massaleh R.E. -United Food Arab 30.0 KoutR.E. Food 600 30.0 580 Union R.E. Global Index - Food 98 96 ERESCO Sharjah Cement 86 84 860 840 Mabani 75 74 INJAZZAT RE 102 Gulf Cement 99 Inv. 71 11.5 70 UmHolding QuwainGrp Cement 12.0 Int'L Resorts 95 Fujaira Cement 95 78 77 Commercial R.E Ras AlKheimah 70 65 Sanam ARIG R.E. 112 112 54 53 Aa'yan UnitedR.E Gulf Bank Aqar Egypt Kw Holding 300 300 Kuwait R.E Holding Bahrain Kw Ins. 59 AL Mazaya 60 Gulf Fin. House 62.0 59.0 14.0 Al Dar National R.E 14.0 63 Inovest Int'L Holding 69 Themar Ahli United Bank -168 Grand R.E Projects -168 Ithmaar Bank 26.0 -24.5 Tijara & R.E Invest Al Tameer Global Index - Non-Kuwaiti Arkan Al-Kuwait R.E 70 70 Markaz Real Estate Safat Global Investment Al Argan Int'L Funds 28.5 28.0 Abyaar Al-Bareeq Holding 23.5 - 23.5 Munshaat AFAQ First Dubai 26.0 - 25.5 Al-Shamel KBT 27.0 Al-Safat Real Estate 27.0 Manazel 16.5 33 15.5 30 Ajwan Real Estate REAM Specialities Group 395 400 Mena Real Estate Masaken Inter.

Al Moudon Intl. R.E Dulaqan R.E Markaz Real Estate 57 56 Eid Food Kuwait Remal R.E 295 285

Maidan Clinic

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Global Index - Real Estate Flex -

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Nationl Ind. Group 232 Dar Al-Thuraya Real E 242 Pipes Ind. & Oil 126 Kw Medical Services 128 Kuwait Cement 455 450 Amar For Fin. & Leas.

Refrigeration Ind. Total Parallel Market 1,420 1,420 Gulf Cables & Elec.

Heavy & Ship.

Totaleng.

Market Marine Services 720 Portland 720 Global Cement Special Indices Shuaiba GlobalIndustrial Index - Kuwaiti Co.'s 104 Metal Collecting 110 Cap. Global Index - 10 Large Kuwait Foundry -

Global Index - Islamic

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78 43.43 120 48 98 100 710.75 124

79 43.63 120 49 98 99 711.11 120

- Change Previous Close DTD MTD YTD 4.7% 224 196 24.45 208 218 -1 280,000 7 87 0.0% 102 88 31.98 88 -0.40% -1.55% 177.24 -0.7024,680 -1.55% 291,400 470,000 10 -27.30 - 5,754.20 610 5.6% 630 550 630 -1.50% 88.41 -0.47% -1.50% 1,400 1,100 16.54 3.6% Trading Activity - Last - Last224 Div. 216 Close 206 11.21 4.6% Annual High415 Low340 P/E 9.20 Chng - Volume -Tran. - Value(KD) - Bid390 Ask - Yield 4.8% 3,796,050 - 1,120 - 69 3,377,500 300 1,100 275 13.23 300 3.6% 7.3% 255 1,140 1,120 14.74 20 830,000 407,950 490 495 - 0.0% 510 490 33.95 Ex-D 228 224 27.09 0.0% 10,000 1 7,700 - 770 780 790 770 88.62 325 260 19.25 2.7% 300 310 1.9% -20 2 265 6,400 10,000 640 660 660 64051 17.34 237,400 2,300,000 110 48.89 102 104 3.1% 0.0% 50 350,000 23 282,700 840 850 - 1.6% 85033 79033 29.68 0.00 0.0% 16 - 700,000 173,600 246 248 - 0.0% 255 24893 23.59 102 0.0% -5 500,000 10 229,750 460 465 - 0.0% 475 460 12.26 Ex-D 128 128 17.06 9.4% -10 1,280,000 6618 1,127,050 880 900 880 25.07 870 820,000 176,800 222 210 8.71 216 2.3% 0.0% 214 607,850 - 1,035,000 33 590 - 0.0% 580 59051 59041 112.24 0.0% 8,092,500 - 240 6,639,050 18.61 0.17- 204 214 318.41 162 11.86 208 2.0% 0.0% 319.54 0.0% - - - - 10271 10675 0.0% 10688 10670 40.56 -5 250,000 14 65,750 260 265 8.5% 265 260 12.09 1.107,065,000 209 1,472,680 174.76 163.04 10.64 2.7% 1,680,000 5,000 1,040,000 110,000 120,000 7,040,000 - -5 1,280,000 -1 4,165,000 -800,000 -- -- 2.0720,000 --2 680,000 660,000 --2 200,000 - -20 142,500 - 1,700,000 - - 500,000 -1 320,000 Ex-D -5 70,000 1,840,000 - 4 28,720,000 4,720,000 - 4,800,000 - - - - - 200,000 --2 - - - 3.0 240,000 9,040,000 1.0 80,000 8.0 - 11,180,000 2.01,920,000 22,960,000 2.5 - - 20 480,000 40,000 0.540 10,640,000 527,500 - 2.080,000 -2 40,000 1.0280,000 440,000 2.0-- 280,000 --5 200,000 - 1,570,000 -5 20,000 - - 600,000 -5.0 2 1,240,000 -2 40,720,000 2,880,000 0.12-1 50 --2 5 -

2.010 -8 Ex-D - 15 Ex-D 0.19-1 1 0.364

13 20 1 5 46 9 22 191 11 - - 23 1827 -8 - 14 55 - 14 4 4 22 - 371 49 - 36 - - -9 - 2 102 -1 212 24 139 - 54 9338 - 4 2 7 10 - 218 - 67 -2 - 3812 55859

37 1,880,000 50,000 -2 5 150,000 120,000 6 40,000 -2 - - 130 4,610,000 160,000 120,000 64 1 80,000 9 920,000 1,449 92,670,000 105 3,100,000 12 2 520,000 40,000 11 400,000 3 100,000 -7 50,000 - - 14 80,000 25,000 515,000 24

ŷ ŷ ź ŷ ŷ Ÿ ź ŷ ŷ ŷ źŷ źŷ ź ŷ ŷ źŸ ŷ Ÿ ŷ ŷ ŷ ŷ ź ŷ Ÿ ŷ ź

200 188 37.5 100 224 130 120 1,380 82 340 30.0 580 108 340.30 97 85 860 75 99 11.5 71 38.0 95 78 122 65 112 54 172 90 300 38.0 455 59 59.0 14.0 66 91 168 17.5 25.0 31.0 59 42.07 70 122 48.5 124 28.0 144 23.5 106 25.5 250 27.0 22.0 15.5 33 134 400 134 51 220 345 57 106 295 2,260 49.73

204 188 37.5 102 234 130 120 1,400 82 340 30.5 580 108 344.52 98 85 850 73 100 12.0 70 38.0 93 77 122 70 112 55 172 90 295 38.0 455 63 62.0 14.5 65 91 168 17.5 31.025.5 59 42.07 74 122 48.5 124 28.5 144 24.5 106 26.0 250 27.0 22.0 16.5 33 134 395 134 51 220 345 58 106 290 2,260 49.75

źŷ ŷ ŷ ź ŷ ŷ ź ŷ ŷ ŷ ŷ ź ŷ

232 93.0 128 65 450 60 150 1,420 335 212 720 180 ź 104 ź 460

242 -10 13,220,000 - 154 93.0 128 - 140,000 6 65 470 -20 50,000 2 60 150 450,000 1,460 -40 2,500 19 335 - 323,607,5004,536 212 Prev Close Prev.

720 Close 230,000 19 180 186.35 186.41 106 179.70-2 80,000 179.813 460 -

40.5

ź

40.5

-4 --2 10.0Ex-D -20 - 0.5- 4.23-1 320,000 8 520,000 10 1,935,000 5712 237 120,000 2-1 2,220,000 1529 0.5-1 2,000,000 1,880,000 -1 2 40,000 3 1 240,000 17 1,000,000 -5 100,000 1 4 -1 200,000 -5 -1 10,000 - - Ex-D 11 440,000 -4 31,240,000 299 -3 1 80,000 0.51 164 13,840,000 280,000 -5 6,000,000 - -1 -56 56,130,000 605 0.00 -4 320,000 2 - - 12 0.5- 2,720,000 1.0- 80,000 1 0.5240,000 3 Ex-D 35,040,000 - 4 1,200,000 85 1.0-1 400,000 5 50,000 4 -1 240,000 6 47 5 2,110,000 0.0253,085,000 332

Ex-D

554.38

-

563.85

-

67,160 40 4,550 910 177,720 168 33,000 295 47,950 395 90,920 12.5 67,280 51 2,941,300 - 690 60,600 75.0 - - - 109,080 148 73,920 106 69,880 104 20,760 102 - 313,500 2,200 192,720 112 - 27.0 54,920 108 290 15,840 49 345 21 19,650 280 250 58,760 31.0 3,222,200 110 64.0 80,960 17.0 - 374,400 -77 - - - - 21,160 104 - - 6,360 26.0 694,200 77.0 1,880 21.5 1,305,280 - 118.0 77,080 -17.5 392,400 - 18.0 7,920 16.0 15,500 375 419,440 38.5 882,300 1,660 - - 79 12,680 156 4,600 108 20,680 74.0 38,440 86 320 - 63 86,750 305 10,600 52 - - 444,150 280 5,550 275 - - 265 59,160 124.099 157,920 177,680 60 2,702,550

96,480 18,100 67,650 13,200 9,680 - 1,350,850 12,480 13,200 3,840 92,000 11,857,240 383,920

104,680 7,440 40,080 22,400 69,050 - 2,400 14,900 131,470 31,160 44,520 1,656,950 8,960 223,560 23,960 131,640 3,800 18,520 67,400 11,200 10,720 3,000 - 26,160 1,881,840 1,120 925,480 47,040 150,360 3,422,440 22,400 - 76,880 1,880 6,160 946,080 19,240 12,280 19,800 13,520 610,850 4,151,200

-

48.5

300 510 360 460 445 108 242 -93 - 295

77 112 48 -

99 122 200 182 - 99 126 110 1,380 - - 600 112 95 86084 7184 11.599 35.570 7789 120 53 112 172 - 295 13.5 9059 - 66 166.0 30.0 70 116 28.0 23.5 25.0 24.5 15.531 395 29 218 55 290

-

-

3,111,120 -17,800 122 22,550 455 150 32,080 1,420 3,550 310 38,002,480 Change 710 165,600 178 -0.07 8,480 -0.11 104 435

-9.47

40

0.0%

4.4% 1,020 172 0.0% 0.0% 300 - 6.7% 400 0.0% 10.0% 13.0 0.0% 52 - 0.0% 28.6% - 700 0.0% 0.0% 76.0 0.0% 0.0% 33.5 - 0.0% 340 8.8% 0.0% 0.0% 150 0.0% 110 106 9.3% 0.0% 0.0% 104 0.0% - 530 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2,220 2.3% 0.0% 0.0% 114 29.5 - 0.0% 0.0% 110 320 0.0% 8.3% 50 5.4% 355 0.0% 24 0.0% 285 1.8% 0.0% 6.1% 32.5 0.0% 3.8% 0.0% 0.0% - 112 0.0% 17.5 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% - 280 0.0% 78 0.0% 238 0.0% 0.0% -94 0.0% 184 0.0% 5.2% 54 106 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 590 3.7% 27.0 78.0 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 23.0 0.0% 120.0 130 0.0% 0.0% 39.0 0.0% 0.0% 20.0 275 0.0% 0.0% 16.5 0.0% 400 0.0% 39.0 4.2% 1,680 0.0% % - 85 0.0% 0.0% 3.8% 160 116 7.0% 270 5.1% 0.0% 75.0 0.0% 0.0% 88 0.0% 27 9 2% 330 9.2% 73 0.0% 3.2% 310 0.0% 53 170 4.4% 61 0.0% 285 10.8% 0.0% 47 280 0.0% 0.0% 69 8.8% - 275 0.0% 10.1% 128.0 0.0% 61 2.4% 0.0% 51.0 0.0% 325 6.2% 770 0.0% 610 4.5% 2.7% 385 5.2% 500 455 9.1% 0.0% 114 244 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 0.0% 110 300 0.0% 1.7% 43.0 79 4.7% 6.4% 122 0.0% 49 106 0.0% 0.0% 100 0.0% 12.7% 126 0.0% 202 190 10.0% 0.0% 37.5 5.0% 100 0.0% 224 - 4.5% 0.0% 130 1,400 0.0% 4.7% 85 350 6.1% 1.5% 31.5 3.4% 610 0.0% 6.5% 118 4.1% 0.0% 98 5.9% 87086 0.0% 7686 0.0% 10.1% 12.0 100 0.0% 0.0% 37.071 0.0% 0.0% 7995 0.0% 8.2% 65 124 0.0% 6.7% 54 120 0.0% 0.0% 91 180 0.0% 10.0% 40.5 300 0.0% 7.7% 60 0.0% 0.0% 14.5 0.0% 0.0% 9460 5.5% 67 6.0% 0.0% 168.0 0.0% 0.0% 33.5 57 0.0% 4.3% 74 0.0% 0.0% 126 0.0% 28.5 - 0.0% 0.0% 25.0 - 0.0% 0.0% 25.5 - 0.0% 3.2% 28.0 0.0% 23.0 0.0% 16.034 0.0% 0.0% 130 1.8% 400 3.7% 0.0% 32 50 0.0% 0.0% 320 0.0% 57 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 295 0.0% 1.1%

43.0

232 93.0 13070 465 1,440 340 216 DTD 720 190 -0.03% 108 -0.06% -

-1.68%

0.0%

0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% 8.3% 3.3% 0.7% 4.6% 3.0% 4.79% 2.4% 13.9% 5.6% 0.0% 4.3%

42 40 910 1,120 174 170 280 280 305 295 430 340 13.5 12.5 5465 5241 900 700 25.0 25.0 81.0 45.0 130 130 110 110 36.0 31.0 295 345 230 230 102 102 154 110 116 108 104 136 50 5084 110 44.0 44.0 530 550 52 52 1,920 2,280 74 7495 126 28.568 28.558 112 108 230 350 51 49 340 395 23 22 260 305 71 71 255 260 31.5 31.0 260 260 48.5 48.5 132 68.0 68.054 14.0 23.5 20.5 20.5 270 280 26.0 26.0 24484 24461 104 94 9489 154 154 51 51 120 36 3691 51 51 520 710 26.5 27.5 30.0 78.0 75 75 16.0 28.5 99.0 120.0 120 140 19.5 41.5 19.5 12.0 19.0 19.0 275 198 17.0 16.5 490 380 39.0 38.0 1,680 1,500 29.073 29.089 156 162 124 86 255 255 78.0 57.0 114 114 104 80 26 28 340 270 68 68 280 315 53 55 130 160 60 60 172 285 47 47 305 265 64 64 300 265 42.5 42.5 99 132.0 128.070 76.32 72 75.90 51

62.0

44.0

325 325 750 640 560 560 345 390 520 485 410 485 118 110 270 236 220 220 114 134 11498 300 218 40.5 40.5 44.80 92 43.43 77

156 49 110 100 791.90 128

114 4894 99 710.75 120

200 208 182 222 37.5 37.590 114 234 224 126 130 130 120 1,380 1,500 82 82 340 390 30.5 30.0 500 610 108 108 365.22 340.30 100 96 86095 84044 76 7355 108 12.573 11.543 38.0 38.0 122 46 78 77 126 118 75 65 132 102 54 55 232 172 90 90 330 250 38.0 38.0 455 455 63 59 74.0 40.5 14.5 14.0 91 91 17.5 17.5 31.0 31.0 59 59 47.16 40.74 78 70 1,220 1,220 48.5 48.5 144 124 29.0 28.0 24.5 23.5 26.0 25.5 28.5 27.0 16.5 15.5 134 134 32 32 220 220 57 60 295 270 49.86 49.73

-

-

232 260 130 128 470 450 158 150 1,460 1,420 340 335 212 222 MTD 710 740 180 180 -3.53% 104 116 -5.56% 460 460

-0.94%

15.58 88.93 12.13 13.32 1.33 10.72 0.00 23.89 0.00 20.20 0.00 25.21 0.00 55.09 0.00 14.24 0.00 0.00 0.00 14.98

7.04 9.75 11.74 9.19 413.52 32.31 0.00

13.80 0.00

12.80

0.00 9.60 116.80 0.00 0.00 14.91

7.19

0.00

0.00 73.05 87.26 18.37 0.00 3.31 8.28 9.75

22.77 11.92

9.82

60 55 60.55 43.00

5.17 9.60 9.41 23.31 17.39 0.00

5.19 10.01

3.50

16.97 29.36 12.90 11.90 9.91 8.20 17.37 16.90 296.83

10.92 7.92 5.89 12.60 10.71

37.20 12.83 11.25 22.21 17.83 16.20 5.72

10.93

5.29 22.14

10.76 15.28 10.78 39.65 21.70

0.00 14.56 9.76 26.32 26.87

6.82 8.10 39.28

4.15

9.00

78.58 19.44 9.41

11.37 0.00 5.38 27.28

20.67 9.93 23.07 13.73 18.82 63.06 0.00 11.03 0.00 16.27

16.24

70.58 18.38

12.91 6.49 8.02 14.16 193.84 YTD 96.15 10.91 -1.69% 23.15 -5.47% 26.77

-1.36%

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

12

ALWATAN DAILY monday, april 9, 2012

April 21, 2009 April 08, 2012

3% 6%

1% 6% Oman

113 111

0%

Qatar

-1%

Dubai Saudi

90

GCC Best Performers

Saudi

95 8-Jan-12 85

8-Feb-12

8-Mar-12

MENA Best Performers

-3%

8-Apr-12

-6% -2

S&P Pan 3-Feb-09 Arab Large/ 18-Feb-09 Mid Composite S&P 20-Mar-09 GCC Large/ Mid Composite 19-Jan-09 5-Mar-09 4-Apr-09 19-Apr-0

1 Period's Liquidity 1 Ratio (PLR x)

-1

MENA Indices Highlights Country (Index)

Index Level

Sa Saudi Arabia (Tadawul All Share Index) Country (Index)

Index 7,718 Level

UASa UAE (ADX Index) Saudi Arabia (Tadawul All Share Index)

2,558 5,250

Ku Kuwait (KSE Weighted Index)

UAE (DFM(KSE Index) Ku Kuwait Weighted Index)

QaUAUAE Qatar (DSM Index) (ADSM Index)

OmOman UAE(MSM (DFMIndex) Index)

410

Ba Bahrain (BSE Index)

Le Lebanon (Beirut SE Index)*

Jo Jordan (Amman General Index)

Pa Palestine (Al-Quds Index)

M Morocco (Casa All Shares Index)*

Tu Tunisia (Tunis SE Index)*

Le Lebanon (Beirut SE Index)* *Market Closed

Pa Palestine (Al-Quds Index)

5,478

1,681

10,512

463

1,203

2,825 475

10,621

5,036

1,094

3,282

-0.5% 0.6% 0.2% 3.9%

-2.2%

5.1%

-0.2%

0.4% -

-

-

2.2%

-2.4% -

-

-

0.9% -

467

52 Wk Low

525,916 Wk Low 396

Turnover USD million

Mkt. Cap. USD million

Turnover 4,835 USD million

Mkt.398,837 Cap. USD million

136

8,892 5,148

8,071 2,137

57 122

126,143 69,783

0 196

17,123 65,352

6,406 5,860

-0.1% -18.8%

30.4%

0.7%

-6.8%

1,921

4,224

10,512

5,044

2,551

1,414

2.4%

-0.5%

513

14,635 5,036

4,091

23.6%

739

407

-7.2%

2,119

13.6%

3,418

-

465

9,406

-

-

1,043

-

2,837

-

9.50

15.51

1.63

33,782

12.71

10,009

15.60

1.29

3.31

7.67

1.56

6.38

2,488

0.86

2.15

9.23

59,990

1.16

18.36

8,507

2

1.68

8.07

57,582

10,676

67

1.31

13.80

63,640

3.95

1.78

6.47

2,079

0.86

8.67

6,576

2.50

13.85

1.92

SAUDI ARABIA *Market Closed

OMR 0.720

GCC Worst Performers

MENA Worst Performers

KWD 0.118

ARTArabtec Holding

SAR 25.30 SAR 22.95

225 Saudi Industrial Inv. Grp.

Advance/Decline Ratio

101 Riyad Bank

Turnover (SAR '000)

SAR 24.70

-6.4%

425,705,252 390,493,262

703 Zain - Saudi Arabia (KSA)

343,553,085 307,153,932 119,955,261 151,741,729

115 201Alinma Saudi Bank Basic(KSA) Industries Corp. (KSA)

97,126,838

NBKNational Bank of Kuwait (KUW)

115

115

4190.SSE Jarir Marketing Co.

1,495,758,926

Market Cap. (SAR '000)

88,742,222

70Zain - Saudi Arabia

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

1,151,919,393

42Emaar the Economic City

8-Apr-12

32.90

% Chg.

2.2%

10.10

1.5%

155.50

1.0%

98.00

1.0%

12.90

Turnover (SAR) 3,172,774,766 2380.SSE Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co. 1,596,522,408 2350.SSE Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. 1,464,466,882 2310.SSE Saudi International Petrochemical Co.

43Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co.

8-Mar-12

Close

0.4%

Worst Performers

1 Alinma Bank

8-Feb-12

64,280,166

4220.SSE Emaar the Economic City

Highest Turnover

105

-6.8%

Turnover (USD)

201 Basic Industries Corp.

(KSA) 422Saudi Emaar the Economic City (KSA)

18,133,138

-3.8% -8.9%

846,005,590

430 Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co. (KSA)

7,931 / 5,916 3050.SSE Southern Province Cement Co.

Tadawul Index 52 week High / Low

-4.8%

Turnover (USD)

MENA Highest Turnover

7030.SSE Zain - Saudi Arabia

% Chg.

-3.5% -8.6%

115 Alinma Bank (KSA)

0.21

2.4%

8.0%

SAR 19.30 SAR 48.00

SAR 13.70

GCC Highest Turnover

90% 1140.SSE Bank AlBilad

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

122

2.6% 8.6%

KWD 0.740 -13.1% -3.9% KWD 0.265

7,718 (-1.8%)

Tadawul Index (% Chg.)

125

3.6% 8.8%

AED 3.29% Chg. -4.4% Close

EMAEmaar Properties (UAE) Best Performers

Summary

5.3% 9.8%

8.0%

Close

NR National Real Estate Co.

KFI Kuwait Finance House (KUW)

Rebased Performance

95 8-Jan-12

QAR 21.60

0.88 201 235Saudi SaudiBasic Kayan Petrochemical 1.74 Industries Corp. Co.

9.52

18,727

KWD 1.680

OMR 0.473 QAR 6.35

1.91 FAC KFICommercial Kuwait Finance House 1.37 Facilities Co. 1.59 238 Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co. 0.88 238 Rabigh Petrochem.

9.23 8.85

27,525

12

1.06 1.77

10.67 6.87

15,024

4

2.06

11.70 7.29

56,025

10

-

1,164

-3.3%

5.8%

-

328

8.93 10.24

18,062 37,413

46

1,572

12,203

1,033

2.2%

43

2,239

2,903

8.5%

3,587

1,129 4,230

12,109

-5.5%

15 305

1,419 12,627 5,628

0.4%

5,419 1,433

13.38

0.79 1.52

0.1% 12.8%

CG Combined Grp Contracting Co.

BKMBankMuscat

PB

10.74 9.99

67,577 264,263

86 718

Trailing

34,955 98,547

26 2,183

2.90 OMRAED 0.703

QGTQatar Gas Transport Co.

PB1.40

2,293 4,130 1,301 316

Trailing

PE 13.86

2,775 10,090 1,754 787

PE

KWD5.60 0.400 SAR

CBD Commercial Bank &ofContracting Dubai GEC Galfar Engineering BKDBank Dhofar KCB Al Khaliji Commercial Bank

99,285

6.4% 9.3%

2.6% 6.6%

546

Tu TunisiaClosed (Tunis SE Index)* * Market

0.0% -4.0%

1.0%

0.3% 1.9%

2,002

Eg Egypt (Hermes Egypt Index (HFI))*

0.0%

5,842 1,745 4,722

52 Wk 7,931 High

20.3% YTD

23.3% -0.2%

Jo Jordan (Amman General Index)

M Morocco (Casa All Shares Index)*

%-1.8% Chg.

-1.1% 1.8%

8,778 2,695

1,143 5,590

OmOman (MSM Index)

YTD

1,669 406

BaQa Bahrain Qatar (BSE (DSMIndex) Index)

Eg Egypt (EGX 30 Index)

% Chg.

52 Wk High

% Chg.

KWD 1.080% Chg. 5.9% Close

IFA Hotels & Resorts IFAKingdom 3 428 Hldg.

Co.

Period's Liquidity Ratio (PLR x)*

MENA Indices Highlights

Close

4 MA Mabanee Co.

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi

-3%

-6%

Palestine

100

-4%

Qatar

-1%

95

Kuwait

Dubai

0%

-2% -2%

Palestine

100

105

Kuwait

Oman Bahrain Abu Dhabi Bahrain Abu Dhabi

Saudi Dubai

Return DailyDaily Return (%)(%)

Dubai

0%

Qatar Saudi

1%

110

2%

Oman Qatar

113

105

4%

Kuwait Oman

115110

115

Jordan Kuwait

113

DailyIndex Index Performance Snapshot Daily Performance Snapshot

Jordan Egypt

120115

Bull/Bear Indicator Bull/Bear Indicator

Bahrain Bahrain

Rebased RebasedPerformance Performance

569,077,006

20Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

1030.SSE Saudi Investment Bank 7020.SSE Etihad Etisalat Co.

Close

25.30

% Chg.

19.30

-3.8%

-3.5%

23.25

-2.7%

65.50

-2.2%

20.10

-2.7%

Saudi SE

Quotes Company Name 1 Al Rajhi Bank

Close 78.75

% Chg.

-0.9%

Daily High

80.50

Low

78.25

Turnover (SAR '000) 237,613

1 Alinma Bank

15.95

-1.9%

16.60

15.35

3,172,775

1 Arab National Bank

31.70

-1.3%

32.40

31.00

4,420

2 Almarai Co.

1 Bank AlBilad

1 Bank Al Jazira

67.00

32.90

31.20

-1.8%

68.25

65.25

109,475

2.2%

35.40

30.10

537,942 6,014

-2.2%

33.90

28.80

248,061

12.30

1,596,522

65.25

93,090

1 Banque Saudi Fransi

39.00

-1.7%

39.80

38.10

4 Emaar the Economic City

12.90

0.4%

13.85

12.25

1,151,919

18.10

177,989

11.90

38,290

24.50

100,878

54.25

16,300

35.50

108,268

87.50

11,652

4 Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co. 7 Etihad Etisalat Co.

4 Jabal Omar Development Co. 4 Jarir Marketing Co.

4 Kingdom Holding Co.

2 National Industrialization Co.

2 Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co.

1 Riyad Bank

1 Samba Financial Grp.

2 Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Co.

1 Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

2 Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

3 Saudi Cement Co.

5 Saudi Electricity Co.

1 Saudi Hollandi Bank

22 Saudi Industrial Investment Grp.

2 Saudi International Petrochemical Co. 1 Saudi Investment Bank 2 Saudi Kayan Petrochemical Co. 7 Saudi Telecom Co. 2 Savola Group Co. 0 3 Southern Province Cement Co. 0 1 SABB 3 Yamama Saudi Cement Co.

2 Yanbu National Petrochemicals Co. 7 Zain - Saudi Arabia

12.65

65.50

18.80

155.50 12.35

39.50

25.30

25.10

54.50

196.50 36.60

106.00 89.00

14.75

28.80

24.40

23.25

20.10

19.30 40.00

34.80

98.00

36.20

49.40

51.75

10.10

-1.2%

-2.2%

-1.6%

13.35

67.75

19.35

1.0%

156.00

153.00

10,563

-1.0%

39.90

38.00

58,900

-1.2% -3.8%

-2.0%

-2.2%

-1.8%

-1.6%

12.75

26.30

25.70

55.75

201.00 37.20

17,490

-2.7%

-3.5%

-0.7%

-1.1%

23.85

20.95

20.05

40.50

35.10

22.70

18.90

487,926

34.50

21,229

35.00

4,445

39.90

56,282

1.0%

100.00

96.00

7,393

-1.0%

50.25

48.90

55,440

9.70

1,464,467

-1.1%

-0.5%

1.5%

36.90

52.00

10.40

50.25

81,633

2.9

69.6%

7,951 154

31.90

15.75

75.5%

155.00

98.00

1,491

50.75

2,958 131

106

27.2%

-5.1%

68

299

24.8%

6.20

50.00

3,987

33.2%

13.60

68.25

3,100

74.5%

15.8%

1,421

9,468

59.2%

-2.5%

13.85

20.15

13.10

29.80

6.05

11.10 7.05

34.30

21.20

56.75

37.50

42.40

-8.7%

-4.0%

-6.7%

0.3%

-5.7%

-22.2%

-15.1% -6.7%

-4.0%

-1.8%

54.7%

11.7%

39.5%

7.7%

-4.2%

11.6%

10.2%

17.0%

44.7%

44.1%

98.00

52.75

-9.2%

23.6%

68.7%

29.30

21.42

-1.7%

16.0%

12.2%

87.75

12.85

-5.8%

-9.5%

10.1%

6.1%

-10.3%

28.4%

870

21.00

15.55

-4.3%

24.45

21.30

17.75

15.50

-4.9%

-9.4%

1,122

83.25

47.50

-40.7%

-29.4%

5.25

-12.2%

82.0%

1,577

144,997

56.00

11.50

34.20

41.60

-8.2%

-21.8% -7.6%

22,162,800

14.0%

60.7%

-19.9%

17.6%

2.5%

-8.1%

44.3%

nmf

nmf

1.8

2.7

37,650,000

12.0

1.2

49,125,000

12.0

6.0

49,050,000

33,855,000

61,457,259

-11.1%

1.9

2.0

11.4 nmf

10.9

1.7 2.0

2.3

13,617,000

16.4

4.1

11,430,720

11.3

1.5

80,000,000

61.25

2.5

9.0

12.2%

30.3%

nmf

1.5

22,018,425

2.8%

21.3%

9.0

10.3

318,000,000

4.9%

nmf

1.8

18.2

-1.2%

3.3%

12.1

9,330,000

45,767,646

18.3%

10.9%

106.75 46.30

17,472,720

11,055,000

75

-2.0%

45,850,000

-1.0%

33.00

23.70

0.9

24.5%

41.30

35.50

-3.1%

12.6

10,980,000

18.0%

1.6

13,662,000

2.3%

1,407

123

-2.7%

-2.4%

18.55

610

7.4%

24.25

27.20

25,281

35.7%

1.5

2.0

10,965,000

59.8%

12.4

3.6

34.6

88.3%

37.5%

nmf

9,360,000

35,256,697

16.5%

8.8%

26,945,000

-2.5%

-2.9%

2,198 3,373

-8.4%

84.1%

30.00

126,207 89,296

-2.2%

40.00

16.30

19.15

-2.7%

30.2

65.7%

11,225

78,420

9,870,000

0.0%

112.50

53,619

2.3

17.20

5,369

23.10

25.00

13.5

32.90

15.3%

23,925,000

16.0

PB

15,410,000

61.9%

16,351

-9.2%

Trailing

PE

118,125,000

-28.7%

165.00

3,062

70.6%

Market Cap. (SAR '000)

2.6%

-32.3%

200.00

28.80

13.3%

12 mths

-41.5%

26.60

471

165,567

-1.8%

YTD

68.25

34.90

92,573

14.50

-4.8%

% Change

114.50

139

194.50

15.10

on high

1,634

23.10

-1.3%

-2.0%

9.05

26.90

105.50

29.10

16.25

67.25

1,027

108.25

-1.7%

198,920

82.75

Low

25,779

-1.9%

90.00

3,017

52-Week

High

25.00

569,077

0.3%

Volume ('000)

27.7

20.8

1.8

15.6

1.3

8,525,000

12.1

28,950,000

nmf

17,400,000

13,720,000

36,200,000

10.5

14.6

15.3

12.5

10,003,500

13.6

14,140,000

nmf

29,109,375

1.2

9.2

1.5

1.9

1.7

2.3

5.2

2.1

3.0

2.8

3.3

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

13

ALWATAN DAILY monday, april 9, 2012

KUWAIT Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 6,154 (0.1%)

KSE General Index (% Chg.)

120

410 (0.0%)

KSE Weighted Index (% Chg.)

115

115

46%

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

467 / 396 GBK.KSE

KSE Weighted Index 52 week High / Low

110

38,001

Turnover (KWD '000)

1.680

Gulf Bank

0.430

National Bank of Kuwait

8-Feb-12

8-Mar-12

8-Apr-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

5.3%

2.4%

1.080

1.9%

1.2%

Worst Performers Turnover (KWD) 2,941,300

Zain Kuwait ZA

95 8-Jan-12

5.9%

0.400

Combined Grp Contracting Co.

Highest Turnover 104

100

% Chg.

27,650,982

Market Cap. (KWD '000) 105

1.080

IFAHR.KSEIFA Hotels & Resorts

0.36 CGC.KSE 6,523 / 5,694 NBK.KSE

Advance/Decline Ratio

KSE General Index 52 week High / Low

Close

MABANEE. Mabanee Co.

K Kuwait Finance House

2,142,900

K Kuwait International Bank

1,519,450

N National Bank of Kuwait

1,766,250

MMabanee Co.

1,331,500

NRE.KSE

Close

National Real Estate Co.

0.118

KFIN.KSE Kuwait Finance House

% Chg.

-4.8%

0.740

NIND.KSE National Industries Grp. Holding

0.226

SULTAN.KSSultan Center Food Products Co.

0.106

AREFENRGAREF Energy Holding Co.

-3.9%

-3.4%

0.104

-1.9% -1.9%

KSE Weighted Index

Quotes Company Name

Close

A Agility

0.400

T Al Themar Intl. Holding Co.

0.087

A AREF Energy Holding Co.

0.104

A Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait

0.610

A Alafco Aviation Lease and Fin. Co. B Boubyan Bank

B Boubyan Petrochemical Co.

0.550

435

0.410

275

-1.9% 0.0%

0.106

0.104

0.620

0.620

-1.2%

1.680

2.4%

1.700

1.660

882

0.280

0.0%

0.280

0.280

0.430

1.2%

0.430

0.425

0.400

5.3%

0.400

0.365

0.099

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.202

JAJazeera Airways

0.460

-

-

-

0.0%

0.242

0.440

-

-1.1%

0.410 -

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.460 -

0.440

0.520

0.524

0.410

0.420

0.198

-22.1%

-11.5%

40

0.495

0.285

-19.2%

0.242

0.096

-59.1%

0.236

-15.1%

-

-

-

-

1.700

150

K Kuwait International Bank

0.275

-1.8%

0.280

0.270

1,519

K Kuwait Projects Co. (Holding)

0.340

0.0%

0.335

94

0.118

0.285

10

69

0.136

0.485

-

4

1.300

0.214

-

68

2,143

0.630

0.415

0.909

N National Industries Grp. Holding

0.226

-3.4%

0.232

0.226

532

2,320

0.285

N National Real Estate Co.

0.118

-4.8%

0.124

0.118

212

1,760

0.168

0.216

0.0%

0.214

177

0.104

70

O Oula Fuel Marketing Co.

A Qurain Petrochemicals Industries Co. S Salhia Real Estate Co.

S Sultan Center Food Products Co. T Tamdeen Real Estate Co.

A The Commercial Real Estate Co. S The Securities House N Wataniya

Z Zain Kuwait

0.275

0.160

292 6

0.0%

0.280

0.275

0.240

-0.8%

0.244

0.240

0.240

-

0.106

-1.9%

0.216 0.106 -

-

-

-

0.094

0.0%

0.094

0.094

2.200

-0.9%

2.200

2.200

0.130

0.700

-

0.0%

-

0.710

0.690

1.580

-

-11.1%

181,553

nmf

3.8

-2.9%

-61.2%

79,485

-8.5%

18.8% 1.1%

-0.8%

-4.3%

20

6.1%

0.192

-20.7%

-13.1%

0.056

-29.8%

-7.8%

0.200

0.136

-

-5.7%

0.186

0.246

660

25.6%

0.265

0.226

220

0.0%

0.158

0.360

0.270

-22.6%

272,911

46.4%

283.3% -16.6%

7.5

18.0

1.0

101,200

9.6

3.9

19.7

1.9

280,568

nmf nmf

-4.4% -2.4%

-8.3%

80,905

31.9

1.3

56.5%

600,076

28.9

4.1

2.4%

4,701,777

15.5

2.2

-11.4%

292,693

nmf

0.7

0.0%

21,780

-9.1%

103,861

-45.8%

14.4

15.7%

-

-5.5%

0.1

36.2

1.3

nmf

0.8

nmf

0.6

90,667

22.3

2.1

123,054

17.2

0.9

18.7%

237,600 61,356

3.4%

0.8

2.3

140,194

0.9%

15.4%

1.9

1.4

13.1

1.1

0.0%

22.1%

27.0%

172,473

16.4

0.7

-3.5%

13.4%

22.2%

1,108,872

3.1

1.4

143

2.280

1.800

-

1.380

-23.6%

-7.0%

1.2

11.6

-15.9%

0.067

4,165

-45.8%

7.1%

-38.0%

0.8

-11.7%

0.094

314

-11.8%

0.0%

554,763

0.7

-22.1%

0.216

-

0.0%

-8.0%

1.6

151,500

63,719

-27.9%

3.1

0.093

1,000 -

-6.8%

25.4%

0.260

0.295

820

2,941

-15.8%

-43.7%

-

0.340

1,820

94

0.660

-

-

53

-

2.6

1.9

nmf

432,795

1.145

0.162

37.0

64,309

-12.8%

1,668

0.0%

1,132,228

32.4%

11.5%

1,766

0.160

-11.5%

0.0%

-20.0%

1.040

N National Investments Company

0.9

0.295

1.080

-

10.6

0.425

1.9%

-

150,294

-28.2%

280

1.080

-

4.0

nmf

26.3

-14.8%

1.4

16.4

1,004,898

285,265

0.700

-

1.0

4.2

12.5

-14.1%

1.080

0.300

37.2

7.8%

1,270

N National Industries Co.

54,503

-21.4%

125

-

1.2

0.236

1,332

-

34.3

0.350

1.380

1.020

-

300,762

5,510

1.620

1.1

nmf

35.7

1.080

-

nmf

2,149,081

50

1.6

78,000

-24.6%

5.9%

0.033

-30.2%

1.0

6.1

-11.2%

1.080

N National Bank of Kuwait

-5.2%

1.9

nmf

-27.4%

111

M Mena Holding

-5.6%

0.5

18.3

0.740

0.880

M Mabanee Co.

-23.5%

PB

162,339

7.7%

-6.7%

15.5

1.019

0.890

0.340

-10.9%

6.3%

17.0%

PE

2,855

0.0%

0.890

-16.0%

0.425

0.740

P Kuwait Portland Cement Co.

0.0%

0.552

16

633,437

-16.0%

100

0.019

-13.0%

-44.7%

-9.3%

43

0.055

961,529

22.6%

-29.1%

0.700

-5.2%

-38.1%

0.255

0.940

241,729

10.7%

-21.8%

923,076

-13.9%

-1.6%

0.395

-

1.380

-17.5%

-6.8%

950

0.770

1.400

-1.9%

-11.3%

-1.6%

266

-3.9%

-1.4%

-16.1%

0.530

-18.4%

-13.6%

-

88,088

5.0%

0.085

0.630

-

418,735

0.124

0.280

Trailing

Market Cap. (KWD '000)

5.3%

-13.0%

0.620

-

12 mths

-4.4%

1.300

0.740

1.380

-3.0%

1.945

K Kuwait Finance House F Kuwait Food Co.

6.7%

528

-

0.440

-7.2%

YTD

-16.3%

790

-

-8.0%

% Change

0.079

0.380

670

-

-

0.450

0.590

on high

0.104

280

470

-

0.248

0.657

200

291

Low

0.435

-

21

0.410

IK Ikarus Petroleum Industries Co.

K Kuwait Cement Co.

-

0.550

1.300

K KIPCO Asset Management Co.

-

120

High

-

-1.8%

C Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co.

IF International Finance Co.

-

-

0.550

0.049

IF IFA Hotels & Resorts

-

87

0.790

G Gulf Bank

-

52-Week

Volume ('000)

48

0.305

C Commercial Bank of Kuwait G Global Investment House

-

0.395

Turnover (KWD '000)

0.310

0.260

F Commercial Facilities Co.

-

0.400

Low

-1.6%

A Burgan Co. for Well Drilling

C Combined Grp Contracting Co.

-1.2%

High

0.310

0.620

B Burgan Bank

Daily

% Chg.

0.700

-11.1%

0.0%

-49.3%

4.3%

0.0%

-22.2%

-5.9%

89,549

0.0%

88,400

-49.3%

3,015,274

nmf

0.9

18.1

0.9

nmf

7.0

10.6

1.4

UAE Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 1,669 (-1.1%)

DFM Index (% Chg.)

135

2,558 (0.0%)

ADSM Index (% Chg.)

Advance/Decline Ratio

125

DFM Index 52 week High / Low

Highest Turnover

A Arabtec Holding

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

8-Mar-12 Abu Dhabi SE

24,428,110

D Dubai Financial Market

8-Apr-12

1.19

1.7%

1.7%

1.19

Turnover (AED) 63,041,575 ARTC.DFM Arabtec Holding 61,566,023 DEYAAR.D Deyaar Development Co. 49,061,651 DU.DFM du

TATamweel

8-Feb-12

2.0%

1.7%

Worst Performers

E Emaar Properties

95 8-Jan-12

3.6%

0.50

404,977,114

Market Cap. (AED '000)

107

105

% Chg.

1.18

412,977

Turnover (AED '000)

115

2.90

2,775 / 2,293 SOROUH.A Sorouh Real Estate Co.

ADSM Index 52 week High / Low 115

Close

Commercial Bank of Dubai

68% DANA.ADS Dana Gas 0.64 GCEM.ADS Gulf Cement Co. 1,754 / 1,301 ALDAR.AD ALDAR Properties

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

125

CBD.DFM

23,207,687

A ALDAR Properties

DIB.DFM

Close

3.29

% Chg.

0.41

3.04

Dubai Islamic Bank

2.03

AIRARABIA Air Arabia

0.71

-4.4% -2.9%

-2.3%

-1.5%

-1.3%

Dubai FM

Quotes Company Name

Close

A Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

3.26

T Abu Dhabi National Energy Co.

1.35

A Air Arabia

0.71

A Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

A Abu Dhabi National Hotels A ALDAR Properties

3.46

2.19

0.0%

-0.9%

High

3.28

3.50

0.71

0.71

4,275

6,028

-

-

D du

S Sharjah Islamic Bank

S Sorouh Real Estate Co. T Tamweel

0.7

0.6

19.3

1.7

1.0%

1.01

1.00

146

146

1.74

0.71

-42.5%

-1.0%

-43.5%

1,750,000

nmf

1.1

2.0%

0.50

0.49

3,601

7,251

0.71

0.34

-29.6%

11.1%

-24.2%

3,301,001

0.0%

3.6%

0.0%

1.79

2.90

0.42

3.08

-

8.73

0.0%

1.78

-

-

0.0% 1.7%

-0.7%

-0.3%

U United Arab Bank

3.95

-

-0.2%

1.77

2.90 0.41

3.00

1.20

2.05

2.03

2.87

2.85

1.7%

-0.7%

-

1.23

1.18

0.0%

3.05

* Closing Prices, Turnover and Market Cap. in USD

7.6

4,918,550

8.85

0.45

0.3

135.0%

U Union National Bank U Union Properties

8.7

106.9%

-0.5%

1.38

2,190,000

-4.9%

-9.4%

8.79

1.19

12.2

-19.8%

1.2

1.1

1.24

3.26

0.86

3,290,024

-0.5%

0.8

3.63

2.86

N National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain

12.9

7.1

14,723

-

0.0%

4.51

8,403,750

8,181,882

PB

49,062

E Emirates NBD

N National Bank of Fujairah

-8.2%

14.2%

6.0

3.28

-1.5%

N National Bank of Abu Dhabi

18,241,647

3.43

-

2.03

91.45

26.8%

4,861,304

D Dubai Islamic Bank

M Mashreq

20.3%

-25.5%

PE

-20.7%

-2.3%

G Gulf Cement Co.

-8.6%

2.02

Trailing

Market Cap. (AED '000)

29.3%

-2.9%

9.60

12.5%

2.94

0.57

9.5%

-17.2%

-

0.77

17.3%

12 mths

-29.2%

3.04

F First Gulf Bank

1.14

-2.5%

YTD

0.76

1.21

E Etisalat

1.63

2.92

-1.8%

% Change

1.68

0.41

3.25

3.55

2.59

on high

19,513

D Dubai Financial Market

E Emaar Properties

-

3.32

Low

23,208

0.50

D Deyaar Development Co.

-

High

1.17

D Dana Gas

2.90

139

-1.3%

1.00

C Commercial Bank of Dubai

479

1,066 2,403

A Arkan Building Materials Co.

1.79

3,476 3,237

-4.4%

A Aramex

3.24

3.43

52-Week

Volume ('000)

1.30

3.29

1.02

Turnover (AED '000)

1.35

1.21

A Arabtec Holding

Low

1.5%

1.7%

A Amlak Finance

1.19

Daily

% Chg.

9.70

1.18 -

8.75 -

-

310 7

5,354 8,659

24,428 5,238

2,866

20,142 2,568

0.46

3.30

1.46

2.31

2.76 0.20

2.80

-38.2%

6.98

11.20

8.64

1.18

12

10

1.56

-

8.68 -

7,566 -

3,605 -

223

61,566

0.44

12,842

1.17

13,603

3.01

1,403

-

-

788 -

10.75

0.67

102.00

74.70

-

4.70

2.91

258

1.02

0.80

413 -

9.00

2.39

-7.9%

2.65

1,704

9.56

-10.3%

-12.1%

14,978

4.63

-10.4%

1.88

8.70

186

-8.7%

-17.1%

2.41

533

0.0%

0.68

3.49

1.33

-

13,011

3.24

1.69

19,569

1.46 0.47

2

1.96

-

63,042

0.86

3.13

174

-

3.19

0.89 1.20

-

7.38

2.2

-9.9%

7.6%

-0.9%

-13.8%

69,494,971

11.9

1.8

968,894

nmf

-16.3%

22.4%

-1.3%

3.28

-21.0%

0.24

-10.1%

72.5% 8.5%

-

2,848,000

5.5%

128.9%

28,800,000

33,824,895

-11.9%

-7.4%

15,895,236

12.8%

41.8%

40.0%

-21.8%

0.8

0.6

-22.6%

2.82

7.6

1.3

11.0

-1.7%

0.53

7,708,020

nmf

19,796,525

-25.5%

2.4%

9,680,000

1.6%

1.63

-15.7%

0.4

12.7

-10.3% -3.0%

0.9

6.5

13,897,143

16.7%

-4.0%

7.2

-1.6%

24.3% 66.2%

1.4

0.6

-10.7% -24.4%

5,911,221

12.4

1.1

nmf

-17.6%

-3.7%

2,620,739

nmf

2,357,424

-2.7%

-21.5%

1,530,000

65.2%

-5.6%

3.90

5.00

1.5%

4.6%

460 -

5.2%

26.5%

-22.7%

0.50

91.5%

-6.9%

0.67

28,211

5.0%

-4.3%

-7.6%

1.54 1.49

-0.6%

0.0%

44.0%

11,456 43,489

0.0%

-2.3%

6.3

7.8

18.8

8.9

0.9

2,085,930

8.3

9.3

39.4%

1,380,000

13.5

52.4%

1,498,251

nmf

-25.5%

3,935,785

0.8

1.3

1.3

17.7

7,611,656

1.1

9.1

4,961,000

3,123,750

0.5

5.1

11.9

2.4

0.5

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.6

1.9

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

14

ALWATAN DAILY monday, april 9, 2012

QATAR Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 8,778 (-0.5%)

DSM Index (% Chg.)

120

DSM 52 week High / Low

56% QIIK.DSM Qatar International Islamic Bank 0.25 QEWS.DSMQatar Electricity & Water Co. 8,892 / 8,071 QIBK.DSM Qatar Islamic Bank

Market Cap. (QAR '000)

459,412,781

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

Advance/Decline Ratio

115

206,511

Turnover (QAR '000)

110

KCBK.DSMAl Khalij Commercial Bank DHBK.DSMDoha Bank

Highest Turnover

100

Turnover (QAR) 19,611,681 AHCS.DSMAamal Co. 13,811,607 QNNS.DSMQatar Navigation

Q Qatar National Bank MMasraf Al Rayan

9,612,354

Q Qatar Gas Transport Co. 8-Feb-12

8-Mar-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

8,792,603

Q Qatar Electricity & Water Co.

8-Apr-12

51.70

% Chg.

0.2%

146.00

0.1%

77.20

0.1%

60.30

-0.2%

16.50

0.0%

Worst Performers

99

90 8-Jan-12

Close

7,787,290

IQIndustries Qatar

Close

17.39

% Chg.

-1.3%

75.80

QTEL.DSM Qatar Telecom

CBQK.DSMThe Commercial Bank of Qatar

-1.3%

128.50

-1.2%

27.35

-0.7%

75.80

MARK.DSMMasraf Al Rayan

-0.9%

Doha SM

Quotes Company Name

Close

A Aamal Co.

17.39

Daily

% Chg.

-1.3%

K Al Khalij Commercial Bank

16.50

C The Commercial Bank of Qatar

75.80

-0.9%

E Ezdan Real Estate Co.

19.85

-0.7%

B Barwa Real Estate Co.

28.25

D Doha Bank

60.30

0.0%

-0.7% -0.2%

High

Turnover (QAR '000)

Low

17.62

17.00

1,004

28.25

5,242

16.40

1,867

76.50

75.80

1,910

19.85

19.70

37

16.50

28.45 60.40

60.30

555

7,787

IQIndustries Qatar

141.70

-0.5%

142.00

141.60

Q Qatar Electricity & Water Co.

146.00

0.1%

147.40

145.50

8,793

0.2%

51.80

51.00

927

M Masraf Al Rayan

27.35

Q Qatar Gas Transport Co.

Q Qatar International Islamic Bank

17.76

-0.5%

77.20

0.1%

51.70

Q Qatar Islamic Bank

Q Qatar National Bank

135.00

Q Qatar Telecom

128.50

Q Qatar Navigation

75.80

V Vodafone Qatar

-0.7%

7.53

27.55

17.84

77.20

27.30

13,812

17.73

9,612

-0.4%

135.90

134.30

19,612

-1.2%

131.00

128.50

3,498

-1.3%

-0.7%

76.70 7.57

59

113

185

75.40

6,752

7.52

1,260

High

24.09

Low

on high

15.40

18.95

-27.8%

16.06

35.35

28.00

% Change YTD

9.4%

12 mths

Market Cap. (QAR '000)

-3.0%

8,608,050

-20.2%

10,992,771

-0.3%

18,756,435

10.0

52,652,059

nmf

-5.7%

68.00

-11.3%

-9.8%

2

24.97

18.60

-20.5%

-10.6%

-13.9%

-2.7%

-1.8%

13.5%

1.4%

-4.7%

-8.4%

-8.1%

18,241,835

-10.8%

8,681,010

50.00

-10.0%

55

148.50

118.80

60

153.50

129.50

-4.9%

18

56.20

45.50

-8.0%

145

141.73

122.24

27

168.50

128.50

504 541 48

89

167

28.10

-4.6%

22.50

19.58

16.59

85.30

-9.3%

76.30

87.50

-9.5%

-4.7%

69.90

8.12

-13.4%

-23.7%

7.24

17.5

-12.5%

85.50

67.00

PE

-3.9%

-20.1%

5,940,000

Trailing

-12.9%

25 9

3,661

76.90

52-Week

Volume ('000)

-7.3%

-5.9%

6.5% 4.6%

-4.3%

-2.3%

-0.9%

-8.7%

-0.3%

4.0%

12,463,877

0.9%

77,935,000

20,512,500

PB

1.5

12.2

1.1

9.1

0.9

1.3

10.0

1.8

1.9

9.8

3.0

14.6

2.4

6.2%

14,600,000

11.2

4.8

9.8%

7,825,764

12.0

1.6

9,836,269

11.4%

94,463,474

-13.3%

29,400,800

-5.6%

6,365,862

11.8

6.7

13.4

1.6

12.6

2.2

12.4

0.8

11.4

1.4

nmf

1.0

OMAN Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 5,842 (0.3%)

MSM Index (% Chg.)

120

37% BKDB.MSMBank Dhofar

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

5.00

Advance/Decline Ratio

115

MSM 52 week High / Low

6,957,590

Market Cap (OMR '000)

210,898

O Oman Cement Co. 8-Mar-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

73,953

B Bank Dhofar

8-Apr-12

0.4%

0.29

0.3%

0.59

0.2%

0.63

Turnover (OMR) 377,837 OTEL.MSMOman Telecommunications Co. 245,218 RNSS.MSMRenaissance Services

O Oman Telecommunications Co.

8-Feb-12

2.6%

0.3%

Worst Performers

B Bank Muscat

90 8-Jan-12

% Chg.

0.57

RNSS.MSMRenaissance Services

Highest Turnover

102

100

0.47

OCOI.MSM Oman Cement Co.

6,406 / 5,419 NBOB.MSMNational Bank of Oman 5,800 BKMB.MSMBank Muscat

Turnover (OMR '000)

110

Close

49,842

N National Bank of Oman

Close

1.30

% Chg.

-0.2%

0.59

BKMB.MSMBank Muscat

0.2%

0.63

NBOB.MSMNational Bank of Oman

0.3%

0.29

OCOI.MSM Oman Cement Co.

0.3%

0.57

0.4%

Muscat SM

Quotes Company Name

Close

Daily

% Chg.

B Bank Dhofar

0.473

N National Bank of Oman

0.292

O Oman Telecommunications Co.

1.295

-0.2%

R Renaissance Services

0.592

0.2%

B Bank Muscat

0.625

O Oman Cement Co.

0.573

R Raysut Cement Co.

0.991

2.6%

High

Turnover (OMR '000)

Low

0.476

74

0.470

0.3%

0.627

0.623

378

0.4%

0.576

0.569

211

0.3%

-

0.295

-

1.290

245

0.589

44

-

-

0.594

156

50

0.291

1.298

Volume ('000)

52-Week

High

0.549

Low

604

0.679

0.572

368

0.608

0.416

171

189 -

75

on high

0.423

0.324

-13.8%

0.291

1.425

1.099

0.458

4.0%

-6.2%

-5.8%

32.6%

-9.8%

30.4%

-9.1%

0.711

1.094

YTD

-8.0% -9.9%

1.041

% Change

-45.9%

-6.4%

12 mths

Market Cap. (OMR '000)

-11.1%

520,355

Trailing

PE

13.0

-3.3%

1,122,996

-0.3%

189,590

14.8

198,200

13.2

-3.3%

-1.1%

17.2%

8.6%

-41.5%

323,543

971,250

-9.8%

167,000

PB

2.3

9.6

1.3

9.5

1.2

8.7

2.0

1.3

1.9

nmf

1.0

BAHRAIN Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 1,143 (0.2%)

BSE Index (% Chg.)

120

26% AUB.BSE #N/A

% of stocks trading above 1 yr avg. price Advance/Decline Ratio

115

1,419 / 1,129

BSE 52 week High / Low

55

Turnover (BHD '000)

110

6,455,214

Market Cap. (BHD '000)

8-Mar-12

#N/A

#

#N/A

#

8-Apr-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

#

Bahrain SE

#N/A #N/A

% Chg.

0.8%

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A #N/A

#N/A

#N/A

Turnover (BHD) 7,495 AUB.BSE Ahli United Bank BARKA.BS Albaraka Banking Grp. #N/A #N/A #N/A

A Ahli United Bank

8-Feb-12

#N/A

0.61

#N/A

Worst Performers

B Albaraka Banking Grp.

90 8-Jan-12

#N/A

Highest Turnover

100

100

#N/A

Close

Ahli United Bank

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

Close

0.61

% Chg.

0.93 -

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

0.8%

#N/A

Quotes Company Name

Close

A Ahli United Bank*

0.610

A Arab Banking Corp.*

0.420

B Albaraka Banking Grp.* B Bahrain Islamic Bank

B Bahrain Telecommunications Co. B BBK

IN Investcorp Bank* IT Ithmaar Bank*

N National Bank of Bahrain U United Gulf Bank

* Closing Prices, Turnover and Market Cap. in USD

0.930 0.090

0.440

0.420 797

0.095

0.570

0.304

Daily

% Chg.

0.8% -

-

High

0.610 -

-

Low

0.610

Turnover (BHD '000)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Volume ('000)

20 -

-

33

52-Week

High

0.680

1.089 0.570 0.116 0.492 0.428 797

Low

0.599

on high

-10.3%

0.857

-14.6%

0.082

-22.4%

0.420 0.380 0.390 797

-26.3% -10.6% -1.9%

0.0%

% Change YTD

1.2%

1,306,200

-8.7%

633,600

-30.0%

637,560

-22.4%

1.4%

0.0%

-9.5%

46.2%

-

0.424

0.270

-28.3%

1.3%

-8.8%

-26.3%

0.0%

12.2%

0.065

0.560

3,192,469

-14.6%

0.0%

0.105

0.625

-6.6%

-0.4%

-

-

12 mths

-0.9%

Market Cap. (BHD '000)

0.0%

-17.4% -9.5%

-25.1%

943,462

Trailing

PE

10.3 8.0 6.4

84,571

nmf

357,570

11.2

254,388

nmf

487,555

253,707

PB

1.3

0.8 0.4

0.8

7.9

1.3

4.5

0.6

10.7

1.8

nmf

1.5 0.4 1.2

LIFE

Traveling by plane during pregnancy?

If you travel by plane during pregnancy, take some extra time to ensure a more comfortable journey.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists offers these suggestions: •Book an aisle seat, which can make it easier to get up, move around and stretch your legs.

•Avoid carbonated beverages and foods that tend to cause gas.

•Always wear your seatbelt, and keep it positioned below your belly.

•Ask your doctor about the safety of taking anti-nausea medication, if needed.

monDAY, april 9, 2012

Origins of the universe exposed in dazzling 3d videos WASHINGTON: Some of the greatest mysteries of the universe, such as how the first stars were formed, spring to life in a new series of awe-inspiring 3D videos that will be shown at museums and universities in California and New York according to SPACE. The full-color, high-definition 3D animations depict a range of compelling cosmic scenes, including swirling veils of gas and dust from exploding stars, colorful galaxy clusters, dynamic star formation and enigmatic dark matter.

The videos can be seen at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, Calif., which is a research facility operated by Stanford University. The animations are also being featured in planetarium shows now open to the general public at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco.

Each video lasts roughly one to three minutes, and was made from calculations using trillions of bytes of data that link the latest physics theories with groundbreaking visualization techniques, officials at SLAC’s Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) said in a statement.

The animations shine a light on processes ranging from a few milliseconds of a supernova explosion to nearly 14 billion years of cosmic evolution, and are meant to be entertaining as well as educational.

“I’m trying to predict the past - how the universe came to be the way that it is today,” Tom Abel, an associate professor of physics at Stanford University and head of KIPAC’s computational physics department, said in a statement. Abel specializes in using computer calculations and visualizations to experiment with how the universe may have evolved following the Big Bang.

Some of the videos show how the universe’s first stars formed, and indicate that those first luminous objects in the universe shone a million times brighter than our sun, Abel said.

“They died quickly and seeded the cosmos with the chemical elements necessary for life,” he explained. “Just 100 million years after the Big Bang, galaxies started to assemble, one star at a time, and they are still growing today.”

To create the animations, the researchers first created numerical simulations of the composition, distribution, temperature and other important properties of matter.

The KIPAC visualization lab manager, Ralf Kaehler, then

A simulation of how the first stars were formed. (AFP)

converted the results of the simulations into a series of images that were turned into the videos.

Different viewpoints are created by zooming in and out, panning across, or even flying through the scene.

“Creating these animations is a real joy these days because computers and software are so much more powerful today,” Abel said. “Not long ago it took us weeks to produce a single animation. Now we can do one in an afternoon.”

While these animations are primarily scientific tools, they are also meant to provide the audience with a unique experience.

“It’s an immersive environment,” Abel said. “You can explore three-dimensional data, ‘Avatar’-style. It’s won-

Plutonium production may avert spacecraft fuel shortage

WASHINGTON: New batches of plutonium-238 may become available to NASA starting in 2017, perhaps preventing feared shortages of this vital spacecraft fuel according to SPACE. The United States hasn’t produced plutonium-238 - a radioactive isotope that’s been powering NASA space probes for five decades - since the late 1980s, and planetary scientists say stockpiles are worryingly low.

But a production restart is now underway, say officials with the US Department of Energy (DOE), which supplies plutonium-238 to the space agency. “We have turned the spade in starting the project for renewed plutonium production,” Wade Carroll, DOE’s deputy director of space and defense power systems, said in March at the Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS) conference in The Woodlands,Texas. “It’ll take probably five or six years before the next new plutonium is available.”

A long spaceflight legacy

Plutonium-238 is not used to make nuclear weapons (though its isotopic cousin, plutonium-239, is a common bombmaking material).

Scientists do take advantage of plutonium-238’s radioactive nature, however. The isotope emits heat, which can be converted to electricity using a device called a radioisotope thermoelectric generator.

RTGs have long been the power system of choice for NASA missions to destinations in deep space, where scant sunlight makes solar panels impractical. RTGs have powered some of the space agency’s most famous spacecraft, including the two Voyager probes that are nearing the edge of the solar system and the Cassini spacecraft currently surveying Saturn and its moons. Plutonium is also fueling NASA’s New Horizons probe, which launched in 2006 and will make a close flyby of Pluto in 2015, as well as the car-size Curiosity rover, which is due to land on the Red Planet this August.

derful to have the sensation of being inside the cosmological data.”

But comparing the visualizations with actual observations can help scientists refine their theories.

For instance, Kaehler’s videos have helped SLAC and KIPAC colleagues understand the formation and structure of galaxy clusters.

The researchers can also alter certain parameters in the simulations to see how theoretical details, such as specific properties of dark matter and dark energy, may affect how the universe appears today.

“These videos aren’t just screensavers,” KIPAC postdoctoral researcher Oliver Hahn said in a statement.

“They show us how the universe really works.”

Multi-tasking comes easier to bilingual kids: Study PARIS: Children who grow up learning two languages are better at multi-tasking but slower at building vocabulary than their monolingual peers, two Canadian psychologists have found Raluca Barac and Ellen Bialystok tested a total of 104 six-year-old public school children, then compared the results of monolingual anglophones with their Chinese-English, French-English and Spanish-English counterparts. In a test of their ability to pay attention, plan, organize and strategize, the children were all asked to press a computer button while viewing images of either animals or colors. They all responded at the same speed when responses were limited to either animals or colors -- but when asked to switch from animals to colors only, and press a different button, the bilinguals proved faster at making the changeover. “In simplest terms, the switching task is an indicator of the ability to multi-task,” said Peggy McCardle, chief of the child development and behavior branch of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

“Bilinguals have two sets of language rules in mind, and their brains apparently are wired to toggle back and forth between them, depending on the circumstances,” she said in a press statement Tuesday.

Testing for verbal ability, Barac and Bialystok found the English monolingual youngsters scored higher for vocabulary, word meaning and grammar than the bilingual children, the institute said.

That was apparently due to the fact that they only had to learn one language, although the Spanish bilinguals -- who attended English-language schools -came a close second in vocabulary. In contrast to previous studies, the children who took part in the study came from similar economic and social backgrounds in multi-ethnic Toronto -- minimizing the potential impact of socio-economic differences on the results.

Barac and Bialystok teach at York University in Toronto. Their research was funded by the institute, a branch of the US government’s Department of Health, and published in the journal Child Development. -AFP

PASADENA, California: An energy-hungry Earth is in need of transformational and sustainable energy solutions, experts say according to SPACE. For decades, researchers have been appraising the use of power-beaming solar-power satellites. But the projected cost, complexity and energy economics of the notion seemingly short-circuited the idea.

Now, a unique new approach has entered the scene, dubbed SPS-ALPHA, short for Solar Power Satellite via Arbitrarily Large PHased Array. Leader of the concept is John Mankins of Artemis Innovation Management Solutions of Santa Maria, Calif.

Mankins provided a detailed overview of the powerbeaming concept here during the 2012 NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts meeting March 27-29.

Last August, Artemis Innovation Management Solutions was selected for a NASA NIAC award to dive into the details of what Mankins labels “the first practical solar-power satellite concept.”

The project will be an energetic one-year study of the design. Mankins is drawing upon a 25-year career at NASA and Caltech’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, doing work that ranged from flight projects and space mission operations to systemslevel innovation and advanced technology research.

Along with reviewing the conceptual feasibility of the SPS-ALPHA, the team will carry out select proof-of-concept technology experiments.

SPS-ALPHA is a novel “biomimetic” approach to the challenge of space solar power, Mankins told SPACE. Biomimetic refers to human-made processes, substances, devices or systems that imitate nature. The booming field of biomimetics is of interest to researchers in nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence, the medical industry and the military.

Megawatts of power

If successful, Mankins said that this project would make possible the construction of huge platforms from tens of thousands of small elements that can deliver remotely and affordably tens to thousands of megawatts using wireless power transmission to markets on Earth, as well as missions in space, Mankins said.

SPS-ALPHA uses a large array of individually controlled thin-film mirrors, outfitted on the curved surface of the satellite. These movable mirrors intercept and redirect incoming sunlight toward photovoltaic cells affixed to the backside of the solar power satellite’s large array.

The Earth-pointing side of this large modular circular array is tiled with a collection of microwave-power transmission panels that generate the coherent, low-intensity beam of radio frequency energy and transmits that energy to Earth.

Mass production

According to Mankins, the SPS-ALPHA has several important advantages over past solar-power satellite approaches.

For example, this new approach eliminates the need for a large integrated power management and distribution system.

That significantly reduces the projected cost of the platform, Mankins said during the NIAC gathering.

Moreover, the SPS-ALPHA concept, Mankins said, enables a solar-power satellite that can be assembled entirely from individual system elements that weigh no more than 110 to 440 pounds (50 to 200 kilograms), allowing all pieces to be mass produced at dramatically lower cost than traditional space systems. Therefore, a drastically reduced cost of the SPS system is realizable, he said.

“The current project will provide a detailed analytical understanding of the SPS-ALPHA concept, with supporting experiments,” Mankins said. “The needed next steps are to develop a working prototype of one or more of the modules and demonstrate the assembled system in the field. Over the next several years, the goal is to realize a low-Earth orbit flight test of the system,” he concluded.

Some Alaska polar bears losing their fur: USGS

Shortages looming

While the DOE doesn’t publicly disclose the size of the nation’s plutonium-238 stores, many planetary scientists think the cupboard is almost bare after the November launch of Curiosity, which carries 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) of the stuff. “We’re down to one more trip out to do some exploring, and that’s it,” New Horizons principal investigator Alan Stern told SPACE.com late last year. “It’s just crazy.To be that close to the edge before we’re out of capability is irresponsible.”

NASA officials, for their part, have said there’s enough of the isotope left to fuel space missions through 2020 or thereabouts.So Stern and others have been pushing for a restart of plutonium-238 production. It’s important to get things going soon, they say, because the process takes a long time. “Targets” made of neptunium-237 must be fabricated and then irradiated in a nuclear reactor to make plutonium-238.

For the past several years, both NASA and the DOE have asked for money to fund a restart. They estimate it’ll cost between $75 million and $90 million over five years, and the two agencies want to split the costs (since the DOE makes the stuff and NASA uses it).

Congress has given NASA some money - $10 million both last year and this year, for example. But lawmakers have denied the DOE’s funding request for three years in a row, Carroll said.

Progress being made

Despite the bad budget news, some restart planning and technological development are already underway, according to Carroll. And NASA is doing what it can to help the project along.

“Right now, I think there’s $10 million in this year’s budget and $10 million in next year’s budget, which we do plan on sending to the Department of Energy to continue the efforts that we’ve begun,” Leonard Dudzinski, a NASA program executive who deals with radioisotope power systems, said at the NETS conference.

The goal is to eventually produce between 3.3 pounds and 4.4 pounds (1.5 to 2 kg) of plutonium-238 per year, which should be enough to support NASA’s robotic planetary science missions, Dudzinsky said.

Proposed satellite would beam solar power to earth

This NASA image obtained on April 4, 2012 shows how flying at an altitude of about 240 miles over the eastern North Atlantic, the Expedition 30 crew aboard the International Space Station photographed this nighttime scene on March 28, 2012. This view looks northeastward. Center point coordinates are 46.8 degrees north latitude and 14.3 degrees west longitude. The night lights of the cities of Ireland, in the foreground, and the United Kingdom, in the back and to the right, are contrasted by the bright sunrise in the background. The greens and purples of the Aurora Borealis are seen along the rest of the horizon. (AFP)

ANCHORAGE, Alaska: Alaska polar bears are losing their fur and US Geological Survey scientists don’t know why.

In the past two weeks, nine of 33 bears checked by scientists in the southern Beaufort Sea region near Barrow were found to have alopecia - loss of fur - and skin lesions, said Tony DeGange, chief of the biology office at the USGS Science Center in Anchorage.Three of four bears inspected Thursday near Kaktovik showed the symptoms as well. Scientists have been collecting blood and tissue samples from the afflicted bears, but they do not know the cause or the significance of the outbreak, the Anchorage Daily News reported.

“Our data set suggests that this is unusual but not unprecedented,” DeGange said. Ten of 48 bears checked by the team in 1998-99 had a similar condition, he said.

In a long-standing project, the USGS has sent polar bear research teams to the area since 1984. The teams track, sedate and examine the bears to help determine their general health and habits.

This year they saw their first bear with hair loss on March 21. The team will wind up this year’s operations in May when the sea ice becomes too treacherous for safe travel.

“We took biopsies in ‘99 and couldn’t establish a causative agent for the hair loss then,” DeGange said. “But now we have this unexplained mortality event going on with seals. And they haven’t been successful in figuring out what caused the seal deaths. Is it just a matter of coincidence or is it related? We don’t know.”

In December, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared an “unusual mortality event” based on a number of ringed seals hauled out on beaches on the Arctic coast of Alaska during the summer. Dead and dying seals were found to have hair loss and skin sores.Affected seals were later observed in Canada and Russia. -AP

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ALWATAN DAILY

CULTURE

monDAY, april 9, 2012

Peruvian Ambassador urges youth into promoting Peru

Ambassador of Peru Amador Velasquez explains the materials, which will be given out to the six facilitators from different universities in Kuwait. (Al Watan Daily)

Dr. Hassan Nasrallah speaks to the crowd about Peru. (Al Watan Daily)

Presidents of student councils of different universities; GUST Abdulmohsen Ibrahim, Kuwait University Mohammad Al-Azmi, Arab Open University Musa Al-Busairi and Yousef Karam of Australian College of Kuwait. (Al Watan Daily)

our tourism, culture, heritage, economy, society and we as Peruvians, have taken our first step, which was to open the embassy and welcome everyone”.

The Peruvian Envoy further added that that such commonality between the two countries and their youth will strengthen solidarity and foster good relations to working together in practical measures and such is also the driving force behind. “I trust the youth and trust you all , surely we can work together to build relations, we need to meet, see each other, taste our foods together, share our riches together and promote going to Peru from Kuwait together”, commented the Envoy.

In addition, Ambassador Velasquez said that the six facilitators who will send back the most signed letters assuming agreements will receive a diploma being called an honorary member, a cap with pin of Peru and Kuwait’s flags and a return ticket to Peru via Amsterdam.

A handout that will include all necessary information, links and more materials to promote Peru will be given to each facilitator. The challenge will end next year to assess their performances and eventually announced the winner or the champion. “Walt Disney once called his team as imaginers and must produce tangible

results, but true champions must have compassion and humanity motivated with sense of obligations for others and as strong as for themselves. When you go to Peru, do not forget to enjoy and at the same time reach out to our Andean natives and share with them your rich culture of Kuwait. The challenge is now open”, concluded Ambassador Velasquez.

Key speaker to the presentation was former Cultural Officer of Kuwait based in Washington and now a full time professor in a university in Kuwait Dr. Hassan Nasrallah. In his speech, Dr. Nasrallah expressed his admiration for the country of Peru. “I was astonished by the generosity of the people that welcomed tourist like me to such majestic land. Peru is known as a country of rich historical background.

We know Egypt and we are familiar with the pyramids but without exaggeration Peru is as equally historical in bases of sightseeing and historical values, its geography extends from the Polar bears of the North and snakes on the arid dessert.

Peru’s cultural heritage is affluent based on historical facts and its modern metropolis to the lush greens of the mountains is breathtaking. What one experiences with Peru’s tourism is a new horizon to explore. One may find

problem with understanding and speaking the language but we understand them with their smiles,” commented Dr. Nasrallah.

Peru according to Dr. Nasrallah is a land of great opportunity for the Middle East, in sectors of natural resources, wildlife, tourism, agricultural products and education. Its opening of the embassy in Kuwait is a vivid proof that Peru is not far and Kuwaitis need to explore the South American continent especially Peru, which is a top destination in terms of historical values. “Peru offers a different experience, take for example when you stand on Macchu Picchu, you are clothed with mystical feeling on how much the Peruvians were able to build such city on top of the mountain hidden by the clouds during the country’s early struggle from its oppressors. It makes you wonder how they managed to carry such boulders to create the city. Peru is a virgin nation, rich in everything one can think of. Its unmatched hospitality, embracing climate and people nestled in its traditions and culture that are most willing to share and give what they have, is what make me return to Peru once more. I urge all Kuwaitis to visit Peru for I assure them that not only the experience is different and new but the great encounter with people, culture and place will

Ricky Laxa Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of Peru to Kuwait Amador Velasquez launched a campaign among six student councils of universities in the country for a chance to win and be an honorary ambassador of Peru by way of promoting and encouraging people to visit the country and which will be attested by the embassy and its recognized travel agencies. The event was held on the trade hall of the embassy and attended by prominent officials, travel agents, presidents of student councils and members of the local media.

In his opening remarks Ambassador Velasquez quoted a phrase in the opening speech of His Highness the Amir in the parliament, as stressing the vital role of the youth and his keenness in the essential role in building a progressive society. Ambassador Velasquez said “We adhere to His Highness the Amir’s vision for the youth and along with that we also would like to express our vision of having in Kuwait for facilitators, people of great imagination and who can be champions in the future. We are a people of peace and action, which we share in common with such we also would like to share

Cruise ship to retrace voyage of Titanic LONDON: A cruise carrying relatives of some of the more than 1,500 people who died aboard the Titanic nearly 100 years ago is setting sail from England on Sunday to retrace the ship’s voyage, including a visit to the location where it sank.

The Titanic Memorial Cruise, carrying the same number of passengers as the Titanic did, is set to depart from Southampton, where the doomed vessel left on its maiden voyage. The 12-night cruise will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the White Star liner. As passengers gathered to board, many self-professed “titanoraks” wore period costumes as first-class passengers, crew members, steerage passengers and stewards. Dressed as an Edwardian gentleman, passenger Graham Free described his excitement.

“I have been a fan of the Titanic since I was nine years old and this cruise is the closest you are going to get to it,” said the 37 year old. “The trip has cost a considerable amount, but I wanted to do it.”

Fellow cruiser Carmel Bradburn, 55, who lives in Australia, described herself as “fanatical” about the Titanic and struck back at accusations that retracing the doomed voyage is in poor taste.

“I don’t think the cruise is morbid.

It’s like saying Gallipoli is morbid or commemorating the (Crimean) war,” she said. “Remembering those who died is not morbid.”

With 1,309 passengers aboard, the MS Balmoral will follow the same route

as the Titanic. Organizers are trying to recreate the onboard experience - minus the disaster - from the food to a live band playing music from that era, in tribute to Titanic’s musicians who reportedly played their instruments until the ship sank.

Organizers said people from 28 countries have booked passage, including relatives of some of the more than 1,500 people who died when the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank on April 15, 1912, in international waters in the North Atlantic. Other passengers include relatives of the around 700 survivors, along with authors and historians.

The tickets varied in cost from 2,799 pounds ($4,445) to 5,995 pounds ($9,520).

Over the course of the voyage, passengers will be attending lectures by Titanic experts such as Philip Littlejohn, grandson of a Titanic survivor. They will dine on meals based around dishes served in April 1912, with a formal dinner on April 13 made up entirely of dishes served aboard the Titanic.

Cruise organizers have set up a special memorial service on April 14 to start at 11:40 p.m. to mark the moment Titanic hit the iceberg, and later at the exact moment when the ship sank.

The cruise is among an abundance of commemorations and memorials to the reputedly unsinkable ship that have sprung up to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s doomed voyage. -AP

Jules Verne first edition sells for £1,000

LONDON: A rare first edition of a novel by Jules Verne has been sold for almost £1,000 by a charity shop in Aberdeen, reports The Guardian.

Five years ago, a first English edition of the same book by the science fiction writer, also donated to Oxfam in Aberdeen, sold for £975, breaking the shop’s record.

The book, ‘An Antarctic Mystery’, was published in 1898 and tells the story of a journey around the remote Kerguelen Islands in the south Indian Ocean.

Marion Craigie, manager of the Oxfam bookshop in the city, said: “We’re always looking out for rare items being donated to our shops, including first editions. It’s great that this book has raised so much money.” She said the sale had “boosted our confidence in the online market”, referring to the launch of Oxfam’s website last December.

Verne’s tale, written as a response to a novel by Edgar Allan Poe, was first published by Sampson Low Marston & Co. It followed Poe’s 1838 novel, ‘The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket’. Verne is best known for his novels ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’, ‘Journey to the Centre of the Earth’, and ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’.

bring impressions of how much we to discover more the world around us,” commented Dr. Nasrallah.

As for the President of the Student Council of the Australian College of Kuwait Yousef Karam, he told Al Watan Daily that prior to the presentation, he never knew about the country of Peru but as the presentation progressed he got acquainted with the places, people and culture including rare animals which he had watched as part of the films to the like of Indiana Jones and more. “I have watched these places via films and never knew that one day I will meet the Peruvian Ambassador and to add with such a great opportunity to visit the country one of these days. We are so much into Europe, Southeast Asia and America but hardly into South America. I am already envisioning an exhibition of Peru in our campus for students to know and discover,” stated Karam.

“Peru to me is a beautiful, mysterious and rich in history,” commented Karam.

The presentation was also attended by presidents of the students’ councils of GUST Abdulmohsen Ibrahim, Kuwait University Mohammad Al-Azmi and Arab Open University Musa Al-Busairi and Sales Manager of KLM Ala Al-Bosta.

Pakistanis celebrate Pakistan day at Kuwait’s Green Island

Kuwaiti and Pakistani children take the stage during the national anthems of Kuwait and Pakistan during the Pakistan Day celebration at Green Island.

KUWAIT: The Embassy of Pakistan along with sponsors from the Pakistani community organized a celebration at Green Island for the National Day of Pakistan which was attended by over 3000 Pakistanis living here in Kuwait.

Iftakhar Aziz, the Pakistani Ambassador to Kuwait also announced the launching of a new community website for Pakistanis entitled ‘halapakistan’ which provides, among other things; news, religious information, and cooking recipes for national dishes.

The holiday which takes place on March 23 is called Pakistan Day and is a national holiday in Pakistan to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940 and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world’s first Islamic republic.

The event began with recitations from the Quran, and was followed by the national anthems of Kuwait and Pakistan with Kuwaiti and Pakistani children taking the stage in national costumes - a Kuwaiti boy scout marched out with the Kuwaiti flag and was followed by a young Pakistani boy with his country’s flag.

The evening’s entertainment included a performance by a group of Pakistani children which gained a generous applause from the supportive, jubilant crowd.

In addition to the festivities, a magic show was put up much to the delight of the younger audience members.

The highlight of the evening was a musical performance by a home grown band known as

Some of the crowd gathered at Green Island for the Pakistan Day celebrations. Embassy staff estimated the attendees numbered over a thousand.

Iftakhar Aziz, Ambassador of Pakistan to Kuwait (center) cuts into a ceremonial cake with prominent members of the Pakistani community and sponsors of the celebration.

‘Hamesha’ and a popular local singer named Amjad who crooned a variety of patriotic Pakistani tunes.

To complete the festivities, a number of stalls were set up which offered visitors tradi-

tional Pakistani food such as Haleem, biryani, and halwa puri. The entire event was telecast live online through the the halapakistani website set up by a group of young IT experts in Kuwait.

ALWATAN DAILY

entertainment Song Of The Day

Fahad AlSabah Staff Writer

Song: Solano Avenue (Feat. Nicole Atkins) Artist: David Byrne & Fatboy Slim Album: Here Lies Love Genre: Alternative In short: Nicole Atkins’ music has always been atmospheric and heavy on the rock side, but her collaboration with David Byrne and Fatboy Slim took her out of her comfort zone, into a foreign, summery place. “Solano Avenue” is enough proof to see that Atkins can easily change musical skins and slip into a new one at any given time, and do it well.

To listen to the song visit www.alwatandaily.com E-mail your feedback to falsabah@alwatandaily.com

The Buzz Australian actor Matthew Newton arrested in Miami Authorities say Australian actor Matthew Newton has been released from a Miami jail following a weekend arrest. A Miami-Dade County jail official says the 35-year-old Newton was arrested Friday evening on charges of resisting police and trespassing on property after a warning. He was released Saturday evening on $2,000 bond. Newton has had legal troubles before. In 2010, Australian “Transformers” actress Rachael Taylor took out a restraining order against thenboyfriend Newton, accusing him of violently assaulting her while the couple were in Rome. He was dropped as host of a new Australian talent series. In 2007, he pleaded guilty to assaulting then-girlfriend Brooke Satchwell during a breakup argument. Earlier that year, Newton spent 28 days in a Melbourne rehab clinic that specializes in drug and alcohol issues. -AP

Claude Miller, director of La Petite Voleuse, dies at 70 Claude Miller, a French director best known for discovering young actress Charlotte Gainsbourg in the 1985 film “La Petite Voleuse”, has died at the age of 70 after a long illness, one of his production companies said on Thursday.

A student of “Nouvelle Vague” directors Robert Bresson, Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut, Miller carried their artistic approach into the 21st century, writing, directing and producing dozens of films. Miller, the son of a movie theatre employee in Paris, started his career in the 1960s as an assistant director for Marcel Carme and released his first feature film, “The Best Way to Walk”, in 1976. In France, Miller is best remembered for revealing Gainsbourg, then aged 17, as a compulsive teenaged thief in “La Petite Voleuse”, as well as his 1981 film “Garde a vue”, which won Cesar awards for Best Writing, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. “A true humanist, Claude Miller managed to reconcile both the public and critics around his works, which explored the human soul in a careful, anxious but benevolent way,” the Elysee presidential palace said in a statement. -Reuters

Jane Birkin cancels Morocco gig for health reasons Morocco’s Mawazine music festival announced Thursday that singer and actress Jane Birkin has cancelled her scheduled appearance in May for health reasons. “It is with regret that the Mawazine Rhythms of the World Festival informs that the Jane Birkin concert initially scheduled for May 22 in Rabat is cancelled due to the artist’s health,” the festival said in a statement. The 11th edition of the Mawazine festival, the country’s largest that features prominent Arab and Western artists, will be held in Rabat from May 18 to 26.

American music stars Lenny Kravitz and Mariah Carey are among those expected to perform. “We have been informed today that Jane Birkin has been admitted to a hospital in France and we regret her absence at Mawazine,” the festival’s artistic director Aziz Daki said Thursday. -AFP

monDAY, april 9, 2012

NBC fires producer over edited Trayvon Martin call NEW YORK: NBC News has fired a producer following a probe into its broadcasting of a misleading edit of an audio clip of a 911 emergency response call during coverage of the Trayvon Martin shooting, two sources at the network said. The producer, who was not identified by the sources, is Miami-based.

NBC News declined to comment when asked about the dismissal, which the sources said took place on Thursday. Reuters had previously reported that the “seasoned” producer was at the center of the probe. NBC News executives interviewed more than half a dozen employees during their investigation of the network’s editing of the tape of the 911 call placed by George Zimmerman before he shot the unarmed Florida teenager, sources at the network had said on Thursday.

The edit made it appear as though Zimmerman told police that Martin was black without being prompted, when, in fact, the full tape reveals that the neighborhood watch captain only did so when responding to a question asked by the dispatcher. The clip aired on the network’s flagship “Today” morning show last week. Public pressure has been building on the network to fully explain the incident - which critics charge has inflamed racial tensions in an already volatile situation.

On Thursday, a New York Post editorial characterized the edited 911 call as “pretty damning evidence of willful misconduct by NBC News” and suggested that racial violence could ensue over irresponsible news coverage.

Sources at the network said on Thursday that NBC News executives did not know the

Shirts with images of slain teenager Trayvon Martin rest on a fence during a rally to protest Martin’s killing in Miami, Florida April 1, 2012. (Reuters)

911 call was misleadingly edited until news reports surfaced days later on right-leaning blogs includingNewsbusters.org and Breitbart.com.

NBC News has apologized for the incident. The Today show’s editorial control policies - which include a script editor, senior producer oversight, and in most cases legal and

standards department reviews of material to be broadcast - missed the selective editing of the call, said an NBC executive.

The network’s executives have vowed to take rigorous steps to formalize editorial safeguards in the news division following the incident, one source at NBC said on Thursday.

Rapper who admitted 1993 NYC shooting faces trial NEW YORK: Almost a decade after a brief turn on rap’s fast track, G. Dep was aiming toward a comeback. But then he went to a police station to reveal a damning secret: He’d shot a stranger while trying to mug him 17 years before. He’s now slated to go on trial on murder and other charges, despite a confession he hasn’t disputed making - indeed, he’s called it a relief.

His lawyers, who have said the rapper turned down a plea deal that called for 15 years to life in prison, have suggested he’ll question whether years of PCP use factored in his client’s admission.

G. Dep, 37, a married father of three school-age children, faces the possibility of 25 years to life behind bars if he’s convicted in a case that was dormant until he spoke up in December 2010.

Victim John Henkel’s own family has criticized the rapper’s decision to come forward, saying it needlessly stoked the relatives’ pain.

Regardless, the rapper doesn’t regret it, his lawyer says. “Conscience drove him to do something. ... He thinks he did the right thing,” defense lawyer Anthony L. Ricco said after a hearing this winter.

Jury selection is scheduled to start Monday. Ricco and fellow G. Dep lawyer Neville Mitchell didn’t return calls this week; the Manhattan district attorney’s office declined to comment. G. Dep, who is being held without bail, has pleaded not guilty.

Henkel, 32, who was married and had three children, was shot in the chest three times outside a Harlem apartment complex around 1 a.m. on Oct. 19, 1993. At the time, Trevell Coleman was 18, a Harlem youth years away from his rise in rap as G. Dep, short for “Ghetto Dependent.”

Coleman made his way into hip-hop impresario Sean “Diddy” Combs’ stable of talent at Bad Boy Records in the late 1990s. His debut album, “Child of the Ghetto,” came out in 2001. G. Dep scored a rap-chart hit with “Special Delivery.” The video for his “Let’s Get It” helped an athletic, wriggly dance called the Harlem shake percolate out of clubs and into pop culture. But G. Dep’s career soon stalled. His life spiraled into disarray and drugs, particularly PCP, the potent hallucinogen also known as angel dust. By late 2010, his record included at least a dozen arrests on drug,

trespassing and other charges. His wife would later tell Vibe magazine that he insisted one time that he was Jesus, another time that she was a police officer.

Still, he was hoping for a turnaround. He went through a drug rehabilitation program in summer 2010, according to an interview that year with the hip-hop magazine XXL, and released his second solo album, “Ghetto Legend,” online that fall through Coral Springs, Fla.-based Famous Records. A single featuring him - “On My Way,” by rapper Chi King - was poised for release by Detroit’s Protekted Records in January 2011; proceeds are going to Henkel’s family, Protekted CEO Jon Gornbein said. Even as G. Dep tried to regain his footing, “he had some demons that I could feel he was fighting,” Famous Records’ CEO Jeffrey Collins, recalled by phone this week. “And maybe this was his answer.”

The rapper turned up at the police precinct Dec. 15, 2010, shortly before the first gig Famous Records had arranged for him, Collins said. G. Dep calmly explained that he had shot someone after demanding money on a street corner about 20 years before, two detectives said at a court hearing in January. Poring backwards from 2000 in a homicide logbook, investigators matched Henkel’s death to the rapper’s account, which included the location and the caliber of the gun. He told authorities he fired after the victim grabbed the weapon.

“I pulled it back to me, and then I fired. I fired, um, three times,” then fled on a bicycle, the rapper said in a videotaped statement partly shown at the hearing. He said he hadn’t seen whether the victim was wounded. While acknowledging that G. Dep unburdened himself about something that had haunted him, Ricco has indicated he’ll ask jurors to scrutinize the confession through the prism of a person racked by extended PCP use.

While G. Dep told police he hoped his admission would help Henkel’s relatives, one has said it did the opposite. “Finally, we’re not always thinking about it ... and now it has to be dug up all again,” stepbrother Robert Henkel told the New York Post after the arrest. He didn’t immediately respond to phone messages this week. -AP

Nicole Kidman in talks on Grace Kelly role Australian actress Nicole Kidman is in talks to play the late Grace Kelly, the screen legend who married the prince of Monaco, in a film by French director Olivier Dahan, Variety reported Thursday. The report said Kidman, 44, is in negotiations to play Kelly in “Grace of Monaco,” which Pierre-Ange Le Pogam is producing with writer Arash Amel. The entertainment daily said “nearly every top actress in Hollywood” is seeking the role and that no deal has been signed yet. The screenplay by Amel is not a biopic but centers on the period from December 1961 to November 1962. At the time Kelly, an Oscar winner and mother of two, had already spent six years as a princess and was called upon to save Monaco from an escalating crisis with France over the tiny monarchy’s status as a tax haven. -AFP

News of the firing - which was reported by The New York Times late on Friday - surprised and dismayed some NBC News employees involved in the network’s ongoing coverage of the case, according to two sources, who said the producer was highly regarded within the organization. -Reuters

Shahs of Sunset reality show stirs controversy about stereotypes

In this undated publicity photo the stars of the TV Show “Shahs of Sunset” are seen. (AFP)

PARIS: The latest television American reality show to kick up a storm is “Shahs of Sunset”, a new series about a wealthy group of Iranian-American friends juggling the Beverly Hills party lifestyle with the demands of their traditional families.

Usually, the more outrageous the show, the higher the viewership -- and this weekly program on America’s Bravo cable/satellite channel is no exception.

“Shahs of Sunset” has seen ratings rise a dramatic 37% since its debut in midMarch. The notoriety has caused some controversy, but that may just bring more viewers to the show. A governing city council in the adjacent town of West Hollywood petitioned the network to stop “perpetuating negative stereotypes about Iranian-Americans,” echoed by some Iranian-Americans concerned about the impression the cast portrays of the community. The criticism is reminiscent of the objections to MTV’s extremely popular Jersey Shore and the raunchy cast’s depiction of Italian-Americans. Bravo launched the successful “Housewives” franchise, with women in places from from Orange County to Atlanta and Hollywood entertaining television households with the banal problems of the rich. The underlying conflict on episodes of “Shahs of Sunset” centers on pressures from family members to get married and follow a more traditional life on a group of singles who love to party and buy expensive clothing.

“We wanted to present an exciting group of friends who live interesting and dynamic lives as well as give an inside look at their culture and rituals,” said the Bravo Network about “Shahs of Sunset”, according to the AFP. The six friends include Muslims, Jews and a gay man and is set on the west side of LA in an area referred to as “Tehrange-

les,” where 20% of residents are of Iranian descent, encompassing parts of nearby Westwood, called “Little Persia.”

Sammy, Reza, Mike and MJ work in the real estate market with the palatial mansions of Beverly Hills, while Asa is a “modern gypsy bohemian” singer/artist and GG is a “Persian princess,” living at home, shopping and dating.

The “Shahs” may turn into the Persian version of the Kardashians, replacing the Armenian family’s series as the go-to show. It appears the interest in the show is primarily in the lavish lifestyles and image, flashy personalities and tapping into the excesses found on most reality shows.

By comparison, the image projected on “All-American Muslim” was about the conflicts and customs of five middle-class Arab-American families in Dearborn, Michigan, a community with the highest concentration of Muslims in the US and home to the largest mosque in the country.

This 2011 reality show followed a football coach, sheriff, automotive worker and judicial executive, with beliefs ranging from conservative to liberal. Episodes dealt with the struggles of assimilation, adjustments to life in and outside the community, and prejudice encountered since 9/11.

Critically acclaimed, the show debuted with one million viewers but was shortlived, ending after the first season when an advertiser dropped out under pressure from a campaign by Christian bloggers.

According to the TLC cable/satellite network, the decline in ratings was the reason for cancelation. More like a documentary series, “All-American Muslim” sparked controversy about Arab-Americans living normal lives in the US, whereas “Shahs of Sunset” depicts the lives of the rich and not-so-famous, more typical of reality shows. -AFP

Schwarzenegger calls last Terminator awful

3 ex-bandmates file suit against Chris Daughtry Three of Chris Daughtry’s former bandmates are suing him, claiming he defrauded them out of proceeds from four songs that included music and lyrics they wrote together. The News & Record of Greensboro reports bassist Ryan Andrews, drummer Scott Crawford and guitarist Mark Perry filed suit Thursday in Guilford County Superior Court. The lawsuit accuses Daughtry of “constructive fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, unfair trade practices, and other deceptive and wrongful conduct.” Daughtry posted a statement on his band’s website saying he was hurt by the accusations and that the songs listed in the lawsuit were written solely by him. -AP

17

From left to right actors Sean Hayes,Chris Diamantopoulos and Will Sasso arrive in a rickshaw at Hollywood Boulevard for the premiere of ‘The Three Stooges’ on April 07, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (AFP)

NEW YORK: Arnold Schwarzennegger says “Terminator Salvation” was “awful,” Collider reports.

The former Governator seems to have displayed Terminator-like diplomacy in his assessment of the only “Terminator” film in which he didn’t star. The site asked if he would consider sequels to his past films. “All those things, if it’s ‘True Lies,’ ‘Terminator,’ a well-made ‘Terminator’ ... the last one was awful,” he was quoted as saying. “It tried hard, not that they didn’t try, the acting and everything. It missed the boat.”

A fifth “Terminator” film is in development. The 2009 film “Salvation,” directed by McG, starred Christian Bale and Sam Worthingon.

Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures acquired rights to the “Terminator” franchise after a bidding war at last year’s Cannes Film Festival. If the project doesn’t go into production by 2018, rights revert to James Cameron, who wrote and directed the first two “Terminator” films.

Representatives for Schwarzenegger did not immediately respond to requests for comment. -Reuters

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ALWATAN DAILY

AROUND TOWN / TIME OUT

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012

If you have an event you wish to include, please email: aroundtown@alwatandaily.com

Feature o f

graffiti

the day

moderately confused

Marina Hotel Kuwait brings back its Poolside BBQ every Wednesday night

KUWAIT: Marina Hotel opened up its poolside Barbeque Nights in the presence of the media and senior management. General Manager, Nabil Hammoud and the entire hotel’s management team welcomed the guests on their arrival to a relaxing evening filled with mouth-watering BBQ delicacies, live Oriental music, shisha and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.

The Hotel’s spectacular settings, beautiful landscape combined with the warm spring weather reflects the ambience of the BBQ dinner buffet.

Guests were offered a delicious selection from the sumptuous barbecue station filled with especially marinated and seasoned varieties of succulent meats and chicken, fresh seafood with rich variety of seaside dishes and a delicious salad bar with the assorted breads.

For the finale, delectable desserts were served.

On the occasion, Hammoud said: “It’s just so beautiful outside at this time of the year so we have taken the opportunity to launch our BBQ nights.

The lovely weather proves to

Month a t

Sudoku

Elementary

be the perfect setting for guests to enjoy our unique dining experience with our specialties cooked with the freshest possible ingredients.

Every year we receive a very positive feedback on our BBQ Nights, this year; there will also be an even bigger variety of choices.

Advanced

Intermediate

With the launch of our Barbeque Nights, we would like to offer our guests a scrumptious dining experience at the pool.”

The Marina poolside BBQ takes place every Wednesday evening, has a capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests at a time and has a special area for groups.

General A n n o u n c e m e n t s

a glance countries. His body of work consists of a central iconic image that of a finger imprint, within each thumb impression he has formulated a pseudo-calligraphic narrative of life experiences on luminous and luxurious enamel weaves.

Help save animals April 10/ 7 p.m. /The AWARE Center: The AWARE Center cordially invites you to its lecture entitled, “you can help us save animals in Kuwait,” on Tuesday

by Claudia Farkas Al-Rashoud & Nadia Al-Kandari. With the inhumane ongoing official policy of poisoning stray dogs & cats, the status of animal rights in Kuwait has reached a new low. For more information, call 25335260/80 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw.

K’S PATH invites applicants for the adoption of pets Sepp is a Domestic Long Haired (DLH) male cat. He will be 2-years-old April 2012. This friendly, laid-back boy loves a good cuddle and likes a high vantage point in a cat tree or ledge to look out from. He would do best in a home with children over 12 years of age.

To adopt, contact +965 67006122 or visit the website www.kspath.org

Golden era club

K’S PATH’s last Shelter Open Day April 14/ 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. / Wafra: This is a great opportunity for visitors to interact and socialize with our dogs and cats for adoption, get acquainted with K’S PATH’s work in animal welfare and habitat protection through a shelter tour, and meet K’S PATH’s growing team of volunteers and staff. We will also hold an educational session for children on Kuwait’s desert and marine species followed by a crafts session to build a model desert and marine habitat.

Arabic course March 11-April 19/ TIES Center: TIES Center is glad to announce the start of Arabic courses. We offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advance and also introduced new classes called Kuwait dialect. TIES Arabic classes are intended for all expatriates who wish to learn Arabic for whatever purposebusiness, basic communication, as a second language or simply as a hobby. For more information/registration, contact 97228860/97793440.

Dar Al Funoon hosts artist Karim Ghidinelli April 2- 19/ 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. / Dar Al Funoon: Born in Italy in 1976, Karim spent his childhood in this city; he went to middle school and high school in African

April 13/ 5 p.m. -7 p.m. /Rumaithiya: Join the Golden Era club for a fascinating Earth Day activity. Come armed with old newspapers, a pair of scissors and a bottle of glue. You also get to join Dr. Leos on a fascinating journey through a jewel nestled in central Europe, ranking high in human development. Seniors (60+) don’t miss out on the adventure! Venue- House #34, next to Abu-Tammam Intermediate School for Boys, Sate Alhusari St., Block 2, Rumaithiya. For details call 97172788/ 66208183 or drop a line to goldenera60@yahoo.com

Mario is a gentle and affectionate 6-years-young Spitz male. This friendly boy does great with people and dogs of all ages.

New Toastmasters Club Second and fourth Tuesday/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. / Jabriya: A new Toastmasters Club is being formed and encouraging new members to join. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. It is a non-profit international organization dedicated to improve member’s communication and leadership skills by attending and participating toastmasters meetings. For more information, please contact Khaled Al-Hashem at 65588824.

On the occasion of the Easter holiday, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Kuwait would like to inform the public that the Embassy will be closed on Sunday, April 8 and Monday April 9, 2012. The Embassy will resume its normal duties on Tuesday April 10, 2012.

French Embassy

Brainbang session

The French Embassy in Kuwait will be closed on Sunday April 8, 2012 for Easter holidays.

October 7-April/ 11:45 a.m. -1:45 p.m. /Salmiya: BRAINBANG, the creative arm of Friends of CRY Club (FOCC) invites all students aged 11 and above, to join us fortnightly on Fridays. The areas of development are: Creativity in learning, tools and techniques to empower your mind, profile based learning, activity, fun, games and worksheet based assignments, practical experiments, mind gymnastics and application of learning techniques to conventional study.

E-mail: brainbang@focckwt.org or call 25660835/25618471/97677820.

Dilbert

Embassy of the Slovak Republic

Embassy of Korea The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6. Contact: 25378621/2/3/4/5. The embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Morning: 8 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Lunch break: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Afternoon: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Nancy

Horoscopes Aries: March 21 - April 19

You always tend to have good powers of concentration, Aries, but today you’re more focused than usual, probably on a project that means a lot to you. This could be job related, it might involve helping a friend, or it may just be a personal project. Whatever it is, you should accomplish a lot today. The downside is that you might forget to eat, sleep, or take any breaks. Take care!

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

An intense conversation with your romantic partner could take place today, Taurus. This could involve taking the relationship to the next commitment level, and the subject of marriage could come up. If you’re already married, this could mean taking on a new responsibility, such as a house or child. If you aren’t currently involved, expect to meet someone new who appeals to you on a number of levels.

Gemini: May 21- June 21

Today you and the other members of your household might discuss the possibility of making some changes, Gemini. This could involve some redecorating or remodeling or even something as mundane as a thorough cleaning. However, it could also involve the possibility of moving to a completely different place.

Cancer: June 22 - July 22

Today you might feel the urge to write, Cancer. This could involve nothing more than a lengthy letter or email to a friend, but it could also be creative work, such as a novel, essay, screenplay, or poem.Whatever it is, you’re likely to express some intellectual, philosophical, or spiritual concerns that you hope to shed some light on. Don’t be surprised if you come up with more questions than answers.

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Paperwork involving money needs to be executed today, Leo. It could be a settlement, new commission, or bonus of some kind. This is likely to be a joyous occasion because money is coming your way, even though the paperwork itself might be a drag. Try to concentrate and get it done quickly so you and those close to you can go out and celebrate. Make a reservation at your favorite restaurant.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

Today your mind should be especially quick and penetrating, Virgo. You could decide to tackle some in-depth research that you’ve been considering doing for a while on a subject that fascinates you. You might also want to discuss the subject with someone close to you who shares this interest.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

Some vivid, beautiful dreams or visions could awaken you and make you aware of new opportunities. They could be creative in nature, and you should consider taking advantage of them, Libra.

This revelation could have been there, unnoticed, for a long time.

Don’t write it off because of the unorthodox way it appeared.

Look into it and see where it leads you.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

Today you might decide to attend a group activity that is primarily concerned with an intellectual, philosophical, or spiritual interest of yours, Scorpio. You might meet a charismatic person whose conversation stimulates your mind and causes you to come up with new insights. During the course of the day, you might notice that this person is very appealing to you.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

A public figure, perhaps an author, might capture your interest in some way today, Sagittarius. This person could have a lot to say that appeals to you on a number of different levels. You’ll want to acquaint yourself with as much of this person’s work as possible.

You could experience some valuable personal insights.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

Today you might attend a party or group activity that puts you in touch with some interesting people from faraway places, Capricorn. You could find their conversation intellectually stimulating. You’re apt to learn a lot from them. Books could be involved in some way. You’ll want to stay in touch with them, so be sure to get names, phone numbers or email addresses.

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

Some big upheaval in your career could take you by surprise, Aquarius, but it’s apt to make a very positive difference to you. Your public standing and income could both skyrocket. Legal papers might be involved in some way. This could happen so suddenly that it has you in a daze, but try to remain focused and go with the flow.

You won’t want this opportunity to pass you by.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

A social event could bring you into contact with a very intense, fascinating person in an intriguing profession, Pisces.You could find him or her very charming and sexy. If you aren’t romantically involved at the moment, there could be potential here! If nothing else, this person might steer you in a new intellectual or spiritual direction.

ALWATAN DAILY

SPORTS

moNDAY, april 9, 2012

19

Basketball

Celtics pin down Pacers, hold Atlantic lead INDIANAPOLIS: The Indiana Pacers beat Oklahoma City on Friday night, proving that they indeed are one of the league’s up-and-coming teams.

A day later, the Boston Celtics showed the Pacers what the next level looks like.

Paul Pierce scored 24 points to help the Celtics beat Indiana 86-72 on Saturday night.

The veteran-laden Celtics did what winning playoff teams do. They controlled the tempo, played stifling defense and made timely shots all night. Indiana matched its lowest point total of the season.

Ray Allen added 19 points, Kevin Garnett scored 15 and Rajon Rondo had 12 assists for the Celtics.

Allen came off the bench for just the second time this season. He made 5 of 11 3-pointers, including 3 of 5 in the second half. He had missed six games with an ankle injury and has been back for just three games.

Boston also got a key contribution from Greg Stiemsma, a rookie from Wisconsin who has received increased minutes because Jermaine O’Neal has been out after left wrist surgery. Stiemsma had 10 points, a season-high nine rebounds and five blocks. Much of his damage came against All-Star center Roy Hibbert.

Boston snapped a two-game skid and remained ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers at the top of the Atlantic Division.

Danny Granger scored 20 points, David West had 16 and Hibbert added nine points and 17 rebounds for Indiana. The Pacers had won four in a row and had

Howard’s big night helps Magic end five-game skid

Indiana Pacers Paul George, blocks a shot by Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce during an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, April 7, 2012. (AP)

scored more than 100 points in five consecutive games. Indiana shot 35 percent from the field, made just 5 of 22 3-pointers and committed 19 turnovers.

Indiana had the young legs and the depth, but looked tired against the older Celtics. It was the Pacers’ fourth game in five nights, and it finally caught up with them.

Boston took a 22-19 lead, then held the Pacers scoreless for the next 7:23 to take a 36-19 lead.

Boston led 43-33 at halftime. The Pacers shot just 3 for 19 in the second quarter, but hung tough because they only allowed Boston to shoot 30 percent. The Pacers just missed their low half of the season, which was 29 points in the second

half against Chicago on March 5. Stiemsma had 10 points, five rebounds and five blocks in the first half.

Boston led by double digits for most of the fourth quarter. Indiana tried to make a late surge, and a 3-pointer by Granger cut Boston’s lead to 74-65. Allen hit a 3-pointer at the other end a few seconds later to stop Indiana’s momentum. -AP

PHILADELPHIA: Dwight Howard had 20 points and 22 rebounds, and Glen Davis had 23 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to an 88-82 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

J.J. Redick scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic snap a five-game losing streak. The Magic pushed aside the lingering rift between Howard and coach Stan Van Gundy to win for the first time since March 26.

Led by Howard, the Magic outrebounded the Sixers 5341. Howard had 13 defensive boards.

Thaddeus Young scored 20 points, Jodie Meeks had 16 and Lou Williams 15 for Philadelphia. The Sixers have lost nine of their last 13 games and are in serious danger of missing a playoff spot after leading the Atlantic Division for most of the season.

The Magic took control of the game late in the fourth quarter to put away a Sixers team collapsing down the stretch. Elton Brand’s soft jumper let Philadelphia take a 7372 lead and give it hope they could complete the comeback after trailing by 10 points.

Redick and the Magic took it from there. His 3-pointer with 3:21 left put Orlando ahead 82-76 and fans started heading for the exits. Howard went 7 of 12 from the freethrow line in the fourth to seal the win.

The win was a needed break for a team that wants to turn the spotlight back on basketball.

The Magic stamped their claim as Team Turmoil once Gundy disclosed this week that Howard wanted him fired.

The two have since agreed it was time to move forward and focus on the team’s play on the court.

Philadelphia’s bench bailed out a starting five suffering from a serious off night in the first half. Brand and Jrue Holiday were scoreless, and Andre Iguodala and Evan Turner had four points apiece.

No problem. Williams and Meeks both went 4 for 5 from the floor for 11 points and Thaddeus Young scored eight points to help the Sixers lead 45-37 at the break. -AP

Track and field

Viking Club holds first Fun Run in 2012

Director of Recreations Ivan Tsenkov (left) and General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Philippe Pelaud (2nd left) with the winners of the Fun Run. Ricky Laxa Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Viking Club of the Radisson Blu Hotel Kuwait held its first Fun Run for 2012 with the General Manager of the Hotel Philippe Pelaud leading the run. The annual event, which is often organized thrice per year, was participated by staff of Radisson Blu, Missoni and invited guests. The event kicked off on Saturday morning from the Messilah area to the health club’s premises.

Tsenkov said that the participants were comprised of mixed male and female participants including children who ran with their parents, while some opted to brisk walk and not join the run. Runners were treated to a simple and light breakfast while prizes were awarded to the winners. Win-

Participants off to a start.

ners of the event were husband and wife team John and Helen Lambert bagging the top places for male and female categories and their children Tor and Imogen winning the children’s category. Fit runner Rasha came in second in the female division and Philippe from the French Embassy landing second on the male division.

In an interview with Al Watan Daily, John said that he picked up the sports running at the age of eleven in England and eventually competed locally, He added that he has joined some of the fun runs in Kuwait. John trains daily on his cross trainer at home and visits the gym regularly.

He also said that he follows no special diet but watches carefully what eats. As for Helen, she said that she felt good and achieved something winning the women’s category. She watches her diet carefully without processed

Hosts of The Morning Talk interview John Lambert.

food and less sugar and salt.

Second place winner Rasha was pleased with her performance and said that she is not particular about her food but she trains regularly in the gym and runs four times per week. She started running at the age of fourteen and since then has been hooked with the sports. She suggests that people should start running in order to keep fit and hopes that more people will come and join in the next fun run.

Second place winner in the male category Philippe said that he felt good winning second place this time. “I won the third last year and got second this time, I guess I have improved, I hope to win the first prize next year, but I need to train more. I am grateful that Radisson organize such event for it gives us the opportunity to prove what we have worked for not only for ourselves but to others as well,”

commented Philippe.

“I am thankful to the team for organizing such event as it keeps our spirits great and high. I am also glad that Missoni Hotel staffs were present during the run. The temperature was perfect and it somehow added to making the run much fun and bearable. It was a good exercise and we hope that there will be more participants in the next fun run,” commented General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Philippe Pelaud. Tsenkov commented that the turn-out was small in number but he was pleased with the event.

The event was also covered by The Morning Talk and event will be aired at www.wix.com/themorningtalkq8/themorning-talk. The show was hosted by Jane and Willie. Participants of the fun run were thankful to the club’s aerobics instructor Ricky for a good warm-up prior to the run.

Tennis

Cricket

Spain blow shot at making Davis Cup semifinals

England cricket captain Strauss confident about future

OROPESA: Defending champion Spain blew a chance to reach the Davis Cup semifinals when it lost the doubles to Austria on Saturday, while the Czech Republic and Serbia continued to fall out over handshakes.

Austrian second-time pair Alexander Peya and Oliver Marach took advantage of a rain delay in Castellon to regather and overcome Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (12) to cut Spain’s lead to 2-1.

That was the same score in the other quarter-finals after two days.

The Czechs led Serbia in Prague, the United States was on top of France in Roquebrune, and Argentina

Spain’s David Ferrer returns the ball to Austrian Jurgen Melzer during the fourth Davis Cup quarterfinal match Spain vs Austria, April 8, 2012. (AFP)

was edging Croatia in Buenos Aires.

Granollers and Lopez suggested they would romp home the way they won the first set. But a half-hour break for rain woke up Peya and Marach, who won Austria’s first set of the tie when they leveled the set score. Even after another shower at 3-3 in the fourth, the players maintained a high standard, and the Austrians prevailed.

Spain should still advance to a semi against the US or France. The Spaniards will expect to win an 18th successive singles in the past year when world No. 5 David Ferrer, undefeated on clay in his six-year Davis Cup career, meets Jurgen Melzer in the first reverse singles on Sunday.

The Czechs will also favor themselves, but they have already left the Serbs feeling bitter.

Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek improved their Davis Cup doubles record to 10-1 in easing past Serb duo Ilija Bozoljac and Nenad Zimonjic 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (4), but Bozoljac refused to shake Stepanek’s hand afterwards.

On Friday, Stepanek was accused of giving the middle finger and swearing at Janko Tipsarevic after the latter won their five-hour five-set singles to level the quarterfinal at 1-1.

Zimonjic, a three-time Grand Slam doubles winner, said he wasn’t surprised by the accusation against Stepanek.

Berdych, the world No. 7, will face No. 8 Tipsarevic in the first reverse singles, followed by Stepanek against Viktor Troicki.

The winner will face Argentina or Croatia in September’s semis, which could be in Buenos Aires. -AFP

ENGLAND: Andrew Strauss heads home from Asia confident his future as captain is secure after England ended a miserable run in Tests by beating Sri Lanka to draw the series and retain their number-one ranking.

The tourists eased to an eight-wicket win in the second and final Test at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo on Saturday to make amends for the 75-run loss in the first Test in Galle, which was their fourth straight Test defeat this year.

England’s losses, including an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash at the hands of Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, had left them teetering on the brink of losing their top ranking.

The one blemish in the hard-fought series against Sri Lanka was Strauss’s own batting form. He made just 114 runs in four innings at an average of 28.50.

The left-hander appeared to have found his rhythm when he hit 61 in the first innings of the second Test, but he fell for a duck in the first over of the second innings as England chased a modest target of 94. Strauss has not added to his 19 Test centuries in 25 innings and has just one three-figure knock in his past 50 innings, raising questions about his future in the side.

Off-spinner Graeme Swann’s match haul of 10 wickets left England chasing

A happy Andrew Strauss of England looks on after winning the match during day5 of the 2nd test match between Sri Lanka and England, April 7, 2012. (AFP)

just 94 to win, which they achieved easily despite slipping to 31-2 after the dismissals of Strauss and Jonathan Trott.

Alastair Cook remained unbeaten on 49 and Kevin Pietersen, who hit a century in the first innings, smashed 42 not out off just 28 balls, bringing up the win with a six off Tillakaratne Dilshan.

“They are horrible chases because ev-

eryone expects you to win,” said Strauss.

“It’s almost like trying to sink a threefoot putt. You know it should go in but it doesn’t always.”

The number one ranking will remain on the line as England return to the comfort of home conditions for Tests against the West Indies and number-two ranked South Africa. -AFP

mondAY, april 9, 2012

Sports Editors Highlight

SPORTS

BERLIN: Raul Gonzalez scored twice in a sparking display as Schalke defeated Hannover 3-0 on Sunday to consolidate its hold on third place in the Bundesliga. Raul headed Jefferson Farfan’s cross in off the left post in the sixth minute, and the 34-year-old forward scored a delectable second in the 47th.

The Spaniard accepted Farfan’s return pass before beating goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler by playing the ball with his left foot and stroking it inside the post with his right. Farfan unselfishly crossed to give Klaas-Jan Huntelaar an easy finish for his 24th goal of the season in the 63rd. Raul, yet to respond to Schalke’s offer of a contract extension, came off to a standing ovation in the 71st. -AP

Football

Man United eight points clear after downing QPR MANCHESTER, England: Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes scored in each half as Premier League leader Manchester United cruised to a 2-0 win over 10-man Queens Park Rangers on Sunday.

United’s eighth straight league win increased the pressure on crosstown rival Manchester City, which was eight points behind in second place before its match at Arsenal later Sunday.

Rooney fired his 30th goal of the season from a 15th-minute penalty after Ashley Young seemed to be pushed over by QPR captain Shaun Derry. Derry was sent off despite replays suggesting Young was offside and there was minimal contact.

United created chance after chance against 10 men, but relegation-threatened QPR resisted until Scholes lashed home a trademark drive for the second in the 68th. Rooney, playing in a more central role with the recall of Young on the left, was at the center of United’s dominance.

The England striker had a free kick deflected just wide in the third minute and went even closer four minutes later with another free kick that QPR goalkeeper Paddy Kenny dived to push away.

Unsurprisingly, Rooney was the architect of the opening goal, threading a pass through the defense for Young, who was adjudged to have been bundled over

by Derry.

Replays suggested Young was offside when the pass was played, but Derry was sent off as the last defender and Rooney hammered the ensuing penalty into the bottom corner for his 22nd league goal of the season.

Rooney had an effort blocked by Clint Hill from Antonio Valencia’s pass soon after as United exerted

relentless pressure on the QPR backline.

The London side broke out of defense when Adel Taarabt caught Rafael Da Silva in possession, but his shot was blocked by Jonny Evans in the 33rd.

Kenny was tested again by Rooney’s lofted shot in the 35th, while Valencia went down in the box under Taye Taiwo’s challenge soon after, though nothing was given.

Danny Welbeck, also back in United’s starting lineup, sent a header over the top from Valencia’s cross in the 38th and saw a shot strike Anton Ferdinand in the 41st.

Scholes drove a shot wide in first-half stoppage time, and United continued in the same vein after the break with Welbeck denied a goal by the linesman’s flag in the 47th.

Welbeck scooped a shot wide from Young’s backheel in the 49th, while Rooney’s low shot was smothered by Kenny in the 55th.

Scholes played an inch-perfect pass for Da Silva to break into the box in the 59th, but Kenny somehow deflected the shot onto the post and the ball rebounded to safety.

United’s only worry was failing to increase the lead and Welbeck missed a double opportunity a minute later, Kenny again rescuing the visiting side.

Scholes eventually gave United a two-goal cushion, collecting the ball outside the box and drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from 25 yards (meters).

Michael Carrick hit the woodwork for United with a flying drive from distance that crashed against a post in the 77th and Welbeck pulled a shot wide in the 82nd as United cantered home. -AP

Messi hits 60th goal, eyes Muller 40-year record

Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney (left) shoots past Queens Park Rangers Nedum Onuoha during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers, April 8, 2012. (AFP)

Di Matteo ready to ring changes against Fulham LONDON: Roberto di Matteo hopes his Chelsea side will have shaken off their Champions League hangover when they face west London rivals Fulham on Monday.

The Blues manager admitted his side were not at their best as they scraped their way to a controversial 2-1 win over Wigan on Saturday, three days after a victory over Benfica that set up a Champions League semi-final with Barcelona.

Juan Mata’s added time winner secured the points, but Branislav Ivanovic’s opening goal sparked an angry reaction from Wigan manager Roberto Martinez who was convinced it should have been ruled out for offside.

The win allowed Chelsea to gain ground on the top four, but di Matteo admitted there was plenty of room for improvement when they return to action at Craven Cottage on Monday.

“After you play a midweek game in the Champions League, there’s always a concern that you might have a little hangover for the weekend game,” said di Matteo.

“It’s something that all the clubs involved in the Champions League have to deal with,” added the Italian, put in caretaker charge of the Stamford Bridge side following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

“And even though I tried to make a number of changes to energise the team, I think in the first half we didn’t really get into the game. The tempo was slow and the intensity was low.”

Defeat left the visitors in the relegation zone and an angry Martinez said: “The linesman had a disgusting performance. Today, my players were robbed and they now have a disgusting feeling they don’t deserve.”

Di Matteo made seven changes and will rotate his squad once again for the Fulham clash.

John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole missed the Wigan game because of injury while Ramires was ruled out because of illness.

And the caretaker manager said: “We’ll assess them tomorrow (Sunday) morning. We’ll assess the whole squad and also the guys that were injured and ill like Ramires. “We’ll try our best managing it and using all the players that we have to try to win these games.

“I think the players have accepted the fact that we are a team, a group, and the spirit of this group is very strong, I think they realize as well that everybody’s needed to achieve targets and that’s the only way.” Fulham face their near neighbors on the back of a convincing 3-0 win at Bolton that keeps them in the top half. -AFP

Dalglish denies talk of Liverpool paranoia Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring Barcelona’s 2nd goal during the La Liga match between Real Zaragoza and FC Barcelona at La Romareda on April 7, 2012. (AFP)

SPAIN: Lionel Messi became the first player in almost 40 years to score 60 goals in a single European top-flight season after a brace helped Barcelona come from behind to beat 10-man Zaragoza 4-1 on Saturday.

Messi’s 23 goals from the last 12 games has helped him arrive at the landmark 60 figure, the first time since Gerd Muller scored 67 goals in the 1972-73 season for Bayern Munich. With a minimum of nine games still to play in the league and cup, 24-year-old Messi has the German’s record well within his sights.

Barca’s victory on Saturday also helped the champions slash Real Madrid’s lead to three points with Jose Mourinho’s side facing a tough April schedule, starting against third-placed Valencia on Sunday.

After that comes the Madrid derby against Atletico and the El Clasico showdown with Barca also to feature.

Relegation-haunted Zaragoza took advantage of a slow start from Barca with Carlos Aranda heading them in front in the 30th minute after earlier missing a penalty.

Carles Puyol brought Barca back on level terms six minutes later and then Messi hit a double towards the end of either half, the second from the penalty spot. In injury time, Messi set up Pedro Rodriguez for the fourth.

“All we can do is keep going and see what happens in the matches still to play.

We knew this would be a difficult game for the way that the opposition has been playing in the last month and the state of the pitch made it worse for both of us,” said Barca coach Pep Guardiola. “Everyone does it to try and make it difficult for us but it also makes it hard for them as well. There are more fouls, the game is slower and there is more contact. They do it to all the pitches except San Mames (Athletic Bilbao), even the Bernabeu. In any case we have always won when they have kept the grass long.”

Zaragoza’s hopes of a comeback had been hit a minute before half time with the dismissal of Abraham Minero.

It was a new-look Barca side to that which beat AC Milan to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals in midweek with Gerard Pique missing through injury while Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets were rested.

Before half-time Zaragoza were reduced to 10 men following the expulsion of Abraham for a second yellow card. Sanchez won a penalty five minutes from the end after a foul by Javier Peredes and Messi made no mistake from 12 yards. In stoppage time, Pedro finished off a pass from Messi to give them an emphatic scoreline. -AFP

LONDON: Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has insisted there is no sense of paranoia at Anfield despite taking issue with a number of decisions given against his team in recent weeks.The Reds’ Premier League problems continued with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday, which was the 11th time in 16 home matches they have failed to win this season.

In the Villa game, Dalglish felt his team should have been given two penalties, for an Alan Hutton challenge on Luis Suarez and for an Eric Lichaj handball. He also claimed Stephen Ireland could have broken Suarez’s foot in a challenge that resulted in the Uruguayan striker being booked for diving.

Dalglish, who also battled with football’s authorities over Suarez’s eight-match suspension for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, is adamant the Reds have not developed a negative attitude towards officials.

“I think if we keep trying it will turn but sometimes for some people paranoia will set in and you think there’s an agenda against the football club from people of importance,” said the Liverpool great, now in his second spell in charge of the Merseysiders.

“We don’t see it that way but I suppose other people will do and when you see the effort and commitment they put into it, for them to refuse a penalty and say the opponent is unlucky doesn’t add up. I’ve never heard a penalty not be given by a referee who said ‘The boy was unlucky’.

Even Suarez’s booking, the guy’s trod on him.

It’s a joke because you can imagine the headlines when he’s been booked for diving and he’s lucky he hasn’t broken his foot,” the former Scotland striker added.

“For us, we have to do the best we can for what we’re trying to achieve but even in the last three games, the number of decisions that haven’t gone our way, but we just need to keep going. Maybe we’re too polite.” Ahead of next

Aston Villa’s Eric Lichaj challenges Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard (left) during their English Premier League soccer match at Anfield, April 7, 2012. (Reuters)

weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against local rivals Everton, Dalglish was boosted by the return of Denmark international Daniel Agger.

The defender has been out since Liverpool’s League Cup final victory in February but came on as a substitute in the draw with Villa.

Dalglish, whose side travel to Blackburn on Tuesday, added: “It’s great to see everybody back from injury. He came on and filled in at left-back so he will be better for the 20 minutes or so he got in the game.” Chris Herd gave Villa the lead

Redknapp backs Spurs for third despite stumble

LONDON: Harry Redknapp insisted Tottenham Hotspur were still favorites to finish third in the Premier League despite a goalless draw away to Sunderland. Saturday’s Stadium of Light stalemate was enough to see Spurs leapfrog north London rivals Arsenal into the top three.

With six games left and on paper an easier-looking run-in, Redknapp was adamant he wouldn’t swap places with the Gunners, who host title-chasers Manchester City on Sunday, or any of Spurs’ other rivals for third place and the final automatic Champions League qualifying spot.

Redknapp, predicting the race will go right down to

the last day of the season, said: “It’s going to be close, and it’s going to go down to the wire. We’re in a great position, we’re in the box seat. We’ve not got to play anyone in the top six in our remaining games. It’s now down to who can have a good little run in the last half-a-dozen matches.”

Still the favorite to land the vacant England job, Redknapp added: “I don’t think the players get as uptight as I do or the punters do.We all badly want Champions League football, but as far as the players are concerned, they just enjoy going out to play. You can get too uptight about it.

We’ve all seen teams get in a good position and then the

pressure gets to them, but my lads are laid back and they’ll see how it goes. We’ve got some tough games in the run-in against the likes of Bolton and QPR, who will be bang at it, but we’ve not got to play anyone in the top six.”

Tottenham captain Scott Parker urged Spurs to focus on their own game, saying: “We can’t worry about what Arsenal do. We have to worry about ourselves and concentrate on whatever we can do.

Redknapp was disappointed not to take all three points in a dour encounter of few clear-cut chances where his side dominated for long spells. Tottenham have won

at Anfield before Suarez headed in an equalizer in the closing stages. Liverpool avoided extending their recent league record to seven defeats in eight matches but this is still their worst run of form in 59 years. Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish felt his youngsters had shown they could be trusted to help keep the Birmingham club in the Premier League.

Injuries have forced McLeish to use the likes of Lichaj, Barry Bannan and Nathan Baker in recent weeks. -AFP

just one of their last seven Premier League matches, and remain without an away victory in the league this year.

“It was a game we could have won, but you’ve got to take points wherever you can,” Redknapp said.

“Sunderland sat back and made it hard for us to break them down. They sat in and didn’t come out much. They almost played like an away team. In the first 15 minutes we had the ball for 14. Sunderland work hard and get after you. They put a shift in and they defended well. It’s difficult when teams don’t come out and there wasn’t a lot of space to get into. -AFP