May 30, 2012

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Issue No. 1450

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MP Al-Saifi files motion to question Al-Rujaib

Mohammed Al-Salman, Mohammed Al-Khaldi, Osama Al-Qatari and Ahmed Al-Shemmari Staff Writers

KUWAIT: MP Al-Saifi Al-Saifi on Tuesday filed a motion to question the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Ahmad Al-Rujaib, ahead of the schedule he previously announced.

Members of the Majority Bloc greeted the move with mixed reactions, with some voicing support for the interpellation, while others opposed it.

Parliamentary sources indicated that there is a “secret” behind the early interpellation which will be revealed at a later stage. The sources predicted a possible Cabinet resignation or a reshuffle that might include Minister Al-Rujaib.

This, according to the sources, implies that the said interpellation motion is pointless. It has been

gathered that Al-Saifi is concerned that MP Riadh Al-Adsani may precede him in filing an interpellation against the same minister amid the Majority Bloc’s rejection of the idea of merging the two interpellations on the grounds that Al-Adsani is not a member of the Majority Bloc, hence it is not committed to his interpellation.

Immediately after Al-Saifi filed his interpellation, members of the Majority Bloc distanced themselves from the move, denying that there was an agreement on the interpellation. These MPs also insisted that the timing of filing the motion is inconvenient, having come on the heels of the former finance minister’s interpellation and barely 24 hours after the acceptance of his resignation by the Cabinet.

An MP within the majority commented on the motion, saying that proceeding with it gives credit to accusations against the majority that are now impeding development and that their

Gambia Ambassador hails cordial ties with Kuwait

Basidia Drammeh Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Gambian Ambassador to Kuwait Omar Gibril Sallah on Monday presented his letters of credence to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

In an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily, the ambassador expressed honor to have an audience with His Highness the Amir, during which he was privileged to present his letters of credence by which His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia Yahya Jammeh accredited him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Kuwait.

Ambssador Sallah pointed out that “Kuwait and Gambia have long enjoyed very good fraternal relations since we attained independence in 1965,” adding that it took Gambia only five years to establish diplomatic ties with Kuwait in 1970. He added, “Ambassadors were accredited to our respective countries in 1973, and since then Kuwait has been one of the countries in the Gulf that has supported our development projects both bilaterally and through the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development.”

The ambassador further remarked that Gambia had cooperation with Kuwait on technical assistance with regard to the provision of scholarships to some of the students. “Our students have enjoyed the hospitality and benevolence of the Kuwaiti authorities for some decades now.

“Despite its size and meager resources, The Gambia lent support to Kuwait both bilaterally and in international arena following the Iraqi in 1990, during which Gambia made its voice heard at the United Nations and other international arenas and froze its relations with Iraq for infringing the legitimacy of a More on 2 sovereign state,” the Gambian diplomat said.

ultimate objective is to settle scores with certain ministers, hence forcing them to resign to the detriment of the country’s interests.

The MP called on the sage within the majority to persuade Al-Saifi to withdraw his interpellation or discourage him from going beyond the discussion of the interpellation, where there will not be a no-confidence motion. The lawmaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, warned that a no-confidence motion has the potential to cause irreparable cracks within the ranks of the Majority Bloc.

“If we agree to this interpellation, then what would be our stance if another motion is filed amid reports that there is a likelihood of another interpellation against the interior minister? Are we going to spend all the Parliament’s time on interpellations, while we are yet to approve the overdue budget?” the lawmaker questioned.

Attack on candidate’s HQ as vote polarizes Egypt

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Police to take over Baghdad security BAGHDAD: Iraqi police will take over responsibility for security in Baghdad from the army from July, a statement said on Tuesday, a move that has been delayed several times over concerns over their capabilities.

“The security committee of Baghdad provincial council announced that the security file in the capital will be handed over completely to interior ministry forces in July,” a statement on the interior ministry’s website said.

Committee head Abdelkarim Al-Zirab said in the statement that army forces will be redeployed “outside the city in locations close to the entrances to secure Baghdad’s surrounding areas.”

Both army and police forces are deployed at checkpoints and other positions to provide security in the Iraqi capital, but soldiers currently provide the main defense for the heavily fortified Green Zone, where the Iraqi government is headquartered.

It was unclear if all soldiers would depart, or if some would remain deployed in the capital.

Iraqi authorities have planned a handover of security responsibility to the police several times, most recently mooting an end-2011 deadline, but the plans have been repeatedly delayed because of concerns the police are not yet capable of handling urban security on their own.

Since the US-led invasion of 2003, the new Iraqi security forces, especially the army, have been focused on quelling rampant internal violence, leaving gaps in its ability to face external threats. But with violence having fallen sharply from its peak in 2006 and 2007, Iraq is spending billions to train and equip its military with an eye toward a more traditional external defense role. -AFP

Philippine top judge ousted in victory for President Aquino

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West expels Syrian envoys over massacre

Protesters hold up an Egyptian flag during a protest against the results of the first round of presidential elections at Tahrir Square in Cairo May 29, 2012. (Reuters) More on 4

Cabinet’s initiative on fundraising for Syria extolled

Second big quake hits northern Italy, 15 dead

MILAN: An earthquake struck northern Italy on Tuesday, killing at least 15 people, damaging buildings and spreading panic among thousands of residents still living in tents after a tremor shook the region just over a week ago, destroying their homes. Officials and a source from the Italian Red Cross said several people were trapped under the rubble of houses and warehouses in the EmiliaRomagna region. Police said 15 people were confirmed dead but the toll was likely to rise.

The 5.8-magnitude quake struck near Mod-

Sudan, South Sudan start first talks since conflict

KHARTOUM: Top negotiators for Sudan and South Sudan met Tuesday for their first talks since deadly border fighting last month took them to the brink of war, even as Juba accused Khartoum of fresh air strikes. Teams from both sides are in the Ethiopian capital to restart the African Union-led talks which were stalled by heavy clashes last month, the worst fighting since the South won independence last July.

Khartoum stressed its “commitment to reach a negotiated settlement to all issues of differences” and promised “its full adherence to peace and stability between the two countries,” it said in a statement released as talks began.

Sudan added it hoped the talks would mark a “new chapter” in relations “away from conflict and warring.”

Southern President Salva Kiir said ahead of the talks that “amicable dialogue

on the outstanding issues with Khartoum is the only option for peace.”

The UN Security Council earlier this month ordered both sides to cease fighting and return to talks or face possible sanctions.

Idriss Mohammed Abdel Qadir from Khartoum and Pagan Amum from Juba began the talks - mediated by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, and also attended by the US special envoy on Sudan, Princeton Lyman.

However, Amum said Sudanese war planes bombed border areas in three Southern states - Unity, Western and Northern Bahr el Ghazal - for the fourth straight day.

“Today as we speak they bombed us,” Amum told reporters hours before the talks started. However, he had earlier said he was optimistic the meeting would produce results. -AFP

3,000 ‘witches’ lynched in Tanzania in six years

The Fontaine des Innocents has been covered with red fabric on May 29, 2012 in Paris, to support the Syrian people, at the call of the SouriaHouria (Syria Freedom) association with the support of the Paris City Hall and Amnesty International France. (AFP)

CAPITALS: Major Western powers said Tuesday they would expel Syria’s diplomatic envoys in protest at the weekend massacre in the town of Houla, in which more than 100 people were killed. Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as Canada and Australia announced decisions to expel ambassadors or top envoys, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the United States would do the same.

The coordinated move followed mounting international outrage over the massacre in the central town of Houla, in which at least 108 people, including 49 children, were killed.

Hague said the expulsion of the top Syrian diplomat in London, charge d’affaires Ghassan Dalla, and two other envoys would send a “stark message” that time was running out for Syrian

President Bashar Al-Assad. The move was part of the increased pressure by the international community on senior figures in the regime to “get the message across to them that they have to choose, that time will run out for Assad,” Hague said.

“As part of that pressure today we have again called the Syrian charge d’affaires in London here to the Foreign Office.

He has been given seven days to leave the country,” Hague said. “Our allies and partners around the world will be taking similar action and announcing it today - including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States, Canada and Australia.” Syria had already withdrawn its ambassador from London.

Canada said it was expelling every Syrian More on 4 diplomat in the capital.

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CAPITALS: Some 3,000 people suspected of witchcraft, mainly old women, were lynched in Tanzania from 2005 to 2011, a leading local rights group said Tuesday.

“Between 2005 and 2011 around 3,000 people were lynched by frightened neighbors who thought they were witches,” the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) said in a report.

“On average 500 people... particularly old women with red eyes, are killed every year in Tanzania because they are suspected of being witches,” the report said.

The provinces hardest hit are Mwanza and Shinyanga in the north of the country, LHRC said.

“In Shinyanga province for example 242 people were killed because of local beliefs in witchcraft between January 2010 and January 2011 alone,” it said.

The rights group explained that red eyes are feared as a sign of witchcraft, even if they in fact often result from the use of cow dung as cooking fuel in impoverished communities.

The centre said that many local people believe that witchcraft is behind every misfortune from infertility and poverty to failure in business, famine and earthquakes. -AFP

ena and was felt across much of northern and central Italy.

“The situation is very serious, some people are stuck under the rubble,” Alberto Silvestri, the mayor of San Felice sul Panaro, one of the towns near the epicenter, told SkyTG24. Prime Minister Mario Monti said: “I want to assure everyone that the state will do all that it must do, all that is possible to do, as fast as it can to guarantee the return to normality in a region so special, so important, More on 5 so productive for Italy.”

Migrant workers go on rampage in China after death

BEIJING: About 1,000 migrant workers went on the rampage in a city in eastern China on Tuesday, smashing up cars and protesting in front of a government building after a worker was apparently killed by his employer, state media said. The protest began in the morning in Ruian, near Wenzhou in the wealthy province of Zhejiang, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

“Around 1,000 migrant workers rushed the government office building, turning over an iron fence gate, and damaging over a dozen cars with stones and bricks,” Xinhua’s English language report said. “Local government sources said the protest was sparked by the death of 19year-old migrant worker Yang Zhi, allegedly killed by his employer Xu Qiyin during a dispute over salary,” it said.

The protest ended just before midday after the family of the dead man was given 300,000 yuan (47,300 US dollars) in compensation, Xinhua said.

Police have detained Xu, and ordered him to pay the compensation, the report said. It provided no further details, and Reuters was unable to reach the government for comment. -Reuters

Tool-wielding robots crawl in bodies for surgery PITTSBURGH: Imagine a tiny snake robot crawling through your body, helping a surgeon identify diseases and perform operations.

It’s not science fiction. Scientists and doctors are using the creeping metallic tools to perform surgery on hearts, prostate cancer, and other diseased organs.

The snakebots carry tiny cameras, scissors and forceps, and even more advanced sensors are in the works.

For now, they’re powered by tethers that humans control. But experts say the day is coming when some robots will roam the body on their own.

“It won’t be very long before we have robots that are nanobots, meaning they will actually be inside the body without tethers,” said Dr. Michael Argenziano, the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center in New York. Argenziano was involved with some of the first US Food and Drug Administration clinical trials on robotic heart surgery more than 10 years ago.

Now he says snake robots have become a commonly used tool that gives surgeons a More on 15 whole new perspective.

FILE - Professor Howie Choset stands behind a robot demonstrating how it climbs up a tubular armature, on April 18, 2012. (AP)

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ALWATAN DAILY

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

Dramatic drop in plant cover across Kuwait since oil discovery: Researcher KUWAIT: Compared to plant cover across some 90 percent of Kuwaiti territory before the discovery of oil, the percentage fell dramatically to a current 30 percent, Kuwait Environment Protection Society researcher Abdelmihsin Al-Srayye said in a seminar, Monday night.

The researcher was speaking in a scientific seminar organized by the Kuwaiti Center for Studies on Bees at Kuwait Science Club. He said excessive grazing, military maneuvers, haphazard camping, tree cutting, scarcity of rain, and the spread of fine sand are all factors behind this aspect of environmental deterioration in Kuwait.

He noted that many Kuwaiti areas are named after plants such as Eraifjan, Skhaibri, Talha, and Sdairat Al-Khalid, in an indication of a healthy plant cover in

the past. The latest data by Kuwait University on flora documented in Kuwait indicates presence of 375-400 types of plant, he also remarked.

On the sidelines of the seminar, the researcher presented a footage-supplemented presentation on the Kuwaiti environment, which included information on its climate, plants, and geographic distribution of specific plant species across the country.

He also gave a presentation on some 50 wild plants and discussed some proposals to check deterioration of and restore plant cover across Kuwait. The proposals included “bans and restraints to organize camping”, “media campaigns to increase awareness on the issue”, “limiting time allowed for camping”, and “allowing the public access to nature reserves in the company of specialist tour guides.” -KUNA

Second insurance forum kicks off KUWAIT: The Second Kuwait International Insurance Forum kicked off here on Tuesday under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and with the attendance of Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh.

Many insurance companies are participation in the two-day event, organized by Promeida International.

The event aims at providing insights and strategies to help local and regional insurance companies succeed in today’s business marketplace.

The forum provides an excellent platform for insurance and risk management professionals to share and exchange ideas, gain insights from successful models,

Lawmakers meet House Speaker in Turkmenistan

and develop creative solutions for challenges and new risks. The first session of the forum tackled the role of insurance in saving lives and assets. General Director at Kuwait Fire Service Directorate Lieutenant Jassim Al-Mansouri spoke at the session and highlighted the duties of the prevention sector at the fire directorate.

He noted that the fire directorate set up new departments concerned with monitoring fire prevention regulations at the various commercial, investment and industrial facilities.

Tying the fire prevention regulations with the insurance certificate should play vital role in saving not only lives but also assets, Lieutenant Al-Mansouri pointed out. -KUNA

Foreign minister receives call from Turkish counterpart on Syria

ASHGABAT: Welcoming a delegation of visiting Kuwaiti lawmakers on Tuesday, House Speaker of the Republic of Turkmenistan affirmed the exemplary ties between Kuwait and the Central Asian nation.

The Speaker hoped for more extensive relations in economic, social, and cultural sectors, noting that the delegation’s visit is the first of its kind for Kuwaiti lawmakers since Turkmenistan broke away from the former Soviet Union.

One of the lawmakers in the delegation, namely Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, extended an official invitation to the Speaker to visit Kuwait.

The lawmakers later met with the First Deputy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Turkmenistan, with whom they held talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

The two sides concurred on boosting investments and the role of the chambers of commerce in both countries. -KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah has received a telephone contact from Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu related to regional and international issues.

The Turkish official, in the telephone contact with the minister, addressed other issues, namely latest conditions in Syria and the extraordinary Arab ministerial meeting, due in Doha, Qatar, on June 2 - under Kuwait’s chairmanship. -KUNA

MP Al-Saifi files motion to question Al-Rujaib

Gambia Ambassador hails cordial ties with Kuwait Basidia Drammeh Staff Writer

KUWAIT: The Gambian Ambassador to Kuwait Omar Gibril Sallah on Monday presented his letters of credence to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah.

In an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily, the ambassador expressed honor to have an audience with His Highness the Amir, during which he was privileged to present his letters of credence by which His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia Yahya Jammeh accredited him as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the State of Kuwait.

Ambssador Sallah pointed out that “Kuwait and Gambia have long enjoyed very good fraternal relations since we attained independence in 1965,” adding that it took Gambia only five years to establish diplomatic ties with Kuwait in 1970. He added, “Ambassadors were accredited to our respective countries in 1973, and since then Kuwait has been one of the countries in the Gulf that has supported our development projects both bilaterally and through the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development.”

The ambassador further remarked that Gambia had cooperation with Kuwait on technical assistance with regard to the provision of scholarships to some of the students. “Our students have enjoyed the hospitality and benevolence of the Kuwaiti authorities for some decades now. “Despite its size and meager resources, The Gambia lent support to Kuwait both bilaterally and in international arena following the Iraqi in 1990, during which Gambia made its voice heard at the United Nations and other international arenas and froze its relations with Iraq for infringing the legitimacy of a sovereign state,” the Gambian diplomat said.

The ambassador recalled that following the Kuwait liberation, a Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation led by the speaker visited Gambia and that he was privileged to receive the delegation in his capacity then as the Vice President’s Permanent Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs. “All these, he stressed, have bolstered the relations between our two countries,” Sallah stressed.

The ambassador further indicated that His Highness the Amir affirmed his

The Gambian Ambassador to Kuwait Omar Gibril Sallah during an exclusive interview with Al Watan Daily. (Al Watan Daily)

appreciation for Gambia ever since he was serving as foreign minister, and that the Amir extended, through him, an invitation to the Gambian leader to visit Kuwait.

“We hope that the visit materializes to further strengthen the cordial bilateral relations,” the ambassador elaborated, noting that efforts are been made to negotiate the signing of a bilateral framework agreement on cooperation in the economic, educational, trade, cultural and agricultural and other related sectors.

“Hopefully, when this agreement is signed, it will be a fundamental pillar through which we can accelerate further development,” he explained.

The ambassador went on to express acknowledgement and gratitude to the government of Kuwait for the support it has been rendering to Gambia through the Kuwait Fund, and voiced optimism that the trend would continue.

He also noted that Gambia will continue to coordinate policy positions with Kuwait, to ensure peace, understanding and solidarity within the Muslim world, particularly since both countries are

members of the Islamic Organization Conference (OIC).

On the area of trade, the ambassador pointed out that he is making efforts to bring the two Chambers of Commerce together in order to explore areas of cooperation between the two countries. He added that the Gambia will soon become a petroleum producing country, and expressed hope that it will get technical assistance from Kuwait with longstanding experience in the field.

Ambassador Sallah further noted that Gambia places emphasis on cooperation with its friends in the Arab world, and that his country is looking forward to the Afro-Arab meeting to be held in Kuwait shortly in order to revitalize this organization.

“In view of the excellent friendly relations under the able and wise leaderships of His Highness the Amir and His Excellency the President of the Republic of the Gambia, our president has expressed strong desire to open an embassy here in the foreseeable future to further cement the existing cordial ties,” the ambassador concluded.

Iran says verdict for alleged Iranian spies unacceptable KUWAIT: Iran’s Foreign Ministry said life sentences issued by a court in Kuwait for Iranian nationals accused of spying are “baseless” and unacceptable.

“Baseless claims, which are surprising, have been made again,” ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said Tuesday in the Iranian capital, Tehran, according to the state-run Mehr news agency. “Such verdicts are in no way acceptable.”

Two Iranian men were sentenced yesterday to life in jail by an appeals court in Kuwait on charges of spying for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Kuwait hasn’t given the Iranian consulate access to the accused, said Mehmanparast, who did not identify them.

The Iranian official said he hoped Kuwaiti officials will reconsider the verdict and release the men.

The Court of Appeal here Monday sentenced four defendants to life imprisonment for collaborating with the Islamic Republic of Iran and acquitted three others. The Public Prosecution charged the accused of seven charges, which include spying for a foreign country and aiding the intelligence body of a foreign country,

as well as accepting financial benefits in exchange for information they provide, in addition to photographing Kuwaiti military sites.

A first instance court had previously sentenced three of the accused to capital punishment, two others to life-imprisonment and acquitted two defendants.

Monday’s ruling abolishes the death sentence for the accused.

The Court of Appeal also acquitted the fourth defendant and upheld a ruling to acquit the sixth and seventh defendants on the same case. -Agencies

Kuwait offers aid to Indonesia’s homeless children

MP Al-Saifi Mubarak Al-Saifi (right) formally submitting motion of interpellation against Minister on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.

(KUNA) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Meanwhile, the National Assembly Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun formally informed Minister Al-Rujaib of the interpellation, which the Parliament will not be able to discuss in its upcoming session, in line with the Internal Charter which stipulates that eight days should pass before an interpellation is discussed.

The interpellation motion included accusations against the minister stating he has shown contempt for the National Assembly, while the second item of the interpellation contains claims that Al-Rujaib has violated the law and failed to properly supervise the sectors under his purview. The third item in the motion cites perceived flaws in the cooperative sector, in terms of price and service disparities from one area to another.

There have been press reports that the minister intends to resign in the event that he discovers uncertainty in the government’s position and its lack of support, in view of the Cabinet’s passive stance toward the former finance minister, who resigned last week.

A parliamentary source revealed that the interpellation will enjoy backing from tribal MPs only, adding that both the Islamic Constitutional Movement and the Salafi Alliance have declared that they are against this interpellation.

The source added that the Majority Bloc will meet over the two coming days during which the members are expected to issue a statement, affirming each MP’s right to express their opinion on any interpellation, which is not submitted in the name of the bloc.

In other reactions, MP Mohammad Al-Dallal of the Majority Bloc denied that the bloc will back the said interpellation and that the timing will immensely reshuffle cards in the political arena.

On the other hand, MP Riadh Al-Adsani asserted that interpellation is a constitutionally reserved right for each and every MP, adding that he respects any motion filed to question ministers. The lawmaker reiterated that his planned interpellation against the minister remains valid, but stressed that he is not in any haste to file it.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kuwait’s ambassador to Indonesia Nasser Bareh Al-Enezi has discussed means of bolstering bilateral ties with Indonesia Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Salim Segaf Al-Jufrie.

He told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) in a phone call, on Tuesday, that the meeting tackled means of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two nations in various fields to best serve the interest of their peoples.

The diplomat offered financial support from Kuwait to the country’s Street ChildrenFree Jakarta 2011 program.

The Kuwaiti government and people are always ready to offer aid to people in need at all times, he affirmed.

Al-Jufrie hailed this support, and highlighted the Kuwaiti pioneering role in the humanitarian works field in various parts of the world.

He expressed hope to visit Kuwait and exchange views with local officials at the Ministry of Social Affairs to benefit from their experiences.

The ambassador conveyed greetings of Kuwaiti Social Affairs and Labor Minister Ahmad Al-Rujeib to Al-Jufrie, wishing the Indonesian people further progress and prosperity.

Street Children-Free Jakarta 2011 program, a pilot project that aims to see whether a Indonesian rupiah 1.5 million (180) annual allowance per child can be effective in reducing the number of kids on the streets begging or busking instead of studying. And so far, it has proven successful. -KUNA

Kuwait’s ambassador to Indonesia Nasser Bareh Al-Enezi (left) with Indonesia Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Salim Segaf Al-Jufrie (right) on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. (KUNA)

ALWATAN DAILY

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wednesdAY, may 30, 2012

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Cabinet’s initiative on fundraising for Syria extolled KUWAIT: President of the International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq expressed here on Tuesday his deep thanks and appreciation to the Cabinet for its initiative to call on donors to donate for the Syrian people under the umbrella of the IICO. Al-Maatouq told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the IICO has launched a campaign dubbed (Syrian people appeal for help) coinciding with the escalation of the bloody and horrific massacres that took place there recently, and managed during the last period to send aid to several neighboring countries of Syria.

He added that the campaign included nutritional, educational, physical, psychological and health programs that benefited thousands of displaced families, noting that with the continued deterioration of the humanitarian situation, there is still an urgent need for more emergency aid.

He welcomed the good initiatives that reflect the feelings of the Kuwaiti people towards their Syrian counterparts, stressing that the IICO’s doors are open in all governorates to receive the donations. He called on charitable organizations in the world to intensify their efforts “in order to aid the afflicted Syrian people.

Meanwhile, despite warnings made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor regarding donations made to Syrian people at diwaniyas, groups of citizens made donations after a campaign that was launched by lawmakers to collect money for Syrian people. The campaign gained momentum through social network sites, where money was donated to finance the Syrian resistance. Tribes and other MPs called for similar campaigns in all governorates in Kuwait.

Campaign officials said that the total amount of money donated to this campaign has reached over two million Kuwaiti dinars, noting that the figures people have been mentioning on social networking sites are incorrect since the donation boxes will not be opened before Wednesday. After the boxes are opened, the donations will be collected and sent to the Syrian resistance and civilians.

Campaign official Naji Al-Kateeb said that Mutair tribe has always been keen to assist people in need, and asserted that the donations that are being made have not been authorized by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Ghanem Talaa said that the campaign was launched on May 24 and will end on Wednesday. He added that this is the first campaign organized by Mutair tribe to help the Syrians who are being savagely killed by the army. He went on to say that Kuwaitis have been known to help people in distress; especially Muslims who are being killed. He noted that a female student donated her scholarship expenses, while another girl donated her dowry, not to mention others who donated medicine and food.

Meanwhile, Al-Rashidi tribe launched its campaign that is spearheaded by MP Osama Al-Menawer two days ago at Al-Menawer’s diwaniya. He criticized the Syrian regime for brutally killing and torturing unarmed men, women, and children. He said that the donation campaign began on Sunday and ends on Tuesday. He went on to say that the donations will fund the Syrian armed resistance in its war against the Baathist regime. He condemned the massacring of children that has occurred recently, and called for the Islamic nation to rise and defend Muslims in Syria.

Citizens are seen making donations at Al-Harbash diwaniya on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Al Watan)

Kuwait grants $2 million to Comoros KUWAIT: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has signed an accord with the Comoros to grant it two million US dollars for funding very small projects in agricultural sector.

KFAED, in a statement on Tuesday, said the agreement was in line with the initiative of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of establishing a special fund for aiding Muslim nations for

securing food.

The Amir declared the initiative during the international Islamic conference, held in Kuwait, between April 29 and May 2, 2009. The agreement was recently signed

by KFAED General Director Abdul Wahab Al-Bader and officials of the Comoros in the country’s capital, Moroni.

This is the fourth government grant for the Comoros since 1981. The first grant,

KD 15 million, was allocated for hospitals and Islamic institutions, the second, KD 500,000, for ports renovation, and the third, euro 1.5 million (about KD 350,000), for construction of a multi-purpose complex.

KFAED has also offered the Comoros technical aid, worth KD 732,000 and $32 million worth of funding for transport and communication sector. -KUNA

Global Finance Hall discuss reasons for absence of women in politics

Speakers are seen during the Global Finance Hall event held on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Al Watan) Ahmed Zakaria Staff Writer

KUWAIT: Global Finance Hall organization held a forum two days ago to discuss the reasons behind the absence of Kuwaiti women from politics in Kuwait, and the fact that women do not hold senior positions in the countries that witnessed revolutions.

Head of Graduates Association Saoud Al-Enezi said that Kuwaiti women do not hold any parliamentary or ministerial posts because of tribal, sectarian, and family factors that affect their chances of holding senior positions, not to mention the poor performance of some former female mem-

bers of Parliament (MPs).

Regarding why women do not hold any leading positions in Egypt, Tunisia, and Yemen, he explained that youths who toppled the regimes are not political parties.

Researcher Anoud Al-Sharekh said that the democracy process in Kuwait is an example of the development of political mindset in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). She added that freedom of speech and political participation through elections have been a part of the Kuwaiti political culture since 1963.

She asserted that the role of women became more prominent after granting Kuwaiti women the right to vote and take part

Ahmadi governor meets outgoing Austrian ambassador, hails his efforts KUWAIT: Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah praised the efforts exerted by the Austrian Ambassador to the country Marian Wrba to bolster bilateral relations between the two nations and peoples. Al-Duaij received Wrba Tuesday on the occasion of the latter’s end of tenure, and noted “Kuwait-Austrian ties are excel-

lent and gaining momentum,” wishing the diplomat success in his future ventures.

The outgoing ambassador for his part expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the governor and the great cooperation extended to the embassy, both by state bodies and the public, throughout his tenure. -KUNA

Lawmakers leave Bahrain for Qatar MANAMA: A Kuwaiti delegation of lawmakers left here on Tuesday after a three-day visit, in the course of which the delegation met with Bahraini officials with whom it discussed regional issues of common interest. Presided by Chairman Mohammad Al-Saqer, the delegation made up of members of the foreign relations com-

mittee at the Kuwaiti National Assembly met with the Bahraini monarch and the Bahraini prime minister.

The lawmakers also met with Bahrain’s House Speaker and the Foreign Minister with whom they discussed means of boosting GCC relations. Next stop for the lawmakers will be Qatar. -KUNA

in political practices in 2005.

University professor Lobna Al-Qadi mentioned that the formation of allies and lobbying are what prevented Kuwaiti women from holding any posts during the past parliamentary election, in addition to the fact that those who voted did not prioritize the welfare of Kuwait.

Saudi Arabian activist Samar Badawi remarked that the conservative GCC society does not allow women to make achievements or demand their rights.

She added that she faced many challenges in Saudi Arabia because of her relationship with some international rights organizations.

Several roads in Kuwait City to be open Thursday KUWAIT: Al-Soor Road will be open to the public, as of early Thursday, linking Kuwait City’s Jahra Roundabout to the Gulf Road, in the east, the Ministry of Public Works said on Tuesday.

Simultaneously, another two roads between Al-Shuhada Street and Jamal Abdulnasser Road and another linking the First Ring Road to AlShuhada Street are also set to begin operating.

The project phases are part of the First Ring Road highway project, ministry official Mohammad Abideen told Kuwait News Agency. -KUNA

Minister Al-Saleh: Regulatory insurance body in Kuwait soon KUWAIT: Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh unveiled here on Tuesday that the executive and legislative branches are putting on their agenda in the near future a draft law to establish a regulatory body for the insurance sector.

Al-Saleh told reporters on the sidelines of the second Kuwait International Insurance Forum, which is held under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the Prime Minister and organized by the Promedia company, that the legislature expressed their “full willingness” to discuss this bill.

He stressed the desire of His Highness the Prime Minister in finding the best ways to develop the insurance industry in the country, noting that the Pre-

mier gave his direct guidance to give more interest and care to the insurance sector which has become more important after the change of the pattern of daily life. He also stressed keenness of the Prime Minister on the need to reconsider the system of economic legislation in general, including legislation related to insurance services.

He said the government of Kuwait is aware that it is necessary to reconsider the organization of the insurance sector, which at the end would serve interests of citizens and residents, indicating that the presence of insurance sector in the Commerce Ministry “does not rise to the level of ambition we seek to establish a body concerned with the affairs of insurance.” -KUNA

Kuwait takes part in American National Memorial Day Parade WASHINGTON: Kuwait participated here Monday in the National Memorial Day Parade, which is held annually across the US to observe Memorial Day, remembering all those who have died for the service of the nation. Up to 3,000 individuals from across the US participated in the parade, in addition to about 300,000 spectators that gathered along Constitution Avenue to celebrate the 2012 parade.

Kuwait is keen on taking part in this parade ever year, where Kuwaiti children, wearing the national costume and carrying the Kuwaiti and American flags, were marching along Constitution Avenue and some standing on a float named ‘Kuwait Remembers’.

Kuwait’s participation comes to tell America “on this day the people of the State of Kuwait remember with deep gratitude and pride those fallen heroes of the Gulf War; and the sacrifices they made on behalf of a noble and important cause.” Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber AlSabah, who is keen on being present in the parade, stressed in an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and Kuwait TV the importance of this day for Americans as it is part of the American “culture.”

He said that Kuwait’s participation in this event is of great significance “to tell Americans that we will not forget their sacrifices in Kuwait’s liberation war.”

He added that Kuwait’s participation is also comes to remind the Americans that “Kuwait also has made sacrifices in the Kuwait Liberation War, where in that war the blood of the Kuwaitis and Americans became blended.” “Our participation comes as an expression of those shared sacrifices between us and the American army,” the Ambassador remarked.

The National Memorial Day Parade was attended also by Deputy Chief of Mission at the Kuwait Embassy in Washington D.C. Jasem Al-Bdeiwi, the Embassy staff and Military Attache Assistant Commander Dr. Bashar Abdul Hussein Abdul Redha, in addition to several US officials, dignitaries and celebrities.

This year’s parade also paid a very special tribute to the service and sacrifice of the generation that served in the Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is the first major public tribute to this generation in Washington D.C. since the end of the war in December 2011.

The parade is organized as a moving timeline of

American military history, paying tribute to those who served fromo the time of the Native Americans and the American Revolution through the Civil War and on to the current times.

In a Memorial Day message, the US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said that “today is first and foremost an opportunity for all Americans to come together and pay tribute to all those who have fought and died in defense of our freedom.” He added that “it is a day to reflect on the service and sacrifice of these heroes and to honor those American families for whom Memorial Day is another day of longing for their loved ones.” “This Memorial Day, the American people pay particular tribute to the generation who stepped forward after the attacks of Sept. 11 and volunteered to put their lives on the line in far-off lands to protect our nation,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, US President Barack Obama said in remarks commemorating Memorial Day in Arlington National Cemetery that “this Memorial Day, we mark another milestone.” He affirmed that “for the first time in nine years, Americans are not fighting and dying in Iraq. We are winding down the war in Afghanistan, and our troops will continue to come home. After a decade under the dark cloud of war, we can see the light of a new day on the horizon.”

“Today, with the war in Iraq finally over, it is fitting to pay tribute to the sacrifice that spanned that conflict,” he added.

“For all of you who carry a special weight on your heart, we can strive to be a nation worthy of your sacrifice. A nation that is fair and equal, peaceful and free. A nation that weighs the cost of every human life. A nation where all of us meet our obligations to one another, and to this country that we love,” he remarked.

Obama also marked today the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, where he gave remarks at the Vietnam War Memorial saying “Fifty years later, we come to this wall, to this sacred place, to remember.” “Today is Memorial Day, when we recall all those who gave everything in the darkness of war so we could stand here in the glory of spring. And today begins the 50th commemoration of our war in Vietnam,” he remarked. -KUNA

Kuwait’s float is seen taking part in a parade held to commemorate the USA’s National Memorial Day on Monday, May 28, 2012. (KUNA)

4

ALWATAN DAILY

regional

In order not to forget

By Hossam Fathi Staff Writer

Yesterday, I read for the second time an article I wrote Nov. 1, 2011. The article seemed to be written only a day ago. Today, I republish the article hoping that it would refresh our memories.

I friend of mine asked me “Do you believe that we are being robbed?” He did not wait for my answer and went on to say “Look, I read that when the Romanians revolted they shot the President Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife. Many things happened after and made me see nightmares. I ask myself ‘Can this happen in our country?’”

I replied “Egypt is different from Romania. Mubarak is not Ceausescu and Suzan is not Elina”. He ignored my reply and went on to say “The educated young people in Romania led the revolution against corruption and injustice and absence of social justice and poverty. We did the same”.

I repeated in a lower tone “Egypt is different from Romania”. He again ignored my reply and said “after the army executed Ceausescu, a man called Ion Iliescu who belongs to the Communist National Party, a friend of Ceausescu, formed the so-called Salvation Front which included the senior officials of the old regime. He appointed one of the rebels as information minister. But the Romanian people felt that their revolution was being stolen, however Iliescu accused them of betrayal and being agents of imperialism.

After that Iliescu was elected a president for three periods”.

I did not let my friend complete his speech and I shouted at him “You should understand that Egypt is not Romania, Shafiq is not Iliescu”. hossam@alwatan.com.kw Twitter:@hossamfathy66

NEWS IN BRIEF Disabled Jordan children ‘held in cages’: Probe AMMAN: Disabled children in Jordan are believed to have been beaten and even held in cages, a government-commissioned investigator said on Tuesday, as 22 people face questioning about alleged abuse. “A two-week probe has found that some public and private homes for children with physical and mental disabilities had wooden and iron cages as well as sticks that we believe were used for punishment,” Muhideen Touq told reporters. Touq said his committee of legal experts, human rights activists and state coroners has found evidence of mistreatment in 12 out of 56 homes for challenged children that were investigated. “One of these centers was shut down, while the committee has recommended the closure of another. We have filed complaints against 22 people and they have been referred to the courts,” he said at a news conference. -AFP

Turkish Airlines hit by strike, cancels 104 flights ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines cancelled more than 100 flights on Tuesday after a large part of its workforce downed tools in protest at government plans to outlaw strikes in the aviation sector. The airline announced that a total of 104 domestic and international flights had been cancelled as a result of what it termed the “illegal” industrial action.

Many other flights faced lengthy delays, according to Turkish television. The company fired 150 people on grounds that they did not show up at work and had no justification for their absence, reported Anatolia news agency. Dozens of employees also protested at Istanbul’s international Ataturk Airport against colleagues who failed to join in the strike, the agency added. -AFP

Qatar safety standards questioned after new fires DOHA: Fires broke out at an aviation college and a girl’s school in Qatar on Tuesday, a day after 19 foreigners died in a blaze at a shopping mall, focusing attention on safety standards in the Gulf Arab state. Thirteen expatriate children were among those killed in Monday’s fire at the Villagio Mall in Doha’s west end, including two-year-old triplets from New Zealand. Officials on Tuesday said a small fire broke out in the Qatar Aeronautical College while messages on social media said another was doused at the Fatima Bint Al-Mogeera school in Doha. “There was a fire, but a very small one. It has been put out,” a representative of the aviation college told Reuters, adding that the fire was believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. College director general, Ali Al-Maliki, said no one was hurt in the fire, which broke out on the ground floor. -Reuters

Somali rebels ambush presidential convoy MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al-Shabaab rebels ambushed an armored convoy carrying the country’s president during a rare overland trip outside the capital on Tuesday, a Reuters witness said. President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed was unharmed in the attack which occurred on the outskirts of Elasha town, located between Mogadishu and the former rebel stronghold of Afgoye, about 30 km (18 miles) northwest of the city.

“The fighting split the convoy. Vehicles scattered in different directions,” a Reuters photographer travelling with the convoy said. Bullets struck several African Union (AU) peacekeeper vehicles but none were damaged. The firefight lasted about 30 minutes and forced the AU to fire shells to subdue the attack, he said, adding that the armored vehicle carrying Ahmed sped off as fighting broke out.

A spokesman for the AMISOM peacekeepers confirmed the ambush. “We disrupted it as soon as they fired small guns from afar,” Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Ankunda told Reuters. African Union and Somali government troops captured Afgoye on Friday and then secured an aid corridor linking the town to Mogadishu over the weekend, wresting control of a strip of land believed to hold around 400,000 people displaced by conflict. Al-Shabaab, which merged with Al-Qaeda earlier this year, said they had pulled out of the Afgoye corridor in a tactical retreat, but threatened on Monday to strike back. -Reuters

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

West expels Syrian envoys over massacre CAPITALS: Major Western powers said Tuesday they would expel Syria’s diplomatic envoys in protest at the weekend massacre in the town of Houla, in which more than 100 people were killed.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain as well as Canada and Australia announced decisions to expel ambassadors or top envoys, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the United States would do the same.

The coordinated move followed mounting international outrage over the massacre in the central town of Houla, in which at least 108 people, including 49 children, were killed.

Hague said the expulsion of the top Syrian diplomat in London, charge d’affaires Ghassan Dalla, and two other envoys would send a “stark message” that time was running out for Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad.

The move was part of the increased pressure by the international community on senior figures in the regime to “get the message across to them that they have to choose, that time will run out for Assad,” Hague said.

“As part of that pressure today we have again called the Syrian charge d’affaires in London here to the Foreign Office. He has been given seven days to leave the country,” Hague said.

“Our allies and partners around the world will be taking similar action and announcing it today - including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United States, Canada and Australia.”

Syria had already withdrawn its ambassa-

Syria’s President Bashar Al-Assad, center right, meets with UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, center left, in Damascus May 29, 2012, in this handout photograph released by Syria’s national news agency SANA. (Reuters)

dor from London.

Canada said it was expelling every Syrian diplomat in the capital. “Today, Canada is expelling all Syrian diplomats remaining in Ottawa. They and their families have five days to leave Canada,” Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said in a statement.

German Foreign Minister Guido Wester-

welle said: “We are aiming to ensure that our unmistakable message does not fall on deaf ears in Damascus.”

In Paris, President Francois Hollande told journalists that France’s decision to expel Ambassador Lamia Shakkur, which would be formally communicated to her on Tuesday or Wednesday, came amid talks with Britain, Rus-

sia and the UN on the next steps to take in the Syria crisis.

“I had a conversation yesterday with David Cameron, the British prime minister. Laurent Fabius, the (French) foreign minister, had a discussion with the secretary general of the United Nations and we agreed on a number of ways to put pressure on Syria,” he said.

“We’re also in talks with Russia, which plays a role, and I will meet with President (Vladimir) Putin on Friday.”

Putin, whose country has vetoed UN resolutions on the Syria crisis but has sought to distance itself from the regime following the Houla slaughter, is due in France on Friday.

He and Hollande are scheduled to meet for a working dinner that evening.

Hollande also announced that Paris would host a new meeting of the Friends of Syria group in early July.

Meanwhile Fabius, France’s new foreign minister, forcefully condemned Assad and called for his departure in an interview published Tuesday.

“Assad is the murderer of his people. He must leave power... the sooner the better,” Fabius told Le Monde newspaper, echoing the views of the previous right-wing administration of former president Nicolas Sarkozy.

“If Bashar Al-Assad falls, who will replace him? We need to find a credible political transition involving the departure of Bashar AlAssad while avoiding any ‘Iraqization’ of the country,” he said. -AFP

Palestinian activist Tamimi freed, sentence suspended OFER MILITARY COURT, Palestinian Territories: Palestinian activist Bassem Tamimi, convicted of dispatching stone-throwers and protesting illegally, was freed by an Israeli court on Tuesday after receiving a suspended sentence. He was sentenced to 30 months jail for sending youths to throw stones, but has already served 13 months, and the remaining 17 months was suspended for five years. Judge Eti Ador said the sentence would be activated if Tamimi took part in any “public disorder” such as encouraging people to throw stones or engaging in any activity against the security forces.

On the charge of protesting illegally, he

was handed a two-month suspended sentence which will be activated if he participates in any unlawful demonstration, she said.

“It’s a higher suspended sentence than we had hoped for, higher than is justified,” said veteran Israeli activist Jonathan Pollak who has closely followed Tamimi’s trial.

Tamimi was convicted on May 20 at Ofer military court near Ramallah, but he was also cleared of two more serious charges, including incitement and perverting the course of justice in a move which Pollak at the time described as “a miracle” in a court with a conviction rate of 99.74 percent. Speaking to AFP shortly after

Use of Flame virus to deter Iran ‘reasonable’: Israel

JERUSALEM: A top Israeli minister said on Tuesday the use of cyber weapons, such as the newly uncovered Flame virus, to counter Iran’s nuclear plans would be “reasonable,” hinting at Israel’s possible involvement. “For anyone who sees the Iranian threat as significant, it is reasonable that he would take different steps, including these, in order to hobble it,” Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon told army radio, just hours after the virus was discovered by Russia’s Kaspersky Lab. “Israel is blessed with being a country which is technologically rich, and these tools open up all sorts of possibilities for us,” said Yaalon, who is also Israel’s strategic affairs minister.

Kaspersky Lab, one of the world’s biggest producers of anti-virus software, said its experts discovered the virus - known as Flame - during an investigation prompted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

Iran appears to have been the main target of the attack and the announcement comes just a month after the Islamic republic said it halted the spread of a data-deleting virus targeting computer servers in its oil sector.

It said the virus was “about 20 times larger than Stuxnet,” the worm which was discovered in June 2010 and used against the Iranian nuclear program, with Israel widely suspected of involvement. Flame is “actively being used as a cyber weapon attacking entities in several countries,” a Kaspersky statement said, describing its purpose as “cyber espionage.”

“The complexity and functionality of the newly discovered malicious program exceed those of all other cyber menaces known to date,” it added. “It’s like nothing else we’ve seen before,” said Ilan Froimovitch, Chief Technical Officer of Kaspersky’s Israeli representative, Power Communication. “It’s like they took the best from every malicious code there is and combined it into one code.”

He said that the originator of the program was most probably a state or coalition of states. “It is not likely that an individual or even a private company would invest so much effort and so much time and money,” he said.”This must be the work of a government or a few of them.”

Froimovitch declined to say if he thought Israel was capable of such a project. “We have great knowledge in Israel and we like to think that we are the smartest in the world, but evidence shows that there are probably a few more countries in the West that can work like that.”

Alexander Gostev, Kaspersky’s chief security expert, said that Iran was the country by far the worst affected by Flame, followed by Israel/Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Syria and Lebanon. -AFP

the hearing, Tamimi said the sentence would not stop him from being politically active but admitted that the suspended prison term would make his life difficult.

“I feel that my whole life is under the surveillance of the judge,” he said.

“The suspended sentence is not going to stop me from being active but it is going to put me under a lot of pressure.”

Tamimi was arrested on March 24, 2011 and accused of organizing illegal gatherings and incitement in connection with a series of weekly demonstrations in Nabi Saleh village in protest at Jewish settlers taking over their land.

Last month, after spending exactly 13 months in jail, he was released on bail after his elderly mother suffered a stroke, although he was kept under house arrest in Ramallah the entire time. “I’m going home now,” he said after Tuesday’s decision. “I haven’t been to Nabi Saleh for a long time.”

Tamimi’s arrest sparked international condemnation with the European Union recognizing him as a human rights defender, and Amnesty International declaring him a prisoner of conscience. Diplomats from France, Portugal and the Czech Republic were in court to observe proceedings on Tuesday. -AFP

Attack on candidate’s HQ as vote polarizes Egypt

A member of presidential candidate Ahmad Shafiq’s campaign management team salvages items from a burnt and ransacked garage at the candidate's campaign headquarters in Cairo on May 29, 2012. (AFP)

CAIRO: An arson attack on the headquarters of one of the two candidates in Egypt’s presidential election has marred campaigning for the second round in a vote that has polarised the nation with the choice of an Islamist or Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister.

Protesters set fire to storage rooms and smashed computers late on Monday at the campaign headquarters of Ahmed Shafiq, a 70-year-old former air force chief and Mubarak official, who was confirmed as a run-off candidate after the first round vote.

His rival is Mohamed Mursi, a senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s main Islamist group which controls the biggest bloc in parliament after an earlier election. The deciding presidential vote is on June 16 and 17.

Mursi, 60, drew support from a disciplined group of backers of the Brotherhood, banned under Mubarak, and Shafiq attracted Egyptians who want a strongman to restore law, order and prosperity after 15 months of turmoil since Mubarak’s ouster.

Neither won more than a quarter of votes cast in the first round, leaving an agonizing choice for a sizeable portion of the electorate who backed more centrist candidates and do not want a conservative Islamist or an ex-military officer at the helm.

Thousands of Egyptians took to the streets on Monday night in protest after the results of the first round were confirmed by the election committee. Some held up posters of Mursi with a cross over his face. But most were chanting against

Shafiq. Dozens then marched from the protests around Tahrir Square, where hundreds of thousands played out a drama that toppled Mubarak, to Shafiq’s headquarters in the upscale Cairo district of Dokki.

“They seemed to know what they were after and they went directly to the storage rooms and set them on fire using petrol bombs,” said Ahmed Abdel Ghani, 30, a member of Shafiq’s campaign, surveying a scene of unusable, charred campaign flyers and leaflets scattered on the ground. The main villa escaped the flames but protesters smashed laptops and computers inside, he said. Daubed on the wall outside the villa were the words: “No to Shafiq, no to feloul,” an Arabic word referring to “remnants” of Mubarak’s era. -Reuters

Yemen army outflanks rebel-held Jaar, says official

ADEN: Yemeni troops have captured rebel-held positions on the outskirts of the southern city of Jaar, a military official said on Tuesday, pushing ahead with a US-backed offensive to uproot Islamist militants from the country.

He said at least 10 militants have been killed in the fighting since Monday night and that the Yemeni army was within 2-3 km (1-2 miles) from Jaar.

“Seizing this area will help us gain control of Jaar city,” he told Reuters. “Our goal is to advance into the city.”

Al-Qaeda-linked militants seized large swaths of territory in southern Yemen last year as former President Ali Abdullah Saleh grappled with protests seeking his overthrow. Saleh quit in favor of his deputy, Abd-Rabbu Hadi Mansour last Novem-

ber. The United States and its Gulf Arab allies have watched with mounting alarm as security deteriorates in Yemen, home to Al-Qaeda’s Arabian Peninsula wing (AQAP), which is viewed by Washington as a serious threat.

The United States has stepped up air strikes using drones against targets in Yemen it says may be plotting attacks against it. It has also renewed military training to help Yemeni security forces grow strong enough to reassert control over the country.

The military official said troops advanced by at least one km in Jaar’s direction in the past 24 hours. “The troops are continuing to shell the northern and central parts of the city”.

Jaar residents said that food supplies were running short

and many were unable to flee the city due to heavy shelling.

“The house next to ours was destroyed by shells and we’re worried the same will happen to us,” a Jaar resident said, without giving his name.

The governor of Abyan Jamal Al-Aqel said that the military has asserted control on several southern towns that militants tried to control in the past, including Lawdar and Mudiyah, adding that heavy fighting inside Zinjibar was continuing.

A military official said four soldiers were wounded on Tuesday when Islamist militants ambushed government troops outside the city. Months of fighting and shelling in and around Zinjibar have turned the strategically important city into ghost town, residents said. -Reuters

ALWATAN DAILY

WORLD

wednesdAY, may 30, 2012

Second big quake hits northern Italy, 15 dead MILAN: An earthquake struck northern Italy on Tuesday, killing at least 15 people, damaging buildings and spreading panic among thousands of residents still living in tents after a tremor shook the region just over a week ago, destroying their homes.

Officials and a source from the Italian Red Cross said several people were trapped under the rubble of houses and warehouses in the Emilia-Romagna region. Police said 15 people were confirmed dead but the toll was likely to rise.

The 5.8-magnitude quake struck near Modena and was felt across much of northern and central Italy.

“The situation is very serious, some people are stuck under the rubble,” Alberto Silvestri, the mayor of San Felice sul Panaro, one of the towns near the epicenter, told SkyTG24.

Prime Minister Mario Monti said: “I want to assure everyone that the state will do all that it must do, all that is possible to do, as fast as it can to guarantee the return to normality in a region so special, so important, so productive for Italy.”

Seven people were killed in the previous quake on May 20 that had its epicenter not far from Modena.

That quake, which registered magnitude 6, destroyed hundreds of buildings, including

Italian firefighters search the debris of a collapsed factory in Mirandola, northern Italy, May 29. (AP)

ancient churches and castles, and forced more than 7,000 people to sleep outdoors in tents.

It also hit production of some of the area’s

most internationally famous produce, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Farmers estimated the damage to agriculture in one of Italy’s

most fertile zones at more than 200 million euros. On Tuesday, officials said operations to rescue people from the rubble had been hampered by disruption to the mobile phone network.

“The town has been largely damaged. There are people under the rubble, we don’t know how many,” a police officer from Cavezzo told Reuters.

Train services around Bologna, near Modena, were disrupted, media said, and schools and other public buildings had been evacuated as far south as Florence.

“We felt a very strong tremor,” said Raffaella Besola, a resident of Bologna.

The US Geological Survey said the epicenter of Tuesday’s quake was less than 30 km (19 miles) from Modena, not far from where the quake hit just over a week ago.

A 3.8 magnitude earthquake was also felt through western Bulgaria on Tuesday, causing no casualties or serious damage, the National Geophysical Institute said.

The tremor had its epicenter near the town of Pernik, shaking buildings and causing residents to rush into the streets.

A 5.6 magnitude earthquake shook Bulgaria last Tuesday, centered about 25 km west of the capital Sofia. Damage was estimated at more than 20 million levs (12.82 million US dollars). -AP

Tuareg-Islamist unity Philippine top judge ousted in victory for President Aquino bid in north Mali unravels

Protesters gesture as they hold slogans and a picture of Philippine Chief Justice Renato Corona during a rally near the Philippine Senate in Manila, Philippines on May 29. (AP)

MANILA: The Philippine Senate voted on Tuesday to remove the country’s top judge for failing to disclose his wealth, a landmark victory for President Benigno Aquino as he pushes a campaign to root out endemic corruption in the Southeast Asian nation.

More than two-thirds of the 23 senators voted to oust Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, who becomes the first official in the country to be removed by an impeachment court. The decision bars him permanently from public office.

The ruling is likely to be welcomed by investors amid concern that the four-month-long trial was distracting the government from policy matters at a time when the Philippines is seeing a resurgence of interest in its long-underperforming economy.

“The effect is clear, it will be a boost to the anticorruption campaign of the president, it will also be a big boost to his support base,” said Ramon Casiple, executive director of the Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms in Manila.

At least sixteen votes were needed to convict Corona on charges of failing to disclose his assets, liabilities and net worth. The prosecution accused Corona of hiding a portion of his Philippine peso and US dollar bank accounts valued at over $4 million.

He was also accused of showing favoritism to-

wards former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by ruling that she could leave the country last year despite a government ban on her overseas travel. His impeachment on the financial charges meant no verdict was required on his alleged bias towards Arroyo.

The impeachment of Corona, once Arroyo’s chief of staff, removes a potential obstacle to prosecuting the former president, who is in detention at an army hospital awaiting trial on electoral fraud and corruption charges.

Corona’s supporters say the case was a political vendetta by Aquino that weakens the country’s institutions. Corona says Aquino decided to pursue him because of his connections to Arroyo, and because of a Supreme Court ruling last year to break up a huge sugar estate owned by the president’s family.

Aquino has maintained broad public support for his anti-graft drive. He won a landslide election victory in 2010 on the back of pledges to end a culture of corruption that has long dogged the economy, and which he says flourished under Arroyo.

Former President Joseph Estrada also faced corruption charges in the same impeachment court, but the trial was stopped after the prosecution walked out of the hearings, later resulting in a popular revolt that ousted him in 2001. -AP

BAMAKO: Plans for Tuareg rebels and hardline Islamist group Ansar Dine to join forces and proclaim an Islamic state in northern Mali have collapsed due to fundamental differences, the two sides said Tuesday.

“We have refused to approve the final statement because it is different from the protocol agreement which we have signed,” said Ibrahim Assaley, the Tuareg rebel National Liberation Front of Azawad (FNLA).

Moussa Ag Asherif, close to Ansar Dine head Iyad Ag Ghaly, confirmed the impasse in talks which came just 48 hours after the two groups announced their plans for joint domination of the remote desert region.

Regional and Western leaders have long feared a breakaway state in Mali’s restive north could become Al-Qaeda’s main safe haven.

A draft of the statement by Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith) spoke of applying “pure and hard” Islamic Sharia law and banning non-Muslim humanitarian groups from the area, Assaley told AFP by phone from Gao, where the unity talks took place.

“It is as if they want us to dissolve into Ansar Dine,” complained the representative of the secular Tuareg rebels. “That is unacceptable.”

Asherif said the original accord had been merely a basis for working discussions and that the deal was on a “take it or leave it” basis. Ag Ghaly would travel to Gao on Tuesday morning “to solve the problem”, he added.

Ansar Dine is backed by Al-Qaeda’s north African branch, known as Al-Qaeda

in the Islamic Maghreb. The original declaration of a separate Islamic state in Mali’s vast desert north, an area larger than France, had come at the weekend.

The short-lived accord was hammered out after weeks of sometimes fraught discussions between two groups that have long held separate objectives and ideologies.

In January, the Tuareg rebels launched an offensive against the Malian army, which was heightened with the arrival on the scene of Ansar Dine, which wants Islamic Sharia law imposed throughout the land-locked west African nation.

Mali’s embattled transitional government had swiftly rejected the embryonic rebel alliance’s declaration.

“The government of Mali categorically rejects the idea of the creation of an Azawad state, even more so of an Islamic state,” Hamadoun Toure, information minister in the transitional administration, told AFP on Sunday.

The West African bloc ECOWAS on Monday also rejected the rebel declaration of independence and repeated an earlier threat to take “all necessary measures” to keep Mali intact.

The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States “denounces in the strongest possible terms this opportunistic act,” said a statement signed by ECOWAS head Desire Kadre Ouedraogo.

It said the move would “only worsen the situation for a population that has already been the victim of all sorts of atrocities and hardships in the occupied area of Mali, as well as expose the entire region to the most serious dangers regarding peace and security”. -AFP

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi set for landmark Thai trip NAYPYIDAW: Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning opposition figure, will venture outside Myanmar for the first time in 24 years.

Her trip on Tuesday is seen as a newfound display of confidence in the liberalization taking shape in her country after five decades of military rule.

Suu Kyi, who spent 15 years in detention during Myanmar’s fight against dictatorship, will give a speech this week at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Bangkok.

Until now, Suu Kyi has refused to leave Myanmar during brief periods of freedom from her years of detention, fearing the generals she was challenging would not allow her back into the country.

Her decision to leave the country comes after a year of dramatic change unthinkable in March 2011, when junta leader Than Shwe made way for a government stacked with his proteges following elections seen as rigged to favor an armybacked party and held while Suu Kyi remained under house arrest.

But in the 18 months since the election which the army-backed party won, the changes have been sweeping.

Suu Kyi has since been released and is now a parliamentarian having been convinced by reformist President Thein Sein, a former junta heavyweight, to contest a by-election and take part in a political system devised and dominated by retired and serving soldiers.

Hundreds of political prisoners have been freed, protests legalized, media censorship eased and dialogue with ethnic minority rebels is moving forward, as is economic liberalization.

The reforms have convinced Suu Kyi to support the suspension of Western sanctions, which had crippled the economy of Myanmar, after staunchly advocating embargoes to squeeze the generals.

Thein Sein was also due to give a speech at the same forum in Bangkok, but has since cancelled his visit, according to Myanmar government sources, who requested anonymity.

Suu Kyi, the daughter of the leader of Myanmar’s campaign for independence from British rule, spent years away from home, including many in Britain after marrying a British academic, Michael Aris.

She returned to her homeland in 1988 to take care of her dying mother and got caught up in a student-led democracy uprising that swept the country that year and which the military eventually crushed.

Suu Kyi was first detained in 1989. From the on, she refused to leave, even after her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Aris died in 1999.

She is also due next month to visit Switzerland, Norway and Britain.

She will give an address in Geneva to an international labor conference on June 14 and will spend a week in Britain from June 18, during which she will give a speech to both houses of parliament. -AFP

Ansar Dine is backed by Al-Qaeda’s north African branch, known as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. (AFP)

US military denies parachuting into North Korea WASHINGTON: The US military Tuesday vehemently denied a media report that special forces had been parachuted into North Korea on intelligencegathering missions, saying a source had been misquoted.

Current affairs magazine The Diplomat quoted Brigadier General Neil Tolley, commander of special forces in South Korea, as saying soldiers from the US and South Korea had been dropped across the border for “special reconnaissance” missions.

But Colonel Jonathan Withington, public affairs officer for US Forces Korea, said some reporting of the conference had taken Tolley “completely out of context”.

“Quotes have been made up and attributed to him,” he said, denying that any US or South Korean forces had parachuted into the North.

“Though special reconnaissance is a core special operations force (SOF) mission, at no time have SOF forces been sent to the north to conduct special reconnaissance,” he said in a statement.

The Diplomat quoted Tolley as saying that the North had built thousands of tunnels since the 1950-53 Korean War. “The entire tunnel infrastructure is hidden from our satellites,” the magazine reported him as saying at a press conference in Florida last week. “So we send (South Korean) soldiers and US soldiers to the North to do special reconnaissance.”

According to the magazine, he said commandos parachute in with minimal supplies to watch the tunnels undetected. At least four of the tunnels built by Pyongyang go under the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea, Tolley was reported as saying. “We don’t know how many we don’t know about.” -AFP

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NEWS IN BRIEF Kenya police hunt Nairobi blast suspect NAIROBI: Kenyan police said Tuesday they were hunting for a man suspected of planting an explosive device that ripped through shops in central Nairobi, wounding 38 people. Prime Minister Raila Odinga branded Monday’s blast a “terrorist” attack and police said it was most probably caused by a homemade bomb after initially blaming a possible electrical fault. “We are carrying on with the investigation but so far we have not made any arrest,” Nairobi’s deputy police chief Moses Nyakwama told AFP. -AFP

Indian kills wife in Italy for being ‘westernized’ ROME: A 37-year-old Indian migrant in Italy killed his pregnant wife because she loved wearing western clothes and he wanted to punish her for going against Indian traditions. The Indian - whose name was given as Singhj Kulbir - told police in Piacenza city in northern Italy that he strangled to death his 27-year-old wife - named as Kaur Balwinde - before throwing her corpse in the Po river, the AKI news agency reported. Investigators said Kulbir, who worked for an agricultural company, killed his wife to punish her for dressing like a Westerner against Indian traditions. Balwinde’s body was found floating Sunday in the Po river near Piacenza, a total of 153 days after she went missing. -AFP

Denmark detains attack plot suspects COPENHAGEN: Danish police have detained two brothers from Somalia on suspicion of plotting an attack, the state security police said on Tuesday. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) said in a statement the arrests late on Monday had thwarted a “concrete act of terror,” but did not elaborate. The brothers, aged 18 and 23, are Danish citizens and have lived in Denmark for 16 years, the PET said. “The detainees are suspected of being in the process of preparing an act of terror, among other things, through conversations about methods, targets and use of weapon types,” the PET said. -AP

Russia rebukes ‘undiplomatic’ US envoy

MOSCOW: Russia sharply criticized the US ambassador for the third time in his five-month tenure after he said that Moscow offered Kyrgyzstan a bribe in a bid to evict US forces from an air base and had sought backroom “quid pro quo” deals on key issues.

The Foreign Ministry expressed “extreme bewilderment” at remarks Michael McFaul made in a university lecture in Friday, which it said went “far beyond the boundaries of diplomatic etiquette and amounted to a deliberate distortion of several aspects of the Russian-American dialogue.”

McFaul is the architect of President Barack Obama’s “reset”, which has improved ties that had become increasingly strained during the administrations of George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin and hit a low with Russia’s war against Georgia in 2008.

But the plain-spoken envoy has been clouded by controversy since he arrived in January - shortly after Putin, employing anti-American rhetoric in his successful campaign to return to the presidency, accused the United States of stirring up protests against his rule. The ministry took issue with McFaul’s statement that Russia had “put a big bribe on the table” to get Kyrgyzstan to order the United States out of a transit facility it uses to support operations in Afghanistan - a reference to a $2 billion loan widely perceived that way by analysts at the time, in 2009.

McFaul prefaced the remark by saying he would not be speaking very diplomatically, and added half-jokingly that the United States had offered its own bribe but that it was “about 10 times smaller.”

In a statement issued late on Monday, the Foreign Ministry said McFaul “knows better (than Russia) what bribes Washington gave to whom.”

It dismissed as “unprofessional” McFaul’s statement that Russia had at times proposed deals in which the United States would make concessions on one issue in exchange for Russian support on another unrelated issue, a practice he said President Barack Obama has rejected.

The ministry stopped short of saying the remarks could damage relations but said it was “not the first time statements and actions of Mr. McFaul ... have caused shock.” Over the winter, McFaul become a lightning rod for similar accusations in the Russian media, and in March he sparred verbally with a TV crew that trailed him around Moscow. In the university talk, however, he said pressure on him had eased.

In March, the Foreign Ministry rebuked McFaul after he expressed concern on Twitter at the detention of protesters who challenged Putin’s victory. The ministry said the United States had been less humane in dispersing anti-Wall Street protesters. -Reuters

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ALWATAN DAILY

OPINION

wednesDAY, may 30, 2012

The horror and agony of being buried alive Fuad Al-Hashem

A

senior US army officer who had been stationed in the war-ravaged Afghani capital Kabul for many years and has now returned back home in the United States; once told me that while he and his colleagues were combing through a particular area using various radars and sensors in search of their missing colleagues, they stumbled on a mound of loose soil. Since the soil was loose, they suspected that it had been recently heaped had hence; ventured on to start digging a trench.

They had barely reached a couple of feet from the surface when they heard a loud clang when the shovel struck what seemed like metal.

After digging a couple of feet deeper; what they witnessed was indeed disgusting and heart-wrenching. Buried in that pit were several steel containers that contained several skeletons of human beings. That ghastly find prompted the US army to undertake several similar missions where trenches were dug and the rotting remains of several other human beings were unearthed. He said that the trenches had no set pattern in particular and hence it was generally assumed that bodies were simply buried in similar containers across the length and breadth of the country. Further investigations into the excavations revealed that those skeletal remains were those of Taliban fighters that were arrested and killed by the notorious Afghan military leader Mohammad Rasheed Rostum.

The leader ordered his men to dump all prisoners into steel containers and weld the

By committing such a heinous crime, the dim-witted Bashar Al-Assad can surely be deemed as the first Arab dictator who thought the soil of his own country was not good enough to bury his innocent victims. lids firmly in place. That done, his men then dug trenches, dumped the containers and refilled the trenches with soil – just to ensure that they would not be rescued by anyone. One can just imagine the mock horror of all those prisoners who were buried alive. The senior officer added that it was then decided to keep all such containers and the secret buried for as long as they possibly could in attempts to ensure that the situation does not enflame further confrontations between the warring factions. The officer also added that they simply perceived the issue as “Since it was Muslims killing one another; it was simply none of their business.”

A similar incident was witnessed some three days ago when tens of Pullman buses carrying 800 Syrians; mainly women, children and elderly people were taken to Tarsus Port.

It was at this destination where these prisoners were dumped in containers, sealed and secured by heavy iron chains and then loaded on to a red and blue vessel called Torus. Once the cargo was loaded, the ship sailed deep into the Mediterranean Sea where the containers were simply tossed overboard. By committing such a heinous crime, the dim-witted Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad can surely be deemed as the first Arab dictator who thought the soil of his

own country was not good enough to bury his innocent victims as is evident in the fact that he chose international waters as a solution to his problem. Here in our own country, it is indeed ironic that our Shiite members of parliament repeatedly criticize the way the Bahraini authorities came down on demonstrators with a heavy hand. If we choose to compare the same situation with Syria we will surely witness a huge difference between the two scenarios.

Moving on to another issue I’d like to introduce my colleague Mohammad Said Tawfiqi who was born in 1962. He graduated in commerce from Kuwait University after which he has been dabbling in journalism for over three decades now and has also written a book titled: “Heated Dialogue: A Tale of Kuwait between 1980 to 1988.” In that book the author outlines the actual events that led to the eruption of war between Iraq and Iran after which he moves on to discussions over the rise of Islamism which was then known as the “Awakening” and how the Social Reform Society, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait, had overwhelmed and influenced the lives of students and the academia over a considerable period of time. The author also talks in depth about the restoration of parliament which was

dissolved in 1976, the assassination of former Egyptian president Anwar Al-Sadat and the terrible massacre of Palestinians in Lebanese refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila. He then moves on to discussions over the issue of the infamous stock exchange incidents in Kuwait in the 1980s followed by the bombing of the American and French embassies in 1983 which was followed by a foiled assassination attempt on the life of the late Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and the subsequent bombings of several local coffee shops around the country. The writer further discusses events that led to the dissolution of parliament again in 1986 and the subsequent strict controls that were imposed over the country’s press freedoms and the hijacking of the Kuwaiti plane Al-Jabriya in 1988.

He once again outlines in detail the events that led to the Iraq – Iran war which lasted for eight years that culminated in the loss of three million lives not to mention the economic crisis that followed and the devastating waste of trillions of dollars as a result of the conflict. The author, as is clearly evident, is simply stating facts outlining the factual events that had taken place then and hence; the information that he has furnished in his book is no secret as it is

Anticipating the upcoming parliamentary dissolution Ahmad Mohammad Al-Fahad

I

t is an uncontested fact that money plays a very important role in our lives. We just cannot manage to go about our daily lives without money as services, commodities, education, entertainment are all available at a price. Young people, who want to get married need money to pay dowries, buy their own apartments, furniture etc. Employees get paid for services rendered and who in turn have to pay the rents of apartments that they live in; the landlords in turn pay the due installments to banks from which they borrowed to construct buildings etc. Living in society is a continuous cycle in which we are all interdependent on one another and hence; have to pay for services rendered to us. It is a give and take world where nothing is accorded to us for free and hence; this is the reality of the situation that we simply cannot tend to ignore or overlook.

Even during parliamentary election campaigns, candidates that are contesting the elections have to pay for the construction of their electoral tents, pay volunteers for services rendered, pay catering companies that supply food and drinks not to mention signing brief contracts with advertising companies that print huge posters and brochures.

There are those candidates that even go to the extent of placing advertisements in local newspapers that cost a fortune and distribute gifts for female electors. Each candidate usually spends

approximately 300,000 Kuwaiti dinars during his/her election campaigns in which an estimated 300-400 candidates are usually witnessed contesting in parliamentary elections. However, has anyone taken the initiative of even considering the fact that the millions of dinars that are usually spent on election campaigns could greatly enhance the Kuwaiti economy?

In another development, since His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlHamad Sl-Sabah has already lost Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali, and might soon lose Ahmad Al-Rujaib and Fadhil Safar as well, he should seriously consider the dissolution of the parliament because the parliamentary majority, which used to support him at a certain point of time; now just does not seem to care about the continuation of the government for even six months. And since it is common knowledge that the parliamentary majority always targets a minister every once in a while a day might surely dawn when His Highness the Prime Minister finds himself standing all alone after being deserted by members of his own government too. This is the main reason why I think it wouldn’t be wrong to consider the dissolution of the government or call for an urgent reshuffle. And since everyone claims to be staunch defenders of the Constitution, why doesn’t the government submit a no-cooperation motion and tender in its resignation, in order to protect the ministers, or at least to enhance the national economy?

Are we supporting humane or tribal affiliations?

Shamlan Yousef Al-Esa

W

e really appreciate Kuwait’s recent condemnation of the massacres that the Syrian regime committed recently in the Houla residential area near Homs City that witnessed the bloody and brutal slayings of approximately a hundred people including 50 innocent children. Moreover, some of our Kuwaiti MPs and brethren literally tugged at our heart strings when they took the humane initiative of gathering outside the premises of the Syrian Embassy located in Mishref and launched a campaign to collection donations under the banner “Save Damascus.” They placed a box just outside the embassy’s premises and encouraged people to donate generously in support of the besieged and unfortunate Syrian citizens and the Free Syrian Army. The MPs condemned the barbaric and brutal atrocities that are still being inflicted by the Syrian regime on the people and beseeched the United Nations to intervene and protect civilians and lend its conditional support to the Free Syrian Army. Something however seemed amiss when I attended the campaign and then the truth slowly dawned on me that the MPs who were promulgating a worthy cause were actually engaging in tribal affiliations.

My reservations soon turned into reality as was clearly evident in the fact that although MP Hayef Al-Mutairi seemed to be lending his support for the besieged Syrian people, he was actually reaching out to the various tribes gathered there saying: “If the government chooses not to lend any support towards the Syrian people’s af-

flictions, then it is the humane responsibility of the Kuwaiti people to lend their support to their brothers in Syria.” MP Jamaan Al-Harbash, on the other hand, said that in the event the government fails to lend its support to the Syrian people, then the people themselves must take the initiative and embark on a Jihad in Syria. He encouraged all members of the Enzi tribe to donate selflessly for their brothers in Syria, adding that he intended to place a box in his diwaniya to collect donations for the Syrian people and that he would be the first to donate his own contribution.

MP Falah Al-Sawwagh announced his own plans of placing two boxes in his own diwaniya – one to collect donations from citizens from the fifth electoral constituency while the other would be to collect donations from members of Awazem tribe.

MP Khalid Al-Tahous also announced his intention of placing two boxes in his diwaniya – one of which would be specifically allocated to collect donations from the Ajmi tribe while the second would be allocated for other Kuwaiti citizens.

It was also heartening to know that some participating MPs like Mohammad Al-Kandari, Adel Al-Damkhi, Waleed Al-Tabtabaie and Osama AlMunawer condemned the atrocities inflicted on the people and encouraged one and all to lend their support to the Syrian people, but chose to refrain from engaging in sensitive issues concerning certain families, areas or tribes.As for all those tribal MPs who nursed other views; I’d like to ask them this particular question: “What were your actual reasons for assigning two boxes to collect donations; one for specific tribes and the other for Kuwaiti citizens?” Aren’t we all human beings

known to the general public.

However, for some reasons that are best known to the Ministry of Information, it has refused to grant him the required license to distribute and sell the book locally. He has repeatedly approached the concerned authorities to grant him the required permission but to no avail. Is it ironical that we are not allowed to publish facts in our country – facts that are already known to peoples across the world?

An exasperated Tawfiqi then sent a text message expressing his surprise over the ministry’s hesitance over granting the required permission and how he was never accorded the reasons for their rejection. He ended his text message saying that if the said license is not granted to him; he would surely go ahead and write another book pertinent to similar issues which will surely ensure not just its countrywide, but regional distribution as well.

However on a lighter note, he mused that he was now seriously considering writing about local, regional and international cuisines. On my part, I have only this to say to my dear colleague that perhaps this is the only solution to guarantee the publication and distribution of any of his future books. The Ministry of Information is simply not interested in such important and valuable information about the country’s progress. They seek publications of different types and sorts on the lines of how to dabble in cooking, how to make deserts, how to maintain hygiene and physical form at all times etc. It is always better to have no substance at all when intending to have anything published in this country.

BU QUTADA & BU NABIL Yes to Jihad, go to Jihad; take photos of me but don’t forget to vote for me in the upcoming parliamentary election

In another development, Saudi propagator Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Oudah posted in his account on Twitter: “If the massacres were committed in Lebanon under instructions from the Hezbollah, we would have been compelled to listen to fiery speeches orated by Hassan Nasarallah; since it is common knowledge that he specializes in issuing warnings and threats at the drop of a hat. Why didn’t Nasarallah initiate any action in response to the massacres committed against the Syrian people?

Why didn’t he declare his stance?” In fact, the questions raised by Sheikh Salman Al-Oudah could not be answered by Al-Sayed Nasarallah or his cronies, or even by Abdulhameed Dashti – simply because whatever is transpiring in Syria is either being fabricated or a conspiracy that is being fueled by foreign parties against the regime of resistance and steadfastness.

The revolution in Tunisia managed to topple the tyrant Zein El Abideen Ben Ali. In Egypt, the rebels toppled the regime of Hosni Mubarak and the people of Egypt recently participated in free and fair to elect their new leader.

Thanks to the revolution in Libya, the tyrant Muammar Gadhafi was killed by his own people while very soon the regime of another tyrant Bashar Al-Assad is also expected to crumble.

However, it is indeed unfortunate that some people still insist that rebelling against their rulers is impermissible even if they happen to be tyrants and hardcore criminals.

that are members of one big family and live in one single consolidated home called Kuwait?

I also cannot comprehend the reasons why some of our MPs always talk about supporting tribal affiliations especially at a time when they are dealing with a humanitarian crisis that has literally grabbed the attention and invoked sympathies from peoples across the world. The drastic plight of the Syrian people has even prompted the heads of states of countries like France the United Kingdom and the United States to call for a special session at the International Security Council to discuss the barbaric crimes that are being committed by the Syrian regime.

Isn’t it ridiculous to even contemplate sending out calls to wage a Jihad bearing in mind the underlying fact citizens of several countries in the Gulf Arab region have suffered immensely in the past when they engaged in Jihad in Afghanistan? Wasn’t this the very reason that witnessed the birth of Al-Qaeda; the members of which unleashed a trail of terror in countries across the world leading to the deaths of thousands of innocent men, women and children? stand should be similar to the official stand that is held by our government which denounces all brutal acts of violence; especially those crimes that are being perpetuated by the Syrian regime against its own people. Our MPs should always resort to exercising a sense of discretion while sending out calls for Jihad bearing in mind the underlying fact that citizens in most of the Gulf Arab countries are still suffering from the repercussions of global terrorism that has also not spared a single country across the world.

Donate to Syria! I am donating too! Take photos of me and publish them in the papers. Vote for me in the upcoming election

No... no...no.

I’ve decided not to run in the upcoming election!!!

Get up! Go on a Jihad! Donate!

Why are you sleeping?!

Mohmmed Thallab

mthallab@alwatan.com.kw

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views

wednesDAY, may 30, 2012

Who will win Egypt’s presidency?

France’s broken dream Martin Feldstein Project Syndicate

T A giant billboard of Egyptian presidential candidate Ahmed Shafiq hangs on a building in Cairo Egypt, Friday, May 25, 2012. Whoever wins Egypt’s presidency will face severe obstacles in challenging the status quo, owing to the dominance of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, analysts said. (AP)

Omar Ashour

What remains certain is that no democratic transition can be complete without elected representatives exercising meaningful control over the security services and the armed forces.

Project Syndicate

E

verything about Egypt’s revolution has been unexpected, and the first-round results in the country’s first-ever competitive presidential election are no different. The rise of former President Hosni Mubarak’s last prime minister, General Ahmad Shafiq, who will enter the presidential runoff alongside the Muslim Brotherhood Movement candidate Mohammed Morsi, has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. So did the meteoric rise of the Nasserist candidate Hamdin Sabbahi to third place, and the fourth-place finish of Abdel Moneim Aboul Fotouh, who was backed by liberals and hardline Salafi Islamists alike.

Egypt’s voters overwhelmingly chose the revolution over the old regime, and shattered the myth that the push for change is an urban, middle-class, Cairo-based phenomenon: the eight revolutionary candidates received more than 16.4 million votes. But their failure to unite on a single platform directly benefited Shafiq, who unexpectedly won 5.9 million votes (assuming no election-rigging).

Shafiq’s success shocked many revolutionaries. “He is a murderer. His place is in jail, not on top of Egypt after the revolution,” said one activist. Indeed, Shafiq has been linked to multiple cases of corruption and repression, including the “battle of the camels” on Feb. 2, 2011, when Mubarak’s henchmen attacked Tahrir Square, killing and wounding protesters. The rise of Shafiq is explainable in some areas, but raised eyebrows in others. In Upper Egypt, “more than 60 percent of Copts voted for him,” a source close to the Coptic Orthodox Church said, and in Coptic-majority areas, the pro-Shafiq vote exceeded 95 percent, because he was widely perceived as a bulwark against Islamism.

Moreover, many state employees (around 5.1 million of them eligible to vote) and their families supported Shafiq, owing either to direct instructions from their bosses, or to the perceived threat of creeping Muslim Brotherhood Movement’s influence on government bureaucracies.

And Shafiq received financing and support from Mubarak’s National Democratic Party (NDP), as well as from business and security interests that

benefited from the status quo. But this was not enough to explain Morsi’s defeat in the Muslim Brotherhood Movement’s traditional strongholds. In Sharqiya, a bastion of hardcore Muslim Brotherhood Movement support with 3.5 million voters, Shafiq defeated Morsi by more than 90,000 votes. In Gharbiya governorate, another Muslim Brotherhood Movement stronghold, he beat Morsi by more than 200,000 votes.

I compared the results with the Muslim Brotherhood Movement’s performance in the parliamentary elections earlier this year, and found that the Muslim Brotherhood Movement lost between 25 percent and 48 percent of their support in the Nile Delta (depending on the area), where 40 percent of Egyptians live.

Assuming no foul play, Shafiq received around two million votes from four Delta governorates: Sharqiya, Gharbiya, Munufiya, and Daqahliyya.

Egypt’s Islamists - the strongest political force on the ground, and the most repressed under Mubarak - have serious stakes in this election.

But, rather than uniting to improve their chances, their popular support was split among three candidates, two of whom - Morsi and Aboul Fotouh - placed among the four front-runners.

Salafi support for Aboul Fotouh, a moderate former Muslim Brotherhood Movement leader, proved to be a double-edged sword, because it repelled many liberals and socialists who would have voted for him otherwise. Most revolutionaries who did not want an Islamist-dominated Egypt were alienated as well. Their votes went to Hamadi Sabbahi, from the left-leaning Nasserist camp who surprised observers by winning 5.4 million votes. If anything, the first-round results revealed the power of the non-Islamist revolutionary bloc, as well as Egyptians’ willingness to punish Islamists for their weak job performance in the parliament. Indeed, six out of ten Egyptians voted for Islamists in the parliamentary elections. That dropped to four in ten in the presidential election.

Morsi, who finished first, with six million votes, had the Muslim Brotherhood Movement’s disciplined, dedicated, and experienced machine fully behind him. That meant a sophisticated

election campaign that penetrated deeply into Egyptian society, urban and rural, and in which women played a key role. “This is where they beat the Salafis. Their women are experienced, outgoing, gutsy, and trained to be convincing and charismatic,” a Salafi activist who supported Aboul Fotouh told me. “Salafi women are shy, introverts. They can’t compete for votes with the Muslim Brotherhood Movement’s ladies.”

The Muslim Brotherhood Movement must now try to persuade the 10.7 million voters who supported Aboul Fotoh and Sabbahi to back Morsi in the runoff against Shafiq. The Muslim Brotherhood Movement probably needs to reserve the vice presidency for a non-Islamist like Sabbahi. Likewise, Aboul Fotoh, or perhaps the Nobel laureate Mohamed El Baradei, will need to be appointed as Prime Minister. Moreover, the Muslim Brotherhood Movement will most likely have to offer some concessions to guarantee balanced representation of Islamists and non-Islamists in the Assembly that the parliament is to choose to draft a new constitution.

Whoever wins Egypt’s presidency will face severe obstacles in challenging the status quo, owing to the dominance of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF). The president’s mandate was outlined by a constitutional declaration in March 2011, but the SCAF has said that a more detailed one would be forthcoming after the election. That could mean weakening the president’s powers and reserving some domains for the army - at least until a new constitution is adopted.

What remains certain is that no democratic transition can be complete without elected representatives exercising meaningful control over the security services and the armed forces. That will be the Egyptian revolution’s ultimate test, and the most critical challenge for any president who does not embody a return to the past. * Omar Ashour is Director of the Middle East Graduate Studies Program, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter (UK), and a visiting fellow, Brookings Doha Center.

he crisis in the eurozone is the result of France’s persistent pursuit of the “European project,” the goal of political unification that began after World War II when two leading French politicians, Jean Monnet and Robert Schuman, proposed the creation of a United States of Europe. Monnet and Schuman argued that a political union similar to America’s would prevent the types of conflict that had caused three major European wars an appealing idea, but one that overlooked America’s horrific Civil War. A European political union could also make Europe a power comparable to the United States, and thereby give France, with its sophisticated foreign service, an important role in European and world affairs.

The Monnet-Schuman dream led to the 1956 Treaty of Rome, which established a small free-trade area that was later expanded to form the European Economic Community. Establishing the EEC had favorable economic effects, but, like the North American Free Trade Area, it did not reduce national identification or create a sense of political unity. That was the purpose of the 1992 Maastricht Treaty, which established the European Union.

The influential report “One market, one money,” issued in 1990 under the leadership of the former French Finance Minister Jacques Delors, called for the creation of a single currency, relying on the specious argument that the single market could not function well otherwise.

More realistically, advocates of a single currency reasoned that it would cause people to identify as Europeans, and that the shift to a single European Central Bank would herald a shift of power away from national governments. Germany resisted the euro, arguing that full political union should come first. Since there was no chance that the other countries would accept political union, Germany’s position seemed like a technical maneuver to prevent the establishment of the single currency. Germany was reluctant to give up the Deutsche Mark, a symbol of its economic power and commitment to price stability. Germany eventually agreed to the creation of the euro only when French President Francois Mitterrand made it a condition of France’s support for German reunification.

Moreover, under pressure from France, the Maastricht Treaty’s requirement that countries could introduce the euro only if their national debt was less than 60 percent of GDP was relaxed in order to admit countries that were seen to be “evolving” toward that goal. That modification allowed Greece, Spain, and Italy to be admitted. The pro-euro politicians ignored economists’ warnings that imposing a single currency on a dozen heterogeneous countries was bound to create serious economic problems. They regarded the economic risks as unimportant relative to their agenda of political unification. But the creation of the euro caused a sharp fall in interest rates in the peripheral countries, leading to debt-financed housing bubbles and encouraging their governments to borrow to finance increased government spending. Amaz-

NATO’s biggest security threat is now economic Frederick Kempe Reuters

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s measured from President Obama’s re-election campaign perspective - the White House’s litmus test for foreign policy issues through November last weekend’s G-8 and NATO Summits were bell ringers.

Obama campaign strategists couldn’t have scripted their outcomes better - perhaps because they did script them.

Given the potential for dissent, President Obama could be satisfied that his guests adhered (mostly) to the desired story line. At Camp David, President Obama was the jobs-andgrowth champion. In hometown Chicago, with leaders of some 60 countries arrayed around him, he was the president who would wind down an unpopular war. (That his Chicago White Sox trounced the Cubs during NATO Night at Wrigley Field, in a game that opened with an honor guard carrying flags from the 50 countries engaged in Afghanistan, was an added benefit.)

The only problem with this pretty picture is that getting the campaign message right is a long way from getting the world right. What really connected the G-8 and NATO meetings was a growing realization that the biggest threat to the alliance - and, for that matter, to Obama’s re-election hopes - is the euro zone crisis. That risk comes at a time when US debt and political dysfunction makes the West far less resilient. So for all the talk in Chicago about common purpose in Afghanistan, NATO’s most existential danger now comes from within, and its root causes are economic.

When NATO strategists weigh the many threats facing them, they tend to focus first on their founding treaty’s Article 5, which requires all members to defend a single ally against an external security threat.

Insiders also often discuss Article 4, which allows for a member country like Turkey to seek urgent alliance consultations when it foresees new dangers, as was the case during the Iraq war and is now again the case concerning Syria.

Yet it’s time for NATO to dust off its long-forgotten Article 2, known at the treaty’s writing in 1949 as “the Canadian

7

Leaders attend the family photo of the G8 Summit at Camp David, the presidential retreat near Thurmont, Maryland, US, May 19 2012. The world’s Group of Eight leading industrial nations (G8) meet at Camp David to discuss the European debt crisis, the global economy and security issues. (Agencies)

article,” because of that ally’s early insistence that military strength couldn’t be separated from economic health. It committed all NATO members to “strengthening their free institutions” and “promoting conditions of stability and well-being. They will seek to eliminate conflict in their international economic policies and will encourage economic collaboration between any and all of them.”

That article was put forward by then-Canadian Foreign Minister Lester Pearson, and was enthusiastically supported by the US, because both countries feared NATO would become too much of a military assistance program without

sufficient economic cooperation or benefit. Under the logic of Article 2, ambitious free trade and investment agreements - of the sort the Obama administration is currently postponing with Europe - are as strategically important as defense programs. Some have argued that NATO need not consider such matters, since they have become the domain of the European Union. Indeed, as part of NATO’s recent reforms, it got rid of its economic directorate altogether. Yet now that the EU itself is under threat, it’s time for the alliance to consider the security implications of financial and economic shifts - and how they could alter the strategic bal-

The European project has clearly failed to achieve what French political leaders have wanted right from the beginning. ingly, global financial markets ignored the credit risks of this sovereign debt, requiring only very small differences between interest rates on German bonds and those of Greece and other peripheral countries.

That ended in 2010, after Greece admitted that it had lied about its budget deficits and debt. Financial markets responded by demanding much higher rates on the bonds of countries with high government debt ratios and banking systems weakened by excessive mortgage debt.

Three small countries (Greece, Ireland, and Portugal) have been forced to accept help from the International Monetary Fund, and to enact painful contractionary fiscal cuts. The conditions in Greece are now hopeless, and are likely to lead to further defaults and a withdrawal from the eurozone. Spain, too, is in serious trouble, owing to the budget deficits of its traditionally independent regional governments, the weakness of its banks, and its need to roll over large sovereigndebt balances each year.

It is already clear that the EU’s recently agreed “fiscal compact” will not constrain budget deficits or reduce national debts. Spain was the first to insist that it could not meet the conditions to which it had just agreed, and other countries will soon follow. French President Fran ois Hollande has proposed balancing deficit limits with growth initiatives, just as France had earlier forced the EU’s Stability Pact to become the Stability and Growth Pact. The fiscal compact is an empty gesture that may be the last attempt to pretend that EU members are moving toward political unification.

The European project has clearly failed to achieve what French political leaders have wanted from the beginning.

Instead of the amity and sense of purpose of which Monnet and Schuman dreamed, there is conflict and disarray. Europe’s international role is shrinking, with the old G-5 having evolved into the G-20. And, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel setting conditions for the eurozone, France’s ambition to dominate European policy has been thwarted. Even if most eurozone countries retain the single currency, it will be because abandoning the euro would be financially painful. Now that its weaknesses are clear, the euro will remain a source of trouble rather than a path to political power. * Martin Feldstein, Professor of Economics at Harvard, was Chairman of President Ronald Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers and is a former president of the US National Bureau for Economic Research.

ance of power.

According to Article 2, it is also a NATO matter whether Greece leaves the euro zone, given its European, transatlantic and global repercussions. How France and Germany settle their dispute over the policies of growth versus austerity, again, is an issue of deepest concern to the alliance.

The growing divide that the euro crisis is creating between the north and south of Europe has significant implications for the future solidarity of NATO members that goes far beyond, but also includes, the sharp decline of defense budgets. The wider implications of the euro crisis go right to the heart of the geopolitical and security issues that concern NATO. The problems stem both from the European Union’s flagging energy for external engagement and its eroding attractiveness to the outside world as the model of prosperity and stability - to be emulated and, when possible, joined.

A weak, introverted Europe and a debt-laden and distracted United States are encouraging Russia to reassert its influence, in part through its new Eurasian Union, which would be far less attractive were it not for the EU’s troubles.

In the Balkans, recent Serbian elections that favored a more nationalist candidate, who represents an anti-EU party, were influenced by the euro crisis. Across the Middle East and North Africa, a battle for hearts and minds is under way: Less attractive influences emerge when the US and Europe are no-shows. “As more crises may develop, the danger is that we will be so introspective we won’t address them,” says Michael Clarke, director general of the Royal United Services Institute in London. “Europe is losing the ability to be an actor even in its own continent, let alone in world politics.”

NATO leaders can rightly congratulate themselves for coming away from Chicago with a good amount of agreement on the three major agenda items: ending combat engagement in Afghanistan by 2014, pooling more defense capabilities in the face of austerity, and deepening relationships with their most capable partners. Yet they didn’t begin to address this far more fundamental threat. It’s time for the North Atlantic Council of allied leaders to convene, as provided for under Article 2, to address economic issues that have become matters of strategic consequence. * Frederick Kempe is a Reuters correspondent. The views expressed here are his own.

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South Korea Iran oil imports rise 60% in April, stockpiling seen

BUSINESS

wednesdAY, may 30, 2012

m ar ket watc h KUWAIT

DUBAI

QATAR

0.14% 6208

0.14% 1475

0.4% 8475

OMAN 1.0% 5754

SEOUL: South Korea imported almost 60 percent more crude from Iran in April than in March, pushing purchases to their highest level this year and reversing a decline that began in January after the United States announced sanctions against Tehran.

At more than 7.5 million barrels, April’s imports were the highest since November 2011, and were also 42 percent more than the same month a year ago, data from the state-run Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) showed on Tuesday.

See page 10

OIL MARKETS

ABU DHABI

BAHRAIN

EGYPT

SAUDI

0.06% 2455

0.28% 1140

1.14% 4684

0.33% 7033

US Crude $91.49 $0.63 London Brent $107.5 $0.72 Kuwait Crude $103.53 $0.62 Information Courtesy: KAMCO

CURRENCIES US Dollar

British Pound

Saudi Riyal

Qatari Riyal

Indian Rupee

Euro

Japanese Yen

UAE Dirham

Bahraini Dinar

Philippine Peso

Buy 0.280 Sell 0.2805 Buy 0.3509 Sell 0.3517

Buy 0.4387 Sell 0.4395

Buy 0.003519 Sell 0.003526

Buy 0.0747 Sell 0.0748

Buy 0.07624 Sell 0.07638

Kuwaiti crude rises 62 cents to $103.53 per barrel Oil falls towards $106 on weak euro

CAPITALS: The price of Kuwaiti crude oil came up 62 US cents to trade for 103.53 US dollars per barrel (pb) Monday compared to last Friday’s $102. 91 pb, said Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) on Tuesday.

The hike in crude price in the global oil market follows opinion polls in Greece on Sunday which indicated that the New Democracy Party (conservative) might yet be able to form a government, after the elections set for June 17, alleviating investors’ fears of a Greek exit from the euro zone as a result of the current political impasse.

The oil market is also under the influence of flaring political and security unrest and instability in Syria, which caused fears of a threat to the flow of oil supplies from the region.

Meanwhile, crude oil fell towards $106 a barrel on Tuesday as the euro lingers near 2-year lows on renewed

fears of eurozone debt contagion, counterbalancing bullish sentiment from renewed fears of Middle East supply disruptions.

“There is a tug of war between a renewed geopolitical premium and the prospect of a weakening global economy on the back of the eurozone crisis,” said Olivier Jakob at consultancy Petromatrix.

Brent crude for July delivery fell 23 cents to $106.88 per barrel by 1210 GMT, after hitting a high of $108.04 in the previous session.

US crude oil futures rose 17 cents to $91.03, after rising more than one dollar per barrel with the return of US market players from Memorial Day weekend in the US The euro slipped against the dollar on Tuesday, edging closer to two year lows as investors and speculators sold the common currency on persistent worries over Spain’s escalating borrowing costs and its weakening banking sector.

“It’s mainly the euro’s weakness pushing Brent down,” said James Zhang, analyst at Standard Bank, “Investors are moving away from the euro as uncertainties

over Spain’s debts mount.”

Spain’s decision to recapitalize nationalized lender Bankia means its debt could rise above expectations.

Spain will recapitalize Bankia by issuing new debt, not by injecting bonds into the lender. The bank asked for 19 billion euros in government help, in addition to 4.5 billion the state has already pumped in.

This method could be used to prop up other troubled lenders - moves which would push the country’s debts above the 79.8 percent of economic output which had been expected this year.

Outside of Europe, Chinese data this week is likely to affirm economic weakness in the world’s No. 2 oil user even as the government steps up stimulus measures.

A Reuters poll showed China’s official manufacturing managers’ index may have eased in May from a 13-month high in April.

“Companies are making contingency plans for the Grexit (Greek eurozone exit) and Spanish troubles so they are investing less. Nobody wants to be caught with high inventories like in 2008 - so factories are reducing

An employee inspects the interior of a newly-made tire with a flashlight at a tire factory in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province May 29, 2012. The combined profits of industrial companies across China fell 1.6 percent in the first four months of 2012 from a year earlier to 1.45 trillion Chinese yuan ($228.6 billion), the National Bureau of Statistics. (Reuters)

a surplus of 28 billion riyals, or 4.4 percent of 2011 gross domestic product (GDP), according to Reuters calculations. The government expects to see a fiscal surplus of eight percent of GDP in the current fiscal year, up from 6.7 percent in 2011-2012, QNA said.

Qatar is less conservative in its oil price assumption this fiscal year as the budget is based on an average crude price of $65 per barrel, above $55 in previous two years.

Brent crude is now around $107 per barrel, near five-month lows.

The Gulf Arab country, a major global investor through its sovereign wealth fund, has yet to release budget data for 2011-2012.

Funds allocated for public sector salaries soared 48 percent to 37 billion riyals in the 2012/13 budget, accounting for about a fifth of the overall plan, QNA said.

In September, Qatar, which has avoided the social unrest that rocked the Arab world

last year, raised basic salaries and social benefits for state civilian employees by 60 percent, while military staff received 50-120 percent increases. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said salary and pension hikes would add an estimated $1.6 billion to government expenditure in 2011-2012, but the actual fiscal balance was still projected to book a surplus of over seven percent of GDP in 2011-2012.

The authorities do not expect any further one-off rises in current expenditure, and aim to allocate 40 percent of the total spending toward capital expenditure over the medium term, the Fund said after concluding consultations with Qatar in January.

“Fiscal policy must continue to maintain a careful balance between spending on infrastructure to sustain non-inflationary growth, and saving and investing hydrocarbon surpluses abroad to generate sufficient

income to finance future budgets,” the IMF also said. The country of 1.7 million people, which pegs its riyal to the US dollar, has outlined public investment plans worth $95 billion over five years to 2016, ahead of the World Cup. That includes $11 billion on a new international airport, $5.5 billion on a deep-water seaport and one billion dollars for a transport corridor in Doha, as well as $20 billion on roads. It plans to spend 62 billion riyals ($17 billion) on public projects in 2012-2013, up seven percent from the previous plan, QNA said.

Qatar’s economic growth is expected to slow to 6.6 percent this year as the impact of two decades of gas output expansion fades, largely due to its self-imposed moratorium on new hydrocarbon projects to conserve resources, according to the latest Reuters poll of analysts in March. But that would still be the fastest rate in the Gulf. -Reuters

(Photo by D.Amara)

Dubai’s economy grew 3.4% in 2011

FILE - The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is seen in this file photo. Dubai’s economy grew 3.4 percent in real terms in 2011, helped by strong trade flows and rising tourist numbers, the emirate’s statistics office said on Tuesday, May 29, 2012.

Buy 0.006475 Sell 0.006457

output. I think this explains the disappointing Chinese data,” said Jakob of Petromatrix.

Stalled talks surrounding Iran’s nuclear plans continued to underpin oil prices that have fallen around 10 percent this month because of the debt crisis in Europe that could lead to a Greek exit from the euro zone and uncertainty facing the US and Chinese economies.

Tension between major oil producer Iran and the West remains high after inconclusive discussions last week on Tehran’s nuclear program, increasing the risk of conflict in the Middle East and disruption of global oil supplies.

Iranian officials have declined to grant access to a complex at the centre of Western suspicion that Iran is developing nuclear weapons capability. Tehran has denied having any such ambition.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said last week satellite images showed “extensive activities” at Parchin. Six world powers failed to persuade Iran last week to halt its most sensitive nuclear work, but they will meet again in Moscow next month to try to end the stand-off. -Agencies

Egypt’s OCI says to get $605 million from Gavilon sale

Qatar plans to boost spending by 27% in 2012-2013 CAPITALS: Qatar plans to boost government spending by 27 percent in the fiscal year that began in April, including wages, social services and infrastructure, but it expects to see a comfortable surplus, state news agency Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported.

Tuesday’s report comes amid concerns over safety standards in the Gulf Arab state after fires broke out at an aviation college and a girls’ school on Tuesday following the deaths of at least 19 foreign nationals in a blaze at an upscale shopping mall on Monday.

Qatar, the world’s top liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, projects record high expenditures of 178 billion Qatari riyals (49 billion US dollars) for the fiscal year, above the 140 billion planned for 2011-2012.

The country, which is due to host the soccer World Cup in 2022, has penciled in revenue of 206 billion riyals, a 26 percent rise from the previous year’s budget plan and

Buy 0.7428 Sell 0.74422

Buy 0.00504 Sell 0.00503

Prices in Kuwaiti fils as of May 29, 2012 Courtesy: KAMCO

KSE down for 10th session, drops 8.42 points

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s market falls for a 10th consecutive session, giving back early-session gains as political instability weigh. The index slipped 0.1 percent or 8.42 points to 6,207.62 points, its lowest close since April 16. The weighted index came to 406.49 points, gaining 0.72 points, while the newly introduced KSX 15 index ended the day at 975.78 points on increase of 2.58 points.

Trades came to 5,036 transactions, worth 22,558,913.63 Kuwaiti dinars, with 337,513,232 shares changing hands. Sector indices ended the action with no change in utilities, seven green readings, and another five readings.

Top gainer was the telecommunications sector on a gain of 10.99 points, while biggest loser of 12.6 points was the health care sector. Top share for the day was Al-Safat, biggest loser was Strategia Investment, and top volume stock was that of Gulf Finance House.

Trading at Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) started on greener pasture Tuesday, with all main indices green at 9:30 a.m. The price index came to 6,230.44 points on a gain of 14.4 points, and the weighted index also came to 407.66 points, putting on 1.89 points, while the KSX 15 index came up 4.92 points to read 978.12 points. Trades came to 1,170 transactions by the time, worth KD 6,709,878.652, and volume reached 96,306,703 shares. The bourse closed on an almost all-red board Monday. -Agencies

Buy 0.07707 Sell 0.07692

DUBAI: Dubai’s economy grew 3.4 percent in real terms in 2011, helped by strong trade flows and rising tourist numbers, the emirate’s statistics office said on Tuesday.

One of seven United Arab Emirates (UAE), which have been recovering from the 2009-2010 debt crisis, Dubai saw its foreign trade jump by a record 22 percent in 2011, driven by strong flows with Asia, while passenger traffic at its main airport rose eight percent to nearly 51 million.

This year the number of passengers at Dubai International surged 14 percent to 18.8 million in January-April from the same period a year ago. Cargo volumes have been rising in low single digits and the emirate, which makes up nearly a third of the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP), is aiming for economic growth of 4.5 percent this year, the coastal desert emirate’s top official said in February.

However, a weak housing market and sluggish bank lending, which have yet to recover from a property crash in

late 2008, and international sanctions against Iran are expected to weigh on Dubai’s economy this year.

Last year Dubai’s gross domestic product rose to an estimated 306.2 billion UAE dirhams (83.4 billion US dollars) from a revised 296.1 billion in 2010, the head of the statistics office said in a statement. The growth rate was in line with expectations.

A statistics center official told Reuters on Tuesday that a comparable growth rate for 2010 was not yet available as the office has been revising data from the previous years. It plans to release revised figures in coming weeks.

The office had originally reported a growth rate of 2.8 percent in 2010 with GDP in constant prices at 293.6 billion dirhams.

Wholesale, retail trade and repair services, which account for around a third of Dubai’s GDP, provided the biggest growth impetus to the economy last year, rising by 5.8 percent, Arif Obaid Al-Muhairi, Executive Director at Dubai Statistics Center said in the statement

posted on the statistics office’s website.

The UAE, one of the world’s top five oil exporters, has yet to release its 2011 GDP data. The International Monetary Fund estimated in April the UAE’s 2011 GDP expansion at 4.9 percent.

The recent tightening of sanctions against Iran should have a moderate impact on the economic growth of the UAE, its major trading partner, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in May. Sanctions against Iran over its disputed nuclear program which have been in place since June 2010 have so far not led to a lasting reduction in Dubai’s trade with Tehran, the IMF said, adding a 30 percent reduction in exports to Iran would reduce the UAE’s GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points.

With the exception of Dubai, the regional trade and business hub, Gulf Arab trade links with Iran are minor.

Apart from trade, Iran has also been a significant source of demand for real estate, tourism and financial services in the UAE. -Reuters

CAIRO: Egypt’s Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) said on Tuesday it would earn 605 million US dollars from the sale of its 16.8 percent stake in US grains merchant Gavilon to Japanese trading house Marubeni.

The deal is part of a $3.6 billion takeover by Marubeni of Gavilon, whose other owners include billionaire investor George Soros and hedge fund manager Dwight Anderson.

“The transaction is expected to close by September and OCI will use the cash proceeds to finance its fertilizer group expansion strategy in North America and potentially invest in other opportunities under review,” OCI said.

“In addition, part of the proceeds will be returned to stakeholders,” it said in an emailed statement.

OCI said it bought its stake in Gavilon in July 2008 for $340 million.

Gavilon would continue to market OCI fertilizer products in North America after the sale is continued, OCI said.

OCI’s share price was steady at 1210 GMT, while the benchmark index had fallen 1.2 percent. -Reuters

Japan, China to start yen-yuan direct trading in June TOKYO: Japan and China will start direct trading of their currencies on June 1 in the Tokyo and Shanghai markets, Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Tuesday.

“Without the interim step of using dollars, direct trading will bring down transaction costs, reduce settlement risks at financial institutions, improve the convenience of both nations’ currencies, and revitalize the Tokyo market,” Azumi told a press conference.

Currently, the exchange rates between the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan are set by using the dollar as an intermediate currency.

The move is part of the efforts between Asia’s two biggest economies to boost bilateral trade and financial transactions.

Last December, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao agreed to reinforce bilateral financial cooperation, including the direct yen-yuan trading.

The yen-yuan exchange system marks the first time for China to allow a major currency other than the dollar to trade directly with the yuan.

-KUNA

US dollar rate against Kuwaiti dinar rises

KUWAIT: Exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar rose to KD 0.280, while the euro dropped to KD 0.351 compared to last Monday’s figures, said the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) on Tuesday.

Exchange rate of the Sterling pound stabilized at KD 0.439, and the Japanese yen remained unchanged, at KD 0.003., whereas the Swiss franc went down to KD 0.292. -KUNA

10

ALWATAN DAILY

BUSINESS

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

South Korea Iran oil imports rise 60% in April, stockpiling seen SEOUL: South Korea imported almost 60 percent more crude from Iran in April than in March, pushing purchases to their highest level this year and reversing a decline that began in January after the United States announced sanctions against Tehran.

At more than 7.5 million barrels, April’s imports were the highest since November 2011, and were also 42 percent more than the same month a year ago, data from the state-run Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC) showed on Tuesday.

In March, imports were down 40 percent on the year.

Some analysts said South Korea, one of Iran’s biggest customers, was stockpiling crude ahead of a European Union ban on shipping insurance which takes effect on July 1, and which would make it extremely difficult to ship Iranian oil. Industry sources had said the two refiners that import Iranian oil would stop purchases when the ban takes effect, making South Korea the first of Iran’s major customers to completely halt imports.

“This increase in Iran crude oil imports in April might be because they are importing more in advance due to notice about halting Iran crude oil imports,” said Yoo Young-kook, senior analyst at KTB Investment & Securities Co. Ltd. “Another scenario is that there might be an expectation that Iran sanctions will be resolved positively so the purchases are increasing,” Yoo said.

Iran and world powers agreed to meet again next month to try to ease the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program despite achieving scant progress at talks in Baghdad.

Bucking a downtrend

Government officials and industry sources declined to comment on the rise in imports, saying the issue was politically sensitive. April’s imports bucked a downtrend that had decreased cumulative crude imports from Iran since the beginning of the year by 10 percent versus the same period a year ago.

South Korea is seeking a waiver from US financial sanctions against Iran that were announced on Dec. 31 and

OPEC output hits new high in May LONDON: The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) output in May has hit its highest since 2008 as Saudi Arabia maintained high production rates despite a drop in prices and Iranian shipments did not fall substantially further ahead of an EU embargo, a Reuters survey found on Tuesday.

Supply from the 12-member Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries has averaged 31.80 million barrels per day (bpd), up from 31.75 million bpd in April, the survey of sources at oil companies, OPEC officials and analysts found. OPEC’s total is the highest since September 2008, shortly before it agreed to a series of supply curbs to combat recession and collapsing demand, based on Reuters surveys. -Reuters

month, as core customers in Europe and Asia continue to buy ahead of the application of European sanctions.

China, the world’s second biggest oil consumer and another major Asian buyer of Iranian crude, increased its oil imports from Iran by 50 percent in April compared to March after both sides resolved a pricing dispute.

Japan is expected to have maintained its steep cuts in Iranian oil imports in April, traders said, while India cut its purchases from Iran by a third in April compared with March.

Turning to Gulf oil producers

South Korea imported 25.25 million barrels from Iran during the first four months of this year, down about 10 percent from 28.1 million during the same period a year ago, the KNOC data showed.

The jump in April contrasts sharply with imports in March, which fell 40 percent from a year ago to 155,000 bpd as South Korea slashed Iranian imports and a crude distillation unit was closed for maintenance work.

Seoul imported more than 250,000 bpd of Iranian crude in April, compared with its term import agreement at 200,000 bpd this year.

Of South Korea’s four refiners, only SK Energy and Hyundai Oilbank import Iranian crude. Sources said both refiners will stop importing from Iran when the EU insurance embargo takes effect from July 1.

The South Korean government, however, is still lobbying the EU to exempt it from the ban.

South Korea has turned to other Middle Eastern producers, including the world’s top exporter Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Qatar to make up the Iran supply cuts.

Shipments from Kuwait in January-April rose 15 percent to nearly 328,000 bpd, while those from Saudi Arabia rose five percent to about 825,000 bpd, and increased almost 10 percent from the UAE to 250,000 bpd, the data showed.

From Qatar, the January-April imports rose 10 percent to more than 288,000 bpd, according to the data. -Reuters

FILE - A worker walks down a walkway on the SPQ1 gas platform on the southern edge of Iran’s South Pars gasfield in the Gulf, off Assalouyeh in this file photo. South Korea imported almost 60 percent more crude from Iran in April than in March, pushing purchases to their highest level this year. (Reuters)

which take effect end-June, but Washington has said exemptions will be granted only to countries that make big cuts to their crude imports.

Japan, which has already won a waiver from the United States for slashing its imports from Iran, is also seeking a similar exemption.

South Korea’s government has shied away from officially declaring a position on whether it will stop or reduce its Iranian oil imports. The United States is its main guarantor

for security against North Korea, which has a nuclear weapons program.

The United States and Europe are trying to squeeze the revenues Iran makes from oil exports in order to force it to halt a nuclear program they fear will be used to make weapons, but which Tehran says is for power generation.

Iran’s oil exports, which were up to 2.2 million barrels per days (bpd) last year, have not dropped further in May after falling sharply since March, industry sources said this

APICORP expands energy trade finance services to Arab world

KOC organizes Professional Women Networking Conference

KAMCO Research

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Oil Company’s (KOC) Professional Women Networking Committee recently organized a conference titled ‘Journeys of Success’ in which success stories from women in various fields were highlighted. This was stated in a press release on Tuesday. The forum hosted the French Ambassador to Kuwait, Nada Yafi, who spoke about her success story and her rise through the ranks of the French Civil Service until she eventually became her country’s ambassador to Kuwait.

The KOC Deputy Managing Director (North Kuwait ), Hosnia Hashem, and Deputy Managing Director for Corporate Planning at Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), Wafa’a Al-Zaabi, also spoke about their personal experiences in achieving success.

The conference falls in line with the Committee’s activities since it was founded in 2009 with the aim of enhancing the professional competency of KOC’s female employees, particularly with regard to technical and administrative aspects.

The Committee plans to organize a series of conferences and forums during the year to highlight models of success achieved by women in Kuwait and in the Middle East.

KUWAIT: Arab Petroleum Investments sify business streams and grow the Bank for ered for this alliance, we felt J.P. Morgan is the Corporation (APICORP), the multilateral dethe benefit of the Arab World’s energy sector,” most suited partner, recognized for its expervelopment bank owned by the member states said Ahmad Bin Hamad Al-Nuaimi, Chief Extise, wide banking network, and trade processof the Organization of Arab Petroleum Executive and General Manager of APICORP. ing capability.” porting Countries (OAPEC), announced in a “This announcement has been preceded by “J.P. Morgan’s collaboration with APIpress release on Tuesday, the signing of a trade extensive efforts with JP Morgan to set up a CORP, to meet trade finance demand from the finance services agreement with JP Morgan highly reliable service that can be increased in multilateral development bank’s clients in the Treasury Services. scale to meet rising demand.”

Middle East, has resulted in much needed adThis enables APICORP to significantly Under the trade finance services agreeditional liquidity in the global trade finance expand its range of trade finance services to ment, JP Morgan will provide APICORP with markets,” said Mark Garvin, Chairman of energy companies. Commencing June 2012, trade finance processing support, including JP Morgan Treasury and Securities Services APICORP will offer a complete range of trade internet-based technology, and access to trade International. “This mandate is testimony finance products and services to its clients, infinance services from a global network of to J.P. Morgan’s ongoing commitment to the cluding letters of credit, collections guar-dropbranches. regionInand sector witnessed a 12.8and percent in earnings to SAR 8.2 bn from SAR 9.4 bn in Q1-11. the strong local market knowledge, antees. The government of Kuwait owns aearnings 17 “APICORP willbyinitiate transactions and a 18.3 coupled with our global expertise in trade banking sector, the positive were supported Al Rajhi Bank posting percent percent stakeincrease in APICORP. with 1.7 customers as well as make finance, which enables us to meet the crossin earnings to reach SAR 2interface bn from SAR bn in Q1-11 while Sambafi-Financial Group “We arewitnessed pleased to announcegrow another nal to credit Al-Nuaimi. border trade finance needs of clients such as its earnings 2 percent SARapproval 1.15 bndecisions,” from SARsaid 1.12 bn. In the petrochemical major milestone in Saudi APICORP’s bid to diverthe financial institutions were consid-maker, APICORP.” sector, Basic Industries Corp. “Of (SABIC), the worldʼs biggest that petrochemicals said Q1-

spending on infrastructure. Regarding inflation, Saudi Arabiaʼs annual rate of inflation held steady in March-12 compared with February, a sign that the higher food and rent prices KAMCO Research atcould5.4bepercent inflationary, data from the Central Department of Statistics and Information showed. Rent, fuel and housing related services saw an 8.9 percent rise in March from a year earlier, compared with a 9.3 percent jump in February; while food and beverage prices gained 5.1 percent on year versus a 4.3 percent rise in the previous month. Over the month, rent, fuel and housing related services inched up 0.5 percent, food and beverage prices gained 0.7 percent from February. The 12 profit dropped 5.5 percent on the back of lower prices for its products and higher feedstock costs. Net income fell to SAR 7.27 bn from SAR 7.69 bn a year earlier. SABIC stated that net Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has said that inflationary pressures, caused mainly by an infrastructure.

Regarding inflation, Saudi Arabiaʼs annual rate of inflation held steady income from the year-earlier period declined “as aspending result of on lower prices for some products and an March-12 February,increase a sign that the higher food and rent prices increase in some of our feedstock. It was a result atof 5.4 thepercent generalinstate of thecompared economy with worldwide. in global food prices, are worrying, but the central bank sees no need to change interestcould be inflationary, Department of Statistics and Information showed. Rent, There was a deliberate slowdown in growth to quell inflation in China.data Thefrom statethe ofCentral the European situation affected that.” In the telecom sector, heavyweight Saudirelated Telecom posted a an 60 8.9 percent fuel and housing services saw percentrate risepolicy. in March from a year earlier, compared

KAMCO Research

TASI breaks 4-month winning streak, closes April on negative note increase in earnings during Q1-12 to SAR 2.5 bn up from SAR 1.6 bnjump in Q1-11. with a 9.3 percent in February; while food and beverage prices gained 5.1 percent on year

8,050 7,900 7,750 7,600

800

7,450 7,300

700

TADAWUL Best Return Performers (Apr-12) 600

7,150 7,000

Close (SAR)

6,850 6,700

Nama Chemicals

ACE Arabia Coop. Insurance Co.

6,100

97.00

Source: KAMCO Research

5.3.12

Jabal Omar Development Company Source: KAMCO Research

21.75

22.00

Nama Chemicals

ACE Arabia Coop. Insurance Co.

Saudi Industrial Development Co.

14.8%

Saudi Enaya Coop. Insurance Co.

14.0%

Banque Saudi Fransi

100 0

14.5%

TADAWUL Worst Return Performers (Apr-12)

(SAR) % Chg

Close (SAR)

M-T-M % Chg

23.55 M-T-M 40.2% Saudi Industrial Development Co.

21.60

(30.1%)

40.90

(27.6%)

38.40

(22.6%)

TADAWUL Worst Return Performers (Apr-12)

300 40.2%

200 19.4%

97.00 19.3.12

6.2.12

9.1.12

23.1.12

26.12.11

12.12.11

28.11.11

14.11.11

Knowledge Economic City

31.10.11

3.10.11

17.10.11

5.9.11

19.9.11

8.8.11

22.8.11

25.7.11

11.7.11

27.6.11

13.6.11

30.5.11

2.5.11

16.5.11

5,800

20.2.12

Saudi Cement Co.

5,950

% Chg 400

30.4.12

6,250

M-T-M 500

23.55

2.4.12

6,400

16.4.12

6,550

Vol. Traded (shr. mil.)

versus a 4.3 percent rise in the previous month. Over the month, rent, fuel and housing related services inched up 0.5 percent, food and beverage prices gained 0.7 percent from February. The TADAWUL Best Return Performers (Apr-12) 1,100 Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has said that inflationary pressures, caused mainly by an 1,000 increase in global food prices, are worrying, but the central bank sees no need to change interestClose M-T-M 900 rate policy.

TASI 52 Week Performance Relative to Volume

TASI Value

KUWAIT: The following is a report prepared by Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO) Asset Management Company (KAMCO) Research that analyzes the performance of Saudi Tadawul during April 2012 in addition to assessing the latest key economic and market developments and their effect on the performance of the stock market.

Despite strong Q1 2012 earnings and bright prospects for the banking sector according to Fitch Ratings, profit booking and a crackdown issued by the Saudi King on market manipulation weighed on the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI) performance to end on a negative note and snap a four-month winning streak. As a result, the TASI failed to maintain the bullish momentum that pushed the index to a new 42month high during the beginning of the month and ended April down 276.68 points, or 3.53 percent, to close at 7,558.47 points and end as the worst performing market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and narrowing its year-to-date (YTD) 2012 gains to 17.77 percent from 22.09 percent witnessed in Q1 2012.

In April, Tadawul market capitalization lost 3.8 percent of its value to 1.48 trillion Saudi riyals (394 billion US dollars) as compared to 1.54 trillion riyals ($410 billion) recorded in March 2012, pressured by market heavyweight Petrochemical Industries sector, which represents 34 percent of the aggregate market cap, slumping 5.4 percent to 504 billion riyals ($134.5 billion); and Banks & Financial sector falling 4.9 percent to 360 billion riyals ($96 billion). Trading indicators diminished during the month with volume and value traded both falling 15.4 percent. During April, the total traded volume reached 12.7 billion shares distributed over 5.1 million transactions while value traded decreased to riyals 270 billion, down from riyals 319 billion in the previous month.

As the month began, the TASI extended March’s rally to record gains during the first three sessions of April on the back of higher sentiment from positive earnings in the cement industry which pushed the index higher to a fresh 42 month high on April 3, nearing the 8,000 mark and close at 7,930.58 points. Nevertheless, investors seized the opportunity to book profits on blue chips, halting the rally and resulting in a new downtrend as they also took cues from global markets. Perhaps one of the major drivers for the selling spree witnessed in April was the fact that investors cut positions ahead of an expected crackdown against market manipulation. King Abdullah has ordered the crackdown, insisting action should be taken if necessary against improper trading.

As a result, the TASI was still pressured to the

Saudi Cement Co.

Al Khaleej Training & Education Co.

Knowledge Economic City

National Industrialization Co

Jabal Omar Development Company

Close (SAR)

97.00 % Chg 19.4% Al Khaleej Training & Education Co. 37.20

21.60

(30.1%)

40.90

(27.6%)

97.00(28.1%) 14.8% Saudi Enaya Coop. Insurance Co.

37.20

21.75(25.8%) 14.5% National Industrialization Co

36.00

22.00(22.6%) 14.0% Banque Saudi Fransi

38.40

36.00

(28.1%) (25.8%)

Source: KAMCO Research

During theamid month, Fitch Ratingsfrom released a report stating that Saudi Arabian banks have plenty of downside selling pressures investors scope to fund loan growth in 2012 as the sector relaxes the cautious approach to lending that has TADAWUL Main Sectors Performance (April-2012) to book profits in banking stocks after banks dominated in the last few years. This growth is likely to be at a reasonable pace and therefore Monthly Trading Indicators Valuation Multiples posted strong Q1 2012 earnings. Alongside should not hurt asset quality or banksʼ viability ratings, said a statement fromMarket the rating Cap agency.

M-T-M It Volume Value P/E P/B Yield the banking sector which negatively pressured pointed out that rising deposits and several years of subdued loan growth had allowed Saudi banks Sectors (Mn SAR) % Chg (Mn Shares) (Mn SAR) (X) (X) (%) the performance of the market in April, marto build up substantial surplus liquidity in the form of government securities and deposits with the ket heavy-weight petrochemicals alsoFunding Banksis& a Financial 360,125 (4.92%) 1,866.6 33,482.1 14.07 1.95 3.1% Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency sector (SAMA). key strength for Saudi banks, where played a key role foraround the sharp Petrochemideposits constitute 89 fall. percent of non-equity funding atIndustries Fitch-rated banks.

However, sector Petrochemical 504,355 (5.40%) 1,614.1 46,647.0 12.35 2.31 4.0% cal stocks are weighed on performance on the backgovernment deposits or deposits from governmentdeposits concentrated on either direct Market Cap M-T-M Cement 71,736 4.86% 168.6 5,559.7 15.95 3.20 5.1% of oil prices falling during the month after data Retail deposits do form the majority of funding at related corporates, according to Fitch Ratings.

Agriculture & Food Industries 59,934 (0.08%) 372.8 14,142.0 20.34 3.01 2.4% showed that first-quarter economic growth in some banks and are a positive in the sector because of the countryʼs high savings rate. Capital Sectors (Mn SAR) % Chg China, thegenerally world’s second largest consumer, Telecommunication & I.T. high dividend 152,916 payouts.

2.78% 2,324.4 31,878.5 13.91 2.13 4.1% levels are good and canoil support loan growth, despite relatively was the weakest in nearly three years, reinforcInsurance 33,401 (7.25%) 974.9 35,394.9 NM 360,125 3.48 (4.92%) 1.3% Banks & Financial ing aboutfront, slowing demandtofor On concerns the economic according thepetroCentral Department of Statistics and Information, Saudi Multi-Investment 51,763 (3.75%) 683.6 14,808.5 67.94 1.72 1.1% leum.

Arabiaʼs gross domestic product (GDP) grew 6.64 percent from a year earlier in Q4-11, Petrochemical Industries 504,355 (5.40%) Industrial Investment 52,772 (5.92%) 253.1 10,467.1 29.79 1.90 1.6% On April 15, the TASI recorded its largest accelerating from a 5.1 percent growth in Q3-11. The oil sector, which accounts for nearly a third of decline in eightexpanded months following heavy Real Estatebillion Development 67,540 said2.40% 2,872.2 41,496.4 38.75 71,736 1.46 0.6% the economy, 6.13 percent to losses reach SAR 82.66 in Q4-11. The report private Cement 4.86% in blue growth, chip stocks as trader’s gains from sector at 9.9 percent,book outpaced the stateTotal sectorʼs percent expansion.

Private sector Saudi 3.6 Market 1,480,999 (3.78%) 12,678.8 270,086.3 15.75 2.08 3.38% this surge following disappointing earnGDPyear’s amounted to SAR 112.91 billion in Q4-11 Source: compared SAR 102.75 billion in 2010. The Agriculture & Food Industries KAMCOtoResearch 59,934 (0.08%) ings from petrochemical producers.

Investors construction sector expanded 13.3 percent because of a real estate boom and heavy government blamed petrochemical producers’ earnings billion riyals in Q1 2011 while Samba Financial During the month, Fitch Ratings released Telecommunication & I.T. 152,916 2.78% falling short of expectations due to a lack of 2Group witnessed its earnings grow two percent a report stating that Saudi Arabian banks have transparency from the companies that made it to 1.15 billion riyals from 1.12 billion riyals. plenty of scope to fund loan growth in 2012 33,401approach (7.25%) KAMCO Researchand also difficult for analysts to make estimates In the petrochemical sector, Saudi Basic IndusasInsurance the sector relaxes the cautious due to weaker-than-anticipated global demand tries Corporation (SABIC), the world’s biggest to lending that has dominated in the last few Multi-Investment 51,763 (3.75%) for petrochemical products. petrochemicals maker, said Q1 2012 profit years.

This growth is likely to be at a reasonable In Q1 2012, aggregate corporate earnings dropped 5.5 percent on the back of lower prices pace and therefore should not hurt asset qualIndustrial Investment 52,772 (5.92%) registered a 17.1 percent increase to 24.6 bilfor its products and higher feedstock costs. Net ity or banks’ viability ratings, said a statement lion riyals up from 21 billion riyals in Q1 2011 income fell to 7.27 billion riyals from 7.69 bilfrom the rating agency. It pointed out that risRealdeposits Estate Development on the back of a 22.5 percent rise in banking lion riyals a year earlier. SABIC stated that net ing and several years of67,540 subdued2.40% loan earnings to 7.7 billion riyals from 6.3 billion riincome from the year-earlier period declined growth had allowed Saudi banks to build up Total Saudi Market (3.78%) yals in Q1 2011 and a 62.3 percent increase in “as a result of lower prices for some products substantial surplus liquidity in1,480,999 the form of govSource: KAMCO Research the Telecom and IT sector to reach 4.1 billion riand an increase in some of our feedstock. It ernment securities and deposits with the Saudi yals in Q1 2012 up from 2.5 billion riyals in Q1 was a result of the general state of the economy Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). Funding is 2011. On the other hand, market heavyweight worldwide. There was a deliberate slowdown in 3 a key strength for Saudi banks, where depospetrochemical sector witnessed a 12.8 percent growth to quell inflation in China. The state of its constitute around 89 percent of non-equity drop in earnings to 8.2 billion riyals from 9.4 the European situation affected that.” In the funding at Fitch-rated banks. However, secKAMCO Research billion riyals in Q1 2011. In the banking sectelecom sector, heavyweight Saudi Telecom tor deposits are concentrated on either direct tor, the positive earnings were supported by posted a 60 percent increase in earnings during government deposits or deposits from governAl Rajhi Bank posting a 18.3 percent increase Q1 2012 to 2.5 billion riyals up from 1.6 billion ment-related corporates, according to Fitch in earnings to reach two billion riyals from 1.7 riyals in Q1 2011.

Ratings. Retail deposits do form the majority

of funding at some banks and are a positive in the sector because of the country’s high savings rate. Capital levels are generally good and can support loan growth, despite relatively high dividend payouts.

On the economic front, according to the Valuationand Multiples Monthly Indicators of Statistics CentralTrading Department Information, Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product Volume P/B earlier Yield (GDP) grew 6.64Value percent P/E from a year in 2011, accelerating (MnQ4 Shares) (Mn SAR) from (X) a 5.1 (X) percent (%) growth in Q3 2011. The oil sector, which accounts for nearly a third14.07 of the economy, ex1,866.6 33,482.1 1.95 3.1% panded 6.13 percent to reach 82.66 billion riyals in Q4 2011.

The report private4.0% sec1,614.1 46,647.0 12.35 said 2.31 tor growth, at 9.9 percent, outpaced the state sector’s 3.6 percent expansion. Private sec168.6 5,559.7 15.95 3.20 5.1% tor GDP amounted to 112.91 billion riyals in Q4 2011 compared to 102.75 billion riyals in 372.8 14,142.0 20.34 3.01 2.4% 2010. The construction sector expanded 13.3 percent because of a real estate boom and 2,324.4 31,878.5 13.91 2.13 4.1% heavy government spending on infrastructure.

Regarding inflation, Saudi Arabia’s annual rate 974.9 35,394.9 NM 3.48 1.3% of inflation held steady at 5.4 percent in March 2012 compared with February, a sign that the 67.94could be 1.72inflation1.1% higher683.6 food and14,808.5 rent prices ary, data from the Central Department of Sta10,467.1 showed.

29.79 Rent, 1.90fuel1.6% tistics253.1 and Information and housing related services saw an 8.9 percent rise 2,872.2from a41,496.4 38.75compared 1.46 with 0.6% a in March year earlier, 9.3 percent jump in February; while food and 12,678.8prices270,086.3 3.38% beverage gained 5.115.75 percent 2.08 on year versus a 4.3 percent rise in the previous month.

Over the month, rent, fuel and housing related services inched up 0.5 percent, food and beverage prices gained 0.7 percent from February.

The Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) has said that inflationary pressures, caused mainly by an increase in global food prices, are worrying, but the central bank sees no need to change interest-rate policy.

TADAWUL Main Sectors Performance (April-2012)

ALWATAN DAILY

BUSINESS

11

wednesDAY, may 30, 2012

KGL awarded Best Logistics Company in 2012 Tuesday 29 May, 2012 Index Price index Weighted Index KSX 15 Security

KUWAIT: KGL has been awarded ‘Best Logistics Company’ for the second time by the Arabian Business Magazine of the ITP Publishing Group at the Annual Arabian Achievement Business Awards that was held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel on May 22, 2012. This was stated in a press release this week. Yaqoub Abdulla Al Wazzan, KGL Holding Vice Chairman received the award from the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce AbdulAziz Al Khaldi in the presence of Wissam Younan, the Advertising and Media Director of ITP Publishing Group. Several KGL executives were also present at the Gala Dinner. In its 12th year, the prestigious Arabian Business Achievement Awards recognize excellence among business firms and individuals across all business sectors in the Arab region.

Yaqoub thanked the ITP Publishing Group for this recognition and outlined that the KGL Group could not have been what it is today had it not been for the support of its partners, human capital, customers, vendors, bankers and shareholders that was, and continues to be, instrumental for our on-going success.

KGL was awarded the ‘Best Logistics Company’ for 2012 as the Group was able to come through the recession stronger with an improved overall efficiency by putting in place and applying solid Corporate Governance practices. Yaqoub added that the financial crisis had a positive impact on KGL as it incentivized the company to accelerate organizational consolidation and restructuring.

The Company believes that communal development can lead to a sustainable community. The approach to this development is through Corporate Social Responsibility where the company engages its employees actively and effectively to work hand in hand with public and nonprofit organizations to positively impact communities.The awarding ceremony hosted over 200 guests from various industries in Kuwait. In addition to KGL, 18 other categories were recognized and awarded that same night covering the Banking, Financial, Investment, Insurance, Hospitality, Technology, Telecom, Construction and Developing, Industrial & Energy industries and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

CAPITALS: Booz Allen Hamilton announced in a press release on Tuesday that it has been registered by the Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry, via an in-country agent, to pursue business opportunities and support the country’s social and economic development strategies. The firm will provide specialist services to government and commercial clients on critical issues related to economic development in the areas of information technology, cyber security, transportation and other selected infrastructure.

Booz Allen Hamilton brings nearly 100 years of global experience to Kuwait to support economic diversification, foreign direct investment (FDI) and job creation. The firm will offer expertise in capability building to strengthen necessary skills and institution building to help existing organizations mature and prosper. Booz Allen Hamilton will focus on providing Kuwaiti organizations specific and extensive expertise in key sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, mobile technologies and core infrastructure. In addition, the firm will guide government, civil, defense and security clients in the development of their technological capabilities with an emphasis on sustainable economic growth.

“Kuwait is taking significant steps toward establishing itself a regional center of excellence in the areas of energy, finance and trade. Additionally, the government is supporting infrastructure projects and social programs designed to drive new FDI into the country and streamline global trade” said Senior Vice President Don Pressley, who leads the firm’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) opera-

tions. “To support these ambitions, Booz Allen Hamilton recognizes that robust ICT capacities and Security expertise will play a key role in creating an environment that is primed for growth, sustainability and stability. Our strategic approach will be tailored to these specific needs and supported by our global expertise.”

Booz Allen Hamilton’s agency registration in Kuwait follows its recent licensing in Qatar, and represents another accomplishment in its strategy to engage in the Middle East as a full partner in the integrated growth and development of the region. The firm will continue to expand its government and commercial consulting business in the Middle East and North Africa.

Booz Allen Hamilton’s non-compete agreement with Booz & Company expired in 2011, with respect to the international and commercial business the firm spun off in 2008. Booz Allen Hamilton has since established a MENA regional headquarters office in Abu Dhabi, with staff deployed elsewhere in the region.

The firm is marketing a broad spectrum of organization and strategy, program management and other services in support of government and commercial clients across the region. In particular, Booz Allen Hamilton’s cyber capabilities can offer specific value in Kuwait to protect its developing economy and infrastructure against the growing trend of global cyber-attacks. To thwart these attacks, Booz Allen Hamilton believes that clients must embrace a dynamic cyberdefense capability in response to the aggressive and methodical approach cyber adversaries themselves now deploy.

GBI announces capacity sale to Mada

DOHA: Gulf Bridge International (GBI), the Middle East’s first carrier neutral operator and Mada Communications, Kuwait’s leading wireless service provider offering wireless broadband, Internet and intranet communication services, announced in a press release this week, the signing of a capacity sale agreement. The GBI network is the region’s newest and most advanced cable system as well as being the Middle East’s most geographically comprehensive network. These dynamic features will allow Mada to provide improved internet services making it a pillar in Kuwait’s network of communications. GBI will facilitate Mada’s ability to achieve their corporate vision of excelling to the global platform of advanced technologies and communications.

“This agreement comes as a natural result of a trusting relationship both parties have worked together to build.We at Mada Communications are always committed to providing only the highest of standards and performance to create and deliver value added services to our customers,” said Ahmed Ibraheem, Chairman of the Board of Mada Communications, Kuwait. He further added, “This agreement also reflects Mada Communication’s dedication in providing the latest technology to its consumer base which in turn reflects the level of quality in our services while at the same time meeting the growing demand for this technology in Kuwait.” “I am pleased to announce that this is GBI’s third successful partnership in Kuwait which proves our commitment to this region,” commented Ahmed Mekky, Board Member and chief executive officer (CEO) of GBI. “This agreement also reflects confidence in our ability to deliver state of the art infrastructure and leading technology. Having launched just over three months ago, we are happy that the GBI network is already working to address the demand for capacity from Kuwait and the region as a whole.” The GBI cable system connects all the Gulf countries with onward connectivity to Europe and Asia. The system is designed around a core ring, which can re-route traffic thereby increasing resilience.With a design capacity of up to 10 terabits per second on certain cable sections, the GBI cable system will have the capability to meet the rapid growth in demand that has been forecast for traffic originating and terminating in Gulf.

Low

Volume

Closing

Last Closing

High

Low

6,207.62 406 49 406.49 975.78

6,216.04 405 77 405.77 973.20

6,243.31 408 06 408.06 978.54

6,177.75 404 70 404.70 969.31

Trades Value (KD)

Trades

0

0

0

0

0

IKARUS

180

180

45

8

1

IPG

325

325

2,500

813

1

Last

0

180

Change

ŷ ź

325

Ÿ

126

ŷ

0

High

Low

Volume

337,625,326 22 564 034 22,564,034 5,053

Trades Value (KD)

Trades

URC

106

104

1 454 635 1,454,635

151 724 151,724

16

NRE

126

126

260,000

32,760

11

5.0

SRE

270

260

914,927

239,762

13

PEARL

34

32

10,825

343

3

0.0

TAM

228

224

16,601

3,719

3

AREEC

164

164

1

0

1

MASSALEH ARABREC

102 37

97 36

67,304 581,641

6,531 21,035

7 17

UREC

100

100

5,469

547

ERESCO

93

92

124,012

11,411

0.0

MABANEE

970

970

224,000

217,280

16

INJAZZAT

63

62

30 001 30,001

1 870 1,870

4

0.0

INVESTORS

20

19

18,286,531

349,005

197

56 83

51 81

32,739,550 21,000

1,748,267 1,704

189 3

-10.0 0.0

0

0

0

0

0

126

126

49,969

6,296

3

GPI

64

59

8,357

502

5

ABAR

194

192

114,951 175,822

22,071 29,689

10 20

192 951.33

ź ź

-10.0 -10.97

114

108

232,861

26,222

13

110

Ÿ

2.0

0

0

0

0

0

620

600

1 011 195 1,011,195

617 617 617,617

34

0

0

0

0

0

ALQURAIN Basic Materials

216

214

857,520 2,101,576

185,148 828,988

32 79

216 983.75

Ÿ Ÿ

2.0 8.46

IRC ALTIJARIA SANAM

62

61

140,000

8,660

KCEM

410

410

55,524

22,765

10

410

ŷ

0.0

AAYANRE

86

83

931,103

78,372

REFRI

0

0

0

0

0

AQAR

0

0

0

0

0

CABLE

1,240

1,220

88,278

107,900

15

ALAQARIA

0

0

0

0

0

SHIP

218

210

292,600

61,742

32

-10.0

MAZAYA

79

77

401,201

30,933

15

PCEM

880

860

108,019

93,582

15

ADNC

0

0

0

0

0

PAPER

0

0

0

0

0

0.0

THEMAR

87

87

5,000

435

1

Oil & Gas PIPE KFOUC BPCC ALKOUT

MRC

132

130

3,600

470

25

ACICO

250

238

457,020

109,961

24

GGMC

0

0

0

0

0

HCC

0

0

0

0

0

KPAK

0

0

0

0

0

KBMMC

0

0

0

0

0

NICBM

255

255

49,321

12,577

5

EQUIPMENT

0

0

0

0

0

NCCI

0

0

0

0

0

112

112

1

0

1

GYPSUM

62

ŷ

0

ŷ

620

0

1,240 210

880

0

0

0

0

ŷ

32

EDU

124

124

1,604

199

2

CLEANING CITYGROUP

132 490

130 475

62,000 13

8,132 6

7 2

KGL

110

106

162,001

17,276

14

110

KCPC

350

350

55,000

19,250

3

350

0

0

0

0

0

100

92

11

1

2

SAFWAN

0

0

0

0

0

GFC

29

27

102,000

2,758

4 11

MTCC

92

89

314,500

28,494

23

UPAC

0

0

0

0

0

ALAFCO

295

285

830,016

240,650

46

MUBARRAD

0

0

0

0

0

LOGISTICS

285

280

2,677,563

755,379

70

SCEM

81

81

46,000

3,726

2

GCEM

93

91

2,917,364

269,093

70

QCEM

68

63

1,530,520

100,024

55

ŷ

400

7

262

ŷ

Ÿ

65

32,235

ŷ

112

5,740

955,878

ŷ

ŷ

0

337,753

25,350

ŷ

0

180,000

47,783,678

Ÿ

ź

853,712

20

ŷ

255

32

1,260

ź

ź

132

390

21

ŷ

238

32

1,300

ŷ

ŷ

400

MAYADEEN

Ÿ

0

SALBOOKH

CGC

ŷ

0

AGLTY

HUMANSOFT

ŷ

00 0.0

Security

Volume Value (KWD) Number of Trades

AREFENRGY

NAFAIS

Booz Allen Hamilton enters Kuwait to enhance technology, cyber defense capabilities

High

-8.42 0 72 0.72 2.58

MARIN

NAPESCO

KGL Holding Vice Chairperson Yaqoub Al-Wazzan (right) receives the award from Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce AbdulAziz Al-Khaldi during the Annual Arabian Achievement Business Awards.

Change ź Ÿ Ÿ

124

132 475

0

92 0

ź ź

93

0

TAAMEER

48

47

201,003

9,453

18

0.0

ARKAN

0

0

0

0

0

ARGAN

178

166

201

33

2

ABYAAR

46

45

6,319,875

285,649

73

MUNSHAAT

34

33

444,900

14,984

15

FIRSTDUBAI

36

34

559,600

19,056

18

KBT

0

0

0

0

0

10.0

REAM

0

0

0

0

0

MENA

43

39

10,020

391

3

0.0

ALMUDON

0

0

0

0

0

100

2

IFA

45

41

26,190,739

1,131,725

274

NINV

128

120

1,202,226

148,330

76

2.5

KPROJ

330

325

105,000

34,200

11

COAST

49

47

727,462

34,620

44

0.0

TII

0

0

0

0

0

ŷ ŷ Ÿ ź ź

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

SGC

140

140

1,000

140

3

0.0

IFC

99

96

4,159,337

403,086

94

MARKAZ

116

116

491,606

57,026

2

KMEFIC

0

0

0

0

0

0.0

5.0

-3.0

-1.0

-2.0 -5.0

2.0 -3.57 3.57

KSH

242

242

800

194

1

242

ŷ

0.0

NSH

0

0

0

0

0

112

102

50,000

5,252

9

POULT FOOD Consumer Goods MHC

0

87

126

ź

0

IIC

Ÿ ź

0

ŷ ź ŷ Ÿ ŷ

0.0

-10.0

OSOUL

71

71

7,128

506

1

0

0

0

0

0

1.0

KAMCO

250

230

2

0

2

NIH

43

43

697

30

1

ISKAN MADAR

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0.0

0.0

-50

800

800

10

8

1

460

450

508,510 508,520

231,250 231,258

38 39

455 1180.04

Ÿ ź

10 -12.60

KCIN

990

950

495

490

2

990

Ÿ

40

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

IFAHR

0

0

0

0

0

MASHAER

265

260

231,000

60,065

7

OULAFUEL

300

280

116,436

34,426

22

0

0

0

0

0

MUNTAZAHAT

405

395

73,351

29,086

11

SOOR

JAZEERA

0

0

0

0

0

FUTUREKID

0

0

0

0

0

ALNAWADI

106

102

55,000 55 000

5,810 5 810

2

ALRAI

120

116

1,050

122

2

ZIMAH

0

0

0

0

0

244

244

500

122

1

0

0

0 547,884

0 137,269

710

700

4,399,070

2,200

2,180

UFIG KOUTFOOD Consumer Services ZAIN NMTC

HITSTELEC 78 Telecommunications

0

0 0

265 295

ŷ ŷ ŷ ŷ Ÿ

0

ŷ

0

ŷ

395

ź

0

ŷ

120

ŷ

106

Ÿ

-10 10

38,970 0 112,149

31

ŷ

256,254

16,719

16

58

5,000

290

1

GNAHC

48

44

335,207

15,537

34

AMWAL

0

0

0

0

0

MASAR

0

0

0

0

0

ALIMTIAZ

0

0

0

0

0

0

MANAZEL

34

31

33,638,438 33 638 438

1 066 299 1,066,299

367

NIND

220

218

1,158,017

253,216

42

UIC

88

86

278,171

23,998

10

BIIHC

67

67

40,000

2,680

2

SHOP SENERGY

0 79

0 75

0 439,500

0 33,316

0 14

AGHC

142

136

710,010

98,271

ALSAFWA

21

20

23,027,513

462,964

KPPC

75

73

2,605,079

191,985

48

TAHSSILAT JEERANH

80 0

80 0

1 0

0 0

1 0

1.0

0

ŷ Ÿ

0 0

45

INOVEST Financial Services

56

53

7,231,782 177,605,253

392,126 8,333,307

123 2,447

55 930.24

Ÿ ź

2.0 -5.82

0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0.00

ŷ ŷ

0.0 0.00

465

Ÿ

20.0

ASC

465

425

74,850

33,533

8

SAFTEC

76

76

20

2

1

FUTURE

0

0

0

0

0

HAYATCOMM Technology

0

0

0 74,870

0 33,535

0 9

BAREEQ

0

0

0

0

0

AFAQ

0

0

0

0

0

0.0

ALSHAMEL

0

0

0

0

0

SAFRE

22

17

147

3

4

0.0

AJWAN

38

36

41,326

1,488

6

SPEC

0

0

0

0

0

MASAKEN

38

37

10,570

386

3

DALQAN

0

0

0

0

0

ALEID

0

0

0

0

0

MIDAN FLEX

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

0 0

ŷ

0

750

Ÿ

10

BOUBYAN

610

600

511,826

307,106

35

UGB

182

182

500

91

1

AUB ITHMR

168 42

168 39

37,000 37 000 17,281,600

6,216 6 216 697,111

2 311

20,503,557

2,532,229

509

976.43

Ÿ

3.41

0

ŷ

0

400

395

40,000

15,900

3

126

126

353

44

1

0

0

0

0

0

126

ŷ

400 0

0

Ÿ ŷ

2

0 -1

5.0 0.0

0.0

FTI

0

0

0

0

0

95

86

16,501

1,507

4

ARIG

0

0

0

0

0

BKIKWT Insurance

0

0

0 56,854

0 17,452

0 8

0 1119.81

ŷ Ÿ

0.0 12.19

AINV

0

0

0

0

0

0

ŷ

0

SOKOUK KRE

0 54

0 52

0 1,573,901

0 83,410

0 45

0

0 54

ŷ

10

WETHAQ

95

Ÿ ŷ

ŷ Ÿ

0.0 00

0

430

WINS

1.0

-5.0 0.0

546

17

AINS

ź ŷ

0.0 0.0

0

98

ŷ

80 0

Ÿ

-1.0

2,304,623

249,830

0

74

ź

0

934,549

0

67

53,217,894

581,000

0

0.0

1.0

0

1,263,019

0

-2.5 25

43

430

0

ź

0

730

0

ŷ

31

45

430

GINS

220

0.0

0.0

EKHOLDING

750

0

ŷ

-6.0

MAREF 0 Investment Instruments

0

0

0.0

ź

0 0

0

ŷ

Ÿ

10

0

ŷ

1.0

-1.0

21

Ÿ

0

0

ź

-1.0 1.0

136

ŷ ŷ

KINS

0

Ÿ

17

0 270

ŷ ź

46

ź

124

560

168 41

58

0.0

-10.0

ŷ ŷ

0 9

Ÿ

66

ź

-10.0

0 75

11

182

70

ź

0.0 00

0.0

Ÿ

ŷ ŷ

Ÿ

104

ŷ

87

405 750

610

166

5.0 0.0

GFH

BURG

KUWAITRE

ŷ

65

KFIN

Banks

0

58

0

0 422,260

0.0

0.0

67

ŷ

67,000

ŷ ŷ

KCIC

1,040

0 265

0

0

MANAFAE

3 10.99

560

0

10

-11

TAMINV

0.0

0

2

Ÿ Ÿ

0 270

0

415

78 916.27

600

0

0

5,920

220 298

ALMUTAHED KIB

0

0

70

486,764 3,612,574

ABK

0

0

75

6,409,568 10,813,638

11 1

0

NOOR

ŷ Ÿ ŷ

STRATEGIA

74

106,722 47

ALMADINA

250 89 0

0

5

263,603 63

217 0

4

10,948

400 750

120

850,960 0

1

5,000

410 750

409,889

9,726,215 0

31

0

GBK CBK

1,630,895

85 0

520

ŷ

13

248

89 0

1,003

710

79,439

255

5,000

73

75,686

ALSALAM EKTTITAB QURAINHLD

29

3,114,862

1,040

0.0

104

0 0.66

1,060

1.0

ŷ

31

ŷ Ÿ

NBK

Ÿ

0

104

0 959.47

ŷ

38

0

KSHC

0 55

2,200

49

TAIBA

0

0.0 0.0

0

0

0

-2.5

59,548

1

4

ź

0

0

0

ŷ ŷ

1,583,000

3,320 3 320

0

0 0

43

0.0

10.0

0

0

-10

Ÿ

37

20,000 20 000

0

ŷ

250

0.0

-1.0

0

0

0

0

ź

38

166

0

71

ŷ

ALDEERA

0

0

0

ALSAFAT

166

ŷ ź

KFIC

EXCH

-2

0

244

-2.5 1.0

0

ATC

0

-2.0

0

YIACO Health Care

0

ź Ÿ

0

0

0

ź

0.0

-0.5

0

ŷ

CABLETV

ź

0

0

EYAS

ŷ

0.0

0.0

GLOBAL

0.0

0

ź

ŷ

0.0

0.0

0

ź

47 32

ŷ

-10.0

ŷ

0

102

142

ź

0.0

0.0

ŷ

0

162

37 100

ŷ

0.0

0.0

0

0

1

4

26,620 192,672

ŷ

37

0.0 -11.25

7

32,660

563,002 6,143,315

ŷ

0.0

0.0

0

ŷ ź

8

230,000

47 31

ŷ

0.5

10

1,300 949.15

7,140

142

49 32

ŷ

0.0

0

3

52 2

142

ALMAL GIH

Ÿ

6,599

14 38

70,000

ALOLA

0

0.0

-2.0

ŷ

32

1.0

0.0

ź ŷ

97 0

0.0

0.0

0.0 2.47

ŷ

116

-0.5

ŷ Ÿ

0

140

0.0

-0.5

0

3,482

162

46

0

0.0

10.0

180,003

214,850 248,023

102

0

50,809

0

-1.0

0

27,635

162

0

1,588,041

48

0.0

-1.0

36

167,500 526,685

102

0

30

325

0.0

1.0

0

126

SULTAN

0

34

122

0.0

-2.0

39

1,280

KHOT

0

ALAMAN

43

ŷ

0.0

AAYAN

126

ź

AIG

275

Ÿ

1.0 2.0

BAYANINV

1,300

800

50

1

110 932.98

11

ŷ

80

4

0

0

43

27,500

SECH

ź ŷ

796

0.0

ŷ

0

100,000

-1.0

Ÿ

ŷ

275

ź

ź

0

34

100

0.5

ŷ

ź

275

15 791

24,245

45

100

Ÿ

Ÿ

34

FACIL

3,631

0

178

KINV

0.0

ŷ

ŷ

4.0

ŷ

ź

0

47

-25.0 -3.0

ŷ

ź

ź

37,209 3,226,429

280,750

0

ŷ

39

Ÿ

40,798

0

0

87

0 966.27

357,777 58,994,270

86

77

2

89

0

0

0 743

104

87

0

0

91

CATTL

0.0

8

110

DANAH

1.0

0 3,328,161

ź

2.0

0.0

Ÿ

0

0.0

0.0

0.0

ŷ

0 65,604,303

ŷ

-10.0

85

10,829

-4.0

Ÿ

6.0

-2.0 1.0

61

0

-0.5

ŷ

63

0.0

4

281,000

0.0

19

-1.0

50

0

0.0

ŷ

0.0

10.0

Ÿ Ÿ

39

0.0

970

00 0.0

52 83

0

FCEM

102

ŷ

39

RKWC Industrials

PAPCO

ź

93

2

ź

0

100

8

0

65

89

1

GRAND

-25.0

Ÿ ź Ÿ

TIJARA

0.0

ź

102 37

-10.0 0.0

164

50

ŷ

81

10.0

ŷ

33

0

0

285

0.0

228

50

ŷ

0

0.0

ŷ ŷ Ÿ

REMAL Real Estate

1,280

290

0.0

Change

270

MARAKEZ

Ÿ

90

10.0

104

126

-2.0 -25.0

ź ź

29

20

0.0

Last

4.0

00 0.0

0.0 2.0

76 0

0 1148.37

ź ŷ

2.5

-2.0 0.0

ŷ Ÿ

0.0 0 0 10.59

0

ŷ

0.0

0

ŷ

0

ŷ

38

ŷ

22

Ÿ

0

ŷ

0

ŷ

38 0

0 0

Ÿ ŷ ŷ ŷ

0.0

0.0

2.0

0.0

0.0

1.5

0.0

00 0.0

0.0 0.0

THURAYA

0

0

0

0

0

0

ŷ

0.0

KCLINIC

70

60

51

4

2

60

ź

-5.0

AMAR Parallel Market

54

54

60,000 112,094

3,240 5,121

2 17

For more information, call 1 80 42 42, www.globalinv.net

54 964.90

ŷ Ÿ

0.0 4.00

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

12

ALWATAN DAILY wednesday, may 30, 2012

April 2009 May21, 29, 2012

2% 6%

2% 6% Oman

0%

Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Bahrain

0%

99

95

96

95

-4%

Dubai Saudi

Bahrain Qatar

90

-2% -1% -2%

-6%

GCC Best Performers

Saudi

90 29-Feb-12 85

29-Mar-12

29-Apr-12

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

MENA Best Performers

-2%

29-May-12

-6%-2

19-Apr-0

1

MENA Indices Highlights Country (Index)

Index Level

% Chg.

52 Wk High

YTD

Turnover USD million

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

2,455 5,250

-0.1% -4.0%

2.2% 9.3%

2,775 10,090

2,293 4,130

13 2,183

64,889 264,263

Qa UAUAE Qatar (DSM Index) (ADSM Index)

8,475 2,695

-0.4% 0.6%

-3.4% 12.8%

8,892 5,148

8,071 2,137

82 122

127,751 69,783

11.57 7.29

Ba Qa Bahrain Qatar(BSE (DSMIndex) Index)

1,140 5,590

-0.3% 3.9%

1 196

17,122 65,352

9.02 8.85

Jo Jordan (Amman General Index)

1,889

-0.2%

Ku Kuwait (KSE Weighted Index)

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

OmOman UAE(MSM (DFMIndex) Index)

406

1,475 406

5,754 1,745

Eg Egypt (EGX 30 Index)

OmOman (MSM Index)

Ba Bahrain (BSE Index)

M Morocco (Casa All Shares Index)

Eg Egypt (Hermes Egypt Index (HFI))*

Le Lebanon (Beirut SE Index)

Jo Jordan (Amman General Index)

Pa Palestine (Al-Quds Index)

M Morocco (Casa All Shares Index)*

Tu Tunisia (Tunis SE Index)

Le Lebanon (Beirut SE Index)* *Market Closed

Pa Palestine (Al-Quds Index)

4,684

5,478

1,681

10,196

463

1,164

2,825 453

10,621

5,048

1,094 546

Tu Tunisia (Tunis SE Index)* * Market Closed

3,282

9.6% YTD

0.2%

-0.1% 1.8% 1.0% 1.9%

-1.1%

5.1% 0.4%

0.5%

-0.4%

-

2.2%

-0.2%

1.5%

-

-

0.9% -

0.2%

444

9.0% -0.2%

1,754 787

1.0% 6.6%

-0.3% -18.8%

0.7%

-6.8%

3,587

49

12,203

8.5%

1,033

-1.1%

1,379

2.4%

5,044

-5.1%

513

-3.3%

14,635

23.6%

739

6.1%

5,141

-7.2%

2,119

13.6%

3,418

1,129 4,230

4,224

17,957 37,413

1,572

9,747

328

-

1,154

2,551 453

9,406

-

4,116

1,043

-

2,837

-

407

4

1

63,640

7.67

9,764

1.52

1.29

2.87

1.56

16.52

0.81

2.15

1.07

18.36

8,507

2

1.68

9.01

59,990

3

1.30

6.19

12.71

2,454

3.95

6.47

2,079

13.85

SAUDI ARABIA *Market Closed Summary

110

225 Saudi Industrial Inv. Grp.

101 Riyad Bank

SAR 24.70

-6.4%

516,237,394 84,783,086

2.50

201 Industries Corp.

(KSA) 430Saudi Dar AlBasic Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co. (KSA)

Turnover (USD)

80,519,139

201 Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (KSA)

343,553,085 77,746,817 119,955,261 54,305,166

115 (KSA) 422Alinma EmaarBank the Economic City (KSA)

97,126,838

NBKNational Bank of Kuwait (KUW)

1,378,390,418

Market Cap. (SAR '000)

100

88,742,222

97

70Zain - Saudi Arabia

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

291,573,887

43Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co.

29-May-12

% Chg.

10.15

2.0%

68.25

1.1%

30.50

0.7%

11.25

1211.SSE Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

3030.SSE Saudi Cement Co.

0.9%

89.75

Turnover (SAR) 1,936,045,098 4220.SSE Emaar the Economic City 317,962,006 1150.SSE Alinma Bank 301,970,926 1020.SSE Bank Al Jazira

20Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

29-Apr-12

Close

0.6%

Worst Performers

1 Alinma Bank

29-Mar-12

64,280,166

2280.SSE Almarai Co.

Highest Turnover

99

-6.8%

Turnover (USD)

MENA Highest Turnover

6,477,217

-5.0% -8.9%

-3.3% -8.6%

703 Zain - Saudi Arabia (KSA)

7,931 / 5,916 4280.SSE Kingdom Holding Co.

Turnover (SAR '000)

-9.6%

USD 0.145 SAR 48.00

SAR 13.70

GCC Highest Turnover

0.35

Tadawul Index 52 week High / Low

% Chg.

KWD 0.192 SAR 22.95

60% 7030.SSE Zain - Saudi Arabia

Advance/Decline Ratio

2.9%

8.0%

KWD 0.180 -13.1% -5.3% KWD 0.265

7,033 (-0.3%)

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

3.5% 8.6%

KWD -8.9% Close0.255 % Chg.

EMAEmaar Properties (UAE) Best Performers

Tadawul Index (% Chg.)

90 29-Feb-12

NICNational Industries Co.

KFI Kuwait Finance House (KUW)

Rebased Performance

3.9% 8.8%

AED 1.80

115 Alinma Bank (KSA)

1.92

4.2% 9.8%

8.0%

Close

ADNAbu Dhabi National Hotels

1.82

0.86

8.67

6,576

MENA Worst Performers

0.88 201 ITHSaudi Ithmaar Bank 1.74 Basic Industries Corp.

8.07

33,782

OMR 0.720

GCC Worst Performers

1.94 FAC IKACommercial Ikarus Petroleum Industries Co. 1.37 Facilities Co. 1.62 ABA Burgan Co. for Well Drilling 0.88 238 Rabigh Petrochem.

14.57

10,359

3

0.70 1.52

1.00 1.77

9.50

53,184

67

10.24 9.99

12.40

18,727

4

1.85

PB1.42

26,158

QAR 21.60

BKMBankMuscat

PB

9.54

15,024

8

AED 1.76

QGTQatar Gas Transport Co.

10.24 6.87

54,381

KWD 0.295 QAR 6.35

NBQNational Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain

PE 15.70 8.12 10.24

31,177 98,547

46

1,879

11.86

99,762

25 718

5,628

2,903

-8.3%

1,301 316

8 305

2,162

Mkt. Cap. 367,541 USD million

80

5,419 1,433

12,109

-5.2%

396

6,082 5,860

1,351 12,627

29.3%

Turnover 1,727 USD million

KWD 0.270 OMR 0.703

OU Oula Fuel Marketing Co. KCB Al Khaliji Commercial Bank

Trailing

Index 7,033

%-0.3% Chg.

52 Wk 5,916 Low

PE

KWD 0.250 SAR 5.60

SRE SalhiaEngineering Real Estate&Co. GEC Galfar Contracting

Trailing

Mkt. Cap. USD million

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

Level

52 Wk 7,931 High

52 Wk Low

% Chg.

AED 0.39% Chg. 7.7% Close

KAM KIPCO Asset Co. 3 428 Kingdom Hldg. Management Co.

Period's Liquidity Ratio (PLR x)*

MENA Indices Highlights

Close

4 UPPUnion Properties

Period's Liquidity 1 Ratio (PLR x)

-1

Abu Dhabi

0%

100

100

Kuwait

Kuwait

Tunisia Abu Dhabi

Return DailyDaily Return (%)(%)

Dubai

0%

Palestine Palestine

105

2%

Oman

Saudi Dubai Dubai

105

1%

Qatar Saudi

Qatar

Qatar Oman

111

4%

Morocco

110110

Lebanon Oman

113

Kuwait Kuwait

113

DailyIndex Index Performance Snapshot Daily Performance Snapshot

Egypt Jordan Jordan

115115

Bull/Bear Indicator Bull/Bear Indicator

Bahrain Bahrain

Rebased RebasedPerformance Performance

203,660,664

42Emaar the Economic City

Close

% Chg.

10.95

-1.8%

24.20

-1.4%

13.10

4300.SSE Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co. 7020.SSE Etihad Etisalat Co.

11.30 66.25

-1.5%

-1.3%

0.0%

Saudi SE

Quotes Company Name 1 Al Rajhi Bank

1 Alinma Bank 2 Almarai Co.

1 Arab National Bank

1 Bank AlBilad

1 Bank Al Jazira

Close 73.00

Daily % Chg. -0.3%

13.10

-1.5%

27.80

-1.1%

24.20

-1.4%

68.25

26.90

1.1%

High 74.00

13.40

69.00

28.20

Low 66.25

Turnover (SAR '000) 68,443

13.05

317,962

27.70

3,014

24.10

4,799

61.00

107,547

0.0%

27.00

26.70

8,900 1,220

24.65

Volume ('000) 932

24,173 1,575 108

28,163

2,452

21.00

18,165

861

2 National Industrialization Co.

2 Rabigh Refining & Petrochemical Co. 1 Riyad Bank

1 Samba Financial Grp.

2 Saudi Arabian Fertilizer Co.

1 Saudi Arabian Mining Co.

2 Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

-0.3%

11.25

0.9%

32.90

-0.7%

47.20

-0.6%

23.35

3 Yamama Saudi Cement Co.

2 Yanbu National Petrochemicals Co.

7 Zain - Saudi Arabia

33.10

21.25

23.45

47.50

8,163

32.70

17,618

21.10

4,094

42.90

3,979

25,502

13.85

401

69.25

50.00

165.00

108.67

18,415 2,619 54

534

184 87

22.90

13.10

50.75

28.10

26.90

56.75

6.05

0.0%

0.0%

19.7

2.0

-8.4%

31,550,224

10.6

1.5

39.5%

9,307,500

nmf

0.0%

55.9%

25.6%

-4.3%

26.2%

27.4%

7,260,000

12,204,000 46,375,000

11.10

-17.2%

56.0%

23.9%

17,612,130

7.05

-14.1%

27.1%

25.0%

41,691,176

21.00

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

32.60

-6.1%

0.0%

23.10

-13.2%

42.40

0.0%

11.3% 0.0%

38.6% 0.0%

0.2%

-7.7%

0.0%

1.4

8,070,000

-18.4%

49.0%

10.6

1.2

0.0%

9,300,000

18,339,397

26.8 11.0

1.5 0.8

1.3

8.8

2.5

17.2

9.5

nmf

nmf

1.9 1.6

7.7

1.6

35,025,000

10.6

1.2

18,439,800 42,480,000

nmf

9.8

2.2

1.5

159.25

20,915

119

200.00

165.00

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

44,187,500

10.9

4.9

94.25

-0.3%

95.25

85.50

301,971

3,191

109.75

87.75

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

282,750,000

9.8

1.9

13.20

-0.4%

13.20

32,573

2,459

16.30

-4.3%

54,999,038

21.10

10,645

16.90

1,842

30.50

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

11.95

139.50

15.75

23,630,000

38.4

178.00

1 Saudi Hollandi Bank

Saudi International Petrochemical Co.

0.0%

19.25

155.75

31.90

19,650,000

0.1%

176.75

89.75

22 Saudi Industrial Investment Grp.

0.0%

21.05

3 Saudi Cement Co.

5 Saudi Electricity Co.

0.3%

0.0%

-19.5%

11.10

4 Kingdom Holding Co.

18.95

155.00

3.8

6.20

49,799

4 Jarir Marketing Co.

23.8

13.60

18.90

4 Jabal Omar Development Co.

26,270

27,300,000

3.6%

203,661

60.00

0.0%

-12.8%

10.95

66.50

0.0%

3.4

27.8%

30.00

11.25

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

PB

14.2

40.00

-1.8%

66.25

26.60

0.0%

40.1%

Trailing PE

109,500,000

35

197

10.95

7 Etihad Etisalat Co.

33.70

-19.4%

Market Cap. (SAR '000)

0.0%

0.0%

4 Emaar the Economic City

291,574

48.41

9.05

0.0%

0.0%

34.90

11.25

71.75

16.25

0.0%

12 mths

0.0%

35.40

11.60

67.25

YTD

17.20

-0.9%

-1.3%

82.75

on high

32.90

34.90

11.30

% Change

Low

332

1 Banque Saudi Fransi

4 Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Dev. Co.

52-Week High

0.7%

30.70

30.20

27,703 5,484

0.6%

90.50

89.25

27.10

-1.1%

27.10

26.80

20.00

0.0%

20.15

19.95

9,435

-0.3%

16.30

14.70

38,324

35.10

4,323

34.50

502

23.15 16.95

16.15

-0.6%

-0.9%

13.30

23.25 17.05

1,590

40.30

-0.5%

40.50

36.75

17,459

100.50

-1.0%

102.00

91.75

3,648

49.00

0.0%

49.40

44.20

11,730

10.10

1,936,045

35.30

34.60

46.90

10.15

-1.1% 0.0%

-0.6%

2.0%

35.80

34.70

47.20

10.90

46.70

8,830

913 61

37.50

24.25

0.0%

0.0%

98.00

57.25

59

29.30

21.42

471

24.45

17.75

-18.2%

1.5%

2,377

21.30

15.50

0.0%

0.0%

467 108

438

122

25.30 21.00

42.60

35.80

12.85

18.55 15.55

0.0%

-8.4%

24.7%

40.2%

0.0%

0.0%

-19.0%

0.0%

-19.3%

-5.0%

0.0%

4.7

0.0%

10,755,990

9.9

1.5

-6.8%

7,333,333

10.0

1.4

24,225,000

nmf

1.6

0.0%

5.0%

-10.3%

0.0%

19.2%

10.4%

70.00

0.0%

0.0%

0.0%

23.0%

27.9%

38

106.75

242

83.25

47.40

-41.1%

-30.0%

-22.5%

185,447

11.50

5.25

-11.7%

82.9%

39.0%

15

188

37.00

56.25

27.82

41.60

-6.5%

-16.6%

13.1% 6.6%

1.6

14.5

-5.4%

-1.4%

45.8

13,731,750

33.00

23.70

28,212,500

10,417,500 9,322,500

80,600,000

17,650,000

14,070,000

5.1%

34,600,000

-4.1%

26,381,250

22.8

21.0 13.1

1.1

1.7 1.1

9.4

1.6

14.8

5.8

13.9

11.6

9,922,500

11.8

14,210,000

nmf

8.3

2.1

2.0

2.9

2.3

3.6

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

13

ALWATAN DAILY wednesday, may 30, 2012

KUWAIT Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 6,208 (-0.1%)

KSE General Index (% Chg.)

110

406 (0.2%)

KSE Weighted Index (% Chg.)

49%

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price KSE General Index 52 week High / Low

444 / 396 ABK.KSE

KSE Weighted Index 52 week High / Low

22,560

Turnover (KWD '000)

99

29-Mar-12

29-Apr-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

3.9%

0.083

2.5%

3.5%

0.560

1.8%

Worst Performers Turnover (KWD) 3,114,862

Zain Kuwait ZA

29-May-12

4.2%

0.270

0.295

Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait

Highest Turnover

100

95 29-Feb-12

Salhia Real Estate Co.

27,963,225

Market Cap. (KWD '000)

100

SRE.KSE

% Chg.

0.250

2.00 OULAFUELOula Fuel Marketing Co. 6,492 / 5,694 ALTIJARIA The Commercial Real Estate Co.

Advance/Decline Ratio 105

Close KAMCO.KSKIPCO Asset Management Co.

K Kuwait Finance House

934,549

IFInternational Finance Co.

403,086

B Boubyan Petrochemical Co.

617,617

A Agility

337,753

Close

% Chg.

NICBM.KSENational Industries Co.

0.255

-8.9%

ABAR.KSE Burgan Co. for Well Drilling

0.192

-5.0%

SULTAN.KSSultan Center Food Products Co.

0.102

IKARUS.KSIkarus Petroleum Industries Co.

0.180

JAZEERA.KJazeera Airways

-5.3%

0.395

-2.5% -1.9%

KSE Weighted Index

Quotes Company Name

Close

Daily % Chg.

High

Low

Turnover (KWD '000)

A Agility

0.400

0.0%

0.400

0.390

338

T Al Themar Intl. Holding Co.

0.087

1.2%

0.087

0.087

0

A AREF Energy Holding Co.

0.126

0.0%

0.126

0.126

A Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait

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

B Boubyan Petrochemical Co. B Burgan Bank

0.560

1.8%

0.290

0.0%

0.610

1.7%

0.620

0.430

1.6% 0.0%

A Burgan Co. for Well Drilling

0.192

-5.0%

C Commercial Bank of Kuwait

0.750

0.0%

0.116

-

C Combined Grp Contracting Co. F Commercial Facilities Co. G Global Investment House G Gulf Bank

1.280

0.0%

0.275

0.0%

0.405

0.0%

0.395

-

C Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co.

1.240

IK Ikarus Petroleum Industries Co.

0.180

-5.3%

JAJazeera Airways

0.395

-2.5%

IF IFA Hotels & Resorts

IF International Finance Co.

K KIPCO Asset Management Co.

K Kuwait Cement Co.

N National Bank of Kuwait N National Industries Grp. Holding N National Investments Company N National Real Estate Co. O Oula Fuel Marketing Co.

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

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

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

1.300

307

0.430

250

1.260

32

0.275

28

0.600

618

0.192

22

0.750

0.750

-

-

0.275

0.410

0.400

-

-

1.240

0.180

-

0.180

0

1.280

215

0.860

94

0.0%

0.330

0.730

935

0.265

112

0.325

34

0.970

0.970

217

0.255

-8.9%

0.255

0.255

13

0.122

0.0%

0.220

0.0%

0.220

0.128

1.040

79

0.218

253

0.126

0.0%

0.126

0.126

0.216

0.9%

0.216

0.214

185

0.102

7

0.081

2

0.270

3.5%

10.5%

-1.6%

10.7%

10.7%

-53.7%

-9.4%

-53.7%

-5.1%

-16.7%

954,017

152,242

0.0%

88

-16.3%

1.182

-25.9%

-10.9%

-22.5%

5.8%

-15.9%

0.162

0.096

-40.1%

0

0.315

0.226

-20.6%

0.485

0.182

0.600

0.410

-18.6%

-31.7%

27.5

-21.2%

1,066,400

37.8

3.9%

179,283

nmf

260,315

16.0

105.7%

95,590

8.9

-2.0%

261,439

0.335

0.236

-19.4%

5.9%

-18.2%

280,078

23.6

0.281

-13.6%

12.1%

-11.4%

108

1.240

105

0.660

0.376

224

1.020

0.709

49

0.325

0.255

76

1.109

0.909

-12.2%

-29.0%

23.9%

-4.9%

24.0%

-21.5%

-8.9%

-6.2%

2.2%

-15.6%

-24.1%

-13.7%

260

0.168

0.056

-25.0%

-1.6%

27.3%

116

0.355

858

0.242

0.226

0.186

-16.9% -4.4%

0.270

0.216

-15.6%

-

-

-

0.170

0.170

0.0%

0.700

3,115

70

-

11

0.136

21

0.093

0.097

5

0.067

2.480

4,399

1.880

1.060

0.690

0.0%

-25.0%

-14.4% -11.3%

-33.0%

-29.1% -1.7%

28.2

3.9

17.5

1.1

nmf

0.6

14.3

nmf

-15.4%

-51.2%

592,853

284,922

-20.0%

0.122

87,928

-47.9%

1.9

1.4

1.3

14.9

0.192

0.250

1.7

31.5

4,527,638

0.275

3.5

10.8

-4.7%

-25.0%

0.7

79,996

434,387

27.0%

1,158

1,202

522,603

3.7

0.9

1.7

422

-19.8%

1.5

18.0

28.0

1.300

8.3

2.4

0.8

2,178,123

1.620

0.9

nmf

-20.6%

168

1.8

nmf

65,825

-31.7%

0.8

3.1

7.2

135,000 77,880

1.5

nmf

26.8%

-40.1%

1.2

nmf

-10.0%

17

0.710

40,248

1.4

11.8

-22.1%

4

0.0%

-10.9%

34.3

0.690

0.224

2.180

2.5%

300,762

0.963

0.228

2.200

-4.9%

-13.2%

4.3

1,263

0.0%

0.0%

5.9%

nmf

10.4

-17.3%

0.146

1.5

147,610

-12.7% -16.8%

5.7

13.7

-22.5%

1.8

nmf

136,056

-22.5%

1.240

-16.7%

18.7

94,500

-25.9%

176.2%

0.200

-

664,336

136.7%

0.270

0.083

-9.7%

0.0%

915

2.5%

1,066,424

0.019

240

0.102

3.4%

0.116

4,159

56

-4.9%

226,134

-18.5%

0.255

0.214

73

3.4%

847,414

-14.7%

0.700

1.600

0

-7.9%

-13.6%

0.920

0.355

-

18.9%

0.260

0.083

0.710

0

100

-4.5%

-18.3%

-11.0%

0.410

0.192

1.727

1.0

0.270

-1.9%

0.170

0.530

0.514

25

34

0.280

0.530

nmf

3.9%

0.102 0.228

0.300

0.415

148

0.120

33

0.295

115

23

0.0%

1.060

0.630

0.610

581

29

0.970

0.0%

1,011

512

0.280

88,088

-20.2%

1.300

0.325

0.085

0.355

-16.3%

0.285

0.0%

0.880

0.132

PB

-4.4%

0.495

1.300

0.0%

50

830

PE

0.5

-13.8%

-

0.410

0.880

-14.7%

Trailing

Market Cap. (KWD '000)

15.8

-

108

0.410

0.270

0.079

0.550

6.7%

12 mths

418,735

-24.0%

0.0%

0.0%

0.102

0.650

YTD

8.1%

0.405

0.410

0.750

5

67

-7.0%

0.533

-

1.4%

0.248

264

1.220

0.395

on high

107

0.230

0.405

% Change

Low

0.430

0

0.250

2.200

Z Zain Kuwait

0.194

0.600

High

854

6

4.2%

0.250

1.040

N National Industries Co.

0.430

241

403

0.270

M Mabanee Co.

0.620

0.285

0.096

K Kuwait International Bank

K Kuwait Projects Co. (Holding)

0.610

39

0.099

0.750

P Kuwait Portland Cement Co.

0.295

0.560

0.0%

0.097

K Kuwait Finance House F Kuwait Food Co.

0.0%

0.600

52-Week

Volume ('000)

106,898

0.7 2.0

0.7

nmf

-

0.6

-4.8%

102,124

25.2

29.8%

28.6%

138,435

19.3

1.1

-0.9%

-10.6%

85,071

19.7

0.9

30.8%

30.8%

115,600

nmf

0.9%

-15.0%

7.8%

13.4%

-21.1%

12.5%

237,600

-8.9%

59,041

23.9%

152,290

12.2%

1,108,872

-29.0%

3,058,350

2.4

13.1

1.1

nmf

1.5

16.2

0.6

9.1

10.5

1.4

10.7

1.6

UAE Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 1,475 (-0.1%)

DFM Index (% Chg.)

2,455 (-0.1%)

ADSM Index (% Chg.)

Advance/Decline Ratio

DFM Index 52 week High / Low

99

Highest Turnover

29-Mar-12 S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

29-Apr-12

E Emaar Properties A Arabtec Holding

A ALDAR Properties

29-May-12

Abu Dhabi SE

1.6%

2.3% 1.1%

Worst Performers

E Etisalat

80 29-Feb-12

1.92 1.80

Turnover (AED) 21,726,659 ADNH.ADS Abu Dhabi National Hotels 15,734,276 DFM.DFM Dubai Financial Market 13,537,082 TAQA.ADS Abu Dhabi National Energy Co. 10,187,904 DEYAAR.D Deyaar Development Co.

90 85

2.9%

380,268,598

Market Cap. (AED '000)

94

7.7%

1.76

0.89

141,806

Turnover (AED '000)

% Chg.

0.39

2,775 / 2,293 ARMX.DFM Aramex

ADSM Index 52 week High / Low 100

Union Properties

36% NBQ.ADSM National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain 0.58 SIB.ADSM Sharjah Islamic Bank 1,754 / 1,301 DIB.DFM Dubai Islamic Bank

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

110

Close UPP.DFM

8,530,589

S Sorouh Real Estate Co.

Close

% Chg.

1.80

-9.6%

1.17

-1.7%

0.78

-1.3%

0.95

0.30

ARKAN.AD Arkan Building Materials Co.

-1.9%

-1.3%

Dubai FM

Quotes Company Name

Close

Daily % Chg.

High

Low

Turnover (AED '000)

A Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

3.04

-0.3%

3.05

3.01

2,233

T Abu Dhabi National Energy Co.

1.17

-1.7%

1.17

1.17

4

A Air Arabia

0.58

-0.7%

0.59

0.58

2,611

A Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

A Abu Dhabi National Hotels A ALDAR Properties

3.12

1.80

-9.6%

3.14

1.80

2.85

15,734

-1.3%

0.78

0.78

39

0.0%

0.41

0.40

3,823

0.30

958

3.00

2,390

-1.0%

A Arkan Building Materials Co.

0.78

D Dana Gas

0.40

A Aramex

C Commercial Bank of Dubai D Deyaar Development Co. D du

1.80

2.85 0.30

3.03

D Dubai Financial Market

0.95

D Dubai Islamic Bank

1.92

E Emirates NBD

2.71

E Emaar Properties E Etisalat F First Gulf Bank

G Gulf Cement Co. M Mashreq

N National Bank of Abu Dhabi N National Bank of Fujairah

N National Bank of Umm Al Qaiwain S Sharjah Islamic Bank

S Sorouh Real Estate Co. T Tamweel

-

-1.3%

0.3%

-

0.31

3.03

1.78 -

0.95

1.6%

1.92

1.90

2.74

2.68

0.2% 0.0%

1.21

1.80

-

0.97

8.81 8.77

67.00

-

-1.9%

-1.0%

-1.1%

-

-

2.92

8.83 8.80

-

-

-

5,499 -

2,867 1,664

4

1.36

1.14

-14.0%

4,500

0.76

0.57

-23.3%

102 3

9,619 -

3,159 795

7.7%

U United Arab Bank

3.56

-

2.88

0.40 -

0.37

5,347

2.88 -

130 -

1.69

-8.2%

3.24

2.67

-12.0%

0.46

0.20

-34.1%

0.65

3.63

0.34

2.80

-16.5%

2.26

1.88

-15.0%

4.63

2.65

-41.5%

26

-

3.30

11.20 10.75

1.44

2.41

8.57 6.98

0.67

-

102.00

67.00

-

4.95

3.37

649

1.02

0.80

8,422

0.0%

1.96

872

8,531

0.39

0.0%

-27.5%

1.00

6,798

-23.2%

0.68

1.02

1.15

15.2%

1.31

0.0%

1.18

0.5

-26.9%

3,004

1.01

-0.9%

9.9

-1.2%

0.0%

-29.4%

0.0%

-36.5%

105

1.16

2,702,019

-18.2%

-11.1%

185 577

-17.6%

-35.7%

-38.5%

-

9,526

1.75 0.88

0.8

-43.1%

1.76 0.89

7.0

-22.8%

2.9% 2.3%

7,283,250

-46.2%

1.76

0.89

-0.8%

0.71

3,766 -

-2.5%

1.6%

1.45

1,537 196

-

0.7

-1.3%

50

3,084

8.65

-

5.2

130.0%

8.71

-

-

434

5,842 45

13,873 -

9.00 2.24 1.45 1.49

7.38

3.2%

40.8% 4.8%

-2.2%

-7.8%

-27.9%

4,505,183

14.4

1,365,000

nmf

2,635,380

1,733,400

nmf

0.4

13,851,429

11.3

7,600,000

7,290,344

-8.3%

993,527 -

6.4%

33,592,421

-7.4%

2,816,000

2,651,250

-16.0%

7,187,400

-2.2%

-20.9%

3,547,189

4.05

3.28

-12.1%

2.4

1.0

0.8

-3.9%

0.4

0.8

0.9

8.8

1.2

8.3

0.9

8.2

-0.3%

23.4%

nmf

13.8

2,158,695

-22.3%

-3.3%

8.6

18.5

18.8%

52.7%

4.6

5,445,000

-30.3%

-20.4%

nmf

0.3

1.8 1.0

0.67

-26.2%

4.3

11.9 7.0

15,061,570

-2.8%

0.24

1.4

0.8

0.9

-21.4%

2.82

1.5

69,653,093 26,310,000

36.4%

92.4%

1.1

-14.0% 1.7%

8.8%

-22.1%

11.8

0.6

7.2

2,640,801

1.63

0.53

nmf

0.5

0.0%

6.0%

4.6

0.2

8.9

-10.3%

-12.7%

7.7

1.1

17,542,767

-34.0%

6.9%

6.4

-7.7%

-34.3% -3.7%

1,530,000

-4.7%

-7.2%

70.4%

4,330,237

-1.0%

-1.0%

-3.5% 13.5%

1,800,000

5,809,303

-22.1%

-21.3% -18.4%

7,377,882

-0.2%

13.1%

12.1%

3.90

0.50

0.0%

-12.7%

-16.0%

PB

17,010,616

89.6%

-0.3%

4.95

-

0.76

PE

9.0%

-17.0%

13,537 1,716

-

1.45

1.98

-12.1%

Trailing

Market Cap. (AED '000)

9.4%

1.18

8.78 8.72

-

2.80

2.92

12 mths

3.46

7,486

-

3.55

-8.4%

YTD

5,442

21,727

-

on high

2.69

2.88

72

% Change

Low

3.32

8.67

2.88

* Closing Prices, Turnover and Market Cap. in USD

1.1%

2.88

U Union National Bank U Union Properties

-

High

736

5

2.92

2.87

A Arabtec Holding

1.80

319

10,188

1.07

1.02

3.11

1.05

0.0%

A Amlak Finance

1.06

0.0%

52-Week

Volume ('000)

7.5

1,160,000

12.5

1,326,542

nmf

2.7

0.5

0.4

0.5

4.7

0.7

10.3

1.8

0.6

STOCKS WITH NBK CAPITAL

14

ALWATAN DAILY wednesday, may 30, 2012

QATAR Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 8,475 (-0.4%)

DSM Index (% Chg.)

120

Advance/Decline Ratio Turnover (QAR '000)

465,154,674

Market Cap. (QAR '000)

29-Mar-12

29-Apr-12

B Barwa Real Estate Co.

10,856,115

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

10,836,687

C The Commercial Bank of Qatar

29-May-12

0.8% 0.6%

64.00

Turnover (QAR) 20,560,076 BRES.DSMBarwa Real Estate Co. 11,266,027 VFQS.DSM Vodafone Qatar

K Al Khalij Commercial Bank V Vodafone Qatar

90 29-Feb-12

19.80

0.9%

0.0%

Worst Performers

99 97

1.2%

72.00

QNNS.DSMQatar Navigation

Highest Turnover

100

% Chg.

16.60 57.50

8,892 / 8,071 ERES.DSMEzdan Real Estate Co. 297,046 CBQK.DSMThe Commercial Bank of Qatar

DSM 52 week High / Low 110

Close

44% AHCS.DSMAamal Co. 0.36 DHBK.DSMDoha Bank

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

10,492,393

MMasraf Al Rayan

Close

% Chg.

27.30

QIIK.DSM Qatar International Islamic Bank QEWS.DSMQatar Electricity & Water Co. QNBK.DSMQatar National Bank

-2.2%

9.14

-1.5%

138.10

-0.7%

49.60

-0.7%

133.70

-0.5%

Doha SM

Quotes Company Name A Aamal Co.

Close 16.60

Daily % Chg.

High

1.2%

K Al Khalij Commercial Bank

17.92

-0.4%

C The Commercial Bank of Qatar

72.00

0.6%

E Ezdan Real Estate Co.

19.80

0.8%

B Barwa Real Estate Co. D Doha Bank

27.30 57.50

-2.2%

0.9%

Turnover (QAR '000)

Low

16.60

4,951

16.28

150

85.50

68.00

-15.8%

-14.3%

19.96

19.66

148

7

24.97

18.60

-20.7%

57.90

57.50

789

6,050

138.10

-0.7%

139.00

138.10

1,804

-0.7%

50.40

49.60

1,193 7,370

Q Qatar International Islamic Bank Q Qatar Islamic Bank

77.50

-0.5%

49.60

Q Qatar National Bank

133.70

Q Qatar Telecom

115.40

Q Qatar Navigation

64.00

V Vodafone Qatar

9.14

26.90

15.82 77.70

26.70

10,492

15.70

8,686

77.30

1,413

63.60

575

-0.5%

134.40

133.70

-0.4%

115.60

115.00

0.0%

-1.5%

14.8%

10,837

27.20

Q Qatar Electricity & Water Co.

-0.5%

-24.2%

72.00

27.90

138.50

15.73

14.00

YTD

72.40

11,266

139.40

Q Qatar Gas Transport Co.

21.90

on high

1,143

-0.3%

-0.2%

300

% Change

Low

20,560

138.80 26.80

High

17.89

18.08

IQIndustries Qatar

M Masraf Al Rayan

52-Week

Volume ('000)

64.00 9.40

408

67.00

118.80

13

148.00

129.50

24

56.20

45.50

55

141.73

122.73

15

123.30

94.31

18 9

1,172

-12.2%

50.00

146.20

551

-0.4%

26.25

44

392

1,695

16.06

31.10

14

10,856

9.12

18.00

28.10

-14.2% -5.1%

22.50

18.32

85.30

84.00 9.72

-4.6%

-6.7%

4.4%

-8.8%

12 mths

Market Cap. (QAR '000)

-24.2%

9,038,700

-0.4%

6,451,200

-6.7%

10,623,103

Trailing PE

PB

18.7

17,816,139

9.3

-10.8%

-15.0%

52,519,434

nmf

-3.8%

17.0%

4.4%

-1.1%

11.9%

11,885,124

-1.8%

76,340,000

20,100,000

1.2

7.8

-1.4%

-10.3%

1.5

13.2

0.9

1.3

9.4

1.8

1.9

9.9

3.2

14.0

2.4

-4.4%

13,810,000

10.1

4.6

5.4%

7,507,890

11.2

1.7

93,553,826

12.0

15.70

-14.1%

-10.2%

-11.6%

76.30

-9.1%

-8.1%

-1.9%

18,312,723 7,329,613

10.1

0.7

7,726,956

nmf

1.2

-11.7% -5.7%

-8.1%

-3.2%

7.4%

64.00

-23.8%

-16.3%

-23.5%

7.24

-6.0%

21.1%

16.1%

-6.4%

22.4%

8,711,966

9.4%

36,964,928

10.6

4.5

12.8

1.7 2.3

14.6

1.7

OMAN Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 5,754 (1.0%)

MSM Index (% Chg.)

120

47% RCCI.MSM Raysut Cement Co.

% of stocks trading above 1yr avg. price

5.00

Advance/Decline Ratio Turnover (OMR '000)

6,913,303

Market Cap (OMR '000)

99

Turnover (OMR) 308,857 BKMB.MSMBank Muscat 207,840 OTEL.MSMOman Telecommunications Co.

O Oman Cement Co.

197,287

O Oman Telecommunications Co. 29-Mar-12

29-Apr-12

S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

168,945

B Bank Muscat

29-May-12

1.26

1.9%

0.29

1.0%

1.8%

0.68

0.9%

1.32

0.8%

Worst Performers

R Renaissance Services 90 29-Feb-12

% Chg.

0.52

OTEL.MSMOman Telecommunications Co.

Highest Turnover

99

100

RNSS.MSMRenaissance Services

6,082 / 5,419 NBOB.MSMNational Bank of Oman 2,970 OCOI.MSM Oman Cement Co.

MSM 52 week High / Low

110

Close

131,850

N National Bank of Oman

OCOI.MSM Oman Cement Co.

NBOB.MSMNational Bank of Oman

Close

% Chg.

0.58

-0.2%

1.32

0.8%

0.68

0.9%

0.29

RNSS.MSMRenaissance Services

1.0%

0.52

1.8%

Muscat SM

Quotes Company Name

Close

B Bank Dhofar

0.445

N National Bank of Oman

0.293

O Oman Telecommunications Co.

1.318

R Renaissance Services

0.520

B Bank Muscat

O Oman Cement Co.

R Raysut Cement Co.

Daily % Chg.

High -

0.583

-0.2%

0.676

0.9%

1.256

Turnover (OMR '000)

Low

-

-

-

0.584

0.580

169

0.673

309

1.240

20

1.0%

0.293

0.293

132

0.8%

1.324

1.305

197

0.513

208

1.9% 1.8%

0.684 1.260 0.524

Volume ('000)

52-Week High

-

Low

0.522

290

% Change on high

0.423

0.671

-2.5%

56.5%

0.0%

65.3%

1.425

1.041

16

1.256

-9.6%

-7.5%

0.711

0.894

-4.2%

0.416

150 400

-6.1%

-12.5%

0.286

0.693

-13.4%

-13.1%

0.324

0.458

-41.8%

12 mths

-2.2%

0.565

450

457

-14.8%

YTD

0.7%

-4.6%

Market Cap. (OMR '000)

Trailing PE

PB

489,552

12.2

324,651

9.0

1.2

8.6

2.2

-4.0%

1,047,531

21.1%

223,670

16.2

251,200

14.9

21.3%

988,500

19.7%

-39.0%

146,689

2.1

8.5

1.2

1.6

2.5

nmf

0.9

BAHRAIN Rebased Performance

Summary

Best Performers 1,140 (-0.3%)

BSE Index (% Chg.)

120

42% BATELCO.BBahrain Telecommunications Co. ITHMR.BSE Ithmaar Bank

% of stocks trading above 1 yr avg. price

Advance/Decline Ratio

1,351 / 1,129

BSE 52 week High / Low

226

Turnover (BHD '000)

110

6,453,426

Market Cap. (BHD '000)

99

#N/A

#

29-May-12 Bahrain SE

#

#N/A

0.0%

0.15

-3.3%

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

Turnover (BHD) 85,343 ITHMR.BSE Ithmaar Bank 5,481 BATELCO.BBahrain Telecommunications Co.

B Bahrain Telecommunications Co.

IT Ithmaar Bank

29-Mar-12 29-Apr-12 S&P GCC Large/Mid Composite

#N/A

#N/A

% Chg.

0.47

#N/A

Worst Performers

A Ahli United Bank

90 29-Feb-12

#N/A

Highest Turnover

99

100

#N/A

Close

#N/A

#N/A

-

#N/A

#N/A

#N/A

AUB.BSE #N/A

Ahli United Bank #N/A

Close

% Chg.

0.15

0.47

0.60 #N/A

#N/A

#N/A

-3.3%

0.0%

#N/A

#N/A

Quotes Company Name

Close

Daily % Chg.

High

Low

Turnover (BHD '000)

A Ahli United Bank*

0.600

-

-

-

-

A Arab Banking Corp.*

0.460

-

-

-

-

B Albaraka Banking Grp.* B Bahrain Islamic Bank

B Bahrain Telecommunications Co. B BBK

IN Investcorp Bank* IT Ithmaar Bank*

N National Bank of Bahrain U United Gulf Bank

* Closing Prices, Turnover and Market Cap. in USD

0.950 0.090

-

0.472

0.0%

797

-

0.398

-

0.145

-3.3%

0.234

-

0.560

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.472

0.470

-

-

-

-

-

-

0.145

0.145

-

-

-

-

Volume ('000)

on high

YTD

12 mths

Market Cap. (BHD '000)

0.676

0.599

-11.2%

-0.5%

-8.1%

3,140,967

-

0.530

0.420

-13.2%

9.5%

-19.3%

1,430,980

-2.9%

20.4%

0.0%

0.0%

-30.0%

637,729

-2.6%

-3.4%

479,002

-

181 -

15

% Change

Low

-

85

52-Week High

-

100 -

1.020 0.106 0.486 0.420 797

0.240

0.600 0.424

0.857 0.082 0.380

-6.9%

-15.1%

1.7%

0.0%

0.388

-5.2%

0.065

-39.6%

123.1%

0.234

-44.8%

-22.0%

797

0.545

-6.7%

-3.9%

-6.9%

-14.3%

6.3%

-5.2%

70.6%

-31.2%

Trailing PE

PB 9.9

1.2

964,007

8.0

0.8

84,571

nmf

0.8

338,840

10.6

679,680

388,379

195,287

6.8

0.4

8.6

1.3

4.5

0.6

10.4

1.8

nmf

nmf

1.4 0.7

0.9

LIFE

Eat Right to Help Protect Your Vision What you eat plays an important role in healthy vision, and may help prevent eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says. The academy mentions these food sources that can help promote vision health: * Vitamin A: Select tomatoes, papaya, carrots and fortified milk. * Vitamin C: Eat oranges, strawberries, peppers and broccoli. * Vitamin E: Choose wheat germ, oils, nuts and seeds. * For the nutrients zeaxanthin and lutein: Eat leafy green vegetables, mangoes, kiwi, honeydew, peas, broccoli, yellow squash, corn, red grapes and oranges.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

Tool-wielding robots crawl in bodies for surgery PITTSBURGH: Imagine a tiny snake robot crawling through your body, helping a surgeon identify diseases and perform operations.

It’s not science fiction. Scientists and doctors are using the creeping metallic tools to perform surgery on hearts, prostate cancer, and other diseased organs. The snakebots carry tiny cameras, scissors and forceps, and even more advanced sensors are in the works.

For now, they’re powered by tethers that humans control. But experts say the day is coming when some robots will roam the body on their own.

others like it help reduce medical costs by making complex surgeries faster and easier.

Choset says his new design is smaller and more flexible than earlier models: The diameter of the head is less than the size of a dime.

The size of surgical robots allows surgeons to operate with far less damage to the body, helping the patient heal faster. For example, instead of opening the entire chest up during heart surgery, a small incision is made, and the robot crawls inside to the proper spot.

Dr. Ashutosh Tewari of Cornell University Medical Center has used robotic tools to perform thousands of prostate operations. He

It’s like the ability to have little hands inside the patients, as if the surgeon had been shrunken, and was working on the heart valve, “It won’t be very long before we have robots that are nanobots, meaning they will actually be inside the body without tethers,” said Dr. Michael Argenziano, the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

Argenziano was involved with some of the first US Food and Drug Administration clinical trials on robotic heart surgery more than 10 years ago. Now he says snake robots have become a commonly used tool that gives surgeons a whole new perspective. “It’s like the ability to have little hands inside the patients, as if the surgeon had been shrunken, and was working on the heart valve,” he said.

But Argenziano and experts in robotics say the new creations work best when they’re designed for very specific tasks. “The robot is a tool. It is no different in that sense than a scalpel. It’s really a master-slave device,” he said.

Howie Choset has been researching and building robots, particularly snake robots, at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Mellon University for years.

Choset believes that his snake robot and

said the precision of the tiny robotic tool is vital not just to cutting out cancerous tumors, but to seeing exactly what nerves to leave intact. Tewari said he’s most excited about the potential for surgical robots to do things humans can’t do. He said the variety of sensors available for surgical robots keeps expanding, even as they get smaller. He said they may one day be able to test chemicals or blood in the body, or even the electrical connections in nerves.

Argenziano noted that robots aren’t a magic cure. “The robot is good at certain things and it’s not good at other things,” he said. Some studies have found that the cost effectiveness of surgical robots varies greatly. In smaller hospitals, the high cost of purchasing and maintaining a robot may not make sense.

Choset has also built larger snake robots designed for search and rescue, or just exploration. They can climb poles or trees and then look around through a camera in the head, and slither through places humans can’t reach.

“We sent our snake robots into these caves off the coast of the Red Sea to look for evidence of ancient Egyptian ships,” he said.

“To me archaeology is like search and rescue,

1& 2 - FILE - In this April 18, 2012, photo, Carnegie Mellon University professor Howie Choset, (right) stands beside a robot as staff researcher Florinan Enner uses a controller to demonstrate how it climbs up a tubular armature at their lab on campus in Pittsburgh. (AP)

but everyone’s been dead for 5,000 years,” reducing the pressure.

Another expert at Carnegie Mellon stresses that there’s still an enormous gap between humans and even the most high-tech robots.

Manuela Velosa noted that robots have been built that excel at one or two tasks - but not at the variety of tasks humans perform without even thinking. Velosa has been building robots that ask humans for help when they don’t know what to do, as well as teams of robots

that play soccer against each other. Sometimes, the robots surprise her.

During one soccer game against robots from another university, the Carnegie Mellon team scored on a particular play. That sent a positive signal to the robot’s computers, which are designed to reward success and discourage failures in the game.

Her robots then tried the play again - and scored again. It turned out they had discovered a programing flaw in the other team of

Common painkillers tied to lower skin cancer risk NEWYORK: In a new study from Denmark, people who had taken aspirin, ibuprofen and related painkillers -- especially at high doses and for years at a time -- were less likely to get skin cancer, compared to those who rarely used those medications. The findings add to growing evidence that long-term use of the medications, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, may help protect people against skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest type.

Still, research has not been unanimous in that finding: one large 2008 report found no link between NSAIDs and melanoma.

The drugs have also been linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer and come with known bleeding risks -- so more research is needed to weigh the possible harms and bene-

fits of the drugs outside of pain relief, researchers said. But the lead author on the new study said it would make sense if NSAIDs were tied to skin cancer risk.

“NSAIDs work by inhibiting specific enzymes involved in inflammation,” Sigrun Alba Johannesdottir, from Aarhus University Hospital, told Reuters Health in an email.

“Previous studies show that elevated levels of these enzymes are found in skin cancer and that they are involved in important steps of cancer development such as inhibition of cell death, suppression of the immune system, and stimulation of invasiveness and blood vessel growth,” she explained. For the new research, Johannesdottir and her colleagues looked back at records from more than 18,000 people in northern Denmark with skin cancer, both

melanoma and less-risky forms of the disease, between 1991 and 2009.

They matched each of those cancer cases with another ten people of the same age and gender without cancer and compared their prescription drug records for the years before the cancer patients were diagnosed.

Thirty-eight percent of people without cancer had filled more than two prescriptions for an NSAID, according to their medical records.

The researchers found that people with a history of using aspirin and other NSAIDs had a 13 percent lower risk of melanoma compared to non-NSAID users, and a 15 percent lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma, another lessdeadly form of skin cancer.

There was no difference in the risk of basal cell carcinoma, a third cancer type, based on

Homeopathic remedy fails to slow progress of multiple sclerosis in UK study LONDON: Cannabis capsules failed to slow the progression of multiple sclerosis in a large British study, dealing a blow to hopes that the drug could provide long-term benefits for patients with the debilitating nerve disease.

Despite promising signs in earlier, shorter studies, researchers found patients who took capsules containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a key active ingredient in cannabis, fared no better than those given a placebo. The finding is a disappointment for researchers who thought cannabis might provide a viable therapy in the disease’s secondary progressive stage, when patients have few treatment options.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients were assessed in the trial known as CUPID (cannabinoid use in progressive inflammatory brain disease) on both a disability scale administered by neurologists and another based on their own reporting.

“Overall the study found no evidence

to support an effect of THC on MS progression in either of the main outcomes,” researchers led by John Zajicek of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Plymouth University, said.

Results from the study, which was funded by Britain’s Medical Research Council, will be presented at the Association of British Neurologists’ annual meeting in Brighton later on Tuesday.

Cannabis contains more than 60 different cannabinoids, of which THC is thought to be the most active, and many MS patients have long said the drug helps them cope with the effects of the disease.

Drug companies, too, have been interested in cannabis as a medicine. Britain’s GW Pharmaceuticals, working with Bayer and Almirall, recently started selling an under-the-tongue cannabis spray called Sativex to relieve spasticity.

David Nutt, professor of neuropsychopharmacology at Imperial College

London, who was not involved in the latest research, said the study’s failure did not mean cannabis had no role in helping MS patients.

“It would be wrong to interpret these preliminary findings to mean that cannabis does not achieve its licensed use.

Cannabis is not licensed for limiting disease progression, it is licensed for dealing with spasticity and pain,” he said.

Zajicek’s study did find some evidence to suggest a beneficial effect in less disabled patients but because this was seen in only a small group of people it was unclear how strong the effect was.

The overall study population also experienced slower disease progression than had been expected, making it more challenging to detect any treatment effect, the research team added.

MS is a disease in which immune system cells destroy the myelin sheath that protects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. -Reuters

Lundbeck says Alzheimer’s drug effective in trial COPENHAGEN: Danish drugmaker Lundbeck said patients who took its Alzheimer’s drug candidate Lu AE58054 in a phase 2 clinical trial achieved statistically significant improvement in cognitive performance when the compound was added to donepezil.

Lundbeck said the clinical study in 278 patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease had achieved its main target and that Lu AE58054 was also well-tolerated in combination with donepezil. “These results are very encouraging, and we are now evaluating how to best proceed with

the development of Lu AE58054,” Anders Pedersen, head of research and development at Lundbeck, said in the statement. Lundbeck said Alzheimer’s disease affects over 26 million people worldwide, and the cost to society has been reported as $600 billion per year. -Reuters

whether or not Danes had used NSAIDs, according to findings published Tuesday in Cancer.

When the researchers looked specifically at people who had filled prescriptions for the drugs over at least seven years, and used them twice a week or more, they found a stronger link: long-term, high-intensity NSAID users had a 46 percent lower risk of melanoma, a 35 percent lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma and a 17 percent lower chance of getting basal cell carcinoma.

The researchers cautioned that there were some limitations to their findings -- including that they didn’t have information on other possible risks for skin cancer, such as exposure to ultraviolet light, and not all Danish cancer cases were included in their registries.

robots, just like some sports teams find a flaw in their opponents.

In the second half Velosa’s robot’s kept using the same play, scoring every time, and thus reinforcing the tendency to try the play over and over. The robots crushed the other team.

“It was programmed by me, but it looked to me as if they learned,” she said. “I believe we are much closer to having robots be able to coexist with humans. The beautiful thing is you see the robots learning. -AP

One dermatologist not involved in the new study said to clarify the link between NSAIDs and skin cancer, a “gold standard” trial is needed -- in which people are randomly assigned to take the drugs or not, then followed to see who develops cancer.

“More work needs to be done to examine this association,” said Dr. Maryam Asgari, a research scientist at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland. Johannesdottir agreed that promoting painkiller use based on these findings isn’t warranted. “Because there are also risks associated with the use of NSAIDs, we cannot give recommendations on NSAID use in general. It is up to the patient and his/her physicians to balance benefits and harms,” she said. And, she added, “The most important prevention against skin cancer remains sun protection.” -Reuters

Exercise, vitamin D may prevent falls: Guidelines

NEW YORK: Older adults who are at high risk of falls should have physical therapy and take vitamin D supplements to reduce their chance of injury, according to new recommendations from a government-backed panel.

Falling is “a common problem and it’s often overlooked because doctors may not be aware of their patients’ fall risk,” said Dr. Albert Siu, a professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York and vice co-chair of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), which came out with the recommendations on Monday.

“By asking about falls and by observing the patient in terms of walking, we might be able to asses who might be at risk and who can benefit from preventive measures,” Siu told Reuters Health.

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, he added.

According to the new guidelines, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 30 to 40 percent of people age 65 or older fall at least once each year, and five to 10 percent of them will have a serious injury such as a hip fracture.

The USPSTF makes recommendations on a range of prevention and treatment issues, and its guidelines on reducing the risk of falls in the elderly had not been updated since 1996.

There has been considerable research done since then on what seniors can do to prevent falls -- and what doesn’t seem to work.

For instance, correcting vision, wearing a shield called a hip protector, stopping some medications or taking protein supplements do not reduce the risk that someone will have a fall, ac-

cording to the guidelines.

Vitamin D, exercise and physical therapy, however, are moderately beneficial, reducing the risk of falling by 13 to 17 percent. In the USPSTF’s review of the evidence on vitamin D, the panel found that to prevent one elderly person from falling, 10 would have to take vitamin D supplements. Siu said the usual dose is 800 international units (IUs) per day, and studies suggest people should take vitamin D for one year to see any benefit.

For exercise or physical therapy, one person would be spared a fall among every 16 people who participate in a program for 12 weeks. Siu said there’s not one particular exercise regimen that works best for preventing falls, and that people should talk to their doctors about finding an exercise or physical therapy program they’ll stick to over the long run.

Siu said doctors can pick out patients who are at a higher risk of falling by informal assessments, such as watching how steady they are on their feet and asking them whether they’ve had a fall recently.

Physicians can also use a more formal test that includes timing how quickly people can get up from a chair, walk a few paces and return to the same spot.

There seems to be only a minor benefit from doing an in-depth examination of risks and how to manage them, according to Siu -- and such an undertaking should be reserved for just those patients that a doctor feels would truly benefit, rather than widely applied to all patients at risk of falling. -Reuters

16

ALWATAN DAILY

CULTURE

wednesdAY, may 30, 2012

Missoni’s Cucina launches authentic and flavorful summer menu Ricky Laxa Staff Writer

KUWAIT: “Cucina” a multi awarded Italian restaurant located at the first floor of Missoni Hotel was all dressed up to welcome its diners to a summer that offers fresh, brisk and authentic Italian dishes especially prepared by the hotel’s Chef de Cuisine Claudio Barzano. Remarkable dishes to showcase the best of Italian cuisine during summer in Kuwait The dishes especially prepared for the event included Fritto Misto or a mix of fried seafood, zucchini and arancini, Carpaccio di cornia con insalatta di finocchi and melograno or marinated hammour Carpaccio with fennel and pomegranate, Insalatadi stagionie or mixed leaves and vegetables salad with vinaigrette, Bresola di manzo con rucola and fungi sott’olio or beef bresola with rocket leaves, mushrooms and extra virgin oil, Mozarella di bufala con pomodori e foccacia al basilica or Buffalo mozzarella with cherry tomato, basil foccacia and drizzle of maldon salt, Tonnarelli con gamberi and pomodorini or homemade tonnarelli with prawns and cherry tomato sauce, Tagliatelle al ragu di manzo or homemade taglieatelle with beef ragu, Risotto allo Zafferanno or Milanese saffron risotto, Orata alle olive nere and balsamico or Pan fried sea bream with black olives, spinach and balsamic vinegar, Scaloppine al limone con patate arrosto or Veal escalope with lemon sauce and roast potato and I dolci di Cuccina Missoni or Selection of desserts from Cucina Missoni.

Cucina changes its menu each season, importing the best, finest and freshest ingredients from Italy. World renowned chef Giorgio Locatelli, worked closely with Chef de Cuisine, Claudio Barzano, to create a summer menu of contemporary dishes founded on the principles of classic Italian cuisine. Barzano from Milan is Locatelli “Ambassador” at Cucina Missoni in Kuwait. Claudio brings and extensive international experience. He previously worked closely with Chef Locatelli at “Locanda” Locatelli in London and most recently at “Ronda” Locatelli in Dubai.

Claudio’s inspiring passion for food resonates throughout the entire kitchen team, who are dedicated to providing the most authentic Italian dining experience.

“Italians are passionate about their food and this is shown through the careful balance of flavors, textures, and aromas of Cucina’s dishes”, says Barzano. Michelin starred Locatelli’s culinary expertise combined with Rosita Missoni’s chic designs forms a unique experience from the earliest of breakfasts to a late-night supper. The new summer menu reflects true Italian classics, homemade pastas, and selected variety of fish, meat and delectable sweets. Cucina opens seven days per week, breakfast is from six in the morning till eleven mornings, lunch is served from twelve thirty till four in the afternoon and dinner is from seven in the evening till eleven thirty in

Spanish artist faces prison over ‘how to cook Christ’ film LONDON: A leading Spanish artist faces up to a year in prison after being prosecuted for “offending religious feelings” in relation to a short film he made more than 30 years ago that claimed to show “how to cook Jesus Christ”, reports The Guardian.

Javier Krahe, who has been a popular and provocative figure in Spain for nearly half a century, made the film in 1978 but it was only shown on Spanish TV in 2004 as a backdrop to an interview with its creator. The little-known charge - comparable with but not identical to Britain’s blasphemy law, remains part of the penal code despite never having been applied before in Spanish legal history.

Krahe’s 54-second film uses the tone of a cooking program, with chefs advised to remove Jesus’ nails and separate him from his crucifix, which should be left to one side.

Christ’s tiny white body - a small figurine is used - is then shown being washed, lightly smothered in butter, placed on a bed of aromatic herbs in a glass tray and popped into an oven. “One gaunt Christ” is apparently enough to feed two, and when the dish is ready (after three days) it miraculously emerges from the oven without assistance.

There have been two previous failed attempts to prosecute Krahe, who is currently on bail for euro 192,000 ($240,544). The latest prosecution is the result of a court action by the Catholic legal association the Centro Juridico Tomas Moro.

“How do you show that someone’s religious feelings have been hurt?” Krahe told El Pais newspaper, adding that he considers the prosecution to be absurd.

“I’m accused of a series of things that I haven’t done. I don’t appear on television cooking Christ, and I haven’t ever used these images [in a performance].”

His supporters say freedom of speech laws should be changed to allow room for blasphemy.

Krahe is due to appear in Madrid’s regional court, where statements from witnesses in the case are due to be heard.

Missoni’s ‘Cucina’’s World renowned Chef de Cuisine Claudio Barzano. (Al Watan Daily)

I dolci di Cuccina Missoni or selection of desserts from Cucina Missoni, perfect dish to complement a sumptuous dinner.

(Al Watan Daily)

Italians are passionate about their food and this is shown through the careful balance of flavors, textures and aroma at Cucina. the evening.

Tracing down the culinary history of Italy we find that it started to make its mark during the Roman Empire movement more than 2000 years ago. The Italians even have a cookbook dating back to the first century B.C which shows how important a place food had in society. The structure of Italy as a country underwent a huge change after the fall of the Roman Empire. Italy was now a body of individually governed states that had separate and distinctive identities and hence developed their own tradition. This era was the time when the cuisine of Italy started developing its diversity that we find in it today. Each region developed its own distinctive style of cooking and a formalized menu based on the local ingredients and the lifestyle of the people living there. You

General Manager of Missoni Hotel Alfio Bernardini with the sales team.

(Al Watan Daily)

would find great variance in the way similar dishes are prepared in different regions.

Italian food is much more than cheese dripping pizza and al dente pasta. Italy expands over a sizeable piece of southern Europe and

has many different regions each having their own special cuisine and eating habits. The cooking styles and ingredients also vary from area to area. The cuisine of Italy has also been influenced with the changes that have taken

place in the world through the passage of time. Today the Italian cuisine features meals that retain the pre Roman era taste along with others that are strikingly different to the traditional cuisine of Italy.

In Argentina, disused power plant becomes art hub PARIS: An abandoned power plant in Buenos Aires dating back to the early 20th century has been transformed into a cultural center, a key part of plans to revitalize the “poor” south of Argentina’s capital.

The old brick factory topped with a giant tower, built by the Italian-Argentine electricity company from 1914 to 1916 by Italian architect Giovanni Chiogna, had been nearly forgotten along the highway to La Plata.

Now, in the middle of the working class La Boca district, not far from the famed “La Bombonera” stadium where the Boca Juniors club plays, the so-called “Art Factory” (Usina del Arte) is gleaming and attracting new attention.

Beams of light high in the sky installed by Japanese artist Ryoji Ikeda symbolize the hope for the renaissance of the area, thanks to the new center dedicated to music, theater, dance and art, which opened its doors on Friday.

“This brings hope to the south of Buenos Aires, which suffered from decades of abandon,” said the city’s mayor Mauricio Macri.

“The entire government wants to leave the center of town and move to the south,” he said, hoping that eventually, a better northsouth balance will be struck in terms of the city’s development.

Most of the chic residential areas in Buenos Aires are in the north of town, while the poor have been left to inhabit the south of the capital. The effort to revitalize the city is based in part on the creation or renovation of a series of museums and art spaces, such as the Proa Foundation in La Boca or the Buenos Aires Museum of Modern Art in neighboring San Telmo.

The city’s culture secretary Hernan Lombardi said the grand entrance of the Usina del Arte “is something like the Tate Modern in

FILE - The 15,000-square-metre cultural centre Usina del Arte constructed in an abandoned electric plant of Buenos Aires, Argentina. (AFP)

The facade of a typical old house of Buenos Aires is reflected on a mirror (top) as part of the installation of artist Leandro Erlich, at the Usina del Arte in Buenos Aires, Argentina on May 24, 2012. (AFP)

London, but we will not only showcase the visual arts.” He told AFP that he was betting on the “gentrification” of the area in the coming years, as the new attractions help boost the neighborhood’s fortunes. “The management style will be key,” he said.

A total of 120 million pesos ($26.9 million) have been poured into the Usina del Arte project, and organizers want a system under which art director Ricardo Szwarcer will be able to work freely and efficiently. The 64-year-old Szwarcer, an Argentine who previously served as the artistic director of the Opera de Lille,

that try to attract residents from lower-income neighborhoods.

Just behind Szwarcer are a group of children hanging from a rather high window, sparking general surprise to all around them.

They are experiencing “The Building,” an installation by Argentine artist Leandro Erlich, which features the facade of an old Buenos Aires building on the floor that is then reflected in trompe-l’oeil style in a mirror on a wall.

“All of my work has some element of participation -- art as a means of integration,” said Erlich, 39. -AFP

seems happy to have come home to work on such an ambitious initiative.

“This is a 21st century cultural center -- a place that is changing, a multifaceted project open to all disciplines, that is irreverent and without prejudices,” he said. “We’ll have all kinds of music, including electronica.”

“One of our goals is to safeguard local traditions like the ‘fileteado’,” he said, referring to a type of artistic drawing created in Buenos Aires a century ago and which has now become an emblematic art form for the capital.

The Usina del Arte will host programs

Constable’s Lock for sale, seen worth $30-40 million LONDON: One of British artist John Constable’s most important paintings, “The Lock”, will go under the hammer at Christie’s in London on July 3 and is expected to raise 20-25 million pounds (around $30-40 million), the auctioneer said on Tuesday. “”The Lock”” is one of a celebrated series of six large-scale canvases that also includes “The Hay Wain”, arguably his most famous work that hangs in Britain’s National Gallery in London. “The Lock” is also the last of the series still in private hands, and is being of-

fered from the private collection of Baroness Carmen Thyssen Bornemisza.

The painting has been sold only once since it was acquired from the artist, raising 10.8 million pounds at auction in 1990 making it the most valuable British painting ever sold at the time -- a record it held for 16 years.

The current auction record for a British painting is, most experts agree, $86.3 million for a 1976 Francis Bacon triptych sold in 2008.

Bacon was born in Ireland, but is often de-

scribed as British due to his English parentage and the fact that he spent much of his life in London.

“This superb landscape, coming from the same series as The Hay Wain, represents British landscape painting at its very best and is sure to attract bidding from museums and collectors from all over the world,” said Jussi Pylkkanen, president of Christie’s Europe, Middle East, Russia and India.

“The Lock” was completed in 1824, one of the most important years in Constable’s career

which saw The Hay Wain exhibited at the Paris Salon and King Charles X of France award him a gold medal.

Constable’s success in France has been seen by many experts as a factor in inspiring French artists in a movement of landscape painting that would find its fullest expression some five decades later in the work of the Impressionists. “The Lock” is a landscape depicting a man at a lock with a boat on the river just behind him, set under a towering tree and a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. -Reuters

ALWATAN DAILY

entertainment Song Of The Day

Fahad AlSabah Staff Writer

Song: 1991 Artist: Azealia Banks Album: 1991 - EP Genre: Rap/Electronic In short: Azealia Banks gets her inspiration from all around the place, but when it comes down to it, Banks is the true extension of the great female rappers of past times. Forget all about current female rappers, and focus solely on Azealia Banks.

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

The Buzz MSNBC host Hayes apologizes for ‘heroes’ comments MSNBC host Chris Hayes says he’s sorry for his comments about his discomfort with the use of the word “heroes” to describe fallen soldiers. Hayes made the comments during his show on Sunday, the day before Memorial Day. He was met with a strong backlash, including from a veterans’ group.

Hayes said he was “uncomfortable” with the word because it seemed like a rhetorical device that could justify engaging in more wars. In a blog post Monday on the show’s website, Hayes apologized for not living up to his own “standards of rigor, respect and empathy.” He says he was trying to discuss the divide between the military and civilians but ended up reinforcing a stereotype of a pundit talking about something he hasn’t experienced. -AP

Sex and the City actress Nixon marries Former “Sex and the City” actress Cynthia Nixon married longtime girlfriend Christine Marinoni in New York over the US holiday weekend, her representative said on Monday. “On May 27, 2012, Cynthia Nixon and her girlfriend, Christine Marinoni, were legally married in the state of New York,” her spokeswoman said in a statement. No further details were released. Nixon, who found fame playing Miranda Hobbes on the hit HBO television show “Sex and the City” about single women navigating life, love and careers in New York City, has more recently appeared on TV programs such as “The Big C.” She and Marinoni have been together for around eight years, and they became engaged in 2009 at a rally supporting same-sex weddings in New York. -Reuters

Malin Akerman to play Blondie singer Swedish-Canadian actress Malin Akerman will take on the role of Debbie Harry, the lead singer of Blondie, in a feature film titled “CBGB,” according to Hollywood daily Variety.

Randall Miller (“Bottle Shock”) will direct the independent film, which will be set in “CBGB,” a famous New York club regarded as a temple of music in the 1970s and 80s. Alan Rickman will play club owner Hilly Kristal, who welcomed Patti Smith and groups like Suicide, the Ramones, the New York Dolls and the Talking Heads on his stage. British actor Rupert Grint, known for his role in the Harry Potter series, will play a member of punk rock group Dead Boys. “CBGB” is set to begin filming this June in New York. -AFP

Silence of the Lambs character inspires new TV show In addition to “Hannibal,” which is scheduled to air next season on NBC, US television is drawing on another character from the literary works of Thomas Harris. According to Tvguide.com, Clarice Starling, the FBI agent brought to life on the big screen by Jodie Foster in “The Silence of the Lambs,” is the protagonist of a series in development for the Lifetime channel. Going by the title “Clarice,” the series will focus on the early career of Clarice Starling, just after she receives her FBI qualifications. With limited details revealed to date about the show, it is unclear whether the action will take place before or after the federal agent’s encounter with Hannibal Lecter. As of yet, no actress has been mentioned in association with the new version of the role, for which Jodie Foster won the Best Actress Academy Award. The character was also played ten years later by Julianne Moore, in Hannibal by Ridley Scott. Produced by MGM studios, Clarice will be developed as a parallel project to that of Hannibal, airing next season on NBC. That drama, also based on the literary world of Thomas Harris, will focus on the early relationship between the psychiatrist and sociopath Hannibal Lecter and FBI agent Will Graham. -AFP

Like Someone in Love US rights bought by Sundance Selects Sundance Selects has acquired US rights to “Like Someone in Love,” written and directed by former Palme d’Or winner Abbas Kiarostami, the company announced Sunday.The film, which made its world premiere in competition earlier this week at Cannes, stars Rin Takanashi, Tadashi Okuno and Ryo Kase. It explores the sudden relationship of a young woman and old man in Tokyo. Marin Karmitz of MK2 and Kenzo Horikoshi of Eurospace produced, with associate producers Nathanael Karmitz and Charles Gillibert. Earlier, IFC Films/ Sundance Selects acquired another MK2 production, Walter Salles’ “On the Road,” which screened in competition. The two companies have previously collaborated on Kiarostami’s “Certified,” Gus Van Sant’s “Paranoid Park,” and Olivier Assayas’ “Summer Hours” and his upcoming “Something in the Air.” -Reuters

wednesDAY, MAY 30, 2012

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Former UK Prime Minister Blair discusses Murdoch, media power LONDON: News Corp. chairman and CEO Rupert Murdoch is not the full-fledged conservative he is sometimes described as, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said here Monday. “I wouldn’t say he is a tribal Tory,” he said in a reference to the British name for the Conservative Party. “He has bits of him that are meritocratic and anti-establishment.”

Blair was questioned about Murdoch and the power of UK media companies during an appearance in front of the Leveson Inquiry, which is probing the relationship of the UK media, politics, police and the public.

The former Labor Party boss and prime minister fro, 1997-2007 had been supported

by The Sun, the big tabloid that is part of News International, the UK publishing arm of News Corp., which has been at the center of the phone hacking scandal.

Blair generally emphasized the need for politicians to have good relationships with the media in this day and age, but he shrugged off suggestions that he was too close to the News Corp. empire and its representatives. He also described Murdoch as having “substantial power,” but repeatedly emphasized that the same goes for other media owners.

Asked if he decided to put off a review of cross-media ownership rules to please Murdoch, he said no. A review simply felt like a distraction at the time, Blair argued. He said ownership is not the biggest problem; the way the media operates is.

He argued that his government made more policies against Murdoch’s interests than policies in his favor. “I didn’t feel under pressure from commercial interests from the Murdoch press or from anybody else,” Blair said. Asked if he got too close to News International and its leaders, he said his relationship became “completely different with [Murdoch] and his family” once he left office.

Was he too close to Rebekah Brooks, the

former News International CEO? Blair said she played a key role as the editor of The Sun at that time. However, “to put it bluntly, the decision maker was not Rebekah Brooks,” he emphasized. “It was Rupert Murdoch, for sure.”

Overall, Blair said that the relationship between media and politics is “inevitably” close and involves tension. Political leaders without “reasonably strong” ties to the media would be a “pretty strange” breed today, he added.

After all, in this day and age, it is “essential and crucial” to have good relationships with the media. If your relationship has a falling out, the effect on a political leader is “harsh.”

“You then are effectively blocked from getting across your message,” Blair said.

He later added: “With any of these big media groups, if you fall out with them, then watch out, because it is relentless.” If you make an enemy out of them, they are “really out against you,” he said.

In his witness statement, Blair similarly said that media owners use newspapers and other media “as instruments of political power.” He emphasized, though, that “this is not confined to the Murdoch media” empire.

The Sun and Daily Mail are the UK’s most powerful papers, Blair suggested. The former, the best-selling tabloid in the country, may even be more powerful because it affects swing voters and is “willing to shift” its political support, he acknowledged when questioned further.

Blair’s appearance before the Leveson Inquiry also will make headlines around the world as a protester burst into the courtroom to shout at Blair as he gave evidence.

The protester, later named in reports as David Lawley-Wakelin, 49, shouted: “Excuse me.

This man should be arrested for war crimes. J.P. Morgan paid him off for the Iraq

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrives before giving evidence before the Leveson Inquiry into the ethics and practices of the media at the High Court in central London May 28, 2012. (Reuters)

War three months after we invaded Iraq, then held up the Iraq bank for £20 billion ($31.3 billion). He was then paid $6 million very year, and still is, from J.P. Morgan, six months after he left office. The man is a war criminal.”

Several security guards grappled with the man and dragged him away through the same door from which he had entered as a clerk murmured, “How on Earth did he get in?”

Leveson appeared shocked and asked the court how the man had gained entry from what should have been a secure corridor.

“I’m sorry for that, Mr. Blair,” the judge said. Blair said it was fine, adding: “Can I just say, actually, on the record: What he said about

Music takes center stage at MTV Movie Awards LOS ANGELES: There will be a new star at Sunday’s MTV Movie Awards, and it’s name is music. Electronic dance music will take center stage at the show that organizers promise will feature more melodies than ever and spotlight how songs and film work together to enhance the movie going experience.

French DJ Martin Solveig, best known for his 2011 international dance hit “Hello,” will spin mash-ups of music from movies throughout the show, including scores from “Jaws,” “Star Wars” and “Pulp Fiction.” “I am both a movie freak and a guy who enjoys mixing music and image to give his videos a cinematographic feel,” Solveig said in a statement. “It’s only natural that I jumped at the chance of performing at the MTV Movie Awards.”

Rockers The Black Keys are scheduled to perform, as are fun. and hip-hop singer Wiz Khalifa. The MTV Movie Awards, which is among the cable TV channel’s most-watched programs annually, get underway on Sunday, June 3, with British comedian Russell Brand as the host.

The program is known for showcasing Hollywood summer blockbusters and being irreverent and lighthearted with “honors” given in categories such as best on-screen dirtbag. This year, fantasy “The Hunger Games” and comedy “Bridesmaids” will battle for the most awards as each landed eight nominations.

Joining those two films in the hunt for best movie are civil-rights drama “The Help,” the final installment of the “Harry Potter” films, “Harry Potter and the

FILE - Russell Brand speaks on stage during Amnesty International’s Secret Policeman’s Ball at Radio City Music Hall on March 4, 2012 in New York City. (AFP)

Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1.”

But more than ever, MTV promises to bring song to the forefront of its show with electronic dance music (EDM) being the main genre to benefit from the exposure.

“Music has always been core to the awards, but this year, we wanted to expand its presence to serve as the primary connector that drives the entire show.

Having a house DJ ... will add an exciting new layer to the show and is a continuation of our full embrace of the EDM

movement,” Amy Doyle, head of music and talent strategy at MTV, said in a statement.

MTV follows in the footsteps of this year’s Grammy Awards in February, which dedicated a section of the show to the electronic dance music phenomenon that has been dominating mainstream music in recent months. In addition to Solveig, rockers The Black Keys will perform their hit single “Gold On The Ceiling” from their latest album “El Camino,” while indie-pop band fun. and rapper Wiz Khalifa also will sing their latest hits. -Reuters

TV cameras trained on dogs during summer 2012 LOS ANGELES: Summer television used to mean reruns. This year it’s gone to the dogs.Several new shows star dogs and their owners in need of help. CBS has the lone network show in “Dogs in the City,” starring comic, dog trainer and businessman Justin Silver. It’s joined by documentaries on PBS and HBO and a series in the works for the Disney Channel, among others. Each Wednesday at 8 p.m., beginning May 30, Silver will try to help hound and human tackle unsettling problems like joint custody after divorce or dealing with significant others who just moved in.Is man or mutt usually to blame for problems? It’s 50-50, he said, but “a dog’s behavior is shaped by the people in its life.”

Silver says he won’t be the one solving problems, even though he jokes that he speaks dog. Instead he will provide techniques and experiences so owners can fix their own problems. “It’s that old adage: Give a man a fish and you’ll fill his belly. Teach him how to fish and he’ll never starve. I am teaching you how to fish. But no one learns how to fish perfectly in one hour. It takes constant practice.”

Documentaries airing in May and June explore the rewards and redemption of shelter dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says between 5 million and 7 million companion animals enter shelters every year and between 3 million and 4 million of them are euthanized.

“Shelter Me,” a PBS documentary, is narrated by actress Katherine Heigl and is sponsored by the pet food company coowned by Ellen DeGeneres. It follows an animal control officer, adoption workers, female inmates who train rescue dogs, and vets who acquire former shelter dogs.

“Shelter Me” will air across the country in late May and June. HBO will premiere a documentary called “One Nation Under Dog: Stories of Fear, Loss & Betrayal” on June 18 at 9 p.m. The film looks at America’s obsession with dogs, how far individuals will go for their pets and what

it will take for people across the country to treat all dogs humanely. The 73-minute documentary looks at the odds stacked against shelter dogs, spay and neuter education, puppy mills, dog bite victims and how some owners respond when their dog attacks.

The Disney Channel also has a new dog show in the works for the fall and while it does involve a rescue dog, that’s where reality ends.The live-action, multi-camera series called “Dog With A Blog” and revolves around a dog named Stan (who is really a 4-year-old named Kuma). -AP

FILE - In this February 2012 photo released by ShelterMe.com showing a photo of Andrew J. Trotto with his dog Teka during the documentary “Shelter Me.” in Laguna Beach, Calif. (AP)

Iraq and J.P. Morgan is completely and totally untrue. I’ve never had a conversation about [Iraq].”

Leveson told Blair that he did not need to respond to the intruder’s accusations. “I appreciate that, but part of the difficulty with modern politics -- and this is not a criticism of the media -- is that my experience of the reporting of these events is that you can have 1,000 people in a room and someone gets up and shouts or throws something, and that’s the news,” Blair said. “The other 999 might as well have not bothered turning up.”

Leveson has ordered an investigation into security procedures at his inquiry. -Reuters

Playwright, screenwriter William Hanley dies at 80

NEW YORK: William Hanley, a Broadway playwright and award-winning screenwriter, has died at the age of 80.

His daughter, Katherine Hover, says he died on Friday at his home in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Hanley’s works include “Slow Dance on the Killing Ground” and “Mrs. Dally Has a Lover” and the teleplays “The Long Way Home” and “The Kennedys of Massachusetts.” He won Emmys for the TV films “The Attic: The Hiding of Anne Frank” and “Something About Amelia.”

He also wrote the screenplay for the 1969 film, “The Gypsy Moths,” as well as several novels. A native of Lorain, Ohio, Hanley is also survived by another daughter, Nell Hanley; a sister, Patricia Hanley; and three granddaughters.

His sister Ellen Hanley was a musical theater actress. She died in 2007. -AP

Obama to honor Medal of Freedom recipients WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama will honor a diverse cross-section of political and cultural icons - including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, astronaut John Glenn, basketball coach Pat Summitt and rock legend Bob Dylan - with the Medal of Freedom at a White House ceremony Tuesday.

The Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. It’s presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace or to other significant endeavors.

Other recipients this year include: • Toni Morrison, author of such novels as “Song of Solomon” and “Beloved.”

• John Paul Stevens, former Supreme Court Justice.

• Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts.

• Shimon Peres, former president of Israel.

• John Doar, who handled civil rights cases as assistant attorney general in the 1960s.

• William Foege, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who helped lead the effort to eradicate smallpox.

• Gordon Hirabayashi, who fought the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II. • Jan Karski, a resistance fighter against the Nazi occupation of Poland during World War II. • Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the National Farmworkers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers of America.

Albright was the first woman to hold the top US diplomatic job, while Glenn was the first American to orbit the earth. Summitt led the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team to more NCAA Final Four appearances than any other team. And Dylan’s vast catalog of songs includes such rock classics as “Like a Rolling Stone,” ‘’Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Mr. Tambourine Man.” -AP

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ALWATAN DAILY

AROUND TOWN / TIME OUT

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 2012

If you have an event you wish to include, please email: aroundtown@alwatandaily.com

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VIVA Concludes Samir Saeed Football League with team ‘VIVA 55’ Crowned League Champion

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s newest and most advanced mobile telecommunications service, concluded its third Football League championship organized to support and strengthen its relationship with its staff. The VIVA Football League was recently renamed Samir Saeed League, in honor of the memory of the late Samir Saeed, an icon of Kuwait sports and goalkeeper of the Kuwait National Team. VIVA 55 scored the decisive goal in the shootout and beat VIVA POSSIBLE on penalty kicks after a 2-2 draw.

Sixteen teams with ten players each participated in this year’s championship that attracted huge crowds of football fans. Teams competed fromApril 16 to May 21, 2012 at the Corner football fields. At the end of the final match,VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer, Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Badran honored outstanding players. Mohamad Merza won the title of the League’s Best Player, Abdullah Hady was named Best Goalkeeper, and Mohamad Orayqat, leading scorer. Following this, VIVA POSSIBLE was awarded the Silver medal, and VIVA 55 the Gold medal and the league trophy.

VIVA organized a friendly match on Monday May 21, 2012 between its football team and players from the National Kuwaiti team

Month a t

that was attended by VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Salman AlBadran along with VIVA employees, their families and friends. The spectators were all entertained by renowned presenter Mubarak Al Dousary and all gained a chance to enter a raffle draw to win one of many attractive prizes.

The National Kuwaiti team was represented by Osama Hussein, Khaled Al Fadhli, Hussein Al Khudary, Jassim Al Huwaidy, and Dr. Tarek Al Jalahma, in addition to Hamad Al Saleh, Shehab Kankony, Faraj Laheeb, Nawaf Bakheet, Khaled Abdul Quddous, Abdullah Al Sabty, and Waleed Ali who played against the VIVA team.

Commenting on this event,

VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Salman Al-Badran said: “It is really impressive to see the motivation and drive of our colleagues who insisted this tournament be held for the third consecutive year. This helped us organize an entertaining and competitive league championship for football fans.” He concluded: “I would like to thank everyone for their contribution towards making this championship a success and congratulate the trophy winner.”

VIVA rewarded the champions of the Samir Saeed Soccer League with an all-expenses paid trip to Manchester to see Manchester United football team play in one of their homes games at Old Trafford next season.

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Intermediate

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General A n n o u n c e m e n t s

a glance Gala dinner each eyar to raise money for students on financial aid at the university. This year, the event will take place on June 1st with the Comedy Night from Lebanon as the main attraction of the night. The event will commence at 8:00 p.m., at the Diamond Ballroom in the Sheraton Hotel. The event is available for public and is free of charge.

Spanish Cinema Week June 3 - 7/7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m./Abd Al-Razaq Al-Baser Theater: Kuwait Cine Club and the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters in sponsorship from the Embassy of Spain present the Spanish Cinema Week starting on Sunday June 3rd and continuing through to Thursday June 7th. The film week will take place in Abd Al-Razaq Al-Baser Theater (back entrance to main building of National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters on the corner between Mubarak Al Kabeer Street and Shuhada Street, Kuwait City) starting at 7:30 p.m. and ending at 9:30 p.m. all films will be in the Spanish original version with English subtitles and entrance is free of charge.

K’S PATH invites applicants for the adoption of pets Lilly is a gentle and gorgeous two-year-old female Tiffany cat. She is confident and loves being the center of attention. Lilly will be a wonderful addition to a family with children aged 5 and above. To adopt contact K’S PATH at (+965) 67001622 or visit the website www. kspath.org

Arabic Course

Cissi is a pretty and friendly 6-month-old mix-breed female dog who loves to play and run. She is very affectionate and enjoys a cuddle. Cissi will do great in a family with children aged 8 and above.

June 3 - July 14/TIES Center: TIES Center is glad to announce the start of Arabic Courses. Starting June 03 and ending July 14, 2012.We offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advance level. TIES Arabic classes are intended for all expatriates who wish to learn Arabic for whatever purpose - business, basic communication, as a second language or simply as a hobby. Throughout the course the students will learn how to read, write ands peak Arabic in a friendly, relaxed and welcoming environment. For more information/registration, contact 25231015/6 or 97228860/97793440 or visit www.tiescenter.net.

Anmatt 2 - The Clash of the Icons June 3 - 21/10 :00a.m. - 1:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m./Dar al Funoon: The dialogue continues between poetry, story, geometry, society, iconography and color in the work of Abdulla Al-Awadi. In various artworks there may be more than one icon competing for visual supremacy although in most cases the battle is clearly won by the stronger icon. This is the second collection of Abdulla Al-Awadi that shows at Dar al Funoon about the subject of patterns. The event will open on June 3rd at 7:00 p.m. and continue through to Thursday June 21st with exhibition hours going from Sunday to Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. located at Dar al Funoon in Al Watiah, Behbehani Compound, House No. 28. For further information call 2243 3138 or visit www.daralfunoon-kw.com and news.daralfunoon.kw.com.

AUB Annual Gala Dinner June 1/ 8:00 p.m./Sheraton Hotel: AUB Alumini in Kuwait hold a Charity

BAIA Carnevale June 8 - 9/ 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m./Salwa: The British Academy of International Arts presents Carnevale, an extravaganza of dance and celebrations from across the Globe. The event will take place starting June 8th until June 9th on the British School of Kuwait Campus at Salwa Block 1, Street 1, Villa 32. For more information please contact 60052087/25623604.

New Toastmasters Club Second and fourth Tuesday/ 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. / Jabriya: A new Toastmasters Club is being formed and encouraging new members to join. Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. It is a non-profit international organization dedicated to improve member’s communication and leadership skills by attending and participating toastmasters meetings. For more information, please contact Khaled Al-Hashem at 65588824.

Dilbert

Ugandans in Kuwait (UIK) Are you a Ugandan living and working in Kuwait? Would you like to get in touch with other Ugandans in Kuwait both socially and professionally? We would like to invite you to register with the Ugandans in Kuwait (UIK) association, an informal organization of Ugandans living and working in Kuwait. This association is voluntary. It is designed to create a forum for Ugandans in Kuwait to foster a sense of community, to communicate more effectively with each other and to encourage Ugandans out here to work together.We are also planning a celebration to mark 50 years of Ugandan’s Independence this year. If you have any questions regarding this then please send an email at ugandansinkuwait@gmail.com.

Embassy of Korea The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6. Contact: 25378621/2/3/4/5. The embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Morning: 8 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Lunch break: 12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Afternoon: 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Nancy

Horoscopes Aries: March 21 - April 19

A turning point in one’s destiny often brings a smile to the faces of cynical people but in your case, Aries, it definitely has some meaning. This turning point can take the form of a new person in your life or a key event that changes things forever. Sometimes things that we only hear about actually happen. Something like this may happen to you in the coming months.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20

It may be that you’ve returned deeply changed from a long voyage, Taurus. Of course, we’re all changed to some extent by travel, but in your case, the change is truly profound. You are going to have some problems getting back into the life you had before you left.

Your old life is likely to feel too limiting to you. So what’re you waiting for? Go right ahead and change it!

Gemini: May 21- June 21

If you feel suffocated by your romantic relationships, if you feel they lack some spice or are too traditional, then why not liberate yourself? There is a feeling in the air that life is turning in a positive direction. This will help you set things up to turn even your craziest ideas into a reality.

Cancer: June 22 - July 22

During the last few months, Cancer, it could be that you’ve met some strange people who have greatly influenced your attitude about marriage or partnership. They’ve been pushing you to get more freedom. If this is indeed the case, you can be certain that they have come under a cosmic influence. You don’t have to agree.

Freedom or lack of it is very subjective.

Leo: July 23 - August 22

The last months have been very challenging - and there’s a very good chance that you no longer feel up to meeting the challenges. If you’ve been yearning to modify something in your life, do it now, Leo. The hour has come to make changes. Regardless of whether the change you seek is at home or work, physical or emotional, don’t be afraid to upset your life.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22

A change has occurred in our solar system, Virgo, a shift that will probably be imperceptible but nonetheless profound. You have seven months to understand how this change impacts you. It will dawn on you that you feel a strong need for liberation. Perhaps all that you need is to just release yourself from the bonds of a group.

Libra: September 23 - October 22

You mustn’t expect any enormous changes today, Libra. However, the process you began three or four years ago will accelerate slightly. You’re changing moorings of your identity, the ideas that make you sure of who you are. Your family, background and education no longer count as much as your spiritual foundations. Don’t be afraid of this shift. Go with it.

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21

The day should be fairly positive, Scorpio, and you’ll begin to feel the faintest hints of major changes beginning bearing fruit. This new phase will last for seven months. As it progresses, you’ll find greater freedom of expression. You can expect to shift into high gear in subjects you used to avoid. Some friction with siblings is likely to arise in the next few months though.

Sagittarius: November 22 - December 21

The solar system is shifting gears Sagittarius, and it’s liable to trigger a great transformation that will last seven months. The change will center on the means you use to fulfill yourself in terms of both your career and love life. If you feel somewhat hemmed in by your training or upbringing, you can expect to seek liberation.

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19

It’s an excellent forecast for you, Capricorn! Although no specific events will occur, there is the huge promise of freedom over the next seven months. A fundamental shift is about to occur in your occupation and love life, As months unfold, expect to be more visionary, more creative, and perhaps rebellious. You’ll be more effective than in the past two or three years.

Aquarius: January 20 - February 18

To understand the major shift that’s taking place, Aquarius, you must look at events from a lofty perspective. Slow-acting liberation is gathering momentum. In the next seven months, you’ll be unable to resist the opportunity to rid yourself of an oppressive part of your past. You’ll shed old complexes and emerge renewed. Family ties suffer but it’s only temporary.

Pisces: February 19 - March 20

The gentle winds of change are blowing through your life at the moment, Pisces. You have a feeling of newness and an open attitude toward the world.

Some outside events will come up in your life that will give you the impression that you’re advancing in a concrete manner toward a new life.

ALWATAN DAILY

SPORTS

wednesDAY, may 30, 2012

19

Tennis

Baker of US wins 1st French Easy starts for Sharapova, Schiavone and Kvitova in Paris Open main-draw match

Brian Baker of the US returns the ball to Xavier Malisse of Belgium during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 28, 2012.

(Reuters)

PARIS: Probably would have been hard to imagine back when Brian Baker reached the 2003 junior final at the French Open that it would take him nearly a decade to make it to the men’s tournament.

The 27-year-old from Nashville, Tenn., finally completed that journey Monday and won his main-draw debut at Roland Garros, beating 2002 Wimbledon semifinalist Xavier Malisse of Belgium 6-3, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (5), the latest step in a hard-to-believe comeback.

“It’s definitely something I didn’t envision, I’d say, a couple months ago or a year ago,” Baker said. “But the last couple weeks, my game has come around. Feeling a lot healthier and definitely playing some good tennis.”

He was cheered on by his parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and his girlfriend Monday.

Well worth the trip.

Baker was forced off the tour for 6 1/2 years because of a series of operations that began in November 2005 and included work on his right elbow, both hips - the left one twice - and a sports hernia.

“Never really had that one moment where I thought about throwing in the towel. But you have to be realistic when you have that many surgeries, that maybe

tennis isn’t in the cards anymore, and that you’ve got to see what else is out there outside of tennis,” Baker said. “But never had that one time where I was ready to say: ‘I’m done.’ Maybe close to that, but never all the way out.”

Baker earned a French Open wild card from the US Tennis Association by virtue of results at low-level claycourt events in the United States.

He hadn’t played in the main draw of a tour-level tournament after a 2005 US Open loss to Malisse how’s that for coincidence? - until last week in Nice, where he went through qualifying to get into the field, then went all the way to the final.

During his forced sabbatical from professional tennis, Baker took classes and coached tennis at Belmont University in Nashville.

He’s been hearing from quite a bit of the students he coached via texts or Facebook messages.

“They think it’s awesome,” Baker said. “I guess they’re finally feeling validated that when I used to beat them up in practice now they don’t have to feel so bad about it; that I’m actually beating some other guys, too.” -AP

Basketball

James scores 32 as Heat run past Celtics in Game 1 MIAMI: Led by LeBron James’ 32 points, the Miami Heat enjoyed a convincing 93-79 win over the Boston Celtics on Monday to grab a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference championship series. Apart from a second quarter where Boston came alive with 35 points and Miami lost their intensity, the Heat and James had too much for the 17-times NBA champions.

It says much about James’ current form that it did not feel like an outstanding display yet he produced 32 points on 13 for 22 shooting from the field for his sixth 30-point game in this season’s playoffs.

It was by no means a classic, with the game lacking the intensity of the conference semi-finals both teams had to battle through, but Miami will take confidence from winning by 14 points while never really hitting their stride.

“We feel like we didn’t play our best basketball,” said James who also ended with 13 rebounds. “We had some great looks offensively but we had a lot of breakdowns defensively, so we didn’t play our best.

“It’s a good sign, a good thing for us but we will prepare and we will be better on Wednesday.”

Boston, who did not secure their place in the conference final until Saturday’s win over Philadelphia, lacked sharpness on offense and struggled at times with Miami’s pace. “They crushed us in the 50-50 game, anything loose or rolling, they got there,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers.

“Offensively we have to be more efficient. I didn’t think we did great defensively but we still kept them to 93 points.” Boston also picked up five technical fouls, including one for Rivers for disputing a call which he described as “the worst I’ve ever had”.

James outscored the Celtics by himself in the first quarter, making 13 points as Miami, seeking their second successive NBA finals appearance, established a 21-11 lead - the fewest points they had allowed in this season’s playoffs.

But Boston dominated the second, drawing level by halftime helped by two three-point throws from Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo finally getting into the paint and Ray Allen doing a good job keeping Miami’s Dwyane Wade quiet.

Miami came out with determination after the break though, outscoring Boston 26-15 in the third quarter with James making 10 of those points to see the Heat to a 72-61 lead.

The Heat, solid in defense, were never in danger in the fourth quarter and were able to rest James and Dwyane Wade (22 points) in the latter stages.

“At times it was a strange game with some good runs from both teams,” said Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra. “We felt we could play better, I am sure they felt the same, but we found a way to grind it out, you have to against this team.” Game Two is in Miami on Wednesday. -Reuters

Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (left) drives past Boston Celtics’ Mickael Pietrus in the second quarter during Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Finals NBA basketball playoff series in Miami, Florida May 28, 2012.

(Reuters)

PARIS: Maria Sharapova, chasing the one grand slam title to elude her, began her French Open campaign strongly on Monday with a whitewash of Romanian Alexandra Cadantu.

Former champion Francesca Schiavone and Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova also progressed in straight sets on another sunny, hot day at Roland Garros.

Sharapova’s 48-minute win was the first 6-0 6-0 result of the tournament and took the Russian through to a meeting with Japan’s Ayumi Morita.

“I am really happy with the way my preparation has been coming into this tournament,” former world number one Sharapova told a news conference. “I feel like every year I have improved and I enjoy it much more.”

Schiavone, the winner in 2010 and runner-up to China’s Li Na last year, enjoyed a 6-3 6-1 victory over Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm, the third-oldest woman to play at Roland Garros in the professional era at 41.

By contrast, Kvitova found herself up against the youngest player in this year’s draw, Australian wildcard Ashleigh Barty who turned 16 last month.

The Czech, seeded fourth, won 6-1 6-2 in 54 minutes and will now play either Pole Urszula Radwanska or Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier.

Claycourt specialist David Ferrer, a quarter-finalist twice here and the sixth seed, eased to a 6-3 6-4 6-1 victory over unheralded Slovakian Lukas Lacko.

Maria Sharapova of Russia serves to Alexandra Cadantu of Romania during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris May 29, 2012. (Reuters)

Lacko tried to fight back towards the end, saving three breakpoints to hold serve for 4-1 in the third set, but it was already too late and he surrendered serve to the Spaniard in the seventh game to go out. Serbian Janko Tipsarevic was briefly put off his stride when an elderly spectator had to be helped from the stands in

mid-game during the third set after suffering from the heat on Court One. The eighth seed recovered his concentration to defeat American Sam Querry 2-6 6-4 7-6 6-3 and reach the second round where he will face either compatriot Albert Ramos or Frenchman Benoit Paire. -Reuters

Formula one

F1 looks for a pattern in the unpredictable

LONDON: Even if Formula One fans are revelling in the joy of an unprecedented six different winners from six races, some of those closer to the action are beginning to feel uneasy. Before Red Bull’s Australian Mark Webber won from pole position in Monaco on Sunday, retired triple champion Niki Lauda was expressing the view that the championship might be becoming too random.

“It was very interesting in the beginning, we all were surprised,” the Austrian, who chased the title in 1983 when the first five races had five different winners, told Reuters of the unpredictable nature of the races. “But if this continues... then we will lose spectators or interest because the main public wants to see the world champions winning.

“We need two races with known winners and then the crazy stuff can start again.”

The only problem with Lauda’s logic is that there remain three champions on the starting grid who have yet to win this season - McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen and Mercedes’ Michael Schumacher.

If they were to win the next three races in Canada, Valencia and Silverstone - not an impossible scenario given the potential of their cars - the sport would be staring at a sequence of nine different winners in nine races, albeit mostly champions. The ‘crazy stuff’ has not even been that crazy in a season that started with six champions.

Nico Rosberg has taken a long overdue first win with Mercedes - at the 111th attempt - while Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado put former champions Williams back on top for the first time in nearly eight years.

Yes, Maldonado may have been a 500-1 bet before Barcelona but he was on the pace all weekend at a circuit that the teams know better than any other.

France’s Romain Grosjean and Mexican Sergio Perez have made first appearances on the podium for Lotus and Sauber but their teams have considerable form and both are

recognized as being quick drivers.

The uncertainty has been largely due to the Pirelli tyres, and how teams and drivers have got the most out of them, but errors have also contributed.

Maldonado might not have won in Spain had McLaren not messed up with Lewis Hamilton’s fuel, sending him from pole to the back of the field.

Monaco might have been a very different story had seven times champion Schumacher not lost pole because of a five place penalty carried over from Barcelona where he had crashed into Bruno Senna’s Williams.

“I think it’s an enthralling sport at the moment,” said McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh.

“A few years ago people were talking about processional races, and the fact they were so predictable, well, we certainly haven’t a predictable season. I think an unpredictable race and an unpredictable season is what fans want.”

“You want to go to each event not knowing who is going to win,” added the Briton. “You want to go through the course of the weekend not sure what is going to happen in each session. Every one of our races this year has been very exciting.”

McLaren’s Jenson Button, winner of the opening race in Australia, agreed but suggested the sport could have too much of a good thing. “Everyone is excited about so many different winners, which initially was great for the fans and great for the sport,” the 2009 champion told reporters after failing to finish in Monaco.

“But there will be a time when the fans will say ‘So anyone can win a grand prix, everyone can lose a grand prix like that’,” he added, snapping his fingers.

“I think they’re finding it a little bit strange now. I don’t know, but hopefully a pattern will emerge after the next couple of races and we’ll understand the teams and drivers we need to beat to win the championship.” -Reuters

Track and field

Refreshed Bolt ready to speed up in Rome ROME: The real Usain Bolt will make a return appearance at Rome’s Diamond League meeting on Thursday, according to the Jamaican sprinter who got tongues wagging last week when he failed to break 10 seconds over 100 meters in Ostrava.

The Olympic champion complained of having no energy when he clocked 10.04 seconds in the Czech Republic on Friday, the slowest time he had run in 30 finals over the distance.

However, he believes his speed is returning as the Olympic countdown continues and he dismissed rival Justin Gatlin’s suggestions that fans were bored of the Usain Bolt show.

“For me that was just one of my bad races I just have to put it behind me and move on to the next race,” Bolt said at a news conference on Tuesday.

We have talked (he and his coach Glen Mills), but for me on that day I explained to him that my legs were feeling.

I wasn’t feeling that energetic, probably lack of sleep or not enough food.

“Since I got here I’ve been trying to get some sleep, eat properly. It was just the first, probably, 45-50 meters really, and then we talked about getting my shoulders up, but not much.

“That was my first very bad start. My start is where it should be, I’m feeling good, I’m getting better in training.”

Bolt will test himself against fellow Jamaican and former world record holder Asafa Powell at the Stadio Olimpico, where once again most of the fans will be desperate to catch a glimpse of the fastest

man on earth despite Gatlin’s claims.

“They’ve watched the Usain Bolt show for a couple of years, they want to see someone else in the mix,” Gatlin said after the Diamond League meet in Doha earlier in the month where he finished first with a time of 9.87 seconds. Reminded of Gatlin’s comments, Bolt laughed them off.

“I don’t want to be rude or anything but I think that Gatlin had his chance,” Bolt, whose world record is 9.58 seconds,

said. “It’s funny the things he says. I think he has a few guys to get past before worrying about me.”

“You can’t expect to be at the same place every season, it’s a sport,” he added. “Things are up and down, training regimes are different, but the coach is happy with my progress. I know that he has a plan and is happy with how I’m doing. I’m just taking my time and working for the Olympics, because that’s the key.” -Reuters

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt gestures before a news conference in Rome May 29, 2012. (Reuters)

wednESday, may 30, 2012

SPORTS

Sports Editors Highlight BERLIN: German football magazine Kicker reported Tuesday that Japan star Shinji Kagawa is set to join English giants Manchester United for 15 million Euros ($18.8 million US dollars) with the deal almost complete. Borussia Dortmund’s director of sport Michael Zorc told Kicker that some details have yet to be finalized and Kagawa is still contracted to the German league and cup winners until June 2013. The club have already slapped a price tag of 20 million Euros on their attacking midfielder with several Premier League clubs reported to be interested. Earlier this month, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson flew to Berlin to watch Kagawa score in Dortmund’s 5-2 win over Bayern Munich in the German Cup final. Kagawa cost Dortmund just 350,000 Euros when he joined from J-League side Cerezo Osaka in 2010. -AFP

Football

Dutch aim to fix attack, defense against Slovakia ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: The Netherlands’ fearsome attack failed to click against Bulgaria and its shaky defense was leaky in an unexpected 2-1 defeat that piled more pressure on the team before the European Championship.

Coach Bert van Marwijk has his first chance to fix the problems on Wednesday against Slovakia, less than two weeks before the Netherlands’ opening match at Euro 2012, against Denmark in Kharkiv.

Van Marwijk started Saturday’s match with Bundesliga top-scorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar at center forward, English Premier League top-scorer Robin van Persie on the right flank and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart on the left.

Van Persie scored, but Huntelaar had only glimpses of the ball until his substitution in the second half and never seriously threatened. In his weekly newspaper column, Dutch icon Johan Cruyff appealed on Tuesday for more depth and crosses from the flanks, and implicitly questioned Marwijk’s lineup.

“Even an average team like Bulgaria can defend against that,” he added. Cruyff was not the only armchair analyst criticizing Van Marwijk’s decision to play Van Persie on the wing.

The coach’s predecessor, Marco van Basten, also accused him of picking players and then trying to squeeze them into a formation, even if it meant playing them out of position.

Van Marwijk rejected the claim, but is already feeling the pressure from a nation that is willing the 2010 World Cup runner-up to go one better at the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Wednesday’s match at Feyenoord’ De Kuip Stadium in Rotterdam could mark the return to the Netherlands team of Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay after months sidelined by a torn ligament in his left knee.

The Netherlands has to survive the toughest group at the European Championship if it is to emulate its success at the last World Cup.Van Marwijk’s team faces Denmark, Germany and Portugal in a Group B made up entirely of

Coach Bert van Marwijk of the Netherlands looks on during their friendly soccer match against Bulgaria leading up to Euro 2012, May 26, 2012. (Reuters)

teams in the top 10 of FIFA’s rankings.

While Van Marwijk’s problem in attack is too many good players, his defense remains a headache. Van Marwijk said he would start with Schaars against Slovakia as

he evaluates which of the two to opt for as his first choice left back. But he acknowledged that the clock is counting down on Dutch preparations. “You can learn from friendlies, but it must not take too long,” he said. -AP

Spain’s Negredo to have key role at Euros

Spain’s Alvaro Dominguez (right) shoots as head coach Vicente del Bosque watches during a training session in Schruns, May 27, 2012. (AFP)

MADRID: Two years after missing the final cut for a place in Spain’s World Cup squad, Alvaro Negredo will finally get the chance to experience a major international tournament and may have a key role to play at Euro 2012.

The 26-year-old Sevilla striker will compete with Fernando Llorente and Fernando Torres for a place in Spain’s starting line-up. He has been rewarded for two consistent seasons at club level, with his 20-goal tally in 2009-10 being followed by 14 goals in La Liga in the season just finished.

A powerful and pugnacious player, Negredo also scored five times in his first six appearances for La Roja, another factor that worked in his favor as Vicente del Bosque opted to name him in his final 23-man squad over Valencia’s Roberto Soldado.

Soldado scored 17 goals in La Liga for Valencia in 2011-12 but most of those came in the first half of the season. Negredo and Soldado are former team-mates: they began their careers together in the Real Madrid youth set-up, although at the time it was Soldado, who appeared destined for greater things.

Soldado eventually moved on, joining

Osasuna on loan in 2006, allowing Negredo to seize his chance to lead the line for Castilla, Real Madrid’s second team. Neither player became established in the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu, however, and Soldado was sold to Getafe in 2008 before joining Valencia in 2010.

Negredo initially made an impact in the top flight during a two-year loan spell with Almeria before signing for Sevilla in 2009. This season Soldado was La Liga’s top-scoring Spaniard and also netted a hat-trick in Spain’s 5-0 friendly win against Venezuela in February.

Del Bosque paired Soldado and Negredo together in attack in the first half of Spain’s 2-0 win against Serbia in La Roja’s final friendly before naming his squad and the latter did more to impress, even if he failed to find the net.

Negredo is likely to be used as a backup in Poland and Ukraine but he has an almighty chasm to fill of David Villa.

Spain’s all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals misses Euro 2012 having failed to regain fitness after breaking a leg last December. Negredo will be hungry to show what he can do having been handed the chance to prove himself at the very highest level. -AFP

Ribery ready to fire again for France

PARIS: Midfielder Franck Ribery said Monday he felt like a man liberated after scoring his first international goal in three years in France’s 3-2 friendly win against Iceland here.

The 29-year-old has been unable to transfer his form with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich to the national team, but his 85th minute goal on Sunday has rekindled his ambitions ahead of Euro 2012.

“This really lifts me and those close to me,” said Ribery, who will be appearing in his fourth major finals.

“It’s been three years since I’ve scored for France. It was becoming difficult to have to justify myself, people were asking questions.”

He continued: “Yesterday I was really liberated, very happy, very satisfied. But that doesn’t surprise me because what I did yesterday I’ve done for an entire year with Bayern and couldn’t manage to reproduce it with France, I don’t know why. I hope that this time I’m back on track again.”

He explained that part of the problem was that be feels unloved in his native country.

“Recently with the France team I haven’t been relaxed, able to let go, always being criticized,” said Ribery, who was nevertheless cheered when he replaced Yoan Gourcuff, who was booed off the pitch, in the 75th minute.

“There comes a time when you begin to ask yourself what you should do. It’s been a long time since my name has rung out in a French stadium. I hope that this is the trigger.

When the public calls out my name, that gives me even more confidence to try things, to score, to dribble. These are things that I’d lost. I’m loved at Bayern.”

Ribery said he had put the Champions League final defeat on penalties to Chelsea behind him.

However he dismissed suggestions there would be a feeling of revenge against England when France play their old foes on June 11 in the European championship.

“The important thing is to take the three points. Playing against the English or Ukraine, it’s the same thing. We have to win, it’s as simple as that.” -AFP

French national soccer team’s forward Franck Ribery gives a press conference, May 28, 2012 in Le TouquetParis-Plage. (AFP)

Belgian Hazard opts to sign for Chelsea

Rising star Reus set to roll at Euro BERLIN: Having been dubbed one of the Bundesliga’s players of the season by German coach Joachim Loew, Marco Reus could find himself in a striking role at Euro 2012. Reus turns 23 on Thursday when Germany

host Israel in a Euro warm-up match in Leipzig and Loew is considering playing the attacking midfielder as an outand-out striker in the tournament.

“In the national team, he is still trying to earn his

Germany`s Marco Reus kicks the ball during the International friendly football match between Switzerland and Germany, May 26, 2012. (AFP)

spurs but in the Bundesliga he was certainly one of the players of the season,” said Loew of Reus, who only made his Germany debut last October.

“I would like to see him play right up front as a striker. He hasn’t played there yet but for me it is worth considering. I am sure he could do well there and we have time to try it in training.”

Loew will go into Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine with Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez and Lazio’s Miroslav Klose as his first-choice strikers.

Klose will turn 34 the day Germany open their Group B campaign against Portugal on June 9 and with his record of 63 goals in 114 appearances, he is Loew’’s first choice when fully fit. But Reus, who scored in a secondstring German side’s 5-3 warm-up defeat by Switzerland on Saturday, has forced his way into Loew’’s thinking as an option up front on the back of a stellar season with Borussia Moenchengladbach.

After three seasons at Borussia Moenchengladbach, Reus is now on his way to join German league and cup winners Borussia Dortmund next season, the club where he began his career as a seven-year-old. With a superb range of passes and great pace, Reus has spent the season playing just behind Gladbach striker Mike Hanke and often finds himself in a forward position for his club either on the right wing or in the middle.

There is certainly plenty of competition for places in Germany’s attack. With Loew playing three attacking midfielders behind a single striker, Leverkusen’s Andre Shuerrle is putting Arsenal’s new signing Lukas Podolski under pressure to keep his place on the left side.

Real Madrid’s Mesut Ozil and Dortmund’s teenage rising star Mario Goetze are vying for the central berth, while the right wing has been dominated by Thomas Mueller. Now Reus is in the fray. Loew is set to drop four players for his final Euro 2012 squad to be named on May 29 but the coach has already hinted neither Goetze nor Reus, with just 16 caps between them, need lose sleep over their places. -AFP

FILE - Lille’s Belgian midfielder Eden Hazard is pictured during the French L1 football match Lille vs Dijon, Dec. 11, 2011. (AFP)

PARIS: Lille’s Belgian international playmaker Eden Hazard announced late Monday he had signed for Champions League winners Chelsea in preference to Premier League champions Manchester City and runners-up Manchester United.

The fee is reported to be 40million Euros with Hazard signing a five year contract and breaks the record for a Belgian footballer’s transfer with Marouane Fellaini’s to Everton of 20million in 2008 being the previous mark. He will also earn a reported 550,000 Euros a month. The 21-year-old, who was voted Ligue 1 Players’ Player of the Year for the second successive year recently - had previously said he would definitely sign for one of the Manchester clubs without specifying which one.

However, Chelsea’s penalty shootout win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League had he admitted at the time made him hesitate as to his choice - speculation he ended on Monday even though the transfer window doesn’t officially open till June 13.

“I’m signing for the champion’s league winner,” he tweeted.

Hazard, capped 27 times and scorer of two goals, was inspirational when Lille won the domestic double in 2011 and though they failed to defend their titles this season he nonetheless enjoyed a successful season, scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists.

Hazard is due to play against several of his new team-mates in Saturday’s friendly with England at Wembley. New Belgian national coach Marc Wilmots said that no-one should expect too much else to be said on his reasons for choosing Chelsea for the moment.

“When he has revealed via his tweet, his destination, he will remain silent until his new employer asks him to explain his choice.

Don’t hope for much more in the next dozen days or so,” Wilmots said at a press conference. -AFP