10 April 2012

CR IP TI ON BS SU

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

Five new hospitals to be built to meet mounting need

Mubarak spy chief, Brothers spar on presidency

40 PAGES

NO: 15414

150 FILS

3

www.kuwaittimes.net

JAMADI ALAWAAL 19, 1433 AH

7

Lampard reaches 150 league goals as Chelsea draw at Fulham

Erdogan meets Wen after trip to Xinjiang

20

8

Bahraini hunger striker feared dead, govt denies Opposition ups pressure to halt Grand Prix conspiracy theories

It’s high time...

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

Y

esterday I read a report that Saleh Fadhalah, Head of the Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents in Kuwait, headed on a Gulf tour to Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to consult with them on how to handle the issues of the illegal residents in the country. I thought he went to discuss the missile defence shield. Then I learnt that he went to consult with them about their experiences on how to handle illegal residents’ problems. Wouldn’t it be more sensible to go to consult with countries who have a history in naturalization and immigration, such as the UK, the US and Canada? They are also our allies.

Excuse me, Mr Fadhalah. Kuwait has highly-educated civil servants working in different ministries, most of whom are carrying the title doctor of biology, neurology, administration, economy, etc.

Couldn’t any of them come up with any solution at all that you were forced to travel abroad for knowhow?

In the first place, why do we have illegal residents in Kuwait for the last 40 or 50 years? I know this is a silly question which I should have asked years ago, but I have always shunned away from asking it. The more years pass, the more these things are accumulated and nobody seems to care to solve them. Except we started looking for solutions when some of these “illegal residents” started using modern technology such as Twitter, Facebook and blogs - they also travelled abroad and tarnished the reputation of Kuwait. Human Rights Watch and many such organizations have started barraging and attacking Kuwait for mistreating foreigners in the country. You would not even bother reaching a solution for them if they did not publicize themselves online. They got the sympathy of international NGOs and Human Rights organizations as well as UN agencies.

At this point you took them seriously. You started finding different solutions - the latest one a package deal that you offered: If they come up with an original passport, they will be given temporary residencies and similar benefits to citizens and residents. I am not against bedoons but why are you giving them better offers than those people who have served Kuwait since 1950 and who came legally and kept their nationality and passport. They have not denied their origins. Why can’t you look at this group of people also? They have been here for many years - they are honest, honorable people who showed their passports, abided by the rules and regulations, worked under kafeels and contributed to the growth of the country without tarnishing the image of Kuwait by requesting nationality.

In my opinion, people who have been living in Kuwait since 1940, 1950, 1960 and 1970 and abided by the rules and regulations should be given permanent citizenship at least. They should not be humiliated to ask for kafeels all their life who keep demanding money for just giving them residencies and abuse them.

Even if they want to renew their driving licence or have their health insurance stamped, they need a kafeel. Why doesn’t Kuwait set a big committee and take their time to consult experts from various strata and solve the problem of labour in Kuwait.

Whether it is old or new regulations, it will not harm the interest of Kuwait. It will be just and fair for people in Kuwait who serve Kuwait. Don’t give the stupid excuse that I always hear: “But we pay them salaries.” Of course we pay salaries. They work and they are paid for it. You are not giving them charity.

There is a way of treating permanent residents of a country. Do not give citizenship to those people if you think Kuwaitis will be lost in the crowd. They don’t have to be ministers and MPs. But they could help the advancement of Kuwait in every way. We need labour, left, right and centre. It is high time we learn from our mistakes.

MANAMA: Bahraini anti-government protesters carry images of jailed hunger-striker Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja that read “Freedom or martyrdom” during a demonstration late Sunday outside the Interior Ministry. — AP

Max 35º Min 21º High Tide 02:32 & 13:49 Low Tide 07:41 & 20:36

DUBAI: Bahrain’s interior ministry said yesterday that jailed activist Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja, who has been on a hunger strike for two months, is in “good health” after his lawyer expressed fears he could be dead. “Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja’s state of health is good,” the interior ministry said in a statement, adding that the activist had been transferred to a military hospital “for the best medical treatment”. The ministry also said his case was being handled without “political or media pressure and with respect for human rights.”

Khawaja’s lawyer, Mohammed Al-Jeshi, had earlier expressed fears that his client could be dead, after the authorities turned down repeated requests to contact him. “Authorities have been refusing since yesterday (Sunday) all requests, made by myself and by his family, to visit or contact Al-Khawaja,” Jeshi told AFP. “We fear that he might have passed away as there is no excuse for them to prevent us from visiting or contacting him,” he said, adding that no more information was available about Khawaja’s health. Jeshi said the last time he contacted Khawaja was on Saturday, a day after he was moved from the interior ministry hospital into a military hospital in Manama.

Khawaja, a Shiite who was condemned with other opposition activists to life in jail over an alleged plot to topple the Sunni monarchy during a month-long protest a year ago, began a hunger strike on the night of Feb 8-9. Bahrain’s largest opposition formation AlWefaq reiterated its calls for his release yesterday in a statement accusing authorities of “completely ignoring Continued on Page 13

Kuwait mulling plans to deal with Hormuz closure State’s oil output steady at 3 million bpd

Qallaf to grill info minister Sager proposes single constituency

By B Izzak KUWAIT: The National Assembly is set today for the debate of a grilling submitted by Shiite MP Hussein Al-Qallaf against Information Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah over alleged administrative violations. Qallaf has based his questioning over an interview he gave to local television station SCOPE last month during which he reportedly harshly criticized the tribal chief of Al-Awazem, the largest bedouin tribe in Kuwait. As a result, the

information ministry immediately referred the channel to the public prosecution for legal action which is likely to send SCOPE to trial. Qallaf is also claiming that the minister has failed to act on information he provided to him about another local television allegedly engaged in money laundering.

According to the Assembly’s internal charter, the griller will be allowed to speak for 90 minutes and the minister will be given a similar duration to respond.

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Kuwait is mulling “many sce- we are looking into,” Zanki said. He said narios” in case the strategic Strait of that such contingency scenarios were Hormuz is closed, disrupting its vital oil discussed by the GCC states in the past exports, a top official said yesterday. and “we need to re-visit it and come up “We are discussing many scenarios but with a specific plan, agreed by all” we have not decided which” plan to states. He declined to say if the GCC adopt, the CEO of national oil con- states were currently engaged in studglomerate Kuwait Petroleum Corp ies over the possible closure of (KPC), Faruq Al-Zanki, said without Hormuz. revealing specifics. “This is something Meanwhile, OPEC member Kuwait’s that needs to be coordioil production is averaging See Page 23 nated with the (Gulf 3.0 million barrels per day, Cooperation Council) a senior official said yesterGCC states,” Zanki told reporters on the day, an output level it has kept up for sidelines of a Gulf Petroleum the past seven months. “Kuwait is proConference. ducing at an average of three million Iran has frequently threatened to bpd... This is (almost) the production close the strategic strait, through capacity but we have a spare capacity where most Gulf oil exports pass, if it is of between 150,000-200,000 bpd,” head militarily attacked over its controversial of state-owned Kuwait Oil Co Sami Alnuclear program. Zanki said KPC has Rasheed told reporters. Kuwait boosted been asked to look into this issue. “KPC its daily output to around three million has been asked to look into what we bpd in September and has maintained think (it can do about the possible clo- those levels in the face of rising global sure of Hormuz) and this is something demand for crude oil. —Agencies

Arab sumo wrestler chases glory in Japan TOKYO: With legs resembling tree trunks and packing the body weight of two average-sized men, sumo wrestling’s “Great Sandstorm” would seem a good fit for the wildly popular Japanese sport. But Egypt’s Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan, the first professional sumo wrestler from both the African continent and Arab world, faces some mighty challenges as he embarks on a quest to become a yokozuna, or grand champion. The man known by the ring name Osunaarashi, which translates as Great Sandstorm, prays five times a day as a devout Muslim, a tough routine given the intense daily training schedule required for sumo’s highly ritualised contests.

Small in number, foreigners are vital members of tradition-bound sumo as more Japanese youngsters with high athletic abilities tend to choose baseball, football and other lucrative or more high-profile sports with less rigid conventions. Mongolians have been a dominant force in the top ranks for years, although Shaalan is among the sport’s first Muslim competitors. As such, the 20-year-old does not touch the deep-fried pork cutlets loved by millions of Japanese or drink vast quantities of beer and rice wine sake, staples of a diet that sumo wrestlers rely on to bulk OSAKA: First ever Arab sumo wrestler up. Muslims shun pork and alcohol.

But Shaalan, who quit his university accounting degree Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan of Egypt smiles as he wins his debut bout on to enter sumo’s professional ranks, is undeterred, even Continued on Page 13 March 13, 2012. — AFP

SINGAPORE: Crescentrating chief executive Fazal Bahardeen displays the website link to the Air Travel Prayer Time Calculator on his computer in this April 3, 2012 photo. — AFP

Midair prayers problem solved SINGAPORE: As a frequent flier and devout Muslim, businessman Abdalhamid Evans always comes up against the same challenge in the air when to say his prayers.

Muslims are required to pray five times a day at certain

hours, but this schedule becomes complicated when crossing various time zones at thousands of metres above sea level. “I usually don’t pray when I am in a plane,” said Evans, the London-based Continued on Page 13

2

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

LOCAL

Ex-foreign minister confirms speculation over resignations Multimillion-dinar transfers KUWAIT: Former Foreign Minister, Sheikh Dr Mohammad Al-Sabah, reportedly told a panel investigating alleged money transfers by the former prime minister that he was motivated to resign last October after being left in the dark at the time. Dr Al-Sabah declined to speak to reporters after the parliamentary probe committee meeting on Sunday, but sources who claim knowledge of the investigations said the former minister said he decided to resign after he was unable to obtain information about the case. The case, exposed by Opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak last September, accuses former premier Sheik h Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah of making multimillion-dinar transfers of public funds to private bank accounts overseas. The money was reportedly transferred via the Foreign

M inistr y, a transac tion which Dr. M ohammad Al-Sabah was never made aware of at the time, according to a report published yesterday.

On Sunday His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, met a team of lawmakers who returned home after taking part in the InterParliamentar y Union (IPU) meetings in Uganda. During the meeting, HH the Amir reportedly told MPs that he “supports investigations committees to reveal the truth”, according to MP Ammar Al-Ajmi.

In the meantime, Parliament’s legislative committee unanimously approved an amendment to the Penal Code by which offenses to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), his companions or wives becomes punish-

able by death or life in prison. The proposal will be viewed during a future parliamentary session for voting.

Parliament Speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun received a letter on Sunday from Minister of Justice and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Jamaal Al-Shehab, naming nine lawmakers whose immunity the prosecution requests lifting to trail them over the Parliament storming incident last November. These MPs are Musallam AlBarrak , Waleed Al-Tabtabaei, Falah AlSawagh, Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Jamaan AlHarbash, Faisal Al-Mislem, Salem Al-Namlan, Khalid Al-Tahous and Mubarak Al-Waalan.

They face multiple charges “proven by evidence found through investigations” according to the Public Prosecution department report.

Ties Center organizes Open Health Day KUWAIT: By organizing several activities and lectures, the ‘Ties’ Center held its Second Open Health Day in Shuhada under the patronage of Dr. Abdelrahman AlAwadhi former Health Minister, Chairman of Kuwait AntiSmoking and Cancer Society, and Russian language Speakers Club at the Civilized Communications Center. Dr Al-Awadhi lauded the role played by ‘Ties’ and its clubs,

especially Russian speakers who have taken the lead in coordinating efforts to develop KuwaitiWestern relations, in addition to strengthening relations. He spoke about the role played by Kuwait Anti-Smoking and Cancer Society.

The president of the Russian Speakers Club said that these activities and programs are part of goals to promote Kuwait’s role in merging between various

Western communities and Kuwaiti society.

Activities of the day include health and educational lecturers delivered by sponsor companies about the healthy food habits that both children and adults should follow, particularly those suffering from heart disease and diabetes. Pamphlets were also distributed, in addition to free tests conducted to check blood

pressure, blood group and blood sugar level.

The Kuwait Heart Society ’s special mobile unit was present to provide medical assistance.

The mobile unit sponsored companies like Al-Sanabel AlThahabiya, Abbot, Owayed Honey, KDD, Oral Health Department and Meidan Clinic distributed gifts and free samples to the public.

KUWAIT: Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta visited Kuwait Times on Friday and discussed matters of mutual interest with Editor-in-Chief Abd Al-Rahman Al-Alyan.

First Gulf Cooperative Forum discusses unifying policies KUWAIT: The First Gulf Cooperative Forum began here yesterday, under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince Sheik h Nawaf Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.

I n his opening speech, Kuwait Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Lt Gen (Rtd) Ahmad Al-Rujaib said the forum, themed ‘Gulf Cooperatives...Past and Future,’ is being held within the framework of GCC approach of unifying policies of ac tion in different domains.

The forum is held on the sidelines of the Third Gulf Festival for Social Work, themed “qualit y and pioneering” between April 8 and 14.

Al-Rujaib noted that social affairs and labor ministers of the six Gulf

KUWAIT: Some of the companies that sponsored the Open Health Day activities. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

GCC states eager to boost trade ties ABU DHABI: GCC Secretary General, Abdul-Latif Al-Zayani, said yesterday that the GCC states are eager to boost trade and commercial ties to achieve economic integration of the Gulf markets. At the opening of the 40th meeting for GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry, in which Kuwait is par-

taking, Al-Zayani said the GCC countries are working out a number of projects related to finance, trade and economy. He said the GCC power-grid and railroad networks are among such projects. He affirmed that the Gulf region’s private sector is eager, along with Governments, to cooperate to bring the

GCC economy to the forefront. He said the GCC is working on measures to achieve that goal. Al-Zayani said the committee to transform the GCC into a confederation has finished its deliberations and will forward its proposals to the upcoming GCC summit, due in May.—KUNA

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah inaugurated the Fifth Orphans Forum, organized by Zakat House yesterday in the presence of orphans from 12 Arab and Muslim countries. According to the forum’s organizers, Sheikh Nasser invited the organizers to meet with the orphans from various countries, sponsored by the Zakat House, on the occasion of the Arab Orphans Day in order to remain in contact with them and honor them for their various outstanding and distinctive achievements.

Registration mandatory for bedoon students KUWAIT: Private schools have been instructed to stop enrolling bedoon students unless they submit official documents proving that they have registered their names as stateless residents with the Central Agency for Illegal Residents.

Ahmad Al-Dahis, General Director of the Private Education Department at the Ministry of Education explained that a birth notice does not qualify a bedoon student to be enrolled into schools. A notice is issued to new born stateless residents who struggle to obtain official birth certificates.

The Central Agency for Illegal Residents has assisted thousands of stateless residents obtain birth certificates since last year. Al-Dahis said that bedoons can refer to the agency to obtain documents, proving they have registered their names to be eligible to admit their children to schools.

In other news, the Citizenship and Passports Department at the Ministry of Interior inaugurated an office that receives requests from stateless residents to obtain temporary Kuwaiti passports. — Al-Qabas

Minister ‘vows’ to reduce internet costs KUWAIT: Minister of Communications, Salem Al-Othaina, promised a parliamentary committee to work on reducing costs of Internet and text messaging services in the near future.

He also vowed to boost efforts to allow cell phone users to switch providers while keeping their original phone number.

A report quoting sources familiar with the Sunday meeting of the public facilities committee said Minister Al-

Othaina requested permission for a KD1.5 million budget to establish a state-owned company to handle procedures for transferring numbers between providers.

Dr. Faisal Al-Mislem, Committee chairman, said the minister called for “speeding up measures to enforce a draft law to establish the telecommunications authority ” to provide Government regulations for telecommunications in Kuwait. — Al-Rai

Cooperation Council member states are participating in the festival and forum. He underlined confidence that the forum would help reach unified resolution for developing everything related to cooperative societies work, particularly legislations and control.

Saudi Social Affairs Minister and Head of the GCC Social Affairs and Labor M inisters Council Yusuf bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen said that the forum aims to better implement social responsibility role of co-operative societies and enhancing people’s confidence in them.

He called for mak ing use of the forum to help achieve social justice and sustainable development for Arab Gulf nations. —KUNA

News

in brief

MOH stock auto monitor KUWAIT: The Ministry of Health intends to install an automatic alarm system which warns when pharmaceutical stock and other medical items are about to finish. Sources said this will determine when to make necessary orders to fill shortages and record the time in which stock is consumed in hospitals, at health centers and in medical stores. Sources said there will be an automatic link between the stores, hospitals and medical centers through the information system administration in the ministry very soon.

Stop AUK party: Hayef KUWAIT: Islamist MP Mohammad Hayef called upon the Government to stop an “inter-gender party announced by the American University in Kuwait next week”, saying that the event “violates Islamic regulations, as well as customs and traditions of Kuwait’s conservative society”. He said KD10,500 “from the government’s budget for students” is allocated for the party. Hayef called on the Ministry of Education to “stop this disorder that leads to flaws in the educational process as well as to political conflicts”.

46 vehicles impounded KUWAIT: An inspection campaign was held in Ahmadi governorate during the first week of April resulting in 46 vehicles being impounded.

These were referred to Mina Abdullah impound center. Furthermore, 81 traffic citations were issued for committing traffic violations in Ahmadi. Brig Maatooq Al-Aslawi hailed police’s efforts that lasted over three consecutive days.

He also hailed public’s cooperation. At least 24 patrol vehicles participated in the campaign, so did 17 officers and 40 deputy officers. The Traffic department urges all road users and drivers to abide by the law and traffic regulations for the safety of all.

Kuwait, Bahrain MoU on Islamic endowments KUWAIT: The Islamic endowment agencies in Kuwait and Bahrain have signed a memorandum of understanding for investing endowments and conducting relevant joint programs.

Under the MoU, a congenial framework will be set out to develop means and ways to reinforce cooperation between both countries’ endowment agencies, Kuwait’s General Secretariat of Endowments said yesterday.

Both sides expect to hold bilateral talks on how to implement joint projects and programs within the framework of this agreement, it added.

They will also exchange publications and reports, organize joint training courses and develop studies, research and activities. —KUNA

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

local

7 years jail for Twitter slander

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Kuwaiti writer Mohammed Al-Mulaifi was sentenced by Kuwait’s criminal court yesterday to seven-years of imprisonment with hard labor, a KD 50 fine and to pay temporary compensation of KD 5,001. Al-Mulaifi was accused of broadcasting untrue news on his Twitter blog about the existence of racial and sectarian division within the Kuwaiti community, and of accusing some citizens of affiliations to foreign countries. Al-Mulaifi was found guilty of undermining the Shiite doctrine and insulting Shiite scholars.

Death sentence An Egyptian was sentenced to death for first degree premeditated murder, security sources said. Case papers indicate that the suspect prepared a knife and lured the victim to an open yard.

There he stabbed him in the neck and body several times before he cut his throat. After being arrested, the suspect pleaded guilty as charged. He justified the murder by saying that the victim had sexually abused him several times and asked to have sex with him.

He said he refused and threatened to kill the victim if he asked again. And apparently he did.

Death fall A 36-year-old Egyptian was killed instantly when he fell down a lift shaft in a building under construction in Shaab. S ecurit y sources said the deceased sustained a serious head injury on impact with the ground. The corpse was left for the coroner.

Fight A 27-year-old citizen sustained a serious head injury during a fight with

others along King Fahad Highway, said security sources.

Car crash Two Syrians sustained various head and facial injuries when they lost control over their vehicle. It collided into another along the Fifth Ring Road, said security sources noting that they were both taken to Farwaniya Hospital for treatment. A 34-year-old Filipina sustained a double fracture to her right leg, and a left knee injury, when she was run over while crossing the road between Hawalli and Qadisiya. Security sources said the woman was rushed to the Amiri Hospital for treatment.

Two citizens and an Iraqi sustained various injuries all over when their vehicles collided along Gulf Road.

Security sources said the three were rushed to Mubarak Hospital for treatment.

Drug seized An Egyptian passenger arriving from his home country was arrested with possession of a joint of hashish by Kuwait International Airport customs officers yesterday. Officers’ suspicions were raised after the man appeared visibly nervous. Upon searching his luggage, the drug was found hidden in some frozen meat. A case was filed and the suspect was referred to higher authorities.

Lovers caught An Asian woman and her Arab boyfriend were arrested after being caught in a compromising position in the man’s vehicle in Salmiya. Case papers indicate that passersby noticed that the vehicle was parked in an open yard in a suspicious manner. They immediately informed police.

News

in brief

Chief of staff meets Iran envoy KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Khalid Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah met here yesterday with Iranian Ambassador in Kuwait Rouhullah Qahremani.

During the meeting, they discussed several issues of mutual interest. The army chief then met with Major General Khalifa Humaid Al-Kaabi Secretary General of the GCC Secretariat for Military Affairs on several issues of mutual interest. The meeting was also attended by several high-ranking officers of the Kuwaiti army.

Senior citizens more prevalent KUWAIT: Minister of Health, Dr Ali Al-Obaidi, said senior citizens are more prevalent in the population than children and require suitable health programs.

On the occasion of International Day for Senior Citizens, the minister said senior citizens this century differ from those in the past century. “Kuwaiti society is considered young in age, as the group of citizens aged over sixty years amounted to 59,805 persons or about 5.17 percent of the total population in 2011. We know that 28 percent of them were admitted to hospital, in addition to visiting outpatient clinics.” He said the ministry plans to construct a special hospital for senior citizens.

Interior denies ‘misuse’ reports KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Jaber AlSabah dismissed yesterday accusations against his ministry of abusing of law as groundless. In press statements following his meeting with the National Assembly’s Home Security and Defense Committee, Sheikh Ahmad stressed that his ministry applies law evenhandedly. “The Ministry of Interior applies law and abides by both the constitution and law,” the minister said. He described as untrue any talk about the Ministry misuse of the law against people. “We apply the law on all citizenry and residents fairly and without any arbitrariness,” Sheikh Ahmad said, adding that the Ministry has clear-cut directives in this regard from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

KCCI officials meet UN envoys KUWAIT: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) officials met here yesterday the envoys of several UN member states on ways and means of reinforcing bilateral relations. The KCCI said in a release that the UN ambassadorsí visit came within the framework of a tour program organized by the Foreign Ministry with a view to developing economic relations between Kuwait and these countries. During the meeting, the ambassadors elaborated on their countriesí economic conditions, especially regarding available investment opportunities. They also reviewed key economic, trade and investment files that could contribute to developing bilateral economic and trade relations.

Banking sector no longer attractive KUWAIT: The number of citizens employed in the banking sector has dropped significantly due to the ‘exodus of citizens from the private to the public sector,’ seeking better financial security , a unionist said.

“Official statistics state that the number of Kuwaitis in the banking sector has reduced, from 6,888 by the end of 2010 to 6,260 by the end of last year,” said Mansour Ashour, Chairman of the Union of Kuwaiti Banks, adding that nationalization rates have been shrinking for the past three years although a new bank (Warba Bank) has been inaugurated.

Ashour blamed the government for the phenomenon, adding that this is the result of “overlooking demands of Kuwaitis in the private sector and recommendations of the Management and Government Restructuring Program (MGRP).”

KUWAIT: (Left) Abdulaziz Al-Khaldi viewing one of the housing projects in the GCC. (Right) Al-Khaldi on a tour at the Exhibition.

Housing, touristic, investment projects on display in Kuwait Top priority to customer security

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Top Expo Group is organizing the Real Estate, Investment and Building Exhibition from April 9 to 14 in Hall 8 at Kuwait International Fair Grounds in Mishref.

A total of 32 local and international companies from the real estate, investment and banking sectors are participating on this exhibition. Companies from different countries are participating in this exhibition and they are presenting different offers and promotions.

“Every year I notice improvements in the presented services and participating companies. I witnessed some participants giving good discounts on property located in different countries,” said Abdulaziz Al-Khaldi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry during the opening ceremony yesterday.

“This year I noticed that the demand in Turkey has increased. Kuwaitis and Arabs in general like to visit Turkey due to many reasons, starting with the pleasant weather there. I think they mostly like Istanbul but also other cities. Also it is a safe and peaceful country, so they feel comfortable there. Every investor seeks financial profit and safety at the same time,” he added. The security of the customers is the priority for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. “The Ministry has set strict conditions and rules for participating companies, which some of them may consider hard, but we want to ensure the rights of the customer. We aim to ensure that the customer will really receive the property, whether it is land or an apartment that he bought at this exhibition. The Ministry has to ensure that

all offers presented are real. We do not issue any licenses for participation unless the company meets the conditions,” Al-Khaldi said.

Regarding the price hike of goods in the market, Al-Khaldi stated that the Ministry inspec-

ing, touristic and investment projects presented by the GCC, Arab and European countries.

“All the participants in this exhibition are from leading companies in this field, presenting the best services and projects for many years,”

KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Al-Khaldi cutting the ribbon. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh tors are controlling the market and the prices.

“Whoever increased the price during the recent problems with the custom department was penalized by the Ministry. Currently we did not notice any price hike, and that was only a temporary matter,” he concluded.

Sheikh Malek Bader Al-Salman Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Top Expo Group, stressed that there are many special and unique hous-

he pointed out. The visitor will find a variety of projects. “The visitor can choose from owning a house, land or entering into an investment project to gain good revenues. This is the best time and chance for investing, as real estate is still the safe option when considering the shakes and instability of the financial markets. I expect that this year’s exhibition will be successful, even more than the past ones,” Al-Sabah said.

allowances for teachers KUWAIT: The Ministry of Education revealed that it received KD 287 million from the Ministry of Finance. This is the amount allocated for the new allowances for teachers to be paid along with the April and May salaries.

About 40,000 teachers will benefit from the new allowance as per law 28/2011, which raised several disputes over its explanation between the Civil Service Commission and Kuwait Teachers Society.

Sources said the information on all teachers has been completed and payment will be in two phases. The first phase already started for teachers on whom information has been completed. The remaining teachers will be paid the difference in their salaries backdated, since the law was issued on 18 December 2011. Payments will be made by next month at the latest.

KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi yesterday inaugurated a new polyclinic in Saad Al-Abdullah. The launching ceremony was attended by top Ministry of Health officials and other staff members.

Five hospitals to be built to meet mounting need Mega venture to cost KD 900 million KUWAIT: Tenders for establishment of five new hospitals will be publicized in June and August with a cost of the mega venture projected at KD 900 million, said a ranking official of the Ministry of Public Works yesterday. The new hospitals, to be known as Al-Jahraa, Maternity, Al-Razi, Ibn Sina and Children’s, will be new and fully equipped and independent entities and would not be extension of existing hospitals, said Husam Al-Tahous, the assistant undersecretary for sector of construction projects. Three consultation accords have been worked out for execution of the venture and all bureaucratic procedures, papers and documents, necessary for the bidding, have been prepared, said Al-Tahous, putting cost of the three accords at KD 900,000.

In an extensive presentation, Al-Tahous indicated at a study worked out by the ministry to specify the state needs from the new hospitals, noting that it was determined that Jahra district would need a new hospital with a capacity of 1,000 beds. However, the chosen land plot for the project would have a space sufficient for only 800 beds, he said, hinting that a new project for a hospital of larger capacity would be examined.

According to the study, with regard of the southern region, the capacity of Al-Addan Hospital should be enlarged to add 2,000 beds, Al-Tahous said, adding that another plot would be chosen for building an annex for the hospital to serve the mounting needs.

The capital needs 800 beds, but the available plot of land adjacent to Al-Amiri Hospital would be enough to build an annex with 600 beds only, thus the ministry opted to take charge of the responsibility of building a hos-

pital at this location with a capacity of 250 beds. As to the new Maternity Hospital, it will have a capacity of 600 beds and located in AlSabah district, opposite the existing hospital.

Needed documents for the project have been prepared and the relevant tender is due to be publicized soon.

Kuwait stands at 18 beds per 10,000 persons.

However, the mentioned study calls for hiking it to 25 beds per 10, 000 nationals, based on recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Needed hospital accommodation capacity will be secured with construction of the new

The Children’s Hospital, of a 500-bed capacity, will be situated west of the existing Children’s Hospital. Both Al-Razi and Ibn Sina hospital will have 500-bed capacity.

Al-Tahous indicated at strategic objective of securing up to 22 beds per 10, 000 citizens by 2030, and that was based on the number of population, 2.44 million, in 2009, with calculation of the average annual growth, estimated 2. 93 percent.

Current capacity of public hospitals in

hospitals, said Al-Tahous.

He indicated at a plan to build a 500-bed hospital for personnel of the Ministry of Interior in Al-Sabah district-on a 90,000 sq-m plot of land. Designing work for this project is due in the summer and execution is scheduled in the summer of 2013.

Construction of public hospitals in Kuwait dates back to 1949, when the late Amir Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah inaugurated the Amiri Hospital. — KUNA

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

LOCAL

In my view

Local Spotlight

Kuwait needs rehab centers

Challenges ahead for Kuwait

By Fouad Al-Obaid

By Muna Al-Fuzai

fouad@kuwaittimes.net Twitter: @Fouadalobaid

muna@kuwaittimes.net

A

T

here are no rehabilitation centers for those who need help in Kuwait. I do not mean specialized centers for alcohol and drugs addicts, but I’m more concerned about individuals who have been ensnared by terrorist groups and move away from a normal social life. When some fall victims to such groups, they end up in jail. Upon being released, they are ostracized by society unable to integrate themselves with mainstream. They possibly spend the remainder of their lives in a mental hospital. The question here is, are these people crazy or are they criminals ? Are they ordinary people who are victims of circumstances?

A terrorist like Osama Bin Laden’s death left wives and children behind. They will suffer when trying to merge with society because they will be forever haunted by their husband’s crimes committed against humanity and history. In the eyes of the law, they are not. Sadly, the social stigma against a man like Bin Laden has deeply etched into everyone’s mind. Even mere association with him, is looked at with detest.

When such circumstances prevail, how can his wives move on? It is an arduous task for sure if they are ready to mix with society.

Also, for instance, in Kuwait there are many who vouch for the release of Kuwaiti prisoners in Guantanamo ! Now let us suppose the US decides to let them free, can we bear responsibility for their future actions? I assume that after spending many years in prison, their attitude towards anything western will be marred by doubt and negativity. Will they be able to adapt to living in a society without being questioned?

How easy or hard is it for such people to return to their old life? Who will support them? I think they would be easy prey for other vulture-like groups that target them.

Why can’t the government set up rehabilitation centers with professional doctors who administer long-term treatment. They cannot be freed from ‘maximum security prison’ to the streets without supervision, especially at a time when the entire region is all pressure from religious tension. Saudi Arabia has taken the first step in helping such ‘returnees’ by establishing a rehab center.

All arrangements were done discreetly, away from media scrutiny to ensure that such people will recover without any tension or side effects. If we plan to import the idea here, only specialists should be entrusted with the task. Kuwait can benefit immensely from them.

kuwait digest

Intoxicating victory

By Mohammad Al-Wushaihi

s

ome people rushing to write their names on the largest possible place on the flag, as the Romans do when they are victorious, is what Islamists, who won a majority in Parliament these days are doing!

I believe that in politics, as in military battles, the leader should stay away or be banned from taking decisions, until he recovers from the euphoria of victory.

Victory can be even more intoxicating than alcohol. The leader may begin to experience grandiose illusions, believing that he is Genghis Khan, beaming in pride at his military exploits. When reality sets in, his once loyal force may be divided and turn against him. He is then easily defeated and totally destroyed.

Adolf Hitler would embark on an attack spree, invading country after another, all thanks to euphoria. This went on until he ended up like the old lady who kept wailing and throwing sand on her head. I fear that a similar fate awaits the Islamists who are now basking in their short-lived glory. Just as political battles are on the same footing as military ones, it also copies aspects from commerce. Commerce needs an individual with two brains, two stomachs and two intestines. When one goes bad, the other can begin working directly. Commerce is like a young woman who does not like a mousy man, rather wants a ‘heavy weight’ who has lots of patience.

The Islamists have half a stomach, half a brain, half an intestine, half a nose and half a gallbladder. It is not good in conducting business and cannot deal with young women. It is a majority, as I discovered, assembled in China. As soon as one of them spots a microphone, he screams into threatening other with “I will grill you.... I will occupy northern California and the south of the Ural mountains, west Manqaf using a kitchen knife only!”

Oh! ‘Timur Lane,’ take it easy, may God protect you, and take care of women, children, POWs and worship places. I am sure that the first grilling motion that must be postponed should be that filed by Popular Action Bloc against Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamaly, even if the majority accepts it. Another rone that must be blocked is that of the motion filed against ‘clean’ MP AlSaifi Al-Saifi against the social affairs minister.

It is enough for the coordinating committee to meet the prime minister, and warn him against ‘this and that.’ I am sure that he will agree without a price and the story ends there.

There is no need for the ‘majority’ to bare its gums to threaten us and convince us on its ability to wage wars.

This is because the blood spilled of those killed in previous battles are enough to convince even the most skeptical. — Al-Jarida

kuwait digest

In defense of the ruling family women

By Dr. Shamlan Yousef Al-Essa

S

ome women of the ruling family are being severely criticized in the media or on the internet simply because they take part in various humane and voluntary works.

Recently, Sheikha Fareeha Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah was targeted by MP Waleed Al-Tabtabae, who urged the Amiri Diwan to take serious measures against ruling family members who make what he described as ‘initiatives that are not governed by laws and state regulations and rules’. Al-Tabtabae gave an example of a promise she made to the Armenian Christian community in Kuwait to help them build a special church.

Actually what made me write in defense of Sheikha Fareeha and other female members of the ruling family is not because they are related to the Al-Sabah family. I am neither defending them because of my good personal relations with some family members, nor because they are Kuwaiti citizens who have every right to the freedom of expression. I am actually writing because this distinguished Kuwaiti citizen Um Humoud (Sheikha Fareeha) only acted out of her full belief in the principle set by the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem. The human right fought for by the French and American revolutions and stressed in the world declaration of human rights emphasize the freedom of religion. Sheikha Fareeha was criticized on Twitter and Facebook by followers of the ‘Political Islam’ groups because she rejected their fundamentalism, extremism and hostility to humanity and civilization.

Um Humoud’s defense for the freedom of the Armenian Christian to build their own church is a defense for modern concepts of freedom and democracy. It is an embodiment of religious tolerance and human rights, which are fundamental in the kind of Islam that Kuwaitis believe in. It fully rejects fanaticism and contempt for other religions.

Making her decision, Um Humoud was being a true Muslim that is open to all human beings. As Almighty God said : “There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error. And he who rejecteth false deities and believeth in God hath grasped a firm handhold which will never break. God is Hearer, Knower”. (verse 256, Chapter Al-Baqara) and “Say: (It is) the truth from the Lord of you (all). Then whosoever will, let him believe, and whosoever will, let him disbelieve....” (verse 29, Chapter Al-Kahf).

There are many other Quranic verses that mention religious diversity. So a true believer should focus on the bright and civilized side of Islam, which is tolerance, justice, and rejection of fanaticism and hate for others.

So far, I do not know why MPs stick their noses into the activities of the women from the ruling family, especially since they are mainly focused on improving the image of Kuwait to the whole world.

MP Al-Tabtabae was strongly offended when fellowlawmaker, Nabil Al-Fadhel, said that Al-Tabtabae’s wife works as one of his parliamentary secretaries while she was appointed somewhere else and studies at the same time. He considered this to be interfering in his personal life and privacy. Why, then, does the distinguished MP interfere in the business of the women of the ruling family?! —Al-Watan

s humans, we have various traits that differentiate us from the fellow animals, plants and intangible elements that make our world. We humans pride ourselves to be the smartest and the only beings in our known universe to be able to communicate, work in teams and build things that we previously dreamt of.

We perhaps are the only creatures able to innovate and to create ‘stuff’.

When looking at newborn babies we ought to revel in the miracle of creation of the tiny beings we see, useless and unable to fend for themselves at such an early stage will later grow and develop into fully functioning humans that are capable of great achievements, just as much as they are capable of great destruction. The duality in our abilities for both good and evil are daunting.

Fellow humans have consistently managed to develop weapons of war while simultaneously applying knowledge acquired for means of economic development and diversification.

It is the later diversification that we in Kuwait have been calling for at the governmental level for several years, and yet it seems with little concrete efforts to do so. We have heard time and again the need to diversify our economy, which is grossly reliant on oil and oilderivatives with little effort focused on other economic sectors. The boon afforded by high oil prices has allowed the differing of serious efforts to transform the lingering status quo, which further was rendered hard so long as the politics of wealth distribution in the short-term remained a priority for most co-citizens.

The issue with creating a new economic paradigm requires a new means of thinking. For, ever since the oil boom of the 1960s and the ensuing transformation of society, we have forgotten the essentials of local culture and strived to import everything, creating a consumer society that is unable to create meaningful industries.

Even the structure of post-oil Kuwaiti society has radically transformed from an earnest close-knit society to one that is open to the world and lost in transition between competing lifestyles that are inherently incompatible with one another - Islam and Westernization.

Even deeper, the structure of our infrastructure has pushed and emphasized the spread of areas filled with mini-palaces that are disconnected from one another and from their surroundings. In essence, what we managed to create are micro-republics that at times have absolutely nothing in common with their neighbors!

The damage created by such infrastructure is deep. They have created an unnecessary dependence on private automobiles, that today ends up in bottleneck traffic jams. The lack of proper neighborhood activities means that we are constantly in need of travelling around, instead of building vibrant neighborhoods that are convenient. Zoning laws have created similar areas with no added value.

If we are to truly anticipate the future - and I pray that enough locals do - we need to re-think many things that until now were taken for granted. The local contestation movements of the past few months are in themselves natural for people who are demanding better pay for real work. However, when the Government knows that it is employing people in the wrong positions for tasks that are not necessary and are only possible due to high oil prices, the future seems rather bleak!

We have, I fear, been infantilized by a Government reluctant to state matters as they are, as opposed to how it would like it to be perceived. Our complacence is dually to blame for we willingly went along without questioning the need for the billions squandered annually on useless projects. It is time that we all shoulder our responsibilities and earnestly work towards averting the disaster to come should we continue on a collision path with our very future.

kuwait digest

A deal or a trap?

By Mohammad Al-Mutairi

H

illary Clinton, the United States Secretary of State, recently toured the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to discuss two main subjects: the situation in Syria and the ‘GCC missile shield’ deal. Given the complexity of the situation in Syria, which cannot simply be resolved by a written agreement, Clinton sought the approval of GCC Governments on a proposed US missile shield deal, which will enrich the American budget with surplus oil revenues that GCC countries gained due to increasing oil prices. Observers believe the military option against Iran, currently placed on US President Barack Obama’s desk, is deliberately being postponed while efforts are made to convince Israel that the Iranian threat is remote.

According to the observers, this helps provide as much time as the United State can possibly use to broker arms deals with GCC governments, and before going ahead with serious plans of military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The proposed missile shield is the newest in a series of embezzlements in which the United States use “imminent threats” on the GCC as a pretext to obtain millions of dollars to make up for billions lost in the war on Afghanistan. This is the only explanation I can think of as to why the US administration is so committed to sanction Iran instead of a military strike.

America knows Iran cannot retaliate to due to the Islamic Republic’s nearly collapsed economy. The US missile shield is of no value, should Iran respond to international community calls and dismantle its nuclear program, similar to what Gaddafi did following the fall of Saddam Husain’s regime. —Al-Qabas

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

local

103 illegal residents held in security crackdown Woman jumps from moving car KUWAIT: One hundred and three people of different Asian nationalities were arrested during a recent security crackdown against violators of residency and labor laws in Farwaniya and Kheitan. Among the detainees were 33 women who reportedly either had no valid residency, were reported missing by their sponsor or are wanted by authorities on civil and criminal charges. All the detainees are currently held pending their deportation procedures.

Kidnap attempt A search is on for a taxi driver and his male companion who attempted to kidnap a Lebanese woman. She managed to escape after jumping from their moving vehicle. The woman reportedly took the taxi from Farwaniya and agreed when the driver asked to pick up his friend nearby. He said he needed to go to the same destination. The woman realized she was kidnapped when the couple hinted at a plan to sexually assault her. When the driver slowed down before a speed bump, she found an opportunity to jump. She found herself near the gate of

Shuwaikh Port, where people helped her and called police. The woman, who was not harmed in the incident, was helped to Farwaniya police station where kidnap and attempted rape charges were pressed against the suspects. The victim believes they are Bangladeshi nationals.

Laundry accident A Hawally resident was severely injured when he fell off the balcony of his second floor apartment. Preliminary investigations revealed that the Egyptian man lost his balance and fell while hanging his laundry on a clothesline. He was diagnosed with several broken bones and bruises. He is currently recovering in the intensive care unit at Farwaniya Hospital.

Search for shooter Police are looking to arrest a man who fired celebratory gunshots during a recent wedding in Ahmadi. The suspect escaped when patrol vehicles approached the scene where the shooting was reported. Police opted against following him down narrow streets

to avoid any risk to the public.

Instead, they noted the license plate number of his vehicle through which they were able to identify him and launch investigations for his arrest.

masseur refused to go along with his plans. The man beat the masseur and snatched money from the cash register before escaping. A case was filed at the local police station.

Suicide probe A suicide investigation was opened recently after a man leapt to his death from a fourth-floor apartment in Mangaf. Paramedics pronounced the 27-year-old Indian man dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that he suffered from psychological pressure due to family problems before he committed suicide. Investigations into the case are still ongoing.

Wayward teen An underage girl was taken to a juvenile care facility after her father refused to take her back home. She was found nearly a week after her escape. A search for the 17-year-old had been ongoing for days after her father reported her missing. She disappeared during their stay at his livestock farm in Kabad.

Investigations led police to an apartment in Salmiya, where she reportedly stayed since her escape. Police waited outside until she came out and put her under arrest. She explained that she fled due to disputes with family members. Police contacted her father to collect her from the police station, but he said that he no longer wants her at his house.

The case was closed after the teenager was sent to the social care facility. —Al-Rai, Al-Watan, Al-Anba

Masseur assaulted Investigations are underway in search for a male suspect accused of robbing a massage center in Salmiya. The man physically assaulted a male masseur who rejected his sexual advances. The suspect was reportedly drunk at the time of the incident, which started when he began harassing the Filipino masseur. The suspect went on a rampage after the

KUWAIT: The National Security College recently held a seminar on the role of community policing in sustaining security. The event was held in cooperation with the Institute of Security Strategic Studies. The event was held under the patronage of Lt Gen Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, Ministry of Interior’s assistant undersecretary for training affairs. It was attended by 14 trainees from several state departments including the foreign, Awqaf, education and social affairs ministries.

News

in brief

Administrative reforms at KIMS KUWAIT: Health Minister Dr Ali-Al-Obaidi plans to institute administrative changes to Kuwait Institute for Medical Specialists (KIMS) at the council and colleges levels. The ministry plans to approve these decisions soon. Former Health Minister Dr Hilal AlSayer issued a ministerial decision making the minister the head of the board of trustees, Health ministry undersecretary as his deputy, while KIMS Secretary General the rapporteur. Kuwait University deputy rector for medical sciences, College of Medicine, Dr Abdelrahman Al-Ghunaim are members.

Al-Fadallah in Oman MUSCAT: Yousef Saleh Al-Fadallah, Kuwaiti Executive Director of the Central Apparatus for Illegal Residents Affairs, arrived in Oman yesterday for a two-day visit. Al-Fadallah will meet with a number of top Omani officials to discuss bilateral relations in various fields, in addition to finding ways of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of residence and civil status. He was received by Khalid bin Hilal bin Al-Busaidi, Omani Ministry of Interior Undersecretary, Salem Al-Zamanan, Kuwaiti Ambassador to Oman, and several ministry officials.

Al-Fadallah is currently touring GCC countries.

Insulin pump scam KUWAIT: Eleven Ministry of Health consultants have been sent for investigation in the so called ‘Insulin pump’ case, which revealed pressures by a private company which owes the ministry KD 11 million.

Sources said the pumps are used to regulate sugar levels in type 1 diabetes patients according to a technical decision agreed upon by all heads of diabetes units at hospitals and in health zones.

Zain sponsors AUK expo KUWAIT: Zain will sponsor the 8th career expo hosted by the American University of Kuwait(AUK) today, April 10, 2012, the telecommunication service provider announced in a statement released yesterday. “ The sponsorship is part of our commitment to support activities that aim to target the utilization of young citizens’ potentials,” the repor t read.

Sabah Al-Ahmad city’s electrical infrastructure KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water signed yesterday contracts to complete the infrastructure of the residential city of Sabah Al-Ahmad worth about KD 216 million.

Assistant Undersecretary for electrical networks in the ministry engineer Saleh Al-Musallam said in a press conference that the signing of these contracts complement a large part of construction contracts for electrical infrastructure in Sabah Al-Ahmad city, which is expected to consume about 2500 MW, almost 20 percent from a peak output power in the country.

He said the projected amount to complete electrical infrastructure is more than KD 300 million, including the main lines, adding that the signing of current contracts include KD 160 million for the stations and cables, KD 10 million for the sub-feeder line of the city and KD 46 million for the lines of the main stations.

He added that the city will be the first to be fed from the 400 kv stations where two contracts have been signed for the establishment of such stations, and two more stations would be signed soon. — KUNA

Kuwait donates $1 million to UNHRC for Syrian refugees CAIRO: Kuwait will donate US$ one million to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) to aid the Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. Ambassador Jamal Mohamed AlGhuneim, representative of Kuwait to the Arab League, said yesterday Kuwait is keen to help Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. He said the General Secretariat of the Arab League has been notified of the donation.

Kuwaiti support resulted

from the Conference of the Group of Friends of the Syrian People, attended by Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamed AlSabah in Turkey earlier this month. Al-Ghuneim said

the total sum of Kuwaiti donations to Syrian refugees amount to USD 12 million delivered via charity organizations.

He called on the Arab League to notify other Arab countries of the contributions made by Kuwaiti to Syrian refugees. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Ministry of Interior’s Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Police Affairs(Criminal), Maj Gen Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, honored a number of police officers from the General Department for Drug Control(GDDC) for busting several drug gangs.

NBK sends three customers to watch UEFA Champions League semi-finals KUWAIT: The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced the three winners of full travel packages to attend the semifinal matches of the UEFA Champions League 2011/2012, one of the most popular sporting events in the world.

Assem Essa, Hamed Buhamad and Ahmed Nasser will be flown, all expenses paid by NBK, to watch the UEFA Champions League semi final.

Prizes for the draw include three travel packages to the semi -final matches and three for the final match. Each travel package includes two round trip airline tickets, hotel accommodation, transfer service and match tickets for both winner and a guest. The last draw to attend the final match will be held 1 May 2012.

“The UEFA Champions League is one of the world’s most popular sporting events, and NBK is the only bank in Kuwait offering its MasterCard credit cardholders a chance to win one of six fully paid packages to watch the UEFA Champions League 2011/2012 semifinals and finals in Munich,” said NBK Executive Manager Consumer Banking Group Mohammed Al- Othman.

Al-Othman added, “We encourage our cardholders to use their NBK MasterCard credit cards during the promotion period to enjoy this exclusive offer. NBK’s partnership with MasterCard aims at delivering valuable promotions to reward our customers.”

This exclusive campaign offers one chance to enter draws for every KD 10 spent using NBK MasterCard for all purchases during the promotion period.

Cardholders can also double their

chances to win while spending overseas during traveling or through purchases made online at overseas merchants.

NBK credit cards are accepted worldwide and are the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. Benefits include free travel insurance, complimentary airport lounge access, concierge

Mohammed Al-Othman service, purchase protection, extended warranty and more. The award winning NBK rewards loyalty program rewards that NBK credit cardholders receive with a range of valuable discounts and a point redemption schemes redeemable at numerous shops and restaurants throughout Kuwait.

100 vigilantes to ‘cleanse Kubbar Island of women’ KUWAIT: Islamist activist Mubarak AlBthali said he will personally “cleanse Kubbar Island from sin,” and warned girls against going there.

“Any girl found on Kubbar Island should only blame herself,” he said in a clear challenge to state laws and in the absence of any government reaction.

Al-Bthali said through his twitter account on Sunday that he will launch a campaign to cleanse the Island from sin.

Al-Bthali said he previously made a visit to Kubbar Island, along with a ruling family member, and did not find any wrong doing.

He said he will repeat the visit, with ‘some youths in their boats’, and expressed hope that 100 vigilantes will join him.

He said he will use cameras to film Island visitors and use loud speakers to hold prayers there.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

local

Kuwait Embassy in Japan participates in Arab charity TOKYO: Kuwaiti Embassy in Japan participated in an annual bazaar organized by the Association of Arab Ambassadors Wives (Suwag) in Tok yo in the presence of Japanese Princess Tsuguko, the embassy said in a statement yesterday.

Princess Tsuguko was received by spouse of Kuwaiti Ambassador Jamila Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi at the Kuwaiti pavilion, which showcased the country’s clothing, handi-

crafts and food products. Al-Otaibi gave her a full explanation of the items on display, which were highly acclaimed by the princess and the visitors.

Al-Otaibi said that Kuwait Embassy is always keen on participating in such occasions, whether by the embassy alone or the Suwag Society’s activities, in order to deliver a message to the Japanese people through exhibits from Arab in general and

Kuwait in particular.

The proceeds from the charity will be donated to the children in the eastern prefecture of Fukushima, which was hit by a massive earthquake and tsunami in March last year, according to Al-Otaibi. She also hailed the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry for their cooperation, saying it affirms the keenness of ministry officials to facilitate Kuwaiti missions’ work abroad. —KUNA

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets former National Assembly speaker Jassem Mohammad AlKhorafi at Seif Palace yesterday. — KUNA

Kuwait, Iran for closer economic relations KUWAIT: Kuwaiti Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Al-Saleh held talks yesterday with visiting President of Iran’s Trade Promotion Authority Hamid Safdel, on bilateral economic and trade relations.

Minister Al-Saleh talked with Safdel on a number of issues aiming to improve trade, economic and investment relations between two countries, the ministry said in a press statement.

The meeting also mentioned boosting investment relations in government and private levels as well as

investment opportunities, the statement added.

The ministry confirmed that these meetings are an opportunity to discuss promoting economic and trade cooperation between Kuwait and various friendly countries, which contribute to the desire in turning Kuwait into a regional, financial and commercial hub.

It also stressed the importance of reinforcing economic and trade ties between Kuwait and other regional countries, to establish economic partnerships. —KUNA

TOKYO: Princess Tsuguko and Jamila Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi pictured at the annual bazaar.

TEC Chess tournament underway

KUWAIT: The TEC Chess Tournament began Sunday at the Yachts Club under the patronage of Hassan Jumah, Chairman of the Kuwait Mental Games Club, Jassem AlShumais Director of the Beaches and Sea Clubs Department at the Touristic Enterprises Company.

There are 100 competitors representing fifteen countries, including members from Kuwait’s national and juniors teams.

According to Tahir Al-Khateeb Vice Chairman of the Kuwait Mental Games Club, on the first day of competition, 46 competitions were held and two matches

ended in a draw. The tournament, held jointly by the TEC and the Kuwait Mental Games Club, follows international chess rules. The judging committee consisting of main adjudicator Vladimir Rogovski of Ukraine, and Assistant Khalad Al-Azmi. The event concludes on April 29, 2012.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

Protesters clash with police in heart of Tunis

Russia drops charges against doctor in Magnitsky case Page 9

Page 8

Mubarak spy chief, Brothers spar on presidency Suleiman vows not to drop out despite threats CAIRO: Egypt’s former spymaster Omar Suleiman lashed out at the Muslim Brotherhood and insisted his candidacy for the presidency would restore stability, as the two sides sparred yesterday ahead of next month’s polls. The Brotherhood, which dominates parliament and is heavily tipped for the presidency, has “lost a lot of its popularity,” according to Suleiman, who was military intelligence chief under ousted president Hosni Mubarak. “There has been a change on the Egyptian street. The practises of the Brotherhood and their monopolistic ways and unacceptable pronouncements have contributed to the change in public opinion,” he said in an interview.

Suleiman, a sworn enemy of Islamists before last year’s revolution which brought down Mubarak, vowed not to drop out of the May 23-24 election despite alleged threats from Islamists. “Ever since the announcement that I was running, I have received on my mobile and through friends threats and messages that ‘We will take our revenge’ from elements of the Muslim Brotherhood and other Islamist groups,” he said. “If some people think such threats will make me go back on his decision, they are mistaken,” said Suleiman. The former general played down his links with the ousted regime or with the military which has been ruling Egypt in the interim since Mubarak’s fall. “If I was intelligence chief and then vice president for a few days, that doesn’t mean I was part of a regime against which the people mounted a revolt,” he said.

“The revolution has created a new reali-

ty and noone can bring back a regime which has fallen and which the population has rejected,” he said. “I am counting on the little people, on the young and on intellectuals. I am counting on those who want security and stability, who want to be able to earn a living in dignity and freedom,” he said. Suleiman said he could “save the country from its chaos” by restoring security and attracting foreign investors to return to Egypt. The Brotherhood’s candidate for next month’s polls, Khairat El-Shater, likened Suleiman’s candidacy to an attempt “to steal the revolution” and warned it could set off another round of huge street protests. “The Egyptians did not make their sacrifices just for Mubarak’s vice president to make a return,” he told a news conference, referring to the hundreds of lives lost in the revolt.

“The candidacy of Omar Suleiman is a humiliation for the revolution,” Shater said.

“If there is an attempt to steal the revolution, we will go back into the streets” to demonstrate. “We refuse this attempt to reproduce a modified version of the old regime which Mr Suleiman represents.”

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

Apart from Shater, the candidates include former Arab League chief Amr Mussa, ultra- conser vative Islamist preacher Hazem Abu Ismail. Suleiman himself registered less than half an hour before the deadline.— AFP

Ahead of nuclear talks, Iran floats compromise TEHRAN: Iran’s nuclear chief signaled Tehran’s envoys may bring a compromise offer to the talks this week with world powers: promising to eventually stop producing its most highly enriched uranium, while not totally abandoning its ability to make nuclear fuel. The proposal outlined late Sunday seeks to directly address one of the potential main issues in the talks scheduled to begin Friday between Iran and the five permanent Security Council members plus Germany. The US and others have raised serious concerns about Iran’s production and stockpile of uranium enriched to 20 percent, which could be turned into weapons-grade strength in a matter of months.

But the proposal described by Iran’s nuclear chief, Fereidoun Abbasi, may not go far enough to satisfy the West because it would leave the higher enriched uranium still in Tehran’s hands rather than transferred outside the country. Abbasi said Tehran could stop its production of 20 percent enriched uranium needed for a research reactor, and continue enriching uranium to lower levels for power generation. This could take place once Iran has stockpiled enough of the 20 percent enriched uranium, Abbasi told state TV. The 20 percent enriched material can be used for medical research and treatments. The enrichment issue lies at the core of the dispute between Iran and the West, which fears Tehran is seeking an atomic weapon - a charge the country denies, insisting its uranium program is for peaceful purposes only.

Uranium has to be enriched to more than 90 percent to be used for a nuclear weapon, but with Iran enriching uranium to 20 percent levels, there are concerns it has come a step closer to nuclear weapons capability. Abbasi said production of uranium enriched up to 20 percent is not part of the nation’s long-term program - beyond amounts needed for its research reac tor in Tehran - and insisted that Iran “doesn’t need” to enrich beyond the 20 percent levels. “ The job is being carried out based on need,” he said. “ When the need is met, we will decrease production and it is even possible to completely reverse to only 3.5 percent” enrichment levels. It was not immediately clear whether Abbasi’s comments reflect what will be Tehran’s official stance when the negotiations begin in Istanbul more than 14 months after the last round collapsed. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi was quoted on the Iranian parliament ’s website yesterday as saying he hopes for some progress in the upcoming talks but warned Iran would not accept

any preconditions. “We will honestly try to have the two sides conclude with a win-win situation in which Iran achieves its rights while removing concerns of five-plus-one group,” he said.

“But imposing any conditions before the talks would be meaningless.” Iran insists it has full rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation treaty to enrich uranium to create nuclear fuel and says it only seeks enrichment levels to power reactors, but the US and others worry that the same process can be used to make weapons-grade material.

Ahead of Istanbul, there are signs Tehran is confident it may have beaten back the toughest Western demands for a complete halt to uranium enrichment and that some bargaining room has now been opened for new proposals. Abbasi’s remarks follow a show of bravado last week from Iranian lawmaker Gholam Reza Mesbahi Moghadam, who claimed Tehran has the know-how and the capability to produce a nuclear weapon but would never do so.

Moghadam also said that Iran has the means to produce 90-plus percent enrichment, though he did not elaborate. After a protracted flap over the venue for the talks, Iranian state T V reported Sunday that both sides had agreed on Istanbul. It said a second round would be held in Baghdad but that its timing would be decided during the meeting in Turkey. The venue still has to be formally confirmed by EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton. But speaking from a European Union capital, a diplomat familiar with the preparations for the talks confirmed to The Associated Press yesterday that Istanbul had been chosen for the first round.

The diplomat demanded anonymity because he was not authorized to disclose the information ahead of the formal announcement. — AP

Fereidoun Abbasi Davani

CAIRO: Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood presidential candidate Khairat el-Shater talks to reporters during a press conference in Cairo yesterday.—AP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Tension escalates at Turkey-Syria border in run up to Annan visit ANKARA: Tension escalated on yesterday between Turkey and Syria after shots fired from across the border injured six people in a Turkish refugee camp, angering Ankara a day before a visit by international envoy Kofi Annan. Four Syrians and two Turks were wounded amid clashes between rebels and Syrian army forces on the other side of the border, the governor of Kilis province where the camp is located told Anatolia news agency.

“Ricocheting bullets from the Syrian side hurt four Syrians and two Turks a police officer and a translator-on duty at the camp,” governor Yusuf Odabas said, adding that the injuries triggered protests among the Syrians in the camp.

Diplomatic sources earlier put the

number of injured at three, with two Syrians and a Turkish translator being hurt near the Syrian border. It was the first time Syrian fire from across the border had hurt people on Turkish soil, prompting Turkey’s foreign ministry to urgently contact the Syrian mission in Ankara to “immediately halt the shootings,” a source said. The attack came after 21 injured Syrians were brought across the border into Turkey, 17 of them wounded in an overnight clash in their village of Sucu in Aleppo province, situated close to the border. Two of the wounded died shor tly after they arrived, while the rest were under treatment in hospitals in Kilis, the governor told Anatolia news agency.

The incidents caused panic among

refugees at the Kilis camp, who often go out to meet fellow countrymen trying to flee but become the targets of snipers on the other side of the border. Turk ish security officials blocked exits from the Turkish side into Syria to prevent further injuries, Odabas added. It was not immediately clear who fired the shots into Turkey, or whether the group helping the wounded out of Syria was targeted. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu meanwhile briefed UN chief Ban Ki-moon and Annan on the escalating number of Syrians arriving at the border, some of them with wounds. Turkish diplomatic sources say Annan will visit refugees at the border today, while prominent US senators John McCain and Joe

Lieberman are also expected to pay a visit to the camps.

Syrians accompanying the wounded into Turkey said that clashes in Syrian towns on Sunday night left many wounded despite the imminence of a ceasefire supposedly agreed by Damascus with Annan for today, but they were only able to carry some of them across the border.

Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Naci Koru was pessimistic about the ceasefire coming into force, saying, “April 10 is invalid, a new phase star ts tomorrow.”

“I t is now quite clear that the Annan Plan will not be delivered, after the assaults that have been raging since yesterday,” he added, quoted by Anatolia news agency. Koru’s

words backed up a warning from Turkey’s prime minister of unspecified measures if Damascus fails to abide by the April 10 deadline to cease its yearlong crackdown on dissent that has left nearly 10,000 people dead. “We will patiently follow the process until April 10,” Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday. But “we will implement steps” if violence does not stop after that, he added. Several scenarios are being floated by the press, including the setting up of a buffer zone along the border to protect the large numbers of refugees. Turkey has taken in some 4,000 Syrians since last Thursday, pushing up the number of refugees on its soil to more than 25,000. —AFP

Protesters clash with police in heart of Tunis Teargas, force used to break up protest

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (left) and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (right) review the Chinese military honor guards during the welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday. Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is paying the first official visit to China by a Turkish premier in 27 years from April 8 to 10. — AFP

Turkey PM oversees nuclear agreements with China BEIJING: Turkey’s Prime Minister oversaw the signing of two nuclear agreements with China yesterday on a trip to the Asian nation that also saw him make an unprecedented stop in ethnicallytense Xinjiang. Recep Tayyip Erdogan-on the first official trip to China by a Turkish premier in 27 years-also held talks yesterday on Syria and Iran in Beijing with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao after his stopover in the northwestern region. The two agreements-announced at a ceremony attended by Wen and Erdogan following their meeting-pave the way for deeper nuclear cooperation between the two countries, but few concrete details were made available.

One of the accords signed is a letter of intent between China’s National Energy Administration and the Turkish energy ministry for further nuclear cooperation, but no other information was given. At the start of their meeting, Wen said Erdogan was the first Turkish prime minister to have visited Xinjiang-home to around nine million mainly Muslim Uighurs who share linguistic and religious links with Turkey. Ankara has in the past heavily criticised Beijing’s actions in Xinjiang-whose Uighurs have long complained of repression under Chinese rule-but the two nations have nevertheless forged closer ties in recent years.

Wen said Erdogan had left a “good impression” but gave no further details about the stopover in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi on Sunday, which analysts say is significant given Ankara’s past criticism.

Erdogan was the most vocal foreign leader to criticise China following deadly riots in July 2009 in Urumqi that killed at least 184 people. At the time, he urged China to stop the “assimilation” of the Uighur minority, and blamed Beijing for failing to stop the ethnic violence, which he compared to a “genocide.” The Xinjiang stopover “is quite unexpected as... it’s very difficult for Turkish diplomats to go to Xinjiang, they don’t easily

get the authorisation as they speak a similar language (to Uighurs),” said JeanPierre Cabestan, politics professor at Hong Kong Baptist University.

“It shows that in the Sino-Turkish relationship, Turkey is not in a weak position, and is even in a strong position,” he said, adding China needs Turkey’s support in the Middle East. During their closeddoor talks, Wen and Erdogan touched on the crisis in Syria as well as global tensions over Iran’s disputed nuclear activities, China’s state television reported, without giving further details. The army in Syria is due to withdraw from protest cities today under a peace deal brokered by former UN chief Kofi Annan, with a complete end to fighting set for 48 hours later. But the Damascus regime has since said it will only carry out its side of the bargain if rebels first hand over written guarantees to stop fighting-a demand rejected by rebel army chief Colonel Riyadh al-Asaad.

Turkey and China hold different positions on the conflict in Syria, where prodemocracy protests have been brutally repressed for more than a year. Erdogan, once an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has threatened to take action should Damascus fail to comply with the Annan plan. China rejects any foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. Iran, meanwhile, confirmed yesterday that nuclear talks with world powers would take place in Istanbul as planned on Saturday despite a sharplyworded row with Turkey. Last week, Iranian officials said Turkey’s support of the opposition in Syria-Iran’s chief allyexcluded Istanbul as a venue. They proposed Baghdad or Beijing instead, but yesterday came round to using the Turkish city. The two countries-whose mutual trade has soared from just $1 billion in 2000 to $19.5 billion in 2010 - yesterday also signed agreements in the fields of media, publishing, investment and culture.— AFP

US Navy deploys 2nd aircraft carrier to Gulf DUBAI: The US Navy said yesterday that it has deployed a second aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf region amid rising tensions with Iran over its disputed nuclear program. The deployment of the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise along with the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group marks only the fourth time in the past decade that the Navy has had two aircraft carriers operating at the same time in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, said Cmdr. Amy Derrick-Frost of the Bahrain-based 5th Fleet.

The two carriers will support the American militar y operations in Afghanistan and anti-piracy efforts off Somalia’s coast and in the Gulf of Aden, she said. The warships also patrol the Gulf’s strategic oil routes that Iran has threatened to shut down in retaliation for economic sanctions slapped on the Islamic Republic because of its nuclear

program, which the West suspects aims to develop nuclear weapons. Iran denies the allegations, and says its program is solely for peaceful purposes. The deployment of a second aircraft carrier is “routine and not specific to any threat,” Derrick-Frost said. She did not say how long the Navy will keep the increased military presence in region.

The last time the US had two carriers operating in the region was in June 2010. Before then, the carriers were deployed in March 2003 during the USled invasion of Iraq and in February 2007 in suppor t of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Enterprise is based in Norfolk, Va. It is the Navy’s first nuclearpowered aircraft carrier that is now on its last mission. The Enterprise was commissioned in November 1961. The carrier is scheduled to be deactivated this fall. — AP

TUNIS: Police used tear gas and truncheons to disperse protesters seeking to march yesterday along the Tunisian capital’s main boulevard despite a ban on demonstrations there. Some of the protesters hurled bricks in response. Bourguiba Avenue has been the main site for protests since Tunisians overthrew their longtime dictator, Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, a year ago. But last week, authorities barred marches along the thoroughfare because of what they described as threats to “public order.” The ban followed weeks of rival demonstrations between groups calling for and against the implementation of Islamic law in the Arab countr y, which was staunchly secular under the former regime but now has a moderate Islamist party leading the government. Some 2,000 people from civil society organizations and labor unions tried to march along the tree-line street yesterday in honor of Martyr ’s Day, which marks when French colonial troops in 1938 open fired on demonstrators calling for a constitution. Amid the tear gas and bricks, some riot police chased demonstrators down adjacent roads. There was no exact count on people wounded. An attempted demonstration by unemployed university graduates on Saturday also was vio-

TUNIS: Police beat a man during clashes at a demonstration yesterday in Tunis. Police fired tear gas yesterday to disperse a rally on a central Tunis avenue where demonstrations are banned. Hundreds of demonstrators, marking Martyrs’ Day and protesting against the ban imposed on March 28, sought shelter in neighboring streets and shops.— AFP lently dispersed. The labor movement and many civil society organizations who made up the demonstration yesterday have been opposed to the new government run by the moderate Islamist Ennahda Party that dominated elections in October.

“I t was us who defended them when they were repressed under Ben Ali and today, now that they are in power, they repress us with the same practices of the old regime,” said Moufda Belghith of the Tunisian Association of Democratic Women. While Tunisia

has seen a political flowering over the past year with the emergence of dozens of political parties and also nearly constant demonstrations, the economy has suffered from strikes that have paralyzed the industrial sector and drop in tourists. —AP

44 dead in fresh Qaeda assault in Yemen

GAZA: Palestinian former prisoner Hanaa Shalabi (left), who spent 43 days on hunger strike in an Israeli jail before being transferred to Gaza last week, joins a protest calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners still held by Israeli outside the offices of the Red Cross in Gaza City yesterday. Shalabi, who had begun her hunger strike after being arrested on February 16 and held without charge, was deported by Israel to the Gaza Strip on April 1, under a deal that has been criticised by Palestinians. —AFP

UN sends four electrical transformers to Gaza GAZA CITY: The United Nations Development Programme transferred four electrical transformers to Gaza yesterday in a bid to upgrade the territory’s struggling sole power plant. The UNDP, in a statement from its Gaza office, said it brought four transformers and other electrical equipment into the territory as part of a project valued at $3.3 million dollars. “Installation will take around two months,” it said. “After it is completed, the capacity of the power station will be raised from 80 megawatts (MW) to 120 MW and will be able to handle the full productive output of the Gaza power station,” it said.

Gaza has suffered power outages for years, but has recently experienced the worst electricity and fuel crisis in memory.

The current shortage is largely due to a crackdown on fuel smuggled from Egypt that has forced the power plant to shut down frequently. But the station’s capacity was already hampered by several factors, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, including the destruction of six transformers in a 2006 Israeli air strike. Israel’s civil

administration, which controls movement in and out of Gaza, issued a statement yesterday saying it had facilitated the delivery of the four transformers to the Palestinian territory. “Four transformers were brought in order to improve the activity and electricity generation capacity at the station,” it said. On April 3, Gaza’s Hamas government said it had reached a deal with the rival Palestinian Authority in the West Bank to ensure a steady flow of fuel via Israel to Gaza. The deal, hammered out in Cairo, will see the Palestinian Authority pay for some 500,000 litres of fuel a day to be delivered via Israel’s Kerem Shalom border crossing into Gaza. The Palestinian Authority said the deal was contingent on Gaza’s electricity company paying for the supplies. Hamas said the agreement would compliment an earlier deal between Hamas and Egypt to work to resolve Gaza’s longstanding electricity problems. That agreement, announced by Hamas on February 23, called for three stages, the first of which would see Egyptian companies pumping fuel directly to Gaza under the terms of contracts signed with the firms.— AFP

ADEN: At least 44 people were killed yesterday when AlQaeda militants raided a barracks, the latest in a spate of attacks by the extremist network which has boosted its presence in Yemen’s lawless south and east. “Forty-four people, including 14 soldiers who included an officer, were killed” in the clashes in Abyan province’s city of Loder between the army-backed by tribesmen-and Al-Qaeda, a military official said. Twenty-four militants and six tribesmen were killed in the fighting, according to the toll the official gave, which was confirmed by tribal sources. The barracks in Loder came under fire from the Islamists before daylight and the soldiers fought back, military sources said.

A government official in Loder told AFP that the army later withdrew from the barracks where the town’s tribesmen, who have been fighting alongside the soldiers, were left to battle the militants. “The army is backing us with weapons,” a tribal chief said. “We will fight Al-Qaeda and will not let them into our city.” The attack yesterday came after air strikes killed 24 suspected Al-Qaeda militants in their strongholds of southern and eastern Yemen at the weekend, according to the defence ministry and a tribal chief. The city of Loder is located some 150 kilometres (95 miles) northeast of Zinjibar, the Abyan provincial capital which the Partisans of Sharia (Islamic law) overran in May last year. A tribal source said the militants have been hiding out in rugged mountainous regions east and north of Loder.

The Partisans of Sharia is linked to Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP, which the United States considers to be the most active branch of the global terror network. AQAP has exploited a decline in central government control that accompanied Arab Spring-inspired protests that eventually forced Yemen’s veteran president Ali Abdullah Saleh to cede power in the face of a popular uprising. Al-Qaeda briefly overran Loder in August 2010 before being driven out by the army, according to a military source. He said the militants were deployed in numbers around the city and wanted to retake it because of its strategic location between Shabwa, Bayda and Lahij provinces where AQAP is also active. “The tribes are fighting alongside the army and we will repel Al-Qaeda. Their plans will fail so long as the local population stands by our side,” the military source said.

A local source in Jaar, where dead and wounded extremists were taken, said that 12 militants were also killed late on Sunday in artillery shelling by the army on the outskirts of Zinjibar. Dozens of fighters have poured in from the town of Azzan in Shabwa to back fighters in Zinjibar, he said. Among them were nationals from neighbouring Gulf states, mainly Saudi Arabia. In Yemen’s main southern city of Aden yesterday, a policeman was killed and another was wounded in an attack on their patrol, a police official told AFP. A witness said the attack took place in Mansura, a residential district of Aden, where two suspected Al-Qaeda bombers died on Friday as their payload exploded short of their intended target, which was intelligence offices. — AFP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

France takes new look at radicalization in prisons PARIS: French authorities contend the gunman in a killing spree in Toulouse took the path to religious radicalization behind bars, with neither teacher nor network. The investigation will show whether gunman Mohamed Merah, who claimed Al-Qaeda links, acted alone in the three March attacks that killed seven people, and may help decipher his path to radical Islam. But in the meantime, his case has been seized upon by those who say the model for Islamist radicalization in prisons may be changing, away from networks of extremists and toward more individualized paths to radicalism.

President Nicolas Sarkozy ordered a study on the evolving threat in prisons after last month’s killings, and the justice minister called for greater intelligence gathering in prisons and more Muslim prison chaplains. Tracking such “lone wolf ” radicals presents prison authorities with a new challenge: detecting the Muslim inmate who is not just turning to religion but turning the corner to danger. Some

worry that even tighter surveillance may carry the risk of a double-edged sword, stigmatizing a Muslim population already deprived of the means to properly practice their faith behind bars.

In countries from Europe to the Middle East and Southeast Asia, prisons have long been known as incubators for Islamist extremism, where selfproclaimed imams or convicted terrorists prey on vulnerable inmates. The problem is acute in France, the country with the largest Muslim population in western Europe, estimated at some 5 million, and, it is said, the most Muslim prisoners. France doesn’t count inmates by ethnicity or religion, but one expert estimates that about half of French inmates are Muslim, far greater than the proportion in the population at large.

Yet there are only 151 Muslim prison chaplains to tend to the needs of prisoners of the Islamic faith, compared to 700 Roman Catholic chaplains. Islamic leaders say the dearth of chaplains and the failure to provide

basics like halal food for imprisoned Muslims heightens the risk that inmates will feel rejected by the system and seek their own - possibly radical - path. This parallels the emergence of “lone wolf” terrorists in the world at large. Experts say the lone wolf phenomenon is in a way a testimony to succesful Western intelligence, which has made it more difficult for networks to form - outside or inside prisons. “In a way this is a modernization of terrorism. They don’t need role models,” said Farhad Khosrokhavar, who has written a book on Muslims in prison and another on Muslim prison radicals, and is currently researching the development of extremisms of all kinds in French prisons. A terrorist cell in France, dismantled in 2005, was famously born behind French prison walls with members recruited by a convicted terror accomplice, Safe Bourada. “My personal view is those parameters that identify ... radicalized (prisoners) have to be deeply revised because they are based on networks,”

Khosrokhavar said. He estimates the Muslim prison population at 40-60 percent of the 66,455 people in detention in France.

Justice Minister Michel Mercier recently announced he wants a fulltime security official devoted to intelligence gathering in each large prison and closer working ties between the prison administration and intelligence agencies. He also wants an increase in the number of Muslim chaplains in French prisons. “A new phenomenon has appeared, the self-radicalization of some prisoners,” Mercier said.

“Mohamed Merah read the Quran alone and it is his own interpretation that led him to radicalization.” Sarkozy has called self-radicalization “the worst thing for democracies,” apparently referring to the difficulty in detecting this solitary transformation without trampling on civil liberties.

Sarkozy ordered authorities to find new ways to tackle the emergence of a new breed of radicals behind bars after police said the 23-year-old Merah killed three paratroopers, a rabbi and

three Jewish school children. Merah was killed March 22 by an elite police squad after a 32-hour standoff at his Toulouse apartment. Merah spent about a year and half in prison for theft and made trips to Afghanistan and Pakistan after being freed. There are currently 200 inmates in French prisons under surveillance for radical Islamist tendencies - 75 of them already imprisoned for actions linked to Islamist terrorism, according to Justice Ministry spokesman Bruno Badre. The seemingly small number of prisoners tagged as potentially simmering threats has doubled since 2008 and there is a fear that unbeknownst to authorities some inmates may be radicalizing in isolation after petty crimes, like Merah. French authorities have not elaborated on Merah’s path to radicalism, nor have they offered proof that he didn’t have teachers or guides. His brother was known as an ultraconservative Muslim, and was handed preliminary charges in the investigation as a suspected accomplice. — AP

Russia drops charges against doctor in Magnitsky case Announcement comes a day after victim’s birthday

PARIS: Graffiti are seen on a torn campaign poster of France’s opposition Socialist Party (PS) candidate for the 2012 French presidential election Francois Hollande yesterday in Paris, at the official start of the campaign. — AFP

Hollande rides mood as France embraces left RENNES: The man polls say has the best shot at becoming France’s next president wants to hire thousands more teachers, renegotiate Europe’s expensive, hard-won bailout package, and reassess his country’s role in both Afghanistan and NATO. But Socialist Francois Hollande appeals less for his platform than for his persona: the innocuous, intellectual everyman is many things that conservative President Nicolas Sarkozy is not. Hollande, 57, is tapping into a French population wary of international finance, weary of Sarkozy’s “bling-bling” personality and eager for change. While countries in struggling Europe shift to the right, France may hand the presidency to the left for the first time in a generation, with repercussions for the continent’s direction and France’s future.

Part of Hollande’s appeal is his Mr. Nice Guy image, but he still must convince voters that he’s got what it takes to run a complex, nuclear-armed nation and one of the world’s biggest economies. Hollande isn’t the only leftist making headlines in this campaign: Firebrand far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon has amassed some of the biggest crowds so far at rallies blanketed in red communist flags. Melenchon, with the charisma that the mainstream Hollande lacks, is complicating the political calculus. French voters kick off the balloting in two weeks, with 10 candidates from across the political spectrum facing off in a first-round vote on April 22 that will winnow the race down to two.

While Hollande has slipped a little in recent weeks, polls have suggested for months that he would win the expected two-man finale against Sarkozy on May 6 by a broad margin. The economic crisis in Europe has felled many governments in recent years. A Hollande victory could break from a recent rightward trend in the continent, and put France out of step with other big European countries like Germany, Spain, Britain and Poland - all run by center-right or conservative leaders.

Italy, hobbled by a debt crisis, is led by technocrat Mario Monti. Some of Hollande’s major proposals could raise eyebrows abroad: As governments enact austerity measures elsewhere in Europe, he wants to hire thousands more teachers. He wants to scrap a European bailout package led by Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. He has pledged to pull all French combat troops out of Afghanistan by year-end, and says that pledge would be the first thing he tells allies at a NATO summit in Chicago in May. For many in France, the time seems ripe for a return to a Socialist president: the only one in postwar France was Francois Mitterrand, from 1981 to 1995; throw-thebums-out has been an election theme in Europe; Sarkozy, in part for reasons of personal style, has been unpopular for years; and the financial crisis and debt crises in Europe have emboldened the left.

Hollande is seen as more of a consensus manager and a listener than visionary. For much of his tenure as party first secretary from 1997 to 2008, he served mostly as a water carrier for party elders and only now is coming into his own. His advisers insist to a foreign reporter that Hollande is no

old-school Socialist, but a social democrat wary of the economic challenges coming from 21st-century powers like China and India. Yet while major parties of the left in Europe reformed and tacked toward the political center in recent years - like Gerhard Schroeder’s Socialists in Germany, or Britain’s Labor party under Tony Blair, the Socialists in France eschewed such a move.

And when he speaks to the French faithful, Hollande’s class-warfare style rhetoric inveighing against the financial world that he calls his “adversary”, and demanding justice for the underclass - often draws cheers.

Hollande, who once quipped “I don’t like the rich” on TV, got a recent boost in the polls after he announced a proposal to slap a 75-percent tax on income beyond the first ?1 million ($1.3 million) earned each year.

Hollande on Wednesday drew thousands who spilled out of two warehouses at a convention center near the city of Rennes, in the heart of the left-leaning region of Brittany. The highlight was Hollande’s appearance alongside Segolene Royal, his longtime partner and mother of his four children. Royal, who is also Socialist, was the party’s nominee in 2007 and lost handily to Sarkozy. Hollande and Royal split not long after that election. On stage, Hollande and Royal appeared just seconds together, and the body language was uncomfortable: they clasped hands from a distance, and smiled to the cheering throng. But the message - party unity - was clear. His new romantic partner, political journalist Valerie Trierweiler, looked on from a seat in the crowd.

Hollande’s near 90-minute speech covered his platform: A focus on education, job support for French youths facing high jobless rates, equal pay for women, respect for culture and ethnic diversity. Sarkozy has structured his campaign on a theme of a “strong France.” Hollande claimed that Sarkozy, who took office promising economic growth, fiscal responsibility and competitiveness in France, had failed on all - and promised more responsible Socialist leadership. “People say to us, ‘Watch out, the left is back, it’s going to empty the (state) coffers.’ It’s already happened!

‘Watch out, if the left is back, it’ll raise the debt’. It’s already happened! ‘The Left will hurt competitiveness’ - It’s already happened,” he thundered. “Well, we’ll do the opposite.” The rich, he said, will be asked to pay more, and more money will be redistributed “to allow France to pick itself up.”

Unlike Sarkozy rallies, where a preppier crowd often hoists tricolor French flags in abundance, the Rennes gathering mostly brought out young students and retirees.

His campaign has been textbook: He launched a 60-point platform months ago, hewing to many Socialist tenets. At times, he comes across as stiff and cautious, but has made no big gaffes. Hollande’s biggest challenge has been to try to project presidential caliber. While his pedigree is toptier as a graduate of the Ecole National d’Administration - the French breedingground school for both political and corporate elites like former President Jacques Chirac - he has never run a government ministry. — AP

MOSCOW: Russia said yesterday it had dropped charges against a doctor implicated in the prison death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, sparking accusations that the authorities had no interest in seeking justice in the case. Larisa Litvinova was one of only two people, both prison doctors, to be charged after a long-running and high-profile investigation into what activists see as one of Russia’s most outrageous post-Soviet rights violations.

Magnitsky died in 2009 at the age of 37 from untreated medical conditions including acute pancreatis after being held in a notoriously squalid prison during a fraud probe against his client, US investment firm Hermitage Capital. “ The Investigative Committee has decided to drop the criminal case against doctor and laboratory assistant at the pre -trial detention centre, Larisa Litvinova,” investigators said in a statement said. It cited “the elapsing of the statute of limitations,” saying a new law had come into force since the probe began, meaning that investigators had to bring a case to trial within two years.

Litvinova was charged last August with causing death by negligence, while her boss, the detention centre’s deputy medical chief Dmitry Kratov, was charged with negligence.

The Investigative Committee said that the case against Kratov had not been dropped.

Hermitage Capital, which has led a campaign to get Magnitsky’s death investigated, in a statement yesterday accused the Russian government of “reluctance ... to hold anyone accountable for Sergei Magnitsky’s death.”

“It’s clear from their behavior that there is no intention of administering justice in the Magnitsky case,” William Browder, the head of Hermitage Capital, said in an e-mail to AFP. He said he believed that the treatment of Magnitsky merited the harsher charge of tor-

ture, which would have had a much longer time limit of 10 years. “ The Investigative Committee should have charged them with

MOSCOW: This file photo shows a portrait of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky who died in jail, as it is held by his mother Nataliya Magnitskaya, as she speaks during an exclusive interview with the AP in Moscow. Russia’s top investigative body said yesterday that it’s dropped charges against a jail doctor in a high-profile prison death case. — AP torture instead of just negligence because the doctors deliberately and systematically denied Sergei medical care,” he said. The latest announcement comes a day after Magnitsky’s birthday on Sunday, when his mother and

rights activists including Lyudmila Alexeyeva of the Moscow Helsinki Group held a memorial event.

Browder said he believed the timing was no coincidence.”We have every reason to believe that this was timed to coincide with Sergei’s 40th birthday,” he said. “The authorities seem to relish in putting two fingers up to the West in this case.” Investigators had said earlier this year that the probe would be extended to April 24. Officials initially played down Magnitsky’s death in November 2009, but a public outcry prompted President Dmitry Medvedev to say that it was likely caused by “criminal acts.” He also introduced new legislation to stop those accused of financial crimes being held behind bars.

Magnitsky’s fate even inspired a hard-hitting play.

US lawmakers have proposed sanctions against a list of officials linked to his imprisonment and death, while the European Parliament has also backed bank account freezes and visa restrictions. In an apparent reaction, Russia took the unusual step of reopening the fraud probe against Magnitsky after his death, prompting a critical statement from Amnesty International last week calling for its closure.

Prior to his detention Magnitsky was working for what was once Russia’s largest Western investment fund and claimed to have uncovered a scheme used by police officials to reclaim about $235 million in taxes paid by his client. But instead officials charged Magnitsky with fraud and put him in Moscow ’s Matrosskaya Tishina jail, later transferring him to the most infamous prison in the city, Butyrka. He was moved back to Matrosskaya Tishina days before his death and a report by the Kremlin’s human rights council last year found that he was handcuffed and left in isolation for an hour before he died. — AFP

Ukraine’s Tymoshenko says murder allegations ‘absurd’ KIEV: Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, serving a seven-year jail sentence on abuse-of-office charges, yesterday dismissed fresh allegations against her of involvement in the murder of a parliament deputy almost 16 years ago. She said they were “absurd” and clearly politically driven. The jailing last October of Tymoshenko, the main opponent of President Viktor Yanukovich, has soured Ukraine’s ties with the European Union and the United States, which say the case smacks of “selective” justice.

But despite Western pressure for her release, Ukrainian prosecutors have additionally accused her of tax evasion and now say they are

investigating her possible involvement in the 1996 contract killing of Yevhen Shcherban, one of the most sensational crimes of post-Soviet Ukraine.

Shcherban, a powerful businessman and politician, died in a hail of bullets as he emerged from a plane in the eastern city of Donetsk. The attackers, disguised as airport mechanics, also killed his wife and several bystanders.

His killing followed several other murders in Donetsk, including a football stadium bombing that killed the owner of Shakhtar Donetsk club, and led to a realignment of political and business alliances in the key steel- and coal-producing region. Both

CORSICA: People of the Muslim community look at a written inscription reading “Out with Arabs, See you Soon” (Arabi fora A boppu), and at the depiction of a coffin yesterday outside the prayer room frequented by the Muslim community of Ajaccio, Corsica, following a blaze which was alleged to have been a racist attack in the night from April 8 to April 9, 2012. — AFP

Tymoshenko and Yanukovich were already big players in a turbulent region which seethed with intrigue and where fortunes were made and lost in murky dealings ranging from sales of state assets to protection rackets, extortion and theft.

Tymoshenko was head of the gas trader Unified Energy Systems, which was a major supplier of the fuel in Ukraine, while he was deputy governor of Donetsk and a close ally of other powerful regional leaders.

“Linking me to the Shcherban case is absurd,” Tymoshenko said in the statement issued by her party, Batkivshchyna. “I believe that people well understand how poorly this case holds together, who benefits from it and how absurd it is.” State prosecutors say they have evidence that Tymoshenko could be involved in the case, along with Pavlo Lazarenko, who was prime minister at the time and has since been jailed in the United States for fraud and money laundering.

Aides to Lazarenko have been quoted in Ukrainian media as saying he denies any involvement with the murder.

Shcherban’s son, Ruslan Shcherban, who was 19 at the time and survived the attack by hiding under a car, told reporters last week he had evidence implicating Tymoshenko. Ukraine’s state prison service said last week it had moved Vadim Bolotskikh, the man sentenced to life in prison for killing Shcherban and another powerful regional figure,

to a detention centre in Kiev, a move which means he could be questioned by prosecutors or testify in a court.

State prosecutors said on March 28 that Tymoshenko would soon go on trial again on charges of tax evasion. They did not fix a date. Tymoshenko, 51, was convicted in October of abusing her power as prime minister in forcing through a 2009 gas deal with Russia which, Yanukovich’s government says, ran against national interests and made vital imports exorbitantly expensive.

Tymoshenko, who denies any wrongdoing, has been in detention and then in prison since last August, and her lawyers and family say she is suffering from back pains. The state prison service has offered to move her to a clinic in the city of Kharkiv, where her prison is located, for treatment.

But Tymoshenko has refused, saying she will only follow the recommendations of trusted foreign doctors. Ukrainian and German government officials meanwhile say their governments are in talks with a view to her possibly going to Germany for treatment, but it is not clear if Tymoshenko herself would agree to go. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry says doctors from Germany will visit her this week to advise her on treatment.

Tymoshenko was one of the leaders of the 2004 Orange Revolution which doomed Yanukovich’s first bid for the presidency and went on to serve twice as prime minister. — Reuters

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

GSA violated its gift awards limits: Congress WASHINGTON: The General Services Administration developed an employee awards program that spent more than $438,000 over four years, far exceeding the agency’s per-gift limit of $99, congressional investigators repor ted Friday.

Investigators for the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee said the “Hats Off Program” initially gave out items of nominal value. Over time, the awards became iPods, digital cameras, GPS devices and other electronics. The spending occurred from

2007 through 2010, the report said.

The GSA, the real estate agency for federal buildings, said in a statement that the program has ended.

“Operations have been suspended pending a continuing top down review of all spending,” the statement said.

The agency has been under fire from Congress after its inspector general reported this week that GSA lavishly spent $820,000 for a Las Vegas conference in 2010. The head of the agency resigned, two deputies were fired and other employees were sus-

pended. The Transportation panel and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee are just starting investigations of the agency’s wasteful spending. The Transportation panel said the inspector general learned of the awards program from an agency of the Department of Homeland Security.

The Federal Protective Service initially said that about 40 iPods with an estimated value of $8,000 were reported stolen. Further investigation revealed some 115 of the devices valued at more than $20,000 were unaccount-

ed for and may have been stolen.

In 2009, the average gift per employee in the agency’s Public Buildings Service was $328, the Transportation Committee said. Top awards went to people who were involved with administering the program. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., chairman of the Transportation panel, said, “The Hats Off award program degenerated into a taxpayer funded giveaway where employees handed out iPods to their office buddies for almost any reason. Not surprisingly, the IG (inspector general’s) report

identified the supervisors who ran the Hats Off store as the biggest winners of taxpayer swag.” Mica added that the agency awarded a regional commissioner responsible for the Las Vegas conference and the excessive awards a $9,000 cash bonus after the official received inspector general briefings on both the conference and the Hats Off Program. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif, chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said her committee will hold a hearing on the GSA report tomorrow. — AP

Pair charged in deadly Tulsa killing spree Murders racially motivated: Councilman

SANFORD: In this undated file photo provided by the Martin family, Trayvon Martin holds an unidentified baby. Martin was slain in a shooting that has set off a nationwide furor over race and justice. Neighborhood crime-watch captain George Zimmerman claimed self-defense and has not been arrested, though state and federal authorities are still investigating. — AP

Homeowner association may be sued in Martin case SANFORD: If Trayvon Martin’s family sues over his death, they might not target George Zimmerman but instead the homeowners association of the neighborhood where the shooting happened and Zimmerman lived.

That’s because if Zimmerman’s claim that he shot the unarmed 17-year-old in self-defense is upheld by prosecutors, a judge or a jury, Florida’s so-called stand your ground law would protect him from a lawsuit. But his clearance or acquittal wouldn’t stop Martin’s parents from suing The Retreat at Twin Lakes homeowners association - and its insurance policies and assets would make it a much more lucrative target than Zimmerman, even if he is eventually convicted of a crime.

Plus, lawyers say, Exhibit A would be a newsletter sent by the association to residents in February, the same month as the shooting. It said Zimmerman was the go-to person for residents who had been the victims of a crime.

Under the heading “Neighborhood Watch,” the newsletter’s message recommended that residents first call police and then “please contact our Captain, George Zimmerman ... so he can be aware and help address the issue with other residents.” That seeming endorsement of Zimmerman exposes the 7-yearold association to possible legal action

by Martin’s parents, homeowners association attorneys said.

“It’s almost like if you give your son the keys to a brand new Corvette when he turns 16” and he gets in an accident, said Roberto Blanch, a South Florida attorney who specializes in homeowners associations. “You may be seen as enabling the occurrence or the loss.”

Zimmerman has admitted to fatally shooting Martin during a confrontation Feb. 26 but has said it was in selfdefense. Zimmerman spotted Martin from his truck as the teen was returning to the house of his father’s fiancÈe from a convenience store. It was dusk on a rainy evening. “This guy looks like he is up to no good,” Zimmerman told a police dispatcher before the confrontation. When Zimmerman got out of his truck and started following him, the dispatcher told him, “OK. We don’t need you to do that.”

Moments later, residents of The Retreat at Twin Lakes heard screaming and at least one gunshot. Police officers arriving at the gated community found Martin shot dead in the chest. By designating Zimmerman the neighborhood watch captain in the newsletter, the homeowners association “is stuck” if it’s sued, said Justin Clark, an attorney based in Longwood, Fla., whose practice includes real estate law. — AP

Whose heroes? Obama invokes GOP icons WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama is embracing an unlikely group of political icons as he tries to paint Mitt Romney as extreme: He’s praising Republican presidents from Abraham Lincoln to Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan. The Democratic president typically offers up GOP leaders of the past as evidence of how both parties can work together in Washington to pursue big ideas and rebuild the economy. With Election Day seven months away, Obama hopes to convince voters that he, like his Republican predecessors, is a reasonable moderate. At the same time, he’s casting Romney as a candidate who would embrace too-conservative policies out of step with most Americans and with his own party in years past.

Obama invoked Reagan’s name four times in a speech this week to The Associated Press annual meeting. He said the conservative hero, never accused of being a “tax-and-spend socialist,” still recognized the need for tax increases as well as spending cuts to tame federal deficits. Obama’s verdict: “He could not get through a Republican primary today.” Painting Romney as an ideological extremist might seem a curious strategy for Obama, given that the GOP nomination front-runner has been considered the moderate candidate in the Republican primar y field and has struggled to consolidate support among conservatives in the party. But Obama’s team hopes to define Romney in a negative light before the former Massachusetts governor has a chance to pivot toward the general election and emphasize his past positions that

could appeal to moderates of both parties and the independent voters who can decide close races in polarized America.

Obama has cited Reagan more than 40 times in speeches and public events since 2009, according to an analysis of public statements and transcripts by the AP. But Eisenhower is Obama’s favorite Republican for name-dropping - the president has referenced him more than 90 times. Lincoln is right behind, with 80 mentions in public comments covered by the transcripts.

Among Democrats, Obama has cited Bill Clinton more than 60 times and Franklin Delano Roosevelt 45 times at public events. Jimmy Carter? Four times.

Romney, taking the same stage as Obama this week, a day later, told editors and publishers that the president was wrong. Reagan, he said, “would win handily in a primary, frankly, in all the primaries,” if he were running today. Romney accused Obama of “setting up a straw man to distract us from his record.” Romney and his team say the president is trying to hide the fact that he’s a liberal who has promoted government programs instead of individual opportunity - the antithesis of Reagan. Obama, these Republicans contend, has failed to bridge partisan differences so he must resort to rhetoric at a time when people care more about the economy and gas prices.

On the flip side, Democrats see the drawn-out Republican primary and rise of tea party conservatives in 2010 as prevailing currents pushing Republican candidates away from the political center. — AP

TULSA: Two Oklahoma men accused in a rampage that left three people dead have been charged with murder. Alvin Watts and Jake England appeared via closed-circuit television from jail for their first court appearance yesterday. A judge set their bond at $10,160,000 apiece. Both are charged with three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of shooting with the intent to kill and one count of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Neither man had an attorney present yesterday. The judge set an April 16 court date. Police describe the suspects as white and the victims as black but can’t yet say if the attacks were racially motivated. Police are examining whether England was trying to avenge the death of his father, who was killed two years ago.

Police and the FBI cautioned that it was too early to say whether the attacks in Tulsa’s predominantly black north side were racially motivated. Police spokesman Jason Willingham said that based on Facebook postings attributed to England, a wish to avenge the death of his father might have been a factor.

In a Facebook update Thursday that appeared to have been written by England, he blamed his father’s death on a black man and used a racial slur. The posting said Thursday was the second anniversary of his father’s death.

“It’s hard not to go off,” given the anniversary and the death of his fiancÈe earlier this year, the posting said.

“It’s apparent from the posting on the Facebook page that he had an ax to grind, and that was possibly part of the motive,” Willingham said. “If you read the Facebook post and see what he’s accused of doing, you can see there’s link between the two of them.” The Facebook page had been taken down by Sunday afternoon. A family friend, Susan Sevenstar, told The Associated Press that England was “a good kid” and “a good, hard worker,” who “was not in his right mind” after losing his father and the January suicide of his fiancÈ, with whom he’d recently had a baby.

“If anybody is trying to say this is a racial situation, they’ve got

what your color was. It wasn’t a racist thing.”

The Tulsa World reported that England’s father, Carl, was shot in the chest during a scuffle with a man who had tried to break into his daughter ’s apartment.

England later died. The man charged in the shooting is serving a six-year sentence on a weapons charge, according to Department of Corrections records. Acting on an anonymous tip and backed by a helicopter, police followed England and Watts from the home they shared in Turley and arrested them without incident, police said.

Task force commander Maj Walter Evans said investigators

TULSA: This combo of images provided by the Tulsa Police Department via the Tulsa World shows Jacob England, left, and Alvin Watts. — AP things confused,” said Sevenstar, who described England as Cherokee Indian. “He didn’t care

recovered a weapon but that it was not clear who fired the shots.

They also found a truck that had

been burned. It was not immediately known whether the suspects had lawyers. The Rev Warren Blakney Sr, president of the Tulsa NAACP, said the arrests came as a relief. Black community leaders met Friday night as fears mounted over the shootings and the possibility of retaliatory attacks. “The community once again can go about its business without fear of there being a shooter on the streets,” Blakney said.

Police Chief Chuck Jordan said the gunmen appeared to have chosen their victims at random.

Police identified those killed as Dannaer Fields, 49, Bobby Clark, 54, and William Allen, 31. Two men were wounded but were released from the hospital, Jordan said. The shootings come at a fraught moment for black Americans. In late February, an unarmed black teen, Trayvon Martin, was fatally shot by a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Fla., raising questions about racial profiling and touching off protests across the nation.

While Tulsa police were reluctant to describe the shootings there as racially motivated, City Councilman Jack Henderson was not. “Being an NAACP president for seven years, I think that somebody that committed these crimes (was) very upset with black people,” Henderson said.

“That person happened to be a white person, the people they happened to kill and shoot are black people. That fits the bill for me.” — AP

Romney faces lengthy to do list as likely GOP pick DES MOINES: Mitt Romney faces a daunting to-do list as he transitions into the role of likely Republican presidential nominee. Among the tasks: Raise as much money as possible for the general election campaign against President Barack Obama. Hire more people and send them to the most critical states in the fall race. Hone his message to appeal to voters across the political spectrum. And do it all quickly while fending off challenges from GOP rivals who refuse to quit the primary race.

Obama, with the advantages of an incumbent, is well ahead of Romney on fundraising, organization and broad pitches to voters. So Romney can be expected to spend part of his time over the next three weeks trying to catch up. There’s a break in the primaries lasting until April 24, when several Northeast states vote. Romney also must start thinking about a running mate and strategy to amass the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House on Nov 6. The former Massachusetts governor must prepare to put his imprint on the Republican National Committee and figure out how to achieve unity with a conservative base that has resisted his candidacy. In the general election, party loyalists will be counted on to raise money and get out the vote. “I do think the Romney team is thinking about how they put in place their fall campaign,” said Terry Nelson, a former top aide to President George W. Bush. “But they clearly have some contests to get through, so they won’t be able to turn their eyes entirely to that.” There’s little question that Romney will clinch the nomination in June, if not before. He has a wide lead in the race for the 1,144 delegates required to secure the GOP nomination. But chief rival Rick Santorum says he’ll press on at least through the end of the month. Pennsylvania, the state he represented first in the House and then in the Senate, votes on April 24, along with Connecticut, Delaware, New York and Rhode Island.

In hopes of convincing Republicans it’s time to rally behind Romney, leading Republicans such as Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin have endorsed him recently; both are viewed as potential running mates. On Wednesday, Rhode Island Gov. Don Carcieri said he would back Romney and Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad

may announce his support soon. Romney is sounding more like a general election candidate each day. “It isn’t about one person or about even one party,” he said Thursday.

“We’re Republicans and Democrats in this campaign, but we’re all connected with one destiny for America.” After his weekend break for the Easter holiday, Romney is expected to plunge back into fundraising in New York and South Florida. That’s none too soon for Republicans, given Obama’s fundraising advantage.

“Ultimately, the thing we have to focus on is getting the general election money raised,” said Brian Ballard of Florida, one of Romney’s top fundraisers. Obama, without a Democratic challenger, has been free to raise money strictly for the general election. He’s so far raised more than $300 million for his reelection campaign and the Democratic National Committee. Romney can’t raise cash for the

Republicans until he clinches the nomination, but he’s brought in more than $75 million for his campaign. Romney aides said solicitations for general election donations were starting to go out. Obama showed his fundraising clout recently by spending about $1.4 million on TV ads in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Nevada and Virginia that criticize Romney. An outside group that supports Obama also is running ads attacking Romney in those states, as well as in Michigan and New Mexico.

Illustrating the disparity, Romney’s team responded to the Obama ad with a statement promoting an Internet attack video. It’s not just money where Romney lags. The president’s re-election team has opened offices and assembled teams of workers in Ohio, Florida and other critical states. The campaign has mapped out the combination of states it will compete in as it works to reach the 270 electoral votes needed for victory. — AP

TAMPA: In this file photo Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney talks to reporters on his campaign plane en route from Tampa, Florida to Minnesota and Nevada. Romney faces a daunting to-do list as he transitions into the role of likely Republican presidential nominee: raise more money, hire more people to work states critical in the fall race, hone his message for broad-spectrum appeal, while fending off GOP challengers who refuse to quit, thinking about a running mate, and refining a strategy to win the 270 electoral votes needed for the White House. — AP

11

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

i n t e r n at i o n a l

Pakistan avalanche highlights ‘futile’ war Little hope that any soldiers will survive

ALLAHABAD: Indian farmers carry their produce to the market along the Ganges River, in Allahabad, India, yesterday. —AP

Mali waits for junta to stand down after president resigns BAMAKO: Mali waited anxiously yesterday to see if the military junta that seized power on March 22 would restore democracy after the toppled president formally resigned, meeting the putchists’ key demand. Amadou Toumani Toure’s resignation puts the ball in the coup leaders’ court, after they reached a transition deal with regional mediators promising to hand power to a transitional government once the deposed president formally quit.

Looking weary and thin in his first public appearance since the coup, Toure said Sunday he had not been pressured to resign, but said he felt it best to submit his resignation to the mediation team from West African bloc ECOWAS. “More than anything, I do it out of the love I have for my country,” he said in TV images of a meeting with the chief mediator, Burkina Faso Foreign Minister Djibril Bassole. Under the deal, the junta is now supposed to hand power to a civilian government led by speaker of parliament Dioncounda Traore, who will be tasked with organising elections-if possible within 40 days, according to the agreement. The deal also calls for the Economic Community of West African States to lift its sanctions on Mali and gives amnesty to those involved in the coup. Traore’s government will take over a country mired in chaos.

Although the coup leaders justified their actions saying Toure was not doing enough to fight the northern rebellion, Islamist and Tuareg fighters took advantage of the power-grab to seize roughly

half the country, including the fabled city of Timbuktu. Tuareg fighters on Friday declared an independent state called Azawad, but the secession was rejected by the international community and even their former allies, the Islamist militia.

Underlining the chaos in the north, a splinter group of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Al-Qaeda’s north African branch, claimed responsibility Sunday for the abduction of seven Algerian diplomats taken Thursday from their consulate in Gao. A spokesman for the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa told AFP the group would be “making its demands known”. Islamists now hold 20 hostages in the Sahel region.

From Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore, who played a key role in regional mediation efforts, hailed the transition deal as a first step in restoring order. The international community now needed to concentrate on two key issues, he said. “It’s the return to constitutional order on one hand, and on the other, it is the preservation of Mali’s territorial integrity,” said Compaore. “We have been able to make progress on the first, and we have in days to come to engage on the second.” Traore, who flew into Mali from Burkina Faso on Saturday, said the country needed the army to recover all its territory. UN Secretary General Ban Kimoon urged quick implementation of the transitional accord, and Mali’s neighbours Mauritania, Algeria and Niger called for the immediate transfer of power. —AFP

ISLAMABAD: An avalanche that buried more than 120 soldiers in a Himalayan region close to India has put a spotlight on what critics say is one of world’s most pointless military deployments: two povertywracked nations engaged in a costly standoff over an uninhabitable patch of mountain and ice. Since Saturday morning when the massive wall of snow engulfed a Pakistani military complex close to the Siachen Glacier, rescue teams have been unable to dig up any survivors. There is now very little hope that even a small number of people will come out alive.

A team of US military experts was expected to arrive at the site yesterday to assist in the rescue efforts, according to an American official. The team flew in from Afghanistan after the Pakistani army asked for help, the official said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media. The US military helped Pakistan after the 2005 Kashmir earthquake and floods in 2010, ventures that Washington used to bolster efforts to strengthen its ties with Islamabad, vital in the fight against al-Qaida. The current mission is far smaller, and comes amid a near-breakdown in relations between the two countries.

Switzerland and Germany are also sending small teams of experts to help, said the Pakistani army.

The missing soldiers are part of the Pakistani military deployment to the Siachen Glacier, which forms the northern part of Kashmir region, disputed between Islamabad and India and the main source of tension between the nuclear-armed rivals who have fought three wars since 1947. The conflict over Siachen began in 1984 when India occupied the heights of the 78-kilometer (49-mile) long glacier, fearing Pakistan wanted to claim the territory. Islamabad also deployed its troops. A 2003 ceasefire largely ended skirmishes on the glacier, where troops have been

Indian court convicts 23 for Gujarat murders

NEW DELHI: Foreign tourists are reflected in a mirror at a handicrafts shop in the Paharganj market, New Delhi yesterday. An Indian businessman has been arrested in connection with the murder of a French woman in a New Delhi guesthouse located in a rundown district popular with backpackers, police said. —AFP

Delhi police arrest suspect in French tourist murder NEW DELHI: Police arrested an Indian businessman in connection with the murder of a French woman in a New Delhi guesthouse located in a rundown district popular with backpackers, an official said yesterday. The body of the 34-year-old woman had been found in an advanced state of decomposition last week in Paharganj, a favourite haunt of budget travellers near the capital’s main train station.

Police official Devesh Chandra Srivastava told AFP the suspect had booked the guesthouse room in which the victim’s body had been discovered. He was the owner of a handicrafts shop in the area and had apparently fled before being arrested by

police Sunday in Srinagar, the summer capital of I ndian Kashmir, Srivastava said. “ We have yet to interrogate him properly,” he added.

The victim has not been formally identified, but the Times of India quoted her sister as saying she was a schoolteacher who had arrived in I ndia on March 19. The cause of death has also to be confirmed, although several media reports suggest she was strangled. New Delhi is widely perceived as an unsafe city for women with official data showing that among the 35 biggest cities in the country, it has the largest numbers of crime cases against women. —AFP

ANAND: An Indian court convicted 23 people yesterday over the massacre of nearly two-dozen Muslims during religious rioting in Gujarat state in 2002 that left more than 2,000 dead. Another 23 people were acquitted for lack of evidence in the case, in which rioters in the small Gujarati village of Ode bolted the doors of a house where Muslim families had taken refuge and then set it on fire.

Of the 23 who died in what became known as the “Ode massacre”, 18 were women. The violence in Gujarat was triggered by the killing of nearly 60 Hindu pilgrims travelling in a train that was torched by a mob.

Some 31 Muslims were found guilty last year on murder and conspiracy charges for the train attack that sparked an anti-Muslim backlash. Hindu mobs hungry for revenge rampaged through Muslim neighbourhoods in several cities across Gujarat during three days of bloodshed that witnessed some of India’s worst religious violence since independence from Britain in 1947.

More than 2,000 people, most of them Muslims, were hacked, beaten or burned to death.

Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi-a prominent member of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party-was blamed for failing to stop the riots, with some critics arguing that he actively encouraged the violence. The Ode massacre was one of several cases probed by a Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team. The charges included murder, conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly, attempted murder and destruction of evidence. —AFP

Six killed in Pakistan checkpost raid: Officials PESHAWAR: Around 20 militants attacked a military checkpost in Pakistan’s restive northwest, sparking a clash that left two soldiers and four militants dead, an official said yesterday. The attack in part of the tribal badlands near the Afghan border was beaten off when troops responded with artillery and heavy weapons, a senior paramilitary Frontier Corps (FC) official told AFP. The area is cut off to journalists and aid workers and it was not possible to confirm the death toll independently. “More than 20 militants attacked a Frontier Corps check post in Khapiyanga area of Lower Kurram tribal region on Sunday night, which triggered a fire fight, killing two soldiers and four rebels,” the FC spokesman

said. “Four troops were also injured in the clash which continued for around 40 minutes.”

“The militants came by foot from the nearby mountains,” the official said on the condition of anonymity.

“When the troops responded, they ran away with four dead bodies of their colleagues. We don’t know how many of the militants got injured.” Kurram is one of seven districts in Pakistan’s semi-autonomous tribal belt, where Taleban and Al-Qaeda-linked militants have carved out strongholds used to plot attacks on Pakistani, Afghan and Western targets. Washington has called the tribal belt the most dangerous place on Earth and the global headquarters of Al-Qaeda. —AFP

deployed as high as 6,000 meters (20,000 feet), but both armies remained camped out there.

Neither side releases information on troop numbers in the region, but they are believed to be in the hundreds or low thousands.

Of all the problems plaguing the two countries, Siachen is often described as one of the easiest to

dying and my heart bleeds for them, but it’s for nothing.”

Temperatures as low as -600 C (-760 F), vicious winds and altitude sickness - the region is just east of the world’s second-highest peak, K-2 - have killed far more than the artillery fire.

Casualty figures are not released by either military, but hundreds are believed to have died there. The ava-

army spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas told a local television station late Sunday.

The frontier in Siachen has never been demarcated. When the Line of Control that divides Kashmir was set by the two countries after a 1971 war, it didn’t extend to the northern glacier because it was considered unin-

SIACHEN: In this photo released by Inter Services Public Relations, Pakistan’s army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, center, gestures during his visit to avalanche incident site in Siachen, in northern Pakistan. Rescue workers used bulldozers Sunday to dig through huge banks of snow following a massive avalanche a day earlier that engulfed a military complex and buried at least 135 people, most of them soldiers, in a mountain battleground close to the Indian border. —AP solve but it is hostage to general mistrust and hard-liners on both sides who don’t want to give up their claim on territory, however strategically insignificant. “ This absolutely futile, useless fiasco has been going on since 1984,” said Pakistan-India peace activist Tahira Abdullah. “It is a one-hour job to agree on a solution, but it is now an ego problem between the two armies. Both armies should pull back from the heights. Soldiers are

lanche plowed into the headquarters at Gayari sector, which is at the entrance to the glacier, and buried the complex under more than 20 meters (70 feet) of snow. The military says at least 124 soldiers from the 6th Northern Light Infantry Battalion and 11 civilian contractors had been buried. Publicly, the army has held out hope of survivors. “Miracles have been seen and trapped people were rescued after days ... so the nation shall pray for the trapped soldiers,”

habitable. On Sunday, President Asif Ali Zardari held talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in India, the first time the two leaders have met in three years. The issue of Siachen was raised in the 40-minute meeting, according to Indian Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai. Analysts say resolving Siachen should be possible before the much more difficult dispute over Kashmir is attempted. —AP

12

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

i n t e r n at i o n a l

North Korea rocket in position at launch pad Philippine Airlines changing flight paths to avoid rocket

ACEH BESAR: Acehnese man and woman cast their ballots at a voting station during a local election in Aceh Besar, Aceh province, Indonesia, yesterday. —AP

Polls in Indonesia’s Aceh province test peace deal BANDA ACEH: Indonesians in the archipelago’s westernmost province of Aceh voted for a new governor yesterday, testing the strength of a peace deal signed by separatist rebels and the government after the 2004 tsunami. Five candidates, including incumbent Irwandi Yusuf, were up for the top job. More than a dozen others ran for district chiefs and mayoral posts. Official results will be announced next week. Aceh is the only region in the nation of 240 million ruled by Islamic law, sparking debate ahead of the poll as to how strictly it should be enforced. But on the forefront of most voters’ minds was peace, stability and ways to ensure continued economic growth after the tsunami helped speed an end to a 30year civil war.

“I don’t care who wins,” said Teuku Sayed Azhar, a farmer who lost his brother and dozens of friends and neighbors in the war that claimed more than 15,000 lives. “As long as they make sure Aceh doesn’t fall into that dark hole again.

“Nowadays I can go into my field anytime, day or night,” he said. “That’s what matters most ... that our lives can continue to improve. “ This is the second election in the province since a 9.0 magnitude quake triggered a tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations - three quarters of them in Aceh alone.

Saying they didn’t want to add to people’s suffering, both rebels and the army agreed to lay down their arms. However,

tensions have flared anew in recent months, mostly between past and former members of the Free Aceh Movement, or GAM, sometimes erupting in violence. Yusuf, a former separatist who shocked the world by winning the governorship in 2006, is running as an independent. His main challenger is Zaini Abdullah, backed by many former GAM members.

Each side has accused the other of intimidation. “I will accept the result, whoever wins,” said Yusuf. “As long as the election is free and fair ... that’s how it should be in a democracy.” The election is being closely watched in part because Aceh’s success in integrating former rebels into the political landscape is seen as a potential model for war torn countries. The province with more than 4 million people was also one of the biggest recipients of international aid, with billions of dollars arriving after the tsunami.

Much more work still needs to be done to rebuild, however, and stability is key.

Eka Putra Herlambang, waiting with his wife to cast his ballot in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh, said what he wanted most was “peace and development.”

Andiyan, a housewife, nodded. She would like to see Islamic law - one of the concessions made by the government as part of the deal to end the fighting more strictly enforced. “But yes,” she said.

“Most important is peace.” —AP

TOKYO: Japan’s Economy and Industry Minister Yukio Edano, right, listens to Kansai Electric Power Co. President Makoto Yagi during their meeting at Edano’s office in Tokyo yesterday. The Japanese utility was seeking government approval to restart two nuclear reactors in western Japan, though some of the key safety requirements will not be ready for several years. —AP

Japanese utility submits safety upgrade plans TOKYO: A Japanese utility sought government approval yesterday to restart two nuclear reactors even though some key upgrades to prevent another nuclear crisis will take three years. All but one of Japan’s 54 reactors are offline for regular safety checks, and the last will be shut down in May. Residents fear another disaster like the Fukushima crisis, but Japan faces a severe power shortage if reactors are not restarted.

The government issued new safety guidelines to address residents’ worries, but it gave no deadline for when the improvements must be finished. Utility officials say the full upgrades will take three years. Kansai Electric Power Co. submitted its safety plans for two reactors at the Ohi plant in Fukui prefecture, and the government’s final decision on whether to restart the reactors is reportedly expected later this week. “We’ll aim to achieve the world’s top-class safety at our plants,” said Kansai Electric President Makoto Yagi as he handed the safety improvement roadmap to Economy and Industry Minister Yukio Edano.

However, more than one third of the necessary upgrades on the list are still incomplete, utility officials said. Filtered vents that could substantially reduce radiation leaks in case of an accident threatening an explosion, a radiationfree crisis management building, and fences to block debris washed up by a tsunami won’t be ready until 2015. This means the plant, as well as plant workers and residents, won’t be fully protected from radiation leaks if a Fukushima-level accident occurs while the measures are being taken. Currently, the crisis management headquarters at the Ohi plant is in the basement, which would be flooded in case of a major tsunami, Kansai

Electric officials said. The plant is relocating the function to a room next to the control room for the two reactors.

The Fukushima Dai-ichi completed a similar building at a slightly elevated area on the complex just a year before the disasters - though it was meant for quakes. It was the key crisis management center after surviving the March 11, 2011, tsunami that washed into the plant, destroying the plant’s power and cooling systems, causing three reactor cores to melt. Plant officials have said the building was key to their survival. None of Japan’s 54 nuclear reactors are equipped with filtered vents, although their operators are moving to install them in coming years. “The operators are expected to take initiative to improve safety and reliability, and never dwell on the safety myth,” Edano told Yagi, urging the utility to expedite the process.

Ohi town mayor Shinobu Tokioka called the roadmap a “step forward,” but urged the central government and nuclear regulators to carefully review the reactors’ safety. The startup guidelines are based on recommendations adopted last month by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. The most crucial measures to secure cooling functions and prevent meltdowns as in Fukushima were incorporated in the government’s guidelines, but the rest were not. Some experts said resumption without these key protections would leave the plant vulnerable. Tadahiro Katsuta, a Meiji University associate professor who was on a government panel that produced nuclear safety recommendations, said the upgrades completed are “mostly quickfix measures,” and that more important ones, such as a crisis management centre, have been put off. —AP

TONGCHANG-RI: North Korean space officials have moved all three stages of a long-range rocket into position for a controversial launch, vowing to push ahead with their plan in defiance of international warnings against violating a ban on missile activity. The Associated Press was among foreign news agencies allowed a firsthand look Sunday at preparations under way at the coastal Sohae Satellite Station in north-western North Korea.

North Korea announced plans last month to launch an observation satellite using a three-stage rocket during mid-April celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung. The US, Japan, Britain and other nations have urged North Korea to cancel the launch, warning that firing the long-range rocket would violate UN resolutions and North Korea’s promise to refrain from engaging in nuclear and missile activity.

North Korea maintains that the launch is a scientific achievement intended to improve the nation’s faltering economy by providing detailed surveys of the countryside. “Our country has the right and also the obligation to develop satellites and launching vehicles,” Jang Myong Jin, general manager of the launch facility, said during a tour, citing the UN space treaty.

“No matter what others say, we are doing this for peaceful purposes.” Experts say the Unha-3 rocket slated for liftoff between April 12 and 16 could also test long-range missile technology that might be used to strike the US and other targets. Unha means galaxy in English.

North Korea has tested two atomic devices, but is not believed to have mastered the technology needed to mount a warhead on a long-range missile. On Sunday, reporters were taken by train past desolate fields and sleepy farming hamlets to North Korea’s new launch pad in Tongchang-ri in North Phyongan province, about 50 kilometres (35 miles) south of the border town of Sinuiju along North Korea’s west coast. All three stages of the 91-ton rocket, emblazoned with the North Korean flag and “Unha-3,” were visibly in position at the towering launch pad, and fuelling will begin soon, Jang said. He said preparations were well on track for liftoff and that international space, aviation and maritime authorities had been advised of the plan, but did

not provide exact details on the timing of the fuelling or the mounting of the satellite.

Engineers gave reporters a peek at the 100-kilogram (220-pound) Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite due to be mounted on the rocket, as well as a tour of the command centre. About two weeks before North Korea unveiled its rocket plan, Washington announced an agreement with the North to provide it with much-needed food aid in exchange for a freeze on nuclear

warned would be considered a declaration of war. The launch is scheduled to take place three years after North Korea’s last announced attempt to send a satellite into space, a liftoff condemned by the UN Security Council. North Korea walked away from nuclear disarmament negotiations in protest, and conducted an atomic test weeks later that drew tightened UN sanctions. It is meant to show that North Korea has become a pow-

as well as surveys of North Korea’s natural resources, Jang said. He said a western launch was chosen to avoid showering neighbouring nations with debris.

He said two previous satellites also named Kwangmyongsong, or Bright Shining Star, were experimental, but the third will be operational. However, Brian Weeden, a technical adviser at Secure World Foundation who is a former Air Force officer at the US Space Command, questioned

TONGCHANG-RI: North Korea’s Unha-3 rocket, slated for liftoff between April 12-16, stands at Sohae Satellite Station in Tongchang-ri, North Korea on Sunday April 8, 2012. North Korean space officials have moved a long-range rocket into position for this week’s controversial satellite launch, vowing Sunday to push ahead with their plans in defiance of international warnings against violating a ban on missile activity. —AP activity, including a moratorium on long-range missile tests. Plans to send food aid, as well as a recently revived project to conduct joint searches for the remains of US military personnel killed during the Korean War, have now been suspended. Jang denied the launch was a cover for a missile test, saying the relatively diminutive rocket and fixed Sohae station would be “useless” for sending a mobile intercontinental ballistic missile.

“During the recent senior-level North Korea-US talks, our side made clear there’s only a moratorium on long-range missile launches, not on satellite launches,” he said. “ The US was well aware of this.” Japan and South Korea, meanwhile, said they are prepared to shoot down any parts of the rocket that threaten to fall in their territory - a move North Korea’s Foreign Ministry

China pressures Japan to stop exiled Uighur meeting BEIJING: China urged Japan yesterday not to allow an exiled Uighur group to hold a major conference in Tokyo next month, saying the organisation seeks to damage Chinese sovereignty. China has blamed violence in its restive far western region of Xinjiang, home to the Turkic language-speaking Muslim Uighur people, on Islamic separatists who want to establish an independent state of East Turkestan. The Germany-based World Uyghur Congress plans to hold its general assembly from May 14-17 in Tokyo with the opening ceremony to take place in Japan’s parliament, according to a statement on its website.

The group says around 100 Uighur delegates will attend, as well as unnamed Japanese politicians. “We believe this organisation harms China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are engaged in activities that harm China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They engage in separatist activities to split China,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Weimin said. “We have already made representations to Japan regarding this situation. We hope Japan can adopt practical measures to prohibit this organisation from using Japanese soil to engage in activities to split China,” he told a daily news briefing.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment.

The World Uyghur Congress says it seeks to promote the right of Uighurs to use peaceful, democratic means to decide the future of Xinjiang. Exiled Uighur groups and human rights activists say China overstates the threat posed by militants in energy-rich Xinjiang, which sits astride south and central Asia.

The Uighur people account for just over 40 percent of the region’s 21 million population. Many chafe at government controls on their culture and religion.

China has reacted with anger before at events overseas it views as supporting the exiled Uighur community, and has exerted diplomatic pressure to prevent the movement of its leaders. In 2009, South Korea stopped the World Uyghur Congress’ general secretary Dolkun Isa-a German citizen-from entering the country to attend a forum on democracy, saying he was on a blacklist. While economic and business links are close, political relations between Beijing and Tokyo have been strained by what Beijing says has been Tokyo’s refusal to admit to atrocities committed

by Japanese soldiers in the country between 1931 and 1945. —Reuters

erful, prosperous nation, celebrate the centenary of founder Kim Il Sung’s birth, and usher in a new era under his grandson, Kim Jong Un, said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies at Seoul’s Dongguk University.

“North Korea needs to show some tangible achievements to its people to solidify Kim Jong Un’s leadership,” he said. “North Korea intends to provide its people with a sense of pride.” Kim Jong Un took power following the December death of his father, long-time` leader Kim Jong Il, and is expected to assume more top posts during high-profile political and parliamentary meetings later this week - a step analysts say will formally complete the country’s second hereditary power transfer.

The satellite is designed to send back images and information that will be used for weather forecasts

whether North Korea truly has the technology to successfully send a satellite into orbit. “The end goal is to test and develop their ballistic missile program and show their people and the world that they are strong,” Weeden said from Washington.

Meanwhile, Philippine Airlines says it will change the flight paths of several planes to avoid the rocket. The Philippine flagcarrier said yesterday that a dozen of its flights from the United States, Japan and South Korea will fly safely away from the rocket’s possible path to protect its passengers. The airline says there are no plans to cancel any flights. Philippine officials have declared a no-fly zone and urged ships and fishing boats to avoid north-eastern territorial waters where rocket debris may fall.

S Korea police chief quits over bungled murder case SEOUL: South Korea’s police chief resigned yesterday following public fury at a bungled case in which a woman was raped and murdered after frantically calling police for help. National Police Agency chief Cho Hyun-Oh said he would step down to “take all responsibility... for unpardonable carelessness” by the police and asked the victim’s family for forgiveness.

“I express my deepest regret at the police’s negligence which had such a horrendous result and attempts to cover it up with lies,” Cho told a press conference. The dismembered body of the 28year-old woman was found on April 2 in the city of Suwon, south of Seoul, about 13 hours after she had called the police emergency number from her home to report a rape attempt. She gave police a detailed location for her home before the intruder broke into her room on the

evening of April 1. The phone line remained open for five more minutes, with the victim heard screaming in pain and begging for her life.

Police yesterday morning found the killer, a 42-year-old Korean-Chinese immigrant worker, putting the victim’s body parts into trash bags after dismembering the body at his home nearby. Police admitted miscommunication between the emergency call centre and officers on duty as well as bureaucratic shortcomings, which led them to search the wrong area for hours. They also admitted giving the media an exaggerated number of officers sent to check the neighbourhood after the case started to make headlines.

Cho vowed to help family members get proper state compensation. President Lee Myung-Bak will accept Cho’s resignation, according to an aide quoted by Yonhap news agency. —AFP

Asylum seekers refuse to leave ship in Indonesia MERAK: Indonesian police and immigration officials were trying yesterday to convince 120 Australia-bound asylum seekers to disembark from a tanker that rescued them from their sinking boat, police said. The ship sailing from Australia to Singapore picked up the asylum seekers, all believed to be men from Afghanistan and Iran, in Indonesian waters Sunday, said Banten province maritime police chief Budi Hermawan. An AFP reporter saw some of the asylum seekers weeping and screaming hysterically as Indonesian officials boarded the vessel docked in the port of Merak in western Java. “We do not want to get down here. We all want to go to Australia,” one man shouted in English.

Another began kicking, crying and screaming as police tried to pull him off the Singaporeregistered MT Hermia by the arms. “The men are refusing to get off the boat. The police, immigration and the International Organization for Migration are trying to negotiate with them to get them off,” Hermawan said. Police were

seen detaining four men of Indonesian appearance, believed to be the crew of the sinking boat. About 100 other police stood by, ready to escort the asylum seekers onto buses, while dozens of officials tried to speak with the men.

Hermawan said authorities had organised accommodation at a nearby hotel for the men, should they disembark. National immigration spokesman Maryoto Sumadi said he believed the men were from Afghanistan and Iran. “But we are not sure because we haven’t been able to do the identification process,” he said. The vessel is docked at Merak, where in 2009 scores of Australia-bound Sri Lankan asylum seekers refused to get off a boat in a six-month standoff with Indonesian authorities.

Indonesia has long been a transit country for illegal migration to Australia. In December, a boat carrying around 250 mostly Afghan and Iranian asylum seekers sank in Indonesian waters en route to Australia’s Christmas Island, with only 47 surviving. —AFP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

NEWS

Raging clashes ahead of Syria pullout deadline

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani takes pictures with his iPhone as Indian Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalid bin Mohammad AlAttiyah exchange documents of an exchange program between the governments of India and Qatar on cooperation in the field of education during a signing ceremony in New Delhi yesterday. Sheikh Hamad is on a three-day state visit to India. — AFP

MIDAIR PRAYERS PROBLEM SOLVED Continued from Page 1 founder of a website that provides information on the global halal, or Islam-compliant, industry. “But lately I have been thinking that it is probably better to do them in the air than make them up on arrival,” he told AFP. The problem may be solved for travellers such as Evans thanks to an innovation called the Air Travel Prayer Time Calculator, developed by Singapore-based Crescentrating, a firm that gives halal ratings to hotels and other travel-related establishments. Launched earlier this month, the online tool takes data such as prayer times in the country of origin, the destination city and in countries on the flight path and uses an algorithm to plot exact prayer hours during a flight.

Current programs only allow Muslims to find their prayer hours according to their position on land, and the absence of any tools that can be used to calculate during a flight has compromised many travellers. “I knew there was lot of frustration among the travellers on this issue, but nobody had really attempted to solve it,” Crescentrating chief executive Fazal Bahardeen told AFP in an interview.

Before embarking on a trip, a Muslim traveller can now go to the online calculator in the Crescentrating website and input their departure airport, time of flight and destination. The calculator then comes up with the prayer times set either in the local time of the airport of origin, the destination city or the country that the aircraft is flying over, which the traveller can then email to themselves to access later.

Fazal said his team plans to develop a mobile app

that will also point users in the direction of the Islamic holy city of Makkah, to which Muslims must face when they pray, based on the flight path. Muslim travellers have welcomed the tool. “It’s good for long-haul travelling,” said Shiraz Sideek, a vice president at the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank who travels almost a dozen times a year. “When you cross different times zones in an airplane, you have a problem of timing when to pray,” he told AFP from Abu Dhabi. “The application sounds like a very unique thing and very useful.”

Indonesian airline industry executive Sabry Salahudeen agrees that there is a potentially big market for the new tool. “I’ve been in the airline industry for the past 20 plus years... To my knowledge I don’t think anyone has come up with anything like this,” said Salahudeen, vice president for airport operations and aircraft procurement at Pacific Royale Airways, a soonto-be-launched premium airline in Indonesia.

As more Muslims travel around the world, services catering to their needs are expanding, industry players say. In 2010, Muslim travellers spent $100 billion, or about 10 percent of total global travel expenditures, according to Crescentrating’s Fazal. This is projected to increase to 14-15 percent of the global total by 2020.

The World Tourism Organization last year estimated that an additional two million Arabs will travel overseas within the next twenty years, raising their region’s total of outbound tourists to 37 million. While it is still early days for the Air Travel Prayer Time Calculator, potential customers say mobility is important. “If it becomes a smartphone app .. it could prove to be a popular idea,” said Evans. — AFP

Bahraini hunger striker feared dead, govt...

Continued from Page 1 his deteriorating health which has reached a dangerous stage”. Demonstrations in solidarity with Khawaja have multiplied across the tiny kingdom where youth groups organise almost daily evening protests in Shiite villages.

Bahrain’s national airline Gulf Air said its page on a social network website was hacked early yesterday.

Social media posts claimed that the carrier’s logo was replaced by an image of Khawaja. The page was back a few hours later. Police also used tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators who gathered in the Sanabis district of Manama to demand Khawaja’s release, witnesses said. They made three arrests, the witnesses added.

Denmark has asked Bahrain to send Khawaja, who is also a Danish citizen, to the Scandinavian country.

Bahrain’s official news agency BNA reported on Sunday that Manama had rejected the request. But Danish papers quoted the head of the foreign ministry’s consular service, Ole Engberg Mikkelsen, as saying that “a (formal) reply will come through diplomatic channels and not via a news agency or Twitter.”

Mikkelsen said he did not know when Manama would reply officially. “Unfortunately there is not much time. It is a case where the clock is ticking,” he said. “We are continuing our efforts to convince Bahrain that it is in everyone’s interest that he be extradited.” Front Line Defenders, a Dublin-based NGO, warned that Khawaja could now die in jail, while Al-Wefaq has said refusing a transfer to Denmark amounted to having “signed his death” sentence.

Separately, Bahrain’s Shiite opposition raised the pressure yesterday on Grand Prix organisers to cancel the ritzy Formula One show for a second year in a row. The youth group of the “Revolution of February 14” called for “three days of anger” in the Gulf kingdom from April 20 to 22, and also launched a campaign on Twitter to prevent the race which is scheduled for April 22. “It is unlikely that the race will be held if Abdel Hadi Khawaja or Hassan Mashaima is harmed,” Khalil Al-Marzuk, a leader of Al-Wefaq, which does not endorse cancelling the race, told AFP. Mashaima, head of the radical Shiite opposition movement Haq and like Khawaja serving a life sentence for allegedly plotting against the monarchy, has cancer. The opposition accuses the authorities of preventing him being treated.

The government, keen to host the event, has offered repeated assurances that the race would be held safely, after it was cancelled last year because of opposition protests. Last year’s event was called off in the wake of a mid-March crackdown on the protests demanding democratic reforms that would challenge the power of the

Sunni Al-Khalifa ruling dynasty. Protests led by the country’s majority Shiites began on Feb 14, 2011 in the wake of the Arab Spring. But their movement was put down a month later by the government with strong support from other Gulf states, led by Saudi Arabia. There are fears that new violence could erupt if Khawaja dies in custody.

Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone has insisted that an outbreak of fresh violence will not affect this year’s race, and motor racing chiefs said they were in “daily contact with the highest authorities” in Bahrain.

“The FIA is the guarantor of race security and in each country counts on local authorities to guarantee this security,” the FIA said on Friday. “On this point, we have been regularly assured by the highest authorities in Bahrain that all the security challenges are under control.”

The Sakhir circuit’s boss, Sheikh Salman bin Isa AlKhalifa, have an assurance of safety for participants, adding on BBC Radio 4 that “the country has suffered, the economy suffered. All that happened is very sad but we cannot go back and rewrite history. We must learn from them and forge ahead”. Formula One teams are reluctant to race in Bahrain, according to two British newspapers yesterday, amid mounting concerns about human rights abuses and Khawaja’s fate.

Hundreds of F1 engineers, mechanics and catering staff have been issued with two return tickets from Sunday’s grand prix in China - one for Bahrain and one for Europe and home if the race is cancelled, The Times said, without quoting sources. Bahraini security forces have strengthened their deployment and witnesses say surveillance cameras have been installed in Manama and outside Shiite villages. The Sakhir circuit, south of the capital Manama, is near villages where Shiites have held near daily anti-government protests.

“The demonstrations directed at F1 will escalate sharply if Khawaja dies, increasing the risk of deadly clashes with security forces,” warned Human Rights Watch’s Joe Stork, deputy director for Middle East and North Africa. The New-York based HRW has not called for the race to be cancelled, but Stork added that the situation was deadlocked since the crushing of the uprising last year. “There have been no political concessions (from the authorities) and very little implementation of the key recommendations” of an independent commission investigating the suppression of the dissent, he said. Front Line Defenders also warned on Sunday about the risk to his health. “It is impossible to imagine that the Bahrain Grand Prix will go ahead if Abdel Hadi Al-Khawaja dies on hunger strike in prison,” said the organisation’s executive director, Mary Lawlor, in a statement. — Agencies

DAMASCUS: Raging clashes in Syria yesterday threatened a UN deadline for President Bashar Al-Assad’s government to pull its troops and armour out of protest hubs after Damascus set conditions rejected by rebels.

Tensions also rose with Syria’s neighbours after cross-border shootings killed a cameraman in Lebanon and wounded three people in Turkey.

Under a peace deal brokered by UN and Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, Syria’s armed forces are supposed to withdraw from protest centres early today, with a complete end to fighting 48 hours later.

But the truce already appears in jeopardy after Damascus said it would keep its side of the bargain only if rebels gave written guarantees they would stop fighting, a demand rejected by rebel army chief Colonel Riyadh Al-Asaad. More than 100 people were killed yesterday, including 12 soldiers, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said after weekend violence claimed almost 180 lives, most of them civilians. The Britain-based monitoring group also said Syrian helicopters attacked the village of Kfar Zeita in Hama province as regular forces clashed on the ground with rebels.

At least 35 civilians were killed in regime bombardment of the village of Latamna in the province, the Observatory said. “The regime had thought that it would control all areas (April 10). As this is not happening, it is procrastinating to gain time,” said Observatory chief Rami Abdel Rahman. “If the Annan plan does not work, no other plan would, and Syria would plunge into a civil war.”

On the northern border, shots fired from inside Syria wounded two Syrians and a Turkish translator in the first case of Syrian fire hitting people on Turkish soil. The United States said it was “absolutely outraged”. “ We strongly condemn any attack by the Syrian regime on refugees in bordering countries. We are absolutely outraged by today ’s report,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland told reporters. The incident on the eve of a visit by Annan to refugee camps - prompted Turkey’s foreign ministry to tell Syria’s mission in Ankara to “immediately halt the shooting”, a diplomatic source said.

Some 25,000 Syrian refugees are currently in camps in Turkey’s three provinces bordering Syria, after they fled the deadly year-long crackdown.

Milliyet newspaper reported yesterday that Ankara would consider using troops to secure humanitarian corridors in border areas if refugee numbers rose above 50,000. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whose

An image grab from video footage uploaded on YouTube Sunday shows images leaked from a Shabiha pro-regime militiaman showing his comrades kicking and stepping on the mutilated bodies of four opposition activists they killed in the town of Inkhel in the restive province of Daraa near Syria’s southern border with Jordan. — AFP government is dominated by proSyrian parties, condemned yesterday’s death of Lebanese television cameraman Ali Shaaban, who was killed inside Lebanese territory by Syrian gunfire.

Chinese foreign ministr y spokesman Liu Weimin, meanwhile, urged Damascus to honour its commitments. “China urges the Syrian government and parties concerned in Syria to seize the important opportunities, to honour their commitment of ceasefire and withdrawal of troops,” Liu said. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem was due today to meet Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. Syrian ally Russia, along with Beijing, has blocked two UN Security Council draft resolutions condemning Damascus for its bloody crackdown.

On Sunday, the Syrian foreign ministry outlined the regime’s new condi-

tions. “To say that Syria will pull back its forces from towns on April 10 is inaccurate, Kofi Annan having not yet presented written guarantees on the acceptance by armed terrorist groups of a halt to all violence,” it said. It said the regime was also awaiting written guarantees from the governments of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey “on stopping their funding to terrorist groups,” referring to the regime’s key regional critics.

Rebel army chief Colonel Asaad countered: “We are committed to the Annan plan... We will present our guarantees and our commitments to the international community, but not to this (Syrian) regime.” Free Syrian Army spokesman Colonel Kassem Saadeddine yesterday reiterated the FSA’s readiness to cease fire today “if the regime commits to respecting the terms of the (UN) plan.” — AFP

Arab sumo wrestler chases glory in Japan Continued from Page 1 brushing aside the challenges presented by the holy month of Ramadan when he cannot eat or drink during daylight hours. Regular sumo tournaments are held in the afternoon. “I am confident that I can overcome my challenges,” the burly wrestler told Japanese media last month after winning his first two professional-level matches at a tournament in the western city of Osaka.

Shaalan, a native of Giza, which is home to Egypt’s pyramids, insisted he was able to train for at least four hours in the daytime during the Islamic celebration. “I want to become a wrestler who represents Arab and African nations.... My dream is to become a yokozuna,” said the Egyptian, who stands at 189 cm and weighs 145 kg. He did, however, concede: “I am a little bit worried. But no problem.”

Japan’s sumo association could not say whether the Great Sandstorm is the sport’s first Muslim competitor.

There have been unconfirmed reports of Muslim sumo wrestlers in the past. His coach, a former wrestler known as Otake, has promised he’ll keep his new recruit in top shape, even changing the recipe for a meat, vegetable and fish stew known as Chankonabe which wrestlers devour on a daily basis. “When we serve pork cutlet, we prepare chicken cutlet for him.

When we use pork for Chankonabe, we let him eat something else,” the coach said. “But I want him to get used to the customs and traditions of the sumo world otherwise.”

Shaalan’s coach is most concerned about keeping his

young apprentice focused amid the media storm sparked by the newcomer’s spectacular debut, which included dumping his Japanese opponent with a powerful arm throw. “It was very exciting,” declared the novice, who was not allowed to do a one-on-one interview under sumo association guidelines for new recruits. Otake was less enthusiastic about the victories that earned Shaalan a coveted spot in the sport’s bimonthly tournaments, although he will start at the bottom of the rankings at the next meeting in May. “He needed to crouch lower in exchanging thrusts,” the sumo master said, adding that his apprentice was not flexible enough to do the splits. “I will teach him to become more humble as his ranking rises.”

Shaalan’s arrival in the pro ranks came after he won an open-class bronze medal at the 2008 world junior sumo championships and an over-100 kg bronze at the 2010 edition. Despite its popularity, the sport has suffered in recent years with a hugely damaging bout-fixing scandal that infuriated the public and forced the resignations of about two dozen wrestlers and a stablemaster. Sometimes brutal training methods and allegations of illegal drug use have also come under the microscope.

None of that is likely to turn off the determined Shaalan, whose love affair with sumo began at the age of 15 when he was invited by a friend to a practice session. “I was impressed by the strength of sumo wrestlers who behaved as if nothing had happened even after they lost or got tired,” he said. “I want the world to understand sumo.” —AFP

Qallaf to grill info minister Continued from Page 1 The griller and the minister will be also be given 30 minutes each to make further arguments. Then two supporters and two opponents of the grilling will be given 15 minutes each to speak alternately. The grilling is expected to end with the debate as its supporters do not appear to have 10 votes to submit a no-confidence motion.

It will be the second grilling in the new parliament elected on Feb 2, both by Shiite MPs who are considered staunch supporters of former prime minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. A third grilling is expected to be filed soon by MP Mohammad AlJuwaihel, a third member of the anti-government group considered supporters of the former prime minister.

The majority bloc is also expected to start grilling ministers as Islamist MP Mohammad Hayef yesterday received the backing of the bloc to grill Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Jamal Al-Shehab about the ministry’s monitoring of Sunni and Shiite mosques in a fair way. Head of the bloc’s coordination committee MP Jamaan Al-Harbash said the group decided to back Hayef’s planned grilling and will first take the issues to the minister for action otherwise the grilling will proceed. Harbash said the committee will also meet MP

Waleed Al-Tabtabaei to discuss with him a planned grilling against the interior minister.

The interior minister meanwhile said that he has orders from HH the Amir to apply the law against all in a fair way and without any discrimination. Speaking after a meeting with the Assembly’s interior and defense committee, the minister denied that ministry personnel were arresting people but said it was only implementing orders from the public prosecution to summon people.

In another development, liberal MP Mohammad AlSager yesterday submitted a draft law calling to transform Kuwait into a single electoral constituency for the sake of achieving equality. The proposal calls for contesting the elections in alliances or groups each of which must have a minimum of five candidates. The bill states that no groups can be formed on tribal, sectarian or racial bases.

The bill aims at achieving equality among Kuwaiti voters and at reforming the country’s electoral law.

Kuwait at present is divided into five electoral constituencies and although each one elects 10 MPs to the Assembly, the number of voters varies sharply in these districts. For example, the number of voters in the second constituency is around 46,000 while there are over 110,000 voters in the fifth district.

14

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

opinion

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher

YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief

ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait.

E MAIL :info@kuwaittimes.net Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Issues

Short on tools, central banks left with words

By Pedro da Costa ome of the world’s most prominent central bankers may have to hope the pen is as mighty as the sword.

With the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and other authorities in industrialized countries already stretching the limits of monetary policy, pressure has risen for them not go any further, and even to begin pulling back. Top officials have had to rely increasingly on speeches - not always successfully - to convey to financial markets how they intend to manage their economies. “A new policy regime characterized by jawboning is now here,” said Eric Green, economist at TD Securities. “Policy is more constrained and more accommodation increasingly problematic in scope and complexity.”

As US Treasury yields began to rise in late March on signs of an economic recovery, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke gave a speech that focused on the weakness of the labor market. Stocks and bond markets rallied on hopes that this meant he was gearing up for a third round of quantitative easing or QE3. The following week, the release of minutes from the Fed’s March meeting painted a much more hawkish picture, with a dwindling number of voting members on the Federal Open Market Committee - just two of 10 - actively considering more stimulus.

The news prompted Vincent Reinhart, a former Fed staffer now at Morgan Stanley, to sharply revise down his forecast for the prospects of QE3 to just 1/3 from 2/3. Then, just a few days later, data showed the pace of job creation halved in March from previous months, reviving some of the bets on more Fed action. However, economists said policy-makers would not read too much into one’s month data. “This transparency thing is completely new to the Fed. They are making it up as they go along, and they’re confusing people,” said Steve Wyatt, a professor of finance at Miami University’s Farmer School of Business.

A string of Fed officials, including Bernanke, will speak at public appearances this week - so investors could be in for another rollercoaster. It’s not just in the United States that the effort to talk down rising interest rates is taking hold. In the euro zone, the European Central Bank’s injection of more than Ä1 trillion in loans to banks seems to be as much additional support the region’s recession-threatened economy can hope for.

But ECB President Mario Draghi has made clear he will not be pressured into tightening monetary policy quickly.

While at pains to assuage concerns among a German-led group of ECB policymakers about inflation, Draghi dismissed a Bundesbank push to begin preparing to reverse course. “Any exit strategy talking for the time being is premature,” he said, adding bluntly: “I think the president of the ECB is the one who has the last word on this.”

Unless the global economy suffers a new shock, such as a sharp slowdown in China, policymakers may have to rely on providing verbal guidance to markets rather than resort to another round of measures such as bond purchases or loans to banks to boost liquidity. Even the governor of a central bank that does look set to ease further, the Bank of Japan, has warned that an overreliance on bond purchases might be interpreted by financial markets as a backdoor government bailout.

Jaime Caruana, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements, echoes concerns that governments are being allowed to put off the pain of fixing their balance sheets. “There is a serious risk of overburdening monetary policy,” he said at a recent Fed conference in Washington. In the United States, the approach of November’s elections could make it harder for the Fed to act even if internal support for easing were to gather momentum. Republican candidates have openly accused Bernanke of risking an increase in inflation and jeopardizing the dollar. Chicago Fed President Charles Evans, one of the Fed’s most dovish officials, argues the central bank could squeeze more stimulus from its recent guidance that interest rates are likely to stay low until at least late 2014 if it conveyed to markets that this was more of a firm promise than just a forecast. Others, like James Bullard of the St. Louis Fed, take the exact opposite view: “The 2014 language in effect names a date far in the future at which macroeconomic conditions are still expected to be exceptionally poor. This is an unwarranted pessimistic signal for the (Fed) to send.”

The other issue is, will the markets believe the Fed’s low rates guidance? And if not, does the central bank risk a loss of credibility? Wyatt of Miami University sees this as a big concern. “They’re going to have a heck of a time with that.

You’re seeing pretty strong evidence that the market is pricing in a move sooner, despite what the Fed says.” —Reuters

S

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Twitter generation may give liberals upset win

By Jack Kim and Ju-min Park outh Korea’s liberal opposition, bolstered by the under40s and power of social media, could spring a surprise win in this week’s parliamentary elections despite opinion polls that show it tied with the ruling conservatives.

Experts say traditional pollsters base their projections on owners of fixed telephone lines, whereas people in their 20s and 30s, who form 37 percent of the voting population in the world’s most wired country, rarely use them. The young, more likely to carry a Samsung Galaxy or Apple iPhone in their pockets, are mostly liberal and their views are expressed and spread online, often by their smartphones.

“Views expressed in cyberspace are about 20 percent favourable to us and 80 percent against,” said Lee Jun-seok, a 27-year old Harvard-educated computer expert brought in to help revamp the ruling conservative Saenuri Party’s online presence. “It’s almost like as soon as you say something for our party, you come under attack.” The five most popular politicians on Twitter are all leftwingers. The top conservative is presidential contender Park Geun-hye who ranks eighth with about 180,000 followers, according to Koreantweeters.com, a website on Twitter power.

On the other hand, a traditional Realmeter poll taken between March 26-30 showed 39.8 percent support for the ruling conservatives, 30.5 percent support for the main opposition Democrat United Party and 8.1 percent for its coalition partner, the United Progressive Party. At the end of last year, traditional polls had the conservatives trailing the opposition, but now suggest the ruling party has made a comeback.

Experts said they were flawed. “Random digit dialing systems based on fixed lines rule out young people, workers who

S

come home late and households that don’t have landlines,” said Yoon Hee-woong from the Korea Society Opinion Institute, a research organisation.

South Korea has the world’s second largest blogging community after China. Twitter use here is twice the world average, according to a Singapore Management University study.

And they have enormous leverage in elections because the government has now lifted a ban on campaigning in social media. “On Twitter, we are like birds talking to each other.

That’s something that can’t be controlled,” said Kim Mi-wha, 47, a television comedian with almost 290,000 Twitter followers who is part of a band of celebrity super-tweeters embracing liberal causes. Super-tweeters like Kim have already helped elect an independent activist as mayor of Seoul, ending conservative control over the capital last year. Although polls had put the eventual winner, Park Won-soon, ahead in the mayoral race, his victory was much more decisive than indicated.

Social media has also acted as a counterweight to the mainstream media, which is largely controlled by the huge conglomerates that dominate the world’s 13th largest economy. It could prompt young voters who are concerned with issues like growing income inequality to swing behind the Democrat United Party that is opposed to a free trade agreement with the United States and wants restrictions on big businesses. “I don’t know about what kind of tricks politicians are going to play with Twitter but the enormous young population will take part in the vote anyway,” Kim, the comedian, said.

Rattled by the opposition’s success in mobilising the youth vote in the Seoul mayoral campaign, the Saenuri Party has responded by boosting its social media credentials, but

admits it faces an uphill battle. Lee, the ruling party expert, says one of the reasons Twitter works so well here is that its 140 character bursts offer a perfect fit for the Korean language that can pack a lot more into its space than English. “In English, basically all you can do is to tell someone to check out a YouTube link. In Korean, you can not only describe what the clip is about but how you feel about it,” said Lee. The Twitter boom has also triggered some distinctly oldschool money politics with charges that members of parliament are paying for followers to boost their popularity. Local newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported that accounts with 20,000 followers were changing hands for 2 million Korean won (about $1,770). “A lawmaker’s office offered me bonuses if I gathered more than 10,000 followers,” said a woman who spoke on condition of anonymity and used to manage a lawmaker’s Twitter page.

South Korea’s parliamentary elections are essentially a dry run for the powerful presidency. That vote in December will be the key test of whether the Twitter-using liberals can turn their lock on cyberspace into hard political power. Yu Changju, who helped manage Park Won-soon’s election win as Seoul mayor and now advises him on new media strategy, says the number of Twitter users will double by the time of the presidential election in December to about 10 million, or about one-fifth of the population.

“Twitter is a tool for many moderate Koreans to vent anger against the rich, the current administration and the ruling party,” said Huh Chang-deog, a sociology professor at Yeungnam University. “This year’s elections are going to be the SNS (social networking sites) users’ group versus non-SNS group,” he said. Kim, the comedian, says Twitter has the power to make or break politicians’ reputations in seconds.— Reuters

No nukes in our backyard, Jordanians say

By Abdullah Omar ordan is facing an uphill battle to build its first nuclear reactor to supply badly needed electric power amid serious concern over environmental hazards and financial risks the cash-strapped kingdom would have to endure. Lacking the oil and gas reserves of its neighbors, Jordan has been reliant on imports to provide powers for its homes and vehicles. Chaos in the Egypt’s Sinai peninsula over the past year virtually cut of natural gas imports because the pipeline has been sabotaged 14 ties in succession, most recently this week when a blast cut the line near Al-Arish.

Nuclear power could help fill the gap, but the nuclear disaster at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi plant last year has cast fresh doubt over safety and viability of such projects at a time when environmentalists are pushing for clean sources of energy. Aware of the growing opposition to the multi-billion dollar project, the government in Amman has appointed a public relations team to persuade the public of its importance to the country’s energy independence. The Jordan Nuclear Commission said recently government is preparing to announce it has chosen the French nuclear power contractor AREVA to build the country’s first reactor.

Construction of the facility would not start before 2013 after the paper work needed to win the approval of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global nuclear monitoring body, and find financing.

The kingdom’s program calls for the construction of a 1,000-megawatt reactor by the end of the decade, with plans in place for an additional three reactors, all of which would transform the countr y from an energy importer to an electricity exporter. But environmentalists warn that developing countries like Jordan risk getting into immensely sophisticated and expensive projects without fully understanding their impact on the eco-system and the populations living within close proximity.

And on Sunday, Jordan’s largest opposition party Islamic Action Front (IAF), the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood, announced it too was opposed to the nuclear reactor because it was not in the interests of Jordanians. IAF Secretar y General Hamzah Mansour said the project

J

should be cancelled, preferring safer ones that rely on renewable energy. “If implemented, Jordan will suffer the project’s dangerous political, economic, social, financial, health, environmental and security burdens in return for selling others clean electricity at cheap prices and on their terms,” Mansour warned at a press conference.

For residents of town of Majdal, where the government said it will construct the reactor, the project is a no-go. Community leaders joined hands with environmentalists to lobby against the project on hope of pushing authorities reconsider placing what

accept the government’s assurances over the plant’s safety. Burqan says the town residents will oppose any move by the government to construct the reactor around their homes. The government also promised the local community with good financial return, but residents vehemently refuse to budge.

Majdal’s residents aren’t the only ones wary about having a nuke as a neighbor. The government had to rescind its original plans to build the reactor near the port city of Aqaba, near the Saudi border, after political pressure from Riyadh. The project is slated for close proximity of a town of Majdal, a mix of blue

In this July 12, 2011photo, Egyptian bedouins watch as smoke and flames rise into the air after masked gunmen blew up a terminal of the Egyptian natural gas pipeline to Israel and Jordan in Al-Arish in the northern part of Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula in a predawn attack. — AP they term a ticking bomb away from their backyards. They have held several protests in their town and in Amman near the prime minister’s office as well as near the nuclear energy commission’s offices in protest against the project. Basel Burqan, an environmentalists and anti-nuclear technology advocate, says residents of the northern town face serious health risks if the project is constructed within close proximity of their homes. Dominated by members of the influential tribe of Bani Hassan, Majdal doesn’t

collar workers and farming community between two big cities of Zarqa and Mafraq.

Burqan says the location is in violation of international norms. “The government is studying putting the reactor in a new location, in the desert of Azraq, but there is no water and that is also in violation of the international atomic energy regulations because there is no big source of water,” Burqan told The Media Line.

The tsunami that wrecked the Japanese nuclear site in 2011 has weighed on Areva,

whose share have lost 58 percent of their value since the accident, the worst since the Chernobyl reactor failed 25 years earlier.

While in the Middle East nuclear plans are moving ahead in places like Iran, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, Japan has idled all but one of its 54 reactors, and Germany has reversed a decision to extend the lifespan of its atomic facilities.

The Jordanian-French Uranium Mining Company, a consortium formed by AREVA and Jordan Energy Resources Inc, has been conducting exploratory activities for uranium mining in the central region since 2009. The nuclear commission says it embarked on the nuclear project because, it says, there is an abundance of uranium in the country’s soil.

But Burqan says authorities are exaggerating amount of uranium in the country, with officials from the nuclear commission giving a variety of figures ranging from 100 million tons. He says the authorities are giving distorted figures to justify embarking on the controversial project. The concentration of uranium in the soil is not commercially viable and well below international standards, he insists. “Now, and after withdrawal of two Australian and Chinese companies from a deal to mine for uranium due to lack of economic feasibility, the government continues to say uranium reserves are commercial and can be utilized. This is not true,” he says.

Burqan said the aid dependent kingdom would also struggle to meet its financial commitments when it borrows money to build the reactor. He says the official estimated cost of the reactor $5.2 billion does not include the added expense of military protection, insurance, revamping electric network, special roads to sustain weight of equipment that will be transported, including 800 metric-ton fan. Other costs also include storing toxic waste and a desalination plant to provide water. “When looking into the astronomical costs of the project and what impact it will have on the economy of the country, it looks more feasible to focus attention on renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power,” said Burqan. He points out that Jordan can take advantage of the winds in the western hills overlooking the Jordan Valley as well as the vast country’s ample sunlight the southern and eastern desert to develop alternative sources of power. — Media Line

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

sp orts

LONDON: Controversial striker Mario Balotelli will not be picked again this season by Manchester City and is likely to be sold at the end of the campaign, said manager Roberto Mancini after their 1-0 Premier League defeat at Arsenal on Sunday.

Balotelli was sent off for the second time this season as City’s hopes of lifting the top-flight title for the first time in 44 years were effectively extinguished at the Emirates. “I have finished my work with him, I am finished today, but I love him as a guy,” Mancini told reporters. “He is not a bad guy and he is a fantastic player but at this moment I am very sorry for him as he is continuing to lose his talent and his quality.

“I hope he understands he is in a bad way for his future and he must change his behaviour. He will not play again (this season) and I will probably try to sell him in the summer.—Reuters

Kaneria hires lawyers for spot-fixing hearing

Crusaders cleared of gouging

City likely to sell Balotelli

WELLINGTON: A Super 15 rugby citing commissioner says eye-gouging allegations leveled by two Bulls players against the Canterbury Crusaders after a weekend match in Pretoria cannot be substantiated.

SANZAR chief executive Greg Peters said yesterday the commissioner had reviewed video footage of the match from several camera angles not available to the television viewers and had found there was no case to answer.

Bulls forwards Chiliboy Ralepelle and Flip van der Merwe complained to referee Jaco Peyper that they had been eye-gouged during Saturday’s match, won 32-30 by the Bulls. Peyper used a white card to refer the inci-

dents to the citing commissioner.

Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder says he expects an apology from the Bulls if the complaints aren’t upheld. “ The citing commissioner has reviewed it and after that review there was nothing in the video footage that would point to the allegation being substantiated,” Peters said. “The citing commissioner also found it interesting that the Bulls did not follow through with a complaint within the four-hour window after the game.”

Blackadder said he was concerned the white card system, introduced to Super rugby for the first time this season, could be used by teams to make spurious allegations against opponents.—Reuters

KARACHI: Former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria said yesterday he has hired a legal team for an English cricket board disciplinary hearing over a spot-fixing case that sent his former Essex team-mate to prison.

Mervyn Westfield was jailed for four months in February after admitting that he accepted money to under-perform during a Pro40 match between Essex and Durham in 2009. The 23-year-old seamer named Kaneria-arrested with him in 2010 but released without charge-as the link between bookmakers and players. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said last week that Westfield and Kaneria would face a disciplinary hearing in May. “Kaneria has hired three lawyers, two from the UK and one from Pakistan to represent him before the England and Wales Cricket Board,” said a statement from the player’s lawyer Farogh Naseem. Naseem said Kaneria, who took 276 international wickets in 61 Tests and 18 one-day games for Pakistan, denied the allegations.—AFP

Tigers triumph over Red Sox

PHOENIX: Arizona Diamondbacks’ Lyle Overbay (left) slides in safely to third base ahead of the tag by San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval during the eighth inning in an MLB baseball game.—AP

D’backs rally to down Giants PHOENIX: Ryan Roberts and Lyle Overbay hit consecutive two-out homers off Matt Cain and the Arizona Diamondbacks tied a franchise record by rallying from six runs down to beat the San Francisco Giants 7-6 Sunday and sweep the season-opening three-game series.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy was ejected for arguing home plate umpire Mike DiMuro’s call that catcher Buster Posey missed the plate on a forceout, a ruling that allowed what proved to be the winning run to score in the seventh inning. Posey hit his first home run in nearly a year to help the Giants take a 6-0 lead through three innings.

Wade Miley (1-0) pitched four scoreless innings in relief of starter Josh Collmenter to get the win. Jeremy Affeldt (0-1) allowed two runs while getting just one out.

Mets 7, Braves 5 At New York, Jonathon Niese took a no-hitter into the seventh inning in his first start since signing a rich contract and the New York Mets completed a season-opening sweep of Atlanta. Niese (1-0) allowed just two balls out of the infield through six innings and retired 15 in a row before walking Dan Uggla leading off the seventh. On the next pitch, Niese’s 99th of the game, Freddie Freeman singled cleanly to right. Pitching for the first time since the Mets gave him a $25.5 million, five-year deal, Niese allowed four runs - two earned - and two hits in six-plus innings with seven strikeouts and two walks. Mike Minor (0-1) gave up six runs, six hits and four walks in five-plus innings.

Pirates 5, Phillies 4 At Pittsburgh, Andrew McCutchen singled home pinch-runner Josh Harrison with two outs in the ninth inning to lift the Pirates over Philadelphia.

McCutchen finished with three hits, none bigger than his smash off the center-field wall against reliever David Herndon (0-1), allowing Harrison to waltz home from third.

Joel Hanrahan (1-0) pitched a perfect ninth for Pittsburgh, which beat the five -time defending NL East champions in its final at-bat for the second time in less than 24 hours. Pedro Alvarez homered and Casey McGehee hit two doubles for the Pirates.

Reds 6, Marlins 5 At Cincinnati, Scott Rolen drove in the winning run in the ninth inning with a sharp infield single that third baseman Hanley Ramirez failed to handle, lifting the Reds to a comeback win over Miami. Jay Bruce started the rally with his second home run of the game and third of the season, an opposite-field drive into the leftcenter field seats that cost Marlins new closer Heath Bell (0-1) a save in his first opportunity.

Left-hander Aroldis Chapman (1-0) pitched two shutout innings of relief for the win.

Cubs 4, Nationals 3 At Chicago, Jeff Samardzija dominated into

the ninth inning, outpitching Jordan Zimmermann, and the Chicago Cubs beat Washington for their first win of the Theo Epstein era.

Samardzija (1-0) was simply spectacular in his sixth career start, allowing four hits and an earned run. He struck out eight without a walk as the Cubs shook off two tough losses to start the season.

Washington’s Adam LaRoche hit a two-run homer in the ninth after Starlin Castro made a two-out error to extend the inning.

Zimmermann (0-1) held the Cubs to two runs - one earned - and six hits before being lifted for a pinch hitter in the eighth.

Cardinals 9, Brewers 3 At Milwaukee, Lance Lynn pitched two-hit ball into the seventh inning and St. Louis beat the Brewers, taking two out of three from their NL Central rivals to start the season.

Ryan Braun hit his first home run of the year for the Brewers, a solo shot with the game well out of reach in the ninth.

It was the third career start for Lynn (1-0), who played a key relief role during the Cardinals’ championship run last season. Lynn gave up one run and struck out a career-high eight while walking only one in 6 2-3 innings.

Randy Wolf (0-1) threw 108 pitches in five innings for the Brewers, giving up three runs and nine hits with a walk and seven strikeouts.

Astros 3, Rockies 2 At Houston, Brian Bogusevic drove in the winning run after Jose Altuve scored on Jordan Pacheco’s throwing error to tie it in the eighth inning and Houston beat Colorado.

Reliever Rex Brothers (0-1) got the loss, spoiling the return of Juan Nicasio from a broken neck. Nicasio allowed five hits and one run in seven innings in his first start since breaking his neck when he fell after being hit in the head by a line drive on August 5.

Former Astros ace Brett Myers pitched a scoreless ninth for the save in his first appearance as Houston’s closer. Wilton Lopez (1-0) got the last two outs of the eighth for the win.

Padres 8, Dodgers 4 At San Diego, Chase Headley hit a grand slam and Andy Parrino had his first big league homer for San Diego, who beat Los Angeles to avoid a four-game sweep.

The Padres had their second three-error game of the series and have committed eight in four games. Clayton Richard (1-0) made two errors.

Richard’s only other mistake in seven dominant innings was allowing Matt Kemp’s tworun homer in the sixth.

Aaron Harang (0-1), who led his hometown Padres with 14 wins last year before signing with the Dodgers as a free agent, allowed four runs - three earned - on seven hits in 4 1-3 innings.—AP

MLB results/standings Cleveland 4, Toronto 3; Detroit 13, Boston 12 (11 Innings); NY Mets 7, Atlanta 5; Cincinnati 6, Miami 5; Baltimore 3, Minnesota 1; Pittsburgh 5, Philadelphia 4; Tampa Bay 3, NY Yankees 0; Houston 3, Colorado 2; St. Louis 9, Milwaukee 3; Chicago Cubs 4, Washington 3; Kansas City 7, La Angels 3; San Diego 8, LA Dodgers 4; Arizona 7, San Francisco 6; Texas 5, Chicago White Sox 0.

American League Eastern Division Tampa Bay Baltimore Toronto NY Yankees Boston Detroit Kansas City Cleveland Chicago W Sox Minnesota Seattle Texas LA Angels Oakland

W L PCT 3 0 1.000 3 0 1.000 2 1 .667 0 3 0 0 3 0 Central Division 3 0 1.000 2 1 .667 1 2 .333 1 2 .333 0 3 0 Western Division 3 1 .750 2 1 .667 1 2 .333 1 3 .250

GB 1 3 3 1 2 2 3 0.5 1.5 2

NY Mets Washington Philadelphia Miami Atlanta St. Louis Cincinnati Pittsburgh Houston Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Arizona LA Dodgers Colorado San Diego San Francisco

National League Eastern Division 3 0 1.000 2 1 .667 1 2 .333 1 3 .250 0 3 0 Central Division 3 1 .750 2 1 .667 2 1 .667 2 1 .667 1 2 .333 1 2 .333 Western Division 3 0 1.000 3 1 .750 1 2 .333 1 3 .250 0 3 0

1 2 2.5 3 0.5 0.5 0.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 2 2.5 3

DETROIT: Alex Avila’s two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Detroit Tigers a wild 13-12 victory over Boston on Sunday, leaving the Red Sox winless in three games under new manager Bobby Valentine.

Detroit trailed 10-7 when Miguel Cabrera tied the game with a threerun shot off Alfredo Aceves in the ninth. Boston then scored twice in the 11th, but Mark Melancon (0-2) couldn’t hold the lead.

Cabrera and Prince Fielder singled before a wild pitch sent Cabrera to third and Delmon Young’s sacrifice fly cut the margin in half. Avila followed with a drive to right and Cody Ross tried to make a leaping catch, but the ball appeared to hit a gate just above the wall before caroming back onto the field.

Duane Below (2-0) got one out for the win - even though Detroit manager Jim Leyland said he wouldn’t be available - and the Tigers completed a three-game sweep in a game that lasted 4 hours, 45 minutes.

Boston is without newly acquired closer Andrew Bailey, who had surgery on his right thumb. Melancon and Aceves are the primary candidates to close in Bailey’s absence, and both blew saves on Sunday.

Rays 3, Yankees 0 At St. Petersburg, Florida, Jeremy Hellickson came within one out of a three-hitter and Tampa Bay beat New York to complete a season-opening sweep and match the best start in club history.

Carlos Pena and Jeff Keppinger homered for Tampa Bay, which also started with three consecutive wins in 2002. New York is 0-3 for the first time since 1998, when it went on to win 114 games and the World Series.

Celebrating his 25th birthday, Hellickson (1-0) limited the Yankees to three doubles. The 2011 AL Rookie of the Year walked four, struck out four and was one out from his third career complete game and second shutout when he was replaced by Fernando Rodney after 118 pitches.

Rodney, an offseason addition to

the bullpen, got the win in Friday’s season opener and then earned saves in each of the next two games.

Pena homered off starter Phil Hughes (0-1) in the third. Another offseason acquisition, Keppinger hit a solo shot off Boone Logan in the sixth.

Orioles 3, Twins 1 At Baltimore, Jason Hammel took a no-hitter into the eighth inning in his Baltimore debut and the Orioles

the series.

Twins starter Anthony Swarzak (01) performed admirably in place of Liam Hendriks, hospitalized over the weekend with apparent food poisoning. Swarzak, normally a long reliever, gave up one run and four hits in five innings.

Royals 7, Angels 3 At Anaheim, California, Eric Hosmer and Billy Butler homered and drove in three runs apiece, and Kansas City beat Los Angeles to take

DETROIT: Boston Red Sox’s Ryan Sweeney (right) scores past Detroit Tigers catcher Alex Avila on a sacrifice fly by Nick Punto in the third inning of a baseball game.—AP beat Minnesota for a three-game sweep. Hammel (1-0) faced the minimum 21 batters through seven innings, allowing two walks, before Justin Morneau ended the no-hit bid with a leadoff double off the rightfield wall in the eighth.

Josh Willingham followed with an RBI double and Sean Burroughs drew a one-out walk before Hammel finished by striking out Luke Hughes and retiring Ben Revere on a fly to right. Jim Johnson worked the ninth to earn his second save and complete the two-hitter.

JJ Hardy homered for the Orioles, who have won seven straight over the Twins by a collective score of 399. The Twins scored only five runs in

two of three in their season-opening series.

Jonathan Sanchez (1-0) got through five innings to win his first start with the Royals, who dampened the revamped Angels’ much-hyped home debut with two victories after getting shut out on opening day.

Albert Pujols went 2 for 3 with a double and two walks, driving in his first run for the Angels with a first-inning groundout. Los Angeles’ new $240 million slugger went 3 for 10 with two doubles in his first three games at Angel Stadium.

Vernon Wells homered in the eighth, but Ervin Santana (0-1) yielded seven hits and six runs while failing to get out of the sixth inning.

With two on, Jonathan Broxton struck out Torii Hunter, Wells and Kendrys Morales for an impressive finish to his first save for the Royals.

Indians 4, Blue Jays 3 At Cleveland, Carlos Santana hit two home runs on his 26th birthday, Derek Lowe pitched seven strong innings and Cleveland beat Toronto for its first win.

Santana opened the second inning with a drive to center. He connected a second time off Joel Carreno (0-1) in the fifth, a two-run shot to right that broke a 2-all tie.

It was Santana’s second career multihomer game. On his last four birthdays, including two years in the minors, Santana is 10 for 17 with five homers and 13 RBIs. Lowe (1-0) got 15 outs on grounders and allowed two unearned runs in his Indians debut.

Chris Perez pitched a shaky ninth for the save. Toronto loaded the bases, but Perez got slugger Jose Bautista to pop out to end it.

Rangers 5, White Sox 0 At Arlington, Texas, Matt Harrison pitched six scoreless innings while Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre and David Murphy homered for the Texas Rangers, who wrapped up their season-opening series with a 5-0 victory over the Chicago White Sox. Hamilton’s first homer of the season was a 441-foot blast that landed in the second deck of seats high above the Rangers bullpen in rightcenter field. That was leading off the sixth against Gavin Floyd (0-1), putting Texas up 4-0 right after Harrison threw his last pitch.

Harrison (1-0) worked out of a jam in the top of the sixth when A.J. Pierzynski struck out with two runners on base.

The two-time defending AL champions took two of three in the weekend series against Chicago, which played its first games under new manager Robin Ventura. The White Sox have three games in Cleveland before their home opener Friday against Detroit.—AP

Ahli Bank wins KBC Bowling doubles KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait won the doubles competition of the KBC Bowling League concluded recently at the Cozmo Hall in Salmiya featuring 26 teams representing local banks.

The victory came after Trevor Bosh and Fred Gabriel finished with a combined score of 1152, followed

by Gulf Bank contestants Sa’ed Humaidi and Joss Reel who finished with 1092. Third place went to Kuwait Finance House contestants Waleed Al-Sumai’ei and Salam Azzam who finished with 1051 points. The tournament, organized by the Kuwait Banks Club, continues with singles and masters competitions.

Al-Ahli Bank’s Trevor Bosh and Fred Gabriel

Gulf Bank’s Sa’ed Humaidi and Joss Reel

KFH’s Waleed Al-Sumai’ei and Salam Azzam

Get fast with adiZero and David Villa KUWAIT: We all want to become faster, right? With the help of Adidas, Spanish Football superstar David Villa teamed up with boxer Alexis Vastine to create a boxing inspired training work-out to make him deadlier on the pitch. Supported by the adiZero range of lightweight footwear and apparel, Villa’s boxing training program promotes speed, agility and responsiveness, and is available for download via the Adidas miCoach website.

During discussions between Adidas and David Villa last year, it became apparent that Villa was keen to explore ways to become even faster.

Adidas-sponsored boxer Alexis Vastine, who is renowned for his quickness in the ring, was asked to provide expert advice, and worked with Villa to create a speed-focused, boxing inspired training regime.

Jad Chouman, Head of Marketing, Adidas Emerging markets said: “Top athletes don’t train purely for training’s sake - they train because it helps them get better at their chosen sport. Boxing training has become increasingly used by non-boxers as a way of making them faster, fitter, leaner, and mentally tougher. At Adidas we not only support our consumers and athletes with great footwear and apparel, we try to help them train smarter, by bringing athletes together from different sports, to see what they can learn from each other. “

With David Villa’s recent leg injury, he has become even more focused on off-pitch strength and conditioning training as he targets a return to full fitness for the Euro 2012 Finals. “I really enjoyed the fun and useful fun boxing session - I hope to

David Villa

repeat it very soon because I had a great time thanks to my fantastic teacher, Alexis Vastine,” says David.

The Villa boxing training workout stimulates all muscle groups, and provides a wide combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Focusing primarily on short-burst, explosive training, each exercise is designed help athletes reach their potential and become as fastest they can be.

“A good workout becomes a great workout when athletes have the right equipment.

Therefore, Adidas equipped Villa with the adiZero range of apparel and footwear. The adiZero F50 trainer he wears is the lightest training shoe in the Adidas locker. These shoes have a breathable, lightweight sprint-web construction for ultra-comfortable support and help athletes feel lighter and more nimble. Like Villa’s Adidas training tee shirt, all our adiZero products are designed to feel as if they’re a natural part of your body in motion,” says Kolja Orzeszko, adidas’ Category Manager for Men’s Training.

Boxing inspired training plans form the focus of the upcoming Adidas Training Academy being held in Mexico City from March 8-11, 2012. Held twice a year in various locations, Adidas brings together professional trainers, athletes and keen sportspeople to showcase the latest training techniques and athletic products.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

sp orts

Mickelson gives away a green jacket AUGUSTA: The hugs with his family took place on the clubhouse lawn, not the 18th green. That was occupied, and by this time there was nothing Phil Mickelson could do about it.

He had celebrated there before, most famously eight years ago when he won his first green jacket and took his young daughter in his arms, saying, “Daddy won! Can you believe it?” Now it looked like he couldn’t believe he had lost.

A fourth green jacket would have put him in the company of Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer at the Masters. A fifth major championship would have moved him among the likes of Byron Nelson and Seve Ballesteros.

But it all fell apart, in large part because once again Phil couldn’t help being Phil. He aimed where other players wouldn’t dare go on the par-3 fourth hole, certain that his calculations were better than theirs. The target wasn’t even the green, but Mickelson was sure he could escape with par from the

bunker or anywhere left of there - even the grandstand. He thought too much, and disaster ensued. Nothing new there, he’s been doing it his whole career. Six years ago it cost him the US Open at Winged Foot when he famously pulled out a driver he didn’t need on the 18th tee. The ball went sideways and he made double bogey, prompting him to proclaim “I am such an idiot.”

Those listening then could only nod their heads in agreement. Those listening to his explanation for why he gave this Masters away could only look at him in perplexed silence.

“Tactically I hit that shot where I had to hit it, which is at the bunker,” Mickelson insisted. “Anything left of the pin is fine but the right side is almost a sure bogey.”

Well, almost anything. Mickelson’s shot missed the bunker, careened off a metal railing on the grandstand and ended up in some bushes in a wooded area short and left of the green on the

Yuvraj returns to India after cancer treatment NEW DELHI: India’s World Cup cricket hero Yuvraj Singh returned home yesterday after receiving treatment for a cancerous tumor in the United States. Sporting a black jacket and red baseball cap, the 30-year-old all-rounder gave thumbs up signs to well-wishers who had gathered at New Delhi airport to welcome him back. “He is absolutely fine and will rest at home for another 10-15 days,” his mother Shabnam Singh told reporters at the airport.

Left-handed Yuvraj, named man of the tournament after India’s World Cup triumph at home last April, was diagnosed with a rare condition, mediastinal seminoma-a malignant tumour between his lungs-soon after the event.

After completing three sessions of chemotherapy in Boston in March, he had moved to London before returning to India.

“Finally the day has come! i am going home tomorrow! can’t wait, excited to see my friends and family ..see you india!!,” Yuvraj said on Twitter on Sunday.

Thousands of well-wishers, politicians, his team mates and other sports personalities including US cycling great Lance Armstrong had sent messages to the ailing all-rounder who is known for his aggressive batting and disciplined spin bowling. “Today the entire country is happy, god is happy and I am very happy. My son has come back as a winner,” Yuvraj’s father Yograj Singh told the NDT V news channel.

Yuvraj, who scored 362 runs and bagged 15 wickets in nine World Cup matches, has not played competitive cricket since taking part in

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket star Yuvraj Singh gestures as he stands with his mother Shabnam as they make their way through the media on arrival at the airport in New Delhi yesterday. —AP two of the three home Tests against the West Indies in November. He has scored 8,051 runs in 274 one-dayers and 1,775 in 37 Tests since making his international debut in 2000. —AFP

Chanderpaul ton puts West Indies in charge BRIDGETOWN: Veteran batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit his 25th Test century as West Indies piled-up 449 for nine declared to take a firm grip on the first Test against Australia on Sunday. At stumps on the second day at Kensington Oval, Australia had reached 44 without loss in reply with openers Ed Cowan on 27 and David Warner also unbeaten on 13.

Chanderpaul batted for 386 minutes for his unbeaten 103, becoming the leading run scorer in Tests at the Kensington Oval while skipper Darren Sammy thrilled the crowd with a quickfire 41. “I never expected to be the person who had the most runs at Kensington. To have the most runs is a hell of an achievement,” said Chanderpaul. “Against an opposition like Australia if you’re doing well against them you know the world is watching. When you go against them you have to bring your ‘A’ game.

“You can’t just walk out and decide that you can play anyhow against them. You have to step up.”

In the morning, Australia took the new ball as soon as it became available but it didn’t seem to provide any more movement than the old one.

Skipper Michael Clarke had a gully and a short backward point in place to Darren Bravo and the plan worked when he played a tentative shot to the slower pace of Shane Watson, the ball going straight to Mike Hussey in the gully.

Bravo’s slow trudge off the field showed his clear disappointment after his innings of 51 had been brought to an end.

Narsingh Deonarine was playing his first Test for two years but, again, Australia had a clear plan. They served him up with the odd short ball and their preparation paid off.

On 22, he was caught in two minds to a shorter delivery from Ryan Harris and as he turned away, the ball came off the edge and went high to wicket-keeper Matthew Wade who took his second catch. After lunch, Carlton Baugh had moved on to 22 when he started off for an

BARBADOS: West Indies’ Shivnarine Chanderpaul raises his bat and helmet after scoring a century during the second day of the first cricket Test match against Australia. —AP impossible single after Chanderpaul had turned the ball to square leg. But Harris swooped and his direct hit dismissed the West Indies keeper.

This brought in Sammy and the West Indian captain was intent on attack. He had only been at the crease a few minutes when he smashed Nathan Lyon for three boundaries in four balls.

He then ducked into a Watson delivery and needed several minutes of attention. —AFP

SCOREBOARD BRIDGETOWN: Scoreboard at tea on the second day of the first Test between West Indies v Australia at Kensington Oval yesterday: West Indies 1st innings (179 for 3 overnight) A. Barath c Siddle b Harris 22 K. Brathwaite c Wade b Siddle 57 K. Edwards c and b Warner 61 D. Bravo c Hussey b Watson 51 S. Chanderpaul not out 103 N. Deonarine c Wade b Harris 21 C. Baugh run out (Harris) 22 D. Sammy c Cowan b Hilfenhaus 41 K. Roach c Clarke b Lyon 16 F. Edwards c Hussey b Warner 10 D. Bishoo not out 18 Extras (b12, lb9, w4, nb2) 27 Total (9 wickets, declared, 153 overs) 449 Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Barath), 2-142 (Edwards), 3-167 (Brathwaite), 4-240 (Bravo), 5-285 (Deonarine), 6-316 (Baugh), 7-369

(Sammy) 8-402 (Roach), 9-421 (Edwards) Bowling: Bowling: Harris 29-8-83-2, Hilfenhaus 33-12-67-1 (1nb), Siddle 31-1083-1 (4w, 1nb), Lyon 31-11-94-1, Clarke 2-04-0, Watson 15-5-46-1, Warner 10-0-45-2, Hussey 2-0-6-0.

Australia 1st innings E. Cowan not out 27 D. Warner not out 13 Extras (lb4) 4 Total (0 wickets, 9.5 overs) 44 To bat: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, Matthew Wade, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Nathan Lyon.

Bowling: Edwards 4-1-14-0, Roach 4.5-0-180, Bishoo 1-0-8-0.

par-3. He could have taken an unplayable, but that would have meant going back to the tee and hitting what would be his third shot, so he tried to improvise.

Lefty turned righty, and it wasn’t pretty. He turned a wedge around and tried to hack the ball out, but it moved only about a yard. He did it again, pulling it behind the left bunker, then compounded his mistake by chunking his next one in the bunker.

When it was all over he had made six, his second triple bogey of the tournament. There was still lots of golf to be played, but the damage had been done.

“If it goes into people and stops right there, no problem,” Mickelson said. “If it goes into the grandstand, no problem.

It hit the metal railing and shot in the trees. And not only was it unplayable, but I couldn’t take an unplayable. There was no place to go other than back to the tee. So I took the risk of trying to hit it a few times.”

To be fair, the 240-yard hole was playing tough, second on this day only to No. 1. But 41 of the 63 players in the final round managed to make par by aiming at the green, and only one player beside Mickelson made worse than bogey. His triple bogey on the way to a final-round 72 was the worst score of the day on the hole, not that they give out any awards for that.

What made it even worse was that this Masters was Mickelson’s for the taking. He had the experience of being in the final group, and he was coming off a nifty 66 the day before that left him just a shot behind Peter Hanson. They didn’t even need to find a green jacket to fit him in the wardrobe closet in the clubhouse, because Mickelson had won three already. He was practically bubbling with excitement the night before, so eager was he to get out and show Bubba Watson and others how the final round is supposed to be done at the Masters. “I love it here and I love noth-

ing more than being in the last group on Sunday at the Masters,” Mickelson said then. “It’s the greatest thing in professional golf.”

Take away the fourth hole, and it was great. Mickelson made birdies on three par-5s coming in, and still had an outside chance to get in a playoff if he could have made birdies on two of the last three holes. Ifs are not allowed in tournament golf, but if Mickelson had just made par on No. 4 like 41 other players did he would have been celebrating on the 18th green instead of commiserating with his family outside the clubhouse.

He’s spent the better part of his career analyzing - and over analyzing what should be a simple game. He might have won eight major championships by now instead of four had he not been so sure that he had a better way to do things on the golf course than any of the greats and not-so-greats who came before him. —AP

Tearful Watson wins Masters AUGUSTA: Bubba Watson conjured a miraculous par from pine straw to become only the third left-hander to win the Masters with an emotional playoff victory over Louis Oosthuizen at Augusta National on Sunday.

The American clinched his first major title with a two-putt par on the second extra hole, the par-four 10th, where South African Oosthuizen bogeyed after ending up just short of the green in two and failing to get up and down.

Both players had ended up well right off the tee, Oosthuizen gaining a fortuitous bounce off a tree before playing his second shot from the first cut of rough.

Although the long-hitting Watson ended up deep in the tree line, he had an avenue to the green and struck a superb high draw off the pine straw with a gap wedge for his ball to settle 10 feet from the pin.

After Oosthuizen had chipped up 15 feet past and narrowly missed his par putt coming back, Watson had the luxury of two putts for victory.

His birdie attempt slid past the cup but the 33-year-old from Bagdad in Florida gathered himself and tapped in for victory before embracing his caddie.

“I never got this far in my dreams,” a teary-eyed Watson said in the Butler Cabin before being helped into the revered green jacket by last year ’s Masters champion Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.

“I got in these trees, hit a crazy shot that I saw in my head and somehow I’m here talking to you with a green jacket on.

“It’s a blessing,” Watson added, after joining fellow lefthanders Phil Mickelson (2004, 2006 and 2010) and Canadian Mike Weir (2003) as Masters winners.

Asked to explain how he had pulled off his stunning approach on the second playoff hole, Watson replied: “I had a good lie, had a gap where I had to hook it 40 yards or something.

“I’m pretty good at hooking it, so I just hooked it up there and somehow it nestled close to the hole.” A self-taught golfer who learned the game by hitting wiffle balls around his house, Watson became the eighth consecutive first-time winner of a major and the 11th in the last 12

championships played.

Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion who had earlier spectacularly grabbed a twoshot lead with a stunning albatross two at the par-five second, paid tribute to Watson. “ We had a great day,”

(76) in a tie for 40th despite the pair being labelled by some media as tournament favourites in a “two-horse race”.

On a glorious sun-splashed afternoon, cheers repeatedly echoed around the Georgian pines as the fans were treated to

for his lead to be cut to one, he regained control with birdies at the 13th and 15th and several clutch par putts before being caught by the charging Watson.

Fan favorite Mickelson had been one stroke behind overnight but he left himself

AUGUSTA: Charl Schwartzel (right) of South Africa, helps Bubba Watson put on the green jacket after winning the Masters golf tournament following a sudden death playoff on the 10th hole. —AP Oosthuizen told reporters. “It’s fine, he had an unbelievable shot there. I played well ... but great stuff from him and he deserves it.”

The duo had finished the regulation 72 holes on 10-under-par 278, Oosthuizen carding a threeunder 69 and Watson drawing level with a sizzling run of four birdies from the 13th on the way to a 68.

British world number three Lee Westwood birdied four of the last six holes for a 68 to share third place at eight under with Americans Mickelson (72) and Matt Kuchar (69), and Swede Peter Hanson (73), the overnight leader.

Four-times winner Woods made a humbling exit from the tournament after battling his way to a 74 and a five-over total of 293, his worst Masters finish as a professional.

Woods finished level with US Open champion Rory McIlroy

dazzling shot-making and a few unexpected blunders with five different players holding at least a share of the lead.

While American Bo Van Pelt and Australian Adam Scott each recorded a hole -in-one, Oosthuizen sparked some of the loudest roars ever heard at Augusta with his remarkable albatross at the second, where he holed out from 253 yards with a four-iron.

The gap-toothed South African watched as his ball pitched just short of the green before bouncing and then rolling some 50 yards and curving left to right before dropping into the cup.

Oosthuizen thrust both arms skywards before high-fiving his caddie, having recorded the first albatross, or double-eagle, at the second hole and only the fourth ever at the Masters.

Although Oosthuizen bogeyed the fourth and the 10th

with too much ground to make up after an adventurous triplebogey at the par-three fourth.

After his tee shot deflected off the grandstand into bamboo trees left of the green, the American hit two poor righthanded shots then struck his fourth into a bunker from where he got up and down for a six.

Woods rued his tendency to allow old habits to creep back into a swing he has grooved with coach Sean Foley over the last two years.

“This is a golf course you just have to dominate the par-fives, and I did not do that at all this week,” the 14-times major champion said after mixing five bogeys with three birdies.

“I fall back into the same old patterns again and I just need to do more reps. Thank God my short game was good this week and my putting was really good.

Unfortunately they were all for pars, not for birdies.” —Reuters

Cantlay grabs Low Amateur title AUGUSTA: Patrick Cantlay regained his composure after making a quadruple bogey in a rollercoaster round to win the low amateur title at the Masters on Sunday.

The 20-year-old American won last year’s US Open amateur title and is ranked as the number one amateur in the world but has no plans yet to turn professional.

His final round of par 72 saw him

finish the tournament at sevenover-par and that was enough for a two-shot edge over Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, who won the amateur’s Silver Cup last year but who stumbled to a final round 80.

Cantlay’s rollercoaster round had a bit of everything. Apart from his nine at the par-five 13th hole, he also made three bogeys and a double. But the Californian student made amends for his

errors with two eagles and five birdies. “There was an up-anddown round out there,” he told reporters. “I had a bunch of highs and lows but 72 is not too bad.

“It’s just really bad considering how well I’ve played. I played really well today.”

Matsuyama, speaking through a translator, said he planned to come back again next year and try for his second victory as an

amateur. “I had been doing well until yesterday and I think I just paid for that today,” he said. “I think I need to improve my putting and then I will come back next year.”

The other amateur who made the cut was American Kelly Kraft, who finished at 18over after closing with an 80 and plans to turn professional yesterday. —Reuters

Kuwait Rally contestants arrive KUWAIT: Teams participating in the 2012 Kuwait International Rally, the second round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship are set to carry out technical preparations following their arrival to the country ahead of the official check up tomorrow before the race kicks off Thursday at 5:00 pm in front of the Safir Hotel in Al-Fintas.

A top motorsports official released a statement yesterday in which he welcomed ‘Kuwait’s guests’ and acknowledged the international support that the Kuwait Rally receives. “The FIA plays a major role in boosting motorsports in the Gulf and Middle East regions by placing

them among the top destination in international rally and other motorsports championships”, said Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait International Motorsports Club (KT), Emad BuKhamseen.

BuKhamseen also acknowledged the “fruitful cooperation” with the Kuwait Quarter Mile Motorsports Club in organizing the international competition jointly. Twenty seven contestants are expected to take part in the race that takes place over a total of 709 kilometers distance at the Jlai’ah and Bnaidar areas south of the country. The two-day event is divided into twelve periods with six periods a day.

Emad BuKhamseen

18

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

S P ORT S

Italy reeling from latest football scandal betting) which involves at least three separate investigations up and down the country.

Local and foreign mafias paid players to help fix matches, mostly in the lower divisions but also in Serie A, to make money through betting on those games.

Masiello and Bari’s involvement took place once the southerners were almost certain to be relegated from Serie A, with a group of Ultra fans allegedly approaching players and telling them to lose certain matches.

Masiello is far from the highest profile player to be implicated in these scandals with former Italy international striker Guiseppe Signori banned from footballing activities and briefly placed under house arrest. He is still under investigation.

Former Atalanta striker Cristiano Doni was also banned for five years for accepting

ROME: Italy could ill afford another football scandal just six years after the infamous Calciopoli match-fixing affair with memories even still fresh from the Totonero scandal in 1980.

And yet this season has been marked by another ugly episode that culminated last week in the arrest of a Serie A footballer for having taken bribes to fix matches.

Andrea Masiello, now with Atalanta, admitted to receiving 50,000 euros for scoring an own goal in Bari’s 2-0 home defeat to Lecce last season.

The revelation came after an investigation by the Bari public prosecutor which discovered a match-fixing ring centre around the city’s football team.

It was the latest incident in what has been generally termed Calcioscommesse (football-

bribes, a charge he eventually admitted to as his ban had ended his playing career. Doni and Signori were first implicated last June when the first betting scandal stories started being made public.

It has since dogged Italian football all season long and continues to do so as more investigations are launched and more revelations published.

Italians have been here before and are even managing to see a light-hearted side to the affair, with the joke doing the rounds: “Calcioscommesse scoop, the VicenzaCagliari match in 1964 wasn’t fixed!”

There is perhaps a good reason to Italians’ looking at the funny side of what is another humiliating blot on the country’s footballing image.

The 2006 Calciopoli affair, in which teams

including Juventus were ringing up the Refereeing Commission to ask for certain “friendly” referees to take charge of their games, preceded a World Cup victory.

And the Totonero scandal in 1980, in which players took bribes to fix games, came just a couple of years before Italy’s previous World Cup success.

Paolo Rossi copped a two-year ban for his involvement and came back just in time to star for Italy at the World Cup in Spain.

Not everyone is laughing though as giants AC Milan, in 1980, and Juventus, in 2006, both paid for their involvement with relegation to Serie B. Atalanta were hit with a six-point penalty at the start of this season over their part in the current Calcioscommesse affair.

That could have proved costly for the

newly-promoted side, although a fine start to their campaign saw them keep clear of the relegation battle.

So far they have been the only Serie A team directly involved and Masiello the only current top flight player implicated.

But if Hristiyan Ilievski, a Macedonian mafioso who gave an interview to La Repubblica a few weeks ago, is to be believed, the match-fixing is far more widereaching that even the authorities believe.

“Players phoned me and said: ‘20,000 (euros) on this result’, I did it because I trusted them,” he said. “That doesn’t happen in England but it does in Italy. The players make an agreement and then bet or sell their information. “Often it’s the directors of the clubs themselves who come to an agreement.” —AFP

Real on edge for Madrid derby MADRID: Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone is just the man to exploit Real Madrid’s ragged nerves as his side try to end a 13-year winless run against their more illustrious neighbors tomorrow.

Simeone, often described as playing with a

ter break. La Liga leaders Real, on the other hand, will have their nerves on edge after seeing a 10-point lead over Barcelona cut to four in the space of three weeks. Their latest slipup was a 0-0 draw at home to Valencia on Sunday.

Real Madrid’s coach Jose Mourinho from Portugal reacts in this file photo knife between his teeth when he captained Argentina, has brought some of his uncompromising tenacity to Atletico who have lost only once at home since he arrived in the win-

“Perhaps we were a little anxious and rushed when making the final pass,” said Real director Emilio Butragueno. “ Tomorrow’s game will be vital for us to get some breath-

Preview

FA Cup tie looms over Reds’ trip to Blackburn BLACKBURN: Kenny Dalglish faces a selec tion dilemma ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League match away to relegation-threatened Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.

The Reds have managed just two victories in the league since the turn of the year (they were held to 1-1 draw with Aston Villa last weekend) and they face Merseyside rivals Everton in an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday.

Liverpool are currently on their worst league run since they were relegated from the top flight 58 years ago but Anfield great Dalglish, who has already guided the club to the League Cup this season, will want to keep some

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish of his key men fresh for the cup tie.

The likes of Steven Gerrard could be given a break , while Brazilian Alexander Doni will continue to cover for the suspended Pepe Reina in goal.

Liverpool have managed just 11 victories in their 32 league matches so far this season, losing nine of their 17 away games.

Dalglish accepts his team’s responsibility for their league position but feels Liverpool have been on the wrong end of a great deal of poor luck and refereeing decisions in recent months.

The draw with Villa was a good example, with the Reds having two penalty appeals turned down and wasting a host of chances.

England winger Stewart Downing said it was crucial Liverpool prepared for the Everton game with victory at Ewood Park.

“It has to be a case of picking up where we left off (against Villa),” he explained. “We have to keep drumming the same message into ourselves-keep being positive, keep creating chances and it will fall for us in the end. “Obviously you can’t keep going on a run like this where we keep missing chances. It will turn and hopefully at Blackburn we will get three points.

“I t would be nice to get a win before the semi-final. “Form goes out of the window for a semi-final, but I still think you need to go into it with a bit of form and players who are playing with good confidence. “ We’ve got a big game (at Blackburn) to prepare for it and it’s a big week for the club.” Dalglish has been buoyed by the return of Danish defender Daniel Agger from a rib problem.

The centre-back made a 20-minute substitute appearance against Villa and could feature for longer at Ewood Park. Glen Johnson is still struggling with a hamstring problem and Charlie Adam and Lucas are definitely sidelined.

Blackburn have slipped back into trouble after a 3-0 loss at West Bromtheir third straight defeat. Steve Kean’s side had moved away from the relegation zone after back-to-back wins over Wolves and Sunderland but have fallen away with reverses against Bolton, Manchester United and the Baggies.

Kean knows his team are running out of opportunities to collect the points needed to secure their Premier League status.

After the meeting with the Reds, Black burn’s remaining games are against Swansea, Norwich, Tottenham and Wigan before they finish the season with a trip to Chelsea.

At least Kean has a full-strength side to select from, although on-loan striker Anthony Modeste will be absent though suspension following his red card in the defeat at the Hawthorns on Saturday.

“Other results worked for us over the weekend,” said Kean, whose team beat Liverpool 3-1 at Ewood Park last season. “I’ve always said there will be lots of twists and turns in the battle to stay up.” —AFP

ing space,” added the former Real forward known in his playing days as the Vulture.

“There is no let up, we have a terrible month in front of us.”

While Real have drawn three of their last five league matches, a Lionel Messi-inspired Barca have won nine on the trot and host Getafe today.

Real are chasing their first league title since 2008 and have 79 points after 31 games.

Barca have 75 and are seeking their fourth straight La Liga crown.

Jose Mourinho’s side, on paper, have a tougher run-in, with further trips to play Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona on April 21.

“After drawing against Valencia, we have to win at the Calderon,” Real defender Raul Albiol told reporters.

If Real and Barca finish the season level on points the head-to-head results between them would decide the title, as happened when Fabio Capello’s Real team won in 2007.

Maintaining a four-point gap helps keep the pressure off the ‘clasico’ in Barcelona in two weeks time, as Pep Guardiola’s side hold a 3-1 advantage from their victory at the Bernabeu in December.

Europa League semi-finalists Atletico, who are seventh, slumped to a 2-0 defeat at Levante on Sunday and are running out of options in their push for a top four finish.

“We have to respect Real because they are the leaders, they are more than 30 points ahead of us, and are one of the best teams in their history,” Atletico’s Brazilian defender Felipe Luis said. “We are all very keen to end this run of many years without beating Madrid.” —Reuters

Bayern ‘psycho strategies’ will fall flat — Dortmund BERLIN: Bayern Munich should not waste their time with any “psycho strategies” ahead of their colossol top-of-thetable clash against Borussia Dortmund tomorrow, the champions have warned.

Dortmund have won 10 and drawn two since the winter break for a near-perfect second half of the season, extending their unbeaten run to 23 matches and climbing to 66 points. Bayern, winners of nine in a row in all competitions, are only three points behind and their president, Uli Hoeness, has said the game will be the culmination of their “war of attrition” which will finally pay off.

Interest in the game is staggering. Dortmund had 450,000 ticket requests for the 80,000 seats in their stadium for the game that will be broadcast to 200 countries.

Borussia CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke shrugged off Bayern’s mind games. “You don’t win a game with psycho strategies.

I just don’t think it is possible so it bounces off us,” Watzke said. “Our players are cracking up laughing with this Bayern talk. Ours is a new generation of players who just love to play football and want to win the next match.”

So do the Bavarians, who know a victory would catapult the club, chasing an unprecedented German treble of domestic titles and the Champions League, back into top spot on goal difference.

“We are under bigger pressure because we are three points behind,” said Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

“We can kiss the title goodbye if we lose. We have respect but we are not afraid of Dortmund.” The two teams will also meet in the German Cup final in May. Dortmund could have playmaker Mario Goetze back in the squad for the first time since the 19-year-old Germany international’s groin injury in late January.

Bayern, on the other hand, look set to start again with Bastian Schweinsteiger in his usual holding midfield position. The Germany international was in the lineup for their 2-1 win over Augsburg on Saturday following his weekslong absence due to a knee injury. “Obviously it will be a tough game but with our fans backing us and the floodlights on for the evening game, that is pure motivation for us,” said Dortmund’s Ilkay Guendogan, who scored in their 3-1 win over VfL Wolfsburg.

“We are just happy to be playing such a game,” said the Germany international. Third-placed Schalke 04, who tightened their grip on the last automatic Champions League qualification spot with a 3-0 win over Hanover 96 on Sunday, are six points behind Bayern on 57 and travel to Nuremberg, also tomorrow. —Reuters

Matches on TV (Local Timings) English Premier League Blackburn v Liverpool 22:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD Spanish League Barcelona v Getafe 22:00 Aljazeera Sport +2 Aljazeera Sport 2 HD

Italian League Chievo v AC Milan Aljazeera Sport +1 Aljazeera Sport 1 HD

21:45

ITALY: Juventus players celebrate at the end of the Serie A soccer match in this file photo.

Italian League wide open ROME: All of a sudden, it’s anyone’s guess who will win the Italian league.

Two weeks ago, AC Milan appeared to be cruising toward its second consecutive title with a four-point lead over Juventus.

Now, the Turin club is one point in front with seven rounds remaining - and holds the tiebreaker with a win and a draw head-to-head.

“Everything depends on us now,” said Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who transferred from Milan to Juventus in the offseason. “A one-point lead at this point of the season means a lot. But we’re taking it match by match, because a false step can occur at any moment. The percentages remain 50-50.” But if recent form is any indication, Juventus holds the edge.

Juventus has outscored opponents 12-0 in its last four matches - all victories - and has a 36-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, with its last loss coming against Parma at the end of last season.

Juventus has not won Serie A since having the 2005 and 2006 titles stripped for its role in the 2006 match-fixing scandal. The last title it still holds came in 2003, when Marcello Lippi was in charge.

Milan slumped to a 1-1 draw with Catania and a 2-1 loss at home to Fiorentina in its last two league matches, and split those with a defeat to Barcelona that eliminated it from the Champions League quarterfinals.

“We’re paying for our efforts against Barcelona,” Milan vice president Adriano Galliani said. “We’ve led for two years and what happened to us against Fiorentina could happen to Juventus from here until the end of the season.”

Actually, Milan last trailed just a couple months ago, but then took the lead in mid-February when Juve’s match with Bologna was postponed due to a snow-

storm. This time, the lead change came courtesy of a last-minute defensive lapse

by Milan, which allowed Fiorentina striker Amauri to score his first goal since transferring from Juventus in January.

Amauri could end up being an unlikely hero for Juventus, which spurned him and didn’t even allow him to train with the first team during his final months with the team.

Amauri’s goal has also set off speculation that Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri could be at risk of losing his job, one season after ending rival Inter Milan’s run of five straight titles.

“Reading the newspapers it almost seems like we’re in the relegation zone,” Galliani said. “But nothing has been lost ... There’s no sense of moderation. Don’t believe what you read, Max is absolutely staying.” Both Milan and Juventus face tough tests in midweek fixtures.

Milan visits an in-form Chievo Verona side Tuesday and Juventus hosts thirdplace Lazio tomorrow. While Juventus is relatively healthy, Milan is desperately hoping that Mark van Bommel and Clarence Seedorf return from minor injuries with Massimo Ambrosini, Alberto Aquilani and Daniele Bonera all suspended.

Ninth-placed Chievo is hoping to make relegation a mathematical impossibility, while Lazio wants to hold on to third place, which carries the league’s final Champions League berth.

Lazio has 54 points, Udinese is next with 51, followed by Napoli (48), Roma (47) and Inter (45). Udinese visits Roma on Wednesday, Napoli hosts Atalanta and Inter faces Siena. Also tomorrow, it’s: Catania vs. Lecce; Fiorentina vs. Palermo; Genoa vs. Cesena and Parma vs. Novara.

In Thursday’s only match, Bologna hosts Cagliari. —AP

Bahrain coach says 10-0 qualifier was legitimate DUBAI: Bahrain “did nothing wrong” in its 10-0 win over Indonesia in a World Cup qualifier that has sparked a FIFA probe, the team’s national coach said yesterday.

Peter Taylor, who managed England as caretaker in 2000, yesterday blamed the lopsided result in February on Indonesia playing an inexperienced side. He said no one from FIFA had contacted him and felt there was no point in discussing the match with football’s world governing body. “We did nothing wrong. There is no need for us to speak to FIFA,” said Taylor, who was hired to coach Bahrain in July. “At the end of the day, the game was played and we did as well as we possibly could and played the strongest team we could.”

Taylor criticized Indonesia for sending a team made up mostly of reserves and whose most experienced player - a goalkeeper had only been capped 12 times.

“That shouldn’t be done,” he said. “To respect the competition, they should send their strongest team. Just because they couldn’t qualify, it doesn’t mean they should send their reserve team,” he said. “Bahrain can’t do anything about that. All we can do is turn up and try and win a match. We should have won by more than 10. We missed two penalties.”

FIFA said it plans to interview match referees, coaching staff and players during a probe of what it called an “unusual” match.

In the match, Lebanese referee Andre El Haddad sent off Indonesia’s goalkeeper in the second minute and awarded Bahrain four penalties.

Bahrain’s win raised suspicion because it went into the game trailing Qatar by three points and nine goals in group standings. However, Qatar drew 2-2 with

Iran in its final qualifying match to advance. FIFA had written to Indonesian officials ahead of the match reminding them that World Cup rules require teams to field their strongest lineup.

Indonesia was expected to select an inexperienced team after suspending players from clubs in the breakaway Indonesian Super League. It had lost all five previous group matches, conceding 16 goals while scoring just three.

The Asian Football Confederation has defended its member countries against any suspicions of match-fixing. It issued a statement last week expressing confidence that the match was conducted properly, and that Bahrain was “tactically and technically” better.

Bahrain came into the 2014 World Cup qualifiers with high hopes, having just missed out on qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. But its campaign was beset by injuries, coaching changes and anti-government demonstrations that paralyzed the country and resulted in several top players being jailed and excluded from the team.

Bahrain finished the campaign with a record of two wins, three draws and one loss - a 6-0 drubbing by Iran. Taylor acknowledged the team “blew it in World Cup qualifying” but said he felt it had improved since his arrival. “My plans are to stick with the team. I think we have made tremendous progress,” he said. “We have a young team and we have done very well.” Taylor refused to discuss the status of several former players - including standouts Alaa and Mohammed Hubail - who were punished for taking part in the protests. At the mention of the protests, Taylor said “Don’t go there.

You are getting boring.” —AP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

S P ORT S

Norwich damage Spurs’ bid for Champions League Tottenham 1

Norwich 2

LONDON: Newcastle United’s Jonas Gutierrez (left) vies for the ball with Bolton Wanderers’ Darren Pratley (right) during their English Premier League soccer match.—AP

Newcastle see off Bolton Newcastle 2

Bolton 0 NEWCASTLE: Hatem Ben Arfa’s stunning goal set up Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at St James’ Park here yesterday as the Magpies maintained their bid for Champions League qualification.

Ben Arfa’s superb solo effort in the 73rd minute, allied to Papiss Demba Cisse’s 10th goal in nine games seven minutes from time, saw Newcastle draw level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur.

The top three teams in the Premier League at the end of the season qualify for the first round of the Champions League proper, with the fourth-placed side set for a qualifying round.

Few would have predicted Newcastle would be in such exalted company at this stage of the season but Alan Pardew’s men have repeatedly confounded the doubters

and this was their fifth successive league victory.

By contrast, defeat left Bolton just a point above the relegation zone. A lacklustre first half witnessed just the one half chance when, seven minutes before the break when Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, under no pressure punched Ben Arfa’s free-kick into the face of team-mate Sam Ricketts. Fortunately for Bolton, the ball went wide of the unguarded net.

In the second half, Newcastle keeper Tim Krul saved well from Chris Eagles and blocked a scuffed shot from Mark Davies.

However, the deadlock was broken 17 minutes from time thanks to some sublime play from Ben Arfa.

He received the ball from Yohan Cabaye deep inside his own half before setting off on a brilliant run which saw him draw away from Mark Davies and in between central defenders David Wheater and Tim Ream before calmly steering a shot past the advancing Bogdan.

And in the 83rd minute, Ameobi’s cross was turned in by Cisse at the far post and his goal stood despite Bolton protests the forward was offside.—AFP

America edge Guadalajara MEXICO CITY: A late goal from Paul Aguilar handed America a 1-0 win over Guadalajara Chivas on Sunday in Mexico’s most intense rivalry, leaving Chivas with little chance of making the playoffs with just three games to play in the regular season.

America improved to 25 points in fifth place and is on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs. The top three teams in Mexico - Santos Laguna, Monterrey and Tigres - are guaranteed places in the postseason after the results this weekend from round 14 of the Clausura championship.

In other matches, Monterrey defeated city rivals Tigres 2-0, Santos Laguna drew 11 with Estudiantes Tecos, Morelia drew 0-0 against Atlas, Jaguares defeated San Luis 32, Tijuana won 2-1 against Atlante, Cruz Azul lost 2-1 against Queretaro, Puebla won 2-1 against Toluca and Pachuca overcame Pumas 1-0.

The winning goal at Guadalajara’s Estadio Omnilife came in the 86th when Aguilar struck a low shot in off the post from the right hand side of the penalty area, after receiving a through pass from substitute Raul Jimenez. America had the better of the first half, but both teams had

goals disallowed.

Ecuadoran Christian Benitez had his headed goal ruled out for leaning on a Chivas defender in the 20th, and Hector Reynoso nodded in from a corner in the 36th only to find the referee had spotted a foul on the America goalkeeper.

America came out after halftime pushing for an opening goal, but didn’t create many chances with the game played out mainly in the midfield.

After Aguilar’s goal, Chivas pushed forward attempting to get an equalizer but had no clear cut opportunities. Chivas captain Reynoso was sent off for throwing an elbow in injury time.

The victory means America needs only one win from its three remaining games to make the playoffs, while Chivas has to win all three remaining games and hope others slip up. In the Monterrey derby on Saturday, two goals either side of halftime from Aldo de Nigris gave home side Monterrey the victory against Tigres.

Santos Laguna has 30 points, followed

by Monterrey on 28, reigning champions Tigres in third - also on 28 points - and Morelia in fourth on 27.—AP

MEXICO: Cruz Azul’s Edixon Perea (right) and Queretaro’s Manuel Mondragon go for a header during a Mexican soccer league match.—AP

LONDON: Tottenham’s bid to qualify for the Champions League suffered another setback as Norwich clinched a shock 2-1 win at White Hart Lane yesterday.

Harry Redknapp’s side were well below their best as Norwich took an early lead through Anthony Pilkington and, although Jermain Defoe equalised before the break, it was the Canaries who deservedly took the points thanks to Elliott Bennett’s second half winner.

Spurs have now won only one of their last eight Premier League matches after a lacklustre performance which raised doubts about their ability to hold off Newcastle and Chelsea in the race to finish in the top four.

Fourth placed Tottenham are ahead of Newcastle only on goal difference and Chelsea could climb above their London rivals with a big win at Fulham later on Monday.

While Redknapp continues to deny that the speculation linking him with the vacant England job has proved a distraction, there is no denying that Tottenham’s results have taken a major nosedive since Fabio Capello quit as England coach. Paul Lambert’s team, only the third team to win at White Hart Lane this season, were in charge from the start and Grant Holt beat Ledley King to a Pilkington cross, only to prod wide. The Canaries were ahead in the 12th minute after some shambolic defending by Tottenham.

Younes Kaboul blocked Aaron

LONDON: Norwich City’s Steve Morison (centre) takes the ball away from Tottenham Hotspur’s Ryan Nelson (left) and Ledley King during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP Wilbraham’s shot and Kyle Walker went to clear, but his attempt ricocheted off King into the path of Pilkington, who calmly fired past Brad Friedel.

Norwich thought they should have been given a penalty when King tangled with Holt in the Norwich box, but referee Michael Oliver waved play on much to the fury of Lambert on the touchline.

To add insult to injur y for Lambert, Spurs then raced up the other end and equalised in the 33rd minute. Defoe latched on to a sublime pass from Jake Livermore and produced a fine, chipped finish

over Nor wich goalkeeper John Ruddy.

Spurs were forced into a substitution when French defender Younes Kaboul hobbled off and was replaced by Ryan Nelsen just before half-time, while Redknapp also sent on Emmanuel Adebayor for Louis Saha at the interval.

Adebayor nearly made an immediate impact as he burst into the Nor wich penalty area and drove in a power ful shot that forced Ruddy to tip over.

Lambert was angry with Oliver again on the hour when Adebayor pushed Aaron Wilbraham in the

Tottenham area but no penalty was given. Gareth Bale wwent close to putting Spurs ahead with a longrange effort that cannoned off the woodwork.

But Norwich regained the lead through Bennett’s first Premier League goal as the former Brighton midfielder thumped a 20-yard strike beyond Friedel.

Bale flicked a Benoit AssouEkotto cross just wide as Tottenham went in search of an equaliser. It was Norwich who finished stronger and Simeon Jackson missed a sitter after good work from Steve Morison.—AFP

Everton rout Sunderland Everton 4

Sunderland 0

LIVERPOOL: Everton enjoyed the per fect preparation for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool as they routed Sunderland 4-0 at Goodison Park yesterday.

David Moyes’ team will head south to Wembley later this week in good heart after their fourth win in five games in all competitions.

The Toffees are now four points clear of Merseyside rivals Liverpool thanks to a secondhalf goal spree that demolished Sunderland in emphatic fashion.

French midfielder Magaye Gueye opened the scoring and South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar increased Everton’s lead before goals from Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe sealed the rout. It was the perfect Cup warm-up for Moyes, who was able to rest Leighton Baines, Nikica Jelavic and Tim Cahill and still secure Everton’s biggest win of the season.

Sunderland had extra motivation after losing out to Everton in an FA Cup quarter-final replay last month, but their last victory over the Toffees in the Premier League came way back in December 2001.

There was little between the teams in a dour first half which saw Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini waste a decent opening, while Sunderland striker Stephane Sessegnon sent his overhead kick just wide. Everton finally upped their tempo at the start of the second half and they scored from the third of three corners in

LONDON: Sunderland’s Michael Turner (left) in action against Tottenham Hotpsur’s Sandro (center) and Younes Kaboul (right) during the English Premier League soccer match.—AP quick succession in the 52nd minute.

James McFadden’s delivery was cleared but only as far as Pienaar, who headed the ball into the path of Osman.

His fierce shot was blocked by Sunderland goalkeeper Simon Mignolet but the rebound fell for Gueye to smash in his first Everton goal from a tight angle.

Everton killed off Sunderland with two goals in the space of a minute. Pienaar got on the scoresheet in the 75th minute with a curling

shot from the edge of the area into the far corner.

And in the 76th minute, Osman controlled a long ball on his chest before turning inside and placing a superb shot into the corner of Mignolet’s net.

Anichebe came off the bench to complete the rout in the 81st minute. Pienaar wriggled away from two defenders in the corner and picked out Anichebe and the striker fired past Mignolet via a deflection off Jack Colback.—AFP

Botafogo reach Rio Cup semis SAO PAULO: Uruguay striker Sebastian “El Loco” Abreu scored a goal and Argentine forward German Herrera added two others as Botafogo defeated Friburguense 3-1 to secure a spot in the semifinals of the Rio Cup on Sunday.

Flamengo also clinched a spot in the second stage of the Rio state championship with a lastminute penalty by Ronaldinho in a 2-1 win over Vasco da Gama.

Vasco players complained heavily with the refereeing and protesting fans vandalized a seating section at the Engenhao stadium.

In the Sao Paulo state tournament, Sao Paulo and Corinthians won their matches to stay atop the standings with one round before the playoffs.

Abreu opened the scoring for Botafogo in the 35th minute with a left-footed shot from near the penalty spot after Friburguense defenders failed to clear a ball inside the area.

Herrera scored his first goal with a right-footer from inside the box after a low cross in the 82nd, and netted his second from close

range after another ball sent into the inside of the area in the 87th.

Friburguense’s lone goal was scored by Douglas in the 86th. The result at the Engenhao kept Botafogo unbeaten in the Rio Cup after seven matches. “This should give us more confidence,” Herrera said. “We haven’t lost yet, we are definitely doing the right thing.”

On Saturday, two-time FIFA player of the year Ronaldinho converted a penalty three minutes into second-half injury time to give Flamengo a 2-1 win over Vasco and a spot in the semifinals along with Botafogo in Group A. Striker Deivid opened the scoring for Flamengo at the Engenhao in the 16th and Diego Souza equalized for Vasco in the 50th.

The penalty decision came after Vasco goalkeeper Fernando Prass fouled defender Leonardo Moura inside the area.

Many Vasco players rushed toward the referee after the final whistle to complain, mostly because of what they say was a missed penalty call against Flamengo in the 75th, when the match was tied at 1-1. Police offi-

cers had to intervene to keep the players from getting too close to the officials.

Vasco president Roberto Dinamite, a former Brazil midfielder, invaded the field to complain too. “We were robbed,” he said later. More than 100 chairs were broken by irate Vasco fans, and some of them were thrown from the seating section to near the field.

Vasco began the match with only six regular starters because it will play at Nacional of Uruguay in the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.

On Saturday, Fluminense beat Madureira 2-1 with a goal by Argentine midfielder Manuel Lanzini, moving to third in Group B. Bangu and Vasco lead the group.

Fluminense, led by striker Fred and former Chelsea playmaker Deco, has already qualified for the Rio state final because it won the Guanabara Cup. In the Sao Paulo state tournament, Sao Paulo maintained the lead by beating Mogi Mirim 2-0 on Saturday, extending its winning streak to 10 matches this year.

Midfielder Casemiro and playmaker Fernandinho each scored a goal late in the first half at the Arena Barueri. Casemiro was sent off with a second yellow card near the end of the match.

Corinthians stayed close by beating Paulista 1-0 with a header by forward Willian in the 80th at the Pacaembu stadium.

Sao Paulo and Corinthians have 43 points from 18 matches, but Sao Paulo is ahead on goal difference. Santos remained third with 36 points despite a 2-1 loss at Sao Caetano. Neymar scored Santos’ goal after a pass from playmaker Paulo Henrique Ganso.

Palmeiras dropped to fifth after losing to Guarani 3-1 in Campinas.

Argentine striker Hernan Barcos scored for the team coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, which played a man down from the 63rd because right back Cicinho was sent off for a hard sliding tackle. Guarani is now fourth in the standings with one round left before the playoffs.

The top eight teams will advance, but the top four have the advantage of playing at home in the quarterfinals.—AP

Norwich damage Spurs’ bid for Champions League

Tearful Watson wins Masters

19

16

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

Yuvraj returns to India after cancer treatment

Page 16

LONDON: Fulham’s Irish midfielder Damien Duff (second left) vies with Chelsea’s English defender Ryan Bertrand (left) and midfielder Frank Lampard (right) during the English Premier League football match. —AFP

Dempsey derails Chelsea’s CL bid Fulham 1

Chelsea 1

LONDON: Clint Dempsey’s late equaliser saw Chelsea lose ground in the race for a Champions League spot after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham in the west London derby at Craven Cottage here yesterday.

Frank Lampard’s penalty-his 150th goal in the Premier League-had Chelsea in control, but United States international Dempsey headed home his 16th goal of the season eight minutes from time. The result was the least Fulham deserved and will be seen as a huge missed opportunity for Chelsea.

Only the top three clubs in the Premier League are guaranteed a place in next season’s Champions League proper, with the fourthplaced side gaining entry to a qualifying round.

Chelsea, the lone English club left in this season’s Champions League, could muddy the waters by being crowned champions of Europe although they face title-holders Barcelona in the

semi-finals. This draw left them two points behind fourth-placed Tottenham, beaten by Norwich earlier on Monday, and Newcastle who on Monday beat Bolton to go fifth.

It was far from the ideal scoreline for Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Tottenham on Sunday and Champions League date with Barcelona a week on Wednesday.

Chelsea were bidding to get back the top four for the first time since February 11 this year, three weeks before manager Andre Villas-Boas was sacked.

Since then interim coach Roberto di Matteo has revived Chelsea’s fortunes, having only lost one of his 11 matches in charge thus far.

The Italian made good on his word to make changes from Saturday’s win over Wigan and he was further boosted by the return of captain John Terry from a rib injury.

Fernando Torres started instead of Didier Drogba, while Juan Mata, who scored the winner against Wigan, was dropped to the bench in favour of Salomon Kalou.

Fulham, meanwhile, have little to play for other than Martin Jol’s wish to finish in the top half of the table. Aside from Fulham captain Danny Murphy’s return from illness, Jol’s only change to the team that won 3-0 at Bolton on Saturday was enforced, with Kerim Frei taking the place of Bryan Ruiz, who broke his metatarsal at the

Reebok.

After a cagey opening, Torres fired a powerful shot on target only for his 10th minute effort to be deflected over the bar by Brede Hangeland.

But Fulham enjoyed the best of the first half, with Frei and John Arne Riise posing problems for Branislav Ivanovic.

Riise was unlucky not to see his excellent cross turned into the net by Dempsey in the 20th minute, after the forward lost his footing.

Then three minutes later a neat link-up between Dempsey and Mousa Dembele ended with the striker forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech into a diving save.

Frei tested Cech a minute later and the visiting keeper did well to turn the winger’s shot wide of the post. But all Fulham’s first-half endeavour was rendered pointless a minute before the break when Danny Murphy slid in two-footed on Salomon Kalou, leaving referee Mark Clattenburg no option but to award the visitors a penalty.

Frank Lampard slotted home the spot kick to become the first midfielder to score 150 Premier League goals. Chelsea came out after the break with more purpose and Meireles should have done better than shoot over the bar.

But Fulham refused to give up and, after Cech had kept out Aaron Hughes with a point-blank save, Dempsey headed Fulham level from the resulting corner. — AFP

EPL results/standings Aston Villa 1 (Weimann 32) Stoke 1 (Huth 71); Fulham 1 (Dempsey 82) Chelsea 1 (Lampard 45pen); Everton 4 (Gueye 52, Pienaar 75, Osman 76, Anichebe 81) Sunderland 0; Newcastle 2 (Ben Arfa 73, Cisse 83) Bolton 0;Tottenham 1 (Defoe 33) Norwich 2 (Pilkington 13, Bennett 66) English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Man Utd

32

25

4

3 78 27

79

Sunderland

33

11

9 13 42 41

42

Man City

32

22

5

5 75 26

71

Stoke

33

11

9 13 32 45

42

Arsenal

32

19

4

9 63 41

61

West Brom

32

11

6 15 39 43

39

Tottenham

33

17

8

8 57 38

59

Swansea

32

10

9 13 35 41

39

Newcastle

33

17

8

8 50 42

59

Aston Villa

32

7 14 11 35 44

35

Chelsea

33

16

9

8 56 38

57

Bolton

32

9

29

Everton

33

13

8 12 38 34

47

QPR

32

7

7 18 35 56

28

Liverpool

32

11 10 11 37 34

43

Blackburn

32

7

7 18 43 67

28

Fulham

33

11 10 12 43 43

43

Wigan

32

6 10 16 30 57

28

Norwich

33

11 10 12 46 52

43

Wíhampton

32

5

22

7 20

3 470

Villa inch closer to survival Aston Villa 1

Malaga thump Racing MADRID: Isco, Santi Cazorla and Ruud van Nistelrooy earned Malaga a 3-0 home win over 10-man Racing Santander that put them up to third in La Liga yesterday.

The big-spending Qatari-owned club knocked Valencia out of the last automatic Champions League qualification slot, climbing to 50 points from 31 games with seven left to play.

Faltering Valencia slipped down to fourth with 49 points after a 0-0 draw at leaders Real Madrid on Sunday. Jose Mourinho’s Real top the standings with 79 points but have had their lead cut back to four points by Barcelona, 4-1 winners at Real Zaragoza on Saturday.

Racing were reduced to 10 men after only three min- SPAIN: Malaga’s Isco celebrates after scoring during the Spanish League football match. —AFP utes at the Rosaleda when defender Francis brought Spanish League result/standings down Salomon Rondon in the area to be shown a straight red card, but Cazorla’s spot kick was saved. The Malaga 3 (Isco 22, Cazorla 64, van Nistelrooy 84) Racing Santander 0 hosts created a flurry of chances until Isco curled a Spanish League table standings after yesterday’s match (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, superb shot inside the far post in the 22nd minute. goals against, points): Spain midfielder Cazorla slotted away the second in Real Madrid 31 25 4 2 100 27 79 Bilbao 31 10 11 10 45 42 41 the 64th from Enzo Maresca’s slide-rule pass and substiBarcelona 31 23 6 2 90 23 75 Rayo 31 12 4 15 48 53 40 tute Van Nistelrooy headed the third from close range Betis 31 11 5 15 38 44 38 Malaga 31 15 5 11 47 43 50 near the end.

Valencia 31 13 10 8 46 37 49 Mallorca 31 9 10 12 32 40 37 Levante 31 14 6 11 44 41 48 Sociedad 31 10 7 14 38 47 37 Racing’s 13th game without a win left them mired in Osasuna 31 10 13 8 35 52 43 Granada 31 10 5 16 28 46 35 relegation trouble in 19th place with 25 points, the same Atletico 31 11 9 11 42 37 42 Villarreal 31 7 11 13 31 45 32 as basement side Sporting Gijon. They are three behind Zaragoza 31 7 7 17 28 56 28 Sevilla 31 1 9 11 36 33 42 Zaragoza and seven short of 17th-placed Villarreal and Espanyol 31 11 9 11 39 41 42 Racing 31 4 13 14 23 48 25 Getafe 31 11 9 11 33 39 42 Gijon 31 6 7 18 29 58 25 safety. — Reuters

2 21 36 65

Stoke 1

BIRMINGHAM: Aston Villa inched closer to Premier League survival after a 1-1 draw against Stoke yesterday. Alex McLeish’s side were forced to settle for a point at Villa Park after Robert Huth’s second-half header cancelled out a first-half opener from Austria striker Andreas Weimann.

But despite the frustration of Huth’s leveller, Villa are now seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone with only six games remaining.

McLeish had handed a second league start to Weimann in place of former England international Emile Heskey, who had started Villa’s draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

And Weimann was quickly into the action as he found Stephen Ireland in space inside the Stoke penalty area, with Stoke defender Marc Wilson alert enough to snuff out the danger.

Villa’s first genuine attempt on goal came from James Collins, who rose at the far post to meet an inswinging Barry Bannan corner, but the defender couldn’t find a way past Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

McLeish’s side were missing seven senior players through illness or injury, but in the first half Stoke rarely troubled goalkeeper Shay Given, who comfortably dealt with a Rory Delap header from Matthew Etherington’s cross.

Villa took the lead in the 32nd minute when Weimann exchanged passes with Ireland on the edge of the area before curling a fine long-range strike past Begovic into the top corner.

Gabriel Agbonlahor had a good chance to double Villa’s lead after 55 minutes when he raced onto a pass from Bannan, yet the England international shot wastefully across the face of goal.

But, in front of Villa’s lowest league crowd of the season, the hosts gradually began to lose their grip on the match and Stoke drew level with 19 minutes left.

Jermaine Pennant was brought down by Craig Gardner and the Stoke winger curled over a teasing delivery for Germany defender Huth to climb above Collins to head home.

Villa youngster Chris Herd was stretchered off with a head injury after lengthy treatment following a clash with Huth and replaced by Heskey.

It was Stoke who went closest to winning when Ryan Shawcross fired home after Huth headed a Pennant corner back across the box, only for referee Mike Dean to rule it out for a foul. — AFP

Oula achieves net profit of KD 4 million in 2011 Page 22

Gold up as US job data lifts hope for easing Page 25

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

GCC plans to ensure smooth supply of oil

Iberia pilots strike, 150 flights cancelled Page 25

Page 23

Burgan Bank signs SPA with Eurobank EFG Acquires 99.26% stake in Eurobank Tekfen KUWAIT: Burgan Bank, one of Kuwait’s leading banks with a regional presence in Jordan, Iraq, Algeria and Tunisia, announced yesterday that it has entered into an agreement with Eurobank EFG to acquire a 99.26% stake in Eurobank Tekfen, Turkey. Under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), Burgan Bank has agreed to acquire the stake for a consideration value of TRY 641mn (KD 99 million) representing 0.98x based on September 30th 2011 shareholders’

Saudi dips after king slams ‘violations’ DUBAI/CAIRO: Saudi shares retreated yesterday after a call by the king for a crackdown against market manipulation spooked investors, and Egypt’s bourse fell to eight-week lows over top-level differences about the terms of an IMF loan.

King Abdullah has ordered the crackdown, insisting action should be taken if necessary against improper trading, the daily Alsharq newspaper reported yesterday.

This spooked retail investors, who either tried to reduce their market exposure or stayed away altogether. Turnover fell to 11.7 billion riyals ($3.1 billion), the lowest since March 3.

The index dipped 0.3 percent in its fourth straight decline to trim 2012 gains to 19.9 percent.

“When the CMA (Capital Market Authority) charges someone with unethical trading they freeze their buying, but not the selling,” said a Riyadh-based trader who asked not to be identified. “This started a domino wave of selling.”

Some traders said the move may help curb market volatility. “Fundamentals took a back seat (recently) and the net result was stocks with no fundamental strength skyrocketing, which sends the wrong message if you’re looking to open the market to foreigners,” said Amer Khan, fund manager at Shuaa Asset Management. “This is a very welcoming development to prevent a bubble from forming.”

Saudi Arabia is taking gradual steps to open the stock exchange to direct foreign ownership. Banks were the main losers, while some petrochemical stocks also closed lower. Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) slipped 0.7 percent and Al Rajhi Bank shed 1 percent.

Egypt’s main index fell 2.7 percent to its lowest level since Feb. 7 after the Muslim Brotherhood challenged the government to change the terms of the emergency IMF loan, showing political powers remain far apart on how to stave off a payments crisis.

Brotherhood presidential candidate Khairat al-Shater said he had told the army-backed interim government it should either postpone borrowing from the IMF or speed up the formation of a new government.

“It is not logical that I approve a loan that the transitional government would take for two or three months, then demand that I, as a permanent government, repay,” Shater said in an interview with Reuters. Sealing the $3.2 billion IMF loan would help reassure investors after over a year of political and economic turmoil.

Shater’s comments were “definitely a negative and no one will be buying in the market until there is clarity on the ... IMF loan talks,” said Teymour el-Derini of Naeem Brokerage.

Among decliners, Ezz Steel lost 3.7 percent and property developer Palm Hills dropped 5.3 percent.

In Dubai, the index lost 0.7 percent, trimming 2012 gains to 22.5 percent, as Asian shares fell after a sharp slowdown in US jobs growth raised concerns about the strength of the world’s largest economy.

“Data from US made investors, who were too positive for too long, to rethink their stance of continued global growth - that’s what is pulling our markets back,” said Shuaa’s Khan.

Dubai bellwether Emaar Properties slipped 0.9 percent, Emirates NBD dipped 1.1 percent and telecoms operator du shed 2.6 percent.

Abu Dhabi’s benchmark dipped 0.5 percent to its lowest close since Feb. 23. Qatar’s index declined 0.3 percent, down for a fifth consecutive session. “We’re in the midst of earnings and until we see numbers that negate this sentiment, expect investors to remain cautious,” Khan added.

Elsewhere, Kuwait’s benchmark slipped 0.6 percent to its lowest close since Feb. 28.

equity. In addition, Burgan Bank has also agreed to acquire an additional portfolio of Turkish loans from EFG amounting to EURO 214 million (KD 78 million). The total consideration will be funded fully from Burgan’s existing internal cash resources.

The final execution of the transaction is subject to regulatory approvals from Central Bank of Kuwait (“CBK”) and Turkey’s Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (“BRSA”).

Eurobank Tekfen was established in 1989 by Tekfen Group

as an investment and finance bank. EFG acquired a 70% stake in the Bank in 2007 to further its regional presence. As at 30 September 2011, Eurobank Tekfen had total assets of TRY5,428 mn, net customer loans of TRY2,190mn, customer deposits of TRY2,075 mn and shareholders’ equity of TRY660 mn. The Bank has extensive geographic coverage within Turkey through its network of 60 branches. The Turkish economy and banking sector have continued to demonstrate significant positive per-

formance and resilience throughout the global financial crisis and offer opportunities for continued long term expansion.

Turkey’s large, growing and young population, combined with strategic positioning between Europe and the Middle East offers strong potential for further economic growth in the medium-to-long term, with increasing business flows with the Middle East. Citigroup Global Markets Limited acted as the exclusive financial advisor for Burgan Bank on this transaction.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

BUSINESS

Qatar builds $2.65bn Xstrata stake ahead of Glencore deal DUBAI: Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund has built a 5-percent stake in Xstrata ahead of the mining giant’s planned $41 billion takeover by commodities trader Glencore.

The tiny Gulf Arab state’s sovereign wealth fund, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), now ranks as the third-largest shareholder in Xstrata behind Glencore and asset manager BlackRock Inc, according to Reuters data.

Regulatory filings showed that Qatar, which owns stakes in Credit Suisse and supermarket chain Harrods, built up its Xstrata holding-worth $2.65 billion at current prices- through a series of stock market transactions which began soon after Glencore announced it was buying the company.

No immediate comment was available from the Qatar fund. Potential support for Glencore from Qatar could be

key in seeing through the Xstrata acquisition, which has run into opposition from key shareholders including Standard Life Investments and Schroders. Glencore plans to buy Xstrata, the world’s no.4 miner, in an all-share transaction that could create a combined group worth more than 50 billion pounds ($79 billion), shaking up the industry with its biggest deal to date.

Glencore, the world’s largest diversi-

fied commodities trader, already owns 34 percent of Xstrata and a tie -up between the two-a deal which would trump Rio Tinto’s $38 billion acquisition of Alcan in 2007 — has long been expected, as Glencore aims to add more mines to its trading clout.

The merger needs to be approved by 75 percent of shareholders excluding Glencore, which is barred from voting.

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, estimated

to have assets of around $100 billion, is widely seen as the most aggressive in the world, ploughing the tiny Gulf state’s gas dollars into a range of Western assets including automakers, prime real estate and global banks.

In recent weeks, the tiny Gulf state’s sovereign fund hasalso picked up minority stakes in France’s Total, conglomerate Lagardere and luxury house LVMH. — Reuters

Oula achieves net profit of KD 4 million in 2011 Proud to share our achievements with shareholders

By Ben Garcia

NEW DELHI: Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani (2L) and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2R) watch as Indian Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal (R) and Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Attiyah sign documents of a exchange programme between the governments of India and Qatar on Co-operation in the Field of Education during an agreement signing ceremony in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP

India, Qatar sign six new agreements NEW DELHI: India and Qatar signed six new agreements yesterday for bilateral cooperation in different fields, including oil and gas, education, legal affairs, cultural cooperation, banking, and trade promotion, said sources in India’s External Affairs Ministry.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and the visiting Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani in New Delhi. The Amir is here on a three-day official visit. He arrived last evening. An MoU (memorandum of understanding) signed between the Oil Ministers of two countries envisages cooperation in the areas of upstream and downstream oil and gas activities. It will also encourage and promote investment and cooperation between the two sides and their respective affiliated (oil) companies, said the sources.

An Exchange Progremme in the field of education, signed on the occasion, will enable exchange of research materials, organization of joint conferences, research and training programmes, providing scholarships for further education, and mutual assistance in the field of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in edu-

cation. An Agreement signed on legal affairs will enable exchange of experiences, information and expertise in the field of legal affairs. It will also encourage organization of scientific and training symposiums related to legal affairs, and promote exchange of delegations to familiarize with the regulations and activities of Ministries of Law and Justice of the two countries, added the sources.

An Agreement on cultural cooperation will enhance co-operation in the field of art and culture by way of consolidation of cooperation between their cultural and artistic institutions, encourage participation in international seminars.

An MoU signed between the two nations’ central banks-Reserve Bank of India and the Qatar Central Bank, will establish an arrangement for sharing of supervisory information and enhancing cooperation in the area of banking supervision.

Similarly, an MoU signed for trade promotion aims at marketing and promotion of the products of both the countries and organization of mutual exhibitions and cooperation between the private sectors, according to the sources. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Oula Fuel Marketing Company K.S.C. announced a 11 percent rise in its revenue during the period ending December 31, 2011, resulting in 12.41 fils earning per share. Speaking at the sixth ordinary and extraordinary annual general assembly held at its headquarters in Kuwait City yesterday, Abdulhussain Al-Sultan, Chairman Oula Fuel Marketing said that the company has achieved a net profit of KD 4,059,055 million for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 resulting in 12.41 fils earning per share. It is 41 percent higher than the earning per share registered in 2010. Managing Director Hamzah Bakhash, company’s shareholders, Manal Al-Jassam representative from the Ministry of Commerce and a number of media representatives attended the event.

Al-Sultan noted that the company’ total assets amounted to KD 55,393,711, recording an increase of 18 percent over last year while company revenue soared by 11 percent during 2011 and enhanced efficiency of operations, resulting in improving gross profit by 34 percent. “The profitable results recorded by the company in 2011 is the result of great efforts exerted by the company’s internal workforce to apply the new management’s strategy. This is primarily based on improving operational efficiency, boosting productivity and enhancing profitability that has eventually led to increasing the profit margin of the company. It has positioned itself as a leader in the Kuwaiti market.”

Al-Sultan added, “We are proud to be sharing our results and achievements with our shareholders and promise them to continue investing more effort to offer the best quality of services to our customers. We view them as the primary partner of success. I would like to extend my gratitude to Oula’s employees who are the core assets of the company and the reason behind its success.” Al-Sultan spoke about company’s Health Society and Environment issues, improvement of stations and career development of

employees. He said the ‘facelift’ [development of stations] was completed, with the number of renovated stations to 19 since the launch of the project in 2010. “We are waiting to receive permits from authorities to launch operations in new stations of Kabed and Shauiba, awaiting

its stations.

With regard to corporate social responsibility, Al-Sultan mentioned that Oula has taken the lead in sponsoring a number of social events which ranged from conducting an event during Ramadan, sponsoring graduation projects for a

KUWAIT: (From left) Qais Al-Nussif, Abdulhussain S. Al-Sultan and Hamzah Abdullah Bakhash at the start of the sixth ordinary and extraordinary annual general assembly held at its headquarters in Kuwait City yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat permits to be issued by authorities. Also, the company has completed Phase 1 of renovation work at Bayan station which commenced in January 2012.”

Al-Sultan asserted company’s commitment to Health, Safety and Environment mentioning awards and certification given to them by the American Society of Safety Engineers and the KNPC among others. Oula’s accomplishments in 2011 include company’s installation of Automatic Tank Gauging (ATG) system, new filling system in 19 stations with retractable hoses, wireless payment terminals in all stations, making it the first fuel company in Kuwait to employ such systems and centralized new monitoring system in all of

number of engineering students in Kuwait University and some private colleges, accepting internship or summer programs for the youth, sponsored activities organized by Kuwait House of National Works including beach clean-up drive. He concluded, “Oula is proud of the confidence of shareholders and customers in its performance and strategic approach. On behalf of Oula, I would like to thank them for their trust in us, and promise to continue on our path to achieve interests and develop investments through transparent and well-structured strategies.” A number of queries, comments from shareholders were entertained during the Assembly.

China sets up rare earths industry group SHANGHAI: China has set up a rare earths industry association to fend off trade complaints and help regulate the sector that is critical to global high-tech manufacturing. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced the group’s founding Sunday, saying it would coordinate mining, smelting and processing and seek to form a “reasonable price mechanism” for the materials, used in many high-tech applications. It said the group would help coordinate China’s response to rare earth trade disputes such as a complaint alleging unfair market manipulation that was filed last month by the U.S., EU and Japan at the World Trade Organization.

Rare earths are used to make goods including hybrid cars,

BEIJING: A vendor waits for customers at her vegetable stall in a market in Beijing, yesterday. China’s inflation rate edged up in March, driven by rising food costs, official data showed yesterday, but analysts said there was still scope for Beijing to stimulate the slowing economy.

its quasi monopoly on the resources as a diplomatic bargaining chip, or to manipulate prices.

“Many countries in the world have rare earth reserves, you cannot rely on China alone to provide all the supplies,” the official Xinhua News Agency quoted the newly appointed head of the industry group, Gan Yong, as saying.

The rare earths association includes 155 companies, including state-owned giants like Aluminum Corp. of China and China Minmetals Corp., the ministry said in a statement on its website.

Typically for China, central government policies aimed at curbing unlicensed mining and processing of rare earths had often gone unheeded by local level officials focused on maximizing tax rev-

weapons, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones, mercury-vapor lights, and camera lenses. China has about a third of the world’s rare earth reserves but supplies about 90 percent of what is consumed.

Beijing has imposed limits on rare earths production and exports, citing a need to impose order on an unruly domestic market and to reduce environmental damage, raising protests from Japan, the U.S. and other countries that rely on supplies from China.

A key aim is to rein in wide swings in prices, said Heng Kun, a rare earth analyst at Essence Securities, based in Beijing.

“The whole industry should just avoid price volatility. It does harm to all,” he said. Officials have denied accusations Beijing is using

enues and creating jobs.

The new group could help regulators indirectly impose more “self-discipline” on the industry, Heng said. The MIIT said the new industry group aims to consolidate smaller companies into large corporations, promote the industry’s restructuring and “strictly enforce the mandatory production plan.”

The newspaper China Business News reported Monday that only 56 of more than 350 rare earths producers had met environmental standards. It cited officials in Jiangxi province, where much of the mining is concentrated, as saying that the estimated costs for environmental repair, at 38 billion yuan ($6 billion), were much higher than profits earned over many years. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4390000 .3610000 .3000000 .2770000 .2840000 .0040000 .0020000 .0754580 .7351650 .3830000 .0720000 .7204580 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2779500 GB Pound/KD .4410930 Euro .3632530 Swiss francs .3023170 Canadian dollars .2789680 Danish Kroner .0488210 Swedish Kroner .0410560 Australian dlr .2859270 Hong Kong dlr .0357900 Singapore dlr .2204730 Japanese yen .0034130 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0757050 Bahraini dinars .7375610 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0741400 Omani riyals .7222290 Philippine Peso .0000000

.2812500 .4470000 .3690000 .3100000 .2860000 .2930000 .0070000 .0035000 .0762160 .7425540 .4000000 .0770000 .7279400 .0072000 .0500000 .2800500 .4444250 .3659970 .3046010 .2810760 .0491900 .0413660 .2880870 .0360610 .2221380 .0034390 .0054920 .0022280 .0031040 .0034380 .0762770 .7431340 .3961100 .0747000 .7276860 .0066050

US Dollar Pak Rupees

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

279.100 3.080

Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

5.470 2.220 3.409 6.555 76.065 74.555 741.700 46.187 448.500 3.190 1.550 371.200 285.600 3.510

Rate for Transfer

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal

278.750 367.300 444.900 282.100 3.455 5.439 46.190 2.210 3.409 6.515 3.080 742.450 75.950 74.450

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka

5.445 2.211 3.419 3.088 75.96 742.53 46.19 397.14 725.49 76.98 74.54

5.700 2.600 4.000 3.250 76.50 741.00 47.20 395.50 725.00 77.25 74.95

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Selling Rate

278.900 281.160 444.435 367.515 305.395 738.565 75.910 76.555 74.335 392.590 46.189 2.224 5.460 3.095 3.411 6.521 684.130 4.385 9.070 5.875 3.505 92.285

SELL DRAFT SELL CASH

291.43 284.45 308.35 367.88 445.78 3.50 3.408

292.00 282.50 308.50 369.00 447.00 3.70 3.650

Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

Bahrain Exchange Company 10 Tola COUNTRY

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka

SELL CASH

290.900 742.530 3.630

283.800 548.400 45.500 50.000 167.800 47.420 368.700 36.670 5.770 0.032 0.159 0.237 3.520 395.680 0.189 93.210 45.400 4.290 231.900 1.809 49.200 725.230 3.180 6.850 77.230 74.550 223.000 39.160 2.660 446.700 42.300 307.500 4.200 9.400 198.263 76.120 279.600 1.340 GOLD 1,721.690

SELL DRAFT

289.400 742.530 3.410

Sterling Pound US Dollar

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 444.700 279.200

282.300

223.000 46.250 367.200 36.520 5.445 0.031

395.630 0.188 93.210 3.410 230.400 725.050 3.092 6.540 76.800 74.550 223.000 39.160 2.217 444.700 306.200 4.200 9.230 76.020 279.200

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

BUSINESS

Egypt stocks drop to 8-week lows on funding fears CAIRO: Egyptian stocks fell to eight-week lows yesterday after the Muslim Brotherhood challenged the government to change the terms of an emergency IMF loan, showing political powers remain far apart on how to stave off a payments crisis.

Muslim Brotherhood presidential candidate Khairat al-Shater said he had told the army-backed interim government it should either postpone borrowing from the IMF or speed up the formation of a new government. “It is not logical that I approve a loan that the transitional government would take for two or three months, then demand that I, as a permanent government, repay,” Shater said in an interview with Reuters.

Sealing the $3.2 billion IMF facility would reassure investors shaken by more than a year of political and economic turmoil but the IMF said last week there was

no timeline to conclude the loan talks. Shater’s comments are “definitely a negative and no one will be buying in the market until there is clarity on the government’s IMF loan talks,” said Teymour el-Derini of Naeem Brokerage.

The benchmark Egyptian index was down 2.7 percent at 4,591.48 points at 1135 GMT, its lowest level since Feb. 7. Among the biggest decliners, Ezz Steel and property developer Palm Hills both fell 7 percent.

Political convulsions and street violence last year deepened the risk of a balance of payments crisis but a period of relative calm and a successful parliamentary vote convinced some investors the worst had passed, sending the stock market soaring 51 percent in the first months of 2012.

The IMF has said that before it agrees to a loan, the

government must first sell the plan to the country’s political groupings, especially the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, which won nearly half the seats in a new parliament.

“The improvement in sentiment that we have seen over recent weeks is in part due to expectations of IMF cash being disbursed sooner rather than later, and this could dent some of those hopes,” said Liz Martins, an economist at HSBC. “Egypt still has a huge funding gap, and any delay increases the chances of a disorderly currency devaluation,” she said. Egypt has spent more than $20 billion in foreign reserves to prop up its currency since an uprising last year toppled its president, limiting its slide against the dollar despite the loss of some main sources of foreign exchange.

Foreign reserves fell another $600 million in March to $15.12 billion. Orascom Telecom Media and Technology slid 7.3 percent and soaked up the biggest volume on the Egyptian Exchange yesterday. OTMT signed a preliminary deal in February to sell its stake in Egyptian mobile operator Mobinil to France Telecom.

Concern that the French company has not yet made a tender offer for Mobinil minorities is likely to weigh on the stock in coming days if no such offer emerges, Derini said. He said fear of a drop in Egypt’s currency could overshadow the deal.

“If investors are holding Mobinil as they see a 10 percent gain when the tender offer happens, if the currency loses 5-6 perent in the next month there’s no point holding the name. Mobinil is meant to be one of the safer players,” Derini said. — Reuters

GCC plans to ensure smooth supply of oil GPCE 2012 addresses oil sector ‘prospects and challenges’

By Sajeev K Peter Eko Rukmono, Pertamina’s Overseas Asset Manager, Mideast Africa.

Indonesian oil firm seeks to enter Kuwait market

By Sajeev K Peter KUWAIT: Indonesia’s state oil firm Pertamina seeks to enter Kuwait’s oil sector with a plan to introduce its new technology for heavy oil recovery.

“I understand Kuwait has heavy oil reserves in the northern part of the country. We as Indonesia’s state-run oil and gas company have the technology to accelerate recover y of oilfields,” said Eko Rukmono, Overseas Asset Manager, Mideast Africa.

Talking to the Kuwait Times on the sidelines of GPCE 2012, Rukmono said, “KPC’s overseas arm KUFPEC is operating in Indonesia for a decade now. We think it will be appropriate on our part to explore business opportunities in Kuwait,” he said.

Elaborating on Pertamina’s technology SeMAR (solution by chemical modifiers to enhance recovery), he said it is a chemical modified to accelerate recovery of oilfields. On a low concentration in a system, SeMAR has the ability to imbibe and alter the amount of energy on the surface or interfacial layers of the system,” he added. Pertamina also wants to introduce some lubricants to the Kuwait market, he said.

Pertamina is operating in 19 countries today. The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuwait is one of the participants at the GPCE 2012 currently being held at the Hilton Resort.

In addition to Pertamina (Persero), PT Ganesha Patra Sejahtera and the Society of Indonesian Petroleum Engineers in Kuwait (IATMI) are also participating in the exhibition.

“Through the participation of the two companies in this exhibition, we hope that there would be more mutually beneficial enhanced cooperation with the Kuwait petroleum and petrochemical companies in these two sectors,” commented Indonesian Ambassador Ferry Adamahar.

Dubai Duty Free picks banks for $1.1bn loan DUBAI: Airport retailer Dubai Duty Free has mandated banks for a $1.1 billion multi-tranche loan facility to help fund the expansion of Dubai’s international airport, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Citibank along with Dubai Islamic, HSBC and Emirates NBD have been hired to arrange and coordinate the debut international transaction, the company said in an emailed statement.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank has already committed to contribute to the loan but will not be involved in arranging it. DDF, which is owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), said the facility includes Islamic and conventional tranches.

Dubai was looking to raise at least $500 million by selling debt based on future revenues at DDF, sources told Reuters last month. “The purpose of the facilities is to optimise DDF’s capital structure in order to support the further development at Dubai International Airport (DIA),” DDF said in the statement.

Dubai, which has clawed back from the depths of a crippling 2009 debt crisis, has been examining ways of raising finances to expand its existing aviation infrastructure after deciding to go slow on a $34 billion new Al Maktoum Airport facility designed to become the biggest in the world.

Its existing airport serves over 50 million passengers a year as the emirate attempts to leverage its position at the crossroads of air corridors between continents. DDF said the syndication was launched on April 5 and banks have been invited to commit in US dollars and UAE dirhams. Presentations would be held in Dubai during the week, it said.

Sales at Dubai Duty Free, which covers a sprawling 18,000 square metres of retail space at Dubai International Airport, rose 15.7 percent to $1.46 billion in 2011.

The operator, which sponsors high-profile sports events such as the Dubai tennis championship and is famous for lavish giveaways, has seen business boom on the back of sales of branded perfumes, watches and designer clothes. Liquor, including some of the world’s most expensive brands, also boosts sales as travellers and expatriates stock up in a country that largely restricts alcohol sales outside of hotels and restaurants. Duty Free is expected to add an additional 8,000 square metres by the end of 2012. — Reuters

KUWAIT: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are coordinating efforts to ensure smooth supply of oil in the region, in view of the emerging geopolitical scenario, said a top oil official, quoting Kuwait’s oil minister here yesterday.

Farouk Hussain Al-Zanki, CEO, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, was reading out the inaugural address by the Oil Minister Hani A Hussain, at a two-day conference on oil and gas here yesterday. The Gulf Petroleum Conference and Exhibition (GPCE 2012) kicked off at Hilton Resort yesterday, exploring means to integrate the regional petroleum industry and looking at the prospects and challenges the industry faces today.

“The timing of the conference is critical because it takes place at a time when the Middle East and Africa region faces numerous political and economic challenges today impacting the production and supply of oil and gas,” he said.

“The situation calls for serious measures to be taken to maintain safety of oil supplies through sea routes to the global market in order to meet the demand without supply disruption,” he said in an obvious reference to the Iranian threat to shut the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for the Gulf’s oil movement and the sweeping changes taking place in the region in the aftermath of the Arab Spring.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have initiated joint efforts to face the challenges to deal with the emerging scenario and to ensure smooth supply of energy and oil to the global market, he said.

“The GCC is taking coordinated measures to limit effects of regional disturbances and to ensure smooth supply of oil in order to meet the growing demand of the market both regionally and internationally, “the minister’s address said.

He said that the country has boosted its daily oil output to three million barrels which is targeted to go up to 4 million bpd by 2020.

KPC strategy The KPC has primed a long-term strategy to manage and optimize Kuwait’s oil wealth with a view to ensuring sustainable development and safeguarding Kuwait’s environment. The strategy also involves the comprehensive development of human resources with an accent on technology,” he said.

“Human resource development and environmental protection both locally and globally are two focal points of KPC’s strategy, in

KUWAIT: Farouk Hussian Al-Zanki (right) and Abbas Al-Naqi during the GPCE 2012 yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

addition to coordinating joint regional efforts to maintain Kuwait’s supply of crude to the global market,” Al-Zanki added.

Later, presenting the ‘Petroleum Industry Outlook: Future and Opportunities,’ at GPCE 2012, Al-Zanki said, “Even when we accept the fact that Gulf region produces about 40 percent of total global output of natural gas, the future prospects look challenging considering the rise in demand for gas and its shortage in most of the GCC states.”

Qatar is the only GCC country that can meet the domestic and global demand for natural gas in future, while shortage of natural gas could seriously hamper power generation in most of the GCC states unless seri-

ous measures are taken, he pointed out.

However, the Gulf region has yet to formulate a long-term comprehensive plan to address the issue and the existing low-level mechanism is inadequate considering the enormity of the issue.

“It’s a big portfolio for cooperation within GCC and we have to look at the possibility of setting up a regional gas grid to address this critical issue,” he pointed out.

Al-Zanki said Kuwait is warm towards innovative technologies in the energy sector though any exploration to seek renewable energy sources must complement with the interest of the oil producing countries.

“Currently, we have a recovery rate of 35

percent achieved by our upstream subsidiaries that is expected to reach 50 percent in the future,” Al-Zanki said. He said that things look quite promising for Kuwait’s oil industry today as all the major projects launched by KPC are going on without any hurdle.

Abdullah Y Bishara, the former secretary general of the GCC and the President of the Diplomatic Centre for Strategic Studies, in his keynote address, spoke about the subject of oil in the circle of politics recalling his vast experience in the United Nations. He underlined the need to ensure better cooperation between the oil producing and consuming countries for a secure and prosperous world.

Abbas Al-Naqi, Secretary General, Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC) gave an overview of the petroleum industry in Arab states tracing the evolution of OAPEC since its formation in 1968. Sami Fahed Al-Rushaid, Chairman and MD of KOC spoke about oil and gas exploration in Kuwait while Dr Mohammed Al-Qahtani, Saudi Aramco, addressed the issue of the oil and gas exploration and production in GCC. Earlier, Jamal Al-Gharabally, organizer of the conference and Dana Energy Managing Director, stressed the need to take concerted efforts to address the challenges in Kuwait’s oil and petrochemical industry.

The ‘GPCE 2012’ will conclude today after sessions on ‘Downstream Industry, Upcoming opportunity,’ ‘Effective Partnership and Environmental Challenges and Solutions: A Panel Discussion.’ Following the inaugural session, the speakers, guests and delegates visited the pavilions of various participants at the exhibition.

Top oil officials seen attending the GPCE 2012 conference

Emirates NBD seeks to merge Islamic units DUBAI: Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest lender, is seeking approval from three government bodies to merge its two Islamic banking units, sources told Reuters yesterday.

The bank is aiming to combine its Emirates Islamic Bank arm with Dubai Bank, the debtladen lender acquired in October at the behest

of the Dubai government. The rationalisation has been expected by the market since the takeover was announced. “Emirates NBD is now fine-tuning the legal paperwork ahead of the merger of the two banks,” one source with knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “It’s a matter of a week or

two, so by the end of the month,” he added when asked about the timeframe for receiving the approvals. As well as requiring the assent of the United Arab Emirates’ central bank, ENBD also needs the go-ahead from the country’s finance ministry and the Dubai government because of support provided to help it absorb

SINGAPORE: This picture shows a general view of the financial business district in Singapore yesterday. Singapore will announce its first quarter GDP results on April 13. — AFP

Dubai Bank, which had to be rescued earlier in 2011 because of its excessive debt burden.

This is because a 2.8-billion-dirham ($762.3 million) loan given by the ministry and 768 million dirhams of guarantees from Dubai would be voided if Dubai Bank ceases to exist as a legal entity - as it would do when the two units are merged. The approvals would ensure these mechanisms are retained in the combined form and not lost because of legal technicalities, the source said. Emirates NBD declined to comment on the merger approvals but said in an earlier statement it had finalised the selection of a unified management team and an executive committee which would manage both banks.

Jamal bin Ghalaita, previously chief executive of EIB, would lead the combined management team, ENBD said at the end of last month.

Abdullah Showaiter will head corporate and investment banking, with Faisal Aqil leading retail banking and private banking, Arabic daily newspaper Al Khaleej said in a report yesterday, citing an unnamed source.

The paper added the merger of the two units, approved by an internal committee on Sunday, would produce licensing cost savings of around 350 million dirhams.

ENBD, which has been grappling with impairments linked to Dubai government-related entities, plans to lay off up to 15 percent of its 8,000-strong workforce, sources told Reuters earlier this month. The bank, 55.6 percent stateowned through the Investment Corporation of Dubai and created in a 2007 merger between Emirates International Bank and National Bank of Dubai, saw provisions rise 56 percent in 2011 to 4.98 billion dirhams. — Reuters

24

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

business

KSE indices close in red GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: KSE witnessed a hard session colored with red yesterday. Selling pressures were seen on most of the scrips across all sectors as investors preferred to go out of the market. Other GCC markets weren’t in exceptions and witnessed a negative performance as well after disappointing US jobs’ report released on Friday.

Market breadth was clearly negative yesterday, with decliners outpacing advancers by a 65 to 16.

Market Indices Global General Index tumbled by 0.87 percent or 1.53 points to close at 175.21 points. On the other hand, the market benchmark KSE Price Index dropped by 33.6 points (or 0.55 percent), to close at 6,120 points.

Daily Trading Activity Volume of shares traded increased by 6.86 percent to reach 345.8mn of shares traded at a value of KD 34.48mn through 4,633 deals.

Services sector accounted for the highest percent of the total traded volume, accounting for 36.64 percent, followed by the Real Estate sector, which accounted for 24.57 percent of total traded shares.

National Ranges Company recorded the highest volume traded with 50.24mn shares exchanging hands. The scrip registered an increase of 16.67 percent to close at KD 0.0175. On the other hand, Hits Telecom Holding witnessed the highest traded value at KD 2.77mn. The scrip was the prominent loser, registering a decline of 8.93 percent to close at KD 0.102.

Top Gainers and Biggest Decliners Buying interest was witnessed on shares of Investors Holding

Group Company, which was the prominent gainer for the day adding 20 percent to close at KD 0.015. The stock resumed trading as of yesterday, April 9 after the company approved, on Sunday, April 08, 2012, financial statements for the FY that ended on December 31, 2011.

Sectors Wise It was a bad session for the Kuwaiti market as all sectors witnessed losses, except for the food

the prominent loser yesterday, as it ended the day with a gap of 1.65 percent.

Many stock witnessed losses in this sector, such as National Investment Company which lost 3.75 percent, Al-Mal Investment Company declined by 5.88 percent and Al Imtiaz Investment Company lost 7.81 percent.

Banking stocks too were notable decliners, down 0.82 percent.

Three out of the nine components lost ground.

of loans issued by EFG to the Turkish unit as part of the deal, it said in a bourse filing. “The bank has signed today an agreement with EFG Eurobank to buy 99.26 percent stake in Turkish lender Eurobank Tekfen for KWD99mn,” Burgan said in the filing.

Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) approved, on April 08, 2012, the request of Kuwait International Bank to sell or repurchase 10 percent maximum of its issued shares for additional six months

sector, which recorded an increase of 0.95 percent as witnessed in Global Food Index. This increase was mainly on the account of Kuwait Foodstuff Company (Americana) which gained 1.45 percent to close at KD 1.400.

Global Investment Index was

Corporate News EFG Eurobank EFGr.AT will sell its Turkish arm to Burgan Bank, in a USD355m deal which will help shore up the struggling Greek lender’s capital base. Burgan, the commercial banking arm of Kuwait Projects Company (KIPCO), will also absorb USD280mn

ending on October 08, 2012.

Oil News The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at USD121.94pb on Wednesday, compared with USD122.95 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

New IFSB guidelines focus on Islamic bank risk DUBAI: The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has published new guidelines on liquidit y and stress-testing, seeking to reduce the balance sheet risk of Islamic financial institutions in line with a tightening of standards in conventional banking.

The guidelines are the first published by the Malaysia-based body, which sets global standards for Islamic finance, since December 2010. The guidelines are not mandatory - it is up to national regulators to decide whether to adopt them but the IFSB said it expected regulators to begin using them in 2013.

Under one set of new guidelines, the IFSB calls for closer scrutiny of maturity mismatches, more attention to avoiding excessive concentration of funding sources, and better measurement of unencumbered assets, or assets on which there are no claims.

Over-concentration of funding sources has been a problem for some Gulf companies which have relied on a small number of debt issues without raising equit y.

Kuwaiti investment firm International Investment Group said last month that it had agreed in principle with most creditors on the main terms of a plan to restructure a $200 million exchangeable sukuk which represents over 75 percent of its liabilities.

A second set of IFSB guidelines covers stress-testing of Islamic financial institutions, offering 29 principles that cover risks specific to Islamic banks; they are designed to complement international best practices.

The IFSB’s new standards are part of a series of initiatives in the last several months to address the issue of risk in the industr y. Early this

month the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions, another standard-setting body based in Bahrain, proposed more detailed accounting standards for real estate while increasing disclosure for Islamic banks’ investment accounts.

Last month the Bahrain-based I nternational Islamic Financial Market and the International Swaps and Derivatives Association launched a standard contract template for Islamic profit rate swaps, which can be used to hedge risk.

The Malaysia-based International Islamic Liquidit y M anagement Corporation plans to issue a new set of liquidity management products this year, which it hopes will give banks a greater choice of instruments with which they can meet liquidity requirements.

The IFSB’s latest guidelines may indicate a shift of approach for the body. Founded in 2002, its standards were initially generic and criticised for lack ing details, as the IFSB focused on winning wide support for its positions.

Now, however, the IFSB appears to be prepared to issue more detailed guidance in response to the global financial crisis, a trend towards tightening regulation of conventional financial markets, and the opening of Nor th Africa to Islamic finance in the wake of last year’s Arab Spring uprisings.

In a statement on its latest guidelines, the IFSB said the “looming challenge is to attain scale and depth in financial markets through strengthened regulatory frameworks”. The IFSB’s next annual summit, to be held in Turkey in May, will focus on “ The Changing Regulatory Model and Islamic Finance”, the organisation has announced. — Reuters

25

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

business

S Lanka braces for tough times after record growth COLOMBO: Tough economic times lie ahead for Sri Lanka as it grapples with an uncertain global climate and a ballooning trade deficit after posting record growth in 2011, the Central Bank said yesterday.

The bank has already predicted lower growth of 7.2 percent for the tropical island nation in 2012, down

from 8.3 percent in 2011. New measures to hike interest rates, sharply depreciate the rupee and double import taxes in order to tackle the widening trade deficit will push up prices this year, the bank warned in its annual report. “These policy measures along with uncertain global developments are likely to have some adverse

inflation in 2011 was 6.7 percent, up from 6.2 percent a year earlier. It is expected to be even higher in 2012.

Sri Lanka recorded an impressive 8.3 percent growth rate last year, up from 8.0 percent in 2010, the first full year after troops defeated Tamil separatist rebels in May 2009 and declared an end to nearly 40 years of fighting.

transient effect on economic growth and consumer price inflation in 2012,” the bank said. The island is heading for “moderation (in growth) and consolidation” in 2012 as authorities struggle to narrow the nearly $10 billion record trade deficit which has drained foreign reserves, the bank said.

Official figures showed that annual

The bank said foreign direct investment in the post-war economy was $1 billion last year, nearly double the $516 million received in 2010, but below the country’s potential. “FDI inflows remain significantly below potential level and the country is yet to establish itself as a key destination for new FDIs,” the bank said. — AFP

Gold up as US job data lifts hope for easing

MADRID: Passengers wait in front of a customer service desk at Madrid’s Barajas airport yesterday on the start of a series of one-day strike by Spanish airline Iberia pilots. Spanish airline Iberia said it had cancelled 124 flights as to protest against conditions at new low-cost offshoot Iberia Express. — AFP

Iberia pilots strike, 150 flights cancelled MADRID: Pilots for Spanish airline Iberia, part of International Airlines Group, went on strike yesterday, grounding 150 flights in the first of 30 one-day strikes to protest against the start-up of low-cost carrier Iberia Express.

Last week, Iberia petitioned a court to ban strikes by pilots and cabin crew planned over the next few months and to seek compensation for 12 days of strikes held between December and March.

The strikes were briefly called off last month and pilots went into talks with the company, but negotiations broke down.

Pilots union SEPLA says Iberia Express is a threat to jobs and conditions, but the company says it is vital to increasing profitability. Iberia estimates the strikes will cause damages of 3 million euros ($3.92 million) per day.

SEPLA said it was willing to sit down with the company to negotiate a solution to the conflict, based on a proposal it has made to save about 90 million euros ($117.57 million) a year through measures such as lowering salaries for new hires.

“That is triple the amount that the company has said Iberia Express would save a year,” said a spokeswoman for SEPLA “The government is aware of that plan. We are ready to negotiate with whoever, but the company hasn’t called us for 20 days.”

SEPLA has also advised overhauling

the salaries of Iberia directors.

No one at Iberia was immediately available for comment. The airline’s Web page showed more than 150 flights were cancelled yesterday, including destinations within Spain, around Europe, and to Latin America.

Pilots, who plan to strike ever y Monday and Friday until July, say Iberia’s new low-cost service contravenes deals struck when Iberia and British Airways merged to form International Consolidated Airlines Group.

They say the joint company is beefing up British Airways operations at the expense of the Spanish partner and the endgame is for BA to run more operations out of Madrid airport at Iberia’s expense.

SEPLA says 8,000 jobs will be lost as Iberia moves a few dozen airplanes to the low-cost subsidiary from its full-service airline. IAG and Iberia say starting the new airline is the only way to make the loss-making Spanish unit profitable.

European airlines are battling soaring fuel prices, weak demand from cashstrapped passengers and the burden of new taxes on air travel as well as fierce competition from low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet. Iberia Express is designed to complement Iberia’s more profitable long-haul flights, flying to 17 national and European destinations including Dublin, Naples and Amsterdam. — Reuters

BOSTON: In this April 5, 2012 photo, a rider watches as an MBTA train pulls into a stop on Commonweath Avenue near Boston University in Boston. The tunnels and bridges have long since been built, but Boston’s massive and oft-maligned Big Dig project has left a legacy of debt in Massachusetts that many contend is crippling the state’s overall transportation network. Big Dig debt was cited as one of the reasons why the MBTA was forced last week to raise fares and cut some service. — AP

LONDON: Gold prices rose more than 1 percent yesterday, recovering from last week’s hefty drop after disappointing US jobs data revived hopes for fresh monetary easing and a spike in Chinese inflation boosted appetite for the metal.

Market watchers said a report on Friday showing that US employers had hired far fewer workers in March than in previous months could keep the door open for the Federal Reserve to provide more monetary support for a still sluggish economy.

“Our economists note the report had an undeniably weak tone and will raise doubts about the strength of the labour market,” said Barclays Capital in a note yesterday.

“While (they) do not believe that this report alone will propel renewed policy action in April, the door to further quantitative easing remains ajar and may shift the decision point to the June FOMC (meeting) as the Fed continues to monitor the incoming data.”

Ultra-loose US monetary policy keeps real interest rates, and consequently the opportunity costs of holding non-yielding bullion, at rock bottom and was a major factor in driving gold prices to record highs last year.

Spot gold was up 1 percent at $1,646.19 an ounce at 1312 GMT, while U.S. gold futures for April delivery were up $18.00 an

ounce at $1,648.10. Trading was thin, with most European financial markets closed for the Easter holidays.

A higher-than-expected reading on China’s annual inflation in March supported sentiment in gold. Analysts also dismissed the possibility that the data would dissuade Beijing from its pro-growth monetary policy. “If we see more RRR (reserve requirement ratio) cuts, it will be positive for gold as it will raise inflation outlook down the road,” said Li Ning, an analyst at Shanghai CIFCO Futures.

China’s physical gold demand jumped 20 percent last year, compared with a 7 percent overall rise in global demand, according to the World Gold Council. Analysts have predicted China will take over from India as the world’s top gold consumer this year.

Despite the sluggish payrolls data, analysts said a generally improving U.S. economy and a dragging euro zone debt crisis could lead to further dollar strength, which in the short term might weigh on commodities priced in the greenback, including gold.

The dollar index held steady on Monday after sliding on the U.S. jobs data in the previous session. But the dollar still managed to post a 1.3 percent gain last week.

“The pattern we’ve seen over the past

Japan swings back to current account surplus TOKYO: Japan posted a current account surplus in February thanks to a stronger US economy, official data said, reversing a record deficit in Januar y although the figure was still down 30.7 percent onyear.

The latest reading, the broadest measure of Japan’s trade with the rest of the world, was largely due to rising shipments to the key US market, particularly vehicles, a positive sign for the world’s third-biggest economy which is heavily dependent on overseas demand for growth, analysts said. “ The recover y of the US economy, seen in its healthy new car sales, is contributing to the surplus,” said Satoshi Osanai, economist at Daiwa Institute of Research. “Figures in January and February tend to swing for seasonal factors, such as the Chinese New Year (holiday). But a recovery from the Thai floods also helped Japan’s current account to swing back to a surplus.” Manufacturers with plants in Thailand were hammered by record flooding in the Southeast Asian nation last year, which came as domestic firms were recovering from Japan’s devastating quake-tsunami disaster in March 2011.

In February, Japan’s current account stood at 1.18 trillion yen ($14.48 billion), the finance ministry said.

The figure was 30.7 percent lower than the same month a year earlier but largely in line with a 1.15 trillion yen surplus tipped in a poll of economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires and the Nikkei business daily.

The current account measures the value of a country’s imports and foreign investments against the value of its overseas income such as exports of goods and services.

Overall, exports in the month were 2.0 percent lower, while imports grew 11.1 percent on soaring energy costs. Japan has had to steadily increase energy imports as utilities turn on thermal power plants while atomic reactors stay offline amid public opposition following the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Japan’s merchandise trade balance-a key component of the current account came to a 102.1 billion yen surplus in February after four months in the red, the ministry said. That was still down 85.8 percent from a year earlier. “Concerns over a stronger yen are receding gradually,” Daiwa’s Osanai said. “Risks now are soaring prices for resources and a slowdown of the global economy, which would make a recovery of Japan’s manufacturing sector also slower.” In January, the country logged a record 437.3 billion yen current account deficit. That was Japan’s first deficit since January 2009, when it posted a then-record shortfall of 132.7 billion yen at the height of the global financial crisis. — AFP

China to host world’s top CEOs in 2013 BEIJING: A leading western Chinese city has been selected to host a meeting of top executives from the world’s 500 leading corporations next year, Fortune magazine announced yesterday.

Organisers said Chengdu-capital of the southwestern province of Sichuan was the “ideal location” for the Fortune Global Forum 2013, due to take place from June 6-8 next year, given China’s growing economic clout.

“At a time when China is in the forefront of global business, Chengdu is the ideal location for the next Fortune Global Forum,” Fortune managing editor Andy Serwer said at a press

few months, namely a strong U.S. and a weaker Europe, is likely to continue to keep the dollar supported,” said Li of Shanghai CIFCO. Data from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission echoed the sentiment.

Speculators cut their bullish bets on gold futures and options in the week ended April 3. In the physical market, jewellers in India called off their three-week-old strike on Saturday, an industry official said, on assurances from Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee that the government would consider scrapping a budget proposal to levy excise duty on unbranded jewellery.

Gold traders in India booked some deals after the strike, seeking to replenish stocks for a gold-buying festival slated later in the month. The sharp drops in prices in the past week attracted some physical buying interest from China, traders said. “Premiums in China were much higher, and that attracted quite a bit of buying,” said a Shanghai-based trader.

Buying has slowed as prices have pulled back from a near three -month low of $1,611.80 an ounce hit last week, traders said. Among other precious metals, silver was down 0.1 percent at $31.69 an ounce, spot platinum was up 1.3 percent at $1,612 an ounce and spot palladium was up 1 percent at $644.72 an ounce. — Reuters

conference in Beijing.

“Situated in the heart of China’s rapidly growing Western region, it has become a dynamic magnet for multinational companies, a centre for higher education, and a leader in a diverse range of industries from automotive and logistics to technology and services,” he added.

The fourth Chinese city to host the summit, Chengdu-with a population of more than 10 million-is seen as a gateway to resource-rich western China which is also an IT and financial services hub.

The 2013 forum will focus on the evolution

of China’s domestic economy and the emerging role of the Asian country in the world, a press release of the event stated.

China is the world’s second largest economy, but its growth is slowing and it is now seeking to pull away from its reliance on exports and focus more on strengthening domestic demand.

The guest list for the 2013 event has not been confirmed, but previous participants have included former US presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush senior, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Robert Iger, head of The Walt Disney Company. —AFP

SHANGHAI: Investors chat in front of the stock price monitor at a private securities company yesterday in Shanghai, China. Asian stock markets declined yesterday after US hiring slowed last month, raising doubts about the durability of the recovery in the world’s No. 1 economy. — AP

Chinese inflation rate rises to 3.6% in March BEIJING: China’s inflation rate edged up in March, driven by rising food costs, official data showed yesterday, but analysts said there was still scope for Beijing to stimulate the slowing economy.

The consumer price index (CPI) rose to 3.6 percent in March from 3.2 percent in February, slightly higher than analysts’ expectations, as bad weather pushed up food prices and authorities raised the price of fuel. Inflation-one of China’s biggest economic concerns because of the potential for rising prices to trigger social unrest-hit a high of 6.5 percent last July, but has gradually slowed since then.

In February it hit its lowest rate since 2010, and analysts expect it to remain under four percent this year, allowing the government to further loosen credit conditions to boost businesses hit by the global economic slowdown.

“CPI was mainly pushed up by food prices, which resulted from an undersupply of vegetables due to relatively cold weather in March,” Li Huiyong, a Shanghai-based analyst at Shenyin Wanguo Securities, told AFP. “We think the downward trend will likely be unchanged, with the CPI bottoming out in July this year.”

Stock markets throughout Asia reacted negatively to Monday’s figure which was slightly higher than analysts’ expectations of 3.3 percent. Tokyo fell 1.47 percent and Shanghai dropped 0.90 percent, while Seoul was down 1.57 percent.

Premier Wen Jiabao, speaking at the opening of the annual session of parliament in March, warned consumer prices remained high and said the government’s aim was to keep inflation within four percent this year. Inflation has triggered social unrest in the past and senior leaders are anxious to keep prices of basic goods such as vegetables, meat and housing under control ahead of a once-a-decade power transition that begins later this year.

Nonetheless, Beijing has twice low-

ered the banks’ reserve requirement ratio in the past four months, effectively increasing the amount of money they can lend, and analysts said they expected further such moves in the coming months. “There’s still room for the central bank to lower reserve ratio requirements soon,” said Tang Jianwei, an economist with the Bank of Communications in Shanghai. The producer price index (PPI), which measures the cost of goods at the farm and factory gate and is a leading indicator of consumer prices, fell 0.3 percent year-on-year in March, showing deflationary pressures are still at work on prices.

“PPI figures could be of concern and push the government to be more active on easing credit,” said Xianfeng Ren, an economist with IHS Global Insight.

Food prices, regularly the source of government concern as they hit China’s most sensitive populations, rose 7.5 percent in March. Meanwhile the government put up fuel prices by the biggest margin in three years last month, as easing inflation gave it more room to adjust to international price levels.

China has cut its economic growth target to 7.5 percent this year, from eight percent last year, in an official acknowledgement that the export-driven economy is slowing.

Analyst expect first-quarter economic data due out on Friday will confirm the slowdown in growth in the world’s second biggest economy as Europe’s debt crisis and sluggish US economic recovery hurts demand for its products.

The Asian powerhouse expanded 9.2 percent last year, slowing from 10.4 percent in 2010, as global turbulence and efforts to tame high inflation put the brakes on growth.

“Looking forward to next few months the economy will continue to get worse, but should pick up in the second half as external conditions are expected to get better,” said Ren. — AFP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

WASHINGTON: This June 2, 2010 file photo shows the AT&T logo. —AFP

AT&T to sell most of Yellow Pages to Cerberus NEW YORK: AT&T Inc. yesterday said that it had agreed to sell a majority stake in its Yellow Pages business to the private-equity firm Cerberus Capital for $950 million. The sale is part of AT&T’s strategy to jettison shrinking parts of its business to focus on growing ones, particularly wireless.

Revenue from the Yellow Pages business has shrunk 30 percent in two years, as consumers turn to the Web instead of phone books.

Phone books were once a cash cow, generating reliable profits as businesses paid for ads that were right under consumer’s finger tips as they were looking for local stores and services. Even with the steep revenue decline, AT&T’s Yellow Pages unit has been profitable before impairment charges for the last three years. AT&T, the country’s largest phone company, is following in the footsteps of Verizon Communications Inc., the second-largest,

in cutting its exposure in the phone book business. Verizon spun off its directories business to shareholders in 2006, only to see it file for bankruptcy three years later.

Cerberus is paying AT&T $750 million in cash and a $200 million note, plus a 47 percent stake in YP Holdings LLC which will oversee the business.

The sale affects 8,400 employees, and is expected to close mid-year. AT&T said it expects it to have a minimal effect on this year’s earnings. Dallas-based AT&T shares fell 15 cents to $30.79 in morning trading yesterday. The assets being sold include the printed Yellow and White Pages, websites like Yellowpages.com and mobile app.

Together, they generated revenue of $3.3 billion last year, about 3 percent of AT&T’s overall revenue. The sale excludes the recently formed AT&T AdWorks, which sells advertising offerings across online, mobile and TV.—AP

Webair cloud storage services reach new heights with EMC Isilon KUWAIT: EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) yesterday announced that Webair, a global leader in web hosting and managed services for companies of all sizes, has deployed EMC Isilon scale-out NAS to provide its clients with reliable, fast, easily scaled cloud storage. The EMC Isilon X-Series was deployed to replace its legacy storage systems, which were costly to acquire and cumbersome to maintain. As Webair’s customer base and Big Data storage needs grew, the company needed an easier, more flexible and cost-effective storage infrastructure. By implementing EMC Isilon, Webair is saving money and offering more flexible, automated storage services to clients.

Customer Benefits: Reduced costs - By deploying Isilon, Webair was able to eliminate 100 legacy storage systems in its data center, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in capital expenditures as well as in electricity and other costs.

Flexible storage services for clients Webair clients pay only for the storage they use and can easily increase capacity as needed, which saves them money and makes Webair’s client offerings more competitive.

Improved performance - Isilon outperformed the legacy storage systems, especially when processing large client files such as streaming video.

Easy scalability - Isilon scale-out architecture and software enables Webair to seamlessly manage an increase of hundreds of terabytes every year with no additional staff required.

AOL to sell over 800 patents to Microsoft NEW YORK: AOL Inc shares surged yesterday to their highest level in more than a year after it said it has agreed to sell 800 of its patents and license others to Microsoft Corp for about $1.06 billion in cash. The New York-based Web site developer and Internet access company said it plans to return some of the sale proceeds to its shareholders. After the sale, AOL should have about $15 per share of cash on hand, it said.

AOL shares jumped $7.78, or 43 percent, to $26.20 in morning trading, adding about $750 million to its market capitalization. Microsoft shares slipped 37 cents, or 1.1 percent, to $31.15 in morning trading.

In February, one of AOL’s largest shareholders, an investment firm, said it would nominate candidates for the company’s board because it wasn’t doing enough to make money from its patents. In response, the company said it had already begun to look at ways to unlock patent value. Patents have become a hot commodity in the high-tech industry in the last few years.

They’re useful both for attack - for suing competitors - and for defense - for warding off lawsuits with threats of countersuits. Software patents can have broad applications, and thousands of patents can apply to a complicated product like a cellphone. Google Inc. is buying phone maker Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. for $12.5 billion to get hold of its patents.

After the sale, AOL said it will still hold over 300 patents and applications covering a variety of core and strategic technologies including advertising, search, content generation, social networking, mapping, multimedia, and security among others.

AOL also received a license to the patents

Customer Challenges and Solution: Prior to the deployment of the EMC Isilon-based Webair Cloud Storage Service, each Webair client was provided a dedicated storage system. To accomplish full redundancy, standby appliances and more complex configurations were often required. This legacy configuration created additional management overhead and resource requirements, given the large number of storage systems Webair had deployed. Once Webair converted clients to its new Cloud Storage Service, built on an Isilon infrastructure, the company was able to remove all the capacity and speed limitations associated with standalone systems, reduce data center power and cool-

ing draw, and provide clients with a more scalable and redundant solution, thus reducing customers’ costs and its own operating expenses.

In September 2008, Webair rolled out its first Isilon deployment. Webair was among the first to take advantage of Isilon support for Virtual LANs (VLANs). VLANs enabled Webair to easily segment Isilon storage for each client for security and privacy purposes. With Isilon’s ease of scaling and unique “pay-as-you-grow” model, Webair’s clients only pay for the capacity they use, which can be easily increased as needed.

Isilon X-Series, along with Isilon SmartQuotas and SmartConnect, has significantly simplified storage management for both Webair and its clients. Webair developed its own custom API to run on top of the Isilon system and management tools. Webair’s customized configuration enables the company to automatically add and delete clients, and lets clients increase cloud storage capacities or restore from a snapshot without requiring support from Webair. Webair is also able to automatically invoice clients based on their cloud storage usage.

Customer quote: Sagi Brody, chief technical officer, Webair: “EMC Isilon provides us with increased functionality so that we can match the right storage solution to the specific client use case. Clients no longer need to invest in dedicated storage systems based on growth projections. Instead, they can order a cloud server from Webair with the CPU, memory, and storage resources they need, pay only for what they use today, and scale easily. Clients get the performance and capacity that a dedicated storage system would give them, along with the benefits of having that system securely in the cloud. They experience the best of both worlds.”

EMC quote: Sam Grocott, vice president of marketing, EMC Isilon: “Web hosting and cloud services are extremely competitive industries. By deploying EMC Isilon for its storage infrastructure, Webair is staying one step ahead of competitors. They’ve significantly reduced their CapEx and other costs while giving clients secure, reliable, scale-out cloud storage. It’s a win for both Webair and its clients.”

Kaspersky Lab enters Samsung Apps

K

LAS VEGAS: File photo shows an attendee leav the AOL booth at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES).—AP being sold to Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. “ The combined sale and licensing arrangement unlocks current dollar value for our shareholders and enables AOL to continue to aggressively execute on our strategy to create long-term shareholder value,” AOL Chairman and CEO Tim Armstrong said in a statement.

AOL said it will determine the best way to distribute a “significant portion” of the sale proceeds to shareholders before the sale closes, which is expected to happen by the end of this year. AOL owns news sites like Huffington Post, Engadget and Techcrunch, but still makes much of its money by providing dial-up Internet access.—AP

aspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content and threat management solutions, announces that it has signed up to Samsung Apps. The Samsung application store has started stocking Kaspersky Lab’s solutions for both smartphones and tablets - Kaspersky Mobile Security and Kaspersky Tablet Security. Since February 2012 these security solutions can be downloaded to Android-running Samsung devices all over the world. They are available online in nine languages: Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Korean, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish. Commenting on the agreement with Samsung, Garry Kondakov, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Kaspersky Lab, said: “We are happy to be further strengthening our cooperation with Samsung.

We’ve put a lot of effort into developing our best-in-the-class solutions for tablets and mobile devices. This segment is one of the top priorities for us in the nearest future. Having Kaspersky Lab’s solutions in Samsung Apps will help us not only to expand our distribution channels, but also to strengthen our global presence and brand recognition.”

Kaspersky Lab products downloaded from the Samsung Application Store have

an extended trial period: in the first month customers will be able to use the product for free. After the first month Samsung users will be offered the products at a reduced price. Kaspersky Mobile Security is a user-friendly, reliable solution that protects mobile devices from network attacks, malware that targets mobile platforms, and SMS spam. And should a smartphone be lost or stolen, the data in its memory can be blocked or wiped, even if the SIM has been removed. It supports the most popular smartphone platforms, such as Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile and Blackberry, and for some of them provides tools to safely encrypt user data in addition to the standard protection from malware, and anti-loss/theft functionality.

Kaspersky Tablet Security provides comprehensive anti-malware protection for this relatively new type of device. Tailored specially to tablets’ particular hardware and interface characteristics, it delivers automatic virus-scanning of downloaded apps and cloud-enabled protection for rapid reaction against new viruses, spyware, Trojans, bots and more. The new version of the product implemented with anti-theft features will also be available in Samsung Apps in the nearest future.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Start of 2012, March shatter US heat records WASHINGTON: It’s been so warm in the United States this year, especially last month, that national records weren’t just broken, they were deep-fried.

Temperatures in the lower 48 states were 8.6 degrees Fahrenheit above normal for March and 6 degrees higher than average for the first three months of the year, according to calculations by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. That far exceeds the old records. The magnitude of how unusual the year has been in the US has alarmed some meteorologists who have warned about global warming. One climate scientist said it’s the weather equivalent of a baseball player on steroids, with old records obliterated.

“Everybody has this uneasy feeling.

This is weird. This is not good,” said Jerry Meehl, a climate scientist who specializes in extreme weather at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in

Boulder, Colorado. “It’s a guilty pleasure.

You’re out enjoying this nice March weather, but you know it’s not a good thing.”

It’s not just March. “It’s been ongoing for several months,” said Jake Crouch, a climate scientist at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center in Ashville, North Carolina. Meteorologists say an unusual confluence of several weather patterns, including La Nina, was the direct cause of the warm start to 2012. While individual events can’t be blamed on global warming, Couch said this is like the extremes that are supposed to get more frequent because of manmade climate change from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and oil.

It ’s impor tant to note that this unusual winter heat is mostly a North America phenomenon. Much of the rest of the Northern Hemisphere has been

cold, said NOAA meteorologist Martin Hoerling. The first quarter of 2012 broke the Januar y-March record by 1.4 degrees. Usually records are broken by just one- or two-tenths of a degree. U.S. temperature records date to 1895. The atypical heat goes back even further.

The US winter of 2010-2011 was slightly cooler than normal and one of the snowiest in recent years, but after that things started heating up. The summer of 2011 was the second warmest summer on record.

The winter that just ended, which in some places was called the year without winter, was the four th warmest on record. Since last April, it’s been the hottest 12-month stretch on record, Crouch said. But the month where the warmth turned especially weird was March. Normally, March averages 42.5 degrees across the country. This year, the average was 51.1, which is closer to

the average for April. Only one other time - in Jan 2006 - was the country as a whole that much hotter than normal for an entire month.

The “icebox of America,” International Falls, Minnesota, saw temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius for six days in March, and there were only three days when temperatures reached -15 degrees Celsius all month. In March, at least 7,775 weather stations across the nation broke daily high temperature records and another 7,517 broke records for night-time heat. Combined, that’s more high temperature records broken in one month than ever before, Crouch said. “When you look at what’s happened in March this year, it’s beyond unbelievable,” said University of Victoria climate scientist Andrew Weaver.

NOAA climate scientist Gabriel Vecchi compared the increase in weather extremes to baseball players on

steroids: You can’t say an individual homer is because of steroids, but they are hit more often and the long-held records for home runs fall. They seem to be falling far more often because of global warming, said NASA top climate scientist James Hansen. In a paper he submitted to the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and posted on a physics research archive, Hansen shows that heat extremes aren’t just increasing but happening far more often than scientists thought.

What used to be a 1-in-400 hot temperature record is now a 1 in 10 occurrence, essentially 40 times more likely, said Hansen. The warmth in March is an ideal illustration of this, said Hansen, who also has become an activist in fighting fossil fuels. Weaver, who reviewed the Hansen paper and called it “one of the most stunning examples of evidence of global warming.” — AP

Autism may be linked to obesity during pregnancy CHICAGO: Obesity during pregnancy may increase chances for having a child with autism, provocative new research suggests. It’s among the first studies linking the two, and though it doesn’t prove obesity causes autism, the authors say their results raise public health concerns because of the high level of obesity in this country. Study women who were obese during pregnancy were about 67 percent more likely than normal-weight women to have autistic children. They also faced double the risk of having children with other developmental delays.

On average, women face a 1 in 88 chance of having a child with autism; the results suggest that obesity during pregnancy would increase that to a 1 in 53 chance, the authors said. The study was released online yesterday in Pediatrics.

Since more than one-third of US women of child-bearing age are obese, the results are potentially worrisome and add yet another incentive for maintaining a normal weight, said

researcher Paula Krakowiak, a study co-author and scientist at the University of California, Davis. Previous research has linked obesity during pregnancy with stillbirths, preterm births and some birth defects. Dr Daniel Coury, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, said the results “raise quite a concern”. He noted that US autism rates have increased along with obesity rates and said the research suggests that may be more than a coincidence.

More research is needed to confirm the results.

But if mothers’ obesity is truly related to autism, it would be only one of many contributing factors, said Coury, who was not involved in the study. Genetics has been linked to autism, and scientists are examining whether mothers’ illnesses and use of certain medicines during pregnancy might also play a role. The study involved about 1,000 California children, ages 2 to 5. Nearly 700 had autism or other developmental delays, and 315 did not have those

problems. Mothers were asked about their health. Medical records were available for more than half the women and confirmed their conditions. It’s not clear how mothers’ obesity might affect fetal development, but the authors offer some theories.

Obesity, generally about 35 pounds overweight, is linked with inflammation and sometimes elevated levels of blood sugar. Excess blood sugar and inflammation-related substances in a mother’s blood may reach the fetus and damage the developing brain, Krakowiak said. The study lacks information on blood tests during pregnancy. There’s also no information on women’s diets and other habits during pregnancy that might have influenced fetal development. There were no racial, ethnic, education or health insurance differences among mothers of autistic kids and those with unaffected children that might have influenced the results, the researchers said. The National Institutes of Health helped pay for the study. —AP

In an old meat plant, greens and fish grow

BREMEN: (Top) A zookeeper feeds a three-month-old baby white-handed gibbon named “Knuppy” at the zoo in this northern German city yesterday. (Above) A nine-year-old white-handed gibbon named “Lucy” eats a carrot at the zoo. The animals are found in Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand. —AFP

Suicide rates rising among Canada girls OTTAWA: Suicide rates for female teens and pre-teens in Canada rose over the past few decades even though the overall number of youths who took their own lives was dropping, according to a Canadian study that covered nearly 30 years. Researchers whose findings were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal also noted a change in the preferred methods of suicide, from guns or poisons to suffocation by strangulation. “Our message is that all suicide is a tragedy and the trend is very disturbing,” said lead author Robin Skinner, an epidemiologist with the Public Health Agency of Canada in Ottawa.

In 1980, 0.6 per 100,000 girls between the ages of 10 to 14 committed suicide, rising to 0.9 per 100,000 in 2008. But among girls 15 to 19 years old, the rate rose from 3.7 per 100,000 in 1980 to 6.2 per 100,000 in 2008. Overall, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Canadians between 10 and 19 years old, after accidents. Skinner told Reuters Health there was a small improvement in suicide rates for all Canadians in that age group between 1980 and 2008. Whereas 6.2 of every 100,000 young Canadians killed themselves in 1980, the rate fell to 5.2 per 100,000 in 2008 - in general, a 1 percent annual decline over nearly three decades.

The group found there was no significant change in the suicide rate for boys 10 to 14 years old. In 2008, 1.6 per 100,000 committed suicide. But the rate for those aged 15 to 19 fell considerably, from 19 per

100,000 in 1980 to 6.2 per 100,000 in 2008.

The study did not examine why the rates for girls increased over the 28-year period, or why that of boys dropped, but they did point out a steady rise among both sexes in deaths by suffocation.

Previous research has found that young people perceive hanging to be a “clean, quick and painless method” of suicide, according to the authors. In addition, they write, a so-called “hocking game” has grown in popularity among kids and teens during the study period. It involves either strangling the throat or applying pressure to the chest to achieve euphoria from oxygen deprivation. “The ‘game’ can turn deadly if the participant being choked is physiologically susceptible or if the pressure is not released quickly enough after the loss of consciousness,” Skinner ’s team wrote.

“Deaths resulting from the ‘choking game’ have the potential to be misclassified as suicides, especially when the ‘game’ is played alone.”

A commentary by Laurence Kirmayer, of the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University in Montreal, that accompanied the study suggested the increase in suicides among girls might be explained by the more lethal methods being used to attempt suicide in general. “Girls tended to use poisoning not gunshots, hanging is potentially more lethal than poisoning, partly because people often use sublethal doses of pills or other substances,” he told Reuters Health in an email. — Reuters

CHICAGO: They call this place the Back of the Yards, a neighborhood in the middle of the city once filled with acres and acres of stockyards. In their heyday, those stockyards gave Chicago a reputation as the world’s meat-packing capital but also as an environmental and health horror brought to life in the stark images of Upton Sinclair’s novel “The Jungle”. A few remnants of that industry remain here today. But the stockyards are long gone, replaced by an industrial park and a mindset that, from now on, Chicago will try to move past those images.

Now, you will find a jungle of a very different kind here. It’s on the third floor of an old meatpacking plant, a humid hothouse, of sorts, filled with rows of greens and sprouts, even exotic white strawberries. Nearby, in large blue barrels, lurk tilapia, fish native to tropical regions. It’s all part of the fledgling world of urban “aquaponics”, vertical farms set up in old warehouses, where plants and fish are raised symbiotically. The idea is that water containing fish excrement is used to feed and fertilize the plants, which then filter that water before it goes, through a series of pipes, back to the fish.

“I never really saw myself going into farming but this was an opportunity to try something different,” says Mario Spatafora, a 24-year-old, spectacle-wearing accountant by training who is vice president of finances at this new Back of the Yards company, known as 312 Aquaponics. The company hopes it will soon be selling fish and vegetable greens to restaurants and at farmer’s markets in the Chicago area. It started when one of Spatafora’s childhood friends, now one of four young partners in the business, set up a successful aquaponics system in his apartment when they were in college - and a business idea sprouted. “I knew that even in the worst case scenario, if we couldn’t make this work,” Spatafora says, “a tax job and being an accountant would always be there.”

But this was their chance to be young pioneers. Those in the field say interest in aquaponics has been growing in the last three years though mostly on a smaller scale with people who have backyard greenhouses or who live in warmer climates such as Hawaii. Sylvia Bernstein, vice chairman of the newly formed Aquaponics Association, has seen the spike in interest. She started an online community forum for aquaponics gardeners two years ago. Last February, the site had 800 members. This year, there are about 4,500.

So far, though, only a few are attempting indoor aquaponics on a commercial scale.

Besides the Chicago site, there’s one aquaponics business in an old crane factory in Milwaukee, for instance, and another in a warehouse in Racine, Wisconsin. “These guys are really on the cutting edge,” says Bernstein, who is also an author and aquaponics equipment supplier in Boulder, Colorado. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a fan of vertical farming, has noticed and taken an interest in aquaponics. “The mayor correctly believes that it can have a tremendous impact on these neighborhoods, both in terms of jobs and healthy food,” says his spokesman Tom Alexander.

Emanuel recently visited 312 Aquaponics, which shares its old meat-packing plant building with such tenants as the Living Well Brewery, where fermented tea called kombucha is made, and the New Chicago Beer Co, a microbrewery that will open later this year. The sunny space that 312 Aquaponics occupies has high ceilings

and brick floors and warm, moist air. In it, visitors find rows of flats under grow lights. Many of those flats are filled with lettuce and “microgreens”, tiny plants, such as basil or beets, that are grown closely together in hydroponic containers and used much like sprouts in salads and sandwiches.

Once the plants are ready for market, the flats will be covered and distributed to restaurants live so they stay as fresh as possible, says 23-year-old Andrew Fernitz, a biology major in college who is another of the 312 partners. Fernitz dunks a net into one of the barrels, pulling out two skittish tilapia. “They are a hearty fish,” he says, chosen, in part, because they can better withstand fluctuations in water temperature.

There are, of course, challenges to getting an old building like this up to code. There are cracks

often in bigger quantities. “Take a look at species that we are already good at growing, using technologies we already know how to do,” Vogler suggests. He says those species include trout and salmon, shrimp, catfish and crayfish.

But those types of fish farms also can have a different set of challenging issues, including the fact that the water used in them, once dirty, is often flushed away, says Todd Leech, vice president at Sweet Water Organics, the urban aquaponics business in Milwaukee. In 2010, the company, housed in the old crane factory, began selling perch and other fish, as well as greens, such as lettuce, spinach and chard, to restaurants and grocery stores, and at farmers’ markets.

Leech says they’ve found an economically viable model and now reached “break even” status. In fact, Milwaukee is developing a reputation

CHICAGO: In this Feb 29, 2012 image made from video, Andrew Fernitz, a partner in 312 Aquaponics, holds a net containing tilapia in an old meatpacking plant where the business has taken up residence. Water containing waste from the fish is used to fertilize greens, which filter out the nutrients before the water is returned to the fish. — AP in the floor or ceiling that are being repaired and occasional drips in the pipes that supply water to the system. The entire process has to be licensed by the city health inspectors and other departments. “Technically, we’re a farm,” Spatafora says.

“But nothing in the Chicago business code regulates farming. The closest thing they’ve got is a restaurant, and clearly, we’re not a restaurant.”

Retooling an industry - and creating business for a new era - isn’t easy, everyone acknowledges.

But the mayor is committed to helping entrepreneurs sort out licensing issues, his spokesman says. Still, some still question if it’s worth all the trouble. “I don’t want to be overly negative. It’s very interesting technology. It’s all the rage and all the buzz,” says Dan Vogler, a trout farmer in northern Michigan, who is also president of the Michigan Aquaculture Association. “But whether or not it can be done economically, I don’t know.”

One urban aquaponics business called Natural Green Farms, in a former plow factory in Racine, Wis., did temporarily close this year after a failed expansion - though its owners are vowing to grow the business back up. With the potential for a seafood shortage in the next five to 10 years and most of the supply coming from overseas Vogler says government officials should be focusing more on farms dedicated to raising fish only,

as an urban aquaponics leader, helped along by a nonprofit called Growing Power that received a MacArthur Foundation grant and developed the aquaponics model that Sweet Water has used.

One of the biggest expenses to overcome, Leech says, is electricity to run the grow lights for the plants. Increasingly, he says indoor aquaponics businesses will have to look for solar and other options if they want to maintain their indoor businesses. To help offset electricity costs, Sweet Water also is setting up greenhouses on land outside their warehouse - and as a result, expects to turn a profit this year, Leech says.

That sort of success is a little ways off for 312 Aquaponics, whose young owners have had to find part-time jobs, while they wait to complete the licensing process. Even young pioneers have to pay the rent. So one of the partners is doing website development. Spatafora is doing taxes of friends and family members. And Fernitz is doing some bartending. “Yeah, I gotta go serve and dole out some drinks for a while,” Fernitz says, smiling, “which is just fine”. Regardless, they are sticking by their goal to be selling at markets by summer. “We don’t want to be on the sidelines while everyone else is out there at the market, in the grocery stores, putting their food out there...,” Spatafora says. “We’re ready to get going.” — AP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

H E A LT H

Bald eagle in crosshairs of fight over lead bullets BOYCE, Virginia: The bald eagle that came into wildlife rehabilitator Belinda Burwell’s care last month, just as the hunting season was coming to a close in North America, was a shadow of its former self. The stiff and wobbly bird clung to life but showed distinct signs of lead poisoning, likely from scavenging the remains of big game left by hunters who killed their prey with lead bullets. “She couldn’t walk, couldn’t fly,” said Burwell. “If she tried to move, she would fall over, she would stumble.”

Environmental groups say 20 million birds die worldwide each year from eating bits of lead in animal carcasses, because many US hunters use lead ammunition which leaves 3,000 tons of toxic fragments in gut piles and unclaimed kills. The dangers of lead have been well known for decades, and steps have been taken to prevent human consumption by removing it from paint, gasoline, pipes, children’s jewelry and more. A ban on hunters’ use of lead shot for killing waterfowl was passed in the United States in the early 1990s because birds were being poisoned by ingesting the pieces that fell into waterways and ponds.

But the question of whether to do the same for hunters on land has thrust the eagle, the national symbol of America, into a fresh political battle over gun rights and environmental protection. On one side is the powerful US gun lobby, which disputes science on lead poisoning and insists that any measures to regulate lead ammunition would spell a ban on hunting in all its forms, infringe on gun rights and raise costs.

On the other is a dogged but weary wildlife protection movement that is pressing the Environmental Protection Agency to take steps to regulate the use of lead ammunition in order to protect birds and humans

against lead poisoning. Both have adopted the bald eagle as a symbol of their efforts, with the bird featuring on the cover of the Center for Biological Diversity’s petition to the EPA as well as on the web page of the National Rifle Association. “This is the

last unregulated, widespread distribution of toxic lead into the environment,” said Jeff Miller of the Center for Biological Diversity, which is seeking US federal rules to require non-toxic bullets in hunting and shooting sports. “We know it is getting into the

BOYCE, Virginia: A bald eagle is seen in its enclosure on March 30, 2012.—AFP

food chain. We also know that humans are eating it and there is no safe level of lead in the human body so it is most certainly a human health issue too.”

Miller said 150 groups in 40 states now support the petition, including hunters, scientists, American Indians, conservationists and veterinarians.

The EPA turned down a similar request for a ban on lead bullets in 2010, saying it did not have the authority to regulate ammunition.

However, environmental advocates say the EPA does have the right to regulate components of ammunition.

More than a dozen countries in Europe have banned lead ammunition for hunting water fowl and Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden are among a handful of countries that have totally banned lead bullets. Germany, Japan and Belgium have passed limited restrictions on their use.

The Peregrine Fund, a nonprofit group in Idaho, has posted online a host of peer-reviewed studies on the effects of lead on wildlife, with some figures showing as many as 10-15 percent of young eagles die each year from lead poisoning. While the bald eagle is no longer a threatened population in the United States, it and other birds that scavenge like the endangered California condors, vultures, herons and golden eagles, are among the species most at risk.

One study by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources showed how a lead ballistic tip bullet could fragment into an average of 141 pieces per carcass, reaching as far as 35 cm from the wound, indicating a danger for humans who eat meat killed with lead bullets, too. Pro-gun groups like the National Shooting and Sports Foundation say there is no “sound science” to support a ban. “If wildlife management decisions

become about preventing harm to individuals within a species and not about managing a species itself, then you have essentially made the argument to ban hunting,” said Lawrence Keane, senior vice president of the NSSF. The NRA has urged Congress to “step in and ensure this restriction never happens,” asserting that the effort is being headed by “gun-grabbers... disguised as nature lovers”.

A House subcommittee in late February approved a bill that would prevent the EPA from taking action on the CBD’s petition, and some senators with ties to sportsmen’s groups are considering the same. Rick Watson of the Peregrine Fund said switching to copper bullets costs the same as buying a box of premium lead ammunition, about $45 a box, while the cheapest lead ammo can be had for $15. “Hunters historically and traditionally have been some of the best conservationists this country has had.

And given accurate facts we believe the vast majority will choose to use lead-free ammunition because it protects the wildlife they so enjoy,” he said.

Matt Miller, an outdoor writer and hunter, said he switched to copper bullets years ago after learning of the dangers of lead, and is pleased with the results. “It has not increased the cost of my hunting. The bottom line is if you know your rifle and you shoot it well, a big game hunting trip costs you one bullet.”

Burwell, who has been treating her eagle for three weeks and is ready to release her into the wild on Saturday, said she is not optimistic that the EPA will act. “With the NRA pushing to prevent any type of regulation, the word on the wildlife side is it will never happen,” she said. “It depends on who has the most money. Doesn’t it seem sometimes that that is who wins these things?” — AFP

30

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N

Announcements Open House for Indian Citizens The Ambassador of India will be holding an Open House for Indian citizens to address their problems/grievances on Wednesdays of the second and the fourth week of every month between 1500 hrs and 1600 hrs at the embassy. In case Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day. To ensure timely action/follow-up by the Embassy, it is requested that, wherever possible, Indian citizens should exhaust the existing channels of interaction/grievance redressal and bring their problems/issues in writing with supporting documents.

It may be mentioned that Embassy of India’s Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizen on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the consular officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall. For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) could be contacted. Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances. Similarly, a labor wing Help Desk functions from 0830 hrs to 1300 hrs and 1400 hrs to 1630 hrs in the Labor Hall to address the labor related issue. There is also a 24X7 Help Line (Tel No. 25674163) to assist labors in distress. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned Attaches in the labor section and the head of the labor wing could be contacted.

Film Festival April 10, 2012 @ 10 pm At Cinescape Laila Gallery (Salem Al-Mubarak Street). First French Short Film Festival to be organized in Kuwait in partnership with Cinescape and Festival du court-metrage de Clermont Ferrand.

During two nights, we will screen short movies from around the world selected and awarded by the international short film Festival of Clermont Ferrand (France).

Animated gems, documentaries, brilliant comedies, down-to-earth fictions, genre films or graduation shorts from some of the finest film schools out there will undoubtedly take you on a unique journey into young film creation.

Earth Day with Golden Era April 13, 2012 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Where: Rumaithiya, Block 2, Sate Alhusari Street, House 34, Next to AbuTammam Intermediate School for Boys Contact: Golden Era Club goldenera60@yahoo.com

BSK International Award Community Service in Nepal

T

his February students from the British School of Kuwait embarked on a life changing experience as they trekked through the Dhading region of Nepal. The group consisted of thirty-five students working towards their Silver International Award for Young People and six accompanying staff. Apart from an intense five days of trekking and camping beneath the towering mountain range of the Ganesh Himalaya, the students found themselves helping at a local school in the remote village of Tawal, painting, teaching, renovating and providing gifts for the village school.

After two vigorous days trekking through glorious mountains and taking in the stunning views the students reached their destination bearing gifts and resources bought with money raised in Kuwait. The BSK expedition group was greeted with flowers and silk scarves on arrival at the school where a 700-strong crowd of singing and clapping students welcomed them to their camp. Once settled into the camp, the students rested and took part in a twoday program of community service, a required element of the International Award.

Before leaving for Nepal, students throughout BSK raised the equivalent of US$750 through bake sales on the playgrounds, generous donations from students as well as a very successful bookmark sale organized by Year 4 students. A major contribution to the impoverished school was the installation of whiteboards into all 8 classrooms, replacing the old slates and chalk.

For a school of almost a thousand students, which originally only had one

football, no electricity and barely any adequate teaching resources, the money raised was more than enough to provide each classroom with a whiteboard inclusive of a full stock of markers, sporting equipment such as volleyballs,

footballs and pumps, new nets, paint for renovation and an abundant supply of stationery. The money left over was set aside to help expand the school by building more classrooms to fit more students.

Students shared their knowledge by teaching the local children English through song and dance, whilst other children were treated to lessons such as Geography, learning about Kuwait and the other countries and cultures represented by the BSK students. The students also embarked on the renovation of the school by repainting the outside of the school to make it weatherproof.

The experience was emotional and moving for all involved, made clear when it came to goodbyes on the final day. Students gained a deep insight into the poverty of such a remote location in a third world country, and had the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of the local children.

Ankita Handa, a Year 11 student at BSK, said that “Painting the school and indulging in sporting activities against the local students were two of the most exhilarating events throughout the trip.

We learnt the true meaning of giving back to society by spending nearly three days at the school teaching younger students subjects such as English, mathematics and also learning a lot about the Nepalese culture.”

She also stated that “Having lived a privileged life in Kuwait, going to such a school and helping, was a life changing experience and for many of us, including myself, it was an eye opener to what charity can actually do and how it can drastically help. We look forward to visiting Tawal School in the future.” Students from both schools will treasure this experience for the rest of their lives and students from the British School of Kuwait should be congratulated on all their hard work and achievement throughout the expedition.

Amma Kuwait, PART to hold workshop Amma Kuwait and Progressive Art Realization Troop of Kuwait (PART) announce their maiden joint venture PRAKRUTI. The purpose of the workshop is to motivate children to explore art in nature by inspiring them to observe nature consciously. Prakruti is a 5 hour workshop from 9am to 3pm on 20 April 2012 on landscape painting for budding student artists in the age group ten to seventeen. This workshop which will take place in the Al Jawhara Al Ahlea School, Rigaae will be conducted by the professional artists of PART who will interact with the children and guide them on special effects and professional painting techniques. The medium of painting will be Acrylic/Water. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation at the end of the workshop. Participants will get to showcase their paintings of the day and one previous work at the Exhibition that follows this workshop! Last date for registration is 10 April 2012. So hurry and visit the website www.ammakuwaitprakruti2012.com to register yourself.

Future Eye Theatre anniversary Future Eye Theatre, Kuwait will celebrate its second anniversary on April 13, 2012 (6 pm to 9.30pm on Friday) at the Indian Central School auditorium, Abbassiya. The celebration entitled ‘Kaliyarangu’, will showcase a variety of theatre presentations. Manjulan, a well-known film and theatre personality from Kerala, will be the chief guest of the this year’s celebration.

Manjulan’s solo drama ‘Koonan’ will be a major attraction of the anniversary celebration. The highlight of the celebration will be the staging of the Malayalam version of Samuel Beckett’s most celebrated play ‘Waiting for Godot’ by Future Eye Theatre members. A theatre sketch on Bertolt Brecht’s popular play ‘Threepenny Opera’ will also be staged on the occasion. All theatre lovers are welcome. Entry is free.

Ambassadors of Comedy Dean-Obeidallah (The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour), Nitin Mirani (King Of UAE Comedy), Aron Kader (The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour). All of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the St. John Ambulance Brigade (India) and the Fazlani Foundation (India). Go out and have fun while supporting a wonderful cause When: April 27, 2012 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm at the American International School (Hamood Al-Naser Street, Dr. Kamil Al-Rayes Auditorium, Meidan Hawalli) Contact: Mohamed Kagdi or Minhaj Shikari 99788692 or 99710242 KKIC to hold Islamic Conference for Indian Students Kuwait Kerala Islahi Centre (KKIC) will conduct an Islamic Students Conference (ISCON 2012, Kuwait) for Indian teenage students on May 4-5 at the Kuwait Grand Masjid premises. The conference, adopting the phrase ‘Knowledge for Salvation’ as its slogan, is aiming at invigorating the moral conscience of the student community. The core events will include workshops on value based character building, scientific personality assessment and self management techniques. Ashraf Ekarul, Education Secretary to KKIC informed that experienced trainers, academics, Islamic scholars and other dignitaries will attend the two day conference.

Grand Mosque Tour For a rewarding, spiritual and informative experience.

This is a 1 1/2 tour of one of Kuwait’s most famous landmarks. Ladies are required to cover (long sleeves and long ankle length skirt, otherwise the mosque will provide a cloak; If you have your own scarf you’re welcome to bring it). Cameras are allowed and children are welcome. This tour meets directly at the Grand Mosque at 9:15am on April 14, 2012 @ 9:15 am - 10:45 am at Grand Mosque. Contact: AWARE Center 2533-5280 Cricket team selection Kuwait Cricket will have the selection trials of Under 16 boys for forming the Kuwait National Cricket team which will participate in the ACC U-16 Elite Cup 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 2-13 May 2012. The age cut-off eligibility date is 1 May 1995 which will be later scientifically verified by ACC. Additionally, the player should be either Kuwait born or must be a resident since last 7 years. All interested youngsters satisfying these conditions should attend the selection trials at the KC Sulaibiya cricket grounds on Saturday 31 March 2012 between 8.30 am-12 Noon. Contact Asad BaigDirector General KC on Mob 97158856 for further details.

Premier Goal Academy festival of football at Shaab Park Over 400 players participate in Kuwaits’ Premier youth football event

T

he Spring Festival of Football event organized by the Premier GOAL Academy in association with Everton FC was held at Shaab Park on Saturday 7th April under the patronage of the British Ambassador, Frank Baker. The Festival kicked off early morning with the Junior Tournament and 24 teams played matches in four age groups; 3-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years and 10-12 years. The Senior Tournament took place throughout the afternoon with matches for under 13s, 14s, 15s and 17s teams. Over 400 players from 3 to 16 years of age participated in the event, representing over 30 different nationalities attending schools throughout Kuwait. A huge turnout of enthusiastic parents and spectators

cheered and encouraged the players who were superbly organized and guided by their coaches throughout a series of exciting, closely fought and sporting matches.

The P.G.A. freestyle players presented a display of amazing football tricks and skills prior to the Awards ceremony when the British Ambassador presented medals to all participants and certificates of appreciation to the event sponsors.

Supporters of the event contributed free gifts and special offers to ensure everyone had a great time and included; Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, Go Sport (Multitrend) sponsors of the Nike matchballs and equipment, Wrigleys - team bibs sponsor, Al Yasra Food Co., Arabian Beverages

Company (ABC), Gulf Trading and Refrigerating Co. Division 4, Light Foods Mickey Chips, and United Sports Co. the British Ambassador Frank Baker expressed his appreciation and recognition of their support for such an important community event and congratulated all the players and coaches who took part. “It’s fantastic to see so many children participating in this program and obviously having a great time. Apart from the joy of the game itself, football is a wonderful way to encourage young people to improve fitness and develop their communication and good teamwork - essential skills as they grow up.

Congratulations to all who took part and made this event possible - to the P.G.A.

organizers, the generous sponsors and all the teachers and coaches who have taught and encouraged the players and teams to such an exceptionally high standard” The final P.G.A. coaching program of the season commences Friday 13th April 2012 for 5 weeks. The new weekend timings are 0800-1000 for Coaching Course groups, 1000 for Centre of Excellence Under 9/10/11/12 and 1530 for Centre of Excellence Under 13/14/15/18. Midweek timings remain 1700-1900.

For details of all P.G.A. events and activities contact Academy Director, Mike Finn on 99981327 or Executive Director Baker Al Nazer on 66918666. www.PGAkuwait.com.kw

31

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency. nnnnnnn

BSK students sponsor Beach Clean up

S

taff and students from The British School of Kuwait participated in a sponsored Beach Clean to raise money for impoverished schools while at the same time carrying out important environmental work.. There were over sixty students from 7 to 17 years of age involved.

The students had to collect sponsorship money in order to participate, with the amount of money raised totaling nearly KD500. The money went to the charity

which BSK raises money for, SOS Children’s Charity, which helps to find schools and homes for orphaned children around the world. The day was a huge success with students and staff having lots of fun whilst participating in something very worthwhile. By the end of the day there were over forty bags of rubbish collected from along the beach at Messila.

BSK students visited Nepal as part of their International Award trek in the

February term break and spent a few days cleaning and equipping the school with items purchased from funds raised at the sponsored Beach Clean up. For a school In Nepal of a thousand students, which originally only had five test tubes in its science lab, one football, no electricity and barely any adequate teaching material, money was raised with the sole intention of not only helping the school but also the students. The money raised was more

than enough to provide each classroom with one whiteboard inclusive of a full stock of markers, sporting equipment such as balls and pumps, paint for renovation and an abundant supply of paper and pencils. The money left over was also used to expand the school by building more classrooms to fit more students. Full details of the work of the International Award students can be found on www.bsk.edu.kw.

GUST certifies employees with Dale Carnegie

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah.

Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 12:30 to 01:00 pm for lunch break. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

The Canadian Embassy will be closed on Sunday and Monday 08 and 09 April 2012 on the occasion of Easter. The Embassy will resume its duties on Tuesday 10 April 2012. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.uae.gc.ca. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus requests Cypriot citizens living in Kuwait to register with the Embassy has moved. This registration service is provided so that the Embassy can update its contact list and assist Cypriot citizens in cases of emergencies. Registration information can be emailed to cyprusembassykwt@gmail.com or faxed to 22253227 or given by phone to 65906048 (Mrs Christine). nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF KOREA The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref. New Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6 The Embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Saturdays to Thursday Morning: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Lunch Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, AlSalaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location.

Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NEPAL The Embassy of Nepal will be moving from its current location to a new place in Jabriya, Block 8, St. 13, House No. 514, effective from Sunday, 15th April, 2012. Till the new telephone connections are installed, the Embassy may be contacted by email: info@nepembku.org nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk nnnnnnn

I

n collaboration with Dale Carnegie Training, the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) HR Department and Professional Advancement & Continuing Education Center (PACE) provided their administrative staff with a week-long training entitled: “The GUST Way,” designed to bring the morale and commitment level at GUST to life through the development of key behaviors, including: Team Work, Service Excellence, Family Spirit, Creating Value and Shared Commitment.

PACE explained the importance of this training by pinpointing that the business environment is quickly becoming more complex, more

volatile and more interconnected and the pressure to adapt and respond to shifting client preferences and needs with speed and agility will be key to survival and a barometer as to how engaged the GUST workforce is. It is necessary that the workforce is invested in the company’s success and is motivated to exceed expectations to ensure that GUST achieves its goals.

The workforce was divided into three classes and was trained by qualified instructors from the Dale Carnegie program. The content of the training included discussions and exercises for: attitude for service, first impressions, how to overcome customer service obstacles, the art of disagreeing agree-

ably, listening skills, presentation skills, effective time management and myths of multi-tasking.

The employees benefited a lot from this program, where they not only increased their knowledge base of the values, but got to know each other better and learned to communicate with one another and believe they were all in the same boat.

At the end of the training, the employees were invited to a closing ceremony, where GUST leaders; Ibrahim Emran, Assistant Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affair and Muhammed AlNasiri, HR Director, Mohammad AlKhulaifi, Business Development

Director noticed the immediate difference in attitude of the employees and capitalized on the importance of developing and implementing all the values and lessons learned in the training for making the long-term differences.

Finally, Dr Anwar Al-Sabah, Head of Dale Carnegie Team - Kuwait, was thrilled to notice the excitement in the classrooms grow day by day and hoped that GUST and Dale Carnegie will work together again for other training programs in the near future.

GUST would like to thank Dr Anwar AlSabah and the Dale Carnegie team for their time and effort in making this training forum a success.

SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY The Embassy will resume its normal working hours today, 10 April 2012. Please note that the working hours will be from 8h00 to 16h00 & the Consular Section operation hours will from 8h30 to 12h30. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF ROMANIA The Embassy of Romania to the State of Kuwait would like to inform that the Consular Section of the Embassy will be close for construction works beginning with 18 April 2012, till 10 May 2012. During this period of time the Consular Section will not issue any type of visas for Romania and will not issue any Romanian passports or travel documents. The Consular Section will only be able to assist with notary deeds. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF THAILAND The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, wishes to invite the Kuwaiti companies that deal business with Thai companies or those agencies of Thai commercial companies to visit the Embassy’s Commercial Office to register their relevant information to be part of the embassy’s business and trade database. The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Jabriya, Block 6, Street 8, Villa No. 1, Telephone No. 25317530 -25317531, Ext: 14.

IAS place IES on top of the ladder of success

S

uccess is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve. When the proven prodigies of proud Bhavanites focused their full power on their unquenchable desire for success, came the fantabulous results of International Assessment for Schools (IAS) 2011.

IAS is an unparalleled educational measurement and assessment service to

help one understand one’s students and their current academic achievement levels in the context of the immense possibility for excellence that awaits them.

More than three hundred students who took this challenging task in the school made their alma mater proud with a most colourful achievement.

The accolade of Regional Toppers embellished the talents of six Bhavanites viz. Esha Joe (Class 4),

Aishwarya Shaji (Class 5), Dilip Menon (Class 10) and Noelle Phlipose (Class 11) when they scored 90 percent and above in English. When Harikrishnan Kodaman of Class 4 followed suit in Maths, Vignesh Sivakumar (Class 4) and Aranya Raj Singh (Class 12) made it in Science.

To add on to this glory there are 9 students who have been declared as the Country Toppers in English, 13 in

Science, 10 in Maths and another 9 in Computer Skills. Flaming enthusiasm, backed up by horse sense and persistence, is the quality that most frequently makes for success. The enthusiasts of Indian Educational School continue their unending story of their enthusiasm and persistence. Principal T Premkumar admired the winners in a special assembly and wished them many more success in life.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Classifieds TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR JZR RJA GFA UAE ETD OMA DHX FDB MSR QTR KAC THY DHX FAH JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD IRA GFA RBG MEA JZR MSR JZR JZR RKM MSR GFA KAC KAC FDB KNE QTR SVA KAC RJA KAC KAC QTR JZR ETD JZR JZR UAE RBG GFA SVA UAL JZR JZR ABY ALK KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC MSR KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA SYR KLM JZR ABY QTR DHX AIC GFA UAL JZR DLH THY PIA

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 10/4/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 539 CAIRO 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 641 MUSCAT 370 BAHRAIN 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 416 JAKARTA 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 605 ISFAHAN 301 ABU DHABI 619 LAR 213 BAHRAIN 3553 ALEXANDRIA 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 618 ALEXANDRIA 561 SOHAG 201 DAMASCUS 310 RAS ALKHAIMAH 610 CAIRO 219 BAHRAIN 672 DUBAI 514 TEHRAN 57 DUBAI 472 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 500 JEDDAH 562 AMMAN 640 AMMAN 546 ALEXANDRIA 678 ABU DHABI 134 DOHA 535 CAIRO 303 ABU DHABI 787 RIYADH 215 DEIREZZOR 857 DUBAI 3557 SOHAG 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 227 COLOMBO 542 CAIRO 166 PARIS 786 JEDDAH 1786 JEDDAH 63 DUBAI 104 LONDON 624 SOHAG 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 614 BAHRAIN 742 DAMMAM 572 MUMBAI 774 RIYADH 389 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 341 DAMASCUS 415 AMSTERDAM 135 BAHRAIN 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 372 BAHRAIN 981 CHENNAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 772 ISTANBUL 205 LAHORE

Time 0:15 0:20 0:30 2:10 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:50 2:55 3:10 3:20 3:25 4:10 4:35 5:00 5:30 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:35 7:15 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:15 8:25 8:30 9:00 9:20 9:20 9:30 9:40 10:00 10:30 10:55 11:05 11:25 12:25 12:30 13:10 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:15 14:25 14:30 14:30 14:55 15:05 15:05 15:15 16:00 16:35 16:40 16:40 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:00 18:15 18:40 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:30 19:35 19:40 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 21:00 21:05 21:15 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:40 23:59

Airlines AIC UAL DLH KLM PIA THY UAE FDB OMA DHX ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR RJA JZR JZR GFA THY KAC BAW FDB KAC ABY JZR KAC KAC KAC UAE JZR KAC QTR FDB ETD IRA IRA GFA RBG KAC KAC MEA JZR MSR KAC KAC JZR JZR RKM GFA FDB MSR KAC KNE SVA KAC RJA QTR KAC KAC KAC ETD JZR JZR QTR RBG UAE GFA JZR ABY SVA UAL JZR ALK FDB MSR JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA DHX SYR KLM ABY KAC FAH QTR KAC KAC DHX JZR QTR AXB GFA KAC JZR

Departure Flights on Tuesday 10/4/2012 Flt Route 976 GOA 981 WASHINGTON DC 637 FRANKFURT 411 AMSTERDAM 240 SIALKOT 773 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 642 MUSCAT 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 643 AMMAN 164 DUBAI 200 DAMASCUS 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 545 ALEXANDRIA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 677 ABU DHABI 126 SHARJAH 534 CAIRO 513 IMAM KHOMEINI 561 AMMAN 671 DUBAI 856 DUBAI 214 DEIREZZOR 101 LONDON 133 DOHA 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 604 ISFAHAN 618 LAR 214 BAHRAIN 3558 SOHAG 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 623 SOHAG 785 JEDDAH 1785 JEDDAH 786 RIYADH 176 DUBAI 311 RAS ALKHAIMAH 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 673 DUBAI 473 JEDDAH 501 JEDDAH 617 DOHA 641 AMMAN 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 613 BAHRAIN 741 DAMMAM 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 538 CAIRO 141 DOHA 3554 ALEXANDRIA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 128 SHARJAH 511 RIYADH 982 BAHRAIN 266 BEIRUT 228 DUBAI 64 DUBAI 607 LUXOR 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 361 COLOMBO 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 343 CHENNAI 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 171 BAHRAIN 342 DEIREZZOR 415 DAMMAM 120 SHARJAH 381 DELHI 102 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 373 BAHRAIN 554 ALEXANDRIA 147 DOHA 390 MANGALORE 218 BAHRAIN 411 BANGKOK 528 ASSIUT

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

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 0:55 1:00 2:15 3:45 3:50 3:55 3:55 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:00 6:50 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:10 8:10 8:25 8:25 8:35 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:15 9:20 9:40 9:45 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:20 10:40 10:45 11:10 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:15 12:25 13:10 13:10 13:15 13:20 14:10 14:20 14:25 14:30 15:05 15:15 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:30 16:30 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 17:50 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:35 18:40 18:50 19:10 19:25 19:55 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:50 22:00 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:10 23:10 23:30 23:40 23:50

ACCOMMODATION For decent bachelor (non smoking) or working ladies location: Amman street, opposite to Al Rashid hospital. Building no. 44 2nd floor, room no. 10. Contact: 66232356, 50223132.

(C 3945) 10-4-2012 Sharing accommodation available for one bachelor in Abbassiya, double bedroom flat, available on 1st May, Rent KD 40/- only.

Contact: 99162583.

(C 3938) 8-4-2012 Room available in Salmiya near City Center for decent bachelor. Rent KD 75/-.

Contact: 99959140.

(C 3934) 5-4-2012

FOR SALE Eitcher half lorry model 2001 for sale. Contact: 50631577. (C 3937) 10-4-2012

MATRIMONIAL Marthomite parents in Kuwait, invite proposals for their daughter (27/160/Fair), B/B in Kuwait, Masters from UK, currently working in Bangalore as senior executive, from well qualified and employed MARTHOMA /CSI/ORTHODOX boys (preferably working in (USA/UK/AUSTRALIA/CANADA/KUWAIT/DUBAI). Email: thomaskw8@yahoo.com (C 3943) Pakistani parents Sunni Muslim in Kuwait invite proposals for their son (31/179/Fair) currently work-

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Clinics Rabiya

24732263

Rawdha

22517733

Adailiya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Khaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Qadisiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W.Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

3900322

ing in Kuwait. Email: wwxxyyzz123@live.com (C 3944) 10-4-2012 Kuwait Orthodox parents invite proposals for their son 29/172cm, M.Com PGDBA, B & B in Kuwait and employed in a reputed MNC in Kuwait since 2008 from parents of Orthodox/Jacobite/Marthom a/CSI girls B.Tech/MCA/MBA/M.Com or suitably qualified and employed in Kuwait. Contact with details.

Email: thekalloors@gmail.com (C 3931) 7-4-2012 CHANGE OF NAME Suresh Kumar Ramachandran holder of Indian passport No. G4510525 has converted to Islam with name of MOHAMMED SUREKH; and shall be known here forth.

(C 3939) 8-4-2012

SITUATION WANTED With my determination of hard work & an experience of more than 10 years in the Fashion Warehouse, I am looking for a job as Warehouse Manager/ Assistant Warehouse Manager. Contact: 99796229 (C 3940) 8-4-2012

SITUATION VACANT A family is looking to hire a cook for Arabian and Indian dishes. Contact: 99006777.

(C 3942) 9-4-2012 ICDL / ECDL trainer needed for home tuition. Must speak English. Contact: 97862486 (C 3941) 8-4-2012

AIRLINES Kuwait Airways Jazeera Airways Jet Airways FlyDubai Qatar Airways KLM Air Slovakia Olympic Airways Royal Jordanian Reservation British Airways Air France Emirates Air India Sri Lanka Airlines Egypt Air Swiss Air Saudia Middle East Airlines Lufthansa PIA Alitalia Balkan Airlines Bangladesh Airlines Czech Airlines Indian Airlines Oman Air Turkish Airlines

171 177 22924455 22414400 22423888 22425747 22434940 22420002/9 22418064/5/6 22433388 22425635 22430224 22921555 22438184 22424444 22421578 22421516 22426306 22423073 22422493 22421044 22414427 22416474 22452977/8 22417901 22456700 22958787 22453820/1

112 Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

Let’s talk about cosmetic surgery

By Mary M Mitchell

F

our generations coexist in today’s workplace, each with a different set of perception glasses through which they see the world, their colleagues, their work, and themselves. And generational differences aside, each individual has a different set of needs, a different set of motivations. There is, however, some commonality: everybody wants to be at their best, to feel good, to look good, and to perform well. The Wall Street Journal reports, not surprisingly, that more Baby Boomers are having cosmetic surgery than ever before. A recent wire service story reported that image scanners are now looking into individuals’ original appearance before cosmetic surgery to validate identification. This technology never would have been conceived were it not for the numbers of people who are changing their appearance.

When we change the way we look, it almost automatically changes the way others react to us. One would do well to adopt the approach of “mine not to reason why”, to paraphrase Alfred, Lord Tennyson. That requires setting some parameters. “Plastic surgery takes on a polarizing effect like religion or politics. People have very strong opinions about it,” commented Mary Lee

Peters, a board-certified Seattle-based plastic surgeon.

Indeed they do. Haven’t we all been privy to snarky comments about people we claim “have had work done?” “There is no getting around it and no denying it. It is foolish to pretend that comfort in one’s body doesn’t matter. The people most likely to deny it are mostly uncomfortable with their own appearance,” continued Dr Peters. “Men are more reluctant to come up with reasons why they want to turn to cosmetic surgery. My observation is that men do it when either their economic status or their power structure is threatened.”

With all due respect to Dr Peters, my own experience is that, irrespective of gender, our dissatisfaction with our appearance ultimately impacts our perceptions of power structure and economic status. Yet, in terms of how we deal with others, does this really matter? If you run into someone whose appearance is markedly different and you suspect cosmetic surgery, here are some suggestions for what you can do to keep the situation comfortable for all parties. * Don’t blurt out a comment. Chances are this person is undoubtedly feeling sensitive about their appearance anyway, so, if you must ask, keep it to a simple question of concern and

avoid any exaggerated reaction. The person to whom you are talking, hopefully, in private, may not choose to acknowledge the recent surgery.

“While it is an intensely personal and private decision to respond, doing so in the affirmative withdraws anyone’s capacity to use it against you,” Dr Peters said. “It also gives permission to the other person to discuss the surgery for personal, informational purposes.” * Don’t ask. Even if you’re dying to know, it’s bad manners to ask if a person has had a “nose job” or “eye job.” In fact, those terms should be avoided altogether. Again, if you must say something, try something like: “You look wonderful.

Whatever you are doing lately, it agrees with you.” * Don’t criticize. If someone tells you he is she is contemplating cosmetic surgery, resist the temptation to call it a “crazy idea” and to try to talk the person out of it. It is equally important not to agree that the person does, indeed, need the work done. Respect the ability of others to decide for themselves, and honor their choices. * Don’t judge. If a person tells you the cosmetic surger y has been done, the safest response is to ask if he or she is pleased with the results. Even if pressed, never judge the results.

This is a classic “shoot the messenger” situation.

The most diplomatic response, when the details of the surgery are shared, is to say, “I see what you mean, but only when you point it out.” * Don’t gossip. Never volunteer the names of others you know who have undergone cosmetic surgery. In fact, any gossiping about the subject is out of line. Any “cosmetic” procedure is, in fact, a medical procedure and therefore serious business.

• Be solicitous. When people tell you they have had cosmetic surgery, ask how they’re feeling. They will be glad you care enough to ask. If you’re the one who has had the surgery, and you look markedly different, you can make it easier on those around you by opening the conversational door. “In the last analysis, it’s like choosing butter over olive oil, or vice versa,” Dr Peters said.

“If you want to do it, and you are able to, why would that be any different from using resources to go to Europe or anywhere else?” This columnist happens to agree.

NOTE: Mary M Mitchell has written several books on the subject of etiquette, including “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Etiquette” and “Class Acts”. She is also the founder of executive training consultanc y The M itchell Organization with the website themitchellorganization.com. — Reuters

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 Untamed & Uncut 01:40 Shark Attack File 2 02:35 Animal Planet’s Most Outrageous 03:30 Deep Into The Wild With Nick Baker 03:55 Baboons With Bill Bailey 04:25 Speed Of Life 05:20 Going Ape 05:45 Wildlife SOS 06:10 Wild Animal Orphans 06:35 Wild Animal Orphans 07:00 Orangutan Island 07:25 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 07:50 Talk To The Animals 08:15 The Really Wild Show 08:40 Project Puppy 09:10 Must Love Cats 10:05 Speed Of Life 11:00 Animal ER 11:55 Animal Cops Phoenix 12:50 Wild Animal Orphans 13:15 Wild Animal Orphans 13:45 SSPCA: On The Wildside 14:10 Wildlife SOS 14:40 Speed Of Life 15:30 Animal Battlegrounds 16:00 The Really Wild Show 16:30 Chris Humfrey’s Wildlife 17:00 Talk To The Animals 17:25 Dogs 101 18:20 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 19:15 Wildlife SOS 19:40 Going Ape 20:10 Orangutan Island 20:35 Animal Battlegrounds 21:05 Chimps: A Whisper Away From Us 22:00 Wild Animal Orphans 22:25 Wild Animal Orphans 22:55 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 23:50 Animal Cops Houston

00:05 New Scandinavian Cooking With Claus Meyer 00:30 Indian Food Made Easy 00:55 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 01:20 Living In The Sun 02:05 Bargain Hunt 02:50 New Scandinavian Cooking 03:15 New Scandinavian Cooking With Claus Meyer 03:40 Antiques Roadshow 04:30 Living In The Sun 05:15 Indian Food Made Easy 05:40 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 06:05 New Scandinavian Cooking 06:30 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 07:00 Come Dine With Me 07:50 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 08:15 MasterChef Australia 09:00 MasterChef Australia 09:25 Bargain Hunt 10:10 Antiques Roadshow 11:00 Come Dine With Me 11:50 10 Years Younger 12:40 Holmes On Homes 13:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 14:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 15:00 House Swap 15:45 Bargain Hunt 16:30 Antiques Roadshow 17:20 Cash In The Attic USA 17:40 Cash In The Attic USA 18:00 Rachel’s Favourite Food For Living 18:25 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 18:50 Indian Food Made Easy 19:20 James Martin’s Champagne 19:40 10 Years Younger 20:30 Holmes On Homes 21:20 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:05 Bargain Hunt 22:50 Antiques Roadshow 23:40 Rachel’s Favourite Food For Living

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00

BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America

01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 BBC World News 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 Newsday 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 Newsday 06:30 Hardtalk 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 Sport Today 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 Hardtalk 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 World Business Report 12:45 Sport Today 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 BBC World News 14:00 GMT With George Alagiah 14:30 GMT With George Alagiah 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 16:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 19:30 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 World Business Report 20:45 Sport Today 21:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 21:30 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 BBC World News America 23:30 Hardtalk

00:00 Backstory 00:30 World Sport 01:00 The Situation Room 02:00 World Report 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Quest Means Business 06:00 Erin Burnett Outfront 07:00 World Sport 07:30 African Voices 08:00 World Report 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 Talk Asia 11:00 World Business Today 12:00 Backstory 12:30 News Special 13:00 World One 14:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 15:00 News Stream 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 Global Exchange 19:00 World Sport 19:30 News Special 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 23:00 Connect The World With Becky...

00:15 Macintyre: World’s Toughest Towns 01:10 Destroyed In Seconds

01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 15:05 16:00 16:55 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20 23:45

Dirty Jobs Overhaulin’ Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Do They Do It? Dirty Jobs Mythbusters Alaska’s Great Race Fight Quest How Do They Do It? Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings License To Drill License To Drill Overhaulin’ Wheeler Dealers Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Stuff’s Made Border Security Auction Kings Cake Boss Fight Quest Freddie Flintoff vs The World Scrappers Carfellas

00:35 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 01:25 The Tech Show 01:50 Mega World 02:40 Superships 03:35 Weird Connections 04:00 Weird Connections 04:25 Da Vinci’s Machines 05:20 Building The Future 06:10 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 07:00 The Gadget Show 07:25 The Gadget Show 07:50 Building The Biggest 08:40 Mega World 09:35 Superships 10:25 Weird Connections 10:50 Weird Connections 11:20 Building The Future 12:15 Da Vinci’s Machines 13:05 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 13:55 The Gadget Show 14:20 The Gadget Show 14:50 Weird Connections 15:15 Weird Connections 15:40 The Tech Show 16:05 Building The Future 17:00 Kings Of Construction 17:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 18:40 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 19:30 Bad Universe 20:20 The Gadget Show 20:45 The Gadget Show 21:10 Ecopolis 22:00 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 22:50 Bad Universe 23:40 Kings Of Construction

00:15 00:40 01:05 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:10 03:35 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:35 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:25

Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Fish Hooks Recess So Random Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny

LAW ABIDING CITIZEN ON OSN ACTION HD

09:35 09:45 10:00 10:12 10:25 10:45 10:50 11:15 11:40 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:06 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:05 17:30 17:55 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:05 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45

The Hive Mouk Recess Fish Hooks So Random Have A Laugh Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Jake & Blake Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb So Random Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place A.N.T. Farm Phineas And Ferb Recess So Random Fish Hooks Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Have A Laugh Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Kim Possible

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:20 American Dragon 06:45 Rekkit Rabbit 07:10 Pokemon: Black And White 07:35 Timon And Pumbaa 08:00 Phineas And Ferb 08:25 Phineas And Ferb 08:50 Kick Buttowski 09:15 Zeke & Luther 09:40 I’m In The Band 10:05 Phineas And Ferb 10:30 Kid vs Kat 10:55 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 11:20 Pair Of Kings 11:45 Rekkit Rabbit 12:10 American Dragon 12:35 Phineas And Ferb 13:35 Phineas And Ferb 13:45 I’m In The Band 14:10 Pair Of Kings 14:35 Zeke & Luther 15:00 Rekkit Rabbit 15:25 Pokemon: Black And White 15:50 Timon And Pumbaa 16:15 Rated A For Awesome 16:40 Pair Of Kings 17:05 Zeke & Luther 17:30 Phineas And Ferb 19:20 Phineas And Ferb 19:35 Pokemon: Black And White 20:00 Pair Of Kings 20:25 Kick Buttowski 20:50 Zeke & Luther 21:20 Aaron Stone 21:45 Phineas And Ferb 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 22:35 Kid vs Kat 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:25 Kendra 00:55 Style Star 01:25 E!es 02:20 E! Investigates 03:15 Behind The Scenes 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Kendra 09:45 Kendra 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 Khloe And Lamar 13:35 Khloe And Lamar 14:05 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 14:35 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 15:00 Style Star 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Ice Loves Coco 17:25 Ice Loves Coco 17:55 E! News 18:55 THS 19:55 Scouted 20:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:25 Fashion Police 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:15 00:40 01:30 02:20 02:45 03:10 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:40 06:30 2008 07:00 2008 07:30 2008 08:00 08:25 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:45 12:10 12:35 13:00 13:25 14:15 15:05 15:30 15:55 16:20 16:45 17:10

Gotta Grudge Blood, Sweat And Gears World Combat League Gotta Grudge Gotta Grudge Enfusion Glutton For Punishment Glutton For Punishment Blood, Sweat And Gears World Combat League Ride Guide Mountainbike Ride Guide Mountainbike Ride Guide Mountainbike The Alli Show Asian X Games 2010 Best Of The Streets Best Of The Streets Freeflow Tour Freeflow Tour Dr Danger Dr Danger Formula Drift 2011 Formula Drift 2011 Gotta Grudge Gotta Grudge Blood, Sweat And Gears World Combat League Dr Danger Dr Danger Formula Drift 2011 Formula Drift 2011 The Alli Show Asian X Games 2010

18:00 18:25 18:50 19:15 19:40 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:45 22:10 23:00 23:50

Best Of The Streets Best Of The Streets Freeflow Tour Freeflow Tour Blood, Sweat And Gears Gotta Grudge Gotta Grudge Glutton For Punishment Glutton For Punishment World Combat League Enfusion Gotta Grudge

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Kid In A Candy Store 00:55 Gourmet Farmer 01:20 Gourmet Farmer 01:45 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 02:10 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 02:35 Andy Bates Street Feasts 03:00 Andy Bates Street Feasts 03:25 Mexican Made Easy 03:50 Mexican Made Easy 04:15 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 04:40 Good Eats 05:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 05:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:50 Food Network Challenge 06:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 07:00 Food Network Challenge 07:50 World Cafe Asia 08:15 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Good Eats 09:05 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 10:20 Lidia’s Italy 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 11:10 Unwrapped 11:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:00 Food Network Challenge 12:50 Aarti Party 13:15 Cooking For Real 13:40 Barefoot Contessa 14:05 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 14:30 Unique Sweets 14:55 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:20 Meat & Potatoes 15:45 Iron Chef America 16:35 Cooking For Real 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:50 Aarti Party 18:15 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 18:40 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 19:05 Unique Sweets 19:30 Food Network Challenge 20:20 Iron Chef America 21:10 Guy’s Big Bite 21:35 Guy’s Big Bite 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:50 Meat & Potatoes 23:15 Meat & Potatoes 23:40 Meat & Potatoes

00:30 Ghost Lab 01:20 Crime Scene Psychics 01:40 Crime Scene Psychics 02:05 I Married A Mobster 02:30 Scorned: Crimes Of Passion 03:20 Deadly Women: Face To Face 03:45 Dr. G: Medical Examiner 04:30 Ghost Lab 05:20 Crime Scene Psychics 05:45 Crime Scene Psychics 06:10 Disappeared 07:00 Forensic Detectives 07:50 Murder Shift 08:40 Mystery ER 09:30 Real Emergency Calls 09:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

10:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 11:10 Disappeared 12:00 Street Patrol 12:25 Street Patrol 12:50 Murder Shift 13:40 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 14:30 Real Emergency Calls 14:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

15:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 16:10 Disappeared 17:00 FBI Files 17:50 Murder Shift 18:40 Real Emergency Calls 19:05 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 19:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

20:20 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 21:10 Disappeared 22:00 Couples Who Kill 22:50 Deadly Women 23:40 Dr. G: Medical Examiner

00:00 City Chase Marrakech 01:00 Banged Up Abroad 02:00 Departures 03:00 Graham’s World 03:30 Destination Extreme 04:00 Perilous Journeys 05:00 Which Way To 06:00 City Chase Marrakech 07:00 Banged Up Abroad 08:00 Departures 09:00 Graham’s World 09:30 Destination Extreme 10:00 Perilous Journeys 11:00 Which Way To 12:00 City Chase Marrakech 13:00 A World Apart 14:00 Treks In A Wild World 15:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 16:00 Graham’s World 16:30 Graham’s World 17:00 The Green Way Up 17:30 The Green Way Up 18:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:00 A World Apart 20:00 Treks In A Wild World 21:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 22:00 Graham’s World 23:00 The Green Way Up

01:20 02:45 04:45 06:20

The Curse Of Inferno-PG Cuba-PG Some Girls-PG Number One Fan-PG

CALVIN MARSHALL ON OSN CINEMA 07:50 09:30 11:10 12:40 14:10 15:45 17:15 19:05 20:35 22:00 23:30

One Summer Love-PG Dust Factory-PG Mary Christmas-PG Crime And Punishment-PG The Secret Invasion Radio Days-PG The Perez Family-PG Mannequin-PG Women vs. Men-PG Virgin High-18 Cold Heaven

13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Revenge Live Good Morning America C.S.I. The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice House Pillars Of The Earth Combat Hospital

02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Chicago Overcoat-18 Tortured-18 Law Abiding Citizen-18 Blank Slate-PG15 True Justice: Street Wars-PG15 Smoke Screen-PG15 Blank Slate-PG15 Speed-PG15 Smoke Screen-PG15 The Resident-18 Rollerball-18

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Bones The Closer Game Of Thrones Desperate Housewives Revenge Burn Notice Bones Emmerdale Coronation Street Franklin & Bash The Closer Desperate Housewives Revenge Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Franklin & Bash Bones Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice House Pillars Of The Earth The Killing

01:00 Goodbye Baby-18 03:00 Calvin Marshall-PG15 05:00 Gasland-PG15 07:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs.

Evil-PG 09:00 Spud-PG15 11:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs.

Evil-PG 13:00 Calvin Marshall-PG15 14:45 Make It Happen-PG15 16:15 Spud-PG15 18:15 My Name Is Khan-PG15 21:00 Page Eight-PG15 23:00 In Her Skin-18

00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Entourage 02:00 How To Make It In America 02:30 Family Guy 03:00 Melissa And Joey 03:30 Mad Love 04:00 The Simpsons 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 06:00 Weird Science 06:30 How I Met Your Mother 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 The Simpsons 08:30 Melissa And Joey 09:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 09:30 Raising Hope 10:00 Modern Family 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Weird Science 12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 13:30 How I Met Your Mother 14:00 Mad Love 14:30 Modern Family 15:00 Raising Hope 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:30 Weird Science 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Melissa And Joey 18:30 10 Items Or Less 19:00 Raising Hope 19:30 Modern Family 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:30 Louie 23:00 Family Guy 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00

Desperate Housewives Game Of Thrones The Closer Revenge Combat Hospital Live Good Morning America C.S.I. Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Desperate Housewives

00:15 Wild Things: Foursome -18 01:45 Legion-18 03:45 The Godfather II-18 07:00 Time Machine: Rise Of The Morlocks-PG15 09:00 Age Of The Dragons-PG15 11:00 Fighting-PG15 13:00 Riddles Of The Sphinx-PG15 15:00 Age Of The Dragons-PG15 17:00 Tremors-PG15 19:00 Dorothy Mills-18 21:00 Rollerball-18 23:00 Thick As Thieves-18

00:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle-FAM 02:00 Whatever Works-PG15 04:00 Flubber-PG 06:00 Kung Fu Dunk-PG15 08:00 My Girlfriend’s BoyfriendPG15 10:00 Bad News Bears-PG 12:00 Guarding Tess-PG 14:00 The Bounty Hunter-PG15 16:00 The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle-FAM 18:00 Not The Messiah: He’s A Very Naughty Boy-PG15 20:00 You Again-PG15 22:00 Pretty Bird-18

01:00 Fragments-18 03:00 Gilles’ Wife-PG15 05:00 Passing Strange-PG15 07:30 Don’t Fade Away-PG15 09:00 Mary, Queen Of Scots-PG15 11:15 Desperate Hours: An Amber Alert-PG15 12:45 Glorious 39-PG15 15:00 Stone Of Destiny-PG15 16:45 Funny Bones-PG15 19:00 Antwone Fisher-PG15 21:00 Dead Poets Society-PG15 23:15 All Good Things-18

01:00 Love And Other Impossible Pursuits-PG15 03:00 Romeo + Juliet-PG15 05:00 Catch That Kid-PG 07:00 Evan Almighty-PG15 09:00 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG 11:00 The Prince And Me 4: The Elephant Adventure-PG15 13:00 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 15:00 Brighton Rock-PG15 17:00 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG 18:45 Eat Pray Love-PG15 21:00 Page Eight-PG15 23:00 Machete-18

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Christmas In New York-PG The Enchanted Mountain-PG Alex & Alexis-FAM Scooby-Doo-PG Christopher Columbus-PG Despicable Me-FAM D’fenders-PG The Enchanted Mountain-PG Shipwrecked-PG Despicable Me-FAM Ulysses-PG D’fenders-PG

02:30 03:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 11:30 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:00

UFC 145 Prime Time Super League NRL Premiership Super Rugby Highlights Premier League Darts Super Rugby Trans World Sport Volvo Ocean Race Volvo Ocean Race Highlights Super Rugby Highlights Super League NRL Premiership Trans World Sport Futbol Mundial UFC 145 Prime Time Super League

00:30 01:00 01:30 02:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 13:30 14:30 15:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

Volvo Ocean Race Highlights Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport Premier League Darts SPL Highlights Mobil 1 The Grid NRL Premiership Super League Triathlon Triathlon Super Rugby Highlights AFL Winners Premier League Darts SPL Highlights NRL Full Time Triathlon Mobil 1 The Grid Futbol Mundial SPL Highlights Trans World Sport Golfing World

00:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 00:30 Futbol Mundial 01:00 Super Rugby 03:00 Super Rugby Highlights 04:00 Adventure Sports 06:00 Ping Pong World Championship 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Asian Tour Highlights 09:00 Mobil 1 The Grid 09:30 Super Rugby Highlights 10:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 11:00 Super League 13:00 Asian Tour Highlights 14:00 Golfing World 15:00 Triathlon 15:30 European Challenge Cup 17:30 AFL Premiership 20:00 Super Rugby Highlights 21:00 Super Rugby 23:00 NRL Full Time 23:30 Premier League Darts

00:00 01:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30

WWE Experience Prizefighter UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE Bottom Line Prizefighter UAE National Race Day Series V8 Supercars Extra WWE Bottom Line WWE Vintage Collection Mobil 1 The Grid V8 Supercars Challenge V8 Supercars Challenge WWE NXT WWE Experience UFC Unleashed UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed Mobil 1 The Grid V8 Supercars Challenge

35

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 643

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Today, you will be able to finish projects, rather than start. You have the mental concentration and discipline to work out any details. You are buoyed with the confidence to succeed at whatever you set out to do today. Make sure both your expectations and abilities are realistic before diving into something you may not be able to get out of without great effort. You are energized and show a propensity to engage in hard work. Consolidating your resources is the best bet for future successes. New ideas and an independent or pioneering mental orientation take precedence this afternoon. The domestic scene gains new appeal and it is a good time to talk with your parents and family. A young person needs your attention this evening.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You may have a mad desire to do nothing but communicate and exchange ideas today. You could shoot the breeze with someone for hours—if given the opportunity. There could be a temptation, however, to play devil’s advocate or analyze things to death. Just enjoy the exchanges and give the other guy a chance. You could come up with new solutions or inventions. Your inner resources and emotions are accented all day long. You can expect a sense of support and goodwill from those around you. This afternoon you may be tempted to spend newfound finances unwisely—care and judicious thought must be given to the practical use of money. You may find yourself being put to good use by your friends this afternoon—perhaps a move.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS

1. (usually followed by `to') Naturally disposed toward.

4. The act of escaping physically.

10. The compass point that is one point west of due south.

13. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot.

14. A band that fits around the neck and is usually folded over.

15. A federation of North American industrial unions that merged with the American Federation of Labor in 1955.

16. A Kwa language spoken by the Yoruba people in southwestern Nigeria.

17. A formal association of people with similar interests.

19. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

21. Capable of being added or added to.

23. An associate degree in nursing.

24. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

26. A pilgrimage to Mecca.

27. Half the width of an em.

29. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

31. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

33. Of or relating to the songbirds n.

37. A rapid bustling commotion.

38. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked).

41. Swedish oceanographer who recognized the role of the Coriolis effect on ocean currents (1874-1954).

42. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

44. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

46. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders.

48. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

49. A small cake leavened with yeast.

55. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

59. The compass point that is one point south of due west.

60. Italian histologist noted for work on the structure of the nervous system and for his discovery of Golgi bodies (1844-1926).

61. A member of an American Indian people of Yucatan and Belize and Guatemala who once had a culture characterized by outstanding architecture and pottery and astronomy.

62. Towards the side away from the wind.

63. Genus of erect herbs of the Middle East having showy flowers.

64. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

DOWN 1. Jordan's port.

2. Large dark brown North American arboreal carnivorous mammal.

3. Pulled or drawn tight.

4. A graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph.

5. An open-air market in an Arabian city.

6. A user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon.

7. Muslim name for God. 8. A genus of Ploceidae.

9. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

10. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

11. Cause a floating log to rotate by treading.

12. Chief god.

18. Seizure of a vehicle in transit either to rob it or divert it to an alternate destination.

20. Largest known toad species.

22. A doctor's degree in religion.

25. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

28. Electronic equipment that provides visual images of varying electrical quantities.

30. Capital and largest city and economic center of Peru.

32. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

34. Big-eyed scad.

35. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid.

36. Either extremity of something that has length.

39. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

40. Kneading and rubbing parts of the body to increase circulation and promote relaxation v 1.

41. A genus of Ploceidae.

43. The cry made by sheep.

45. Any of various spiny trees or shrubs of the genus Acacia.

47. Lower in esteem.

50. A French abbot.

51. A fine grained mineral having a soft soapy feel and consisting of hydrated magnesium silicate.

52. (Scotland) A slope or hillside.

53. Common Indian weaverbird.

54. Winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge.

56. One of the most common of the five major classes of immunoglobulins.

57. A colloid that has a continuous liquid phase in which a solid is suspended in a liquid.

58. The executive ag

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This Tuesday is a feel-good day. You should experience all the benefits of this most powerful planet. Your enthusiasm is high and your creative juices are flowing, ready to be applied to your work. Considerable success follows you as you give your best effort. Today marks a time when clear thinking and communication among co-workers is important. You should not hesitate in going to great lengths to make yourself clear—this could prove very productive. Friendships are a source of great pleasure and you, in turn, should be quite popular. This harmony should be very useful in easing past tensions in a relationship or in concluding some difficult financial matters. All through this month, there is an open door to the possibilities of new clothes.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Today heralds a major transition time in your life, one that is quite beneficial. This is one of those great days when you will be able to accomplish anything you want to accomplish. You attract many opportunities and you must choose which opportunity would be best. Faith in yourself is the key. You may be in the mood for deep and penetrating conversations this afternoon. Think through what it is you want to accomplish before beginning a project. You may have insights or breakthroughs with regard to your living situation or life circumstances. Others value you for your unique qualities. You reap what you sow, thus working hard now will most likely pay off in many good times with friends and family.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Your energy is high! You feel good and you feel in harmony with yourself, the entire world and everybody in it. Others can feel this, so they in turn are drawn to you, making this a successful day for any kind of group endeavor. The circumstances that be, whatever they are, empower you with a keen and grasping mind—one that desires stimulating conversations. This is an excellent time to talk business or engage in discussions about philosophy, religion or the arts. You seem to have a new sense of self, a more assertive personal style and a more dynamic approach to life these days. Doubts and insecurity are a thing of the past.

Best of all, relations with the opposite sex are at a peak. This is a super kind of day to go on a date, be married or to be in love!

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) This may be a time when many projects come to completion, especially large ones. However, you should resist selling short just to finish your work. Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues now. There are new and unforeseen opportunities to meet people and make friends.

Now you can solidify existing friendships while gaining the affections of acquaintances. Life should seem richer, more satisfying and more fun because you feel a special bond with your friends and loved ones. Go out on a date with your special someone or plan your next date. Talk to your friends this evening and formulate the plans for your next party. You make a positive difference in other people’s lives and enjoy sharing with your friends.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You may achieve a lot more today if it is possible to work by yourself. Dealing with others could be a bit frustrating. Be sure to keep an open mind about all ideas or proposals, paying attention to the details involved. If you are the decision maker in your office, take all suggestions under consideration. Be especially careful with close associates because there could be problems with communication. Your energy could be a bit low, so take care of your health and avoid overindulging. There are new opportunities to broaden your thinking, which may attract good fortune. Try to go home early and greet your loved one with a kiss. Later, an evening walk will create opportunities to laugh, communicate and exercise together.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Since the answers to life’s mysteries do not seem to be coming to your attention, you may wish to seek help from disciplines that dig a little deeper into people and phenomena, such as psychology, astrology, the occult, or perhaps Zen or Yoga. Try to keep an open mind. If your mind becomes totally preoccupied with one particular thought, try to busy your mind into different subjects. This is a good time to tend to all the little details that others have neglected to do. Nobody will bother you while you are scrubbing the sink in the break room, tending to overdue mail or making difficult deliveries, etc. If you are seriously involved with someone in your personal life, you will find that growth as a couple is most positive at this time.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Yesterday’s Solution

Sorting things out and getting them organized to the utmost efficiency keep you busy. Teaching and lecturing and giving your opinion in group meetings may be the ways you can help others move forward to make more money or keep certain problems from reoccurring. However, you may find it necessary to voice these new ideas often, in hopes of winning them over quickly.

You may have a nagging feeling that no matter how well you are progressing in the workplace, there is still something missing in your life. It may be time to reassess the balance between your professional and personal goals. There must be a balance that is right for you—there are no correct answers—but neither side should monopolize your life at the expense of the others.

Today will be an easy-going and peaceful day. Make it a point to remember this all day long. This is a partnership day and not much is going to happen if you try to work alone. Your co-workers are compatible and today should produce great results. If any relationship is less than idyllic, this is probably a good time to resolve any difficulties. This afternoon is a good time to get outside and enjoy nature. This evening you may realize how much you appreciate the family members in your life. You enjoy good relations with family members and the time spent in quiet closeness is rewarding. You may have a young person tending to homework and perhaps a housemate that is preparing a meal.

It is time to show your appreciation.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You should be particularly attentive to all work you do today, for there is a tendency to gloss over the finer details. Your mental faculties are good, making you readily receptive to all thoughts that impinge upon you. It is best, however, to rely on facts rather than feelings today. Otherwise, an expensive mistake might be the outcome. You love people and socializing! Any excuse for a get-together to make a new friend is welcomed. You feel especially close to your loved ones as well and your desire to nurture and protect them is strong—just do not overdo it. You also may enjoy reminiscing with old friends about pleasant memories of the past. Your sentimentality is showing! This is a time that signifies an interest in the motivations and desires of others.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Your moods may fluctuate as much as the weather today. This is not a good time to make any concrete decisions about a relationship or business deal. There is a great potential for personal growth while working in groups at this time. Projects that are underway now will take more than two people to work on them. It is important then to encourage and develop a team attitude. This afternoon you may find yourself in a group get-together with friends or co-workers.

You may learn something about an old friend you did not previously know. Also, you may suddenly make a new friend or meet someone new. Also, family outings planned now will generally be successful. A new friendship or love interest may bring out the best in you.

36

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

lifest yle F e a t u r e

Mike Wallace, ‘60 Minutes’ interrogator, dies ike Wallace is here to see you.” The “60 Minutes” newsman had such a fearsome reputation that it was often said that those were the most dreaded words in the English language, capable of reducing an interview subject to a shaking, sweating mess. Wallace, who won his 21st and final Emmy Award at 89, died Saturday in the New Canaan, Conn, care facility where he had lived the last few years of his life. He was 93.

Wallace didn’t just interview people. He interrogated them. He cross-examined them. Sometimes he eviscerated them pitilessly. His weapons were many: thorough research, a cocked eyebrow, a skeptical “Come on” and a question so direct it took your breath away. He was well aware that his reputation arrived at an interview before he did, said Jeff Fager, CBS News chairman and Wallace’s long-time producer at “60 Minutes.” “He loved it,” Fager said Sunday. “He loved that part of Mike Wallace. He loved being Mike Wallace. He loved the fact that if he showed up for an interview, it made people nervous. ... He knew, and he knew that everybody else knew, that he was going to get to the truth.

And that’s what motivated him.”

Wallace made “60 Minutes” compulsively watchable, television’s first newsmagazine that became appointment viewing on Sunday nights. His last interview, in January 2008, was with Roger Clemens on his alleged steroid use. Slowed by a triple bypass later that month and the ravages of time on a oncesharp mind, he retired from public life. During the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979, he asked Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini - then a feared figure - what he thought about being called “a lunatic” by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Khomeini answered by predicting Sadat’s assassination.

Late in his career, he interviewed Russian President Vladimir Putin, and challenged him: “This isn’t a real democracy, come on!” Putin’s aides tried to halt the interview; Putin said he was the president, he’ll decide what to do. “Many people who weathered a Mike Wallace interview grew to respect him greatly and, you know, have great regard for him because I don’t recall anybody ever saying to

“M

In this Feb. 4, 1999 file photo, Barbara Walters and Mike Wallace pose for photographers before the start of a gala for The Museum of Television and Radio in New York. sion - might be harvested from someone dodging reporters’ phone calls. Wallace once went after a medical laboratory offering Medicaid kickbacks to doctors in this fashion. They were phased out after founding executive producer Don Hewitt termed them “showbiz baloney.” “Finally I said, ‘Hey, kid, maybe it’s time to retire that trenchcoat,’” Hewitt recalled.

Wallace’s late colleague Harry Reasoner once said, “There is one thing that Mike can do better than anybody else: With an angelic smile, he can ask a question that would get anyone else smashed in the face.” As a young producer at the CBS’ New York

In this Sept 13, 1962 file photo, Mike Wallace stands before his son Peter’s grave as the casket is lowered at Kamari Village, Peloponnesus, Greece, after Peter Wallace fell to his death in a accident while climbing a steep mountain in Greece. me, ‘He took a cheap shot’ or ‘He did the obvious,’ or that he was, you know, playing some kind of game,” Fox News Channel Chairman Roger Ailes said on Sunday. “He actually was trying to serve the audience, and that’s what made him great.”

When a Wallace story found little to back up rumors that Coors beer executives were racist, the relieved company took out newspaper ads trumpeting that it had survived. The ad’s top: “The four most dreaded words in the English language: Mike Wallace is here.” He was equally tough on public and private behavior. In 1973, with the Watergate scandal growing, he sat with top Nixon aide John Ehrlichman and read a long list of alleged crimes, from money laundering to obstructing justice. “All of this,” Wallace noted, “by the law-and-order administration of Richard Nixon.”

The surly Ehrlichman could only respond: “Is there a question in there somewhere?” In the early 1990s, Wallace reduced Barbra Streisand to tears as he scolded her for being “totally self-absorbed” when she was young and mocked her decades of psychoanalysis. “What is it she is trying to find out that takes 20 years?” Wallace wondered. “I’m a slow learner,” Streisand told him. “He was hands down the best television interviewer ever,” said Steve Kroft, his former “60 Minutes” colleague. “I can’t think of anyone, besides (CBS legend Edward R.) Murrow, who had a greater influence in shaping television journalism.”

“60 Minutes” pioneered the use of “ambush interviews,” with reporter and camera crew corralling alleged wrongdoers in parking lots, hallways, wherever a comment - or at least a stricken expres-

affiliate, Fager first dealt with Wallace when he had to cut down one of the reporter’s stories to 90 seconds for a broadcast. “I was scared of him and intimidated by him,” he said. “He knew it and he would just make you more miserable. That was Mike. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and even if you were intimidated by him, it was hard not to love him.”

His prosecutorial style was admired, imitated, condemned and lampooned. In a 1984 skit on “Saturday Night Live,” Harry Shearer impersonated Wallace, and Martin Short played weaselly, chain smoking attorney Nathan Thurm, who becomes comically evasive, shifty-eyed and nervous under questioning. Wallace was hired when Hewitt put together the staff of “60 Minutes” at its inception in 1968. The show wasn’t a hit at first, but worked its way up to the top 10 in the 1977-78 season and remained there year after year. Among other things, it proved there could be big profits in TV journalism.

It remains the most popular newsmagazine on TV. Wallace said he didn’t think he had an unfair advantage over his interview subjects: “The person I’m interviewing has not been subpoenaed. He’s in charge of himself, and he lives with his subject matter every day. All I’m armed with is research.” Wallace himself became a dramatic character in several projects, from the stage version of “Frost/Nixon,” when he was played by Stephen Rowe, to the 1999 film “The Insider,” based in part on a 1995 “60 Minutes” story about tobacco industry whistle-blower Jeffrey Wigand, who accused Brown & Williamson of intentionally adding nicotine to cigarettes. Christopher Plummer starred as Wallace and Russell Crowe as

File photo shows ‘Fox News Sunday’ host Chris Wallace, left, pointing at his father, Mike Wallace, a CBS ‘60 Minutes’ correspondent, during taping of the television show in New York. — AP photos

This May 12, 2007 photo released by CN8 cable network, CBS’ 60 Minutes’ Mike Wallace, left, greets colleague Andy Rooney during a reception at the 30th annual Boston/New England Emmy Awards in Boston.

Wigand. Wallace was unhappy with the film, in which he was portrayed as caving to pressure to kill a story about Wigand.

Operating on a tip, The New York Times reported that “60 Minutes” planned to excise Wigand’s interview from its tobacco expose. Wigand had signed a nondisclosure agreement with his former company, and the network feared that by airing what he had to say, “60 Minutes” could be sued along with him.

The day the Times article appeared, Wallace downplayed the gutted “60 Minutes” story as “a momentary setback.” He soon sharpened his tone. When the revised report finally aired, he told viewers that he was “dismayed that the management at CBS had seen fit to give in to perceived threats of legal action.” The full report eventually was broadcast.

In addition to his Emmys, Wallace won five DuPont-Columbia journalism and five Peabody awards. In all, his television career spanned six decades, much of it at CBS. In 1949, he appeared as Myron Wallace in a show called “Majority Rules.” In the early 1950s, he was an announcer and game show host for programs such as “What’s in a Word?”

He also found time to act in a 1954 Broadway play, “Reclining Figure,” directed by Abe Burrows.

In the mid-1950s came his smoke-wreathed “Night Beat,” a series of one-on-one interviews with everyone from an elderly Frank Lloyd Wright to a young Henry Kissinger that began on local TV in New York and then appeared on the ABC network.

It was the show that first brought Wallace fame as a hard-boiled interviewer, a “Mike Malice” who rarely cut his subjects any slack.

Wrote Coronet magazine in 1957: “Wallace’s interrogation had the intensity of a third degree, often the candor of a psychoanalytic session.

Nothing like it had ever been known on TV. ... To Wallace, no guest is sacred, and he frankly dotes on controversy.” Consider this “Night Beat” exchange, with colorful restaurateur Toots Shor. Wallace: “Toots, why do people call you a slob?” Shor: “Me? Jiminy crickets, they musta’ been talking about Jackie Gleason.”

In those days, Wallace said, “interviews by and large were virtual minuets. ... Nobody dogged, nobody pushed.” He said that was why “Night Beat” “got attention that hadn’t been given to interview broadcasts before.” It was also around then that Wallace did a bit as a TV newsman in the 1957 Hollywood drama “A Face in the Crowd,” which starred Andy Griffith as a small-town Southerner who becomes a political phenomenon through his folksy television appearances. Two years later, Wallace helped create “The Hate That Hate Produced,” a highly charged program about the Nation of Islam that helped make a national celebrity out of Malcolm X and was later criticized as biased and inflammatory.

After holding a variety of other news and entertainment jobs, including serving as advertising pitchman for a cigarette brand, Wallace became a full-time newsman for CBS in 1963. He said it was the death of his 19-year-old son Peter in an accident in 1962 that made him decide to stick to serious journalism from then on. (Another son, Chris, followed his father and became a broadcast journalist.

He anchors “Fox News Sunday” on Fox broadcast.)

Wallace had a short stint reporting from Vietnam and took a sock in the jaw while covering the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. But he didn’t fit the stereotype of the Eastern liberal journalist. He was a close friend of the Reagans and was once offered the job of Richard Nixon’s press secretary. He called his politics moderate.

One “Night Beat” interview resulted in a libel suit, filed by a police official angry over remarks about him by mobster Mickey Cohen. Wallace said ABC

In this Feb 2, 1980 file photo, co-editor Mike Wallace, left, interviews composer Leonard Bernstein during taping of a part of CBS-TV’s “60 Minutes,” in New York, in a program set to air four days before a revival of the composer’s “West Side Story” that opens on Broadway.

settled for $44,000, and he called it the only time money had been paid to a plaintiff in a suit in which he was involved. The most publicized lawsuit against him was by retired Gen. William C. Westmoreland, who sought $120 million for a 1982 “CBS Reports” documentary, “The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception,” that accused Westmoreland and others of deliberately underestimating enemy troop strength during the Vietnam War. Westmoreland dropped the libel suit in 1985 after a long trial. Lawyers for each side later said legal costs of the suit totaled $12 million, of which $9 million was paid by CBS. Wallace said the case brought on depression that put him in the hospital for more than a week. “Imagine sitting day after day in the courtroom, hearing yourself called every vile name imaginable,” he said.

In 1996, he appeared before the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging to urge more federal funds for depression research, saying that he had felt “lower, lower, lower than a snake’s belly” but had recovered through psychiatry and antidepressants. He later disclosed that he once tried to commit suicide dur-

ing that dark period. Wallace, columnist Art Buchwald and author William Styron were friends who commiserated often enough about depression to call themselves “The Blues Brothers,” according to a 2011 memoir by Styron’s daughter, Alexandra.

Wallace called his 1984 book, written with Gary Paul Gates, “Close Encounters.” He described it as “one mostly lucky man’s encounters with growing up professionally.” In 2005, he brought out his memoir, “Between You and Me.” Wallace was born Myron Wallace on May 9, 1918, in Brookline, Mass. He began his news career in Chicago in the 1940s, first as a radio news writer for the Chicago Sun and then as a reporter for WMAQ. He started at CBS in 1951. He was married four times. In 1986, he wed Mary Yates Wallace, the widow of his close friend and colleague Ted Yates, who had died in 1967. Besides his wife, Wallace is survived by his son, a stepdaughter, Pauline Dora, and stepson Eames Yates. — AP

Members of television’s ‘60 Minutes’ news program gather at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY, in this 10 November 10, 1993 file photo to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the popular show.

This 1968 photo released by CBS shows “60 Minutes” correspondents Harry Reasoner, left, and Mike Wallace, right, with creator and producer Don Hewitt on the set in New York.

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

lifestyle M u s i c

&

M o v i e s

A

re you lonely? Do you miss a loved one? Is your marriage on the rocks? Just place a call to a Stockholm opera and a singer will make a house call with an aria specially chosen to fit your state of mind. “I’ve had the experience of singing for a couple who had lost touch with each other a bit,” said soprano Henriikka Groendahl. When she arrived at their home, it seemed the couple had drifted so far apart they would never find their way back to each other. “They were arguing a lot, they were working in different parts of the country, sometimes communicating by notes only...” Groendahl said. “Two bars into my aria, she was crying and holding on to her husband, and he was very moved as well.”

The piece chosen for the couple, “Donde lieta usci” from Puccini’s “La Boheme”, is about separation. But the singer told them, “It’s not about you saying adieu to each other, but maybe you want to leave the past behind without regrets?” The visit was part of a novel “happening” organized by the Stockholm Folkoperan, an avant garde stage intent on challenging traditional interpretations like those shown at the city’s royal opera house, Kungliga Operan. Called “Opera Aid”, the idea was devised by British artist Joshua Sofaer, who insists it “is not music therapy.”

“We are not offering therapy of any kind. We are simply offering opera,” he said. But he acknowledged that he believes “passionately in the power of art to change lives and to offer people the opportunity to see things differently, or to be given permission to behave in a new way.” “Opera Aid” was part of a larger Folkoperan project called Opera Showroom, which it hopes will become an annual happening. Run by artistic director Mellika Melouani Melani, it aims to bring opera, widely considered elitist, out of the confines of the traditional concert hall.The event filled the Folkoperan with alternative and free performances for two days in late March, though the “Opera Aid” visits were spread over two weeks.

File photo shows Mellika Melouani Melani, artistic director of the Stockholm folk opera, posing in front of the opera building in Stockholm. — AFP photos

‘Straight to your emotional core’ Given their private nature, Folkoperan refused to allow journalists to tag along and observe any of the 30 or so half-hour performances, which were free of charge. Four singers, two sopranos, one mezzo and a baritone, took part, working with Sofaer to choose the arias proposed to people in need. They limited themselves to classic 18th and 19th century works. “Those classics of Italian and German opera are the ones that I suppose most people immediately have an emotional response to,” he said. “They cut through you somehow and get straight to your emotional core.” More than the music, the singers had to prepare for the psychological side of the visit: how to act, listen, ask cer-

New North American tour for singer Charles Aznavour

F

rench singer Charles Aznavour is back for a new North American concert tour, and it’s not to say farewell. “I just wrote a song saying I will not say goodbye,” says the 87-year-old crooner of his upcoming concerts in Montreal, Quebec City, Los Angeles and New York. Instead, he thinks of the tour as a kind of homecoming to places that bring back youthful memories. “I love New York,” he said in an interview with AFP as he recalled his debut in a nightclub here along with pianist Pierre Roche. In their early days, they would sometimes play poker “to pay for a hot dog,” Aznavour said.

“I came here in 1948,” he said. “We had a contract almost immediately... We were hired for a week or two, we stayed for five weeks.”

He said his ability to sing in French made him more appealing.

“From there, we left for Canada and we stayed there for almost three years,” Aznavour said. “In Canada, I’m home,” he said. “They are open, they are smiling, they love to laugh, they like sweet things and so do I.” “In my business, you always come back to the scene of the crime,” he said. Each audience will get a different show during the nine performances of Aznavour’s mini-tour, during which he also plans to attend his granddaughter’s wedding April 21 on the eve of his only concert in Los Angeles.

In Montreal and Quebec City from April 10 to April 14, he plans to mix old and new songs. In New York on April 26, 27 and 28, he intends to stick to the “essentials,” like “La Boheme,” “Take Me Away” and “Die for Love.” Wearing a white scarf and purple sweater, he wraps up a press conference in English. He wonders whether he should sing in three languages in New York: French, English and Spanish, “because there are also many people here who speak Spanish.” “And if someone insists, I will sing in Italian and even a half-song in Russian,” he joked. He has cut some songs from his repertoire over the years, even some of the most famous.

“I do not like being bored in a song,” Aznavour said. “When someone has sung something for a long time, and if you don’t renew the way the song is presented, I prefer to leave it rather than become mechanical on stage. I like to have fun on stage, and I do enjoy myself when I am reinvented.” Age is becoming an issue for him, he admits. “Physically, I’m not the man I was,” Aznavour said. “I have fatigue that I did not used to get. I moved around, often I danced on stage, I cannot do it anymore.” But his audience, he said, comes to hear his lyrics, and is tolerant. “I have a chair on stage,” he said. “When I feel I’m getting a little bit tired, I sing my song sitting.

The audience knows very well, we age.” During his career, Aznavour has written nearly 1,000 songs. He recently completed a musical and still claims to be working “a lot.”—AFP

Charles Aznavour

tain questions and avoid others.

“We give them the possibility to verbalize their feelings and once you’ve done that you open up a room to their innermost feelings,” Groendahl said. “I think the contrast for them is so big. First, we’re just an ordinary person talking with an ordinary voice and then you get ... a singer who invades your room and your heart because you’ve already opened up,” she added. “The sound changes the room,” according to Sofaer who insists the effect is long-lasting. “There is a kind of ‘haunting’... The sound somehow lingers. If you go out of the room and return, you remember the sound of the singer in that space. The space has changed,” he said.

Groendahl said she modulates her powerful voice during house calls to fit the private setting and direct it exclusively at the listener.

“From my experience, the impact of the voice, the music, the story is huge on the person who listens,” she said. “It’s a personal gift... It’s the ultimate contact with the audience.” While it may sound like an opera fan’s dream-come-true, loving music is not enough to get a specially tailored aria delivered to your home. Anyone interested must formally apply and explain the problem they hope the music will help fix, said Folkoperan’s director Pia Kronqvist. If you don’t have a problem, you don’t get a house call, she said. — AFP

File photo shows Opera singer Henriikka Groendahl posing in the concert hall of the Stockholm folk opera.

A

row involving some of Russia’s biggest film stars tarnished a glitzy awards ceremony after the presenter accused an actress of making an election video for Vladimir Putin to protect her charitable fund. The dispute took place at the prestigious annual Nika awards hosted by the Russian Academy of Cinema Arts, broadcast on state television late Sunday and seen as Russia’s equivalent to the US Oscars. The row erupted as an award was given to Chulpan Khamatova, one of Russia’s best-loved actresses who leads a respected charity and controversially made a video endorsing Putin’s successful March 4 presidential election bid.

The host of the ceremony-the opposition-inclined television host Ksenia Sobchak-stunned the audience by openly asking Khamatova if she would have made the pro-Putin video if she had not had to worry about her charity.

Khamatova’s endorsement of the Russian strongman had unsettled some of her fans who saw the softly-spoken star as an unlikely cheerleader for Putin. “Chulpan-you know how I bow before your talent and your human generosity and kindness and you are an astonishing person,” said Sobchak. “It is because of this that here and now I want to ask you this. If you had not been involved in charitable work would you have supported Putin as a candidate or would you have stayed away from political activity?”

Her intervention prompted furious whistles from the audience and other actors to leap to the defence of Khamatova, whose charity is regarded with universal admiration in Russia for helping treat children with cancer. “Why are you doing this?” fellow star actor Yevgeny Mironov, who was also on the stage after presenting an award, told Sobchak. “It’s just a question. I admire you very much. You do enormous work, it is true,” an uncomfortable-looking Sobchak told Khamatova, who did not answer the question and said the ceremony was aimed at recognising artistic achievement.

Even the Kremlin’s chief economic adviser Arkady

A combo of file pictures shows Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova posing on September 2, 2008, for a photo during the 65th Venice International Film Festival and Russian celebrity and television host Ksenia Sobchak arriving on June 18, 2004 at the Moscow International Film Festival. — AFP Dvorkovich later waded into the scandal to attack Sobchak.

“The host’s job is to present the ceremony, isn’t it? Or does having a microphone on your hand give you a right to hooliganism?” he wrote on Twitter. Putin’s campaign team wheeled out a succession of celebrities including Khamatova and conductor Valery Gergiev to take part in short campaign videos called “Why I am voting for Vladimir Putin”. — AFP

Hunger Games scores Easter feast with $33.5

F

ilm fans are still forking over for “The Hunger Games,” which took in $33.5 million to lead the box office for a third-straight weekend.

According to studio estimates Sunday, Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games” raised its domestic total to $302.8 million. It easily out-earned two returning favorites, Universal’s “American Pie” sequel “American Reunion” and a 3-D version of the blockbuster “Titanic,” released domestically by Paramount and overseas by 20th Century Fox. Both newcomers opened solidly, though. “American Reunion” pulled in $21.5 million, the lowest haul since the 1999 original but still a decent return for a comedy franchise whose last big-screen chapter came nine years ago.

“Titanic” in 3-D reeled in $17.4 million over the weekend, raising its domestic take to $25.7 million since opening Wednesday. That lifts the lifetime domestic gross of James Cameron’s mega-hit to $626.5 million. Starring Jennifer Lawrence as a teen forced to fight other youths in a televised death match, “The Hunger Games” now has topped the domestic gross of each of the “Twilight” movies and all but the first and last of the “Harry Potter” films. With $25.5 million overseas, “The Hunger Games” raised its international total to $157.1 million. That put its worldwide take at about $460 million.

“The Hunger Games” has helped studios race to a record box-office pace, with domestic revenues for the year now at $2.8 billion, up 20 percent from 2011’s, according to box-office tracker Hollywood.com. “We’re heading into summer with a tremendous amount of momentum, led obviously by ‘Hunger Games,’” said Hollywood.com analyst Paul Dergarabedian. “Just about everything seems to be working.” The first big-screen “American Pie” sequel since 2003’s “American Wedding,” “American Reunion” brings back all key cast members from the 1999 gross-out hit, including Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott, Mena Suvari and Tara Reid.

The new sequel had the smallest start since 1999’s “American Pie” debuted with $18.7 million. Factoring in inflation, the original movie also sold more tickets than “American Reunion.” Yet adding its $19.3 million earnings in 28 overseas markets, “American Reunion” started well with a worldwide total of $40.8 million.

“We’re very content. It’s a great launch worldwide,” said Nikki Rocco, Universal’s head of distribution. “It’s a successful reboot of a franchise that we believe in.”

“Titanic” follows such past hits as “The Lion King” and “Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace” to be converted to 3-D. “This is something that has already been seen by tens of millions of people in the domestic market. To have taken the time and care that Jim Cameron did to re-create it in 3-D and to do $25-plus-

national).

4. “Wrath of the Titans,” $15 million ($43 million international).

5. “Mirror Mirror,” $11 million ($11.5 million international).

6. “21 Jump Street,” $10.2 million ($2.9 million international).

7. “Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax,” $5 million ($11.8 million international).

million over five days is just a home run,” said Don Harris, head of distribution at Paramount.

Cameron’s 1997 smash added $35.5 million in 84 overseas markets, putting its 3-D worldwide total at $60.2 million. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in a tragic romance aboard the doomed ship, “Titanic” won 11 Academy Awards, including best picture. At $1.84 billion worldwide, the film remained the No. 1 modern blockbuster for 12 years until Cameron’s “Avatar” bumped it off with $2.8 billion.

The 3-D version has closed the gap a bit, with the lifetime total of “Titanic” now at just over $1.9 billion.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at US and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com.

Where available, latest international numbers are also included.

1. “The Hunger Games,” $33.5 million ($25.5 million international).

2. “American Reunion,” $21.5 million ($19.3 million international).

3. “Titanic” in 3-D, $17.4 million ($35.5 million inter-

8. “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen,” $975,000.

9. “John Carter,” $820,000 ($2.6 million international).

10. “Safe House,” $581,000.

Estimated weekend ticket sales at international theaters (excluding the US and Canada) for films distributed overseas by Hollywood studios, according to Rentrak: 1. “Wrath of the Titans,” $43 million.

2. “Titanic” in 3-D, $35.5 million.

3. “The Hunger Games,” $25.5 million.

4. “American Reunion,” $19.3 million.

5. “Dr. Seuss’ the Lorax,” $11.8 million.

6. “Mirror Mirror,” $11.5 million.

7. “The Pirates! A Band of Misfits,” $10 million.

8. “Houba,” $6.8 million.

9. “Intouchables,” $6 million.

10. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” $5.3 million.

— AP

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

lifestyle T r a v e l

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

lifestyle T r a v e l

The salt mines of Maras, in the Sacred Valley outside Cuzco, Peru, include hundreds of evaporation ponds, which local families have used for centuries in gathering salt for sale. —MCT photos

By Christopher Reynolds

A

s many a Peruvian traveler can tell you, climbing Machu Picchu is easy, especially if you take one of those tourist buses that do most of the work. It’s embracing Cuzco that can be hard. Cuzco (often spelled Cusco) usually is the Peruvian city you fly into before catching the train through the Sacred Valley to those famous mountaintop ruins at Machu Picchu. But Cuzco is much more than a gateway. In the 15th century, it was the capital of the Incan empire, a wealthy city whose stone buildings, which still form the skeleton of the city, were chiseled and placed with astounding precision. Then in 1533, with the Incas weakened by civil war, Spanish soldiers showed up with rifles and horses to grab the gold and silver and slay those who resisted. They built a colonial capital atop the Incan city, constructing Catholic churches over the most revered Incan temples. Spain ruled until Peru won independence in the 1820s.

Nowadays, the city’s population is 300,000 to 400,000, a blend of Spanish and native Quechua bloodlines, and Cuzco’s stone skeleton is enveloped in one of the most muscular tourist economies in all of South America. Catering to jet-setters and backpackers alike, the city hums with swishy restaurants, cheap hostels, upscale boutiques, tacky souvenir shops and hundreds of posh hotel rooms, yet you still see campesinos bearing sheaves of barley or peddling embroidery on street corners. When the Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice arrives each June, revelers take to the streets for the Inti Raymi festival, a scene that looks like Mardi Gras with llamas.

Cuzco is not for the faint of heart or lungs, nor for the traveler who wants everything easy, tidy and genteel. Not only does it stand between you and that beloved Incan mountaintop, but it also stands about 11,000 feet above sea levelabout 3,000 feet taller than Machu Picchubecause of the tilt of the Sacred Valley.

“That causes a very interesting situation in your body,” guide Enrique Medina reminded me soon after my arrival in May. “Take it easy, have a coca tea and drink a lot of water.” And while you’re at it, tune out the fast-talking touts and peddlers who will otherwise mar your views of native Cuzco, colonial Cuzco and even crossroads Cuzco. This was my third visit to Cuzco in 24 years. I came home with these lessons in mind. lThe streets and the museums deserve equal time.

History is so alive in the city’s streets, among the throngs at the San Pedro Market and at the sprawling Sacsayhuaman ruins, it might seem a shame to spend too many hours indoors. But especially when Cuzco gets cold, you can’t ignore Qorikancha (also spelled Coricancha), the former Incan headquarters that was

If you go: Telephones: To call the numbers below from the US, dial 011 (the international dialing code) and 51 (the country code for Peru).

Where to stay: Hotel Monasterio, 136 Calle Palacio, Plazoleta Nazarenas; 84-604-000, www.monasteriohotel.com. Rooms for two generally $400-$700, but can drop to $235.

Amaru Hostal, 541 Cuesta de San Blas; 84-225-933, www.amaruhostal.com.

Twenty-seven rooms. Rooms for two $48 a night. Three rooms have sleeping lofts, good for a family. All TVs are flat-screens.

Sol & Luna Spa & Lodge, Fundo Huincho Lote A5, Urubamba; 84-201-620, www.hotelsolyluna.com. Fifteen suites and 28 round bungalows. Rooms for two $256 and up, including breakfast.

Where to eat: Chicha, 261 Plaza Regocijo, second level;

with two courtyards and museum-worthy art. (If you go in March, stay three nights and pay upfront, you can get rooms here for as little as $235.) Then have a look at the Amaru Hostal, a block away, with pleasant, modest rooms for about $50 a night. (I wish I’d slept there instead of at the Andina Classic Cuzco Plaza, where I paid about $140 for a tiny room.) lBeware the plaza, behold the cathedral.

In pictures, the Plaza de Armas looks great-a big sun-splashed rectangle with fountains and grass and strolling vendors and benches for weary travelers. Up close, it’s just as pretty, but it can be a sort of battlefield. To cross it, you’ll need to fend off the schoolaged girls selling woven goods and massages, schoolaged boys shining shoes and forcefully hawking little paintings that will never hang in the Hotel Monasterio.

If you don’t want to buy, avoid eye contact and get into that big, brooding building with the green doors, the cathedral.

Begun in the 1550s and completed in the 1660s, it includes a 25-foot-high “Last Supper” painting by Marcos Zapata behind the main altar.

Look closely and you’ll see Christ and his disciples sitting before plates of roasted vizcacha (comparable to chinchilla). You’ll also see a chapel dedicated to Our Lord of the Earthquakes, not a surprise, given that major quakes struck the city in 1650 and 1950. lMind your paperwork.

Counterfeiting of Peruvian nuevo sol notes and the American dollar is such a big worry in Peru that merchants will eye your paper money the way pawn brokers squint at unconvincing diamonds.

The tiniest rip will kill a transaction, and you’ll end up stuck with a bill that you can’t use.

The other paper issue is batha z a Pl e room-specific.

The Peruvian cush t n n tom is to put used toilet paper ral, o e 16th ce d e h h at in wastebaskets and not to flush h. n in t u’s c , Per as begu n the 17t it. If you flush it, you could cause a plumbo c z Cu mas, w leted i r ing crisis. de A nd comp Gaston lGive the Sacred Valley more time. a y r u t Acurio, great pork There is about 70 miles of valley between Cuzco medallions await. and Machu Picchu, and it’s not enough to make quick, crowded stops at the ruins and town of lSee Barrio San Blas, and think about sleeping Ollantaytambo and the Sunday market at Pisac. Head there. up to the underappreciated ruins at Pisac. Better yet, Stand in the Plaza de Armas. Turn toward the nearhead for the salt mines of Maras. est hill and march past the cathedral and up the narThe best thing about Maras might be getting row, cobblestoned street. For a hearty breakfast or lunch in the company of backpackers from around the there: You’ll probably take a taxi, guide’s car or minibus, and soon you’ll be rambling up unpaved planet, pause at Jack’s Cafe on Choquechaka Street. roads into the middle of a green Peruvian dream of Then continue, and in no time you’ll be in San Blas, barley and potato fields, ox-drawn plows, wandering a hillside barrio that spills down to the plaza and sheep and Quechua farmers. Especially for those who where global visitors mingle with Cuzco’s artistic aren’t doing a multiday trek, this is a great taste of the types. Grab a snack at the tiny, orange-walled Cafe de countryside.

Mama Oli (199 Plazoleta Nazarenas), and peek at the When you do finally reach the salt mines, you’ll see lobby of the Hotel Monasterio, where rates routinely hundreds of evaporation ponds carved in the red dirt run $400 and up a night. This old monastery, built in and filled with saline water from a nearby spring. As the 1590s, was converted 47 years ago into a lodging the water evaporates, salt is harvested every month or so. The revenue has sustained local families for cen(84) 240-520; www.chicha.com.pe. Opened turies. in 2009, serving lunch and dinner. Main Many guides like to combine Maras with the neardishes about $10-$17.

by Moray archaeological site, a series of terraced, conPacha Papa, 120 Plazoleta San Blas 120; centric circles that were apparently used as a pre84-241-318, Columbian agricultural laboratory. The valley is full of www.cuscorestaurants.com/en/pachapaoptions, including the rustic town of Chinchero; the pa.html. Lunch and dinner. Courtyard patio. luxurious Sol & Luna Spa & Lodge (www.hotelsolyluMain dishes $8-$15. na.com) in Urubamba; the bungee jumps and MAP Cafe, 231 Plazoleta Nazarenas; 84paragliding of Action Valley (www.actionvalley.com); 242-476; and the challenges of the Natura Vive via ferrata www.cuscorestaurants.com/en/mapcafe.ht (www.naturavive.com), a dramatic climbing route ml. Museum-adjacent mod cuisine in a with cables to ease your ascent. glassed-in dining room. Main dishes about All these places are within about 40 miles of Cuzco. $18-$30.

If you buy a Boleto Turistico del Cusco (about $50), it Greens, 135 Santa Catalina Angosta 135, will cover the cost of admission to Moray, Pisac, second floor; 84-243-379; www.cuscorestauOllantaytambo, Sacsayhuaman and several other ruins rants.com/en/greensorganic.html. Organic and museum sites. If you have more time than money, lunch and dinner. Main dishes about $7-$10. you can cut costs by waiting to book day trips until Jack’s Cafe, 509 Choquechaka; 84-254you arrive in Cuzco. Once here, gather fresh references 606, www.jackscafecusco.com. Salads, sandfrom other travelers and question a few outfitters. wiches, casseroles, about $3-$8.

They’ll be easy to find, especially in the storefronts surTo learn more: rounding the Plaza de Armas.

Peruvian government tourism, www.peru.travel/en. —MCT later converted into the Convento de Santo Domingo de Cuzco or the Monastery of Santa Catalina, whose 13 remaining nuns may be outnumbered by the mannequins on display.

The same goes for the elegant Museo de Arte Precolumbino, or MAP, and the larger but humbler Inka Museum. Also, authorities last year announced plans to display hundreds of Machu Picchu artifacts, collected by explorer Hiram Bingham, in the Casa Concha mansion on Santa Catalina Ancha Street, but the timetable remains unclear. lEat your potatoes.

Nobody knows more than the chefs of Cuzco about potatoes, corn, alpaca or cui (aka cuy, aka guinea pig). On the courtyard of the Pacha Papa restaurant, you listen to a harpist while digging into an alpaca brochette.

At the MAP Cafe, the kitchen mixes traditional and molecular cuisine, which in my case resulted in toosweet gazpacho followed by a tasty salmon main course. At Chicha, a pricey, busy upstairs restaurant opened in 2009 by Peruvian celebrity chef

laza ru’s P me P , o ouris Cuzc und ated by t o r a s omin treet The s mas are d sses. r de A d busine e a l re t

zco, e Cu aily d i s t y ou l to d Va l l e till crucia d e r c are s e Sa I n t h livestock , Peru . e f i l

zco, at Cu rt. s g n A ti pain olumbian e s w bro of Pre-C lers Trave Museum ’s Peru

tint ou ll o p w e se lar vi hers popu their mot a t a ait , while rists. ren w u Child uzco, Per sing moto s side C nirs to pa e v sou

Mike Wallace, ‘60 Minutes’ interrogator, dies

TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2012

36

British chef and author, Rachel Khoo poses with her latest book on April 2, 2012 in her micro-restaurant named ‘La petite cuisine’ (The Little Paris Kitchen) that she ran in her tiny 21-square-metre studio. — AFP photos

In this April 3, 2012 photo, Korean soprano Hong Hei-Kyung as Violetta, performs during rehearsal for the Metropolitan Opera’s ‘La Traviata,’ in New York. — AP

L

ast season Willy Decker’s radical restaging of Verdi’s “La Traviata” took the Metropolitan Opera by storm, with soprano Marina Poplavskaya giving a vocally flawed but dramatically riveting performance as the doomed courtesan Violetta. This season seemed to promise more of the same with the title role taken over by Natalie Dessay, who is noted for her acting ability and has struggled with vocal problems in recent years. But Dessay canceled Friday night’s opening because of a cold, and understudy Hei-Kyung Hong went on instead - providing a virtual mirror image of what might have been: lots of gorgeous singing, not so much spontaneity or spark.

Hong remains a marvel of vocal freshness and allure after nearly 30 seasons at the Met. The rapid passage work of “Sempre libera” held no terrors for her, and the purity and control of her “Addio del passato,” with its long-held final A-natural, was like a master class in technique. The one drawback was a weak lower-middle register, which occasionally made her all but inaudible.

Hong, in her early 50s, looks terrific, her trim figure fitting with no difficulty into the red dress that Violetta wears throughout much of the evening. Dramatically, she had mastered most of the moves in the German director’s minimalist production (not even a sick bed for Violetta in her death scene!) - a remarkable accomplishment considering she had performed it on stage for the first time at the dress rehearsal a few days earlier.

But there was something a bit by-the-numbers in her performance that kept her Violetta from taking hold of our imagination as a living, suffering heroine. She didn’t quite capture the desperate exuberance of the opening scene, or the depths of pathos in Act 2 when Violetta agrees to relinquish her lover, Alfredo. And her reading of the letter from Alfredo’s father in the final scene - a moment savored by great singing actresses - made little impact.

It was a pity, since this production, more than a traditionally furnished and costumed one, requires a lead singer who can command the stage not just with her voice but with her personality.

J

ury selection began in earnest yesterday at the Chicago trial of the man accused of murdering singer and Oscar winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew.

Selecting 12 jurors and six alternates

File photo shows singer and Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson in Chicago. — AP

Repeating his portrayal from last season, tenor Matthew Polenzani sang elegantly as Alfredo (including a ringing high C to cap his cabaletta). His voice seems to have grown in size, too, with no loss of beauty. He worked hard to convey his character’s passionate nature, but with his plump figure and reserved bearing, he was never quite convincing as the ardent young lover.

The most powerful performance came from baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Alfredo’s father, Giorgio Germont.

From the moment he entered in Act 2, he took possession of the stage with his sneering contempt for the immoral lifestyle into which he believes Violetta has lured his son. While he worked on her emotions to make her give up her lover, Hvorostovsky showed his character gradually softening as he gained sympathy and even respect for his opponent.

His trademark burnished sound and ability to spin long phrases without taking a breath have rarely been heard to better effect. He deservedly won a huge ovation for “Di provenza il mar,” the familiar aria in which he begs his son to return home.

Fabio Luisi conducted the orchestra in a performance that seemed more brisk and efficient than imbued with feeling, though the preludes to the first and last acts were lovely.

Decker’s deglamorized production, originally mounted in Salzburg (where it made a star of Anna Netrebko), is packed with interesting ideas that continue to work well a year after its Met premiere: the stark, curved walls with oval opening at the top that serve as the single set; the menacing partygoers, men and women dressed in identical dark suits; Dr Grenvil, representing Death, constantly reminding Violetta of her approaching mortality, along with the giant clock that ticks away the minutes of her life. Dessay is still scheduled to sing the remaining seven performances, including next Saturday’s matinee, which will be broadcast live on the radio and shown in HD in movie theaters. — AP

able to set aside sympathy for the Hollywood star and assess guilt only according to evidence presented in court against William Balfour could pose a major challenge.

It’s expected to take two or three days to make final selections from among 150 prospective jurors. In a last step, each side can use pre-emptive strikes, usually around ten, to dismiss people from the jury pool without having to offer any reason. Judge Charles Burns will aim to weed out anyone who might be swayed by the 30-year-old Hudson’s celebrity, though he’s unlikely to automatically exclude Hudson fans if they can convince him their biases won’t affect their deliberations.

Attorneys won’t necessarily share the judge’s goal, seeking, instead, to keep jurors likely to favor their arguments.

Even at trials where celebrity doesn’t loom as a factor, jury selection is critical.

A lone holdout during deliberations on a verdict can lead to a hung jury, forcing a retrial. If convicted, Balfour, who is also 30, faces a maximum life sentence.

Burns told would-be jurors last week that anyone opposed to capital punishment need not worry because Illinois abolished the death penalty this year.

Once testimony begins April 23, court officials say Hudson is expected to

F

rom au pair to television chef of the moment, Rachel Khoo has come a long way since she landed in Paris from London six years ago, armed with schoolgirl French and a love of cooking. With a bestselling recipe book and BBC series, “The Little Paris Kitchen”, now under her belt, the 31-year-old looks well placed to be the next big thing on the television chef scene. Or rather, the next small thing. For Khoo’s new-found fame comes courtesy of the micro-restaurant which the bubbly brunette ran in her tiny 21-square-metre studio in the city’s bohemian Belleville district.

Hosting AFP at the tiny flat, Khoo explained that her bijou eatery was a side-effect of research for what would become “The Little Paris Kitchen” recipe book-her third after two volumes of cake recipes for a French publisher. “It was because I’m single! I live on my own and if you test 120 recipes-there’s so much food that goes to waste,” she said. “I wanted to be able to test recipes, not waste food, and have some money to cover the ingredients.” So in January last year the young chef decided to tap into the worldwide trend for home restaurants. Hugely popular with hipsters over the last couple of years, these lunch or supper clubs see amateur cooks play chef at their own tables to invited guests in return for a donation to cover costs.

There was no shortage of Parisians willing to help with the leftovers of her experiments in bringing a British twist to Gallic classics. Dishes such as croque madame muffins made with Anglo-style sliced white bread and French lamb stew with quintessentially English mint sauce were so popular that word-of-mouth and a buzz on the blogosphere soon had people clamoring for a space at her table. Despite the fact that even after folding away her sofa bed to make space for the table, Khoo could only seat two guests at a time, 1,000 people joined her mailing list.

“It kind of went crazy,” she said. “Some people were so desperate to come here, it was unbelievable. People would send me their life stories, saying please let me come, it’ll make my week-it’ll make my year!” On the back of this success, a deal with the BBC followed, and Khoo’s AngloFrench fusion dishes are proving something of a hit with British audiences too, with the series debuting with one and a half million viewers.

Her recipe book, published last month, last week hit number one in the British hardback charts, and has been translated into nine languages.

Khoo has had to put her little kitchen on standby for now as she embarks on a book tour around Europe.

Growing up in the London suburb of Croydon, the daughter of an Austrian mother and a Malay-Chinese father, Khoo studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins art college before deciding to chase up her dream of living in Paris. Once there she au paired and worked in a cookery book store, before enrolling at the capital’s Cordon Bleu school to study patisserie. Central to her foodie concept is the simplicity of the recipes and the setting-Khoo can touch both walls of her kitchen if she stretches her arms out and she turns out flawless food on a two-ring stove.

Khoo believes much of her appeal lies in her shabby-chic accessibility, a good pitch for a lifestyle show during a recession. Pointing out the cracks in the kitchen ceiling and her ancient hob, she says she wants to “show people you don’t need an amazing kitchen to cook delicious French food.” And with the book’s French version set for release in October, bringing her little kitchen adventure full circle, she laughed that her proudest achievement so far was, “to be an English girl telling the French how to cook!” — AFP

attend every day of the trial, which could last up to a month. She is on a 300-name list of potential witnesses, though it’s not certain she will testify.

While the judge will warn jurors to avoid watching news coverage about the case, they may see Hudson in a scheduled appearance this Thursday on “American Idol,” where she first rose to fame as a contestant in 2004.

The judge and attorneys have signaled they are well aware Hudson’s presence and the media hubbub could affect the proceedings. Nine of 66 questions on a questionnaire the would-be jurors were asked to fill out last week dealt with Hudson’s career. One asked if they’d ever seen her Academy Awardwinning film “Dreamgirls.” Hudson, who was not in Chicago at the time of the killings, told investigators she was in touch with her mother almost every day and became concerned when she couldn’t reach her by late morning on Oct 24, 2008. Hours later, the bodies of her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother, Jason Hudson, 29, were found shot to death in the family home. —AP

Rachel Khoo poses in her micro-restaurant.