May 13, 2012

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012

@alwatandaily

Issue No. 1433

16 PAGES

www.alwatandaily.com

150 Fils with IHT

Information Minister: Al-Shamali will not resign

Mohammed Al-Salman, Mohammed AlKhaldi, Osama Al-Qatari and Ahmed AlShemmari

Staff Writers

KUWAIT: The Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah dismissed on Saturday press reports claiming that the Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali intends to resign ahead of the planned questioning in Parliament.

The minister made the comments during an exhibition organized by Grade 10 students at the Movenpick Hotel.

Al-Mubarak called for the formation of a Parliamentary Ethics Committee to curb malpractices, particularly the use of derogatory language in the National Assembly on the part of executive and legislative authorities, alike.

Meanwhile, the minister of finance has reportedly assigned a team to examine the two interpellations filed against him by a group of lawmakers.

The minister is facing questioning from MP Obeid Al-Wasmi, on one hand, and MPs Musallam Al-Barrak, Khaled Al-Tahous and Abdurrahman Al-Anjeri, on the other. Reports have merged that the minister plans to compile two memos in order to refute the claims highlighted in the motions. According to parliamentary sources, Minister Al-Shamali is determined to

step up to the podium and deal with the interpellations despite numerous recommendations that he resort to other choices within Constitutional and legal parameters.

The sources said that certain top government officials have affirmed that the Cabinet will hold on to Al-Shamali, being an instrumental technocrat in the government. The minister’s outstanding performance, despite the mammoth tasks on his shoulders, was reportedly praised by these unnamed officials.

Furthermore, the sources indicated that AlShamali has been a target since the previous Parliament, adding that the issue at stake has nothing to do with the alleged malpractices or shortcomings on the part of the minister.

A moderate member of the Majority Bloc revealed that he has been informed that a Cabinet reshuffle may take place, in which Al-Shamali might be redeployed to another ministerial portfolio such as Development Affairs if need arises.The source however expressed confidence that Al-Shamali will be able to rebut the claims made by his interpellators.

The member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the interpellation intends to undermine key economic sectors such as the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) and its overseas offices.

He added that the incumbent minister of finance has always faced up to his critics and

Kuwait pays tribute to late Amir Sheikh Saad for accomplishments KUWAIT: Fourth anniversary of the demise of the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah falls today (Sunday), a distressing occasion that marks end of life of a profound leader who has left his marks on Kuwait’s history.

On this occasion, Kuwait pays tribute to a leader of unique traits and long record of accomplishments for the homeland, defending rights and independence of the country against external expansionist schemes.

Sheikh Saad, who served, during the last years of his life as Crown Prince and Father Amir, had taken part in drafting the National Constitution, participating in marathon sessions that included legal experts for laying down a corner stone for the modern State of Kuwait.

The late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, named Sheikh Saad as the Crown Prince on January 31, 1978, after the latter served as the minister of defense, secu-

rity, interior.

He was the first figure to serve as minister of interior and the second to occupy the top post of the defense.

Sheikh Saad, the fourth Amir of the Constitutional State, headed 11 Cabinets between 1978 and 2003.

During his long service in this senior and sensitive post, Sheikh Saad manifested shrewdness in coping with internal and external developments that posted a threat to the country’s security and independence.

Keenly, the late Father Amir had sought to bolster Kuwait’s security and defense potentials and resources, seeking in particular to enhance skills of the national manpower and material capacities.

His contributions were so extensive, playing a role is enacting legislations and laws for regulating social security, the sectors of housing naturalization and employment.

More on 2

remained steadfast, in the face of the scathing attacks from critics.

In another development, the Rapporteur for the Parliamentary Legislative Committee MP Mohammad Al-Dallal revealed that the committee expects the National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun to refer a formal letter, which assigns the committee to enforce the Parliament’s Internal Charter in relation to barring MP Mohammad Al-Juwaihel from entering the Parliament following his unruly action toward MP Dr. Hamad Al-Matar. The lawmaker added that the committee will equally consider a request to expedite the process of forming a Parliamentary Ethics Committee and set out a mechanism for reinforcing the provisions of the Internal Charter.

For his part, MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl said the blunder committed by Al-Juwaihel is indefensible. However, he warned that the action should not be a cover for the mistakes involving the members of the Majority Bloc, while expressing hope that the Ethics Committee will be set up soon.

In a similar vein, MP Marzouq Al-Ghanem affirmed that the actions that take place at the National Assembly do not befit the status of the Abdullah Al-Salem Chamber (Parliament). The MP suggested that all these problems can only be addressed through raising the level of awareness amongst the people of Kuwait.

Egypt funeral turns happy after dead man awakes

LUXOR, Egypt: The funeral of a 28 year-old waiter in southern Egypt turned into a celebration when he woke up after being declared dead. Hospital officials had pronounced dead Hamdi Hafez alNubi, who came from the village of Naga Al-Simman in the southern province of Luxor, after he suffered a heart attack while working. His family says grieving relatives took him home and, according to Islamic tradition, washed his body and prepared him for burial Friday evening.

A doctor sent to sign the death certificate found it strange that his body was warm.

At closer observation she discovered he was still alive. His mother fainted upon hearing the good news. With the doctor’s assistance, both Al-Nubi and his mother were awakened and soon were celebrating with guests. -AP

Clashes rage in Syria, opposition meets abroad

An Afghan boy stacks up bricks at a brick factory in the outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, May 12, 2012. (AP)

Jury convicts Balfour of murdering singer Hudson’s family members South Sudan police withdraw from disputed Abyei: UN

13

UNITED NATIONS: South Sudan has withdrawn its police from the disputed Abyei region on its border with Sudan, the United Nations said on Friday, after the UN Security Council threatened the African neighbors with sanctions to try and stop an escalating conflict.

Sudan and South Sudan both claim Abyei, a border region containing fertile grazing land, which Khartoum took in May last year - triggering the exodus of tens of thousands of civilians - after a southern attack on an army convoy.

Recent border clashes between Sudan and South Sudan, which culminated with South Sudan seizing a disputed oil field, prompted the Security Council to pass a resolution last week threatening sanctions if the two sides did not follow an African Union roadmap stipulating a cease-fire and a return to talks. “The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei reports that yesterday South Sudan’s inspector general officially ordered the withdrawal of the South Sudan police service from the Abyei area,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters. “Following the announcement, some 700 South Sudan police, with the UN mission’s logistical support, relocated to South Sudan,” he said. “The UN mission is in the process of verifying that all South Sudan police elements have withdrawn from the Abyei area.”-Reuters

BEIRUT: Rebels fought the army in northern Syria on Saturday, activists said, and Syrian dissidents abroad gathered to try to unify and project themselves as a credible alternative to President Bashar Al-Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported fighting in Idlib province, on Syria’s northern border with Turkey and a hotspot of the 14-month-old revolt against Assad’s rule.

“Violent clashes are raging between Syrian regime forces and armed military defectors ... The sounds of strong explosions were heard followed by security forces using heavy and medium machinegun fire,” the British-based Observatory said. Violence has rumbled on despite a ceasefire declared a month ago by international envoy Kofi Annan and the presence of a UN monitoring mission now with about 150 observers on the ground.

Opposition leaders abroad flew to Rome to try to strengthen their fractured Syrian National Council (SNC), which is seeking international help in the struggle against Assad.

Political jockeying within the SNC has prevented it from gaining full international endorsement. Executive members told Reuters they may choose a new president or restructure the council in a bid to garner broader support. -AP See also 4

Soldiers remove a body bag containing the remains of victims of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 crash in Mount Salak, in Indonesia’s West Java province, May 12, 2012. A rescue team found no survivors but several bodies on Thursday when it arrived at the wreckage of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 passenger plane that crashed into Mount Salak on May 9, 2012, during an exhibition flight with 45 people on board. (Reuters)

4

Saudi king sacks adviser over gender comments

Price of Kuwaiti crude drops to $107.80 per barrel

KUWAIT: The price of Kuwaiti crude oil dropped 1.10 US dollars to $107.80 per barrels (pb) on Friday compared to $108.90 pb on Thursday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) reported on Saturday.

The bearish trend of prices of oil on the international markets came following reports about modest growth of China’s industrial sector. Its output grew at a limited scale, in April, first such record in three years.

Such indications coincided with reports about general sluggishness shrouding the whole Chinese economy.

Market jitters coupled with a surprise declaration

by JPMorgan Bank regarding two billion dollars worth of losses, thus prompting investors to shun high-risk assets. Moreover, forward contracts for the Brent for the June delivery dropped 86 US cents. Likewise, the US light crude deals for the same month dropped $1.04.

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA), which offers advises to authorities of 22 advanced nations, said global oil supplies grew from 600 barrels per day to one million bpd in April. Now, these supplies

are higher by 3.9 million per day as compared to the level that existed a year ago - 90 percent of the hike was result of higher production by oil producers of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Oil prices have been battered by rising OPEC output that has helped boost US crude oil inventories and by the political and economic turmoil resulting from the euro-zone’s debt crisis.

OPEC said its own production had risen in April to 31.62 million barrels per day (bpd) as Iraq ramped up and Libya’s oil industry recovered.

And the increased flows have helped push oil down $15 from a March high of $128 a barrel.

“Higher OPEC crude oil production underscores the current trend of plentiful supply in excess of market requirements,” OPEC said in its monthly Oil Market Report. Secondary sources now say that OPEC pumped 1.62 million bpd above its supply target, and demand for its own oil, in April.

More on 9

Sarkozy faces a slew of probes after immunity ends

PARIS: Outgoing French leader Nicolas Sarkozy will face a slew of legal probes into corruption and campaign financing violations after he leaves office next week and loses his presidential immunity.

Sarkozy could face questioning as soon as midJune as he will lose his immunity a month after his successor, Socialist Francois Hollande, is sworn in on May 15.

The outgoing leader has denied any wrongdoing in a raft of cases, but the conviction last year of his predecessor Jacques Chirac on graft charges has shown that French courts are now willing to go after former leaders. “In the past the kind of behavior that Nicolas Sarkozy is accused of was very common, but the courts did not launch prosecutions,” said Philippe Braud, a political analyst at the Paris-based Centre for Political Studies.

“Things have very much changed. The courts have become more courageous.”

The most immediately dangerous case for

Sarkozy involves a series of overlapping inquiries surrounding alleged illegal campaign financing by L’Oreal heiress Liliane Bettencourt, France’s richest woman. Magistrates are investigating claims that Bettencourt’s staff handed over envelopes stuffed with cash to Sarkozy aides to finance his 2007 campaign, with her former book-keeper testifying to one 50,000 euro ($65,000) donation.

Under France’s electoral code, individual election campaign contributions may not exceed 4,600 euros. Sarkozy and his camp have also been accused of ordering an illegal police investigation to identify an official leaking information on the Bettencourt scandal to a journalist from the newspaper Le Monde.

Judges have charged both a prosecutor close to Sarkozy and the head of France’s domestic intelligence agency, Bernard Squarcini, with having illegally obtained the journalist’s mobile phone logs in 2010. -AFP

Greece’s hard left leads new vote

ATHENS: Greece’s president summoned party leaders on Saturday for one final attempt to avert new elections, but the effort looked doomed to fail after politicians deeply divided over austerity plans said they would stick to their guns.

Greece’s political landscape is in disarray a week after an election left parliament almost equally divided between parties backing and opposing an EU/IMF bailout that keeps Athens afloat in return for pledges of deep spending cuts and tax hikes. If President Karolos Papoulias fails in a final attempt to persuade leaders to form a coalition, he will have to call a new vote in June. Opinion polls predict the balance of power would tip decisively towards the bailout’s radical leftist opponents, potentially jeopardising Greece’s membership in the euro zone.

Papoulias called the leaders of the three biggest parties for coalition talks on Sunday at 0900 GMT, after Socialist leader

Evangelos Venizelos became the third and last of them to acknowledge he had failed to assemble a coalition. Without a government to negotiate a new aid tranche from the EU and IMF, Greece risks bankruptcy in weeks and - as European leaders now openly acknowledge - potential ejection from the common currency. A week of efforts to put together a government failed because of disagreement over the bailout. Party officials said on Saturday they would not change their stances. “There is no change (to our position),” said Panos Skourletis, a spokesman for the anti-bailout Left Coalition SYRIZA party, which placed second on Sunday and has since seen its popularity increase as anti-bailout voters rally around its charismatic 37year-old leader, Alexis Tsipras. “It is obvious that there is an effort to bring about a government that will implement the bailout. We are not participating in such a government,” Skourletis said. -Reuters

Women perform a traditional dance during the Rocket Festival, also known as Bun Bang Fai, in Yasothon, 531 kms (330 miles) northeast of Bangkok, May 12, 2012. The festival marks the start of the rainy season when farmers are about to plant rice. (Reuters)

2

ALWATAN DAILY

kuwait

sunDAY, may 13, 2012

Kuwait pays tribute to late Amir Sheikh Saad for accomplishments KUWAIT: Fourth anniversary of the demise of the late Father Amir Sheikh Saad AlAbdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah falls today (Sunday), a distressing occasion that marks end of life of a profound leader who has left his marks on Kuwait’s history.

On this occasion, Kuwait pays tribute to a leader of unique traits and long record of accomplishments for the homeland, defending rights and independence of the country against external expansionist schemes.

Sheikh Saad, who served, during the last years of his life as Crown Prince and Father Amir, had taken part in drafting the National Constitution, participating in marathon sessions that included legal experts for laying down a corner stone for the modern State of Kuwait.

The late Amir, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, named Sheikh Saad as the Crown Prince on January 31, 1978, after the latter served as the minister of defense, security, interior. He was the first figure to serve as minister of interior and the second to occupy the top post of the defense.

Sheikh Saad, the fourth Amir of the Constitutional State, headed 11 Cabinets between 1978 and 2003. During his long service in this senior and sensitive post, Sheikh Saad manifested shrewdness in coping with internal and external developments that posted a threat to the country’s security and independence.

Keenly, the late Father Amir had sought to bolster Kuwait’s security and defense potentials and resources, seeking in particular to enhance skills of the national manpower and material capacities. His contributions were so extensive, playing a role is enacting legislations and laws for regulating social security, the sectors of housing naturalization and employment.

Moreover, Sheikh Saad backed scientific research authorities and establishments, the fund for the next generation, in addition to his mastermind of efforts for modernizing public utilities to meet needs of the population, as well as his care for the media and cultural fields.

Aware that true patriotism is foundation for advancement and might of Kuwait, Sheikh Saad used to remind the natives, repeatedly, that national solidarity and cooperation between the public and private sectors were necessary for serving higher interests of the country.

Although he was an ardent advocate of Arab nationalism, he adopted a peaceful approach at this level. Practically, he turned Kuwait into “a political hub,” holding regular meetings with top leaders of Arab and friendly nations.

Mutairan Al-Shaman, Mohammad Al-Hajeri

Staff Writers

KUWAIT: The Cabinet is due to discuss a range of issue during its ordinary session this week, with the interpellation of the Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali on top of the agenda.

The ministers will discuss the best way to handle this interpellation as well as examine the items highlighted in the motion.

The finance minister’s preparedness to face the questioning will also be assessed.Government sources have informed Al Watan that AlShamali is willing to face the motion and refute the claims contained in the interpellation motion.

However, the sources revealed that he is more concerned about the prospect of filing a no-confidence motion than the technicalities of the interpellation. It has been gathered that the government will, therefore, make contacts and coordinate with the Majority Bloc.

Sami Wadi Staff Writer

FILE- Photo of late Father Amir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah with his grandson sheikh Abdullah Al-Fahd, obtained online.

At the local level, his sincere care for the natives was seen in his regular face-to-face meetings with ordinary citizens. He used to hold such direct conversations with citizens every Monday.

During the 1990-1991 occupation of the country, Sheikh Saad had shown greater care for the citizens, checking conditions of those who had to stay abroad. On the third day of the Iraqi aggression, he addressed the people stressing on necessity of maintaining national

Chairman of the Syndicate of Assistant Engineers and Technicians Adel Al-Doukhi during a press conference held on Friday, May 10, 2012. (Al Watan)

Staff Writer

KUWAIT: Chairman of the Syndicate of Assistant Engineers and Technicians Adel AlDoukhi stressed the importance of serving justice to this particular working force by providing them with the special allowance that was shelved in the Civil Service Commission,

Other issues to be addressed by the Cabinet include the expulsion of Member of Parliament (MP) Mohammad Al-Juwaihel, where the government is expected to express regret over the lawmaker’s actions which are inconsistent with the Constitution and are out of step with parliamentary ethics.

The government is expected to announce support for any move aimed at amending the Parliament’s Internal Charter concerning penalties related to the malpractices involving MPs during sessions.

In addition, the Parliament will discuss the ratification of the Entrepreneurs Fund Bill which was approved by the Parliament last week and will hammer out the government’s cooperation with parliamentary investigation panels probing the delay of projects such as Sheikh Jaber Stadium and the University City, among others.

Meanwhile, the ministers are due to discuss two reports to be submitted by the Ministers of Interior and Commerce in relation to the fire which erupted in Amgara scrap yard.

KAC approves 30 additional flights to Cairo in June

solidarity and faithfulness to the legitimate leadership of the country.

In his relentless efforts to liberate the homeland, Sheikh Saad had held talks with the late Saudi King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz and visited a series of countries drumming up support for the national cause.

After the liberation, Sheikh Saad was among the leaders who joined hands for removing scars of the aggression and rebuilding the country. -KUNA

Al-Doukhi demands special allowance for assistant engineers, technicians

Mervat Abduldayem

Cabinet to discuss Al-Shamali interpellation amid no-confidence concerns

disregarding more than 30 thousand Kuwaitis who assist engineers and are exposed to pollution and face hard work conditions.

In his speech during the press conference held in the headquarters of the Kuwait Society of Engineers last Friday, Al-Doukhi added that the supportive jobs have been one of the main pillars of the development plan in 1972, where there were no Kuwaitis occupying these posts.

He recalled the establishment of the Technical Education Directorate, which later became the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training.

Al-Doukhi said that the State encouraged youths to join these professions by including assistant engineers and technicians in any pay raise. He explained that a special allowance for engineers was approved in 2001 and another allowance was approved in 2005, noting that assistant engineers and technicians benefited from such allowance, but some authorities and institutions did not apply it. He added that the special allowance, which was approved in 2011, excluded the assistant engineers and technicians, which increased the gap.

Al-Doukhi said that the Kuwait Engineers Society and its board support the legitimate demands of the syndicate because they are fully aware of the importance of the work they do. He valued the role played by the syndicate by its honorary chairman Adel Al-Kharafi.

Al-Doukhi highlighted the challenges faced by this category of employees in some government bodies, including the arbitrary decisions made by some officials regarding paying the allowances to this category.

He stressed the need to develop a fair system for allowances, noting that technical examiners, who examine cars in the Traffic Department, deserve fair allowance as they are exposed to car exhaust for long hours. He added that the Environment Public Authority asked the Ministry of Interior to give technical examiners anti-pollution milk but the ministry stopped paying the allowance when the examiners requested to receive pollution allowance.

KUWAIT: Travel agencies agreed that the travel season this summer hasn’t been clear yet, however initial booking indicates increase on demand in July and after Ramadan, especially to Europe and the US. However, demand still is incomparable to last year’s. They say that their observation indicate more passengers’ demand after June 20 and August.

The managers explained that demand is high on short flights, and that there is great demand on flights to Mecca for Omrah during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

In the same vein, Marketing and Sales Officer at Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) said that the summer vacation will be divided into two parts as Ramadan will start in mid-

summer. He expected that flights will be active during the first part from June 25-July 21, while the second part will begin during the period from August 18 till mid of September.

He explained that KAC has already approved 30 additional flights in June to meet the demand on flights by teachers travelling to Cairo. He added that KAC approved an additional flight on Saturday every week to Genève and three flights a week to Istanbul. He expected that demand will increase on flights to Far East during the second period after Ramadan and demand on flights to Cairo will increase after presidential elections. He expected increasing the number of passengers to Gulf region, especially to Dubai, and to Middle East, especially Bangkok, Manila, Europe, London, Genève and Istanbul.

KPTC employees say to strike if requests are disapproved Mervat Abduldayem Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Head of Labor Union at Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) Meshal Al-Enzi asked the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak to amend the Cabinet’s decision no. 405/2012, which stipulates granting a special bonus for Kuwaiti employees at the private and government sectors, retired employees and those who receive social aids. He asked for amending the decision since it violates the Kuwaiti Constitution, as article 4 of the decision stipulates that the companies which are owned by the government can apply the decision or reject it. The decision also enables companies to increase or decrease bonuses. Al-Enzi said, in a press conference, that the decision is faulty as it enables boards of the companies to pay the bonuses according to the budget of the company, causing low budget companies to refrain from paying the bonuses. Furthermore, “The Kuwaiti Constitution stipulates that all Kuwaiti citizens have the same rights and duties, as a result, the union will endorse different steps which might lead to a strike later on if the requests of union are not approved,” said Al-Enzi.

He went on to say, “Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA) is responsible for observing such companies, but it doesn`t practice its role effectively to support companies that are facing

certain problems, especially that some leading companies such as KPTC had suffered great losses, estimated to be 75 percent when compared to the capital of the company, which is worth 44 million Kuwaiti dinars during the last four years.” Al-Enzi criticized the absence of the role of the minister of finance for not intervening to bring officials of KIA to account, accusing MPs of being negligent in the field of the civil servants rights as well.

He also asked for meeting the National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun to discuss the problem in addition to attempting to find convenient solutions. He added that the current board of KPTC is interested in cooperation in terms of paying bonus, but the company did not achieve profits in the last stage and KIA did not intervene for supporting the losing company.

Meanwhile, civil servants who deserve the bonus at the company are estimated to be 270, therefore the board asked for financial support from KIA in order to solve such problem and to develop the company.

Regarding the expected strike, Al-Enzi emphasized that it will be the final step but it will be very effective especially that the buses of the company carry thousands of expatriate workers everyday using 650 buses that work for 20 hours a day in addition to 3,000 buses that work for the ministries of health and education according to special contracts.

Leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait praised for warm ties MANAMA: Leaders of Bahrain and Kuwait are keen on bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries at all levels and this approach has resulted in securing closer relations between the Kuwaiti and Bahraini people.

This assertion was made by the Advisor of the Bahraini King for Media Affairs Nabil Al-Homor, during a meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador to the Kingdom, Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah.

Al-Homor lauded the efforts, exerted by the Kuwaiti and Bahraini leaders to elevate further the level of these relations.

For his part, Sheikh Azzam said the tangible improvement of these relations were “fruits of seeds sown by the ancestors who were quite keen on strengthening these relations.” Kuwait and Bahrain enjoy mutual cordial and warm relations. The two regional countries, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), closely coordinate in various sectors.

The GCC was founded in the 80s in the shadow of a regional war and atrocities between Iran and Iraq. It comprises Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). -KUNA

Health ministry treats 25 firemen of Amghara scrap yard fire

KUWAIT: Paramedics treated 12 firemen who inhaled smoke while battling blazes of a huge fire in Amghara scrap yard on Friday, while 13 others were taken to hospital for further medical attention.

The emergency plan has been implemented in all hospitals nationwide as soon as the ministry of health was notified of the fire,

ministry of health assistant undersecretary for technical affairs Dr. Khaled Al-Sahlawi told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Firemen had succeeded in the massive fire, suspected of being a deliberate act.

Al-Sahlawi said ambulances and paramedics were still at the scene until the fire was completely extinguished. -KUNA

Advisor of the Bahraini King for Media Affairs Nabil Al-Homor (left) during a meeting with the Kuwaiti ambassador to the Kingdom, Sheikh Azzam Mubarak Al-Sabah (right) on Saturday, May 12, 2012. (KUNA)

ALWATAN DAILY

KUWAIT

sundAY, may 13, 2012

Police deploys ‘smart patrols’ to ensure law abidance on roads

3

Hezbollah praises Kuwait’s contribution to rebuild Southern Beirut BEIRUT: Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah Friday commended Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) for its contributions to rebuilding southern Beirut in the wake of the Israeli 2006 war.

Nasrallah was speaking through a gi-

ant screen to mark the conclusion of the “Wa’d,” or promise, project to rebuild southern Beirut.

He said KFAED “made a donation to contribute to the reconstruction of southern Beirut, and the rest of countries paid for the (Lebanese) government.” KFAED

funded the rebuilding of apartment buildings, infrastructure, education and cultural facilities. KFAED is managing Kuwait’s donations and financial aid to Lebanon, including a 300 million US dollars grant extended after the July 2006 Israeli war.

-KUNA

Health office in London starts settlement of patients’ allocations LONDON: Chief of Kuwait’s Health Office in London Yaacob Al-Tammar announced Friday that the office has started financial settlements of the increases in allocations for Kuwaitis receiving medical care in the United Kingdom and their two accompanying persons.

He pointed out that he has instructed the financial department to identify

A police officer setting up the sensors, radar systems and cameras on a “smart patrol”. (KUNA)

KUWAIT: The national police have a taken a major step forward in efforts to monitor and track down and apprehend offenders and law-breaking motorists, with deployment of “smart patrols” on the countries’ roads.

Efforts in this sector, latest creation for employing all latest electronic devices to enforce law, started in 2009, as a result of cooperation among the information technology sector of the Ministry of Interior, the police and traffic commands, thus the “smart patrols” were launched following a series of tests of state-of-art technology, said Major Mohammad Al-Mansouri, the head of operations of the traffic general-directorate, also supervisor of the project.

A “smart patrol” is equipped with sensors, radar systems and cameras for monitoring all activities and movements around the police vehicle on the roads.

The system automatically detects and registers num-

ber of plates and scans the car record to determine whether papers’ status is legal or whether the driver’s record is clean or not.

The radar, which monitors speed of passing cars, can observe up to 40 vehicles per minute. Pictures of the occurrences on the roads are automatically transmitted to the operations room of the ministry or any other affiliate facility.

Moreover, data in the system attached to the patrol car can be updated automatically every half an hour. And, each car is equipped with a vocal system that alerts the officer about status of a passing car.

Currently, there are 20 of these “smart cars” deployed in areas notorious for recurring problems and law-breaking actions. Major Al-Mansouri added that the “smart patrols” of the traffic police registered, during 2011-2012, up to 2,055 cases of insurance expiry and 92 “wanted vehicles.” -KUNA

beneficiaries from the increases to start payment soon. Al-Tammar said that the Cabinet decision states patients and the two accompanying persons receive 100 Sterling pounds as pocket money per day for each as of 24 April 2012.

“The move is an attempt to help patients face the significant increases of the cost of living abroad, especially in a

city like London which is known to be one of the most expensive places to live in the world,” he said.

“There will be special cards for the beneficiaries of this move, he said, adding that those who return to Kuwait before the start of payment will receive their allocation at home,” he said.

-KUNA

Senior Kuwaiti journalists to visit India next week NEW DELHI: An influential Kuwaiti media delegation comprising editors and senior journalists from different media establishments is slated to visit India from May 14-18. This would be the first such Kuwaiti media delegation visiting India in recent times.

In New Delhi, the delegation members are scheduled to meet India’s senior leadership, including Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna, Minister of Finance Pranab Mukherjee, Commerce and Industry Ministry Anand Sharma and Parliament’s Speaker Meira Kumar.

Besides, their itinerary also includes interaction with Indian business houses, including the FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry),

captains of Indian industry, and senior Indian journalists.

On Monday, the delegation members would be attending a seminar - “Society, Gender and Media: Experiences from Kuwait”, to be organized by the India Arab Culture Centre of New Delhi-based Jamia Millia Islamia University. The same evening, they would also be attending a lecture at New Delhi-based Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

The Kuwait embassy in New Delhi would be hosting a dinner for the media delegates on Wednesday (May 16).

The delegation would be led by the Chairman of Kuwait Journalists Association Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani, who is also the Deputy Chairman of Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). Other delegation

members include KUNA Editor-in-Chief Rashed Mohamad Al-Ruwaished, Editorin-Chief of Arabic daily ‘Al-Anba’ Yousef Khaled Al-Mazrook, Editor-in-Chief of daily ‘Al-Nahar’ Emad Jawad Bukhamseen, Editor-in-Chief daily ‘Kuwait Times’ Abdul Rahman Yousuf Al-Alyan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of daily ‘Al-Jazeera’ Saoud Rashed Al-Anezi, Deputy Editorin-Chief of weekly magazine ‘Al-Yaqaza’ Dalia Mostafa Al-Shater, delegation coordinator Adnan Khalifa Al-Rashed and photographer Majed Abdul Razaaq AlSabaej.

In between their busy schedule of meetings and interactions with different Indian groups and officials, the delegation members would also find time for visiting the country’s landmarks. -KUNA

Kwait Military delegation ends visit to Saudi Arabia RIYADH: A Kuwaiti Mubarak Al-Abdullah Joint Command and Staff College (MAJCSC) delegation concluded a week-long visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Saturday after participating in special military course.

“Participants in the course got the MSA degree in military sciences,” Kuwaiti Military Attache here Colonel Musaad Nasser Al-Mutairi told Kuwait

News Agency (KUNA) Saturday.

Al-Mutairi added that the course focused on developing military planning and training skills to the participants.

The MAJCSC delegation included 31 officers from Kuwaiti Army and National Guard as well as number of Jordanian, Egyptian and Sudanese officers.

Kuwaiti Embassy in Riyadh held an official function on this occasion Saturday. -KUNA

Group Photo of the MAJCSC delegation after concluding a week-long visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after participating in special military course, on Saturday, May 12, 2012. (KUNA)

THIS WEEK IN KUWAIT’S HISTORY May 13:

1963: Al-Khaleej Al-Arabi theatre is established.

1968: Kuwait and the United Kingdom exchange letters concerning ending the defense agreement of 1961.

1973: Kuwait’s Real Estate Bank is established with a capital of five million Kuwaiti dinars.

2001: Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) begins operating its unit for aircraft fuel at Al-Ahmadi refinery with production capacity up to 20,000 barrels per day and according to international requirements and standards.

2003: An Iraqi Olympic committee delegation pays Kuwait a visit which is the first of its kind for an official Iraqi delegation since the 1990 Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait.

2008: Father Amir and Kuwait’s 14th ruler Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah passes away, aged 80, after a long life and career in service of the homeland, during which he left his mark on all aspects of development in the state. He was most particularly loved for the dedication and loyalty during the 1990 aggression on Kuwait and throughout the reconstruction efforts.

His funeral was attended by a host of Arab, Muslim, regional, and international heads of state and leading figures in all fields.

May 14:

1921: Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah calls on traders to donate money to establish Al-Ahmadiya school in Jibla area. Yousef bin Isa Al-Qanaie becomes the school’s headmaster when it is opened later in the same year.

1961: The Amir, Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, issues decree by law 16/1961 on the licensing of weapons and ammunition, as well as their import and use.

1963: Kuwait is accepted as a United Nations’ member after the Security Council reviews its request, presented on November 30, 1961. Kuwait becomes the 111th member to join the UN. After securing membership, Kuwait begins joining UN organizations.

1964: A decree is issued on establishing the Public Authority for Administration of Shuaiba Industrial Area with the aim of benefiting from the national oil and natural gas resources.

1979: Decree by law 24/1979 is issued stipulating the establishment of cooperative societies.

1996: In an unprecedented incident in the media field, two newspapers carrying the same name, “Al-Rai Al-Aam,” are published in Kuwait on the same day.

The first was owned by Abdulaziz Al-Musaeed and the other is owned by the Al-Jazeera Publishing and Media Company and run by Jasem Boudai. The Ministry of Information takes both parties to court and the publishing rights are given to Boudai on behalf of Al-Jazeera publishing company.

1996: The National Assembly passes a bill committing the government to establish one or more mobile telephone companies with, a majority vote of 34 for, with one member of Parliament (MP) abstaining and the government opposing.

2005: Kuwait is elected assistant secretary general for press relation of the Gulf Press Union. Kuwait was represented in the union by deputy editor-in-chief of

Al-Anbaa paper Adnan Al-Rashed.

2005: The Premier, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, inaugurates the first Kuwait economic forum.

2006: Wataniya Airways is established with a capital of KD 50 million.

2007: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issues a degree agreeing on the international agreement on combating the use of amphetamine by sports players that was approved by the 33rd term of general assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris on November 18, 2005.

2007: Kuwait is elected head of the Judo Union of Asia after its candidate Obaid Al-Enizi gets 27 votes in the elections held at the general assembly in Kuwait.

May 15:

1935: The tenth ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, visits Britain and discusses with Queen Mary means to boost bilateral ties.

1951: The first customs regulation is issued, reducing customs tariffs from 6.5 percent to 4.0 percent.

1963: Amiri decree number 12/1963 is issued regarding the National Assembly’s bylaws, stating that the National Assembly consists of 50 elected members.

1963: Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah raises Kuwait’s flag among UN member states’ flags, after the Security Council accepts the country’s membership request.

1972: The Crown Prince and Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inaugurates the cement factory of Kuwait Cement Company in Shuaiba, with a production capacity of 300,000 tons annually.

1982: An Amiri decree is issued to establish Kuwait Fire Service Directorate.

1996: Kuwait and Oman allow travel of their citizens from one country to the other using only identification cards.

1996: The Fatwa and Legislations Department issues a rule on the “Rai Al-Aam” newspaper case, granting the newspaper to Al-Jazeera Press and Printing Co., which publishes the newspaper which Jassem Boudai as editor-in-chief.

1998: Kuwait’s Commerce and Industry Ministry grants a patent certificate for Khalid Merdhi Al-Enzi, a Kuwaiti citizen who invented a machine to help crippled people walk.

2000: Kuwaiti security bodies arrest infiltrators recruited by the Iraqi intelligence to gather information on Kuwait and spread rumors. They are found in possession of narcotics.

2000: A specialized centre is inaugurated at the Shooting and Equestrian Club to help conserve the Arab stallion breed.

2003: Fatima Habib, a Kuwaiti researcher, receives a patent certificate for her scientific achievements in immunity-related sciences.

2007: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah issues an order dissolving the Kuwaiti Olympic Committee’s board, and the boards of sports unions.

May 16:

1972: An Amiri decree is issued stipulating establishment of Kuwait Real-Estate Company at a capital of three million dinars.

1999: Yemeni Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdel Qader Bajammal re-opens the embassy of his country after closing for nine years as a result of Sanaa’s backing of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.

2000: The World Health Organization (the regional bureau of the Middle East) announces Kuwait a success in adopting a successful short-term strategy to fight tuberculosis.

2000: The National Assembly amends 5th article of the nationality law by a 44-vote majority, granting nationality to those resident in the state before 1965, instead of 1945.

2001: The Kuwaiti banks union is established in line with the state policy to unify banking terms and audit systems. Gulf and foreign banks operating in Kuwait later join the union.

2001: The committee for prosecuting ministers takes a decision rejecting a case filed against former oil minister Sheikh Ali Al-Khalifa Al-Athbi Al-Sabah.

2001: A press house in Egypt selects five Kuwaiti women who are included in an encyclopedia of Arab women of high contribution; Sheikha Latifa Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Dr. Rasha Al-Sabah, Dr. Maymouna Al-Sabah, Dr. Suad Al-Sabah, and Loulwa Al-Qetami.

2005: In a historic step, the national assembly grants Kuwaiti women right of vote and election with 35 MPs voting for and 23 voting against the decision; one member abstained from vote with 59 MPs present.

2006: Renowned poet Abdullah Zakariya Al-Ansari passes away aged 84 after years of pioneering in the cultural and literary fields.

2006: MPs Ahmad Al-Saadoun, Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, and Faisal Al-Mislem file an interpellation motion against His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

2008: Elections for the National Assembly’s 12th legislative term are held.

May 18:

1896: Kuwait’s sixth ruler, Sheikh Mohammad bin Sabah II passes away, after ruling 1891-1896, during which period he protected the homeland against external aggression and built public facilities despite limited state financial resources.

1920: Himdh battle occurs between Kuwaiti forces led

by Sheikh Duaij Al-Sabah and Al-Ikhwan movement.

1980: Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issues decree laws on maritime trade law, banning any ship from putting up the Kuwaiti flag unless it was registered according to the law, maritime passports, captains and navigation officers, and security on ships.

1988: A bomb explodes near offices of Kuwait Airways and kills two people.

1997: Kuwait and the United States sign a financial agreement, according to which Kuwait would invest funds allocated for military procurements through the US Federal Reserves for the sake of securing substantial financial returns, after these funds were frozen till implementation of the relevant contract.

2003: The first Kuwaiti airplane, “Kathma,” loaded with a shipment of medical supplies, lands at Baghdad International Airport, following halt of national flights to the Iraqi facility that had lasted for 13 years.

May 17:

1896: Sheikh Mubarak bin Sabah bin Jaber becomes the seventh ruler of Kuwait.

1954: Kuwait National Airways makes its first scheduled flight to Basra.

1961: Circulation of Indian rupees ends.

1963: Kuwait establishes diplomatic relations with Poland.

1975: A decree by law is issued, transferring private shares at Kuwait National Petroleum Company (40 percent) to the government.

1980: An Amiri decree is issued, establishing Kuwait University’s Faculty of Education.

1995: An Amiri decree is issued on combating smoking.

1999: Direct Aid Society is established.

1999: Kuwait’s Justice Ministry signs a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the legal and judicial information fields with the Arab League.

2000: Kuwaiti shooter Fahad Al-Dihani wins a gold medal at the world shooting championship held in Italy.

2002: The World Health Organization (WHO) elects Kuwait as member of its executive council in appreciation to Kuwait’s prominent role in the public health field.

2004: Al-Oula Fuel Company is established.

May 19:

1952: Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah issues a decree on the establishment of the National Bank of Kuwait with a capital of 13.1 million Rupees (approximately one million Kuwaiti dinars).

1971: The first issue of the weekly Miraat Al-Umma (Mirror of the Nation) magazine hits the newsstands.

1998: The Global Legal Information Network (GLIN) makes its office at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Justice the GLIN Middle East Regional Center.

1999: Fahad Yousef Al-Duwairi, a Kuwaiti literary figure, passes away at the age of 78.

2000: Kuwaiti theatre director Fuad Al-Shatti is awarded a seat at the Higher Council for International Theatre.

2002: Kuwaiti Gynecologist Dr. Ayad Al-Saleh is elected Kuwait’s representative at the Infertility Society of the Middle East, based in Beirut.

2008: Kuwait’s National Committee for the Protection of the Ozone Layer is awarded the 2008 award in this field by the US Environment Protection Agency in a ceremony in Washington. -KUNA

4

ALWATAN DAILY

regional

A glimpse of hope

By Hossam Fathi Staff Writer

There is a glimpse of hope to revive the dreams of Egyptians and regain the stolen money, which was smuggled by the family of the ousted president and suspicious businessmen.

In Switzerland, the country where its banks make profit through smuggled money by tyrants who usually die before transferring the money to their heirs, the Criminal Court issued a final verdict on the case which was submitted against Mubarak and nine of his friends, concerning the smuggled assets which were frozen since February 2011.

Head of Committee Assigned to Regain Smuggled Money Dr. Mohammad Mahsoub estimated that 200 billion US dollars have been illegally transferred over the last two decades.

Regaining only 410 Million Swiss Franc from Switzerland after this long period should not frustrate us, but should encourage the Egyptian government and voluntary societies and honest people to be determined to exert more effort and provide documents and evidence that would help regain the money smuggled abroad.

The second positive news was the verdict issued

by Supreme Court in Spain to hand out the ousted president’s friend Hussein Salem and his son and daughter to Egyptian authorities.

Salem is the closest friend to Mubarak. His financial corruption in Egypt was exposed in 1986; five years after assassination of Sadat and gaining power

by Mubarak, at the hands of the late reputable Public Prosecutor Elwi Hafez.

May God protect Egypt and its people from all harm, Amen! hossam@alwatan.com.kw Twitter:@hossamfathy66

sunDAY, MAY 13, 2012

Saudi king sacks adviser over gender comments RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah has dismissed a controversial ultraconservative adviser after he publicly criticized reforms aimed at easing restrictions on women, the kingdom’s state media reports.

Sheik Abdul-Mohsen Al-Obeikan had told a local radio station that officials were working to Westernize and secularize the country’s laws by “legalizing taboos.”

“This situation is a very dangerous one that is linked to schemes by influential people to corrupt Muslim society by removing women from their natural position,” he said in remarks recently broadcast on the station UFM. The official Saudi Press Agency reported Friday Al-Obeikan’s dismissal without giving further details.

King Abdullah has irked the country’s hardline clerics by easing some restrictions and allowing women to vote and run in 2015 municipal elections.

After his dismissal, Al-Obeikan posted on his Twitter account a statement saying he hopes that the kingdom’s rulers are kept away from “bad advisers.”

Saudi Arabia, home to Islam’s holiest sites, implements a strict interpretation of the religion and prohibits unrelated men and women from mingling.

But those restrictions are enforced sporadically. This year the kingdom began to apply a 2006 law that banned men from working in lingerie and apparel stores after complaints by women about having to buy those items from men behind the counter.

Hardliners had opposed more women in the workplace.

The separation of men and women is also relaxed in other

King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. Dismisses his conservative adviser, Sheikh Abdelmohsen Al-Obeikan.

(AFP)

Militant video claims deadly Syria bombings

Nasrallah says Syria risks becoming like Iraq

BEIRUT: Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah, has accused the US, Israel and some Arab states of stoking “terrorism” in Syria during a speech broadcast to thousands of his supporters in southern Beirut.

“Who wants the destruction of Syria? America and Israel and some Arab countries,” said Nasrallah, whose Shiite movement is close to Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s government.

“They want to destroy Syria because it is the main ally of the resistance in Lebanon and Palestine.”

Condemning deadly twin blasts that killed dozens and injured hundreds of people in Damascus on Thursday, Nasrallah criticized the Syrian opposition over its accusation that Assad’s forces were behind the attacks. The explosions, the Hezbollah chief added, were proof that Syria risks descending into an abyss similar to Iraq.

“The Syrian people are at a crossroads,” Nasrallah said, adding that one path leads to “reform”, and the other to “destruction”.

Nasrallah spoke during an event in Beirut’s southern suburbs celebrating the reconstruction of the district, much of which was destroyed by aerial bombing in the 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah TV channel Al-Manar said. At least 1,200 Lebanese died during the 2006 war, most of them civilians, while around 160 Israelis died, the majority of them soldiers.

Nasrallah said Hezbollah has weapons that can accurately hit targets throughout Israel and that if a new war broke out, the group would destroy several targets in Israel for every building destroyed in Beirut. The Hezbollah leader said that in 2006 his movement had been able to strike Tel Aviv, but wished to protect the city.

He added that Hezbollah is “capable of striking very specific targets not only in Tel Aviv but everywhere in occupied Palestine”.

Nasrallah also voiced support for electoral laws based on proportional representation for upcoming polls in Lebanon in 2013, which he said needed to be held on time.

The formation of Lebanon’s government in recent years has come only after political wrangling between the mostly Sunni Future Movement led by former Prime Minister Saad Hariri and the so-called March 8 coalition led by Hezbollah and other groups, including Christians. -AFP

In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, men run between dead and injured people at the scene where two bombs exploded in the Qazaz neighborhood in Damascus, Syria. (AP)

BEIRUT: A video posted online in the name of a shadowy militant group Saturday claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in the Syrian capital this week that killed 55 people.

In the video, a group calling itself the Al-Nusra Front says the bombing was in response to attacks on residential areas by the regime of President Bashar Assad.

“We fulfilled our promise to respond with strikes and explosions,” a distorted voice says, reading black text that rolls across a white screen while Islamic chanting plays in the background.

The video’s authenticity could not be independently verified. The Al-Nusra Front has claimed past attacks through statements posted on militant websites. Little is known about the group, although Western intelligence officials say it could be a front for Al-Qaeda.

Western officials say there is little doubt that Islamist extremists, some associated with Al-Qaeda, have made inroads in Syria as instability has spread since the start of the uprising against President Bashar Assad 14 months ago.

But much remains unclear about their numbers, influence and activities inside Syria.

Their presence adds a wild card element to the Syria conflict that could further hamper international efforts to end it.

World powers are backing a peace plan presented by international envoy Kofi Annan that calls for a cease-fire to allow for talks on a political solution to the conflict.

But while foreign diplomats and the more than 100 UN observers in Syria can pressure the govern-

ment and the opposition to stick the plan, they have no means of influencing shadowy Islamic militants.

Friday’s video said the Damascus attack was in response to Syrian government attacks on residential areas. “We promised the regime in our last declaration to respond to its killing of families, women, children and old men in a number of Syrian provinces, and here we kept our promise,” it says.

The video, which says it was made on May 10, the day of the Damascus bombings, also strikes a sectarian tone, calling for the protection of Sunni Muslims and threatening revenge against Alawites, the Shiite offshoot to which Assad and many members of his security services belong.

“We tell this regime: Stop your massacres against the Sunni people. If not, you will bear the sin of the Alawites. What is coming will be more calamitous, God willing,” it says. It also advises Sunnis to avoid security offices - a veiled threat of future bombings.

Thursday’s twin blasts in Damascus were the fifth in a string of major attacks in Syrian cities that have clouded the picture of a fight between the opposition and the regime. It was the deadliest yet, in part because it happened on a key thoroughfare during rush hour, while previous bombings were on weekends.

Syria’s uprising started in March 2011 with mostly peaceful protests inspired by successful revolts elsewhere calling for political reform. The Syrian government responded with a brutal crackdown, prompting many in the opposition to take up arms to defend themselves and attack government troops.

The UN said weeks ago that more than 9,000 people have been killed. Hundreds more have died since. -AP

Israeli envoy to meet Palestinian president JERUSALEM: An Israeli envoy will submit a letter to the Palestinian president regarding the possibility of substantive peace talks, said officials from both sides Saturday. The modest exchange is

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. (center) (Reuters)

the highest-level communication between the two sides in months.

Yitzhak Molcho, a representative of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will meet

President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday evening in the West Bank city of Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinians’ government.

Molcho will submit a written response to a note that Palestinian negotiators gave to Netanyahu last month that described their positions if talks were to resume, said a Palestinian official who spoke anonymously, citing the issue’s sensitivity. An Israeli official confirmed the visit. He also spoke on condition of anonymity.

The communication by note demonstrates how thoroughly negotiations to carve out an independent Palestinian state have collapsed. Four months ago, preliminary meetings between Israeli and Palestinian officials in the Jordanian capital Amman also stalled.

The last substantive talks fell apart in 2010, in large part over construction in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Palestinian officials say they cannot negotiate while Israel builds homes in territories they claim for their future state. They claim talks give the Israelis political cover to expand their presence there. Israel says talks should resume without preconditions, and that all issues, including Jewish settlements, will be addressed. -Reuters

Progress in talks on Palestinian prisoners, says Hamas

GAZA CITY: Israeli and Egyptian officials are making progress in attempts to end a mass hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners, some of them close to death, Gaza’s Hamas prime minister said on Saturday.

“There was progress in talks between Egypt and Israel,” Ismail Haniya said in a statement. “This is an important development concerning the demands of the prisoners.”

Egypt helped broker a deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was freed in October after more than five years of being held by Gaza militants in exchange for the release of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.

Haniya has asked for its intervention in the current hunger strike. Israel Prisons Service spokeswoman Sivan Weizman said on Saturday that 1,550 Palestinian prisoners are currently refusing food in protest against solitary confinement, detention without charge and restrictions on family visits, education and various privileges.

She told AFP that it had been decided to move two prisoners from solitary confinement but could not say on Saturday if the decision had been implemented yet. The World Health Organization on Friday urged Israel to give quick and suitable health care to Palestinian hunger strikers, including their transfer to civilian hospitals.

The UN agency said it was “extremely concerned” about their health, noting one suffered from the genetic blood disorder thalassaemia and has “refused his regular life-saving blood transfusions in addition to food.”

“WHO calls on the Israeli authorities to ensure immediate and adequate access to appropriate ongoing health care for the hunger-strikers,” it said in a statement from its Jerusalem office. “WHO also requests Israel to ensure that... release to hospital be facilitated for prisoners requiring medical treatment.”

The hunger strikes have drawn international attention, with the European Union and United Nations expressing concern. Two of those protesting, Bilal Diab and Thaer Halahla, marked their 74th day without food on Saturday.

The hunger strikes have widespread support among Palestinians who have staged regular demonstrations in solidarity with the prisoners.

On Friday, a 20-year-old Palestinian was seriously wounded in the eye by Israeli fire during a solidarity protest in the West Bank village of Abud, near Ramallah, Palestinian medical sources said. Thousands of Palestinians took part in rallies in the Gaza Strip and across the occupied West Bank, including Israeliannexed Arab east Jerusalem.

Later Saturday, a joint Arab-Jewish rally was scheduled for Tel Aviv’s mixed Jaffa neighborhood. -AFP

Algeria Islamists reel from election fiasco ALGIERS: Algeria’s Islamists were reeling Saturday from a stinging setback in legislative polls which saw the ruling party come out on top, resisting the Arab Spring’s tide of democratic change.

The regime argued that the results showed Algerians’ desire for stability, at a time when regime change was bringing chaos to other countries, and outright rejection of Islamism, whose rise 20 years ago led to civil war.

President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s National Liberation Front (FLN) won 220 out of 462 seats up for grabs in Thursday’s legislative elections, improving on its share in the outgoing national assembly.

The seven Islamist parties contesting the polls could only manage a combined 59 seats, a major setback after their predictions of victory during the campaign.

The National Rally for Democracy (RND) of Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, a nationalist party close to the military and loyal to Bouteflika, came second with 68 seats, compared to 62 in the outgoing house.

While the results largely maintain the status quo, one notable change was the number of elected women, which rose to 145 from seven in the outgoing assembly following the introduction of quotas.

Algeria’s outgoing governing coalition included the FLN, the RND and the largest of the legal Islamist parties, the Movement of Society for Peace. Friday’s provisional results, which have yet to be confirmed by the constitutional council, mean the FLN and the RND could form a majority without the Islamists.

“We’d already experienced Islamism, nobody has forgotten this in Algeria...

Voters were looking for security, stabil-

ity,” political analyst Nourredine Hakiki said. Green Algeria, a three-party Islamist alliance, garnered a paltry 48 seats and charged widespread fraud.

“There has been large-scale manipulation of the real results announced in the regions, an irrational exaggeration of these results to favor the administration parties,” it said in a statement. It warned it would take measures in protest.

In the wake of the popular revolts that became known as the Arab Spring, moderate Islamist parties recorded electoral victories in Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.

Ouyahia argued that the Arab Spring was hardly an attractive scenario, calling it a “plague” that had resulted in “the colonization of Iraq, the destruction of Libya, the partition of Sudan and the weakening of Egypt.” Turnout had been expected to be low after a campaign that produced no new faces and failed to draw crowds.

But Interior Minister Daho Ould Kablia announced a “remarkable” rate of 42.36 percent which he said confirmed Algeria’s democratic credentials.

Many Algerians and observers had predicted that ever deeper mistrust, especially among the country’s majority of young people, could lead to an even worse turnout than the historical low of 35 percent recorded in 2007.

The opposition Rally for Culture and Democracy, which chose to boycott this election, claimed the announced turnout was fraudulent and that the real figure “did not exceed 18 percent.”

The Socialist Forces Front, Algeria’s oldest opposition party, garnered only 21 seats and also cried foul, charged the regime has used the election “only to consolidate its power”. -AFP

ALWATAN DAILY

WORLD

sundAY, may 13, 2012

Putin’s first week sees wave of challenges MOSCOW: Vladimir Putin appeared to shed tears of joy the night he won back the presidency in March. After less than a week in office, he may be tempted to shed some in frustration.

Since his inauguration on Monday, the man whose 2000-2008 presidency was characterized by steely control and a cowed opposition has faced a wave of confrontations and misfortunes. Opposition activists, energized by this winter’s unprecedented wave of massive protest rallies and angered by Putin’s March 4 re-election, which they claim was riddled with vote fraud, are showing new willingness to risk arrest and police beatings.

A corps of the most determined has occupied a Moscow square since Wednesday.

Although small in number, the defiance is significant in a country where unauthorized rallies are routinely dispersed with force.

Putin has also taken hits on other fronts.

An airliner that is the pride of Russia’s campaign to regain a foothold in the civilian aviation industry crashed Wednesday under mysterious circumstances in Indonesia. The next day, a project of even greater national significance - the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, appeared vulnerable: Authorities said they had uncovered an elaborate and heavily armed plot to attack the games in the Black Sea resort.

Putin meanwhile baffled the world by announcing that he would not attend next week’s Group of Eight summit in Camp David - a startling absence for a man who appears to relish the world spotlight.

Nor did the days leading up to the inaugu-

Three Boston University students killed in New Zealand crash

WELLINGTON: Three Boston University students who were studying in New Zealand were killed Saturday when their minivan crashed. At least five other students from the university were injured in the accident, including one who was in critical condition.

The students were traveling in a minivan at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday near the North Island vacation town of Taupo when the vehicle drifted to the side of the road and then rolled when the driver tried to correct course, New Zealand police said. Three of the students died at the scene, police said. Another woman was in critical condition at an area hospital, while at least four other students suffered moderate injuries.

Joseph Bergen, the US vice consul in Auckland, New Zealand, identified the deceased students as Daniela Lekhno, Roch Jauberty and Austin Brashears, according to the Boston University website. New Zealand police confirmed their identities.

Another BU student, Margaret Theriault, was airlifted from the crash site to a hospital in Taupo and was in critical condition, the university said.

“This is a horrible tragedy,” Boston University President Robert Brown said in a statement on the website.

“Our prayers go out to the students and their families.

We will do all we can to provide comfort and assistance to those who have been injured, and to the families and friends of the victims. The university is mobilizing all of our resources to help our students and families deal with this tragedy.” All of the students except Theriault were enrolled in a BU study abroad program in Auckland, the BU website said. Theriault was enrolled in a study abroad program in Sydney, Australia.

Sixteen students were traveling in two minivans, on their way to hike the Tongariro Crossing, a famous trek rated as one of the most spectacular in New Zealand.

The hike crosses a volcanic crater in the central part of North Island. None of the eight students in the second van was injured. Seven of those eight students were also from Boston University.

Kevin Taylor, a police official, said it was not clear why the van drifted to the side of the road. He said some of the students were thrown from the vehicle, indicating they may not have been wearing seat belts. -AP

China denies war preparations for South China Sea BEIJING: China has denied it is increasing combat readiness in response to a tense territorial row with the Philippines in the South China Sea which has dragged on for more than a month.

The stand-off erupted last month after Philippine authorities detected Chinese ships fishing near the Scarborough Shoal.

They tried to arrest the crew, but were blocked by Chinese surveillance vessels deployed to the tiny rocky outcrop in the South China Sea about 230 kilometers (140 miles) from the Philippines’ main island of Luzon.

The two nations have stationed non-military vessels at the shoal since April 8 in an effort to assert their sovereignty over the area.

But China’s defense ministry denied military units were getting ready for war, despite warnings in state media that China is prepared to fight to end the stand-off.

“Reports that the Guangzhou military region, the South China Sea fleet and other units have entered a state of war preparedness are untrue,” the ministry said in a brief statement on its website late Friday. The Guangzhou military region in southern China has responsibility for the area.

It gave no source for the reports, but rumors on Chinese microblogs say China has ordered some military units up to level two of its four-level scale of war preparedness, one notch from the top which indicates full readiness.

China claims virtually all of the South China Sea, which is believed to sit atop huge oil and gas reserves, as its historical territory, even waters close to the coasts of other Asian countries.

The Philippines says the shoal is part of its territory because it falls within its exclusive economic zone. On Friday, around 300 protestors demonstrated outside the Chinese embassy in the Philippines to denounce “bullying” by Beijing.

Chinese citizens responded by holding far smaller protests outside the Philippine embassy in Beijing on Friday and Saturday, but police have not allowed sustained demonstrations. China worries protests could spark wider social unrest. -AFP

Russian President Vladimir Putin (right) shakes hands with his Abkhazian counterpart Alexander Ankvab (left) during their meeting at the Bocharov Ruchei residence outside Sochi on May 11. (AFP)

ration augur smooth sailing for at least the early part of Putin’s new, six-year term. Tensions with the United States got a very public viewing when the military chief of staff threatened pre-emptive strikes if Washington moves ahead with a European missile-defense program.

An inauguration eve protest attracted tens of thousands, well more than expected, and vivid scenes of police beating and dragging demon-

strators played worldwide. Two car bombs in Dagestan killed 13 and wounded scores.

Putin’s decision not to go to the G-8 summit - instead sending his predecessor and now prime minister Dmitry Medvedev - was explained as necessary for Putin to form his Cabinet. That raised eyebrow since Putin’s return to the presidency had been all but certain since he announced his intention to run last Septem-

ber. Some observers suggested it gave Putin a convenient excuse to avoid a highly visible international forum where his tough line against dissent could come under criticism.

The harsh measures against protesters on the day before the inauguration and subsequent arrests at smaller protests in the following days were a harsh contrast to Russia’s winter of discontent, during which demonstrators fastidiously stayed within the limits sanctioned by authorities and police in turn kept close watch but did not interfere.

But the opposition now is raising the stakes, even setting up a small round-the-clock demonstration in a Moscow square. That puts Putin in a bind. Either he invites international opprobrium with tough police action or risks allowing the opposition to expand its actions to something resembling the 2004 Orange Revolution tent-camp in Kiev. Putin denounced both the Orange Revolution and the similar Rose Revolution in Georgia - and allowing similar actions in Moscow could be seen as blinking first in a staring match.

One of Putin’s strong suits against the opposition has been Russia’s remarkable prosperity during his presidency and premiership. That has come mostly because of Russia’s vast reserves of oil, gas and minerals, but the country has sought to move beyond its natural-resources economy to become a manufacturing power.

The new Superjet-100 regional airliner is a key piece of that strategy, and Russia is energetically seeking customers for it worldwide. The crash in Indonesia occurred during an Asian sales trip for the plane. -AP

Aid group slams Nigeria for lead poisoning LAGOS: A deadly lead poisoning outbreak that began two years ago in northern Nigeria continues to claim young victims even today, an aid agency official has said.

Ivan Gayton of Doctors Without Borders criticized the government of oil-rich Nigeria on Thursday for not taking the threat seriously, despite 4,000 children already being sickened by the outbreak linked to gold mining.

Foreign aid groups have done much of the work to clean the villages affected in rural Zamfara state and provide care to the children, who likely will suffer long-term brain damage from their exposure to the lead. Meanwhile, tests show that lead is returning to areas that have been cleaned.

“Quite frankly, the decision makers are not here today,” Gayton told journalists who gathered for the end of a two-day conference in Abuja on the outbreak. “For me, its a great disappointment.”

The existence of gold deposits in Zamfara along the border of Niger had been long known.

But it wasn’t until gold prices soared in recent years that villagers began heading into the bush to search for it.

Soon the poor herdsmen and farmers could sell gold for more than $23 a gram - a huge sum in a country where most people live on less than $2 a day.

However, the ore brought back to the villages in Zamfara contained extremely high levels of lead. Fathers carried the precious rocks home to store inside their mud-walled compounds, sometimes leaving them on sleeping mats.Wives often broke the rocks and ground them, sending dust and flakes into the villages’ communal areas.

High levels of lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, result in behavior and learning problems such as hyperactivity, or

5

NEWS IN BRIEF Bomb kills police officer in northwest Pakistan PESHAWAR: Pakistani security officials say a roadside bomb targeting a vehicle carrying police has killed one of them in the country’s northwest. Police officer Javed Khan says 12 civilians and five police officers were also wounded in Saturday’s attack in the northwestern city of Peshawar. He says the officers were escorting a prison van, but no prisoner was hurt. No group has claimed responsibility, but the Pakistani branch of the Taliban often targets police, military troops and other security forces to pressure the government to end support for the United States in its campaign against Al-Qaeda and other militant groups. -AP

Myanmar urges millions of exiles to return NAYPYIDAW: Myanmar’s president has urged the nation’s millions-strong diaspora to return, state media reported Saturday, as the country seeks skilled workers to help smooth the passage of reform.

Several million people fled Myanmar’s corrupted economy and political repression under army rule, leaving the nation desperately short of professionals to help it manage massive economic and political change. Pledging to help emigres establish businesses as resource-rich Myanmar braces for a surge of foreign investment and an expected economic boom, President Thein Sein asked migrants who left for “various reasons” to return. -AFP

Indonesia jet crash bodies sent for identification JAKARTA: Body bags containing the victims of a Russian jet crash began arriving in the Indonesian capital Saturday as Russian investigators flew in to join the probe into how the aircraft smashed into the side of a volcano. Rescuers said the bodies of those who perished when Sukhoi’s new Superjet 100 hit Mount Salak in western Java on Wednesday, killing all on board, were badly dismembered. Officials said the remains of the victims found so far had been placed in 16 body bags. By noon five had arrived in Jakarta by helicopter and were taken to a police hospital for identification. -AFP

UK Olympics minister refuses to quit Local health workers remove lead-contaminated dirt from a family compound rural Zamfara state in Nigeria. (AFP)

cause slow growth. Lead also can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, nervous disorders and memory problems in adults. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma and death.

It wasn’t until 160 children died and others went blind and deaf that authorities in 2010 realized the region faced a lead poisoning outbreak, which the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called “unprecedented”.

An international team of doctors and hazardous waste experts arrived in Zamfara in midMay 2010 to clean the region, but seasonal rains halted their work.

In the time since, the cleanup work and the medical care for those affected has come almost

entirely from foreign aid groups. While the government ordered the halt of mining by local villages, the practice continued.

A January 2011 report said some villages already cleaned by foreign experts showed traces of lead and mercury again because residents had begun mining again without taking any precautions. Gayton called on Nigeria’s government to release $5.3 million for the cleanup effort.

He also said the government needed to educate those living there that precautions could make mining safe.

“It’s possible to do the environmental remediation and it is possible to do safer mining,” Gayton said. “We need not die in search of livelihood. It can be done safely.” -AFP

LONDON: The minister due to oversee the London Olympics this summer has insisted he will stay in his role amid fresh pressure for him to quit over alleged collusion with Rupert Murdoch’s companies.

A spokeswoman for Jeremy Hunt, whose role as minister for culture, media and sport includes responsibility for this year’s Olympic Games in London, said he would “vindicate” his position when he appears at an inquiry into press ethics. An email handed to the inquiry by Rebekah Brooks, former head of Murdoch’s British newspaper firm News International, appeared to show Hunt’s office seeking advice from Murdoch’s side on handling the phone hacking scandal that has engulfed the firm. “This is absolutely not acceptable,” opposition Labor deputy leader Harriet Harman told BBC radio on Friday. “How much more evidence does (Prime Minister) David Cameron need that this man is not fit to hold this high office?” -AFP

6

ALWATAN DAILY

OPINION

sunDAY, MAY 13, 2012

Maintaining ethics and morals in politics at all times Salwa Al-Jassar

S

ome intellectuals and politicians actually nurse the unfathomable belief that ethics of politics are closely related in the theoretical and philosophic field with regards to the general welfare of the public as well as humane values, such as honesty, loyalty, equality, justice, and a passionate sense of belonging. Kant explains in his analysis of rational human behavior that the actions of individuals and their subsequent relationships with one another and their respective countries must be bound by ethics, under the ever-so protective umbrella of law and respect for human rights.

He added that what defines the relationship between individuals, their rights and their duties towards their respective countries is none other than ethical law. Plato believes that any given country initially blossoms with a certain magnitude of force and power and then gradually descends deep into the throes of either punishment or rewards. Separating politics from ethics is like separating the conscious mind from emotions. In fact, it is common knowledge that in most, if not all, political speeches that are usually delivered at forums, conferences, and gatherings, the words that are used actually invoke emotions, feelings and sentiments in desperate attempts to have a profound and stronger effect on the listeners.

The bedrock of any given political work is the very existence of a specific kind of society that practices politics with utmost respect without violating the society’s fragile norms of cultures, ethics, morals and most importantly; traditions in addition to following and respecting the tenets enshrined in the Constitution and the state’s overall

This is especially evident when politicians badmouth and attack their competitors; little realizing that they are going against the virtues of decency, camaraderie and social norms.

governing laws. This is precisely what the MPs, members of government, and politicians usually swear to uphold while taking their oath of office in accordance to his/her political position. The relationship between politics and ethics is a very complicated one and that is very difficult to maintain and uphold especially since most, if not all, politicians usually tend to go astray and fail to maintain a sense of decorum as is evident whenever they resort to unethical measures and practices.

This is especially evident when some politicians leave no stone unturned in badmouthing and attacking their competitors in desperate attempts to put themselves in the spotlight; little realizing that they are going against the virtues of decency, camaraderie and social norms. And as if that is not enough, they even go to extremes in desperate attempts to influence citizens through making unrealistic empty promises and choose their words carefully to invoke their feelings and play with their emotions. In fact they are so adept at this kind of manipulation that they actually manage to get away with their ploys unscathed.

This is the main reason why most, if not all, politicians tend to adopt different stances and change their points of view at the drop of a hat to achieve their own selfish and vested interests at the expense of the people and the nation. The very art of practicing and surviving the intricacies

of politics in any society first starts with the politician’s sense of ethics, morals, values, integrity and most importantly; his demeanor on transparency in general. He is also required to constantly remain within that circle of ethics that governs society and its laws, in order to combat and devastate the code of unethical corruption; the seeds of which are planted by those that are against the promulgation of a healthy and virtuous society.

History has always been a mute witness to the fact that the code of ethics in politics has never been maintained the way that it should and it is this shortcoming that has actually given rise to changed concepts, overlapping of authorities and rampant political chaos which in turn; prompts morals and values to become null and void causing a fragmentation of democratic principles.

In today’s world, it is the strongest that usually survives while those that are meek and humble are simply vanquished. Indecent language and insults are traded wherein those that are expected to uphold the law and exhibit exemplary traits are the ones that swear and curse and issue threats.

In this eternal tug-of-war of power and authority in which the survival of the fittest is usually the norm, it is humble and independent MPs that are rendered to be scapegoats despite exhibiting the highest degrees of loy-

Theatrical experiences witnessed in the National Assembly

alty, competency, morals, ethics and values. And unfortunately, all those who nurse and persistently hold on to their values and ethics are considered as political outcasts and rendered as failures simply because they always tackle issues with utmost discretion, mind their language and most importantly; abide by laws, rules and regulations.

On the other hand; the only thing that seasoned politicians care about is how to go about their victories, how to succeed in humiliating their contemporaries, how to engage in vicious tactics, form unhealthy alliances and parties and accrue ill-gotten gains while not even pausing for a second to ensure the welfare of the general public. If these are the values, morals and principles of seasoned politicians, then the code of ethics, values, and humane concepts will eventually disappear, and we will all be compelled to live in a world that lacks even the most basic principles, trust and respect.

The fears that we nurse today will surely look us right in the eye tomorrow. We will have to cross paths with all those people who claim to believe in democracy, but in reality; neither practice it nor seek to reinforce it. We need to analyze the political status and determine the points of weakness in exemplary attempts to consolidate them further in the best interests of the country and its citizens. The people and the country must not fall unsuspecting victims to the charms of all those that seek to achieve their own hidden agendas and goals. For the welfare of Kuwait and its people, we need to nurse and nurture the values of ethics and morals in the political field simply because peoples of nations that choose to tread on another path can never look forward to a glorious future for their respective nations or their citizens in general.

Under the parrot’s dome

Abdullah Al-Najjar

T

here can be no doubt in one’s mind that our National Assembly, these days, definitely resembles a theater where theatrical plays and dramas are performed to packed houses by teams of dedicated and professional actors and actresses. In fact it was our colleague and MP Nabeel Al-Fadhl who described and compared events unfolding in the National Assembly to that of a theater. Surely the MP was justified in his comparison simply because all that we hear and witness during those boisterous and unruly sessions these days are nothing other than satirical theatrics performed by actors of the highest caliber.

And in hilarious attempts to increase the decibels reverberating under the dome of the National Assembly, we can also count on the contributions of all those attendees to give the interiors of National Assembly an added surround sound effect when the attendees voice their uproarious approvals or disapprovals over the various issues that are usually discussed, argued or even slammed by members of the opposition. The entire scenario is one that actually resembles a movie theater complete with sight and sound effects; not to mention the action involved when the actors get physical after the trading of insults seem to have no real effect over the ongoing proceedings.

In fact, proceedings are even given an added movie-like experience when the attendees start clapping, cheering or jeering either in support or to slam the inputs or suggestions of certain MPs. I had mentioned in an earlier article that was published on March 30 this year; that the current parliament is one that is laced with hostility as is evident in the fact that a number of MPs nurse hostile stances against each other. And if such a situation is permitted to continue, we can never ever expect any achievements during their terms in office.

Achievements can be guaranteed only if there exists a sense of unity, cooperation and coordination among members of both houses and that surely calls for differences to be set aside in the best interests of the nation and its citizens. And in the event that members of the Majority Bloc refuse to cooperate and coordinate with members of the Minority Bloc, then we can never ever look forward to achieving any of those goals that our representatives always promise but never succeed in achieving. All that they engage in during each and every session; is ‘to agree to disagree’ with each other at the slightest given opportunity little realizing that they are not only losing precious time, but glorious opportunities as well. Can we ever expect them to see realize the futility of their immature actions?

I would also like to take this opportunity of offering my heartiest congratulations to the Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad AlHomoud Al-Sabah for surviving the interpellation motion that was submitted against him. We also wish him the best in successfully tackling the five points mentioned in the motion especially one that concerns the naturalization of Saudi citizen Nayef Ayesh who has rendered commendable services to Kuwait over a considerable period of time. On February 24, I had written another article wherein I had predicted that MP Dr. Obaid Al-Wasmi would surely annoy members of the Majority Bloc in the event that he declares himself as an independent MP. I cannot understand why other MPs should take offence at his declaration simply because he is indeed an independent MP who will never offer his loyalty to any bloc or movement. In fact, we sincerely hope all other MPs follow in his footsteps since that will encourage them to express their opinions freely without any pressure being imposed on them.

MP Ali Al-Rashid, on the other hand, requested the approval of a new law that would legally permit citizens to hold dual citizenship despite being fully aware of the fact that several other MPs are opposed to such an eventuality. The MP should be first aware of the fact that other MPs will never agree to his request simply because that possibility will surely encourage forgery wherein even hardened criminals could take advantage of any lapses or loopholes witnessed in the application of rules and regulations. This is surely a serious and sensitive issue bearing in mind the fact that the new Gulf security system which is in the offing depends on unifying the data of all citizens in the Gulf in accordance to agreements that have already been signed recently.

Ali Farzat

National Assembly

The sorry state of affairs in the political arena Abdullah Khalaf

I

t seems clearly evident that the country is being plunged down a deep and precipitous ravine; the depth of which is simply unfathomable. Just take a look at the state of utter chaos and commotion that is prevalent during official sessions that are held at the national Assembly and you will surely realize what I mean.

The values of ethics and morals have simply gone down the drain and we now seem to live in a society that seems to have even lost its sense of decorum, etiquette and humility. I am sorry to add that the situation does not end here as the same holds good even in government institutions and authorities and most importantly even in government schools where teachers and professors were accorded due respected at a certain point of time when even an ordinary office boy was treated with respect if he ever chose to admonish any student for behaving inappropriately. Schools were then considered to be places of respect in which neither the students nor the parents plucked the audacity to question teachers if punishments were meted out to those who behaved badly.

The situation these days is entirely different as the pride of the nation; the National Assembly has been transformed into an ordinary police station or marketplace to settle minor grievances and disputes as well as a venue where wasta is rampant. To lend credence to these facts, consider the following: Just pay a visit to that venue whenever sessions are in progress and you will find scores of students there who want to voice their grievances or some others (who are in possession of forged certificates, and degrees and diplomas) who are sent by teachers or professors from schools and universities to

To worsen an already deteriorating situation, it is indeed unfortunate that the National Assembly has unwittingly become the bridge that actually encourages widespread corruption. meet and request MPs to appoint them as professors in universities or even as managers, assistant undersecretaries, or undersecretaries.

It is no secret here in Kuwait that there are thousands of people with forged academic certificates, and moreover; isn’t it strange that the minute a person is elected as an MP, he is suddenly in possession of a degree, claiming to be a PhD degree holder. Irregularities such as these have prompted the Ministry of Education to look into those academic certificates that are bought out on the streets of Kuwait. In fact, even those claiming to be honorable doctors are in possession of degrees and diplomas issued to them from certain countries without even travelling to the country that sold them those certificates; not to mention the fact that there are actually offices here in Kuwait that specialize in selling degrees.

Furthermore, men and women who are ignorant and uneducated can be witnessed teaching at schools and universities, which only leads to more ignorant and uneducated students graduating from schools and colleges. And to worsen an already deteriorating situation, it is indeed unfortunate that the National Assembly has unwittingly become the bridge that actually encourages widespread corruption. MPs can be witnessed sitting alongside ministers who consider it a great privilege to put their signatures on any piece of paper that is submitted to them

while members of government are actually surrendering themselves to the whims and fancies of MPs. In the past, MPs who wished to discuss any issue under the sun had to compulsorily approach the legal consultant and who in turn would advise him if the issue in question was in line with the National Assembly’s regulations and also ascertain its legality. If the issue in question was illegal, the MPs submitting the requests were guided back to their seats and advised to close their files but if it was legal, they were entertained and discussions progressed further.

At this current point of time however; most, if not all, MPs consider themselves to be honorable legal consultants and hence; do not see the need to consult with anyone regarding the legality of issues or documents.

They have all become masters in the art of argument and refuse to listen to others, not to mention their customary habit of swearing at others and using inappropriate language. In the past, there was always a mutual sense of respect existing among MPs and despite the humble academic levels of MPs at that time, they were indeed very respectable and addressed each other with utmost care and respect. In fact, even during those certain times that they disagreed over any particular issue, they tried to sort out their differences but never resorted to engaging in foul language or exchanging rapid rounds of fire.

Have an opinion?

Share it with the world! The Al Watan Daily accepts articles written on any subject, expressing personal views on topics you care about or in reaction to a column already published in our pages. We will review it and then get back to you. Just email us your thoughts at opinion@alwatandaily.com If your submission grabs our attention, we’ll let you know what we think and possibly publish it on this page. Give your opinion a voice. Write for Al Watan Daily today.

Editor-IN-CHIEF

Dr. Ali Altarrah Al Sawari International for advertising & publishing

DISCLAIMER:

General Manager

Dina Al-Mallak

Editors Ali Marafie Darlynn Amara Angie Galal Halah Al Gharabally Julius Paul Coelho Amina Mustafa

To Advertise:

CONTACT US

Tel. +(965) 2249 5103 Fax. +(965) 2249 5107

To Subscribe: +(965) 2482 6780 Al Watan Hotline: 1822255

E-mail:

times@choueirigroup.com

For Press Releases: alwatandaily@alwatandaily.com or info@alwatandaily.com

for Classifieds

FAX: +(965) 2492 5797 E-mail: classifieds@alwatandaily.com

The views and opinions presented on the ‘Opinion’ & ‘Views’ page are the authors’ own, and do not necessarily represent those of Al Watan Daily and its staff.

ALWATAN DAILY

views

sunDAY, may 13, 2012

7

Central bankers under siege Raghuram Rajan Project Syndicate

P

oor Ben Bernanke! As Chairman of the United States Federal Reserve Board, he has gone further than any other central banker in recent times in attempting to stimulate the economy through monetary policy. He has cut short-term interest rates to the bone. He has adopted innovative new methods of monetary easing. Again and again, he has repeated that, so long as inflationary pressure remains contained, his main concern is the high level of US unemployment. Yet progressive economists chastise him for not doing enough.

What more could they possibly want? Raise the inflation target, they say, and all will be well. Of course, this would be a radical departure for the Fed, which has worked hard to convince the public that it will keep inflation around 2 percent. That credibility has allowed the Fed to be aggressive: it is difficult to imagine that it could have expanded its balance sheet to the extent that it has if the public thought that it could not be trusted on inflation. So why do these economists want the Fed to sacrifice its hard-won gains?

The answer lies in their view of the root cause of continued high unemployment: excessively high real interest rates. Their logic is simple. Before the financial crisis erupted in 2008, consumers buoyed US demand by borrowing heavily against their rising house prices. Now these heavily indebted households cannot borrow and spend any more.

An important source of aggregate demand has evaporated. As consumers stopped buying, real (inflation-adjusted) interest rates should have fallen to encourage thrifty households to spend. But real interest rates did not fall enough, because nominal interest rates cannot go below zero. By increasing inflation, the Fed would turn real interest rates seriously negative, thereby coercing thrifty households into spending instead of saving. With rising demand, firms would hire, and all would be well.

This is a different logic from the one that calls for inflation as a way of reducing long-term debt (at the expense of investors), but it has equally serious weaknesses. First, while low rates might encourage spending if credit were easy, it is not at all clear that traditional savers today would go out and spend. Think of the soon-to-retire office worker. She saved because she wanted enough money to retire. Given the terrible returns on savings since 2007, the prospect of continuing low interest rates might make her put even more money aside.

Alternatively, low interest rates could push her (or her pension fund) to buy risky long-maturity bonds. Given that these bonds are already aggressively priced, such a move might thus set her up for a fall when interest rates eventually rise. Indeed, America may well be in the process of adding a pension crisis to the unemployment problem.

Second, household over-indebtedness in the US, as well

FILE -- People seeking jobs wait in line to speak to over 60 employers at an employment fair May 3, 2012 in New York. New claims for US unemployment benefits dropped, but still remained painfully high.

Jobless claims stood at 365,000 for the week to April 28, compared to a revised 392,000 level the previous week. (AFP)

We cannot ignore high unemployment. It is not even clear that the zero lower bound is primarily responsible for high US unemployment. as the fall in demand, is localized, as my colleague Amir Sufi and his co-author, Atif Mian, have shown. Hairdressers in Las Vegas lost their jobs partly because households there have too much debt stemming from the housing boom, and partly because many local construction workers and realestate brokers were laid off. Even if we can coerce traditional debt-free savers to spend, it is unlikely that there are enough of them in Las Vegas. If these debt-free savers are in New York City, which did not experience as much of a boom and a bust, cutting real interest rates will encourage spending on haircuts in New York City, which already has plenty of demand, but not in Las Vegas, which has too little. Put differently, real interest rates are too blunt a stimulus tool, even if they work.

Third, we have little idea about how the public forms

expectations about the central bank’s future actions. If the Fed announces that it will tolerate 4 percent inflation, could the public think that the Fed is bluffing, or that, if an implicit inflation target can be broken once, it can be broken again? Would expectations shift to a much higher inflation rate? How would the added risk premium affect long-term interest rates? What kind of recession would the US have to endure to bring inflation back to comfortable levels? The answer to all of these questions is: We really don’t know. Given the dubious benefits of still lower real interest rates, placing central-bank credibility at risk would be irresponsible.

Finally, it is not even clear that the zero lower bound is primarily responsible for high US unemployment.Traditional Keynesian frictions like the difficulty of reducing wages

The Ayatollah contemplates compromise Mehdi Khalaji Project Syndicate

T

he recent nuclear talks in Istanbul between the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, plus Germany, and Iran have shifted the world’s focus to the possible terms of a deal when the sides meet again, probably in Baghdad on May 23. So, what accounts for the new seeming willingness of Iran’s leaders to reach an agreement? Economic sanctions and political isolation have, of course, deeply hurt the regime, especially the Revolutionary Guard, whose leaders and industries have been directly targeted by the international community. But these are not the only factors.

The regime’s propaganda machine is already portraying the Istanbul talks as a triumph for the Islamic Republic and a setback for the West. Indeed, it is setting the stage for a significant compromise by preparing both the Iranian public and the global community. Iran, it must be remembered, cares as much about its image as it does about its nuclear achievements. A successful strategy must allow Iran to come out of talks with a smile on its face, even if it gives up the most sensitive parts of its nuclear program.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has made an uncompromising nuclear policy central to his domestic authority. For years, he

As the talks move ahead, the United States and its allies must stick to a dual-track policy: intensifying political pressure and economic sanctions, while negotiating seriously. sabotaged the efforts of Iranian officials who might have cut a deal with the West because he doubted their loyalty to him. Those whom Khamenei did trust were not skillful enough to craft a policy of compromise that would preserve his ability to portray himself as a tough anti-American leader.

As the talks move ahead, the United States and its allies must stick to a dual-track policy: intensifying political pressure and economic sanctions, while negotiating seriously. They should insist on transparency in Iran’s nuclear program, while offering a gradual easing of sanctions in exchange for verifiable guarantees that the regime is not pursuing nuclear weapons. If things break down, the possibility of a pre-emptive military strike, whether by Israel or the US, remains an option.

Regardless of their outcome, the new negotiations have put Khamenei in a perilous position.

As the person in charge of Iran’s nuclear policy, compromising is as dangerous for him as digging in his heels. This might be the last chance for Iran to change its nuclear policy, prevent military confrontation, and save the economy. But, for Khame-

FILE - In this Aug. 13, 2004 satellite image provided by DigitalGlobe and the Institute for Science and International Security shows the military complex at Parchin, Iran, 30 kilometers southeast of Tehran. Iran has made no secret of its hopes for the next round of nuclear negotiations with world powers: Possible pledges by the West to ease sanctions as a step toward deal making by Tehran. (AP)

nei, nuclear concessions might also undermine his monopoly over domestic politics. Khamenei is not a suicidal jihadist. In 23 years of leadership, he has avoided risky domestic and foreign policies. But he is not immune to miscalculation.

In 2005, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad relied on Khamenei’s financial and political support to win the presidency. Today, however, Khamenei is profoundly regretful about that choice. Ahmadinejad disobeys his orders, tries to discredit him with the public by challenging his authority, and undermines key institutions, including the judiciary and the parliament. It is an open secret in Iranian political circles that Khamenei also regrets permitting volunteers of the Basij militia to attack the British embassy last November.

The troubling conclusion to be drawn from these episodes is that even if Khamenei is not looking for a military confrontation, he may very well be susceptible to misjudgments about how to avoid one. Khamenei faces a deeper problem: he is not Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, his predecessor and the Islamic Republic’s founding Supreme Leader, who shaped the system’s identity. Khomeini was so self-confident, and his authority was so well consolidated, that he was not afraid to make concessions if he thought it necessary for the regime’s well-being.

Khamenei’s political standing is closely associated with the current nuclear policy, and he lacks the charisma and authority necessary to move the political and religious elite toward compromise.

For Khamenei, nuclear capability is not a goal but rather a means to force the West and its regional allies to recognize the regime’s strategic interests.

Moreover, he is convinced that the West is seeking to undermine the Islamic Republic through a “soft” assault of culture and politics, and that compromise on the nuclear program would lead inevitably to concessions on human rights and democracy, and eventually to regime change.

Given this, a guarantee that the West, especially the US, is not seeking the overthrow of Iran’s leaders would have to be a key component of a nuclear compromise. Indeed, Khamenei might well demand that this guarantee cover Farsi broadcasts, financial and political support to opposition groups, and censorship of the Internet.

The nuclear crisis should be resolved through negotiations, before, in US President Barack Obama’s phrase, the window closes. The problem for Khamenei - and thus for those negotiating with Iran - is that there is scant benefit for him in success. The biggest obstacle to a successful outcome is the contradiction of his situation: to compromise, he must save face; but, to save face, he must not compromise. * Mehdi Khalaji is a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

and benefits in some industries, as well as non-traditional frictions like the difficulty of moving when one cannot sell (or buy) a house, may share blame.

We cannot ignore high unemployment. Clearly, improving indebted households’ ability to refinance at low current interest rates could help to reduce their debt burden, as would writing off some mortgage debt in cases where falling house prices have left borrowers deep underwater (that is, the outstanding mortgage exceeds the house’s value).

More could be done here. The good news is that household debt is coming down through a combination of repayments and write-offs. But it is also important to recognize that the path to a sustainable recovery does not lie in restoring irresponsible and unaffordable pre-crisis spending, which had the collateral effect of creating unsustainable jobs in construction and finance.

With a savings rate of barely 4 percent of GDP, the average US household is unlikely to be over-saving. Sensible policy lies in improving the capabilities of the workforce across the country, so that they can get sustainable jobs with steady incomes. That takes time, but it might be the best option left. * Raghuram Rajan is a professor of finance at the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business.

Crumbling State Of all the misfortunes besetting Mali in recent times what stands out most is the concern over the state-of-affairs in the ancient city of Timbuktu, which is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural heritages in Africa.

Basidia Drammeh

T

he unfolding developments in Mali have been so dramatic and mind-boggling that I could hardly keep pace or pool my thoughts together. However, listening to a BBC report about the desecration of a tomb in the ancient city of Timbuktu prompted me to jot down these lines out of my concern and passion for what Mali stands for.

Touted until last March as another beacon of hope in Africa, Mali, a country of 14.5 million people, has been steadily edging toward lawlessness and chaos.

The military junta led by junior officer Captain Amadou Sanogo overthrew the democratically elected government of President Amadou Toumani Touré, a man credited for ending decades of autocracy under Moussa Traoré in March 1991 and overseeing a transitional period which led to the writing of a new constitution and the establishment of Mali as a democratic and multi-party state. The disgruntled officers of the Malian army, who formed a provisional authority called National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and State (CNRDR), accused Touré of mishandling Tuareg’s insurgency who have been demanding and fighting for independence since 1962.The coup came under sharp criticism, given that Touré was just about to step down after the scheduled April 29 presidential elections. Ironically, the military regime lost the entire north, approximately the size of France, to the rebels within two weeks due to the collapse of the central government. As a result, the Tuareq, a nomadic tribe, declared independence of Azawad. So far, no country has formally recognized the declaration.

Isolated, cornered, bewildered and realizing his incapability to contain the fierce insurgency, Sanogo sought the help of the international community which had previously condemned and prevailed on him to hand over power to civilians.

He was completely shut off by the African Union and even his immediate neighbors. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened him with severe sanctions, which apparently prompted him to bow down to their demands, bearing in mind that Mali is a land-locked country.The negotiations led by the Burkina Faso Foreign Minister, Djbril Basoli, paved the way for an agreement to this effect. President Touré was compelled to resign, while the National Assembly Speaker Dioncounda Troare, a renowned mathematician, took over the reins. The interim president appointed the NASA Malian scientist to form a new Cabinet in which the military junta took senior security Cabinet portfolios.

It appears that it’s the military that is still calling the shots. Sanogo recently rejected an ECOWAS plan to send peace-keeping troops to Mali, while arbitrary arrests of the former leader’s loyalists continue unabated.

Nevertheless, of all the misfortunes besetting Mali in recent times what stands out most is the concern over the state-of-affairs in the ancient city of Timbuktu, which is undoubtedly one of the most important cultural heritages in Africa and south of the Sahara, and considered by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. No wonder UNESCO has since issued a warning that the town’s capture could endanger its “outstanding architectural wonders”. Its assessment is indeed warranted. Fighters from the Ansar Dine Islamist group, according to press reports, destroyed the tomb of a local Muslim ‘saint’ in the town. Regardless of the religious interpretation of the action, it is a bad omen for worse things to come!

Founded in the 12th Century, Timbuktu became wealthy for being an important trading route for salt and gold, reaching its apex in the 15th and 16th centuries. It became a major intellectual and religious center, and still houses about 700,000 manuscripts, some dating back centuries, which offer an insight into the societies and intellectual traditions of Western Sudan from the last century onward. Mali was part of the West African Empire consisting of the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire (from which Mali is named), and the Songhai Empire.

Concerted and urgent efforts are needed in order to reunite Mali as well as preserve Timbuktu and the treasures it accommodates before it is too late.

8

ALWATAN DAILY

SERVICES

HOTLINE SERVCES

sundAY, may 13, 2012

EMERGENCY - Police - Fire - Ambulance 112 - TRAFFIC HOTLINE 1 88 41 41 CIVIL ID 1 88 99 88 - AIRPORT 1888 180 - KAC BOOKING 17 1

Prayer Times Fajer

WE FIX IT

03 : 28

Shorook

04 : 57

Dohor

11 : 44

Aser

03 : 20

Maghreb

06 : 32

Ishaa

07 : 58

KD KD KD KD KD KD KD

95 90 55 55 55 40 40

Jabriya (Surra) Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh Old Jahra New Jahra & Abdaly Hawally Ras Al-Salmiya Al-Riqa Salmiya Shuwaikh Sabah Al-Salem (Messila) Sulaibiya Sulaibikhat

2531 0000 2431 0000 2477 0000 2457 0000 2261 0000 2571 0000 2394 0000 2561 0000 2481 0000 2551 0000 2467 0000 2487 0000

South Sabahiya Fintas Zoor Ahmadi Ardiya Fahaheel Farwaniya Kuwait City Mishref Manqaf Nuzha Umm Al Haiman & Wafra Shuaiba

2361 0000 2390 0000 2395 0000 2398 0000 2488 0000 2391 0000 2471 0000 2240 0000 2538 0000 2371 0000 2251 0000 2328 0000 2326 0000

metropolitan

Bus No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 29 31 32 34 36 38 39 40 41 51 59 * 101 102 103 105 139 501 502 506 507 602

a re a b u s ro u tes

Origin

Orthopaedic Orthopaedic Kheitan * Messila Salmiyah * Kheitan * Salmiyah Orrthopaedic Al-Jleeb Al-Jleeb * Al-Jleeb Kheitan Salmiyah Jahra Gate Sulaibiya Al Jleeb Kheitan Jabriya Salmiyah Al-Jleeb Messilah Kheitan Fahaheel Kheitan Al Jleeb * Al-Jleeb * Fahaheel Fahaheel Jahra Fahaheel Jahra Gate Airport Fahaheel Al-Jleeb Al-Jleeb Fahaheel

Destination

Sharq Sharq Mirgab Mirgab Mirgab Jahra Gate Sharq Mirgab Sharq Mirgab Sharq Mirgab Mirgab Jabriya Sharq Mirgab Sharq Sharq Sharq Salmiyah Jahra Gate Sharq Sharq UN Circle Mirgab Mirgab Mirgab Mirgab Mirgab Al-Jleeb Fahaheel Mirgab Mirgab Jahra Gate Sharq Fahaheel

Via

Shuwaikh 4th Ring Rd Airport Rd Ras Salmiyah 4th Ring Rd 4th Ring Rd Hawalli Shuwaikh Kheitan Farwaniyah 3rd Ring Rd King Faisal Rd Hawalli Hawalli Andalus Shuwaikh Shamiyah Nuzha Farwaniyah Farwaniyah Bayan Shuwaikh Shuwaikh Al Rai 6th Ring Rd Al Hasawi Sabah Salem 3rd Ring Rd Jahra Rd Shuwaikh UN Circle Jahra Rd Fahaheel Rd Hawalli Shuwaikh Ahmadi

KD 70 KD 140 KD 40 KD 40 KD 40 KD 40 KD 40

VISITORS RESIDENTS

H.S.C. Barium Enema Barium Meal O.C.G. Ultrasound Ultrasound desfruct M.R.I.

KD 40 KD 50 KD 45 KD 45 KD 15 KD 130 KD 245

KD 40 KD 35 KD 30 KD 30 KD 10 KD 65 KD 180

eMbassies &

Ministry of

C omm u nic a tions Telephone for Test & Complaints

warsha@warsha.com

f or e x p a tri a tes

VISITORS RESIDENTS

C.T. Scan Angiogram I.V.P MCUG Asc Urothrogram Sinogram Sialogram

Tel.: Afghanistan 2532 9461 Algeria 2251 9220 Argentina 2537 9211 Austria 2255 2532 Australia 2232 2422 Azerbaijan 2535 5247 Bahrain 2531 8530 Bangladesh 2531 6042 / 3 Belgium 25722014 Bhutan 2251 6640 / 50 Bosnia 2539 2637 Brazil 2532 8610 Bulgaria 2531 4458 Canada 2256 3025 China 2533 3340 Cuba 2254 9361 Cyprus 2243 3075 Czech 2252 9018 Denmark 2534 1005 Egypt 2251 9956 Ethiopia 2533 4291 Eritrea 2531 7426 Finland 2531 2890 France 2257 1061 Germany 2252 0827 Greece 2481 7101 Georgia 2535 2909 Hungary 2532 3901 India 2253 0600 Indonesia 2483 9927 Iran 2256 0694 Italy 2535 6011 Japan 2530 9400 Kenya 25353314 / 25353362 Lebanon 2256 2103

Libya 2257 5183 Malaysia 2255 0394/5/6 Morocco 2531 2980 / 1 Netherlands 2531 2650 Niger 2565 2943 Nigeria 2562 0278 North Korea 2532 9462 Oman 2256 1956 Pakistan 2532 7651 Philippines 2534 9099 Poland 2531 1571 Qatar 2251 3606 Republic of Botswana 2538 3619 Romania 2484 5079 Russia 2256 0427 Saudi Arabia 2240 0250 Senegal 2257 3477 Slovak Republic 2535 3895 Somalia 2539 4795 South Africa 2561 7988 South Korea 2533 9601 Spain 2532 5829 / 7 Sri Lanka 2533 9140 Switzerland 2534 0172 / 5 Syria 2539 6560 Thailand 2531 7530 Tunisia 2252 6261 Turkey 2253 1785 UAE 2535 5764 UK 2259 4320 Ukraine 2531 8507 USA 2259 1001 Venezuela 2532 4367 Vietnam 2531 1450 Yugoslavia 2532 7548 Zimbabwe 2562 1517

2257 5182 2255 0384 2531 7423 2532 6334 2564 0478 2562 0296 2535 1097 2256 1963 2532 8013 2532 9319 2531 1576 2251 3604 2539 3529 2484 8929 2252 4969 2242 0654 2254 2044 2535 3894 2539 4829 2561 7917 2531 2459 2532 5826 2533 9154 2534 0176 2539 6509 2531 7532 2252 8995 2256 0653 2259 4339 2538 0282 2532 4368 2535 1592 2532 7568 2562 1491

Police stations Tel.:

Abu Halifa 2371 7656 Ahmadi 2398 0304 Ardiya 2488 1273 Bayan 2538 7762 Dahar 2383 0500 Dahiya 2256 0855 Dasma 2253 1917 Fahaheel 2391 2959 Faiha 2255 2693 Farwaniya 2471 1977 Ferdous 2489 0583 Fintas 2390 4388 Hawalli 2264 1116 Jabriya 2531 5855 Jahra Ind. Area 2457 5565 / 2458 7392 Jahra North 2455 2295 Jleeb Al Shouyoukh 2431 1234 Keifan 2483 2839 Kheitan 2472 2590 Mina Abdullah 2326 1144 Nugra 2261 6662 Omariya 2474 2160

Ambulance

Central Adan Amiri Hospital Da’iya Fahaheel Farwaniya Farwaniya Jahra Mubarak Al Kabir Sabah Salmiya Shuaiba

23940600 / 23941455 22422366 22510854 23919098 24883000 24725149 24570583 25311437 24815000 25739011 23261927

Private Hospitals

Al-Rashid Hospital Dar Al-Shifa Hospital Hadi Clinic London Hospital Mowasat Hospital Salam Hospital

Qadsiya 2257 4386 Qurain 2542 3772 Rabiah 2474 2160 Rawda 2256 0058 Riqqa 2394 1958 Rumaithiya 2562 4123 Sabah Al-Salem 2551 7229 Sabahiya 2361 5619 Salhiya (Kuwait City) 2242 7157 Salmi 2457 6576 Salmiya 2572 6950 Salwa 2562 6950 Shamiya 2484 5953 Sharq 2244 2466 Shuaiba Ind. Area 2326 1789 Shuwaikh 2481 3726 / 2484 4842 Sulaibekhat 2487 6555 Sulaibiya 2467 0672 Sulaibiya Ind. Area 2467 2728 Surra 2531 2220 Tayma’a 2457 1700 Wafra 2381 0412 Waha 2455 7902 Zour 2395 0160

Adan General Hospital Al-Sabah Chest Hospital Al-Sabah Maternity Hospital Amiri General Hospital As’ad Al-Hamad Dermatology Center

Farwaniya General Hospital Ibn Sina Hospital Jahra General Hospital Mubarak Al-Kabeer General Hospital Subhan Renal Hospital Sulaibikhat Orthopedic Hospital

25624000 22802555 1828282 1883883 25726666 22533177

Private Health Centers/ Clinics

Boushahri Clinic British Medical Center Care Clinic International Clinic

Public Hospitals

cons u l a tes

Fax 2532 6274 2251 9497 2537 9212 2256 3052 2232 2430 2535 5246 2533 0882 2531 6041 2574 8389 2251 6550 2539 2106 2532 8613 2532 1453 2256 4167 2533 3341 2254 9360 2240 2971 2252 9021 2534 1007 2256 3877 2533 1179 2531 7429 2532 4198 2257 1058 2252 0763 2481 7103 2535 4707 2532 3904 2257 1192 2481 9250 2252 9868 2535 6030 2530 9401 25353316 2257 2182

centr a l 4 7 2 2 0 0 0

94904040

hospital charges

medical services

Call, sms, Email us

O n- s i t e I T s e r v i c e s

23940600 24815000 24848067 22450080

1885544 23713100 22610666 25745111

Public Health Centers/ Clinics:

Dasman Clinic Faiha Polyclinic Farwaniya Polyclinic Hawalli Polyclinic Inaya Germen Medical Center Sabah Al-Salem Clinic Salmiya Polyclinic Shamiya Clinic Shuwaikh Clinic Yarmouk Clinic

24832067 24883000 24840300 24575300 25312700 24840027 24874240

22447602 22545188 24726033 22611645 25750777 25524821 25723500 25610660 24848913 25336482

DOCTORS & DENTISTS

I N PR I VAT E PR AC T ICE

Andrology, Male Infertility and Impotence Specialist Abdullatif A. Al Salim 2533 4438

Dermatologist & Venereologists Fahad I. Al Othman 2266 5166 Taibah M. Almonayes 2573 7477 Dr. Mohamed Bo Hamra 2266 5166

Dentists & Oral Surgeons Ahmed Al Balool 2262 2211 Badri K. Al Rayes 2574 2557 Duha Al Shaqan 2264 4614 Ebraheem Behbehani 2573 0000 Farida Al Herz 2257 3883 Maria Blanaru 2573 0000 Najat Essa-Bahman 2262 4595 Najeeb Kassim 2573 9277 Salwa A. Abdulsalam 2573 0000 Kuwait Medical Center 2575 9044 / 5 Endocrinologists Latifa Al Dowaisan Kamal Abdulaziz Al Shome

Gastroenterologist Mohamed A. Al Shimali 2532 2030 - 2263 9955 Urologist Fawzi Taher Abul Ali Yousef Mehdi

2565 0064 2533 3501

General Practitioner Dina Al Rifai 2533 3501 - 2533 3502 Obstetricians & Gynecologists Samira Al Awadi 2573 8055 Ma’asouma Maksheed 2573 1275 Mohamed Gamal 2534 9077 Mai Al Snan 2532 1171

2572 8004 2532 9924

Ear, Nose & Throat Surgeons Hossam Eldin Abdulfattah 2574 5056 Abdulmohsen Mousa Jafar 2565 5535

Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Adel Quttainah

2562 5030 / 60

Ministries

Awqaf & Islamic Affairs Commerce & Industry Communications Defense Education Health Higher Education Electricity & Water Finance

2248 0000 2248 0000 2481 9033 2484 8300 2481 7702 2487 7422 2240 1300 2537 1000 2248 0000

Foreign Affairs Housing Information Justice, Legal & Administrative Affairs Energy Planning Social Affairs & Labour Public Works

2242 5141 2530 1000 2241 5301 2248 0000 2241 5201 2242 8200 2248 0000 2538 5520

RESTAURANT • Café Library Lounge Al-Manshar Rotana Hotel Tel: 23931000 Hang.Out Lounge Galleria 2000 Tel: 25755588 Song Bird Café Hilton Kuwait Resort Tel: 23725500 Chit Chat Café Restaurant Safir Hotel & Residences -Fintas Tel: 25455555 Lounge Café Safir Hotel & Residences -Fintas Tel: 25455555 The English Tea Room Sheraton Hotel Tel: 1835555 Waterlemon Al-Raya Tel: 22244797 Marina Mall Tel: 22997666 Le Pain Quotidien Palms Beach Hotel Tel: 25633684 Marina Crescent Tel: 22244942 Avenues Tel: 24954632 • Casual Dining Applebee’s Bneid Al-Gar Tel: 22407536 Fintas Tel: 23714559 Burgerhub Gulf road Tel: 22464818 Chili’s Bneid Al-Gar Tel: 22452200 Chili’s Al-Bida’a Tel: 22253120/1 Hard Rock Café Salmiya Tel: 25710004 Ruby Tuesdays Bneid Al-Gar Tel: 22444454 T.G.I. Fridays Bneid Al-Gar Tel: 22544300

• Chinese China Hut Tel: 25656226 China Express Jabriya Tel: 25342399 Salwa Tel: 25653230 China House Salmiya Tel: 25713339 / 60 China Lake Al-Blajat St. Tel: 25713072 / 3 China Town Salmiya Tel: 25652541 Greens Al-Wafra Complex Tel: 22516031

Tel: 1815050 • French Le Notre Gulf Road Tel: 25758888 • Indian Dawat Restaurant Bneid Al Gar Tel: 22411728 Abu Halifa Tel: 23724251 Al Alamia Mall, Jahra Tel: 24554642 Taal Restaurant Salmiya Beda’ Tel: 22253142 Winner’s Salmiya Tel: 25739954 Abu Halifa Tel: 23711374 / 5 Riggae Tel: 24895501 / 2 Jahra Tel: 24560088/8800

Gulf Royal Tel: 23925390-Fintas 22622556-Hawalli 25710448-Salmiya 22244795-Marina

Asha’s Tel: 22244502/3/9 Marina Crescent Tel: 24954700

Noodles Salmiya Tel: 25712233

Bukhara Sheraton Hotel Tel: 22422055

The Peacock Radisson Blu Hotel Tel: 25673000

Tourist Restaurant Kuwait City Tel: 22411702

Noodle Factory Avenues Tel: 24954751

Mugal Mahal Farwaniya Tel: 24726126/7 Fintas Tel: 23915588 Salmiya Tel: 25722223/4 Sharq Tel: 22425132

• Continental Casper & Gambini’s Kuwait City Tel: 22430054 La Marina Sharq Mall Tel: 22426672 • Fast Food Burger King Tel: 22444466 Domino’s Pizza Tel: 1800800 Hardees Tel: 1888333 KFC Tel: 1888666 Little Caesar’s Tel: 1888855 Pizza Hut

Tikka Tel: 1822833 • International Al-Bustan Radisson Blu Hotel Tel: 25673000 Al-Hamra Sheraton Hotel Tel: 22422055 Al-Marsa Restaurant Le Meridien Tel: 22510999 Atrium Restaurant Courtyard Marriott Hotel

Tel: 22997000

L I S T I N G S

Beit 7 Kuwait City Tel: 22450871 Café Rio Al-Fanar Tel: 25732226 Dunes Ritz Hotel Tel: 22499911 Failaka Al-Manshar Rotana Hotel Tel: 23931000 La Brasserie JW Marriott Tel: 22455550 Ritz Shamiya Tel: 24820184 Shuwaikh Tel: 24844350 Square International Tel: 22437681 Test n’ Taste Villa Moda Tel: 24827010 Teatro Hilton Kuwait Resort Tel: 23725500

Kuwait City Tel: 22400737

Nino Gulf Road Tel: 22541900 Pizza Express Abdullah Al-Salem Tel: 22560273 Al-Bida’a Tel: 22253166 Airport Tel: 24342681 Tel: 23725500 Ricardo Sheraton Hotel Tel: 22422055 • Japanese Edo Shaab Tel: 22659590 Kei JW Marriott Hotel Tel: 22422650 Korea & Japan Restaurant New Park Hotel Tel: 25634200

Sakura Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel: 24742000

AlRoshinah Restaurant Safir Hotel & Residences -Fintas Tel: 25455555

Shogun The Palms Hotel Tel: 27070022

Il Forno Restaurant Courtyard Marriot Hotel Tel: 22997000 Johnny Carino’s Salmiya Tel: 22667050 La Piazza Kuwait City Tel: 24246639 Lorenzo

Manousha Salmiya Tel: 25722607 / 8

Al-Noukhaza Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel: 24742000

Fakhr Al-Din Restaurant Kuwait City Tel: 22423180

Villa Fairouz Shaab Tel: 22652030

Shrimpy Gulf Road Tel: 22563118 Totally Fish Marina Crescent Tel: 22244960/1

Garden New Park Hotel Tel: 25634200

Yeldes Palace Kuwait City Tel: 22455212

Kabab-Ji Tel: 1861616

Zahrat Tunis Hawalli Tel: 22662444/333

Mais Al-Ghanim Kuwait City Tel: 22402590

• Persian Kabab Al-Hijja Bnaid Al-Gar Tel: 22517512

Palm Palace Salmiya Tel: 25756331 Saj Express Kuwait City Tel: 22497822 Sarai Al-Bida’a Tel: 22253180/1 Shisha &

Sushi Club Al-Blajat St. Tel: 25712144 Wasabi Al-Bida’a Tel: 22253112 Kuwait City Tel: 22494000 • Lebanese Al-Berdawny Palace Tel: 25661117 Ayam Zaman Holiday Inn Tel: 18477777 Burg Al-Hamam Gulf Road Tel: 22529095

• Steak House Relais De L’Entrecote Al-Fanar Complex Tel: 25729600 Terrace Grill JW Marriott Hotel Tel: 22455550

Shabistan Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel: 24742000

The Gaucho Grill The Palms Hotel Tel: 25667370 -

• Seafood Al-Ahmadi Crowne Plaza Hotel Tel: 24742000

• Tex-Mex Chi Chi’s Salmiya Tel: 25625811

Al-Boom Radisson Blu Hotel Tel: 25756000

Tumbleweed Southern Grill Al-Bida’a Tel: 22253154/5

Maki Al-Blajat St. Tel: 25733561 Marina Waves Tel: 22244560

Flavors Restaurant Safir Hotel & Residences -Fintas Tel: 25455555

• Italian Ciro’s Pomodoro Kuwait City Tel: 22424004

Saj Express Kuwait City Tel: 22497822

Te l : 1 8 3 9 0 9 0

Salmiya - Jabriya - Keifan www.healthstop.com.kw

HOTELS

FIVE STAR Al-Manshar Rotana Hotel Crowne Plaza Kuwait Hilton Kuwait Resort JW Marriot Kuwait City Hotel Kempinski Julai’a Hotel & Resort The Regency Hotel & Resort Le Meridien Le Meridien Tower Marina Hotel Kuwait Movenpick Albid’a Movenpick Palms Beach Hotel & Spa Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts Refad Palace Safir International Hotel Kuwait Sheraton Kuwait Hotel & Towers Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait

23931000 24772000 23725500 22455550 1 844 444 25766666 22510999 22831831 22244970 22253100 24610033 22824060 25673000 23908630 22530000 22422055 25455555

FOUR STAR Carlton Tower Hotel The Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait El Joan Resort Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait

22452740 22997000 23281897 22415001

Ghani Palace Hotel Holiday Inn Khalifa Resort Kuwait Continental Hotel New Park Hotel Al Bastaki Hotel Al Dana Hotel Heritage Village Palace Hotel Shiik Flamingo Hotel & Resort Swiss-Belhotel Plaza Kuwait

25710301 1 847 777 23280144 22527300 25634200 22555081 23902760 22520600 1 821 111 25725050 22436686

THREE STAR Imperial Hotel Oasis Hotel Safari House Hotel Second Home Hotel Spring Continental Hotel Ibis Hotel Salmiya Ibis Hotel Sharq

22528766 22465489 22443136 22532100 25742410 25713872 22928080

TWO STAR International Hotel Kuwait Residence Hotel

25741788 22467560

sundAY, MAY 13, 2012

BUSINESS

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the red zone.

The price index ended last week with a decrease amounted to 0.50 percent, while the weighted index declined by 0.65 percent compared to the closings of the week before. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 12.12 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching 38.07 million Kuwaiti dinars, whereas trading volume average was 588.06 million shares, recording decrease of 14.47 percent.

Price of Kuwaiti crude drops to $107.80 per barrel CAPITALS: The price of Kuwaiti crude oil dropped 1.10 US dollars to $107.80 per barrels (pb) on Friday compared to $108.90 pb on Thursday, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) reported on Saturday.

The bearish trend of prices of oil on the international markets came following reports about modest growth of China’s industrial sector. Its output grew at a limited scale, in April, first such record in three years. Such indications coincided with reports about general sluggishness shrouding the whole Chinese economy.

Market jitters coupled with a surprise declaration by JPMorgan Bank regarding two billion dollars worth of losses, thus prompting investors to shun high-risk assets.

Moreover, forward contracts for the Brent for the June delivery dropped 86 US cents. Likewise, the US light crude deals for the same month dropped $1.04.

Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency (IEA), which offers advises to authorities of 22 advanced nations, said global oil supplies grew from 600 barrels per day to one million bpd in April. Now, these supplies are higher by 3.9 million per day as compared to the level that existed a year ago - 90 percent of the hike was result of higher production by oil producers of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Oil prices have been battered by rising OPEC output that has helped boost US crude oil inventories and by the political and economic turmoil resulting from the eurozone’s debt crisis.

OPEC said its own production had risen in April to 31.62 million barrels per day (bpd) as Iraq ramped up and Libya’s oil industry recovered.

And the increased flows have helped push oil down $15 from a March high of $128 a barrel. “Higher OPEC crude oil production underscores the current trend of plentiful supply in excess of market requirements,” OPEC said in its monthly Oil Market Report.

Secondary sources now say that OPEC pumped 1.62 million bpd above its supply target, and demand for its own oil, in April.

The extra OPEC oil is filling gaps caused by an unusually large number of supply outages globally. Supply

Kamel Al-Harami

Independent energy analyst Exclusive to Al Watan Daily

In more news, Global oil demand growth this year will remain broadly unchanged, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its monthly report, raising it by just 20,000 bpd from its previous report to 790,000 barrels per day. The IEA expects prices to remain high due to the tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, even with rising world supply and the resulting big boost to inventories.

-Agencies

Legislation, private sector main factors for reviving economy, says KAMCO KUWAIT: Introduction of new stock market legislations and bolstering private sector’s contribution to the state development plan is important to help revive Kuwait economy and overcome repercussions of the global financial crisis, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) Asset Management Company (KAMCO) Saadoun Ali suggested Saturday.

“Speeding up legislation introduction and application as well as increasing private sector’s participation in conducting studies and implementing projects of the state development plan would help Kuwait investment companies overcome the crisis,” Ali, also KAMCO Managing Director, said in an exclusive interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in which he outlined a sevenpoint roadmap for investment companies to get out the grave impact of the global financial crisis.

The roadmap also included the restructuring of the balance sheet of investment companies to focus on main activities and encourage local companies to emerge. Ali also highlighted the need for state measures to stimulate the economy and implement the development plan.

“Moreover, there is a need to increase spending on infrastructure projects, diversify the economy and sup-

port the productive economic sectors,” he told KUNA. Ali highlighted the effects of the state development plan on national economy.

“The development plan could positively impact on the national economy in general and investment companies in particular, as they can participate in conducting studies on the projects and provide funds as well as investing in public companies which will be founded for this purpose,” he pointed out.

“The development plan is the first step in the right and the positive direction for an aspired economic recovery.” Ali disclosed that investment sector in Kuwait has incurred huge losses since the start of the global financial crisis in 2008.

“The accumulated losses of the sector during the past four years amounted to two billion Kuwaiti dinars,” he said, adding that a large number of these investment companies have failed to fulfill their financial commitments during that period.

As for (KAMCO), Ali said the company plans to cut balance sheet and sell investment portfolio to help produce liquidity needed to financial commitments.

“KAMCO will also focus on asset management and

consulting activities,” he added.

Established in 1998, KAMCO has been listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) since 2003 and is a member of the Kuwait Projects Company (Holding) Group (KIPCO) - one of the leading holding companies in the Middle East and North Africa. Headquartered in Kuwait, KAMCO has established strong partnerships and affiliations with international financial institutions and experts which help to position it at the forefront of investment solutions in the region.

KAMCO offers its clients comprehensive access to local and international capital markets as well as a wideranging selection of financial products and services.

KAMCO’s strategic focus is on Asset Management and Financial Services.

The Asset Management services include brokerage services, tailored portfolio management, forward trading and local and international fund management. As for the financial services, they comprise the full range of corporate finance advisory services, including mergers acquisitions, initial public offerings (IPO), private placements, debt issuance, investment evaluation as well as private equity. -KUNA

China cuts bank reserves, bolsters flagging economy SHANGHAI: China’s central bank cut the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves on Saturday, freeing an estimated 400 billion Chinese yuan (63.5 billion US dollars) for lending to headoff the risk of a sudden slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy.

The People’s Bank of China delivered a 50 basis point (bps) cut in banks’ reserve requirement ratio (RRR), effective from May 18, the third cut in six months and one that investors had called for after data on Friday showed the economy weakening, not recovering, from its slowest quarter of growth in three years.

Industrial production weakened sharply in April and fixed asset investment - a key growth driver - hit its lowest level in nearly a decade, surprising many economists who thought Q1’s 8.1 percent annual rate of growth marked the bottom of a downswing and were expecting signs of recovery in Q2 data. “The central bank should have cut RRR after Q1 data. It has missed the best timing,” Dong Xian’an, chief economist at Peking First Advisory in Beijing, told Reuters. “A cut today will have a much discounted impact. So the Chinese economy will become more vulnerable to global weakness and the slowing Chinese economy will in turn have a bigger negative impact on global recovery.

Uncertainties in the global and Chinese economy are rising,” he said. The domestic production and investment data had followed hot on the heels of weaker than forecast trade data, with the annual rate of export growth around half the level expected and growth in imports grinding to a halt on a nominal basis in April, underlining China’s vulnerability to weakness in global demand for goods produced in the country’s vast factory sector.

Bank lending in April was also sharp-

FILE - A Chinese woman poses for photos near a sculpture depicting the Chinese yuan note at an art district in Beijing, China, Thursday, March 15, 2012. China’s central bank cut the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves on Saturday, freeing an estimated 400 billion yuan ($63.5 billion) for lending to head-off the risk of a sudden slowdown in the world’s second-largest economy. (AP)

ly below forecast at 681.8 billion yuan ($108.04 billion), missing the 800 billion consensus call and raising doubts about whether Beijing had policy settings slack enough to keep the economy expanding.

“It confirms our view that the economy was not able to sustain its momentum on current policy and policy needs to be loosened,” said Ken Peng, an economist with BNP Paribas. “The fact that it waited so long meant it could have been responsible for the poor data in April. This sends a very positive signal that policymakers are accommodative.”

Further loosening forecast

The cut of RRR to 20.0 percent from

20.5 percent for big banks still has analysts forecasting another 800 billion yuan’s worth of cuts to have been earmarked for the rest of the year.

The central bank announced its first cut in RRR in three years on November 30 last year.That move took the rate down from a record 21.5 percent. The second cut in this easing cycle was delivered in February. Lowering RRR for banks helps China offset sluggish capital inflows that have been hit by skittish investors wary of investing their funds in higher-risk emerging markets at a time of global economic uncertainty driven mainly by Europe’s festering debt crisis.

Crucially, an RRR cut would help Bei-

See page 10

Absolute minority

A Leica 0 series camera, number 116, is seen on a shelf in Westlicht gallery in Vienna. The Leica camera, number 116, was built in 1923 as part of a pilot series of 25 cameras and was sold for the world record price of 2,160,000 euros ($2,789,796) at the Westlicht camera auction on May 12, 2012. (Reuters)

breaks were running at nearly 1.3 million bpd as of early April.

Iran’s dispute about its nuclear program with the West and an European Union embargo on Tehran’s oil set for July sent prices soaring in the first quarter. The potential for supply disruption remains, but revived talks between Iran and major powers have eased oil’s geopolitical fear premium.

KSE loses momentum at close of week, retreats 0.5%

jing meet its target of growing money supply by 14 percent in 2012. Data on Friday showed annual M2 money supply growth running at just 12.8 percent in April.

China’s bank lending had trumped forecasts to spike to 1.01 trillion yuan ($160 billion) in March, a sign of fresh traction in Beijing’s bid to boost credit creation to support the cooling economy.

The surge in lending was the biggest monthly extension of credit since January 2011, when new loans last topped 1 trillion yuan, holding out hope that China’s economy would not only avoid a hard landing but pick up speed again later this year. Chinese leaders, however, are wary about inflation risks given rising global commodity prices and remain determined to cool down the property sector to ward off a speculative bubble.

The deep-pocketed government has also cut taxes for small firms, which are vital for generating economic growth and jobs, to help them cope with a credit squeeze and weaker exports.

But the bigger problem for the economy may not be the supply of credit but demand for it, given that the European Union - China’s single biggest export market - is battling recession again, consumers in the United States are still paying down debt and China’s domestic demand is looking limp. That implies to some that policy has to become looser still.

“The problem is corporate loan demand is very weak right now, so the cut is not as good as an interest rate cut, since reducing banks reserves doesn’t change the price of loans,” said Liu Junyu, a money market analyst at China Merchants Bank in Shenzhen. “If the economy continues to be sluggish, it is very likely that the government will choose to cut interest rates.” -Reuters

KUWAIT: Here we mean the Kuwaiti minority in their own country. Kuwait is not the only country in the world where the population of its own citizens is less than other nationalities and minorities in their own country.

In our case of Kuwaitis represent 32 percent of the total population, while the Asian population is the biggest community and the Arab population is ranked third. This is according to the latest census with reflects that of the country’s total population of 3.6 million, 1.1 million are Kuwaitis and the rest are other nationalities.

The lowest percentage of Kuwaitis surfaces in was in the 1985 census. Our population is estimated to reach four million by the year 2025. In the early 50’s Kuwaitis comprised to above 50 percent of the population and since then its dominance began to decline, and could well reach below 20 percent in the years to come if we continue to behave the same way.

Our concern is that our society is facing many problems because of mixed cultures impacting our daily living with increasing problems appearing here and there. It could become larger and larger as we go along. We are living in two different communities with different cultures, languages and different outlooks. Different outlooks as the majority could live with us for the next 10-15 years and then go back home with good or bad experiences of Kuwait.

The minority are complaining of congestion, lack of services and long waiting times in any place and center in Kuwait, whether on the roads, at hospitals and schools, or the long waiting days to have medical appointments met.

Not knowing or ignoring the fact that Kuwaitis are 32 percent of the population means he is ‘Number 3’ in any queue of 10 waiting people for their turn for any matter or purpose. We are very quick to go and complain to our MP for lack of government services and its inefficiencies. This situation will last us forever unless of course oil prices collapse or falls so very low that Kuwait will no longer be the alternative. Otherwise we have to live with it.

Our private sector employs about 1.1 million with the number of locals at about 32,000 or merely three percent of the total. This is an embarrassing figure and serious action must be done to encourage more young graduates to join this vital sector. What makes it so that the fresh graduates just by-pass our private sectors?

What makes them just avoid it and wait as long as it takes with a strict ‘no’ to working with the private sector?

Who is to blame? Or is it just a lack of interest?

Is it the fear factor and the fear of competition, or is it the heavy work load and strict rules and conditions? Or merely lack of faith?

Our neighboring Gulf States may be worse off than us in terms of the ratio of citizens to non-citizens where the number is far worse and in some states even less than 10 percent of the total population. It is a very strange composition with everyone scared as to how the future looks. So free services in some cases do not work - like hospitals and schools. At the end both get treated at private hospitals and go private schools. What we need to highlight is to try reaching all of our expatriate communities and try to have some sort of common understanding and common language.

Daily car accidents and the increasing fatality rate that going to reach two deaths per day caused by car accidents.

This number is horrible and better traffic guidance must be issued and in more than the two languages of Arabic and English. Urdu must be added, as the majority of our car drivers are Asians. We should reach them and must give them some simple traffic guidance as they are the majority on the roads. Here we are stating not meaning at all that Asians are the cause. Traffic rules have not been explained to them and some of them hardly can read road signs, while others of us just ignore. Of course Kuwaiti citizens are enjoying a high standard of living in comparison to other Arab and other Middle East countries, and this is also true for the expatriates that live with us. Most importantly is the respect of law and self respect that we enjoy on this land and without any discrimination that we all, regardless of anything, are equal in front of the law.

In this we are all fully committed to and must always enhance to have better understanding and better communication with the expatriates that are living with us and being part of developing Kuwait jointly. They say “if you live longer than five years” then you will never leave it. We hope this to be true and to live longer in our Kuwait and be part of its future developments. Not to be Kuwaiti citizen is not crime and should be our honor to have you on this land. We however need to be early for avoiding long queues, or we will be the third out of 10 people.

The author of this article can be reached at naftikuwaiti@yahoo.com Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions presented in the column are the company’s own and do not necessarily represent those of Al Watan Daily and its staff.

Board of commissioners approve equalizing KSE employees rights with CMA Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Capital Market Authority (CMA) Board of commissioners has approved the recommendations of the committee that was formed to enforce article 157 of law no.

7/2010. The recommendations call for equalizing the rights and salaries of employees of the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) with that of the employees of Capital Market Authority (CMA) as well as considering them a part of CMA employees. The board approved during a meeting held May 3 equalizing the rights of KSE employees with the employees of authority wherein KSE employees who were getting a lower salary than the salary of CMA employees will get the missing sums accumulated since March 31, 2011.

BUSINESS

sunDAY, may 13, 2012

KSE loses momentum at close of week, retreats 0.5% nies sector was the least declining as its index closed at 5,878.7 points with a 0.27 percent decrease. On the other hand, last week’s highest gainer was the Services sector, achieving 0.85 percent growth rate as its index closed at 14,757.1 points.

Whereas, in the second place, the Insurance sector’s index closed at 2,688.1 points recording 0.64 percent increase.

Sectors’ activity

What are the economic and financial implications?

If consumption continues to offset weakening export growth, GDP should stay above six percent until the end of the year. Export

FebͲ12

Benchmark

ź KSE - Price Index ź KSE - Weighted Index ź KSE - KAMCO TRW Index ź Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL) ź Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange ź Dubai Financial Market ź Qatar Exchange Ÿ Bahrain Bourse ź Muscat Securities Market Total GCC Equity Markets

Closing

6,446.8 419.2

2,653.5

Weekly

Benchmark

Return (%) YTD-12 Return

(0.50%)

(0.65%)

(0.45%)

10.9% 2.6%

80,103

720,079

273,638

(2.6%)

60,934

503,993

1.4% 0.9%

14,226 49,884

3,769 41,131

1,160.1 5,746.3

(1.40%)

0.16% (1.98%)

ź 7- Union National Bank ź 8- National Bank of Ras Al-Khaimah ő 9- National Bank of Fujairah ź 10- AL DAR Properties Co.

770,778

(2.04%)

(3,039)

(2.36%)

27 (331)

0.16% (1.92%)

(21,663)

(2.73%)

(000's shrs)

(000's KD)

P/E (X)

P/B (X)

Yield (%)

0.0%

0.0%

4,702

3,168

0.710

(4.1%)

2,062

0.425

(1.2%)

1,119

0.880 0.810

0.600 0.430

0.0% 1.7%

(1.1%) 1.3%

(1.6%) (2.3%)

1,190 1,049

1,041

1,030 908 664

103.00

78.00

42.30

13.60

69.25

184.50

50.75

12.15

24.90 36.20

8.67

8.85

8.85

3.17

3.15 1.21

2.94 4.25

4.95 1.05

5,695

6,062

15.5

1.9

3.3%

5,830

4,314

11.1

1.4

8.0%

4,510

3,259

25.7

1.5

1.9%

255

585

3.3

1.5

2.1%

2,800

1,190

36.5

2.4

0.0%

2,100

1,243

NM

4.4

0.0%

835

736

33.0

3.5

1.5%

170

135

NM

1.9

0.0%

185 1,840

111 792

18.0 13.1

1.8 1.4

2.4% 2.1%

Weekly Trading Indicators

Weekly

Return (%)

0.5%

0.0%

(0.7%)

(1.1%) 0.7%

2.5%

0.0%

0.0%

0.0% (0.8%)

Weekly

Return (%)

0.2%

(1.2%)

(1.6%) 0.3%

(1.3%) 3.4%

(1.7%) (7.6%)

0.0% (7.1%)

P/E (X)

23.80

P/B (X)

1.32

Dividend

Market Cap.

(SAR Mln)

309,000

117,000

84,600

56,666

48,475

46,125

45,675

44,841

37,350 36,200

Volume

(000's shrs)

Value

(000's SAR)

2.9%

(AED Mln)

68,517

34,290

26,550

17,738

7,449

7,532

7,337 6,476

5,445 4,289

Trailing

P/E (X)

Trailing

P/B (X)

Dividend

Yield (%)

1,380,525

10.6

2.2

4.9%

3,934

308,107

15.9

3.6

4.2%

5,466

230,638

10.8

1.8

4.7%

13,552

185,614

25.5

1.1

5.1%

2,571

177,103

9.5

2.6

4.7%

582

107,062

11.2

5.6

7.0%

1,025

52,704

10.6

1.6

3.3%

2,378

28,999

70.1

1.8

1.0%

1,574 671

39,325 24,550

11.9 12.5

1.2 2.1

5.2% 1.6%

Volume

Value

P/E (X)

Trailing

P/B (X)

2.00

3.5%

31.71

0.91

2.8%

9.73

12.05

10.56 12.30 15.32

1.07

4.9%

1.81

3.7%

0.92 1.54

5.1% 4.5%

1.81

3.0%

Imports

GDP YoY

FebͲ12

JanͲ12

DecͲ11

OctͲ11

NovͲ11

SepͲ11

JulͲ11

AugͲ11

JunͲ11

JanͲ11

FebͲ11

DecͲ10

OctͲ10

MayͲ11

www.kcicͲaisa.com/research

it facilitates capital flows between the Middle East and emerging Asia by providing financial and advisory services, and managing third party capital.

Important Disclaimer: The information contained in this report is prepared by the Research Department of the Kuwait China Investment Company (KCIC) and is believed to be reliable, but its accuracy and completeness are not warranted. Research recommendations do not constitute financial advice nor extend offers to participate in any specific investment on any particular terms. Investors should consider this material as only a single factor in making their decisions.

Prepared by Dana Al-Fakir - For more information please visit: www.kcic-asia.com or email: research@kcicasia. com. KCIC is an Asia-focused investment company. Licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kuwait,

Price

(AED)

ź 1- EMAAR Properties

Beta

1.45

1.58 1.48

1.21

0.88

1.50

1.03

0.81

0.72 1.34

Beta

1.23

1.06

0.83 0.76

0.99

1.08

0.68

0.82

0.74 0.73

Dividend

(000's shrs)

(000's AED)

Yield (%)

9,526

82,278

11.7

1.7

8.1%

1,543

13,697

9.2

1.3

2.5%

3,434

30,584

7.2

1.0

5.6%

2,631

8,229

5.9

0.8

6.3%

1,624

5,147

6.4

0.9

7.8%

3,391

4,074

10.0

0.6

8.3%

1,635

4,841

4.9

0.6

5.1%

439

1,849

5.4

1.4

5.3%

0 52,711

0 57,461

19.4 6.7

2.6 0.6

2.0% 4.8%

Beta

1.00

1.17

1.31

1.30

1.24

1.34

1.13

0.14

NA 1.52

ź 3- Emirates Integrated Telecom. ő 4- Mashreq Bank ź 5- Dubai Financial Market ź 6- Dubai Islamic Bank ź 7- Commercial Bank of Dubai ź 8- Arabtec Holding P.J.S.C. ź 9- Air Arabia Co. Ÿ 10- Aramex

ROE YTD Price

(4.2%)

2.800

(1.8%)

3.130

(1.3%)

67.00

0.0%

1.010

(8.2%)

1.960

(2.5%)

2.800

(2.1%)

2.950

(14.2%)

0.600 1.830

(1.2%) 1.1%

(AED Mln)

18,152

15,562 14,309

11,328

8,080

7,442

5,707

4,631

2,800 2,679

Top 10 Largest Qatari Companies by Market Cap Price

Chg. (%)

13.0%

9.8%

12.9%

(10.5%)

6.2%

(13.1%)

39.6%

24.2%

7.1%

(12.4%)

3.3%

1.7%

12.0%

19.4%

0.2%

2.5%

10.3% 11.3%

(2.3%) (2.8%)

(QAR)

ź 1- Qatar National Bank ź 2- Industries Qatar ź 3- Ezdan Real Estate Co. ź 4- Qatar Telecom. (Q-Tel) Ÿ 5- Masraf Al Rayan ź 6- Qatar Islamic Bank ő 7- Commercial Bank of Qatar Ÿ 8- Qatar Electricity & Water Co. ź 9- Qatar Fuel Co. (Wokod) Ÿ 10- Doha Bank

133.10

Return (%)

(0.4%)

142.30

(2.7%)

20.20

(8.2%)

123.30

(11.3%)

26.90

0.7%

Market Cap.

(QAR Mln)

93,134

78,265 53,580

28,211

20,175

77.80

(0.3%)

18,384

142.00

0.5%

14,200

72.00

0.0%

237.10 57.40

(0.4%) 0.9%

17,816

12,323 11,864

Top 10 Largest Bahraini Companies by Market Cap Price

Chg. (%)

(BHD)

21.2%

7.0%

22.5%

12.2%

ź 2- Aluminum Bahrain

16.7%

25.1%

Ÿ 3- Bahrain Telecommunications Co.

4.3%

(2.2%)

Ÿ 4- Arab Banking Corp. (Price in USD)

27.6%

31.9%

ő 5- National Bank of Bahrain

50.1%

4.8%

ő 6- Al Baraka Banking (Price in USD)

15.3%

8.9%

ź 7- Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait

2.5%

36.7%

10.4% 16.8%

6.9% (11.1%)

ź 1- Ahli United Bank (Price in USD)

ő 8- Investcorp Bank (Price in USD) Ÿ 9- ITHMAR Bank (Price in USD) ő 10- United Gulf Bank

0.610

Return (%)

(1.6%) (3.5%)

0.466

0.9%

0.460

9.5%

0.550

0.0%

0.930

0.0%

0.394

(1.5%)

796.95

0.0%

0.220 0.260

10.0% 0.0%

Market Cap.

(BHD Mln)

1,204 781

671 539 470 356

335

240

233 217

Muscat Securities Market (MSM)

ROE YTD Price

Top 10 Largest Omani Companies by Market Cap Price

Chg. (%)

(5.6%)

(OMR)

ź 1- Bank Muscat

14.0%

9.1%

13.9%

14.7%

ź 3- Bank Dhofar

13.7%

13.7%

ź 4- Omani Qatari Telecom (NAWRAS)

13.5%

0.0%

ź 5- National Bank of Oman

6.0%

0.0%

ź 6- Raysut Cement

ź 2- Oman Telecom Co.

11.7%

2.8%

25.6%

10.9%

ź 8- Oman International Bank

13.6% 9.1%

8.8% 68.0%

ź 9- Oman Cement Co. ź 10- Ahli Bank

Ÿ 7- Shell Oman Marketing

0.591

1.291

Return (%)

(7.5%)

(1.1%)

Market Cap.

(OMR Mln)

1,062 968

(0.5%)

486

0.290

(2.7%)

321

(4.1%)

338

Trailing

P/B (X)

Dividend

(000's AED)

79,453

238,988

10.1

0.6

4.3%

3,428

9,541

6.1

0.4

7.1%

8,158

25,253

13.0

2.3

4.8%

0

0

13.8

0.9

3.0%

60,247

63,423

NM

1.1

0.0%

9,469

18,731

7.4

0.8

6.4%

72

202

6.9

0.9

6.8%

72,379

235,856

17.8

1.6

1.6%

28,463 9,112

17,105 16,534

9.2 12.7

0.5 1.4

7.5% 2.7%

Volume

P/E (X)

Trailing

(000's shrs)

Yield (%)

Trailing

P/B (X)

Dividend

(000's shrs)

(000's QAR)

271

36,094

12.4

2.2

2.7%

850

122,416

9.9

3.0

5.3%

591

13,001

155.1

1.9

0.7%

1,170

159,804

10.8

1.3

1.9%

5,785

156,498

14.3

2.4

4.1%

639

50,492

13.5

1.6

5.8%

1,795

129,297

9.5

1.3

8.3%

144

20,451

10.9

4.7

4.6%

123 267

29,300 15,309

10.7 9.6

2.6 1.7

3.4% 7.8%

Volume

P/E (X)

Trailing

Yield (%)

Trailing

P/E (X)

Trailing

P/B (X)

Dividend

(000's shrs)

(000's BHD)

164

38

10.3

1.3

4.7%

180

100

3.7

1.0

12.2%

Yield (%)

70

33

8.4

1.3

8.6%

156

27

7.0

0.4

0.0%

16

9

10.3

1.7

5.5%

11

4

8.0

0.8

8.6%

5

2

10.6

1.4

6.3%

0

0

121.3

0.6

0.0%

10,917 0

974 0

NM 391.3

1.1 1.0

0.0% 0.0%

Volume

(000's shrs)

(000's OMR)

4,773

2,830

Trailing

P/E (X)

9.0

Trailing

P/B (X)

1.2

Dividend

Yield (%)

3.6%

835

1,084

8.7

2.0

7.7%

386

170.3

34.8

2.1

1.3%

1,207

639

7.1

3.0

7.3%

284

83

9.4

1.1

5.9%

947

16.5

2.4

4.1%

1.230

(0.9%)

246

766

0.232

(0.4%)

227

287

671

18.6

7.8

5.0%

726

167

12.6

1.3

4.8%

1,172 419

789 87

17.0 10.7

1.5 1.6

4.6% 0.0%

2.345

0.659 0.205

0.9%

(4.9%) (1.0%)

235

218 196

1.40

5.7%

16.0%

7.2%

(4.8%)

0.61 0.98 0.06

1.61

1.14

0.27

1.31

1.01 1.10

Chg. (%)

17.6%

8.3%

6.7%

(34.0%)

-0.1%

20.2%

11.1%

1.0%

13.0%

(3.4%)

8.8%

85.5%

5.8% 11.2%

2.4% 1.7%

Beta

0.85

1.07 0.53

0.64

0.85

1.03

1.14

0.79

0.71 1.04

ROE YTD Price

Chg. (%)

17.9%

(3.5%)

30.2%

6.4%

1.2%

(7.2%)

12.4%

26.5%

16.6%

(3.8%)

12.2%

(7.4%)

13.2%

(14.3%)

42.9%

1.0%

24.0% 17.5%

20.9% (10.6%)

Beta

2.11

0.21 0.94 0.76

ROE YTD Price

Chg. (%)

12.2%

(8.3%)

26.2%

(16.7%)

15.8%

18.9%

0.57

5.7%

9.5%

16.6%

(4.3%)

0.34

9.8%

(14.7%)

13.4%

(4.8%)

0.75 0.48

1.17 0.50

0.5% NM 0.3%

0.0% 238.5% (13.3%)

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

Value

ROE YTD Price

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

Value

Beta

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

Value

Weekly Trading Indicators

Weekly

0.442

0.520

Value

Weekly Trading Indicators

Weekly

0.550

Volume

Weekly Trading Indicators

Weekly

Bahrain Bourse

ROE YTD Price

14.8%

2.980

Return (%)

Market Cap.

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

Weekly Trading Indicators

Weekly

Qatar Exchange (QE)

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples Trailing

15.10

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

13,387

Weekly Trading Indicators

Market Cap.

spite of the spike in the inflation rate from 3.97 percent y-o-y in March, to a seven-month high of 4.50 percent in April and inflation expectations hovering at high levels, it is unlikely that Bank Indonesia will endorse a change in its record low 5.75 percent reference rate just yet.

Without a clear position on the inflation versus growth dilemma, the Bank is likely to continue to adopt a wait-and-see approach during its next meeting on May 10.

Dubai Financial Market (DFM)

Yield (%)

Risk & Return

Valuation Multiples

(KD Mln)

(AED)

Ÿ 6- Abu Dhabi National Energy

16,866 16,910

(0.83%)

(993)

Return (%)

Price

ź 5- Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

126,004

(651)

(KWD)

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX)

Ÿ 4- Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

47,674

(4.02%)

Dividend

Top 10 Largest Companies by Market Cap in Abu Dhabi

ź 3- First Gulf Bank

77,403

(15,860)

Trailing

(SAR)

ź 2- National Bank Of Abu Dhabi

11,287,223

378,730

Trailing

Price

Ÿ 1- Emirates Telecom. Co.

(0.75%)

Value

Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL)

ő 9- Riyad Bank ź 10- SABB

9,686,877

Weekly Trading Indicators

Top 10 Largest Saudi Companies by Market Cap

ő 8- Kingdom Holding Co.

(%)

(815)

Volume

0.600

ź 9- Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait ź 10- Burgan Bank

(USD Mln)

Market Cap.

2.360

Ÿ 8- Commercial Bank of Kuwait

Trailing Trailing

Weekly

0.740

ź 7- Ahli United Bank (Kuwait)

107,190

Weekly Chg.

Price

1.080

Ÿ 6- Boubyan Bank

5,650,279

Exports

Source: KCIC Research on Datastream, 2012.

Top 10 Largest Companies by Market Cap in Dubai

ź 2- Emirates NBD

187,956

ź 5- Gulf Bank

ő 7- Samba Financial Group

(USD Mln)

697,710

3.2%

ő 4- National Mobile Telecom. Co.

Ÿ 6- Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co.

(000's USD)

11.9%

ź 3- Kuwait Finance House

Ÿ 5- Al-Etihad Etisalat Co.

(000's shrs)

2,940,293

(4.24%)

ő 2- ZAIN

ź 4- Saudi Electricity Co.

Current

1,515.0

ő 1- National Bank of Kuwait

ź 3- Saudi Telecom

Value

Valuation Multiples

3.4%

Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE)

ő 2- Al-Rajhi Bank

Volume

1,676,908

Top 10 Largest Kuwaiti Companies by Market Cap

Ÿ 1- Saudi Basic Industries Corp

Market Cap.

12.5%

8,548.3

Investment

12-May-2012

(4.30%)

(0.93%)

Government

10-May-12

7,221.5

2,478.2

Consumption Ͳ10

KAMCO Research

Weekly Trading Indicators

Index

Ͳ5

KAMCO Research GCC Week No.19 GCC Equity EquityMarkets MarketsReport Reportforfor Week No. 19 GCC Equity Markets Weekly Performance

0

SepͲ10

Indonesia’s gross domestic product (GDP) eased to 6.3 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first quarter (q1) of 2012, its slowest growth rate in six quarters, as dwindling export growth continues to act as a drag the context of falling global demand. However, it is still home to the highest growth rate when compared to its regional peers, because unlike its peers, Indonesia instead relies more on its domestic sector to keep its growth robust as opposed to its export sector. Private consumption is still the dominant component, with about a 55 percent share of GDP and continues to drive growth. As illustrated in the graph, solid and steady consumption is helping to keep GDP levels buoyant, which itself is being lifted by the increasingly affluent middle class. Investment is also sustaining GDP growth on the back of strong foreign direct investment FDI inflows, after Indonesia was awarded its second credit upgrade at the start of this year, just a month after the first upgrade. Fitch, one of the three leading rating agencies, upgraded Indonesia’s sovereign debt to ‘investment grade’ (relatively low risk of default) in December last year. Moody’s rating followed suit just a month later. The recent upgrades have helped lower the cost of borrowing

5

AugͲ10

Real GDP is a measure of the economic output or of the size of the economy _ adjusted for inflation or deflation. It is the sum of the values of all final goods and services produced by that country or region over a given time period. The values depend on the quantities (volume) of the goods produced and their prices. Real GDP is a measure that holds prices constant by using a given year’s value (the base date) for all items and services. Then these values are used to calculate GDP for years prior to the base year and subsequent years. GDP can be measured in several ways, and Statistics Indonesia, the government body responsible for national accounts data, publishes GDP by expenditure and sector output. The graph illustrates the expenditure breakdown of GDP, which consists of private consumption, government expenditure, fixed capital investments, exports and imports. Private consumption is a strong driver of growth in the domestic-oriented Indonesia, but traditionally exports have contributed more to GDP growth, as shown by the graph.

Why is this graph important?

10

JulͲ10

What does the indicator tell us?

growth is expected to continue to slow, due to the fragile economic recovery in the US and growing debt problems in the eurozone. Alas, consumption and FDI are not immune to risks.

The Indonesian rupiah has been emergingAsia’s worst performer so far this year, depreciating by just over 1.8 percent since the beginning of the year and its weakness might have an impact on consumption levels. Consumption may also get hit once the minimum down payments for auto loans comes into effect on June 15, which will be aimed at preventing potential price bubbles and excessive lending growth. Under the new minimum down payment conditions, future auto buyers are expected to make a minimum down payment of 25 percent of the value of a car and 20 percent of the value of a motorbike.

If inflation expectations remain elevated, due to lingering uncertainty over the government’s fuel-subsidy policy, investors may be tempted to sell off their Indonesian assets, creating a dent in investment.

Last month, the Indonesian parliament scrapped the government’s proposal to raise fuel prices by 33 percent, by reducing subsidies, from the start of April. The main objective of the fuel-subsidy cut is to help keep the government’s deficit in check, especially after the surge in global oil prices inflated the fuel-subsidy bill.

These subsidies accounted for 20 percent of the fiscal budget last year and if they are not cut, the budget deficit could go from 2.5 percent of GDP to 3.1 percent. Thus, the proposed fuel-subsidy policy remains on the government’s agenda. In

JunͲ10

for the local government and firms, and have made the country more attractive in the eyes of the investors, giving capital inflows a lift.

Since 2010

MayͲ10

Consumption keeps GDP buoyant

Contribution to GDP

% pt, YoY 15

AprͲ10

Indonesia’s growth engine sputters

Market capitalization

MarͲ10

Sectors’ indices

Six of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the

Disclaimer: This report has been prepared and issued by the Studies & Research Department @ Bayan Investment Company on the basis of publicly available information, internal data, and other sources considered reliable. While great care has been taken to ensure that the facts stated are accurate, neither Bayan Investment Company nor any of its employees shall be in any way responsible for the contents. This report is not an offer to buy or sell any of the securities referred in the report.

KSE total market capitalization declined by 0.65 percent during last week to reach KD 28.53 billion, as all of KSE’s sectors recorded

NovͲ10

red zone, while the other two recorded increases. The Real Estate sector headed the losers list as its index declined by 2.32 percent to end the week’s activity at 2,499.8 points. The Investment sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 1.45 percent, closing at 4,084.4 points, followed by the Banks sector, as its index closed at 11,584.8 points at a loss of 0.94 percent. The Non Kuwaiti Compa-

FebͲ10

to same companies’ results for 2011.

By the end of the week, the price index closed at 6,446.80 points, down by 0.50 percent from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index registered a 0.65 percent weekly loss after closing at 419.23 points.

The Real estate sector dominated total trade volume during last week with 1.05 billion shares changing hands, representing 35.79 percent of the total market trading volume.

The Services sector was second in terms trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 28.52 percent of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 838.55 million shares. On the other hand, the Real estate sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD 46.88 million or 24.63 percent of last week’s total market trading value. The Services sector took the second place as the sector’s last week turnover of KD 43.40 million represented 22.80 percent of the total market trading value.

AprͲ11

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the red zone. The price index ended last week with a decrease amounted to 0.50 percent, while the weighted index declined by 0.65 percent compared to the closings of the week before. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover decreased by 12.12 percent, compared to the preceding week, reaching 38.07 million Kuwaiti dinars, whereas trading volume average was 588.06 million shares, recording decrease of 14.47 percent.

After four weeks of positive performance, KSE lost its momentum during last week as a result of profit taking operations, which dominated the market. The profit taking included both of leading and small stocks as well, especially the Banking sector. On the other hand, selective buying operations were present during last week, but weren’t strong enough to switch KSE indices direction to the green zone.

In addition, more companies announced its first quarter financial results during last week, the number of declared companies reached 28 percent so far. The total number of declared companies reached 58 out of 204 listed companies, realizing approximately KD 347.40 million, with a decline of 41.53 percent compared

a decrease in their respective market capitalization except for one sector. The Investment sector headed the decliners list as its total market capitalization reached KD 2.14 billion, decreasing by 1.22 percent. The Non Kuwaiti Companies sector was the second in terms of recorded decline with 1.04 percent decrease after the total value of its listed companies reached KD 1.77 billion.

The third place was for the Real estate sector, which total market capitalization reached KD 2.03 billion by the end of the week, recording a decline of 0.90 percent. The Industry sector was the least declining with 0.10 percent recorded decrease after its market capitalization amounted to KD 2.17 billion. On the other hand, the Insurance sector was last week’s only gainer as its total market capitalization increased by 0.68 percent to reach, by the end of the week, KD 307.72 million.

MarͲ11

KSE weekly activity, May 10, 2012

JanͲ12

DecͲ11

h

10

ALWATAN DAILY

Beta

1.21 0.88

0.66

1.29 1.02

ROE YTD Price

Chg. (%)

13.5%

(22.8%)

22.6%

(1.4%)

6.1%

(19.2%)

28.4%

(20.0%)

0.97

12.2%

(9.4%)

14.6%

61.8%

1.00

42.1%

(2.0%)

10.4%

(17.1%)

8.6% 10.9%

52.5% (22.6%)

0.38

0.99 0.81

LIFE

Having an allergy to medication

If you’re allergic to a medication, you can take steps to reduce your risk of a reaction, which could be life-threatening.

The University of Michigan Health System offers these suggestions: • Make sure you write down the names of any medications to which you are allergic.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any newly prescribed medication to be sure it is not similar to another drug to which you are allergic.

• Never share your medication with someone else or take someone else’s medication yourself.

sunDAY, may 13, 2012

Oxygen therapy slows type 1 diabetes in mice: Study CAPITALS: Treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy helped prevent or slow the progression of type 1 diabetes in mice, according to new research, reports HealthDay News.

It is too early to say if the results might apply to humans, however.

In mice, the treatment caused changes in the immune system’s response to newly developing diabetes, and reduced the risk of diabetes between 20 and 40 percent. In the mice that still developed diabetes, the hyperbaric therapy delayed disease progression, the investigators found.

“Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a relatively non-harmful way of enhancing oxygen delivery to the tissues,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Antonello Pileggi, director of the preclinical cell processing and translational models program at the Diabetes Research Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

“We were able to suppress the transfer of the disease (in mice) before the onset of the disease.

After diabetes had occurred, the efficacy [of hyperbaric therapy] was much less,” said Pileggi. He said that combining hyperbaric therapy with medications might enhance the effectiveness of both treatments.

Results of this study, released online May 7, will be published in the July print issue of Diabetes.

In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Beta cells produce the hormone insulin that allows your body to metabolize carbohydrates from food, providing fuel for energy. People with type 1 diabetes must replace the lost insulin through multiple daily injections or a pump.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy -- commonly used to treat scuba divers who develop “the bends” from rising to the surface too quickly -- is delivered in a special pressurized chamber. The pressure inside the chamber is about two and half times greater than the normal pressure in the atmosphere, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

This puts more oxygen in your blood. Hyperbaric therapy can also be used to treat bone infections, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and wounds that aren’t healing well, such as ulcers in people with diabetes. Currently, not very many hospitals offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

For the current research, Pileggi and his colleagues used two types of mice. One type develops diabetes spontaneously. It’s not exactly the same

Japan faces ‘extinction’ in 1,000 years

FRANCE: Japanese researchers on Friday unveiled a population clock that showed the nation’s people could theoretically become extinct in 1,000 years because of declining birth rates.

Academics in the northern city of Sendai said that Japan’s population of children aged up to 14, which now stands at 16.6 million, is shrinking at the rate of one every 100 seconds.

Their extrapolations pointed to a Japan with no children left within a millennium.

“If the rate of decline continues, we will be able to celebrate the Children’s Day public holiday on May 5, 3011 as there will be one child,” said Hiroshi Yoshida, an economics professor at Tohoku University.

“But 100 seconds later there will be no children left,” he said. “The overall trend is towards extinction, which started in 1975 when Japan’s fertility rate fell below two.”

Yoshida said he created the population clock to encourage “urgent” discussion of the issue.

Another study released earlier this year showed Japan’s population is expected to shrink to a third of its current 127.7 million over the next century.

Government projections show the birth rate will hit just 1.35 children per woman within 50 years, well below the replacement rate.

Meanwhile, life expectancy -- already one of the highest in the world -- is expected to rise from 86.39 years in 2010 to 90.93 years in 2060 for women and from 79.64 years to 84.19 years for men.

More than 20 percent of Japan’s people are aged 65 or over, one of the highest proportions of elderly in the world.

Japan has very little immigration and any suggestion of opening the borders to young workers who could help plug the population gap provokes strong reactions among the public.

The graying population is a headache for policymakers who are faced with trying to ensure an ever-dwindling pool of workers can pay for a growing number of pensioners.

But for some Japanese companies the inverting of the traditional ageing pyramid provides commercial opportunities.

Unicharm said Friday that sales of its adult diapers had “slightly surpassed” those for babies in the financial year to March, for the first time since the company moved into the seniors market.

Unicharm started selling diapers for babies in 1981 and those for adults in 1987, said spokesman Kazuya Kondo, who declined to give specific figures on the sales. -AFP

Coconuts, wind and sun to power Pacific nations

FILE-An Indian Pharmacologist removes mice from cages on March 13, 2012. Treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy helped prevent or slow the progression of type 1 diabetes in mice, according to new research. (AP)

as type 1 diabetes in humans, but it is very similar, and Pileggi said “it’s a good surrogate of type 1.”

And, the second type doesn’t develop diabetes on its own, but the researchers induced diabetes.

In the mice that spontaneously develop diabetes that received hyperbaric therapy, the risk of developing diabetes was reduced by 20 percent.

In the mice with induced diabetes, the treatment reduced the risk of diabetes by 40 percent, according to the study. In the mice that still developed diabetes in both groups, treatment with hyperbaric therapy helped delay the onset or progression of the disease.

Pileggi said that the researchers aren’t yet clear exactly how hyperbaric therapy prevents or slows the disease, but it’s clear the therapy has positive effects on the immune system.

The researchers were also pleasantly surprised to see that the therapy caused a significant increase in creation of new beta cells. “If you can reeducate immune cells and enhance the beta cell mass, that’s an ideal situation. But, it’s not a silver bullet

for diabetes. It could be an adjuvant to other therapies,” said Pileggi.

Pileggi said the researchers will test combination treatments but added that it’s too soon to guess when such a treatment might be tried in humans.

Another expert said any application to humans is years away.

“This is a novel idea from a good research group. But, while the mouse model is good to study, it doesn’t mean that what is affected in mice will be affected in men,” said Dr. Joel Zonszein, director of the clinical diabetes center at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City.

Also, it would be difficult to choose who would receive such a therapy, he said, because there isn’t a reliable test to determine who will develop type 1 diabetes. There are tests for the antibodies present in type 1, but some people who never develop diabetes have those same antibodies.

“To translate this research to humans would require many more steps,” said Zonszein.

FRANCE: Tiny Pacific nations which are most at threat from rising seas have vowed to dump diesel and other dirty expensive fuels blamed for causing global warming and replace them with clean sources.

Using coconut biofuel and solar panels, Tokelau -- which consists of three island dots half way between New Zealand and Hawaii -- plans to become selfsufficient in energy this year.

The leaders of other so-called small island states around the world made commitments at a meeting this week organized by the UN Development Program and the Barbados government.

The Cook Islands and Tuvalu in the Pacific are aiming to get all of their electricity from renewable sources by 2020, while St.Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean is aiming for 60 percent from renewables by 2020.

And East Timor’s government vowed that no family in its capital, Dili, would be using firewood for cooking by 2015 and said half the country’s electricity would be from renewable sources by the end of the decade.

“I know we set ambitious targets, but it is actually exciting,” Cook Islands Prime Minister Henry Puna told AFP. “We don’t see those targets as being difficult. It is very inspiring and that is what is motivating us to get going.”

Puna said about 15 percent of the New Zealand-dependency country’s budget is spent on importing diesel oil. He has called it a “crippling dependence”.

He wants those tens of millions of dollars spent on health and social services and education for the approximately 20,000 inhabitants of 15 islands spread over 2.2 million square kilometers in the Pacific.

The government plans to start converting to solar panels and wind turbines.

Already nearly all houses have solar water heaters.

Work will start on Rakahanga in the northern group of islands next year with help from Japan. New Zealand is to fund the energy revolution in the southern islands.

Puna said the energy change was proposed while campaigning for a 2010 election. “We didn’t realize, it but we were tapping into a reservoir of environmental consciousness among our people. The reaction has been fantastic.

“Somewhere in our makeup we are environmentally conscious people, because we have learned to live off the land and off the sea, that is our heritage, that is our tradition and we are just tapping into that again.”

In North America and many European countries there has been resistance to wind turbines sprouting up on land and sea.

“There may well be some in the Cook Islands,” said Puna. “But I think once people realize and see the benefits from these instruments there will not be too many problems.”

UN studies show that oil imports account for up to 30 percent of gross domestic product in some Pacific countries, with prices bolstered by the huge distances it has to be carried.

Ministers at this week’s meeting complained in a statement that despite their “significant actions” to help ease global climate change, international action has been “slow and grossly inadequate,” given the increasing threat to island nations from rising seas.

Their declaration -- adopted ahead of next month’s UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro -- called for the new energy sources to be made “accessible, affordable and adaptable,” so all threatened island states can take steps to adapt. -AFP

FDA reviews first rapid, take-home test for HIV WASHINGTON: The Food and Drug Administration is considering approval of the first over-the-counter HIV test that would allow consumers to quickly test themselves for the virus at home, without medical supervision.

FDA reviewers said Friday the OraQuick InHome HIV test could play a significant role in slowing the spread of HIV, according to briefing documents posted online. But they also raised concerns about the accuracy of the test, a mouth swab that returns results in about 20 minutes.

The review comes one day after an FDA advisory panel endorsed the HIV pill Truvada for preventive use. If FDA follows the group’s advice, the daily medication would become the first drug approved to prevent healthy people from becoming infected with the virus that causes AIDS. Public health experts estimate one-fifth, or about 240,000 people, of the 1.2 million HIV

carriers in the US are not aware they are infected. Testing is one of the chief means of slowing new infections, which have held steady at about 50,000 per year for two decades.

In a trial conducted by the company OraSure Technologies Inc., the test correctly detected HIV in those carrying the virus 93 percent of the time. That rate is below the FDA-recommended 95 percent threshold for accuracy.

The test was more accurate at correctly clearing patients who do not have the disease. In company studies, OraQuick correctly identified HIV-negative users 99 percent of the time.

In their briefing documents, FDA scientists noted both the benefits and risks of expanding HIV testing with the take-home diagnostic kit.

“There is considerable personal and public health value in informing infected, but otherwise untested, persons of their true positive HIV status,” the reviewers state. “However, this ben-

efit is offset in some measure by HIV-positive individuals who receive an incorrect message that they are not infected.”

On Tuesday, the FDA will ask a panel of outside experts whether the test should be approved for over-the-counter sales in US. The agency is not required to follow the group’s advice, though it usually does.

Based in Bethlehem, Pa., OraSure has marketed a version of OraQuick to doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners since 2004.

The test sells for $17.50, though OraSure declined to discuss how it would price the consumer version. When used by professionals, the test is shown to accurately identify both carriers and non-carriers 99 percent of the time.

While it’s not clear why the test was less accurate in consumer trials, CEO Doug Michels said company researchers anticipated that its “performance in the hands of a consumer would

be different from that observed in hands of a professional.”

OraSure tried the new version of the test in a study of 5,800 people of various sexual orientation, race and income levels. The trial identified about 100 HIV carriers who were previously undiagnosed.

The FDA has already approved HIV test kits that people take home. However, those kits, which require a blood sample, must be sent to a laboratory for development. But OraSure argues that a test that can be done at home will appeal to a much broader group of people.

According to the company’s study, 41 percent of people who discovered they were HIVpositive using OraQuick had never been tested previously. In its own briefing documents, the company estimates that 9,000 new HIV carriers would be identified for every 1 million people who use the test. -AP

‘Marine snow’ could herald breakthrough in race to save eels LONDON: Marine biologists are racing to solve a unique problem which is crucial to their efforts to save the world’s wild eel populations from catastrophic collapse: recreating a food called “marine snow”, reports The Guardian.

In one of the least-understood global conservation crises, spawning rates for the world’s three major eel populations have crashed in the last three decades by as much as 99 percent, raising fears they could become extinct across the Far East, Europe and north America.

Biologists in Japan, where eels are an iconic part of the country’s cuisine and culture, are on the brink of farming eels from birth to fork on an industrial scale for the first time, potentially in the same way as salmon is farmed worldwide.

That breakthrough - being sought too by scientists in Korea and the United States - could dramatically relieve pressure on wild eel populations, and greatly increase the prospects of rebuilding their stocks worldwide.

Yet the goal of producing wholly captive farmed eels, using larvae produced in captivity rather than wild-caught baby eels, is being thwarted by a very significant obstacle: reproducing the larvae’s unique natural diet, which is known to scientists as “marine snow”.

That foodstuff, which is essential to an eel’s growth cycle as they develop and mature from larvae to glass eels, is a mixture of marine detritus, organic waste matter suspended in diffuse clouds, which is proving extremely hard to reproduce on an industrial scale.

Eels are being farmed commercially around the world but only by using baby eels trapped in

FILE-Spawning rates for the world’s three major eel populations have crashed in the last three decades by as much as 99 percent. (Agencies)

the wild, adding even greater pressure to the last surviving wild populations. In the UK, young eel or elver numbers are now at 5 percent of their levels in the 1980s.

Scientists have considered the most unlikely ingredients to help create that peculiar food,

including the yolk from shark’s eggs. To exacerbate the feeding problem, eels stay in a larval stage for three to four months, compared with only a few days for cod, and are extremely sensitive at that stage.

Prof Katsumi Tsukamoto, a pioneer in eel

conservation in the Pacific who was first discover the Pacific eels spawning grounds, told marine scientists in Edinburgh this week that this obstacle meant it cost 1,000 euro (£803) to produce a single captive seedling in the laboratory; their goal is to get that cost down to 1 euro.

Speaking after a keynote address to the World Fisheries Congress, Tsukamoto, from the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute at Tokyo University, said the focus on devising a wholly self-sufficient domestic eel farming program, while very expensive, was being driven by the need to preserve remaining wild eels.

“We’re now trying to establish a special strain, completely cut off from wild stocks,” he said. “We want to improve the many different characteristics, for example growth rate, metamorphosis rates and disease resistance. It’s a process of domestication, like sheep, pigs, cows or horses.”

Pressure to produce wholly captive eels is being driven by the continuing heavy demand from consumers: eels are the main ingredient in kabayaki, one of three most culturally important styles of Japanese cuisine along with sushi and tempura.

David Righton, from the Cefas marine laboratory in Lowestoft, and a leading figure in the Eeliad project on saving the European eel, said the quest to find substitute food stuff is one of the most competitive areas in eel conservation.

“Whoever gets there first has made a tremendous discovery; you’re recovering a cultural tradition. Whoever does this is culturally important as well as becoming very rich,” Righton said.

12

ALWATAN DAILY

Technology

APP OF THE WEEK

Jumanah Al-Ghadban Staff Writer

App: Polomatic | Made in Polaroid Category: Photo & Video Price: $0.99 Platform: iOS Works with: iPhone, and iPod Touch.

Briefly: Who doesn’t love the nostalgic feeling one gets from seeing a Polaroid picture?

Well now with the Polamatic app you can bring that nostalgia to your iPhone or iPod Touch. With this app you can create or import a photo and then select one from 12 Polaroid frames in the format of the Polaroid Classic Border logo as well as the 12 photo filters, write a caption and finally share your picture with the world. Sharing can be achieved via FaceBook, Twitter, Flickr, Tumblr, Instagram, or even email.Within the in-app store one can purchase additional Polaroid frames and effects to customize your photos.

TECH TALK News aggregator Ongo to shut down: Online news service Ongo, which launched last year as a paid “aggregator” for various newspapers, said Tuesday it would close down by the end of the month.

Ongo, which was launched in January 2011 with backing from USA Today, The New York Times and The Washington Post, had access to more than 100 publications by the end. Ongo was launched with a basic subscription cost of $6.99 a month which gave a user USA Today, The Washington Post, 20 articles a day from The New York Times, as well as stories from Britain’s Financial Times, the Associated Press, and Reuters. The price was later cut to $1.99. -AFP Twitter passwords bared online: Twitter on Tuesday said that it was trying to figure out how user names and passwords from thousands of accounts apparently wound up posted at an online file sharing website. Information posted on Pastebin.com pages appeared to be from about 35,000 Twitter accounts, not counting about 20,000 that seemed to be redundancies, according to a message “tweeted” by the San Francisco firm. -AFP Google+ rolls out ‘Hangouts On Air’ worldwide: Google began letting members of its social network worldwide broadcast “hangouts” live to Internet titan’s growing online community. Hangouts On Air were introduced last year at Google+ with select high-profile members testing the service that lets as many as ten people at a time take part in virtual roundtable style video chats broadcast for anyone to see. -AFP Angry Birds maker Rovio to launch new game: Finnish mobile game developer Rovio has announced it will launch a successor to its immensely popular wingless birds franchise “Angry Birds” in the next few months. CEO Mikael Hed says it has bought the rights to “Casey’s Contraptions” - a puzzle game played on cellphones and computers - from developers Snappy Touch and Mystery Coconut. Hed told Finnish YLE TV on Friday that the game will be renamed “Amazing Alex,” and revolve around “a curious young boy who loves to build things.” -AP Amazon conjures rights to borrow Harry Potter eBooks: Amazon said Thursday it has signed a deal for the electronic books rights to all seven Harry Potter titles in English, French, Italian, German and Spanish for its Kindle lending library.

The deal allows subscribers of the Amazon Prime service, which requires an annual subscription, to borrow the electronic versions of best-selling JK Rowling books. Amazon said it inked the exclusive license with J.K. Rowling’s Pottermore website to make the titles available to its customers via the Kindle e-reader.

But the deal only allows for borrowing of the ebooks, with Pottermore remaining the only place to buy the electronic versions. -AFP

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012

Facebook to launch online App Center for social apps LONDON: Facebook is getting into the app store game, announcing an initiative called App Center which it claims will help developers get their social web and mobile applications discovered by more people, reports The Guardian.

The App Center will spotlight free and paid applications that use Facebook’s social graph. It will be a part of the Facebook website, but also the company’s iOS and Android apps.

“For the over 900 million people that use Facebook, the App Center will become the new, central place to find great apps like Draw Something, Pinterest, Spotify, Battle Pirates, Viddy, and Bubble Witch Saga,” explains Facebook in a blog post aimed at developers.

Apps will be sorted by category, including games, communications, lifestyle, music, news, photos & videos, sports, travel & local, TV & movies and utilities. Each app gets its own page on the store, which will become the first thing Facebook users see when searching for it - but only if it’s deemed good enough.

“Success through the App Center is tied to the quality of an app. We use a variety of signals, such as user ratings and engagement, to determine if an app is listed in the App Center,” explains Facebook.

“Well-designed apps that people enjoy will be prominently displayed. Apps that receive poor user ratings or don’t meet the quality guidelines won’t be listed.”

Those quality guidelines are available to read already. They include stipulations that apps must “have an easy-to-use interface, clear content, value to users, and no significant bugs”, while clearly distinguishing ads and content “without

excessive advertising”, setting “clear expectations about what user activity it shares on Facebook, and when”, and not mimicking Facebook’s own user interface elements.

To help developers avoid this fate, Facebook says it will be supplying them with analytics on how users are rating their apps, as part of its Insights toolset.

Within Facebook’s mobile apps, people will be able to browse apps and then install them from Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play store if they’re native, or go straight to them if they are mobile web apps.

The App Center will also see Facebook moving beyond its historic focus on free apps that make money from advertising and/or in-app purchases.

“To support more types of apps on Facebook. com, we will give developers the option to offer paid apps,” explains the company. “This is a simple-to-implement payment feature that lets people pay a flat fee to use an app on Facebook. com.” Developers can request to sign up to a beta programme for this.

What’s interesting about App Center is the change of emphasis that it represents for Facebook. The social network’s app discovery has traditionally been focused on a mixture of virality - those messages that get posted in people’s news streams - and advertising.

In the past, this could have been seen as a sign that apps don’t necessarily need an app store to be discovered. Developers will be keen to take advantage of the change, but they will continue to keep a close eye on changes Facebook makes to its viral and advertising features.

Samsung unveils world’s first OLED TV Dark assassin videogame

Dishonored unveiled PARIS: Bethesda Softworks on Thursday announced that its “Dishonored” videogame featuring a betrayed bodyguard turned supernatural assassin will hit in October.

The title being created for Bethesda

by Arkane Studios will be released in North America on October 9 and in Europe three days later.

Versions of the game will be tailored for play on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 consoles or on personal computers powered by Windows operating systems.

“Dishonored” is set in a fictional whaling city that combines steampunk anachronisms with “other-worldly forces.”

The hero of the action game is a bodyguard turned vengeful assassin after be-

ing framed for killing an empress.

“In a time of uncertainty, when the city is besieged by plague and ruled by a corrupt government armed with frightening technologies, dark forces bestow supernatural abilities upon you -- but at what cost?” a teaser for the game asks.

Bethesda, which is owned by Zenimax Media, planned to preview a sample of the much-anticipated title at the Electronic Entertainment Expo videogame extravaganza in Los Angeles next month.

“We are pleased that Dishonored has captured people’s attention,” said Bethesda president Vlatko Andonov. “We are looking forward to sharing lots more information about the game leading up to its launch in October.” -AFP

Kim Hyun-suk, head of Samsung’s TV business, right, and a model pose with a 55-inch Samsung OLED TV during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 10, 2012. (AP)

PARIS: South Korea’s Samsung Electronics on Thursday unveiled its new-generation premium television as global manufacturers seek to drive slowing sales with lucrative models. The world’s top TV maker will start selling the 55-inch (140 cm) model, which features advanced display technology, in Korea in the second half of the year, said Kim Hyun-Suk, the head of Samsung’s TV unit.

The ultra-thin television has an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display that produces brighter and more vivid images than flat-screen panels, Samsung said in a statement after showing off the TV at it headquarters at a news briefing. OLED, now used in mobile devices such as smartphones, is seen as a next-generation technology after the current LCD or light emitting diode (LED) displays.

“This... will be the premium of the premium TVs,” Kim told reporters. It will cost at least 10.8 million won ($9,450) in South Korea, more than double the price of current high-end sets.

The model will go on sale in the United States and Europe after its domestic debut, Kim said without elaborating on dates. Samsung is “carefully studying” the timing of the launch ahead of this summer’s London Olympics, Kim said. TV sales generally boom ahead of major sporting events. But he said it would take two or three years for OLED TVs to become mainstream.

The company will increase production of various types of TV with 55-inch screens or larger in a bid to dominate the premium market, Samsung said. -AFP

Gears

Lotus Esprit 2014 is back against all odds

Apple said to be ready to drop Google’s maps in iOS6 LONDON: Apple is believed to be about to ditch Google as the provider of its mapping in the next major revision of iOS, the operating system that drives the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, according to The Guardian.

Instead it will introduce its own mapping solution including a 3D view and Street View-like product adapted from a number of companies including Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9 which it has acquired in the past few years. If correct, the shift would mark a continuation of the company’s shift away from Google-provided map data which was first noticed in March when it introduced its iPhoto app for iOS, which uses the crowd sourced Open Street Map product rather than Google to show locations.

The online blog 9to5Mac is reporting that iOS 6, expected to be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers’ Conference from June 11-15, will introduce in-house mapping, citing “trusted sources”.

Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

The new maps would be built around Apple’s own cloud computing system, which has been gradually rolled out with iCloud users, which it says now has more than 125 million users worldwide.

A key difference would be 3D representations using C3’s maps, which use declassified missile target algorithms.

Though Apple’s maps app in iOS uses Google’s data, it has lagged behind that on Google’s own Android OS since the introduction in December 2010 of Android 2.3, or “Gingerbread”, which brought the ability to rotate the map onscreen - allowing the user to manipulate the map to align a street with their direction of view without moving the phone itself.

At the same time Google also introduced a 3D view and offline mode for maps. By contrast Apple’s Maps app requires a data connection to function.

But Apple is also believed to want to break its ties with Google in mapping, though not search, where it gets a substantial split of any revenues Google receives from ad clickthroughs. However, in June 2010 it added Microsoft’s Bing as an option for search in iOS - on which it is likely it also gets a share of revenues.

Google and Apple renewed their mapping agreement in May 2011, which surprised some because Apple’s job postings had included a number of vacancies for people with expertise in mapping.

LG Electronics to launch Google TV in US in late May

SEOUL: LG Electronics Inc, the world’s No.2 TV maker, plans to launch Internet-enabled TV based on Google’s platform in the United States in the week of May 21, as the South Korean firm seeks to gain a larger share of the emerging Internet TV market, a senior LG executive said on Monday.

The move reflects an aggressive push by the duo to defend against a potential threat from Apple Inc, which reshaped the handset market with its iPhone smartphone and is widely expected to unveil a fullfledged TV product later this year or early next year.

“Production of Google TVs will start from May 17 from our factory in Mexico and US consumers will be able to buy the product from the week of May

Facebook’s new App Center is a cross-platform store for social apps. (AFP)

21,” Ro Seogho, executive vice president of LG’s TV business unit, told a small group of reporters.

Google TV allows viewers to access Google services such as searches and YouTube videos on their television screens.

Ro said LG will decide whether to expand the offering to Europe and Asia after reviewing sales performance in the US market.

LG gave no shipment target or details of prices or screen sizes.

The second version of Internet TV by Google, which hopes to replicate the success of its Android mobile software in the TV market, comes after its previous model, unveiled in 2010, failed to catch on with consumers.

Google’s attempt to capture the living room au-

dience has seen limited success so far due to a lack of web content or support from hardware manufacturers.

TV manufacturers from LG to its bigger rival Samsung Electronics Co have their own Internetenabling TV platforms and are aggressively pushing their own technologies, along with Google TV, to gain the initiative and prop up margins with highend products amid growing competition from lowcost producers.

LG hopes to further steal a march on its rivals by bringing forward the launch of a 55inch flat-screen TV using next-generation technology, raising the stakes in a cutthroat battle for the living room between Asia’s top tech powerhouses. -Reuters

The new Esprit will go into production at the end of 2012. (Agencies) Compiled by Jameel W. Karaki

CAPITALS: It all started at the 2010 Paris Auto Show where Lotus unveiled no less than five new sports car concepts, all of which - perhaps prematurely were confirmed for production. Against all odds, tiny Lotus Cars plans to launch five new models by mid-decade - starting with a mid-engine V8 supercar to rival the Ferrari 458 Italia, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, and Porsche 911 Turbo. New Lotus CEO Dany Bahar has a pretty grandiose plan for the small English sportscar maker, moving it upscale from the Elise, Exige, and Evora to a range squarely aimed at Porsche. Among the new Elan, Elise, Elite, and Eterne, the apex predator will be the mid-engine Esprit supercar, which revives the moniker used on the Giugiaro-designed two-seat wedge that went on sale.

Performance:

This car uses a 5.0-liter V-8 sourced from the Lexus IS F, and then turbocharged. Lotus must have done a bit more than just slap on the turbo, as the engine spins up to 8500 rpm (the IS F’s unit redlines at 6800). The company claims output of 612 hp and a stout 531 lb-ft of torque.

The car drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Intriguingly, Lotus says that the car will be available with a hybrid option, using a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) like those seen in Formula 1 in 2009 and due to be reintroduced for the 2011 season.

The Esprit is 179.1 inches long, 76.8 inches wide, and 49.2 inches high, almost spot on with the Ferrari 458 Italia’s dimensions. Lotus claims that it will weigh 3197 pounds-somewhat lighter than the Ferrari enabling it to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 205 mph. The price is estimated to be in the region of $110,000, far less than the 458 Italia or an Aston Martin V-12 Vantage. That price tag will leave Lotus loyalists with a very difficult decision to make: 612-hp, front-engine Elite for about $115,000; or 612-hp, mid-engine Esprit for nearly the same price.

This car was described as the “ultimate Lotus,” the new Esprit will go into production at the end of 2012, with first deliveries beginning in late 2013, early 2014.

ALWATAN DAILY

entertainment Song Of The Day

Fahad AlSabah Staff Writer

Song: One In A Million Artist: Aaliyah Album: One In A Million Genre: R&B In short: Released in 1996, Aaliyah sophomore album re-defined R&B music and solidified Aaliayh’s position as a key figure in the genre. The title track served as the album’s second single and was well-met by both fans and critics alike, dominating the R&B Airplay chart for six consecutive weeks.

To listen to the song visit www.alwatandaily.com E-mail your feedback to falsabah@alwatandaily.com

The Buzz Betty White reveals her presidential preference Betty White says she usually keeps her political views private but in this presidential election strongly favors one candidate. As she prepares to visit the Smithsonian Institution and National Zoo next week, White told The Associated Press she “very, very much favors” President Barack Obama in the election. The 90-year-old actress said Friday she is very bi-partisan and has stayed away from politics all of her life.

She usually never says who she is for or against because she doesn’t want to turn off any of her adoring fans. White says in this year’s election, she likes what Obama has done and “how he represents us.” Her comments come after Hollywood turned out at George Clooney’s home to raise $15 million for Obama’s re-election, a record for a single fundraiser.

-AP

Two arrested in Stevie Wonder extortion plot

sunDAY, may 13, 2012

Jury convicts Balfour of murdering singer Hudson’s family members CHICAGO: An Illinois jury on Friday found the former brother-in-law of Grammy- and Oscar-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson guilty of murdering three members of her family in 2008.

William Balfour, 31, was found guilty of breaking into the Hudson family home and fatally shooting Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, her brother Jason Hudson, 29, and her 7-year-old nephew Julian King. He faces the possibility of life in prison without parole.

Jennifer Hudson, wearing a long black-and-white printed sweater, dabbed at her eyes after the verdict was read. She left the courthouse without making a comment.

“She was very emotional about the verdict,” Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez said of Jennifer Hudson. “Very emotional, but very relieved.” In a statement later, Jennifer Hudson and her sister Julia Hudson - who was married to Balfour at the time of the murders but has since then gotten a divorce - thanked God, the prosecutors, the Chicago police, and the witnesses who came forward.

“We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we’re very grateful,” the statement said. “We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family. We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy.”

The statement adds that Jennifer and Julia Hudson are praying “that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance some day.”

Hudson was determined to attend the 11-day trial, telling Alvarez: “This was my mother. If it was me, she would be here every day. I will be here every day.”

It was that close relationship to her mother, who would send her a text message every morning, that led Hudson to suspect something was wrong on the day of the murders. Her mother did not respond to Hudson’s text, giving authorities a sense of what time the murders occurred, prosecutor James McKay said.

Jurors said Hudson’s celebrity, and the accompanying media attention on the trial, played no part in their verdict.

“She’s a celebrity. We understand that. But it wasn’t about her,” juror Tracie Austin said.

Jealousy Motive

Jurors took three days to reach a verdict, with three of them undecided as they sifted through the circumstantial evidence implicating Balfour.

Balfour had sought to cover his tracks, changing his clothes three times, and enlisting friends to create an alibi. But a timeline of his whereabouts was built from cellphone records, se-

In this courtroom sketch, singer and actress Jennifer Hudson, center, along with her fiance David Otunga, and sister Julia Hudson react in court in Chicago, Friday, May 11, 2012. (AP)

curity camera video and witness testimony.

His motive was jealousy of his estranged wife Julia Hudson, who he threatened numerous times, saying he would kill her after he killed her family, according to witnesses.

A small-time drug dealer, Balfour was armed with a .45 caliber handgun he had stolen from Jason Hudson, who also dealt drugs, witnesses said. Defense attorneys raised the possibility that an enemy of Jason Hudson in the drug trade committed the murders. Balfour sat stony-faced as the verdict was read, but one of his relatives shook her head angrily.

Balfour’s defense attorney Amy Thompson, who referred to her client as a “very stoic young man,” said she planned to ask for a new trial at a hearing on June 8. She said she believed there were grounds for appeal.

Julia Hudson testified she wanted a divorce and blamed Balfour when her wages as a bus driver were garnished. After

Morocco court convicts rapper for police song

Stevie Wonder’s nephew has been arrested and charged with an extortion scheme against the singer, Los Angeles prosecutors said on Friday. Alpha Lorenzo Walker, 38, was arrested on May 2, along with another alleged conspirator, Tamara Eileen Diaz. The pair had threatened to reveal information they claimed would be embarrassing to the “Superstition” singer unless he met their demands, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office said. Celebrity website TMZ, citing law enforcement sources, said the pair demanded $5 million from Wonder and threatened to go to the media with a tale of incest. They later lowered the sum to $10,000 and were arrested by undercover police posing as representatives of the musician. The District Attorney’s spokeswoman declined to comment on the nature or details of the alleged extortion plot. Walker and Diaz have pleaded not guilty to extortion but are being held in jail awaiting a preliminary hearing next week that will determine whether there is enough evidence for a full trial. -Reuters

NBC cancels 5 shows including Harry’s Law NBC has canceled the David E. Kelley legal dramedy “Harry’s Law.” The series, which starred Kathy Bates, struggled with low ratings since its debut in September 2011, and it’s exit was long expected. This season, it averaged a mere 1.4 rating in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic. Official word that the show was cancelled after two seasons came as NBC makes room for new shows in its 2012-13 lineup. “Best Friends Forever,” “Bent,” “Are You There, Chelsea,” and “Awake” were also canceled Friday, the same day NBC announced new seasons for “30 Rock,” “The Office,” “Parenthood,” “Grimm,” “Smash,” “Parks and Recreation,” “Fashion Star,” Whitney,” and “Up All Night.” -Reuters

Jurors acquit rapper Lil Boosie of murder Jurors have acquitted the rapper known as “Lil Boosie” in the 2009 slaying of a man gunned down in his home. They deliberated for an hour before returning the verdict Friday for the 29-year-old rapper, whose real name is Torence Hatch. Before the verdict was read, District Judge Mike Erwin warned those in the courtroom not to make any emotional outbursts. Still, many quietly sobbed after the verdict was announced. Hatch, who stood quietly, bowed his head and pumped his fist when he heard the decision from the 12-person jury. Hatch already is serving an eight-year prison term on separate drug charges. Prosecutors argued he hired Michael “Marlo Mike” Louding to kill 35-year-old Terry Boyd, who was shot to death through a window while he was inside his home. -AP

the two talked by cellphone on the morning of October 24, 2008, prosecutors alleged Balfour shot his way into the Hudson family home. Julia Hudson’s son, Julian, was taken outside and shot in Jason Hudson’s sport utility vehicle, prosecutors charged.

Balfour got rid of the gun and abandoned the vehicle stolen from Jason Hudson. After an intensive search, Julian’s body was discovered in the SUV three days later.

Prosecutors relied on what they said was a “tsunami” of circumstantial evidence since they had no DNA or fingerprints directly linking Balfour to the slayings, and no one alive witnessed the killings.

Jennifer Hudson, who won a Grammy for her debut album and an Academy Award for her role in the movie “Dreamgirls,” flew home to identify the bodies. She said she had known Balfour since grade school and had never liked him. -Reuters

TV writer Stephen Lord dead at 85

NEW YORK: Stephen Lord, a writer for more than a dozen television shows over three decades, died May 5 at the age of 85.

Lord, a New Orleans native whose birth name was Stephen Loyacano, passed away in his Sherman Oaks, California home with his family at his side.

He wrote for iconic shows of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s such as “CHiPs,” “Fantasy Island” and “Johnny Ringo.”

Lord contributed to shows in myriad ways, such as producing, directing and occasionally acting, but above all he was a writer.

He started in the mid-1950s with “Harbor Command” and kept writing into the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing episodes of “T.J. Hooker” and “Matlock.”

Lord also wrote a handful of features, including “The Bermuda Triangle” and “The Fall of the House of Usher,” based on Edgar Allen Poe’s short story.

Lord is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Stephanie, son-in law Pawel, granddaughter Emma and daughters Jennifer and Elizabeth. -Reuters

Gossip Girl, other series renewed by CW “Gossip Girl” will give people something to buzz about yet again, and “Nikita” will be back to seek vengeance for another year. The CW network renewed its hit, scandal-prone series “Gossip Girl” for a sixth shortened final season. In March, an individual close to the production told Reuters that the series would likely be back for a final sixth season that would be shortened, much like the final season of the network’s “One Tree Hill.” The CW has also renewed “Nikita” for a third season, adding to a roster that will include new entries such as “Arrow” and “The Carrie Diaries,” as well as returning series such as “Supernatural” and “90210.” The network has also renewed the Rachel Bilson drama “Hart of Dixie,” which is preparing to wrap up its maiden season.

On the downside, the freshman series “Ringer” and “Secret Circle” will not be returning for second seasons. “Ringer,” which starred Sarah Michelle Gellar in dual roles, averaged a .8 in the demo, while “Secret Circle,” which followed a group of teenagers with supernatural powers, averaged a .9.

-Reuters

13

FILE - This Feb. 18, 2012, file photo shows Moroccan rapper Mouad Belghouat along with protesters shouting in front of City Hall in Casablanca, Morocco. (AP)

RABAT, Morocco: A Moroccan court on Friday convicted a rapper of attacking the image of the security services in a song about police corruption and sentenced him to a year in prison.

Rapper Mouad Belghouat, who goes by the name El-Haqed, or “the enraged,” was convicted without the possibility of making a final statement. He was kept in prison and his defense team wasn’t present. Defense lawyers said they would appeal the verdict.

The defense team had withdrawn on Monday after an altercation between a group supporting the rapper and a lawyer for the Moroccan police, but lawyers said they had expected to be able to make closing arguments on behalf of their client. When attorney Said Bouzerda arrived, it was already too late. Deliberations had begun and the court refused to allow him to make a final statement, he said.

The rapper writes songs about corruption and social injustice and is involved in a pro-democracy movement in the Moroccan kingdom. He was arrested March 29 and charged with insulting state employees and official institutions, accused by police of posting a song on the Internet with photos insulting to police, with one showing an officer with a donkey’s head.

The defense claims the photos were posted by an

anonymous person and the case is a political attack on a well-known activist. “This is scandalous. They think they will silence our voices with this type of sentence,” said Fatna Bik, a militant and member of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights.

It was the second conviction for Belghouat who comes from a sprawling Casablanca slum. Belghouat was jailed for four months last year for getting into a fight with a regime supporter in the gritty, low-income suburb of Casablanca where he now lives. His supporters say the charges were trumped up. He was released Jan. 12 in a case that mobilized the country’s activist community.

The song he was charged for in his second tangle with authorities is called “Dogs of the State” and is addressed to the police.

“You are paid to protect the citizens, not to steal their money,” goes the song. “Did your commander order you to take money from the poor?” The song asks the police to arrest the wealthy businessmen who he says have divided the country up for themselves.

Morocco was swept with pro-democracy demonstrations like many other countries in the Middle East last year, but King Mohamed VI managed to defuse popular anger with a series of reforms. -AP

OSN waves goodbye to the Desperate Housewives

KUWAIT: “Desperate Housewives” is ending its eighth season run on Monday, 14th May at 20:00 KSA exclusively on OSN First and OSN First HD; according to a press release. So, it’s time to say goodbye to our favorite housewives Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Terri Hatcher who for the past eight years we’ve invited into our living rooms and shared their every desperate moment and a whole heap of dirty laundry - will Monday night’s ever be the same again?

But those “Desperate Housewives” that we have come to love are determined not to go quietly - and we’re not just talking about an explosive storyline. It’s certainly been a hell of a ride for the housewives over the past eight years, with suicides, murder, affairs, cancer, alcoholism, infidelity and prejudice playing huge factors in their daily lives.

The stakes for everyone on Wisteria Lane are at an all-time high in the final episodes which revolve around the ladies coming together to cover-up the murder of Gabrielle’s abusive step-father.

Don’t miss the final climatic moments of Desperate Housewives as the beautiful, glamorous housewives wave goodbye to the drama and hysteria of Wisteria Lane to see if they really can live ‘happily ever after’.

Young cancer patients’ Stronger video a big hit SEATTLE: A video featuring cancer-stricken children, their nurses, doctors and parents lip-synching and dancing to the popular Kelly Clarkson song “Stronger” has become an online sensation.

Clarkson, in her own video message to the children at Seattle Children’s Hospital, said it was “amazing.”

“It made my day. I know it’s making everybody else’s day online,” Clarkson said in a message posted on her website. “I just can’t wait to meet you.”

The youngsters, many attached to IVs and holding signs that say “Stronger,” “Fighter” and “Hope,” dance along with parents and medical staff. One child even rides a bike through the hallways of the hematology oncology floor. The video is part of a creative arts program with cancer patients at Seattle Children’s.

The kids’ video went online May 6. It was the idea of 22-year-old Chris Rumble, a patient at the hospital who was diagnosed with leukemia in April. He wanted

to do something to share with his old hockey team in the central Washington town of Wenatchee “I’m everyone’s big brother and I have a lot of friends here at Seattle Children’s,” Rumble said on the hospital’s blog.

Dr. Douglas Hawkins said the patients and staff at Seattle Children’s have been thrilled by the response.

“This morning it was over 900,000 views. It’s really incredible,” he said Friday.

Hawkins said such projects help the kids maintain their spirits.

“When a child or young adult is treated for cancer, it puts their whole life on hold in a way that doesn’t seem fair at all,” Hawkins said. “It’s a fight for their life. But there are all these other normal things they want to be doing too, or things they want to focus on other than the medicine or the illness or their time in the hospital.” -AP

“Desperate Housewives” two hour series finale airs on Monday, 14th May at 20:00 KSA.

14

ALWATAN DAILY

AROUND TOWN / TIME OUT

SUNDAY, MAY 13, 2012

If you have an event you wish to include, please email: aroundtown@alwatandaily.com

Feature o f

graffiti

the day

moderately confused

JW Marriott launches annual Lobster Festival at Terrace Grill restaurant

Sudoku KUWAIT: JW Marriott Kuwait City hotel celebrated the launch of the Lobster Wonders Festival at Terrace Grill restaurant on May 6. George Aoun, General Manager of Kuwait Marriott Hotels hosted a number of VIP’s along with the Canadian Ambassador, His Excellency Douglas George, for a celebratory dinner in lieu of the occasion.

George Aoun noted, “The much awaited yearly lobster festival is back! We are excited to once again offer the finest selection of fresh lobster prepared to suit everyone’s gourmet seafood tastes prepared by our team of internationally acclaimed chefs. Guests can enjoy some truly world-class lobster specialties’ in an atmosphere of enjoyable live entertainment and the signature Terrace Grill ambience.”

Month a t

Joseph D’Costa, Executive Chef at the JW Marriott, worked with the culinary team to prepare the much awaited dishes for this special promotion. A variety of main course dishes showcased the lobster in many delicious forms - including lobster & seafood ravioli, grilled garlic lobster, newburg style gratinated lobster and much more.

The promotion is available every day for lunch from 12:30 p.m. to 3 pm and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner until July 15. Marriott’s Executive Card program also offers generous discounts by serving as a dining privilege card at the JW Marriott and the Courtyard

by Marriott - offering its members generous dining discounts and promotions on restaurants and cafes for a whole year.

Elementary

Intermediate

Advanced

General A n n o u n c e m e n t s

a glance intersection between concept, design and the individual voice. Social activism campaigns to re-brand identity is the core essence of this year’s exhibition.

Diwaniya presentation May 15/ 7 p.m. / The AWARE Center: The AWARE Center cordially invites interested westerners to its special diwaniya presentation entitled, “My experience in Kuwait and the six sigma,” by Frank Serafini. Improvements in engineering and construction processes provide better oil refineries and hotel structures. But without improvements in business process then the new facilities would do little to improve customer satisfaction, employee loyalty, and shareholder revenue. Lean Six Sigma is a business process methodology that eliminates waste, improves speed, removes complexity, and reduces defects.

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

Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main

Golden era club May 11 and 25/ 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. / Rumaithiya: Golden Era Club presents ‘The Eight Fold Path to Yoga’. Yoga here! Yoga there! Yoga everywhere! Yet, few comprehend Yoga’s true nature! Join Yoga Guru - Aacharya Shashikala Pushkarna - on this unique journey to the true ‘union’ between the mind, body and spirit. All seniors (60+) are cordially invited. Venue- House #34, next to Abu-Tammam Intermediate School for Boys, Sate Alhusari St., Block 2, Rumaithiya. For registration call 97172788/ 66208183 or drop a line to goldenera60@yahoo.com

May 18/ 7 p.m. / Maidan Hawally: Indian Cultural Society presents” Zara Sa Jhoom Loon Main” with renowned playback singer from Bollywood Abhijeet and world fame theater cum comedy king Umar Sharif from Pakistan. The Chief Guest for the event will be Ambassador of India, Kuwait. Also guest of honor will be prominent personalities from Kuwait and respected embassies from different countries. It will take place at Dr. Kamil Al Rayes Auditorium, AIS opposite Police Station. Contact numbers for your assistance and information: 97270386, 94450833.

Mario is a gentle and affectionate 6-years-young Spitz male. This friendly boy does great with people and dogs of all ages.

International bazaar

Kuwait Fashion Showcase May 14-16/ 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. / Crowne Plaza Hotel: The Kuwait Fashion Showcase (KFS), a premiere fashion, beauty and bridal exhibition of high end fashion labels from the Middle East, Europe and India. The KFS exhibition is different not only because it will bring together well-accomplished brands from international markets but also because the magnitude and influence of it will surpass all previously held exhibitions in its field.

May 26/ 10 a.m.-3 p.m. / TIES Center: Stop by and have the opportunity to see and even own some international antiques on display and taste the delicious foods on display. Also have your name inscribed in Arabic calligraphy at no cost and have a taste of our Arabic ice cream. Various items will be available for sale, such as pashmina shawls, accessories, jewelry, Mexican food, Indian food, cosmetics, cookies, handbags, traditional Kuwaiti - style dresses and many more. For more information please contact 2523105/6 or 97228860

Graphic Design exhibition

Waist Watchers

May 15-17/ 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. / AUK: The Art & Graphic Design Program (GDES) at AUK will be holding the official opening of the Spring Senior Capstone Exhibition. Under the supervision of Professor Maryam Hosseinnia, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at AUK, students will be displaying their graduation projects that reflect their ability to visualize and process the complex

Every Tuesday/ 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. / British Ladies Society: Meetings are based on the world’s most successful healthy eating plan. Weekly meetings include private weigh in, motivational talks, recipes to try, and cooking demonstrations.

Fee of KD 2.500 is required to cover for the cost of course material. For more info contact; Danielle desertdanny@hotmail.com.

Dilbert

Open House for Indian Citizens Ambassador of India would be holding an Open House for Indian citizens to address their problems\grievances on Wednesdays of the second and the fourth weeks of every month between 1500 hrs and 1600 hrs in the Embassy. In case Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day. To ensure timely action/follow-up by the Embassy, it is requested that, wherever possible, Indian citizens should exhaust the existing channels of interaction/grievance redressal and bring their problems/issues in writing with supporting documents.

Royal Thai Embassy The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait wishes to invite Kuwaiti companies that deal business with Thai companies or those agencies of Thai commercial companies to visit the Embassy’s Commercial Office to register their relevant information to be part of the embassy’s business and trade database. The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Jabriya, Block 6, Street 8, Villa No. 1, Telephone No. 25317530 -25317531, Ext: 14.

Nancy

Horoscopes Aries: March 21 - April 19

Be disciplined about all areas of your body, Aries.

Take extra care to eat healthful, balanced meals.

Make sure you get enough sleep. And even though you gripe about having no time, get out there and exercise. Don’t wait for an emergency before you take action.

You alone can control how you feel. Health is essential to your well-being, not to mention your life!

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

If you’ve been feeling deep anger, today is just not the day to let it out but rather the day to consider its source. Any large gatherings of family or friends should be avoided at all costs. No, this doesn’t mean you get to take the day off! Just be extra careful about your temper. A little isolation will go a long way toward easing all your tensions, and give you some insights.

Gemini: May 21- June 21

If by chance you still harbor some resentment toward someone, Gemini, it will probably come out today.You might be uncompromising or even vengeful. Telling that person how you feel will accomplish nothing other than cause you both pain and regret. Vent your anger in a healthy way. They really mean what they’re saying.

Cancer: June 22 - July 22

You don’t suffer fools gladly, and superficial fools even less so. You have a mind to teach those around you a lesson. You’re uncompromising today, and you can’t understand why others don’t have your same high standards. Remember that the quality of any artistic endeavor, in particular, is likely to be judged differently by each person who experiences it.

Leo: July 23 - August 22

Here is a day of challenges, Leo. You’re a pro at questioning yourself, as you’ll prove today when you take a hard look at your accomplishments.

What have you created of a personal nature in the last ten years? Have you been eternally almost ready? Have you dared to jump into projects that were still imperfect? These are the questions that need to be addressed.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

If you give the impression that you’re in a reserved and introspective mood (even if you are not), you’ll succeed in avoiding confrontation. Today there is no such thing as a so simple exchange with someone, Virgo. But even in this atmosphere, it is still a great day to evaluate your fundamental objectives a little more closely.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

A challenging day is in store for you, Libra. If you’re part of a group or team or simply among friends, you may feel somewhat ill at ease. Could it be you instill jealousy in others? There is only one way to find out. Clear the air by saying what needs to be said. State it so clearly and directly and you’ll eliminate any bad feelings among your group and will emerge unscathed.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

Sometimes dreams seem like just that - dreams.

Travel, a project, or a new home could be a few of the things you’ve been trying to accomplish for some time now. Making even one of these dreams come true possibly means jeopardizing relationships. Your dreams could seem particularly unattainable today. Perhaps you must first do some work on your relationships.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

You’ll go one of two ways today, Sagittarius. You’ll turn inward and meditate in a corner or you’ll find a good friend and confide your dissatisfaction. Don’t hesitate to let your guard down and express yourself even more honestly than is typical for you. Have no worries that your problems will bore your friend. Only true friends help.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

Today is going to be an excellent day for meeting interesting people, Capricorn. And there will be nothing superficial about these encounters. On the contrary the people you are going to meet will touch you profoundly and move you deeply on an emotional level. But don’t let yourself be seduced just by ideas! Practicality matters too and so you’ve got to be on guard!

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

You can expect today to be kind of intense, Aquarius. Even if you have made a conscious decision not to let anything get you down, you could still harbor some negative emotions from the last few days.

Take advantage of this time to relieve stress. An artistic pursuit, such as sketching or photography, will help eliminate some of the negative energy that’s built in.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

You can either choose to build even higher walls around yourself, or you can begin to see that doing so is not helpful in building good communication in your current relationship. The current planetary energies present you with the choice of holding onto certain grudges, or letting go of them and focusing on building a solid bridge.

ALWATAN DAILY

SPORTS

SUNDAY, may 13, 2012

basketball

15

Cricket

India invite Grizzlies stay in NBA title hunt by beating Clippers Pakistan to Champions League NEW DELHI: India on Saturday invited Pakistan to take part in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament this year, breaking new ground in the stalled cricket ties between the arch-rivals.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which met in Chennai on Saturday, gave the go ahead to Pakistan’s participation in the tournament which features leading domestic Twenty20 teams from around the world.

“The BCCI has decided to invite a team from Pakistan to play in the Champions League to be held in India in October,” BCCI chief Narayanaswami Srinivasan told reporters after the meeting.

The BCCI’s recommendation will be forwarded to the governing council of the Champions League which is owned by the cricket boards of India, Australia and South Africa, Srinivasan added.

India and Pakistan met in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh in March and the World Cup semi-final in India last year, but regular tours have been frozen since the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai, blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

India postponed a tour to Pakistan scheduled for January 2009 in the wake of the Mumbai carnage, which left 166 people dead and many hundreds injured.

The latest move by the BCCI comes a month after Pakistan President Asif Ali

Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball over Blake Griffin #32 of the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals in the 2012 NBA Playoffs on May 11, 2012. (AFP)

MEMPHIS: Spanish center Marc Gasol scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Memphis Grizzlies over the Los Angeles Clippers 90-88 and sustain their NBA playoff title hopes.

The Grizzlies and Clippers are deadlocked 3-3 in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round playoff series with game seven at Memphis on Sunday to decide which club will advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in round two. “We’ll battle and fight,” Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said. “We’ll be hungry. We’ll make them earn everything.”

Zach Randolph added 18 points and 16 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who also had 13 points each from Rudy Gay and Mike Conley.

“We’ve been down. We felt like we were supposed to be up in this series anyway,” Randolph said.

“Big players come through in big games when their backs are against the wall and that’s what we did.”

Blake Griffin, who played despite a left knee injury, led the Clippers with 17 points and added six assists

while Chris Paul, nursing a jammed finger and sore hip, added 11 points and a team-high seven assists. Each added five rebounds and three steals.

After the Clippers took their largest lead, Memphis scored the next 10 points over 98 seconds, a Gay 3-point play capping the spurt to pull the Grizzlies ahead 78-76 with 6:28 remaining.

Conley sank a 3-pointer to give Memphis an 83-80 edge and Randolph tipped-in a basket to stretch the Grizzlies’ advantage.

Griffin answered for the Clippers with two free throws with 3:11 to play but a Randolph dunk put Memphis back in front by five points at 87-82.

Paul sank a free throw for the Clippers with 56 seconds remaining but Tony Allen made two free throws in response for an 89-83 Memphis lead.

The Clippers closed the gap on Randy Foye’s 3-pointer with three seconds remaining but Conley took the inbounds pass and ran out the last seconds without being fouled to seal the victory. -AFP

KARACHI: Sri Lanka has dropped plans to host a limited overs series between Pakistan and Australia in August as it clashes with the island’s Premier League, Pakistani cricket officials said Saturday. “It’s disappointing,” Pakistan Cricket Board’s chief operating officer, Subhan Ahmed, told AFP. “Initially the SLC (Sri Lankan Cricket) offered to host the series and we stopped negotiating with others.” Since Sri Lanka told Pakistan of its decision Friday, Pakistan had started negotiations with other countries about hosting the series, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia, he said.

“We are looking for other venues to host Australia and hope to finalize it

Hamilton takes McLaren’s 150th pole for his home race, and one that has only once in 21 years been won by a driver starting off the front row, with Frenchman Romain Grosjean alongside for Lotus.

“I think it’s one of the best ones I’ve ever had,” Hamilton, runner-up last year, told reporters of his afternoon’s work.

“This has always been a great place for me.”

Maldonado, who had rocketed to the fastest time in the second session, was delighted to shake up the order at the front with Williams first front row start since Nico Hulkenberg’s surprise pole in Brazil in 2010.

“We have been working so hard trying to understand these tires and to develop our car around

Lewis Hamilton, from Great Britain, drives his McLaren Mercedes during the third practice session at the Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, May 12, 2012.

(AP)

these tyres, we did a very good step forward for this race,” he said.

Red Bull’s double world champion and series leader Sebastian Vettel qualified eighth without setting a lap time in the final session.

“Ultimately Sebastian didn’t have great onelap pace this afternoon, maybe it was the wind, but you have to look at it two ways,” said team principal Christian Horner.

“Going into the race with four new sets of tyres is an advantage. Mark has four sets of new tyres and Seb has used one more set effectively so F1 is a strategic game.”

Vettel’s Australian team mate Mark Webber’s saw his hopes of a third Spanish pole in a row disappear when he failed to make the cut for the final session and qualified 12th.

That was one place behind Hamilton’s British team mate and 2009 champion Jenson Button, who will also be able to change his car’s setup with tyres saved for the race.

“I don’t know where it went wrong. All day I’ve struggled with balance,” said Button, who had been fastest in Friday practice.

Kimi Raikkonen starts fifth for Lotus with Mexican Sergio Perez sixth for Sauber. Nico Rosberg qualified seventh for Mercedes, with team mate Michael Schumacher ninth. At the slow end of the pack, Indian Narain Karthikeyan had his fate left in the hands of race stewards after failing to qualify for HRT with the required lap time.

-Reuters

Vettel wraps up Spanish practice with top time BARCELONA: Red Bull’s Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel wrapped up practice for the Spanish Grand Prix in ominous form on Saturday with the fastest time of the final session. The 24-year-old German, winner at the Circuit de Catalunya last season, lapped in bright sunshine with a best time of one minute 23.168 after being second in both Friday stints.

Championship leader Vettel is chasing his second win in a row, after his victory in Bahrain last month, and his team’s third in succession in Barcelona.

Australian Mark Webber won the 2010 race, traditionally one of the most predictable on the calendar, from pole. In the past 21 years only one driver, Michael Schumacher from third place with Ferrari in 1996, has ever won at the circuit without being on the front row of the grid. Webber, on pole for the past two years, was fourth fastest behind second-placed Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado in a Williams and Sauber’s Japanese Kamui Kobayashi. Maldonado had looked like taking the honors until Vettel popped in a quick lap in the final seconds, pushing him off the top of the timing screens.

Ferrari’s Home favorite Fernando Alonso was sixth fastest, behind Mexican Sergio Perez in the Ferrari-powered Sauber, in an upgraded car he hopes will put him among the contenders in Sunday’s race. McLaren’s Jenson Button, fastest on Friday, and Lewis Hamilton were eighth and 16th respectively although the latter could have been quickest of all had he not been blocked on a late quick lap on soft tires.

Frenchman Romain Grosjean failed to set a lap due to a fuel pressure problem with his Lotus. Indian Narain Karthikeyan did finally get out of the garages in the HRT, however, and completed 24 laps - more than anyone else - after doing none on Friday. -Reuters

Zardari, who was on a private visit to New Delhi, urged Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to consider reviving cricket ties. Srinivasan, asked if this was the first step towards reviving relations with Pakistan, said: “Today, the decision is limited to the Champions League. I don’t want to say anything beyond it.”

Pakistani teams did not feature in the first three editions of the Champions League, an off-shoot of the hugely popular Indian Premier League (IPL), which began in 2009.

Pakistani players have also been left out of the IPL after taking part in the inaugural season in 2008. -AFP

S. Lanka drop plan to host Pak-Australia series

Formula one

BARCELONA: Lewis Hamilton grabbed McLaren’s 150th Formula Onepole on Saturday in a Spanish Grand Prix qualifying that left him well-placed to become the fifth different winner in five races.

Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado secured his first front row start with second place on the grid for former champions Williams.

Hamilton’s pole was his third of the year but celebrations were short-lived as his team told the Briton to stop the car immediately due to an unspecified problem.

“It’s a little bit of a worry,” said team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso secured third spot

FILE- Pakistani blind cricketer Muhammad Jamil (right) plays a shot as Indian blind wicketkeeper Prakash Jayaramaiah stands in position during the first international Twenty20 match between Pakistan and India blind cricket Teams in Lahore on Nov. 18, 2011. (AFP)

soon,” said Ahmed. Pakistan is due to play five one-day and three Twenty20 matches against Australia from mid-August, the dates of which are yet to be finalized.

Pakistan has been a “no go” zone for international teams since March 2009 terrorists attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which left eight people dead and wounded seven visiting players and their assistant coach.

Pakistan has since had to play its home games in neutral venues such as the UAE, England and New Zealand.

Even before the 2009 attack, foreign teams had refused to tour Pakistan in the wake of the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001 that sparked security concerns in and around the country.

Australia has not toured Pakistan since 1998 and forced their hosts to play in Sri Lanka, the UAE and England. Ahmed said that playing the upcoming series in Sri Lanka after its Premier League was not an option as the country would then be preparing to host the World Twenty20, from September 18 to October 8.

Despite the development, he refused to accept Pakistan was isolated in the cricket world: “I will not accept that Pakistan is isolated, because other countries were willing to host the series.” Bangladesh were also forced to postpone a planned tour last month after the Dhaka High court ruled Pakistan was “not safe” for the country’s players on a petition filed against the two-match series. -AFP

Tennis

Azarenka cruises past Radwanska into Madrid final

Victoria Azarenka of Belarus celebrates her victory over Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland during their women’s semi-final singles match at the Madrid Open tennis tournament May 12, 2012. (Reuters)

MADRID: Victoria Azarenka took a step closer to a fifth title of 2012 when she dispatched Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 6-4 to reach the final of the Madrid Open on Saturday. The Belarussian world number one, who has now beaten third-ranked Pole Radwanska six times in six meetings this year, battered 29 winners on the blue clay of the Manolo Santana show court, each accompanied by a trademark shriek of effort. The Australian Open champion will meet American former number one Serena Williams, currently ranked ninth, or Czech qualifier Lucie Hradecka in Sunday’s final as she seeks to improve on her runners-up finish to Petra Kvitova in

last year’s edition of the premier event in the Spanish capital. Azarenka has already netted more than four million US dollars in prize money this year and her only two defeats in 36 matches were to Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli in the last eight in Miami and Maria Sharapova of Russia in the Stuttgart final.

On a muggy morning in Madrid, only a handful of spectators had turned out to watch the match in the futuristic Caja Magica (Magic Box) arena, which started around 0900 GMT. Williams, who beat second-ranked Sharapova in the quarterfinals on Friday, plays Hradecka in the second match of the day. -Reuters

Groth fires down fastest recorded serve at 263 kph

Ferrari Formula One driver Fernando Alonso (L) of Spain talks to Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany during the news conference ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix at Montmelo race track near Barcelona May 10, 2012. (Reuters)

LONDON: Little known Australian player Sam Groth has fired down the fastest recorded serve in professional tennis, a 263kph rocket in a Challenger event in South Korea. The ATP Tour said on Saturday that Groth, ranked 340 in the world, produced the serve in a second-round match against Belarusian Uladzimir Ignatik in Busan. Groth’s effort beat the previous fastest-recorded serve of 251kph sent down by Croatian Ivo Karlovic in a Davis Cup tie against Germany in Zagreb in March, 2011. While the ATP does not officially recognize serving speed records because of the variance in radar guns it confirmed “the event was using approved equipment, and that other data gathered appeared within a normal range.”

Melbourne-based Groth, 24, lost the match 6-4 6-3. -Reuters

SUNDAY, may 13, 2012

Sports Editors Highlight

BERLIN: Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker is on course to anchor Germany’s back four at Euro 2012 after impressing during the first day of the Germans training camp in Sardinia on Saturday. The 27-year-old centre-back has not played for the Gunners since February following ankle surgery, but he is on target to be fit when Germany open their Euro 2012 campaign against Portugal on June 9 in Lviv, Ukraine. Mertesacker has made 79 appearances for his country and played a key role in the Germany teams which finished second at Euro 2008 and third at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Bierhoff also revealed Arsenal-bound striker Lukas Podolski is feeling the effects of Cologne’s relegation from the German league last Saturday. Germany have been drawn in Group B alongside the Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark. -AFP

SPORTS

Football

Burn-out threatens Spain’s bid for history

FILE - Spanish football head coach Vicente del Bosque (center) gives instructions to his players during a training session at the National Stadium in San Jose, Nov. 14, 2011. (AFP)

MADRID: Spain head to Euro 2012 looking to make history but their bid for a third consecutive major tournament triumph could be hit by fatigue, with top players feeling the effects of several years competing at the highest level. Spain were the big underachievers of the European game before their triumph at Euro 2008 but having since gone on to win the 2010 World Cup they will be the team to beat in Poland and Ukraine.

No team has ever retained the Henri Delaunay trophy or won three major tournaments on the bounce, even if West Germany came close, losing the 1976 European Championship to Czechoslovakia after previously winning the 1972 Euros and the 1974 World Cup. There are plenty of reasons why Vicente Del Bosque’s side can hope to go all the way this year, though, especially as their leading players know each other inside out and are not lacking in experience. They also cruised through qualifying, winning all eight games and scoring 26 goals in the process.

“The entire team knows that as the reigning European champions the heavy weight of responsibility lies on our shoulders,” Del Bosque said recently. “But everyone in the team wants to defend our current position in world football even if this task looks tricky. We can be proud of what we have achieved but it belongs in the past and now we need to focus on the future.”

However, Del Bosque must solve some major prob-

lems if La Roja are to really compete with the youthful exuberance of Germany and the class of the Netherlands, among others. Chief among those is the fatigue, both physical and mental, which has accumulated over the years of success.

Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez is the man that makes the team tick but he has played an average of almost 70 games a season in the last four years and is being gradually worn down by tendon problems. And Xavi is far from the only one to have clocked up the kilometers in recent years with little or no rest. Furthermore, many of Del Bosque’s squad will come from Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, the two clubs who meet in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 25, just 16 days before La Roja’s opening game against Italy. That means Del Bosque will be the last coach to have his whole group of players at his disposal ahead of the tournament. To compound matters, he has also had to deal with the loss of key players to injury.

With Fernando Torres still grasping for a semblance of form, Roberto Soldado and Fernando Llorente could be key in attack, while Sergio Ramos is likely to assume Puyol’s role in the heart of the defense. Despite everything, Xavi hopes the momentum built up in recent years can work to Spain’s advantage as they prepare to do battle in Group C against Italy, the Republic of Ireland and Croatia. -AFP

Gattuso dreams of Rangers return

Bayern out to down Dortmund as Chelsea loom MUNICH: Bayern Munich are out to break their losing streak to German champions Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s domestic cup final as their Champions League showdown with Chelsea looms. Dortmund have beaten Bayern both home and away for the last two seasons on their way to claiming back-toback league titles and Borussia are bidding to win the league and cup double for the first time in their 103-year history.

The last of Dortmund’s two previous German cups wins was back in 1989, while Bayern come to Berlin’s Olympic Stadium chasing their 16th cup title.

The Bavarians host the Champions League final against Chelsea at their own Allianz Arena stadium on Saturday May 19 and while they could be forgiven for being distracted, goalkeeper Manuel Neuer insists all eyes are on Berlin Neuer played a key role in the cup semi-final victory at Gladbach in March with a crucial save in the penalty shootout and is determined to hoist the golden trophy again having captained Schalke to their 2011 cup victory.

Lifting the German cup would also be a perfect foundation for the Champions League final the week after, says Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“We’ve had a good season as a team, but it’ll only be a superb season if we win trophies,” said Neuer. “The result in the cup final will definitely influence the mood, that much is clear, so we’ll do everything we can to win the cup.” Bayern last beat Dortmund in February 2010 and the Bavarian giants are not used to losing regularly to a rival from within Germany.

“When you lose four times, there is a certain anger,” said Germany midfielder Thomas Mueller. “We want to show them

FILE - Arjen Robben (left) of Bayern Munich challenges Marcel Schmelzer of Borussia Dortmund during their German first division Bundesliga soccer match in Munich, Nov. 19, 2011. (AFP)

that this isn’t how it’s going to be for the next five years.”

Mueller is not the only Bayern star itching to break the losing streak.

Unbeaten in their last 22 games in all competitions since losing to Marseille in the Champions League last December, Dortmund have yet to lose in 2012.

“It’s one of the biggest matches in Germany of recent years. We’re totally looking forward to it,” said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp. Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller has said the

End of an era at AC Milan as veterans move on MILAN Filippo Inzaghi, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Nesta will end their AC Milan careers against Novara on Sunday as the end of an era is all but completed at the San Siro. After those three are gone, only Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini will remain from the last great Milan side that lifted the Champions League in 2007.

Inzaghi is particularly loved because he scored a brace in that final in Athens as Milan defeated Liverpool 2-1 to avenge their penalty shoot-out final defeat by the same opponents two years before.

Already, there was a feeling that the side were coming to the end of their powers but certain figures held on.

That is no longer the case, though,

with Inzaghi, 38, set for retirement, Nesta, 36, heading probably to the United States, and Gattuso, 34, facing an uncertain future.

Club captain Ambrosini, 34, is staying on for another year but the fate of 36year-old Seedorf has yet to be confirmed.

It is the departure of iconic figure Inzaghi that will truly drill home the reality that Milan have moved on from that era.

They won the Champions League in 2003 and 2007, while reaching the final in 2005, as well as winning the league title in 2004.

It was one of the great Milan teams but all good things must come to an end.

Already the likes of defenders Cafu and Paolo Maldini, as well as coach Carlo An-

ROME: Gennaro Gattuso says playing one final season at former club Rangers would be the ideal way to cap a career spent primarily with AC Milan. The combative midfielder will bring down the curtain on his 13-year relationship with Milan during Sunday’s San Siro clash with Novara.

And despite his many achievements with the rossoneri, the 34-year-old still holds a candle for the Scottish giants, who are currently fighting for their survival after entering administration. Key to any move back to Ibrox could be his wife Monica Romano, a Scot of Italian descent. “I have to speak with my wife, she’s the one who decides, but if I have a say my dream is to return to Rangers,” said Gattuso. “But the club are in a deep crisis, they’re in controlled administration. I went there when I was unknown and they improved me. I’d like to go back there for a year.”

Gattuso started his career at Perugia in 1995 before moving to Rangers for a year in 1997. He was very popular with the Rangers faithful and his game seemed ideally suited to the rough and tumble of British football, but after just one season and the arrival of Dutchman Dick Advocaat he was sold to Salernitana. After one year at the newly-promoted Serie A side he caught

Milan’s eye and went on to play a part in one of the club’s most successful eras, winning two Champions Leagues and two league titles.

Gattuso has made only five appearances this season, in large part due to a debilitating eye problem he developed. Although it has largely cleared up, even since his return he has been unable to earn a starting berth in the team. And it is that more than anything that has convinced him the time has come to move on.

Gattuso’s departure comes at a time when Alessandro Nesta and Filippo Inzaghi have also announced the end of their Milan careers. Clarence Seedorf and another veteran Gianluca Zambrotta are also expected to leave, meaning only club captain Massimo Ambrossini will remain from the group of players who reached three Champions League finals between 2003 and 2007. “A cycle has come to its end, just like those of the Dutchmen (Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard) or (Paolo) Maldini and (Alessandro) Costacurta. Our time has come now but I hope the tradition continues, that they won’t lose the respect there is in the dressing room. It’s not easy but you have to make tough decisions in life and I think I’ve made the right one. -AFP

celotti, had gone, while Andrea Pirlo left last summer.

Pirlo had spent 10 years at Milan, the same number as Nesta. Inzaghi has spent one more, while Gattuso has been there for 13 years. There will be a party atmosphere at San Siro on Sunday as Inzaghi will also be making his 300th appearance for the club.

He will perhaps receive the greatest adulation because it was his goals and his furious commitment to the cause that drew him into the fans’ hearts.

But once it is over, the reality of trying to find players to fill the gaps being left will continue as Milan look to recapture the league title they have just lost to Juventus. -AFP

Pato returns for Brazil with eye on Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO: Striker Alexandre Pato was recalled to Brazil’s squad on Friday for friendlies in May and June but there was no place for his former AC Milan team mate Ronaldinho.

Brazil meet Denmark and United States in May and Mexico and arch-rivals Argentina in June with an eye on the Olympic Games soccer tournament in July and August.

Pato was named in coach Mano Menezes’s 23-man squad on Friday which is made up largely of under-23 players as Brazil look to try and win the Olympic gold medal for the first time and complete their collection of top trophies.

Also included were Santos duo Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso who were in scintillating form when the South American champions crushed Bolivar of Bolivia 8-0 on Thursday night to book a place in the Libertadores Cup quarter-finals.

Pato, who has been missing for Brazil since the middle

FILE - AC Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso (right) challenges Paris SaintGermain’s forward Neeskens Kebano during the Challenge Cup football match between PSG and AC Milan, Jan. 4, 2012.

(AFP)

showdown is too close to call.

“It’s a clash between evenly-matched sides, both teams have already achieved great things,” he said. “Bayern have the Champions League final against Chelsea and we’ve won the league, so it’s already a successful season for both clubs.”

Both teams will be at full strength for the showcase final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, although Bayern vice-captain and Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger has admitted he is still carrying an ankle injury. -AFP

of last year after suffering injuries playing for Milan, is being given the chance to prove he is fit for the London Games.

Menezes held a joint news conference with Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin who had controversially said he wanted to see the squad list before it was announced.

Brazil face Denmark in Hamburg on May 26, the US in Washington on May 30, Mexico in Dallas on June 3 and Argentina in New Jersey on June 9.

Players in the squad who are over 23 are goalkeeper Jefferson and defenders Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Marcelo and Daniel Alves. Menezes said he would take the permitted three over-age players to the Games.

Former FIFA World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, who played at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for Brazil, was expected to be among the over-age players again for London but his form for Flamengo this year has been patchy. -Reuters

Bet scandal bodes well for Italy’s Euro chances ROME: For most teams a domestic match-fixing scandal in the run-up to a major tournament would be seen as a damaging diversion. But for Italy it could be a lucky omen. Six years ago Italy headed to Germany for the World Cup with their domestic game in turmoil.

The infamous “Calciopoli” matchfixing scandal had just broken at the end of the season and involved some of the country’s biggest teams.

Juventus,AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina were caught up in the affair, meaning many of Italy’s World Cup squad would be directly affected by the issue.

Despite that, the team won through to the final and clinched the title after a penalty shoot-out against France. Italy’s previous World Cup win, in Spain in 1982, also came on the back of a match-fixing scandal that saw star striker Paolo Rossi banned but able to return in time to score six goals, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the process.

None of the players likely to be part of Cesare Prandelli’s squad in Poland and Ukraine are affected by the current allegations.

Issues of national embarrassment aside, Italy’s problems with corruption in football appear to have a unifying effect on the team. That would be no bad thing with the current batch of players widely regarded as lacking in genuine world class talent.

Great stars of the past such as Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta are no longer part of the set-up.

Currently, Italy’s two greatest talents, Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, are unpredictable firebrands who on their day have the ability to turn matches.

Prandelli knows it is a risk to take either player but given his very average options, he cannot afford not to bring them, as Italy hunt a second European crown.

Italy can at least rely on one of the

best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Buffon and in front of him Prandelli will likely choose two from three Juventus centre-backs, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

Juve had the best defense in Serie A this season and unlike the World Cup two years ago when they also provided the core of the Italy backline, this time they come into the tournament with confidence having won the league.

Before the tournament in South Africa two years ago, the Juve defense had just conceded a club record number of goals in a season and finished a disappointing seventh. In midfield Juve will also provide the two crucial elements, most notably a rejuvenated Andrea Pirlo who has been by far the standout performer in Italy this season. Claudio Marchisio, alongside him, has come of age and his intelligent infiltrations beyond the defense are a feature exploited well by both Juve and Italy.

-AFP