11th Jul

CR IP TI ON BS SU

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Kenya police: Iranians shipped 100 kg of explosives

www.kuwaittimes.net

SHAABAN 21, 1433 AH

Cruise, Holmes agree split, vow to ‘respect beliefs’

Gulf 2012 growth, budget outlooks improve

UAE club Al Wasl fires Maradona as coach

40 PAGES

NO: 15505

150 FILS

21 39 19 7Majority bloc divided over scope of reforms Hawks demand popular govt, constitutional monarchy

Max 46º Min 30º High Tide 05:20 & 17:14 Low Tide 11:16 & 22:51

By B Izzak conspiracy theories

KUWAIT: As the opposition majority bloc launched its campaign with the first “Monday diwaniya” gathering, cracks have started to appear publicly among its ranks over the scope of the reforms they should embrace.

Hawks are pressing for wide-ranging constitutional reforms including a popular government and a constitutional monarchy, while doves are prepared for minimal reforms and are deadly against the proposed constitutional monarchy and a popular government.

The divisions within the majority bloc comprising 35 members of the scrapped 2012 National Assembly surfaced following the first gathering and after leading youth activists publicly criticized the opposition for its limited and weak demands they made in a joint statement that totally ignored reforms. Independent member of the 2012 Assembly Faisal Al-Yahya explicitly admitted that there are “differences of opinion” among the majority bloc, adding that seeking its unity should not come at the expense of the required reforms.

Yahya, who was backed by youth activists, said in a statement that the ongoing political dilemma in the country is the result of a very deep crisis because the regime does not want to comply with the constitutional system.

Continued on Page 13

I wonder

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

T

his week I learnt a lesson that I want to share with you. Life is a university by itself. It teaches you so many things. You cannot believe anything until you see it yourself. I belong to the media and it is not in my favour to tell you not to believe it. The media also could be bought or misled, either on purpose or innocently. If it is part of a certain party or government, then the bias is on purpose.

By the way, all professionals know that certain media belong to certain parties and groups. For instance, one outlet has a pro-Western leaning, another is known for being in favour of liberal opinion and a third is, for example, in favour of an Islamist viewpoint. Many times the media sources are misinformed. Often the media go for sensationalism and publish things that need more thorough investigation.

This week a guy came to our office and started shouting at the reception because he wanted to have a story published. The security connected transferred him to the editor who in return greeted him and told him that in order for a story to be published, especially if it is a political one, it needs to be researched. He was advised to take an appointment. When he received a negative answer, the guest started throwing threats and pretended he was talking to human rights organizations in Lebanon or Timbuktu. Or maybe he was really talking to some such organizations. He accused the newspaper of having a sectarian viewpoint for rejecting his story and threatened to contact human rights organizations and report the case.

Funnily, he had the numbers of many such organizations with him. That is why I am telling you the media likes sensations.

People can be easily drawn into a fake story.

When he was asked to leave and come back another day, he decided to do a sit-in in front of the newspaper’s office. At this point we involved the police. When the police came to the rescue, I didn’t believe that he wanted to lay charges against the newspaper. He said that around 50 of the security personnel tried to kill him with knives and batons.

We, by the way, are not an army barracks and do not have 50 security members. We do not carry arms. Thank God, we have cameras in the office that recorded the whole fiasco from the moment he entered the premises.

I do not want to bore you with the story of this guy. All I want to say is that we should question the stories brought by the media. This incident made me think if we can believe what we are told. Maybe if he called human rights organizations, some would believe him that we are sectarian and we beat him up. This makes me wonder if all the news we receive can be believed. I wonder.

CAIRO: Two female Egyptian lawmakers greet each other at a brief session of parliament yesterday. (Inset) Egyptian Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi (left) and President Mohamed Morsi attend a ceremony at an air force base yesterday. — AP/AFP

Egypt parliament meets defying army, judiciary Top court later overrules president’s decree CAIRO: Egypt’s Supreme Constitutional Court overruled yesterday a presidential decree reinstating the Islamist-led parliament, hours after the lower house convened in defiance of the judiciary and military.

The top court’s decision is expected to heighten a crisis that has raged since President Mohamed Morsi, a former member of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood, issued the decree Sunday just eight days after taking office. “The court ruled to halt the president’s decision to recall the parliament,” judge Maher El-Beheiry said in court. “The court ordered the freeze of the president’s decree,” a judicial source said, adding that it “ordered that its previous ruling be implemented.”

Last month, the court ruled that certain articles in the law governing parliamentary elections were

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom: Boeing yesterday said Kuwaiti aircraft leasing company ALAFCO had committed to buy 20 of the US planemaker’s future singleaisle 737 MAX planes worth a combined $1.9 billion.

Boeing, which made the announcement at the Farnborough airshow near London, said it was the first commitment from a Middle Eastern company to buy the plane. “Boeing and Kuwait airplane leasing company ALAFCO today announced a commitment at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow for 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s valued at $1.9 billion at current list prices,” the pair said.

Boeing’s 737 MAX series is an upgraded and more fuel-efficient version of the 737, the world’s best-selling commercial airplane. The first 737 MAX is scheduled to be delivered in 2017. “Today, with rising fuel costs, the 737 MAX will provide operational cost savings to airlines in addition to being more environmentally-friendly due to its latest quiet engine technology,” said ALAFCO chief executive Ahmad Alzabin. “These are the advantages that airlines are looking for in the current competitive and demanding environment.” — AFP

Arabi chief mulls buying Newcastle Hasawi seals Nottingham Forest deal

By A Saleh and Agencies KUWAIT: Sources at Kuwait’s Arabi Club yesterday said that its Chairman Jamal Al-Kazemi is “seriously thinking of buying the British Newcastle United football club”.

They explained that “he has finalized all conditions that enable him to acquire the club by next week”. The actual negotiations with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will be clear,” they said. Incidentally, Ashley has wanted to sell the club since 2009. He bought the club known as “Magpies” in 2007 for £134.4 million and it is said that he is willing to sell it for less than £80 million.

Philippines mourns comedy king Dolphy MANILA: The Philippines wept yesterday as the country ’s most popular comedian Dolphy succumbed to pulmonary disease after a month in hospital. He was 83. President Benigno Aquino led the nation in paying tribute to Dolphy, calling him the embodiment of the “humble, honest, and helpful” Filipino, who made life easier for his friends and followers in the face of daunting challenges. “He changed not just his industry, but also the national consciousness,” Aquino said in a statement. “Through his art, he widened our outlook, he gave us the power to find and cherish happiness in our daily lives.”

Continued on Page 13

invalid, annulling the People’s Assembly, or lower house. The powerful Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), which ruled after Hosni Mubarak was ousted in last year’s popular uprising, then dissolved the house. But on Sunday Morsi ordered the lower house to reconvene, highlighting the power struggle between the president, the top court and the SCAF. Taking its cue from Morsi, the People’s Assembly convened yesterday. “We are gathered today to review the court rulings, the ruling of the Supreme Constitutional Court,” speaker Saad Al-Katatni said. “I want to stress, we are not contradicting the ruling, but looking at a mechanism for the implementation of the ruling of the respected court.

Continued on Page 13

ALAFCO to buy 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets

MANILA: This file photo taken on Jan 20, 2003 shows Philippine king of comedy Rodolfo Quizon with his partner, singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, while marching towards the Senate building during a rally. — AFP

With this move, Kazemi is following in the footsteps of former chief of Al-Qadsiya Club Fawaz Al-Hasawi who bought two-time European Cup winners Nottingham Forest. Hasawi, a member of one of Kuwait’s richest families and who resigned as president of Qadsiya earlier this year, had been linked with the sleeping English giant earlier in the summer. He had made no secret that he was aiming to buy a second-tier English club, with Forest having just retained their Championship status and on the market since the sudden death of owner Nigel Doughty in February.

Hasawi confirmed that on his Twitter account yester-

day. “I can officially announce that the acquisition of nottingham forest is complete,” he tweeted. “ We have become the official owners. I thank my brothers Abdulaziz and Omar for their efforts,” he added without providing any financial details on the value of the deal.

The Hasawis have been negotiating the takeover for several weeks with the Estate of Doughty. In a June 29 statement, the Hasawis said the “future on-field and off-field success of Nottingham Forest is at the heart of our plans”.

His news was greeted with delight by the playing staff.

“Great news,” said striker Dexter Blackstock in a tweet of his own.

Annan: Iran must be player in Syria talks BEIRUT: UN peace envoy Kofi Annan waded into big power politics yesterday, insisting regional heavyweight Iran should be involved in efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Syria crisis despite the West’s firm rejection of a role for Tehran. The United States and its NATO and Gulf Arab allies are opposed to involving the Islamic Republic, which strongly backs Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and is regarded as their main adversary in the Middle East. “Iran has a role to play. And my presence here explains that I believe in that,” Annan said after talks in Tehran with Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi. “I have received encouragement and cooperation with the minister and the (Iranian) government,”

Annan said.

The former UN secretary general said Iran had made clear that if the crisis got “out of hand and spread to the region, it could lead to consequences that none of us can imagine”. Russia, which along with China opposes any external move to tip the balance against Assad, has said Iran should be involved. Moscow yesterday suggested hosting regular meetings of an “action group” which would include the Syrian opposition.

Following talks in Damascus on Monday, Annan said Assad had suggested ending Syria’s conflict on a step-bystep basis, starting with districts that have suffered the worst violence.

Continued on Page 13

TEHRAN: International envoy Kofi Annan (left) shakes hands with secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Saeed Jalilias as he arrives for a meeting yesterday. — AP

2

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

LOCAL

Permanent solution to bedoon issue ‘near’ Eneza leader holds talks with Amir

By A. Saleh KUWAIT: One of Eneza’s tribal leaders, Jadaan Al-Hathal, said that he met His Highness the Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH the Prime Minister to discuss the concerns of bedoons.

He added that the Amir told him that the bedoon issue has his attention, more than other issues, and that he would soon hear good news.

Al-Hathal said, “I gave the political leadership a full file on the bedoons’ demands, and I found great interest in finding a solution”. He added, “I tell my bedoon brothers that a permanent solution to their case is near”.

Additionally, he said, “I spoke to HH the Amir about the children of Martyr Humoud Nasser Al-Enezi, and His Highness asked for their file and I handed it to the Diwan. “ Meanwhile, the Islamic Constitutional

Movement asked a specialized technical committee to prepare a study on the pros and cons of the five constituencies with one of two votes per voter, as well as the 10 constituencies with two votes.

Sources said Hadas wants this study completed so it can move accordingly during the next elections, adding that Hadas rejects changes because it knows it will lose in both cases, yet it wants to be ready through specialized reviews.

On another issue, Public Warehousing Company (Agility) said the court ruling in favor of two of its companies in the US is binding, unless another ruling is made by the court.

It noted that this ruling is positive, because it allows Agility D.G. Inc and Agility international to participate in US government contracts.

However, it claimed the Defence Logistics Agency was abusive in its decisions against the company and went beyond the law.

The International Bank team asked Kuwait to cancel previous decisions in regards to increasing the salaries of workers in the oil sector, as well as teachers. It also asked to provide support to several cadres waiting for approval for customs and aviation, along with others.

The sources said that a specialized team from the bank advised Kuwait not to go ahead with a study being made by the Civil Service Commission to restructure salaries. It said if the study is necessary, then it must be explained.

Sources also said that the huge effect of financial increases is exhausting the budget, which will become increasingly apparent within a few years.

Growing demand to privatize aging KAC fleet KUWAIT: With the first lawsuit filed demanding the cancellation of all Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) flights and dispatching a team of experts to examine it fleet, wellinformed sources said that the minister of communications and acting minister of social affairs and labor, Salem Al-Othainah, expects to urge the cabinet to issue a decree on privatizing the national carrier.

The sources added that the recommendation would be discussed by the cabinet and

that the grounding of 3-5 planes was but one of many possible decisions that might be taken in view of the poor condition of some planes. They added that KAC administrative, financial, legal and engineering sectors were currently preoccupied with finding alternative solutions to the problem of having too many reservations on some of the grounded planes.

Further, the sources said that KAC sales and marketing departments were holding intensive meetings to solve the problem of can-

celled bookings.

In this regard, KAC engineering sources stressed that the best solution would be renting aircraft, at the same time as upgrading the fleet. Notably, technical reports show that the average age of KAC planes is 25 years and that the Jeddah flight had had engine troubles that forced its landing at Madina airport. The sources added that the plane is already back in Kuwait after four days during which the engine was repaired.

TEC hosts event to honor those who care for elders

Adnan Zainuddin

Ibrahim Al-Baghli

KUWAIT: Director of Al-Khairan Resort at Touristic Enterprises Adnan Zainuddin said that his resort coordinates with different organizations and supports all activities organized by them.

Touristic Enterprise, for the 5th year, welcomes the activities of the Al-Baghli prize for the Good Son under the patronage of Ibrahim Tahar AlBaghli, Chairman of Kuwait Society for caring for elders, and operating under the slogan “ 4th generation meetings”.

Pointing out that Touristic Enterprises has organized an open day in one of its important outlets, Al-Khairan Resort

will host par ticipants and guests of the forum.

Zainuddin expressed his thanks and gratitude to the sponsor of the Ibrahim Taher Al-Baghli prize and members of the prize organizing committee, as well as those working with it, for choosing Al-Khairan resort for the 5th continuous year to organize this open day for residents of elders house and other elders who receive care in their houses, along with all volunteers who care for elders, which is organized by the Committee of the Good Son in Hospitals and Boy Scouts and resort visitors.

Gold abundance in markets led to price decline KUWAIT: An abundant availability of the precious yellow metal in markets due to an increase of production in the mines have led gold prices to decline; the eurozone crisis has also overshadowed this drop, a specialized report said yesterday.

A repor t by GFMS Ltd, formerly k nown as Gold Fields Mineral Services, said that this year will see less of gold jewelry

since there is a sharp fluctuation in pure gold prices and a sharp drop in consumer spending.

Surplus of the yellow metal is expected to grow higher during 2012 if “investors and government does not step in to purchase the existing surplus in the markets,” the repor t pointed out. Investors are star ting to fear for their monetary investments after official statements from the eurozone leaders and

the United States indicated that they would have to induce a new quantitative easing in the next period after “disappointing results” in tr ying to simulate economies of the US, Greece and Spain.

“Despite a bailout of $1,550 per ounce, the gold markets maintain a state of uncertainty for the upcoming period,” it noted. It went on saying that even though gold prices are facing a

recession yet the markets are seeing an upward trend in buying the precious metal.

Gold prices are expected to settle at $1,800 per ounce at the beginning of the fourth quarter of 2012.

GFMS Ltd was formed in August 1989, is a leading independent precious metals consultancy specializing in global gold, silver, platinum and palladium market research. —KUNA

RIYADH: The envoy of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah, the Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah AlSabah on Monday offered condolences to Prince Dr Faisal bin Mohammad bin Saud and Al-Saud family over the demise of Prince Muhammad Bin Saud Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Report details citations issued for food safety, cleanliness KUWAIT: The Public Relations Department at Kuwait Municipality announced that the number of citations issued during the month of May in the six governorates reached 2098 citations, in addition to the administrative closure of 25 shops. The citations included 1065 food citations, 778 cleanliness citations, and 255 ad citations.

The statistics indicated that Farwaniya governorate came in first with 621 citations, Ahmadi governorate with 439 citations, Hawally governorate 398 citations, Jahra governorate 336 citation, capital governorate 209 citations and, lastly, Mubarak

Al Kabeer governorate having issued 95 citations.

The total number of new and renewed ads included 3245 licenses, while new and renewed health licenses were 7392 license.

The issuing of engineering licenses amounted to 1266 license for new building and maintenance. The statistics reported that total imported food items during the month of May amounted to 229,983 tons, with 12 tons being re-exported and 42 tons being destroyed after importers were given the choice of re-exporting back to their origins or being destroyed.

Curb on visit visa issuance KUWAIT: Upon noticing that issuing visit visas to expatriates’ relatives has turned into a lucrative business, the General Immigration Department has directed various immigration offices to limit the number of family visit visas issued to Arab and Asian expatriates with the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.

Many visit Kuwait and are caught beg-

ging engaged in other illegal activities.

Furthermore, sources said that the Interior Ministry had noticed a considerable increase in the number of visit visa applications, a few days before Ramadan.

Many of the applications were rejected, especially those submitted by people who brought in visitors that were later arrested for begging or violating the law.

KUWAIT: Al-Hasawi area is full of violations of all kinds. People are selling fruits and vegetables on the main road, while on another street people are selling foodstuffs of all kinds, including subsidized goods like milk and rice. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

local

KD 21 million projects to develop road networks

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) is working toward creating several intersections at the entry and exit points of Jahra governorate. The project costs KD 21 million, said Dr Fadhel Safar, Minister of Public Works and Planning.

These projects will be finalized as per deadline. He said that the project also includes creating entry and exit points to Saad Al-Abdullah City to facilitate ease of movement without causing any traffic jam, taking into consideration how crowded that area.

The newly created township are expected to be fully occupied by citizens shortly. He added that another intersection is present at Mangaf, it being one of the important intersections. It will be opened within a week or two. He emphasized that Ministry of Public Works (MPW) plans to resolve the traffic crisis in coordination with the Traffic Department and Municipality in three phases. The first is to ease traffic jam by opening roads and roundabouts.

He explained that there are other projects to create roads in different parts of

the country, pointing out that the ideal solution for solving traffic problem is the application of a strategy that has been approved by the Council of Ministers.

Talking about the Transport Authority Project, Minister Safar said that the government has created the projects as per law to establish a Public Authority for Transportation. He said that the project has been pending at the National Assembly Council since one year and we are waiting its approval. Undersecretary Abdulaziz Al-Kulaib said that the ministry is executing one of the most important roads projects in the state, which is Al-Qairawan intersection, while also meeting other intersections at Mangaf intersections.

He pointed out that the ministry is working toward finalizing Al-Quraiwan road project by mid-September.

Thereafter, other projects will be created in neighboring areas as per the ministryís strategy. Al-Kulaib emphasized that those intersections will alleviate traffic snag. Tunnels and bridges will be created, in addition to creating roundabouts over and below bridges.

Building demolished KUWAIT: A ceremony was held yesterday to graduate the 25th class of police officers. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Assistant Undersecretary General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Sabah, along with General Director of Saad Al Abdullah Academy Lt Gen Fahad Yousuf Al-Sharqawi and Director of National Security College Lt Gen Mohammad Rafie AlDeehani. There were 369 graduates honored at the ceremony. Al Sharqawi conveyed the greetings of the assistant undersecretary and asked the new officers to continue to exhibit good manners and remain honest.

Who says there’s no price increase?

Culture of sharing, giving past approaching

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Services Department’s (KFSD) control room received information about a building being demolished. A part of the building was razed to the ground while the remaining part jutted out precariously.

The demolition was performed in the morning and the incomplete job was noticed the second day only. The technical rescue department responded to the call. Firefighters took swift action to contain the damage. Specialized engineers examined the ruins. No casualties were reported.

Motor accidents A motorcycle accident took place on Beirut Street. A 50-year-old Pakistani expat was injured and admitted to

Mubarak hospital. A car accident took place along Fifth Ring Road below AlGhazali Bridge. A 35-year-old Indian woman suffered multiple injuries. She was admitted to Farwaniya hospital.

A car accident took place in Farwaniya near Crowne Plaza traffic light. A 27-yearold Egyptian expat fractured his shoulder and was admitted to Farwaniya hospital.

Man suffers fall A 25-year-old Egyptian expat fell from a height in Hawally near Al-Najat school.

He fractured his left ankle and was taken to Mubarak Hospital.

Street fight A row broke out at Shuwaikh Port among a number of trailer drivers. A 69year- old Egyptian expat injured his left eye and was admitted to Al-Sabah Hospital.

Expat arrested, charged with home break-ins

KUWAIT: Scenes inside a coop society yesterday.—- Photos by Ben Garcia

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Despite left and right pronouncements by the Kuwait Union of Cooperative Consumer Societies (UCCS) that there will be no price increase in food items, especially come Ramadan, the prices seen on the ground says otherwise. In Khaldiya coops, for example, the price of Nido Milk, which was around 5.560 just last Monday, finds the price tag now at KD6.120. This particular item has also increased in various supermarket/hypermarkets throughout Kuwait. In fact, one supermarket increased the price a month back, while another supermarket increased it two to three weeks back. The price increase also applies to other products, such as cornflakes and the likes. But according to the manager at Khaldiya Coops, even though some of their prices have increased, there are many products, mostly prime com-

modities, which are relatively lower in price.

“We have lots of promotions, especially at the start of Ramadan. The normal Nido milk powder, for example, costs around KD5.485; now it is at KD3.5,” the manager noted.

“There are products that increase because some companies supplying our coops had increased their prices, so we cannot stay with the usual price,” he admitted. Earlier, representatives of various coops in Kuwait confirmed that prices will not be increased, especially during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

“There will not be any increase in prices this year,” said Fahad Abdulrahman, the commercial manager of the Subahiya Co-op Society in an earlier interview, which was published in Kuwait Times. “We are always trying to help consumers, and that’s why we organize price busting campaigns before and during Ramadan, because the consumer

is our main concern,” he said. The Price Monitoring and Supervision Committee at the Cooperative Societies Union has laid down new regulations to tighten price controls and prevent price hikes, which will affect those with moderate incomes, especially in Ramadan. A sales agent at one of the coops also admitted that they changed prices on some of their products only last night [Monday night]. “There are products that I noticed have increased relatively high.

But there are many products on sale, so in a way, it can never affect weekly and monthly budgets because you will buy expensive, but other items are also reasonably lower,” she mentioned.

Ramadan is expected to start on the 20th or 21st of July. Muslims fast throughout the world during Ramadan, but consumption of food items generally increase due to the culture of sharing and giving during this period.

‘Hebbab and Shouna’ ceremony to be held today KUWAIT: In preparation of the 24th Diving Expedition due to be held between August 23 to 30, Kuwait Sea Spor ts Club (KSSC )’s M arine Heritage Committee will hold the Hebbab and Shouna ceremo-

ny at the beach in Salmiya.

The ceremonies involve preparing eight dhows taking part in the expedition by coating the exterior with oil and tar to prevent water leaks (hebbab) and then painting

the hull with the same (Shouna), explained the Committee Chairman, noting that the ceremonies will also include traditional sailor dances and singing before an audience.

Ali Al-Qabandi

KUWAIT: An Asian expat was arrested with a large amount of jewelry and burglary tools used during thefts, as well as an undisclosed amount of drugs, according to police.

Earlier, police had received several reports about home break-ins in different areas of the capital governorate. In cooperation with criminal investigators, as well as conducting intensive investigations and follow ups, officials suspected that all crimes were conducted using the same style and police believed that the same tools were used in all of the thefts.

Detectives were able to later arrest the thief, who is an Asian expat, who was caught in the Al-Rumathiya area after searching him and the leased car he used when breaking into houses. Also, police found large amounts of valuables, gold jewelry and tools used in those thefts.

During an interrogation, he directed police to an apartment in Al-Shaab where he hid stolen items, which were found to match valuables from houses that reported thefts in the capital governorate. The suspect was handed over to the proper authorities, along with the stolen items.

Mosques readied for holy month KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs said yesterday that all preparations for the holy month of Ramadan, slated for July 20 or 21, were complete.

This includes mainte nence work for some 163 mosques and the erection of an additional 93 prayerhosting tents, all equipped with the necassary security and safety reqrements, Assistant Undersecretary for Mosque Affairs Walid Issa Shuaib said in a statement.

He added that 12 of these mosques (two in each governorate) will host Ramadan feasts for those who are needy and other activities.

Kuwait will be hosting 70 Quran reciters from abroad, for the second year in a row, along with another 85 locals to perform the Taraweeh and late-night Al-Qiyam prayers accross the country. Some 20 internationally-renowned clerics and religious figures will also be invited to hold around 139 lectures at several mosques in the country. — KUNA

doctorate for Kuwaiti envoy BEIRUT: The Arts, Sciences and Technology University in Lebanon (AUL) granted Kuwait’s Ambassador in Beirut AbdulAl Al-Qinae an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration in appreciation of his scientificrelated contributions. AUL’s doctorate degree was based on recommendations by a group of scientists and academics, who got acquainted with Al-Qinae’s achievements and contributions to science. AUL President Adnan Hamza welcomed Al-Qinae, and said honoring the Ambassador “is an honor for the State of Kuwait’s relentless support to Lebanon.”— KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

LOCAL In my view

letters to Badrya

Kuwait will remain strong

Fearless writing Dear Badrya, Greetings, read your article entitled ‘Deportation is not the solution’ as part of your column Conspiracy Theories. I really like the article, your thoughts and it is excellent. I appreciate it. When you write the column, I feel like reading it. I read it completely.

By Thaar Al Rashidi

I

I

will not know what to tell our children 20 years from now about what happened in Kuwait between 2008 - 2012. Or why during this period was the NA council repeatedly dissolved and more than 12 governments formed? Personally, I shall answer my children by explaining that there were six or eight persons who were fighting for influence and we just kept watching until we found ourselves part of their fight.

Thanks, Shyam Vaishnav Chief Financial Officer Kuwait Investment Co. (S.A.K)

Fighting for influence in Kuwait will not stop, and for those who do not know our history, this kind of fighting has been going on for decades. For those who don’t understand, it is part of the political maneuvering in our country.

Fighting for influence in Kuwait will not stop, and for those who do not know our history, this kind of fighting has been going on for decades. For those who don’t understand, it is part of the political maneuvering in our country. The matter is still within neutral limits, and this type of fighting is a basic part of the political culture of ever country in the world, whether a republic or kingdom.

Yes, there is a marathon toured authority, and as I said, this kind of fighting is very natural, and it might even be unnatural if it did not happen. It is a soft war like silk, which is carried behind the curtains. For me the mistake is when this fighting affects the growth of the state, or effects national unity, and this fighting stopped, to a great degree, since February 2012.

Therefore, do not exaggerate things and do not be afraid when you see the effects of the fighting every now and then. Also, do not believe those who say that Kuwait is a temporary state and will vanish by 2020. This contradicts nature. Our country evolved from the deadly plague disease in 1831 when only a few thousand remained alive, and we were without oil and wealth, and this blessed country came back to renew itself, and became the counterpoint which attracts immigrants from all countries. We became stronger and more beautiful, and I don’t think that a “political plague”, regardless of its power, can affect this country.

Kuwait is a blessed country and history proves that, I am not saying that because I am Kuwaiti, but because it is the truth.

In this country you may oppose whoever you want, and criticize and write and cross red lines if you like, and your only opponent will be the law, and no one else. And the only authority that shall be used against you is the law. If you are right, the law will be on your side; and our courts are still fine and authority still fine and we are still very fine.

Our country has a good future and we trust that in the coming days we shall prove that we are much bigger and more beautiful than is the circle of fighting that is going on between four persons.

Note: A person will come from the government and offer a promise that the upcoming council shall not be dissolved, and such a declaration will come from the head of government in the form of a promise, and he will have to bear the political responsibility if the coming council is dissolved constitutionally. — Al-Anbaa

Dear Badrya, I have been reading your articles for some time now. After reading your recent article ‘Deportation is not the solution.’ I am really impressed and would appreciate by writing to you. Keep up, you are fair and rational. As an expat, I appreciate your fearless writing which is backed by truth, sincerity and hope.

Kuwait is wonderful. As a Muslim country it has retained dignity as well as liberal thoughts which is difficult to find. With togetherness and by contributing our share, we can make a difference.

Take care.

Regards Aliasgar T Shakir

kuwait digest

Residency and expat labor!

Best regards.

The nature of the conflict

By Dr Sulaiman Al-Khadhari

T

oo much ado has been going around about the nature of the current political conflict in Kuwait. While many people agree that the conflict amongst elite politicians is socially and politically devastating, the diagnosis of the problem is so foggy and confusing, with accusations being exchanged by all!

It would be wrong to simply say that the conflict lies in political slogans, accusing the power of not respecting democracy and constitutionalism, which we may agree to, more or less, but the broad headlines in the local political arena involve our political, social, doctrinal, cultural and economical affiliations, which shows how diversified the problem in Kuwait is. Further, the problem is no longer limited to a power that awaits a chance to over-write constitutional gains. It is clearly evident that the anti-government powers have gone as far as contradicting and contesting the 1962 constitution through their ability to mobilize public opinion and mix political, social and religious concepts in a bid to change the facts, once and for all!

It is the power that contends that authorities use the constitutional freedoms as excuses, that strongly oppresses such freedoms and limits it to the freedom to use hostile political anti-government language that crosses all ‘red lines’. Too many of those who call to respect the law are the ones who really violate it in various ministries, assisted by the growing weakness of the authority. They are the ones who strongly and continuously stoke speeches of doctrinal hatred and religious alienation in a bid to utilize the soaring regional situations, regardless of all calls for peaceful co-existence.

What has been called ‘civilian’ or ‘national’ powers are the ones who are still naively trying to resist such extremist calls only by assuming defensive political positions. They are trying to get ready for a futile election battle that might shift political powers, forgetting that the extreme opponents use cultural and social calls that have been deep-rooted in Kuwaitis’ minds.

In short, the conflict in Kuwait is multi-focal and has many reasons and any approach that oversees this is simply nonsense! — Al-Rai

S. Kuriakose

By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah

T

hough we have written about the problems The government has been talking about this ratio resulting from expatriate labor and their securi- since 1986 when, as a member of a supreme planty, social, political and economic impact on the ning committee, I took part in setting that plan.

What makes things even state, nobody seems to listen. worse is that the majority of Despite the many statements What makes things expatriate laborers are not they make about social problems resulting from chaos in even worse is that the required to present criminal record status certificates. They the labor market and violations majority of expatriate are not asked to provide them of the law that rarely exist in other civilized countries, those laborers are not required with other documents required by our ministries abroad prior officials responsible for expatriate labor are not working hard to present criminal record to their arrival in Kuwait. There wonder that crime is on enough on solving the probstatus certificates. They isthenoincrease, then! lem.

Another part of the problem The employment scene is are not asked to provide is that many citizens and illufull of unqualified poor-quality them with other docu- sionary companies have been labor, visa trafficking, visitors marginal laborers into visas turned into residency ments required by our bringing the country and thousands of visas, labor desertion from sponsors and all kinds of ministries abroad prior to visitors visas have been transinto residency visas for crimes committed at a time their arrival in Kuwait. ferred people who might not find when the government decent jobs in Kuwait, and they announced its intention to reduce the number of expatriate laborers from 60 per eventually go down illegal paths to make a living. — cent of local manpower to 45 per cent. Nonsense! Al-Rai

In my View

Consequences of world opinion

By Abdulrahman Al-Zuhayyan

kuwait digest

Hi Badrya You said everything that we (expatriates) wanted to say on the Authority’s plan to resolve Kuwait’s traffic problem. Very interesting.

M

ost of the people around the world stand baffled at Russia and China’s political stances toward the horrible state-sponsored massacres of children, women and the elders in several Syrian towns and cities; and their staunch political support in world organizations, such as the United Nations and other international conferences on the Syrian crisis.

However, these two superpowers are acting, as if life is normal while the rest of the world is boiling with anger against the Syrian regime, with a growing resentment and dislike toward Russia and China. This unfavorable sentiment makes one wonder whether these two countries are really concerned about their international image and what it can do to their current and future interests in the world, particularly in the Middle East.

Most Arabs know about Russia more than they do about China, as China only recently made economic presence in the Middle East visible. Nonetheless, Chinese products are perceived as not being similar to American and European consumer products with respect to quality. As a result, most consumers in this part of the world prefer American and European products.

As for Russia, most believe that Russia is the sole inherent of the former Soviet Union, in fact, most think of Russia and the Soviet Union as being the same because Russia is the principal base of this union of nations. Hence, most Arab populations constructed their knowledge of this country through two primary mediums.

First, personal experiences with Russia’s form of government’s duplicate, specifically, Iraq, Libya, South Yemen, and Egypt. In Iraq and Libya, the Russian duplicate form of government has

demonstrated to the world that they are the most tyrant and oppressive regimes in modern history of humanity.

Also, despite that Iraq and Libya are oil-rich countries, the development levels in these countries and living standards are compatible with those poor Third World countries. This is exemplified by the waste of human resources and natural wealth.

Ironically, South Yemen inte-

Most Arabs know about Russia more than they do about China, as China only recently made economic presence in the Middle East visible. grated into more prosperous capitalist North Yemen. In the meantime, Egypt is still trying to recover from the negative conse quences of its past socialist era.

Western media outlets portray Russia’s political system as being totalitarian, oppressively abusive of human rights and asserting itself politically through the use of military force.

The Russian economic conditions are not robust. World trade and business transactions deal with the dollars rather than the Ruble, the economic news do not mention this currency, and as a result, the Ruble is not known to most ordinary people and prefer the dollar over this currency.

Socially, Russian people are silenced and denied any form of expressions and suspicious of foreigners.

Consequently, life in Russia is viewed by millions as being dull prison where those people sentenced to slow and agonizing death spend their youth years until they pass away.

In contrast, for most people, the United States is heaven on earth that almost every living person dreams of living, where they perceive it as the land of milk and honey. But nobody dreams of living in Russia with heartless intelligence officers who travel to foreign countries to viciously kill dissidents.

Probably, since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Russia has changed in all aspects of human relations and other areas of life, but its foreign policy only strengthens those negative views portrayed by Western media over long decades.

More than 80 countries have gathered in Paris meeting to discuss ways to alleviate the human suffering of the Syrian people and to find a solution to rid them of their tyrant regime, but Russia and China did not even attend the meeting to show a sign of concern to end these atrocities.

What has been established as a fact is that the positive favorable perception of the United States and most Western countries is the reason behind the desire of millions of people to select these countries to live, study, visit, and do business with.

In other words, for better or worse, it is the personal feelings toward a particular country that sets the decisions of officials and ordinary people when it comes to choose between two countries rather than its military might. It is winning the heart and minds of the people. A fact that has been proved that the Russians and Chinese failed to comprehend as superpower countries.

Dear Badrya, Hope you are doing good. I am happy to read today’s article. Special thanks to you for reminding our Muslim brothers and sisters that we are Muslim.

Everyone has equal rights in Islam. You really are a good person. God bless you Thanks Muhammad

kuwait digest

How pampered Kuwaitis are!

By: Iqbal Al-Ahmed

H

ave we really gone that far? ‘Mama’ government is responsible for everything starting with our birth, including receiving proper medical care, education, medical treatment overseas (whenever possible) in addition to all forms of basic and luxury needs.

‘Mama government’ even includes baby milk in ration supplies along with rice, sugar, lentil and oil.

It also reduces meat prices in preparation for Ramadan. When we grow up we study in its university or are dispatched abroad on fully paid scholarships, plus pocket money. It also provides us marriage loans and rent allowance till we receive our government-provided housing.

Mama government is obliged to find us a job and, till then, it has to pay us unemployment allowances while we sleep at home. It also has to compensate us with the difference in salaries if we work in the private sector, so that we never suffer.

Also, Mama Government is obliged to search for us in any crisis-stricken country be it war, floods or earthquakes, to pick us up and fly us back home on special flights before which, we’d openly slander it if it happens to accommodate us in a threestar hotel for a night. How can it dare humiliate us in this way?!

Mama Government is forced to do everything

‘Mama government’ even includes baby milk in ration supplies along with rice, sugar, lentil and oil. It also reduces meat prices in preparation for Ramadan. When we grow up we study in its university or are dispatched abroad on fully paid scholarships, plus pocket money. It also provides us marriage loans and rent allowance. to avoid offending MPs (may Allah protect them).

Our newspapers have been attacking and criticizing all officials................which is all acceptable to us.

What is not acceptable is that Mama Government starts warning us to stay off hotel balconies to avoid falling off. Oh, God! We are so pampered!

Following the fall of a Kuwaiti citizen to his death from the 25th floor of a Cairo hotel, Kuwait’s embassy to Cairo advised Kuwaitis to keep off balconies in high buildings or hotels to avoid losing their balance and falling.

Is the embassy afraid of taking any preventive measures before or after any incident, lest MPs, the media or the people start criticizing it? How else can such recommendations and warnings be perceived, then? They sound as if a loving caring mother is presenting pieces of advice to her little children, saying: “Sweetheart, ....don’t look from a balcony...you may fall off and break your head...you’ll be injured and you may die, baby!”

Oh, how pampered we are! — Al-Qabas

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

local

Five Asians held for stealing diesel Kuwaiti in custody for assaulting relative KUWAIT: Sabah Al-Salem detectives recently arrested five Asians and confiscated 3 tanker trucks they were driving that were loaded with diesel, said security sources. Case papers indicate that detectives had been tipped off concerning a number of expatriates who had been driving trucks to a specific gas station every night where they stole diesel fuel. The suspects were arrested by waiting police after being seen stealing the fuel. They stated that they worked for one sponsor, a citizen, and that stealing diesel fuel was being done on the sponsor’s orders. They added that he usually asked them to deliver the fuel to various places. Calling the sponsor, police reported that he did not answer the phone and later switched it off. An arrest warrant has since been issued and the man’s name has been placed on travel ban lists.

Former MP released The court of appeal has released former MP Mohammed Al-Juwaihel on KD 500 bail prior to issuing its verdict on July 30, according to security sources.

Al-Juwaihel was imprisoned 20 days ago after a first instance court sentenced him to two years in jail with labor in a case filed against him by former MP Dhaifallah Boramia, accusing him of slandering him on the Al-Sour TV channel. In his appeal, Al-Juwaihel

argued that he does not own the TV channel and that he had nothing to do with the program in question.

Car stolen A number of juveniles reportedly stole a citizen’s car and used it in races and stunts before they set it ablaze, said security sources. Case papers indicate that firemen were dispatched to put out the car fire and, upon checking, the car was found to have been stolen.

Unprofessional demolition Emergency forces recently took control of the unprofessional demolition of an old building in Mirqab in which some debris and bricks fell on nearby stores and buildings, threatening the safety of passersby, said security sources, noting that the building had also begun to tilt, endangering others.

Authorities had to block surrounding roads to stop traffic and pedestrians until the building demolition was completed.

Citizen arrested A citizen was arrested in Jahra for assaulting his relative with a sword and causing a serious wound to the relative’s head, said security sources. Case papers indicate that a number of young men who had gathered in a diwaniya said that a relative forced his way in,

ABK supports Hilal Al-Mutairi School KUWAIT: As part of its corporate social responsibility, Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait was proud to support Hilal Fajhan Al-Mutairi School by providing a financial donation.

Ali Al Baghli, Assistant Public Relations Manager at ABK, stated that, “At ABK we are proud to continually support different segments of society and our contribution to Hilal Fajhan Al-Mutairi School is another example that confirms the bank’s social responsibility by supporting education in Kuwait.”

Dr Abdullah Al-Mulla, Principal at Hilal Fajhan AlMutairi School, thanked ABK for their generosity that will contribute towards improving education at the school.

KFAED, Turkey share fruitful cooperation ISTANBUL: Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and Turkey have a long illustrious history of cooperation which dates back to 1979 when the fund provided $28.9 million to finance the reconstruction of earthquake-stricken areas.

Turkey and KFAED have signed a total of 12 loan agreements in the previous three decades which amounted to KD 106.1 million. The first loan was signed on May 1, 1979, providing KD 2.5 million to finance a power project at the Bosporus strait. On Jan 21, 1980, KFAED provided a sum of KD 2.7 million.

On April 21, 1983, the Fund and Turkey signed two loan agreements worth KD 5.7 million and KD 4 million to finance a water project in the city of Izmir Turkey and the grand highway project.

On May 16, 1984, KFAED provided a loan worth KD 5 million for road services which was followed by another agreement worth KD 5.7 million for a railway project. KFAED provided on June 16, 1987 a loan worth KD 5.7 million for a water project in Ankara.

In between 1993-1999, the fund provided loans worth KD 42.3 million to develop the grand water project in Istanbul. KFAED also provided KD 32.2 million between 2001-2005 to help reconstruction works after the earthquake hit the country.

Turkey is known for its historical culture owing to its geographical location and membership in the NATO, G20, OECD and other international organizations. —KUNA

holding a sword with which he hit one of them and dashed out. A case was filed and further investigations are continuing.

Man drowned A citizen drowned in a swimming pool in the Al-Khairan area, reports security sources.

Solitary confinement A central prison inmate was placed in solitary confinement for assaulting a policeman using the handcuffs said security sources, noting that the prisoner then apparently became claustrophobic and burned his bed sheets and blanket to attract attention and get out of his cell. A case was filed and further investigations are in progress.

Food theft A citizen reported that a housemaid had been stealing food from his house and selling it to a carwash man, said security sources. The man said that he noticed that his house food supplies noticeably dropped every three days and, on watching the maids, he saw one of them bagging and delivering supplies to a wandering carwash man to sell.

Stolen car A citizen could not believe his ears

when Sulaibkhat police station called, telling him that his car, stolen two years earlier, had been found, said security sources, noting that the man had been paying the car’s installments ever since.

Reports further said the car was in terrible condition and had to be taken to a garage to be repaired.

Drug addict A GCC drug addict chose to take drugs while in a mosque parking lot where he fell unconscious inside his car, said security sources. After praying Esha prayers, worshippers saw him and informed the police, who arrested the man after he received medical treatment.

Forged passport An Asian was arrested at Amgharah scrap market when detectives found that he had been deported three years earlier but returned to Kuwait using a passport he bought from a friend, said security sources. Detectives discovered, upon taking the suspect’s fingerprints pending deportation, that he was using a false passport. The suspect confessed to buying the passport from a friend.

Further investigations are in progress to determine whether he had accomplices.

KUWAIT: Detectives from the General Department of Drug Control men arrested an Asian taxi driver in connection with possession of 120 grams of heroin.

Detectives were earlier tipped off on the driver’s activities, distributing drugs among teenagers.

After obtaining necessary approval from the public prosecutor, he was approached by an undercover agent to buy eight grams of heroin. At the time of delivery, he was arrested. Upon searching his car, police recovered six capsules in the taxi compartment containing heroin and 10 nylon bags that were stashed away under the driver’s seat. He confessed that the items belonged to him. He was referred to concerned authorities.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

local

Morsi visit to Saudi signals continuity in relations Top priority to Gulf states

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Japan, Abdul Rahman Al-Otaibi and his spouse recently hosted a farewell party for members of the diplomatic fraternity on the occasion of completing his tenure in Tokyo.

Iran ‘concerned’ over violence against Shiites TEHRAN: Iran expressed concern yesterday over what it called “violent actions”

by Saudi security forces against demonstrators from the country’s Shiite minority, in which two people were k illed.

Tehran is “concerned by the violent actions carried out by Saudi forces against religious figures and the population” in the heavily Shiite east of the countr y, foreign ministr y spokesman Ramin Mehmaparast was quoted by state news agency IRNA as saying. He called on the “Saudi government to respond to the legitimate demands of the population and not use violence.”

Two protesters were killed in overnight clashes with police on Sunday night following the arrest of a prominent Shiite cleric, raising fears of a new wave of unrest in the Sunni-ruled kingdom’s east.

Dozens more protesters were wounded during the clashes that erupted when police opened fire to disperse a demonstration against the arrest of Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr, activists said. The Saudi interior ministry described Nimr as an “instigator of sedition”. Ministry spokesman Mansur Turki said “security forces will not tolerate instigators of sedition who have offended their society and homeland, making of themselves tools in the hands of the nation’s enemies.”

That was an apparent reference to the mainly Sunni Muslim kingdom’s main regional rival, predominantly Shiite Iran.

The 53-year-old Nimr called in 2009 for separating the Eastern Province’s Shiitepopulated Qatif and Al-Ihsaa governorates from Saudi Arabia and uniting them with Shiite-majority Bahrain. Saudi Arabia’s estimated two million Shiites, who frequently complain of marginalisation, live mostly in the east, where the vast majority of the OPEC kingpin’s huge oil reserves lie.

Separately, Washington insisted yesterday that it sees no role for Iran in resolving the conflict in Syria, in an implicit rebuff to UN envoy Kofi Annan’s outreach to Tehran. Annan left Tehran yesterday after a visit to drum up support for his UN and Arab League peace plan for Syria, saying Iran could play a “positive role” in ending a crisis that has cost more than 17,000 lives. In Washington, officials were skeptical, and insisted the situation will not be resolved until Tehran’s Syrian ally President Bashar al-Assad steps down and allows a negotiated political transition. “I don’t think anybody with a straight face could argue that Iran has had a positive impact on developments in Syria,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters aboard US President Barack Obama’s jet Air Force One. “We believe it is essential that the international community come together behind the plan, that the plan be implemented, and that the transition that the plan calls for does not include President Assad,” he said.

“We remain highly skeptical about Assad’s willingness to keep his commitments, which is another reason why Syria’s future cannot plausibly have Bashar Al-Assad in the government,” he said. “He’s long since lost his credibility,” he insisted. “Aligning with Bashar AlAssad is aligning with a tyrant and putting your nation on the wrong side of the Syrian people.” Annan, a former UN secretar y general, has visited Damascus, Tehran and Baghdad this week to salvage his peace initiative following a meeting of world powers in Geneva late last month, to which Iran was not invited. The transition plan agreed in Geneva does not make an explicit call for Assad to quit, but Western powers and the Syrian opposition have made it clear they see no role for him in a unity government. — AFP

Valid husband, kids IDs condition to aid Kuwaiti women KUWAIT: The central agency to handle illegal resident affairs, has asked the ministry of social affairs and labor to coordinate providing assistance to bedoons with charity organizations and committees on aiding stateless people.

In this regard, the undersecretary of the ministry of social affairs and labor, Mohammed Al-K andari, said that a meeting would be held to discuss developing the means to help these

people. For her par t, the assistant undersecretary for social development affairs, Muneera Al-Fadhli, said that an earlier meeting had already set certain conditions to provide help for to bedoons.

Guidelines will allow for providing assistance for Kuwaiti women along with their husbands and children, provided they have valid ID cards and birth certificates for their children.

RIYADH: Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi travels to Saudi Arabia today in his first official visit abroad, signalling continuity in relations between the two Arab powerhouses, who are obliged to cooperate despite their differences, say analysts. Morsi, from the Muslim Brotherhood, whose ties with the Gulf kingdom have historically been marked by mistrust, will head to Saudi Arabia today in what signals “continuity in bilateral relations between the two states regardless of who is in power in Cairo,” said Saudi analyst Jamal Khashoggi.

“The Saudi kingdom has no reservations about the rule of the Muslim Brotherhood,” he added, despite the warming of ties between the Brotherhood and Iran, Saudi’s arch rival, under Egypt’s ousted dictator Hosni Mubarak.

Tensions have long existed between the Gulf, where the strict Wahhabi doctrine of Sunni Islam applies, and Egypt ’s Muslim Brotherhood, moderate Islamists who were thrust to power by the Arab Spring revolt that swept the country last year. But the tensions are not preventing Egypt’s new leadership from making pragmatic decisions, Khashoggi

said. “There are many signs that the Egyptians are prioritising their relations with the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia, over their relations with Iran,” he noted, adding that Iran was in need of “assistance and cannot offer anything” to Egypt right now.

“Egypt is now focusing on alliances with Turkey and Saudi,” both Sunni Muslim countries with significant economic potential, said Khashoggi.

Anwar Eshki, president of the Saudi-based Middle East Center for Strategic and Legal Studies, said the Brotherhood’s ties with Iran were “their own business ... But they shouldn’t tolerate any interference by Iran in Egypt.”

Egypt and Saudi Arabia enjoyed close relations under Mubarak, Morsi’s predecessor, who was ousted by the popular uprising in February last year.

But a rare diplomatic crisis between the two regional powers in April saw Riyadh recall its ambassador in Cairo and close its embassy for several days, after protests demanding the release of a lawyer and rights activist detained in the kingdom.

Despite the turbulent relationship, the

Muslim Brotherhood “recognise that the kingdom stood by them when they were on bad terms with (former Egyptian president Gamal) Abdel Nasser,” he added.

In an interview with the Saudi daily Okaz yesterday, Morsi was unequivocal in his attitude towards Egypt’s traditional ally. “ We in Egypt cannot forget that Saudi Arabia has always stood by the Arabs,” he said, adding that “Gulf security is a red line” that must not be crossed.

“Stability in Egypt is important for Saudi Arabia,” said analyst Abdel Aziz al-Sagr, head of the Gulf Research Centre, while noting that the oil-rich kingdom is the main source of economic aid for impoverished Egypt.

Saudi Arabia hosts some 1.65 million Egyptian expatriates and could “increase its investments in Egypt soon,” Saudi’s ambassador in Cairo, Ahmad Kattan said last week.

Riyadh has deposited $1 billion into the Egyptian Central Bank as a loan guarantee, and Cairo, which is battling a severe economic crisis, received a $1 billion pledge of assistance from the Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank earlier this month. — AFP

Gulf Bank hails sponsorship of International Anti-Drug Day KUWAIT: Gulf Bank commented on the success of its sponsorship of the International Anti-Drug Day. This impor tant day was marked with a major event at 360 Mall, and was held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Homoud Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Head of the National Anti-Drug Committee. During the event, Gulf Bank received a token of appreciation for its support and financial commitment of this cause.

The event, which was organized by the National Anti-Drug Committee, featured few keynote speakers who highlighted the dangers of drug addiction and how the problem may be trending amongst the youth and within the society in general. It also included a range of activities that were both entertaining and educational such as a; field show of bagpipe music arranged by the Ministry of Interior, an exhibition for civil and governmental organizations which demonstrated ways and methods of protection against drugs, a mobile clinic provided by the Ministry of Defense providing free medical insurance for both the audience and the participants, and free consultations being offered by a specialized psychiatrist.

I n addition to that, all par ticipants enjoyed cultural competition games, free photograph sessions, face painting and Henna drawings for the children.

The event was broadly supported and advertised in several magazines and newspapers to raise general awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

Fawzy Al-Thunayan, General Manager of Board Affairs at Gulf Bank said: “We are very pleased to have sponsored the International Anti Drug Day. This problem is present within all levels of society; it affects everyone,

including families and friends of abusers and abusers themselves of course.

As a socially responsible financial institution in Kuwait, Gulf Bank is committed to the well-being of our community and to do what it can to spread awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and the damage it can cause.

Each year, this important occasion motivates millions around the world to adopt a healthier way of life, and celebrate those who have successfully overcome their

addiction. We have faith that the efforts will go a long way in preventing drug abuse, and we will continue to support this cause in hopes for a safer environment for everyone and a brighter future for our children.”

Gulf Bank will continue highlighting its commitment towards all sectors of the Kuwaiti society, reaffirming its position as a leading Kuwaiti financial institution that is socially dedicated to its communit y, through its par ticipation in all kinds of activities and events.

Dubai plans eco-friendly mosque DUBAI: An eco-friendly mosque which is expected to reduce energy and water consumption by 15-19 per cent will come up in Dubai by 2013. The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation said the Dh25-million mosque will be located behind Al Rowad village near the Clock Tower Roundabout in Deira.

The 45,000-square-foot mosque will be in a 105,000-square-foot area. As the largest mosque in Dubai, the facility will accommodate 3,500 worshippers.

The mosque will feature green spaces, particularly gardens on the roof for heat insulation. In addition to green building technologies such as solar panels to heat water for ablution and the Imam’s house, the mosque will host recycle plants to treat water used in ablution for gardening and washroom purposes.

Equipped with the latest technologies in energy efficiency to curb wastage in airconditioning and air purity system, the

mosque will be constructed with ecofriendly materials and avoid the use of asbestos and polystyrene. It will additionally use thermal insulation, programmed and automatic thermostat, suction fans with energy recovery units, and natural light and heat-reflective colours, especially at the interfaces and roofs.

Tayeb Abdulrahman Al Rais, SecretaryGeneral of the AMAF, said: “The construction of the mosque is in line with the UAE leadership’s vision towards the conservation of resources, environment protection and the adoption of green practices. With the global call for energy conservation, it is essential for developers to take responsibility for creating buildings that comply with green standards. ‘’The mosque project complies with best practices in corporate governance, while being transparent and gaining the validation of Awqaf, government and private institutions.”

Pledge to strengthen UK-Iraq ties

Entertainment City summer activities in progress KUWAIT: The summer activities that grams prepared for visitors of all ages. began on June 29 will last till July 18 and Furthermore, Al-Duaij said that the sumwill resume after the holy month of mer programs would include recreational activities, folk dances Ramadan from August 21 and cartoon figures. He to September 14, noted that the City will announced Yaqqoub Alwork all week, and that Duaij, Acting Operations Mondays and Fridays will and Activities Manager at be reserved for women. the Touristic Enterprises Al-Duaij noted that sumCompany ’s ( TEC)’s mer working hours will be Entertainment City. Alfrom 5 pm to 1 am starting Duaij added that the Saturday to Wednesday,5pm rollercoaster (locally to 2 am on Thursdays and known as the 88 Train) Fridays. He also said that was developed and during Ramadan, the facility reopened to add to a will remain open from 8pm number of interesting to 2 am. games and special proYaqqoub Al-Duaij

LONDON: Britain and Iraq reinforced yesterday their commitment to continue to strengthen their bilateral relations.

This pledge came following yesterday’s re-opening of the Iraqi embassy in London, UK and Iraqi governments said in a joint statement issued here by Foreign Secretary William Hague and his counterpart Hoshyar Zebari.

After their meeting here they said: “This event marks another important step in Iraq’s re-emergence on to the international stage”.

They said they are determined to forge a close and strong relationship across a wide range of shared priorities: politics, economics, trade, education and culture.

They share the vision of a democratic, secure and prosperous Iraq, playing an important role in the region, the statement, released by the Foreign Office, added.

“Following Iraq’s successful hosting of the Arab League Summit in Baghdad earlier this year, and also the more recent

E3+3 talks with Iran, we are determined to work together to help bring stability and prosperity to the region. A stronger Iraq will mean a stronger Middle East”.

The two countries share deep concerns over the worsening plight of all Syrian people as the situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, the statement emphasised.The two sides are united in their condemnation of all violence in the country, including the increasing acts of terrorism. The two ministers reiterate their call for the Syrian regime to meet its commitments to the full implementation of the six-point plan drawn up by Kofi Annan and the League of Arab States.

They underscored that “It is vital that that the international community unites to help solve the problems of Syria through an orderly, democratic political transition and to prevent them from spreading to other countries in the region”.

“Cooperation between Iraq and Britain, particularly on trade and investment has steadily grown in recent years. In

response the British Government already has plans underway to open a visa application centre in Baghdad during the autumn, and is committed to taking forward joint work on the technical aspects of resuming direct flights between the UK and Iraq”.

Together these will help to improve Iraqi and British business engagement, the statement went on. “But there is more we can do and more that we want to do. Developing our trade and commercial links is an absolute priority and should reflect the ambition of both British and Iraqi businesses. Iraq is opening its doors to the world, offering opportunities across a range of sectors, including energy and infrastructure”.

British companies have a worldwide reputation for excellence and we want British businesses to help Iraq in its continued development and economic growth. Whilst the two sides share this ambition, they also want to work collaboratively to ensure economic conditions in Iraq enable businesses to operate

fairly and competitively. This means continued improvement in governance, transparency, accountability and of course security, the joint statement continued.

“Let us not forget at this time the sacrifices made by all those who have brought Iraq her freedom. Iraq’s recent history has, or course, been challenging. As the dreadful attacks last week show, some of those challenges remain”. The two countries stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning the continued acts of violence by cowards determined to destabilise Iraq and cause huge devastation to innocent civilians.

The UK and Iraq remain resolute in their belief that there is no place for terrorism anywhere in the world and will continue to support efforts to improve security in Iraq and the region, they insist. Strengthening the IraqBritain partnership is their long term goal and we look forward to furthering our cooperation in the coming months and years, the statement concluded. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Israel ex-PM acquitted of corruption charges

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, secular Israel face off Page 8

Page 10

PARIS: A leaflet representing Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is seen as Reporters Without Borders activist, bound and made up as mock victims, demonstrate outside the Iran Air office on the Champs Elysees in Paris yesterday to protest against the imprisonment of Iranian journalists. — AP

Iranians ship 100kg explosives into Kenya Terrorists plan attacks on Western target

News

in brief

Iran urged to free Christian convert WASHINGTON: The United States has called on Iran to release Christian pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was imprisoned in 2009 and condemned to death for converting from Islam to Christianity. “Pastor Nadarkhani still faces the threat of execution for simply following his faith, and we repeat our call for Iranian authorities to release him immediately,” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, Pastor Nadarkhani is not alone in his suffering. The Iranian regime continues to deny and abuse the human rights of its citizens, in particular those of its many ethnic and religious minorities,” it said. The statement also noted reports of the recent execution of four members of Iran’s Arab Ahwazi community, whom it said were put to death “with little due process,” as well as “credible reports” that the author Mohammed Soleimani Nia has gone missing after being released from a fivemonth prison sentence in May. Nadarkhani, 34, converted from Islam to Christianity at the age of 19 and became pastor of a small evangelical community called the Church of Iran.

Bus crashes kill 26 RABAT: At least 26 people, including several foreigners, have been killed in two separate road accidents in Morocco, police and medics said yesterday. The first accident took place on Monday afternoon near Nador, in the northeast of the country, killing 10 people, with another 33 injured, five of them seriously. The accident took place when a bus travelling between Rabat and Nador overturned because it was going too fast, according to a police source. Separately, a bus crash near the port of Essaouira overnight killed 16 people, among them at least two foreigners, a medical official said. Around a dozen people were injured in the accident, which police also said occurred when the bus from Agadir overturned, possibly due to speeding.

Police officer shot dead LONDON: British police were yesterday hunting a gunman who shot and killed an off-duty officer after he intervened in a “deadly situation”. Police were called to Farlop Close in Clacton, east of London, at around 15:30 local time on Monday after gunshots were reported.

They found constable Ian Dibell, 41, dead at the scene along with another man who had sustained gunshot wounds to the leg. Officers said they were looking for Peter Reeve, 64, in connection with the shooting and warned he was dangerous and should not be approached. Essex Police Chief Constable Jim BarkerMcCardle said Dibell was “a highly regarded and much loved colleague who has been a important part of Essex Police for 10 years.”

NAIROBI: Two Iranians accused of planning attacks on Western targets in Kenya shipped more than 100 kilograms of powerful explosive into this East African country, and most of it has not been recovered, a police officer told a court yesterday.

Iranian nationals Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammad and Sayed Mansour Mousavi are charged with preparing to commit acts intended to cause grievous harm after they were arrested last month and led officials to a 15-kilogram stash of the explosive RDX. Police Sgt Erick Opagal, an investigator with Kenya’s Anti-Terrorism Police Unit, asked the court to deny the two suspects bail because more than 85 kilograms of the explosive authorities say was shipped into Kenya has not been found. “ The police have information that the applicants (suspects) have a vast network in the

countr y meant to execute explosive attacks against government installations, public gatherings and foreign establishments,” Opagal said in an affidavit.

Granting bail would allow the suspects to continue planning attacks, he told the court. Officials in Kenya say the two suspects may have been planning attacks on Israeli, American, British or Saudi Arabian interests in Kenya. Security officials believe the two are members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force, an elite and secretive unit that acts against foreign interests. Iranian agents are suspected in several successful or thwarted attacks - especially against Israeli interests - around the globe over the last year. Several resorts on Kenya’s coast are Israeli-owned, as is Nairobi’s largest and newest shopping mall. Militants in 2002 bombed an Israeli-owned luxury hotel

near the coastal city of Mombasa, killing 13 people. The militants also tried to shoot down an Israeli airliner at the same time.

An al-Qaida operative was linked to those attacks. The two Iranian suspects arrived in Kenya June 12 and traveled to Mombasa on the same day to receive the explosives, Opagal’s affidavit said. They traveled back to Nairobi June 16 after receiving the explosive from an accomplice who is still at large, it said.

Opagal said the two were arrested on June 19 in Nairobi and led officers to some of the explosives hidden at a Mombasa golf course. One of the Iranian’s lawyers, David Kirimi, said yesterday the prosecution was “blowing the matter out of proportion.” He said his clients were sickly men, one with a liver condition and the other a heart ailment, and their detention was further damaging their health. Kirimi

said the two were civil servants in Iran who were in Kenya on tourist visas.

Prosecutor Daniel Musangi urged the court to deny bail, arguing that they were likely to flee if released.

Magistrate Paul Biwott said he would rule on the bail application on Monday.

Five Iranian scientists with links to Tehran’s nuclear program have been killed in the last two years, assassinations for which Iran has blamed Israel as well as US and British intelligence agencies. In return, Israel blames Iran for alleged reprisal missions on Israeli property and personnel overseas. Israel wants Iran to be prevented from developing a nuclear weapon.

Tehran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes such as generating electricity and medical research. Iran has denied any links to attacks outside its borders.—AP

Russia to suspend new arms to Syria MOSCOW: Russia will not deliver fighter planes or other new weapons to Syria while the situation there remains unresolved, the deputy director of a body that supervises Moscow’s arms trade was quoted as saying on Monday. “While the situation in Syria is unstable, there will be no new deliveries of arms there,” Vyacheslav Dzirk aln told journalists at the Farnborough Airshow in Britain, Russia’s Interfax news agency reported.

The refusal to send more arms to Syria could signal the strongest move yet by Moscow to distance itself from Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, whom it has defended in the UN Security Council from harsher sanctions. It could also scuttle up to $4 billion of outstanding contracts, including fighter jets and air-defense systems that were expected to be delivered this year. A spokesman for Dzirk aln’s Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation would not confirm the deputy director’s comments when contacted by telephone.

Reuters was awaiting for a response to requested written questions. In Washington, White House spokeswoman Erin Pelton said it would be a positive development if confirmed. “We refer you to Russian authorities for confirmation,” she said. “If it is truly Russia’s intention to halt arms sales to Syria, then we would laud this step and commend Russia for this measure, which would send a strong signal to the Assad regime.” “We have long

called on all nations to cease supplying this regime with weapons, given its continued use against the Syrian people.”

Although legal, Russia’s arms trade with Syria has fueled concerns that Moscow is supplying Assad with weapons being used against protesters taking part in an armed uprising against him. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the arms Moscow delivers cannot be used in civil conflicts and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said the supplies are defensive weapons sold in contracts signed long ago. US Secretar y of State Hillar y Clinton has termed Russian statements that the weapons are unrelated to the violence in Syria “patently untrue” and Washington has called the delivery of a shipment of heavy Russian weapons “reprehensible”.

FIGHTER PLANES Dzirkaln was quoted as saying that Russia, one of Syria’s main weapons suppliers, would not be delivering a shipment of 36 Yak-130 fighter planes, a contract for which was reportedly signed at the end of last year. “In the current situation, talking about deliveries of airplanes to Syria is premature,” he said. Rosoboronexport, Russia’s monopoly arms exporter, would not comment on Dzirkaln’s remarks, which were also reported by the Russian state news agency RIA. “We understand the position of (the agency), but we are a separate organization and will not comment,” said spokesman Vyacheslav Davidenko.

Syria’s arms-trade ties with Moscow date back to the Soviet era. It has previously signed contracts worth billions of dollars and hosts a Mediterranean supplyand-repair facility that is Russia’s only naval base outside the former Soviet Union. A Russian analyst said Moscow had already distanced itself from Assad. “Russia has stopped signing new contracts with Syria and is delaying the shipments of already signed contracts,” said Ruslan Aliyev, an expert on the Russian-Syria arms trade at the Moscow-based defense

think-tank, CAST. “It’s basically a political decision based on Moscow’s view of Syria.”

Russia faced Western criticism last month after Clinton said Russian attack helicopters were on the way to Syria.

Moscow said they were part of an old contract and that it only provided weaponry that could be used against external aggression. “Previously, we were fulfilling old contracts, including repairs of the machines,” Dzirkaln said. “Until the situation stabilizes, we will not carry out any new arms deliveries.”— Reuters

HAMA: This citizen journalism image shows anti-government protesters during a demonstration in Hama, Syria.— AP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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

Torture fear in Afghan schoolgirl ‘poisoning’ cases KABUL: A UN agency has expressed concern that torture may have been used to extract confessions over the alleged serial poisoning of Afghan schoolgirls, which experts say is more likely to be mass hysteria. Sweeping arrests were made last month after the government came under pressure to act as hundreds of schoolgirls fell ill and fainted in schools in the northern province of Takhar on an almost daily basis.

The national intelligence agency, the NDS, announced at a news conference on June 6 that 15 suspects-including two schoolgirls-had confessed to being involved in poisoning the pupils. The authorities blame Taleban insurgents notorious for their opposition to schooling for girls, saying the hardline Islamists have poisoned water supplies or somehow gassed the pupils-winning headlines around the world. But the human rights unit of the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has raised concerns that the confessions might be suspect. “The UN is unaware of any forensic evidence to support the allegations that poison has been

CHARIKAR: Afghan schoolgirls lie in bed after admission to hospital with symptoms of poisoning in Charikar, some 50 kms north of Kabul. — AFP

SA, a ‘rainbow nation’ battling for cohesion SOWETO: Archbishop Desmond Tutu coined the term in 1994 to celebrate post-apartheid South Africa but 18 years on, the “rainbow nation” is battling entrenched racial, social and economic divisions. Observers argue that while the much-emulated 1996-2001 Truth and Reconciliation Commission chaired by the Nobel Peace prize laureate focused on the abuses of white minority rule, social issues were being overlooked. The bitter realities sugarcoated by the euphoria of the early years of Nelson Mandela’s presidency are resurfacing to haunt South African society and spurring a bout of intense soul-searching.

After the end of apartheid, “the focus was on building the country... and the people were left behind,” Futhi Mtoba, the black chairwoman of Business Unity South Africa, said at a social cohesion forum held last month. “Now is the time to begin to understand each other and work on what divides us and try to heal those divisions and pull each other up,” she said. A melting pot of diverse cultures, post-apartheid South Africa recognizes 11 official languages. Besides the black majority, it is home to the descendents of British, Dutch and French settlers, as well as large Asian communities.

But racial tensions remain evident and a general lack of social cohesion is threatening the continent’s political and economic powerhouse, delegates said at the forum held late last month, the first of its kind. Some accuse the whites of failing to give up any of their privileges and extend the hand of reconciliation to blacks.

“History has shown that black people are the ones who are always willing to extend a hand of reconciliation and they continue to suffer racial prejudice,” said social commentator Andile Mgxitama.

“Whites retreat to their comfort zones. So how can black people address issues of racism and economic inequality alone,” he asked.

President Jacob Zuma stressed at the talks held in Soweto, the Johannesburg township that became synonymous with South Africa’s struggle for freedom, that

reconciliation had to involve both sides.

“Whilst we have made progress in institutionalizing the principle of an inclusive citizenship since 1994, there are certain matters that still cause divisions and frustrations,” said Zuma. Late last month he told his ruling ANC party police conference that South Africa’s economy is still largely under white control. South African Institute of Race Relations (SAIRR) chief researcher Lucy Hornbill however argued that it would be incorrect to suggest that no economic ownership had changed hands.

In terms of ownership of unlisted companies, property ownership, income levels and senior management positions “the picture is mixed, but is generally one of continuing, yet narrowing disparities between white and black.” She blamed the government’s post-apartheid policies for failing to sufficiently address wealth and income disparities. The policies have left nearly 20 million blacks in the country-out of a population of around 50 million-in relative poverty and up to 2.5 million in severe poverty, scraping by on less than two dollars a day. A declaration at the end of the social cohesion meeting conceded that “the task of uniting diverse peoples to work together to build a caring and proud society is complex and challenging.”

It cited poverty and racism among some of the major issues that hinder social cohesion. Zuma called for the national social cohesion forum after a painting in which his genitals are depicted sparked a furor that exposed the racial and cultural differences that still dog Africa’s top power. Two days after the talks, Zapiro, a leading white cartoonist dismissed the forum as an attempt to “encourage conformity rather than real diversity”, raising a fresh storm with his cartoon depicting Zuma in the shape of a penis. The ANC said it had hoped that the forum, “would have assisted the likes of Zapiro and his ilk to appreciate that as South Africans we need to respect each other immaterial of the positions we hold in society”.— AFP

Syria’s Qusayr prepares for Ramadan under siege QUSAYR: In Syria’s rebel-held city Qusayr, which has been besieged by government forces for months, the shelves are empty and the market practically destroyed as residents prepare for a difficult Ramadan. “ There are only 50 grocery stores still standing in the whole of Qusayr, and their shelves are empty,” sighs merchant Nadim, with the annual fasting month just days away. Of Qusayr’s original 30,000 residents, most have fled and just 10,000 remain.

Regime troops have relentlessly bombarded the besieged city in the central province of Homs near the Lebanese border.

The army has destroyed most of the town market, and the siege has cut off all the main supply lines. Any food supplies that do make it into Qusayr have to be smuggled in. “Ramadan starts in 10 days and the situation is bound to get worse,” says Nadim, concerned that supply lines may be hit. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and strive to be more pious and charitable. Families traditionally share generous evening meals to break their fast.

But this year, for those trapped in Qusayr, hope is fast waning amid the violence and food shortages. “We have to feed some 2,000 people because they have lost everything,” says Abdel Karim Yarbad, a wealthy merchant from Qusayr who manages the stock of food supplies that are smuggled in. “We never had poverty here before. Now, were it not for us, some people would starve to death.” Among the products handed out as assistance are sugar, rice, pasta and pulses, says Yarbad. Milk powder is available for families with children, but sunflower oil for cooking is in constant shortage, he adds.

Most of the food that is smuggled into Qusayr is paid for by donations from

abroad. “Many Syrians living in Europe or the United States send us money to help us buy staple food products,” Yarbad says.

“Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries only cover about five percent of our needs. Every once in a while, we receive donations from inside Syria,” he adds.

Residents have started to stockpile food in case Qusayr becomes completely cut off.

“We don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow or the day after,” warns Yarbad.

“It’s better to stock up in case supplies come to a total halt.”

Every day, vehicles bringing in supplies manage to circumvent regime troops surrounding the city. “Several smugglers bring us food from Damascus and Aleppo” in northern Syria, says Yarbad. “Every day they risk detention or execution for trying to help us.” For the city’s besieged residents, there is no choice but to rely on smugglers.

“Most shops closed down a long time ago, when their owners decided to flee,” says a shopkeeper who stayed, identifying himself as Hassan. The fields surrounding Qusayr have also become out of bounds, as regime troops control most of them. “They have even mined many of the fields, and caused much destruction, to make us go hungry,” Hassan adds.

Farmers trying to reach their fields are detained if troops catch them. Back in the heart of Qusayr, Omar laments the bitter loss of the traditional market. “This street was once home to Qusayr’s market,” says Omar, whose grocery shop was destroyed by shelling two months ago. The market is now completely abandoned, and shelling has ripped shops to shreds. “The market was one of the regime’s first targets,” Omar says. “Its goal was to deprive residents of food so we wouldn’t be able to resist the siege for long.”—AFP

used in the affected schools,” James Rodehaver, head of UNAMA’s human rights unit said this week.

“UNAMA has made public its concerns about the use of torture in selected NDS facilities throughout the country, including Takhar, as a means to force persons suspected of insurgency activities to confess,” he said. “It is also very concerning that NDS publicised the confessions of the suspects in the Takhar case, including of the two schoolgirls. This violates fair trial rights, including the presumption of innocence, of the accused.” If it is shown that the confessions were forced, it is the duty of the courts to throw the confessions out as evidence, Rodehaver said.

The government denied that the suspects had been tortured. “This is absolutely wrong, no one was tortured,” said interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi.

“These people were arrested with evidence and we have their confessions. In the Sari Pul case (last month) it was spray involved, and in Takhar it was mostly pills.

We have that evidence.” The World Health Organization says there is no forensic evi-

dence of poisoning in the cases, which were first noticed in large numbers in 2008. Mass hysteria, properly known as mass psychogenic illness, is “the most probable cause” of the mysterious ailments, it says. The symptoms include sudden nausea, dizziness and mass fainting episodes in which the girls are rushed to hospital, only to recover soon afterwards.

The WHO says that out of 1,634 cases in 22 schools over the past four years, no deaths have been reported. It adds that the outbreaks appear to follow a seasonal pattern, starting in April/May, close to the school examination period, but notes that “the diagnosis of mass hysteria is still contentious”.

With no physical cause established, Robert Bartholomew, a sociologist and author, told AFP in May that the poisoning scares had “all the earmarks of mass psychogenic illness, also known as mass hysteria”. Bartholomew said he had collected more than 600 cases of mass hysteria in schools dating back to 1566 in Europe, “and the Afghan episode certainly fits the pattern”.—AFP

One year on, US sees Sudans in ‘mutual suicide’ struggle Economic fallout hitting both countries WASHINGTON: Sudan and South Sudan are playing a dangerous economic version of Russian roulette that threatens the success of both countries, the top US official for the region said on the first anniversary of South Sudan’s independence. Princeton Lyman, US special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, said frayed relations between Juba and Khartoum will slow desperately needed growth unless they can negotiate settlements to the border and oil issues that remain unresolved one year after the South seceded.

“Each side thinks the other is more vulnerable,” Lyman said.

“But it is a very dangerous attitude. It is kind of a mutual economic suicide approach.” Lyman’s grim assessment came despite US pressure on both sides to resolve their differences, which threaten to overshadow the peaceful emergence of South Sudan as Africa’s newest independent state. President Barack Obama’s administration has promised to assist South Sudan economically and offered Khartoum - which is on Washington’s official list of state sponsors of terrorism and has been under a US trade embargo since 1997 - the prospect of better ties if the lingering disputes can be put to rest.

PIPELINES AND POLITICS Landlocked South Sudan erased 98 percent of its revenue in January when it shut down oil production over a dispute with Khartoum about revenue sharing and fees for a pipeline through Sudan - the South’s only outlet for

JUBA: An SPLA helicopter flying the national flag over-flies crowds of waving south Sudanese during the first independence anniversary of South Sudan in Juba. — AFP its oil exports. South Sudan, already one of the poorest countries in the world, now struggles to provide basic services to its roughly 8.2 million citizens and has left many of its people questioning when they will see material benefits of independence.

Khartoum, which lost three quarters of its oil output and much of its income when the South seceded, is now battling inflation and other economic woes that have led to spreading public protests. Last month Khartoum announced austerity measures to end subsidies on commodities like sugar and fuel as the government, facing a mounting debt crisis, could no longer afford the

cost. The growing economic crisis has compounded political friction between the uneasy neighbors, whose supporters have been fighting in border regions such as Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states and remain at loggerheads over the fate of the disputed Abyei border region. South Sudan gained its independence last year after two decades of war between the mostly Christian south and the Arab northern populations left more than two million people dead.

There have been negotiations since the South shuttered its oil production, Lyman said, but few of the major issues have been

resolved. He urged South Sudan to restar t oil production and work with Sudan to ease the tensions. “One of the most immediate challenges for South Sudan is to take a hard, pragmatic and courageous approach to its current economic crisis,” Lyman said. “ Without oil revenue, many development projects now on the books will be delayed.” The charge d’affaires for the Embassy of South Sudan in Washington, Dhanojak Obongo, said his country was looking for alternatives to the Sudan oil pipeline and planned to build a conduit through Djibouti in the next 30 months - a timeline Lyman said was “overly optimistic.”— Reuters

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, secular Israel face off JERUSALEM: Zalman Deren spends his days studying the Torah in a small synagogue near the Western Wall in Jerusalem. He’s young and able-bodied, with a wife and three children to feed, but has no job because that would distract him from his vocation. A short walk away, at Israel’s largest Torah school, Mir Yeshiva, noise levels in the spacious study halls reach a low roar as hundreds of men of all ages decipher and debate the holy texts for hours. Most of them are also married with children and do not earn a living.

Israel has an estimated 60,000 full-time scripture scholars like this, who live in poverty and study to follow what they say is their faith’s highest calling. In return, Israel pays them modest stipends and exempts them from compulsory military service for all Jewish citizens. This 64-year-old pact between the state and the ultra-Orthodox is headed for a major overhaul, however. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed at the weekend to reforms capping the number of students around 1,500 by 2016 and penalizing draft dodgers.

Full details of the plans, which should come into force by Aug. 1, still have to be agreed within Netanyahu’s broad coalition. But any tightening of the rules will have wide support in Israeli society. An opinion poll last year showed 93 percent of the non-ultra-Orthodox

population favored requiring these men to serve in the army or in alternative civilian service. About 20,000 people marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday night demanding “equal sharing of the national burden.”

In the yeshivas dotted around Jerusalem, students and rabbis feel

mandment and we deserve the greatest reward.” “ This is not a choice,” said the rabbi, who asked not to be named to avoid publicity.

“In the Talmud, it is explicitly written that God wants us to study his word.”

One of his students, a father of

TEL AVIV: Protesters gesture during a demonstration in Tel Aviv.

Thousands of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv demanding extension of compulsory military or community service to all Israelis, including Arabs and ultra-Orthodox Jews, who are currently exempted. — AFP misunderstood and reject accusations they are milking the welfare state or shirking their duty. “The ultimate Jewish activity is studying Torah - it is the word of God,” insisted one grey-bearded rabbi who teaches at Mir Yeshiva. “In doing so, we are fulfilling the highest com-

five who has studied at Mir for 18 years, thought the gulf between Israel’s secular majority and the Haredim - the Hebrew term for ultra-Orthodox that means “those who tremble before God” - was unbridgeable. “You can’t explain the color green to a blind man,” the

student, who also did not want to give his name, told Reuters during a recent visit to the school.

Judaism has always revered its religious scholars and some pious believers say the continued study of their sacred texts has saved the Jewish people through millennia of persecution. The Haredim justify their military exemptions by saying Torah study gives the army spiritual strength, and even some of their critics have sympathy for this traditional view. In centuries past, few men in a community could afford to study full-time. But after the state of Israel was founded in 1948, its welfare system has allowed far more men to say “Torato Omunato” (Torah is my work) and opt out of mainstream life.

Now 60 percent of ultraOrthodox men study all day, five days a week, for as long as they want. They and their large families are a drag on the national economy and their draft exemptions mean the army has a shrinking pool of new recruits. The ultra-Orthodox indignantly reject accusations that they are not being responsible citizens. “The most important thing in life is Torah,” said Yerach Tucker, parliamentary aide to an influential Haredi deputy in the Knesset, Moshe Gafni. “People think if the students don’t go into the army, they’re on vacation, but it’s really difficult to sit and study all day,” he said.—Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

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

Islamists destroy tombs at ancient Timbuktu mosque BAMAKO: The Islamists controlling northern Mali yesterday destroyed two tombs at the ancient Djingareyber mosque in fabled Timbuktu, vowing to destroy all World Heritage sites in the region. Armed with hoes, pick-axes and chisels, members of Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith) hammered away at the two earthen tombs until they were completely destroyed, witnesses said.

“Currently the Islamists are busy destroying two tombs of Timbuktu’s great Djingareyber mosque. They are shooting in the air to chase away the crowd, to scare them,” one witness said earlier as the rampage began.

“The two mausolea are adjacent to the western wall of the great mosque and the Islamists have hoes, chisels, they are hitting the mausolea which are made out of packed earth,” said a source close to the mosque’s imam. “They say they will destroy everything.” Another witness reported that the Islamists had cried “Allahu Akbar” (God Is Great) as they hammered away at the mosque, one of the most important in Timbuktu.

He added that the Islamists had blocked off two main roads leading to the mosque, which was one of the fabled

city’s main tourist attractions before the region became a no-go area for Westerners.

The same witness reported that the Islamists had asked a television crew from the Qatar-based news channel AlJazeera to film their actions. The fighters from Ansar Dine began their destruction of the city’s cultural treasures on July 1, shortly after UNESCO placed them on a list of endangered World Heritage sites. Declaring the ancient Muslim shrines “haram”, or forbidden in Islam, Ansar Dine set about destroying seven of Timbuktu’s 16 mausolea of ancient Muslim saints. They also destroyed the sacred door of the 15thcentury Sidi Yahya mosque.

Along with Sidi Yahya, Djingareyber and the Sankore mosque bear witness to Timbuktu’s golden age as an intellectual and spiritual capital which was crucial in the spread of Islam throughout Africa. According to the UNESCO website, the Djingareyber mosque-the oldest of the three-was built by the sultan Kankan Moussa after his return in 1325 from a pilgrimage to Makkah. It was this pilgrimage which formed the legend of Timbuktu, as Moussa had travelled via

Cairo with 60,000 porters, each carrying three kilograms of pure gold which he said came from Timbuktu. This amount of gold caused the Egyptian currency to lose its value, according to UNESCO, and put Timbuktu on the map as a mysterious African city of gold.

Yesterday a source in Ansar Dine said

that “from now on, as soon as foreigners speak of Timbuktu” they would attack anything referred to as a World Heritage site. “There is no world heritage, it doesn’t exist. The infidels must not get involved in our business,” said a Tunisian jihadist who gave his name only as Ahmed and said he was part of Ansar

TIMBUKTU: A file photo shows the Djinguereber mosque of Timbuktu. The Islamists controlling northern Mali yesterday destroyed two tombs at the ancient Djingareyber mud mosque in Timbuktu, an endangered world heritage site. — AFP

Dine’s “media committee.” “We will destroy everything, even if the mausolea are inside the mosques, and afterwards we will destroy the mausolea in the region of Timbuktu,” he said. More ancient tombs are situated in the towns of Araouane and Gassra-Cheick in the greater Timbuktu region. A March 22 coup in Mali eased the way for Tuareg separatist rebels to seize a vast area in the north that they consider their homeland.

However, the previously unknown Ansar Dine group seized the upper hand while fighting on their flanks. Openly allied with the North African group AlQaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, they have since pushed the Tuareg rebels from all positions of power. The international community fears the desert region, which is larger than France, will become a new haven for terrorist activity, and the Islamists have threatened any country that joins a possible military intervention force in Mali. West African mediators have ordered Mali’s embattled interim government to form a unity government by July 31 that will be better able to deal with the northern occupation. — AFP

Spy agencies won’t read emails for cybersecurity Qaeda not seen as ‘viable threat’ in cyber sphere

JERUSALEM: Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sends a text message from his mobile phone at the District Court in Jerusalem yesterday after hearing the verdict in his trial where he was acquitted on two key corruption charges while finding him guilty on a lesser charge. — AFP

Israel ex-PM acquitted of corruption charges JERUSALEM: Israel’s Ehud Olmert was acquitted of major corruption charges yesterday but convicted of breach of trust, a lesser offence, in what was widely seen as a stunning victory for the former prime minister. Olmert resigned as the country’s leader in 2008 after the allegations surfaced, cutting short his pursuit of a peace deal with the Palestinians. The threejudge court’s rejection of key accusations that drove the veteran politician from office raised questions in Israel about whether prosecutors had been overzealous in effectively bringing down a sitting prime minister.

“There is justice in Jerusalem,” a gaunt-looking Olmert, 66, said after the ruling. Smiling broadly, he left the cour thouse to a smattering of applause, hugging and kissing wellwishers. The verdict, which defied widespread expectations of a full conviction, capped the first criminal trial of a former Israeli premier - proceedings that grabbed headlines with accounts of Olmert pocketing cashstuffed envelopes and enjoying a lavish lifestyle of expensive cigars and luxury hotels.

The court found Olmert not guilty of charges that he received, as a cabinet minister and Jerusalem’s mayor before becoming prime minister, $150,000 in bribes from a US businessman and defrauded Israeli charities by doublebilling them for overseas fundraising trips. But it said he was in breach of trust when, as trade and industry minister, he green-lighted projects that involved one of his long-time friends.

The conviction carries a maximum penalty of three years’ imprisonment, and the court said it would begin hearing arguments on sentencing in September. Olmer t, addressing reporters outside the court, described the offence as a “procedural irregularity, not corruption”.

COMEBACK Any thoughts of a return to politics would likely depend on the severity of his sentence and the outcome of a separate bribery case over his role, as Jerusalem’s mayor from 1993 to 2003, in the building of the huge HolyLand housing complex widely considered to be the city’s biggest eyesore. Olmert has denied any wrongdoing. “If Olmert comes out clean ... he will most defi-

nitely consider a political comeback, if not in the upcoming elections, then in the next,” political commentator Yossi Verter wrote on the website of the Haaretz newspaper.

When he announced his resignation in September 2008, Olmert, who took over the leadership of the centrist Kadima party and the premiership in 2006 after then-prime minister Ariel Sharon suffered a stroke, said he would battle to clear his name.

He stayed on as caretaker until March 2009 when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was sworn in. Olmert, who waged war against militants in Lebanon in 2006 and the Gaza Strip in 2008, said he had achieved significant progress in talks with the Palestinians aimed at securing a final peace deal, offering an Israeli withdrawal from much of the occupied West Bank.

But no agreement was reached and subsequent negotiations held under Netanyahu collapsed in 2010 in a dispute over Israeli settlement building on land Palestinians want for a state. “I think one can’t ignore the far-reaching ramifications in Israel and outside it as a result of the decision to bring me to trial,” Olmert said after the verdict, hinting at diplomatic moves he was never able to make.

Ruling on some of the most serious charges in the case, the court said prosecutors had failed to prove that payments Olmert received, before he became prime minister, from New York-based businessman Morris Talansky were illegal.

It also found he had broken no laws in helping to arrange meetings between Talansky, who ran a mini-bar business, and hotel owners Olmert knew. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz described the verdict as a “crushing defeat” for the prosecution. The popular Ynet news site called the outcome a “legal earthquake”.

Israel has already witnessed a former head of state put behind bars.

Former president Moshe Katsav was convicted last year of raping an aide when he was a cabinet minister in the late 1990s and molesting or sexually harassing two other women who worked for him during his 2000-2007 term as president. He began serving a seven-year prison sentence in December. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: The head of the US spy agency that eavesdrops on electronic communications overseas sought on Monday to reassure Americans that the National Security Agency would not read their personal email if a new cybersecurity law was enacted to allow private companies to share information with the government.

The House of Representatives in April approved a bill that would allow the government and companies to share information about hacking. But the White House and key Senate Democrats back a broader approach.

Critics have raised privacy concerns about the sharing of such information, concerned it would allow the National Security Agency, which also protects government computer networks, to collect data on American communications, which is generally prohibited by law. “The reality is we can do protection of civil liberties and privacy and cybersecurity as a nation,” General Keith Alexander said in a speech at the American Enterprise Institute.

But to help protect the private sector, he said it was important that the intelligence agency be able to inform them about the type of malicious software and other cyber intrusions it is seeing and hear from companies about what they see breaching the protective measures on their computer networks.

“It doesn’t require the government to read their mail or your mail to do that. It requires them, the Internet service provider or that company, to tell us that that type of event is going on at this time. And it has to be at network speed if you’re going to stop it,” Alexander said. He said the information the government was seeking was the Internet address where an email containing malicious software originated and where it traveled to, not the content of the email.

‘GET THIS RIGHT’ Alexander said it was important to write

the legislation now rather than waiting until there is a crisis, which could cause the government to overreact and go too far. “When something bad happens, we’re going to jump way over here where we don’t want to be,” he said. “So while we have the time, the patience and the understanding, let’s get this right.

Let’s do it now.”

The US government has blamed hackers from China for breaking into US company computers and stealing proprietary information. Internet security firms say billions of dol-

WASHINGTON: John Morton, Director of Immigration, and Customs Enforcement (ICE), testifies during a House Homeland Security hearing, on Capitol hill yesterday in Washington, DC. The committee is hearing testimony on efforts to curb illegal immigration and secure the borders. — AFP

Reform key to victory in Mexico’s drug war MEXICO CITY: Success in Mexico’s crackdown on drug cartels depends more on overhauling the country’s judicial system and cleaning dirty money out of politics than adding more cops and guns, experts here say. Mexico’s next president, Enrique Pena Nieto, will inherit the country’s long drug warand the resilient cartels’ blood-soaked trail of kidnappings, beheadings and mass graves-when he takes office on December 1. The telegenic 45 yearold leader has promised to quickly bring down the homicide rate-more than 50,000 people have been killed since 2006 - and has vowed to form a national gendarmerie to replace corrupt local police.

But he will also maintain the military deployment that President Felipe Calderon launched in 2006 and has reassured the United States that there will be no radical changes to anti-drug policies.

Beyond saying that success will be measured by a lower homicide rate rather than drug busts, Pena Nieto’s proposals differ little from Calderon’s policies. But Pena Nieto’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) - which ran Mexico for seven decades through a mix of cronyism, bribery and rigged elections-has long been seen as having more sway over the drug lords through its extensive and longstanding networks at the state level.

“There is no evidence of explicit agreements” between PRI governors and drug lords to maintain peace, said Edgardo Buscaglia, an organized crime expert at ITAM university here and Columbia University in New York. “However there is plenty of evidence of infiltration in political campaigns and in all the political parties.

And since the PRI has governors in more states, there is more infiltration in local PRI governments,” he said. Campaign cash became more important when the PRI lost power in 2000 and elections became more competitive-and in Mexico there is no control over where the cash comes from. “Local and state-level politicians will seek support without asking too many questions,” Buscaglia says, adding that the corruption eventually flows down to police. — AFP

lars worth of intellectual property has been stolen. “In my opinion, it’s the greatest transfer of wealth in history,” Alexander said. But the US government is also concerned about the possibility of a cyber attack from adversaries on critical infrastructure such as the power grid or transportation systems.

Alexander said so far a threat from AlQaeda in the cyber sphere had not materialized. “I don’t personally believe they’re a viable threat in that realm right now,” said Alexander, who is also head of US Cyber Command, the military combatant command responsible for activities in cyberspace. But the tools to become a threat are available publicly “to anybody who has access to the web and who is semi-literate,” Alexander said.

“So I am concerned that while I don’t see it today, that they could very quickly get to that.” Alexander said the NSA’s vast new data center under construction at Camp Williams, Utah, does not “hold data on US citizens,” but he declined to go into further detail about the 240-acre facility, which will have 100,000 square feet of computer space when completed next year.

He sought to dispel concerns that the National Security Agency was storing Americans’ emails. “We don’t do that,” he said, noting that the volume of US emails was about 30 trillion a year or more. He called speculation that somehow this information would be stored at the Utah data center “baloney.” “We need the American people to know that is not true,” Alexander said. Officials say the mission of the data center is to offer technical assistance to the Department of Homeland Security, providing intelligence and warning about cyber threats and to carry out cybersecurity operations. They also say it is part of expanding efforts to defend Pentagon computer systems from cyber attack. — Reuters

Chavez insists he is totally cancer-free C ARAC AS: Firebrand Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez insisted Monday that he is “totally” cancer-free and ready to take on what promises to be a tough re-election battle without “physical restrictions.” “Free, totally free,” he replied when asked by a reporter if he had beaten the disease, as he gears up for the bruising campaign against unified opposition rival Henrique Capriles ahead of the October 7 vote.

“Thanks to God, I am here and every day I feel in better physical condition, and I really don’t think this expression ‘physical restrictions’... will be a factor in the campaign,” he told a news conference. A little more than a year after revealing his cancer diagnosis, Chavez said he had worked “with a lot of discipline” in order to overcome the disease, adding that his last radiation treatment was two months ago. Chavez has undergone surgery twice since June 2011 to remove cancerous tumors from his pelvis. The exact location and nature of the cancer has never been revealed.

The 57-year-old Venezuelan leader boasted that he had fully recovered once before, only to have to admit later that he had suffered a recurrence of the disease and would again seek treatment in Cuba. Chavez has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in Havana following his surgeries. The leftist firebrand and frequent critic of the United States has nevertheless pledged victory in the October 7 election showdown with Capriles, the youthful former governor of Miranda state. “Of course, I am not

the same Chavez I was at age 40,” he said, adding he would celebrate his 58th birthday on July 28. Chavez said he had star ted jogging again on Sunday, adding: “Maybe soon I’ll be ready to play baseball.”

Most opinion polls put Chavez firmly in the lead, but Capriles is counting on undecided voters-estimated to be 35 percent of the electorate. Capriles has claimed he will defeat Chavez, even predicting a 10-point margin of victory.

He has vowed to tackle what he calls the country ’s three main problemspoverty, unemployment and violence.

Chavez, who has been in power since 1999, is facing his first serious election challenge as he vies for a new term that would cement his legacy both at home and abroad as Latin America’s leading leftist. He could rack up 20 years in office if he is re-elected in October and serves out his full term.

Venezuela’s sometimes fractious opposition has united behind Capriles, a center-leftist who says he admires Brazil’s model of addressing poverty while fostering liberal economic development. Chavez has scaled back his public appearances in recent months but led a mass rally on July 1 marking the official start of his re-election campaign. “I would like to first thank Christ the Redeemer for allowing me to get through this difficult year and be with the Venezuelan people to start this battle,” he said in a fiery 90-minute speech.

He said Monday he would lead several campaign rallies later in the week outside the capital Caracas. — AFP

11

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

international

Russian Wikipedia shuts down in protest MOSCOW: The Russian-language Wikipedia website shut down yesterday and symbolically blacked out its logo in protest at a bill that would allow the state to block access to blacklisted websites. “Imagine a world without free knowledge,” it said in a statement on an otherwise white page, saying amendments to be discussed in parliament today “could lead to the creation of extrajudicial censorship of the whole Russian-language Internet”.

The amendments to an existing information law are being promoted as a crackdown on child pornography in particular, but the Ru.Wikipedia.org site warned that they could “prompt the creation of a Russian version of the Great Firewall of China”. The amend-

ments, passed Friday in a first reading, call for the creation of a federal register that would rule on websites carrying banned information, and oblige site owners and providers to close down the offending sites.

The bill comes as part of an apparent trend to use the pliant Duma lower house dominated by the ruling United Russia party to rubberstamp laws that can be used against the opposition. It has recently pushed through legislation ramping up fines for protesters and stigmatizing internationally-funded NGOs as “foreign agents”. The legislation highlights websites carrying child pornography, promoting drug use and encouraging children to commit suicide, saying the decision to blacklist these would be

taken by a federal agency. It would also blacklist sites using Russia’s vague extremism laws, which can be enforced by the ruling of any district court.

It also provides for a whole site to be blacklisted over the content of one page. The bill was proposed by the Duma’s family, women and children committee, an all-party group. It has already prompted high-level opposition.

The presidential council on human rights-a purely advisory body - last week slammed the bill, calling the measures “the introduction of censorship” and a “new electronic curtain” descending on Russia. And the newly appointed minister of communications, Nikolai Nikiforov, Russia’s youngest at 30, took the unusual step yesterday of criticizing it on Twitter.

“I do not support Wiki’s decision to close.

But this step is an important reaction from society, a sign that we need to amend the bill,” he wrote.

“The idea of fighting child pornography on the net is correct. But the Internet as a whole must remain a free environment.” Nevertheless, he predicted that the bill would be passed in its crucial second reading, saying that industry representatives and experts should work over the summer on amendments to propose in the autumn.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who broke the mould by using social media as president, has also criticized the bill, Vedomosti business daily reported yesterday citing a source in a major internet company. Yet President Vladimir Putin is

believed to rarely use the Internet and has called it “50 percent porn”.

In neighboring Belarus, strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko has cracked down on the Internet, creating a special centre that monitors those who access suspicious sites and requiring Internet cafes to keep records of users.

The bill is expected to have its second reading in the Duma today. If passed it will go through several other votes seen as a formality before being signed into law by Putin. It would come into force from January 1 next year. In Russia, the Internet plays a crucial role in disseminating opposition views through social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter and Live Journal and is also used to coordinate protests. —AFP

Notorious Islamic cleric appeals US extradition Egyptian-born cleric accused of Qaeda link

WINDSOR CASTLE: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II offers two signed portraits to French President Francois Hollande yesterday during a meeting at the Windsor Castle, outside London, as part of Hollande’s first official visit to Britain. —AFP

Hollande in UK for tricky talks LONDON: French President Francois Hollande yesterday began his first official visit to Britain, where he will hold talks with Prime Minister David Cameron aimed at smoothing over recent differences. The Socialist leader arrived on a French military jet at the RAF Northolt airbase in London for the one-day visit, during which he will also be received by Queen Elizabeth II at her Windsor Castle residence.

Hollande, who came to power in May, began his visit by meeting members of the sizeable French community-with a French population estimated at around 350,000, London has been dubbed “the sixth French city.” Splits over tax, financial regulation and the euro-zone crisis are set to dominate the talks with Conservative Cameron, who apparently snubbed Hollande when he made an election campaign visit to London in February. Cameron riled the French last month when he said he would “roll out the red carpet” for any French high earners fleeing Hollande’s plan to impose a 75 percent tax rate on top salaries.

Britain later said the comment was a joke, while Hollande said it was “of no importance.” Cameron’s office insisted the two would also discuss more consensual issues during their talks and 90-minute working lunch at his Downing Street residence. “The agenda will focus on the range of bilateral issues,” a Downing Street spokesman said. “I would expect them to cover the economy, the situation in the euro-zone, a number of foreign policy issues and our ongoing cooperation on defense.” The pair held their first bilateral meeting before the G8 summit in Washington last May. Britain and France share a number of foreign policy objectives, and the French presidency said they would be discussing the crisis in Syria and the Iranian nuclear program in particular.

Cameron and Hollande’s predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy signed a Franco-British defense deal in 2010 under which the two

countries agreed to share the use of their aircraft carriers. But that pact too ran into trouble earlier this year when Britain’s choice of fighter jet for its future carriers made it impossible for French warplanes to use the ships. Economic issues look set to pose the greatest stumbling block, however, underlining the ideological differences between Cameron’s focus on austerity and Hollande’s commitment to boosting growth through spending.

Cameron continues to urge members of the euro-zone-of which Britain is not a partto take action to resolve the economic crisis that is severely affecting his country’s economy. He has refused to back the European fiscal discipline pact, which he fears may compromise the City of London’s position as Europe’s leading financial centre. He has also regularly voiced his fierce opposition to a financial transactions tax advocated by Paris.

Under pressure from the so-called eurosceptic wing of his Conservative party, Cameron recently called for “less Europe,” and he has not ruled out a referendum on whether Britain should redefine its relationship with Brussels.

Britain’s attitude has irked Hollande, who in May deplored London’s “relative indifference” to the fate of the euro area and accused Britain of being “shy” about regulation. After his meeting with Cameron, and a press conference due at 1315 GMT, Hollande will head for Windsor Castle, just outside London, for a 30minute private meeting with the queen.

The monarch will speak French during the meeting, official sources said, while Hollande will speak English during the talks with Cameron. Since Hollande defeated right-winger Sarkozy for the presidency in May, he has quickly moved to cement his left-wing credentials, boosting taxes on the rich, vowing to create thousands of public-sector jobs and allowing for slight spending increases. —AFP

Romania court confirms president’s suspension BUCHAREST: Romania’s constitutional court has approved last week’s vote by lawmakers to suspend the country’s president, and appointed a member of the centre-left ruling coalition to replace him. “The court notes that the procedure for the suspension from his duties of Romanian President Traian Basescu has been respected ... and that the function of interim president will be assured by Crin Antonescu,” it ruled. Prime Minister Victor Ponta welcomed the ruling, which he said confirmed that “the government and the parliament respected the rules of democracy.” The court nevertheless ruled that a law passed by deputies limiting the court’s power to intervene in parliamentary decisions was unconstitutional.

But it said that objections by the opposition Liberal Democratic Party (PDL) over the legality of last week’s sacking of the speakers of both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies were not admissible. Both positions were held by PDL members. Most legal observers had anticipated this ruling for procedural reasons. On Friday, 256 out of 432 deputies

voted to impeach the centre -right Basescu over claims he improperly assumed the powers of the prime minister when he announced drastic austerity cuts in 2010. The vote, and the court’s ruling, mean Basescu will be suspended at least until the public can vote on the issue in a referendum set for July 29.

Friday’s parliamentary vote followed a series of controversial moves by Romanian lawmakers, including the sacking of the ombudsman and the speakers of parliament. The situation has provoked growing alarm from fellow EU members, the United States and rights groups. The latest criticisms came from Germany earlier Monday, which condemned the impeachment proceedings as “unacceptable” and a violation of democratic principles. “The suspension of Basescu on Friday and the initiation of a referendum took place in such a way that they violated the basic principles of the rule of law and, above all, respect for constitutional institutions,” German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement. —AFP

STRASBOURG: One of Britain’s most notorious Islamist clerics has appealed a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights allowing London to extradite him to the United States, slowing down US efforts to prosecute him for terrorism. The appeal filed by lawyers for Abu Hamza Al-Masri and four other suspects late on Monday will delay attempts to put the Egyptian-born cleric on trial on charges he supported Al-Qaeda and aided a fatal kidnapping in Yemen. A panel of five judges could decide within a few weeks on the merit of the appeal, judicial sources said.

In April, the court ruled it lawful for Britain to

extradite Al-Masri, famed in the British media as a one-eyed radical with a metal hook for a hand, to the United States, where he could face a sentence of over 100 years in high security “Supermax” prisons. That ruling similarly applied to Barbar Ahmad, Syed Tahla Ahsan, Adel Abdul Bary and Khaled Al-Fawwaz, all incarcerated in Britain, three of whom have been under indictment for years in New York.

Lawyers for Al-Masri had argued that such treatment would contravene his human rights.

The appeal focuses on the risk of being subjected to “inhuman and degrading treatment” in such prisons, the sources said.

If the appeal is deemed valid, it will be judged by the grand chamber of 17 judges at the Strasbourg-based court It is rare for a case to be accepted to be heard by that full body.

Al-Masri is viewed as one of the most radical Islamists in Britain where he was once a preacher at a North London mosque but was later jailed for inciting murder and racial hatred. He is being held in a British jail. He was indicted in 2004 by a federal grand jury in New York, accused of providing material support to Al-Qaeda and for involvement in a 1998 hostage taking in Yemen in which four hostages were killed. —Reuters

Greek police ignore rising attacks on migrants: HRW Immigration a hot issue amid economic crisis ATHENS: Gangs of Greeks are regularly attacking immigrants with impunity across the country and authorities are ignoring or discouraging victims from filing complaints, advocacy group Human Rights Watch said in a report yesterday. Greece is a major gateway into the European Union for undocumented migrants from Asia and Africa, and illegal immigration has become a hot-button issue as the country struggles through its worst economic crisis since World War Two. A fifth straight year of recession and unemployment at a record high has helped fuel anti-immigrant sentiment, with migrants blamed for rising crime levels and accused of eating into a shrinking pot of subsidized services from the state.

“Migrants and asylum seekers spoke to Human Rights Watch of virtual no-go areas in Athens after dark because of fear of attacks by often black-clad groups of Greeks intent on violence,” the report said.

“While tourists are welcome, migrants and asylum seekers face a hostile environment, where they may be subject to detention in inhuman and degrading conditions, risk destitution and xenophobic violence.”

Human Rights Watch said the true extent of xenophobic violence in Greece was not clear given many victims do not report the crime and since government statistics are unreliable. The group said it interviewed 59 people who suffered or escaped a racist incident between August 2009 and May this year. That included 51 serious attacks and two of the victims were preg-

nant women. Most of the attacks take place at night in or near town squares and are committed by groups of attackers in dark clothing, their faces obscured with cloth or helmets, Human Rights Watch said. The perpetrators have been known to wield clubs or beer bottles or just their bare fists, it said. The victims consistently told the group that police discouraged them from filing complaints and that some were even warned they would be detained if they insisted on an investigation. Many victims gave up after being told an investigation would be pointless if they could not identify the attackers or being told either to accept an apology or fight back, the group said.

Human Rights Watch also said there was evidence to suggest the perpetrators were members or associated with local vigilante groups and Golden Dawn, an extreme-right party elected to parliament this year - the first such development since the fall of a military junta in 1974. The group said it had found no evidence that violent attacks are directed by the party, which denies it is neoNazi, but that Golden Dawn members have been implicated in specific attacks.

It quoted residents and a police officer saying party members were involved in beatings of migrants, and noted allegations of collusion between police and Golden Dawn members. Golden Dawn, which campaigned on a pledge to rid Greece of all immigrants, denies carrying out attacks.—Reuters

ATHENS: This handout picture from the Human Rights Watch shows Ali Rahimi, a 27-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, in the hospital after he and two of his friends were attacked by a large group of people outside an apartment building in the Aghios Panteleimonas neighborhood in Athens. —AFP

Congolese warlord jailed for 14 years THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court jailed Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga for 14 years yesterday for using child soldiers in his rebel army, the first sentence to be handed down by the world’s only permanent war crimes tribunal. “Taking into account all the factors... the court sentences Lubanga to 14 years in prison,” presiding Judge Adrian Fulford said at the tribunal in an address in which he also took aim at the prosecution in the case.

Lubanga, 51, was convicted in March of war crimes, specifically for using child soldiers in his rebel army in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2002-03, in the ICC’s first verdict since it star ted work a decade ago. The former militia commander was sentenced yesterday by a three-judge bench at a public hearing in The Hague for his part in a war in the Ituri region which rights groups say killed some 60,000 civilians between 1999 and 2006. He had been found guilty of abducting children as young as 11 and forcing them to fight and commit atrocities in the northeastern gold-rich Ituri region.

During the trial prosecutors told how young girls served as sexslaves, while boys were trained to fight. Fulford said the court has

taken into account the time Lubanga has already spent behind bars since March 2006, meaning he will effectively spend eight years in prison. Lubanga had pleaded not

children mean that they need to be afforded particular protection that does not apply to the general population, recognized in various international treaties,” he added.

HAGUE: Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga hears the firstever sentence delivered by The International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague yesterday. Lubanga, 51, was sentenced to 14 years in jail for using child soldiers in his rebel army. —AFP guilty to the charges against him.

“The crimes of conscripting and enlisting children under 15 and using them hostilities are undoubtedly very serious crimes,” the judge said. “The vulnerability of

But Fulford lashed out at the prosecution’s conduct in the case, in particular former chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, saying “Mr Lubanga was put under considerable unwarranted pressure by

the conduct of the prosecution.”

He said the prosecution did not prove that sexual crimes were committed against children nor that Lubanga had a hand in any such acts. “Nothing suggests that Mr Lubanga ordered or encouraged sexual violence or that it could reflect his culpability,” Fulford said. The prosecutor failed to establish “the link between Lubanga and sexual violence beyond reasonable doubt”.

The cour t said it found that Lubanga had cooperated and had a respectful attitude to the proceedings. Moreno-Ocampo had called for a 30-year sentence against Lubanga, saying his crimes were “of the most serious concern for the international community”.

Lubanga, who has been detained in The Hague since 2006, is the founder of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC) and commander of its militar y wing the Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (FPLC). At a June 13 hearing, he said his conviction had hit him “like a bullet in the face”. “I am being presented as a warlord... but I never accepted or tolerated such enlistments taking place.”

Lubanga’s team has not yet indicated whether it would appeal his conviction or sentencing. —AFP

12

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

international

Suu Kyi’s fame risks eclipsing new stars BANGKOK: Aung San Suu Kyi’s iconic allure has helped train the eyes of the world on Myanmar’s democracy struggle, but some experts say her star appeal could thwart the rise of a new generation of leaders. The Nobel laureate, who has come to personify Myanmar’s efforts to shrug off the yoke of decades of dictatorship, made her parliamentary debut on Monday in the latest chapter in her transformation from renowned political prisoner to MP. The 67-year-old has suggested she is willing to accept the mantle of president if, as expected, her party wins 2015 elections seen as the apex of recent reforms. But many are already asking who could follow in the footsteps of “The Lady”. Western governments showed great interest in finding “political alternatives” to Suu Kyi when she was under house arrest before controversial November 2010 elections, said Renaud Egreteau, a Myanmar expert at the University Hong Kong. “Two years later, idolatry is back. Alternatives within the democratic opposition are again marginalized.”

Suu Kyi has said she has tried

shunning the “icon” label since being propelled into Myanmar’s political scene during a failed student uprising against the junta in 1988.But as the daughter of independence hero Aung San she has failed to escape cult status both at home and abroad. Some observers argue that a simplistic portrayal of Myanmar’s politics as a battle between a charismatic woman and a cabal of murderous generals could undercut efforts to bring a new generation of democracy leaders to the fore.

That narrative is particularly strong in the West, which has focused on her entrance into mainstream politics as a benchmark for easing strict sanctions.

Her reception as a virtual head of state in Europe last month confirmed her unique place in the imaginations of people who might otherwise struggle to find her long-isolated homeland on a map.

But lavish welcomes during her first major trip abroad in nearly a quarter century have also threatened to strain relations with President Thein Sein, largely acknowledged as the architect of sweeping political changes since he took the helm of a quasi-civilian

government last year.

“It is a bit unusual for somebody who is the leader of the opposition to receive such high level treatment,” said Trevor Wilson, former Australian

Kyi’s trip to Europe as “not part of the real world”. While the NLD has become the largest opposition group, parliament remains dominated by the military and army-

NAPYIDAW: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi (second right) receives the Churchill Award from Lord Marland (second left), Chairman of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI ) Mission’s Business Ambassador’s Group at a hotel in Napyidaw yesterday. Suu Kyi, pledged her party would push for greater transparency once inside parliament. —AFP Ambassador to the country. “I don’t think the international community fully appreciates the role of other parties and political actors in Myanmar,” he said, describing Suu

backed ruling party and with only 43 seats, Suu Kyi’s party is likely to have to form alliances to affect legislation.

B u t s m a l l e r d e m o c ra c y

parties-many of which have been eagerly pushing the country’s reforms from inside the legislature for over a yearhave felt shunned by the NLD juggernaut.

Among them is former NLD founding member Khin Maung Swe, whose relations with Suu Kyi soured dramatically when he disagreed with her party’s decision not to contest the 2010 election over rules seemed designed to exclude her. He split from the NLD to form the National Democratic Force, which now has eight seats.

Although Suu Kyi herself finally agreed to run in April’s by-elections, she has not talked to him ever since.”We have done what we thought we should do, for the benefit of the people,” said the politician, who has served a total of 16 years in jail for his activism.

“The international community needs to recognize these struggles.

It would be wrong if they think they do not need to look back or communicate with small parties.”

Political parties representing Myanmar’s diverse minority groups-which hold some 75 seats among 10 parties-are also considered to be on the fringe of debate,

despite their importance in a country that has been racked by sporadic civil war with various ethnic rebels since independence in 1948.”We don’t know how she will work with us,” said Hsai Maung Tin, a lower house MP for the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party. “I personally respect her. We need more people like Daw Suu,” he added, using a Myanmar term of respect. Even the structure of the NLD itself is a cause for concern, experts said.

Octogenarian “uncles”, whose authority from five decades battling the junta is hard to dispute, still dominate the party, leaving young “very idealistic and very passionate” members with little influence, Wilson said.

But reforming the NLD to allow younger stars to rise might be hard to achieve, with Suu Kyi’s democratic pedigree and strong charisma acting to shield her from negative comment. “Many people are in awe of Aung San Suu Kyi when they meet her and they don’t easily say things to her that she may not like, or that may imply a criticism of the NLD,” Wilson said. “There is a bit of an issue there.” —AFP

Park stakes her claim to make history in S Korea Dictator’s daughter runs for presidency SEOUL: Park Geun-Hye, the daughter of an assassinated South Korean dictator, will make history in a male-dominated society if her campaign to become the country’s first female president succeeds. Park, who yesterday declared her candidacy for the conservative ruling New Frontier Party, lost both her parents to gunmen while she was still in her twenties but pressed ahead undaunted with her own political career. She enjoys high popularity among many conservative and older voters nostalgic for the rapid economic growth under her father

ship skills, political experience and strong power base in her home province of North Gyeongsang.

But she is seen by many young, urban voters as an autocratic figure who does not communicate with ordinary people “probably because of her personal background”, Lee said. Park was born on February 2, 1952, in the southern city of Daegu and was nine when her father became president.

He summoned her from graduate school in France to act as first lady after her mother was killed in 1974 by a pro-North Korean gunman

SEOUL: Park Geun-Hye, the daughter of former South Korean dictator Park Chung-Hee, waves to supporters at an event to launch her bid to become president yesterday. —AFP Park Chung-Hee, who ruled from 1961 to 1979 after seizing power in a coup.

Park, 60, is unlikely to face a serious challenge in her party’s primary and analysts say she stands a good chance of victory in the December 19 poll.

But they stress her need to win over younger voters and shake off an aloof image. Korea University professor Lee Nae-Young cited her proven leader-

aiming for her father. Park only left the presidential palace after her father was shot dead by his spy chief in 1979. She began her own political career in 1998 as a lawmaker in her home town and was elected three more times in the same district. In 2007 she narrowly lost the conservative party’s primary to Lee Myung-Bak, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a second presiden-

tial term. “The legacy of her father, who still receives mixed evaluations, was the source of her popularity and a limiting factor as well,” said Korea University’s Lee. Park senior was widely praised for the country’s dramatic economic development but reviled for his human rights record. Supporters praise his daughter, who never married and leads an intensely private life, for what they see as her calm and principled leadership. Opponents portray her as aristocratic and aloof. Her restrained style reflects her secluded life as a privileged child in the presidential Blue House, said Kookmin University professor Cho Choong-Bin. Her father’s legacy has both pros and cons but complicates her efforts to broaden her power base beyond conservatives, he said.

About 20 percent of the electorate are not interested in politics but want a reliable national leader and they hold the key to victory, Cho said.

Sejong Institute analyst Jin Chang-Soo said Park’s main appeal is her strong-willed character and clean image. She also has a track record as a skilled politician, helping her party secure strong electoral results in 2004, 2006 and this year and winning the nickname “Queen of Elections”. In 2006 an attacker at an election event where she was speaking slashed her face with a knife, leaving a wound that needed 60 stitches. In this April’s general election she impressed voters with her tireless campaigning, shaking hands till she had to bandage one wrist.

She stresses “economic democratization” and expanded welfare in a country with a growing wealth gap and high youth unemployment. The economy remains dominated by the mighty conglomerates fostered by her father. “Park has worked out an effective election strategy stressing expanded distribution of wealth through economic growth, which traditionally have been the slogans of liberal candidates,” said Korea University’s Lee. North Korea has lashed out at Park, even though she has distanced herself somewhat from President Lee’s hard line on cross-border relations. “A dictator’s bloodline cannot change away from its viciousness,” its news agency said in April. —AFP

Political risks to watch in Taiwan TAIPEI: Some seven months after elections returned the Nationalist government to power, significantly reducing the chance of the Taiwan Strait becoming a global flashpoint, the focus is firmly on how the export-dependent economy can navigate a worsening global environment. In May, Taiwan cut its fullyear growth forecast for a sixth time, while its exports have contracted for four straight months including June, presenting the government with the toughest challenge of its second term.

VULNERABLE ECONOMY Taiwan is one of the most open of Asia’s exporters, with an exportsto-GDP ratio of 74 percent. Around half of its exports are hi-tech products, making it particularly vulnerable to falls in external demand. On top of Europe’s financial woes, the US recovery is looking less certain while China, Taiwan’s largest trading partner, is facing a sharp slowdown in domestic demand, boding ill for Taiwanese exporters. Taiwan’s economy entered a mild technical recession at the end of 2011, and though it emerged from that in the first quarter of 2012, the outlook has worsened.

Its exports shrank for a fourth straight month in June, while in May, the statistics office cut its fore-

cast for 2012 gross domestic product growth to 3.03 percent, the sixth cut since its forecast last August of 4.58 percent. At its most recent quarterly meeting in June, the central bank left rates unchanged at 1.875 percent and is expected to leave them unchanged in its remaining two meetings this year, though the recent weakening of the global economy has revived some talk of a rate cut. For the latest poll of forecasts for GDP, inflation and interest rates, see.

The government has had a rough spell since winning re-election in January, a series of policy flip-flops having brought street protests and created the impression that the administration lacks direction. President Ma Ying-jeou’s approval rating has tumbled to a record low 15 percent, according to one recent poll by a pro-government TV station. The finance minister resigned in May after only four months in office over the handling of a planned tax on capital gains, including from stock investment.

The proposal, still awaiting final approval, sent the stock market into freefall before being watered down after the president intervened. Planned hikes in state-controlled fuel and electricity prices have also sparked public protests.

More recently, the cabinet secre-

tary-general was arrested over allegations of bribery, dealing a blow to Ma’s claim that his government was clean and free from corruption.

Ma has also been forced to defend his plan to lift a ban on US beef that contains a controversial additive, a proposal that has brought street protests. Taiwan also faces pressure from free trade agreements being negotiated among its neighbors, which could put its exporters at a disadvantage. It is pushing ahead with its own deals, and has started trade talks with New Zealand and with South Korea on an investment protection pact.

GETTING ALONG WITH CHINA President Ma told Reuters in an interview in June that he was hopeful China’s next rulers would maintain improving relations, and that leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping’s understanding of cross-Strait issues would help keep economic cooperation on track. Ties would strengthen even after a new generation of leaders takes over in Beijing later this year, Ma said, adding that the two sides would continue to build closer economic, financial and trade relations before tackling thornier issues such as political or military dialogue.

Still, links with China remain a highly divisive issue in Taiwan,

where sentiment in favor of continuing the status quo - if not for outright independence - remains very strong, especially in the opposition strongholds in the south. China claims Taiwan as its own and has not renounced the use of force to recover the island. It continues to display incentives to Taiwan, such as offering last month $95 billion in bank loans to Taiwanese investors in the mainland over the next three to four years.

Overall officially recognized Taiwan investment in the mainland has reached $115 billion since records began in 1991. But irritants remain, such as Taiwan’s claim to islands in the South China Sea, where the mainland has been increasingly assertive about its own territorial claims. US arms sales to Taiwan also rankle with Beijing. China may demand some compensation for its support for Ma’s policy of economic rapprochement, in the form of political talks. China’s leadership will change this year, and the outgoing top brass may want to cement their places in history as having made progress on the Taiwan issue. Ma has said he has no timetable for political talks, but has floated the idea of a peace treaty with China in 10 years, subject to a referendum in Taiwan. —Reuters

HONG KONG: A US Navy serviceman (bottom right) walks past F/A-18 Hornet warplanes on the flight deck of the USS George Washington, a US nuclear powered aircraft carrier, in Hong Kong. The Nimitz Class aircraft carrier, which was commissioned in 1992, is in Hong Kong for a routine port visit. —AFP

China begins war games BEIJING: China’s navy yesterday began annual military exercises off its east coast, state media reported, amid tensions over maritime territorial disputes with its neighbors. “According to our annual plan for exercises, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s navy will in the coming days hold exercise activities in the waters near the Zhoushan islands,” the ministry said in a statement on Monday. The ministry provided no other details on the war games. But the China Daily said the live fire naval exercises started yesterday and will last for six days.

The Zhoushan islands lie in the East China Sea not far from the coastal city of Shanghai. The China Daily said the exercises would not be held in any waters also claimed by another country. Last week, the ministry announced a ban on shipping and fishing vessels entering the designated exercise area, the paper said. The exercises

come after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Saturday that Japan was considering buying a chain of islands at the centre of its bitter territorial dispute with China and Taiwan.

Those islands in the East China Sea are called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese, and are further to the east than the area where the imminent naval exercises are being planned. China reacted angrily to Noda’s remarks, as both governments reiterated their claims over the islands. China is locked in similarly tense disputes with Vietnam and the Philippines in the neighboring South China Sea. Vietnam and the Philippines have accused China of increasingly aggressive behavior in the area. China claims essentially all of the South China Sea, home to vital shipping lanes and believed to be rich in oil and gas deposits. Taiwan and Brunei and Malaysia also have claims in the waters. —AFP

E Timor PM’s party wins in parliament DILI: The party of East Timor’s prime minister won the most seats in weekend parliamentary elections, the election commission said yesterday, paving the way for him to form another coalition government in the young democratic nation. Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’s party claimed 30 of the 65 seats in parliament in Saturday’s elections, the commission said. The polls were expected to decide the fate of UN peacekeepers stationed in Asia’s youngest and poorest nation.

Gusmao’s National Congress for the Reconstruction of East Timor, or CNRT party, won 172,831, or 37 percent, of the votes.

The Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor, or Fretilin party, won 140,786 votes to gain 25 seats, while the Democratic Party claimed eight seats.

Frenti-Mudanca, a Fretilin breakaway, took

two seats. Official results were to be announced by the Supreme Court of Appeal today morning.

The indecisive results announced by the election commission, however, mean Gusmao, who took office in August 2007, will have to form another coalition to govern again. “We are open for whichever parties in setting up a new government,” said Dionisio Babo Soares, CNRT’s secretary general. “We have to place the interests of the nation and people above the party’s.” Gusmao, a 66year-old independence hero, had not yet announced his plans. Francisco “Lu-Olo” Guterres, president of Fretilin, which won the most seats in 2007 elections with 21 seats - three more than CNRT - but failed to form a coalition, stressed the importance of sharing the new government. —AP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

NEWS

Egyptian fighter jets leave a heart-shaped smoke trail in the sky as they fly in formation at a ceremony attended by President Mohamed Morsi at an air force base in Cairo yesterday. — AP

Philippines mourns comedy king Dolphy Continued from Page 1 Born Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Dolphy was widely regarded as the country’s “King of Comedy” in a career that spanned seven decades playing colourful comedic roles, from a crossdressing homosexual to a poor jack of all trades. His passing was announced by ABS-CBN television, the country’s leading broadcaster which aired his hit sitcom in the 1990s about a poor widower struggling to raise his children in the slums.

ABS-CBN said Dolphy’s passing was confirmed by his partner Zsa Zsa Padilla, an actress also employed by the station, and other relatives.

Dolphy made millions laugh even during the Philippines’ darkest moments, including the brutal 20year rule of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, which ended in 1986. In the 1970s he played the poor husband to a rich wife, who poked fun at his loud-mouthed mother-in-

law, giving comedic relief during Marcos’ martial law regime that left thousands dead and missing. It was a slapstick brand of comedy that steered clear of politics or criticism of Marcos. The show was so popular that it was revived in the form of at least eight movies over the last two decades, introducing younger generations to Filipino humour.

Movie critics branded Dolphy the Bob Hope of the Philippines, and his philanthropic work helping the poor and unemployed actors was also well known. Politicians looking to exploit Dolphy’s mass appeal for years unsuccessfully tried to lure him into running for public office.

News of Dolphy’s death sent shockwaves across social networking sites, with many of his fans and colleagues paying tribute to him. “RIP Dolphy.

Kevin Cosme really gave so much laughter to my childhood,” tweeted Andreo Calonzo, referring to one of Dolphy’s most memorable television characters.

Former president Joseph Estrada, an ex-movie action star and a longtime friend of Dolphy, said he joined millions in mourning for a “national artist”. “His memory will live forever.

He was the kindest, funniest, most helpful man I know,” Estrada told AFP. “He made life bearable for the masses, and his roles sympathised with the plight of the millions of poor Filipinos.”

While he never married, Dolphy was a known ladies’ man who fathered at least 17 children with various women, some of whom also went on to enter the showbiz industry. President Benigno Aquino rallied Filipinos while Dolphy was on his death bed, calling the actor a “revered icon of the Philippine movie industry”. Dolphy was rushed to hospital last month due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, which his doctors said was a progressive disease. A heart bypass 15 years ago had left him perennially weak. —AFP

Majority bloc divided over scope of reforms Continued from Page 1 “As a result, we are required today more than any time before to search for the root cause of the crisis in order to find the right remedy,” said Yahya, adding that he firmly believes that “the gateway to the treatment is by opening the comprehensive reforms file”.

Leading opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak said the political situation requires a very clear political program that spills out all the reforms. He said that he will start contacts with members of the majority bloc to convene a meeting to adopt a well-defined political program that includes all reforms and to which all members must comply strictly. Barrak said the program must include the demand for a constitutional monarchy which does not mean overthrowing the regime.

Opposition MP Faisal Al-Mislem proposed that a joint committee of youth activists and members of the opposition should be formed to take the proposed reforms to the Amir.

In a joint statement issued at the first Monday diwaniya gathering, the majority bloc called for quickly dissolving the 2009 Assembly which was revived in a historical court ruling last month and warned against any changes to the election law or the voting system.

The bloc also declared its “total rejection of attempts to revive the dissolved (2009) Assembly by inviting it to hold sessions under unfounded constitutional pretexts”. The statement demanded that official procedures must be swiftly taken to end “the legal existence of the dissolved Assembly” and that fresh elections must be held within the legal duration stipulated by the constitution.

The opposition also insisted that fresh assembly elections must be held in accordance with the existing electoral law and the five constituency and voting system and rejected any attempt to change the system

through an Amiri decree or through the 2009 Assembly “which has lost its legitimacy”. It also called on the government to provide serious guarantees to ensure that fair elections will be held and that no attempt will be made to influence its outcome. The opposition statement however did not include the threat many opposition figures have made - to boycott the forthcoming elections if the electoral law or voting system are changed.

It appears that the opposition has so far failed to obtain consensus among the 35 former MPs over this sensitive issue, especially that Salafi Islamists and some independents have openly supported increasing the number of electoral districts to 10 from five currently and to reduce the number of candidates that a voter can elect from four now to two in the proposed system.

The Popular Action Bloc, the Islamic Constitutional Movement and several independent MPs and former MPs within the opposition however strongly favour boycotting the election if the electoral law and voting systems are changed.

At the opposition gathering, speakers warned that any change to the electoral law outside a legitimate Assembly amounts to a coup against the constitution.

“This gathering is to confront a grave event as some quarters are pushing to amend the electoral constituencies and the voting system and if this happens, it amounts to a coup against the constitution,” former Islamist MP Abdullatif Al-Ameeri said. Member of the 2012 Assembly Nayef Al-Merdas said what adds to the suspicion is the fact that the government has remained silent and failed to issue any statement to clarify its position. Another 2012 member Osama Al-Menawer said Kuwait is passing through a constitutional vacuum and the government must quickly approve the decree to dissolve the 2009 Assembly, which was brought down under pressure from the people.

A fisherman works on fish traps at sunset in Malkiya village, Bahrain, on the Arabian Gulf coast yesterday. — AP

Egypt parliament meets defying army, judiciary Continued from Page 1 There is no other agenda today,” he added. Morsi’s decree was hailed by those who want to see the army return to barracks, but it was criticised by those who fear an Islamist monopolisation of power as a “constitutional coup.”

Katatni said parliament had referred the case invalidating the house to the Court of Cassation.

Hundreds of people gathered in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, hub of the revolution, to chant their support for Morsi, chanting “Down with the military.” Opponents of the decree protested outside the presidential palace. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - who is due to visit Cairo on Saturday - urged all parties to engage in dialogue. “We urge that there be intensive dialogue among all of the stakeholders in order to ensure that there is clear path for them to be following,” she said in Vienna. The Egyptian people should “get what they protested for and what they voted for, which is a fully elected government making the decisions for the country going forward,” she added.

Islamist parties, including the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, which Morsi headed before becoming president, and Salafist

parties attended yesterday’s parliamentary session. But several MPs from liberal and leftist parties boycotted the gathering. Katatni insisted during a brief opening statement aired live on television that the house “respects the law and judicial rulings”. On Monday, the Supreme Constitutional Court rejected Morsi’s decree, saying that all of its rulings were binding. “All the rulings and decisions of the Supreme Constitutional Court are final and not subject to appeal ... and are binding for all state institutions,” it said.

Several groups and politicians had criticised the court’s June ruling as politically motivated. The SCAF backed the court on Monday, saying the rule of law must be upheld. It underlined the “importance of the constitution in light of the latest developments”. Islamists scored a crushing victory in three-stage parliamentary elections held from November, with the Muslim Brotherhood heading the lower house.

The dissolution of parliament took place just a day before the second round of presidential elections that saw Morsi become Egypt’s first democratically chosen head of state. Instead of being sworn in before parliament, the 60-year-old

Morsi took the oath on June 30 before the constitutional court. The presidency insisted on Monday that Morsi’s decree “neither contradicts nor contravenes the ruling by the constitutional court”. The ruling does not need to be implemented immediately, said presidential spokesman Yasser Ali, arguing that the decision “takes into account the higher interest of the state and the people”.

Washington lavishly supported Mubarak during his 30 years in power, but analysts say US officials will now have to work with multiple centres of power - including a military seen as restricting Morsi’s room for manoeuvre. German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said on a visit to Cairo that he was confident Egypt would resolve its growing power struggle. “I have the impression that a solution can be found,” Westerwelle told reporters.

“There is still no guarantee that the way towards democracy will be successful but we want to do what we can to ensure that it succeeds. “The newly elected, first democratic president assured me that he does not aim to question the decision of the constitutional court but that this is rather about how to organise the ruling’s implementation,” he added. — Agencies

Annan: Iran must be player in Syria talks Continued from Page 1 Annan is striving to revive his moribund plan for ending Syria’s 16-month-old uprising in which rebels are fighting to topple the authoritarian Assad. An activist group tracking the violence said that more than 17,000 people had been killed, including 4,380 soldiers and police. At least 100 more were killed on Monday, in what has become an “average” day of horrendous bloodshed.

After his talks in Tehran, Annan met Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki in Baghdad. Assad and Maliki both have close relations with Iran, a Shiite power vying with Sunni Gulf Arab states for more regional influence.

Annan said the first attempt to call a truce on April 12 failed. He underlined the risk of the conflict “spilling over” to neighbouring states and noted that the mandate of UN monitors in Syria expires on July 21. Annan said Assad proposed “building an approach from the ground up in some of the districts where we have extreme violence to try and contain the violence in those districts and, step by step, build up and end the violence across the country”. He said he needed to discuss the proposal with the Syrian opposition and could not give further details. It was not clear when he planned to do so.

Opposition leaders say there can be no peaceful transition unless Assad, who crushed popular protests from the moment they began, relinquishes power first. Assad, whose family has ruled Syria for 42 years, has ruled out leaving office in such a way. Annan was expected to brief the UN Security Council in New York today.

Annan originally wanted Iran to be part of the major power “action group” meeting in Geneva on June 30, but it was vetoed. Syria’s weightiest ally Russia proposed what sounded like an alternative to the Western-backed, anti-Assad “Friends of Syria” forum, with an offer to visiting Syrian opposition groups to host regular meetings of Annan’s own “Action Group” of states, which is more balanced between pro- and anti-Assad influences. The Syrian National Council (SNC) - the main opposition umbrella group in exile - was due to hold talks today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius did not seem enthusiastic about the Russian proposal when reporters asked him about it during a visit to Beijing. “We will see.

There must be a need for such a meeting for it to take place. After Kofi Annan’s visit to Damascus, would it be more or less necessary? I can’t say,” Fabius said. “The Action Group is a group for action, to make progress. So we will, if necessary, hold such a meeting. Mr Lavrov said it could be in Moscow or Geneva. What matters is whether a meeting will be useful or not.”

It was agreed at the Geneva meeting that a transitional government should be set up in Syria, but the major powers remain at odds over what part Assad might play in the process. Russia says no transition plan can pre-suppose that Assad will step down. The West and allied Gulf Arab states say he must go, and the Syrian opposition say that is their basic condition.

The activist Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 17,129 people have been killed in Syria’s increasingly sectarian revolt pitting rebels from the Sunni Muslim majority against Assad’s Alawites, related to Shiism. It said 11,897 civilians or armed insurgents had been killed by Assad’s forces, but that it could not determine how many fell into each category. It also estimated that 884 defectors had been killed. The Observatory put the death toll among Syrian security forces loyal to Assad at 4,348. The Syrian government has not given a death toll for security forces for several months but Assad said last week that most of the victims of the uprising were government supporters.

The Observatory said several towns were shelled yesterday in the northerly Aleppo and Idlib provinces, which border Turkey. In Latakia province, further west but also close to the Turkish border, Syrian forces fired on Jabal AlAkrad in an attempt to regain control from rebels infiltrating from Turkey. In Deir al-Zor, on the eastern road to Iraq, a volunteer medic was killed and at least four soldiers died in fighting. Clashes were also reported overnight in Deraa, along the border with Jordan, and gunfire and explosions rocked the cities of Homs and Hama and the central town of Rastan.

The SNC said it was time for the United Nations to declare a humanitarian emergency in Syria, where the UN says one and a half million out of a population of 22 million have been affected by the conflict. A Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid worker, Khaled Khaffaji, died yesterday, a day after he was shot in a clearly marked ambulance in the town of Deir al-Zor, the organisation said. He was the fifth member of the group’s staff to be killed in the conflict. “The loss of Khaled is completely unacceptable,” said Syrian Arab Red Crescent President Abdul Rahman alAttar. “All sides must respect health-care workers and the Red Cross and Red Crescent emblems, and allow Syrian Arab Red Crescent volunteers to provide assistance unhindered and in safety.”

Three people were killed when Syrian mortars hit villages in neighbouring north Lebanon. Locals said they were under fire for five hours overnight, after sporadic shelling in the area lasting several days. It was the second such fatal attack in three days. Three people were killed inside Lebanon by mortar fire at the weekend. — Reuters

14

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 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

Japan plan to buy disputed isles risks China’s ire

By Linda Sieg apan’s prime minister appears to be trying to dampen tensions with China with a proposal to buy islands at the centre of a row with Beijing, instead of letting the nationalist governor of Tokyo proceed with his own provocative plan to purchase them. The proposal, however, could backfire, risking a replay of the bitter feud that rocked relations two years ago, diplomatic experts say, even as the Asia rivals mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations amid ever-tightening economic ties.

Domestic dynamics in both China, where the world’s second biggest economy faces a once-a-decade leadership change, and Japan, where unpopular Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s ruling party is splintering over a planned sales tax hike, could fan nationalism in both countries, making it harder to manage ties. “Both sides have painted themselves into a corner despite common economic interests,” said Lam Peng Er, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore’s Asian Institute. “They are aware they are among each other’s most important economic partners, but they have their own domestic political considerations that they can’t ignore.” Noda, a conservative who has shifted Japan’s diplomacy back toward a focus on US security ties after his ruling Democratic Party’s brief flirtation with a more Asia-centred stance, said on Saturday that the central government was considering buying the uninhabited isles. Claimed by Japan, China and Taiwan, the islands known as the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China are located near rich fishing grounds and potentially huge oil and gas reserves. The Japanese leader’s comments came months after outspoken Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara first floated his own scheme for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to purchase three of the islands, currently privately owned by Japanese nationals and leased to the central government, to “protect” them from Chinese maritime incursions.

The 79-year-old Ishihara - long known as a China critic and now considering setting up a new political party ahead of an election that could come this year - has since collected 1.3 billion yen ($16.33 million) in donations for the purchase. “Noda’s intention is not to escalate the situation, but the opposite,” said University of Tokyo professor Akio Takahara. “He wants to stabilise the situation.”

Some Japanese analysts, however, questioned the motives of Noda, whose support rates have slipped to below 30 percent since he took office last September.

“Maybe he is attempting to score domestic points at the expense of antagonising China,” said Sophia University professor Koichi Nakano.

Intentions aside, experts said the plan could end up precipitating rather than easing tensions. “Of course, it depends on how China will react,” said Shinichi Kitaoka of the Institute for International Policy Studies in Tokyo, who argued Noda did not intend to provoke Beijing. “I think the Chinese government does not want to politicise this ... but they are very vulnerable to the people’s voices.”

Ties between the giant Asian neighbours, long plagued by Beijing’s bitter memories of Japan’s past militarism and by rivalry over resources and regional clout, plummeted in 2010 after Japan detained the skipper of a Chinese trawler whose boat collided with two Japanese patrol ships near the islands, China, which has already denounced Ishihara’s plan as illegal, swiftly condemned Noda’s counter-proposal. Chinese media has kept up the drumbeat with a series of strongly-worded commentaries and editorials, reflecting the public pressure Beijing will be under to take stern action rather than just mouth angry words.

The official Xinhua news agency warned Japan on Monday against “playing with fire” while the widely read and influential tabloid the Global Times called for China to “discourage” economic relations to press home its point. Anti-Japanese feeling in China is easy to inflame due to memories of Japan’s occupation of parts of China in the 1930s and 1940s, while many Japanese are uneasy about China’s growing economic, diplomatic and military clout. Whether the islands dispute, which in 2010 prompted China to impose a de facto ban on exports of rare earth minerals vital for electronics and auto parts manufacturing, descends into a deep economic chill again is as yet tough to call.

Lam in Singapore said tight economic ties - trade between Asia’s two biggest economies grew 14.3 percent in 2011 to a record $345 billion - would likely keep the feud from going beyond verbal jousting. — Reuters

J

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.

The plight of Rohingyas in Myanmar

By Ishak Mia Sohel he latest spate of ethnic violence against the Rohingya Muslim minority perpetrated by the Buddhist majority in the Rakhine state of Myanmar has largely been ignored by international media and therefore, very few people around the world are aware of it. Many of us living in neighboring countries of Myanmar don’t even have a clear idea of what exactly happened to Rohingya people after ethnic violence broke out in Rakhine state on June 8. The scant media coverage has mainly shed light on the fleeing of Rohingyas in large numbers by rickety boats and pleading for entry into Bangladesh.

Due to a heavy blockade by Bangladesh authorities, these boatloads of haggard Rohingyas couldn’t manage to land in Bangladesh and were forced to turn their boats back to Myanmar with hunger, thirst and possible death.

The heart-breaking picture that was shared over hundreds of times on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media shows a Rohingya man pleading to officers of Bangladesh Border Guards with folded hands and a weeping face for shelter in Bangladesh. It clearly indicates what the Rohingyas have gone through in the recent weeklong sectarian violence in Myanmar.

However, this is not the first time that Rohingya people fled across the border to neighboring Bangladesh to escape the violence in Rakhine state. In 1978, over two million Rohingyas fled to Bangladesh when the Myanmar government launched an operation under the code name of ‘Naga Min’ (Dragon King) to expel illegal immigrants from its territory. The operation particularly targeted Rohingya Muslims through killings, widespread rapes, looting, forced labor, arbitrary arrests, burning homes and religious sites. Again in 1991-1992, nearly a quar ter of a million Rohingyas took shelter in Bangladesh, following a dramatic increase of forced labor, torture, rape and summary executions committed by both Myanmar military and local Rakhine Buddhists.

The ultimate purpose of these heinous crimes against Rohingyas was to make them invisible in their mother-

T

land. Although the Rohingya Muslim people have been living in Myanmar since the 8th century, they are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh by the Myanmar government and have been denied for citizenship for decades. It is an unfortunate fact that the local Rakhine Buddhist population is heavily mis-influenced by their military government to consider the Rohingyas as aliens and treat them with hostility.

There is, in fact, well-documented evidence that Rohingyas were once legitimate citizens of the Union of Burma under Article 3 of the Aung San-Attle Treaty (1947) and the First Schedule to the Burma Independence Act, 1947. They even had their own political parties and representation in the parliament, cabinet and peoples’ councils of different levels during the democratic period from 1948 to 1962. But in 1982, twenty years after the coup d’Ètat, General Ne Win’s military regime redefined the citizenship law which has made the Rohingyas effectively stateless. Apart from being stateless, they are subject to unceasing restrictions on their fundamental rights.

The United Nations described the Rohingyas as the most oppressed ethnic minority group in the world. The question is, what role does the international community play to stop the systematic repression against Rohingya population? The simple answer is none! In the past, the US, the European Union (EU) and others kept their mouths shut letting the military regime do what they want and now closing their eyes to the plight of Rohingyas with the excuse that any intervention may thwart the process of democratization.

As the current president Thein Sein is pro-reformist, now is right time to create international pressure on his regime for ensuring the rights of Rohingya people.

Analysts say the international community will not intervene now because they are afraid of losing their possible investment in Myanmar’s oil and gas sectors. So there is a need to raise global awareness of the citizenship rights and other basic human rights of the Rohingyas.

It will in some way influence the international community to take an effectual approach towards the

Rohingya issue. The Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi can play a very effective role in this regard speaking up for the rights of Rohingyas in different international forums.

However, it is disappointing that Suu kyi has not expressed a ver y clear position on the stateless Rohingyas. She didn’t even address the issue in her recent 40-minute Nobel oration in Oslo. The Rohingyas, along with many, had expected that the democracy icon would lift up their plight during her two-week tour of Europe but Suu Kyi’s Oslo press conference on June 18, 2012 made them extremely frustrated over her balancing act on Rohingya issue. She herself is not sure about the nationality status of Rohingya Muslims. She said: ˝”Bangladesh says that they are not ours and Burma says that they are not ours and these poor people get shuffled around. So we have to have rule of law, we have to know what the law is and we have to make sure that it is properly implemented.” This is, of course, an imprecise statement by Suu Kyi trying not to offend the military government and also the majority Buddhist community.

She is in fact fully aware that existing law doesn’t recognize the Rohingyas as citizens of Myanmar. One can thus raise a question: which law does she ask for proper implementation?

Nicholas Farrelly, a research fellow at Australian National University, says that if she fails to tackle the subject she risks disappointing those who “crave her leadership” and yet support for the Rohingya “risks alienating some Burmese Buddhists”. But as a veteran human rights defender, she can not remain silent to the sufferings of her own people. She must act now to curb the long-running sectarian violence against Rohingyas and also to find a rational solution of the complex citizenship issue by involving the local Rakhine Buddhists, different ethnic groups, military government as well as the international community.

NOTE: The writer is an independent analyst and currently resides in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He previously worked at the Tampere Peace Research Institute (TAPRI), Finland.

Why the world needs an arms treaty

By Bernd Debusmann n the past two decades, experts monitoring the international arms trade recorded more than 500 violations of United Nations arms embargoes. Just two have resulted in trials and convictions. This telling statistic helps explain why diplomats, experts and arms control activists are in New York this month at a UNhosted conference aimed at working out a treaty to regulate a vast market that so far has fewer rules than the trade in bananas. Where high reward-low risk activities are concerned, few can match the international arms trade, licit or illicit. The contrast between the number of embargo violations and the number of arms dealers held to account comes from a study, to be published later this year, conducted by a team led by James Stewart, a law professor at Canada’s University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Stewart looked into cases, dating back to 1990, that prompted UN panels of experts to report violations of embargoes imposed by the UN Security Council. “Despite extensive searches, we couldn’t find more than two convictions,” said Stewart, who worked as a prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia before joining academia. What were the two cases that broke the pattern of impunity for embargo busters?

In 2007, a court in The Hague sentenced Dutch businessman Frans Van Anraat to 17 years in jail for selling raw materials for the production of mustard gas to the government of Saddam Hussein. Last January, Chile’s Supreme Court convicted two retired generals and seven others of illegally exporting weapons to Croatia in 1991. The case reached the country’s highest court after a long march through the military justice system.

What is notable about the conviction is that the United Nations arms embargo then in place for Yugoslavia played no role in the

I

court’s decision. It found that the accused broke local laws. Violating a UN arms embargo is not a crime in Chile, nor is it in many other countries. To date, only 52 governments have laws regulating arms brokers, according to Oxfam, one of the non-governmental organizations pushing for an arms trade treaty with teeth. Fewer than half those 52 governments have criminal or monetary penalties for illegal arms deals. Some pro-treaty campaigners see the case of Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer dubbed “Merchant of Death”, as Exhibit A for the urgent need for global regulations. Bout, who served as the inspiration for the 2006 Hollywood movie Lord of War, was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a New York court in April. But that sentence was not for having supplied arms to assorted armed groups and dictatorial regimes in Africa’s deadliest conflict zones in the 1990s, as UN watchdogs alleged at the time.

Instead, Bout was convicted of conspiracy and terrorism charges stemming from sting

operation in which agents of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) posed as members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a guerrilla group that is on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations. Bout agreed to sell them millions of dollars worth of weapons, a punishable act of “providing material support to a terrorist organization.”

Though Bout’s career has come to an end, there are “literally hundreds” of others out there who flourish by shipping weapons to governments and guerilla groups that violate human rights, according to Andrew Feinstein, author of The Shadow World, Inside the Global Arms Trade, a book that delves deeply into the often overlapping worlds of government-togovernment arms deals and the gray and black markets in weapons.

Shady deals that slipped through regulatory loopholes and circumvented embargoes account for a large proportion of the guns used in civil wars from Congo and Angola to Sierra Leone and Sudan. In the Congo alone,

the death toll has been estimated in the millions since the early 1990s. If activists pushing for a robust arms treaty are right, more than half a million people, on average, die every year as a result of armed conflict. Civilians top the body count. When the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon opened the conference which runs from July 2 to July 27, he termed the absence of a global treaty on the arms trade “a disgrace” and urged delegates to work for a pact with “real impact on the lives of those millions of people suffering from the consequences of armed conflict, repression and armed violence.”

This was an ambitious task, he said, but achievable. Perhaps. We’ll know by the end of July whether the vast majority of the 193 nations in the UN who have spoken out in favor of a treaty mean what they say. The obstacles on the way to throttling the flow of unregulated weapons are as formidable as the scope of the proposed treaty - from tanks, aircraft and ships to missiles, submarines, machine guns and assault rifles. Small arms have accounted for most of the casualties in conflicts in the past four decades yet China, an energetic small arms exporter, wants them excluded from the treaty. Russia, which is shipping weapons to the government of Syria, balks at a clause that would ban arms exports to recipients who might use them to violate human rights or humanitarian law. China, Iran and Egypt share such reservations. Under President Barack Obama, the United States, the world’s biggest arms exporter, supports the treaty in principle, a reversal of policy from the administration of George W Bush. But the US still has reservations about including ammunition in trade controls. Anna Macdonald, who heads Oxfam’s Arms Control Campaign, has termed the New York conference a “once-in-ageneration opportunity to truly make the world a safer place”. Missing that opportunity would be a global shame.— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

sp orts

Boucher quits cricket JOHANNESBURG: Veteran South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher announced his retirement from international cricket yesterday after undergoing eye surgery following a severe injury this week. Boucher suffered a laceration to his left eyeball after being struck by a bail during his country’s tour match against English county side Somerset in Taunton on Monday.

“It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement. Due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play international cricket again,” Boucher said in a statement read out by team captain Graeme Smith and posted on Cricket South Africa’s website. “I had never anticipated announcing my retirement now, but circumstances have dictated differently.” —Reuters

Barca to host Real in Oct MADRID: Real Madrid and Barcelona will meet in the opening La Liga “Clasico” of the season on the weekend of Oct. 6-7 at Barca’s Nou Camp stadium, according to the draw held at the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) headquarters in Madrid yesterday.

Champions Real will then host Barca, who finished second last season, on the weekend of March 2-3, the RFEF said. The great rivals also meet over two legs next month in the Spanish Super Cup, the traditional season opener that pits the league champions (Real) against the King’s Cup winners (Barca).

The first leg will be played at the

Nou Camp on Aug. 23, with the return at the Bernabeu on Aug. 30, the RFEF said. Real begin the defence of their La Liga title at home to Valencia, third last term, on the weekend of Aug. 18-19, while Barca are at home to Real Sociedad.

“It’s going to be a tough season, like the last one, and we will try to respond to expectations with the support of our fans,” Real director Emilio Butragueno said during the draw.

Jose Mourinho’s Real set a points record of 100 in winning the title for the first time in four years last season, when they ended Barca’s three-year reign as champions.—Reuters

Ban on Mourinho lifted MADRID: A two-match ban given to Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho for poking Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye has been lifted as part of a general amnesty, the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF) said yesterday. The decision, announced at the RFEF’s general assembly in Madrid, raises the prospect of a clash between the federation and Barca, whose president Sandro Rosell said last month he would not allow Mourinho’s aggression to go unpunished.

The volatile Portuguese was sanctioned after attacking Vilanova, who has since taken over as firstteam coach from Pep Guardiola, from behind during a Super Cup match last season.The ban, applicable only in the Super Cup, was rescinded by RFEF president Angel Maria Villar, who traditionally exonerates some players and coaches after sealing re-election. He was voted in unopposed for a seventh four-year term in February.—Reuters

Harper, Trout top five rookie All-Stars LONDON: Australia’s Mark Webber driving a Red Bull Racing-Renault Formula 1 car during qualifying in this file photo.—AP

Webber opts for Red Bull over Ferrari LONDON: Mark Webber ended speculation about a move to Ferrari yesterday by signing an extension to his Red Bull contract that keeps him alongside Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel for a fifth season.

Red Bull’s announcement means the 35year-old, who is currently second in the championship standings behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, can look forward to a seventh year with the Milton Keynes-based team. “There were discussions with Ferrari, but my decision was to stay here,” he said in a Q+A issued by Red Bull, in which he also did not rule out staying in Formula One beyond 2013.

The Australian had been touted as a replacement for Felipe Massa at the Italian glamour team, with the Brazilian out of contract at the end of the season and still chasing his first podium finish since 2010.

Webber, winner of Sunday’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone, said the decision to stay put had been an easy one in the end because the team felt like family.

The Australian has raced for Britishbased Formula One teams since 2003 and lives within easy reach of Silverstone, enjoying walking his dogs in the countryside as well as also owning a village pub. He has also taken all of his nine race wins, 10 poles and all but one of his 31 podium placings with Red Bull. “It’s an amazing bunch of guys and girls at Red Bull Racing and I really, really like working with them. That has a huge effect on me and how I perform in the car and it helped me in my decision,” he said. “We have gone through plenty together here. We went from the days when Red Bull had not long owned the team to what it is now,” added the former Minardi, Jaguar and Williams driver.

“It is just one nice big family now in many ways and we have grown so much.

We’ve come a long way and I think it’s clear that I fit well here and that’s what I really

like about it.”

Webber said he knew everyone’s names at Red Bull - “I virtually know everyone’s shoe sizes” - and all the departments in the factory.

His relationship with Vettel, 25, was also a factor even if their pairing has not always been an easy one. The German already has a contract for next year.

“I think no-one would really have envisaged how long we have worked together, so that’s probably been a bit of a surprise,” said Webber.

“There are not many team-mates staying together for that long in Formula One, but it’s proved to be a successful partnership with both of us working very hard with the key technical members of the team. It’s been a potent operation.”

Webber had a disappointing season last year, when Vettel romped to his second title, but he is back on form and currently 16 points clear of the German with nine of the 20 races under his belt.

With Alonso, the Australian is one of only two drivers to have won two races this year and he said he was high on confidence and firing on all cylinders. He said having the contract done and dusted was a big plus as he focused on the championship battle.

“I’ve been hearing different rumours and reasons for a long time now. At the end of the day I know everything that has been going on. You want to make sure your focus is clearly on driving the car and the guys that you’re working with.” he said.

“It’s important the team knows you’re 100 percent with them, which, of course, I am.” As far as his future beyond 2013 was concerned, Webber would only say that he had been asked the same question for the past four years and would give the same answer. “It’s a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It’s down to me to deliver the ontrack results,” he said.—Reuters

Trump tees off on new golf course ABERDEEN: US tycoon Donald Trump struck the first ball on his new luxury golf course in Scotland yesterday, saying the battles with environmentalists had all been worth it.

The Trump International Golf Links, situated at Menie, north of Aberdeen on the east coast of Scotland, took seven years and cost more than £100 million ($155 million, 125 million euros) to build.

Bagpipers escorted Trump and 2010 European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie to the first hole, where the businessman cut a ribbon before teeing off.

“It’s been worth it because we’ve created something iconic,” Trump said. “This is truly the greatest golf course anywhere in the world.

“Everybody knows it, lots of people are saying it, and most importantly golf people are saying it, so we are really honoured by the way it has turned out.

“It’s the whole structure that makes it special-the dunes, being on the North Seathe architect has done an amazing job.

“What’s good for golf is good for Scotland because Scotland is the home front for golf.” Work to create the course started in July 2010, some five years after Trump bought the site.

The course, which is almost three miles (five kilometres) long, will open to the public on Sunday. Sandy Jones, chief executive of the Professional Golfers’ Association, and George O’Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said they would work to bring major golf events to the course.

Montgomerie called the site a “marvel”

that made him proud to be a Scottish professional golfer. Trump, Montgomerie, Jones and O’Grady played the first nine holes. Trump has clashed with local residents, environmentalists, wind farm manufacturers and Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond since buying the land.

Environmental campaigners opposed the construction of the course on protected sand dunes. Around 160 jobs have been created so far, including management, catering and course maintenance posts.

Plans for a hotel and houses on the site have been shelved until a decision is made on a proposed off-shore wind farm.

“As soon as we find out that they are not going to destroy Scotland by building windmills all over the place we will start immediately on the hotel,” Trump said.

“I don’t think the windfarm will happen because it will be the destruction of Aberdeen and the destruction of Scotland ultimately.

“People are seeing that all over the world windfarms are being abandoned, so I can’t imagine that they will put up these ridiculous monsters that don’t make economic sense and destroy the environment.”

To coincide with the opening, environmental campaigners have released a documentary film in selected cinemas entitled “You’ve Been Trumped”.

Dave Morris, director of Ramblers Scotland, called on the Scottish government to protect the natural landscape. “Our coastline needs protecting from every Tom, Dick and Donald who wants to make a quick buck,” he said.—AFP

KANSAS CITY: Ryan Cook thought about the assembled stars and wondered whether he belonged.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Huh, I don’t know,’” Oakland’s rookie closer said before adding: “When we get on the field, I think I fit in just fine.”

He is among a record five rookie All-Stars picked for Tuesday night’s game, joined by Washington outfielder Bryce Harper, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Texas pitcher Yu Dar vish and Arizona pitcher Wade Miley.

When Miley arrived for spring training, he wasn’t thinking about taking his place among the Jeters and Verlanders. “I was kind of packed to go to Reno,” he said. “I was surprised I made the team and in the same sense thrilled.” Before coming to the US during the offseason, Darvish was a fivetime All-Star in Japan’s Pacific League.

Those All-Star games are nothing like this one.

“They build up this event a lot more here,” he said through a translator. “I know how special it is to be selected.” Harper, just 19, and the 20year-old Trout form baseball’s youthful dynamic duo.

Harper is the youngest position player in All-Star history and a key part of the Washington Nationals’ emergence as a first-place team.

Trout, a year older, is leading the American League in hitting and helping the Los Angeles Angels turn around their season after a sloppy start.

Coincidentally, both came up to the major leagues on April 28, Harper for his debut and Trout for his return following a pair of stints last year. In a room full of baseball’s best, even the veterans are taking notice of Harper and Trout.

“Speed. Power. Excitement. Youth.

Energy,” Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson said. “If they are able to stay healthy, they can completely transform the game as they get, five, 10, 15 years of big league time.” For now, both will start Tuesday night’s game on the bench.

With the result determining homefield advantage in the World Series for the 10th straight year, AL manager Ron Washington will start reigning MVP and Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander. The NL’s Tony La Russa, the first inactive All-Star manager since the AL’s Bob Lemon in 1979, chose San Francisco’s Matt Cain - coming off a perfect game last month - over knuckleballer R.A. Dickey of the New York Mets.

Trout was on a flight from Salt Lake City to Cleveland when he saw on Twitter that Harper was being called up the same day. Trout hadn’t

let many people know he was joining the big league team. “Knowing he was getting called up that same day was pretty funny,” Trout said.

A son of former Minnesota minor league infielder Jeff Trout, Mike was taken by the Angels with the 25th pick in the first round of the 2009 amateur draft. Idolizing Derek Jeter, he played shortstop at Millville Senior High in New Jersey until he was moved to the outfield in his senior year. He understands why he lasted so late in the first round.

“A lot of risk. East Coast kid. Didn’t play all year,” he said. “You look at the teams in Florida and California, they’ve got perfect weather all year.

They can play all year.”

Harper had the greater renown, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated when he was just 16 with the headline “CHOSEN ONE.” With sunglasses hanging from the top of his shirt and a neatly cropped beard, he has the big league look. A hint of acne reveals he’s still a teenager. “So

much pressure - no, I’m just kidding,” he said, joshing with the media.

Joining a Nationals team that already has a top youthful star in ace pitcher Stephen Strasburg, Harper has a .282 batting average with eight homers and 25 RBIs in 63 games. The only younger All-Stars were Bob Feller in 1938 and Dwight Gooden in 1984, both closer to their 19th birthdays than Harper.

“I still feel like I have that kid inside me that wants to play the game of baseball every single day,” Harper said. “I got love and that passion for the game and, hopefully, I can keep it going. I hope I’ll be able to play for the Nationals for a long time and be able to play in the big leagues for a long time because that’s the dream.”

While Harper is polished following years of interviews, Trout projects a golly-gee demeanor, with closecropped hair and a beaming smile.

After he twice crashed into the center-field fence at Denver’s Coors Field last month, teammates Jered Weaver

KANSAS: National League’s Jay Bruce, of the Cincinnati Reds, Matt Cain, of the San Francisco Giants, and Craig Kimbrel, of the Atlanta Braves, talk in the outfield during MLB All-Star baseball batting practice.—AP

and Dan Haren suggested he turn down the enthusiasm a few notches. “‘It’s a long year. We’re going to need you,’” Trout remembered them telling him. He’s hitting .341 with 12 homers, 40 RBIs and 26 steals in 29 chances.

“I was just telling Jete, I’ve never seen a player hit a triple to left field, down the line,” Yankees ace CC Sabathia said. “Raul (Ibanez) plays it off the wall, and he’s standing on third. That’s just fun to see. What he’s doing is amazing.”

While Trout was an All-Star shooin, La Russa appeared reluctant to select Harper and added him on Saturday as a replacement when Miami’s Giancarlo Stanton got hurt.

Even the 67-year-old La Russa, who managed his first World Series champions before Trout and Harper were born, appreciates the focus on the new stars.

“It would be nice to put the National League phenom against the American League phenom,” he said.

When discussing Trout, Harper sounds like a fan.

“He’s fun to watch. I get pumped to watch him,” Harper said. They hope this is just the first of many All-Star appearances. For every Willie Mays, who played his 24th and final All-Star game in Kansas City, there is a Gooden, who was selected in four of his first five seasons and then flamed out because of injuries and drug use.

Harper and Trout know what they can become. They are the next generation, playing alongside the present.

“I think certain guys who have been introduced to the game of baseball early on in life,” said 40-year-old Chipper Jones, who is retiring at the end of the season. “Travel ball has accelerated so much for the development of young players these days.

Back when I played, we played 30 games a year, and I’d move on to football and basketball, and run a little track.”

Yes, much has changed. But much is the same. Harper wants to become just like Jones, a perennial All-Star respected by his peers.

“Any time I can do that and be that guy that’s the face of baseball, I think that would be great, to be able to do that, to be able to play the game for a long time and respect everybody around me and respect the league,” he said. “That would be a lot of fun.”

NOTES: Detroit’s Prince Fielder became only the second player to win multiple titles in the Home Run Derby, thrilling a crowd of 40,351 with eight splash shots into the right-field fountain and beating Toronto’s Jose Bautista 12-7 in the final round. Ken Griffey Jr. won it three times.—AP

Poland is rugby league’s new frontier LODZ: Squinting in the baking sun on a pitch tucked among high-rise blocks, the wiry teenager hooks onto a pass and powers forward, until he’s stopped in his tracks by a wall of bodies.

Welcome to the new frontier of rugby league, which has stepped up a drive to expand beyond its heartlands of Australasia, northern England and the south of France.

The Lodz Magpies - to date Poland’s only club - have made history with Poland’s first ever matches, facing the Pioneers, British and Irish student players who are missionaries for the sport.

Despite crushing 98-0, 82-0 and 158-0 defeats, they are unbowed. “What counted was fun and experience, so we left the pitch with our heads held high,” said Lukasz Lucka, their 23-year-old mastermind. The Magpies, founded last year in this central Polish city, are made up of players aged 16 to 20 who had never picked up a rugby ball until they started training last year.

“They’ve put some good passes together.

This is totally new for them. And it’s all about development,” said Pioneers’ captain Liam Duffy.

Local kids are also learning about the new sport. “When we first show them a rugby ball, some of them think it’s an American football,” joked tour manager Steve Curtis.

“We try to teach them some skills, and basically introduce them to the game.” The Magpies are a shoestring operation, wearing

donated kits and playing on a football pitch using bolt-on uprights to form rugby posts.

Traditional rival rugby union has been around in Poland since the French brought it here in the 1920s, albeit with ups and downs.

While that 15-player code draws only a few thousand in the nation of 38.2 million, it’s enough for three national amateur divisions and a Poland team in Europe’s third tier. But Poland is uncharted territory for the 13-player league code.

Rugby league grew out of an 1890s schism in England over payments to working class players, evolving into a different game from the traditionally amateur union game, which officially turned professional only in 1995.

In a fitting nod to those roots, the Magpies’ home is Lodz’s gritty Widzew district. With Widzew home to an eponymous football club, it’s also a matter of breaking the mould.

“We were looking for something a bit different, to work with tough, problem lads. It’s a bit of an accident. I went on the Internet to find out about rugby. I found a rugby league match and was hooked,” explained Lucka.

“It’s great for lads like this. There’s plenty of running and tackling, it’s really intense, needing quick thinking.” The cyber-hunt also led Lucka to Daniel Andruczyk, a US-based Australian physicist with Polish roots, and dedicated proponent of the game.

“All the credit needs to go to Lukasz, as finally we have someone with the passion to get things going,” Andruczyk told AFP.

“I do my best to help Lukasz and the lads out with equipment and playing gear as well as travelling out to do some training sessions.”

The Magpies play in a black and white strip donated by Australia’s Tweed Head Seagulls.

Andruczyk also put Lucka in touch with the British-based Rugby League European Federation (RLEF), leading to a meeting of minds.

“This is the RLEF’s raison d’etre. If the sport is going to prosper it must grow on the continent and elsewhere,” said Danny Kazandjian, its general manager.

The Pioneers’ Curtis, meanwhile, said the aim is to help develop two or three tiers of European rugby league, creating domestic competitions to feed national teams.

Founded in 2005, the Pioneers have toured the likes of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Norway and Ukraine, which do not have a rugby tradition.

“It’s about grassroots development,” said team manager Keith Sandhu. “We’re not just coming here for it to be a flash in the pan.

We’re looking long-term.” Magpies winger Adam Adamczewski, 17, was gung-ho. “I played football on and off for five years. This is completely different,” he said.

“There’s no national team, yet. I don’t know if I’d make it, but of course I’d love to be in it!”

That may be more than a pipedream. Three clubs are enough to form a national federation which can join the RLEF. “We’re starting from zero. But the outlook’s good,” said Lucka.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

sp orts

Judge approves rooftop missiles during Games LONDON: It has been a tough few months at the pockmarked concrete high-rise known as Fred Wigg Tower.

First there was the fire, which left dozens of residents temporarily homeless. Then came the rash of burglaries of fire-damaged apartments.

And now the British army will be putting a battery of high-velocity missiles on the roof.

The defense ministry says the missiles, capable of shooting down a hijacked aircraft, are a key piece in the elaborate jigsaw of security for the London Olympics, which start July 27.

But many residents of the east London public housing project were dismayed to find themselves suddenly on the counterterrorism front line.

“It’s kind of scary now, to be honest,” said Iqbal Hossain, who lives in the building with his wife and three children aged 2 to 14. “If it’s about safety for the Olympics, what about safety for us? If there is a terrorist attack, the first thing they are going to attack is the missiles.”

A High Court judge rejected that argument yesterday, quashing a challenge by locals. Judge Charles Haddon-Cave said the missiles presented “no real threat” to residents and were an important part of Olympic security.

The missiles will be installed within days on the 17-story tower, one of six sites around London where surfaceto-air missiles will be stationed as part of a vast security operation for games that run through Aug. 12. Rapier or smaller high-velocity missiles also will be located atop another apartment building, at a reservoir and on farmland in east London, and along hillsides in the south of the city.

It’s all part of a ring of steel protecting the games, which officials acknowledge are a tempting target for terrorists. The security operation includes 7,500 soldiers, thousands of police and 13,200 private security guards, as well as RAF fighter jets on standby at nearby air bases and a helicopter carrier moored on the River Thames.

Defense Secretary Philip Hammond has said the precautions are intended to provide “both reassurance and a powerful deterrent.”

Londoners have long lived with the threat of terrorism. Since the 1970s the city has seen deadly attacks by Irish militants, by a far-right extremist who targeted gay people and ethnic minorities, and by al-Qaida-inspired suicide bombers who killed 52 commuters on the transit system in July 2005.

Britain’s official terror threat level stands at substantial, the middle point on a five-point scale, indicating an attack is a strong possibility. Still, the ranking is lower than it has been for much of the time since the July 2005 attacks.

Intelligence officials say there has been an expected increase in chatter among extremist groups ahead of the Olympics but they have uncovered no specific or credible threats to the games.

But security services are being especially vigilant as the games approach. Over the past week, 14 people have been arrested on suspicion of terrorist activity, although police insist none of the cases is linked to the Summer Games. Three men from central England appeared in a London court yesterday, charged with making a homemade bomb and plotting a terrorist attack, after a search of an impounded car turned up guns and other weapons.

Fred Wigg Tower is one of two 1960s public housing towers on an other wise low-rise street, and its appeal to the Ministry of Defense is obvious. The upper floors and roof offer an unimpeded view over east London, the Canary Wharf business district and the Olympic Park, about 2

miles (3 kilometers) away. Residents, many of whom have young children, are upset that they were not consulted on the decision to install the missiles, which was made in secret by the government, the landowner and the local council. They say they only knew of the plans when they got leaflets through their doors in April.

David Forsdick, a lawyer for the Ministry of Defense, said the government was not obliged to consult residents on issues involving national security.

Local lawmaker John Cryer has suggested the residents - many of them recent immigrants who speak English as a second language - are being pushed around because they live in public housing. He said he wondered whether a similar deployment would take place in “a leafy, middle-class area.” Yet in fact leafy, middle-class Blackheath in south London is getting missiles on its common, and another building whose roof is being used is a gated development full of young professionals.

Ground-to-air missiles have become a fixture of Olympic games and other large VIP events in the post9/11 world, but lawyers for the Fred Wigg tenants say putting deadly weapons in densely populated areas is

a dangerous new development.

“We are talking about a dramatic change in the way we live our lives here in Britain,” said David Enright, a lawyer for the residents. “I think everyone will be very concerned that their home is no longer their own, that an Englishman’s home is no longer his castle.” The authorities are calculating that despite local unease, a silent majority is willing to accept the missiles. Among residents at Fred Wigg Tower, the strongest feeling is resignation. “I think they have to put (them) somewhere,” said Edita Younas, walking her children back from a nearby school. “But why does it have to be us?”

And for some residents, the prospect of the missiles comes as a relief. The tower has had its share of problems, including a fire in December that destroyed several apartments and forced dozens of residents to flee. Two months later, burglars stole possessions from the stillunoccupied apartments. “This place is sometimes a war zone,” said a woman who declined to give her name - for fear, she said, of “bullies” in the building. “People come and do whatever they want. At least for six weeks we are going to have some peace and quiet.” —AP

Only gold will do for Brazil in men’s football

WINDSOR: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II (second left), her husband Prince Philip (second right) London 2012 Chairman Sebastian Coe (right) and seventy’ four year-old Olympic torch bearer Gina Macgregor (left), watch as torch bearer Phil Wells (unseen) leaves carrying the Olympic flame. —AP

Buddhist monk saddles up for London Games OGAWA: He’d prefer enlightenment to a medal, but when Japan’s horse-riding Buddhist monk Kenki Sato saddles up for London 2012, he’ll be representing one of the Olympics’ more unusual families.

Shaven-headed Sato, who starts each day with a morning prayer, is following his younger brother Eiken, who also trained as a priest and rode at the Beijing Games. His sister, Tae, 24, is a five-time national showjumping champion.

And his father, Shodo, who heads a 460-year-old temple and adjacent horseriding club, was a member of Japan’s equestrian team before the 1980 Games in Moscow-only to have his Olympic dream dashed when Japan boycotted.

Kenki Sato is on extended leave from the Myoshoji temple in mountains near Nagano, where his father is the 25th master, to train for London where he will compete in eventing, which combines dressage, cross-country and showjumping. Among his team-mates is Hiroshi Hoketsu, 71, the oldest competitor in any sport at Beijing 2008, who is entered in the separate dressage category.

They are not strongly tipped to end Japan’s 80-year wait for a second equestrian medal, following Baron Takeichi Nishi’s showjumping gold of 1932. But Sato said the experience would have spiritual value.

“I may learn something as a human being when I encounter various people with different religions and languages abroad,” says the diminutive Sato, who turned 28 today. “I want to feed it back into my path to Buddhist enlightenment.”

Four years ago, while his brother competed at the last Olympics, Sato was serving a year’s apprenticeship for the priesthood, secluded in a prestigious Zen temple. “My old master secretly showed me a newspaper clipping about my younger brother. I was so happy I shed tears,” he remembers.

“Somewhere in my mind, I didn’t want to be outdone by my brother. This turned into enormous energy for me to continue as a sportsman.” In 2010, Sato claimed team and individual eventing golds at the Asian Games and finished 35th at the world championships.

His journey to London began at the age of seven, when he started training for competition under his father. “I think it was largely because my father could not become an Olympian,” he admits.

Sato senior, 61, paired the disparate worlds of Buddhism and equestrianism after growing up around horses in the mountains of Nagano, where they were still the main mode of transport when he was a child. He practised horsemanship while attending a Buddhist university in Tokyo and opened an equestrian park next to the temple in 1979. The facility’s clubhouse overlooks the riding ground from a hillside dotted with tombstones.

When his children were young, he would carry them around on horseback.

Asked about his disappointment of 1980, when Japan joined a boycott over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the elder Sato is philosophical.

“I don’t dwell on the past,” he says softly. “It was all due to the circumstances of the times.” His son, who stands just 163cm (5ft 4in) tall, has been training with reigning world and European eventing champion Michael Jung at a stable near Stuttgart. But a vital part of his preparation is meditation, especially at home before competition. “When I cross my legs, it somewhat calms me and makes me feel like going all over again,” he says. However, Sato does not rely on the power of prayer alone. “In principle, my sect doesn’t recommend reliance on others,” he smiles. “But for a moment when the competition is over, I think it is very important to give thanks to my horse, groom and family. —AFP

Buddhist monk Kenki Sato

SAO PAULO: More than ever, it will be all or nothing for Brazil’s men’s national team in the Olympic football tournament.

Brazil has always been under pressure to win the gold medal, the only significant title it doesn’t have in football, but in London there will be a lot more at stake for the five-time world champions.

Brazil will be one of the few teams with most of its top players, and failure at the Olympics will likely cost coach Mano Menezes his job ahead of the 2014 World Cup the nation will host.

There will be high expectations from everyone in Brazil, including fans, local media and football officials. The Brazilian federation has already said that winning the gold is the national team’s priority this year and hinted that a disappointing result will inevitably prompt changes as Brazil enters the final stretch of its preparations for the World Cup at home.

Most of the players in Brazil’s Olympic team will likely be in the World Cup, too, and the competition in London will give many of the promising young Brazilian players a chance to prove their worth.

“We know that our final evaluation ahead of the World Cup will be done during the Confederations Cup next year, when we will play with a team which won’t be restricted by the age limit,” Menezes said after announcing Brazil’s squad on July 5. “But it’s obvious that we need to play well in the Olympics to reinforce the convictions that we have about the team so far.”

Few teams will showcase their top players at the Olympics because it’s played with under-23 squads and only three overage players per nation, but Brazil’s young squad will include names such as Neymar, Lucas, Alexandre

Pato, Paulo Henrique Ganso, Oscar and Leandro Damiao.

“We have a strong group, we are taking players who are regular starters for some top clubs today,” Menezes said. “A lot of the young players will get a chance to start earning a spot in the squad.

Something that wasn’t certain before can start becoming a reality for them during the Olympics.”

Brazil’s overage players in

the country’s hopes for the future.

“I’m very happy to have the honor of representing Brazil at the Olympics,” the youngster said on Twitter after the final squad was announced. He had already said that it will be a dream if he can help give Brazil the first gold in football.

The 20-year-old Neymar, who was in the list of 23 players running for FIFA’s player of the year

Neymar of Brazil London will be AC Milan defender award in 2011, will be one of the Thiago Silva, Real Madrid left back tournament’s main attractions, Marcelo and FC Porto striker Hulk. along with Britain midfielder Ryan Many in Brazil praised the squad Giggs.

Adding to the pressure for a picked by Menezes for the Olympics, but there were critics, good result in London, Brazil is too. “I don’t agree with the players heading to the games only 11th he selected,” said former Brazil in FIFA’s world rankings, the worst striker Romario, now a congress- ever position for the five-time man. “He should’ve called players world champions.

“The pressure will always be who are more respected abroad.

There are plenty of other over 23 there, we have to live with that,” Menezes said. “But I don’t think it’s players he could’ve selected.”

Among those in the list, necessarily a bad thing, we can Neymar is probably the one who use that in our favor.”

The team headed to London was not doubted by anyone. The youngster is touted as the future played four friendlies in preparaof Brazilian football and the player tion for the games, beating expected to lead the national Denmark and the United States team at the World Cup. The and losing to Mexico and Olympics will give him a chance Argentina.

Brazil won the Olympic silver in to prove that he can indeed carry

1984 and 1988, and the bronze in 1996 and 2008, when Argentina took gold with Lionel Messi after beating a Brazilian team that included former two-time world player of the year Ronaldinho.

Brazil will be one of the favorites this year along with host Britain and Spain, which won the under-21 European Championship last year to clinch its spot in the Olympic tournament.

“Spain traditionally has done a good job preparing a youth team along with its main squad. It will also have some players from the team which won the Euros,” Menezes said, adding that Mexico may also be included among the favorites in London.

Not many other traditional football nations will be competing in England. Of the 16 teams in the men’s tournament, four will be making their Olympic debut Senegal, Gabon, Belarus and the United Arab Emirates. Only three are past champions - Britain (1908 and 1912), Uruguay (1924 and 1928) and Spain (1992).

Brazil is in Group C along with Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand.

It will face Egypt on July 26 at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, then will play Belarus at Old Trafford on July 29 and New Zealand in Newcastle on Aug. 1.

Menezes has already acknowledged that Egypt will likely be one of Brazil’s toughest opponents, especially because it will be its first. But he knows that beating its last opponent in an eventual gold medal match is the only thing that will really count for Brazil in this year’s Olympic tournament. He is confident it can finally be done.

“We are certain,” Menezes said, “that we have a quality group of players who will give the Brazilian national team a chance to fight for the medal at the end.” — AP

Jones aims to reclaim crown MELBOURNE: Leisel Jones will dive into London’s Aquatics Centre pool as the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics and try to reclaim her crown as the world’s best woman breaststroker from American Rebecca Soni.

Jones, the self-appointed “Mother Goose” of the Australian swim team, captured the 100 metres breaststroke title at the Beijing Games to cap her tortured quest for Olympic glory but promptly gave up the throne in 2009 on a year-long sabbatical. Soni, who took silver behind Jones at Beijing, swam straight into the power vacuum and has fended off the 26-yearold’s challenges in the interim years.

Jones was runner-up to Soni when the American defended her 100m world title at Shanghai last year, and was upstaged by young team mate Leiston Pickett at the national trials earlier this year as she struggled with a virus. But her second placed finish behind Pickett at the trials was enough to put her in the frame to defend her title and she has her warned rivals that she prefers being the hunter, rather than the hunted.

“I didn’t think I’d ever make it to four Olympics, that’s just an absolute dream,” she said at the trials. “I am the Mother Goose ... I love watching the younger guys, and obviously I train with them day in day out. “I think Leiston is obviously a very

good competitor as well so I think she’ll get there and we’ll be mowing Rebecca Soni down.”

Seven-times world champion Jones has her work cut out for her to get up to Soni’s speed, and is 17th behind the American who tops the 2012 timesheets.

She has turned to Michael Bohl, the coach of team mate and triple Olympic champion Stephanie Rice, to give her a final push in what is likely to be her Games swansong.

Born in Katherine, a remote rural town in northern Australia, Jones was discovered by former coach Ken Wood at a Brisbane pool where her mother worked as a cleaner. Wood taught the teenage Jones to imagine a giant crab was chasing her during training to have her kick faster, and she later swapped the crab for the image of a Ferrari and herself behind the wheel as she powered down the lanes. She burst onto the world scene as a 15-year-old at the 2000 Sydney Games, winning silver in the 100m breaststroke and 4x100m medley to become her country’s youngest Olympic medallist. Her achievements and telegenic looks brought crushing pressure along with instant stardom, however, and she was savaged by Australian media after her failure to win individual gold at the 2004 Athens Games, accused of being graceless in defeat. — Reuters

LONDON: This product image released by Ralph Lauren shows US Olympic athletes (from left) swimmer Ryan Lochte, decathlete Bryan Clay, rower Giuseppe Lanzone and soccer player Heather Mitts modeling the official Team USA Opening Ceremony Parade Uniform. —AP

17

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

S P ORT S

London raises bar on greening the Games LONDON: A reed warbler sings from her nest, well hidden along the banks of a river that winds through a London park. But this is not just any urban refuge - it’s the Olympic Park, in a once derelict and contaminated area of east London populated by industrial buildings and neglected waterways. And in just a few weeks’ time, millions will watch the greatest Games on Earth in the warbler’s backyard.

More than 200 hectares of land have been razed and redeveloped for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and 45 of those have been given over to creating new wildlife habitats for a variety of fauna including kingfishers, bats, otters and grass snakes - while much of the rest has been left as parkland. The urban park project is one of Europe’s biggest in 150 years, according to the Olympic Development Authority (ODA) and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), and is part of ODA’s efforts to keep its promise to make the Games the greenest to date.

Thousands of semi-mature trees were planted — aspen, crack willow, holm oak and silver birch — as were hundreds of thousands of wetland plants and other species, and more than 10 hectares of annual and perennial meadows.

An independent commission appointed to review the results, the first commission of its kind, says the outcome has been impressive when compared to previous hosts Beijing, Athens and Sydney, though not everything has worked.

“You only win a gold medal by being better than everyone else,” said Shaun McCarthy, chair of the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012, but added: “I can very confi-

dently say that this is the new high-water mark.”

Simon Lewis, a campaigner at environmental group WWF UK, agreed London would provide a sustainability blueprint for Olympic Games for years to come.

But he also said progress on putting concern for the environment at the heart of the Olympic movement has been slow. “It is evolutionary rather than revolutionary,” Lewis told Reuters.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) encourages host cities to address how they will handle the environmental impact of the Games in their planning, but does not insist on targets — Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 all had environmental plans whose ambition varied widely.

“London 2012 embedded sustainability in its planning from the start,” said Emmanuelle Moreau, an IOC spokesman.

The ODA matched or beat most of its sustainable development targets, such as those for carbon emissions, waste and energy efficiency, the independent commission said in a June report.

One target promised a 50 percent reduction in carbon emissions from construction in the Olympic Park compared to levels set out in 2006 building regulations.

Others called for permanent buildings to be at least 15 percent more energy efficient, and for at least 90 percent of demolition waste to be reused or recycled.

Some 2 million tonnes of the area’s soil was cleaned on site to remove contaminates such as oil, petrol, tar, arsenic and lead, while London’s Velodrome is twice as energy-efficient as it needed to be.

It used half the materials used to build the

one in Beijing and also came in comfortably under budget, evidence that greener projects do not need to come with a higher price tag, said McCarthy.

“For me treating sustainability like some sort of premium product, like a pair of designer jeans, is the completely wrong way to look at it,” McCarthy added.

Many of the venues, bridges and structures to accommodate an expected 11 million visitors to the London Games can be disassembled, downsized and relocated afterwards. The IOC’s Moreau said a commitment to sustainable development, which gives equal weight to economic growth, the environment and social issues, will continue to be a key requirement in selecting host cities in future.

Rio is already working on ways to cut traffic congestion and reduce emissions ahead of the 2016 Games, and its sustainability team has been in contact with London.

But environmentalists say the IOC should set higher standards and require all future host cities to take on measurable targets.

Until that happens, London — they say — is likely to remain the green benchmark by default. “There is absolutely no reason why the IOC shouldn’t be demanding the highest possible standards,” McCarthy said. London’s efforts haven’t all been successful.

The organisers failed to generate 20 percent of the park’s energy needs from renewable sources after planners pulled the plug on a large wind turbine and opted for a combined heat-and-power plant fuelled by natural gas instead.

But they still managed to meet the overall 50 percent emissions reduction goal by agreeing to help fund the London Mayor’s

low-carbon scheme for schools and homes in the communities.

However, the WWF UK’s Lewis said London organisers should have done a better job selecting their “sustainability” partners. “Some of the Olympic sponsors have not used the Games to create a positive change for sustainability and therefore they are not adding to the legacy, they are not helping the Games be greener,” he said.

WWF reckons a good Olympic partner should be a progressive business that shows green leadership in their sector and that breaks new ground in reducing the impact of the Games while applying sustainability pledges to their business afterwards. Lewis cited EDF Energy and oil giant BP as examples of companies that could have done more. “EDF and BP are sticking with old and problematic approaches to energy provision and resisting a safer, cleaner and more affordable energy future,” he wrote in a blog in April. “They are dragging their heels at the back of the race to tackle climate change.”

Sheila Williams, a spokeswoman for BP, denied the company was not providing leadership. She pointed to BP plans to offset the carbon footprints of all ticketed spectators’ travel to the Games, which it has estimated at around 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, as an example of a BP initiative.

The company is also providing biofuels and cleaner engine oils to be used in the more than 5,000 official vehicles earmarked for the Games, she said.

Michael Stuart, an EDF Energy spokesman, conceded his company was unable to deliver a promised low-carbon fuel for the Olympic torch in time for London, but said it had successfully developed the fuel - derived from

elephant grass - and that it would be available for future Games.

“Without the inspiration of the Games, this fuel would not have been developed,” Stuart said in an email. EDF is also installing real-time energy monitoring technology to help control and reduce energy use at Olympic venues, he added.

Ultimately, London’s success will be judged on its ability to deliver a lasting environmental legacy - decades from now, the organisers hope to see a permanent improvement to the area around the venues.

Once the Games are over in mid-August, the Olympic facilities will be turned over to the non-profit London Legacy Development Corp, renamed the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and opened to the public in phases from the summer of 2013.

David Stubbs, LOCOG’s head of sustainability and himself an avid bird watcher, said a variety of birds had been observed over the last couple of seasons since the new parklands were planted, including sand martins, grey wagtails, linnets and kestrels.

In the winter, a flock of some 50 teals took up residence, and the river corridor has also attracted cormorants, herons, little grebes, mute swans and coots, Stubbs said.

More than 500 bird boxes, 150 bat boxes and artificial dens for otters have been installed in the park that officials hope will see regular use.

Kim Olliver, an ecologist and environment manager with the ODA, said she hoped visitors and athletes would take time out from the excitement of the sporting events to relax by the river and listen to the reed warblers. “They might see a kestrel hovering over,” she said. —Reuters

South Korean archer Im: more than meets the eye

Pak Hyon-Suk

‘Dear respected’ Kim inspires N Koreans SEOUL: He lacks the toned physique of an Olympian but “dear respec ted” leader Kim Jong-Un will be the inspiration when North Korea’s athletes go for gold at the London Olympics.

North Korea are aiming for a record number of medals in London in what would be a timely boost for Kim, the new face of the country’s ruling dynasty and its all-pervasive personality cult.

The young man in his late twenties is just months into his reign after the death of his father Kim Jong-Il, the guiding light for the North’s athletes at previous Games.

When Pak Hyon-Suk clinched women’s weightlifting gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she heaped praise on Kim Jong-Il, who was known as the “Dear Leader” or “Dear General”.

“I just kept it in my head that my Dear General’s eyes would be watching over me, and that encouraged me to lift this weight,” said Pak. “I am overjoyed by the fact that I have brought great joy to our Dear Leader.”

Pyongyang announced in early June that 51 athletes had qualified in 11 sports for London, with its main medal hopes in weightlifting, wrestling and women’s football.

At Beijing in 2008 the North won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals to finish in 34th place overallbelow its best showing of four gold among nine medals at Barcelona 1992.

Little is known about the sporting tastes of the younger Kim, often tagged “dear respected” in state media, apart from a reported passion for American basketball during his school years.

But the talents of his father, who died in December, were such that he famously carded five holes in one in his first round of golf, according to official media.

At the 2003 University Games in South Korea, a troupe of North Korean cheerleaders wept uncontrollably when they saw a poster of the Dear Leader getting wet in the rain.

And at the Beijing Olympics, South Korean athletes were under stric t instructions not to point or laugh at badges or por traits depic ting K im Jong-Il. During the Olympics, attention often focuses on the Nor th’s decision to march, or not, in tandem with South Korea at the opening ceremony.

In a rough barometer of political relations, the two Koreas marched together in 2000 and 2004 but could not reach agreement in 2008. Relations are currently at their frostiest for years and there has been no discussion at all about a joint march in London.

Several other incidents involving North Korea have gone down in sporting lore. In June last year, football coach Kim Kwang-Min blamed a 2-0 women’s World Cup loss to the United States partly on a pre-tournament lightning strike which was said to have hit several players.

The following month, there was another bolt from the blue-football’s governing body FIFA said five members of the team had tested positive for banned anabolic steroids.

The Koreans claimed the steroids came from a Chinese remedy, which includes an extract from the gland of the musk deer, and was given to the players hit by lightning. But FIFA banned Nor th Korea from the 2015 women’s World Cup. Men’s football provided North Korea with arguably their finest moment, when they shocked mighty Italy 1-0 to reach the World Cup quarter-finals in 1966.

But there were ugly scenes in 2005, when the Pyongyang crowd threw rocks and bottles at the Syrian referee during a World Cup qualifying loss against Iran.

In April 2009 the Nor th accused arch-rivals South Korea of poisoning the food of its players who lost a World Cup qualifier in Seoul.

And last November, a 1-0 victory in a qualifier over former colonial ruler Japan was seen as sweet revenge for past injuries-and a chance to humiliate the visiting team.

Only 150 tickets were allocated to Japanese supporters, and players were held up for four hours at immigration.

They were told off for laughing and had items such as bananas, chewing gum and instant noodles confiscated, Japanese media said.

Before the game, deafening boos drowned out the Japanese national anthem in an intimidating atmosphere at Pyongyang’s Kim Il-Sung Stadium, named after the current leader’s grandfather. —AFP

LONDON: South Korean archer Im Dong-hyun is so accurate with the bow he could probably hit a bulls-eye from 70 metres away with his eyes closed. Given the fact he is legally blind, shooting with his eyes wide open would hardly make a difference.

The former world number one and double Olympic gold medallist has compensated for his poor vision with an amazing consistency, reproducing the same drawing action over and over again in training to imprint it into muscle memory.

The 26-year-old, who won gold in the team event in Athens and Beijing, has learned to “feel” the shot to such an extent he spurned offers of laser surgery to correct his vision.

Im suffers from strong myopia but refuses to wear corrective lenses when he shoots as they make him uncomfortable. “I don’t have any problem or difficulty when I shoot, so I don’t wear glasses. The target looks somewhat unclear, but it’s not much of an inconvenience,” Im told Reuters.

While Im has slipped to number two in the world behind American Brady Ellison, the South Korean has been in devastating form in the lead up to the Olympics and will be the favourite for the individual gold medal in London.

Im broke his own 72-arrow world record at the Olympic test event at Lord’s by shooting 693 last October, then improved that mark again to 696 at a World Cup event in Turkey in May. Im said Ellison had benefitted from the training of South Korean Lee Ki-sik, who became the U.S. team coach in 2006.

“I think he has been taught systematically, including basic skills, since he met a Korean coach. I believe he has good ‘feel’ as an archer now,” Im added. While South Korean men have dominated the team archery event, winning

as I can until I achieve my goals. I have no plan to retire at all,” added Im. However, he confirmed he would be making one big change after London. “ The rumor is true. I will get married when the

Im Dong-Hyun gold in Sydney, Athens and Beijing, the individual title has always eluded them.

Im plans to change that in London, but even if he fails to win the gold he has no plans to hang up his bow. “I have never thought about retiring. I will keep being an archer for as long

IOC eyes sponsor expansion in Asia BERLIN: Chinese companies are in talks to join the Olympic top sponsor programme as the International Olympic Committee seeks to extend its reach in Asia, but also keep a limit on the number of prime sponsors, its marketing chief told Reuters yesterday.

The IOC relies heavily on its TOP programme of 11 sponsors who contribute an estimated $100 million each for every two-Games package of one winter and one summer Games. “We have kept a space open hoping a Chinese company will join,” the IOC’s marketing chief Gerhard Heiberg told Reuters in an interview. “I hope very much that we will be able to attract a Chinese company.

“We are in contact with several, we want to get a Chinese company,” said Heiberg who said he was also talking to South Korean and Japanese companies.

The IOC currently has 11 top sponsors generating almost $1.0 billion over a four-year-period ending with the London Olympics. It has set a limit of 12 sponsors.

Heiberg added a deal with a Chinese company would not happen in time for the London Games later this month, but it would be by 2016 at the latest.

“For London it is too late,” he said. “But afterwards, for Sochi 2014 or Rio de Janeiro 2016, a Chinese company as sponsor, yes.”

He said the top programme had mostly attracted western companies in the past with a tradition and experience in sports marketing but the IOC was eager to become more universal in its sponsoring plan. “Asian companies and especially Chinese companies did not know what sports marketing was about until they got the (2008 Beijing) Games. They had no tradition in sports marketing.

“It costs money to be an Olympic sponsor and they have to think if this is the right way to go forward. (South Korea’s) Samsung has shown that it can be done successfully for Asian companies as well.” Samsung is one of the top sponsors with a deal until the 2016 Rio Games, just like Atos Origin and Panasonic.

Coca-Cola, Visa, Omega, Dow, GE and Procter & Gamble and McDonald’s have signed deals until the 2020 Games. Taiwan-based computer company Acer is the only leading sponsor that has not so far renewed its sponsorship. —Reuters

Olympic Games are over,” he said, adding that a date for the wedding had not yet been fixed. “My girlfriend was an archer as well and I met her during my college days.

She’s not an archer any more, she’s a school teacher.” —Reuters

China picks young gun over Wang SHANGHAI: China has omitted Asian Games singles champion Wang Shixian from their Olympic badminton team and picked 21-year-old talent Li Xuerui as the third and final entrant in the women’s singles at the London Games.

The battle for the final spot between former world number one Wang and Li sparked heated media speculation in China in recent weeks, with the first two

Li Xuerui

slots already sewn up by world champion and number one Wang Yihan and number two Wang Xin. The three Wangs share the same surname but are not related. Wang Shixian, once tipped to dominate Chinese badminton after winning gold on home soil at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, was surpassed by her team mates over the past year and a half amid fitness concerns. Li has been in outstanding form this season, however, upsetting her top-ranked compatriot Wang Yihan to win the prestigious All England title in Birmingham in March before riding a 30-match winning streak that was broken only last month.

There were no other surprises in the team named yesterday and posted in a Xinhua news agenc y repor t on the General Administration of Sport’s website (www.sport.gov.cn).

World number one and reigning Olympic champion Lin Dan will lead the men’s singles, supported by world number three Chen Long and fourth-ranked Chen Jin. Cai Yun and Fu Haifeng, who took silver at the Beijing Games, will lead the men’s doubles in their attempt to go one better at the Wembley Arena.

Women’s doubles Olympic champion Yu Yang will reprise her world title-winning par tnership with Wang Xiaoli.

China successfully defended all five of their world titles at the Wembley Arena last year and though their long-serving head coach Li Yongbo has set a modest baseline target of two gold, are primed to sweep the July 28 - Aug. 5 tournament at London. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

sp orts

Bolt-Blake rivalry adds intrigue to Olympic track LONDON: Almost from the moment Usain Bolt finished his 3-for-3-for-3 performance at the Beijing Olympics — three events, three gold medals, three world records — everyone began to wonder what he would do for an encore four years later. That all changed in the span of about 72 hours.

Yohan Blake, Bolt’s countryman, workout partner and rival, beat the World’s Fastest Man in the 100- and 200-meter finals at Jamaica’s Olympic trials. Bolt’s subsequent withdrawal from a meet in Monaco only added to the intrigue.

As the star t of the Summer Games approaches, it appears Bolt will have to do more than merely run a series of time trials to notch three more victories and cement his name as the “living legend” he hopes to become. Instead, there are questions, namely: Will Bolt be able to hold off Blake? Or will Blake’s challenge only serve to spur him? No surprise what Bolt’s take is. “He’s very determined and he wants to win,” Bolt said about Blake, “and that keeps pushing me.”

Other athletes are fascinated by that duo and the fireworks they could produce in London, where athletics competition begins in 80,000-seat Olympic Stadium on Aug. 3 with preliminaries in the women’s 100-meter heats. The men take to the track a day later for their dash.

“That’s a scary thought: Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt training together. ... That should kick in that extra motivation, if there’s anything needed there,” US hurdler David Oliver said. “Just to see what those two guys are capable of doing, if they’re both on?”

Bolt’s world records are 9.58 seconds in the 100, and 19.19 in the 200. Blake ran a personal-best 9.75 at trials and has a 19.26 in the longer race. “You just never know,” Oliver added. “It’s going to be a spectacle, that’s for sure.”

That head-to-head showdown might be only one part of what could turn out to be a Jamaica vs. Jamaica Olympics, as opposed to Jamaica vs. The World, or Jamaica vs. US. While the tiny nation was adding Blake to its collection of possible gold medalists, and defending women’s 100 Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was running the seventh-fastest time ever (10.70) while also adding a 200 national title, the US team experienced as many negatives as positives during its tumultuous Olympic trials.

Decathlete Ashton Eaton set a world record, but teammate Bryan Clay, the defending Olympic champion, didn’t qualify.

A US sprinter with personality, 200meter runner Wallace Spearmon, found his form, but double Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix failed to make the team, and 2004 400-meter champion Jeremy Wariner only made it as part of the relay pool.

Allyson Felix, meanwhile, ran a personalbest 21.69 seconds in 200-meter qualifying, but she also took center stage in the controversy that overshadowed not only that accomplishment but the entire trials, really: How to settle a dead heat for the third and final spot in the women’s 100.

The possibility of a coin flip, of all things, was raised in the scramble to come up with never-thought-about rules. A full week later, the sprinters settled on a runoff; shortly after that finally was decided, Felix’s opponent, Jeneba Tarmoh, pulled out.

Felix will be a long shot for a medal in the 100, while in the 200, she seeks her first individual Olympic gold — the main prize missing from a career that includes three world championships and two runner-up finishes on track’s biggest stage. “People may wonder, ‘What in the world? ShellyAnn ran 10.70 and you’re nowhere close to that,’” said Felix, whose personal best in the 100 is 10.92. “But it’s about making my 200 better and giving it my all.”

The woman who beat Felix in Athens and Beijing is Veronica Campbell-Brown of Jamaica, who is going for her third consecutive title at 200 meters, but now finds another familiar face also posing a threat.

That’s Fraser-Pryce, who was not considered a 200 specialist but beat CampbellBrown to the line by 0.32 seconds at trials.

“Trials is just the means to get us to the Olympics,” Campbell-Brown said. “It’s a competitive thing. We all have to show up

when it matters the most.” In Beijing, Jamaica won 11 medals at the track — not bad for a country of about 2.7 million.

Buoyed by sheer numbers up and down the lineup of events, the United States led all nations with 23 medals. But that matched the country’s second-lowest total since 1992, and two medals were squandered when both 4x100-meter relay teams dropped the baton. So instead of celebrating after Beijing, the US track team returned home and tried to regroup.

The result: “Project 30,” a boldly stated mission to win 30 medals in London — a goal that leaders of the track team have only tepidly embraced since former CEO Doug Logan was fired not long after setting it.

“That’s a ‘reach’ goal,” said the new CEO, Max Siegel. “But I’m very confident we’ll have a good showing over in London.”

Among America’s best sprinters is Carmelita Jeter, the world leader at 100 meters before Fraser-Pryce ran faster, and the strongest US candidate to win three medals — in the 100, 200 and 4x100 relay.

And on the men’s side, there are a couple of familiar names: Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. Gatlin is the 2004 Olympic champion at 100 meters who is back on the international scene following a four-year ban for excessive testosterone. Gay is the 2007 world champion — the man to beat before Bolt burst onto the scene — who is still working his way back into form from a hip injury, one of a number of ailments starting

als, these races are not won on paper.

“These two can really encourage each other and motivate each other to take on that other little island out there who’s been dominating America,” said Renaldo Nehemiah, a former hurdler turned agent who represents Gatlin.

At 400 meters, America has both of the favorites in Sanya Richards-Ross, who still needs individual Olympic gold to fill out

Robles to claim one of his nation’s two total golds.

Making things even more interesting, Liu and Robles got tangled with each other from adjacent lanes during the world championships last year. So even though Robles crossed the finish line first, he was disqualified and left empty-handed, allowing Jason Richardson of the US to take a surprising gold, and Liu a silver.

MONACO: This Nov. 12, 2011 file photo shows Jamaican sprinters Usain Bolt (right) and Yohan Blake, posing at a news conference. — AP

distance runner who is the reigning world champion at 5,000 meters and runner-up at 10,000. Defending 400-meter Olympic champion Christine Ohuruogu, world heptathlon runner-up Jessica Ennis and 38year-old marathoner Paula Radcliffe are among the others who will have to deal with hometown pressure on top of everything else.

“Head down and concentrating,” Farah said of his preparations, which have taken place in Oregon — in part, an attempt to stay far from the media glare in London.

In the 800 meters, Caster Semenya of South Africa makes her Olympic debut, three years after questions about her gender forced her to undergo tests and drop out of competition for nearly a year before track’s governing body cleared her to race again. She was the silver medalist at last year’s world championships.

And hovering over the entire track meet, especially the sprints, will be the new false start rule introduced for this Olympic cycle. In the past, the entire field was given a freebie, and disqualifications didn’t start until the second person jumped. These days, it’s a no-tolerance policy: You jump once, you’re out.

The most high-profile victim of the rule thus far was Bolt. At the world championships last year, he was disqualified from the 100 for a false start, clearing a path for Blake’s victory.

Until a few weeks ago, most track aficionados thought Bolt could beat Blake if

Medal projections Men 100 meters Gold: Usain Bolt, Jamaica Silver: Yohan Blake, Jamaica Bronze: Justin Gatlin, United States 200 Gold: Usain Bolt, Jamaica Silver: Yohan Blake, Jamaica Bronze: Wallace Spearmon, United States 400 Gold: LaShawn Merritt, United States Silver: Luguelin Santos, Dominican Republic Bronze: Kirani James, Grenadines 800 Gold: David Rudisha, Kenya Silver: Abubaker Kaki, Sudan Bronze: Yuriy Borzakovskiy, Russia 1,500 Gold: Abel Kiru, Kenya Silver: Nixon Chepseba, Kenya Bronze: Silas Kiplagat, Kenya 5,000 Gold: Mo Farah, Britain Silver: Isaiah Kiplangat Koech, Kenya Bronze: Galen Rupp, United States 10,000 Gold: Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopia Silver: Mo Farah, Britain Bronze: Teriku Bekele, Ethiopia Marathon Gold: Abel Kirui, Kenya Silver: Wilson Kipsang, Kenya Bronze: Emmanuel Mutai, Kenya 110 Hurdles Gold: Liu Xiang, China Silver: Dayron Robles, Cuba Bronze: Aries Merritt, United States 400 Hurdles Gold: Angelo Taylor, United States Silver: Javier Culson, Puerto Rico Bronze: Dai Greene, Britain 3,000 Steeplechase Gold: Ezekiel Kemboi, Kenya Silver: Kiprop Mutai, Kenya Bronze: Brimin Kipruto, Kenya 20K Walk Gold: Andrei Krivov, Russia Silver: Zhen Wang, China Bronze: Valeriy Borchin, Russia 50K Walk Gold: Sergei Kirdyapkin, Russia Silver: Jared Tallent, Australia Bronze: Sergei Bakulin, Russia

to dwarf his list of accomplishments.

Gatlin and Gay have met twice in recent weeks, with Gatlin winning at the U.S. Olympic trials, and Gay taking a victory in Paris. If form holds, they’ll be racing for the bronze in the 100 in London.

But as Bolt found out at his Olympic tri-

TURKEY: In this Sunday, March 11, 2012 file photo Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva makes an attempt in the Women’s Pole Vault final during the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Istanbul. — AP

Decathlon Gold: Ashton Eaton, United States Silver: Pascal Behrenbruch, Germany Bronze: Trey Hardee, United States Long Jump Gold: Will Claye, United States Silver: Sebastian Bayer, Germany Bronze: Greg Rutherford, Britain Triple Jump Gold: Fabrizio Donato, Italy Silver: Christian Taylor, United States Bronze: Will Claye, United States High Jump Gold: Ivan Ukhov, Russia Silver: Jesse Williams, United States Bronze: Dimitrios Chondrokoukis, Greece Pole Vault Gold: Renaud Lavillenie, France Silver: Malte Mohr, Germany Bronze: Bjoern Otto, Germany Javelin Gold: Andreas Thorkildsen, Norway Silver: Vitezslav Vesely, Czech Republic Bronze: Tero Pitkamaki, Finland Discus Gold: Robert Harting, Germany Silver: Gerd Kanter, Estonia Bronze: Zoltan Kovago, Hungary Shot Put Gold: David Storl, Germany Silver: Reese Hoffa, United States Bronze: Ryan Whiting, United States Hammer Gold: Krisztian Pars, Hungary Silver: Aleksey Zagorniy, Russia Bronze: Szymon Ziolkowski, Poland 4x100 Relay Gold: Jamaica Silver: United States Bronze: Netherlands 4x400 Relay Gold: United States Silver: Jamaica Bronze: Belgium

Women 100 meters Gold: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Jamaica Silver: Carmelita Jeter, United States Bronze: Veronica Campbell-Brown, Jamaica 200 Gold: Allyson Felix, United States Silver: Veronica Campbell-Brown, Jamaica Bronze: Carmelita Jeter, United States

her resume, and LaShawn Merritt, trying to take a second gold in a row after serving a 21-month doping ban between Olympics.

Rankled at the thought that Merritt can defend his title after a doping ban, Britain’s Dai Greene has promised to give him the cold shoulder should the two meet at the track. Certainly something to watch for.

But for sheer intrigue in the men’s 400, all eyes will be on Oscar Pistorius of South Africa. Pistorius is a double-amputee and runs on carbon-fiber blades. After years of pleading his case in hearing rooms and months of trying to earn a spot on his country ’s team, he’ll become the first amputee runner to compete in an Olympics.

“Today is truly one of the proudest days of my life,” Pistorius said on July 4, when he was named to the team to run in both the individual 400 and the 4x400-meter relay.

The best 1-on-1 matchup this side of Bolt vs. Blake figures to be China’s Liu Xiang against Cuba’s Dayron Robles in the 110-meter hurdles.

At the Athens Games eight years ago, Liu became the first Asian man to win an Olympic sprinting event. Two years later, he broke the world record. Two years after that, Robles ran faster. Then in Beijing, there was the drama of Liu’s withdrawal from a morning heat because of an Achilles tendon injury, leaving a billion or so local fans bitterly disappointed. That set up

400 Gold: Sanya Richards-Ross, United States Silver: Amantle Montsho, Botswana Bronze: Christine Ohuruogu, Britain 800 Gold: Caster Semenya, South Africa Silver: Pamela Jelimo, Kenya Bronze: Mariya Savinova, Russia 1,500 Gold: Yekaterina Martynova, Russia Silver: Yekaterina Kostetskaia, Russia Bronze: Genzebe Dibaba, Ethiopia 5,000 Gold: Vivian Cheruiyot, Kenya Silver: Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopia Bronze: Meseret Defar, Ethiopia 10,000 Gold: Tirunesh Dibaba, Ethiopia Silver: Vivian Cheruiyot, Kenya Bronze: Sally Kipyego, Kenya Marathon Gold: Mary Keitany, Kenya Silver: Edna Kiplagat, Kenya Bronze: Liliya Shobukhova, Russia 100 Hurdles Gold: Sally Pearson, Australia Silver: Dawn Harper, United States Bronze: Kellie Wells, United States 400 Hurdles Gold: Melaine Walker, Jamaica Silver: Lashinda Demus, United States Bronze: Kaliese Spencer, Jamaica 3,000 Steeplechase Gold: Yuliya Zaripova, Russia Silver: Milcah Chemos Cheywa, Kenya Bronze: Sofia Assefa, Ethiopia 20K Walk Gold: Olga Kaniskina, Russia Silver: Anisya Kirdyapkina, Russia Bronze: Liu Hong, China Heptathlon Gold: Jessica Ennis, Britain Silver: Tatyana Chernova, Russia Bronze: Nataliya Dobrynska, Ukraine Long Jump Gold: Brittney Reese, United States Silver: Olga Kucherenko, Russia Bronze: Anna Nazarova, Russia Triple Jump Gold: Olha Saladuha, Ukraine Silver: Yargeris Savigne, Cuba Bronze: Olga Rypakova, Kazakhstan High Jump Gold: Anna Chicherova, Russia Silver: Chaunte Lowe, United States Bronze: Tia Hellebaut, Belgium

In the women’s hurdles, Lolo Jones has turned herself into a media star despite her role as a decided underdog heading into London. She qualified third at US trials and hasn’t run faster than 12.75 this year. The defending Olympic champion is Dawn Harper. She stayed upright after Jones tripped on the second-to-last hurdle in Beijing, then found herself looking around in disbelief, asking if she had really won, after crossing the line in first. Her toughest competition should come from reigning world champion Sally Pearson of Australia, who has the top time in the world this year, 12.40 seconds.

“It’s a lot different feeling going in where no one expects you to win, to going in where a lot of people expect you to win,” Harper said. “I’ve just got to make sure I keep doing the work, because I want to feel that feeling again.”

As does Russia’s Yelena Isinbayeva, who will be going for a third straight gold medal in one of the premier field events, the women’s pole vault.

No woman in track and field has managed to win an individual Olympic title in each of three successive games. “This,” Isinbayeva said, “is my goal.” Of course, no sporting event in Britain would be complete without high expectations for the home athletes.

On the track, the greatest hopes will be vested in Mo Farah, the Somalia-born long-

Pole Vault Gold: Yelena Isinbayeva, Russia Silver: Fabiana Murer, Brazil Bronze: Jennifer Suhr, United States Javelin Gold: Barbora Spotakova, Czech Republic Silver: Mariya Abakumova, Russia Bronze: Sunette Viljoen, South Africa Discus Gold: Sandra Perkovic, Croatia Silver: Nadine Mueller, Germany Bronze: Yarelis Barrios, Cuba Shot Put Gold: Valerie Adams, New Zealand Silver: Nadzeya Ostapchuk, Belarus Bronze: Jillian Camarena-Williams, United States Hammer Gold: Betty Heidler, Germany Silver: Aksana Miankova, Belarus Bronze: Zhang Wenxiu, China 4x100 Relay Gold: United States Silver: Jamaica Bronze: Ukraine 4x400 Relay Gold: United States Silver: Jamaica Bronze: Russia

DAEGU: This Aug. 28, 2011 file photo shows South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius competing in a heat of the men’s 400-meter at the World Athletics Championships. —AP

the two actually ran head-to-head. Didn’t quite work out that way.

At Jamaica’s Olympic trials, Bolt was glacially slow in unfurling his 6-foot-5 frame from the starting blocks, leading to questions about whether the aftershock of last year’s false start was still playing in his mind. Still, Blake was impressive in his own right. He beat Bolt by 0.11 seconds. To put that in perspective, when Bolt coasted to a victory in a then-world-record 9.69 seconds in Beijing, his margin of victor y over Richard Thompson of Trinidad and Tobago was 0.20.

So it seems safe to say Bolt is not completely out of the picture. But he does have some ground to make up. “It’s just all about the work,” Bolt said. “I’ve just got to put in the work, got to figure out what I did wrong and just keep working at it.”—AP

19

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

SPORTS

Vertigo, celebrity cult threatens Japan’s women TOKYO: Japan’s world-beating ‘Nadeshiko’ can claim a famous football double at the London Olympics, but a resurgent United States, vertigo and the dizzy heights of fame threaten to send their bid crashing. The team, named after a frilly pink flower which symbolises feminine grace and virtue in Japan, stunned women’s football and delighted their disaster-hit country last year when, against all expectations, they won the World Cup. Asia’s first global soccer title came just months after a major earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster killed about 19,000 people, leaving the country in shock.

Despite a significant height disadvantage, Japan beat the United States on penalties in the final, their first ever victory over the two-time champions.

Now they have a chance to unite the world and Olympic titles for only the second time. But, after some setbacks, doubts are growing.

First, their talisman Homare Sawa, the reigning women’s world player of the year and scorer of five goals at the World Cup, was sidelined by vertigo, a disorder of the inner ear which causes dizziness.

Then, when she returned to international duty after a gap of nearly four months, Japan came plummeting down to earth when they were beaten 4-1 by the United States in a friendly in June. “I could hardly play my way. I was so clumsy,” complained Sawa, 33. “But I definitely want to produce a result in London to make up for my absence.”

The result sent jitters through the Nadeshiko camp, which had earlier

won 1-0 and drawn 1-1 against the United States in two friendlies in March and April.

“We cannot get the gold medal unless we step up a few levels,” warned captain Aya Miyama, the Asian player of the year.

“There has always been a gap in strength between the two teams. We have tried to narrow it with the way we fight and our tactics. When we let the opponents have their way, you get a result like today.”

Ryohei Suzuki, who coached the Nadeshiko in the late 1980s, said the team had let their newfound fame and fortune, including a string of celebrity endorsements and appearances, go to their heads. Sawa alone has appeared in some 20 commercials, ranging from a sports drink to a skin-care cream.

“Japanese players have grown so conceited to think they can fight almost evenly against the United States,” he told local media. “I want them to respect the United States once again and go to fight them as challengers.”

Pia Sundhage’s United States are top of the world rankings and gunning for a third straight Olympic title-and fourth in five editions of the Olympic women’s competition.

Importantly, her squad has had ample time to train together after their domestic women’s league was shut down this season due to a legal battle among team owners.

“With a game like this heading into the Olympics, it helps our confidence,” said forward Alex Morgan, who scored two of her team’s goals. Strike partner

Abby Wambach added: “This is only the beginning. We know we can play even better.”

No country has won the world and Olympic trophies in consecutive years, but the United States held both at the same time after clinching the 1999 World Cup. They relinquished their Olympic title the following year.

The Nadeshiko will open their campaign against Canada on July 25, in a group which also includes Sweden and South Africa. The United States will play France on the same day before taking on Colombia and South Korea.

“Both teams want to play good quality soccer and respect each other so much on the field,” said American goalkeeper Hope Solo. “It’s more than a rivalry. It’s some of the best soccer you’ll see in the women’s game.”—AFP

Capello, Guardiola among candidates for Russia job

Diego Maradona

Maradona sacked by Al Wasl DUBAI: Former Argentina World Cup-winning captain Diego Maradona has been sacked as coach of United Arab Emirates club Al Wasl. The 51-year-old, who agreed a two-year contract with Al Wasl in May 2011, was dismissed following a meeting of the club’s board yesterday.

Al Wasl failed to win any silverware under Maradona during his season at the helm, slipping to eighth in the 12-team UAE Pro League from sixth the previous season. They also lost in the final of the Gulf Champions League to Bahrain side Al Muharraq and enjoyed little success in domestic cup competitions.

Under Maradona, Al Wasl were knocked out of the UAE league cup at the semi-final

stage by Al Ahli, the eventual winners, and failed to progress past the second round of the President’s Cup. Maradona’s sacking continued his modest record as a coach, in complete contrast to his playing career. Maradona led his country to the 1986 World Cup and enjoyed domestic title successes in Argentina, Italy and Spain but as a coach he has yet to achieve any such highs.

He had brief spells with Mandiyu and Racing Club in his home country in 1994 and 1995 respectively but neither proved fruitful, and although he led Argentina to the World Cup finals in 2010 his side, including Lionel Messi, lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals.—Reuters

Indian footballer dies after colliding with goalkeeper NEW DELHI: A 27-year-old football player in the eastern city of Jalpaiguri died after failing to receive medical attention following a collision with the opposition goalkeeper in a local match, India media reported yesterday.

Mahesh Thapa, who was playing for Raikatpara Sports Association against Bhanu Nagar at a remote ground, died after being refused admission to three hospitals because no beds were available, the Indian Express reported.

Thapa was ferried between hospitals on a motorcycle as no ambulance was available. He’s the second football-related death in India within four months.

A Bangalore player, D. Venkatesh,

died in March after suffering cardiac arrest on the field. No ambulance was available and Venkatesh was taken to hospital in a three-wheel auto-rickshaw.

The All India Football Federation did not want to comment on Thapa’s death.

A federation official, who asked not to be quoted because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the it would not comment as the game was not part of any sanctioned league.

In 2004, Brazilian striker Cristiano Junior of leading Indian club Dempo died on the field after colliding with Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Subrata Paul during the final of a national level tournament in Bangalore.—AP

MOSCOW: Former England manager Fabio Capello and ex-Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola are among 13 high-profile candidates for the job of Russia coach, the Russian Football Union (RFU) said yesterday. The list also includes former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp, ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, former Italy coach Marcello Lippi and Argentine Marcelo Bielsa.

“The (RFU) officially would like to inform that it plans to hold talks with these specialists about one of them becoming the head coach of the Russian national team,” the union said in a short statement on its website (www.rfs.ru).

Phil Smith, Redknapp’s agent, said his client was open to negotiations. “Absolutely,” Smith was quoted as saying by Russian media when asked if Redknapp, sacked by the Spurs last month, would be interested in taking the job. “Would Harry have a problem coming to Russia? No. He’s ready to go and live in any country, especially as big as Russia. I think such offer would definitely interest him if it came, but so far, we haven’t heard anything about it.”

Pierfilippo Capello, Capello’s son who also acts as his agent, said his father was interested in coaching Russia. “I heard this news just minutes ago and didn’t have time to talk to my father,” Capello Jr. told the Sovietsky Sport daily.

“But I can say that he would be very interested to become Russia’s coach. My father has always been a great admirer of the Russian team and I know that he would be glad to talk

Fabio Capello

Pep Guardiola

to (RFU) officials and listen to their proposals.”

One name conspicuous by its absence was Manchester City’s Italian manager Roberto Mancini who agreed a new five-year contract with the English Premier League champions on Monday.

On Monday, Russian media, quoting RFU and Sports Ministry sources, said Mancini had agreed a four-year deal to become Russia’s new coach after officials found a “signed contract” in the safe of former RFU chief Sergei Fursenko.

Fursenko, a close friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin, quit his post last month. The RFU was forced to reveal the names of the candidates amid intense media speculation about the job, which became vacant following Dutchman Dick Advocaat’s departure after Russia’s failure to get past the

group phase at Euro 2012.

Others on the RFU list are Russian, including Valery Gazzayev, Anatoly Byshovets and Yuri Semin, who coached the national team in the past but were sacked or quit following a string of poor results.

Former CSKA Moscow boss Gazzayev and Valery Nepomnyashchy, who led Cameroon to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals, called the selection process a joke.

“It’s just a circus and I have no comment on it,” Gazzayev was quoted as saying by the Sovietsky Sport newspaper, while 68-year-old Nepomnyashchy said: “My name is on the list?

Well, it must be a good joke.”

Local media and most soccer experts said, however, that a Russian would be a long shot for the post, with Capello and Guardiola seen as the early front-runners.—Reuters

Swansea boss Laudrup makes double swoop LONDON: Michael Laudrup made his first signings as Swansea manager yesterday, completing a £2 million ($3.1 million) swoop for Genoa defender Jose Manuel Flores and taking Jonathan de Guzman on a season-long loan from Villarreal.

Flores, who is often known by his nickname Chico, agreed a three-year contract with the Premier League club after completing a medical and will link up with his new team-mates subject to international clearance. The 25-year-old’s arrival marks the start of Laudrup’s rebuilding work at the Liberty Stadium after the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star’s surprise appointment as successor to Brendan Rodgers.

Laudrup knows Flores well after working with the Spanish centre-back during his spell

in charge at Real Mallorca. “He was one of the main reasons I signed. He knows me as a person and a player, so I was honoured when the call came,” Flores said.

“I believe the manager will be good for Swansea and they have done extremely well to get him. Swansea’s way of playing is the same style as he wants to play the game. He is the right person to take this club forward.

“I am very happy to be here. I know I am joining a club that has been growing over the last few years and is still ambitious to go even higher.”

Flores, a former Spain Under-21 international, started his career with his hometown club Cadiz and had numerous loan spells before joining Almeria.

He made a £4 million switch to Genoa in

2010 but returned to Spain for a loan spell with Mallorca last season. Like Flores, former Holland Under-21 international De Guzman worked with Laudrup at Mallorca and is looking forward to being re-acquainted with the Dane in south Wales.

“Once the opportunity came along to join Swansea and Michael Laudrup it was a done deal. I didn’t have to think twice about it,” he said.

Canada-born De Guzman joined Dutch club Feyenoord’s youth academy and played over 100 games for the Rotterdam club before linking up with Laudrup at Mallorca in 2010. The 24-year-old, who opted to represent Holland after he gained Dutch citizenship in 2008, was sold to Villarreal in August 2011.—AFP

Leonore, Voscia and Wianno triumph Argentario Sailing Week

T

he 1925 Leonore (Vintage Yacht - Under 15Metre), the 1959 Voscia (Classic Yacht - Under 13-Metre), the 1934 Stormy Weather (Vintage Yacht - Over 15-Metre), the 1965 Stella Polare (Classic Yacht - Over 13-Metre) and the little 2011 Wianno (Spirit of Tradition) all emerged victorious from the 14th edition of the Argentario Sailing Week.

The second stage of the Mediterranean circuit of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge 2012 played out between June 14th and 17th at Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany. Organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano, it was a classic and vintage-only sailing event.

Leonore, Voscia and Wianno also won the Panerai

Trophy for overall victory, and received a Panerai Radiomir Black Seal Automatic watch.

Once again this year, Argentario more than lived up to its reputation as a prime regatta course and venue for this kind of event. The 24-strong fleet was able to complete all three of the scheduled regattas in superb conditions: summery sun and temperatures, nicely variable thermal breezes of between 10 and 15 knots, a barely ruffled sea and polygon courses that ensured the spectacle was clearly visible from the shore too.

Leonore is a 14.98-metre Bermudan sloop. She is technically a Q-Class, an early 20th century category

of yacht. Leonore won all three of her races and was superbly crewed by former members of the Azzurra team which competed in the America’s Cup in the 1980s.

Voscia, on the other hand, is a 12.15-metre Bermudan yawl built by the Ligurian yard Sangermani and once belonged to Italian Navy hero Luigi Durand de la Penne.

Last but not least, Wianno is a fibreglass replica of the small yacht class designed in the USA in 1914 aboard which President John Fitzgerald Kennedy honed his sailing skills. Wianno, which won at Porto Santo Stefano, was built by Wianno Senior Italia, the

only licensed European builder of this elegant gaffrigged boat.

Back ashore, the competitors enjoyed the hospitality of the Panerai Lounge where spectacular video footage of the action was screened each day, while the Regatta Village became a favourite meeting place for cocktails and music in the evenings.

The eighth edition of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge continues in July in the Solent with the Panerai British Classic Week on the Isle of Wight. It will be followed by stages at Mahon in Spain, the large Vele d’Epoca di Imperia and, finally, the Regates Royales de Cannes which rounds off the 2012 circuit.

Bolt-Blake rivalry adds intrigue to Olympic track

Only gold will do for Brazil in men’s football

18

16

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Capello, Guardiola among candidates for Russia job

Page 19

PALLEKELE: Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera (right) plays a shot as Pakistan’s Azhar Ali watches during the third day of the third and final Test cricket match.—AP

Perera puts Sri Lanka on top PALLEKELE: Young all-rounder Thisara Perera followed his four wickets with 75 off 86 balls as Sri Lanka seized control of the final Test against Pakistan yesterday.

Pakistan, seeking a series-levelling win, paid for sloppy fielding as Sri Lanka recovered from a middle-order collapse to make 337 in their first innings on the third day at Pallekele.

The tourists, trailing by 111 runs, were 271 in their second knock by stumps, losing opener Taufeeq Umar for four, leg-before to seamer Nuwan Kulasekara.

Mohammad Hafeez was unbeaten on eight and Azhar Ali was on six, with Pakistan trailing by 84 runs with nine wickets in hand.

“We have quite a fight ahead of us,” said Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore. “The wicket is still playing well, but we have to bat long and deep to save this game.” Sri Lanka, aiming for their first series win since 2009, won the first Test in Galle by 209 runs before the second in Colombo was drawn.

Sri Lanka were only 10 runs ahead when they lost their seventh wicket, but Perera and Kulasekara (33) snatched the initiative by adding 84 for the eighth.

Perera, a 23-year-old from Colombo playing only his sixth Test, smashed four boundaries and three sixes in his maiden half-century after being dropped twice on 11 and 22.

Seamer Umar Gul first missed a return catch and then saw skipper Misbah-ul Haq spill a low chance in the slips off his bowling.

“The last session went against us,” said Whatmore, a former Sri Lankan coach.

“Thisara is obviously a good find, he can surely bat and bowl. “But we were not able to capitalise on the chances that came our way. We must now find a way to get out of this situation.”

Perera, whose four wickets in the first innings engineered Pakistan’s collapse for 226, was last man out when he was bowled by left-arm seamer Junaid Khan.

Junaid finished with 5-70, his second successive five-wicket haul, while off-spinner Saeed Ajmal claimed 3-66. The third day’s play provided a keen tussle between bat and ball, compensating for the entire second day being lost due to rain.

Tharanga Paranavitana and Thilan Samaraweera led Sri Lanka’s charge with a fourth-wicket stand of 143 after surviving a testing morning session in overcast conditions.

The pair had come together when skipper Mahela Jayawardene fell off the last ball of the first day’s play to leave Sri Lanka tottering at 44-3 at stumps.

Left-handed Paranavitana scored 75, his

highest score in the series, and Samaraweera made 73 in a timely return to form after aggregating just 21 runs in the previous two Tests.

“I was under pressure but I have a lot of faith in my own abilities,” said Paranavitana. “I may not have got a hundred, but I am pleased with my 75 since the wicket is not easy to bat on. “The lead we have got is very good, hopefully we can go and win the game from here.”

Pakistan bounced back in the post-lunch session as Ajmal grabbed two quick wickets to leave Sri Lanka on 204-6 after they were comfortably placed at 187-3.

Samaraweera was lucky to get to a halfcentury as Younis Khan floored a shoulderhigh catch off Gul when the batsman was on 49.

Pakistan felt the absence of wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal, who was confined to the dressing room with a hairline fracture in his left hand sustained while batting on the opening day. Umar, who kept wickets, conceded 16 byes in a total of 30 extras.

Meanwhile, Pakistan cricket authorities endorsed a life ban imposed on Danish Kaneria by the England board over a spot-fixing scandal, saying the leg-spinner will remain suspended pending his appeal.

The 31-year-old was banned for life from any cricket under the jurisdiction of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after being found guilty of corruption by a disciplinary panel.

Essex paceman Mervyn Westfield, who was jailed in February after admitting he had accepted £6,000 to under-perform during a Pro40 match between Essex and Durham in 2009, had named Kaneria as the link between bookmakers and players.

Under International Cricket Council (ICC) rules, sanctions on any player from any member country apply in all other member countries, a rule which the game’s governing body said is in place “to stamp out corruption”.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said its integrity committee had endorsed the ban imposed by the ECB and will enforce it while Kaneria’s appeal is considered.

“Till the matter is finally concluded by ECB’s Appeal Panel, the integrity committee decided that Kaneria will not be eligible to play any cricket match, or participate in any cricket event/activity in Pakistan,” the PCB said in a statement.

Kaneria took 261 wickets in 61 Tests-the most by a Pakistani spinner in all Tests-but has not played in international cricket since the tour of England in 2010.—AFP

southern Gaza Strip, for a celebration in his honor.

Sarsak went on hunger strike for nearly three months in protest against his detention without charge under Israel’s “unlawful combatants” law, which is the equivalent of administrative detention but for people who are not West Bank residents. His detention order was due to expire or be renewed on August 22. But on June 18, his lawyer announced that he had reached an agreement with Israel’s prison services to end his hunger strike in exchange for his release on July 10.

Sarsak was arrested in July 2009 while on his way from Gaza to sign on with a West Bank football team.

His protest attracted international attention, with world football governing body FIFA and rights group Amnesty International expressing concern over his ongoing detention.

Following Sarsak ’s release, Amnesty International expressed “relief,” while calling on Israel to “immediately end the use of administrative detention, and release all Palestinians held under any legal provisions allowing its use, or charge and try them fairly in a court of law consistent with international standards.” Israeli officials had called

KANDY: Scoreboard at the close on the third day of the third and final test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Pallakele Stadium yesterday: Pakistan first innings 226 (Asad Shafiq 75, T Perera 4-63) Sri Lanka first innings (44-3 continued) T. Paranavitana b Ajmal 75 D. Chandimal lbw b Junaid 8 K. Sangakkara b Junaid 0 M. Jayawardene lbw b Sami 12 T. Samaraweera lbw b Ajmal 73 A. Mathews c Shafiq b Junaid 9 P. Jayawardene lbw b Gul 20 T. Perera b Junaid 75 N. Kulasekara c Taufiq b Junaid 33 R. Herath lbw b Ajmal 2 D. Fernando not out 0 Extras: (b-16, lb-7, nb-1, w-6) 30 Total: (all out, 100.2 overs) 337 Fall of wickets: 1-14, 2-14, 3-44, 4-187, 5-200, 6-204, 7-236, 8-320, 9337, 10-337.

Bowling: Gul 22-3-90-1 (w-5), Junaid 28.2-3-70-5, Sami 17-1-69-1 (w-1), Ajmal 25-5-66-3, Younus 3-0-9-0 (nb-1), Hafeez 5-0-10-0.

Pakistan second innings Mohammad Hafeez not out Taufiq Umar lbw b Kulasekara Azhar Ali not out Extras: (lb-4, w-5) Total: (one wicket, 6 overs) Fall of wickets: 1-16 Bowling: Kulasekera 3-1-9-1, Perera 3-0-14-0 (w-5)

8 4 6 9 27

Terry ‘angry and upset’ at thought of racism claims

Israel frees Palestinian soccer player from prison BEIT HANUN: Mahmud Sarsak, a Palestinian footballer who staged a hunger strike of nearly three months while in an Israeli jail, was freed yesterday and returned to the Gaza Strip. An AFP journalist saw the 25year-old enter the Palestinian territory in a Red Cross ambulance to be greeted by hundreds of people, including relatives, who waved Palestinian flags and pictures of other prisoners.

Tens of them surrounded the ambulance chanting “Victory, victory!” and “Freedom for the prisoners!”

“I cannot describe my joy,” Sarsak told journalists in Beit Hanun. “But at the same time I cannot forget the cries of the prisoners who are still in Israeli prisons.”

“This is a victory for the prisoners and I thank all the Palestinian, Arab and international bodies and people who stood up for me,” he said. His mother told AFP she was proud of her son’s “victory in the empty-stomach battle.”

“I am proud Mahmud won over the Israeli prison guards and hope all prisoners will be released,” she said. Sarsak was taken to Gaza City’s Shifa hospital, which said he was weak but in good condition. He then returned to his home in Rafah in the

SCOREBOARD

RAFAH: Palestinian football player Mahmud Sarsak (center) who staged a hunger strike of nearly three months while in Israeli jail, flashes the victory sign as he celebrates his release from Israeli prison yesterday. —AFP Sarsak an “Islamic Jihad terrorist who planned attacks and bombings,” but never made public any charges or evidence against him.

Islamic Jihad official Nafez Azam said that Sarsak’s release “was a legendary victory.” “The Palestinian people are still holding to their rights, and what Sarsak did is not only an achievement to the Jihad which he

is part of, but to all the Palestinian people who supported Mahmud,” he said at a Gaza news conference.

He began his hunger strike on March 23, but briefly paused it in mid-April. He received vitamins, sugar and milk for much of the protest, but doctors who visited him expressed concern about his health.—AFP

LONDON: Former England football captain John Terry took the witness stand yesterday and told his trial that he was “very angry and upset” when he thought an opponent had accused him of making racist remarks.

The Chelsea skipper is accused of making racist remarks at Anton Ferdinand during a match between Chelsea and QPR on October 23 last year. Terry, standing trial at Westminster Magistrates Court in London, told the court he was sarcastically repeating words he thought Ferdinand had said to him. Terry said the pair began trading insults when he did not return the ball to QPR. The Chelsea captain then ran back to his position and turned round to face Ferdinand. Speaking quietly, Terry said he was taunted about the allegations “more or less every game” and had “heard it all before”. “It’s part and parcel of the game; you just get on with the game, basically,” he said, and try to “laugh it off”. Earlier Terry’s lawyer George Carter-Stephenson asked for the case to be dismissed. He said Ferdinand was an unreliable witness and lip-reading experts agreed it was impossible to clarify what was said at the key moment from the footage.

The case was “so weak and tenuous it does not warrant it going any further,” he said.

However, Riddle ruled that there was a case to answer. Earlier, the court was played a recording of an interview conducted a week after the incident between Terry and investigator Jennifer Kennedy from the Football Association (FA), the sport’s governing body in England. “I have been

called a lot of things in my football career, and off the pitch, but being called a racist I am not prepared to take,” the court heard Terry saying on the tape. “That’s why I came out and made my statement immediately.

“I am not having Anton thinking that about me or anyone else,” he said. Terry told the investigator he had only repeated back to Ferdinand what he believed the QPR defender had said to him. He said he thought Ferdinand was accusing him of calling his opponent those words and was angry about it. “I was hurt by it, taken aback and really surprised,” Terry said. “It’s something I took and didn’t like it at all. I have never been accused of that before, inside or outside football. I took it to heart.” He added: “I felt strongly about it and wanted to clear it up before I left the stadium or he got the chance to leave the stadium.” He told Kennedy he spoke to Ferdinand after the match, accompanied by his Chelsea team-mate Ashley Cole. Terry asked whether Ferdinand was accusing him of racial abuse “and he said, ‘No, not at all’.” Terry then said, “Good,” adding that he did not want Ferdinand thinking he had racially abused him.

Terry said he was aware of how a video of the incident looked to those who did not know the context and acknowledged that the footage “did not look good.” But he added: “I know I have nothing to hide.” If it was the case, a player would not be “projecting it” in front of a packed stadium and dozens of television cameras, he said, adding: “I could have easily had my hand over my mouth or whispered in his ear.”—AFP

Qatar sukuk leaves enough on table for huge demand Page 22

OECD sees no end to jobs crisis as economy struggles Page 23

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Boeing lands another big deal on day 2 of airshow Page 24

China trade growth fallsamid economic slump Page 25 FARNBOROUGH: Bombardier Lear business jets are seen on the tarmac at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, southern England, yesterday.

—AFP (see page 24)

Gulf 2012 growth, budget outlooks bullish Kuwait poised to post the largest surplus of 22.3% of GDP for this fiscal DUBAI: The immediate economic outlook for most of the Gulf’s wealthy Arab oil exporters has improved in the last several months despite a sharp drop in global oil prices over the period, a Reuters poll of analysts showed yesterday.

Since the previous poll was conducted in March, the price of Brent crude has plunged by $40 to as low as $88 per barrel because of signs that the global economy is slowing. But oil has since recovered to around $99, and analysts believe that level, combined with heavy government spending and healthy consumer demand, will be enough for the Gulf states to continue growing strongly this year and next.

The latest Reuters poll of 17 analysts, conducted this month, found them raising their 2012 gross domestic product growth forecasts for three o f the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Saudi Arabia, the biggest Arab economy and the world’s top oil exporter, is now expected to expand at a median rate of 5.2 percent this year, instead of the 4.5 percent forecast in the March poll. Last year, the Saudi econo-

my grew 6.8 percent. In the United Arab Emirates, GDP growth is now forecast to slow to 3.2 percent this year from 4.2 percent in 2011. The latest forecast is slightly more optimistic than 3.1 percent predicted in the March poll. Qatar remained the top projected 2012 performer with a 6.3 percent growth forecast, although that was down from the March poll’s prediction of 6.6 percent.

“Downside risks exist from Europe and the world economy. But this aside, growth in the GCC should hold up reasonably well,” said Daniel Kaye, senior economist at National Bank of Kuwait. “Despite the recent fall in oil prices, fiscal and external balances will remain very solid.”

For most Gulf economies, however, forecasts for growth in 2013 fell from the last poll in March. Saudi Arabia’s outlook for next year was cut to 4.0 percent from 4.3 percent, while the UAE was lowered to 3.4 percent from 3.6 percent.

Oil and gas revenue provides most of the budget income of Gulf states, which boosted spending on pensions and wages last year to ease social tensions such as those that simmer in Bahrain. Nevertheless, most coun-

tries are expected to enjoy large fiscal surpluses this year and next, the poll showed.

Saudi Arabia is expected to book a surplus of 13.2 percent of GDP in 2012, up from 12.4 percent predicted in March’s poll, with the UAE unchanged at 5.9 percent.

“We expect Saudi oil production to increase a little bit this year and we think the government spending will be trimmed a little bit by around 5 percent, but that really reflects last year’s outsized spending,” said James Reeve, senior economist at Samba Financial Group in London.

“In the short term, they can easily cope with significantly lower oil prices as they did in 2009. But they need to get a handle on domestic oil consumption in the medium- to long term.” Kuwait is projected to post the largest surplus of 22.3 percent of GDP for its fiscal year, which started in April - partly because a political standoff between the cabinet and opposition members of parliament is delaying expenditure on big infrastructure projects.

Bahrain, which analysts believe needs an oil price averaging about $115 to balance its budget - by far the highest price in the Gulf - is forecast to be the only GCC

Gulf budget break-even oil prices Gulf oil producers are estimated to need the following crude prices to balance their budgets, a Reuters poll of analysts showed yesterday.

(Brent, $/barrel; median forecast) 2012 (max-min) Saudi Arabia 72.3 (88.0-69.0) UAE 85.0 (98.0-76.0) Kuwait 75.0 (90.0-52.0) Qatar 65.0 (80.0-38.0) Oman 83.0 (105.2-75.0) Bahrain 115.0 (117.0-100.0)

2011 73.0 81.8 82.0 60.0 65.8 107.

country in the red in 2012, with a budget deficit of 2.0 percent of GDP. However, that would be a smaller deficit than the 3.7 percent gap forecast by the last poll in March. —Reuters

Sanctions squeeze forces Iran to cut oilfield flow

LOS ANGELES: Job seekers gather for employment opportunities at the 11th annual Skid Row Career Fair at the Los Angeles Mission in Los Angeles. US employers advertised more jobs in May than April, a hopeful sign after three months of weak hiring. — AP

EU offers Spain bank aid, more time to fix deficit BRUSSELS: European Union finance ministers bought Spain more time to revive its sickly economy yesterday, offering 30 billion euros to save the country’s banks and protect Europe from more debt contagion.

Battling against relentless market pressures, the ministers promised to provide the funds this month with 100 billion euros ($123 billion) potentially available in all. At the same time, they agreed to extend a deadline for Spain to cut its public deficit to the EU’s 3.0 percent limit by one year to 2014 “on account of adverse economic circumstances,” an EU statement said.

Spanish Economy Minister Luis de Guindos said the “two agreements are very positive,” giving the recession-hit nation the time and the money “to thoroughly clear up the banking sector.”

The rescue will be finalized at a special euro-zone meeting on July 20 because countries such as Germany must first get parliamentary approval for the deal.

But EU officials differed on the timing of a plan, agreed at a June 2829 summit, to use the euro-zone rescue fund to directly recapitalize ailing banks in a bid to break the “vicious circle” of private and government debt. While the deal sparked a rally in European stock markets, the euro tumbled as traders wondered whether the bank rescue would resolve Spain’s massive debt problems.

The single currency dived as low as $1.2245 at 1440 GMT, the lowest level since July 1, 2010. The return on Spain’s benchmark 10-year bond fell below the red line of 7.0 percent while Italy, also in the crosshairs, saw

its interest rate drop under 6.0 percent. Italian and Spanish borrowing costs had surged on Monday on skepticism that the Eurogroup meeting of finance ministers would amount to much.

“The markets have to realize that the money is there, more than they realise,” said Luxembourg Finance Minister Luc Frieden. “We must try that these states get back to their feet and I think that one year more or less, if that can help a state, is not a wrong signal,” he added.

Austria’s Maria Fekter, a hardliner on aid for euro-zone states needing help, noted that the deal for Spain “contains a lot of conditions, items and formalities Spain has to meet ... (Spain) needs time for that.” But De Guindos expressed a d i f f e r e n t v i e w, i n s i s t i n g t h a t while the deal —Reuters

LONDON: Tough Western sanctions are forcing Iran to take drastic action and shut off wells at its vast oilfields, reducing production to levels last seen more than two decades ago and costing Tehran billions in lost revenues. I ran struggled to sell its oil in the runup to the European Union ban on July 1, yet it managed to sustain oilfield flows at lofty rates above 3 million barrels per day (bpd) by stashing unwanted barrels in tanks on land and on ships in the Gulf. But oil sales have now slumped to half the rate of last year and storage is running out. As a last resort, Tehran is carrying out “enforced” maintenance at its ageing reser voirs, say I ranian and Western oil sources, dropping output below 3 million bpd.

I t ’s a step that could make Tehran look as if it is caving in to the West and, in any case, leaves it trailing former rival Iraq in the ranks of the world’s top oil producers. And if a big volume of oil is closed down, it will be difficult to bring it back online when it’s needed, say Western oil experts.

“We’re now in a situation where we are being forced to reduce production - so we will prolong the rehabilitation of our oilfields,” said an Iranian oil source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the information.

“But it’s a mistake to think this will make us put our hands up.

Iran will not surrender.” Nor will Iran say very much, if anything. Oil sales began to slow in March due to the rigorous restraints imposed by the United States and European Union, but Iran only conceded in June that exports had fallen significantly. As for lower production,

an inevitable result of a sustained slowdown in exports, the Islamic Republic has gone fur ther into lock- down mode - mak ing it exceedingly difficult to obtain precise information.

“In operations - upstream or downstream - maintenance is not something unexpected,” said an Iranian oil official, who insisted on anonymity. “It is very normal to have some maintenance.”

He declined to comment on whether Iran had taken the opportunity to work-over its oilfields with exports now running about 1 million bpd below last year.

Western oil experts reckon tight storage and plunging oil sales may have forced Tehran to turn down the oilfield taps by at least several hundred thousand barrels a day.

“I would guess that (oilfield) shut-ins will be more than 25 percent - if not already, then ver y soon,” said a European oil executive whose company has invested in Iran. Adding a further layer of complexity, there are changing faces among the top brass at the National Iranian Oil Co. (NIOC). On the job for just a year, Mohsen Qamsari, head of international affairs, has just been replaced by Mohammad Ali Khatibi, Tehran’s representative on OPEC’s governing board.

“The pressure is definitely on, but it ’s difficult to k now the details,” said a senior Western oil executive. “What is clear is that the situation is extremely complicated and delicate and things are not being said in public.”

Oil shipments have declined steadily as buyers cut imports to comply with US and European Union sanctions imposed due to

concerns the country is attempting to build a nuclear bomb. Iran says its nuclear ac tivities are peaceful. Last month, I ran acknowledged that exports had fallen sharply - down 20-30 percent from normal volumes of 2.2 million barrels daily.

A National Iranian Oil Company official, Mohammad Ali Emadi, put the decrease down to oilfield maintenance and not sanctions imposed on Iran’s nuclear program.

When pressed for fur ther details on the oilfield overhauls, three senior I ranian officials declined to comment. There is no end of speculation among Western executives and policymakers.

“I have heard that some fields are shut in and just by looking at the numbers, I believe that’s correct. I don’t think they have much more space to put oil,” said an industry source who tracks Iranian production and exports. “But I am sure they don’t want to admit it or give away any ideas on which fields.” In April, shipping sources said I ran had been forced to deploy more than half its fleet to store oil at anchorage in the Gulf, equating to 33 million barrels. The countr y is expected to store at least a further 8.3 million barrels this month.

Those who track the oil shipments of Iran and other members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries say there is precious little available storage in tanks onshore.

“I t ’s full up. I t got full quite quickly before the floating storage started getting filled up,” said the industry source. — Reuters

22

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

BUSINESS

Qatar sukuk leaves enough on table for huge demand Doha’s first sovereign sukuk in nine years DUBAI: Qatar is returning to the international Islamic bond market this week after an absence of nearly a decade, and initial price talk indicates it is leaving enough on the table to entice a huge investor pool - and possibly print the Gulf’s largest dollar-denominated sukuk this year.

The Gulf Arab state plans to issue a two-tranche sukuk, with early price talk in the area of 135 basis points over midswaps for the five-year portion and 175 bps over for 10-year paper. This equates to a profit rate of about 2.22 percent for the long five-year tranche maturing in January 2018 and about 3.4 percent for the long 10-year paper maturing in January 2023.

The initial pricing guidance is wider than some in the market had expected, given heavy global demand for highgrade Gulf paper and strong demand for sukuk among idle Islamic investment funds. Qatar may be aiming to maximize orders for the sukuk, which would allow it to make large allocations to global investors and particularly Islamic investors in southeast Asia. Allocations for big Gulf deals last month, including Bahrain’s 10-year, $1.5 billion sovereign bond, showed investors from outside the Gulf were increasingly muscling in on new issues.

“Indicative pricing is a couple of basis

points cheap to the existing conventional curve,” said Doug Bitcon, head of fixed income funds and portfolios at Rasmala Investment Bank in Dubai.

“Bearing in mind that sukuk typically trade inside conventional paper as well as expected demand from regional banks, the indicative pricing is attractive.”

Qatar, the world’s top liquefied natural gas exporter, normally doesn’t issue small; it printed a $5 billion, multi-tranche conventional bond last November, and prior to that a $7 billion bond in 2009.

The sovereign has not issued a sukuk since 2003, when it priced $700 million of seven-year paper.

The amount of assets made available to back this week’s sukuk suggests Qatar could issue up to $4 billion of paper, though it has no obligation to do so and many in the market expect a smaller amount.

This year’s largest dollar sukuk issue so far is Saudi Electricity Co’s $1.75 billion deal in late March, which Qatar looks able to exceed easily if it chooses.

Several market sources said they expected Qatar’s pricing guidance to tighten before launch.

“They (Qatar) will tighten at least 10 bps...What they are doing is showing generous guidance to get the orders in,” said a fixed income trader at a regional bank. “Then they will tighten and print

cial-purpose vehicle which issues sukuk certificates to obtain funding to pay for the assets. According to a ratings release on Monday from Standard & Poor ’s, which has rated the potential sukuk AA, on a par with its rating for the sovereign, the underlying assets will be state owned buildings and land in Qatar. The Islamic debt market has been resilient during the latest phase of the euro zone crisis and most regional deals so far this year have been in the form of sukuk.

Unrated Dubai issued a two-tranche $1.25 billion sukuk in April, following Saudi Electricity Co’s issue.

Both those deals were considerably oversubscribed; they carried a 10-year portion which attracted long-term institutional investors while at the same time catering to the regional sweet-spot with a five-year tranche. The Saudi Electric sukuk attracted orders of at least $15 billion, partly because of its rarity as a dollar-denominated, investment-grade issue from that country.

Saudi Electric’s 2.665 percent five-year tranche was bid at a yield of 2.40 percent yesterday, while the 4.211 percent 10year portion was yielding just under 3.5 percent, according to Reuters data.

Qatar has hired HSBC Holdings, Deutsche Bank , Standard Chartered Plc and local lenders Barwa Bank and QInvest to arrange its deal. — Reuters

big,” he said, predicting Qatar would issue between $2 billion and $3 billion.

Biswajit Dasgupta, head of treasury and trading at Invest AD, said: “We expect that they’ll look to build a really large order book and then tighten the pricing.

The market sense is that final pricing will be more or less in line with the current curve for the 2017 maturity, with the sukuk premium making up for this issue’s longer duration.

“We think Qatari banks will be the biggest bidders, although the combination of a high credit rating and the sukuk structure will probably receive decent demand from some Islamic investors out of Asia.” Qatar’s outstanding conventional bonds have tightened since issue in November. The $2 billion, 3.125 percent five-year portion of its last bond was bid at a yield of around 2.2 percent yesterday morning, according to Thomson Reuters data. The $2 billion, 4.5 percent 10-year tranche was at 3.23 percent. That means the sukuk’s indicative pricing is now roughly in line with the conventional bond for the five-year tenor and nearly 20 bps wider for the 10-year - implying there may be more room for the 10-year to tighten in subsequent price talk.

The sukuk will have an ijara structure, a rental or lease arrangement, according to the prospectus. In a common form of ijara, the originator sells assets to a spe-

Huawei eyes deals with Etisalat, Saudi Telecom DUBAI: China’s Huawei Technologies is in talks with Gulf telecoms Etisalat and Saudi Telecom to manage their fixed-line networks, an executive said, potentially cementing its leadership of a $1 billion regional industry. Huawei, the world’s No 2 telecom gear maker, is in similar negotiations with several other Middle East operators, the executive said in emailed comments, but declined to name them, citing confidentiality agreements. “Huawei has strong partnerships with most regional operators and is constantly looking into ways of expanding these,” Xia Chaojie, vice-president for delivery and service, Huawei Middle East, told Reuters.

“We see an opportunity to do this through moving towards new technologies and also looking at fixed-line managed services. Our teams have initiated talks with

all our fixed network partners in the Middle East, including operators like Saudi Telecom and Etisalat.”

Etisalat is a former monopoly in the United Arab Emirates, while managed services refers to operators outsourcing maintenance of networks to a third party.

The practice is increasingly common in the Middle East, allowing operators to better focus on marketing and customer services as a means of differentiating themselves from competitors. Outsourcing network maintenance also typically cuts telecom’s operating costs by 13 to 20 percent, Xia said. He estimated the Middle East’s managed services sector was worth $1 billion last year, claiming Huawei’s market share was 55 percent. And he forecast sector revenue would grow around 18 percent over the next two to three years. —Reuters

TUNIS: The Governor of the Central Bank of Tunisia Mustapha Kamel Nabli speaks in Tunis yesterday.

Nabli said he was still awaiting a final decision over whether he will be dismissed from his job or not, after Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki called for him to leave his post in June. — AFP

Emaar picks 7 banks for potential sukuk offering DUBAI: Emaar Properties, builder of the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa, has picked banks to arrange investor meetings in London ahead of a possible new Islamic bond, or sukuk, issue.

The company, the Gulf’s largest listed developer by market value, has mandated no fewer than seven regional and international banks for the meetings which take place on July 11, and

only in London. A sukuk issue under the company’s $2 billion sukuk program may follow, subject to market conditions, arranging banks said yesterday.

The Islamic debt market has been resilient during the latest phase of the euro zone crisis and most regional deals so far this year have been in the form of sukuk.

Emaar, which saw sales of apart-

help refinance upcoming debt. Emaar plans to focus on boosting revenues from its global operations and enhancing profit from recurring revenues, its chief executive Mohammed Alabbar said earlier this year.

Emaar’s previous sukuk issue was a $500 million sale in February 2011 which carried a profit rate of 8.5 percent under the program. — Reuters

ments plunge 85 percent last year, is gradually shifting its focus from the bleak Dubai property market towards the more profitable hospitality and retail sectors.

It owns the Dubai Mall, billed as the world’s largest shopping mall, and operates the Armani-branded hotels.

Last year, Emaar used Dubai Mall as collateral to secure a $1 billion lending to

News

in brief

Saudi June inflation eases to 4.9% JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation eased to 4.9 percent in June, its lowest level since September last year, despite a big rise in housing prices, official data showed yesterday. Inflation slowed from 5.1 percent in May. The month-on-month rate in June was unchanged from 0.2 percent in May, according to the Central Department of Statistics. “I think it is probably lower commodity prices globally and a reflection of a strong dollar and a weaker euro, because about 28 percent of Saudi imports are from Europe and that makes a difference,” said James Reeve, senior economist at Samba Financial Group. Saudi Arabia pegs its riyal currency to the dollar. Prices of housing, rents and water jumped 8.8 percent from a year earlier in June.

Saudi Arabia suffers from a housing shortage that drives up real estate prices; last year the government promised to build half a million new homes and last week it passed a mortgage law designed to stimulate house building, but analysts believe high land prices may prevent any quick resolution to the problem.

Saudi British Bank Q2 profit up 7.4% JEDDAH: Saudi lender SABB posted a 7.4 percent rise in its second-quarter net profit due to increasing operating income and a decrease in expenses, the bank said in a bourse statement yesterday, beating the average forecast of analysts. The bank made a net profit of 915 million riyals ($244 million) in the three months ending June 30, compared with 852 million riyals in the same period a year earlier. Analysts polled

by Reuters expected the firm to post, on average, 829.4 million riyals for the second-quarter. Net profit for the first half of 2012 jumped 10.4 percent to 1.77 billion riyals from 1.6 billion riyals for the opening six months of last year. “The increase in net income for the current half compared to the same period a year earlier is an increase in operating income and a decrease in operating expenses,” the statement said.

SABB’s total operating profit for the second quarter rose by 2.2 percent to 1.38 billion riyals from 1.35 billion riyals a year earlier, it said.

Saudi Hollandi Q2 net profit jumps 26.2% JEDDAH: Saudi Hollandi Bank posted a 26.2 percent increase in its second-quarter net profit due to higher operating income and lower costs, the firm said in a bourse statement yesterday, beating analysts’ average forecast. Saudi Hollandi, the eighth-largest lender in the kingdom, made a net profit of 332.3 million riyals ($88.6 million) in the three months ending June 30, compared with 263.3 million riyals in the same period a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by Reuters expected the bank, on average, to post a second-quarter profit of 286.2 million riyals. The bank attributed the result to lower costs and higher operating income, which rose by 12.1 percent in the second quarter to 554.9 million riyals from 495.2 million riyals in the same period a year earlier.

Samba Financial Q2 net profit edges higher DUBAI: Saudi’s Samba Financial Group posted a 5.1 percent rise in second-quarter net profit on the back of an increase in operating income, it said in a bourse filing yesterday, slightly exceeding analysts’ forecasts.

The kingdom’s second-largest listed lender by market value said that its second quarter net profit increased to 1.16 billion riyals ($309.3 million) versus 1.1 billion riyals in the corresponding period last year. Eight analysts surveyed by Reuters forecast net profit would be, on average, 1.13 billion riyals. Net profit for the first six months of 2012 was 2.3 billion riyals, up 2.3 percent from the 2.2 billion riyals reported in the first half of last year.

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

.2740000 .4320000 .3420000 .2850000 .2730000 .2840000 .0040000 .0020000 .0761760 .7421590 .3850000 .0720000 .7275550 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2806000 GB Pound/KD .4346070 Euro .3447450 Swiss francs .2869850 Canadian dollars .2753410 Danish Kroner .0463440 Swedish Kroner .0398830 Australian dlr .2857630 Hong Kong dlr .0361910 Singapore dlr .2204930 Japanese yen .0035230 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0764270 Bahraini dinars .7445930 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0748470 Omani riyals .7291150 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

3.553 5.072 3.053 2.141 3.173 220.090 36.173 3.425 6.439 8.876 89.338

.2840000 .4420000 .3510000 .2980000 .2810000 .2920000 .0070000 .0035000 .0769410 .7496180 .4050000 .0780000 .7348670 .0072000 .0510000 .2827000 .4378600 .3473250 .2891330 .2774020 .0466910 .0401820 .2879020 .0364610 .2221440 .0035490 .0050890 .0021270 .0030200 .0034700 .0769990 .7501660 .3998590 .0754070 .7345720 .0067830

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 74.883 77.158 729.380 745.850 76.464

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 48.250 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.466 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.309 Tunisian Dinar 176.65 Jordanian Dinar 396.190 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.884 Syrian Lier 4.899 Morocco Dirham 32.64 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 280.700 Euro 354.52 Sterling Pound 441.820 Canadian dollar 274.79 Turkish lire 152.400 Swiss Franc 295.01 US Dollar Buying 279.500 GOLD 293.000 148.000 75.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka 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

SELL CASH

290.000 749.550 3.680 279.700 553.500 45.900 47.500 167.800 48.570 350.200 37.040 5.290 0.032 0.161 0.236 3.650 399.410 0.191 91.870 43.900 4.330 227.100 1.626

47.500 732.110 3.120 6.950 77.960 75.250 223.170 36.390 2.685 440.800 41.100 291.900 4.400 9.260 198.263 76.850 282.200 1.350

10 Tola

GOLD 1,680.060

Sterling Pound US Dollar

731.930 3.003 6.730 77.530 75.250 223.170 36.390 2.108 438.800 290.400 4.400 9.090 76.750 281.800

COUNTRY

Currency

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 438.800 281.800

SELL DRAFT

288.500 749.550 3.442 278.200

223.200 46.554 348.700 36.890 5.055 0.031

SELL DRAFT

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

291.04 280.56 293.11 349.81 281.40 439.53 3.61 3.442 5.048 2.111 3.157 3.004 76.68 749.27 46.50 400.90 732.37 77.71 75.25

SELL CASH

288.00 279.00 299.00 357.00 281.25 442.00 3.65 3.550 5.950 2.260 3.650 3.200 77.000 745.150 48.200 397.500 732.00 78.00 75.150

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 399.380 0.190 91.870 3.180 225.600

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

281.750 279.690 437.720 346.800

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

288.695 745.925 76.685 77.335 75.095 397.165 46.488 2.106 5.050 2.994 3.443 6.705 691.135 4.540 8.995 4.390 3.250 88.670

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

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

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Nepali rupee Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars

281.800 2.997 5.060 2.115 3.443 6.760 76.825 75.300 749.200 46.524 441.900 2.990 3.250 1.550 352.000 282.100

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

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 *Rates are subject to change

281.800 349.500 439.250 278.850 3.575 5.042 46.500 2.110 3.428 6.695 2.995 749.400 76.700 75.200

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

BUSINESS

RBS, others quit Dubai Group debt talks DUBAI: Royal Bank of Scotland and two other banks have abandoned talks on restructuring Dubai Group’s $10 billion debt and threatened to bring unprecedented legal action against the investment vehicle of Dubai’s ruler, sources close to the matter said. The walkout by RBS, German lender Commerzbank and South Africa’s Standard Bank at the beginning of June could prevent a deal for the entire restructuring just as an initial agreement is about to be circulated to other banks, five sources said.

They said the three banks had walked away and were threatening legal action to demand immediate payment, unprecedented in an emirate where banks have tended to take the best terms on offer due to an opaque legal system and to avoid jeopardizing chances of winning future business.

“We are no longer negotiating. We have asked for our money back or we will go to the courts under the terms of the contracts we signed,” said a banker at one of the lenders, speaking on condition of anonymity. RBS had been co-chair of the creditor committee representing banks with either little or no security tied to their cash.

All three banks were part of this group of creditors, the largest of three groups negotiating with Dubai Group, a unit of Dubai Holding, the personal investment arm of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid alMaktoum. A spokeswoman for RBS confirmed the part-nationalized British lender had given up its role

on the creditor committee, but did not give further details of its position.

“This decision was not taken lightly as RBS has a strong track-record of supporting restructures in the region, but a number of factors beyond our control have led us to consider other options in this case,” she said.

Dubai Group said it didn’t comment on private negotiations but said it “remains fully committed to reaching a consensual agreement with all key stakeholders and believes that this remains an achievable objective.” Commerzbank declined to comment. Standard Bank did not respond to a request for comment.

A document detailing the terms of a proposed restructuring was signed by the mainly-unsecured creditor committee last Tuesday and was due to be put to all those creditors this week, three sources said. It is the first time an agreement has been reached between the company and its 44 creditor banks since Dubai Group missed two debt repayments in late 2010, precipitating restructuring talks.

Most banks are from the Gulf and Egypt, but they also include France’s Natixis.

The government walked away from debt talks in January, dashing any hope creditors had of state support. The banker said that if the three banks were not repaid, it could force Dubai Group into liquidation and jeopardize the entire restructuring.

But the threat of legal action could also be a sign of frustration among creditors, said Chavan Bhogaita, head of markets strategy at National Bank of Abu Dhabi, which is not involved in the restructuring.

“We would regard it more as posturing or sabre rattling simply aimed at getting more reasonable terms,” he said. The three banks’ main concern is the proposed 12-year debt repayment extension for unsecured creditors because of the cost it would impose on the banks to extend cash for so long, three sources said. Other restructurings in the region have involved much shorter extensions.

Dubai Group is relying on asset sales to repay its obligations and wants time for values to recover before selling.

Its mostly financial assets include stakes in Egypt’s EFG Hermes, knocked by Middle Eastern turmoil, and Cyprus Popular Bank, formerly Marfin, whose recapitalization forced Cyprus to seek an international bailout. Dubai Group also has a stake in Borse Dubai, which owns 20.6 percent of the London Stock Exchange. Trying to go through the courts could prove hard given uncertainties over insolvency law in Dubai. No Dubai court has dealt with a similar restructuring, despite a number of state-linked entities in the emirate seeking debt help since Dubai World’s $25 billion restructuring request in 2009.

“We could get back nothing or everything,” said the source from one of the three international banks.

“But there was no point sitting at the table and thrashing out a term sheet we were never going to sign.” Among concessions offered to international banks was a chance to opt out of the restructuring after five years and be repaid their capital, but with a penalty fee for an early exit.

Secured lenders get repaid after 3.5 years rather than 12 and two sources said most of them had agreed to the terms. That group of creditors is headed by Mashreq. Natixis, the sole member of a partlysecured creditor group, also signed the term sheet yesterday, one added.

Of the $10 billion total debt, $6 billion is owed to banks and the remaining $4 billion is classed as intercompany loans. A senior banker who is involved in the negotiations and supports the restructuring said that despite the walkout by the three banks, progress had been made.

“There has been more progress in the last two weeks than in the last two years so the hope is they will look at their rationale for leaving and come back into the tent,” he said.

Unlike Dubai World, Dubai Group cannot use Decree 57, a bankruptcy law drawn up in 2009 that can be used by a company to force creditors in line.

RBS has been replaced by Commercial Bank of Qatar as co-chair of the mainly unsecured lender committee. It is also headed by Emirates NBD, two sources said. — Reuters

OECD sees no end to jobs crisis as economy struggles Think tank wants tax code to tackle income inequality

JAKARTA: In this handout photograph released by the Indonesian Agency Antarafoto, International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde delivers her address before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Latin Business Forum in Jakarta yesterday. Lagarde said that signs of increased protectionism amid deteriorating global economic conditions were “alarming”, and warned such measures affect everyone. — AFP

Fed’s Bullard plays down talk of more asset buying LONDON: The European debt crisis and disappointing growth in the United States and China are worrisome, but the US economy is still some way from needing more assetbuying stimulus, a US Federal Reserve policymaker said yesterday.

St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank President James Bullard also told an audience in London that the Fed was not likely to extend its “twist” operation, supporting bond markets by extending the maturity profile of the debt it holds, beyond the end of the year. The Fed cut benchmark rates to near zero in December 2008 and has bought $2.3 trillion in bonds to stimulate economic growth in two quantitative easing (QE) programs. It has signalled it will hold rates near zero until at least late 2014.

Recent data, however, has reinforced the view that the US economy is faltering, and the most recent jobs report - which was below market consensus - raised bets for further Fed policy easing. The Fed’s next policy-setting meeting is July 31-Aug. 1. Some Fed officials have suggested risks from the euro zone crisis point to a need for further easing measures as a precaution.

But Bullard, who will not be a voting member of the Fed’s policy-making panel until next year, played down prospects of a third round of asset buying, or QE3.

“If things slow down a lot more and the US economy looked like either that it was going into recession or that deflation would develop, then I think we could consider more action, but I don’t think we are there at this juncture,” he said.

“I don’t see a lot of deflation developing in the US right now but I would definitely keep an eye on it.” A Reuters poll on Friday showed economists at Wall Street’s top bond-trading firms putting the likelihood of

a third round of quantitative easing at 70 percent. Bullard is considered a centrist on the spectrum of Fed policymaker views that span advocates of aggressive action to boost growth to opponents of further central bank intervention.

Looking broadly at the economic climate, Bullard said policymakers were coming to terms with the possibility the euro area sovereign debt crisis could be more painful and more protracted than previously believed. “(The effects from the crisis are) mostly coming through US financial markets and certainly show up in the US equity markets. The fact that Europe is in recession means that US multinationals are being affected by that - that’s affecting their valuations and there’s just general uncertainty that’s affecting US financial markets,” he said.

Bullard said the Fed Reserve would find it difficult to extend its “twist” operation to support bond markets in 2013. “Twist has been extended through the end of the year, but we are running out of balance sheet,” Bullard told reporters at a briefing after a conference in London. “There is a limited amount of short-term Treasuries that we can sell and buy long-term Treasuries. So I don’t think you can look at any more extension of Twist beyond the end of the year.”

On June 20 the central bank expanded its “Operation Twist” by $267 billion, meaning it will sell that amount of short-term securities to buy longer-term ones to keep long-term borrowing costs down. The program, which was due to expire in June, will now run through the end of 2012.

Bullard said it will take some time to see what impact the Fed’s June renewal of the maturity extension program, informally called “Operation Twist,” will have on the US economy. — Reuters

LONDON: Unemployment in advanced economies will remain high until at least the end of 2013, with young people and the low-skilled bearing the brunt of what is by far the weakest economic recovery in the past four decades, the OECD said yesterday.

The jobless rate in the 34-country OECD area will still be stuck at 7.7 percent at the end of next year, close to this May’s 7.9 percent rate and leaving 48 million people out of work, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development said in 2012 Employment Outlook.

The recent deterioration in the economic outlook was very bad news for the labor market, OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said. “It is imperative that governments use every possible means at their disposal to help jobseekers, especially young people, by removing barriers to job creation and investing in their education and skills,” said Gurria. He presented the report in Paris, where the think tank is headquartered.

Countries needed to tackle the jobs crisis with appropriate macroeconomic policy measures, including immediate steps to stabilize Europe’s banking system. There was also a case for some easing of fiscal policy if governments retain room for budgetary manouevre, the OECD said.

The challenges facing policymakers were in some respects unprecedented, according to the report: Almost three years into the recovery from the trough of the global financial crisis, the May jobless rate was just 0.6 percentage points below the post-war high of 8.5 percent touched

in October 2009. Youth employment has declined by almost seven percentage points, relative to overall employment, since the start of the crisis, while low-skilled employment has dropped almost five percentage points.

What’s more, temporary employment has picked up strongly because of firms’ reluctance to rehire workers on open-ended contracts given the uncertain economic outlook.

Long-term unemployment has jumped to 35 percent of the jobless total from 27 percent before the crisis, raising the specter that the increase becomes structural as skills erode.

Despite the grim environment, the OECD called for bold structural reforms in labor and product markets. For example, governments could tap a rich seam of job growth by opening the retail trade and professional services to greater competition. Economists have pointed to still restrictive shop opening times in a raft of European countries and international lenders have demanded that Greece and Italy loosen closed-shop practices, whether it be by pharmacies, law firms or taxi drivers.

The report examines a plunge in the share of national income taken by wages and benefits, which has been dropping steadily across most of the OECD for the past 20 to 30 years.

The median labour share fell to 61.7 percent in the late 2000s from 66.1 percent in the early 1990s.

The report attributes 80 percent of the fall to improved total factor productivity and to capital deepening - the key drivers of economic growth - as a result of the spread of information and

communication technologies. This has led to unprecedented advances in innovation and the invention of new capital goods and production processes, enriching society as a whole but also replacing workers with machines for many routine tasks.

Indeed, the OECD is worried that the drop in low-skilled jobs is a permanent, structural phenomenon that will not be reversed when growth resumes.

Increased competition due to globalization accounts for at least 10 percent of the decline in the labour share, the OECD estimates.

Furthermore, by creating incentives to maximise profits, privatisation explains as much as a third of the drop in the labour share in formerly stateowned network industries such as energy, transport and communication.

By contrast, the report finds no evidence that increased foreign direct investment had squeezed labour’s share of income. The OECD advocated further investment in education and training to equip workers to win the “race against the machine” and repeated its support for tax measures to temper the sharp rise in income inequality that has accompanied technological change and globalisation.

On average, the wage income share of the top 1 percent of earners increased by 20 percent over the past two decades, while those at the foot of the skills ladder saw their wages slump.

“The growing share of income going to top earners suggests that this group now has a greater capacity to pay taxes than before” the OECD said. — Reuters

German economic growth to be slower, says Merkel JAKARTA: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said yesterday that growth in Europe’s largest economy would be more sluggish this year due to weaker exports to European markets but that it would still manage to expand. “This year we will continue to grow, though it will be somewhat weaker. We realize our exports to European markets are less strong than they used to be,” she told reporters in Jakarta.

“We’re still fighting the consequences of 2008 and 2009, but we’ve learned our lesson,” she said after talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“Germany suffered an economic slump of five percent in 2009 as a consequence of the Lehman Brothers crisis. That was the most severe slump we have experienced in the 60-year-long history of the present Federal Republic of Germany,” she said. “We have not yet left the 2008-2009 crisis behind us,” she said. The International Monetary Fund said last week that conditions were in

place for the German economy to recover this year-and lead the euro-zone back to growth-unless the euro-zone crisis intensified further.

For 2012 as a whole, the fund said it projected GDP to grow by 1.0 percent, down from 3.1 percent in 2011. Growth would then pick up to 1.4 percent in 2013, it predicted, while warning of a number of near-term downside risks. As Europe’s biggest economy, Germany could play a “pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by the crisis” and “reinforce reform momentum in the euro area”, the IMF suggested. Merkel said that Indonesia, which had slashed its sovereign debt from 80 percent of GDP to 24 percent in a matter of years, could provide a model for Europe.

“I think that’s an example of what can be achieved and what Europe has to achieve, especially given the fact that Indonesia was able to achieve this over a short time, in fact in a few years,” she said. — AFP

JAKARTA: German Chancellor Angela Merkel delivers her statement during a joint press conference with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following bilateral talks at the presidential palace in Jakarta yesterday. Merkel makes her first official visit to Indonesia for bilateral talks with Yudhoyono. — AFP

Barclays’ Bob Diamond to forgo £20m bonus

ATHENS: Striking shipyard workers from Eleusina, Perama and Skaramangas demonstrate in front of police protecting the Finance ministry in Athens yesterday during their protest march against massive unemployment in their sector. Greece raised 1.625 billion euros ($2 billion) at slightly lower rates in a six-month treasury bill sale, two days after the new government secured a confidence vote in parliament. — AFP

LONDON: Former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond will give up bonuses worth £20 million after resigning over a rate-rigging scandal, the bank’s chairman said yesterday.

But chairman Marcus Agius told a British lawmakers investigating the scandal that Diamond, whose pay packages during the financial crisis were fiercely controversial, would still receive a final pay-off of around £2 million ($3 million, 2.5 million euros). “Bob Diamond has voluntarily decided to forgo any deferred consideration and any deferred bonuses to which he would otherwise have been entitled,” Agius told parliament’s Treasury Select Committee. “The maximum amount would be £20 million,” he said. Diamond and Agius both resigned last week over revelations that Barclays traders attempted to manipulate key inter-bank lending rates, but Agius is staying on to lead the search for Diamond’s replacement.

Barclays was fined £290 million last month by British and US regulators for the attempted rigging of the Libor inter-bank lending rate and Euribor, its

euro-zone equivalent. When asked about what USborn Diamond, who only took over at Barclays chief executive in January 2011, would receive in terms of salary, pension and other benefits, Agius told the said “it comes to around £2 million.” In a separate statement, Barclays said Diamond, 60, would still receive up to 12 months’ salary, pension allowance and other benefits.

Diamond had “voluntarily offered to waive all of his unvested deferred bonus awards and long term incentive share awards,” it said. “This is in addition to his previous decision to forgo any consideration for an annual bonus this year.”

The bank added that Diamond has also agreed to forgo his contractual entitlement to tax equalization. “Despite having no personal culpability, he recognizes more than anyone the negative attention that they have generated and has taken characteristically strong action to address that,” Agius said of Diamond in the statement. Diamond himself wrote: “It is my hope that my decision to step down and today’s agreement on my remuneration

will help close this chapter and allow Barclays to move forward and prosper.” Diamond was one of the world’s highest paid bankers, earning a package worth £17.7 million last year, and drew the admiration of many in the industry for making Barclays a global player in investment banking.

But his payouts became a symbol of bank’s bonus culture, which became deeply unpopular with the British public during the economic downturn. Agius told lawmakers that Barclays was working to reduce its levels of executive pay-a hot political issue in Britain-but said it was “simplistic” to suggest that pay could come down faster. “If we reduce the payment of our staff too fast, they leave,” he told the committee.

The rate-rigging scandal has claimed the job of Barclays’ chief operating officer Jerry del Missier as well as those of Diamond and Agius, and threatens to engulf other banks. Britain’s Serious Fraud Office on Friday launched an investigation into the scandal after announcing that it was considering criminal prosecutions. —AFP

24

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

business

Boeing lands another big deal on day 2 of airshow Airbus announces billion-dollar order FARNBOROUGH, England: Boeing Co revealed a further large order for its remodeled short-haul 737 aircraft yesterday while rival Airbus announced its first billion-dollar order at this year ’s Farnborough Airshow. Boeing said GE Capital Aviation Services, the commercial aircraft leasing and financing arm of General Electric, has committed to purchasing 75 737 MAX 8s and 25 Next-Generation 737-800s. The deal is valued at around $9.2 billion at list prices but customers rarely pay the full amount when ordering big.

The deal is not yet firm, meaning that further hurdles and discussions need to be cleared.

“This commitment confirms the value of the 737 MAX in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO. If the deal goes through, it represents the second big order for Boeing’s 737 in as many days as the Chicago-based company tries to claw back ground lost to rival Airbus in the short-haul market at a time of economic difficulties around the world. At last year’s airshow in Paris - the French capital and Farnborough alternate - Airbus stole a big march on Boeing with its remodeled airplane, the A320neo.

In the run-up to the airshow south of London, expectations were high that Boeing would clinch a raft of short-haul deals as it tries to catch up with Airbus in orders for single-aisle aircraft.

It is pushing the MAX model heavily in response.

The MAX incorporates new technologies designed to make the aircraft more efficient, reliable and comfortable. So far, Boeing has secured orders and commitments for more than 1,000 of the aircraft.

Airbus also announced it is first big deal of the airshow yesterday. It said Hong Kong-based airline

Cathay Pacific has put in a firm order valued at $4.2 billion for Airbus’ long-haul A350-1000.

“The A350-100 will be a game changer in the 350seat category, offering outstanding payload-range capability and a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus President and CEO. “As an all-new design, it will outperform existing aircraft in its size category on every count, as well as any future derivatives of those aircraft.”

Cathay will place a new order for 10 aircraft and convert 16 of its existing orders for the A350-900, a previous edition of the long-haul plane, to the larger A350-1000, which is valued at $320 million each. The deal is subject to Cathay’s board passing it through and takes the total number of A350 aircraft ordered by the airline to 46.

John Slosar, Cathay’s chief executive said the A350-1000’s “improved payload and range will allow us to connect more and more important cities worldwide directly with Hong Kong.”

Also yesterday, Canada’s Bombardier Aerospace said Latvia-based airBaltic had signed a letter of intent to buy 10 CS300 aircraft and take purchase rights on a further 10 of the jets. At list prices, the deal would be worth around $764 million and could increase to $1.57 billion should the rights be taken up. The deal, should it go through, represents another success for the Canadian planes and trains maker in the competitive short-haul market. Earlier this week, Bombardier also said it had a conditional order for five CS100 and 10 CS300 aircraft placed by an unidentified customer.

“The diversity of the C Series aircraft customers ... speaks volumes about the flexibility of the aircraft to

serve diverse transport needs worldwide,” said Mike Arcamone, president of Bombardier’s commercial aircraft division. This year’s airshow is taking place at a time when the global economy is showing signs of slowing down and governments around the world

are cutting back costs on military spending as they grapple with high debt levels. The combination of a faltering economy and lower government spending is a difficult combination for the aviation industry as air travel tracks global economic growth.—AP

HAMPSHIRE: Businessmen walk past an advertisement for Airbus during the second day at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, southern England, yesterday. In the first two days, Boeing picked up an order for 100 aircraft valued at $9.2 billion. The US manufacturer is set to sweep the event, with deals for at least 200 jets still pending. — AFP

Cathay Pacific orders 10 Airbus A350s worth $3.2bn FARNBOROUGH: Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific has ordered 10 of the future Airbus long-haul A350 planes worth $3.2 billion (2.6 billion euros), the firms announced yesterday. “ This is an important and strategic development for Cathay Pacific. The A350-1000 aircraft will bring us world-beating fuel efficiency and environmental friendli-

ness” the airline’s chief executive John Slosar said.

Cathay has also agreed to convert 16 of its existing orders for the A350-900 to the larger A3501000, earning Airbus an additional $1.0 billion at list prices. The announcement came on the second day of the Farnborough airshow taking place near London.

“This announcement from one

of the world’s most highly respected airlines is a clear endorsement of the unbeatable operating economics offered by the A350-1000,” said Airbus chief executive Fabrice Bregier.

“The A350-1000 will be a game changer in the 350-seat category, offering outstanding payloadrange capability and a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn.” — AFP

UK’s Jubilee boost unlikely to break recession gloom LONDON: Britain’s economy got a lift in May when a holiday was postponed to June to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, a move which then boosted retail sales in June, but the country still looks set for a third quarter of recession.

British manufacturing output rose 1.2 percent in May, smashing forecasts for no change, as an additional working day due to the postponed public holiday allowed for more work, the Office for National Statistics said yesterday.

However, a downward revision to previous months and the extra holiday added to June leaves little chance that output rose on the quarter. “From the performance of the industrial sector in recent quarters, it appears that the hoped for manufacturing-driven recovery is not likely to materialize in the near term,” said Blerina Uruci at Barclays.

A wider reading of industrial output, which includes energy production and mining, was 1.0 percent higher in May after a 0.4 percent drop in April. Output was down 0.3 percent in the three months to May compared to the previous three months.

Britain sank back into recession at the start of the year and the data increases the risk that the overall economy shrank again between April and June.

“With a further downturn in production likely in June, this suggest that manufacturing will have acted as a significant drag on the UK economy in the second quarter, increasing the likelihood that the country will have remained in its double-dip recession for a third successive quarter,” said Markit economist Chris Williamson.

Economists in a Reuters poll taken last month predicted 0.1 percent growth in the second quarter, and tepid growth over the coming year with only a modest bounce in the current quarter from London’s hosting of the Olympic Games.

While the extra holidays will drag on production in June they pushed retail sales to rise at their fastest annual pace since December, the British Retail Consortium said. Sales

rose 1.4 percent in value terms, but that was far weaker than the 2.0 percent forecast by economists in a Reuters poll as fears about the state of the economy and a wet end to the month led shoppers to keep their hands in their pockets.

The figures overall echo a recent weakening in business surveys and come after the Bank of England announced plans last week to inject another 50 billion pounds of stimulus into markets to boost demand. Sterling has strengthened over 10 percent on the euro in the past year, as the common currency wilts in the face of the ongoing debt crisis, but Britain’s trade deficit narrowed in May as exports rose, a separate release showed. The goods trade deficit shrank to 8.363 billion pounds in May from 9.709 billion pounds in

April, the ONS said. Economists had forecast a deficit of 9.0 billion pounds.

“Much of the narrowing in the goods trade deficit came from increased exports to Non-EU countries,” Rob Harbron from consultancy CEBR said.

“While today’s releases provides some good news for UK exporters, risks remain to the outlook,” he warned. “Global growth is slowing, putting downward pressure on export prospects, while underlying fragility in the production industries is likely to remain.”

The growth stifling crisis in Britain’s main trading partner is so far showing few signs of abating, threatening to implode the common currency, and has wreaked havoc across the continent and beyond. — Reuters

Oil drops below $99 on China data, Norway LONDON: Oil fell below $99 a barrel yesterday after Norway ended a strike that threatened to halt oil output and prospects for demand growth dimmed after China bought less oil.

Brent dropped more than $2 during earlier trade in Asia to a low of $98.22 after the Norwegian government stepped in and ordered a last-minute settlement in a labor dispute to prevent a full closure of the country’s oil industr y. The strike over pensions, which began on June 24, had cut oil production by about 13 percent and pushed oil above $100 on Monday.

By 1232 GMT, Brent was down $1.60 to $98.72, while US crude slipped 87 cents to $85.12 a barrel. “ The intervention (by the Norwegian government) means that a major supply disruption is prevented,” Olivier Jakob wrote in his Petromatrix note.

More bearish news emerged from China, the world’s second biggest crude consumer. Imports plunged in June to the lowest this

year from a record high the previous month, as refiners cut purchases amid slowing oil demand.

China accounted for more than half the world’s oil demand growth last year.

“The reduced oil demand from China could result in a further increase in the already considerable oversupply on the oil market, thus precluding any further recover y of oil prices,” said a Commerzbank research note.

China is expected to release GDP data later this week that could show the weakest expansion in three years. If confirmed, the figures could help support oil as investors expect the government to introduce measures to boost the economy.

Prices could also gain support from a decline in US crude stockpiles. Crude inventories in the world’s biggest oil consumer are forecast to have fallen for the third straight week due to lower imports and higher refinery usage, a preliminary Reuters poll showed on Monday.— Reuters

25

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

business

Euro falls victim to ECB’s deposit rate policy LONDON: The European Central Bank may finally have dealt a blow to the euro’s resilience during the regional debt crisis. Last Thursday’s decision to cut the deposit rate, the rate commercial banks earn for parking money with the central bank, from 0.25 percent to zero puts the single currency in a nowin situation.

It makes the euro less attractive when riskier or higher-yielding assets, such as stocks or currencies of strong economies, are performing well.

Currencies such as the safe-haven US dollar and the yen, which fall when stocks rise, usually perform better during period of financial market stress.

But with the euro-zone’s worsening debt crisis at the centre of market angst, investors are less likely to buy the euro at times of uncertainty.

This means a double hit for the euro, which lost more ground against the dollar since the interest rate cut than it did in the whole of the first half of the year. “We think the cut in the deposit rate to zero is very significant for foreign exchange markets. This implicitly

signals a greater ECB easing bias and a desire for a lower euro,” said George Saravelos at Deutsche Bank in London.

Such low rates are likely to encourage investors to sell euros and use the proceeds to buy higher-yielding assets, possibly displacing the Japanese yen and the US dollar as the traditional “funding currency” of choice. These trends will ensure the euro extends a slide which has already taken it to twoyear lows against the dollar, decadelows against a trade-weighted basket of currencies , and record lows against the Australian dollar. Saravelos expects the euro to be trading at $1.20 in the coming months, compared with the two-year low of $1.2225 set on Monday. This fall may help the euro zone’s floundering economy get back on its feet by making exporters’ products more competitive in overseas markets and by increasing the eurodenominated value of their foreign currency earnings.

A new role as a funding currency would mark a sea change in the way the euro trades. “We could be moving

into a new paradigm where you see a mildly risk-positive environment but the euro under pressure,” said Chris Turner, head of currency strategy at ING. This would cause the euro to fall when equities rise and could leave it particularly vulnerable against higheryielding and growth-linked currencies, which tend to move in lock step with stock markets.

Some of the euro’s biggest falls in recent days have come against currencies such the Australian and New Zealand dollars and the Swedish crown, whose economies are in better shape than that of the euro zone and which are backed by higher rates.

Sweden’s main interest rate is twice the ECB’s refinancing rate. Australian rates are even higher at 3.5 percent. “By cutting the deposit rate, the ECB has made the euro the funding currency of choice,” said Ned Rumpeltin, G10 currency strategist at Standard Chartered.

“The nearly 800 billion euros on deposit with the ECB are now a cost to the banks and will slowly be put to work elsewhere.”

The ECB’s zero deposit rate will compound Asian central banks and sovereign wealth funds’ inclination to trim their holdings of euros in favor of currencies issued by countries in solid fiscal health, and ideally with a triple-A credit rating. “Now the ECB has made the euro less attractive there is all the more reason for diversification trades to be considered again or enhanced,” said Jane Foley, senior currency strategist at Rabobank.

Over the past decade, central banks in Asia, the Middle East and Russia sought to diversify large holdings of U.S. dollars, mostly into euros. But now Europe’s debt crisis is leading many to switch their euros into better alternatives. International Monetary Fund data shows “other currencies”, including commodity-linked, Scandinavian and emerging currencies accounted for more than 5 percent of reported reserves in the first quarter from 2.1 percent at the beginning of 2009.

It also showed the proportion of euros in their reserves declined in the first quarter compared with the previ-

ous one. Traders say diversification out of euros into these “other currencies” has picked up since the period covered

by IMF data.

A London-based head of FX sales at a major bank said some central banks or reserve managers had been switching small portions of their reserves into Australian dollars and that other such institutions were considering such a move. This trend will be underpinned by the Swiss National Bank’s policy of buying euros to stop it falling below 1.20 Swiss francs. Some of the euro the Swiss central bank buys are then used to buy Australian dollars and Swedish crowns. For investors, the question now is how far can the euro slide against higher-yielding currencies such as the Australian dollar and the Swedish crown. “My general bias is to expect those currencies to outperform the euro. But some of them have moved quite sharply ...(so) maybe we need to see a bounce (in the euro) or a period of consolidation first,” said Steve Barrow, head of G10 currency research at Standard Bank. — Reuters

China trade growth falls amid economic slump US, European demands weaken

AHMEDABAD: Maruti Suzuki Alto cars are pictured in a holding area at the Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone (MPSEZL) at Mundra, some 400 km from Ahmedabad. — AFP

India car sales jump 8.3%, double-digit growth eyed NEW DELHI: India’s car sales jumped by 8.3 percent in June from a year earlier, an auto industry body reported yesterday, adding it was still hoping for double-digit annual growth despite a sharply slowing economy.

Passenger car sales should rise by nine to 11 percent for the year thanks to expected interest rate cuts that would reduce vehicle financing costs and spur demand, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said.

“We’re hoping car demand will bounce back, possibly around the festival time” when it is considered an auspicious time to buy, SIAM director general Vishnu Mathur told a news conference.

India’s market outlook is of key importance to global automakers from General Motors to Toyota that have been steering to India and neighboring China to boost sales and counter saturated demand in

developed countries. SIAM’s car sales forecast for the year to March 2013 was down slightly from its earlier one in April of 10 to 12 percent annual growth.

It blamed the reduction in the forecast on the slowing economy but said it expected an easing of India’s high interest rates, significant price discounting and the rollout of new models to support its new annual forecast.

The projection was far higher than last year’s performance when sales growth slowed to 2.2 percent, hit by a sharp rise in interest rates and manufacturing supply problems. Some 155,763 cars were sold in June in India, up from 143,851 a year earlier, the SIAM figures showed. The June jump in car sales, the eighth monthly increase in a row, was driven by heavy price discounts and a surge in demand for diesel models whose fuel is heavily subsidized by the government. — AFP

Russian parliament debates historic WTO accession MOSCOW: Russia’s parliament yesterday debated whether to ratify WTO membership, a historic move which the government says will boost productivity but the opposition claims will bear a heavy social toll. A team of ministers faced the Russian Duma where the Communist deputies bombarded them with questions of what World Trade Organization membership would mean for Russia’s economy.

A final vote on approving the bill that will plant Russia firmly in the world economy could come later Tuesday. Despite opposition dissent it should be easily passed with the support of the ruling United Russia party. Communist parliament members said that joining the WTO would flood the country with cheap imports, killing the remnants of Russia’s Soviet-inherited industry and creating unemployment.

“What does Russia want from this besides satisfying the vanity of its current rulers?” said top Communist deputy Sergei Reshulsky, arguing that Russia would face a trade imbalance in almost

every field as its economy was already hurt by capital flight and corruption.

“In essence, we have nothing to sell besides weapons and fertilizers,” he said.

“Why go to the WTO to play the role of a consumer?” The Communist Party previously joined radical left movements to stage several protests against the WTO, and some activists brandished banners outside the Duma building in Moscow yesterday. The accession is expected to be approved by the majority party United Russia, and only a simple majority is required for the bill. After the parliament approves the bill, President Vladimir Putin will have to sign it and it then becomes law within 30 days.

“There will not be any negative social consequences,” Economic Development Minister Andrei Belousov countered, arguing that people will profit from the membership due to competitive prices.

“Until we take on responsibilities (of the WTO), we are not understandable to our trade partners. They don’t know if we are planning to play cards or football,” he said. — AFP

MOSCOW: Lawmakers, members of Communist party faction, rally against Russia’s impending membership of the World Trade Organization (WTO) just outside Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, in Moscow, yesterday. The poster (right) reads: “Russia’s membership of the WTO is the road to disaster!” — AFP

BEIJING: China’s trade growth plunged in June, hurt by weak US and European demand and a Chinese slowdown, with a potential impact on economies as farflung as Africa and Australia. Import growth fell by half from May’s level to 6.3 percent, data showed yesterday, as factories facing weak foreign orders cut purchases of raw materials and domestic demand softened despite stimulus efforts.

Export growth declined to 11.3 percent from May’s 15.3 percent. “The import slowdown was greater than expected,” said Moody’s Analytics economist Alaistair Chan in a report. As for foreign demand, “it is increasingly clear that exports will not be much of a boost to China’s economy for some time.”

Growth in the world’s second-largest economy has tumbled to its lowest level since the 2008 global crisis due to anemic export demand and government efforts to cool overheating and inflation. That is bad news for companies and investors that were looking to relatively strong Chinese growth to shore up global demand as the United States and Europe struggle.

Weaker Chinese demand could hurt Asian suppliers of industrial components and suppliers of iron ore, oil and other commodities such as Australia, Brazil and Africa. China is the biggest market for South Korea, Australia, Thailand and Malaysia.

“Our expectation is that China will have a soft landing but were it to be a more severe downturn it could hit quite hard in Asia,” said Rajiv Biswas, chief Asia economist for IHS Global Insight.

The United States and Europe are less directly exposed but would feel an indirect blow as demand for their goods in economies that supply China weakens. China, the world’s biggest energy consumer, is a major importer of oil and gas from as far away as Angola.

China’s economic growth fell to 8.1 percent in the first quarter and data due out this week are expected to show it fell as low as 7.3 percent in the second quarter. Analysts expect a rebound later this year following two rate cuts since early June. Premier Wen Jiabao warned last weekend the economy faces further pressure to slow, suggesting Beijing might be considering more stimulus. It also has reduced gasoline prices and is pumping money into

the economy through spending on low-cost housing and other public works.

Manufacturing growth in June fell to its lowest level in seven months. Commodities imports were off 10 percent by volume over a year earlier, the worst result since January 2009 in the depths of the global crisis, according to Credit Agricole CIB economist Dariusz Kowalczyk.

Oil imports declined 35.4 percent by vol-

$31.7 billion, the highest level so far this year.

China’s trade surplus with the 27-nation European Union, its biggest trading partner, was even with a year earlier at $12.8 billion.

The surplus with the United States widened by 8 percent to $20.7 billion.

Beijing spent two years tightening lending and investment curbs to steer rapid economic growth to a more sustainable level. It reversed course last year after global demand plunged

SHANGHAI: A truck driver waits to unload a container on his vehicle at the Shanghai Container Port in Baoshan district of Shanghai yesterday. China’s trade surplus expanded in June as demand for imports fell more sharply than expected, stoking concerns about a slowdown in the world’s second-biggest economy, official data showed. — AFP ume and steel was down 8.3 percent. Imports of copper and waste scrap fell 11.9 percent.

“This confirms slowdown of investment, and bodes very poorly for global prices of oil and steel,” said Kowalczyk in a report.

Taiwan, a major supplier of electronic components to Chinese factories, has seen exports decline for four months, including a 3.2 percent contraction in June. Exports to China fell 1.6 percent in June. The communist Beijing government has set a target of 10 percent trade growth this year but analysts say growth could be as low as zero. Tuesday’s data showed exports for the first half up 9.2 percent over a year earlier.

June exports totaled $180.2 billion while imports were $148.5 billion. The country’s diplomatically sensitive global trade surplus widened by 43 percent over a year ago to

Clinton eyes Vietnam trade as US pushes exports HANOI: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Vietnam yesterday for talks on boosting trade as the United States bids to shore up its stuttering economy with an Asia-focussed export drive.

She landed in Hanoi after a trip to Mongolia, where vast natural resources including coal are fuelling an economic boom on China’s doorstep.

Clinton held talks with Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and will meet other senior Vietnamese officials, including the prime minister, and speak to students and members of the US and Vietnamese business communities.

There have been “remarkable” changes in Vietnam and the cooperation between the two countries is “steadily growing”, Clinton said, adding that they shared “important strategic interests” on issues like the South China Sea. Vietnam has made clear it welcomes a closer relationship with its former wartime enemies in Washington amid tensions with historic rival China over territorial disputes.

Vietnam’s Minh said the two sides agreed disputes in the South China Sea should be resolved through “peaceful measures” and said he hoped the bilateral relationship would “grow rigorously” in years to come. “There are many opportunities for trade and investment that will be open after this visit. Investment and trade issues will always be a driving force in our bilateral relations,” he said.

Later this week Clinton will host the largest ever gathering of American business leaders in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap to discuss ways of boosting US exports to the region. — AFP

but is moving cautiously after its huge stimulus in response to the 2008 crisis fueled inflation and a wasteful building boom. The government has promised more bank lending to the private sector but says it will enforce controls meant to prevent easier credit from setting off a new round of stock and real estate speculation.

Last weekend, Wen ordered local officials to enforce controls imposed on real estate purchases to cool surging housing costs. He said people caught trying to evade them would be punished.

“The pace of policy easing will pick up in the near term,” said Nomura economist Zhiwei Zhang. “If the effects of policy easing fail to materialize quickly in July and August, downside risks” in the second half of the year “will increase.” — AP

M&S tries new management line-up after sales plunge LONDON: British retailer Marks & Spencer shook up its management team after posting its worst sales figures for years following months of rain that kept shoppers indoors and boosted results at fast-growing online fashion store ASOS. Marks & Spencer’s (M&S) weak first quarter - when womenswear sales were hit by the wettest April and June since records began - puts extra pressure on chief executive Marc Bolland, who faces shareholders at the firm’s annual meeting yesterday.

The retailer, which sells clothes, footwear and homeware as well as upmarket foods, said its head of general merchandise Kate Bostock would leave the company on Oct. 1 by “mutual consent.”

Bostock has been strongly linked to a senior role at ASOS, which declined to comment. “M&S desperately needs some stability in top management, but Marc Bolland is fighting for his own job, so he has, somewhat predictably, made poor Kate Bostock, the head of M&S clothing, the scapegoat for the poor Q1 trading,” said independent retail analyst Nick Bubb.

Bostock will be succeeded by John Dixon, a highly regarded M&S veteran of 26 years, who has been the boss of the retailer’s food business for the last four years. Dixon will be assisted by Belinda Earl, a former CEO of Debenhams, Jaeger and Aquascutum, who has been appointed style director from Sept. 1.

Steve Rowe, currently director of retail, will succeed Dixon as the head of the food business. “This has not been a reaction to markets, this is a planned succession,” said Bolland. M&S said sales at UK stores open more than a year fell 2.8 percent in the 13 weeks to June 30, the firm’s worst quarterly drop in sales since the third quarter of the 2008/09 financial year.

While wet weather clearly paid a part in M&S’s poor general merchandise performance analysts pointed out that rivals John Lewis and Debenhams continue to post sales growth, and suggested the firm may have made more mistakes. “M&S’s problems in womenswear go far beyond the weather, as they are clearly losing market share,” said Bubb.

ASOS, which targets young women wanting to emulate the designer outfits of celebrities and specializes in fast, cheap fashion, posted a 31 percent rise in firstquarter retail sales to 137 million pounds.

In May Bolland reduced Marks & Spencer’s sales forecast for its three-year growth drive and since then analysts have edged down profit forecasts for the firm’s year to end-March 2013 to about 680 million pounds ($1.1 billion). Shares in M&S, down 14 percent over the last three months, were up 1.5 percent at 326 pence at 0940 GMT, valuing the business at about 5.2 billion pounds ($8.0 billion), on relief that the firm maintained its guidance for the 2012/13 year. — Reuters

26

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

BUSINESS

Mercedes-Benz wins accolades for top design Success at the 2012 red dot design awards STUTTGART: Mercedes-Benz sets sustainable trends in automotive design with maximum aesthetic appeal. The jury of the world’s most renowned design competition has acknowledged this fact by awarding the Stuttgart-based company the coveted red dot award for three new Mercedes-Benz car models simultaneously. The winners are the B-Class, the C-

Class Coupe and the SLS AMG Roadster.

The smart ebike has received the red dot: best of the best award for highest design quality.

This year, 1800 manufacturers and designers from 58 countries registered submissions for consideration by the discerning judges of the red dot awards, which are regarded as a seal of quality for outstanding design. The high-calibre jury of international and independent experts assessed more than 4500 products. Only the best made it through this exclusive field of entrants. The competition recognises well-thought-out, innovative products, aesthetic quality and future -oriented design. According to the hard-to-please and highly respected jury, the new B-Class,

the C-Class CoupÈ and the SLS AMG Roadster satisfy these stringent requirements, all earning the red dot award for high design quality. In addition to the three car models, the Actros truck is also permitted to bear the red dot label.

The smart ebike has received the red dot: best of the best award for highest design quality. For more information on MercedesBenz products and services in Kuwait, please visit us online at www.mercedesbenz.com.kw or join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MercedesBenzKuwait or follow us on twitter at: @MercedesBenzKWT You can also download the iPhone application for Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co. for free by searching for ‘MB Kuwait’ in the Apple app store.

Qatar Airways officially unveils new Boeing 787 Farnborough air show FARNBOROUGH: Qatar Airways unveiled its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner at the world’s largest aerospace event, Farnborough International Air Show. The global debut of the airline’s new Dreamliner in Qatar Airways’ colors marks a significant milestone for the manufacturer ’s 787 Middle East launch customer, which will take delivery of five 787s during 2012.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker was joined

by Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ new President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Conner, together with key figures from the UK travel industry, corporates and international media for the unveiling.

The aircraft later took to the skies for an aerial display, the first of three during the weeklong event, marking the first time Boeing’s Dreamliner has participated in a flying show. AlBaker said that Farnborough was the ideal platform to showcase the latest addition to Qatar Air ways’ modern fleet to the travel industry, media and the wider public for the very first time.

“This is a very proud moment for Qatar Airways and my country, the State of Qatar. As an airline, we have continued to push the boundaries and set new standards in global aviation for more than a decade to create a world class airline,” he said.

“The delivery of the first of our 787s reinforces our commitment to continue this trend and invest in next generation aircraft, with the aim of having the youngest and most technologically advanced fleet in the industry. “The 787 will create new benchmarks in comfor t and space across both our Business and Economy cabins and continue to allow us to offer an unrivalled inflight experience and unparalleled signature Five Star service onboard to existing passengers and new ones.”

The first-time presence of the Dreamliner at Farnborough follows on from the UK debut of

the airline’s 787 Business Class seats at the Business Travel Market in London last month, as well as their international debut

at ITB Berlin - the world’s largest travel fair - and Middle East travel show, Arabian Travel Market, in recent weeks.

(From left): Boeing Vice President and General Manager of Airplane Programmes & Commercial Airplanes, Patrick Shanahan; and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner; Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker and Boeing Vice President Sales, Middle East, Russia and Central Asia, Marty Bentrott.

FARNBOROUGH: Performers entertain special guests as they await the start of the unveiling ceremony of Qatar Airways’ brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

The seat design is revolutionary and the proprietary to Qatar Airways, which worked closely with the manufacturer to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft - with space and comfort a hallmark of both cabins.

The seat configuration onboard Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787 makes it an industry leader with innovative interior designs.

Business Class is configured 1-21 featuring 22 seats that convert into fully flat horizontal beds, while the 232-seat Economy cabin has a 3-3-3 layout.

Key features include an award-winning iTouch touch control unit, over 1,000 movies, programming and audio entertainment options, an iPort, USB port, remote data outlet, a custom designed culinary offering, plenty of storage space for personal items and more - all available in every seat across both cabin classes.

Qatar Airways is set to be one of the first airlines to commercially fly the Dreamliner to the UK as the 787 prepares to make its long-haul debut between Doha and London Heathrow later this summer.

Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operation, currently flying a modern fleet of 109 aircraft to 117 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Nor th America and South America.

Since the beginning of the year, Qatar Airways has begun services to Baku (Azerbaijan); Tbilisi (Georgia); Zagreb (Croatia), Kigali (Rwanda), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq) and Perth (Australia) with many more new destinations planned during 2012.

Over the next few months, Qatar Airways launches services to a diverse por tfolio of new routes, including Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (July 25); Mombasa, Kenya (August 15); Yangon, Myanmar (Oct 3); Maputo, Mozambique (October 31) and a date yet-to-be-announced to the Serbian capital Belgrade.

Bahrain Air appoints new director commercial operations KUWAIT: Bahrain Air, the private national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, having schedules to Kuwait has announced the promotion of Raju Pillai to Director Commercial Operations effective July 1, 2012. Pillai, who has been with Bahrain Air since its inception in 2008, will pursue the new position after a very successful career with the company.

Raju Pillai has played a major role in the company’s continuous development and in making Bahrain Air what it is today. Pillai has been in the commercial airline industry for over two decades and has an extensive knowledge of the aviation industry and brings a wealth of expertise and experience to Bahrain Air. He is a great asset to the company and will lead the Commercial Operations Team in identifying solutions and areas where airline operations can run more efficiently.

“Bahrain Air, being a hybrid airline is the in the process of transforming into a full service carrier and a force to reckon within the region. I am delighted to take up

this position and to lead Bahrain Air’s expansion as one of the region’s preferred carriers. Our main emphasis will be on providing our valued customers with affordable fares and genuine care.

I am also delighted to work with a

experienced senior airline industry professional and he has made a considerable contribution to Bahrain Air’s growth. We are confident that Mr Pillai will live up to our expectations in handling the responsibilities placed upon him.”

Raju Pillai

V R Santhosh

company dedicated to becoming Bahrain’s favorite airline,” stated Raju Pillai.

Announcing the new appointment, the Managing Director of Bahrain Air Captain Ibrahim AlHamer stated, “Mr Pillai is a highly

Bahrain Air is operating 4 flights in a week from Kuwait to onward connections to Mumbai, Cochin, Kozhikode and Trivandrum. The airline is also having an extensive GCC network. “The airline’s performance in the previous months

for the Kuwait operation is remarkable and shows extraordinary levels of growth and, more importantly, the growing awareness of Bahrain Air in Kuwait aviation scenario,” said P.N.J. Kumar, CEO of Caesars Travel Group, representing Bahrain Air as the GSA for Kuwait.

Bahrain Air has 4 destinations to India with a very good transit connection from Bahrain and amazingly, Bahrain duty free has also risen to the challenge to meet the expectations of passengers. To ease this process, Bahrain Air has introduced the best competent fares to all destinations, affordable to all levels of passengers. “Bahrain Air is proud to add Kuwait to its destination map. This step further adheres to the value of service we offer this region. On behalf of Bahrain Air, I sincerely thank all our travel agents and the valued passengers for the success of this operation and expecting their continued support,” said Santosh, Sales and Operation Manager of Bahrain Air, Kuwait Station.

NBK summer campaign rewards customers with McLaren MP4-12C KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues its annual summer campaign offering its customers the chance to win the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C super car as well as up to KD 180,000 in cash prizes.

NBK will announce the second six winners of its annual summer campaign in August. NBK Cardholders still have the chance to participate in the promotion and earn unlimited chances in the two remaining draws. In addition to the grand prize draw for the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, 18 winners spread in to three draws will be reimbursed for all their spending using NBK Cards up to KD 10,000.

For every KD 20 spent in Kuwait with NBK Credit or Prepaid Cards, Cardholders will earn one chance to enter the draws.

Cardholders will triple their chances by using their NBK Credit, Prepaid and Debit

Card abroad or by shopping on international sites. NBK offers its Cardholders the chance to win the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C as well as up to KD 180,000 in cash prizes in its annual summer campaign. This exciting promotion is valid until 15 September 2012.

NBK Cards are accepted worldwide and are the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. For more information log onto nbk.com, contact Hala Watani on 1801801 or visit your nearest branch.

The new McLaren MP4-12C is one of the world’s most critically acclaimed luxurious supercars with its astonishing design that combines elegance and exquisiteness. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive is the sole dealer of McLaren Automotive Ltd. and the exclusive importer of BMW Group vehicles in Kuwait.

Dine Zone Restaurants Complex - Al Aqila

Tijaria Real Estate will present two tenders for establishment of projects ‘Light’ and ‘Dine Zone’ beer Mohamed Al-Bahar, PR and Communications Department Manager, indicated that Tijaria Real Estate will present two tenders for the establishment of projects (Light - Al Mahbula) and (Dine Zone - Al Aqila). These projects are the latest accomplishments of the Tijaria Real Estate Company for 2012. It is expected that the projects shall be completed by 2013.

Light is located in the main intersections of the coastal roads in Al-Mahbula region. It was designed to include choice local and international restaurants over an area of 5,490 m2 with the ground floor equivalent to 2,970 m2. Light has ceilings with double height and a levitated floor. Its design includes internal and external zones. The central section includes multipurpose open spaces that have smart building services to be used for different events. Therefore,

A

Light is not just a unique complex of the best restaurants in the region, but it is the destination of all those who have refined taste.

Dine Zone lies on the beach of Al Aqila region to present a mix of fine restaurants and a breathtaking atmosphere over an area of 17,378 m2, with a construction area representing 8,300 m2.

The project comprises 26 units, each having a ground and first floor with a view to the sea. The main distinguishing characteristic of the project is the central region which includes green spaces with different designs that take the visitor on an interesting trip from the car parking spaces to the beach that is surrounded by palm trees.

It is worth noting that the Tijaria Real Estate Company is a pioneer in urban development in the State of Kuwait due to its unique projects and lease services.

Light Restaurants Complex - Al Mahbula

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft unveils steps to regain dominance TORONTO: Does Microsoft have its mojo back? The company has been on a roll lately, from the announcement of Surface, its own branded tablet, to news about the next version of its Windows Phone, to its recent acquisition of business social-networking hot kid, Yammer.

Now, on Monday, at the company ’s Worldwide Partners Conference in Toronto, Microsoft announced even more news: - The company said it’s on track to release Windows 8 - the major revamp of its flagship operating system to manufacturers by the first week in August, with general availability of devices running Windows 8 on store shelves by late October.

- It’s acquiring Perceptive Pixel, a New York-based company that specializes in large, multitouch displays. - It’s launching Office 365 Open, allowing its partners to package Microsoft’s Office 365 with the partner’s own value-added services, and

allowing those partners to bill their customers for all of that in one single invoice. This will be “the most epic year in Microsoft history,” CEO Steve Ballmer said in his keynote address to the conference Monday morning.

Some 16,000 of Microsoft’s 640,000 partners worldwide are at the conference, which runs through Thursday. It’s the largest number of attendees ever for the event, which brings together Microsoft’s far-flung partners - including resellers, consultants, distributors and others - so they can hear about the company’s product roadmap for the year ahead. And what the partners heard this year seemed to excite them, despite worries that might have arisen about their value since Microsoft announced last month it is making its own branded Windows computing device for the first time. “For the first time in a long time, I’m seeing Microsoft charged about their

own products and confident that they can win. That’s a big deal,” said Lee Nicholls, director of global solutions for KPN, a Dutch telecommunications company. In his keynote, Ballmer tried to allay any fears among PC manufacturers.

The Surface tablet, he told the audience at the Air Canada Centre, is “a design point” that has a distinct niche among the many Windows 8 devices, including tablets, to be sold. Ballmer said the forecast is that 375 million new Windows PCs will be sold in the next 12 months. But he isn’t expecting mass quantities of Surface sales. “We may sell a few million of the 375 million,” Ballmer said. “The importance of thousands of partners will not diminish.”

Ballmer and other execs did not show or talk extensively about Surface during the keynote - something of a surprise to some who attended. “The reason for that is obvious,” said Nicholls of KPN, which

sells Office 365 and Windows Intune to business customers. “They’ve got to keep courting the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). HP and Fujitsu are big sponsors of this conference. Samsung and Dell are also sponsors. So going out on stage, waving your own piece of hardware, is not a great way to manage your OEMs.” Nicholls, specifying that he was not speaking for KPN, said he thinks Surface will end up being “a kind of luxury device to compete with Apple,” with the two versions of Surface tablets priced comparably to the iPad and the Macbook Air. Microsoft’s manufacturing partners, such as Samsung and Hewlett Packard, will probably end up charging much lower prices for their Windows 8 tablets than Microsoft will charge for its Surface devices, Nicholls predicts. He likens the anxiety of hardware partners over potential competition with Microsoft to that felt a few years ago by some partners

when Microsoft announced its own online services, such as Office 365 and Windows Intune - a cloud service for PC security and management. “But it’s necessary to move things forward,” Nicholls said. “OEMs do a good job. But until Microsoft makes its own device, they can’t truly compete with quality.”

Nicholls says he’d rather have that than what he’s seen in years past, when Microsoft almost seemed to apologize for its products - as in Windows 7 being an apology for the much criticized Windows Vista. Another well received part of the morning’s keynote was Microsoft’s announcement that it was acquiring Perceptive Pixel. The 6-year-old company, which has 70 employees scattered between headquarters in New York and operations in Wilsonville, Ore.; Mountain View, Calif.; and Washington, DC, focuses on creating large multitouch displays.— MCT

Intel pumps billions into computer chip tool maker Intel first to sign onto ASML investment program

New apps for drivers and passengers.

App connects drivers and passengers TORONTO: Drivers with an empty seat in their car can find people in need of a ride through a new app that connects them with potential passengers nearby.

SideCar, an on-demand ride-sharing app, lets users request a ride by indicating where they would like to be picked up and dropped off. The app matches them with nearby drivers - prescreened by the company - who are willing to give rides.

“We’re trying to set up a situation where people share the burden of transportation with each other,” said Blake Wirht, director of marketing for San Francisco-based SideCar. When someone requests a ride, nearby drivers can decide if they want to respond.

The passenger can compensate the driver via the app at a suggested fare that often undercuts the cost of a taxi.

“Longer trips tend to be significantly less than taxis and shorter trips are more on par, but generally it’s a better deal,” Wirht said. Compensating the driver is completely voluntary, according to Wirht, who said the policy conforms to state ridesharing regulations.

“We have instituted a community average which shows people what others in the community have been paying for similar rides,” he said. He added that donating less

than the recommended fare could cause a passenger to get a low rating on the app, and deter drivers from accepting the passenger’s ride requests in the future.

Wirht said drivers span a range of ages and professions, from part-time waitresses to managers at technology companies and even retirees.

“It’s fascinating the people you meet, and a lot of people are drawn to it for that reason. But there are a lot of people that drive for SideCar to offset their costs of vehicle ownership,” he said.

Some critics have questioned whether accepting a ride with a stranger is wise, but Wirht said the company has made the safety of passengers and drivers its core focus.

“In order to be approved as a driver you have to go through a vetting process, a background check, proof of your valid insurance, proof of driver’s license and proof of registration,” he said, adding that rides are also tracked via GPS. All passengers need to register with a valid credit card. “We know who everyone is,” he said. “It’s the visibility that creates a very safe environment.” Users can also rate each other based on their experiences.

The app, launched at the end of June, is available for iOS and Android devices across the United States. — Reuters

Surveillance requests to cellphone carriers surge WASHINGTON: Law enforcement agencies in the US made more than 1.3 million requests for consumers’ cellphone records in 2011, an alarming surge over previous years that reflected the increasingly gray area between privacy and technology.

Cellphone carriers, responding to inquiries from a member of Congress, reported responding to as many as thousands of police requests daily for customers’ locations, text messages and call details, frequently without warrants. Special legal teams operating roundthe-clock have been set up to field requests, and some carriers hoping to recoup their costs have created detailed menus of what records can be provided - and for what price.

The reports - the first comprehensive review of the extent of law enforcement requests in the US - shed light on the difficulties cellphone carriers face in balancing consumer privacy and public safety. They also prompted civil libertarians to decry the lack of legal clarity about when and how carriers should hand over information about their customers. At AT&T, a team of more than 100 workers handles the requests pouring in from local, state and federal law enforcement agen-

cies. More than 250,000 such requests came in last year - a more than two-fold increase over five years ago.

Sprint said it received about 500,000 subpoenas in 2011. Verizon and T-Mobile, two other major US carriers, both reported annual increases in requests exceeding 12 percent.

Cricket has seen a steady increase every year since 2007, and although the company once had a 10-person team handling inquiries, it has now outsourced that task to a company called Neustar. Many of the requests cover a number of cellphone subscribers. The costs have become so large that carriers have started charging law enforcement for the records they turn over. AT&T collected almost $8.3 million in 2011 in fees from police agencies, although the company said it believes that number falls far short of what it costs AT&T to accommodate the requests.

Police requesting data from U.S. Cellular are asked to pay $25 to locate a cellphone using GPS (the first three requests are free), $25 to retrieve a user’s text messages and $50 for a “cell tower dump” - a breakdown of all the cellphones that interacted with a given cellphone tower at a specific time. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: Intel Corp will spend more than $4 billion to buy up to 15 percent of ASML and bankroll the Dutch company’s research into costly next-generation chipmaking technology, a major vote of confidence in the European firm that sent its US shares soaring 6 percent.

Intel hopes to speed the adoption of the next generation of chip manufacturing processes from ASML by as much as two years. That will require intensive capital investment, but delivers billions of future savings by cutting chip production costs, analysts said.

ASML, the world’s largest supplier to chipmakers of machines that etch circuits onto silicon wafers, may want to spread the risk of developing cutting-edge chipmaking equipment, based on 450-millimeter wafer sizes and “extreme-ultraviolet” or EUV lithography.

Intel will acquire an initial 10 percent stake in its European supplier and tack on another 5 percent if it wins shareholder approval, for a total of about $3.1 billion. It also benefits by being able to move on to larger wafer sizes.

Apart from the savings that will bring, the chipmaker may also be moving to safeguard its current technology lead. “By accelerating the introduction of 450mm fabs, Intel will increase barriers to entry a lot and make it harder for small players to keep going,” said Pierre Ferragu, a senior analyst for Sanford C. Bernstein.

“By supporting EUV, Intel probably anticipates continued accelerated shrink plans beyond 15 nm..., and also a world in which cost efficiency matters more and more for them.” Intel and other chipmakers are grappling with slowing demand as consumers shift to mobile devices, and economic growth in Europe and even emerging markets is weakening. On Monday, Advanced Micro Devices warned its second-quarter revenue may slide 11 percent, blaming disappointing demand from China and Europe.

RBC Capital analyst Doug Freedman estimates Intel can save about $2 billion a year on 450mm processes, versus the current standard of 300mm. Larger silicon wafers lower production costs because more chips can be sliced off them.

“The transition from one wafer size to the next has historically delivered a 30 to 40 percent reduction in die cost,” Chief Operating Officer Brian Krzanich said in a statement. “The faster we do this, the sooner we can gain the benefit of productivity improvements.”

Under the agreement, the world’s top chipmaker gains no exclusive rights to future ASML products. But Freedman said Intel, as the sector

leader, stands to gain if the overall industry benefits.

“I was a little surprised that ASML did not offer exclusivity or preferential access,” Freedman said. But “if in fact they’re lowering the cost of technology in emerging markets, you’re opening markets as well.”

Intel remains at the vanguard of computer processors but is seeing rivals like Samsung Electronics come on strong in application microchips for smartphones and other mobile devices. Analysts say the US company maintains a two-year lead over the competition but needs to spend heavily to safeguard that. ASML competes with Japanese groups Canon and Nikon.

Its clients include Intel and Samsung Electronics.

Ferragu said Intel’s decision to tie up with ASML might come as a blow to Nikon, which also researches and develops lithography processes.

A shift to cutting-edge EUV helps push the natural progression of semiconductor technology advancement known as “Moore’s Law”, which posits that the average number of transistors packed on a chip doubles every 18 months.

Intel will help finance $1 billion of research into 450mm and EUV chipmaking, both cuttingedge technologies expected to emerge in the decade’s second half.

While many semiconductor companies outsource the fabrication of actual chips to thirdparty “foundries”, Intel is among the last remaining chipmakers that build and operate their own network of multibillion dollar production facilities, or “fabs”.

“If Intel is able to ramp 450mm production ahead of the world’s fabs such as TSMC or Global Foundries et al, it may yet prove that real men have fabs,” said John Jackson from CCS Insight.

“There are signs that the global semiconductor fabrication sector is poised to realign.” Intel is the first major chipmaker to sign up for ASML’s “customer investment” program, under which it hopes to enlist partners to fund expensive research into 450mm wafer technology.

Under their agreement, Intel will pay 1.7 billion euros ($2.1 billion) for the initial 10 percent slice of ASML, and a preliminary 553 million euros for research. The pact also involves advance orders of next-generation ASML chipmaking gear, strengthening the Dutch firm’s assurance to move ahead in developing the technology.

Intel shares slid about 1 percent to $25.87 after hours, from a close of $26.17 on Nasdaq.

ASML shot up 6.3 percent to $51.53 from a close of $48.46. — Reuters

iOS 6 will have new maps and more Siri SAN FRANCISCO: Apple has announced plans to update its iOS mobile operating s ys te m fo r t h e a u t u m n . Ve r s i o n 6 w i l l include new map material that will include bird’s eye and 3D views, as well as voicedirected navigation. Voice-operated assistant Siri should be able to open apps and understand commands for Facebook and Twitter. And simple mark ing will allow users of the iCloud online service to send photos directly to a friend’s mobile device.

In all, Apple mentioned 200 new functions for iOS 6, including a full-screen view in the Safari browser. The update should be free.

The new desktop operating system OS X Mountain Lion should be available starting in July, reported Apple. An update via the Mac App Store should cost 20 dollars. New features should include a dictating function and more integration of iCloud for easier set up of programmes, synchronization of data, communication with friends, and working on and calling up notes.

Small, stylish, quick - the right computer for out and about BERLIN: The ideal computer for underway looks stylish, can handle HD videos and the latest games, is not too loud and, on top of that, is so light and compact that it fits into every travel bag.

The problem is that such a computer does not exist. Users have to consider how they will most often use the device. And this list of seven personal profiles can help. Travellers: Those who are often on the road need a mainly light and compact device. Standard models usually weigh between 2.5 and 3 kg with the thinner Ultrabooks considerably lighter at 1 kg.

“When you carry the computer around a lot, you really can tell the difference,” said Kirstin Wohlfart from the German consumer protection group Stiftung Warentest. If you plan on mainly surfing the internet, then a tablet or a netbook might be better than a laptop. First of all, the tablets are very interesting for users because of the many apps and the ease of use while the netbook still offers the classic keyboard.

Those who write a lot: Professionals demand one thing in particular from their workhorse good operability. “Test the keyboard especially,” suggests Wohlfart.

“What’s important is that the keystroke is not too soft and the casing doesn’t give too much.”

Those who value a numeric keypad will not get around choosing a classic laptop. Netbooks and ultrabooks most often do not have them.

But numeric keypads are available as a USB accessory.

Gamers and creative minds: In terms of gaming, laptops have really caught up with desktops, according to Hans Ludwig Stahl, director at the Institute for Computer Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne. High-performance models can handle more demanding games and video editing work.

In addition to the processor and working memory, a good graphics card is a requirement - which usually creates more heating and fan noise.

Maurice Shadh from the German IT association Bitkom suggests players get the biggest display possible, “even if the computer would be somewhat heavier and more bulky.”

Aesthetes: For years, laptops were designed mainly for functionality. Only recently have manufacturers started thinking more about the appearance of new models.

Those who value design should best go for an ultrabook, suggests Shahd. “ They are often designed more attractively than ‘normal’ laptops.”

The casing for example is more often made of high value aluminium than plastic. But ultrabooks are usually more expensive than laptops with the same performance.

Savers: The technology in a laptop purchased today remains fairly up to date for about three years, according to Stahl. After that it’s all about upgrades. “But you are usually limited to the hard drive, memory and drives.” Swapping a processor is

WiMM stylish and smart computer rarely possible. Those who would like more CPU performance usually have to buy a new computer.

PC owners: In many households, the laptop is the only computer. But if there is a desktop PC in the workroom, there are alternatives to the laptop, said Maurice Shahd. “Tablets often can be used on the couch at home.” The advantage is that users are not bound to the desk and can surf the internet while watching TV.

And the virtual touchscreen keyboard is usually enough for a few emails. Movie buffs: No mobile computer is suitable as a home cinema replacement, especially if more than one person wants to watch. “And there are only seldom really convincing speakers on laptops,” said Wohlfahrt. In addition, the picture worsens on nearly every laptop when the user does not look at the display straight on.” — dpa

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Laughing yoga cultivates merry mindfulness NEW YORK: Can’t touch your toes?

Laugh it off. Laughter yoga, unlike Pilates yoga, water yoga, aerial yoga and other offshoots of the ancient eastern practice of uniting body and breath, doesn’t aspire to sculpted arms and bendy backs.

Laughter yoga just wants you to be happy. “You may not lose fat, but you will lose the idea that you’re fat,” said Sebastien Gendry, founder and executive director of the American School of Laughter Yoga.

“People come because it’s the exercise they can do and it makes them feel good,” said Gendry, who founded the school in 2004. “It’s the easiest form of yoga. They can’t twist, they can’t bend, but they can do this.”

A blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching, and laughter exercises that cultivate child-like playfulness, Laughter Yoga was developed 17 years ago in

Mumbai, India by Dr. Madan Kataria.

Laughter Yoga International now claims 600 clubs in 60 countries.

Gendry, who was born in France, was the first American to train as a certified Laughter Yoga teacher. Central to Laughter Yoga is the tenet that the body cannot differentiate between pretend and genuine laughter.

“We fake it,” Gendry said of the group classes he leads. “We simulate to stimulate. We go through the motions of joy to create the chemistry of joy.” In one exercise attendees are instructed to repeat “ho-ho, ha-ha-ha” while clapping hands; in another they are directed to “picture yourself jumping for joy.”

The exercises are unapologetically silly and very short-20 to 40 seconds each in an hour-long class, Gendry said, to facilitate the shift from thinking to feeling. “The goal is not to work on muscle mass,” he said. “It is to overcome critical

thinking.” Another goal is to connect with classmates. “Laughter is a means to an end,” he explained. “In hatha yoga (the yoga commonly taught in studios and health clubs), the focus is the breath. In laughter yoga, the focus is the “dristi,” or gaze, of the other. It builds community.”

It’s also easy. Gendry said it usually takes two days to master the fundamentals of the method.

“For those who want to teach, it takes a week,” he said.

“Truly, this is not rocket science.” New York City-based fitness expert Lashaun Dale, who has been teaching movement, fitness and yoga for over 20 years, said she really enjoyed the Laughter Yoga class she attended.

“It’s a hoot,” said Dale. “It releases so much stress. You can’t help but laugh.

First, there’s discomfort; then it’s hard to stop.” Dale said the class favored gentle,

healing movement over the intense stretching and exertion of the vinyasa flow of typical yoga classes.

“It is a way to do movement,” she said.

“If you’re stressed out, you’re not taking care of yourself. You can’t get fit until you get balanced.” Humor can boost the immune system and lower blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and laughing for 10 to 15 minutes a day can burn 10 to 40 calories. Gregory Chertok, sport psychology counselor and fitness trainer at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center in Englewood, New Jersey, said there is a staggering amount of documented findings on the importance of mood to behavior.

“It (laughing) is not like doing a cardio workout or a plank (exercise),” said Chertok, who encourages his athlete clients to notice their moods. “It’s less of a physical, more of a social, benefit.

Engaging with people is an enjoyable thing.”

Chertok noted that writer and researcher Norman Cousins, whose book “Anatomy of an Illness” influenced Kataria, famously referred to laughter as “internal jogging.” He said the SelfDetermination Theory, a psychological theory of motivation, says that anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle must feel three things: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

“A person who is not physically able to do more strenuous yoga may feel more competent and related in a setting like this (laughter yoga),” he said. Of course, as Pandora discovered to her dismay, even openness has consequences.

“You cannot open up your box of emotions separately,” Gendry explained.

“Laughter and tears go side by side. The more you laugh, the more you cry. You can’t avoid that.” — Reuters

Ranbaxy CEO planning expansion in America ‘They make profits, we make drugs’

ANKARA: This photo taken on July 4, 2012, in Ankara shows people buying sandwiches at a local kebab reastaurant. In Turkey 35% of the population has accumulated excess body fat to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. The Turkish health ministry has launched a campaign calling on Turks to be more active. — AFP

Scientists say NASA’s ‘new form of life’ was untrue WASHINGTON: Two new scientific papers have disproved a controversial claim made by NASA-funded scientists in 2010 that a new form of bacterial life had been discovered that could thrive on arsenic.

“Contrary to an original report, the new research clearly shows that the bacterium, GFAJ-1, cannot substitute arsenic for phosphorus to survive,” said a statement by the US journal Science, a prestigious, peer-reviewed magazine.

Science published Sunday the muchhyped initial study in December 2010, with lead researcher Felisa Wolfe-Simon, then a fellow in NASA’s astrobiology program, announcing that a new form of life had been scooped from a California lake.

The bacterium in arsenic-rich Mono Lake was said to redefine the building blocks of life, surviving and growing by swapping phosphorus for arsenic in its DNA and cell membranes. Biologists consider these six elements as necessary for life: carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur.

Arsenic is similar to phosphorus but is typically poisonous to living organisms.

The original study needed to be confirmed in order to be considered a true discovery, and two separate teams found that indeed, the bacterium needed some phosphate to survive, and could not fully substitute arsenic to live.

NASA has conducted numerous probes at eastern California’s Mono Lake, an unusually salty body of water with high arsenic and mineral levels, as it is likely to reflect conditions under which early life evolved on Earth, or perhaps Mars.

While Wolfe-Simon and colleagues acknowledged that there were very low levels of phosphate within their study samples, they concluded that this was a level of contamination that was insufficient to permit GFAJ to grow. Two separate Science articles “now reveal that, in fact, her medium did contain enough phosphate contamination to support GFAJ-1’s growth,” said a statement by the magazine issued late Sunday. One paper was written by Marshall Louis Reaves and col-

leagues at Princeton University, Rosemary Redfield at the University of British Columbia, and Leonid Kruglyak of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

It found that the bacterium was not really replacing phosphorus with arsenic throughout its DNA but “may sometimes assimilate arsenate into some small molecules in place of phosphate.” Co-author Redfield, a Canadian microbiologist, was among the first outspoken critics of the initial study.

“I don’t know whether the authors are just bad scientists or whether they’re unscrupulously pushing NASA’s ‘There’s life in outer space!’ agenda,” wrote Redfield in a blog that ignited the web furor shortly after the paper was first published.

The other paper to refute the findings was written by Tobias Erb and colleagues at the Institute of Microbiology, ETH Zurich, and found that the bacterium, while able to live in a high-arsenic environment, still needed phosphorus to survive and grow. Rather than being a new form of life that thrives on arsenic, Science’s statement summed up the latest studies by describing the bacterium as “a well-adapted extremophile that lives in a high-arsenic environment.”

It “is likely adept at scavenging phosphate under harsh conditions, which would help to explain why it can grow even when arsenic is present within the cells,” said the journal’s statement. “The scientific process is a naturally self-correcting one, as scientists attempt to replicate published results,” it added.

The journal did not retract the original study but said it was “pleased to publish additional information on GFAJ-1.” WolfeSimon said in a statement sent to AFP that the data in the new papers “are consistent with our original paper” and that she and colleagues expect to publish new information in the next few months.

“A great thing about science is that the ability to do rigorous tests with controls provides an increasingly accurate knowledge of life and the universe that is extremely useful,” she said. — AFP

KOLKATA: A portrait of Indian scientist Satyendranath Bose is displayed at the Bangiya Vigyan Parishad or the Bengal Science Society founded by Bose in Kolkata, India, yesterday. While much of the world was celebrating the international cooperation that led to last week’s breakthrough in identifying the existence of the Higgs boson particle, many in India were smarting over what they saw as a slight against one of their greatest scientists. — AP

PLAINSBORO TOWNSHIP: The head of Indian drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd. says he’s charging ahead with plans to expand sales in the crucial US market, despite extra oversight from American regulators over quality questions that have blocked imports of 31 of its medicines.

Ranbaxy, which almost exclusively makes generic pills, particularly is aiming to regularly be first on the US market with just-approved generic drugs, CEO Arun Sawhney told The Associated Press in an interview Monday.

His goal is to nab the six-month “windfall” period when there’s usually only one generic version on sale, for roughly 25 percent less than the price of the brand-name drug whose patent just ended.

Companies can make tens of millions of dollars then, as Ranbaxy just did in selling the first generic rival to cholesterol blockbuster Lipitor, whose US patent expired on Nov. 30.

After that half-year stretch, five or more generic versions of the brand-name drug hit the market and prices plunge 90 percent or more. That leaves razor-thin profit margins for all the competing generic companies, Sawhney said, joking about the difference between brand-name and generic drug companies. “ They make profits. We make drugs,” said Sawhney, who became CEO in August 2011.

Discussing his plans during a visit to Ranbaxy’s US headquarters in central New Jersey, Sawhney noted his company has just launched its first brandname drug, a malaria treatment called Synriam that is the first brand-name drug ever developed in India. That’s because the hundreds of drugmakers based in India all make inexpensive generic medicines, as most of the country’s 1.1 billion people cannot afford brand-name drugs that can cost thousands of dollars.

Sawhney is hoping to sell some brand-name drugs in the US eventually and plans in about six months to start selling a recently approved generic version of acne drug Accutane.

“The US, as a total business, will remain the most important to us,” he said. Ranbaxy, the topselling pharmaceutical company in India, is just the 12th-largest generic drugmaker in the U.S. by number of prescriptions filled. But in just a few years, its U. sales have risen from about a quarter to a third of its total revenue, which was about $2.1 billion last year.

In the first quarter of 2012, global sales jumped 55 percent to about $736 million. That’s partly because of strong US sales, particularly from new

generic versions of Lipitor and a combo pill containing Lipitor and blood-pressure medicine Norvasc. It’s quite a turnaround after the black eye Ranbaxy suffered when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008 banned the import of 31 of its generic medicines - including generic versions of the popular antibiotic Cipro and the cholesterol pill Zocor. The FDA cited manufacturing quality concerns at two plants, in Dewas and Paonta Sahib, India, and months later it accused Ranbaxy of lying about some test results on its drugs.

“It hit our bottom line big-time,” Sawhney said.

“It did slow down our growth plans in the US.” The ban took away about half Ranbaxy’s sales in the US, but factories not affected were able to continue shipping other generic drugs here. However, a third factory involved in the probe, in Gloversville, New York, was shut down because it was too small to make a major investment there worthwhile, Sawhney said.

Sawhney, who had just joined Ranbaxy when the scandal broke, said there were no problems with the safety or effectiveness of the drugs from those factories, just “sloppiness in documentation.”

After lengthy investigation and discussion with the FDA, the two parties reached an eleventh hour

agreement that requires improvement of various procedures and five years of intense oversight and review by an independent third-party, which is currently preparing an action plan. That’s likely to be announced in August, but some changes have already been made.

The agreement came late on the night of Nov. 30, the day the patent expired for Pfizer Inc.’s cholesterol fighter Lipitor, which had long been the world’s top-selling medicine, with peak sales of $13 billion. One of Ranbaxy’s two factories in New Jersey was able to immediately start shipping generic Lipitor to pharmacies around the country, averting what would have been a huge missed opportunity.

Instead, from December through May Ranbaxy sold about $953 million worth of generic Lipitor, called atorvastatin, according to health data firm IMS Health. Several other generic drugmakers then began selling their own versions.

Along with its US plans, Ranbaxy is working to expand generic sales in emerging markets. Those are heavily populated countries with a growing middle class and rising government spending on health care, from India and China to Brazil and Russia.— AP

NEW DELHI: Swadeshi Jagran Manch activists demonstrate against multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis in New Delhi yesterday. The demonstrators were demanding the Indian government not to award Novartis a patent for its anti-cancer drug Glivec. — AFP

New studies nix report of arsenic-loving bacteria NEW YORK: It was a provocative finding: Strange bacteria in a California lake that thrived on something completely unexpected - arsenic. What it suggested is that life, a very different kind of life, could possibly exist on some other planet.

The research, published by a leading scientific journal in 2010, led to overheated speculation about how life might exist elsewhere - and quickly some dissent about the original finding. On Sunday, that same journal, Science, released two papers that rip apart the original research. They “clearly show” that the bacteria can’t use arsenic as the researchers claimed, said an accompanying statement from the journal.

The saga began when scientists led by Felisa Wolfe-Simon of NASA’s Astrobiology Institute published a paper that said the bacteria, found at Mono Lake in eastern California, could grow by substituting arsenic for phosphorus. The researchers had looked at Mono Lake because of its high arsenic levels, and they reported their conclusions from lab experiments.

Their paper raised eyebrows because phosphorus was considered essential to life, while arsenic, while chemically similar, is a poison. If the bacteria can break the rules like this, some argued, who knows what kinds of life may be possible beyond Earth?

But not everybody bought the conclusions of the paper. Last year, Science published a bunch of challenges from other scientists, and the paper has long been an object of skepticism.

For both new papers, scientists did their own tests of the bacteria. One team, led by Rosemary Redfield of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, reports that arsenic does not contribute to the bacteria’s growth. Maybe the original results came from some sort of undetected contaminant in the arsenic the researchers used, they suggest.

The other paper, from Swiss researchers, finds the bacteria to be highly resistant to the poisonous effects of arsenic but still dependent on phosphorus to grow. They concluded that in the original experiment, trace contamination with phosphorous may have let the bacteria grow.

As the Science statement summarizes the results, the new work shows the bacterial species “does not break the long-held rules of life, contrary to how Wolfe-Simon had interpreted her group’s data.”

Nevertheless, Wolfe-Simon, now at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, stands by her research. In an email to The Associated Press, she said “there is nothing in the data of these new papers that contradicts our published data.” She said her team continues to build upon its finding of the extreme resistance to arsenic poisoning.— AP

Expensive, newer stents not better for all NEW YORK: Many heart patients get newer, pricey stents inserted during artery-clearing procedures, even if it’s not clear they would be worse off with more basic, less expensive stents, a new study suggests.

The new findings are an example of ways technology gets overused and at times misused in healthcare, according to a commentary accompanying the study. Along with being more costly, so-called drug-eluting stents require patients to take aspirin and other blood-thinning drugs for a longer period of time after their procedure. That may require them to put off future elective surgeries because of bleeding risks, according to one researcher who worked on the report produced by Dr Robert Yeh and colleagues.

Some patients having a stent inserted are at high risk of having that stent get clogged, requiring a repeat procedure. They include people with diabetes or narrow arteries, for whom drug-eluting stents can help prevent build-up in and around the stent and avoid the need for future surgeries, said Yeh, a cardiologist from Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Such stents release a drug to help prevent the artery becoming blocked.

But in people whose stents probably won’t get clogged, the older bare-metal stents can work just as well at a much lower price, he said.

“Non-diabetic patients who have big arteries and have very short blockages, their rate of restenosis can be quite low, even with bare-metal stents,” Yeh told Reuters Health. “Patients need to ideally know an estimate of their individualized risk of requiring a repeat procedure, and they need to know, what are the implications of the different stent choices they might receive?”

Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories and Boston Scientific are among the leading manufacturers of drug-eluting stents, which can cost up to $1,000 more per patient than more basic models. For the new study, Yeh and his colleagues consulted data on 1.5 million patients who had a stent inserted between 2004 and 2010 in the United States. Their findings were reported Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine http://bit.ly/OdmdoZ. Almost three-quarters of patients at very low risk of needing a repeat stentinserting procedure received drug-eluting stents. That compared with 83 percent of the higher-risk patients, who had more to gain from the extra protection. Doctors varied greatly in their use of drug-eluting stents: Individual surgeons used the newer devices for between two and 100 percent of procedures. Yeh’s team calculated that if half of low-risk US patients given a drugeluting stent instead received a bare-metal stent, that could save over $200 million per year on heart procedures, or about $340 per procedure.

As a result, an extra one in 200 patients given a bare-metal stent would eventually need a repeat artery-clearing procedure. “This is definitely a case where you can’t have a general rule that applies in every situation,” said Dr. Jack Tu, head of cardiovascular research at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Toronto, who wasn’t involved in the new study.— Reuters

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

Getting rid of bad habits can change your life Workers crush sea turtle eggs on Trinidad beach KINGSTON: Thousands of leatherback turtle eggs and hatchlings have been crushed by heavy machinery along a Trinidad beach widely regarded as the world’s densest nesting area for the biggest of all living sea turtles, conservationists said yesterday.

Government work crews with bulldozers were redirecting the Grand Riviere, a shifting river that was threatening a hotel where tourists from around the globe watch the huge endangered turtles lay their eggs. But several conservationists who monitor turtle populations say the crews botched the job, digging up an unnecessarily large swath of the important nesting beach in the tiny coastal town on Trinidad’s northern shore.

Sherwin Reyz, a member of the Grand Riviere Environmental Organization, estimated that as many as 20,000 eggs were crushed or consumed by the scores of vultures and stray dogs that descended upon the narrow strip of beach to eat the remains after the Saturday operation by the Ministry of Works.

“They had a very good meal. I was near tears,” said Reyz, who helped save hundreds of hatchlings that were uninjured when they were dredged up by the heavy machinery. “It was a disgusting mess.”

Leatherbacks, which can grow to more than 7 feet long, can weigh a ton and live to 100 years, will return to lay their eggs on the beach of their birth.

The nesting ground of Grand Riviere is so popular with the globally endangered species that nest-digging females sometimes accidentally dig up others’ eggs.

The hotelier who had been pressing Trinidad’s government for months to redirect the Grand Riviere was also shocked and dismayed by the end result.

The foundation of the Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel had been increasingly threatened by the shifting river and numerous calls did not result in action until the weekend.

“For some reason they dug up the far end of the beach, absolutely encroaching into the good nesting areas. This could have been avoided with a much wiser approach. But it was done too late and it was done in the wrong way,” said Italian hotelier Piero

Guerrini.

Phone calls to the offices of Trinidad’s ministers of public works and tourism rang unanswered Monday.

Guerrini said problems with the river shifting west toward the hotel as the waterway empties into the sea were hardly new, but previous administrations handled the matter differently.

“Before, the authorities were much quicker, much more responsive and also concerned about the turtle nesting areas,” he said by phone on Monday. “This time, there seemed to be no concern.”

Guerrini said his hotel was full of tourists who had come to Trinidad to see the tiny leatherback hatchlings climb out of their sandy nests and head for the surf, trying to reach deep waters where they are safe from most predators.

Instead, the tourists saw injured hatchlings dying in front of their eyes as bulldozers shifted the mouth of the river. “This really put a lot of bad images in people’s minds,” Guerrini said. Marc de Verteuil, of the Papa Bois Conservation organization, said the river had already eroded a lot of the dense nesting areas on the beach before the weekend, but the government work crews made a bad situation worse.

“Their equipment was basically crushing a much, much larger part of the beach than made sense. It looked like a bit of a panic reaction and they didn’t follow procedure,” he said Monday. “It’s a failure of governance.”

De Verteuil said he believes that natural oceanic movements will restore the beach after a few months. But he and other conservationists said they could not confidently gauge how the loss of so many eggs and hatchlings could affect the region’s leatherback population.

Leatherbacks lay about 85 eggs at a time, but less than 1 percent survive to adulthood. For years, successful conser vation effor ts have benefited leatherbacks in Trinidad, which outlawed the slaughter of the sea turtles in 1966. A growing number of turtle advocates have helped protect the traditional nesting grounds, which are an attraction for tourists in the twin-island Caribbean republic off Venezuela’s coast.— AP

KUWAIT: Maria had this habit of drinking loads of energy drinks. The red bulls, bio pluses, rockstars, boosts, you name it. She noticed she needed more of the drinks because the energy boosts she got from them were having less of an effect on her. The intensifying habit began making her feel lethargic and ill, and this made her realize and question her habit that became an addiction. With direction and encouragement from her life coach, and by following a simple process her addiction was brokenquickly and the results were everlasting.

This process could assist you to break bad habits.

You’ll be amazed how this can be achieved with slight effort. And you’ll be on your way to a more desired new you.

Now, think of a habit that you’d really like to change with absolute certainty, one that contradicts your values and beliefs. It could be any habit like eating junk food, drinking too much coffee, constant negative self talk, road rage or a short temper...anything that’s annoyingly repetitive.

With a powerful desire to break a habit,list 10 despicable and shameful attributes to the habit, things that are inhibiting you from being your true self and reaching your true potential. Be as outrageous as you wish in listing the attributes. Elicit every possible thing that is horrible about doing it.

Negative effects of Maria’s energy drinking habits included: • Huge physiological and psychological effects • Induces agitation, insomnia, irritability, nervousness • Affects your mood and performance tremendously • Studies show abnormal heart rhythms with energy drink overload • Crash and burn effect • Inability to function without having a fix of the energy drink • Increased health risk therefore perhaps shorter life span Let’s intensify this feeling to make it as real as possible. Maria felt the jitters. Her nerves weakened. She imagined herself in the severely agitated state where she felt horrid, gave it an unsightly vile green slimy color. And saw herself looking haggard, grey and worn down. She noticed that as she thought about all this

more there was a terrible after taste in her mouth and her breath had a lingering fowl smell. Maria saw herself in the worst-case scenario she could possibly have been in had she continued to over load her body with these drinks. Can you hear the sounds around you ringing or shrieking in your ears as you indulge in your habit? What kind of feeling does it send to your body?

Think about the smells it reminds you of, how disgusted and futile such a habit is and how it hinders you toward your growth and light. Once you tried to imagine it in the most repulsive manner, read it to your self.

Really get into it. Feel how awful it is, how horrid it looks, give it a picture, smell its bad odour, let this stay with you.

How about flipping over this page, read another article somewhere in here and come back to this in a few minutes.

When you return, think of a person you admire, who counteracts this habit that you no longer have, a person who you admire and so wish to emulate, someone who doesn’t involve him/herself in this particular habit. Think about how they behave, what they feel, how they look, in the moments when they are living wonderfully and perfectly without this habit. Can you see it?

Now allow this other persons’ movements to play through your mind as if you were watching a movie of them appearing beautifully, at their peak and looking joyful. Move towards that person and stand along side them, touch them so that you can feel them. Shadow them as if you were their shadow with each move they made and each word they uttered. Now step into that person, become them with all the positivity attributed to them. Feel what it feels like, breathe it in as you become it.

Having a life coach, coupled with dedication and practice, you will become the person you wish to be, a person that you can embrace and be proud of, a person who is feeling wonderful and positive about life and your own renewed identity. Through this process you will find that you accept and welcome this change through acknowledgement that you are no longer carrying the old habit. Your confidence will soar, and you will feel successful. You can now look forward to creating new positive ways of being, with the intention that you are doing so to improve, grow and feel good about yourself. Naseera sghazal@kaizen-kw.com

30

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

WHAT’S ON Greetings

appy birthday to dearest Omar who is celebrating his birthday today. May Allah bless you in soft gleaming night of stars may all ur dreams come true, may every star of every night bring love n joy 2 u happy b’day. Greetings from Aslam, didi, aapi, mishu, mom all your near and dear ones.

H

Announcements Indian Embassy passport and visa Passports and Visa applications can be deposited at the two outsourced centers of M/S BLS Ltd at Sharq and Fahaheel. Details are available at www.bls-international.com and www.indembkwt.org .

Consular Open House Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizens 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 at the Embassy. For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) can be contacted.

Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances.

Ceremony held to honor young leaderships nder the auspices of Sheikha Awrad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a special ceremony was recently held to honor a number of young leaderships. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

U

Indian workers helpline/helpdesk Indian workers helpline is accessible by toll free telephone number 25674163 from all over Kuwait. It provides information and advice to Indian workers as regards their grievances, immigration and other matters. The help desk at the Embassy (Open from 9AM to 1PM and 2PM to 4:30PM, Sunday to Thursday) provides guidance to Indian nationals on routine immigration, employment, legal and other issues. It also provides workers assistance in filling up labour complaint forms. For any unaddressed issues, the concerned attachÈ in the Labour section and the head of the Labour Wing can be contacted.

Legal Advice Clinic Free legal advice is provided on matters pertaining to labour disputes, terms of contracts with employers, death/accident compensation, withholding of dues by employers, etc. by lawyers on our panel, to Indian nationals on all working days between 1500hrs to 1600hrs.

Ambassador’s Open House The Open House for Indian citizens by the Ambassador is being held on all Wednesdays at the Embassy for redressal of grievances. In case Wednesday is an Embassy holiday, the meeting will be held on the next working day.

‘Leniency of Islam’ An unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al-Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait. Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

Burgan Bank employee receives prestigious ISLA recognition 2012

Summer Scrabble for kids ood news for kids still here during the summer vacations. You can join up with me to learn some tricks, tips and how to play Scrabble the right way! Need to know more? Then register with me Rohaina at 66634224 or at rainaveer@hotmail.com. You will be given Scrabble boards and have loads of fun games, mind games and quizzes. If this sounds fun, then call soon. Classes will end on July 26.

Classes are on Thursdays ONLY and from 2.30 4.00 pm. Loads of fun and games in store.

G

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

urgan Bank announced that one of its employees has been selected as one of the honorees of the AsiaPacific Information Security Leadership Achievements (ISLA) 2012 awarded by the (ISC) and its Asian Advisory Board. This is the first time this award is presented to a professional from the Middle East.

(ISC), the not-for-profit global leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers with more than 86,000 certified members worldwide, yesterday announced the honorees for its sixth annual Asia-Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements (ISLA) Program. Binoy Koonammavu of Burgan Bank recognized as Honoree for the Category of Senior Information Security Professional. (ISC) will recognize 27 honorees and announce three distinguished workforce initiatives and a community service star special recognition led by the most outstanding honorees at the Gala

B

Dinner and Ceremony on July 17, 2012, in Tokyo, Japan.

“I am honored to receive this recognition from (ISC). I consider this also as a

Binoy Koonammavu

recognition to my management and team at Burgan Bank IT Security department as it is their support which helped me achieve this.” said Binoy Koonammavu, Manager - IT Security, Burgan Bank.

“We are very proud of the recognition of the prestigious ISLA awards. It shows that our team effort in strengthening the cyber security has received recognition at an international level and adding a new milestone to us at Burgan Bank” said Satish Mane, Chief Operational Risk Officer - GM, Burgan Bank Through ISLA, (ISC) recognizes the ongoing commitment by information security leaders throughout Asia-Pacific to build a highly qualified and ethical workforce. Part of (ISC) global Awards Program, ISLA aims to recognize the achievements of outstanding information security professionals who have significantly enhanced the workforce by demonstrating a leadership role in an information security workforce improve-

ment initiative, program or project.

“I am deeply impressed by the quality of nominations we received this year and grateful to the Japanese government for their support in recognizing some of Asia-Pacific’s top talent in information security,” said W. Hord Tipton, CISSPISSEP, CAP, CISA, executive director of (ISC)≤. “At a time when the global information security workforce is in crisis, the Asia-Pacific ISLA program serves as a platform to honor true leaders who are protecting digital assets and critical infrastructures and building the workforce of the future in this region.”

(ISC) officials will recognize honorees, showcased honorees, and a community service star on stage at the Asia-Pacific ISLA Gala Dinner on July 17, 2012 at Hilton Hotel Tokyo, Japan. Concurrently, the (ISC)2 Security Leadership Series event, SecureAsia@Tokyo Conference, will be held on July 17-18 at the same venue.

31

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

WHAT’S ON

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian ConsulateGeneral in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm ■■■■■■■

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.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN

MMF holds interactive session alayali Media Forum (MMF), Kuwait held an interactive session with two leading Indian media persons who arrived in Kuwait on a brief visit. G K Suresh Babu, Executive Editor, Amrita Television, and N Vijay Mohan, Middle East Bureau Chief, Dubai, Amrita Television, shared some of their profound and vast experience in the field of journalism with

M

the members of the MMF. Mohan recalled his experiences as a journalist who covered the Gulf War 1 following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait that began on August 2, 1990. As an Indian journalist with remarkable experience in covering major events across the world, Mohan also brought to focus the gradual shift in media philosophy in India. He said during the 1980s and 90s,

journalists used to exercise their duties with much more responsibility, objectivity and honesty. “Today, we can see a considerable amount of value erosion in Indian media with journalists compromising truthfulness for sensationalization amid stiff competition and media war,” he pointed out . Suresh Babu, recalling his experience, spoke about how media ethics is being compromised

in India amid growing corporatization.

MMF members Thomas Mathew Kadavil, Sajeev K Peter, A M Hassan, Siddique Valiyakath, Girish Ottapalam, Vinod V Nair, Sunoj Nambiar, Anil Keloth Nambiar and Jalin Triprayar actively participated in the session.

Asateer offer royal experience this Ramadan at Atlantis, The Palm tlantis, The Palm, the leading entertainment resort destination in the Middle East, will truly honour the traditions of the region this holy month by bringing an authentic Ramadan experience at Asateer. The spectacular beachfront tent will offer guests Iftar - and Suhour - a la carte, in an ambience of time honoured traditions. Asateer will also have eight dedicated Majlis areas, prayer rooms and complimentary valet parking, just steps from the tent. Guests can enjoy special Ramadan packages to stay at Atlantis, The Palm price including Iftar or Suhour.

Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and The Palm, Asateer evokes sensations of nostalgia for the golden era of Arabia. Asateer, meaning myths, will be the perfect place to enjoy evenings with friends and family this Ramadan. The Tent will provide an ambience filled with traditional activities, including card games, chess and backgammon, taking guests on a legendary trip to old Arabia. The atmosphere and dÈcor will be a stunning mixture of modern and traditional, including large plasma screens (46”) and play stations with 2012 FIFA games available in the Majlis areas. Live entertainment throughout Suhour will delight guests, with the favourite Arabic oud players who played timeless classics and entertained Asateer’s guests last year, in addition to an Arabic monochord artist. For the first time, the Ramadan Shop will offer a selection of Ramadan gifts, both sweet and savoury, available for purchase.

In addition, home-made nougat, Turkish delights and other sweets will be sold by the kilo.

“Each year we try to go above and beyond our guest’s expectations. Asateer will be able to welcome more guests this year with an inviting reception area, bringing a true Royal Majlis experience,” commented Serge Zaalof, Managing Director of Atlantis, The Palm. “During this Holy Month of Ramadan, we look forward to welcoming back returning guests and those visiting for the first time to Asateer.”

A

With a nod to authentic street food, guests can enjoy traditional Foul Moudammas and Balila stations, as well as a wide variety of Ramadan fresh juices such as: Jallab, Laban Ayran, Kamr Al Deen, Karkadeh, Arkasos and Tamer Hendi.

Asateer will also be introducing a number of new signature dishes this year, such as an Ouzi Stand, Beef Steamship, Hommous Fattah Station, live cooking station of Maamoul, Pastella and Briouates Station, and Umm Ali. In addition, Asateer will continue to offer a number of last year’s favourite dishes due to extremely positive feedback from past guests, like Asateer Assorted Manakish, Asateer Kenafah Tray and the

Mediterranean and Arabic cuisines.

For the second successive year, Atlantis, The Palm will partner with leading Dubai automotive distributor Arabian Automobiles (AW Rostamani Group) will position its luxury Japanese automotive brand Infiniti at the Asateer Tent.

Speaking for Arabian Automobiles, General Manager of Marketing and Corporate Communications James Thomas commented, “Asateer at Atlantis, The Palm has quickly established itself as one of Dubai’s ‘must visit’ venues dur-

accessory designs, chosen for their individuality and celebrity fan bases by leading international and regional designers.

For guests looking to extend their time at Atlantis with a resort stay, rooms which include unlimited complimentary access to Aquaventure, the region’s largest waterpark and The Lost Chambers, an underwater world and home to over 65,000 marine creatures. In addition, special Ramadan Packages have been created to allow guests to experience Iftar or Suhour at Atlantis, The Palm. Priced at AED1195++ per room2, per

■■■■■■■

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: Saturday 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 ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform Kenyan residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that with effect from June 1, 2012 the Embassy has moved from its current location to a new location in Surra Block 1, Street 8, Villa 303.

Please note that the new telephone and fax numbers will be communicated as soon as possible. For enquiries you can contact Consular Section on mobile 90935162 or 97527306.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF MEXICO The Embassy of Mexico is pleased to inform that it is located in CLIFFS Complex, Villa 6, Salmiya, block 9, Baghdad street, Jadda Lane 7. The working hours for consular issues are from 9:00 to 12:00 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 14:00 to 15:00 hours for lunch break. The Embassy of Mexico kindly requests all Mexicans citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the e-mail: embkuwait@sre.gob.mx in order to register or update contact information. Other consultations or/and appointments could be done by telephone or fax: (+965) 2573 1952 ■■■■■■■

Tahina Fountain. Guests will be dazzled while watching traditional Arabic ice cream made right before their eyes in mouth-watering flavours like pistachio and rose water.

Asateer will offer a traditional Iftar with a variety of 6 different buffet menus for AED175 per person, which will awaken the senses and surely satisfy any appetite. Iftar will be served buffet style from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.

During Iftar, children below the age of 3 will dine complimentary, children between 3 and 12 are invited to enjoy Iftar, and children over the age of 12 will be charged full price.

Suhour will be offered nightly from 9:30 pm until 2:30 am.

The extensive a la carte menu will offer cold and hot mezzeh, including Asateer Hoummos Fattoush, Assortment of

Your health & Ramadan ou are invited to “Your Health & Ramadan Dasman Diabetes Institute” from 9 am till 2 pm, Sunday 15th July.* Blood Glucose Monitoring. * BMI Calculation * Blood Pressure Monitoring. For any inquiries, please contact us on tel.: www.facebook.com/dasmaninstitute

Y

Manakish, Fried Kebbeh, Falafel with Tahina, Asateer Fatteh, Chicken Shawarma Platter, a selection of Ramadan desserts (Katayef with Walnuts, Katayef with Ashta, Kellaj Ramadan, Ossmalieh, Baklawa), Ramadan juices and a variety of shishas, as well an Interactive Pastry Kitchen. Suhour set menus will be available at Asateer for groups of 20 guests and above.

During Suhour, guests must be a minimum of 21 years old.

Guests can also enjoy Ramadan at Levantine, the authentic Lebanese restaurant at Atlantis for Iftar with a set menu priced at, including water and Ramadan juices. For Suhour, an a la carte menu with a minimum spend will be avail-

Consular section at the British Embassy will be starting an online appointment booking system for our consular customers from Sunday, 01 July 2012. All information including how to make an appointment is now available on the embassy website. In addition, there is also a “Consular Appointment System” option under Quick links on the right hand side on the homepage, which should take you to the “Consular online booking appointment system” main page.

Please be aware that from 01 July 2012, we will no longer accept walk-in customers for legalisation, notarial services and certificates (birth, death and marriages). If you have problems accessing the system or need to make an appointment for non-notarial consular issues or have a consular emergency, please call 2259 4355/7/8 or email us on consularenquirieskuwait@fco.gov.uk. If you require consular assistance out of office hours (working hours: 0730-l430 hrs), please contact the Embassy on 2259 4320.

able, including shisha or a set menu including Ramadan juices and water. Only guests over 21 are permitted to enter after 11:00pm. Levantine offers a true taste of Arabia and features cuisines of the region. The panoramic show kitchen and elegant atmosphere will provide the perfect setting for Iftar and Suhour. For the first time, live entertainment will be on offer during Suhour featuring an oud player and singer, Nassif Attala. Nassif will be performing daily during the Holy Month of Ramadan, in addition to the three days of Eid. Kaleidoscope, will also be offering an Iftar buffet inclusive of Ramadan juices.

Kaleidoscope features palate pleasing displays of flavours and textures, drawing from the very best of Indian,

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 ■■■■■■■

ing the holy month. This year, patrons to Asateer will get the first opportunity to view the fabulous all-new Infiniti JX seven seater luxury crossover which goes on sale in July alongside many of the other popular Infiniti models.”

During Ramadan, The Avenues, a sophisticated retail promenade featuring over two dozen shops and top names in fashion, design and local artistry will remain open until midnight so guests can shop well into the evening. Asateer guests can enjoy a 20% discount at Nasimi Beach Boutique, located just steps away from the tent, offering an exclusive, curated collection of fashion, jewellery and

night, the package includes one night accommodation for two and Iftar for two at Asateer or Kaleidoscope (Iftar Package); or breakfast for two at either Kaleidoscope, Saffron or InRoom Dining Suhour Breakfast (Suhour Package).

Aware Centre he AWARE Management is glad to inform you that Summer 3 Arabic language courses will begin on August 12, 2012 until September 26, 2012. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. We

“T

cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector.

Arabic classes at the AWARE Center are unique because students are provided with the chance to practice their Arabic through various social activities that aim at bringing Arabs and Westerners together.

AWARE Arabic courses highlight * Introductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics

* Better prepare you for speaking, reading and writing Arabic * Combine language learning with cultural insights * Taught in multi-nationality group settings * Provide opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs.

For more information, call 25335260/80 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw.”

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Emailnigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF PAKISTAN During the holy month of Ramadan the general working hours at the Embassy of Islamic Republic of Pakistan will be from 8 am till 2 pm.

■■■■■■■

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.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE We’d like to inform you that in response to the increasing number of our citizens who work in the state and the need for 24-hour operational telephone in case of emergency the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait has opened “hotline telephone number” - (+ 965) 972-79-206.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 01:40 02:35 03:00 03:30 04:25 05:20 05:45 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:25 08:15 08:40 09:10 10:05 11:00 11:25 11:55 12:50 13:15 13:45 14:40 15:30 16:00 16:30 16:55 17:25 18:20 19:15 19:40 20:10 20:35 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:50

I’m Alive Untamed & Uncut Rescue Vet Rescue Vet World Wild Vet Wildest India Cheetah Kingdom In Too Deep Safari Vet School Safari Vet School Karina: Wild On Safari Corwin’s Quest Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild Breed All About It Growing Up...

Wildest India Wildlife SOS Going Ape Animal Cops Specials 2009 Rescue Vet Rescue Vet Animal Precinct Wildest India Karina: Wild On Safari Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild Natural Born Hunters Natural Born Hunters Your Pet Wants This, Too! Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Wildlife SOS Going Ape Stranger Among Bears In Too Deep Wild France Monster Bug Wars Wildest India Animal Cops Houston

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:50 03:35 04:05 04:25 04:35 04:45 05:00 05:25 05:40 05:50 06:10 06:20 06:30 06:45 07:10 07:25 07:35 08:05 08:35 09:20 09:50 10:20 10:50 11:20 12:10 12:35 13:05 13:35 14:05 14:35 15:05 15:35 16:25 17:10 17:40 18:10 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:50 21:20 21:50 22:40 23:10 23:55

Bleak House Bleak House Eastenders Doctors London Hospital The Weakest Link After You’ve Gone Balamory Tellytales Little Prairie Dogs Nina And The Neurons Teletubbies Boogie Beebies Little Robots Balamory Tellytales Little Prairie Dogs Nina And The Neurons Teletubbies Boogie Beebies Little Robots After You’ve Gone 2 Point 4 Children The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors Bleak House Bleak House London Hospital Lead Balloon After You’ve Gone 2 Point 4 Children Eastenders Doctors Bleak House Bleak House London Hospital The Weakest Link Eastenders Doctors Casualty My Family Fawlty Towers Life On Mars Big Top Last Of The Summer Wine Great Ormand Street Blackadder The Third The Weakest Link Casualty

00:20 Come Dine With Me 01:10 Holmes On Homes 01:55 Holmes On Homes

02:45 MasterChef 03:15 MasterChef 03:40 Rachel’s Favourite Food For Living 04:10 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 05:00 MasterChef 05:25 MasterChef 05:55 Living In The Sun 06:45 Living In The Sun 07:40 Living In The Sun 08:30 MasterChef Australia 09:40 Bargain Hunt 10:25 Antiques Roadshow 11:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 12:35 10 Years Younger 13:25 What Not To Wear 14:15 Bargain Hunt 15:00 Antiques Roadshow 15:50 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 17:15 Come Dine With Me 18:00 Delicious Iceland 18:30 The Hairy Bikers Ride Again 19:00 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 19:50 Come Dine With Me 20:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 22:05 Antiques Roadshow 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 23:40 Come Dine With Me

00:00 BBC World News America 00:30 BBC World News America 01:00 Newsday 01:30 Asia Business Report 01:45 Sport Today 02:00 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 BBC World News 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 BBC Focus On Africa 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 Business Edition With Tanya Beckett 23:30 Hardtalk

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:00 05:25 05:50 06:00 06:15 06:30 06:55 07:20 07:45 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:15 11:40 12:00 12:15 12:40 12:55 13:20 13:35 14:00 14:25 14:50 15:15 15:40 16:00 16:15 16:40 17:05 17:30 17:55 18:10 19:00 19:15 19:40 19:55 20:20 20:35 21:00 21:25 21:50 22:15 22:40 23:05 23:20 23:45

Puppy In My Pocket Tom & Jerry Kids Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Flintstones Pink Panther And Pals Looney Tunes Popeye Classics Dexter’s Laboratory Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes The Scooby Doo Show Johnny Bravo The Flintstones The Jetsons Wacky Races The Garfield Show Tom & Jerry Kids Bananas In Pyjamas Baby Looney Tunes Gerald McBoing Boing Ha Ha Hairies A Pup Named Scooby-Doo The Garfield Show Johnny Bravo Dexter’s Laboratory Pink Panther And Pals Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Duck Dodgers Looney Tunes The Flintstones Wacky Races Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Looney Tunes Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Duck Dodgers Duck Dodgers The Looney Tunes Show Dastardly And Muttley Johnny Bravo Johnny Bravo Pink Panther And Pals Pink Panther And Pals The Garfield Show The Garfield Show Dexter’s Laboratory Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Ha Ha Hairies Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Dexter’s Laboratory Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Duck Dodgers Looney Tunes The Garfield Show A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Popeye The Jetsons Duck Dodgers

00:30 Bakugan: New Vestroia 00:55 Bakugan: New Vestroia 01:20 Powerpuff Girls 02:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 03:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 03:25 Ben 10 03:50 Adventure Time 04:15 Powerpuff Girls 04:40 Generator Rex 05:05 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 05:55 Angelo Rules 06:00 The Marvelous Misadventures...

06:25 Casper’s Scare School 07:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 07:15 Adventure Time 07:40 Johnny Test 08:05 Grim Adventures Of...

08:55 Courage The Cowardly Dog 09:45 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:10 Redakai: Conquer The Kairu 10:35 Powerpuff Girls 11:25 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 12:15 Ed, Edd n Eddy 13:05 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 13:30 Sym-Bionic Titan 13:55 Foster’s Home For...

14:20 Foster’s Home For...

ARACHNOPHOBIA ON OSN ACTION HD

14:45 Angelo Rules 15:35 Powerpuff Girls 16:25 The Amazing World Of Gumball 16:40 Johnny Test 17:05 Adventure Time 17:30 Regular Show 17:55 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 18:20 Batman Brave And The Bold 18:45 Young Justice 19:10 Hero 108 19:35 Ben 10 20:00 Ben 10 20:25 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:15 Grim Adventures Of...

22:00 Codename: Kids Next Door 22:50 Ben 10 23:15 Ben 10 23:40 Chowder

00:00 Amanpour 00:30 World Sport 01:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 02:00 World Report 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Quest Means Business 06:00 The Situation Room 07:00 World Sport 07:30 World’s Untold Stories 08:00 World Report 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 Inside Africa 11:00 World Business Today 12:00 Amanpour 12:30 Cnngo 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 Cnngo 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 Amanpour 22:30 CNN Newscenter 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

00:15 01:10 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 12:20 13:15 14:10 14:35 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

Weird Or What?

Sons Of Guns Rattlesnake Republic Finding Bigfoot Wreckreation Nation Weird Or What?

How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Gold Divers American Chopper Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Dirty Dozen Mythbusters Border Security Auction Kings Ultimate Survival American Chopper Fifth Gear Gold Divers Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Border Security Auction Kings The Gadget Show Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Mythbusters

00:35 Superships 01:25 Science Of The Movies 02:15 Junk Men 02:40 Junk Men 03:05 The Gadget Show 03:35 Da Vinci’s Machines 04:25 Moon Machines 05:15 Superships 06:05 Science Of The Movies 07:00 Junk Men 07:25 Junk Men 07:50 Head Rush 07:53 Bang Goes The Theory 08:20 Sci-Fi Science 08:50 Sport Science 09:40 Da Vinci’s Machines 10:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 11:20 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 12:10 Stephen Hawking’s Universe 13:00 Stephen Hawking’s Universe 13:50 Stephen Hawking’s Universe 15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Bang Goes The Theory 16:30 Sci-Fi Science 17:00 Science Of The Movies 17:50 Sport Science 18:40 Moon Machines 19:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 20:20 Prophets Of Science Fiction 21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 The Gadget Show 22:00 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 22:50 Prophets Of Science Fiction 23:40 Sport Science

00:55 01:25 03:15 03:40 04:10 05:05 06:00 07:50 08:20 09:15 10:15 12:05 13:05 13:35 14:05 York 15:00 15:30 16:25 16:55 17:55 18:55 19:25

Style Star Cheating Death Behind The Scenes Extreme Close-Up Sexiest E!es THS Behind The Scenes E! News Giuliana & Bill THS E! News Khloe And Lamar Khloe And Lamar Kourtney & Kim Take New Style Star THS Behind The Scenes Mrs. Eastwood And Company E! News E!es Keeping Up With The

Kardashians 20:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:25 Mrs. Eastwood And Company 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:30 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

The Haunted Crime Scene Psychics Killer Kids Killer Kids Extreme Forensics The Haunted Crime Scene Psychics Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Street Patrol Street Patrol Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared American Greed American Greed Dr G: Medical Examiner

00:00 Nomads 01:00 Travel Madness 01:30 Travel Madness 02:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 03:00 Exploring The Vine 04:00 Long Way Down 05:00 Asia Action Challenge 2000 06:00 Nomads 07:00 Travel Madness 07:30 Travel Madness 08:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 09:00 Exploring The Vine 09:30 Exploring The Vine 10:00 Long Way Down 11:00 Asia Action Challenge 2000 12:00 Nomads 13:00 Travel Madness 13:30 Travel Madness 14:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 14:30 David Rocco’s Amalfi Getaway 15:00 Exploring The Vine 16:00 Dive Detectives 17:00 Asia Action Challenge 2000 18:00 Nomads 19:00 Perilous Journeys 20:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 20:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:00 Madventures 21:30 Danger Beach 22:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 23:00 Bondi Rescue

00:00 Untamed Americas 01:00 The Known Universe 02:00 Naked Science 03:00 Ancient Megastructures 04:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 05:00 Shark Men 06:00 Lockdown 07:00 Air Crash Investigation 08:00 Untamed Americas 09:00 The Known Universe 10:00 Naked Science 11:00 Untamed Americas 12:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 13:00 Shark Men 14:00 Lockdown 15:00 Air Crash Investigation 16:00 Untamed Americas 17:00 The Known Universe 18:00 Naked Science 19:00 Ancient Megastructures 20:00 Huge Moves 21:00 Animal Autopsy (AKA Inside Nature’s Giants) 22:00 Banged Up Abroad 23:00 Air Crash Investigation

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:20 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:30 06:55 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:30 06:55 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 13:30

Rescue Ink I, Predator Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters Wild Dog Diaries Underwater Oasis Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters World’s Wildest Encounters Swamp Men Wildlife Rescue Africa Planet Carnivore Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters World’s Wildest Encounters Swamp Men Wildlife Rescue Africa Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil

Rescue Ink I, Predator Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters Wild Dog Diaries Underwater Oasis Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters World’s Wildest Encounters Swamp Men Wildlife Rescue Africa Planet Carnivore Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil

CARS 2 ON OSN CINEMA 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters World’s Wildest Encounters Swamp Men Wildlife Rescue Africa Animals Of Brazil Animals Of Brazil Caught In The Act Dangerous Encounters World’s Wildest Encounters Swamp Men

00:00 Dread-18 02:00 Law Abiding Citizen-18 04:00 Takers-PG15 06:00 The Recruit-PG15 08:00 Odysseus: Voyage To The Underworld-PG15 10:00 Little Big Soldier-PG15 12:00 Arachnophobia-PG15 14:00 Odysseus: Voyage To The Underworld-PG15 16:00 Friday Night Lights-PG15 18:00 Arachnophobia-PG15 20:00 A Perfect Getaway-18 22:00 Full Metal Jacket-18

01:00 Nine Dead-PG15 03:00 African Cats: Kingdom Of Courage-PG 05:00 The Cry Of The Owl-PG15 07:00 Coyote County Loser-PG15 09:00 Stonehenge ApocalypsePG15 11:00 Jumping The Broom-PG15 13:00 St. Trinian’s 2: The Legend Of Fritton’s Gold-PG15 15:00 Certified Copy-PG15 17:00 Tomorrow, When The War Began-PG15 19:00 Cars 2-FAM 21:00 Dirty Girl-18 23:00 MacGruber-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 02:30 Two And A Half Men 03:00 2 Broke Girls 03:30 Man Up! 04:00 Til Death 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 The Simpsons 06:00 Friends 06:30 Mad Love 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Til Death 08:30 2 Broke Girls 09:00 The Simpsons 09:30 The Cleveland Show 10:00 Happy Endings 10:30 Mad Love 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Friends 12:30 Til Death 13:00 The Simpsons 13:30 Mad Love 14:00 Man Up! 14:30 Happy Endings 15:00 The Cleveland Show 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:30 Friends 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 2 Broke Girls 18:30 Man Up! 19:00 Hot In Cleveland 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 22:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 23:00 Two And A Half Men 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 08:30 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00

Royal Pains House Luck White Collar The Killing Good Morning America Terra Nova Coronation Street The Martha Stewart Show The View Royal Pains White Collar

14:00 16:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Live Good Morning America Terra Nova Hawthorne Grimm Alphas Supernatural The Killing

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 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

Cold Case Luck House White Collar Royal Pains The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Cold Case Emmerdale Coronation Street Smallville White Collar House Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Smallville Cold Case Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Smallville Hawthorne Grimm Alphas Supernatural Boardwalk Empire

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:15 11:15 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00

Get Rich Or Die Tryin’-18 Takers-PG15 Dangerous Flowers-PG15 In The Line Of Fire-PG15 Enter The Phoenix-PG15 Dangerous Flowers-PG15 Wild Bill-PG15 Enter The Phoenix-PG15 Hurricane Season-PG15 Street Kings 2: Motor City-18 The Godfather-18

00:00 The Night Of The White PantsPG15 02:00 16 To Life-PG15 04:00 Kuffs-PG 06:00 Cool Runnings-PG15 08:00 16 To Life-PG15 10:00 Vice Versa-PG 12:00 I’ll Be Home For Christmas-PG 14:00 Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie-PG15 16:00 Vice Versa-PG 18:00 Melinda And Melinda-PG15 20:00 The Breakfast Club-PG15 22:00 Youth In Revolt-18

01:15 Grace Of My Heart-PG15 03:15 Anna And The King-PG15 05:45 Hollywood, I’m Sleeping Over Tonight-PG15 07:30 The LXD: The Uprising BeginsPG15 09:00 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG 11:00 Veronica Guerin-PG15 13:00 The LXD: Secrets Of The RaPG15 15:00 Who Is Clark Rockefeller-PG 17:00 Light It Up-PG15 18:45 The Sting-PG 21:00 Cruel Intentions-18 23:00 Chico & Rita-18

00:30 Anna And The King-PG15 03:00 X-Men: First Class-PG15 05:15 Oranges And Sunshine-PG15 07:15 Oceans - Into The Deep-PG 09:00 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-PG15 11:15 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid-PG 13:00 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules-PG15 15:00 Labor Pains-PG15 16:45 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-PG15 19:00 A Closed Book-18 21:00 Dirty Girl-18 23:00 Cruel Intentions-18

00:15 Cross-18 02:00 Zookeeper-PG15 04:00 Winnie The Pooh-FAM 05:45 Flash Of Genius-PG15 08:00 Lord Of The Dance-PG 10:00 X-Men: First Class-PG15 12:15 Rio-FAM 14:00 Henry’s Crime-PG15 15:45 Lord Of The Dance-PG 17:30 Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt.1-PG15 20:00 Kick-Ass-18 22:00 A Closed Book-18

00:00 AFL Premiership 02:30 Futbol Mundial 03:00 Cricket One Day International 10:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 11:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 12:00 Super Rugby 14:00 NRL Premiership 16:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 17:00 Super Rugby Highlights 18:00 Futbol Mundial 18:30 AFL Premiership 21:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 22:00 Super Rugby

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 10:00 12:30 13:30 14:30 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

WWE Experience Super Rugby Highlights UFC The Ultimate Fighter NRL Premiership Super League Trans World Sport Super League AFL Premiership Super Rugby Highlights Volvo Ocean Race Highlights Super Rugby Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport PGA European Tour Highlights WWE Vintage WWE SmackDown Trans World Sport NRL Premiership

00:30 Futbol Mundial 01:00 NRL Full Time 01:30 AFL Highlights 02:30 Adventure Sports 03:00 Adventure Sports 03:30 Adventure Sports 05:00 NRL Full Time 05:30 Futbol Mundial 06:00 World Pool Masters 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Asian Tour Golf Show 08:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 09:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 10:00 Triathlon 10:30 Triathlon 11:30 Triathlon 12:00 Triathlon 14:00 AFL Highlights 15:00 NRL Full Time 15:30 NRL Premiership 18:00 AFL Premiership 20:30 Ladies European Tour Highlights 21:30 European Tour Weekly 22:00 Golfing World 23:00 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights

00:00 02:00 03:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 22:00 23:00

NHL UFC The Ultimate Fighter Live UFC UFC Unleashed WWE Vintage Collection WWE NXT NHL UAE National Race Day Series UAE National Race Day Series Mobil 1 The Grid WWE This Week WWE Smackdown WWE Vintage Collection Mobil 1 The Grid V8 Supercars Extra V8 Supercars Highlights V8 Supercars Highlights UFC UFC Unleashed NHL

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR MEA JZR ETH RJA GFA UAE ETD THY FDB MSR QTR KAC THY JZR DHX JZR AFR KAC BAW JZR KAC KAC QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB IRA ETD BAB GFA MEA JZR MSR IRM JZR JZR IRC KNE MSR RJA GFA KAC FDB JZR QTR KAC SVA ALK KAC JZR KAC KAC QTR FDB KAC IYE ETD UAE UAL GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY KAC QTR BAB KAC KAC FDB KNE MSR RBG JZR KAC KAC JAI KAC JZR KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA ALK KAC JZR KLM UAE JZR ETD BBC ABY QTR JZR AIC FDB GFA UAL FDB JZR DLH MSR THY

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 11/7/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 408 BEIRUT 527 ASSIUT 620 ADDIS ABABA 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 768 ISTANBUL 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 1541 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 555 ALEXANDRIA 6702 PARIS 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 529 ASSIUT 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 6130 DOHA 53 DUBAI 284 DHAKA 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 344 CHENNAI 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 606 LUXOR 5066 MASHAD 561 SOHAG 505 LUXOR 6791 MASHAD 472 JEDDAH 610 CAIRO 640 AMMAN 219 BAHRAIN 672 DUBAI 57 DUBAI 535 CAIRO 140 DOHA 790 MEDINAH 500 JEDDAH 549 COLOMBO 788 JEDDAH 257 BEIRUT 546 ALEXANDRIA 502 BEIRUT 134 DOHA 8053 DUBAI 538 SHARM EL SHEIKH 824 SANAA 303 ABU DHABI 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 542 CAIRO 144 DOHA 438 BAHRAIN 166 PARIS 786 JEDDAH 63 DUBAI 460 MEDINAH 620 ASSIUT 3553 ALEXANDRIA 787 RIYADH 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 572 MUMBAI 102 NEW YORK 175 DUBAI 774 RIYADH 393 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 229 COLOMBO 514 TEHRAN 481 SABIHA 417 AMSTERDAM 859 DUBAI 135 BAHRAIN 307 ABU DHABI 43 DHAKA 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 539 CAIRO 975 CHENNAI 59 DUBAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 8051 DUBAI 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 614 CAIRO 772 ISTANBUL

Time 0:15 0:20 1:00 1:40 1:45 2:10 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:50 3:10 3:20 3:25 4:10 4:35 4:55 5:00 6:00 6:05 6:15 6:30 6:40 7:15 7:30 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:50 8:05 8:20 8:20 8:25 8:30 9:00 9:20 9:25 9:30 9:35 10:00 10:55 11:05 11:10 11:55 12:25 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:30 13:40 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:20 14:25 14:25 14:30 14:45 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:55 16:10 16:35 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:15 18:20 18:40 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:05 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:35 19:35 19:35 19:40 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:55 20:55 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 22:55 23:10 23:35 23:40

Airlines AIC UAL DLH MSR PIA MEA THY ETH THY UAE FDB ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR RJA JZR JZR GFA THY JZR AFR KAC KAC BAW FDB KAC JZR KAC ABY QTR KAC KAC KAC UAE KAC QTR FDB ETD BAB IRA GFA KAC MEA MSR JZR KAC KAC JZR JZR IRM KNE IRC GFA FDB MSR RJA KAC JZR JZR ALK KAC SVA JZR QTR KAC KAC FDB ETD JZR IYE QTR UAE GFA JZR ABY UAL SVA JZR QTR FDB BAB KNE RBG MSR JZR KAC KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA JZR DHX ALK KLM JZR ABY KAC ETD UAE QTR KAC KAC JZR BBC QTR AXB FDB FDB GFA KAC JZR

Depature Flights on Wednesday 11/7/2012 Flt Route 982 AHMEDABAD 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 206 LAHORE 409 BEIRUT 773 ISTANBUL 621 ADDIS ABABA 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 643 AMMAN 164 DUBAI 504 LUXOR 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 534 CAIRO 6702 DUBAI 545 ALEXANDRIA 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 175 FRANKFURT 256 BEIRUT 117 NEW YORK 126 SHARJAH 6131 DOHA 501 BEIRUT 671 DUBAI 787 JEDDAH 856 DUBAI 789 MADINAH 133 DOHA 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 437 BAHRAIN 602 SHIRAZ 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 405 BEIRUT 619 ASSIUT 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 785 JEDDAH 480 ISTANBUL 176 DUBAI 5065 MASHHAD 461 JEDDAH 6792 MASHHAD 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 641 AMMAN 673 DUBAI 538 CAIRO 174 DUBAI 550 ZURICH 617 DOHA 503 MADINAH 786 RIYADH 135 DOHA 513 IMAM KHOMEINI 773 RIYADH 8054 DUBAI 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 824 SANAA 141 DOHA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 128 SHARJAH 982 BAHRAIN 511 RIYADH 266 BEIRUT 145 DOHA 64 DUBAI 439 BAHRAIN 477 JEDDAH 3554 ALEXANDRIA 621 ALEXANDRIA 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 361 COLOMBO 153 ISTANBUL 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 331 TRIVANDRUM 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 502 LUXOR 171 BAHRAIN 230 COLOMBO 417 DAMMAM 1540 CAIRO 120 SHARJAH 381 DELHI 308 ABU DHABI 860 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 554 ALEXANDRIA 44 DHAKA 147 DOHA 394 KOCHI 60 DUBAI 8052 DUBAI 218 BAHRAIN 415 KUALA LUMPUR 528 ASSIUT

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 0:35 1:25 2:00 2:15 2:45 3:40 3:45 3:50 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:00 6:50 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:10 7:30 7:55 8:10 8:20 8:25 8:25 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:05 9:15 9:15 9:20 9:35 9:40 9:45 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:25 10:25 10:45 11:30 11:55 12:10 12:15 12:30 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:25 14:10 14:15 14:25 14:25 14:30 14:35 15:05 15:10 15:25 15:30 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:25 16:35 17:20 17:30 17:35 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:45 19:55 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:50 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:45 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:15 23:25 23:30 23:50 23:50

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

ACCOMMODATION Accommodation available for two decent bachelors or a small family in a 2 bedroom spacious apartment in Shaab Al-Behri, opposite Bush Plaza, rent is very reasonable.

Contact: 66541343. (C 4074) 10-7-2012

SITUATION VACANT A part-time maid wanted urgently in Mangaf.

Interested applicants should call 60055305.

Full time live out maid/nanny for three months, starting mid July.

Must have own residency.

Work from 7am to 7pm, Saturday - Thursday in Salwa. Call 97687172 for interview.

7-7-2012

SITUATION WANTED Immediately available Indian Accountant / Secretary to deal all financial activities with sufficient experience in Kuwait holding Kuwait driving license and car & can speak Arabic well. Part time from 12:30 to 5:30 pm also considered.

Contact: 24315927/ 97669236. (C 4073) Looking for job as Store Keeper, experience 15 years, Visa #18 Transferable.

Contact: 99341164.

(C 4071) 9-7-2012

FOR SALE Mitsubishi Lancer Ex-2008, green color (new body) 62000km, price KD 1,950/-.

Contact: 50699345.

(C 4075) 10-7-2012

112

POLICE STATION

Ministry of Interior

Al-Madena Police Station 22434064

website: www.moi.gov.kw

Al-Murqab Police Station 22435865 Prayer timings

Al-Daiya Police Station

22544200

Al-Fayha’a Police Station 22547133 Al-Qadissiya Police Station 22515277 Al-Nugra Police Station

22616662

Al-Salmiya Police Station 25714406 Al-Dasma Police Station

22530801

Fajr: Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

03:23 11:54 15:28 18:51 20:21

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

GOVERNMENT WEB SITES Kuwait Parliament www.majlesalommah.net

The Public Institution for Social Security www.pifss.gov.kw

Ministry of Interior www.moi.gov.kw

Public Authority of Industry www.pai.gov.kw

Public Authority for Civil Information www.paci.gov.kw

Prisoners of War Committee www.pows.org.kw

Kuwait News Agency www.kuna.net.kw

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.kw

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair www.islam.gov.kw

Kuwait Municipality www.municipality.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Oil) www.moo.gov.kw

Kuwait Electronic Government www.e.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Water) www.energy.govt.kw

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.kw

Public Authority for Housing Welfare www.housing.gov.kw

Ministry of Commerce and Industry www.moci.gov.kw

Ministry of Justice www.moj.gov.kw

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.kw

Ministry of Communications www.moc.kw

Ministry of Information www.moinfo.gov.kw

Supreme Council for Planning and Development www.scpd.gov.kw

Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation www.awqaf.org

34

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 733

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Probing conversations find you at your mental best today. Your analytical abilities are at a high point and problems are easily solved—especially the technical ones. This is a great time to work in group projects.

You may be sought after as just the person to guide others. Your management and directional abilities are in high focus. This is the perfect time for you to involve yourself with lectures, teaching and conferences. This is a great time for imagination when it comes to ideas. The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas. This, coupled with the ability to put your thoughts into words, allows you to captivate and spellbind. In order to keep this motivation high—plan the remainder of your week now. Relax.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You could be missing something important if you do not pay attention to the details today—patience. Your philosophies and mental state could be changing. Rethinking the route to the end result is a good thing . . . you may have missed a step, or at the least, added an extra step. Today seems unhurried, giving you a chance to sit down and take stock of things. If there is a problem on the horizon, you have a breather today. People are your best friends—surround yourself with lots of people this evening. Perhaps a bingo game is in order for tonight. You will most likely be full of eagerness at this time to conquer the world. The synthesis of your creative energy with a partner’s realism and practicality could prove most rewarding.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Someone who is morally reprehensible.

4. Any of several tall tropical palms native to southeastern Asia having egg-shaped nuts.

9. A small constellation in the southern hemisphere near Phoenix.

13. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

14. A colorless odorless inert gaseous element occurring in the earth's atmosphere in trace amounts.

15. Dutch astronomer who proved that the galaxy is rotating and proposed the existence of the Oort cloud (1900-1992).

16. Being a bard or relating to a bard's poetry.

18. (Greek mythology) One of the three Graces.

20. Common gray wild goose of Europe.

22. Notably out of the ordinary.

23. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus.

25. (Sumerian) Goddess personifying earth.

26. A chronic inflammatory collagen disease affecting connective tissue (skin or joints).

27. The syllable naming the fourth (subdominant) note of the diatonic scale in solmization.

29. An official prosecutor for a judicial district.

30. An acute febrile highly contagious viral disease.

33. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

35. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

37. Doglike nocturnal mammal of Africa and southern Asia that feeds chiefly on carrion.

41. English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349).

44. A light strong brittle gray toxic bivalent metallic element.

45. Relating to or concerned with a city or densely populated area.

46. The federal department that administers federal program dealing with better housing and urban renewal.

48. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

49. An association of nations dedicated to economic and political cooperation in southeastern Asia.

52. Sports equipment that is worn on the feet to enable the wearer to glide along on wheels and to be propelled by the alternate actions of the legs.

55. The state of being unsure of something.

56. Male roe deer.

60. Not in good physical or mental health.

61. English writer of macabre short stories (1863-1943).

64. A state of southwestern India.

65. A unit of force equal to the force exerted by gravity.

66. Pertaining to or associated with agony (especially death agonies).

67. The smallest multiple that is exactly divisible by every member of a set of numbers.

68. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

69. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

70. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots.

DOWN 1. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart.

2. (botany) Of or relating to the axil.

3. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

4. Small depression under the shoulder joint where the arm joins the shoulder.

5. A summary that repeats the substance of a longer discussion.

6. Half the width of an em.

7. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposition of organic substances.

8. Type genus of the Anatidae.

9. Italian histologist noted for work on the structure of the nervous system and for his discovery of Golgi bodies (1844-1926).

10. (used of especially horses) Having a brownish coat thickly sprinkled with white or gray.

11. Bearded reddish sheep of southern Asia.

12. Showing deterioration from age.

17. Two items of the same kind.

19. A Bantu language spoken in western Kenya.

21. A rare silvery (usually trivalent) metallic element.

24. A radioactive transuranic element.

28. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

31. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

32. Having nine hinged bands of bony plates.

34. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

36. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

38. A unit of dry measure used in Egypt.

39. Tag the base runner to get him out.

40. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

42. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

43. Small Asian deer with small antlers and a cry like a bark.

44. A summary that repeats the substance of a longer discussion.

47. African tree having an exceedingly thick trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and has an edible pulp called monkey bread.

50. Type genus of the Soleidae.

51. Swiss mathematician (1707-1783).

53. The basic unit of money in Sweden.

54. A unit of magnetic flux density equal to one weber per square meter.

57. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin.

58. A South American shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the Andes.

59. God of love and erotic desire.

62. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

63. A pass between mountain peaks.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Begin now to take on the habit of thinking positively. Get beyond the emotional sensitivity so that you can think in a realistic manner. Discover the difference between worry and constructive problem solving.

This whole week could present situations that will aid in your progress along this line, whether it be education, home situations or work solutions. There could be some research necessary today that will find you in a library or bookstore. Law, politics, education, travel and religion are some of the areas where your interest may be focused.

Big changes affecting your career are likely at this time. Neighbors or sibling(s) have a big impact on your goals just now. This could mean improvements in the neighborhood or perhaps, a move.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) It is important now that you be judicious in personal decisions about finances. You should expend great zest in moneymaking efforts and show caution as to what type of activities you enjoy. Because of possible disputes in the workplace, it is important to effectively communicate your ideas to coworkers and those who work under you. Clear up any differences you may have with a friend or relative now. Think about settling debts at this time. Also, now is an excellent time to plan for the future, both financially and socially. Don’t forget friends and family when making any important decisions. A quiet little celebration between you and your sweetheart might consist of a bottle of wine and a little cheese with a bit of good conversation tonight.

NON SEQUITUR

Leo (July 23-August 22) This day may call for a bit of imagination, resourcefulness and creativity when it comes to ideas and thinking. However, this, coupled with the ability to put your thoughts into words and ideas into actions, allows you to captivate and spellbind. You are successful in anything you attempt to do today. The emphasis is on power, intensity and dealings with those in authority. Your own performance is outstanding! You may show an interest more in cultural or literary affairs regarding the spending of money than with just merely collecting material goods at this time. Perhaps this means a job change or some part-time job. Tonight you may hear a family member praise you with some confirmation regarding your ideas. You eagerly listen to their ideas.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22) New ways to communicate or an easy manner will make conversations and interactions go well. You may find yourself more talkative today than usual. A dialogue with an older person may take place. There may be a change in the workplace that finds you examining your foundations, responsibilities and basic security. You can dispense with all that is unsound or superficial, leaving only that which has been properly determined or solid. Get down to the basics.

Communicating and getting your message across to others is at a high. Your timing should be perfect—those around you should find you most spontaneous. There is a greater focus on family tonight. This could involve helping family members with family projects.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Challenges affecting career, status and security are in the works now. You need to be alert to them, so that you can take action early to set things right. Legal controversy is best avoided now, if at all possible: far better to settle out of court than to fight to the bitter end. There is a great need to be realistic, to prevent ambition from getting out of hand. A change of residence is possible. Educational plans need changing as well: you may now realize that they do not suit you as well as you would like. Anything connected with publishing, advertising or broadcasting requires reexamination; a change of plans or perspectives gives you the upper hand. You love a social life—friends and relationships play a major role in your life.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) If you do not want others to pry into personal matters—be careful what you reveal. When it comes to purchasing an expensive item today, look for second opinions and check out the truth in what sounds like, the best deal ever. It would be easy for someone to fool you or take advantage of you just now. Your ambitions are backed up by the will to get things done. Once you get the ball rolling you might be surprised at the response. This is a good time for clear deliberation and solving any problems. You may find yourself dealing with matters of much concern and responsibility. Instead of spending a large amount of money, think about putting that budget in effect now so that you will have the money you need for that special trip or entertainment.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Superiors seem more remote than usual today. An exchange of ideas, however, becomes a focal point that may help break the ice. You are constantly learning, knowing a little about a lot of things, staying in touch and on top of the latest developments. These things satisfy a need for mental stimulation. Work projects may cause extra stress today—time is limited. You are a person with something to say, but you may also realize that others have information essential to your goals. This is a time of much mental energy and initiative . . . perhaps with an element of conflict tossed in for good measure. You may find yourself happily distracted by friends this evening. This is just the distraction to help abolish any stresses of the day.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

A clear-minded insight into your own plans and methods is available to you this week. This is a good time to share your dreams with others, all taking a little time to talk about just where they may want their lives to take them. This afternoon you will put your mind to work and take care of any details that you may have, for mental discipline should come easily. You are at your mental best with sharp ideas and clear thoughts. Problems and obstacles that have seemed difficult will now find easy explanations under your keen examination. This evening you may enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. Others may find you especially witty and eccentric. Your devotion to your family is commendable—you set the pattern for others to follow.

Yesterday’s Solution Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) At this time you are conscious of every flaw around you.

Taking care of business is a major theme where your emotional orientation is concerned. You crave organization and practicality and you want to get things accomplished. You will be asked to unravel a very difficult problem in the workplace or home today. Being successful in life is easy for you—you have a built-in sense of how to work—even without any guideline. If you are not working today, that professional attitude is still present in all you attempt to accomplish.

Make new friends by going to new places this evening—the company you keep will determine your level of stress. Do not expect to start a new and long-lasting love relationship just now; this is a time to enjoy.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

Self-discipline and a sense of self-worth become important issues in your life now. A fear of asserting yourself can hold you back—as can coming on too strong. Continued success on the career level may point to your ability to adapt more than usual. Make a conscious effort to remove any emotional hang-ups. If you are not involved in a volunteer service, give yourself a few weeks to pick one out that you think you could enjoy—stay involved for at least six months. In other words, do not volunteer at an equestrian center if you are afraid of horses or just dislike them. Perhaps you would enjoy reading to the elderly. A wonderful surprise awaits you in this arena. Seasonal work to earn extra money or backpacking through the countryside is good.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE 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

Kaizen center

25716707

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

ST TAT TE OF K KUW WA AIT

Tel.: e 161

DIRECTORA ATE T GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIA V AT TION METEOROLOGICAL DEP PARTMENT A

Hot with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 12 - 35 km/h

BY Y NIGHT:

Relatively hot with light to moderate freshening gradually north westerly wind, with speed of 15 - 40 km/h

No Current Waarnings arnin

WARNING A

34 °C

22451082

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

46 °C

29 °C

Al-Mirqab

22456536

NUW WAISEEB A

43 °C

30 °C

Sharq

22465401

WA AFRA

46 °C

27 °C

Salmiya

25746401

SALMI

44 °C

28 °C

ABDAL LY

47 °C

29 °C

Jabriya

25316254

JAL ALIY YAH A

45 °C

29 °C

Maidan Hawally

25623444

FAILAKA A

44 °C

28 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

39 °C

33 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

38 °C

31 °C

W.Hawally

22630786

WA ARBA A - BUBY YA AN

45 °C

26 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

ST TAT TION

DA AT TE

WEA ATHER T

Weednesday

11/07

West Jahra

24772608

Thursday

South Jahra

24775066

Friday

North Jahra

24775992

Saturday

North Jleeb

24311795

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

very hot + raising dust

48 °C

31 °C

NW

20 - 45 km/h

12/07

very hot + blowing dust

49 °C

32 °C

NW

25 - 45 km/h

13/07

dusty

48 °C

33 °C

NW

25 - 45 km/h

14/07

dusty

48 °C

34 °C

NW

25 - 50 km/h

RA AYER Y TIMES PRA 03:22

MAX. Temp.

45 °C

Sunrise

04:56

MIN. Temp.

27 °C

Zuhr

11:53

MAX. RH

17 %

Asr

15:28

MIN. RH

05 %

Sunset

18:51

MAX. Wind i

N 43 km/h

Isha

20:21

TOT TA AL L RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

24892674

23900322

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WAIT A AIRPORT

Fajr

24884079

Fintas

10/07/2012 0000 UTC

Temperatures DA AY

24575755

24710044

SFC. CHART

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST

New Jahra

N.Kheitan

00 mm

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Dr. Salem soso General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Mousa Khadada Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

BY Y DA AY:

45 °C

24719048

22545171

Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours

KUW WAIT A CITY

Al-Omariya

Al-Shohada’a

2627 - 2630 Ext.: 262

WWW.MET.GOV V.KW .

MIN. REC.

Firdous

22418714

Fax: 24348714

MAX. EXP P.

Al-Ardhiya

PHONE

Al-Madena

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

lifest yle G o s s i p

Bono records Gaga cover song ono has recorded a duet of Lady Gaga’s ‘Telephone’ with his wife Ali Hewson. The U2 frontman unveiled the version of the song at his daughter Eve’s 21st birthday party in Las Vegas on Saturday (07.07.12), where it was played to assembled guests including music mogul Jimmy lovine and Wilmer Valderrama. Bono himself introduced the track originally performed by Lady Gaga and Beyonce Knowles in a ‘Bonnie and Clyde’-themed video - before sending two bottles of Dom Perignon champagne to his daughter’s table at the party at 1Oak nightclub at the Mirage hotel. According to the New York Post newspaper, other guests at the event included ‘Transformers’ director Michael Bay and basketball star Kobe

B

Bryant, while rapper Fabolous gave a shout out to Eve and dedicated a song to her. It was the second-leg of celebrations for Eve, who earlier in the day had enjoyed a dinner with family and friends at Tao Las Vegas. However, Bono did not celebrate too hard on Saturday, as the day after he attended Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Love’ show at The Mirage - which is based on the music of The Beatles - where he met performers and posed for pictures alongside his wife Ali.

vehicle collision occurred on the set of Sandra Bullock’s new film. A city bus slammed into an on-set trailer in the Roxbury section of Boston, United States where ‘The Heat’ is being made.

The motion picture is about an FBI agent who teams with a local police officer to take down a Russian mobster. The movie co-stars Melissa McCarthy and is directed by her ‘Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig. At least 11 people were reportedly taken to the hospital after the accident, though none had life-threatening injuries. A number of people were spotted on stretchers being treated by paramedics.

The accident happened outside the Roxbury Municipal courthouse on Warren Avenue at around 9:30 am, according to website Boston.com. ‘Speed’ actress

A

Sandra was recently placed third on Forbes magazine’s annual highest-paid actresses list. Her ranking is for the $25 million she earned for forthcoming movie ‘Gravity’, as well as profits she is still making from 2009 film ‘The Blind Side’. Kristen Stewart was named Hollywood’s highestpaid actress. The ‘ Twilight Saga’ star earned a reported $34.5 million over the last year, narrowly beating Cameron Diaz, who earned $34 million.

Hopkins

obert Pattinson wants to take on the role of James Bond after 20 more years of experience in his acting career. The 26-year-old star wants to play Ian Fleming’s iconic spy but thinks he’ll be perfect for the role in two more decades. He confessed: “Yeah, I’d definitely like to go for Bond, but in more like 20 years. There’d be nothing worse than, like, ‘Let’s get a fresh-faced Bond!’ That would be the worst idea in the world. It would be ridiculous to reinvent it as some young posh kid.” He continued: “After Daniel Craig you have to have some baggage. I’d have to be tortured in the first few scenes. I’d have to do the first film with one arm or something.” The ‘Twilight saga star added that he is becoming more conscious about his health as he gets older. He told The Sun newspaper: “I think 26 is the turning point. I’ve got to make up for 10 years of living like a degenerate. I’ve suddenly become conscious of being unhealthy. “You’ve spent every bit of free time since the age of 15 in a pub. And suddenly you’re like: ‘Oh God, I don’t want to be this grey ghost sitting there with a pot belly. I’ve got to get it together’.” Speaking about his new movie, ‘Cosmopolis’, Robert said he agreed to do it because it’s so “ridiculous”. He said: “I think the script was so bizarre, we thought it was quite funny it was even getting made. Literally it’s totally ridiculous.”

R

to star in ‘Noah’ nthony Hopkins is going to play Russell Crowe’s grandfather in “Noah.” “The Silence of the Lambs” Oscar winner will take on the part of Methuselah in Darren Aronofsky’s biblical epic, a spokeswoman for Paramount Pictures told TheWrap. Aronofsky himself broke the news on Twitter Monday morning. For those needing an Old Testament brush-up, Methuselah is the oldest person in the Hebrew Bible, clocking in at 969 years.

His death postponed the great flood by seven days; a reprieve that God allowed in recognition of his strong moral character. He is Noah’s (Crowe) grandfather. In addition to Crowe, the big-budget film stars Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone, Logan Lerman and presumably a whole lot of animals. The screenplay, which tracks the construction of the Ark and the planet-wide flooding, was written by Aronofsky, Ari Handel and John Logan. New Regency and Paramount are partnering on the production, which will be released on March 28, 2014. Hopkins will next play Alfred Hitchcock in “Hitchcock,” a drama about the shooting of “Psycho.”

A

ariah Carey and Nick Cannon are renting a palatial mansion for $150,000 a month. The couple - who have 15month old twins Moroccan and Monroe - has splashed out on the pricey vacation home in The Hamptons in Long Island, New York, for the summer. The 7,500 sq ft property has six bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms, a private cinema and an extensive wine cellar. The huge mansion, which is worth almost $15 million, has its own creek and a huge swimming pool featuring floating

M

ihanna ordered so much food from a Portuguese restaurant that they had to close it. The 24-year-old singer performed at the Barclaycard Wireless Festival in London, England at the weekend and requested a delivery from a local Nando’s eatery. A backstage worker said: “Rihanna ordered every item from the restaurant and asked for it to be delivered to her private backstage area. The rumour backstage was that her massive order cost around £7,000. The source told the Daily Star newspaper: “The restaurant had to shut their doors for

R

cabanas. There are also staff quarters for their extensive entourage. No doubt Mariah is looking forward to an extended vacation as the singer recently returned to work, going back into the recording studio to lay down songs for the first time since the birth of her twins in April 2011. She tweeted: “Summer 2012 ... Been in the lab, mixing up some concoctions for you, hope you like it!! “Still working in the studio with friends o plenty! I love this new song :) (sic)” Nick previously revealed the couple’s children was inspiring her songwriting. He wrote on his official website earlier this year: “My beautiful wife is planning to make her return to the music scene after taking time off to focus on the pregnancy and the birth of our two wonderful babies, Moroccan and Monroe. “She’s rejuvenated and ready to start sharing some of the amazing new music she has been making in the studio! Our new family has definitely given her a great new source of inspiration and creativity. “I’m so proud of her and can’t wait for her to release more phenomenal music!” — Bang Showbiz

the remainder of the day as they had no stock left. “Everyone was laughing, saying that only Rihanna could clear out Nando’s.” The star also apparently spent a small fortune on her entourage and security for her appearance, which consisted of at least 90 people. The insider continued: “It was mad seeing so many people crowding around one person. “She had five large dressing rooms for her to relax before and after her set. She also had her own bathroom, so she didn’t have to use the same toilet as anyone else.”

icki Minaj demanded the grass outside her dressing room at T in the Park be cut shorter. The ‘Starships’ hitmaker refused to walk around her private area at the Scottish music festival last weekend because the lawn had not been trimmed sufficiently and insisted someone tackle the greenery before she would step outside. A source told The Sun newspaper: “Nicki went mad about the grass around her area, saying it was far too long for her to walk on “She threw a complete strop, pouting and pointing and asking someone to get a lawnmower to sort it out.”

Nicki - who is also said to have made the same demand at the BBC Radio 1 Hackney Weekend festival in London last month - was later blasted on twitter by a fellow performer at the annual music

N

event, which took place in Balado Park, Kinross. Singer Frank Turner tweeted: “You can (I suppose) be a d**k to your own crew, you’re paying them. But everyone else? Not to mention the people out front. Ugh. “To clarify: Nicki Minaj has been a selfish s***head to all the hard-working crew backstage at T. Pathetic. F**k off.” The rapper also angered the crowd as when she eventually made it onto the stage 50 minutes late; her 30-minute performance was booed by fans after she appeared to be miming for much of it. One fan said: “We were buzzing for the gig and it turned out to be a total joke. Disaster doesn’t even describe it.”

37

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

&

M o v i e s

Studio salvages church’s stained-glass windows endy Joliet found herself in the middle of an unusual rescue mission last month at a church demolition site near downtown Akron, Ohio. “The wrecking ball was ready to hum and go right through the windows,” said Joliet, who along with her husband, Robert, owns Studio Arts & Glass in Jackson Township, Ohio. “I couldn’t bear the thought of Christ being destroyed, so we went and got the windows out. The next day, the building went down.”

The leaded stained-glass windowsone depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the other an image on Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane-adorned the former Church of the Good Shepherd (United Methodist). Built in 1923, the church was razed last month and a McDonald’s restaurant and office building will be constructed on the site at 785 S. Main St. The congregation merged in 2009 with Church of the Master to form Faith Family United Methodist Church at 800 E. Market St. The windows are being restored to their original condition by the team at Studio Arts & Glass. The months-long process will include cleaning and repairing the windows, which have visible signs of deterioration and years of dirt buildup.

Craftsmen at the studio will scrap the lead for recycling, replace broken pieces, touch up the paint, apply glaze and frame the restored windows for display at the studio.

W

In this June 28, 2009 file photograph, church member Pam Parker, of Canton, snaps a few photos from the balcony before the final worship service at the Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist in Akron, Ohio. —MCT photos “We will light them and put them in the gift shop,” Joliet said. “It will be nice that people can come in and see them, but I hope they can find a home.”

The Rev. Ron Shultz, pastor at Family of Faith, said he was unaware the windows were being restored but welcomed the news. He said that when the church sold the building to

Wendy Joliet, vice president of Studio Arts & Glass, holds a piece of hand-painted glass from a stained glass window under restoration.

Cooper in talks to join ‘August: Osage County’ hris Cooper is in talks to reunite with his “Adaptation” co-star Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County,” an individual with knowledge of the negotiationstold TheWrap. Cooper would play the husband of one of the members of the Weston family, the squabbling clan at the heart of Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Streep is set to play the pill-addicted matriarch of the family, and Julia Roberts is on board to play one of her daughters in the film adaptation of the acidic drama.

No deal has been signed for Cooper yet, the individual said. However, Cooper and Streep certainly have a successful trackrecord of working together. Cooper earned an Oscar for his work as the dentally challenged orchid hunter in 2002’s “Adaptation,” while Streep received a nomination playing the New Yorker author who becomes obsessed with him.

Cooper was recently seen in “The Muppets” and will soon appear in Robert Redford’s political thriller “The Company You Keep.” Jean Doumanian and Harvey Weinstein will produce “August:Osage County,” while John Wells of “ER” fame will direct. Variety first reported Cooper’s possible involvement. —Reuters

Rubber City McDonald’s, the windows went with it.

“One of the main concerns of members of the congregation was that somehow the building could live on,” Shultz said. “Those windows mean a lot to our members and we will, at least, have a conversation about whether we will be able to reacquire them.”

Shultz praised representatives of the McDonald’s company for their efforts in salvaging items from the building for reuse, with proceeds from the sale of items going to Family of Faith.

Church pews went to other congregations. Parts from the dismantled pipe organ went to other churches and organ builders. Lighting fixtures were restored at Studio Arts & Glass and will become part of the decor at a restaurant being built in New York City.

Studio Arts & Glass at 7945 Strauss Ave. NW specializes in custom leaded stained glass for homes and churches.

In addition to restoration, the company creates art glass windows, skylights, screens, lamps and ceilings.

Robert Joliet, who earned his

Wendy Joliet, right, vice president of Studio Arts & Glass, watches as stained glass craftsman Bob Everhart places a lamb in a stained glass window under restoration.

Master craftsman Kirby Tullos applies a drying agent to a stained glass window. undergraduate degree in fine arts (with a focus on painting and art glass) at Kent State University, creates traditional and contemporary designs.

The artistic glass is created and installed by the company.

The studio sells unique items in its gift shop, including lawn art, jewelry,

Stained glass craftsman Bob Everhart cleans a piece of glass from a stained glass window under restoration.

blown glass, ornaments, scarves, lamps and stained glass. Classes that focus on a variety of topics _ stained glass, bead making, lamps, mosaics, lead, panels and glass boxes _ are available at the studio.

Group tours that allow visitors to shop and see stained-glass windows

being fabricated are also available.

Annual events at the studio include a summer garden art show, a fall festival of art and a holiday open house during the Christmas season. —MCT

Garcia Marquez foundation refutes dementia claim

C

he head of a foundation created by Colombian Nobel literature laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez on Monday refuted claims from the author’s brother that he is suffering from dementia. “I will not argue or comment on interpretations of Gabo’s private affairs and health, but I assert there is no medical diagnosis of senile dementia,” the director of the New Journalism Foundation, Jaime Abello, wrote on Twitter. “Please, enough messages

T

of solidarity: Gabo is not insane. He’s just an elderly person who has lost a bit of memory. I still have the pleasure of being his friend,” he added.

The New Journalism Foundation was founded in 1994 in the Colombian resort city of Cartagena. The 85-year-old author’s brother Jaime Garcia Marquez told Mexican newspaper El Universal in an interview published online last week that the 1982 Nobel winner is suffering from “senile

dementia.” “What he has are some memory issues; in our family, we all end up with senile dementia. I am starting to get some of the onset complications and he already is in the throes of it,” said Jaime Garcia Marquez.

Weakened by cancer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez did not resume writing after his latest novel, “Memories of My Melancholy Whores,” in 2004. This year marks the 30th anniversary since Garcia Marquez received

the Nobel Prize for Literature. “One Hundred Years of Solitude”, his tale of a troubled family living in the imaginary village of Macondo in the 19th and 20th centuries, has been translated into 35 languages. The book has sold 30 million copies worldwide. —AFP

Fassbender signs on for ‘Assassin’s Creed’ rometheus” lead M ichael Fassbender has signed on to star and co-produce video game giant Ubisoft’s silver-screen adaptation of “Assassin’s Creed.” The highly sought-after actor will play Desmond Miles, a bartender descended from families of prominent assassins, whose story bounces between medieval and modern settings as he fights the Knights Templar. Fassbender has risen quickly to fame through roles in “X-Men: First Class,” “Haywire” and “Inglourious Basterds.” “Assassin’s Creed” currently has no director or U.S. distributor. —Reuters

“P

New York City mayor promotes ‘micro’ apartments ew York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday launched a tender for the construction of “micro-apartments” in the Big Apple, where rents are exorbitant and the number of singles is on the rise. A pilot project slated for construction in Manhattan’s Kips Bay section will feature rental apartments ranging from 275 to 300 square feet (26-28 square meters) with kitchens and bathrooms, the mayor’s office said in a statement.

Bloomberg explained it was “critical to the city’s continued growth, future competitiveness and long-term economic success” to develop “housing that matches how New Yorkers live.” “People from all over the world want to live in New York City, and we must develop a new, scalable housing model that is safe, affordable and innovative to meet their needs.”

The project is slated to respond to the changing demographics of a city where 1.8 million households are composed of one or two people, but there are only one million studios and one-room apartments, the mayor’s office said. Current standards in New York require that most new apartments be at least 400 square feet. But rental costs in the Big Apple are increasingly expensive. In Manhattan, a studio cost an average $2,243 per month in May in a building without concierge, up 7.9 percent from the previous year, and $2,657 in a building with concierge, up 4.4 percent, according to the Manhattan Rental Market Report. A one-room apartment cost about $2,959 without concierge, up 6.2 percent from 2011, and $3,777 with concierge, up 6.8 percent in a year. —AFP

N

Rome Symphony Orchestra performs at the forty-eighth session of the Carthage international Festival at the Roman theatre in Carthage yesterday in Tunis.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

lifestyle M u s i c

Hindustani

W

hen Simon McBurney fled Thatch rite Britain in the 1980s he found a spiritual home in Paris. Back in France as guest artist at the Avignon festival, the actor-director opened the event with a bang. McBurney’s version of Mikhail Bulgakov’s Soviet satire “The Master and

et ready to be spoilt for choice this Ramadan as OSN’s premium Arabic entertainment channel, OSN Yahala! HD, brings viewers across the region an impressive array of brand new and exclusive programming to suit all tastes and preferences.

OSN Yahala! HD’s breadth of content includes brand new celebrity cooking shows, educational Islamic programming, drama, entertainment, talk shows and so much more. During the holy month, viewers will be able to choose from a total of 22 series including eight new and exclusive shows being aired for the first time and four original OSN Productions.

Commenting on the breadth of new and exclusive content, Khulud Abu Homos, SVP Programming and Creative Services at OSN said: “This Ramadan, our focus has been to create not just the best shows, but an exclusive content proposition for our customers and to achieve this, we have left no stone unturned. We understand that viewers have different preferences and we have kept this in mind when putting together our programming for Ramadan so there’s something for everyone.

“With our OSN Showbox HD and OSN Play, we are able to offer the ultimate TV viewing experience empowering OSN subscribers to watch what they want when they want. And, with OSN Play, you

sweeps from tragic to burlesque, following the multi-layered narrative that shifts back and forth in time from Soviet times to the modern day, to the days of Jesus Christ.

At times it pulls in sophisticated video imagery, beamed onto the wall of the Papal Palace, at others it uses the simplest

Sinead Matthews as Margarita and actors perform during a rehearsal of the play ‘The Master and Margarita’. — AFP Margarita” opened the three-week extravaganza on Saturday night, before 2,000 people in the court of honor of the southeastern city’s historic Papal Palace. The three-hour play ran to critical acclaim in London earlier this year, but The Guardian’s reviewer also dubbed it a form of “visual assault” that left him “longing to lie down in a dark room with a cold towel on my head.”

In Avignon it went down a treat, with Marianne magazine describing it as a “total success”, Telerama as “wildy ambitious”, and Evene.fr as “one of the finest pages in the festival’s history”. Banned in the Soviet Union until 1966, Bulgakov’s complex novel features a devil in disguise visiting modern-day Moscow, interwoven with the love story between Margarita and the Master, who has been committed to an insane asylum. McBurney’s production

M o v i e s

Yamak Ahmet

G

Tabakh AlSultan

&

of theatrical devices, like a stick used to represent a window pulled open. For McBurney, it is partly a morality tale that asks where man is headed. “We have more knowledge than ever before, but what are we doing with it?” he told AFP in a Frenchlanguage interview. “Part of the world is going to live in senseless comfort and the rest in grinding poverty. It’s a terrible thing.”

‘Like Russian dolls’ The play’s complex, interlocking narratives and its side plot on insanity also tap squarely into McBurney’s fascination with the workings of the mind, the relation between perception and reality. “It’s like Russian dolls, you can keep on opening it up to infinity,” he said of the novel. On Monday night McBurney was to take to the Avignon stage, together with the

can literally take the magic with you! I am confident that OSN Yahala! HD will add that special something to every home making it the perfect TV destination this Ramadan.”

As part of OSN Yahala! HD’s new and exclusive offering, a unique genre, cooking themed drama has been created to add that extra zing to your Ramadan cooking - Yamak Ahmet, Znood El Sitt and Saudi Chefs.

If you like to feast like a king, Yamak Ahmet is the show for you. Yamak is the famous chef who prepares feasts for the extremely popular series, Hareem Al Sultan and will share his recipes while taking you to the early Ottoman days to experience the fascinating life and magic of Ramadan during that era. A must see for Hareem Al Sultan lovers!

Adding to the gastronomic indulgence is Znood El Sitt - a comedy drama series with four celebrity actors set in old Damascus that will have you laughing throughout but wait for the end of the show when the four starts get together and prepare mouth watering authentic delicacies. In addition, viewers shouldn’t miss the brand new series, Saudi Chefs, which sees the coming together of two expert cooks, Chef Yousef Khumayes and Chef Hani Zain demonstrating their passion for food in their own unique style along with nutritionist Lama Sultan.

For those who prefer something a little more light hearted, look out for another brand new and exclusive show, Sisters’ Soup - an OSN production that is currently being shot in Lebanon. The show is about three sisters, one guest and lots of entertainment! celebrity hosts, Mais, Mai and Dana Hamdan create an atmosphere filled with daring questions, fun games, challenges and surprises along with preshot footage with the guest where the sisters take them shopping and more.

Adding to the list of new and exclusive series is Al Ghish Mamnoua where star host Muna Abdal Wahab takes her celebrity guests back to school. She places them on the hot seat in her classroom style set and puts them through an exam of their lifetime. Guests include Handeen Sabahy (was a candidate for Egypt’s presidency) and Nawal Al Saadawy (internationally renowned Egyptian feminist) - stay tuned for this one!

Abu Homos added, “For those looking for more spiritual guidance and content during Ramadan we will showcase a series of documentaries and host a weekly session with Prof. Dr Abdul Rahman Abbad who is the Secretary General of the scholars and preachers in Palestine.

Religious content is extremely important especially during the Holy Month and this show is packaged to appeal across all age segments especially the youth.”

Islam and Youth address day-to-day issues that confront young Muslims from social to cultural subjects and educates them on the best conduct for the modern Muslim.

Returning to OSN YaHala! HD this Ramadan is another unique OSN production and genre, the second season of the award winning Arab Musical Comedy ‘Hindustani’, which will premiere at the beginning of Ramadan; it takes you to the magical fantasy world of Badr in India with new songs, new locations and additional cast members.

Last but not the least, for those who need their daily dose of drama, OSN Yahala!HD will see the continuation of the popular and closely followed Hareem Al Sultan Season 2 - which is exclusive to OSN. This and much more exclusively on OSN Yahala!HD this Ramadan.

actress Juliette Binoche and writer John Berger, for a joint reading of a text written

by Berger. “From A to X” is about the oneway correspondence between a woman and the man she loves, jailed under a totalitarian regime, and the notes he scrawls diary-like on the back of her letters.

The affable 54-year-old was in Avignon surrounded by friends and family, including his wife and two children, and his brother who is a guest composer at the event. “We are a bit like a band of gypsies,” mused the director. “I don’t really put a boundary between my work and my life.”

Born and raised in Cambridge, McBurney says he felt out-of-place in Margaret Thatcher’s 1980s Britain and what he saw as its “arrogant”, colonial world view. “It was a culture I didn’t feel comfortable with,” he said. He found his spiritual home across the Channel, at the Paris school founded by Jacques Lecoq, the French actor, mime and pioneer of physical theatre, who taught there until his death in 1999. After founding his own troupeunder the French name “Complicite”McBurney returned to Britain in the 1990s, turning his hand to Shakespeare and offbeat adaptations like the works of Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami. In between plays, McBurney has kept his acting career ticking over, most recently starring as a cold-blooded official pulling the strings in the big screen adaptation of John Le Carre’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”. “I love acting for cinema. It’s wonderful, it’s like a holiday!” he joked. British works loom large among the 36 plays to be performed in Avignon until July 28.

They include two environmentallythemed works by the award-winning British playwright Katie Mitchell: “Ten Billion”, created with scientist Stephen Emmott, and a piece inspired by “The Rings of Saturn” by the German poet W.G. Sebald. — AFP

rammy-winning pop singer Pink will release her sixth studio album, “The Truth About Love,” on September 18, ending a roughly fouryear record drought for her fans. Her label, RCA Records, described “The Truth About Love” as the singer’s “unique take on the different shades of love - the dark, the light, the happy and the sad.” Pink, 32, is working on the album with producer Greg Kurstin, the man behind the likes of Foster The People and The Shins.

Pink’s new album follows her hit 2008 record “Funhouse,” which was led by singles such as “Sober,” “So What” and “Please Don’t Leave Me.”

G

The singer drew on her separation from husband Carey Hart for the album, with whom she since has been reunited.

Pink had the couple’s first child in 2011.

The lead single from the upcoming album, “Blow Me (One Last Kiss),” hit airwaves last week. Pink rose to fame with her debut album “Can’t Take Me Home” in 2000. She moved from R&B to pop rock with later records. She has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has had 11 singles in the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. — Reuters

Cast members of orphans from the Broadway musical ‘Annie’ perform during a photo session at the Marina Bay Sands Theater yesterday in Singapore. The Broadway and West End classic which includes British comedy star Su Pollard and screen veteran David McAllister will showcase in the city-state for a month. — AP

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

lifestyle M u s i c

In this Nov. 18, 2006 file photo released by Rogers and Cowan, actor Tom Cruise and actress Katie Holmes pose in their wedding attire at the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle overlooking Lake Bracciano outside of Rome. — AP photos

T

om Cruise and Katie Holmes have reached a “private” settlement less than two weeks after she announced their bombshell divorce-and vowed Monday to honor each other’s beliefs over their daughter. The Hollywood pair issued a joint statement pledging to act in the “best interests” of six-year-old Suri, and to take account of their “respective beliefs” in her upbringing-an apparent reference to Scientology. The announcement heads off what some had expected could be acrimonious haggling over the divorce, amid reports Holmes was concerned about the role of the Church of Scientology in their daughter’s life.

“The case has been settled and the agreement has been signed. We are thrilled for Katie and her family and are excited to watch as she embarks on the next chapter of her life,” her lawyer Jonathan Wolfe said. No details of the settlement terms were given, but Holmes and Cruise’s joint statement said: “We are committed to working together as parents to accomplish what is in our daughter Suri’s best interests. “We want to keep matters affecting our family private and express our

&

M o v i e s

In this Feb. 26, 2012 file photo, actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes arrive at the Vanity Fair Oscar party, in West Hollywood, Calif.

respect for each other’s commitment to each of our respective beliefs and support each other’s roles as parents,” they added. Asked about the terms of the settlement, Cruise’s publicist Amanda Lundberg reiterated: “They are private.” Holmes announced on June 29 that she was filing for divorce to end the star couple’s five-year-old marriage, apparently taking Cruise by surprise-he said he was “deeply saddened” by the announcement.

Speculation over the cause of the split has focused on Holmes’ reported concern that Cruise wanted their daughter to be immersed more deeply in the Church of Scientology, of which he is a prominent member. Holmes was raised as a Catholic, but joined Cruise’s Scientology religion after their whirlwind romance and wedding in a storybook Italian castle in November 2006.

Lawyers for both Cruise-who celebrated his 50th birthday last Tuesday-and 33-year-old Holmes were thought to have been negotiating through the weekend to reach the deal. Financial details of the settlement will likely remain secret. In the 26 years since he made his name in the first “Top Gun”

This image released by Us Weekly shows the July 16, 2012 cover of ‘Us Weekly’ magazine featuring the divorce of actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise.

movie in 1986, Cruise has established himself as one of the most powerful and bankable players in Hollywood, earning an estimated $75 million over the year to May. Following Holmes’ divorce announcement, reports suggested that the actress was seeking sole custody because she fears Cruise wants to draw the child deeper into Scientology.

Celebrity news website TMZ reported that the settlement was “extremely complicated,” and details things which both Cruise and Holmes can and cannot do with their daughter.

Holmes will have primary physical custody, but Cruise has significant custodial time, it said, while dismissing a report that Holmes was insisting that a nanny or bodyguard always accompany Suri when she was with him, it said. Specifically there will be restrictions on what Holmes or Cruise can discuss with their daughter on religion, including Scientology, although these will ease as Suri gets older, according to TMZ. Underlining the religious split, the Huffington Post meanwhile reported that Holmes had rejoined the Catholic church, by registering as a parishioner at the Church of St. Francis

This image released by People shows the July 16, 2012 cover of ‘People’ magazine featuring the divorce of actors Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise.

Xavier in New York. “Everyone is thrilled to have Katie join us,” the online newspaper quoted a member of the church’s choir as saying. —AFP

Pedestrians walk past the Church of Scientology along Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California on July 9, 2012.

By Aakash Bakaya

H P

roducers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti have won a pitched competition to produce the movie based on “50 Shades of Grey,” the best-selling erotic novel that sparked a bidding war in Hollywood, Universal Pictures and Focus Features announced Monday.

De Luca and Brunetti beat a slew of top Hollywood producers to win the rights to the fast-tracked project, including Imagine’s Brian Grazer, Double Feature Films’ Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher and Stuber Productions’ Scott Stuber.

Universal, which itself won a bidding war to make the movie, took the unusual step of allowing author E.L. James to pick the film’s producers.

James has met several times with the big-name producers to see who was to her liking. De Luca, producer of “Moneyball” and “The Social Network” and New Line’s former president of production, now has the nod to turn one of the hottest publishing projects in the country into a franchise for the studio. Brunetti had previously worked with De Luca on “The Social Network.”

“At its core,”Fifty Shades of Grey” is a complex love story, requiring a delicate and sophisticated hand to bring it to the big screen,” Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley said.

“Mike and Dana’s credits more than exemplify what we need in creative partners and we’re glad to have them as part of our team.” “Michael De Luca is a dream producer, whose combination of vision, taste and fearlessness is the perfect match for ‘Fifty Shades of Grey,’” Focus CEO James Schamus added. He has a long and close friendship with Universal co-chairman Donna Langley, whom De Luca hired at New Line and mentored there.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features prevailed in an intense bidding war for James’ trilogy last March, beating out Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros., Fox 2000 and others for the opportunity to make the films. “Fifty Shades of Grey” traces the relationship between a recent college graduate and a billionaire businessman. It originated from a piece of “Twilight” fan fiction and, thanks to its steamy plot line, has since sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. — Reuters

ere it is once again. Just five years after the last Spiderman trilogy, Sony pictures and Marvel are releasing a brand new movie Spiderman movie to take us back to where it all started. So was it worth doing an entire movie again about the origin of Peter Parker, and how he became the superhero we all know him as today?

The answer is both yes and no, unfortunately.

It is maybe for the first time that one of the main faults of a film is not really the film’s fault at all. This is because even though the movie does the origin tale quite well and the characters are fleshed out there is still an over whelming feeling of deja vu. The feeling that we have already been here and seen all this before persists, and the first hour of the film drags and bores because of it. Parker gets bitten by a genetic radioactive spider, villain involved somehow, Uncle Ben dies, Parker learns to do good etc.

But this is a Spiderman story which has to go through all this. The re-telling on its own is good but the shadow the other films cast, especially on the origin story cannot be shaken off.

Peter Parker is played by Andrew Garfield who is a huge improvement from the previous installment’s Tobey Maguire. He looks more like Parker, acts more like Parker and is overall a better Spiderman because of it. It is different from the previous version of the character from the way he behaves and even the way he talks, but that is the main reason why it is so good. The love interest this time around is Gwen Stacy who is played by Emma Stone; a fan favorite from the comics who surprisingly nails her character. Stacy in the comics has always been slightly quirky and unusual without over doing it and Stone plays the part perfectly. The love story between them is one of the best things about the movie. It is realistic and the pair looks good, and has great chemistry together. Almost all the actors are great in the movie and bring real depth and humanity into this most times far-fetched story. This brings us to another glaring fault from the film - the plot.

Aside from Peter’s story, we have our focus on Dr Kurt Connors who was an old partner of Peter’s parents before they mysteriously died. He now works for leading science developers ‘Oscorp’ in the genetics department (which also breed the spiders that are responsible for Peter’s powers) and is under pressure by his superiors to quickly find a cure for the boss who is sick. After being fired for his lack of progress, he decides to use his experiments on himself which results in him being mutated and turning into ‘The Lizard.’ The Lizard is an iconic character in the comic lore but after some time it becomes clear that he cannot carry the entire movie on his own. The ‘villains’ plot gets more absurd and more jumbled which leads to ultimately and an unsatisfying ending. Nothing he does is of much importance and the rest of his plot feels flat and forced.

Still, the action scenes are great especially the ones between the Spiderman and Lizard. They are fun, great to look at and really shot well and puts the viewer right into the heart of the action. Even though these scenes do not give the film much weight, they do have a great impact on their own. The way he swings himself through the city just looks fantastic, and every swing feels like he has put great efforts into it. The way he fights is also very reminiscent of the comics and is an absolute delight to watch. It shows how much work the film makers put into getting that absolutely right.

The film has wonderful acting and even better action scenes which will surely please any Spiderman fan but the story is played out for far too long and plot suffers from it.

Overall, the film is good and any superhero fan should watch it while others might even have fun and be entertained but only in bits and pieces. There are high hopes for a brilliant sequel since they got the origin story out of the way. With the great characters they set up here, it sure to be even bigger, better and more amazing.

“T

he Amazing Spider-Man” had a slightly slower start at the box office than initially estimated, taking in $62 million domestically over opening weekend.

The final numbers Monday came in $3 million lower than the $65 million that distributor Sony had projected a day earlier, but it still was a healthy start for the new take on the Marvel Comics superhero.

Since opening last Tuesday, “The Amazing Spider-Man” has

taken in $137 million domestically. Its worldwide total is about $340 million since it began rolling out overseas the previous week.

The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, number of theater locations, average receipts per location, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday by Hollywood.com are:

1. “The Amazing Spider Man,” Sony, $62,004,688, 4,318 locations, $14,360 average, $137,022,258, one week.

2. “Ted,” Universal, $32,202,395, 3,256 locations, $9,890 average, $119,849,740, two weeks.

3. “Brave,” Disney, $19,612,370, 3,891 locations, $5,040 average, $173,969,341, three weeks.

4. “Savages,” Universal, $16,016,910, 2,628 locations, $6,095 average, $16,016,910, one week.

5. “Magic Mike,” Warner Bros., $15,642,337, 3,120 locations, $5,014 average, $72,829,107, two weeks.

6. “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection,” Lionsgate, $10,177,029, 2,161 locations, $4,709 average, $45,822,984, two weeks.

7. “Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted,” Paramount, $7,520,690, 2,861 locations, $2,629 average, $195,905,126, five weeks.

8. “Katy Perry: Part of Me,” Paramount, $7,138,266, 2,730 locations, $2,615 average, $10,240,213, one week.

9. “Moonrise Kingdom,” Focus Features, $4,519,195, 884 locations, $5,112 average, $26,780,989, seven weeks.

10. “To Rome with Love,” Sony Pictures Classics, $3,104,328, 806 locations, $3,852 average, $4,863,538, three weeks.

11. “People Like Us,” Disney, $2,194,535, 2,055 locations, $1,068 average, $9,190,902, two weeks.

12. “The Avengers,” Disney, $2,168,124, 1,125 locations, $1,927 average, $611,127,884, 10 weeks.

13. “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” Fox, $1,944,534, 1,657 locations, $1,174 average, $34,050,910, three weeks.

14. “Prometheus,” Fox, $1,815,500, 1,105 locations, $1,643 average, $122,390,274, five weeks.

15. “Snow White & the Huntsman,” Universal, $1,768,355, 1,152 locations, $1,535 average, $149,756,565, six weeks.

16. “Men in Black 3,” Sony, $1,680,714, 879 locations, $1,912 average, $173,089,690, seven weeks.

17. “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” Fox Searchlight, $741,091, 359 locations, $2,064 average, $41,991,873, 10 weeks.

18. “Rock of Ages,” Warner Bros., $639,406, 701 locations, $912 average, $36,974,619, four weeks.

19. “That’s My Boy,” Sony, $621,656, 400 locations, $1,554 average, $36,100,833, four weeks.

20. “Bol Bachchan,” FIP, $561,996, 98 locations, $5,735 average, $561,996, one week.

Andrew Garfield is seen in a scene from ‘The Amazing Spider-Man’. — AP

Cruise, Holmes agree split, vow to ‘respect beliefs’

WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2012

39

I

An Indonesian parade participant displays her flower costume during the annual Jember Fashion Carnaval in East Java province. The parade showcases the creativity of participants in portraying this year’s theme of international culture. — AFP

A picture shows an Espadrille colored with the flag of the Basque country and displayed at Megam Creation Espasoule.

C

heap Asian imports nearly killed production of “espadrilles” in the birthplace of this iconic summertime cloth and rope-soled shoe, but in a twist of fate Asia is now coming to their rescue. As Basque as berets and espelette peppers, the shoe originated centuries ago as cheap and easy footwear for peasants in the Pyrenees region that straddles the border between France and Spain.

They became a unisex hit for all classes and just about everyone in both countries has spent a summer in a pair of their own. The trend went international, helped along by fans like Pablo Picasso, Lauren Bacall-whose ankle-laced model in the 1948 hit “Key Largo” triggered a US craze -and US actor Don Johnson who cooly fought crime wearing espadrilles in the hit 1980s TV series “Miami Vice’. Then came the slump. “The 1990s were terrible. Bangladesh-made espadrilles, whose cheap price Defied all competition, invaded the market,” said Armand Marzat, 37, whose family has run an espadrille factory in the southwest city of Mauleon for three generations. However thanks to two businessmen who spotted a niche-and a need in their native Basque country-it’s boom time again at

A picture shows a part of a rope sole of an Espadrille.

A picture shows part of an Espadrille being sewed.

Marzat’s Megam Creation, one of the last ateliers producing the famous footwear on the French side of the border.

Nothing predestined childhood friends Mathieu Labat and Julien Maisonnave, 36 and 37, to start an espadrille revival. The first studied law, the second went into banking but after several years working both found themselves fishing for a new project. They launched their company, the Art of Soule-named after the provincial capital-to market the local, handmade espadrilles in pop-coloured fabrics, with stars or stripes, “Hawaiian” or “punk” designs, even the redwhite-green Basque flag, as well as traditional solids.

One line is called “Espadrilles 2.0”-using web jargon for what’s cutting edge-with models that drop the old rope sole for latex, i.e. machine-washable. All are produced in Marzat’s factory and have “Made in France” stamped on the bottom. Then came strategy.

Five years ago, “we started by selling them in markets in Biarritz, Hendaye and Guethary,” three popular Basque resorts on the Atlantic coast, notably “trendy Ghethary which now has lots of lots of Parisians in the summertime...fashion-setters, well-dressed, chic,” said Labat.

Pictures show an Espadrille being sewed at Megam Creation Espasoule, one of the last factories in the French Basque country. — AFP photos

‘Beret, baguette and espadrille’ Next came luck. Last June, at a ready-to-wear trade show in Florence, Italy, the partners caught the eye of Yoshi Watanabe, chief executive of Daidoh Limited, a distributor for the Japanese retailer United Arrows. He “found our product exceptional,” said Maisonnave. “He wanted ‘Made in France’ authenticity, he even asked to come see the production in Mauleon. For the Asian market, culture is very important,” said Maisonnave, “and for them, French means beret, baguette and espadrille.”

“Our clientele is ready to pay more for an espadrille if it is really made in France,” Watanabe told AFP by telephone, saying the Mauleon espadrilles are now sold in Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan-where they go for up to 80 euros ($100) dollars a pair, as compared to about 19 to 45 euros for the brand in France. For this summer, Labat and Maisonnave ordered 50,000 pairs from Marzat’s factory, with more than half — 65 percent-set for export. Asian sales alone soared in one year from 0 to 20 percent of all exports. Marzat, who once feared for his business, now has 10 to 25 workers, depending on the season, toiling year-round in the cavernous atelier, cutting, pressing, glueing and sewing.

They use cotton fabric woven in Spain and the jute for soles now comes from Asia, but Marzat insists the savoir-faire is strictly local. “Our secret is the finishing stitches sewn with traditional machines that are no longer made. And only my mother (63) and I know how to repair them,” he said proudly. “It’s our proof of quality.” In the five years since they started, Art of Soule’s turnover has jumped from a modest 35,000 euros to 600,000 euros. They now hope to open stores in Tokyo and Hong Kong but remain faithful to the Basque region, already mulling over ways to revive other regional products. High on their list? Makers of the once-ubiquitous pancake-shaped headgear, the Basque beret. — AFP

ndia has paid $1.1 million to buy a collection of letters, papers and photographs relating to Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi, preventing their sale at a planned auction in London. The archive, which belonged to Gandhi’s close friend Hermann Kallenbach, a German Jewish bodybuilder and architect, was to have gone under the hammer at Sotheby’s yesterday. Sanjiv Mittal, a joint secretary at India’s Ministry of Culture, said the government had paid 700,000 pounds ($1.1 million) for the entire collection, which will be brought to India and housed in the National Archive. “It was felt that the letters are of importance to study the thoughts of Gandhi on various matters,” Mittal told AFP. “Since we already have some letters exchanged between Kallenbach and Gandhi, we thought this would help us fill up the gaps in our collection.”

Sotheby’s had put a pre-sale estimate of between 500,000 and 700,000 pounds on the collection. Indian historian Ramachandra Guha discovered the letters at the home of Kallenbach’s grand-niece, Isa Sarid. Indian media reported that the government purchase followed weeks of intense negotiations with Kallenbach’s surviving relatives. India has in the past complained bitterly about private auctions of Gandhi’s belongings, saying they insulted the memory of a man who rejected material wealth. Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi welcomed the government’s move to bring the collection to India.

“It’s a significant collection because it provides us with a very close look into a very long relationship between ‘Bapu’ (father) and Kallenbach,” he told AFP. “These letters belong in the public domain, not in private hands, and I hope the government will make their contents accessible to everyone,” he said. Most of the correspondence, which spans four decades from 1905 to 1945, is from family, friends and followers of Gandhi, but there are also 13 letters written by him to Kallenbach. They reference Gandhi’s early political campaigns and the illness of his wife Kasturba.

“She had a few grapes today but she is suffering again,” he wrote in one letter. In another, written before his return to India from South Africa, Gandhi wrote: “I do all my writing squatting on the ground and eat invariably with my fingers. I don’t want to look awkward in India.”—AFP

This undated handout photograph released by Sotheby’s auction house yesterday, shows a collection of letters, documents and photographs relating to Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi. — AFP