11th Sep

CR IP TI ON BS SU

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Envoy begins ‘difficult’ Syria mission as violence rages

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www.kuwaittimes.net

SHAWWAL 24, 1433 AH

Britain says goodbye to Games with victory parade

Indian cartoonist jailed ahead of sedition trial

Serena underlines greatness with epic win

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Protesters demand full democracy, blast govt

Activists decry ruling family squabbles, electoral law change

Max 45º Min 26º High Tide 06:13 & 21:07 Low Tide 13:51

By Abdullatif Sharaa, Nawara Fattahova

MoI orders halt to visit visas for parents, siblings

KUWAIT: Around 2,000 opposition activists belonging to the ‘Nahj’ movement and the majority bloc gathered yesterday in Irada Square opposite the National Assembly to protest against possible changes in the electoral law and demanded a popular government and a constitutional monarchy. The protest was held under the slogan “We Will Not Let it Get Lost.” Many protesters were carrying sleeping bags along with other articles needed for spending the night in the square.

Outspoken MP Musallam Al-Barrak said before the start of the rally that despite an Interior Ministry ban on sleeping in the square, “we will not obey them and will not keep quiet and let them do whatever they want”.

Yesterday’s turnout was smaller than previous rallies in the state and there was only a light police presence, but a few kilometers away in Sharq, special forces had gathered near the Interior Ministry premises.

MP Ali Al-Deqbasi, who spoke first during the rally, said the “crowd in Irada Square has come to demand people’s rights”, adding “we will go to the fullest extent within the 1962 constitution”. “Kuwait today suffers from corruption and regression in everything and we tell (Prime Minister) Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak we are not concerned with the (ruling) family struggle; we want the nation’s sovereignty as per Article 6 of the constitution. We do not meet today to demand chairs, rather to demand Kuwait’s development and secure its future,” Deqbasi said. He asked Sheikh Jaber “until when this situation will continue? We will push towards accountability and we are not concerned with the squabbles between sheikhs and ruling family members”.

“There is a sheikhdom policy that rejects the civil state, adding that the people are not living in a democracy as some are claiming, rather we are in the bare minimum,” columnist Ahmad Al-Dayeen charged. “What we want is to reach an integrated democratic regime, because there is no democracy in the world without political parties and exchange of power.

Continued on Page 13

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Ministry of Interior has issued “verbal” instructions to all immigration administrations in all governorates of Kuwait to stop accepting applications for family visit visas from all nationalities Arabs and foreigners - and to limit these visas only for wives and children.

This decision came due to security and social circumstances that some countries are going through as immigration administrations have received thousands of visit visa applications to bring in mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers. This has resulted in a glut of applications at the immigration offices which resulted in issuing this circular yesterday and refusing such applications.

Saudis stage rare protest RIYADH: Dozens of Saudis staged a rare protest yesterday against the detention of relatives held without trial for security offences in a country that escaped last year’s Arab Spring unrest but has faced criticism for its human rights record. Up to 50 people, including eight women, stood quietly outside a prosecutor’s office by the side of a Riyadh road watched by uniformed policemen sitting in three police cars.

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Opposition MPs and their supporters attend a demonstration in Irada Square opposite the National Assembly yesterday. (Inset) MP Musallam Al-Barrak gives the thumbs up sign as he speaks to the media, flanked by MPs Khaled Al-Tahous (center) and Falah Al-Sawwagh. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

‘Frustrated’ IAEA wants access to Iran ‘nuke’ site VIENNA: The head of the UN nuclear discussing process ... Iran has the obligawatchdog pressed Iran yesterday to grant tion to fully cooperate with us.” Asked his inspectors immediate access to the about Iran’s demand for access to docuParchin military site, where they believe ments which form the basis for the IAEA’s Tehran may have conducted explosives suspicions about possible military dimentests relevant to the development of sions to Iran’s nuclear program, Amano nuclear weapons. Yukiya said he was ready to provide Amano, director general of them “when appropriate”. the International Atomic He made his comments Energy Agency, also said it one day after Israeli Prime was “frustrating” that the IAEA Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iran had made no real said that Israel and the United progress in talks that began in States were in discussions on January aimed at allaying setting a “red line” for Iran’s concern about suspected nuclear programme, which atom bomb research. Western Tehran says is peaceful. Israel, powers may seize on his believed to be the only statement to a closed-door nuclear-armed state in the session of the IAEA’s 35Middle East, sees the possibilYukiya Amano nation governing board to ity of Iran developing an strengthen their case for further interna- atomic bomb as a threat to its existence tional pressure on Iran, one of the world’s and has said it may use military means if largest oil producers. diplomacy and sanctions fail. European Saying Tehran must address the sub- Union heavyweights Britain, France and stance of the UN agency’s questions, Germany called last week for new sancAmano later told a news conference he tions and Canada has unexpectedly sevwas committed to intensifying the dia- ered ties with Iran. logue with the Islamic state but that no Iran’s envoy to the IAEA, Ali Asghar date had been set yet for a new meeting. Soltanieh, said Tehran would “continue” to “We need to stop going around in circles Continued on Page 13

Cabbie builds Gaza’s first electric car Syria, Bahrain faulted over human rights GENEVA: The UN’s top rights official laid out the world’s most significant human rights issues yesterday, criticizing Syria and Bahrain but also mentioning problems in Western countries such as France and Greece.

The assessment by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay is important because it sets the tone for the UN’s 47-nation Human Rights Council, whose month-long session opened yesterday. The UN secretary-general, Ban Kimoon, on a visit to commemorate Switzerland joining the world body a decade ago, Navi Pillay challenged the council to focus attention on five areas, including discrimination, violence based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and women’s rights. “It is an affront to our conscience that millions of people still struggle against poverty, hunger and disease. These conditions violate their fundamental human rights,” he said.

Continued on Page 13

GAZA CITY: The boxy little white and blue vehicle draws plenty of curious stares as it chugs down the street. But this is no golf cart - it’s Gaza’s first handbuilt electric car. It is the latest creation of Munther Al-Qassas, a 32-year-old taxi driver from Gaza City who was looking for a novel way to get around as the tiny Palestinian enclave goes through its worst fuel crisis yet. “I thought about making a car which would suit our cir-

cumstances in Gaza, especially with the fuel crisis that forces people to stand in line for hours outside petrol stations or pay a huge amount of money” on the black market, he told AFP. Not only is it environmentally sound but the tiny white vehicle, which has no doors and can carry two passengers at the back, has been entirely crafted out of recycled materials. Qassas says it took Continued on Page 13

GAZA CITY: Munther Al-Qassas drives his electric car in the streets in this Aug 9, 2012 photo. — AFP

in the

news

Ninth prisoner dies at Guantanamo

Oman jails six men for Internet slander

MIAMI: A prisoner was found dead of undetermined causes at the Guantanamo Bay US naval base where war on terrorism captives have been held since shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks. The unidentified prisoner, whose name and nationality were not disclosed pending notification of family, died on Saturday, according to the US Southern Command, which oversees the base in eastern Cuba. He was the ninth captive to die at the detention camp since it opened in 2002. “While conducting routine checks, Joint Task Force-Guantanamo guards found the detainee unconscious and unresponsive. The guards immediately performed first aid and summoned medical personnel to the scene,” the Southern Command said in a news release yesterday. Medics tried to revive him and took him to the base hospital, where he was pronounced dead, the release said. His remains will be re turned home after an autopsy, it said.

MUSCAT: An Omani court sentenced six people to jail terms ranging from a year to 18 months for slander over internet posts against the government that it called “abusive and provocative”, an opposition activist present at the hearing said yesterday. The verdict, issued on Sunday, was a further move by Oman to deter unrest inspired by Arab Spring revolts last year. Protests this year in Oman, which fronts the Gulf sea lane through which much of the world’s oil trade is shipped, have highlighted difficulties in implementing a strategy of defusing discontent by creating tens of thousands of public sector jobs. The six men were also accused of “violating information technology regulations” and were fined 1,000 rial ($2,600) each, the state news agency ONA reported. Activist Ahmed bin Said, who was present at the hearing, said the defendants had criticised the government for not making public the names of officials who are under corruption investigation.

Pets and apartments don’t mix in Ajman A JMAN, United Arab Emirates: Apar tment dwellers in a part of the United Arab Emirates have received blanket eviction notices - for their pets.

Officials in Ajman, an emirate north of Dubai, have banned pets such as dogs and cats from apartments and put a two-dog limit for single-family houses.

Abu Dhabi’s The National newspaper yesterday quoted top Ajman official Sheikh Rashid Humaid AlNuaimi as saying the new rule will be phased in, starting now, for health and sanitary reasons. The report says pets will be only allowed in single-family homes with outdoor space. Pet ownership is not part of traditional Emirati culture, but the UAE has millions of expatriate residents who have dogs, cats and other pets. Ajman is one of seven semiautonomous emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in the UAE.

Flier caught in India with monkey in pants NEW DELHI: Customs authorities in India have arrested a man who was attempting to board a flight at New Delhi’s international airport with an endangered monkey in his underwear. The suspect from the United Arab Emirates, who was detained along with two other travellers, had arrived from the Thai capital Bangkok and was about to take a connecting flight to Dubai on Jet Airways. “Security personnel found the monkey in his underwear while frisking the transit passengers,” a customs official told AFP. The 17-cm loris is a type of monkey native to India and southeast Asia, and is seen by some as possessing aphrodisiac qualities. Another was discovered in a dustbin at the Indira Gandhi International airport. It had been abandoned because the men could not carry him. The men, named as Hamad Al-Dhaheri, Mohammed AlShamsi and Rashid Al-Shamsi, were handed over to the Wildlife and Customs Department for further questioning and were later arrested by the police.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

LOCAL

National Front formed to achieve ‘full democracy’ Founding statement outlines goals KUWAIT: A national front seeking to protect Kuwait’s constitution was officially established on Sunday night through the release of a ‘founding statement’ that outlines the goals, which the front seeks to achieve in the short and long term, as well as the political and constitutional reforms it is aiming for.

The announcement of the formation of the National Front for the Protection of the Constitution was accompanied by the appointment of Ahmad Al-Dayeen as its general coordinator, Dr. Meshary Al-Mutairi as its secretary and Khalid Al-Fadhalah as the organization’s official spokesman. The founding statement outlines four goals, which are to be achieved in the short term and will help “combat attempts to monopolize power, specifically by rejecting the government’s sole attempt to modify the electoral system, push for an approval of the public demand seeking the dissolution of the 2009 parliament followed by fresh elections, put an end to the government’s attempts to involve the judiciary in its political maneuvering and tackle corruption at the legislative, monitoring and public levels.”

In the long term, the front’s main goals include, “establishing a democratic system of government with a parliamentary system, legislating a democratic law for instituting political parties, formulating a new electoral law based on single constituencies and elections based on a list and overseen by an independent election authority, and lastly reform, developing and reinforcing an independent judiciary as well as setting up an autonomous constitutional court.”

The front’s executive body is made up of 13 political activists, including two women, and

has also been, “left open to any Kuwaiti seeking to build Kuwait as a home and for all Kuwaitis who want to enjoy equal rights regardless of the sectarian group they belong to, their place of origin or residence.”

Meanwhile, a source close to the liberal National Democratic Alliance said it has decided against joining the front because, “Its members are convinced that some constituents of the front are not fully committed to the principles they have adopted.” Fellow liberal faction, the Democratic Forum is not expected to join the group either, following a statement from its Secretary General Yousuf Al-Shayji on Sunday, in which he explained that, “his forum has already presented an initiative that supports the concept of referring the electoral law to a constitutional court.”

The front has, however, been strongly endorsed by the Majority Bloc, a coalition made up of 34 opposition parties, which won the majority of seats in the parliament of 2012.

On the other hand, some pro-government lawmakers have already rejected the front; including Dr. Maasouma Al-Mubarak, who was quoted by the Al-Jarida daily on Sunday as describing the front and the Majority Bloc as, “two sides of the same coin.” Meanwhile, MP Yousuf Al-Zazalah refused to accord the title of a ‘national front’ to the organization and said that, “it is run by a select group of people who want to impose their opinions on Kuwaitis.”

These developments took place a day before a demonstration condemning the government’s decision to challenge the constitutionality of the electoral law was scheduled to take place in the Iradah Square on Sunday night. The Majority Bloc also agreed to meet at

the same time and decided to stage demonstrations every Monday, instead of every other week as originally proposed.

The Kuwait Society for the Basic Principles of Human Rights has also criticized a statement issued by the Interior Ministry on Sunday, in which the ministry warned against the holding of rallies or staging sit-ins as part of carrying out demonstrations. “Threats of using strict measures against people violating the law during demonstrations are unacceptable,” the society said in a statement on Sunday, and warned the ministry against, “attacking people’s human rights and dignity.”

The ministry’s statement has also triggered a wave of condemnation on social networking sites, with many Kuwaitis posting comments on Twitter that this directive violates the constitution.

Meanwhile, sources from the Cabinet exclusively told the Al-Anba daily about a proposal published by the newspaper on Sunday, which suggests a scenario wherein the number of constituencies will be reduced to two, if a constitutional court finds the current fiveconstituency distribution rule undemocratic.

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said that the proposal calls for the division of Kuwait into an, “eastern constituency, which will include the first, fourth and half of the third constituency,” and a “western constituency that will include the second, fifth and the other half of the third constituency.”

The new system will also divide the current voter population by around 420,000 voters per constituency, with each citizen entitled to a single vote, instead of the four allowed in the current system.

Municipality continues inspection campaign KUWAIT: Kuwait’s municipality through its branches across the country’s provinces is continuing with its unexpected campaign of inspecting and minimizing violations related to the use of public spaces. The campaign is aimed at putting an end to the practice of

leasing, selling and purchasing car offices, which hampers the public view and hinders the free movement of pedestrians.

Mubarak Jaber, who works at the Hawally branch of the Kuwait municipality services, pointed out that his office has conducted sever-

al inspection operations in cooperation with the Hawally traffic police, which have been against car rental offices located opposite the Cairo Street in Hawally, the courtyard opposite the Sibeeka mosque and near the Sedeque Roundabout and in the backyard of the Al Najat

school opposite the 4th Ring road.

During the operation, eight cars were lifted, eight citations for misusing roads were issued and five warnings were given to offices for failure to abide by the space allocation rules, which have been licensed by the municipality.

KUWAIT: Slovakia Ambassador Ivan Lancaric hosted areception at Crowne Plaza hotel on Sunday on the occasion of his country’s National Day. A number of diplomats and other dignitaries attended the reception.

—Photos by Joseph Shagra

GUST panel visits Boubyan Academy KUWAIT: As part of the cooperation between ITQAN Academy of Boubyan Bank and Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), a committee from GUST attended at the Academy’s headquarters to provide advice to current staff and respond to all their inquiries regarding the bachelor’s and MBA programs.

Meanwhile, registration and admission for those who already submitted applications to join the programs through Human Resources Group will be later processed at the Academy’s headquarters. In a press release, the Bank said that this step comes in execution of the Agreement previously signed with GUST, which offers the Bank’s staff joining training programs who are holding diploma or bachelor’s degrees a unique academic opportunity of its kind all over the banks in the regions by enabling them continue their studies with GUST, which is accredited by University of Missouri at St. Louis UMSL. The Agreement signed between the Two Parties last June stipulates that GUST acts as “the Exclusive Academic Partner” in Kuwait for Boubyan IQTAN Academy as the Academy provides the opportunity to the Bank’s staff to obtain MBA through a special training program in which trainees receive 24 accredited credits of the MBA program at GUST, representing 55% of the program’s total hours, with 10 of current staff selected to join the program each semester.

In addition, ITQAN Academy provides the opportunity to the Bank’s staff holding diploma to obtain bachelor’s degree from the GUST College of Business Administration through the Academy’s special programs in which trainees receive 50% of the program’s total hours, with 20 of current staff selected by the Bank to join the program each semester in the areas of accounting, finance, business administration, management information and marketing, if they so desire.

Adel Al-Hammad, GM- Human Resources Group at Boubyan Bank said that this mechanism has been applied out of the Bank’s care to facilitate the procedures for admission of current staff to IQTAN Academy’s programs, noting that launching the training programs

for current staff comes after extensive study based on the basic training needs for staff and in manifestation of the care to develop and enhance their expertise in an academic manner that is reflected on their academic qualifications so that training and development achieve more positive results.

“Once again we stress our care to develop our human resources through cooperation with a prestigious partner like GUST, which is one of the most important scientific and academic institutions in Kuwait and the whole region,” Al-Hammad pointed out.

The Bank’s staff applauded the tools used

by ITQAN Academy with the academic partner (GUST) to attract them to the areas of study in different colleges, referring to the open meetings held by the Academy with GUST and the extent of care given by the Bank’s Human Resources Group to developing their expertise. They also praised the good organization and abundance of information they received.

Noteworthy is that the Committee from GUST’s Deanship of Registration & Admission has witnessed a massive attendance of staff members who raised many inquiries about the majors available in the bachelor’s program.

On his part, Dr. Osama Al-Hares, Director Centre of Alumni & Corporate Relations (CACR) at GUST applauded the strong relations linking GUST and Boubyan Bank, considering that the establishment of the Bank’s IQTAN Academy is a pioneering idea that represents an example to be followed in adopting advanced strategies and mechanisms for training and developing national cadres in the private sector.

Al-Hares stressed GUST’s care to do its best towards the success of IQTAN Academy’s programs and objectives. He also said that the Agreement comes as commitment with a leading Kuwaiti bank in terms of developing human capabilities and that developing and enhancing training with bachelor’s and MBA programs and advanced media like e-learning which ITQAN Academy strives to include in its programs is something we really appreciate for Boubyan Bank’s management which realizes the importance of qualifying the promising future generations of this nation.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

local

CBK sponsors ‘World Physical Therapy Day’ KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) sponsored an event organized by the Physical Therapy Department at the Hussain Makki Jumah Center to mark World Physical Therapy Day. The event entitled ‘Fit for Life,’ focused on raising awareness about the importance of physical therapy in combating Amani Al-Waraa cancer. “The CBK never hesitates in taking part in supporting social and health activities organized by civil society institutions,” said Amani Al-Waraa Assistant General Manager - Advertisement and Public Relations Department, in a press statement released yesterday.

She added that sponsoring the event “reflects the bank’s commitment to physical therapy as one of the best methods to improve people’s health and fitness.”

IICO to host conference KUWAIT: The Kuwait-based International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) will host starting from tomorrow a twoday international conference on means to enhance humanitarian actions across the globe.

The conference, entitled ‘Effective Partnership in Information for Better Humanitarian Work,’ will be held in coordination and cooperation with the ‘Direct Aid Society’ and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “These gathering of relief and humanitarian activists and organizations will focus on uniting and coordinating efforts of all concerned organizations to develop and bolster humanitarian actions all over the world,” Dr Sulaiman Shams Al-Din, Director General of the International Islamic Charitable Organization told reporters Monday at a press conference.

He added that over 130 of leaders of humanitarian organizations and groups and political officials will take part in the conference including UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos, Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Abdullatif AlZayyani, IICO Chairman Abdullah Al-Maatooq.

The conference also aims to support networking and encourage partnership between Arab organizations and the international humanitarian system as well as promoting cooperation between the active humanitarian organizations in the Arab world and provide a platform for dialogue.

Shams Al-Din also spoke highly about the humanitarian role of IICO whose activities are spread in 127 countries. The IICO was founded in 1986 as an independent non-profitable organization which offers a wide range of pure humanitarian services.

The IICO is working worldwide. It provides services for people all over the world regardless of their race, or nationality.

It is also providing help for the needy in social, economical, educational, medical, and cultural fields as well urgent relief aids in case of war, natural, disasters, epidemics, famines, and similar circumstances.—KUNA

Taxi driver caught for drug dealing

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The General Department of Drug Control (GDDC) arrested an Asian taxi driver in connection with being in possession of 35 grams of heroin and 10 grams of ‘shabu’ drugs. After conducting necessary investigations and obtaining an arrest warrant, the man was arrested.

Upon searching his vehicle, the drugs were found. He confessed to trading in the contraband to obtain extra income. He and the drugs were referred to concerned authorities.

Family dispute Two brothers had a dispute over their recently deceased father’s property and stabbed each other with knives.

Investigations revealed that the two brothers were at their family home in Sulaibikhat and a heated argument broke out over inheritance issues.

Stamps, money stolen In Sulaibikhat, a Doha Center official filed a complaint with police stating that miscreants tip-toed into the Center and vandalized three stamp vending machines. They stole money and stamps. The amount of stolen items is being verified by operating companies.

Burglary at health center A female employee working at Bayan Health Center lodged a complaint with police stating that her office was burgled. She claimed that KD 70 which belongs to the Center was stolen.

Female expat ends life A female expat committed suicide by swallowing a quantity of pills. Her husband reportedly told her that he intends to cancel her residence permit which led her to end her life.

Illicit affair In Sulaibikhat, a citizen reported to police that he caught a stranger in his Sri Lankan housemaid’s room. He alleged that the Bangladeshi man had an inappropriate relationsip with the woman.

Iraq denies reports of transfer of Kuwaiti prisoners to Iran Attempts to disrupt positive ties

By A Saleh

KUWAIT: Government officials and legislators in Iraq have denied news reports that indicate Kuwaiti prisoners, who were taken hostage during the 1990-91 invasion of Kuwait, were moved to Iran, and have termed such rumors as, “attempts to disrupt the positive relations between the two countries.” The Human Rights Committee of the Iraqi Parliament denied having any such information on the subject in a statement, which said, “It was unaware whether media reports about living Kuwaiti prisoners being transferred to Iran following the fall of former Iraqi President Saddam Husain’s regime were true or not.”

Committee member Husain Al-Lami further revealed that Human Rights Minister Mohammad Al-Sudani has, “insisted that no Kuwaiti prisoners or missing individuals can be found in Iraq,” and that after talks held recently to discuss the fate of Kuwaiti POWs, the issue has been assigned to a joint IraqiKuwaiti committee, which will address this persistent matter between the two countries. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Human Rights in Iraq also denied having any such information. “The ministry has no information about this subject, and raising it at the present moment will be considered an attempt to harm the existent relationship between Iraq and Kuwait, especially after the two coun-

tries have been able to end several of the persisting problems between them,” Kamil Hashim, the director of Per formance Control and Rights Protection at the ministry stated.

Hashim further elaborated that the Kuwaiti POW ’s issue is, “primarily a humanitarian issue,” and pointed towards the joint efforts that have been carried out under international supervision to conduct searches for possible Kuwaiti prisoners’ remaining in Iraq.

Former Iraqi national Security Advisor Muwafaq Al-Rabie’ie had earlier denied a previous report published by a Kuwaiti daily, which quoted him saying that Kuwaiti prisoners had been moved from Iraq to Iran.

Al-Jassem appointed as member of National Front for Protection of the Constitution Attorney Mohammad AlJassem, who has been selected as a member of the executive body of the National Front for Protection of the Constitution, said that the assignment wasn’t necessarily a reward, but a task that will require a lot of hard and productive work.

Al-Jassem made the statement on Sunday; a day after the front was officially established, and stated that he will resign from his current post if he fails to, “make a qualitative contribution to public politics within the framework and capabilities of the National Front.”

“If I sense that the executive committee’s work will be limited to issuing

statements or putting up with the usual problems seen in Kuwaiti political groups, my resignation will be quickly forwarded,” he noted in the statement. “I aspire to launch the National Front as a political machine for achieving goals

that have been adopted by each individual who signed the declaration, which created the front,” he said, adding that realizing these goals, “will require sacrifices, hard work and a true commitment with clear vision.”

KUWAIT: Supervisor of Al-Sabahiya Citizens Service Center Col Saif Al-Mutairi, presented Ahmadi Governor Sheikh Dr Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah with a copy of his book entitled ‘Service Centers in Kuwait’ which gives detailed information about the history of service centers in the country as well as statistics about their achievements since 1998.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

LOCAL

Local Spotlight

kuwait digest

Big publicity for Viagra

New crisis in our house

By Jassem Boodai s there a crisis in our house? Yes there is. This house is the place under which all parts of rule in Kuwait are gathered, including the ruling family, the people, as well as institutions, politicians and political groups.

The ruling system in Kuwait is historically distinguished compared to other countries in the region, because it came following agreement between the Kuwaiti people and Al-Sabah family. This agreement managed to survive all obstacles that Kuwait faced throughout the state’s history, and became the basis that allowed Kuwaitis and their leaders to find ways out of crises to maintain stability and development.

During the 1950s, Kuwait faced serious troubles that led to the formation of two large camps-one by leading members of the ruling family who had a main say on all issues, and another by leading politicians who established a basis of public support calling for political reforms. Of course, we can’t also ignore the regional aspects taking place at the time, which made the local scene even more gloomy.

At that time, the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah - acting on the basis of the agreement mentioned above - decided, after meeting with top Kuwaiti figures, to establish the constituent parliament, and assigned the people of Kuwait with the mission of creating the constitution and establishing the state’s modern system. This safe passage out of the ordeal allowed the political system to improve, in addition to adding more legitimacy to the Al-Sabah family’s rule, as well as establishing economic and social stability.

Today, fifty years later, we have a crisis in our house. We face political instability and a widening gap between the government and the people, surrounded by worrisome regional developments, unfortunate local situations, as well as an eagerness of certain ruling family members to achieve gains by ‘any means necessary’. The crisis we face today is headlined by a highly anticipated Constitutional Court ruling or a potential new electoral system, covering a lot deeper content.

Kuwait’s electoral system changed many times.

First, it divided Kuwait into ten constituencies, which were later expanded to 25, before being shortened to five, as found today. The Constitutional Court is currently studying whether the current distribution is constitutional. If the system is found unconstitutional, as expected, the decision to modify it will be in the hands of the government; who, as such, will bear responsibility for the consequences.

It’s safe to say that coming up with a new formula for the electoral law that is 100% accepted by the public is impossible. The fireball is now running towards the government, which can either simply catch it and risk burn their hands, or work on cooling it down before it arrives; and that, by evaluating the upcoming phase in a way that achieves stability and set the basis for a transitional phase towards development.

The public doesn’t want to see the government involved in struggles, whether created by them or being dragged them. People are looking up to the government to lead them with a wise and visionary approach based on advanced and civilized policies.

The people certainly don’t wish to see the government they voluntarily chose as the ruling system be distracted away from its main mission.

The ball now is in the government’s court. They can choose to protect Kuwait and itself, just like the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah did fifty years ago, and by finding a safe passage out of the current ordeal through innovative and sustainable solutions, such as adopting a system in which Kuwait is turned into a single constituency, while a voter is entitled to a single vote, instead of four.

This solution isn’t going to satisfy all, of course, but can eliminate several problems featured in previous elections that left tragic results on the political, social and developmental levels. The negative aspects cannot be eliminated overnight, of course, but things like bribes, vote buying, primary elections, and voting based on tribal and sectarian loyalty can be limited substantially in a single constituency system. Such a system would force an MP to stop being a representative of his tribe or sectarian group, and instead become a true representative of the people, while making candidates form alliances on the basis of nationalistic programs, instead of sectarian affiliations.

The single constituency proposal was suggested before, but combined with an election by-list scenario, which is impractical due to the fact that political parties don’t exist in Kuwait. Some might argue that elections based on this proposed system might result in certain coalitions established on a basis laid forth by the government’s policies in the past fifty years. I say that any Kuwaiti elected to the parliament represents me and other Kuwaitis, and I believe that the standards based on which coalitions are formed in a ‘single-constituencywith-single-vote’ system, will be determined by the common interest in the future. Meanwhile, some people might argue that such an electoral system might create a parliamentary force that goes headto-head with the Cabinet; something that I believe can actually be good for the government if the correct agreements and constitutional regulations are followed.

A single constituency and single vote will make Kuwaiti citizens vote for who they believe are the best. If applied correctly, this system can pave the way for the establishment of political parties based on developmental programs, rather than a sectarian or tribal basis. Political stability is in the favor of the state, institutions and the people, in addition to the ruling family.

It’s all now in the hands of the government, who can take the initiative to choose what is best for Kuwait and the Kuwaiti people before developments force certain scenarios upon us which might not be in the favor of the government or of Kuwait.— Al-Rai

I

Muna Al-Fuzai

muna@kuwaittimes.net f you subscribe to a local daily, then you must be used to getting one of those colorful and free ad brochures, which contain advertisements for restaurants around town, even the ones that specialize in serving local food that includes meat and rice with an Arabic dressing and illegal drugs. Now, most ad brochures are really decent and provide good services to all consumers. But this particular ad brochure, which was delivered to my house last week, caught my attention.

I rarely take the trouble to flip through these catalogues unless I’m looking for something specific such as a technician who can fix my TV. Surprisingly, this ad brochure was mostly about food, except for one page which advertised products for men looking to retrieve their lost manhood. The advertisement for Viagra spanned a colorful page, and was not only promoting tablets of the product but also all kinds of creams and instruments.

The advertisement was for a slew of products including Viagra tablets, machines, creams and even a Viagra spray.

The list of products from these companies was long and intimidating because of many reasons. Firstly, they are selling dangerous drugs without prior permission from a doctor and recommend the direct consumption of tablets that can harm anyone if taken without a proper prescription or without medical supervision, especially if one has a heart disease or is suffering from old age. Secondly, why haven’t the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Information taken any action in this regard, especially when supervising and granting permission for selling and advertising such products falls under their purview? Finally, why hasn’t anyone raised the concern that the indiscriminate use of creams or these machines without consulting a doctor can cause allergies, etc? The worrying part is the sales strategy used by these companies where they try to facilitate the process of selling Viagra by making the process easier for their customers through provisions such as home delivery, a dedicated hot line for customers and offering a ‘buy one get one free’ scheme. Buying one and getting one free is like consuming a double dose of Viagra, so that one can die easily and less painfully.

The persons selling these products have obviously not bothered to receive permission from the Ministry of Information, as it is unimaginable how an official department could have authorized the sale of these products that have to be consumed directly and can even cause accidental death, but are still being sold to everyone, including the young and old, the sick and healthy.

This suggests two possibilities - the first one being that the companies printing these brochures did not get prior approval from the Ministry of Information, even though they are selling prospectively dangerous drugs to the public and the second option could be that they did get an approval, but the go ahead was granted without caution or official supervision or without knowing the extent of harm these drugs can cause to the consumer.

I believe that both the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Health should jointly bear the responsibility for such advertisements being printed. Maybe it is too late to withdraw the ones that have already been published, but it never too late to prevent the publication of similar and upcoming advertisements.

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in my view

Arabs must not repeat Iran’s errors

By Ahmad Ahrar n the space of a single century, Iran experienced two revolutions. The first revolution, in the first decade of the 20th century, took Iran forward. The second, in the 1970s, put the clock back.

I witnessed the second revolution as a journalist while I have studied the first revolution as historian and, over the years, met and conversed with some of its actors. As the waves triggered by the Arab Spring continue to affect so many countries, I wish to share with our Arab neighbors some observations regarding Iran’s experience. The first Iranian upheaval, known as the Constitutional Revolution, took place in 1906 at a time that Iran was an economically underdeveloped and poverty-stricken nation. Iran was also suffering from centuries of social and cultural decline to the point that a majority knew nothing of the nation’s brilliant history and civilization. Many of those who helped foment the Constitutional Revolution were intellectuals and/or politicians who had studied in the West or spent years there on trade or diplomatic missions. During their stay they had witnessed Europe’s historic ascendancy and wondered about circumstances that had made it possible. They had reached a consensus that it was thanks to pluralist government and the rule of law that Europe had succeeded in emerging from the Dark Ages to build a modern civilization. Their aim was to sow the seeds of new ideas in Iran, hoping that, given time and opportunity, this would produce similar results.

Without support from religious leaders at the time, Iran’s small intelligentsia might not have been able to tackle the task of changing the course of history.

Our intellectuals succeeded in winning the support of a substantial chunk of the clergy, and persuaded the Shah, Muzaffar ad-Din, to issue edicts establishing a parliament and a modern judiciary.

However, once Muzaffar had passed away, his son and successor, Muhammad-Ali Shah, tried to cancel the new constitution and ordered the bombardment of the parliament building.

To justify his anti-constitutional stance, MuhammadAli persuaded and bribed some clerics into launching a new ideology of rule-by-shari’ah (mashrouyah) against rule by consent (mashruteh).

Their argument was that an Islamic society did not need a constitution, especially one inspired by Western

I

models. The clergy were fully capable of meeting the needs of society and guaranteeing equity and justice.

Very quickly, however, the attempt to restore despotic rule in the name of religion failed.

A good part of a divided clergy sided with the people in demanding the restoration of constitutional government. Muhammad-Ali was forced into exile. Thus, Iran was able to start a new journey towards modernization and the rule of law. Within six decades, Iran was transformed from a lethargic society stuck in historic hiatus to a dynamic one with a buoyant economy and a creative culture.

The second revolution, in 1979, was to change all that. This time, we witnessed the reverse of the alliance that had ended Muhammad-Ali Shah’s brief despotism.

A substantial section of our Westernized intelligentsia put itself under the leadership of reactionary mullahs who wished to destroy the very concept of constitutional rule in the name of mashrouyah.

Unlike the 1900s, this time Iran was a powerful state with a developing economy and an impressive record of cultural, financial and industrial progress. Also, our intelligentsia was wider and more deeply rooted in society. Thus, it would have been able to assume the leadership of the second revolution, as had been the case in the first one. In assuming leadership, the intelligentsia could have attracted support from large segments of society.

Sadly, our intelligentsia missed the historic opportunity and, beset by divisions, failed to offer a clear alternative to rule by the clergy. Like nature, society abhors a void. Someone had to fill the void created by the fall of the Shah. A small group of reactionary but firmly united clerics were able to impose their rule by filling the void. Once they had consolidated their hold on power, they left no space for the intelligentsia, establishing a new despotism, in the name of religion.

The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Over three decades, the so-called Islamic Revolution has arrested Iran’s historic progress by creating a despotic regime with a religious faÁade. It has led our nation into costly adventures that have harmed both Iran and the region.

As change sweeps through the region, the Arab intelligentsia should ponder Iran’s experience which, I believe, is more of a warning than a model to emulate.

kuwait digest

Freedom to insult others

By Thaar Al Rashidi

kuwait digest

Advice to our youth activists

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij suggested in a column a few days ago that some youth and the opposition MPs on one hand, and youth activist groups affiliated with the opposition between the youth and the government on the other. If are beginning to reconsider their position and rela- these young dreamers will allow me, I would like to tionship with the former following some of the recent explain why their assessment of the current political sitpropositions made by the opposition. Media outlets uation is inaccurate.

First of all, a conflict is not stemming from a disowing allegiance to the opposition were quick to deny the statements made in the column, which made me agreement between the youth activists and the governwonder why they needed to resort to dishonesty or ment, and this was never the case earlier as well. The avoid any criticism of the opposition, which in my opin- government has always maintained unspoken alliances ion anyway lacks the basic tenets needed for survival. with tribal and religious politicians from the start, and The opposition, in my estimation, is made up of a frag- those relations still exist. Meanwhile, youth groups are ile coalition between Islamists, the Muslim Brotherhood the main component of these alliances. The main conand Popular Action Bloc politicians with shaky founda- flict at present is existent between the opposition and tions, given their ambiguous encounters with constitu- the government on one hand that relates to their religious-tribal alliance, and tional law. A couple of days between civil groups on the ago, a group that claims to Youth groups are the main comother. While civil groups are represent youth activists suplooking to improve the sociepor ting the opposition ponent of these alliances. The main ty and its civilization, the released a statement, in conflict at present is existent opposition is continuing to which they clearly expressed between the opposition and the suggest regressive measures, their discontent with the curand the government is trying rent approach adopted by government on one hand that to maintain the status quo. some of the opposition leadrelates to their religious-tribal The conflict is also arising ers. Calling for self-control, between civil movements that the statement added that, “in alliance, and between civil groups seek to achieve development order to bridge the gap on the other. and to secure the future for between youth activists and posterity, and groups that are opposition MPs on one hand, and between youth activists and the government on eager to distribute the state’s wealth based on nationalthe other, there is a need for bridging the gaps in the ity, rather than levels of productivity.

Therefore, I would advise the youth activists to political establishment by finding ways to agree with the government through a process that will better extend cooperation to civil groups, or try and bridge serve Kuwait and its people and necessitate a disassoci- the gap between them and these civil society groups. ation with tribalism and sectarianism, which have The opposition, or any other activists for that matter, must act as a representative of political movements, rocked Kuwaiti society of late.”

According to the youth activists’ point of view, the and not of groups which control the current political problem in Kuwait is the widening gap between the scenario. — Al-Qabas

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e are fed up with the politics and fighting initiated by all political groups in the state. We are fed up with them using sectarian arguments once and then tribal arguments and accusing their opponents of being traitors.

Everyone has become pessimistic and wants to look only through their narrow corner. It is as if there is no one who is optimistic and wants to look through that corner, which is larger than all other corners. The state is still all right, and so it will remain, and in the optimistic corner there are very few people looking through it, those who do not follow the news and do not read newspapers, and they don’t know what is going on in “twitter”, as if we are on the verge of starting a sectarian war.. Those few optimistic persons, they don’t watch Kuwaiti TV channels and its programs, where the guests on those programs find a good opportunity to talk about their pessimistic complex by predicting their visions for the future, and if you make a simple political test for many of those political activists, who are, addicted to appearing on TV channels, 90% of them will not be able to answer a question such as “how many political groups are there in Kuwait? And who are the symbols of those groups, and who follows each group, and who are their reps in the NA council,” as most of them are nothing but a political media balloon.

They do not understand where the benefits are and the interests of the state and that the interest of the state dictates, sometimes, that we remain silent, especially since talking and declaring sometimes becomes the start of an ordeal, even though the one who declares does that with good intentions, but that does not forgive him from the crime of starting the ignition.

Kuwait was and still will remain a free democratic state, in which we can practice our freedom in a sensible legal way, which does not interfere with the security or the interests of the public. One might ask, who will decide the limits of practicing this freedom? The answer is it is simply decided by logic before it is decided by law, or common norms.

Attack government as you wish and criticize public figures, ministers and MPs, merchants and sheikhs, by separating personal matters from job related matters. Here we practice the freedom of opinion to criticize. But when we mix personal with job, here we fall in where there is no logic, as accusing should be supported with proof, and not just accusing. Here you enter into the mistake of insulting. And not only in Kuwait, but in any western country where they have the highest standards of freedom. — Al-Anbaa

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

LOCAL

Cabinet reviews Syrian crisis, hails Ibrahimi’s appointment National issues discussed

Al-Bader extols women’s role in volunteerism SARAJEVO: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Albania Najib Abdul Rahman Al-Bader lauded yesterday the important role of women in voluntary work, citing the great roles played by Kuwaiti and Albanian women to help their homeland and society, particularly during times of distress. “The Kuwaiti women’s voluntary work during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990 was unforgettable,” Ambassador Al-Bader said in the opening speech of a training course, held here by Kuwaiti Islamic Awqafs Secretariat and Albanian government themed ‘Women and Voluntary Work.’

He added that Kuwait leads in voluntary work both at the domestic and international levels. It has an array of voluntary and nonprofitable organizations that have great hallmarks in serving their society and disasterstricken poor countries across the world.

He also hailed the role of women voluntary contributions in Albania. “Albanian women’s role in developing their society after the collapse of the communist regime was effective,” said Al-Bader, adding that Albanian women have expanded contributions to the activities of the public serving organizations. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The Cabinet held its weekly meeting yesterday at Seif Palace under the chairmanship of acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmed Hmoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, reviewing various issues including Arab efforts for resolving the Syrian crisis. After the meeting, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak AlSabah Minister of Information and Minister for Cabinet Affairs said in a statement that Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, briefed the Cabinet on results of the 138th Foreign Ministerial meeting of the Arab League Council which concluded in Cairo recently.

The ministers also were briefed about the Arab and international issues discussed by the Arab foreign ministers especially with regard to the tragic situation in Syria and the efforts made by the Arab League to put pressure on the Syrian government and push it to honor its commitment through the immediate implementation of the decisions of the Arab League and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

The Arab foreign ministers stressed on the importance of starting a peaceful transition of power in Syria to achieve hopes of the Syrian people for freedom and democracy. The Foreign Minister welcomed appointment of Lakhdar

Ibrahimi as an Arab and international envoy to Syria, replacing his predecessor Kofi Annan, expressing great hope for successful outcome of his duties.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also briefed the Council on the opening of the new headquarters of the Embassy of Kuwait in Egypt and its Permanent Mission to the Arab League, which comes within the framework of Kuwait’s keenness to consolidate and strengthen relations between Kuwait and Egypt in various fields.

The Council also discussed political affairs in light of reports on the overall current developments in the political arena on the Arab and international levels.

The ministers began the session, reviewing a letter addressed to His Highness the Amir from President Ilham Alaev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which included an invitation to attend the second 12th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization to be held in the capital Baku on October 16.

The Cabinet also reviewed the letter addressed to HH the Amir from President Macky Sall, President of the Republic of Senegal, which centered on bilateral relations and ways of developing them in all areas as well as topics of common interest. Then the ministers took note of the letter addressed to His Highness the Amir from Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (COMCEC) which included an invitation of Kuwait to participate in the 28th session of the Standing Committee of the Economic and Commercial Cooperation of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (COMCEC) to be held in Istanbul, during the period from Oct 8 to 11. — KUNA

KIB holds training program for children of employees

KUWAIT: Representatives of journalists’ associations in Gulf Cooperation Council countries held their second meeting hosted by the Bahrain Journalists’ Association recently to discuss various topics that focused on boosting cooperation and joint activities like training courses and seminars. The picture shows (from right) Mohammad Yousuf from the Journalists’ Association in the United Arab Emirates, Salem Al-Jahouri from the Oman Journalists’ Association, Dr Abdullah Al-Jahlan from the Saudi Journalists’ Authority, Adnan Al-Rashid and Faisal Al-Qanaei from the Kuwait Journalists’ Association, and Munes Al-Murdi from the Bahrain Journalists’ Association.

KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) has recently concluded the Second Training Program designed for the children of employees entitled ‘Principles of Islamic Banking.’ The training aimed at developing their skills in the banking sector and providing them with beneficial activities to do during their leisure time.

On the occasion of the training program’s conclusion, Human Resources Department at KIB organized a ceremony for participants at its headquarters and was attended by Dr Sadeq Abul, Economic Researches Department Manager and Board Secretary and Executive Manager of Human Resources Department Salem Qabazar in addition to a number of the bank’s managers.

Qabazard congratulated the students and said, “It is our pleasure to conclude the second training program organized especially for the children of KIB staff host in an effort to enrich their knowledge and educate them on Islamic Banking practices.”

Qabazard also added, “The program included theoretical and field training as students will have attended specialized lectures explaining the work process of the bank, which operates according to

Islamic principles. The program also included training that familiarized the youth on the methods and techniques used within the bank ’s departments and divisions and how to deal with

different customers and public. KIB is always keen to organize more training programs for children of employees to enhance their skills and abilities and reinforce its relations with its own employees.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

LOCAL

Sexually assaulted Kuwaiti student charged in Bahrain Driver held for accidentally running over toddler KUWAIT: A hotel located in the Kingdom of Bahrain is trying to press civil charges against a Kuwaiti woman, and is demanding that she clear pending rent dues for a room where she was sexually harassed during her stay.

The hotel is asking the Kuwaiti student to pay rent for the period during which her room had been sealed by Bahraini authorities to conduct an investigation into the case. “The hotel is trying to put pressure on my client so that she drops the civil case against them in which she has demanded damages of up to 100,000 Bahraini Dinars as compensation for the assault,” Abdulmuhsin Al-Qattan, the woman’s attorney said in a statement. The suspect who assaulted the woman was reportedly dressed as a hotel employee and had stormed into the girl’s room and attempted to sexually assault her, but her strong resistance had forced him to flee. An appeals court in Bahrain has already sentenced the man to seven years in prison.

Driver in custody An Asian driver has been arrested for accidently running over his employer’s son and abandoning him with fatal injuries. The four-year-old boy was pronounced dead after his Kuwaiti father rushed him to the hospital

following the accident. In the meantime, he also called police to report the accident, following which officers from the Fahaheel police station summoned the driver for investigation. The driver was arrested after he admitted that he had failed to check the rear of the car before backing up and accidentally trampled the toddler.

Rapists at large Investigations are still on for the search of four male suspects accused of sexually assaulting a teenager in Al-Ahmadi recently.

The victim, a 16-year-old Syrian boy, agreed to accompany one of the suspects on a trip to Salmiya, but was instead taken to a remote location in Al-Ahmadi, where the suspect was joined by three others who assaulted the victim. The Fahaheel police station filed a case after the victim reported the case following the assault.

Twitter blackmail The police are still searching for a Twitter user in Kuwait, who allegedly blackmailed a man after she came to possess some scandalous pictures, which the victim has sent voluntarily. In a statement to the Ahmadi police, the Kuwaiti man explained that he had sent the pictures to a woman he met through Twitter, soon after

which the woman started blackmailing him and demanded that he pay her KD3000 or she would upload the pictures online. Police detectives are still trying to identify the suspect through her Twitter account.

Angry boyfriend A male suspect was arrested at a Salmiya café when he tried to kidnap his girlfriend at knifepoint after she refused to leave with him. The two, who were reportedly on a date, got into a dispute during which the Bedoon (stateless) man started brandishing a pocketknife and demanded that she accepts his invitation to accompany him to his apartment.

The Kuwaiti woman was rescued following an intervention by onlookers and before the police arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.

Watch thief Ahmadi detectives have arrested a thief who stole items worth KD 50,000 from a watch dealer at knifepoint. Investigation into the case was initiated after police officers at the Al-Riqqa police station were approached by a Bedoon (stateless) man who alleged that a customer of his had stolen a suitcase containing 33 watches, 3 smart phones and 3 cell phones after agreeing to meet in order to

strike a deal. Detectives were able to identify the suspect after going through files of the suspects’ earlier criminal records and later arrested him at his Salmiya apartment.

Teenager arrested A teenager was arrested in AlFarwaniya recently, after he used an AK47 rifle to fire celebratory shots during a wedding in the area. The arrest was made when police officers patrolling the area heard reports of multiple shootings in the area. The man was presented before the relevant authorities for being charged.

Sheep thief A thief was arrested for trying to steal sheep from a livestock farm in Al-Wafra, after the owner’s intervention. The suspect was reportedly seen trying to sneak the sheep out of the yard by the farm’s janitor; who immediately informed his employer who was inside. The Kuwaiti man then ran after the Asian suspect, and was able to catch up with him after a car chase resulted in the suspect’s vehicle loosing balance and overturning.

The suspect emerged unharmed from his overturned vehicle but was handed over to police before he could escape.

— Al-Rai, Al-Anba, Al-Watan

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Fire Service Directorateís(KFSD) Department Director Brig Khalid Al-Mikred felicitated several firefighters. Al-Mikred honored Colonel Hamad Al-Hadlaq, Capital governorateís Director and Chairman of Technical Rescue Center for winning first place in the Fire Departmentís sporting event. He also honored Miseer Al-Adwani, Chairman of Sports Committee for his cooperation and excellent organizational abilities. He also honored the Medical Emergency Administration, Media Coordinator Abdul Aziz Buhaimed for cooperating with the Fire Department. —Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Kuwaiti scholar chosen for research fellowship at MIT

KUWAIT: British Council officials addressing a press conference on ‘Out of Britain’ exhibition. —- Photo by Joseph Shagra

British Council to hold major artwork collection exhibition KUWAIT: The British Council in partnership with Contemporary Art Platform in Kuwait will celebrate the opening of Out of Britain exhibition on Sept 17 at CAP, in the presence of Frank Baker, Ambassador to Kuwait.

For the first time in Kuwait, the British Council is exhibiting in Out of Britain a selection of key artworks from its Collection by important 20th century British artists. Out of Britain is one of the largest cultural events the British Council Kuwait has organized in more than 50 years. It is supported by a full monthlong public campaign called Landscapes Expanded, which will consist of a residency program for artists as well as a series of public lectures led by Arts specialists from the UK and Kuwait. In addition to this, there is an educational programs for schools and an online art competition. Out of Britain will explore the theme of the British landscape, from the urban to the rural and the UK’s encircling coastline. The exhibition features over 50 artworks and examines the ways in which artists have engaged with landscape and addressed timeless and funda-

mental questions about our place in the world. The works in the show illustrate individual artist’s attempts to find their place amongst an ever-changing environment where they are often driven to challenge traditional ways of interpreting and framing the landscape.

Pictures included in the selection range from Lowry’s bustling, industrial Salford to the anonymous hinterland of industrial parks in the Midlands of David Rayson. Sculptures include the well known installation, Spring Circle by Turner prize-winner Richard Long, made of slate from Cornwall and a new installation by Conrad Shawcross, which mounts video projection onto the gunwales of a rowboat to trace a journey through the Lea Valley.

“Out of Britain exhibition and associated activities are part of the British Council’s focus on supporting and developing contemporary British arts which allows audiences in Kuwait to experience the power of Arts in developing cultural understanding, trust and dialogue,” explained the British Council Country Director, Andrew Glass.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) announced yesterday that it has selected Dr Bassam Al-Faili for research fellowship.

The scientific scholar is participating in the nanotechnology and advanced materials program at the institute for the Research Fellowship at Kuwait and Massachusetts Institute of Technology Center (MIT ) for Natural Resources and Environment.

Dr Naji Al-Mutairi, Director General of KISR, said in a statement the fellowship is extended for 12 months and grants Kuwaiti researchers the opportunity to cooperate with MIT researchers in advanced projects that would serve Kuwait.

Al-Mutairi added that the centre was established in Boston in 2005 by Kuwait

Foundation for the Advancement of Science (KFAS) to enhance the cooperation in scientific research between Kuwaiti institutions and MIT in the fields of energy, water and environment. There is also an annual selection of a group of Kuwaiti researchers to participate in the fellowship program by an ad hoc committee, he added. He stressed that the efforts will prosper with Dr Al-Faili joining the team where both his experience in the chemical sensors and the researchers’ expertise in the field of carbon nanotubes will develop the new highly efficient chemical sensors for monitoring environmental pollutants in Kuwait, especially hydrocarbons.

He noted that Dr Al-Faili’s published researches in international scientific maga-

‘Epidemics threaten human, economic resources’ RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Health Minister Dr Abdullah AlRabeea said that the modern world has been facing epidemics and diseases that threatened lives of humans as well as economic resources.

Al-Rabeea was addressing the opening session of a four-day World Conference on ‘Healthy lifestyles and Combating Chronic Non-communicable Diseases in the Arab World.’ He said that recent statistics showed that non-communicable diseases were claiming lives of 36 million people every year estimated to rise to 52 million by 2030. Non-communicable diseases are those occurring in the heart and arteries, kidneys, eyes, as well as causing tumors and diabetes.

Al-Rabeea said these dangerous statistics forced the UN, WHO, governments and health organizations to highlight the lethal effects of non-communicable diseases by holding awareness campaigns. — KUNA

Ernst & Young sponsors second Arabian Conference on Information Security KUWAIT: Ernst & Young has announced that it will be a platinum sponsor of the second edition of the Arabian Conference on Information and Communication Security (ACICS) in Kuwait on Sept 24 and 25. The event is organized by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT). The conference will focus on responding to the challenges posed by the rise of new technologies in mobile computing, cloud computing, social media and Web 2.0.

Waleed Al-Osaimi, Office Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Kuwait, will be speaking on Opportunities and challenges of e-government initiatives. He says, “The widespread use of internet services and mobile devices by both citizens and business offers public entities the opportunity to extend their e-government activities. With the deployment of Web 2.0 technology, citizens are no longer just viewers of general information and downloadable forms, they can now be directly involved in municipal decision processes such as determining

zines and his participation in several international scientific conferences on behalf of Kuwait reflect the extent of his expertise in this field. Acquiring the fellowship is a great gain for KISR, especially that MIT has a prestigious place internationally and has been continuously ranking first place every year for more than 30 years for being the best institute in the fields of engineering and technology in the United States of America.

Al-Mutairi concluded by saying that the statistics indicate nearly 77 Nobel Prize laureates conducted their research in this institute, stating that KISR is hoping that this joint project will elevate the level of scientific research in Kuwait and that researchers would benefit from such universities and research centers. —KUNA

the location of new shops or improving communal services.”

Al-Osaimi continued by saying that “ While last year ’s event focused on securing the infrastructure for e-government services and applications, this year’s event will aim at answering the question of how policy makers can profit from mobility and the latest developments such as cloud computing and social media for the benefit of Kuwaiti business community and society.

The conference will host prominent speakers from Kuwait, other GCC countries and Europe who share their experience and insight during the conference.”

He adds, “The introduction of these new technologies needs to be accompanied with appropriate measures such as establishing an authentication framework where trustworthy communications can be achieved through means of data security and electronic signatures. An adjustment of the legal environment also needs to be considered by determining legal effectiveness of internet-based transactions. It is essential that these changes are accompanied by suitable awareness campaigns; ensuring that they are properly introduced and deployed.”

Manuel Giralt Herrero, Europe,

Waleed Al-Osaimi

Manuel Herrero

Middle East, India and Africa IT Advisory Services Leader, Ernst & Young, will speak on IT innovation, cloud computing and new IT security solutions. He says, “new technologies and new operating models are changing the IT function of organizations from being a service provider to a collaborative associate of the business. By leveraging the latest technologies such as cloud computing, automation, business analytics, and enterprise mobility, businesses can enhance client service, involve clients in product development, and launch new alliances across business sectors.”

“The application of these novel technologies can only be successful however, when they are properly controlled. As borders between networks vanish and systems, applications and data go more and more mobile, adequate IT security solutions are required.

Only an orchestrated set of technical and organizational safeguards will be able to successfully face the dynamic risk environment of the future,” concluded Herrero.

Warba Bank launches call center KUWAIT: Warba Bank, the most recently opened Islamic bank in Kuwait, announced the launch of its call center which is all set to serve its clients and receive their calls 24/7.

The call center, which is highly equipped as per the international standards adopted by global call center systems, implements a strategy that works on developing the expertise and skills of the employees on a regular basis, while enhancing the quality of the services periodically to best serve its clients.

On his part, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Warba Bank, Adnan Salman Al Salem, said, “ The call center was launched based on international hightech standards which support in attending to our clients’ needs with quality services. The center works on receiving our clients’ calls punctually, and provides them with all the information they need regarding the bank’s different products and services. Customers’ suggestions and complains are also welcomed and are worked upon swiftly and professionally.”

He added, “Our approach is based on understanding the changing needs of our different client segments and promptly serving them with complete confidentiality through our specialized team. Furthermore, we believe that the call center adds to building up trust and fostering bridges with our clients via serving them with the highest quality of fast services and unique products.”

Al Salem moreover said, “Every member of the call center is highly trained and owns the International Certificate of Specialized Call Center Programs from ‘CariZma Company,’ which is approved by its strategic partner ‘The Call Center School’ in the US. Hence, Warba Bank’s call center offers optimum speed and

quality while serving its clients.”

Meanwhile, Al Salem commended the efforts of the call center team and ensured the bank’s eagerness to present a new concept that is up to the clients’ expectations. He emphasized that the call center is an example of the quality call services offered by Warba which has proven itself in a very short time span.

“Warba Bank believes that a high-tech call center is one of the most important elements of a developed bank. The banking industry in Kuwait is witnessing high competition in terms of services and customer communications, thus we strive to offer the best to our customers through effective communication channels.”

Clients are encouraged to call the center on 182-5555 to familiarize themselves with the bank’s latest products and services, in addition to receiving information on their balance and deposits.

Customers can apply for new accounts, credit cards or Murabaha, or even register in the Short Message Service (SMS).

The center is also pleased to receive the calls of its investors.

Warba Bank, an Islamic bank established by virtue of Amiri Decree, was officially registered in the Central Bank of Kuwait’s list of Islamic banks on April 5, 2010. The state of Kuwait, represented by Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), owns 24% shares of the bank while the remaining 76% of shares, fully subscribed by the government, have been equally allocated among all Kuwaiti nationals. Warba Bank offers a range of customized Shariacompliant services and solutions which are available through the banks three divisions of Retail, Investment and Corporate Banking. Branching out in four strategic locations, Warba Bank has over 150 employees.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Brahimi begins ‘very difficult’ Syria mission

Indian political cartoonist jailed on sedition charges Page 12

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DERA GHAZI KHAN: Local residents recover their belongings from a flooded area caused by heavy monsoon rains in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, yesterday. Pakistani officials say heavy monsoon rains that triggered flooding in the country have caused dozens of deaths.— AP

Flash floods kill 78 in Pakistan Government declares emergency in some districts ISLAMABAD: At least 78 people have died and dozens more injured in torrential rains and flash floods that have wreaked havoc in Pakistan over the past three days, a government spokesman said yesterday.

Heavy monsoon rains which began falling last week have destroyed more than 1,600 houses and damaged a further 5,000, Irshad Bhatti, a spokesman for the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) told AFP. “A total of 78 people have died and 68 injured in rains and flash floods in the country so far,” he said, adding that the casualties were caused mostly by houses collapsing and people being caught in floods.

The worst-hit region was Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province where 32 people have died and 26 injured in several districts, he said, adding that 83 houses were totally destroyed and another 4,200 were partially damaged.

In the northwestern district of Swabi eight Afghan refugees were killed when the roof of their mud house collapsed overnight, police official Mohammad Ali said. The dead, who were members of

the same family, included two women and six children aged between one and 12 years he said.

In Pakistan-administered Kashmir flash floods killed at least 31 people, Bhatti said, just a month after heavy rains led to the deaths of at least 26 people in the same region. At least four people were killed in central Punjab province where more than 200 houses were damaged, officials said.

Details were not given for where the other deaths occurred but the toll was expected to rise considerably with unconfirmed reports of more than 30 killed in Sindh province. “The provincial government has declared an emergency in Jacobabad, Khairpur, Kashmore districts which have been badly affected by the rains,” Haleem Shaikh, advisor to the Sindh government said.

“Hundreds of people have been displaced so far, we fear for many more people going homeless as the rains are still incessant in those districts.” A state of emergency has also been declared in the Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts of the Punjab province, where

army troops have been called to join rescue work, local administration officials aid.

Expressing “deep concern” over the havoc caused across the country by the recent rains, President Asif Ali Zardari has directed national and provincial disaster management authorities to gear up their efforts in providing relief to the affected people.

Weather officials predict heavy rain in the next two days in southern Sindh and Baluchistan provinces and rescue teams are closely monitoring the situation, Bhatti said. “It is not comparable to what we saw last year. We hope the current spell will end over the next two days and water will start receding in affected areas,” he said.

Last summer’s floods killed more than 340 people and affected almost six million, killing livestock, destroying crops, homes and infrastructure as the nation struggled to recover from record inundations the previous year. In 2010, unprecedented monsoon rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding across the country, killing almost 1800 people and affecting 21 million. — AFP

Attackers kill 38 in Kenya clashes MOMBASA: At least 38 villagers were killed and more than 150 houses burned yesterday in fighting between rival communities in a dispute over land and water in Kenya’s coastal region. A local official called for the military to be sent to the Tana Delta area as the police struggled to defuse tension between the Pokomo and Orma communities.

More than 100 people have been shot, hacked and burnt to death in the last three weeks as the two sides take revenge for the other’s killings. The land clashes and deadly riots in the port city of Mombasa following the killing of a radical Muslim preacher last month have raised the prospect of a surge in unrest along the coast ahead of a presidential election next March. “We will soon recommend to the government to send military officers down there to help us restore order,” Samuel Kilele, the provincial commissioner in Coast province, said.

Mwanaisha Hamisi of the Kenyan Red Cross said the death toll from yesterday morning’s attack by more than 300 assailants on Kilelengwani village was 38 people.

Settled Pokomo farmers and semi-nomadic Orma pastoralists have clashed intermittently for years over access to grazing, farmland and water. The violence broke out again last month after the Pokomo accused the pastoralists of grazing cattle on their land.—Reuters

India’s milkman dead NEW DELHI: Verghese Kurien, an engineer known as “India’s milkman” who helped revolutionize the country’s dairy industry, has died at age 90. A longtime aide, P.A. Joseph, says Kurien died Sunday. He had been hospitalized earlier in the month after he grew weak and stopped eating on his own. Indian leaders hailed Kurien as a visionary who empowered hundreds of thousands of dairy farmers and turned the nation into the world’s largest milk producer, ending chronic shor tages. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered his condolences, saying Kurien engineered a “white revolution.” Kurien set up a large milk cooperative in Gujarat state that allowed small-scale dairy farmers to pool their resources and sell their products under a single brand. The cooperative, Amul, has grown into one of the country’s best-known brands. —AP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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Iraqi VP says innocent, terror trial a sham BAGHDAD: Iraq’s fugitive Sunni vice president yesterday declared his “absolute innocence” and rejected the terror trial that sentenced him to death on charges of masterminding the murder of rivals as a politically motivated sham.

Tariq al-Hashemi, who fled Iraq after the country ’s government brought the charges against him, called the trial illegitimate and accused Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite and longtime foe of the vice president, of orchestrating it as part of a political vendetta.

“I totally reject and will never rec-

ognize” the verdict, al-Hashemi told reporters in the Turkish capital of Ankara. “I consider the verdict a medal on my chest.” “The death sentence is a price I have to pay due to love to my country and my loyalty to my people,” he added. “I reiterate that I’m innocent, and am ready to stand before a fair judicial system and not a corrupt one that is under al-Maliki’s influence.”

Al-Hashemi fled to Turkey after Iraq’s Shiite-led government issued the terror charges against him in December, the day after U.S. troops withdrew from the country. He would receive a retrial if he agrees to return

to Baghdad, but al-Hashemi has refused, saying he will never get a fair hearing in a Baghdad court.

The politically charged case sparked a government crisis and fueled Sunni Muslim and Kurdish resentment against al-Maliki, whom critics say is monopolizing power. On Sunday, Baghdad’s criminal court convicted al-Hashemi and his son-in-law, Ahmed Qahtan, of organizing the murders of a Shiite security official and a lawyer who had refused to help the vice president’s allies in terror cases.

The two defendants were acquitted in a third case of the killing of a security

officer due to a lack of evidence.

The charges were the first against al-Hashemi to go to trial among the government’s allegations that he played a role in 150 bombings, assassinations and other attacks from 2005 to 2011 - years in which the country was mired in retaliatory sectarian violence that followed the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted Saddam Hussein’s Sunni regime. Most of the attacks were allegedly carried out by al-Hashemi’s bodyguards and other employees, and largely targeted government officials, security forces and Shiite pilgrims.

The Baghdad court sentenced both al-Hashemi and Qahtan in absentia to death. They have 30 days to appeal the verdict and could win a retrial if they return to Iraq to face the charges.

Al-Hashemi - who has been in office since 2006 - is on Interpol’s mostwanted list, but Turkey has shown no interest in sending the vice president back to Baghdad, straining diplomacy between the two neighboring nations.

Al-Hashemi appeared defiantly upbeat at the packed press conference. “I am not worried about my life,” he said. “I am worried about the future of my country.” — AP

Brahimi begins ‘very difficult’ Syria mission ‘I am at the service of the Syrian people alone’

HEBRON: Palestinian police use shields to protect themselves from stones thrown by Palestinian demonstrators during a protest near the municipality building in the West Bank city of Hebron, yesterday. —AP

Iran to attend regional meet on Syria in Cairo TEHRAN: Iran said it was joining officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for a four-way “contact group” meeting in Cairo looking at ways to calm the conflict in Syria.

An Iranian deputy foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, left Tehran for the Egyptian capital to take part in the meeting, foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told Iran’s Al-Alam Arabic-language broadcaster. Egyptian officials in Cairo were not immediately available to confirm the meeting. The meeting, if confirmed, would be the first of a regional “contact group” on Syria proposed by Egypt’s new president, Mohamed Morsi, at an August summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Saudi Arabia that suspended Syria’s membership.

“Iran’s participation in this meeting is within the framework of solving the Syrian crisis and to listening to the Egyptian proposal. Iran will use this opportunity to provide its views, in addition to those of the other countries to this group,” Mehmanparast said.

The chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy commission, Aladin Borujerdi, was quoted by Al-Alam as saying that Iran wanted to see the contact group expanded to give it “better balance,” suggesting Iraq as a new member.

Currently, Iran is the odd country out in the contact group, being a staunch supporter

of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime whereas the three other states back the Syrian opposition and have called for Assad’s ouster. Amir Abdollahian told the ISNA news agency on Sunday that Tehran backed Morsi’s contact group proposal, while criticising antiAssad comments Morsi made at a nonaligned summit in Tehran on August 30. “Iran in general backs the political ideas proposed

by Mr Morsi as a rational political solution,” Amir Abdollahian said. But, “we expect Mr Morsi .... (to) reflect more before making some comments,” he said, adding that Morsi “should not take sides” and should “deal with the Syrian issue realistically.”

The Iranian report on the contact group meeting in Cairo came as the newly appointed UN and Arab League peace envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, was to meet Egyptian and League officials in the Egyptian capital before heading to Damascus.

More than 27,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict erupted in March last year, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The United Nations puts the death toll at 20,000.

Brahimi’s mission begins with key UN Security Council members the United States and Russia split on how to tackle the conflict and as fighting rages, with dozens of people dying in Syria every day. — AFP

Somalia MPs elect new president in rare vote MOGADISHU: Somalia’s lawmakers voted overwhelmingly yesterday for political newcomer Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to be the country’s next president, with the streets of the capital erupting into celebratory gunfire.

The country’s lawmakers were voting in the first poll of its kind in decades. The vote was billed by the United Nations as a milestone in the war-ravaged country’s quest to end more than 20 years of violence, graft and clan feuds. Mohamud, seen as a moderate, unexpectedly defeated incumbent President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed after two the four candidates who made it to the second round of voting opted out.

One of them, outgoing Prime Minister Abdiweli Mohamed Ali who threw his weight behind Mohamud’s candidacy, said the result heralded a new era for Somali politics.

“Somalia voted for change,” Ali told Reuters, adding it was too early to say if he would take part in the new administration. There has been no effective central government control over most of the largely lawless country since the outbreak of civil war in 1991.

Yesterday’s vote was seen as a culmination of a regionally brokered and UN-backed roadmap to end that conflict, during which tens of thousands were killed and many more fled. The capital, which until last year witnessed street battles between Al-Qaedalinked Al-Shabaab militants and African soldiers, is now a vibrant city, where reconstructed houses are slowly replacing bullet-riddled structures. But despite being on the backfoot, the militants still control swathes of southern and central Somalia, while pirates, regional administrations and local militia group also vie for control chunks of the largely lawless Horn of Africa country.

The outgoing president conceded defeat after the onlookers in the hall where the vote was held spontaneously stood up and sang the national anthem. Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle, director of the Centre of Research and Dialogue, a local non governmental organisation where Mohamud worked for eight years, said the result highlighted Ahmed’s failure to quash the Islamist insurgency and improve living standards. “He is benefiting from the

fallout over Ahmed. This vote shows that the Somali people were yearning for change,” Abdulle said. “His emphasis will be on institution-building and reconciliation. His biggest challenge will be the expectations of the people.” Touching a Holy Quran with his right hand, Mohamud was sworn in as president within minutes of his poll victory. Somalia’s president heads the executive while the speaker of parliament is considered the country’s most powerful politician and steps in if the president is unable to fulfil his duties. “It’s D-day for Somalia,” lawmaker Abdirahim Abdi had said of the election in which more than two dozen candidates ran. “It’s a turning point for Somalia and everyone’s been waiting for it.”

Members of parliament marked their ballot papers behind a curtain before casting them in a clear box in front of foreign envoys and hundreds of Somali men and women as well as being broadcast live on television.

“Any elected president must cope with security first, then the reconstruction of social infrastructure, resettling the numerous (refugees) around the country and the liberation of the rest of the country from al Shabaab,” said student Bashir Ali Abdikadir. Mohamud will also have to tackle Somalia’s reputation as the most corrupt country in the world.

In July, a UN Somalia monitoring group report said it had found that out of every $10 in revenue raised between 2009-2010 $7 had never made it into state coffers. Despite the possibility that the entire process of selecting a new parliament whose members then elected the new president may have been flawed after allegations from a diplomatic source that lawmakers were being offered bribes, many Somalis were elated their country was holding an election of sorts. “It’s something we have to witness and be a part of, even if we’re not voting. We’ve been through a very difficult labour and we’re finally giving birth,” said Najmah Ahmed Abdi, who runs a Somali youth forum. “ The (lawmakers) have a momentous responsibility on their shoulders.

Tomorrow will be like when US President Barack Obama was elected. We hope we get our own Obama.” — Reuters

CAIRO: UN-Arab League envoy Lakhdar Brahimi yesterday began what he called a “very difficult” mission to bring peace to Syria with talks in Egypt, as he made his first official trip to the region. Brahimi, replacing former UN chief Kofi Annan who quit over divisions in the UN Security Council on the deadly violence that has gripped Syria for nearly 18 months, arrived in Cairo late on Sunday.

“I realise it’s a very difficult mission, but I think it is not my right to refuse to give whatever assistance I can to the Syrian people,” Brahimi told reporters after talks with Arab League chief Nabil al-Arabi. “I am at the service of the Syrian people alone,” he said, adding: “I will go to Damascus in a few days and I will meet officials and civil society members in the capital and outside.” Asked if he would meet Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, Brahimi said: “I hope to but I don’t know.”

Brahimi’s spokesman Ahmad Fawzi said late Sunday that the date of the envoy’s visit to Syria would be fixed once his programme of meetings is finalised. The Algerian former foreign minister is also due to meet Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and Foreign Minister Mohammed Kamel Amr later yesterday. Expectations that he will have any more success than Annan are low, however. The veteran troubleshooter has already said he was “scared” of the mission awaiting him in Syria, and has described the bloodshed there as “staggering” and the destruction as “catastrophic.” More than 27,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict erupted in March last year, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The United Nations puts the death toll at 20,000.

Amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in Cairo, Iran said it was joining officials from Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for a four-way

CAIRO: UN-Arab League envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, right and Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby check the time on their watches after giving a press conference following their meeting at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday. — AP “contact group” meeting looking at ways to calm the conflict in Syria.

An Iranian deputy foreign minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, had left Tehran for Cairo to take part in the meeting, foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told Iran’s Al-Alam Arabic-language broadcaster. Brahimi’s mission begins with key Security Council members the United States and Russia split on how to tackle the conflict and as fighting rages, with dozens of people dying in Syria every day.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Sunday that a new UN resolution on Syria would be pointless if it had “no teeth,” because Assad would ignore it.

Speaking in Russia, Clinton said she was willing to work with Moscow on a new resolution but warned

that Washington would step up support to end Assad’s regime if the measure did not carry consequences.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after meeting Clinton that he hoped to seek Security Council approval for a peace plan agreed in June in Geneva that called for a ceasefire and political transition. Clinton said if differences with Moscow persist, “then we will work with like-minded states to support a Syrian opposition to hasten the day when Assad falls.” As part of his diplomatic push, Brahimi may try to enlist Iran.

In Tehran, the Mehr news agency quoted an official as saying Brahimi was contemplating visiting the Islamic republic-Syria’s diehard ally-after Damascus. Annan had also visited Tehran to try to get

it involved in finding an end to the bloodshed, but Washington has accused Iran of playing a “nefarious” role in Syria.

Arab leaders, meanwhile, have denounced the Syrian regime for carrying out “crimes against humanity.” Arab foreign ministers on Wednesday condemned “the pursuit of violence, killings and ugly crimes carried out by the Syrian authorities and their shabiha militias against Syrian civilians.”

Even as the latest diplomatic push to resolve the crisis unfolds, the fighting in Syria continues unabated, with scores of people reported killed. The conflict has also triggered a massive exodus, with current Syrian refugee numbers in neighbouring countries now 235,000, according to UN figures. —AFP

Yemen army kills deputy regional head of al Qaeda ADEN: Yemeni armed forces have killed Said al-Shehri, a Saudi national seen as the second-in-command of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), a government website said yesterday.

The Ministry of Defence website said Shehri was killed yesterday, along with six other militants, in what it called a “qualitative operation” by the army in the remote Hadramout province in eastern

In this undated frame grab from video posted on a militant-leaning Web site, and provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, shows Said al-Shehri, deputy leader of Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Yemeni officials say a missile believed to have been fired by a US operated drone yesterday has killed Al-Qaeda’s No 2 leader in Yemen along with five others traveling with him in one car. — AP

Yemen. It gave no further details.

AQAP, which has planned attacks on international targets including airliners, is described by Washington, which has used unmanned drones to target its members, as the most dangerous wing of al Qaeda.

There were conflicting reports on how Shehri, a former inmate of Guantanamo Bay, was killed.

Yemen has previously announced Shehri’s death only for it to emerge that he is still alive. A Yemeni security source said Shehri was killed in an operation last Wednesday in the Hadramout which was thought to have been carried out by a US drone, rather than the Yemeni military. The source said another Saudi and an Iraqi national were among the others killed.

Residents of the Wadi al-Ain district where the attack took place last Wednesday said they believed from their contacts with Islamist fighters in the area that Shehri had died then, when missiles struck a house where they were meeting.

“There was a group of people from the Ansar al-Sharia group who were holding a meeting - Shehri was one of them and there were foreigners there too,” said Elwi Suleiman. Ansar al-Sharia is one of a number of Yemeni militant groups linked to al Qaeda.

There was no immediate explanation for the discrepancy in the accounts. Shehri was released from the US detention facility to Saudi

Arabia in 2007 and put through a Saudi rehabilitation programme for militants. He is wanted by Yemeni authorities for a suspected role in a US embassy attack in 2008.

Yemen’s government is trying to re-establish order after an uprising pushed out veteran ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh in February, but faces threats from Islamist militants, southern secessionists and a Shi’ite rebel movement in the north. The protests and factional fighting have allowed al Qaeda’s regional wing to seize swathes of south Yemen, and Shi’ite Muslim Houthi rebels to carve out their own domain in the north.

The lawlessness has alarmed the United States and Yemen’s much bigger neighbour Saudi Arabia, the top world oil exporter, which view the impoverished state as a new front line in their war on al Qaeda and its affiliates.

Washington, which has pursued a campaign of assassination by drone and missile against suspected al Qaeda members, backed a military offensive in May to recapture areas of Abyan province.

But militants have struck back with a series of bombings and assassinations. A southern Yemeni politician who returned from exile survived an assassination attempt yesterday, a security source said.

Last week 10 civilians were killed in an apparent drone attack that missed its target or was based on wrong information. — Reuters

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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Romney, Obama reach out to swing voters Obama fundraising edges out Romney in August

HAVANA: Cubans walk in a street lit by car headlights during a blackout in Havana on Sunday. Some six provinces in the country experienced a blackout, with only centers popular with tourists with a dedicated electric supply remaining with light. — AFP

Power failure plunges western Cuba into darkness HAVANA: Millions of people were plunged into darkness after power went out across a large swath of western Cuba.

The outage affected a wide area including the capital, home to about 2 million people, and the popular beach resort of Varadero.

On a humid, sweltering, late-summer Caribbean night, it knocked out air-conditioning units and electrical fans. “We were on our balcony waiting for our TV program,” said Richard Laredo, a 47-yearold Havana resident who quickly transferred food from the refrigerator to the freezer. “Nobody knows what happened, but people are worried about what they have in their refrigerators.” There was no immediate word on what caused the blackout, which struck a little after 8 pm in the middle of the nightly news broadcast on state television. Calls to the electrical system’s headquarters met busy signals. Officials in the national government were not immediately able to offer an explanation.

Electricity began coming back on after about five hours in Havana. State radio said power was gradually being restored and urged people not to use power-hungry appliances. Other cities in central and eastern Cuba also had brief outages. Havana’s international airport reported that it had power and was con-

tinuing operations. In the capital, the lights went out from western residential neighborhoods across the city center to suburbs on the other side of the bay.

In the Vedado entertainment and business district, the only buildings with visible lights were tourist hotels and upscale apartment towers, which have backup generators. Problems extended well beyond Havana’s city limits, including in Varadero, where power was restored after hotels relied on generators for about two hours.

“Our guests are not having any problems,” a receptionist at the Arenas Doradas hotel said. Outages that began at the same time as Havana’s were reported as far away as Santiago, the nation’s second-largest metropolis about 475 miles (740 kilometers) away at the other end of the island. The power in Santiago returned after only a few minutes, however.Electricity was out for about 20 minutes in the central cities of Ciego de Avila and Santa Clara, and the western city of Pinar del Rio had a more extended blackout. Big blackouts were common in the 1990s when Cuba was dealing with an energy crisis, and again in the middle of the last decade. But while isolated, short-term outages still happen frequently in Havana, blackouts of this scope have become rare. — AP

NOGALES: Dozens of immigrants, many of them Mexican citizens, listen to a briefing of sorts as they find out how difficult and dangerous it is to cross the border into the United States, at a well known immigrant shelter, as many are making tough decisions on whether to try their luck at trying to make it to the United States, by illegally crossing the border, in Nogales, Mexico. The US government has halted flights home for Mexicans caught entering the country illegally in the deadly summer heat of Arizona’s deserts, a money-saving move that ends a seven-year experiment that cost taxpayers nearly $100 million. — AP

Ex-Mexican official to be sentenced in San Diego SAN DIEGO: Jesus Quinonez traveled often to San Diego to discuss crossborder investigations of organized crime with US law enforcement officials. He didn’t know he was the target of one himself. The former Mexican law enforcement official faces a possible sentence of life in federal prison yesterday when he is sentenced for racketeering conspiracy, more than two years after he and 42 others were charged in a far-reaching indictment that targeted remnants of Tijuana-based Arellano Felix cartel.

Prosecutors have recommended that Quinonez be sentenced to eight years, one month in prison.

Quinonez was the international liaison for Baja California Attorney General Rommel Moreno, serving as his primary contact with US federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an area that includes the border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali. He pleaded guilty in May, weeks before he was scheduled for trial. As part of the plea agreement, Quinonez admitted that he agreed to smuggle help smuggle $13 million into Mexico for a group headed by Fernando Sanchez Arellano, a nephew of the Arellano

Felix brothers. The Arellano Felix cartel was once one of the world’s most powerful drug cartels but its power began to erode in 2002 when its leaders began getting killed or captured.

Quinonez also admitted sharing information with a reputed Sanchez Arellano lieutenant, Jose Alfredo Najera Gil, about an investigation of a double-homicide in Tijuana in March 2010. According to the plea agreement, the murders were committed by the Sanchez Arellano gang.

The episode has been an embarrassment for Moreno, who took office in late 2007 when Tijuana was in the throes of a fierce battle between Sanchez Arellano and a rival that horrified residents with bodies hung from bridges, daytime shootouts and decapitated bodies found around town. Such gruesome displays of violence have largely disappeared in Tijuana since the Sinaloa cartel expanded its presence in the last few years. Quinonez has been in custody since his arrest on a San Diego traffic stop in July 2010, less than a month after he attended a US Independence Day party at the home of the US consul general in Tijuana.— AP

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama raised $114 million for his re-election bid last month, his campaign announced yesterday, after the president wrapped up his two-day trip across Florida in a bid to woo undecided voters.

Campaign officials said 1.1 million Americans contributed to Obama’s operation during the month to make up the total, which was easily the most lucrative fundraising period for Obama of the 2012 campaign. “ The key to fighting back against the special interests writing limitless checks to support Mitt Romney is growing our donor base, and we did substantially in the month of August,” said Obama campaign manager Jim Messina.

“That is a critical downpayment on the organization we are building across the country-the largest grassroots campaign in histor y.” The Hill newspaper reported that Romney had raised $111 million in August, meaning that Obama bested his rival in the fundraising stakes after trailing badly in previous months.

August fundraising was especially significant as it reflected the public response to Romney’s naming of conservative favorite Paul Ryan as his vice presidential pick and the two party conventions.

During the weekend trip to

Florida, Obama courted retirees by lambasting Romney’s plans to reform the Medicare health care system for the elderly. He also picked apart interviews in which the two Republicans declined to name any of the tax loopholes they plan to close to make their promise to cut taxes, while also trimming the deficit, add up.

“I guess my opponent has a plan but there is one thing missing from it-arithmetic!” Obama said. “It was like two plus one equals five.

They couldn’t answer questions about how they’d pay for $5 trillion in new tax cuts and $2 trillion in new defence spending without raising taxes on the middle class.

‘Not bold leadership’-”That’s not bold leadership-that’s bad math. That gets a failing grade,” said Obama, who had warned in an earlier interview with CBS News that the rich would have to pay more in taxes to alleviate the burden of the middle class.

In television appearances, Romney and Ryan declined to specify how exactly they would cut loopholes in the tax code to pay for rate reductions.

The Republican nominee, a multi-millionaire, also denied he planned to cut taxes for the rich.

“I want to make sure people understand, despite what the Democrats said at their conven-

tion, I am not reducing taxes on high-income taxpayers,” Romney said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

As his armored bus trundled from west to east through Florida, Obama plunged into restaurants, diners and bars, shaking hands and talking to voters. Florida is a perennial swing state and has the most electoral votes — 29 of all the most contested battlegrounds in the election. Recent polls have shown the president with a narrow lead over Romney.

Large weekend crowds that greeted the president have aides optimistic that Obama can repeat his 2008 victor y here.

Should he win Florida, the president would severely undermine Romney’s hopes of snatching the White House.

“We’ll do pretty well in the corridor,” a senior Obama aide said, referring to the contested territory along Interstate 4 where Florida elections are won and lost. “I t ’s going to be close.”

Retirees, many fleeing cold northern winters, form an important part of the state’s electorate, hence Obama’s Medicare attack.

The Republican’s plan to convert Medicare to a voucher system over time would end up with patients paying higher out-ofpocket costs, the president charged. “I want you to know, Florida, I will never turn

Medicare into a voucher,” Obama said. The president’s trip, however, was marred by a tragedy when a Florida police officer escor ting President Barack Obama’s motorcade died Sunday after he was struck by a vehicle.

Meanwhile, Romney intensified his attack on Obama’s stewardship of the economy, two days after the latest Labor Department data showed only 96,000 jobs were generated by the economy last month.

“It’s a jobless recovery, if it’s a recovery at all,” Romney said.

“You’re not seeing the kind of job growth that keeps up with population growth. You’re not seeing any wage growth. It’s not at all what a recovery is supposed to look like,” Romney said on “Meet the Press.”

The former Massachusetts governor also had a crack at Obama on Iran, saying the president’s “biggest failure” was not halting the Islamic Republic’s nuclear ambitions. Several daily track ing polls detected a increase in Obama’s small polling lead following the Democratic National Convention in North Carolina. Obama led Romney by 49 to 44 percent in Gallup’s latest daily tracking poll. His approval rating as measured by the same firm was 50 percent, down two points from a yearly high on Saturday. —AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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

West to grant Kosovo full sovereignty PRISTINA: Kosovo was to be granted full sovereignty by the West yesterday, over four years since it declared independence, in a celebration marred by new Serbian allegations about organ trafficking.

Western powers members of the International Steering Group-which has overseen Kosovo since its 2008 unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia-are set to announce the end of supervision over the territory. However, on the eve of the meeting a Serbian prosecutor revealed that Belgrade has a former Kosovo rebel witness who allegedly took part in removing the heart of a Serb prisoner for the international black market in organs during the 1990s Kosovo conflict.

Serbia’s war crimes prosecutor Vladimir Vukcevic told AFP the witness

had testified about “harvesting organs from Serbs kidnapped during the 1998-99 conflict in Kosovo” and said he personally took part in a gruesome operation.

Kosovo’s foreign minister, Enver Hoxhaj, dismissed the revelation as “propaganda” and an attempt to “blacken a very big day for Kosovo”.

“We had precise information... that a day before ending the international supervision of Kosovo, Serbia would publish very bad news for Kosovo,” he told AFP. Claims of organ harvesting by the KLA during and after the 1998-99 conflict are being investigated by the European Union following a hard-hitting 2010 Council of Europe report that found a group closely linked to Kosovo’s prime minister, Hashim Thaci, carried out organ trafficking during

and after the conflict with Serbian forces.

Thaci and he Kosovo authorities have denied the claims. Yesterday Kosovo tried to look to the future, with Hoxaj describing full sovereignty as “a new chapter” and saying that from now “our country will be like other countries”.

“We expect this act to strengthen our international position and help a lot in gaining new recognitions and becoming a full-fledged member of all international mechanisms,” he said.

The ISG-which consists of 23 EU countries, the United States and Turkey will formally announce the end of supervision after an afternoon meeting. It will be attended by Dutch diplomat Pieter Feith, who chairs the International Civilian Office (ICO) which will also be closed down, Thaci

and a host of other international and Kosovo officials.

Ahead of the decision on Kosovo’s full independence, President Atifete Jahjaga said that her country deserved to become equal with others. “Kosovo today is a country that fulfils all the conditions to become a state with a clear Euro-Atlantic integration perspective. We are a free country,” she said in her address to the nation just hours before the ISG meeting.

However, the Zeri newspaper warned of “many challenges ahead” as “expectations of the citizens were not fulfilled”.

Kosovo is among the poorest regions in Europe, with almost half of the population jobless and poor, according to international surveys. The territory and its two million majority ethnic-Albanian population has been

under some form of international administration since a NATO bombing campaign forced then Serbian strongman Slobodan Milosevic’s troops out of the Serbian province in 1999.

On February 17, 2008, it unilaterally declared independence from Serbia and has since been recognised by some 90 countries, including most EU nations. However, it continues to face opposition from Belgrade, Moscow and Kosovo’s ethnic Serbs, who make up about six percent of the population, living mainly in the north on the border with Serbia.

The end of international supervision will not affect the presence of the NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping force in charge of the security situation or the European rule of law mission EULEX, which was created to boost the justice system. — AFP

UK police evacuate houses in French shooting probe Bomb squad at Alps murder family home

KIEV: People hold placards depicting Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko as they shout slogans during the opposition rally in front of High Administrative Court in Kiev yesterday. The protesters demand change of the judicial system which is, as they maintain, totally depending on the political power. — AFP

Ethiopia frees two Swedish journalists ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopia yesterday pardoned and freed two Swedish journalists who were arrested last year in the rebel Ogaden region and had been serving an 11-year jail sentence for “supporting terrorism”.

The pardon was approved by the late prime minister Meles Zenawi before his death last month and comes days after Sweden’s foreign minister attended his funeral in Addis Ababa.

“Yes they are already released,” foreign ministry spokesman Dina Mufti told AFP of reporter Martin Schibbye and photographer Johan Persson. He said the pair, who have been held in an Ethiopian jail since their arrest on July 1, 2011, were freed Monday but he was unable to elaborate on their whereabouts.

An official had said earlier that the pair were to be released as part of a mass pardon traditionally granted by the president to coincide with the Ethiopian New Year. “The prime minister approved the liberation of the two Swedish journalists before he went into hospital,” the official had said on condition of anonymity.

Schibbye and Persson were arrested with rebels from the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) after illegally entering from Somalia and were sentenced in December to 11 years in prison for “supporting terrorism”.

Swedish Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Bildt was one of the few Western ministers who attended the funeral in Addis Ababa of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on September 2. His presence at the funeral fuelled speculation that the Ethiopian authorities, under intense international pressure over the detention of the Swedish journalists, could take

advantage of the New Year pardons to free them.

There was no immediate reaction from the government but the Swedish Union of Journalists hailed the decision to release the pair. “I am so very glad that Martin (Schibbye) and Johan (Persson) have been freed after 14 months in an Ethiopian prison. I hope they can be reunited with their families as soon as possible,” union chief Jonas Nordling said in a statement. “We hope they will be home on Swedish ground soon,” Lotta Schuellerqvist, of the Swedish branch of French-based watchdog Reporters Without Borders, said in the same statement.

The case had drawn heavy criticism from rights groups. The journalists were convicted under Ethiopia’s anti-terror law, which critics have called vague and indiscriminate. The freelance journalists were in the remote southeastern region of Ogaden, populated mainly by ethnic Somalis, to investigate the activities of a company affiliated with the Swedish oil firm Lundin Petroleum.

Press watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists has said Ethiopia has one of the most restricted media in the world, with 79 journalists forced into exile since 2001. It was not immediately clear whether Ethiopian journalists who were also detained under the anti-terror law would be released as part of the wave of presidential pardons, which officials expect to affect around 2,000 people.

“Despite this development, other journalists remain in prison and we hope that Ethiopia will release them as soon as possible,” IPI Deputy Director Anthony Mills said in a statement. — AFP

Nigeria oil thieves kill 3 oil firm staff ABUJA: Oil thieves opened fire on a boat carrying workers for the state oil firm in Nigeria’s petroleum-producing southeast over the weekend, killing three engineers, the company said yesterday.

The engineers had been dispatched to try to repair damage to a pipeline the thieves had hacked, a statement from the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said.

The engineering crew managed to switch off oil going to the punctured pipeline but when they tried to get access to the site to assess the damage, they were fired upon, the statement added. “Nigerians need to identify with the NNPC and recognise that it is our collective responsibility to work towards securing the nation’s oil instal-

lations,” spokesman Fidel Pepple said.

Oil theft from Africa’s top producer is a major complaint from oil companies and the finance ministry, which loses up to a fifth of its revenue from thieves breaking into pipelines in operations known as “bunkering”.

Most of the oil is sold abroad by international criminal networks, although a small portion is refined in Nigeria. Thanks to a political amnesty in 2009, militancy in the swamps and creeks of the Niger Delta has fallen dramatically since the last decade, when attacks on oil installations at times shut down up to half of Nigerian output. But oil theft remains rampant and is on the rise, often leading to ruptured pipelines that spew oil into the delta’s fragile wetlands environment. — Reuters

LONDON: Police searching the home of a British family found shot dead in the French Alps last week evacuated neighbouring properties yesterday after saying they had discovered unspecified items that had caused them concern.

Television footage showed a bomb disposal vehicle outside the home of Saad al-Hilli, the Iraqi-born British engineer who was shot twice in the head along with his wife, her mother, and a passing French cyclist.

French media had reported that British police were focusing their investigation on Hilli’s work as a mechanical engineer.

Detectives have refused to comment on British media reports that Hilli was known to security services and was under police surveillance during the second Gulf war.

Earlier officers had sealed off the road in the leafy village of Claygate in Surrey, southwest of London, and began removing neighbours living close to Hilli’s 1 million pound ($1.60 million) detached house.

“Surrey Police can confirm that due to concerns around items found at the address in Oaken Lane, Claygate, officers have extended the cordon surrounding the property,” a spokeswoman said. “Neighbours in the immediate area are being evacuated,” said the spokeswoman who gave no details as to what had caused the alarm. “It’s happening quite rapidly and we’re trying to get a grasp on what we’re dealing with,” she said.

Yesterday’s search was the latest development in a shooting on a remote forest road last Wednesday near the French village of Chevaline that has dominated media headlines in Britain and generated much speculation as to the motive.

Hilli, a mechanical engineer who contracted with Surrey Satellite Technology, a subsidiary of aerospace and defence firm EADS, and the other victims were shot twice in the

head in what appeared to be execution-style killings. His daughters, aged seven and four, survived the attack. The oldest girl Zainab, who suffered serious skull fractures, came out of a coma on Sunday and will be questioned as to what happened as soon as she is able to, a French prosecutor said.

Her younger sister Zeena survived the shooting unscathed and both girls are under police protection. French State Prosecutor Eric Maillaud said a family feud over money was

one of several motives still being considered as a motive for the murders and Hilli’s brother had been formally questioned. The brother has denied any dispute with Hilli.

French media also said British police were investigating Hilli’s work rather than his family.

He helped to design the kitchen of the European Airbus aircraft, specialising in computer-aided design and mostly working from his home in Claygate, according to Julian Stedman, his accountant since 2004. — Reuters

GRENOBLE: French gendarmes stand guard yesterday at the entrance of the Grenoble’s CHU Hospital French Alps, where the elder of two child survivors of the French Alps shooting remained under sedation. Zainab Al-Hilli, 7, is recovering from a fractured skull and a bullet wound in the shoulder which she incurred in the September 5 attack in which her parents, grandmother and a passing French cyclist were killed. — AFP

Former Hungary PM on hunger strike BUDAPEST: Hungary’s former Socialist prime minister Ferenc Gyurcsany said yesterday he had begun a hunger strike to protest a government proposal to amend the electoral law. “The situation is dramatic and requires dramatic political gestures so that the silent mass of voters can come out of its apathy,” Gyurcsany told journalists in front of Budapest’s parliament, where he had set up tents with three colleagues from his DK party, who will also join the strike.

The government, led by rightwing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, wants to amend the electoral law to require voters to register before an election in order to vote. Currently, there is no compulsory registration in Hungary, and voters only need to show proof of identity and address to cast their ballot.

“It is unacceptable that somebody who would decide only two days before the elections to vote would not be able to,” Gyurcsany told a crowd of about 200. The changes would deprive “hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people from exercising their right to vote.”

The hunger strike was due to last one week and Gyurcsany said he expected more people to join.

Hungary will next hold general elections in April 2014 and under the government’s proposal, registration would be open until two weeks before the vote.

Since coming to power, Orban’s Fidesz party has also implemented other modifications, including almost halving the number of deputies in parliament, redrawing constituencies to favour the ruling party and

holding only one round of voting.

Meanwhile, a former Hungarian communist interior minister was taken into custody yesterday, suspected of war crimes for his responsibility in the fatal shooting of dozens of civilians after Hungary’s 1956 uprising, prosecutors said.

Bela Biszku, who will turn 91 on Thursday, denied the charges but refused to make any further statements to prosecutors, who have requested that he be placed under house arrest. If the case goes forward, Biszku would be the highest-ranking former com-

munist official, and one of the very few Hungarians, to be prosecuted in connection with the post-1956 reprisals.

Hundreds of people were executed after the uprising was crushed by the Soviet army, including the late Prime Minister Imre Nagy and several members of his revolutionary government.

Thousands of others were jailed or punished for their role in the brief revolt.

Biszku’s detention is a “significant milestone in Hungary’s postcommunist criminal justice system,” said acting Budapest Chief

BUDAPEST: Hungary’s former Socialist prime minister, Chairman of Democratic Coalition Party Ferenc Gyurcsany stands in front of the Hungarian parliament building in Budapest yesterday. Ferenc Gyurcsany said he had begun a hunger strike to protest a government proposal to amend the electoral law. — AFP

Prosecutor Tibor Ibolya, who described Biszku as “one of principal directors and people responsible for the reprisals following the 1956 revolution and fight for independence.”

Biszku was taken into custody early yesterday at his home in the Buda hills, where he has been living in retirement for decades.

“The suspect is in good physical and mental condition,” Ibolya said. Biszku was an official under the leadership of Janos Kadar, who came to power after the October 1956 uprising was crushed in a few days by the Soviet forces. Prosecutors say Biszku is the only surviving member of the communist party ’s interim executive committee, which is considered responsible for militias firing indiscriminately into crowds at two separate rallies in December 1956, killing 51 people.

Historians say that as interior minister Biszku also personally intervened in court cases and called for tougher sentences against revolutionaries, including the death penalty. But Ibolya said that for now those suspicions have not been sufficiently documented to form part of the case against him.

“We haven’t given up and continue to pursue this as part of the Biszku investigation,” Ibolya said.

Biszku has made few public appearances since the end of Hungary’s communist regime in 1990, but he was questioned by police in 2010 after calling the 1956 events a “counterrevolution” and denying the crimes of Hungary’s Soviet-backed regime.

If convicted for war crimes, Biszku could face a life sentence. — AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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

Australia, Singapore urge calm in South China Sea CANBERRA: Australia and Singapore yesterday called for a de-escalation in tensions over the South China Sea, warning that territorial disputes could disrupt decades of peace and economic progress in Asia.

Australia’s Foreign Minister Bob Carr and his Singaporean counterpart K. Shanmugam called for a peaceful and lawful resolution to rows over disputed islands. “Both Australia and Singapore want to see a de-escalation in tensions,” Carr told reporters after

bilateral talks in Canberra. “ We want to see the economic gains that have represented a revolution in Asia, Southeast Asia in particular in the last 40 years, continue undisrupted by a focus on strategic matters.”

China’s claim stretches over most of the South China Sea, a mineral and fish-rich region that is also among the world’s busiest sea passages. Tensions have become heated this year with Vietnam and the Philippines accusing an emboldened Beijing of unleashing

a wave of intimidation to exert its claims to virtually all of the strategic waterway.

Earlier this month US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Beijing that reaching a code of conduct over the sea was in “everyone’s interest”. Clinton has voiced hope that China will agree to work out a code of conduct on the disputes and has encouraged Southeast Asian nations to stand united. Shanmugam said Singapore had been briefed by Chinese officials on

Beijing’s position during a visit to China last week and had a “good understanding” of the Asian giant’s perspective which it had shared with Australia.

Carr said Australian officials had found Singapore’s briefing on the Chinese perspective “very useful” and said both Singapore and Australia “have a huge interest in peaceful resolution of these competing territorial claims.”

“Half of our trade flows through the

region being discussed,” he said. “We want the world to continue to be impressed by what free trade, market economics are producing in this part of the world. We don’t want the world to be distracted by a story around territorial disputes.”

Carr said Australia would “continue to talk to the parties and we’ll emphasise that we take no side in the competing territorial claims, but we do urge a peaceful resolution... in accordance with international law.” — AFP

Divided democrats hold key minority in HK polls Turnout was a near record of around 53%

TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, right, raises his hand to shake hands with former Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Michihiko Kano, second left, as former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi, left, and former Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu look on during a joint press conference by candidates of presidential election of Japan’s ruling Democratic Party of Japan in Tokyo yesterday. — AP

Japan’s ruling party readies leadership vote TOKYO: Three men will challenge Yoshihiko Noda for leadership of the governing Democratic Party of Japan, it was announced yesterday, with the Prime Minister widely expected to survive the vote. Under party rules, there must be an election every two years for the job, which currently comes with the post of premier, but after his only serious rival ruled himself out, Noda’s grip looks secure.

As prime minister and leader of the DPJ-presently the biggest party in parliament-Noda has pushed through unpopular legislation on doubling sales tax.

This, alongside general disenchantment with his once-popular party, has left many lawmakers fearing for their jobs in the general election expected this autumn.

“I decided to run for the party presidential election as I can’t abandon the task of rebuilding the party and revitalising Japan,” Noda told reporters as all four candidates gathered in Tokyo.

He admitted that in the 12 months since he became prime minister-at the time the sixth man in five years to do the job-the already ill-disciplined DPJ has disintegrated further. “We have been able to overcome a huge mountain with legislation for the reform of social security and tax, but many members left the party and we are still suffering from that.”

Noda’s telegenic environment minister had been seen as a credible challenger until he ruled himself out of the running last week. If he had won, 41year-old Goshi Hosono would have been Japan’s youngest ever prime minister.

Noda will face challenges from three of his backbenchers: former internal

affairs minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi, former agriculture minister Hirotaka Akamatsu, and another former agriculture minister Michihiko Kano.

Observers say the factionally-divided DPJ is likely to suffer at the hands of voters disappointed by their lacklustre three years in office.

The DPJ came to power in 2009 after five decades of almost unbroken rule by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). But its once-radical agenda was largely jettisoned. The LDP is also in the throes of its own leadership tumult, with incumbent Sadakazu Tanigaki yesterday saying he would not run for re-election.

DPJ members vote on September 21.

The LDP ballot will come five days later.

Over the weekend Toru Hashimoto, the populist governor of Osaka, began in earnest his push onto the national political stage, when he announced the name of the party that will put up candidates in the general election.

Commentators say Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Association) could play a significant role in the coalitionbuilding that is expected after national polls in a country where no party enjoys a commanding lead.

Hashimoto’s brand of muscular iconoclasm, combined with his boyish charm and his ability to put his finger on the political pulse have seen him catapulted to the forefront of the national debate over the last year.

He has said he will not run for parliament this time around, but reports Monday said seven sitting lawmakers are readying to leave their parties and stand as part of what is expected to be an influential slate. —AFP

Japan to buy islands in China dispute: Govt TOKYO: Japan will nationalise a group of islands at the centre of a territorial dispute with China, the government said yesterday, as Tokyo tries both to appease nationalists and keep Beijing onside.

In a deal reported to be worth 2.05 billion yen ($26 million) Premier Yoshihiko Noda’s administration agreed to buy three islands it already administers, which China claims as its own.

“During the ministerial meeting today, we agreed that we will obtain the ownership of the three Senkaku islands as quickly as possible,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told reporters, using the Japanese name for what China calls Diaoyu.

The decision to purchase the islands, which will be formally owned by Japan’s Coast Guard, was aimed at their “quiet and stable maintenance”, he added. Noda has been somewhat bounced into the deal by Shintaro Ishihara, the outspoken right wing governor of Tokyo, who said he wanted them developed to protect Japanese sovereignty.

China has reacted with muted irritation since reports emerged that the Japanese government was going to buy the chain from their private landowners. Analysts say Noda’s solu-

tion-owning the islands and not doing anything with them-is the best thing he could do because it will go some way to assuaging nationalist fervour at home while not annoying China too much.

Fujimura said the purchase is “not an issue that would stir problems with other countries”. “Having said that, we hope that its doesn’t influence broader Japan-China relations. After the Chinese side expressed interest, diplomats from both countries have kept in close contact.”

Often testy Japan-China ties took a turn for the worse in August when proBeijing activists landed on one of the islands. They were arrested by Japanese authorities and deported. Days later about a dozen Japanese nationalists raised their country’s flag on the same island, Uotsurijima, prompting protests in cities across China. In Beijing, the foreign ministry reiterated China’s claims over the islands, which lie around 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Taiwan, and 2,000 kilometres from Tokyo.

“The Diaoyu Island and its affiliated islands have been China’s inherent territory since ancient times... any unilateral action by Japan is illegal and invalid,” foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters yesterday. — AFP

HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s democrats yesterday retained their critical legislative veto over constitutional amendments after an election dominated by mass protests over perceived interference from mainland China.

The final official count after Sunday’s vote showed democratic candidates gaining four seats in the Asian financial centre’s Legislative Council, while pro-Beijing parties boosted their representation by six seats.

The assembly expands from 60 to 70 seats for the next four-year term under changes meant to make it more representative. Prodemocrats hold only 27 seats even though they won some 60 percent of the popular vote, while the establishment camp won 43 seats thanks to an electoral system that is tilted in favour of big business groups and vested interests.

The pro-Beijing Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong (DAB) is the strongest force with 13 seats. Turnout was a near record of around 53 percent, fuelled by protests against a plan to introduce mandatory Chinese patriotism classes that forced the government into an election-eve policy climbdown.

“We were unsure about the impact from the national education issue... Fortunately, despite the high voter turnout, we still won,” DAB chairman Tam Yiu-chung told reporters.

Tensions have also been brewing over corruption, the yawning gap between rich and poor, soaring property prices fuelled by wealthy mainlanders and the strains on public services from millions of mainland tourists.

The democrats’ minority bloc means that the executive-under a leader who is chosen by a 1,200-strong committee packed with proestablishment business leaders-will not be able to force through undemocratic amendments.

But mainstream democrats lamented their failure to turn the rising anti-Beijing sentiment into more significant electoral gains. They blamed deep divisions within the democratic camp and the rising popularity of radical groups that want the immediate implementation of full democracy, rather than the slower, consensus-driven approach advocated by mainstream parties.

The best-known pro-democracy party lost two seats despite the expanded number on offer, prompting chairman Albert Ho to resign and deliver an emotional apology to the party

faithful. “For the serious failure in this election I have to accept full political responsibility as the chairman of the Democratic Party,” Ho said after bowing before the television cameras at a press conference.

He said Hong Kong people had become “increasingly impatient” with the pro-Beijing

Democrats held on to its single seat with the return of maverick lawmaker “Long Hair” Leung Kwok-hung.

The election was seen as a test of popular support for the pro-Beijing government, and by extension for the mainland authorities’ hold on the city 15 years after Hong Kong reverted

HONG KONG: Legislative Council candidates Ray Chan, left, and Erica Yuen of the prodemocracy People Power celebrate after Chan won a seat on the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, yesterday. Hong Kong voters cast ballots in legislative elections Sunday that will help determine the eventual shape of full democracy that Beijing has promised the former British colony. — AP government and a complicated electoral system that reserves almost half the legislature for mainly pro-Beijing elites.

“I think a lot of voters have decided to choose some people who ... play a much more aggressive role in the Legislative Council,” he said. Pro-democracy lawmaker Ronny Tong, from the Civic Party, said: “This is a dismal performance (for the pro-democracy camp). We paid a high price.”

The final count means the Democratic Party shares its status as the biggest pro-democracy party in the legislature with the Civic Party, which also won six seats.

The radical anti-Beijing People Power party added one seat to its previous tally of two, while the equally radical League of Social

to Chinese rule as a semi-autonomous territory. Surveys show satisfaction with the Communist Party’s performance in governing China is at its lowest point since the 1997 handover. Beijing has promised universal suffrage for Hong Kong’s next leadership election in 2017, and by 2020 for the legislature, but democrats are preparing for a fight amid fears the mainland will try to veto candidates.

Hong Kong Institute of Education political analyst Sonny Lo said Beijing should be “alarmed” that 60 percent of Hong Kong people rejected pro-establishment candidates.

“If Hong Kong was to democratise into one big constituency in which citizens will be able to cast their votes, democrats will gain the majority,” he said. — AFP

Mystery absence of China leader fuels rumor frenzy BEIJING: Where is President-in-waiting Xi Jinping? Is he nursing a bad back after pulling a muscle in a pick-up soccer game (or maybe in the swimming pool)? Has he been convalescing after narrowly escaping a revenge killing by supporters of ousted Communist Party boss Bo Xilai? Was he in a car accident?

Or just really busy getting ready to lead the world’s no. 2 economy ahead of the expected leadership transition next month?

Chinese micro-bloggers and overseas websites have come up with all kinds of creative speculation as to why the current vice president has gone unseen for more than a week.

During that span, Xi canceled meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries including US Secretar y of State Hillar y Clinton and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Monday, it was the Danish prime minister’s turn. Xi’s whereabouts during this sudden absence from the spotlight may never be known. One thing, however, is certain: China may now be a linchpin of the global economy and a force in international diplomacy, but the lives of its leaders remain an utter mystery to its 1.3 billion people, its politics an unfathomable black hole.

So when the presumptive head of that opaque leadership disappears from public view, rumor mills naturally go into frenzy.

“There is a long-standing practice of not reporting on illnesses or troubles within the elites,” said Scott Kennedy, director of Indiana University’s Research Center for Chinese Politics and Business in Beijing. “The sense is that giving out such information would only fuel further speculation.”

Adding grist to the mill, a scheduled photo session with visiting Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, which the media were asked to cover, was taken off the program. Thorning-Schmidt is also due to meet with Vice Premier Wang Qishan yesterday and Premier Wen Jiabao today.

The Foreign Ministr y claimed the XiThorning-Schmidt meeting was never intended to take place. “As I said last week, China’s state councilors will meet the Danish prime minister,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong

Lei said. When asked about the rumors of an injury, Hong said “we have told everybody everything,” and refused to elaborate.

Most online speculation about the portly 59-year-old Xi has centered on a back problem, possibly incurred while Xi took a dip last week in the swimming pool inside the Zhongnanhai leadership compound. Another rumor has the back being hurt in a soccer game. It wasn’t clear what the sources of the information are.

More dramatically, the US-based website Boxun.com, cited an unidentified source inside Zhongnanhai as saying Xi was injured in a staged traffic accident that was part of a revenge plot by Bo’s supporters in the security forces. Another member of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee, He Guoqiang, was also injured in a similar incident, said the site, which acts as a clearing house for rumors and unsubstantiated reports. It has correctly predicted some recent political developments

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping

and been wildly off the mark on others.

This year, China has seen an unusual amount of political intrigue, with the shocking downfall of politburo member Bo, exposing divisions within the leadership and prompting rumors of nefarious activity ranging from the wiretapping of top leaders to an attempted coup.

The sudden transfer of a key secretary to President Hu Jintao earlier this month also spawned conjecture about a Ferrari crash involving the aide’s son and an ensuing attempted cover up.

Rumors about Xi were churned further by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s cryptic remark over the weekend that the start of the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum leaders’ meeting in Vladivostok had been delayed because Hu needed to attend to an important but unspecified domestic issue.

The tension and uncertainty are heightened by the timing ahead of a generational shift to a new leadership that will be headed

by Xi. Still, in keeping with the China government’s proclivity for secrecy, the logistics of the transition remain unknown.

Xi is expected to first assume Hu’s mantle as Communist leader at a party congress held once every five years. Yet the dates for the meeting, expected in the second half of October, have yet to be announced, prompting talk that at least some of the seats on the nine-member Standing Committee remain up for grabs. Recent economic and diplomatic challenges have also added to the sense of insecurity. While China avoided the worst of the global economic slowdown, export growth and domestic demand have both fallen sharply in recent months, prompting forecasters to slash their estimates for economic growth needed to create jobs and fill government coffers.

Meanwhile, Beijing has been deeply unnerved by Washington’s new emphasis on military and political ties to China’s neighbors in the western Pacific and finds itself enmeshed again in a nagging dispute with Japan over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea. — AP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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

US hands over Bagram prison to Afghans KABUL: US officials handed over formal control of Afghanistan’s only large-scale US-run prison to Kabul yesterday, even as disagreements between the two countries over the thousands of Taleban and terror suspects held there marred the transfer.

The handover ceremony took place at the prison next to a sprawling US airfield in Bagram, just north of Kabul. President Hamid Karzai has called the transfer a victory for Afghan sovereignty. The prison, formally known as the Parwan Detention Facility, has been the focus of controversy in the past but never had the notoriety of the prisons at Guantanamo Bay or Abu Ghraib in Iraq.

The prison facility was built about three years ago to replace a holding facility formerly located in an old Soviet hangar inside the base. Earlier this year, the prison gained unwanted attention when hundreds of Qurans and other religious materials were taken from its library and sent to a burn pit at the military base. The event triggered scores of deadly anti-American protests across Afghanistan; six US soldiers were killed during the violent demonstrations.

“We are telling the Afghan president and the Afghan people that today is a proud day,” said Afghan Army Gen. Ghulam Farouk, who now heads the prison. The transfer is politically important for Karzai, a member of Afghanistan’s Pashtun community who has been trying to assert his authority and counter accusations by Taleban insurgents that he is an American pup-

pet. The prison’s successful transfer also is seen as a critical part of the US handover of responsibilities for such institutions to the Afghan government by the end of 2014, when most foreign troops leave the country.

The US has since the signing of the March 9 handover agreement gradually handed over responsibility for most of the 3,000 detainees held at the prison. As some may have been released or others brought in, the prison’s current detainee population under US control is not known but is thought to number in the hundreds.

The US recently suspended the transfer of new detainees apparently because of disagreements with Kabul, which has questioned the long-term detention of suspects without charge after their capture. The US reportedly fears that Afghan authorities may simply let some detainees go, and appears reluctant to turn over all the suspects it holds. American irritation was apparent at the ceremony, where the US military was represented by 42nd Military Police Brigade Commander Col. Robert Taradash, who runs the facility. No higher ranking American officers went, although the Afghan government sent its Afghan Defense Minister Enayatullah Nazari and the army chief of staff.

According to Farouk, the United States has transferred 3,082 detainees but was still in the process of transferring another 600 captured after the March agreement. The US will also continue to hold about 50 non-Afghan prisoners that are not covered by the agree-

ment on a small part of the facility that they will still administer. They are thought to include Pakistanis and other foreign nationals either captured in Afghanistan or transferred to Bagram from other wars, such as Iraq.

The disagreement indicates the tense relations between the U.S.-led NATO military coalition and Karzai, but is not expected to impact military operations around Afghanistan. It is also unlikely to impact the gradual handover of security responsibilities from NATO to Afghan forces. The United States and its allies are drawing down their military forces in Afghanistan and hope to fully hand over control to the Afghans by the end of 2014. Nazari said after a ceremony that “very few prisoners” remained with the United States military and the rest are under Afghan control.

He attributed the delay in handing over the rest to “technical issues,” but did not elaborate. On Sunday, the US also suspended the transfer of about 30 detainees that remained from the original group of about 3,000.

“Some 99 percent of the detainees captured before 9 March have already been transferred to Afghan authority, but we have paused the transfer of the remaining detainees until our concerns are met,” said Jamie Graybeal, a spokesman for the US-led military coalition. He said concerns focused on the Afghan government’s intentions to implement the March agreement, but would not explain further. Afghan officials and analysts have said the dispute is

BAGRAM: A newly-freed Afghan prisoner, wearing traditional salwar khameez attire, leaves during a ceremony handing over the Bagram prison to Afghan authorities, at the US airbase in Bagram north of Kabul yesterday. The US yesterday formally handed control to Afghanistan of more than 3,000 detainees at a controversial prison dubbed the country’s “Guantanamo Bay”, but disagreements remain over the fate of hundreds of inmates. — AFP over a system of administration detention that allows extended no-trial internment for wartime prisoners. Although this is permitted under the international laws on war, some Afghan officials say it may not be legal under the Afghan constitution. “There are concerns on the US side about division in the Afghan government over internment and that it is not constitutional,” said Rachel Reid, a senior policy adviser on Afghanistan for the

Open Society Foundations. “The basic concern is that if they don’t have internment, they will be released.” Another issue is how quickly Afghans arrested on the battlefield by U.S. forces are handed over to the government.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai said all Afghan detainees have to be turned over within 72 hours. The US wants to be able to keep detainees longer than that. — AP

Indian political cartoonist jailed on sedition charges Campaigners demand release of cartoonist

KARACHI: Pakistani well-wishes wave to Indian fishermen on a bus after leaving the Malir jail following their release in Karachi yesterday. Pakistan released 48 Indian fishermen, 10 of them teenagers, as a goodwill gesture during the visit of Indian Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna who is on an official visit to the country. — AFP

Pakistan frees 48 Indian prisoners as ‘goodwill gesture’ KARACHI: Pakistan yesterday released 48 Indian fishermen, 10 of them teenagers, as a “goodwill gesture” following a visit by the Indian foreign minister S. M. Krishna. In a sign of thawing relations, Krishna and his Pakistani counterpart Hina Rabbani Khar last week inked an historic agreement to ease visa restrictions between the two countries.

The release of fishermen is part of an understanding between the nuclear-armed rivals to free citizens who mistakenly stray into each other’s waters. “We have released 48 Indian fishermen from Malir jail in Karachi as a goodwill gesture,” deputy inspector-general prisons of southern Sindh province, Nusrat Mangan, told AFP. He said 32 Indian fishermen were still in Pakistani prisons.” They will also be released after our authorities receive a clearance from the Indian government,” he said.

Nazeer Husain Shah, superintendent of the jail, said the released prisoners included 10 teenage boys. The Indians were presented

with flowers and gifts, then bussed to the eastern city of Lahore, from where they would cross the Wagah border. Officials said they expect India would reciprocate the Pakistani gesture by releasing more than 200 Pakistani fishermen languishing in Indian jails. “We expect our neighbours will show the similar spirit and release the Pakistani prisoners from their jails,” Ayaz Soomro, law minister of the Sindh province said. Pakistan and India frequently seize each other’s fishermen, accusing them of violating their respective maritime boundaries in the Arabian Sea. India and Pakistan have fought three wars since independence in 1947, two of them over the Himalayan region of Kashmir, which is divided by a heavily militarised Line of Control and which both countries claim in full. Last year they resumed their tentative peace process, which collapsed after Islamist gunmen from Pakistan killed 166 people in Mumbai in November 2008. — AFP

Bomb blast kills 11 in NW Pakistan PESHAWAR: A car bomb targeting security forces in a market area in northwest Pakistan yesterday killed 11 people and wounded more than 40, officials said. An explosives-laden vehicle exploded near a convoy of security forces in a market in Parachinar town of Kurram tribal district, senior administration official Sahibzada Mohammad Anis told AFP. “The death toll is 11,” he said updating the earlier figure of 10. There are more than 40 wounded, 20 of them are in serious condition, he added. Kurram is one of seven districts in Pakistan’s tribal belt on the Afghan border that is home to Taleban and Al-Qaeda strongholds.

“The car detonated as a security convoy passed by in the Turi Market” of the town dominated by the minority Shiite Muslim community, Anis said. It was not immediately clear if it was a suicide attack, he said, adding that an investigation was underway. Two intelligence officials confirmed the casualties. The target seemed to have been security forces’ convoy, one intelligence official said. The blast destroyed 30 shops and damaged 50 others in the busy commercial area, Anis said, adding that the site was littered with rubble, concrete slabs, and twisted metal.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but Taleban militants have been carrying out similar bombings and suicide attacks in the province neigh-

bouring Afghanistan. The town has also seen sectarian violence between majority Sunni and Shiite sects.

Attacks blamed on Islamists have killed more than 5,200 people in Pakistan since government troops raided an extremist mosque in the capital Islamabad five years ago, according to an AFP tally. The latest blast came a week after a suicide car bomber rammed a US consulate vehicle in the provincial capital Peshawar last Monday, killing at least two people.

Up to 19 people were wounded when the bomber struck during morning rush hour in the northwestern city of Peshawar near the office of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and residential quarters used by the US consulate.

Taleban and Al-Qaeda-linked militant groups who are sworn enemies of the United States frequently carry out attacks and have strongholds in the tribal belt near Peshawar. Islamist militants have vowed to avenge American drone strikes targeting them in the semi-autonomous tribal areas and thwart a rumoured prospective Pakistani offensive in North Waziristan.

The United States moved Friday to blacklist the Taleban-linked Haqqani network, whose leaders are understood to be based in Pakistan, as a terrorist group, blamed for bloody attacks in Afghanistan, despite concerns about straining ties with Islamabad. —AFP

MUMBAI: Campaigners in India demanded yesterday the release of a cartoonist arrested on sedition charges over sketches lampooning government corruption, saying freedom of expression was being trampled. The arrest of Aseem Trivedi, a freelance artist whose cartoons include parliament depicted as a giant toilet bowl, was cited as the latest example of growing intolerance of criticism from Indian authorities.

Other cartoons on Trivedi’s website show the sole surviving gunman from the 2008 Mumbai attacks urinating on the Indian constitution, and another titled “Gang Rape of Mother India”. A local court in Mumbai on Sunday ordered the cartoonist to be held in police custody until September 16 under laws governing sedition, information technology and protecting India’s national flag and constitution.

“We are very unhappy about the arrest as he has not committed any crime, he has just exercised his freedom of expression through his cartoons,” V.G. Narendra, head of the Indian Institute of Cartoonists, told AFP. “Cartoonists should be given a free hand. We must have the ability to laugh at ourselves.”

Earlier this year Trivedi established Save Your Voice, a group lobbying against Internet censorship, while he is also a supporter of India Against Corruption (IAC), the popular antigraft campaign lead by Anna Hazare.

A statement from IAC said they were “shocked” at the way he was treated by police, saying he was “badly roughed up and pushed in to the police vehicle where his head

MUMBAI: Indian policemen escort political cartoonist Aseem Trivedi, center in black as they leave a court in Mumbai, India, yesterday. Trivedi whose drawings mock Indian government corruption has been jailed on a sedition charge in an arrest that was widely condemned yesterday as evidence of political leaders’ increasing intolerance of criticism. — AP banged against the vehicle”.

“IAC Mumbai will always support freedom of expression which is the right of every individual given to us by the constitution,” it said. Yesterday, about 100 IAC protesters loudly chanted outside the Mumbai police station where he was being held, while online petitions were circulated demanding his immediate release.

The government has recently been criticised for heavy-handed blocking of the Internet content in an attempt to calm ethnic tensions in Bangalore and other cities. Some

Twitter accounts that ridiculed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were also blocked in the crackdown.

“If telling the truth makes me a traitor, then I am one,” Trivedi said on Sunday outside the court where he was remanded in custody after a private complaint from a Mumbai-based lawyer. Nilanjana Roy, an anti-censorship campaigner and literary critic, said the action against Trivedi was “in line with what has been happening in India in the last decade”. She said old laws were misused “to shut out whatever is inconvenient”.

“It has been on the rise for a while.

It is not just the politicians but there has been a broad middle-class refusal to defend freedom of expression,” she told AFP. Markandey Katju, chairman of the Press Council of India and former Supreme Court judge, also defended Trivedi, who was accused of displaying the contentious cartoons at an anti-corruption rally last year. “My opinion is that the cartoonist did nothing illegal,” Katju said in a statement. “In a democracy many things are said, some truthful and others false.” — AFP

Indian hospital hires bouncers NEW DELHI: Pradeep Kumar, a muscular man in shades and tattoos, pulls up on a motorcycle, ready for his job as a bouncer. Not at a nightclub, but at another workplace where violence is common in India: A hospital. He and his burly colleagues keep the emergency and labor rooms from filling up with patients’ often agitated relatives and friends. The bouncers are polite, yet so tough-looking that people think twice about ignoring their orders.

“These guys look like they walked

right out of an action movie,” said Pawan Desai, who brought his 4-yearold daughter to Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for treatment for a cut on her hand.

Working in an Indian hospital can be dangerous. In April, a week before DDU hired the bouncers, friends of an emergency-room patient punched a doctor in the face and broke his nose before going on a rampage with hockey sticks, swinging at windows, lights, furniture and medical staff.

The medical staff at DDU, a gov-

NEW DELHI: In this Thursday, July 26, 2012 photo, Amarjeet Singh, fourth left, gives directions to an incoming patient at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in New Delhi, India. Singh and 20 other bouncers have been hired to protect doctors as well as keep the emergency and labor rooms from filling up with patients’ often agitated relatives and friends. — AP

ernment hospital, had faced nearly one attack a month and had gone on strike 20 times over six years demanding better security. Since the hospital replaced its middle-aged, pot-bellied guards with bar bouncers, bodyguards, and wrestlers sporting muscles and tattoos, “there hasn’t been a single incident,” said Dr. Nitin Seth, the doctor who was injured in April.

“These guys do a good job controlling the crowds,” he said. Thousands of attacks occur in Indian hospitals every year, said Dr. Narendra Saini, spokesman for the Indian Medical Association. In January, a man in the southern city of Chennai was charged with using a sword to hack to death a surgeon he held responsible for his pregnant wife’s death during surgery.

Three months later, a mob at a Delhi hospital beat up six doctors in retaliation for supposed sexual misconduct after the medical staff unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate a female patient using CPR. When someone dies in the hospital, relatives often start blaming - even attacking - doctors. At expensive private hospitals, families feel especially cheated, Saini said. “They expect their patient to live because that’s what they paid for.” The DDU Hospital guards, a team of 21 split across three shifts, cover the busiest areas of the campus, especially the emergency and labor rooms.

People who come in with pregnant or trauma patients “are most

likely to lose their cool,” Kumar said.

“That’s why we try not to let in more than one per patient.” The only way to prevent a bad situation from getting worse is to keep people moving and not let crowds collect at all, said Dr. Promila Gupta, the hospital’s medical superintendent. “I think what works for our new guards is that the (patients’) relatives are afraid of them because of their good physique,” she said. Despite the tough image, Kumar and the other guards are a soft-spoken bunch. “We don’t let anyone in unless they need to be there, and we know how to be polite about it,” he said.

“First we talk nice,” said bouncer Amarjeet Singh. “If they don’t listen, troublemakers are taken to the Casualty Medical Officer’s room to sort things out, and if that doesn’t work, police from the nearby post are called in to get them evicted. “In any case, we are not allowed to rough anyone up,” he added. Few Indian hospitals can afford this kind of security. The generally overcrowded and understaffed government facilities often don’t even have the resources they need to save lives, said Dr. Saini of the Indian Medical Association. Dr. Prithvi Madhok, a former surgeon at some of Mumbai’s top hospitals, has studied the rash of doctor assaults in India and said hiring better security will not solve the underlying problem. —AP

NEWS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

A man walks amongst US national flags erected by students and staff from Pepperdine University to honour victims of the 9/11 attacks in Malibu on Sunday. The 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks will fall today, September 11. — AFP

‘Frustrated’ IAEA wants access to Iran ‘nuke’...

Continued from Page 1 cooperate with the UN agency but that its national security must be taken into consideration. He told reporters that discussions were under way this week about the possibility of having another meeting with the IAEA. Iran says its nuclear program is aimed at producing electricity, not making nuclear bombs. At the week-long IAEA board meeting, the United States and its Western allies want to isolate Iran further by adopting a resolution rebuking it for stonewalling the IAEA’s investigation into its nuclear activities.

But it is unclear whether China and Russia - who are also part of a group of six world powers trying to find a diplomatic solution to the long-running nuclear dispute would agree to such a move, diplomats say. Beijing and Moscow have criticised unilateral Western steps to punish Iran. Russia last week starkly warned Israel and the United States against attacking Iran and said it saw no evidence that Tehran’s nuclear program was aimed at developing weapons. In contrast, the IAEA has voiced mounting concern that Iran has been conducting

research and development relevant to the assembly of a nuclear warhead. Amano said “activities” that had taken place at the Parchin facility - a reference to suspected clean-up work there - would have an “adverse impact” on the IAEA’s investigation, if and when it was allowed to go there. Iran has so far refused access. Western diplomats cite satellite images as evidence that Iran has for several months carried out apparent “sanitisation” work at Parchin to remove any evidence of illicit activity. Despite this, Amano said his inspectors had “powerful tools” at their disposal to discover any traces or other evidence.

Iran told the agency in a letter last month that the allegation of nuclear-linked work at Parchin, located southeast of the capital Tehran, was “baseless”, Amano said.

“However, the activities observed further strengthen our assessment that it is necessary to have access to the location at Parchin without further delay in order to obtain the required clarifications,” he said. Canada last week closed its Tehran embassy and ordered Iranian diplomats expelled, prompting Iran yesterday to brand Ottawa’s government as “extremist” and as “boundlessly defending international Zionism”. — Agencies

Syria, Bahrain faulted over human rights Continued from Page 1 Pillay argued that respect for human rights is key to peace, development and humanitarian efforts, and she began by citing Syria’s civil war as an area of grave concern with devastating consequences for civilians. Activists say up to 26,000 people have been killed in Syria since an uprising began in March 2011 against President Bashar AlAssad’s regime. Next on Pillay’s list was Bahrain for handing down what she called harsh prison sentences against 20 prominent rights activists and opposition figures, including seven who face life in prison. Bahrain’s UN Ambassador Yusuf Abdulkarim Bucheeri defended his nation, saying its judiciary held a fair trial attended by diplomats, human rights representatives and news media.

Pillay spoke of human rights problems in Colombia, Ivory Coast and Congo, then mentioned France and Greece. She also noted issues in Kenya, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Myanmar and many other countries. “I am also worried by the recent forced closure of Roma camps in France, which have affected hundreds of people, making them even more vulnerable and exposed to a whole range of human rights concerns,” Pillay told the packed chamber. “I acknowledge a number of steps that have been taken by the government, but further efforts must be made to address this situation” and integrate

Roma, or Gypsies, into society, she said.

In August, police raids in Paris and other French cities dismantled camps used by Roma from Eastern Europe and left hundreds without shelter. It echoed a crackdown on the Roma two years ago under conservative thenPresident Nicolas Sarkozy that drew criticism. But the French government has since made it easier for Roma, who mostly originate from Romania and Bulgaria, to get jobs and stay in France by expanding the number of sectors where residents of those nations can seek work. The government also abolished a tax paid by employers to hire people from the two countries.

Pillay also noted problems in Greece, where there has been a surge in racist attacks against immigrants with dark skin. “Equally troubling are violent xenophobic attacks against migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in recent months, for example, in Greece,” Pillay said. “I am also concerned about reports that the police appeared to have been unable to respond effectively to protect victims of xenophobic crimes. “ Greece launched a campaign in August to try to seal its northeastern border with Turkey in the face of a crippling financial crisis that has caused joblessness to soar. She also criticized the United States, along with Belarus, China, Japan, Saudi Arabia and authorities in the Gaza Strip for their use of the death penalty in recent cases. — AP

Saudis stage rare protest Continued from Page 1 The US ally and world’s biggest oil exporter has played a critical role in helping Western intelligence agencies foil plots by al Qaeda. But rights groups have faulted it for a near total lack of democracy and intolerance of dissent.

Human rights groups have also accused the government of using its campaign against Islamist militants to imprison political dissidents. Saudi Arabia says it has no political prisoners and last year said it had put on trial 5,080 of nearly 5,700 people it had detained on security charges since a series of attacks against foreign and government targets in 2003. The Saudi embassy in London in December responded to an Amnesty International report that the authorities justified cracking down on dissent by citing security concerns by saying it was based on inaccurate information.

The protesters included adolescents and elderly people. They stood in a tight group without waving placards or shouting slogans. One woman, holding a walking stick, sat on a chair. “My brother told me he was taken to court last year but it was a secret trial and they didn’t let him choose his own lawyer. It’s been over a year and we still don’t have the result of the trial.

In my opinion this trial is nothing but a show,” said a protester, who did not want to be named for fear of arrest. He said his brother had been arrested 11 years ago after returning from Afghanistan where he had gone to fight and that he complained of being beaten in detention.

A spokesman for the Saudi Interior Ministry was not immediately available to comment but the government has repeatedly denied using torture. The women protesters wore traditional face-covering veils and many of the men, who also wore traditional dress, also covered their faces with their red-and-white checked Arab scarves, seemingly to hide their identities. It is unusual for women to join protests in the conservative Islamic kingdom, where gender segregation is strictly enforced.

Saudi Arabia escaped the unrest that hit Arab states last year, sweeping the leaders of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Yemen from power, destabilising Bahrain and causing civil war in Syria. Soon after the revolution in Egypt, Saudi King Abdullah ordered $110 billion in social spending on benefits such as new housing and unemployment aid, while powerful religious leaders told their followers not to protest.

Despite persistent demonstrations from members of its Shiite minority that have continued into 2012 and a Facebook campaign last spring calling for a “day of rage” the country’s Sunni majority mostly stayed off the streets.

However, there have been some small protests outside Shiite areas since the start of last year over specific issues.

In Jan 2011 unemployed teachers protested in Riyadh and in Jeddah residents of an area hit by floods also demonstrated. Detainees’ relatives protested in February and June last year. In March this year thousands of students at an all-female university in Abha, in southern Saudi Arabia, boycotted lectures after police broke up a protest by some of their classmates over poor campus services. — Reuters

Protesters demand full democracy, blast...

Continued from Page 1 We have an incomplete system, and what we want is an integrated democratic system. The sheikhdom mentality does not want democracy and fights popular rights, and our democracy will be complete with the nation’s determination,” he vowed.

Dayeen said Kuwait has a full record of violating the constitution, adding “the legitimate speaker Ahmad AlSaadoun stands witness to this”. He said authorities are attempting to keep opposition MPs from succeeding through a change of constituencies. He said Barrak was misunderstood and “I confirm that while hubara was being cooked in Mongolia, a sheikh was appointed to care for a fund to buy votes in the upcoming elections”.

“Kuwait is dropping in every economic ranking and even in sports, and the government has failed in development, and this is why this gathering was called,” member of the annulled 2012 Assembly Osama Al-Shaheen said. He condemned those who accused the gathering as dangerous, saying, “It is not true that we are dangerous. We are only practicing our constitutional right over public liberties and reform”. Shaheen, pointing to the ruling family, said: “ They deceived you when they described us as power-seekers, although we confirm in every gathering our belief in Article 4 of the constitution which says Kuwait is a constitutional emirate and the ruling is for Mubarak’s progeny. But we also believe in Article 6 which says that sovereignty is for the people.”

MPs Waleed Al-Tabtabaei and Jamaan Al-Harbash then took to the podium to be honored for supporting the Syrian revolution and entering Syrian territories to deliver aid. Harbash said he has a message from the Syrian people: That they will not forget the Kuwaiti people’s stand with them. Tabtabaei said this huge gathering took place “despite attempts by the corrupt media and the authority’s fatwa”. He said elections will be boycotted if constituencies were tampered with, adding that the “majority will not accept the crumbs of democracy”. He said it is time for the people to reclaim sovereignty, and “we the people have decided to have Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak as the last prime minister from Mubarak’s kin as ‘you have the rule and we have the Cabinet’”.

Representative of the Salaf Movement Fuhaid AlHailam held Sheikh Jaber responsible for the happenings in the country’s political arena. “The person who bears all the mistakes and participated in all what took place in the past and now is Jaber Al-Mubarak and we say today ‘go away Jaber along will all your ministers, because the world today is for the free people who restored your ruling legitimacy in 1990’,” he roared. He said the Assembly was dissolved and the prime minister was ousted following a popular movement, but policies

remained the same, so we say today “the nation wants an elected government and the legalization of political parties”.

Publisher of the online Al-Aan bulletin Saad bin Tifla said, “The regime woke up after five assemblies and nine governments and discovered that the election system is not fair after all this time, and it says that is why it went to the constitutional court, and I expect the court to say it is not its jurisdiction because there is no dispute”. “The truth is that the government is doing this because there is a parliamentary majority out of its control,” he said, adding that “half a trillion dollars entered the government’s treasury during five years, so where is the development?” “There is a mentality in the authority that the country and its wealth is for them only, not the people, so they preoccupy political powers with this argument about constituencies and we are now in the dark tunnel the government got us into,” bin Tifla lamented.

“The former prime minister has supporters and they are talking revenge on his behalf, and want to change constituencies to guarantee that one of these days the Assembly will accept Nasser Al-Mohammad as crown prince so he would have all authorities in his hand.

These are the ones who want the regime to fall, but the people want to keep the regime,” he said, adding this is the first time he has seen a regime that wants to destroy itself.

“Our problem is with the government. We like the Amir, we all do,” Suleman Mohammed, who is retired from the army, said. “We want a little more democracy, more freedom, more rights.” It is a government appeal to Kuwait’s top court which is at the heart of the latest political tension. The Cabinet has asked the constitutional court to rule on the 2006 electoral law which divides the country into five constituencies. It says the verdict is needed to protect the outcome of future elections from possible legal challenges. But some opposition figures say this is a bid to abolish the current boundaries and gerrymander victory in elections expected this year or next. The court is due to rule on the government’s petition later this month.

“The government plays with our democratic system.

There are people behind the government, controlling it,” said a 33-year-old government ministry employee who gave his name as Abu Saad. He said he was referring to divisions within the ruling family and competition between other powerful families. “Kuwait is like a cake and everyone wants a piece,” he added. “Twenty years ago Kuwait was number one in the region, there was no Dubai, no Qatar. Now it is in last place.” Years of political infighting have stalled investment in Kuwait, which is one of the richest countries in the world per capita thanks to its oil wealth and small population.

Cabbie builds Gaza’s first electric car Continued from Page 1 him several months to build the car in a workshop on the roof of his home where he collects old electronic gadgets. With a frame made entirely out of wood and with tyres taken off an old wheelbarrow, the little vehicle is hardly a speed demon - managing just 20 km an hour at full throttle.

Contrasting with its white exterior, it has a pale blue roof and similar-coloured interior, and a recycled piece of gym kit for a steering wheel. All in, it cost him $1,000 to build - a small fortune in the impoverished Gaza Strip and huge financial burden for a taxi driver who holds a degree in political science which he has never used. “My financial situation is a real obstacle to my dreams,” he said. “I dream about improving this car and adding things to it - and making it work on solar energy. I could do it, but I don’t have the money.” The car has to be charged for five hours with an electric cable after which it can run for four hours. “I would like to make Gaza self-sufficient with this electric car, or even build a solar car,” he said.

Tinkering with electronics has been a hobby of his since he was at school. As a teenager, Qassas used to break apart electronic devices to see how they worked, and he would often fix his mother’s fridge or washing

machine if it stopped working. Soon, he was doing it for friends and neighbours too. But despite his passion for inventing things, Qassas wasn’t able to pursue his hobby at university because he never made the grade in science when he was at school. But he has become a regular at science fairs in Gaza, although his inventions have never won him any prize. “I’m sure if I was in a different country, I would have received more attention and I would have won some awards for what I do,” he said.

It was 10 years ago when he made his first serious invention - a device which automatically turns book pages for quadriplegics. He later improved the device to allow readers to turn pages with their head. Its name: the Munther Reader. He has also come up with a small invention which allows quadriplegics to access a computer with their head, their tongue or shoulder, depending on their level of disability.

Qassas says there is a huge problem with the lack of opportunity for scientific creativity in the Gaza Strip, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas. “We need guidance and encouragement here,” he said. “No one here cares about encouraging young people to study science, or to be innovative and develop their abilities.” The government, he said, should “sponsor young people and encourage scientific creativity”. — AFP

14

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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Issues

Vote signals thirst for HK democracy

By Stephen Coates ong Kong’s legislative election sent a clear message to Beijing that the former British colony’s thirst for genuine democracy has not diminished after 15 years of mainland rule, analysts said yesterday. Poorly funded and riddled with divisions, the democratic camp on Sunday still managed to win almost 60 percent of the popular vote and hold on to their “critical minority” of a third of the seats in the 70-seat Legislative Assembly.

The pro-Beijing parties secured a huge majority of 43 seats with only 40 percent of the popular vote, thanks to a complicated electoral system that is heavily weighted in favour of reactionary business groups and vested interests. “Beijing must be alarmed,” Hong Kong Institute of Education Professor Sonny Lo told AFP. “If Hong Kong were to democratise into one big constituency in which citizens were able to cast their votes, democrats would gain the majority.”

That is a dream that few in Hong Kong believe is going to happen any time soon, even though Beijing has promised “universal suffrage” for the next leadership election in 2017 and the legislative vote in 2020. Under the current system installed following the 1997 handover from Britain, just over half the seats in the Asian financial hub’s legislature are elected by popular vote. The remainder are reserved for relatively small constituencies grouped along economic lines and packed with conservative business leaders and Beijing loyalists.

Executive power rests with a chief executive who is appointed by a “small circle” of 1,200 people, including business tycoons with financial interests in mainland China. The incumbent chief is former property surveyor Leung Chun-ying. Analysts said the system prevents the democratic bloc from translating strong public backing for full democracy into legislative power, even at a time of growing anti-Beijing sentiment. The lead-up to the election was marked by mass protests against a government plan to introduce mandatory Chinese patriotism classes into schools, which forced Leung to abandon the policy on Saturday evening.

Anti-Beijing resentment is also festering over widening inequality, sky-high property prices fuelled by wealthy mainlanders, corruption and the strains on public services from millions of mainland tourists. But the root of the problem is the lack of real democracy and the feeling that the rules of the game are rigged in favour of the business tycoons who Beijing relies upon to keep the city humming.

Democratic party leaders admit they could have done better at Sunday’s polls if they had overcome two-year-old differences over how to push for a fairer system. Instead, the democratic bloc is deeply divided between the mainstream parties who strive for democracy within the slow, consensus-driven approach promoted by Beijing, and radicals who want full democracy now without conditions.

The leader of the Democratic Party, Albert Ho, resigned and apologised after the party lost two seats in the assembly. He said Hong Kong people had become “increasingly impatient” with the proBeijing government.

“I think a lot of voters have decided to choose some people who... play a much more aggressive role in the Legislative Council,” he said. Radical lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as “Long Hair” for his flowing black pony tail, said the Democratic Party was being punished because “they don’t dare to stand up and fight for the people”.

Chinese University Associate Professor Ma Ngok said that given such internal turmoil, the democratic camp was “lucky” to win as many seats as it did. “I don’t think they can celebrate,” he said. Even so, the one-third minority is “critical” because it gives the democrats veto power over constitutional amendments required for the introduction of universal suffrage. Pro-democracy activists believe Beijing is not sincere about giving Hong Kong a genuine system of one-man-one-vote, and will seek to screen the candidates to fix the rules in some way to ensure its interests are protected. — AFP

H

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.

Dutch to be awkward EU partners

By Alan Wheatley he Dutch general election tomorrow is likely to send a message of commitment to Europe diluted by grudging support for more integration and downright distaste for blank cheques to save the euro. As such, the Netherlands finds itself in the new mainstream of north European creditor countries, led by Germany, where economic anxiety and resentment at the perceived fecklessness of Greece and other southern debtors is sapping support for the single currency. As a trading nation that sends three-quarters of its exports to the European Union, the Netherlands, one of the EU’s founding members, has good reason to be broadly pro-European, and there is no groundswell of agitation to quit the 17-member single currency bloc.

But the days of automatic, unquestioning Dutch backing for “more Europe” are long gone. As far back as 2005 the Netherlands, along with France, voted down a constitutional treaty for the EU in a referendum that was as much an eye-opener for the Dutch as it was for the rest of Europe. “There is an emotional aversion on the part of some people in the Netherlands against the European integration process - its speed, its breadth, its all-encompassing nature,” said Alexander Rinnooy Kan, who ended his term last week as chairman of the Social and Economic Council, an important government advisory body.

Rinnooy Kan said the sense of unease about Europe’s direction had been compounded by irritation with the country’s generally pro-European elite for their failure to get to grips with an economic crisis that shows no sign of ending. Indeed Dutch voters are more concerned about the economy, healthcare and social security than about Europe as an issue, according to an opinion poll last week.

The Dutch business world is still a strong supporter of Europe. Abandoning the euro would be like trying to unscramble an omelette, said Jan Klaver, senior economist at the VNO employers’ organisation.

But having to bail out the euro zone periphery with loans and guarantees at a time of spending cuts at home

T

grates on an already tetchy public. “An objective analysis tells us that Europe has worked extremely well for the Netherlands, and the cost of preserving the euro has a very strong business case behind it. But a lot of people have lost confidence in the long-term ideal,” Rinnooy Kan said. Nevertheless, the latest opinion polls have two broadly pro-European parties in a dead heat going into the election: the Liberal Party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Labour Party of Diederik Samsom.

On the face of it, their lead is hard to square with jaundiced attitudes on the street towards Europe. Adriaan Schout, deputy director of the Clingendael Institute, an international relations thinktank in The Hague, speaks of a Dutch-EU paradox. “There’s this impression that we’re proEuropean, but it depends on what you mean,” Schout said.

“It’s so easy to see things in black and white, but it’s more balanced than that.”

Willemien, 77, a retired translator who lives in Amsterdam, typifies that ambivalence. Tomorrow she will cast her ballot for the Liberals, as she always has, but her support for the European project is hedged with qualifications. She said it was too late for the Netherlands to leave the euro now, but that maybe it would make sense for the country to be in a smaller bloc of hardcore euro zone economies. “I’m afraid Greece may be a bottomless pit. We cannot all let ourselves be dragged down to the bottom,” she said. And even among the hardcore, the Dutch should stand up for the national interest. “It doesn’t need to be that the Netherlands automatically follows what Germany and France think.”

Analysts expect the Liberals and Labour will be able to form the core of a coalition that can deliver the fiscal discipline needed to meet EU targets, thus removing one of the uncertainties preoccupying investors. Labour has gained ground at the expense of the harder-left Socialist Party, which, though more anti-austerity than explicitly anti-European, favours taking more time to reduce the budget deficit. “Over the past 20 years, Europe has been for the biggest businesses and the financial markets, and not for the common people,” Emile Roemer, the Socialist

Party leader, said during a campaign appearance.

Until he fell flat in a series of televised debates, Roemer had been tapping into a fear of the future that is gripping voters across Europe as economic stagnation fosters a belief that an era of strong and steady growth could be over for good. “People feel instinctively that we’re running into deep and dangerous waters,” Wim Kok, a former Labour prime minister, told Reuters.

So how will fervour for the single market, tinged by growing insecurity, translate into policy towards Europe after the election? Many Dutch favour stronger supervision of banks and stricter fiscal discipline to prevent a repeat of the euro zone debt and banking crisis. The Netherlands was a driving force behind the idea of a powerful budget tsar in Brussels to crack the whip over slackers. But they do not want European bureaucrats poking their noses into every nook and cranny of Dutch life.

“Brussels should not decide what goes into making Dutch polder cheese,” said Jaap Paauwe, a professor of human resource studies at Tilburg University.

The Dutch have been critical of the EU on many issues down the years and are wary of too much power building up in any one set of hands, as the 2005 referendum demonstrated. Clingendael’s Schout said the Netherlands, like any other country, was keenly aware of its self interest.

“We want to have deeper integration, but only if the rules are respected.” Because the Dutch are above all pragmatic, Schout said he was not worried about the capacity of politicians to hammer out a coalition platform on Europe after the election. “We are still a consensual society. There is a great interest in cooperation - it’s more or less in our genes.”

Kok, the former prime minister, agreed that the Netherlands would not, in principle, stand in the way of giving Brussels more oversight over member states’ economic and fiscal policy in order to strengthen the foundations of the single currency. “There’s a growing awareness of the fact that being a passenger on the euro ship means that you must give certain responsibilities to the captain and other officers of the ship,” he said.— Reuters

Putin’s Pacific ambitions face challenge

By Sebastien Berger t the far end of Russia’s vast land mass, the S-56 submarine dominates Vladivostok’s waterfront, red Soviet stars on its torpedo tubes symbols of Moscow’s time as a world superpower.

Now President Vladimir Putin is looking to expand its reach again, declaring the Pacific part of its sphere of influence and proclaiming his countr y a bridge between Europe and Asia - while also defending its territory more emphatically.

Russia is an “intrinsic part of the Asia Pacific region”, he said at this weekend’s APEC summit, held - unlike most of the year’s APEC meetings - in Vladivostok.

Analysts say the choice was an unmistakable gesture.

But such ambitions, they add, may not last and will have to contend with China’s rising economic and political might, plus Washington’s own declared strategic Pacific tilt. Vladivostok’s very existence is a testament to Russian expansionism - it was founded af ter China ceded the region to the Tsarist Empire in the 1860 Treaty of Beijing and its name means “Lord of the East”.

Holding the summit there was “symbolic”, said Dmitry Trenin of the Carnegie Moscow Centre, with one of Putin’s reasons being “to force Russia to consider itself as an Asia-Pacific power”. The Soviet Union had “huge military capability” and “political influence in a whole series of Asian countries” but Russia’s militar y strength had weakened with the end of the Cold War, he said, while China and India were rising. “The balance of political and economic power has shifted and Russia has become a peripheral country.

Many countries in Asia do not think of Russia as an Asian country.”

Despite a spectacular natural setting

A

amid rolling hills, bays and islands, and the occasional colonnaded building or yacht-packed marina, Vladivostok - once a closed city - retains obvious military aspects. At one end of the Russky Bridge to the APEC summit’s island venue a gun emplacement looks out to sea, while at the other more than a dozen naval vessels and at least three submarines line a quayside. Some of the Pacific Fleet ’s biggest surface ships are tied up in town.

But Russia’s military adventures in the region have a mixed record - in 1905 the Baltic Fleet was crushed at Tsushima after sailing tens of thousands of kilometres around the world, heralding the end of the Russo-Japanese War. Nowadays Russia vehemently affirms

its sovereignty over the Kuril islands, seized by Soviet forces in the last days of the Second World War and known as the Nor thern Territories in Japan. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited them earlier this year, provoking fury in Tokyo.

Neighbouring China is also becoming increasingly assertive over territory, arguing bitterly with Japan over disputed islands and insisting on a claim to almost all the South China Sea, raising concerns in Washington.

At the same time Beijing is extending its reach into the Pacific, building up its navy with its first aircraft carrier - a refitted Soviet-era vessel purchased from Ukraine - beginning sea trials last year.

The Obama administration has also made

Russians relax on a waterfront walkway in Vladivostok, Russia yesterday. — AP

a strategic tilt towards the Pacific, including a deal with Canberra to station Marines in northern Australia. “There are those in Russia who see China as a prospective threat” despite the two countries’ close relationship, said Olga Oliker, senior international policy analyst at the Rand Corporation. “If Russia does find a way to greater prominence in Asia, it is possible that Russia will find its own interests and pursue them, not always in ways that align with China’s needs.” The US and Russia could also “find they have common goals in some areas”, she added.

Historically Moscow has often marginalised its distant Far East and its engagement may again not last, said Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow at Singapore’s S R ajaratnam S chool of I nternational Studies. “Russia has an interesting history of oscillating between ‘European-leaning’ and ‘Asian-leaning’, as it straddles both continents. Usually when it is frustrated geopolitically in one area, it tends then to emphasise the other. We may be seeing this now.”

The Russian navy’s Pacific Fleet is a shadow of what it once was, the analysts added, with Oliker describing it as “much diminished”. “In general, if China is concerned, it is probably more because it is ‘moving’ into Russian traditional waters, ie the Arctic,” said Bitzinger. “But I don’t think the Russian Pacific Fleet factors that highly in US, or Japanese, for that matter, strategic thinking.” Such sentiments are not echoed on the streets of Vladivostok. At the submarine -credited with 10 kills during the Second World War - Oleg, a policeman from Khabarovsk who did not want to give his surname, said he was visiting because of “our history”. “Historically Russia was always a powerful country,” he said. “Also now it is a strong country.” —AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

sp orts Contador to withdraw from ‘pointless’ trip

Pakistan to give own award to Ajmal after ICC omission

PARIS: Chinese fans hoping to see five-time Grand Tour champion Alberto Contador race in the Tour of Beijing are in for a major disappointment as the Spaniard is unlikely to travel halfway around the world for a “pointless” event. An International Cycling Union (UCI) rule states that the World Tour (elite) points from a rider returning from a doping ban do not count for two years.

Contador won the Vuelta (Tour of Spain) on Sunday in his second race back after he completed a suspension following a positive test for the banned anabolic agent clenbuterol on the 2010 Tour de France. He was scheduled to take part in the Oct 9-13 Tour of Beijing but his Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank team manager Bjarne Riis said the star rider would not start the race as it did not carry any World Tour points for the team.

“It makes no sense for Alberto Contador to promote their race if we are not getting anything back from it,” Riis was quoted as telling Danish website Sporten.dk.

“He will be a huge name over there yet he cannot even score points.

It makes no sense. Why should he go there? I cannot see why,” the Dane added. Last year, Contador contributed more than two thirds of his team’s points tally to help them stay on the World Tour. Next on Contador’s agenda is the world championships in the Netherlands later this month, where the Spaniard will mark his return to the event for the first time since 2008 with a tilt at both the road race and individual time trial titles. —Reuters

DUBAI: Saeed Ajmal will receive a special award from the Pakistan Cricket Board after the spin bowler was left off the shortlist for the International Cricket Council’s Player of the Year, chairman Zaka Ashraf said yesterday.

The omission of the top-ranked one-day international bowler from the shortlist has caused anger in Pakistan and the team could boycott the ICC awards ceremony, due to take place in Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo on Sept. 15.

“Saeed Ajmal, we still say you’re the number one bowler in the world and the PCB recognises you, and whether someone gives you the prize, that is immaterial, we don’t care,” Ashraf told a function for the Pakistan squad, in Dubai to face Australia.

“We congratulate you and when you come back home (after the World Twenty20) we will give you a prize for being the number one bowler in the world.” Ajmal is top of the ICC’s own list of bowlers in one-day international cricket and is ranked third in tests but was not nominated for any individual prize in the annual ICC awards. South Africa’s Hashim Amla and Vernon Philander were named on the cricketer of year shortlist with Australia captain Michael Clarke and Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara. —Reuters

Sri Lankan fitness battle COLOMBO: Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara and fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara are winning their battle to be fit for this month’s Twenty20 World Cup on home soil. The 34-year-old Sangakkara is recovering from a broken finger while Kulasekara, 30, has been troubled by a groin strain.

“Kumar is fine,” captain Mahela Jayawardene told reporters on Monday. “He has been asking our coaches for extra net sessions and is coming along very nicely. “Nuwan has been bowling at 80 to 90 percent during the last couple of weeks and next week we will let him push himself even further.”

Sri Lanka open the tournament with a match against Group C rivals Zimbabwe at Hambantota on Sept 18 and then play South Africa at the same venue four days later.

“We have played at Hambantota before and the wind there presents some challenges,” Jayawardene said.

“But it is the same for the other teams as well. With the experience we have we should see how we can use it to our advantage.” The top two in the three-team group will advance to the Super Eight stage. —Reuters

Giants roll past Dodgers

BALTIMORE: New York Yankees’ Curtis Granderson hits a home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the sixth inning of a baseball game. —AP

Yankees thrash Orioles BALTIMORE: Slumping Curtis Granderson came off the bench to hit his 35th homer and drive in five runs, and the New York Yankees beat the Baltimore Orioles 13-3 Sunday to regain sole possession of first place in the AL East and earn an important split of the season series.

Derek Jeter also homered for the Yankees, who lead the Orioles by one game with 22 left. Each team won twice in a four-game set that drew 173,572 fans, including 40,346 in the finale.

New York finished 9-9 against Baltimore this season. Now, if the teams are tied at the end of the regular season, record within the division will serve as the tiebreaker.

Pitching in relief of ineffective starter Freddy Garcia, Joba Chamberlain (1-0) entered in the fourth and worked 1 2-3 hitless innings to earn his first win since May 2, 2011.

Wilson Betemit had two RBIs for the Orioles, who were seeking to win the season series from New York for the first time since 1997.

Orioles starter Zach Britton (5-2) allowed five runs, five hits and five walks in 3 1-3 innings. The left-hander was 4-0 with a 0.94 ERA in his previous four starts.

Rays 6, Rangers 0 In St. Petersburg, BJ Upton hit three home runs and James Shields threw a two-hitter to lead Tampa Bay past Texas.

Upton hit solo homers in the first, fourth and sixth innings. He struck out in the second, and received a standing ovation before hitting a broken-bat grounder to third in the eighth.

Shields (14-8) permitted just three baserunners. Elvis Andrus reached on a first-inning error, Nelson Cruz had an infield single in the second and David Murphy singled in the eighth.

Roy Oswalt (4-3) allowed four runs and six hits in two innings for Texas, filling in for 15-game winner Matt Harrison, who had his start pushed back to Tuesday to allow for extra rest.

Royals 2, White Sox 1 In Chicago, Mike Moustakas stroked a goahead single in the 10th inning to lift Kansas City over Chicago. The Royals plated both their runs with two outs in the 10th off Brett Myers (2-3), the seventh of eight White Sox pitchers in the game.

The rally started after Alcides Escobar was thrown out, leaving the bases empty and two outs. Myers walked Billy Butler, who was replaced by pinch runner Jarrod Dyson. Salvador Perez, Moustakas and Jeff Francoeur then hit consecutive singles, the last two driving in runs. Kelvin Herrera (3-2) got the win after preserving a scoreless tie in the ninth.

Angels 3, Tigers 2 In Anaheim, Zack Greinke pitched seven strong innings of five-hit ball and Mike Trout hit a

leadoff homer for the second straight as Los Angeles beat slumping Detroit.

Greinke (5-2) struck out seven in his fourth straight victory, and Alberto Callaspo hit a two-run homer for the Angels, who have won six straight, 11 of 12 and 15 of 18 as they attempt to claw back into the AL wild-card race. Ernesto Frieri needed four outs and 38 pitches to earn his 18th save.

Anibal Sanchez (2-5) pitched seven solid innings for Detroit, yielding seven hits without walking a batter, but his teammates couldn’t overcome the Angels’ early homers.

Athletics 4, Mariners 2 In Seattle, Jonny Gomes hit a three-run home run, Tommy Milone worked six strong innings and Oakland finished off a three-game sweep of Seattle.

Milone (12-10) allowed eight hits and two runs, matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and had no walks. He has walked one or no batters in each of his past 14 starts.

Grant Balfour worked the ninth to pick up his 16th save in 18 opportunities. The victory moved the A’s within 3 1/2 games of Texas in the AL West.

Jason Vargas (14-10) allowed just four hits and three runs in seven innings for Seattle. He walked three and struck out six.

Blue Jays 4, Red Sox 3 In Boston, Omar Vizquel hit a pair of sacrifice flies, including one in the ninth inning that lifted Toronto over free-falling Boston.

Toronto entered the series in last place in the AL East but left Fenway Park two games ahead of the Red Sox. The Blue Jays have won four straight overall and six in a row against Boston.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia homered for the Red Sox, who have lost 10 of 11. Reliever Brandon Lyon (2-2) got the win and Casey Janssen picked up his 20th save.

Clay Buchholz (11-6) allowed four runs on seven hits over 8 2-3 innings, retiring 13 straight batters before Rajai Davis blooped a single with one out in the ninth.

Twins 8, Indians 7 In Minneapolis, Justin Morneau hit his second homer of the game in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift Minnesota over Cleveland.

With one out in the ninth, Morneau hit the first pitch from Indians reliever Vinnie Pestano (3-2) just inside the right field foul pole for his 19th homer of the season. Morneau, who has four two-homer games this season, also hit a two-run shot to right in the bottom of the third. Brian Duensing (4-2) pitched 1 1-3 innings of scoreless relief to pick up the victory for the Twins. Minnesota’s Joe Mauer singled, doubled and tripled, and scored twice.

Carlos Santana had three hits, including a home run, and scored twice for Cleveland. —AP

MLB results/standings Philadelphia 3, Colorado 2; Atlanta 3, NY Mets 2 (10 innings); Houston 5, Cincinnati 1; NY Yankees 13, Baltimore 3; Toronto 4, Boston 3; Miami 8, Washington 0; Chicago Cubs 4, Pittsburgh 2; Tampa Bay 6, Texas 0; Kansas City 2, Chicago White Sox 1 (10 innings); Minnesota 8, Cleveland 7; St. Louis 5, Milwaukee 4 (10 innings); LA Angels 3, Detroit 2; San Diego 8, Arizona 2; Oakland 4, Seattle 2; Philadelphia 7, Colorado 4; San Francisco 4, LA Dodgers 0.

American League Eastern Division W L NY Yankees 79 61 Baltimore 78 62 Tampa Bay 77 63 Toronto 64 75 Boston 63 78 Central Division Chicago White Sox 75 64 Detroit 73 66 Kansas City 63 77 Cleveland 59 81 Minnesota 58 82

Texas Oakland LA Angels Seattle

Western Division 83 57 79 60 77 63 67 74

PCT GB .564 .557 1 .550 2 .460 14.5 .447 16.5

.540 .525 2 .450 12.5 .421 16.5 .414 17.5

.593 .568 3.5 .550 6 .475 16.5

National League Eastern Division Washington 86 54 Atlanta 81 60 Philadelphia 69 71 NY Mets 65 75 Miami 63 78

.614 .574 5.5 .493 17 .464 21 .447 23.5

Central Division 84 57 75 65 72 67 69 71 54 86 44 96

.596 .536 8.5 .518 11 .493 14.5 .386 29.5 .314 39.5

Western Division San Francisco 79 61 LA Dodgers 74 67 Arizona 69 72 San Diego 66 75 Colorado 56 83

.564 .525 5.5 .489 10.5 .468 13.5 .403 22.5

Cincinnati St. Louis Pittsburgh Milwaukee Chicago Cubs Houston

SAN FRANCISCO: Barry Zito came through in one of the most important outings in his San Francisco tenure, pitching the NL West-leading Giants past the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 on Sunday night to extend their division lead to 51/2 games.

Hunter Pence hit a two-run double in the first inning that held up and Buster Posey homered in San Francisco’s fifth win in the last six meetings of the rivalry. Marco Scutaro added a sacrifice fly to back an impressive performance by Zito (11-8), who allowed four hits in 6 1-3 scoreless innings to win his third straight decision. He combined with five relievers on the five-hit shutout Joe Blanton (1-4) took the loss for Los Angeles (74-67), which dropped 11/2 games back of St. Louis for the second NL wild card. Angel Pagan matched his career high with an 11th triple, leaving him one shy of the San Francisco record. Hall of Famer Willie Mays hit 12 in 1960 and Steve Finley did so in 2006.

Peter Moylan pitched the bottom half of the inning for his first save of the season. Craig Kimbrel (1-1) pitched a scoreless ninth for the NL wild-card leaders. McCann led off the sixth with his 20th home run for a 2-1 lead.

Cardinals 5, Brewers 4 In St. Louis, Allen Craig hit an RBI single in the 10th inning and St. Louis beat Milwaukee to avoid a three-game sweep and hold its slim lead for the second NL wild-card spot The Brewers tied it in the ninth on Norichika Aoki’s two-out, two-run homer off closer Jason Motte. The two-strike drive barely cleared the right-field wall. Matt Carpenter singled with one out in the St. Louis 10th off Kameron Loe (6-5) and moved up on a wild pitch. Craig singled and Carpenter made a

bases-loaded single against Matt Belisle (3-6) for the win. Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez sprinted toward Mayberry’s low liner and appeared to make a diving catch, but the ball popped out when his glove hit the ground. There was brief confusion before the umpire ruled it was a hit. Papelbon (5-6) picked up the win with a scoreless ninth.

Cubs 4, Pirates 2 In Pittsburgh, Alfonso Soriano hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to help Chicago complete a three-game sweep of Pittsburgh.

Soriano followed Anthony Rizzo’s leadoff single in the eighth with his second homer in as many days and 28th of the season, sending the first pitch from Jason Grilli (1-6) into the Cubs

Marlins 8, Nationals 0 In Washington, Ricky Nolasco tossed a fourhitter to shut out Washington for the second time in two weeks and Giancarlo Stanton homered for the third straight day to lead Miami. Nolasco also doubled in two runs and Greg Dobbs added three singles for Miami. The Marlins won two of three games in the weekend series against the NL East-leading Nationals (86-54), whose division lead slipped to 51/2 games over Atlanta.

Nolasco (12-12), who won his third straight and notched his fourth career shutout, struck out six and walked one, stifling a team that had scored 43 runs in its five previous games.

Washington’s Edwin Jackson (9-10) gave up six earned runs on nine hits in 4 2-3 innings.

Astros 5, Reds 1 In Cincinnati, Matt Dominguez hit a three-run homer and Tyler Greene added a solo shot to help Houston slow Cincinnati’s run to the NL Central title.

Edgar Gonzalez allowed two hits and one run in five innings against the Reds, who came in with a magic number of 14 for eliminating secondplace St. Louis. Gonzalez (2-0) walked one and struck out six as the Astros won a road series for the first time since early June. Houston relievers Wesley Wright, Mickey Storey and Wilton Lopez combined for eight strikeouts over four shutout innings. Johnny Cueto (17-8) allowed four runs on nine hits with six strikeouts in four innings.

Braves 3, Mets 2 In new York, Brian McCann homered and drove in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning to lift Atlanta over New York for its fifth straight win.

Martin Prado led off the 10th with a single against Bobby Parnell (4-4). After Jason Heyward grounded out, Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked. Dan Uggla worked a walk base on balls before McCann hit a sacrifice fly.

SAN FRANCISCO: Giants’ Barry Zito works against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a baseball game. —AP nifty slide to score. Lance Lynn (14-7) picked up the win with one inning of scoreless relief. Matt Holliday hit his 26th homer and Carlos Beltran his 29th for the Cardinals.

Phillies 3, Rockies 2 In Philadelphia, Ryan Howard drove in two runs and seven pitchers combined to help Philadelphia beat Colorado in Game 2 to complete a doubleheader sweep. John Mayberry Jr. hit an RBI single in the ninth inning of the first game to lift the Phillies to a 3-2 win. The Phillies trailed 4-1 in the second game before scoring two runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings for their fourth straight win. They have forced their way into the NL wild-card race and play their next seven games against cellar dwellers Miami and Houston.

BJ Rosenberg (1-2) struck out two in a scoreless sixth for the win. Josh Roenicke (4-2) took the loss. Jonathan Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth for his 32nd save. In the opener, Mayberry hit a

bullpen in left-center. Josh Vitters and Anthony Recker each hit solo home runs for the Cubs in the fourth. Chris Rusin allowed one run in five innings and left with a chance for his first win, but the Pirates tied it in the seventh when Brock Holt scored on a balk by James Russell (7-1).

Padres 8, D’backs 2 In San Diego, Chase Headley hit a grand slam to extend his career bests to 27 homers and an NL-high 102 RBIs, and Carlos Quentin followed with a homer for San Diego’s first back-to-back shots this season in a win over Arizona. Arizona, the defending NL West champions, dropped 61/2 games behind St. Louis for the second NL wild-card spot, with three teams in between them. Rookie Andrew Werner (2-1), making his fourth career start, allowed one run and four hits in 6 1-3 innings, struck out six and walked three. Arizona rookie Patrick Corbin (57) allowed three runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. —AP

Liberty get past Sparks NEWARK: Cappie Pondexter had 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Plenette Pierson scored 17 points as the New York Liberty rallied to beat the Los Angeles Sparks 73-71 Sunday. Essence Carson scored 14 points, including 11 during a 21-3 run in the third quarter that gave the Liberty (12-17) the lead after trailing by 14 points. Kristi Toliver scored 17 points, Candace Parker had 14 points and 15 rebounds, and rookie Nneka Ogwumike added 13 points for the Sparks (20-10). Carson’s 3pointer tied the score at 70-all with 48 seconds remaining, and Pondexter made two free throws about 26 seconds later to put the Liberty ahead.

Ebony Hoffman made a free throw with 15 seconds left and Toliver missed a go-ahead 3 about 10 seconds later. Pondexter sealed the win with a free throw with 2.2 seconds remaining.

Fever made seven 3-pointers to give them a franchise-record 230 with six games remaining. The WNBA record is 283. DeWanna Bonner scored 23 points to lead Phoenix (7-21). Charde Houston had 14 points and Lynetta Kizer added 11.

Lynx 81, Silver Stars 62 At San Antonio, Maya Moore had 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead Minnesota past Phoenix. Rebekkah Brunson added 15 points and 12 rebounds for the defending champion and league-leading Lynx (24-4). Lindsay Whalen and Monica Wright each added 11 points and Devereaux Peters had 10. Sophia Young scored 20 points for San Antonio (17-11), which lost its third straight at home and fifth in a row overall.

No other Silver Stars player scored more than eight points.

Dream 93, Mystics 68 At Atlanta, Lindsey Harding had 15 points and nine assists, and Erika DeSouza had 12 points and 10 rebounds as Atlanta cruised past Washington.

Armintie Price had 11 of her 15 points in the first half as the Dream (16-14) jumped to a 24-point first-half lead and finished shooting 59 percent.

Cathrine Kraayeveld had 11 points and Tiffany Hayes added 10. Crystal Langhorne and Noelle Quinn scored 12 points each for the league-worst Mystics (5-24), who lost their eighth straight.

Monique Currie and Jasmine Thomas added 10 points each, and Ashley Robinson grabbed 13 rebounds. Angel McCoughtry, who scored 30 points in a double-overtime loss at Minnesota on Friday, came in averaging a league-leading 21.1 points per game and finished with eight points against Washington. —AP

Sun 82, Sky 77 At Uncasville, Connecticut, Tina Charles scored 24 points to rally first-place Connecticut past Chicago. Renee Montgomery had 12 points, Tan White added 11 and Kelsey Griffin 10 for the Sun (21-8), who trailed by 14 late in the second quarter. Charles shot 11 for 15 from the field to help Connecticut win for the sixth time in its last nine games. Swin Cash had 21 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Sky (11-17), Courtney Vandersloot scored 15 points and Epiphanny Prince added 14. Chicago played without Olympic center Sylvia Fowles (calf strain).

Fever 89, Mercury 83 At Indianapolis, Katie Douglas scored a seasonhigh 30 points to help the Indiana beat Phoenix.

Douglas shot 12 for 18 from the field and became just the 10th player in WNBA history to reach 5,000 career points. Tamika Catchings added 19 points and four steals for the Fever (19-9), who improved to 9-2 since the Olympic break. The

UNCASVILLE: New York Liberty’s Plenette Pierson (right) fight for a loose ball in this file photo. —AP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

sp orts

McIlroy cruises to victory Clermont stretch home record with 13-12 victory over Racing PARIS: Clermont stretched their unbeaten home record to 45 matches with a hard-fought 13-12 victory over Racing-Metro in the Top 14 on Sunday.

The victory saw Clermont move into fourth place in the league on 14 points, one adrift of Toulouse, with only Toulon and Biarritz unbeaten after the first four matches of the season, on 18 and 17 points respectively.

The game at a packed Stade MarcelMichelin got off to an inauspicious start for Racing’s Italian winger Mirco Bergamasco. In just the third minute, Bergamasco was drawn off his line by Jean-Marcellin Buttin in a shocking display of wing defence to allow Fijian try-scoring machine Napolioni Nalaga to use his power to cross for a fivepointer at the corner.

France half-back Morgan Parra converted, while Benjamin Dambielle kicked two penalties for the Parisians to make it 7-6 at half-time.

Hard-hitting Clermont flanker Julien Bardy was then yellow carded early in the second-half for stamping, and Racing made their numerical advantage count with a third Dambielle penalty.

And just after Bardy’s return to the pitch, dual code international centre Fabrice Estebanez landed a monster drop-goal, although that was quickly cancelled out by a Parra penalty after a ruck infringement by the Parisians.

Parra then nailed his third successful kick as Dambielle was stretchered off with what looked like a serious knee injur y after a tackle by Clermont’s Welsh full-back Lee Byrne.

Estebanez saw a second drop-goal drift wide as Clermont turned the screws after a charged-down 22m restart. But Racing held firm despite a good five minutes of intense pressure and, buoyed by France front row internationals Luc Ducalcon and Dimitri Szarzewski, even got a nudge on at scrum time to take the advantage away from the home side.

Parra then narrowly missed a penalty as the game went to the wire, with increasingly desperate defence winning out over flagging attack.

Despite one last prolonged attempt by Racing, Clermont’s defence clung on to maintain the team’s remarkable winning home record which dates back to November 2009.—AFP

CARMEL: World number one Rory McIlroy continued his red-hot form when he cruised to his third win in four starts with a two-shot victory at the BMW Championship on Sunday that locked in the 30-man Tour Championship field.

With a glittering leaderboard featuring six major winners and four players who have held the number one ranking packed into the top 10, McIlroy carded a five-under 67 at Crooked Stick Golf Club to collect his fourth PGA Tour win of the season and second in seven days.

The mop-topped Northern Irishman finished 20 under par and will head to the Sept. 20-23 Tour Championship in Atlanta as the favorite to walk away with the $10 million bonus that will go to the FedEx Cup points leader.

Former world number one Lee Westwood of Britain and four-times major champion Phil Mickelson of the United States tied for second place at 18 under par.

“I just wanted to go out and play as best as I could,” said McIlroy, adding he plans to go to New York next week and train with the NBA New York Knicks. “I knew if I played to my ability that I would win events.

“I didn’t think that everything would happen so quickly, but I’m just on a great run at the minute and trying to keep that going for as long as possible.”

If there was any doubt, the victory over the all-star lineup confirmed McIlroy’s status as golf’s dominant player.

He becomes the first golfer since Tiger Woods in 2009 to win PGA Tour events on back-to-back weeks and joins Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players since 1960 to win six PGA Tour titles before the age of 24.

With four PGA Tour wins, including a second major at the PGA Championship, McIlroy also moves into pole position to claim player of the year honours.

“Rory was putting on a show out there,” praised Woods, who was partnered with McIlroy through the opening two rounds. “He’s doing the things he needs to do and as he said, he’s feeling very confident about his game.

“Right now, he’s just really playing well and makes a ton of putts. That’s a great combo.”

McIlroy began the day a shot back of overnight leaders Mickelson and Vijay Singh, but was on the move quickly with birdies at the second and fifth before topping the leaderboard to stay with back-to-back birdies at nine and 10.

CARMEL: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with his trophy after wining the BMW Championship at Crooked Stick Golf Club.—AFP The 23-year-old then pulled away from the field with two more birdies at 15 and 16 to open up a three-shot cushion with two to play.

Mickelson, who has discovered a rich vein of form in recent weeks himself, tried to keep pace by trimming McIlroy’s advantage to two with birdies on 15 and 16.

But a bogey on 17 removed any suspense, allowing McIlroy a leisurely stroll up the 18th where he signed off with his only bogey of the day, a small fist pump and a winning total of 268.

Mickelson returned a two-under 70 to finish joint second with Westwood who clinched his first ticket to the Tour championship with a three-under 69.

“I was a little bit off today, my timing was just a fraction off,” said Mickelson. “But I’m really

pleased with the way my game has come around the last two weeks.

“I had a fourth last week, tied for second this week. “It puts me in a position where if I can improve just a little bit more for the Tour Championship and win, I’ll be able to win the FedExCup.” Woods, who failed to qualify for the Tour Championship last year, is headed back to Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club with an eye on the collecting the $10 million prize for a third time after returning a three-under 68 to finish in a tie for fourth with American compatriot Robert Garrigus (69) at 17-under. “It’s getting better,” said Woods. “I just need to (not) have that one little stretch of holes. “That little stretch sometimes takes you out of a tournament, especially in a shootout like this.”—Reuters

It felt like my head had exploded: Greenberg

MONZA: McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain gestures in this file photo.—AP

Hamilton contract talks to speed up after Monza win MONZA: McLaren have no “Plan B” in place should Lewis Hamilton decide to leave the team at the end of the season and will speed up contract negotiations in the next few days to tr y to make sure he stays. Speak ing to reporters after Hamilton won Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix, team principal Martin Whitmarsh dismissed as “fantasy” speculation that the 2008 champion was close to agreeing a deal with Mercedes.

“I haven’t given Plan B any thought,” he said when asked about an alternative strategy should Hamilton decide to go. “We want Lewis to stay and we want him to stay if he wants to stay.”

Briton Hamilton, who media reports say wants more money as well as control of his brand, showed on Sunday why he is one of the hottest properties in Formula One while McLaren made a compelling case for him remaining with them.

The victory at Ferrari’s home circuit was McLaren’s third in a row from pole position, something no other team has managed this season, and came after a record 62nd front row sweep in qualifying.

They are now 29 points adrift of champions Red Bull in the constructors’ standings with seven races remaining and Hamilton second in the drivers’ title race with 37 points between him and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.

Mercedes, McLaren’s engine suppliers and former co-owners, have won once - in China this season - since they took over the title-winning Brawn GP team at the end of 2009.

“I’m not really focusing on next year, I want to focus on this year. This is one race at a time and I’m trying to take this team to the top,” Hamilton, who has been backed by McLaren since he was a teenage go-karter, said on Sunday.

“I’m trying to help them as they are

trying to help me to win both championships. It is an incredible team and I have a great relationship with them so I’m really looking forward to the future,” added the 27-year-old.

Hamilton arrived in Monza after Eddie Jordan, the former team owner now employed as a pundit by BBC television, said a deal was imminent with Mercedes for Hamilton to replace Michael Schumacher.

The report set the tone for the weekend, with Hamilton and McLaren doing their best not to be distracted by the constant rumblings of the paddock rumour mill.

Hamilton is represented by XIX Entertainment, who also look after the affairs of former England soccer captain David Beckham and tennis player Andy Murray, and Whitmarsh expected a new impetus to talks now the last European race of the season was out of the way.

“I can imagine we’ll have some conversations before Singapore,” he said, referring to next week’s 14th round of the 20 race championship.

“Predicting the timing of when two get to dance is always dangerous,” he cautioned, however. “My feeling is that this is a great team for Lewis to stay in.

“We are a winning team, Lewis is a winning driver and there is a lot of sense in us working together.” While next year’s car is under development, having a driver who could possibly leave at the end of the year and take details with him was of no concern.

“Most of the focus with Lewis and the technical programmes is about what we are doing now,” said Whitmarsh. “Developing next year’s car is the work of technologists, engineers and designers.

“The drivers, apart from when they sit in it, are not that intimately involved in the process.” —Reuters

CHICAGO: Over the 150 or so years baseball has been played in America, nearly 18,000 players have appeared in at least one major league game. Only one ever had his career end with the first pitch.

If that sounds unjust, keep reading. A campaign called “One At Bat” offers you the chance to do something about it.

Adam Greenberg was 24 and had been called up by the Chicago Cubs the day before he stepped up to the plate in the ninth inning against the Marlins on July 9, 2005. His mother, one of five family members who rushed down to Florida from Connecticut for the game, lowered her own camera to watch the big moment for herself.

In the blink of an eye, Greenberg was transformed from a scrappy prospect into what a longtime Cubs observer would call another “brief but memorable symbol of the team’s cursed history.” He was hit in the head by a 92-mph fastball from reliever Valerio De Los Santos. He never set foot inside a big-league batter’s box again.

“At first,” Greenberg recalled during a telephone interview earlier this week, “it felt like my head had exploded. Once my eyes quit rolling around and I was able to see, I saw the guys standing around me weren’t freaking out. I calmed down pretty quick after that. “The next thing I remember vividly is walking off the field. I forget who was holding me up, but I remember thinking, ‘At least they didn’t have to carry me off,’ “ he added ruefully. “Little did I know.”

Everyone knows a lot more about concussions now than they did then.

Greenberg learned the hard way. When he woke up the next morning, he couldn’t focus and the sunlight streaming in made him nauseous. He was sent back to the minors and struggled with the symptoms and a handful of other injuries - for years.

Twice he nearly made it back to the bigs, once with the Kansas City Royals, then a second time with the Cincinnati Reds.

Now 31 and a year removed from his last minor-league stint - with the Bridgeport (Conn.) Bluefish of the Atlantic League Greenberg is readying himself for yet one more try. Invited by former major leaguer and current Israel team manager Brad Ausmus, he’ll fly to Florida again Sunday seeking a spot on a squad trying to qualify for the World Baseball Classic next spring.

“I’ve used the last two months like spring training. I’m in as good shape as I’ve ever been,” he said. Greenberg is not exaggerating. He used the year away from baseball to get a health-supplement company up and running, but never quit working out. “I got married and after three years in a row (in the Atlantic League) making 2,200 bucks a month with no health insurance. I had to do something different,” Greenberg said. “But I have to believe if I continue improving, my career will continue somewhere.

“And I’ll be honest, I want that at-bat. I hope the publicity from ‘One At Bat’ will get a general manager, or a farm director somewhere to give me an opportunity to compete for a job.”

Filmmaker and die-hard Cubs fan Matt Liston was watching when Greenberg got beaned. He never forgot it, either. Liston had already made a film about the Cubs’ 2003 season called “Chasing October,” co-produced “Catching Hell” - the movie about

cursed Cub fan Steve Bartman — and he’s contemplating another about Greenberg’st fateful night five years ago. But his first order of business was to get him back into the box in a real game.

That’s how the “One At Bat” campaign came about. A petition on Change.org asking one of MLB’s clubs to give him the chance before the end of this season has already collected nearly 20,000 signatures.

The most logical team would be the hapless Cubs, of course, and they finish the season Oct. 1-3 at home against the Houston Astros. An MLB spokesman Mike Teevan said any team could add Greenberg to the 40man roster and be required to pay him a pro-rated share of the major-league minimum - roughly $3,000 or so per game. But the Cubs already passed.

“Adam made the big leagues based on merit in 2005,” Chicago GM Jed Hoyer said in a statement. “While it is unfortunate he got hit in his first at bat, he is in the Baseball Encyclopedia as a major leaguer and he should be incredibly proud of that. We wish him the best, but there are no plans to add him to the roster now or in the future.” Never mind that the Cubs are as bad as ever, that they need a “feel-good” moment right about now, or even that the only thing likely to hinge on the outcome of that final series with the Astros is which team finishes with the worst record in baseball. As publicity stunts go, this one is no more shameless than Minnie Minoso returning for a few atbats in five different decades.

And while Hoyer’s remark that Greenberg made it into “the Baseball Encyclopedia as a major leaguer” is true, even that is cold comfort.

A researcher at the Hall of Fame found 982 players whose careers were confined to just one game - the most famous being Archibald “Moonlight” Graham, a real-life ballplayer portrayed by actor Burt Lancaster in “Field of Dreams.” That total also included five who, like Greenberg, were hit by a pitch in their first at-bat, credited only with a plate appearance, and never made it back to the majors. But three of them at least took a turn in the field. And the fifth, Fred van Dusen, appeared in a game with Philadelphia in 1955 and was knocked out of baseball for good on the fourth pitch he saw. He told an interviewer in 2007 that on nights when he can’t sleep, he still thinks about the 0-1 fastball he didn’t hit. Greenberg didn’t get even that much.

“Anybody who’s ever had a dream or worked all his life to achieve something gets it,” Liston said. “Every ballplayer I’ve talked to, a few of whom were teammates, have said they’d be happy to give up their spot for this. Adam isn’t a celebrity looking for a thrill.

He hasn’t been eating Cheetos and playing in a beer league.

“All we’re asking for is an at-bat for a guy who earned it. I’m sure a lot of people sign the petition after they see the video, because they respond to the shape he’s in.

And the Cubs are a cherished organization.

And even though we got a ‘no,’ we’re still holding out hope that somebody in the Rickets family (owners of the Cubs) will go to bat for him. “And I’ll tell you what,” Liston added, “I’d rather see him at the plate than some of the guys they’ve called up already.”—AP

WILLIAMSBURG: Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, holds the winner’s trophy as she celebrates winning the Kingsmill Championship LPGA Tour golf tournament.—AP

Shin wins Kingsmill title WILLIAMSBURG: Jiyai Shin beat Paula Creamer with a par at the ninth hole of sudden-death yesterday, winning the Kingsmill Championship in the longest playoff involving two players in LPGA history. The two had battled it out through eight playoff holes-all the 18th at Kingsmill’s River Course-when darkness halted play on Sunday.

They took the duel to the par-four 16th yesterday and needed just the one more hole to decide it. Creamer hit her first putt some five feet past and her putt comming back brushed the edge but didn’t drop. Shin’s first putt was three feet short and she made that for par and the win.

“She is a great putter, so I was just looking forward to the next hole,” Shin said. “But when she missed it, I, oh, wow.

“I was left with this one putt, but this one is still too long for me, so I was really nervous with it. But after when I make that, I was really happy.”

South Korea’s Shin, a former world number one who like Creamer was seeking a first LPGA Tour title since 2010, said she’d never experienced anything like the marathon playoff. “It was really tough to win,” Shin said. “Last night it took so long so I was really tired and when I came this morning, still tired.”

She said she just tried to keep her focus as they arrived yesterday morning in chilly, breezy conditions. “I just kept focused about my tempo because sometimes you think too much and make it more complicated.” Shin said she was buoyed by the hundreds of fans who turned out, and delighted to be back in the winner’s circle at last despite having surgery on her hand in June that kept her off the course for two months.

Shin carded a two-under 69 on Sunday and Creamer, who led after 54 holes, carded an even-par 71 as they finished regulation on 16-under 268.

France’s Karine Icher and American Danielle Kang shared third on 270, Icher moving up the leaderboard with a 65 and Kang carding a final-round 69.

Shin claimed her 27th global victory and her ninth LPGA title-but her first since November of 2010. Creamer remains in search of her first victory since she won the 2010 US Women’s Open. “We were so hungry for the win,” Shin said.

“I know her feeling, too. It was great match play yesterday, and then I think lot of fans, they really enjoyed watching us.” Both are now off to Royal Liverpool, where the Women’s British Open begins on Thursday. The previous longest playoff involving two players on the LPGA Tour was Cristie Kerr’s victory at the seventh hole over Seol-An Jeon at the 2004 Takefuji Classic.

Jo Ann Prentice won the 1972 Corpus Christi Open on the 10th hole of a playoff that involved three players.—AFP

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

S P ORT S

Coe: Disabled sport firmly on map LONDON: The huge popularity of Paralympic Games over the past 11 days shows that disabled sport is fast becoming recognised as elite competition, London Games chairman Sebastian Coe said on Sunday. An unprecedented 2.7 million tickets were snapped up for nearly 45 million pounds ($72.12 million), exceeding 2012 organisers’ original target of 35 million.

“The research that is beginning to come through is showing that over 70 percent of people now regard the Paralympic Games and the Paralympians as elite athletes,” the twice Olympic gold medallist told a news conference before the closing ceremony.

“I think we’ve genuinely created a platform for their talents and disability sport. Two thirds of the population followed the Games on television, three quarters followed on any platform, so print, TV radio, online.”

More than four billion people are estimated to have watched the London Games on television compared to 1.9 billion eight years ago in Athens. “Three quarters of viewers are clear that what they’ve seen has exceeded their expectations,” added Coe. Fans who were lucky enough to catch the action live were more than willing participants, even watching blind football matches in complete silence so as not to interfere with the on-pitch communication. The feel-good factor that swept around the Olympic Park and stadium over the course of the Paralympics underlined how much attitudes have

changed.

In Atlanta in 1996, workmen began dismantling the Olympic village while the Paralympians were still competing.

“We’ve had a seismic effect on shifting public attitudes, one in three people think that the Paralympic Games have helped change and shift those attitudes and have shown the world the way to treat people with disabilities,” said Coe. “I don’t think we will ever see sport the same way again, or disability the same way again.” International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven, speaking in the same news conference, hoped disabled sport would continue to grow at lower levels.

“You develop athletes at grass roots level and people start to get it. People start to see the performances which are positive, rather than the natural negativity when someone’s lost a limb or their sight.

“Sport and physical activity in schools for everyone should be a priority subject.

Life skills are the thing children in this country need and you don’t learn those life skills from studying physics.”

The face of the Paralympics, South African Oscar Pistorius, said before the Games he thought the London event would “change people’s mindsets about disabilities.”

“In the last two to three years I’ve seen a shift,” said the 25-year-old, who became the first double amputee to run in the Olympics, where he made the 400 metres semi-finals before winning two golds in the 2012 Paralympics. — Reuters

Preview

Lionel Messi

Peru on mission to stop Messi BUENOS AIRES: Peru’s mission to stall Lionel Messi and the Argentine juggernaut at home in their World Cup qualifier today may see the team seek inspiration from a famous victory over their South American rivals in Lima 27 years ago. In 1985, Luis Reyna’s tight marking of Diego Maradona was key to an upset 1-0 win over Argentina, and Peru will ponder a similar stopping job against another diminutive and sublimely gifted forward in Messi at the Estadio Nacional in Lima (0125 GMT Wednesday).

Peru look set to give defensive midfielder Edwin Retamoso the daunting task of tracking Messi. “If the Prof (coach Sergio Markarian) gives me the chance, I won�t let him down,” Retamoso was quoted by Argentine media as saying. Argentina, with three wins in a row in the qualifiers after Friday’s 3-1 home victory over Paraguay when Messi took his tally to 10 goals in six games, lead the South American group with 13 points from six matches. Peru, looking to reach the finals for the first time since 1982, are seventh with six points.

“We told the players that if we beat Venezuela we’d reduce the pressure and now we make a new start fighting for what we really want,” Peru’s Uruguayan coach Markarian told reporters. Peru ended a run of four defeats with a 2-1 home win over Venezuela on Friday, recovering from a goal down to score twice through winger Jefferson Farfan.

Striker Paolo Guerrero, who like Farfan has three goals so far in the qualifiers, is doubtful with a foot injury. Holding midfielder Javier Mascherano comes back from suspension for

Argentina while his understudy Rodrigo Brana serves a ban after a second booking against Paraguay. Colombia, reinvigorated by a 4-0 rout of Uruguay on Friday, visit second-placed Chile in Santiago (1930 GMT) hoping to climb further up the standings from fifth place three points behind Argentina.

The Colombians will be relying on strikers Radamel Falcao and Teofilo Gutierrez carrying their goalscoring form from the heat of Barranquilla on the Caribbean to the cold of the Chilean capital. “That’s the best I’ve seen Colombia play in a while,” Chile’s Claudio Borghi said as he prepared for a duel of Argentine coaches with Colombia’s Jose Pekerman. “They had a totally attacking formation ... But I don’t think they’ll play the same way on Tuesday because the match will be faster,” he told reporters.

Ecuador are third in the group after winning their four home matches, including Friday’s 1-0 victory over Bolivia settled by a penalty converted by Felipe Caicedo. They will need to improve their away form if they are to withstand the expected onslaught at the Centenario in Montevideo (2130) from a Uruguay side stung by their heavy defeat in Barranquilla. Striker Luis Suarez returns for Uruguay after serving a suspension. Coach Oscar Tabarez told reporters: “He gives us a lot, he’s in perfect condition and keen to change the course of things.” Bottom team Paraguay need to beat Venezuela in Asuncion (2325) if they want to maintain their hopes of reaching a fifth World Cup in a row in neighboring Brazil in two years’ time. —Reuters

Mineiro thrash Palmeiras RIO DE JANEIRO: Copa Brasil winners Palmeiras slipped to a 3-0 loss at Ronaldinho’s Atletico Mineiro on Sunday to remain mired in the Brazilian championship relegation zone.

Two goals from young striker Bernard helped Mineiro end a run of four matches without a win and strengthened the side’s grip on second place, two points behind leaders Fluminense with a game in hand. The loss leaves Palmeiras, coached by former Brazil and Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, 30 points behind the leaders and five adrift of Coritiba, the lowest-placed team outside the relegation zone. Despite struggling in the league, the Copa Brasil victory has already ensured Palmeiras a berth in the South American Libertadores Cup next year but the side will be hoping to climb out of trouble in the final 15 games of the season.

On a weekend when many leading players were absent on international duty, Santos and

Sao Paulo served up a disappointing 0-0 draw in their “clasico” at the Vila Belmiro in front of a paltry crowd of less than 7,000.

Santos idol Neymar, team mate Arouca and Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas were unavailable as they prepared for Brazil’s friendly against China in Recife late yesterday, while Santos playmaker Ganso was out through injury. Both clubs also lost players to Brazil’s Olympic team during the recent London Games. Fluminense beat Internacional 1-0 away in front of another small crowd of around 7,000 at the Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre, most of which is closed while construction work for the 2014 World Cup is being carried out. Striker Fred scored the only goal of the game after some fine approach play by winger Wellington Nem against an Inter side missing Brazil striker Leandro Damiao, Uruguay’s Diego Forlan and Argentina midfielder Pablo Guinazu. — Reuters

LONDON: Mayor of London Boris Johnson (center) addresses the crowd as British Prime Minister David Cameron (foreground left) laughs as British Olympic and Paralympic athletes gather outside Buckingham Palace in London following a parade through the streets of London.— AP

Britain says goodbye to Games with victory parade LONDON: Huge crowds cheered Britain’s Olympic and Paraylmpic athletes during a victory parade to Buckingham Palace yesterday amid hopes that the golden sporting summer will give the country a long-term boost.

Hundreds of thousands of people packed the streets of central London to show their appreciation for the athletes, who both surpassed expectations by finishing third in the medals table in both events. Meanwhile leaders hoped the feel-good factor and can-do spirit of the Games would stave off the pessimism of recent times and help drag debtladen Britain out of recession and into a new era of self-confidence. London 2012 faced plenty of predictions that the Games would be a badly-organised flop, with concerns about the £9.3 billion ($14.9 billion, 11.6 billion euro) cost, security and transport capacity. But the efficient running of both events and the public response has defied naysayers who predicted chaos and a lack of enthusiasm. Sports fans were leaning out of windows and waving flags to show their support for Great Britain’s athletes, who won 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze medals at the Olympics, and 34 golds, 43 silvers and 43 bronzes at the Paralympics.

The parade began at Mansion House, the official residence of the lord mayor of London, before passing St Paul’s Cathedral and the former newspaper industry headquarters Fleet Street, en route to the packed-out Trafalgar Square. The athletes in their Games tracksuits, travelling on 21 open-top floats in alphabetical order by sport, headed down The Mall, the processional route leading to Queen Elizabeth II’s Buckingham Palace residence.

The Mall was open to 14,000 ticket-holding volunteers, the emergency services and the military who worked on the Games; athletes’ coaches, support staff and family; plus schoolchildren from across London.

Juliet Holden, 42, who works for a law firm, held up a sign reading “Well done Richard Whitehead”, the double above-the-knee amputee who won the T42 200m gold in a world record time of 24.38 seconds.

“I wasn’t looking forward to it beforehand

particularly, in a typical English way I was moaning about it and thought it looked like too much hard work,” she said of the Olympics.

“But since it’s started, it’s been amazing.

“London’s changed. It’s got a real sense of community. It’s going to be a let-down after today.” Outside his Downing Street office, Prime Minister David Cameron, surrounded by volunteers in their purple and orange shirts, said it had been a golden summer for Britain, with the Games following celebrations for the queen’s diamond jubilee.

“For countries to succeed in this competitive and difficult world, you need to have confidence that you can do big things and get them right... that you can take on the best, be the best, beat the best,” Cameron said. “We’ve absolutely done that as a country.

“Once the celebration has ended, some of that spirit inevitably will fade as everyone knuckles down and gets back to work after

this magical summer. “But I think we’ll always have that knowledge of what we can be as a country. “This summer brought out the best in Britain for the world to see and that spirit we must cling to.”

Sunday night’s Paralympics closing ceremony extinguished the flame in the Olympic Stadium, bringing the curtain down with a spectacular celebration of the human spirit, amid claims the Games had led to a “seismic” shift in attitudes towards disability. “The Olympics showed that we can carry out the most difficult logistical operation demanded of any country in peacetime, and do it with efficiency and style,” London Mayor Boris Johnson wrote in The Daily Telegraph newspaper. “The Paralympics have shown that Britain remains a beacon of enlightenment.

“The Games have changed not only much of London; they have changed the world’s attitude to Britain, and our own view of this country and what it can do.”— AFP

LONDON: Floats carrying British Olympic and Paralympic athletes take part in a parade as seen from the air as they pass Trafalgar Square. — AP

Zico braces for emotional return to Japan SAITAMA: Iraq coach Zico is bracing himself for an emotional return to Japan for his side’s World Cup qualifier in Saitama today but firmly believes the Asian champions can be beaten.

The former Brazil great, who coached Japan from 2002-06, said his team would try to tear into the home side right from the kickoff.

“Uzbekistan beat Japan if you remember,” Zico told reporters, referring to the former Soviet Republic’s 1-0 win in Japan in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying.

“There is no reason why we can’t,” added the 59year-old after zipping in free kicks during training to the undisguised awe of his Iraqi players. “We all know Japan are an excellent team but we are confident we can get a result.” The Blue Samurai lead World Cup qualifying Group B by five points from today’s opponents.

“Japan has been a big part of my life and it’s great to be back. It will be emotional. If I had the choice, I wouldn’t be in the same group,” Zico added. “But that’s football. It’s an emotional and passionate sport. I have prepared my team to beat Japan. That is what being a professional is.”

Japan overpowered Oman 3-0 and Jordan 6-0 at home before being held 1-1 in Australia in June in their first three games in the final round of Asian 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

“Obviously Japan are a very technically gifted team, especially players who control the midfield like (Makoto) Hasebe and (Yasuhito) Endo,” said Zico. “You can’t give players like Hasebe and Endo space to get their heads up,” added Zico, who has been forced to pick seven Olympic players with so many of his squad not match-fit.

“You have to be pressing them all the time. I had to drop players currently without clubs and we have injuries to others but I trust them to do a job because they have the ability.”

Japan, coached by Italian Alberto Zaccheroni, captured a record fourth Asian Cup last year, while war-torn Iraq pulled off a stunning triumph at the

previous tournament in 2007.

“Japan are the best team in the group.

Zaccheroni has them playing a very attacking style,” said Zico, who guided Japan to victory at the Asian Cup in 2004 in China.

Zico picked out several Japan players who could expect special attention, including Endo and Shinji Kagawa. “Kagawa is an extraordinary, world-class player,” purred Zico on the subject of Manchester

United’s pre-season signing.

“He’s a team player but he can finish too. He plays with his head. We’ll be extra cautious of him.

“Endo makes Japan tick. The ball always ends up at his feet, like a magnet.” However, Zico warned Japan to expect a scrap after watching them struggle to beat the United Arab Emirates 1-0 in a warmup last week. “I am confident of getting a result,” he said. “Mental toughness will be the key.” — Reuters

Boca stays on top despite 1-1 draw BUENOS AIRES: Boca Juniors stayed on top in Argentina despite a disappointing 1-1 draw on Sunday with Buenos Aires rival Argentinos Juniors. The famous Argentine club played with a man advantage from the 21st minute after Argentinos Juniors’ Diego Placente was sent off, but failed to capitalize. Alejandro Capurro gave Argentinos Juniors a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute,

Alejandro Capurro

but Boca equalized in the 34th with a penalty by Pablo Ledezma. Boca improved to 13 points in six matches, one ahead of Newell’s Old Boys. Four teams have 11 - Racing, Velez, Colon and Arsenal.

In other results Sunday it was : Belgrano 1, Racing 0; Independiente 1, Quilmes 1; River Plate 3, Newell’s 3. Capurro scored a spectacular goal, stripping a Boca player of possession at midfield and then firing in on a low shot from 30 meters (yards). Ledezma converted his penalty after teammate Santiago Silva was pulled down in the area.

Newell’s and Racing could have moved into the lead with a victory, but both failed to deliver.

Pablo Perez scored in the 11th to give Newell’s a 1-0 lead, but River Plate led 2-1 at the break on David Treqeguet’s goal in the 19th and Rodrigo Mora’s strike in the 22nd.

River pushed the lead to 3-1 on Rogelio Funes Mori’s striker in the 67th, but Newell’s rallied with two late goals by Ignacio Scocco in the 70th on a penalty, and one from open play in the 73rd.

Belgrano’s Cesar Carranza scored late in the first half to spoil Racing’s day. Jacobo Mansilla scored in the 35th for Quilmes with Independiente’s Ernesto Farias equalizing in the 52nd. In Saturday result it was: San Lorenzo 2, Colon 1; Estudiantes 0, Velez 0; Rafaela 2, All Boys 1; San Martin 4, Arsenal 0. — AP

18

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

sp orts Preview

Depleted England aim to build on fast start

PARIS: French national soccer team players Karim Benzema (left) and Franck Ribery (right) train with fellow team members during a training session. France will face Belarus in a 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer game of Group I today. —AP

France take on Belarus PARIS: France will look to the rejuvenated Abou Diaby to provide more inspiration when they host Belarus in their second World Cup Group I qualifier today.

The midfielder missed more than a season of international football through injury and his comeback performance against Finland on Friday in which he scored the game’s only goal showed his value.

“I hope he will go on like that for a long time because he is essential to the team,” said fellow midfielder Rio Mavuba.

How long will this last is often the question with Diaby, a player whose career has been plagued by injuries. Last season, he played only four games with Arsenal and missed the Euro 2012 finals because he was not fully fit.

“I hope it is the good comeback.

since last June’s Euro finals.

“We need to be more present in front of goal,” said Deschamps, who asked the wing players to move to number nine when Benzema, who set up Diaby for the goal in Finland, finds himself in a deeper position.

Deschamps also has the option of fielding Olivier Giroud, who trained normally on Saturday after missing the Finland game because of a muscle problem, alongside Benzema against Belarus.

“I’m expected to be more in the penalty area. Well, that’s what I’m going to do against Belarus,” Benzema told French TV channel TF1 on Sunday.

Belarus, who beat Les Bleus at the Stade de France in their opening Euro 2012 qualifying game in 2011, started their campaign with a 1-0 defeat by Georgia. —Reuters

Last year was not easy, I worked hard during the off season to come back strong. I hope I will not be injured this year,” said Diaby, who only won 15 caps since his first appearance in 2007.

Diaby’s pace and poise proved lethal against Finland and Coach Didier Deschamps did not expect any less. “I did not need to be reassured because I have been seeing him play at Arsenal. He has a lot of qualities,” said Deschamps.

“He is an all-round midfielder. He wins the ball, but also carries it forward very well and he can score.

Obviously I prefer to have him at my disposal.”

Diaby could make up once again for Karim Benzema’s lack of impact in the box as the Real Madrid forward has been playing more as a playmaker than a proper striker

LONDON: England must cope without six key players when they aim to build on a superb start to their World Cup Group H qualifying campaign against Ukraine today.

An emphatic 5-0 win in Moldova came at a cost with key defender John Terry joining his Chelsea clubmate Ashley Cole on the injury list when he was ruled out of the Ukraine game with an ankle injury, joining Wayne Rooney, Andy Carroll, Gareth Barry, Ashley Young and Scott Parker on the sidelines. Terry, who featured in one of the pivotal moments when England beat Ukraine 1-0 in a Euro 2012 group match in Donetsk in June, picked up the knock against Moldova and limped off two minutes before the end.

Cole, who damaged his ankle in the European Super Cup against Atletico Madrid 10 days ago, missed the Moldova game but had hoped to be fit to win his 99th cap against Ukraine, but the FA’s medical team sent him back to his club for treatment.

England, playing their first competitive game at Wembley under coach Roy Hodgson who is unbeaten in eight matches in charge, should build on the momentum and take another three points from Ukraine who are playing their first match of the campaign.

England have won four of the five matches played between the countries, including the last one on June 19 when Rooney scored the winner and Terry cleared a Marko Devic shot from behind the goal line, but officials failed to award a goal.

Hodgson was a happy man after the Moldova game with youngsters like 19-year-old Alex Oxlade -Chamberlain and Tom Cleverley, 23, playing very well alongside the experienced Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in a flexible 4-2-3-1 formation.

Lampard, playing in a deeper role with Gerrard which allowed the youngsters room to manoeuvre, still managed to score twice, once from the spot, taking his international tally to 25, to become England’s 13th highest scorer of all time.

Hodgson is expected to retain most of the starting line -up against Ukraine including Cleverley, who impressed the coach playing for Britain during the Olympic Games.

“The Games were good for him and important for me as well because that is where I sort of ‘discovered’ him, although of course I knew about him before,” said Hodgson.

“You could call him an attacking midfielder but he’s an attacking midfielder in the same way as Cesc Fabregas, he’s capable of

coming back and winning the ball where necessary.”

Ukraine come to London facing formidable odds if they are to create an upset.

England have only ever lost two out of 40 World Cup matches (qualifiers and tournament games) at Wembley and apart from the penalty shootout defeat by Italy in the Euro quarter-finals which counts as a draw after 90 minutes, are unbeaten in 13 competitive matches.

Manager Oleg Blokhin, whose news conferences are often more entertaining than the football his side plays on the field, will be without Ukraine’s greatest player, Andriy Shevchenko, who retired as a player at the end of the Euros after scoring 48 goals in 111 games for his country.

Instead, he will be relying on 22-year-old attacking midfielder Andriy Yarmolenko, the team’s best player at the Euros, to orchestrate them today along with Anatoliy Tymoschuk, who has a record 120 Ukraine caps, and the outstanding prospect Yevhen Konoplyanka.

Ukraine’s only win against England came during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup finals when they won 1-0 in Dnipropetrovsk to finish second behind England in the group before being eliminated in the playoffs. —Reuters

Australia aims to close gap on Japan in qualifiers SEOUL: Australia travels to Jordan aiming not only for its first win in the last full round of Asian qualifying for the 2014 World Cup, but anxious also to close the gap on regional and group rival Japan.

Japan has seven points from three games in Group B - one of two, five-nation groups in this stage - and is expected to pick up points at home to Iraq this week.

The top two teams from each group qualify automatically for the World Cup and Australia, with two points from two games, could fall even further off the pace without a win at Amman today.

“We’ve not had an easy start,” Australia captain Lucas Neill said after a 3-0 warmup win over Lebanon at Beirut last week. That victory, the Socceroos’ first since February, helped relieve the pressure after two opening draws in the World Cup qualifiers and a disappointing 31 loss at Scotland in an international friendly in August.

“We’ve gained two valuable points, but we really need now to play to our best or near best to try and give ourselves the best chance of three points (against Jordan) because it sends a little bit of a statement to the rest of the group. It gives us a chance to keep on the heels of Japan, who have obviously got off to a fantastic start.”

Jordan, with one point, also needs the win and will be hoping to recover its impressive form from the previous round of qualification.

Japan has no such worries. Already five points clear of a chasing pack that also includes Oman, the Asian champions could put themselves on the brink of qualification for Brazil with a home win over an Iraqis team guided by former Japan coach Zico.

With a settled and fit squad, perhaps the only issue for Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni is where to play Shinji Kagawa. The 23 year-old Kagawa has become a star for new club Manchester United, where he plays in the “hole,” just behind the striker. For his country however, that position currently belongs to CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda.

Kagawa spent 45 ineffective minutes on the left wing in a 1-0 friendly win over the United Arab Emirates last Thursday before being substituted.

“Obviously I always want to play in the hole but no matter what I say (to the coach) the situation isn’t going to change,” Kagawa said last week. “That’s the way it goes and basically I just have to deliver results in whichever position I am played in.”

In Group A, three teams seem to be vying for second spot behind a South Korean side that has won both its games so far.

“I believe that in our group we have one natural candidate to qualify and that is Korea,” Iran coach Carlos Queiroz told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “Then there is the second line which is Iran, Uzbekistan and Qatar. We can’t forget Lebanon who can put one of one these teams out of the World Cup.” Iran has four points from two games and travels to Lebanon, while South Korea faces a tricky trip to Tashkent to take on an Uzbekistan team in need of victory.

Uzbekistan was tipped as a possible automatic qualifier, but has collected just one point from two games so far. Already the national association has changed the head coach. South Korea is on a high after its bronze medal success at the 2012 Olympics.

Some of the stars of that under-23 team are expected to play against Uzbekistan, including Ki Sung-yeung who recently joined English Premier League team Swansea City in a deal reportedly worth $9 million and Park Chu-young who left Arsenal on loan to Spanish side Celta Vigo.

Lee Chung-yung of English club Bolton Wanderers has been selected for the first time since breaking his leg in July 2011.

The only bad news for coach Choi Kang-hee is the injury which Olympic team captain Koo Ja-cheol picked up while playing for Bundesliga team FC Augsburg last weekend.

Uzbekistan has four players absent through injury, but comfortably defeated Kuwait 3-0 in a friendly on Friday at Tashkent.

“Uzbekistan played as we expected and played well, but the game against us will be different than a friendly,” said Choi, who attended the Uzbekistan-Kuwait match. “We are in good condition and looking forward to doing our best to get a good result to continue our good start.” —AP

Matches on TV (Local Timings) World Cup Qualifiers Japan v Iraq Aljazeera Sport 2

13:30

Uzbekistan v South Korea Aljazeera Sport 2

16:00

Lebanon v Iran Aljazeera Sport 1

17:00

Jordan v Australia Aljazeera Sport 2

19:00

Cyprus v Iceland Aljazeera Sport +10

20:00

Georgia v Spain Aljazeera Sport 2

20:30

Turkey v Estonia Aljazeera Sport +7

21:00

Hungary v Netherlands Aljazeera Sport +6

21:30

Austria v Germany Aljazeera Sport +8

21:30

Italy v Malta Aljazeera Sport +1

21:45

Scotland v Macedonia Aljazeera Sport +10

22:00

England v Ukraine Aljazeera Sport +5

22:00

France v Belarus Aljazeera Sport +4

22:00

Portugal v Azerbaijan Aljazeera Sport +9

22:15

LONDON: Ukraine’s Andriy Dikan (right) clears a ball before Roman Bezus (Center) can reach it during a training session at Wembley stadium. England will play against Ukraine in Group H World Cup qualifying match today. —AP

US aim to get World Cup campaign back on track WASHINGTON: Jurgen Klinsmann’s United States will try to get their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign back on track when they host Jamaica today, days after falling to the Reggae Boyz in Kingston.

Regional powerhouse Mexico, unbeaten in the semi-final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) go into today’s matches needing only a victory at home to Costa Rica to advance to the sixnation final round of qualifying.

But the United States, expected to cruise through in similar style, instead find themselves in an awkward spot after their 2-1 defeat to Jamaica on Friday.

Jamaica’s victory moved them to the top of Group A on seven points.

The United States and Guatemala both have four, followed by Antigua and Barbuda on one. Antigua and Barbuda host Guatemala today.

Only the top two teams from each group advance to the final phase of qualifying next year, and US goalkeeper Tim Howard welcomed the quick chance to right the ship with Tuesday ’s match at Columbus, Ohio.

“It’s not a lot of time to dwell on a loss,” Howard said. “The game on Tuesday has more significance than ever because we need to get back into rhythm and a positive mind frame.

“We have to come away with three points, that’s a necessity now.”

Today’s match is the first of three remaining fixtures in the penulti-

JAMAICA: Clint Dempsey of the United States reacts in this file photo. —AFP

mate round. Klinsmann left open the possibility that changes would be made to the side for Tuesday, but said the defeat wasn’t really down to personnel but to poor decision making on the pitch.

“Obviously, we’re going to analyze things and see on the tape how things went,” he said. “The key to that game was really that we made things far too complicated in the first half.

“We allowed them to come back into the game. Instead of keeping the ball and moving it around simply, we gave them opportunities and opportunities to get free kicks and they scored off of a free kick in the first half and the second half. I think the team has the opportunity on Tuesday to fix it.”

While the USA have left themselves no margin for error, Mexico, unbeaten in the round, top Group B on nine points after beating Costa Rica in San Jose on Friday and will advance with a victory in Mexico City today.

Costa Rica are second in the group on four points, ahead of El Salvador (2) and Guyana (1). El Salvador and Guyana played to a 22 draw on Friday, and Guyana host the Salvadorans on Tuesday at Georgetown. Canada moved top of Group C on seven points with a 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto on Friday. Now Panama, second on six points, will try to turn the tables when they host the Canadians at Panama City.

Meanwhile Honduras, third on four points, will try to build on their 3-0 victory over Cuba at Havana when they host the winless Cubans at San Pedro Sula. —AFP

19

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

SPORTS

Spain begin world title defence

Christian Fuchs

It’s now or never for Austria GERMANY: If Austria are ever going to end their dismal run of defeats against neighbors Germany, then today’s World Cup qualifier in Vienna would appear to be the ideal opportunity.

The two neighbors shared one of the fiercest rivalries in Europe during the 1970s and 1980s, however Austria’s unhappy decline has turned recent meetings into a procession of wins for their larger neighbors.

Germany have won their last seven meetings against Austria, demolishing them 6-2 in the most recent encounter last year during Euro 2012 qualifying and scoring 25 goals in the process.

Austria’s most recent win was in 1986 and the last time they avoided defeat against Germany was a goalless draw 20 years ago.

However, they will start their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with renewed hope, thanks partly to a bright generation of players many of whom ply their trade in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Germany also look vulnerable after their disappointing Euro 2012 semi-final exit to Italy and a 3-1 home to defeat to Argentina in a friendly last month. They did little more than their duty in beating Faroe Islands 3-0 in their opening qualifier last Friday.

Paradoxically, Austria domestic football’s financial difficulties have helped the national side with clubs such as Rapid Vienna and Austria Vienna preferring to field home-grown players to foreign imports. Ten of Austria’s squad play for Bundesliga clubs and are familiar faces to German fans, including Christian Fuchs (Schalke 04), Andreas Ivanschitz (Mainz 05), Martin Harnik (VfB Stuttgart) and Sebastian Proedl (Werder Bremen).

The latest addition is midfielder Zlatko Junuzovic who has quickly settled at Werder Bremen after moving from Austria Vienna.

Marko Arnautovic could also be a name for the future if he can overcome the numerous disciplinary problems which have so far prevented him from fulfilling his promise and led to him being dropped at both club and interna-

tional level.

Every season begins with Arnautovic promising to turn over a new leaf, though this time he has so far kept out of trouble.

Austria’s outstanding prospect is teenager David Alaba, already a regular at Bayern Munich, although he will miss the game through injury.

Austria’s Swiss coach Marcel Koller will be making his competitive debut although he has been in charge for one year.

He still remembers watching on television when Austria managed a memorable 3-2 win over the former West Germany at the 1978 World Cup. “When Austria beat Germany in Cordoba, I was watching on the television and I was as excited as anyone else.

For us in Switzerland as well, matches against Germany are always a highlight,” he said.

Repeating it would be tough, he admitted. “Great teams have few weak points. Of course, we have studied the Germans meticulously and draw our conclusions, but that is not something we are going to make public.”

“We need to be at our best on Tuesday as the Germans, in spite of their home made problems, are still a top-level team who have outstanding players, above all in attack, who are very dangerous in one-to-one situations.”

Germany won 2-1 in Vienna last year in a Euro 2012 qualifier after Mario Gomez scored late in each half. However, Gomez is missing through injury this time and coach Joachim Loew is worried about the team’s lack of finishing power.

That was evident in their 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands on Friday, when Germany could have had half a dozen first half goals but ended up with just one.

“Our problem is that we need too many chances before we actually score a goal,” said Loew. “The Faroes were not a measuring stick for the other teams we have to play against in the group. “It was the small details which were missing for us to score more goals.”—Reuters

Rooney reveals extent of horrific leg injury LONDON: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney admits he feared his career could have been over when he suffered a horrific gash in his leg.

Rooney was left with blood pouring out of a deep thigh wound after being caught in the thigh by Hugo Rodallega’s boot studs during United’s 3-2 win over Fulham at Old Trafford last month.

The England star was rushed to hospital where he discovered the gash was close to severing an artery, which could have had severe repercussions.

In the circumstances, Rooney knows he is fortunate that the injury will only keep him out of action for four week and, quoted in several national newspapers, he said: “I was quite lucky it didn’t cut my muscle. “I was told it was just one millimetre away from severing an artery. It could have been a lot worse, so thank God for that. I could have been in serious trouble.

“The doctors said a lot of players could have fainted. They tried to cover it up from me in the dressing room and

put something in it to stop it being infected, but I told them I wanted to watch.

“Thankfully, their prompt action prevented serious and possible lasting damage.” Rooney’s injury has stopped him developing a partnership with new signing Robin van Persie who, in the former Everton striker’s absence, scored a match-winning hat-trick at Southampton last weekend.

Some pundits have suggested van Persie’s arrival spells the end for Rooney at Old Trafford, but he is confident of striking up a formidable partnership with his new team-mate.

“You can’t assume you’re going to play but I’ve always worked very hard to make sure the manager has got to play me,” Rooney said.

“It’s great for us now. I’m looking forward to getting back in the team and trying to forge an understanding with Robin. “Let’s be honest, where else can you go from this football club? It’s probably the biggest in the world.”—AFP

SWITZERLAND: Player Burim Kukeli (centre) from Albania’s National soccer team warms up with the rest of the team during a training session. Albania is scheduled to play against Switzerland in a World Cup qualification game of Group E today. —AP

MADRID: Favorites Spain start the defence of their world title away to Georgia today when coach Vicente del Bosque will have another chance to test the form of record marksman David Villa, recently returned from eight months out with a broken leg.

The 30-year-old Barcelona striker, who sat out Spain’s triumphant Euro 2012 campaign, came off the bench to score in his first game back for both club and country and his eye for goal appears as sharp as ever.

His strike from the penalty spot in Friday’s 5-0 friendly victory against Saudi Arabia was his 52nd goal for his country on his 83rd appearance and he told reporters afterwards the surgery to repair his leg had been a complete success.

“I have not felt any concern since the first day I returned to training seven weeks ago and there has been no problem since the operation,” Villa said. “I am building up muscle tone, confidence and strength in my movement,” he added.

“I have been training a long time now and the body is adapting but whether I can play from the beginning is a decision for the coach.”

Villa was an automatic starter for Del Bosque at the 2010 World Cup but without him at Euro 2012 the coach alternated between playing Fernando Torres as a lone striker and using Cesc Fabregas as a roving forward. Villa’s return adds another attacking option to a team who have swept all before

David Villa them since winning Euro 2008. The world’s top-ranked side are on a 22-match winning streak in European Championship and World Cup qualifiers, last failing to win in a 1-1 draw in Iceland in September 2007.

“Villa is a man who loves scoring goals,” his in-form Barca and Spain team mate Pedro, who netted twice against Saudi Arabia, told a news conference on Saturday.

“We knew the injury was very serious but he has made a spectacular recovery and he is continuing to build fitness, confidence and

rhythm.” France will likely be the main threat to the Spanish in Group I, which is completed

by Belarus and Finland.

France and Georgia are joint top on three points after they won their opening qualifiers on Friday away to Finland and at home to Belarus respectively.

Georgia were indebted to goalkeeper Giorgi Loria for keeping the Belarussians at bay as Tornike Okriashvili scored the only goal of the match six minutes into the second half in Tbilisi.—Reuters

Miller: Scotland still on track

MODENA: Italy’s Giampaolo Pazzini (left) kicks the ball past his teammate Leonardo Bonucci during a training session ahead of today’s Group B 2014 World Cup qualifying match against Malta.—AP

Prandelli to ring changes for Italy against Malta ROME: Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is set to ring the changes after a tense and “insufficient” display against Bulgaria has left the Azzurri desperately seeking a win against Malta today.

Four days after escaping with a 2-2 draw in Sofia, Italy host the islanders in Modena in a World Cup 2014 qualifier that most expect the 2006 champions to win.

Malta sit a lowly 139th in the FIFA world rankings and have scored only two goals against Italy, to the Azzurri’s 15, from the teams’ four previous encounters.

But although a win would appease the home camp, Prandelli is unlikely to be satisfied unless Italy start showing they have the mettle for a 10-match campaign which ends at home to Armenia in a little over a year’s time.

In Sofia, Luboslav Penev’s side regularly exposed Italy’s fragile 3-5-2 tactical formation, which Prandelli changed to a 4-3-1-2 late on in a bid to stem the tide.

And after several players were seen arguing, Prandelli-who is still missing Inter Milan forward Antonio Cassano (fitness) as well as Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli (eye operation) — is set to come down hard.

Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco was unconvincing in Sofia and could be replaced by Mattia Destro, who would play just behind Roma striker and teammate Pablo Osvaldo, the scorer of both goals on Friday.

Attacking midfielder Alessandro Diamanti of Bologna, used sparingly at the Euro 2012 but who scored the winning penalty in a 4-2 quarter-final shoot-out over England, could also make an appearance.

Changing to a 4-3-1-2 would also means making changes in defence. “A lot of things went wrong (against Bulgaria), so much so that today we might repeat the 43-1-2 against Malta and bring on Diamanti

and Destro,” Prandelli said.

“Our performance was totally insufficient, and that includes myself. We suffered a lot, we conceded far too many corners, played too many long balls and that is simply not befitting of our national team.”

Prandelli will have to be without versatile midfield veteran Daniele Di Rossi, who injured a thigh muscle late in their opening qualifier.

But other developments mean Fiorentina’s Mattia Cassani could replace Napoli’s Christian Maggio at right-back with Federico Peluso coming in for Emanuele Giaccherini, the centrepiece in the 3-5-2. Against Bulgaria pitchside microphones picked up tense exchanges between defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Andrea Pirlo, as well as instructions being given to Maggio and Giovinco on their positioning.

Without naming names, Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon later hit out at a player who “talked a bit too much”. He added: “Bulgaria showed they have a really good team but the way we played gave them confidence as well.”

Less than two months after a surprise Euro 2012 final appearance in which Italy were humbled 4-0 by Spain, Prandelli is desperate to get the players he does have at his disposal working as a team again.

“It’s not a good sign when players are arguing on the pitch, it shows you have lost your calm, your serenity and the quality of your game also suffers,” added Prandelli.

Italy are widely expected to qualify from a group B which as well as Bulgaria and Malta also includes Denmark, the Czech Republic and Armenia.

Prandelli, 55, added: “We are Italy, and we must characterise something more than a simple tactical model. “Today we have to rediscover our identity.”—AFP

GLASGOW: Kenny Miller insists that if Scotland can beat Macedonia in Glasgow today it will be a good start to their World Cup qualification.

The Scots opened their Group A campaign with a disappointing goalless draw with Serbia at Hampden on Saturday. It was not the flying start manager Craig Levein had hoped for with his side due to face tough matches against Croatia and Belgium later on in the qualification campaign.

Macedonia are the next visitors to the national stadium on Tuesday night and while Vancouver Whitecaps striker Miller is expecting a tough game he is targeting a win against a side who are below Scotland in the world rankings.

“We were disappointed not to get three points but we could have lost it at the end. We both had chances, it was an open game, and we can be quite happy with how we’ve played,” Miller said.

“If we have four points after today, the boys will see it as a success.

“Everyone is getting wound up about us having to win both games. “But Serbia are a good team. They’re not going to come here, lie down and get turned over by two or three goals.

“Only towards the end of the campaign will we know if that’s a good point or a bad one. “Serbia are a higher seeding than Belgium and will feel capable of taking points off them and the Croatians. Anyone can take points off anyone.

“Macedonia went to Croatia and only lost 1-0. We played Macedonia two campaigns ago - we lost over there and beat them at Hampden. So we know that won’t be an easy game either. They’ll take points off teams and this group is there for anyone who wants to go and take it.

“The Belgium squad is fantastic but Croatia, us and Wales are all good sides. Four points won’t be a bad start. “But it would be an over-exaggeration to say Tuesday is a must-win because if we draw against Macedonia and win every other game we’ll probably win the group.”

Macedonia come to Hampden looking for their first points in Group A after Everton’s Nikica Jelavic scored a late winner for Croatia to seal a 1-0 victory on Friday.

But Macedonia’s Mirko Ivanovski reckons Scotland will pose his team a far tougher test than group favourites Croatia.

However, the striker is convinced his improving nation can cause major problems for Scotland and grab priceless World Cup points in Glasgow.

“We played really well against Croatia. But our opponents were not as good as they can be - certainly not as good as they showed they were at Euro 2012,” Ivanovski said.

“When you play against a team ranked 10th in the world, you expect to learn a lot of lessons. When Croatia play as they did on Friday, you learn nothing.

“So Scotland at Hampden is going to be a much bigger test than Zagreb.

“The Scots have a very good team and their players are used to playing at a high level. “Some of them play in the Champions League and some in the English Premiership.

“Scotland can pass well but they also run hard and fight for every ball.

“Basing my judgment on how Croatia played against us and how I expect Scotland to be in their own stadium, I believe Glasgow will be a harder

McIlroy cruises to victory

16

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Depleted England aim to build on fast start

18

Britain says goodbye to Games with victory parade

Page 17

NEW YORK: Serena Williams of the United States hugs the championship trophy after defeating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus to win the women’s singles final match on Day Fourteen of the 2012 US Open.—AFP

Serena underlines her greatness NEW YORK: Serena Williams, through sheer force of will as much as her skill with the racket, beat world number one Victoria Azarenka 6-2 2-6 7-5 in a dramatic US Open final on Sunday to capture her 15th singles grand slam title.

On her best behavior but struggling to subdue an opponent seven years her junior, Williams provided an everlasting reminder of her incredible fighting qualities as she became the tournament’s oldest women’s champion in nearly four decades.

Already one of the greatest players to grace the game, the American’s longevity adds new credence to her place in the sport’s pantheon with Sunday’s victory

coming almost 13 years to the day she won her first US Open as a teenager in 1999. “I don’t consider myself the greatest,” she said. “I just consider myself a tennis player who’s trying to do the best I can.”

Her clash, against the top player in the world this year, lived up to all expectations and more as the pair traded blows for almost two and a half hours at Flushing Meadows.

Azarenka, who won her maiden grand slam title at the Australian Open in January, led 5-3 in the deciding final set and was within two points of victory when Williams lifted and reeled off the last four games to capture her fourth US Open crown. “I have no regrets. I felt like I gave it

all there,” said Azarenka. “Could it have gone my way? Probably, yes. But it didn’t and it really, really hurts.”

The opening exchanges gave few clues of what was to come as Williams romped through the opening set in 35 minutes with two service breaks and 16 stunning winners.

But the Belarusian returned to the court with renewed determination and found a way to penetrate her opponent’s serve. As Williams started to show the first signs of nerves, Azarenka seized her opportunity, breaking her serve twice, and for the first time since 1995, the women’s final at Flushing Meadows was forced into a winner-takes-all third set.

The capacity crowd at the bear-pit that is the Arthur Ashe Stadium centre court roared with excitement as the two combatants ran themselves to the point of exhaustion, producing some breathtaking shots as the stakes rose.

Williams kept her cool, even when she was called for a foot fault, avoiding a repeat of her petulant behaviour at Flushing Meadows in the 2009 semi-final against Kim Clijsters and last year’s final with Sam Stosur.

After facing serious health issues, including the discovery of a life-threatening blood-clot on her lung, in the past 18 months Williams has developed a new perspective about her actions on court.

“I really think a champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall,” she said. “I have fallen several times. Each time I just get up and I dust myself off and I pray and I’m able to do better or I’m able to get back to the level that I want to be on.”

In the third set, it was the American who blinked first and her golden summer, which included winning a fifth Wimbledon title and two gold medals at the London Olympics, looked like coming to an end. She was two points away from losing but regained her composure when it mattered most by winning the last four games then collapsing on the court at the realisation she had won again, with little

more than two weeks before her 31st birthday. “For me, she’s the greatest player of all time. She took the game to the next level,” Azarenka said. “I congratulated her with all my heart because I felt like she absolutely deserved the win. She was the best player out there today.”

Only Australia’s Margaret Court, who had already turned 31 when she won her last US Open crown in 1973, won the title at an older age than Williams but the American is not finished yet.

“My motivation is so up there,” she said. “I just feel like I’m ready for the next tournament. “I really want to be focused and do well there and just keep the dream alive.”—Reuters

Redskins down Saints, Bears roll NEW ORLEANS: Robert Griffin III began his NFL career by connecting on 19 of 26 passes for 320 yards and two touchdowns, and the Washington Redskins handed the Saints a 40-32 loss in their first game since the bounty scandal that overshadowed New Orleans’ offseason.

Griffin completed his first eight passes, including an 88-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon, tying for the secondlongest scoring pass by a quarterback making his NFL debut. Rookie running back Alfred Morris rushed for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Aldrick Robinson, making his NFL debut, had a touchdown catch among four receptions for 52 yards.

Drew Brees uncharacteristically struggled with accuracy, completing only 46 percent of his throws with two interceptions. But his 339 yards passing and three TDs kept the Saints in the game until his last desperate pass was picked off by Reed Doughty near the Redskins’ goal line.

Bears 41, Colts 21 In Chicago, Jay Cutler threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns and Michael Bush added a pair of scoring runs to spoil quarterback Andrew Luck’s debut.

Brandon Marshall had nine catches for 119 yards and a touchdown in his first game since being reunited with Cutler, and Matt Forte ran for 80 yards and a score. Luck finished his first NFL game 23 of 45 for 309 yards with a 4-yard touchdown pass to Donnie Avery early in the fourth quarter.

He also was intercepted three times - twice

by Tim Jennings - in an up-and-down effort as he steps in for the departed Peyton Manning. Reggie Wayne caught nine passes for 135 yards. But it was a familiar result for a team with new management and a new coach in Chuck Pagano.

Broncos 31, Steelers 19 In Denver, Peyton Manning made a successful return from a year’s sabbatical, leading the Broncos past the Steelers. The four-time MVP coming off four neck sur-

geries completed 19 of 26 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns.

He got a big assist from another free agent, cornerback Tracy Porter, whose 43yard interception return of a Ben Roethlisberger pass with 2 minutes left sealed the win. Manning, jettisoned by the Indianapolis Colts in March after missing all of last season with a nerve injury that weakened his throwing arm, hit Demaryius Thomas with a 71-yard touchdown toss for his first as a Bronco. It was his 400th career TD toss.

49ers 30, Packers 22 In Wisconsin, San Francisco’s defense smothered Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay offense for most of the game, then made one last stand to stop a late rally.

The Packers rallied from a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter, and pulled within eight points when Aaron Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to James Jones with 6:05 left, but the 49ers defense held the Packers in the final minute to come away with a big win to open the season.

Randall Cobb’s 75-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 2-point conversion early in the fourth quarter cut the 49ers lead to 23-15. But Rodgers threw an interception to linebacker NaVorro Bowman and Frank Gore ran for a 23-yard touchdown. David Akers tied an NFL record when he kicked a 63-yard field goal to the end the first half, with the ball bouncing off the crossbar and going through the uprights.

Eagles 17, Browns 16 In Cleveland, Michael Vick overcame four interceptions by throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Clay Harbor with 1:18 left in the nerve-racking win. Vick led the Eagles on a 91-yard scoring drive, capping it with his short toss to Harbor on his career-high 56th pass. Before Vick rallied his team, he played poorly and showed rustiness after playing just 12 snaps during preseason because of injuries. Vick went 29 of 56 for 317 yards and two TDs. Browns rookie quarterback Brandon

Weeden threw four interceptions, the last to Kurt Coleman with 1:05 remaining.

Vikings 26, Jaguars 23 In Minneapolis, rookie Blair Walsh kicked four field goals, including a 55yarder as regulation time expired and another one in overtime, and Adrian Peterson returned from a left knee injury to lift the Vikings. Peterson ran 17 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns for the Vikings, who led for most of the second half until Blaine Gabbert’s 39-yard touchdown heave with 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter put the Jaguars back in front. For the first time since the NFL’s new overtime scoring rule was installed last season, the first team on the board didn’t immediately run off the field a winner.

After Walsh’s 38-yard kick, the Vikings had to play defense again while the Jaguars had their chance to match. But Gabbert was hurried into a fourth-down overthrow, spoiling the debut for new Jaguars coach Mike Mularkey.

Lions 27, Rams 23 In Detroit, Matthew Stafford threw a 5yard touchdown pass to Kevin Smith with 10 seconds left. Stafford made up for a shaky game by leading an 80-yard, nineplay, game-winning possession that included three passes of at least 18 yards.

Sam Bradford directed a go-ahead drive that set up Greg Zuerlein’s 46-yard field goal and put the Rams ahead 23-20 with 1:55 left. But coach Jeff Fisher’s debut ended with a loss because the Rams could not shut down Stafford in the end.

Stafford had three interceptions before halftime for the first time in his four seasons. Cortland Finnegan had a 31-yard interception return for a TD that gave the Rams a 13-7 lead late in the first half.

Jets 48, Bills 28 In East Rutherford, Mark Sanchez threw three touchdown passes, including two to rookie Stephen Hill, and the Jets eased concerns about their offense. The Jets sprinkled in their wildcat package

with Tim Tebow, who was mostly quiet but recovered a late onside kick by Buffalo, and Jeremy Kerley had a touchdown catch and a punt return for a score.

Antonio Cromartie also took one of New York’s three interceptions of Ryan Fitzpatrick to the end zone. It was the most points the Jets have scored in a season opener. That’s from a team that had many wondering what to expect after the first-team offense failed to score a TD in the first three games of the preseason.

Meanwhile, Mario Williams, the Bills’ big free agent signing, was quiet as the Jets’ offensive line protected Sanchez all game.

Texans 30, Dolphins 10 In Houston, Arian Foster had two touchdown runs, Matt Schaub threw a TD pass to Andre Johnson, and Houston’s defense dominated rookie Ryan Tannehill and Miami. Tannehill threw three interceptions in a 6-minute stretch late in the first half, and the Texans opened impressively in what they believe can be a Super Bowl season. Schaub threw for 266 yards in his first action since fracturing his right foot in Week 10 last year, and Johnson finished with 119 yards receiving. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt deflected two passes that resulted in interceptions and also had 11/2 sacks. Marcus Thigpen returned a punt 72 yards for Miami’s touchdown. The Dolphins gained only 275 total yards in coach Joe Philbin’s coaching debut.

Patriots 34, Titans 13 In Nashville, Tom Brady threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, and the defending AFC champions won easily.

Brady may have suffered a broken nose when he was sacked in the second quarter by Kamerion Wimbley, but he didn’t miss a play. The Patriots ruined Jake Locker’s debut as Tennessee’s starter, sacking him twice and forcing two turnovers. Rookie Dont’a Hightower returned Locker’s fumble 6 yards for a TD in his own debut, and Stevan Ridley ran for 125 yards and a TD.

DENVER: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game.—AP Also, Locker came out of the game after hurting his left shoulder when tackling safety Patrick Chung on a fumble return. He was replaced by Matt Hasselbeck.

Falcons 40, Chiefs 24 In Kansas City, Matt Ryan threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, one of them to Tony Gonzalez in his return to Kansas City. Ryan also ran for a TD, while Julio Jones caught six passes for 108 yards and two scores. The Falcons took advantage of a Chiefs defense missing four starters. Pro Bowl linebacker Tamba Hali was suspended for an unspecified violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy, and three others were injured.

Kansas City matched Atlanta most of the first half, trailing 20-17 at the break.

But a missed field goal by Ryan Succop early in the third quarter proved to be the turning point. Matt Cassel finished with 258 yards passing for Kansas City, but also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

Buccaneers 16, Panthers 10 In Tampa, Tampa Bay’s rejuvenated defense came up with two interceptions

against Cam Newton and the Buccaneers won their debut under coach Greg Schiano. Josh Freeman threw a 6-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams and Connor Barth kicked three field goals to help the Bucs stop a 10-game losing streak that prompted the firing of former coach Raheem Morris. Schiano came the Tampa after spent the past 11 seasons transforming Rutgers from one of the losingest programs in college football into a Big East contender. Newton threw for 303 yards and one touchdown.

Cardinals 20, Seahawks 16 In Glendale, Kevin Kolb replaced injured John Skelton and led Arizona on the deciding touchdown drive, throwing 6 yards to Andre Roberts for a score with 4:59 to play. Aided by two pass interference penalties, Seattle drove to the Arizona 4 in the final seconds. But rookie Russell Wilson threw three straight incompletions and the Cardinals held on.

Adding to the confusion, Seattle appeared to have called a timeout when it had none remaining, but that turned out to be a mistake by the replacement officials working the game.—AP

UAE CB plans discount window to help banks Page 22

Kuwait inflation edges up to 3.1% Page 23

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

JAL sets IPO at $8.5bn in sign of strong demand Page 25

For India’s Chidambaram, there is no time to Page 24 waste

MARIKANA: Thousands of South African mine workers walk yesterday to the Lonmin mine in Marikana to try and stop other miners from going to work. Around 15,000 workers have downed tools in South Africa at a Gold Fields mine west of Johannesburg in the latest work stoppage to hit the vital mining sector, the company said yesterday.—AFP

High oil prices a worry: Saudi Al-Naimi mulls steps to cool crude market DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is concerned about high oil prices and will take steps to moderate them, its oil minister said, in a statement that some in the oil market read as a signal to consumer nations that there is no need to release emergency oil reserves.

“Saudi Arabia is concerned about rising oil prices in the international oil market. The current high price of oil is simply not supported by market fundamentals,” Ali Al-Naimi said in the statement yesterday.

“Saudi Arabia will, as always, take all necessary steps to ensure the market is well supplied and to help moderate prices - and we will meet any additional demand from our customers,” Naimi said, four days after US administration officials met energy analysts. The meeting was read by some as a sign that President Barack Obama is considering tapping US government oil supplies in a bid to bring down fuel prices in the run up to the US presidential elections in November.

The International Energy Agency, which coordinates oil stocks in the West, has been cool on the idea. The last stock release which followed OPEC’s acrimonious June 2011 meeting angered OPEC officials, who viewed it

as meddling in the market and destabilizing for prices.

Brent crude oil prices have surged about 20 percent since OPEC last met in June, hovering around $112-$117 a barrel since mid-August. Lower supplies from Iran because of sanctions and outages in the North Sea have outweighed slowing global economic growth.

“The market is well balanced, forward cover remains within an acceptable range and inventories are more than adequate,” Naimi said. “We will continue to work in collaboration with other Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and with OPEC to defend the stability of the oil market.”

Although Naimi did not explicitly blame oil market speculators for the surge in oil prices since June, Gulf OPEC oil price doves have in the past blamed financial market speculation when oil prices have spiraled despite increases in supply. Trading data showed on Friday that money held by hedge funds and other big speculators in commodities has hit a one-year high, with markets rallying in anticipation of US and European economic stimulus efforts.

But Washington may still look to its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) for relief from stubbornly high oil prices. “If

Saudi Arabia wanted to stop an SPR release, it would have to do more than make a statement like this,” oil analyst Olivier Jakob at Swiss consultancy Petromatrix said, adding that talk of releasing oil from the world’s largest reserves was piling pressure on Riyadh to do more to dampen prices.

“Saudi Arabia has made a commitment to the G20 to keep oil prices under control. It has always said it will meet the need of customers,” Jakob said.

“But if you want to bring prices down, you need to do more than that. You need to push more oil into the market.”

Gulf OPEC producers have increased their production this year to help make up for lower exports from Iran due to tightening western sanctions over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program.

Although Saudi crude supply to the market remained steady at 9.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in July and August, off multi-decade highs of over 10 million earlier in the year, the big three Gulf OPEC producers collectively increased supply by around 400,000 bpd thanks to a 600,000 bpd jump in Kuwaiti production to 3 million bpd.Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates both cut their production by around 100,000 bpd from July to August.—Reuters

Indians disappointed with economy: Survey NEW DELHI: Indians say they are increasingly dejected about their country’s future. The Pew Research Center surveyed people about their opinions on India as its economic growth slows and corruption scandals hammer the government. Only 38 percent of Indians said they were satisfied with the direction the country had taken. That’s a 13 percent drop from last year. About eight in 10 Indians interviewed said the shape of the economy, unemployment and rising prices were “very big problems.”

The economic euphoria in India over the last few years, inspired by the country’s seemingly inevitable march toward double-digit growth, has suddenly soured. Although still relatively upbeat compared with many other countries, the Indian public’s confidence in their country’s direction and future economic growth has declined significantly compared with just a year ago. In a world where the Americans, the Europeans and even the Chinese have reason to worry about their economies, it is the Indians who have lost the greatest faith in their economic fortunes.

Indians today are mixed in their assessment of their national economy: 49% say the economy is in good shape, while 45% describe the economy as bad. A year ago opinion was more upbeat, with a 56%-majority saying the national economy was doing well, compared with 43% who disagreed. India’s economy grew a disappointing 5.5 percent in the last quarter ending June, a sharp slowdown from the 8 percent growth in the same period a year ago. Pew’s findings were published yesterday. —AP

Greek govt pushed to fix budget cuts ATHENS: Greece’s coalition government must finalize around 11.5 billion euros in further budget cuts in time to present a completed plan to euro-zone partners on Friday, a finance ministry official said.

The semi-official Athens News Agency quoted the official as saying that a “completed plan” on the cuts, worth $15.2 billion, had to be submitted to Friday’s informal meeting of euro-zone finance ministers in Cyprus. A final plan on the cuts for 2013 and 2014 must be submitted “regardless of whether an agreement has been reached with the troika” about the cuts, added the official. Greece is racing to finalize the new package of spending cuts necessary to unlock critical bailout loans that have been keeping its economy afloat.

A review mission from the so-called troika of Greece’s creditors-the EU, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank-is currently in Athens and will determine whether the country will be able to receive further bailout loans needed to avoid a default.

The chief auditors had their first meeting with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras yesterday.

“We have submitted the 11.5-billion-euro (package) to the troika,” Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras said after the meeting, which he also attended. Samaras and Stournaras submitted the spending cuts package despite the fact that the three-party government coalition still has not agreed on all the details. Stournaras said “a discussion and an evaluation are taking place.” The finance ministry official cited by the Athens News Agency described yesterday’s talks as “tough”, saying the troika objects to measures to put public sector employees on temporary leave and insists they be fired.

Greece is racing to finalize the new package of spending cuts necessary to unlock critical bailout loans that have been keeping its economy afloat.— AFP

22

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

BUSINESS

UAE CB plans discount window to help banks Economic outlook remains encouraging DUBAI: The United Arab Emirates central bank aims to develop its monetary policy framework by launching a discount window to enable banks to borrow intra-day and overnight funds, it said yesterday, adding the country’s economic outlook was encouraging.

“This facility will improve liquidity management practices within the UAE and support money markets if there are liquidity shortfalls,” the central bank said in its inaugural financial stability review.

“It will also support the development of collateralized debt markets and long-term capital markets as commercial banks will be inclined to invest in securities that are defined as eligible securities - this process will facilitate the implementation of Basel III liquidity standards,” it said.

The central bank did not say when it planned to launch the window, which will be called “the marginal lending facility” (MLF). officials were not immediately available for comment.

It said the MLF will be an electronic platform which will be integrated with a domestic Central Securities Depository (CSD) and the UAE Fund Transfer System and will have interfaces with international depositories. “Banks under the supervision of the Central Bank may sign up to such a facility and will have to maintain eligible collateral with approved CSDs,” it said.

Traders and analysts said the central bank was not under immediate pressure to intro-

duce the new facility because the market was currently flush with funds, but that the MLF could be important in preserving money market stability in future.

During the financial crisis of late 2008, the UAE’s central bank provided 25 billion dirhams ($6.8 billion) in special collateralized loans to the banking system.

But a discount window, similar to those used in developed money markets, could allow more flexible management by the central bank. “We see any broadening and deepening of monetary tools as positive,” said Monica Malik, chief economist at EFG-Hermes in Dubai. “We are currently not seeing any system-wide shortage in liquidity, although it is important to have the tools in place.”

Reflecting the current liquidity surplus, the benchmark three-month Emirates interbank offered rate (EIBOR) was fixed at 1.304 percent yesterday, a level equal to a more-than-eightyear low seen in mid-August.

The central bank said growth prospects of the OPEC member’s $338 billion economy were encouraging and banks operating in the country were well-equipped to deal with major stress scenarios and contingencies. “As regards the prospects for 2012, the UAE economy may achieve better results than the International Monetary Fund estimate of 3.5 percent growth,” it said.

Dubai, the Gulf trade and financial hub, may achieve 4 percent growth or more and an equal performance is expected for Abu Dhabi,

Iran cuts Q4 crude price formulas to Asia vs Q3 TOKYO/SINGAPORE: Iran cut the official selling prices (OSPs) for three main crude grades to Asia for a second consecutive quarter, sources said yesterday, in a bid to attract buyers as tough Western sanctions bite into its exports. With the latest cut in OSPs, Iranian Light crude is priced at 10 cents a barrel above Saudi’s flagship Arab Light for the fourth quarter, the narrowest differential between the two grades since the first quarter of 2007, trade data showed.

This quarterly reduction by Iran was viewed as a concession to its key Asian buyers-China, India, Japan and South Korea-who have struggled to import crude from the Middle Eastern country due to complications with shipping insurance following an EU oil embargo from the start of July.

The embargo has stopped European insurers, who dominate the maritime sector, from offering cover on tankers carrying Iranian crude. Industry watchers say the EU step has proved to be the hardest hitting measure in the West’s arsenal of sanctions aimed at Iran over its disputed nuclear program. Some of Iran’s regular buyers have turned to alternative Middle Eastern grades while others are looking to restart purchases from

September using Iranian tankers.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd, once the largest Iranian crude importer in India, has bought 1.15 million barrels of Dubai and Oman crude for October and November.

Iran discusses its crude OSPs quarterly with term lifters and regularly fine-tunes the spread between its grades and Saudi crudes during these negotiations.

The price formulas for Iranian Light, Iranian Heavy and Forozan Blend to Asia in the fourth quarter were cut by 2 to 9 cents a barrel, Reuters calculations based on its latest OSPs showed.

For the fourth quarter, Iranian Heavy was at 15 cents a barrel below Arab Medium, and Forozan at a 10-cent premium to Arab Medium.

Iran, however, raised the October OSPs for the three main Iranian crude grades to Asia from the previous month.

It set the OSPs of Soroush and Norouz at $6.10 a barrel discount to Iranian Heavy OSP for October, compared with a $5.60 discount for September, the sources said.

The table below shows changes in Iran crude oil prices to Asia. Prices to Asia are differentials to Oman/Dubai. Prices for Soroush and Norouz are against the Iranian Heavy OSP. — Reuters

which accounts for almost all of the UAE’s oil production.

Increased spending in northern emirates of the seven-member UAE federation and expectations of high oil prices, which are currently above $114 per barrel, were among the reasons for the bank’s upbeat outlook. The UAE economy grew by 4.2 percent in 2011 but the global slowdown, partly due to the debt crisis in the euro zone, is expected to take toll this year. A Reuters poll in July forecast 3.2 percent growth in 2012.

The central bank, which pegs its dirham currency to the US dollar, said inflation would remain moderate in line with the IMF’s estimate of 1.5 percent for the year. It also noted that it considered the UAE banking system more mature and stable, adding lenders did not currently hold any debt issued by peripheral European countries.

The country exposure of banks operating in the UAE-loans and advances excluding interbank-amounts to 93.9 billion UAE dirhams or 5.1 percent of their total assets, it said, putting the European share at 15 percent.

“Banks operating in the UAE have managed to diversify their funding into the Middle East and Asia,” it said. Finalizing major debt restructuring deals with various entities will likely raise UAE banks’ non-performing loans to a peak around an average of 8 to 9 percent compared with a ratio of 7.2 percent at the end of 2011, the bank said. — Reuters

Oman’s Al-Izz Islamic Bank set for $104m share float DUBAI: Al-Izz Islamic Bank, the second sharia-compliant lender being formed in Oman, will launch an initial public share offer (IPO) for 40 percent of the bank later this month, Oman’s regulator said in a statement yesterday.

Al Izz is the second Islamic bank to seek a stock market listing in Oman since the sultanate reversed its position last year as the only country in the Gulf Arab region not to permit sharia-compliant banking. The bank, which counts Abu Dhabi state-fund Aabar Investments as a founding shareholder, aims to raise 40 million rials ($104 million) through the offer which will open on Sept. 22 and run for one month, the Omani Capital Markets Authority said.

In June Bank Nizwa raised 60 million rials in an IPO that was 11 times oversubscribed. The shares have risen 3 percent since then. Shares in Al-Izz’s offering will be priced at 0.1 rials each and are open to both local and foreign investors, although the latter can only be allocated up to 70 percent of the offering.

The offer will be managed by Bank Muscat with the shares due to be allotted on a 60/40 split between retail and institutional investors, although that ratio could change according to demand.

A single institutional investor can subscribe to a maximum of 10 percent of the overall offer, the statement added. — Reuters

KARACHI: Pakistani fishermen unload undersized (trash) fish from the boat before sending it to their buyers who use it as poultry feed in Karachi yesterday.

Estimates show that over 50 trucks, each transporting at least 14,000 tons of trash fish, leave daily from Karachi fish harbor to the factories making poultry feed. — AFP

Saudi airlines unit picks HSBC for planned IPO DUBAI: Saudi Ground Services, a unit of national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines, has hired HSBC Holdings to advise it on a planned initial public offering (IPO) of 30 percent of its shares, banking sources told Reuters.

The unit would be the second of six including catering, cargo, maintenance, airlines and flight academy - to pursue a stock market listing following Saudi Arabian’s decision in 2006 to privatize them.

One banking source, however, said the ground services unit may not list until early 2013, with another saying it could be much later. The first of the units to be sold publicly, Saudi Airlines Catering Co, raised $347 million after completing a 30-percent IPO in July. Its shares have risen 14.5 percent since then.

“Ground services can be a very profitable business but it depends on the country and the set-up,” a senior equity banker said, pointing to the contrasting profitability of handlers at airports with multiple firms, such as London Heathrow, and those, such as Dubai, which are run as monopo-

lies. No financial details of the unit was immediately available. Saudi Ground Services was not immediately available for comment.

The kingdom’s IPO market has been the strongest in the Gulf for the last two years, with the bourse witnessing five new listings so far in 2012.

Saudi Arabia is slowly coming to terms with new carriers operating some of its domestic flights as part of the country’s economic reforms aimed at improving service levels and accessibility. Aside from Saudi Catering, Alinma Tokio Marine, an affiliate of the Japanese insurance firm, and Al Tayyar Travel Group have raised money from the stock market this year.

Potential IPO candidates in coming months include Construction Products Holding Co, Saudi Arabia’s largest maker of building materials and a unit of Binladin Group.

It has mandated the investment banking arms of Gulf International Bank and Samba Financial Group for an IPO in 2012 or 2013, industry sources said. — Reuters

MOL: Illegal oil output continues at Syria field GENEVA: Hungarian oil and gas group MOL said yesterday a Syrian firm was continuing oil production at its Hayan field, even after MOL suspended the field’s activities in February, adding this was “illegal.”

Foreign oil firms in Syria such as MOL as well as majors like Total and Royal Dutch Shell have suspended or severely reduced their Syrian production due to violence and international sanctions targeting the sector.

“After the force majeure announcement HPC (Hayan Petroleum Company) should have stopped oil activities, however HPC continues production which

we consider illegal,” MOL’s director Jozsef Tatai said at an oil conference organized by Global Pacific & Partners yesterday.

Force majeure allows a company to suspend contractual obligations in the face of unexpected and drastic occurrences such as war or natural disasters.

Tatai said he was not aware of the current production level at the field but added it included oil, gas and condensate. The Syrian government is desperate to keep oil flowing as it needs to swap this on the international spot market with the vital fuels it needs to survive. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds

.2740000 .4470000 .3570000 .2950000 .2850000 .2900000 .0040000 .0020000 .0762570 .7429510 .3870000 .0720000 .7283310 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2809000 GB Pound/KD .4497630 Euro .3599870 Swiss francs .2073750 Canadian dollars .2870570 Danish Kroner .0483190 Swedish Kroner .0425870 Australian dlr .2917010 Hong Kong dlr .0362180 Singapore dlr .2272840 Japanese yen .0035890 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0765080 Bahraini dinars .7453890 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0749270 Omani riyals .7298950 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

.2860000 .4540000 .3600000 .3020000 .2930000 .2980000 .0067500 .0035000 .0770240 .7504180 .4100000 .0780000 .7356510 .0510000 .2830000 .4531250 .3626790 .2995980 .2892030 .0486800 .0429050 .2938810 .0364880 .2289830 .0036160 .0051400 .0021440 .0029990 .0034750 .0770800 .7509620 .4002830 .0754870 .7353510 .0068660

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

296.000 750.750 3.690 292.000 554.400 46.000 49.400 167.800 48.370 364.700 37.080 5.370 0.032 0.161 0.235 3.700 400.050 0.191 93.430 45.000 4.340 232.400 1.829

50.500 733.280 3.080 6.950 78.080 75.370 229.640 36.450 2.689 455.400 43.600 302.000 4.300 9.430 198.263 76.970 282.700 1.360

10 Tola

GOLD 1,841.060

Sterling Pound US Dollar

733.100 2.988 6.785 77.650 75.370 229.640 36.450 2.130 453.400 300.500 4.300 9.270 76.870 282.300

COUNTRY

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 453.400 282.300

SELL DRAFT

294.500 750.750 3.444 290.500

229.600 46.334 363.200 36.930 5.100 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

296.31 293.10 303.13 364.24 281.85 453.75 3.68 3.454 5.092 2.133 3.195 2.984 76.81 750.47 46.35 401.54 733.54 77.83 75.37

SELL CASH

296.000 291.250 302.000 362.500 282.850 455.000 3.690 3.560 5.325 2.310 3.550 3.150 77.300 748.250 48.300 398.500 735.000 78.000 75.750

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 400.010 0.190 93.480 3.210 230.900

Rate for Transfer

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

Selling Rate

282.200 289.629 450.538 357.270

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

296.069 747.117 76.811 77.461 75.218 397.803 46.318 2.130 5.098 2.978 3.449 6.779 692.241 4.597 9.067 4.376 3.263 89.960

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

Currency

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 Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

282.200 2.980 5.110 2.139 3.447 6.830 76.935 75.395 750.200 46.318 456.800 2.990 1.550 366.500 294.500 3.200

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

282.200 360.400 453.950 290.000 3.620 5.095 46.335 2.133 3.445 6.760 2.985 751.400 76.920 75.420

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

BUSINESS

Kuwait inflation edges up to 3.1% NBK ECONOMIC REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait’s inflation in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) firmed slightly to 3.1% y/y in July from 2.8% in June, thanks almost exclusively to a sharp increase in food prices. Even at this rate, however, it remains much lower than a year ago. Moreover, core inflation (i.e. excluding food and beverages), was unchanged at a modest 2.1%.

Food price inflation jumped 1.8% m/m to 6.6% y/y, up from 4.9% y/y in June. (Chart 2.)

Most of this was driven by a 14.8% m/m increase in vegetable prices. The rise in overall food prices added some 0.3% points to the headline rate of inflation, effectively contributing all of the increase seen in July.

While it is tempting to link rising food prices to the recent bout of drought-linked hikes in global agricultural prices, it may be too soon for global price hikes to have filtered through the domestic supply chain.

More likely, the rises were driven by seasonal effects related to the holy month of Ramadan. If so, the prospects going forward are mixed: while Ramadan-linked food price hikes may reverse, the bulk of the globally-driven price increases may still be ahead of us.

ATHENS: European Central Bank’s representative Klaus Masuch (left) and International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief Poul Thomsen leave the Prime Minister’s office after their talks yesterday. — AFP

Brazil’s Gol denies takeover talks with Qatar Airways Outside of the food sector, inflationary pressures remain fairly subdued. The housing services subcomponent (mostly residential rents) failed to register an increase for the 7th month in a row, keeping the inflation rate at just 1.5% y/y.

Inflation in all other sectors decelerated, except in the ‘other goods and services’ segment, where it edged up to 2.5% y/y from

2.2% in June. Even here, however, inflation remains close to a 4-year low. (Chart 3.)

Overall, we think inflation is set to remain contained this year, with favorable base effects perhaps even pushing it back below 3% in the near-term. A combination of higher food prices and a strong consumer sector present scope for a slight pick-up going into 2013, however.

Singapore looks to benefits in Qantas-Emirates deal

PARIS: France’s President Francois Hollande (left) welcomes World Bank President Jim Yong Kim at the Elysee Palace in Paris yesterday. —AP

Hollande’s tax plans doomed, say foes PARIS: French President Francois Hollande’s plan for a swathe of new taxes to balance the country’s books was yesterday branded a recipe for disaster by opponents across the political spectrum.

Socialist Hollande outlined a fiscal program that includes a top tax rate of 75 percent in a televised interview on Sunday evening, promising that the cocktail of higher taxes and cuts in public spending would lead to economic recovery within two years.

That was dismissed as unfeasible by the right-wing UMP party, whose former leader Nicolas Sarkozy was trounced by Hollande in presidential elections in May. “I am very worried for France,” said Jean-Francois Cope, one of the candidates to succeed Sarkozy at the head of the main opposition party. “He wants the French to believe that through massive tax increases he will resolve the economic problems of our country,” Cope said.

“I was the budget minister for three years and I have retained one lesson that is, to reduce the deficit, one starts with cutting public spending and not by raising taxes.” Hollande, whose popularity ratings have nose-dived since he took office amid mounting discontent over the flagging economy and job cuts, insisted the 75-per-

cent tax pledge on incomes over one million euros ($1.28 million) would not be diluted. The president-who has famously said he does not “like the rich”-said 10 billion dollars would come from additional taxes on households, “especially the wellheeled”, 10 billion more from businesses and 10 billion from savings in government spending. Cope said the new top rate of tax would result in business leaders abandoning France. Although he was all for progressive taxation, “there is no country in the world with a 75-percent tax,” he said.

France’s richest man, LVMH boss Bernard Arnault has sought Belgian nationality but has insisted he will remain a resident of France for tax purposes. Farleft leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said France, reeling under 10 percent unemployment at over three million, was headed straight for doom.

“Thirty billion euros withdrawn from economic circulation in France-that necessarily, inevitably, absolutely spells collapse,” he said. “The country will enter recession, the deficits will widen and unemployment will increase.”And far-right leader Marine Le Pen heaped scorn on the “limp powerlessness” of Hollande, whose personal style is the opposite of his hyperactive predecessor Sarkozy. — AFP

CANBERRA: Singapore’s Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang yesterday acknowledged the city-state would be impacted by Qantas’s tie -up with Emirates but said the air hub was looking to growth in Asia travel.

The Australian carrier’s alliance with Emirates comes amid a bid to stem huge losses in its international business and will see Qantas shift its hub for European flights from Singapore to Dubai.

But the Singaporean trade minister said the state would work closely with Qantas which is set to terminate flights in Singapore and redeploy them within the bustling region where middle classes are set to boom. “This is obviously a commercial decision, and Qantas moving its hub from Singapore to the Middle East will of course have some impact on us,” Lim said during a visit to Australia.

“But at the same time there are air slots that Qantas can use, and the air traffic in Southeast Asia is growing, so we look forward to Qantas using those air slots to service the rest of Asia,” he added.

“What we may lose in terms of the European flow we hope to rebuild again in the Asia and the ASEAN flow.” Qantas has described the 10-year partnership with Emirates, unveiled last week and subject to regulatory approval, as “momentous” for the industry and an important step in reversing its haemorrhaging international arm.

It will extend beyond code sharing and joint services to include coordinated pricing, sales and scheduling and a benefit-sharing model, although neither airline will take equity in the other.

Qantas chief Alan Joyce has described the alliance as key to addressing the airline’s issues in Asia because it will free up aircraft that once used Hong Kong and Singapore as stopovers to terminate there and travel onwards in Asia. “(That) makes us more competitive against Singapore (Airlines) and (Hong Kong-based) Cathay,” Joyce said in a television interview on Sunday.

Though Qantas’s domestic business is a strong performer its international arm is struggling with high fuel costs and steep competition, accounting for much of the airline’s Aus$244 million ($253 million) loss in 2011-12.

The half-billion-dollar reverse in its fortunes in just 12 months and Qantas’s first loss since privatization in 1995 saw Standard and Poor’s downgrade the Australian carrier’s credit rating despite the Emirates deal. S&P said the cut from BBB to BBB- — still investment grade-was due to “structural pressures affecting the airline’s international business”, particularly in Asia, which it said would not be easily resolved. — AFP

ECB plan puts independence in question: Merkel aide BERLIN: The European Central Bank’s plans to buy the debt of troubled euro-zone states calls its independence into question and takes it to the limits of its mandate, a senior member of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s ruling conservatives said yesterday.

The plans for potentially unlimited purchases of bonds issued by countries that request a European bailout and fulfill strict domestic policy conditions has stirred anxiety in Germany over the growing costs of the nearly three-year-old debt crisis.

The German central bank chief, Jens Weidmann, opposed the ECB move and some conservatives share his view that the bond-buying plans violate a taboo on financing state deficits. They also fear it will erode the ECB’s independence from politicians.

But Merkel and the country’s finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble have thrown their support behind ECB chief Mario Draghi’s plan to help euro zone states manage their debts.

“Because an ECB intervention (in the bond markets) hinges on politically determined programs, the bank’s independence is brought a little bit into question,” Volker

Kauder, the Christian Democrats’ (CDU) parliamentary leader and a close ally of Merkel, told the Bild daily.

“The ECB has reached the border of what is permitted, also because it is moving into the area of state financing. These are quite simply extraordinary times,” Kauder said.

But if the ECB did not act, the risks would rise, he added. “A failure of the euro would be incalculably more costly,” he told Bild, which has long criticized bailouts of struggling states like Greece. A keenly-awaited ruling by Germany’s Constitutional Court on Wednesday is expected to put aside challenges to the legality of the euro-zone’s permanent new bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM).

Merkel’s spokesman said on Monday the government remained convinced the ESM was in line with the constitution despite a new complaint filed by lawmaker Peter Gauweiler, from the CDU’s Bavaria-based sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU).

“Nothing has changed (because of the latest complaint). We also believe that nothing has changed in substance. That is the govern-

ment’s position,” spokesman Steffen Seibert said. The court in Karlsruhe was considering Gauweiler’s fresh injunction request yesterday and was expected to say today whether it would accept it - and whether this would delay the ruling scheduled for Wednesday on the ESM. Kauder said he hoped for a positive verdict, describing the ESM as “the central building block” for overcoming the crisis.”

Underlining the strong feelings on the ECB plan in the more eurosceptic wing of Merkel’s coalition, another CSU politician said Weidmann should have tried harder to block the move.

Calling the plans “wrong and hugely hazardous”, Alexander Dobrindt, the CSU’s executive secretary, told the Augsburger Allgemeine newspaper: “(I regret) that Bundesbank chief Jens Weidmann did not assert himself at the decisive ECB sitting.”

Dobrindt, who has been criticized for comments predicting Greece would leave the euro-zone, said he had “great sympathy” for Gauweiler’s legal challenge of the ECB decision. — Reuters

SAO PAULO: Brazil’s Gol Linhas Aereas denied yesterday a report of takeover talks with Qatar Airways, after hopes of a deep-pocketed investor in the Brazilian airline sent shares soaring.

Brazilian news magazine Veja reported over the weekend that Gol’s management met last week with executives from fast-growing Qatar Airways. Veja did not say how it obtained the information.

A spokeswoman for Gol denied the contents of the Veja report, which said discussions of an investment in the struggling Brazilian airline were still in early phases.

The magazine said Qatar Airways is looking to take over Gol with the same kind of merger that allowed Chile’s LAN Airlines to gain control of Brazil’s No 1 carrier TAM, forming giant regional giant LATAM Airlines. Gol shares jumped near 11 percent in opening trading before paring gains to 6 percent, the biggest daily increase in six weeks.

The stock has lost nearly 60 percent in

two years as higher fuel prices and a poorly-timed growth plan have led to steep losses. Gol lost 710 million reais ($350 million) in 2011 and has forecast an operating loss in 2012 as executives expect fuel costs and a weaker local currency to continued dragging on performance.

“If there isn’t a change in control I don’t see an improvement in the type of results that (Gol) has been presenting in recent quarters,” said Fabio GonÁalves, an analyst at Banrisul brokerage in Porto Alegre. The airline is cutting back its fleet and aims to slash 2,500 jobs this year. But its model of a low-cost airline faces challenges in a country with expensive labor, cumbersome taxes and crowded airports. In December, Delta Air Lines Inc bought a 3 percent stake in Gol and appointed a representative to the Brazilian carrier’s board of directors.

Delta has said throughout the year that it is not considering an increased stake in the airline. — Reuters

Brent holds above $114 despite soft China demand LONDON: Brent crude oil held above $114 per barrel yesterday, buoyed by expectations of economic stimulus measures from the United States, despite worse-than-expected Chinese trade data. Chinese imports fell 2.6 percent year on year in August, confounding expectations of a 3.5 percent rise.

Exports grew 2.7 percent, below forecasts of a 3 percent rise.

But markets are hoping growing signs of economic slowdown in China and in the United States will encourage the US Federal Reserve to pump more money into the economy, a move that could help depress the dollar and boost commodities and oil.

Brent crude futures for October deliver y were trading 5 cents higher at $114.30 per barrel by 1330 GMT, after settling up 76 cents on Friday. US crude was down 70 cents $95.72 per barrel.

“The market is clearly betting on a third round of quantitative easing from the United States,” said Tamas Varga, analyst at brokers PVM Oil Associates in London.

“The Chinese data were pretty bearish as were US jobs figures last week. But it is a twisted logic: bad news can be good news if it leads to a positive policy response.” Yesterday ’s Chinese data underscored the severity of a slowdown in the world’s second-biggest oil consumer and Chinese oil trade figures showed a sharp decline in fuel imports as export growth slowed.

China’s crude oil imports fell 12.5 percent in August from a year earlier to the lowest daily rate since October 2010, while implied oil demand in China fell to 8.92 million barrels per day (bpd), underlining flagging domestic demand while the global economic outlook darkens.

Federal Reser ve Chairman Ben Bernanke is due to hold a briefing on Thursday after a key policy meeting and some analysts are expecting a signal that the US central bank may soon launch a third round of monetary easing, or QE3.

Since late 2008, the Federal Reserve has

bought $2.3 trillion in long-term securities in a drive to spur growth and revive the economy, indirectly pumping billions into asset markets and bringing sharply higher oil prices.

Weaker-than-expected US jobs figures on Friday reinforced expectations of a move towards QE3 sooner rather than later. A Reuters poll of economists after the data showed a 60 percent chance of the Fed launching a fresh round of QE3 at the end of its September 12-13 policy meeting.

Also supportive was the aftermath of Hurricane Isaac, which shut much of the oil and gas production in the Gulf of Mexico.

Nearly 14 percent of oil output and 10 percent of gas production remained shut on Sunday, US regulators said. But weighing on prices was evidence that oil supply is increasing in several key centres. North Sea production from key fields is now affected by maintenance work but will return next month and output from the Middle East Gulf is also high.

Oil output by three big Gulf producers saw a net increase of around 400,000 bpd in August as a sharp rise in Kuwaiti output outweighed cuts by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), industry sources said on Friday. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi said yesterday the Kingdom was concerned about rising oil prices but the current high prices were “simply not supported by market fundamentals”.

“Saudi Arabia will, as always, take all necessary steps to ensure the market is well supplied and to help moderate prices - and we will meet any additional demand from our customers,” Naimi said four days after US officials met to consider a release of emergency oil stocks.

Obama administration officials said last week they were worried a release of crude from US emergency reserves would do little to temper global oil prices, partly driven by tighter supplies of refined fuel such as gasoline. — Reuters

ZAVENTEM: Fire engines spray water over an Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft parked at Brussels airport for the first time yesterday in Zaventem. Ethiopian Airlines, the first African company to have bought this aircraft, purchased ten Dreamliners. — AFP

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For India’s Chidambaram, there is no time to waste Disillusioned investors get a message of culture change NEW DELHI: P Chidambaram has a simple message for investors disillusioned by India’s policy drift: it is no longer ‘business as usual’ in the corridors of North Block, the sandstone colonial building that houses the finance ministry in New Delhi. For months, critics have accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government of being asleep at the wheel. Frustrated investors accuse it of both over-confidence and complacency in the face of an economic slowdown that has shattered the country’s reputation as ‘Incredible India’.

“We have come to a stage where something concrete has to happen,” said Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at Bank of Baroda in Mumbai. “The current period is very, very critical for India.”

But in the 41 days since his appointment as finance minister - for a third time - Chidambaram has shaken up the ministry and impressed analysts. He has sought to signal that Asia’s third-largest economy finally has someone willing to take tough decisions.

Several officials, who asked to remain anonymous, said there had been considerable change in the finance ministry, where Chidambaram was working to shake off the dithering seeping down from policy-makers. In a series of interviews, they described him as a no-nonsense man who is constantly questioning, hands-on, meticulous and intolerant of people who could not manage their time.

India’s economic policy-making has been blocked for months by confusion, mis-steps and political gridlock.

While the timing of big-bang reforms remains uncertain, the Harvard-educated Chidambaram is trying to work around bickering politicians and is drawing up a package of smaller measures to stop the rot, such as improving tax collection, fast-tracking stalled infrastruc-

ture projects and asking state banks to ease lending to small manufacturers.

His ministry is ratcheting up pressure on wayward coalition allies of the ruling Congress party to agree on a long-overdue increase in heavily subsidized fuel prices. Ministry officials warned for the first time last week that if the hikes did not take place soon, spending cuts might be necessary to keep the budget deficit under control. The cabinet may consider making a move on fuel prices this week. Chidambaram’s appointment may have bought the government a reprieve from international credit rating agencies, which have threatened to downgrade India to junk status over New Delhi’s policy paralysis, ministry officials said.

But he does not have much time. Investors, weary of empty rhetoric and broken promises, are impatient for action now. Chidambaram has made clear he understands the importance of winning back investors’ confidence. That stands in stark contrast with his predecessor, Pranab Mukherjee, now India’s president, who scared off foreign investors with confusing tax reform proposals and failed to drive through any major reforms during his near four-year term.

Nowhere are the winds of change clearer than in North Block, where officials are working longer hours and weekends, and with a new sense of urgency and accountability. “His message is very clear. Either you have to perform or find a way to move out of the ministry,” said one official, who attended Chidambaram’s first meeting with senior staff.

Reinforcing the message of change was the appointment of Raghuram Rajan, the outspoken former chief economist to the International Monetary Fund, as Chidambaram’s top adviser. Earlier this year, Rajan

offered a stinging critique of the government’s economic policies at an event attended by Singh.

Since Chidambaram’s arrival, senior ministry officials have been logging their arrival and departure each day using fingerprint scanners located at the building’s entrances. Earlier, only junior staff were required to do so. “What he has done is put everyone on their toes and made them accountable,” the official said.

Mukherjee typically arrived at his office around 11 a.m. and would then spend much of his day meeting constituents and Congress party officials. He tended to read ministry documents late in the day and would often leave around 10 in the evening.

“Chidambaram comes in by 9 a.m., is very businesslike, does his work, does not meet people to make small talk, clears his files fast and goes home by 6 p.m.,” said an official. The minister takes a dim view of officials who talk to journalists roaming the ministry’s corridors. “He

Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram

would rather see them work,” said one. Chidambaram underwent minor surgery last week and was not available for an interview.

A former lawyer, he has a reputation for intellectual prowess, and also arrogance that has won him enemies within the ruling Congress party and on occasion alienated public opinion. His eloquence, however, has made him arguably the most effective spokesman for the troubled Congress party.

The last time Chidambaram was finance minister, in 2004-2008, growth was motoring at a near-double-digit clip, fuelled by the transformational reforms that Singh introduced in 1991 to open up a state-stifled economy.

It will be no easy ride this time. Growth was just 5.5 percent in the June fiscal quarter, near its slowest rate in three years, in large part due to the global economic crunch. Investment has shrunk and the fiscal deficit has also ballooned, fuelled by hefty subsidies on diesel, kerosene and fertilisers.

“Growth is slowing, there are lots of issues in the world economy. Everybody else is slowing,” said Dipak Dasgupta, principal economic adviser in the ministry.

“We have to pick up the pace with which we do things.”

A key part of Chidambaram’s strategy to work around the political gridlock has been to forge better ties with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which frayed under Mukherjee. The two were at odds over which should come first - fiscal reforms or cutting high interest rates.

The ministry and the RBI are now working on a coordinated plan that would see Chidambaram take the first step by unveiling some fiscal reforms, possibly in September. That could give the central bank room to ease interest rates.— Reuters

Turkish GDP below forecast, rate cuts in prospect ISTANBUL: Turkey’s economy grew slower than expected in the second quarter and a deeper slowdown is expected during the rest of the year as domestic demand weakens, raising pressure on the central bank to cut borrowing costs more aggressively.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.90 percent year-on-year, below a Reuters poll forecast of 3.25 percent, data from the Turkish Statistics Institute showed. First quarter growth was revised to 3.3 percent from 3.2 percent reported in July. Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said the data showed the economy continued to experience a “soft landing” but added that initial indicators pointed to more moderate growth in the second half. It would now be no surprise missing a full-year 4 percent growth target would be no surprise.

“A growth performance of 2.9 percent at a time when the euro-zone is shrinking, and many emerging economies are slowing down, cannot be looked down on,” Simsek told Reuters.

Turkish bond yields fell to their lowest since January 2011 as the growth figures fuelled expectations of more aggressive easing of monetary policy by the central bank. The yield on Turkey’s two-year benchmark bond fell as low as 7.29 percent from a previous close of 7.35 percent.

Turkey’s economy was the fastest growing in Europe last year, surging 8.5 percent, largely due to strong household consumption and high investment expenditures in the private sector.

But although export growth has remained strong, with firms refocusing on Africa and the Middle East to shield themselves from a deepening crisis in main trading partner Europe, domestic demand has weakened and policymakers have been trying to steer the economy softly back down to earth.

“Growing more than 4 percent this year is becoming harder by the day. The landing has occurred but this plane is not going to stop. We should refuel the plane and move on,” Economy Minister

Zafer Caglayan said in emailed comments. “The central bank should not delay in taking its feet off the brakes.”

The central bank eased policy slightly at its last meeting on Aug. 16 by raising the amount of lira reserves commercial banks can hold in foreign currencies and gold. It also gave its clearest signal yet that it could cut interest rates going forward as inflation falls. Analysts expect the central bank to lower the upper band of its interest rate corridor by up to 100 basis points at its next monetary policy committee meeting on Sept. 18. The overnight borrowing rate currently stands at 5 percent and the lending rate at 11.5 percent, with the benchmark repo rate at 5.75.

“We are seeing clearly both the

impacts of the central bank policies and the global slowdown on the Turkish economy,” said Gizem Oztok Altinsac, economist at Garanti Securities.

“From now on we definitely think the central bank will switch to easier policy ... We expect a 50 basis point cut on the upper band of the interest rate corridor,” she said.

Quarter-on-quarter, gross domestic product (GDP) grew a seasonally-adjusted 1.8 percent in the second quarter, according to the Turkish Statistics Institute data. The 2011 growth figure was unrevised from an initial 8.5 percent reported in April. “The slowdown in economic growth is obvious and today’s data confirms it,” said HSBC strategist Fatih Keresteci. — Reuters

War-torn Yemeni firm Sabafon winning back some customers DUBAI: Yemeni mobile phone operator Sabafon, which last year blamed the government for attacks on its network infrastructure and reduced services for customers, said yesterday it has since won back a fifth of the 1 million subscribers it lost due to service disruptions. In December, the firm, which is 27percent owned by Bahrain Telecommunications Co (Batelco), said it had come under repeated attack from state forces due to its chairman’s support for protests aiming to end the 33-year rule of Ali Abdullah Saleh. A government spokesman denied that Sabafon was deliberately targeted. “We lost almost 1 million subscribers and managed to get back around 200,000,” a spokesman for Sabafon said yesterday in an emailed response to questions from Reuters, adding it now had 3.65 million subscribers.

“Landlines, international and GPRS (mobile) services were restored but the negative effect of the disconnection is still there as many international operators after the long period of disconnection decided to route their traffic to other operators.”

Sabafon competes against MTN Yemen, a unit of South Africa’s MTN, and state-run Yemen Mobile.

Sabafon described the situation in Yemen as “improving slowly” following Saleh’s exit in February, with the company’s relationship with Yemen’s government also on the mend. But it still faces notable problems, with some equipment confiscated and still held at Sanaa airport, it said, while the company has been unable to repair some of its damaged sites.

“We managed to bring back to service as (many) as possible but some important sites are still out of service in areas controlled by the Republican Guards,” Sabafon said. — Reuters

BP sells some Gulf of Mexico assets for $5.55bn LONDON: Oil company BP said yesterday it is selling some deep-water assets in the Gulf Mexico to Plains Exploration & Production Co for $5.55 billion, a big step in the BP’s drive to cover the cost of its oil well blowout in the Gulf two years ago and concentrate investment elsewhere.

BP is selling its interests in three of the assets it operates: the Marlin hub, Horn Mountain and Holstein.

The deal also includes BP’s stakes in two non-operated assets, Ram Powell and Diana Hoover.

Plains is also buying the 50 percent interest in the Holstein field that BP doesn’t own from Shell Offshore Inc. for $560 million. Both deals, representing production of 59,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day, are expected to close by the end of the year.

“While these assets no longer fit our business strategy, the Gulf of

Mexico remains a key part of BP’s global exploration and production portfolio and we intend to continue investing at least $4 billion there annually over the next decade,” said BP chief executive Bob Dudley.

The company’s shares were up 1.1 percent at 439 pence in London trading following the announce-

British Petroleum sign is seen at a station in Manassas, Virginia.

ment. BP said it expects to dispose of $38 billion in assets between 2010 and 2013; total sales agreed so far are more than $32 billion. The company will concentrate future activity and investment in the Gulf of Mexico on growth opportunities around its four major operated production hubs and three non-operated production hubs in the deep water, as well as on significant exploration and appraisal opportunities in the Paleogene and elsewhere.

BP will continue to operate four major production platforms in the region: Thunder Horse, Atlantis, Mad Dog and Na Kika. It will also hold on to three other hubs which it doesn’t operate. The company now has six drilling rigs operating in the Gulf of Mexico and expects to have eight rigs in place by the end of the year, the most it has ever had in the region. —AP

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JAL sets IPO at $8.5bn in sign of strong demand TOKYO: Japan Airlines Co Ltd set the pre-market price for its initial public offering at the top end of the range, raising $8.5 billion for state coffers in a sign of solid demand for the world’s second-largest IPO this year.

Japan Airlines (JAL), which has emerged from its 2010 bankruptcy with a clean balance sheet and industry topping profits, set the IPO price at 3,790 yen ($48.55) per share yesterday after gauging investor demand at 3,500 to 3,790 yen. It will list on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Sept. 19.

At the pre-market price, the company will raise 663 billion yen ($8.49 billion), nearly double the 350 billion yen injected by a Japanese governmentbacked fund following the airline’s failure with $25 billion in debts in early 2010. The fund, the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan (ETIC), is selling its 96.5 percent stake in Japan Airlines in the IPO, which ranks second this year behind the $16 billion offering by social network giant Facebook Inc. Attractive valuations and a strong balance sheet, bolstered by massive debt forgiveness in the wake of its failure, are expected to ensure the JAL offering fares better than that of Facebook, which was marred by an exchange system glitch.

JAL would trade at a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.3 at the IPO price, based on its profit forecast for the current business year. That’s about one third of the valuation of local rival All Nippon Airways (ANA), whose stock tumbled to a multi-decade low last week as investors sold to make room in their portfolios for JAL shares. Asia-wide, airlines trade at a medi-

an forward PE of 11.5, with Singapore Airlines Ltd at 27 times expected earnings and Qantas Airways Ltd at 10.2 times. “In a nutshell, JAL looks cheap compared to ANA,” said Takashi Nishibori, chief editor of Tokyo IPO, a website catering to individual investors.

Nishibori predicted the stock would open at or slightly higher than its IPO price in a modest first-day

“pop” when it debuts mid-next week.

Following the IPO, JAL will be Asia’s third-biggest carrier by market value, behind Singapore Air and Air China Ltd. For the business year ended in March, JAL booked a 205 billion yen operating profit, placing it at the top of the notoriously volatile industry. The strong rebound followed a massive restructuring

TOKYO: Passengers queuing up to check in at the Japan Airlines (JAL) counter at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. Japan Airlines (JAL) said yesterday its stock offering would raise $8.5 billion in the world’s second-biggest share sale this year after Facebook. — AFP

that eliminated a third of its workforce, scrapped unprofitable routes, slashed pensions and retired ageing and fuel-guzzling jumbo jets.

The airline also benefits from a lower interest burden stemming from debt waivers, smaller depreciation costs following a write-down of its fleet, and a $4.5 billion tax credit that it can use to offset corporate tax for the remainder of the decade.

Those provisions have sparked criticism from rival ANA, which has lobbied for measures such as preferential allocation of landing slots to level what it claims is an unfair playing field.

JAL expects its operating profit to fall by a quarter this year to 150 billion yen. In addition to tough industry conditions, the airline must also grapple with rising labor costs as it makes the transition to a private, listed firm. In a statement, JAL said it priced the stock at the top end of the range because demand was higher than the number of shares being offered. Three-quarters of the stock will be distributed in Japan with the remainder sold overseas.

Japanese retail investors, who will soak up 70 percent of the offering, were drawn in large part by the coupons for discount air-tickets that come with the shares. These coupons, also offered by ANA, encourage many investors to hold on to their stock for a longer time. Institutional investors, who tend to be more wary of the industry’s prospects, have proved a harder sell. “This is an airline stock, and the industry is facing tough times,” said Kazuyuki Terao, Chief Investment Officer at RCM Japan Co. “I see no reason to invest in this stock.” Daiwa Securities Group is the global coordinator on the offering. — Reuters

China Aug trade surplus widens to $26.7 billion Imports register surprise fall, stimulus likely

BEIJING: A woman rides on an electric scooter past vehicles parked outside a building in Beijing yesterday. China’s vehicle sales grew by an unexpectedly strong 8.3 percent in August despite the country’s economic slowdown. — AP

Auto sales fall in China, India BEIJING: China’s auto sales growth tumbled to 3.7 percent in August, adding to a deepening economic slowdown, data showed yesterday.

Customers bought 1.23 million cars, according to a government-authorized industry group, the China Association of Auto Manufacturers. The lower growth extended a steady decline from July’s 11 percent rate and June’s 15.8 percent.

The slowdown is a blow to a global auto industry that is looking to China, the biggest market by number of vehicles sold, to drive sales growth amid weak demand in US and European markets. Meanwhile, Indian car sales slid 19 percent in August, the first fall in ten months, industry figures showed yesterday, as concerns pile up about the health of the emerging nation’s economy. Monthly domestic sales declined from 145,066 cars a year earlier to 118,142, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said, blaming high interest rates and fuel prices.

General Motors Co, Ford Motor Co and other global brands say their sales are growing faster than the overall market.

That is squeezing smaller Chinese brands.

Growth in total vehicle sales also slowed in August, CAAM said. Sales rose 7.8 percent to 1.5 million units, down from July’s 8 percent. Sales were unexpectedly strong and might have received a temporary boost from sale prices, said Zhang Xin, an industry analyst at Guotai Jun’an Securities in Beijing. “I think the main reason is ‘On Sale,’ especially led by the famous and luxury brands,” Zhang said. Zhang said buyers also might have been prompted to move up purchases to beat the imposition of curbs on new registrations in a growing number of cities to fight smog and traffic.

GM said earlier sales of GM brand cars by the company and its Chinese partners rose 7.3 percent in August from a year ago to 220,996 units, a new record for that month. Germany’s Daimler AG said sales of its Mercedes-Benz, smart, AMG and Maybach cars in China rose 5 percent in August to 14,840.

In India, auto manufacturers have been offering discounts and promotional schemes to attract customers while also introducing new and upgraded models to the market, but sales have remained sluggish. SIAM had projected auto sales to rise by nine to 11 percent this fiscal year-far higher than last year when growth was at 2.2 percent as the sector was hit by sharp rate hikes to curb inflation.

But yesterday SIAM said that the financial year forecast was unlikely to be met. “If the declining trend continues and if September sales are also poor, it will be very difficult to meet the growth target,” SIAM senior director Sugato Sen said.

“We are entering a desperate situation.

We need help from the government,” he told reporters in the capital New Delhi. Car makers are hoping sales pick up in the festive season, which runs through to November, when Indians make big-ticket purchases from property to electronics as it is considered an auspicious time to buy.

The weakening auto market data comes as India’s once-booming economy grew by just 5.5 percent between April to June-its slowest expansion in three years.

Unlike other central banks which have been cutting rates to spur growth, the Reserve Bank of India has been holding back, saying it wants inflation to come down from stubbornly high levels of near seven percent before it acts. — AP

New Barclays boss weighs investment bank’s future LONDON: The future of Barclays’ investment bank is the most pressing issue for new chief executive Antony Jenkins to address when he speaks to investors and his own investment bankers yesterday.

Jenkins, appointed 11 days ago to restore the reputation of Britain’s fourth-largest bank after a series of scandals, is expected to curb the riskier investment banking business built by his predecessor as he reforms a culture regulators have criticized as too aggressive.

“The key issue is what to do with the investment bank,” Shore Capital analyst Gary Greenwood said.

“I would expect to see a gradual deemphasis of the investment bank and a reallocation of capital elsewhere.” Greenwood said he expects Jenkins to cut costs and shrink the amount of capital consumed by the investment bank, which generates more than half of Barclays’ total profit. Also high on Jenkins’s todo list is how far to overhaul the senior management team at the bank, which was rocked by a record fine of more than $450 million in June for rigging interest rates and is being investigated over a fundraising.

The rate-rigging probe unearthed longstanding concerns by Britain’s financial regulator about the culture under former CEO Bob Diamond and Chairman Marcus Agius, who both resigned as a result of the scandal. Chris Lucas, finance director since 2007, is most under pressure after the regulator’s criticism.

He was also named as one of four people being investigated by the regulator over a fundraising from Qatari investors four years ago. Jenkins could also look to remove executives who were close to Diamond, such as investment bank boss Rich Ricci and wealth management head Tom Kalaris.

“Given the change of culture that Jenkins is required to drive, a senior management shake-up is highly likely. My feeling on timing is that people will want to see some signs of things happening before the year is out,” said one of the 25 largest shareholders in the bank. The bank has also been caught up in an insurance mis-selling scandal and a tax avoidance row. Barclays declined to comment. Shortly after his appointment, Jenkins voiced support for Lucas and the management team. —Reuters

BEIJING: China’s trade surplus widened to $26.7 billion in August as imports registered a surprise fall, data showed yesterday, fuelling expectations of a new round of stimulus measures.

The figures, which came a day after downbeat industrial data, highlight waning strength in the world’s second-largest economy, as the broader global slowdown and the European debt crisis drag on exports. Overseas shipments increased 2.7 percent year-on-year in August to $178 billion, the General Administration of Customs said in a statement on its website. Imports fell 2.6 percent to $151.3 billion.

The increase in exports in August outpaced the one percent gain registered in July and was also slightly better than the 2.5 percent increase forecast in a survey of economists by Dow Jones Newswires, though it is far below the kind of growth China has experienced in recent years.

The decline in imports, meanwhile, came as those economists had expected a 3.4 percent rise and follows two straight months of slowing growth. Gross domestic product in China, a key engine of the global economy, grew 7.6 percent in the second quarter through June, its worst performance in three years.

The government is targeting full-year expansion of 7.5 percent this year, though that is well below the 9.3 percent recorded in 2011 and the 10.4 percent in 2010. The decline in imports “reinforces our view that China is heading to an economic hard-landing”, Shen Jianguang of Mizuho Securities Asia said in a report, adding more stimulus is likely soon.

Yesterday’s figures are the latest in a string of weak data that has confirmed a deepening slowdown in China’s economy. Official data Sunday showed industrial output growth weakened in August to its slowest pace in more than three years. Production increased just 8.9 percent year-on-year-the lowest since a similar rise of 8.9 percent in the depths of the global economic crisis in May 2009. Lu Ting, China Economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, also said that the worsening situation is likely to tip Chinese authorities towards further action. “With a worsening growth outlook and muted inflation pressure, we expect the government to take more action to support growth,” he said in a

Glencore tells Xstrata investors its bid is final LONDON: Commodities trader Glencore laid out what it said was a final $36 billion takeover offer for Xstrata yesterday, warning the miner’s investors it would not improve the terms again after making concessions to woo recalcitrant shareholders.

Glencore, which already owns just over a third of Xstrata, confirmed its bid was now at 3.05 new shares for every Xstrata share held. This is up from 2.8 and in line with proposals made on Friday, following an unexpected turnaround that ended months of stalemate with the miner’s second-largest investor, Qatar. That level represents a 27 percent premium to the ratio at which Glencore and Xstrata were trading last week, when the market believed the deal would collapse.

“Glencore confirms that it is an all-share merger, and it will not increase the merger ratio further,” the trading company said. “The increased merger ratio represents a substantial premium for a company with a 34 percent shareholder.” The offer released after a weekend of intense negotiations has been seen by those close to the deal as more conciliatory and less aggressive than proposals presented to Xstrata’s board on Friday, just minutes before the miner’s shareholders were due to vote on Glencore’s original bid.

Glencore’s chief executive and top shareholder Ivan Glasenberg still demands the top job in the combined entity, but the deal now retains a merger structure unless a change is approved by Xstrata - rather than shifting to a straightforward takeover requiring a simple majority to approve the bid.

It also provides for a balanced board, as in the original bid made in February, and makes the deal conditional on a retention scheme for the miner’s senior managers - easing concerns about the operational risk of changes at the top. Shares in Xstrata were up 2.4 percent at 1,038.5 pence at 1120 GMT, outperforming a 1.8 percent rise in the UK mining sector, while Glencore was down 1.2 percent. At those levels, the shares are trading around a higher ratio of 2.8, which would indicate the market is assigning a greater possibility that the deal will happen. Qatar, which demanded in June a ratio of 3.25 to approve the deal, was considering its position on Monday after what one source familiar with the deal described as Glencore’s “curveball” last week. —Reuters

SHANDONG: Containers being loaded by workers at Qingdao Port, east China’s Shandong province. China’s trade surplus widened to $26.7 billion in August as imports registered a surprise fall, data showed yesterday, adding to expectations of a new round of stimulus measures. — AFP report. Lu added that such efforts will likely focus on improvements to urban infrastructure and increasing the supply of land as well as two additional cuts by the central bank to reserve ratio requirements for banks and the easing of some curbs on lending. China has already taken steps this year to stimulate growth by cutting interest rates twice in quick succession and slashing the amount of funds banks must keep in reserve as methods to stimulate lending.

But a slight acceleration announced Sunday in consumer price inflation, which rose 2.0 percent in August, has led to speculation the People’s Bank of China will be reluctant to slash borrowing costs again

soon. “The possibility of cutting interest rates within this year has greatly decreased, though there is still room to lower reserve ratios,” the China Securities Journal, a state-run newspaper, said in a commentary yesterday. The government is now also pushing other measures to bolster the economy. State media reported Friday the approval of an infrastructure package worth more than 1.0 trillion yuan ($158 billion), involving 55 projects ranging from subway lines to highways. China carried out a massive 4.0 trillion yuan fiscal stimulus package in the wake of the global financial crisis in 2008. Chinese shares rose 0.34 percent yesterday to 2,134.89. — AP

Doha talks ‘dead’: Chile president SYDNEY: Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said yesterday the long-awaited Doha free trade deal was “dead” but nobody wants to kill it and, though slow-moving, APEC was at least taking global trade forward.

Negotiations on the global accord stalled again last December after being launched in the Qatari capital a decade ago, as rich and emerging nations failed to bridge gaps over the level of cuts to industrial goods tariffs and farm subsidies. Neither the bigger economies nor the smaller economies have so far been able to reach agreement on what concessions they should make and the slowdown in the global economy has compounded challenges in the complex negotiations.

Pinera during a formal diplomatic visit in Australia said the Doha talks were going “nowhere at this time” and smaller “shortcut” deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and ASEAN+3 or ASEAN+6 were the only way to keep momentum going.

“I think the best way to integrate the world is when we have a worldwide agreement-that was the target of the World Trade Organization and that was the mission of the Doha round,” the Chilean president told Australia’s Lowy Institute foreign policy think-tank.

“Unfortunately we haven’t been able to move forward and we have been stagnated for the last 10 years in terms of those negotiations that started in Doha,” he said. “Everybody knows that it’s dead but nobody wants to kill it. That’s why I think APEC has been good.”

Pinera said Chile had been able to ink a Free Trade Agreement with Hong Kong during this month’s APEC summit in Russia as well as signing off on the investment phase of its FTA with China. “We’re taking about a huge alliance and we are moving in that direction, not... at the speed that was planned at the beginning, but it is moving forward,” he said, describing APEC as “alive and committed”.

A top WTO official warned in July that the Doha round of global trade talks looked doomed until the global economy picked up, with agreement on concessions remaining elusive and more countries now focusing on smaller pacts.

Negotiations have been dogged by disagreement, including how much the United States and the European Union should reduce farm aid

SYDNEY: Chile’s President Sebastian Pinera speaks at the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney yesterday. — AP and the extent to which emerging market giants such as India and China should cut tariffs on industrial products. US trade chief Ron Kirk said earlier this year it was impossible to sell free trade to Americans in the current economic climate, as an increasing number of Americans “believe that we have swapped jobs for cheaper T-shirts and iPads”. — AFP

26

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

BUSINESS

Rising demand for NBK real estate services in London Financing up to 70% of the real estate value LONDON: National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) real estate services in London are witnessing an increasing demand from customers. NBK’s real estate services

Fawzi Al-Dajani, NBK London General Manager

allow customers to easily own, rent and lease properties with legal consultations in UK, with the chance to finance the property up to 70 % of its value.

“NBK London aims at making all real estate services more convenient. In a simple and straightforward procedure, customers can now buy and sell, lease or rent, settle bills, receive real estate assessments and many other services with our competitive prices,” said Fawzi Al-Dajani, NBK London General Manager. “We finance up to 70 % of the value of the property which will be held as security.”

Dajani added, “At NBK we managed to build solid business relationships with trustworthy real estate agencies, to provide convenience and reliability for all our

customers. We provide all the services necessary to make their stay abroad easy.”

NBK, with the largest international network of any Kuwait bank, provides customers with the best investment opportunities and services.

NBK’s international network includes many of the world’s leading financial centers including London, New York, Paris and Singapore, as well as China (Shanghai). Meanwhile, regional coverage extends to Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey.

NBK offers customers complete banking solutions, providing them with the freedom to manage their finances easily, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via NBK’s Mobile Banking application, Watani Online (www.nbk.com) or Hala Watani on 1801801

GCC markets gained 2.70% in August MARKAZ MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: GCC markets were up in August, gaining 2.7% after an increase of 0.41% in July. All Markets were positive except Bahrain which was in negative losing 2.01%. Saudi was the largest gainer (3.79%) followed by Abu Dhabi (2.74%). Dubai has been the best performing market Y TD, with a gain of 14.95%. Oman gained 2.46% and Qatar gained 1.77%.

Dewan Architects & Engineers wins prestigious design contract Construction of Basra Culture Center KUWAIT: Dewan Architects & Engineers, the region’s leading architectural and engineering consultancy firm, has been awarded the contract to design and supervise the construction of the Basra Culture Center by the Basra Governorate in Iraq. This is another very prestigious achievement for

Dewan’s newly established Basra branch office and comes soon after the award of the Basra Governorate Building and the 5-star Shatt AlArab Hotel and further entrenches Dewan Basra as the premier architectural and engineering design firm in the province. The Basra Culture Center, which will be situated on a 15,275 sq.m plot of land near Shatt Al-Basra, will form part of Basra’s new administrative complex. The complex will also include the new Basra Governorate head quarters offices and will be the cultural platform of the city, hosting

different cultural events and festivals, in a contemporary and builtfor-purpose functional environment that will utilize the latest in sound, acoustics, and lighting technology and systems and designed with sustainability, durability, security, and functionality as main pillars of the design. The main com-

ponents of the building will include areas designated for fine arts exhibitions, meeting rooms, conference halls, heritage museums, cinema halls, a theatre, radio and television broadcasting department, a public library, cafeteria and large areas with lush greenery for people to sit back and relax..

Mohamed Al-Assam, Founder, Chairman and Managing Director of Dewan, commented, “We are very pleased to have been awarded this landmark project. The Basra Culture Center will be the cultural platform of the city. With the city’s impor-

tance in mind, our design is modern and contemporary, while still celebrating Basra’s heritage and cultural and commercial legacy, thus reflecting a bright image of the city for many years to come.”

The design approach is translated on the building faÁades in randomly-placed diagonal square

shaped openings, reminiscent of the “dots” in Arabic Calligraphy, which are gradually reduced in size as they get closer to the main entrance void, which is the focal point of the architectural and engineering composition of the project, and the heart of the project, where social interaction takes place, with curvilinear gradual architectural elements that resemble an open book.

Further, some ornamental features were introduced, in terms of calligraphy and poetry to decorate those “pages”, and perpetuate the cultural role of Basra throughout the history.

In addition to its main function as an entrance for the public, the central void contains sequential ramps, linked on different levels, connecting the two parts of the building. Al-Assam went on to add, “We have worked on a number of highly successful projects in Iraq and are looking forward to putting our considerable experience to work towards contributing to the development of Iraq to the highest international standards. Cultural and infrastructure projects such as these are of paramount importance in the future development of the country and with this particular project, we are keen to modestly support Basra to regain its leadership role as an important trade, commercial, and historic city...”

The Basra Culture Center is one of a number of projects that Dewan is taking on in the GCC region and forms part of the company’s regional growth strategy.

Dewan Architects & Engineers is a regional architectural and engineering design firm with nearly three decades of industry successes across GCC countries, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The firm has offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, the Philippines and soon in India and has received many awards for excellence including being placed on the ‘World Architecture Top 100’ list by the esteemed UK Building Design Magazine for four consecutive year for its ethics, practices and professionalism. Major projects undertaken successfully by Dewan include the Yas Island Viceroy Hotel and Al-Bateen School in Abu Dhabi, Ibn Batutta Shopping Mall and Green Community in Dubai, UAE, and Baghdad Rotana Hotel and Shaza Karbala Hotel both in Iraq.

News in the region included Bros Company has become a pioneer among Saudi private companies by announcing SR 3,000 minimum salary for Saudi employees. The company’s board meeting has taken a decision in this regard recently. The company gained 3.32% in August and closed at SAR 43.50 l Saudi Arabian Mining Co’s gold production is expected to rise 30% by 2014 because of the output of two new mines, even as it is set to diversify into aluminum business slated in 2014 with an initial investment of SR 40Bn. The compalHalwani

50% of Al-Mazaya Tower 2 already leased despite market challenges KUWAIT: Al-Mazaya Holding has announced that the occupancy rate in its new Mazaya Tower 2, the 25-storey building situated in Kuwait Business Town, has reached 50% - despite the challenges in office units market in Kuwait.

The announcement was made by Jassim Al-Ghanim, VP of Marketing and Leasing at Al-Mazaya Holding, who stressed that Al-Mazaya’s team are continuing their tireless efforts to achieve balanced leasing rates in the recently launched Mazaya Towers. The company has launched a leasing program that includes variable spaces and bespoke

Fed’s turn to meet expectations after ECB shines GLOBAL ECONOMY OUTLOOK LONDON: Poor US job figures for August make it more likely that the Federal Reserve will take out extra insurance this week against an economic relapse by plumping for fresh monetary stimulus.

With Chinese growth slowing markedly and the euro zone mired in recession, the United States is resuming its traditional role as a motor - though not a high-powered one for the global economy.

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke had already voiced ‘grave concern’ about the labor market even before Friday’s data showed the economy added just 96,000 non-farm payroll jobs last month. The average gain over the past quarter is a mere 94,000 a month. That is weak enough in the eyes of many economists to trigger a third round of asset purchases - or quantitative easing in market jargon - by the US central bank, to bring down bond yields and perk up investors and companies.

A Reuters poll of 59 economists after the jobs report revealed a 60 percent chance of such action at the Fed’s Sept 12-13 policy meeting. A poll on Aug. 24 had put the likelihood at 45 percent.

“It makes the forecast pretty easy that the Fed will move,” said Bruce Kasman, an economist with J.P. Morgan in New York. “We think the case has certainly been sealed.”

Kasman expects the Fed to buy another

$200-$300 billion of bonds and to extend its forecast that short-term interest rates will stay near zero from late 2014 into 2015. Jan Hatzius with Goldman Sachs had not been expecting the Fed to ease further before the end of the year.

But he now sees a greater than 50 percent chance it will announce on Thursday that it will buy about $50 billion of bonds a month, mainly mortgage-backed securities, with the end date of the program dependent on how the economy evolves.

The main US data of the week will come on Friday. Retail sales probably rose 0.7 percent in August and industrial output just 0.1 percent, according to a Reuters survey of economists. Europe has a light calendar of timely economic data - there is a batch of backward-looking euro-zone figures for July but a crowded schedule of political events, including Dutch elections on Wednesday and a meeting of European finance ministers on Friday.

Top of the list is a ruling by Germany’s constitutional court on Wednesday on a motion to block the establishment of the European Stability Mechanism, the euro zone’s new, permanent rescue vehicle.

Legal experts interviewed by Reuters all expect the court to approve the fund, but they also believe it will impose tough condi-

tions limiting Berlin’s flexibility on future bailouts.

The verdict could contain some “unpleasant surprises” for investors, said Holger Schmieding, an economist with Berenberg Bank in London.

That could have serious repercussions for the plan unveiled last week by European Central Bank President Mario Draghi for secondary-market bond purchases to lower what the bank sees as unjustifiably high yields on the debt of countries such as Spain and Italy.

Markets cheered Draghi for reducing the tail risk of the break-up of the single currency.

But the initiative hinges on struggling euro zone members applying for aid from the ESM or its current precursor fund, which would back up the ECB by buying those governments’ bonds when they are auctioned.

So no ESM, big problem. Even if Germany’s top court does not throw a spanner in theworks, Draghi’s gambit will not magically restore the European economy to health, said Andrew Milligan, head of global strategy at insurer Standard Life in Edinburgh.

“There is probably going to be some helpful impact for European industry in terms of lower yields and a boost to confidence, but from a growth point of view, this is not a game changer,” Milligan said. —Reuters

ny gained 9.38% in August and closed at SAR 33.80. l The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), reached a milestone in Egypt this month with the launch of a branch on the Red Sea coast. The company closed almost flat in the month of August at AED 8.48. l Kuwait’s Tijara and Real Estate Investment Co said that a preliminary contract to sell local commercial real estate assets has been annulled as the potential buyer didn’t settle the price on time. These assets were valued at KD24.35mn ($86.3mn). The company lost 6.97% in the month of August. l Volume decreased 17% MoM in the GCC and Value Traded decreased 23% to $30.67bn. This was on the back of 8% MoM drop in volumes and 1% increase in Value Traded in July. Saudi Arabia, which accounted for 37% of GCC’s total volume traded, witnessed a 25% MoM drop in value traded.

Jassim Al-Ghanim designs and packages with modern decorations that meet different companies’ needs.

The office spaces vary in size from 184.5 to 369 m2 - and boast quality finishing with highly competitive rate, reflecting the desired corporate identity of the company.

Al-Ghanim added too that a number of renowned firms had expressed interest in booking office space in Al-Mazaya Tower 2 a list firms which includes Hewlett Pack ard, Hewlett Pack ard Services Kuwait, Kuwait Wind General Trading and Contracting Company, Hareer Institute, United Gulf Shipping and Rocks Company and Hussam Saleh Al-Tunaib Legal Consultants.

Al-Ghanim also described how AlMazaya Holding remains in talks with a number of government authorities willing to lease levels in the new Mazaya Towers. A number of letters have been exchanged with the Ministr y of

Endowment and the Kuwait Cabinet in this regard, after the letters had been submitted to the Ministry of Finance.

Al-Mazaya Holding launched a marketing campaign entitled O ffice at Reach in Januar y in a bid to lease Mazaya1 and Mazaya2, its flagship towers strategically situated in Kuwait Business Town in the heart of Kuwait.

The two towers were designed to create a professional business environment while providing companies with a unique and stylish work ing space equipped with the latest technology.

One of the most important characteristics of Mazaya Towers is its optimal location in the heart of Kuwait -regarded as one of the most active and strategic locations in the region for investors.

The Towers also offer easy access to various main roads into the city center, which will provide tenants with a central hub to the downtown and a route to all the recognized public transport facilities.

“More significantly, Al-Mazaya Towers are distinguished by their global identity through the state-of-the-art design by renowned international architecture houses and the stunning view of the City and the Gulf,” said Al-Ghanim.

Al-Mazaya Holding has obtained approval from Kuwait Municipality to build multi-level parking spaces to serve tenants and their visitors. The facility is currently under construction and is scheduled for completion soon.

Until the parking spaces are completed, the company has temporarily provided each level with four free parking slots for visitors.

The company also provides a parking valet service for greater convenience and comfort to tenants and visitors.

Al-Ghanim conceded that the oversupply of office spaces in the Kuwaiti local market, coupled with the investor uncertainty and reluctance to take any future steps due to the current economic conditions, formed a significant challenge to all companies trying to carry out our rental plans.

Al-Ghanim concluded by arguing that the services and prices offered by Mazaya are the best in the industry at present. “Corporate investment in relocating to new offices is a feasible one in the short or long term, especially as the companies will benefit from low rental rates and high quality services and will get a highly competitive product.”

27

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Infosys pays $350m for Swiss consultancy MUMBAI: Indian IT outsourcing giant Infosys said yesterday it had agreed to buy Zurich-based consulting firm Lodestone for $350 million as part of its strategy to move into higher value services. Lodestone will add more than 850 staff and 200 clients across industries including manufacturing and the car sector to Infosys’ clientbase of 700 companies, the Bangalore-based firm said in a statement.

The takeover will also help increase Infosys’ presence outside its main market

of the United States, giving it a larger footprint in continental Europe and emerging markets such as Latin America and Asia Pacific.

Nasdaq-listed Infosys has been struggling to expand its business and has missed sales targets, lost market share and seen its stocks slide this year, as revenues from the United States slow.

“This acquisition fits perfectly into our strategy to expand our consulting business,” Infosys’ chief executive S.D. Shibulal said in a statement.

Infosys has decided to focus on higher value software and consulting services for clients instead of only labourintensive outsourcing services.

Consulting accounted for 31 percent of Infosys’ $7-billion revenue to the year ending March, company data showed.

Analysts said yesterday’s announcement was suited to Infosys’ future growth strategy. “There have been concerns over Infosys’ lagging growth and unused cash balances. The acquisition is a positive step and fits with Infosys’ strat-

egy to increase its presence in consulting,” said Rumit Dugar from Mumbaibased Religare Securities. Shashi Bhushan, analyst with Mumbai’s Prabhudas Lilladher agreed, saying the firm had been looking for a consulting firm for a long time.

“This is the much needed inorganic booster for Infosys,” Bhushan said in a note to investors. The all-cash Lodestone deal is set to be completed by the end of October. In July, Infosys cut its full-year revenue outlook and reported lower-

than-expected earnings with a net profit of 22.89 billion rupees ($416 million) in the April-June quarter. The firm, which has a cash pile of $4 billion, has been conservative in pursuing firms.

Earlier this year Infosys pulled out of talks to buy Belgian firm Clear2Pay after differences over valuations, the Economic Times reported. In 2008, Infosys backed out from a bidding war for US-based software-consulting Axon group, which was eventually taken over by rival HCL Technologies. —AFP

Google struggles to unseat Amazon as the Web’s most popular mall E-commerce sites caught in cross-fire

MUMBAI: Lenovo’s Senior Worldwide Competitive analyst, Kevin Beck holds the new ThinkPad X1 UltraBook during the launch in Mumbai yesterday.

Lenovo announced the launch of its lightest business ultrabook ‘ThinkPad X1 Carbon’ which is powered by 3rd generation Intel Core processor and high resolution 14-inch display. —AFP

Facebook: The real US presidential swing state Facebook and Internet campaign strategies grew up at the same time. In 2003 and early 2004, when Facebook was a new dorm-room plaything, Howard Dean’s presidential campaign pioneered Internet fund-raising. By 2008, Facebook had crossed the 100-million-user mark and was coming to dominate online social networking; that year, Barack Obama’s campaign wielded a custom social-networking site that helped win the White House (see “How Obama Really Did It,” September/October 2008). A Facebook cofounder, Chris Hughes, helped build that site.

Now, in 2012, Facebook is central to the upcoming presidential election. Both Obama and his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney, are well aware that half or more of the electorate is on Facebook. Both campaigns’ websites are entwined with Facebook pages; visitors are encouraged to log in with their Facebook accounts and then post messages supporting the candidates for their friends to see. What Facebook also gives the candidates is an arena for testing, analyzing, and distributing precisely targeted political advertising. Both campaigns can also use Facebook to urge their supporters to vote and, potentially, to lobby their undecided friends in swing states. That means this is where the 2012 election might be won or lost-even if far more money will be spent elsewhere, especially on TV ads.

Making use of social connections can lead to the ideal form of marketing: individual messages of persuasion delivered by trusted friends. You can see the president’s campaign reaching for this goal with Obama 2012, an app that his supporters can use to integrate their Facebook accounts with the campaign’s website. The app’s avowed task is to give people a quick and easy way to access the volunteering and organizing functions that worked so well for Obama in 2008. But the permission screen that comes with the app makes clear that it has another purpose as well. When I installed the app, I noticed that it said it would grab information about my friends: their birthdates, locations, and “likes.”

Facebook’s policies require that such data be used in only the context of the app itself, but even so, the campaign should be able to create tools that prompt supporters to approach voting-age friends in swing states and craft personalized appeals based on what the campaign can infer about those friends’ interests and views. Similar tools are coming from other quarters, too. In July NGP VAN, a company in Somerville, Massachusetts, that maintains a database on all registered U.S. voters and helps Democratic candidates access the data, released a Facebook app called Social Organizing. The app lets Democratic volunteers log in with Facebook and match their friends with voters in the database. Like the Obama app, NGP VAN’s makes it possible for candidates to execute a peer-to-peer persuasion strategy using Facebook.

So don’t be surprised-especially if you live in a state that is considered up for grabs, such as Ohio or Florida-if you hear from an old college friend with a political pitch based on what the campaign thinks is important to you, as suggested by your Facebook data. If you’ve “liked” a page blaming Obama for high gas prices, you might be reminded about his pro-drilling positions.

Don’t be surprised if you hear from an old friend with a pitch based on what the campaign thinks is important to you. If you’ve “liked” a page ¨blaming Obama for high gas prices, you might be reminded about his prodrilling positions.

The Obama campaign didn’t respond to requests for an interview about its plans, but Joe Trippi, the Democratic strategist who pioneered Internet fund-raising for Dean in 2003 and 2004, expects that the campaign will use

sophisticated methods to determine how and when to encourage peer-to-peer appeals in the final weeks of the race. “What’s most important in terms of being able to reach people is to know not only that the voter is undecided-and also what issues, what is holding them up from crossing the line-but who their friends are in the network that might be able to talk to them,” he says. “And then get those friends the information that says, ‘We need you to talk to your friend in Pennsylvania about these three issues that matter most to them.’ This is a field organizer’s dream.” Certainly it is more than Trippi could have dreamed of as a $15-a-day campaign worker knocking on doors in Jones County, Iowa, for Senator Edward Kennedy in 1979, carrying shoeboxes of index cards indicating whether voters said they supported ¨Kennedy for the next year’s Democratic presidential nomination.

The Romney campaign’s website also encourages supporters to log in using Facebook, but it requests permission only to view the individual user’s information-not information about the user’s friends “right now,” says the Romney campaign’s digital director, Zac Moffatt. The same is true for the Republican National Committee’s Facebook app. This may change, though, because the Republicans share Trippi’s view. “I think you will start to see, on our side, that app permissions will get changed,” says a Republican digital strategist who spoke on condition of anonymity.

“Republicans are working on apps that take advantage of all the things in the Facebook social graph.”

How much information can the campaigns glean this way? Consider that the average friend count on Facebook is 190. As of early August, more than 150,000 people were using the Obama 2012 app. Multiply those numbers and you get more than 28 million people. Now, surely many friend lists overlap, and many of those people aren’t even voters. And some users block the ability of apps like Obama’s to gather information about them when their friends install the programs (a , however, found that only 37 percent of users touch app settings). But even if these factors make 90 percent of Obama supporters’ friends useless to the campaign, the president’s campaign app would still have intelligence on 2.8 million American voters who didn’t necessarily take any explicit action to share it.

Persuading just a small percentage of those people could be crucial. In 2000, the contested election that put George W. Bush in office was determined largely by 537 votes in Florida, out of six million cast in that state. And in 2004 Bush beat John Kerry by fewer than 120,000 people out of 5.6 million who voted in Ohio.

(Facebook is the virtual battleground within that battleground state. In 2012, just over five million account holders of voting age lived in Ohio-out of a total voting-age population of 8.8 million, according to Well & Lighthouse, a Democratic consulting firm.) Given math like that, the right peer-to-peer and message targeting strategies “could be the difference in swing states,” Trippi says.

In addition to any peer-to-peer strategies they might employ, the candidates are already waging online advertising campaigns that are more scientifically designed and demographically precise than the ones Obama and John McCain deployed in 2008. Political operatives can now rapidly test ad copy across multiple demographics, getting strategic insights within hours. They can even keep track of exactly which ads individual computer owners have clicked on.

These abilities were brought to bear in an ad campaign that rolled out in March of 2010, when President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act-so-called Obamacare. —MCT

NEW YORK: Whether you are looking to buy a power tool or neon jeans online, chances are you start your search on Google or Amazon.com. But which one?

A Google search for “tent” shows organic search results below paid ads from retailers that sell tents.

Behind the scenes, the two companies are waging a war to become the pre-eminent online mall. And e-commerce sites large and small are caught in the cross-fire. As for consumers, the question is whether they will see a full range of products available online.

Google is a search engine, not a store, but it is increasingly inching into e-commerce with products like its comparison-shopping service, Google Shopping. At the same time, more people are using Amazon, a retailer, as a search engine to look for what they want to buy.

Trying to stave off the competition from Amazon, Google has recently changed Google Shopping to require e-commerce companies to pay to be included in shopping results, so product listings are now ads. Inclusion used to be free.

Google says the change will improve its shopping results because retailers are more likely to list accurate and up-to-date items if they are paying. It says the service had become polluted with product listings that were out of date or misled consumers about things like shipping prices.

By requiring retailers to pay for listings, “incentives are aligned to make sure the data we’re receiving is of a higher quality,” said Sameer Samat, vice president for product management for Google Shopping, which used to be called Google Product Search and, before that, Froogle. “With better data, we can build a better experience for users.”

Although some retailers agree, and say the move could even help their sales, others are panicking.

Some say they will not pay for listings or will include fewer products, which could shrink the selection shoppers see on Google.

The move is a way for Google to make more money from retailers, some of its most lucrative advertisers, but it also needs to improve product listings to keep valuable

customers from going to Amazon.

“Google and Amazon both have the same end goal, to be the destination that people go to to do their product searches, and Amazon’s winning that battle,” said Michael Griffin, founder and chief technology officer of Adlucent, which does search marketing for online retailers and formerly managed Amazon’s paid search.

Meanwhile, Amazon has already removed its listings from Google Shopping. Looking for a Kindle?

Google Shopping shows Kindles from Best Buy, eBay and sites called Fumfie and Glyde - but not

for daily deals and the Google Shopper mobile app for finding items nearby.

A search on the main Google site still shows search results from across the Web, which are never paid for, but it also brings up a box with product images, prices and descriptions that are paid for. If someone searches for a product on Google.com/shopping, all listings will be paid ones.

Most other comparison-shopping sites also have paid listings, including Yahoo Shopping, Nextag and PriceGrabber. Microsoft’s Bing Shopping is free for retailers except

Amazon.

Amazon, though, has not ruled out paying Google for inclusion of its products, according to a person briefed on its strategy who would speak only anonymously.

In 2009, nearly a quarter of shoppers started research for an online purchase on a search engine like Google and 18 percent started on Amazon, according to a Forrester Research study. By last year, almost a third started on Amazon and just 13 percent on a search engine. Product searches on Amazon have grown 73 percent over the last year while searches on Google Shopping have been flat, according to comScore.

The shift to paid listings on Google Shopping began this summer and will be complete this fall. It is part of Google’s expanding ecommerce playbook, which also includes Wallet for payments, Offers

for some paid listings through a partnership with Shopping.com, which is part of eBay. But most retailers say Google is the most important source of online shoppers, and some say they cannot afford to pay to list all their products.

“If you’re a retailer and you don’t have the budgets of an Amazon, eBay, Best Buy or Wal-Mart, it’s going to be really challenging,” said Gerry Bavaro, senior vice president for performance media at Digitas, whose clients include Procter & Gamble.

Mehran Esmaili, the owner of Shoe Biz, a shoe store in San Francisco with an e-commerce site, said that when product search was free, he could stay competitive by keeping his listings up to date and descriptive.

“If we did everything right, we were visible, we were search-

Making Stretchable Electronics CAMBRIDGE: MC10, a startup in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is getting ready to commercialize high-performance electronics that can stretch. The technology could lead to such products as skin patches that monitor whether the wearer is sufficiently hydrated, or inflatable balloon catheters equipped with sensors that measure electrical misfiring caused by cardiac arrhythmias.

Microelectronics have long “depended on a rigid, brittle wafer,” says David Icke, MC10’s CEO. MC10 uses a few tricks to change that. To make both the hydration-sensing patch and the catheter, gold electrodes and wires just a few hundred nanometers thick are deposited on silicon wafers by conventional means, then peeled off and applied to stretchable polymers.

The serpentine wires elongate when the polymers stretch, either when the balloon inflates in the heart or as the patch moves around on the skin. The electrodes measure electrical impedance to detect the electrical signals in cardiac tissue or moisture levels in the skin.

The company is building on lab prototypes made by University of Illinois materials scientist John Rogers, a company cofounder. Rogers’s technologies have advantages over other approaches to flexible electronics. For example, organic polymer electronics can only bend, not stretch, and they are slower than devices made of inorganic semiconductor materials or precious metals such as gold, so they can’t provide precise realtime biological readings.

MC10’s first product, expected to launch in late fall, will be a wearable device developed in a partnership with Reebok. The company is tight-lipped about the details. But in addition to its hydration patch, it is working on patches that use sensors to detect heartbeat, respiration, motion, temperature, blood oxygenation, and combinations of these indicators.

MC10’s skin patches can wirelessly transmit information to a nearby smartphone. A phone with a near-field communication chip can be waved over the patch, or the patch can be paired with a thin-film battery made by a commercial supplier, allowing continuous data transmission.

Next up will be balloon catheters that a cardiologist could snake through the heart to detect areas of misfiring cardiac tissue. Some of the prototypes in preclinical testing have dense arrays of electrodes that allow high-resolution mapping and ablation of that tissue. —MCT

able,” Mr. Esmaili said. “Now, if we don’t have the budget, we won’t be visible.”

Mr. Samat at Google said it was helping small businesses in several ways, including by offering them the choice of paying when shoppers click on a listing or when they make a purchase, and with its Trusted Stores program to vouch for retailers’ reputations.

Like Shoe Biz, other e-commerce companies describe a love-hate relationship with Google. They depend on it for traffic, yet some are frustrated by Google’s decision to charge.

David Lonczak, vice president for e-commerce marketing for Drugstore.com, Beauty.com and Walgreens.com, said that the change has spurred him to look at advertising alternatives, but that he has no choice other than to list his products on Google Shopping as well.

“It would be one of those cutoff-your-nose-to-spite-your-face kinds of things,” he said.

Wayfair, the large online furniture store, previously sent feeds with all its products to Google. Now it expects to pay to list just 40 percent of its merchandise.

Google would not say how many retailers were paying for listings, except to say there was “significant participation.”

ChannelAdvisor, a marketing firm for e-commerce companies, said that among the hundreds of retailers it manages, 63 percent have begun paying. For those sites, revenue per click on a product listing has tripled. One, ToolKing.com, an online hardware store, said traffic from Google and the number of people who make purchases had both risen more than 50 percent.

If retailers slash the number of products they list on Google, shoppers could hunt elsewhere - like Amazon - for more comprehensive listings.

“Eventually someone says, ‘I’m not going to pay,’ “ said Kristopher Kubicki, co-founder of Dynamite Data, which monitors e-commerce sites for its retail clients. “And sooner or later, the consumer stops trusting the application because it’s not really a comparison anymore.

It’s just an ad.”

In one city, signing up for Internet becomes a civic cause KANSAS CITY: With Google’s promise last year to wire homes, schools, libraries and other public institutions in this city with the nation’s fastest Internet connection, community leaders on the long forlorn, predominantly black east side were excited, seeing a potentially uplifting force. They anticipated new educational opportunities for their children and an incentive for developers to build in their communities.

Google even sent out a team in an ice cream truck to get people signed up.

Leaders fear that black neighborhoods that do not register enough residents to qualify for the service will lag further behind.

But in July, Google announced a process in which only those areas where enough residents preregistered and paid a $10 deposit would get the service, Google Fiber. While nearly all of the affluent, mostly white neighborhoods here quickly got enough registrants, a broad swath of black communities lagged. The deadline to sign up was midnight Sunday.

The specter that many blacks in this city might not get access to this technology has inflamed the long racial divide here, stoking concern that it could deepen.

“This is just one more example of people that are lower income, sometimes not higher educated people, being left behind,” said Margaret May, the executive director of the neighborhood council in Ivanhoe, where the poverty rate was more than 46 percent in 2009. “It makes me very sad.”

For generations, Kansas City has been riven by racial segregation that can still be seen, with a majority of blacks in the urban core confined to neighborhoods in the east.

Troost Avenue has long been considered the dividing line, the result of both overt and secretive efforts to keep blacks out of white schools and housing areas and of historical

patterns of population growth and settlement, said Micah Kubic, with the nonprofit Greater Kansas City Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Nearly three in four people living east of Troost in Kansas City’s urban center are black, according to an analysis of 2010 Census data

by Andrew Beveridge, a sociology professor at Queens College in New York City.

As recently as 15 to 20 years ago, black residents said, they did not venture west of Troost for fear of harassment from the police.

Today, they complain that their schools are failing, crime is rampant and infrastructure is dilapidated.

“See all this filthiness?” Vic, a 47-year-old lifelong resident of the east side who declined to give his last name, said as he stared at hip-high brush in a vacant lot. He expressed doubt about how much of an inroad Google Fiber would make. “You can’t get the neighborhood to come together to get this cleaned up,” he said. “How you going to get them to care about that?”

Convincing residents of the importance of Internet access - to apply for jobs, do research, take classes and get information on government ser vices - was one of Google’s primary challenges here. The service is currently being offered only here and in Kansas City, Kan. About 25 percent of homes in both cities do not have broadband, and 46 percent of blacks do not use the Internet.

Qualifying neighborhoods will get Internet service with speeds of up to a gigabit per second - 100 times faster than the average broadband connection - for $70 a month. Google is also offering a television ser vice along with Internet for $120 a month. Schools, libraries, hospitals and other institutions in areas that qualify would receive gigabit connections for free.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

health & science

Alcohol, drugs common in fatal crashes NEW YORK: More than half of US drivers killed in car accidents had alcohol or drugs in their system at the time of the crash, according to a study. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on road deaths in 14 states, researchers also found that men and people driving at night were the most likely to have alcohol, marijuana or other illicit or prescription drugs show up on a toxicology screen after the accident. Their results appeared in the journal Addiction.

“More than half of fatally injured drivers in the United States had been using alcohol or other drugs and approximately 20 percent had been using (two or more) drugs,” wrote Joanne Brady of Columbia University and her colleagues. Out of 20,150 fatally injured drivers in 2005 to 2009, 57 percent tested positive for at least one drug, including one in five who had multiple drugs in their system.

Alcohol was the most common drug, followed by marijuana and stim-

ulants, including amphetamines. Sixty percent of men killed while driving had drugs or alcohol in their system, compared to less than half of women.

People who had an accident at night or on the weekend were also more likely to test positive than those driving on a weekday.

African-Americans and whites were equally likely to test positive after a fatal accident. Asians were much less likely to have drugs or alcohol in their system, while Native Americans were

much more likely, the researchers said.

But the records couldn’t show whether drivers had enough of a certain drug in their system to feel or act impaired or if prescription drugs were used incorrectly, experts said.

The researchers also didn’t have data on the amount of the drug present in blood or urine samples, and cutoffs for levels that reflect impairment at the time of an accident aren’t always clear, said Brady and her colleagues.

“There already is quite a bit of research

that’s probably going to continue to try and identify in drugs the point at which they are impairing,” said Robert Voas, who studies alcohol and highway safety at the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation in Calverton, Maryland. He was not part of the study.

“With alcohol, the amount of alcohol is more or less directly related to the level of behavior impairment. The relationship of a drug in the body to the behavior of the driver is less direct and clear.” — Reuters

WHO urges strengthening of protective factors against suicide KUALA LUMPUR: On World Suicide Prevention Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) called yetserday on its Member States in the Western Pacific to take firmer action to reduce the region’s more than 600 suicides per day.

“Effective treatments exist, and people at risk-those with mental disorders and substance abuse problems-should receive professional attention and follow up,” says WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Dr. Shin Young-soo. Every year, about 800,000 people commit suicide. About 225,000 of these deaths-or more than a quarter of the worldwide total-occur in the Western Pacific Region.

In some Western Pacific countries, suicide is among the 10 leading causes of death and one of the three leading causes among adolescents and young adults.

Globally, six out of 10 suicide victims are under 45 years old. The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2012 is, “Suicide prevention across the globe: strengthening protective factors and instilling hope.” In the Western Pacific, the day is marked by several events: a candle lighting ceremony in the Philippines; the premiere of the documentary, “Saving 10 000 Winning a War on Suicide in Japan”; a public forum in the Republic of Korea;

and a community awareness campaign, a Walk for Hope and a bicycle ride against the stigma associated with suicide in Australia.

At the Seoul Forum on Suicide Prevention on September 13th, Dr Shin will encourage the adoption of good and effective suicide prevention practices.He will also urge Member States to train health-care providers in suicide prevention and to invest in mental health services and programmes to address existing gaps. The forum will take place on September 13-14 and be preceded by consultations with journalists on the role of the media in suicide prevention.

Protective factors against suicide include: helping at-risk individuals to become resilient in coping with adverse life events; instilling in them a sense of personal worth and confidence; and equipping them with effective coping and problem-solving skills and adaptive help-seeking behaviours. Protective factors also include, helping them to develop stronger spiritual and social ties to be more socially connected through supportive relationships, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle through good dietary and sleep habits and abstinence from tobacco and illicit drugs. —KUNA

Saudi Arabia: Epidemics threaten lives of human, economic resources RIYADH: Saudi Health Minister Dr Abdullah Al-Rabee’a said Sunday the modern world has been facing epidemics and diseases that threatened lives of humans as well as economic resources. Al-Rabee’a was addressing the opening session of a four-day World Conference on “Healthy lifestyles and combating chronic nocommunicable diseases in the Arab world.” He said recent statistics showed that nocommunicable diseases were claiming lives of 36 million people every year with projection to rise to 52 million by 2030. Noncommunicable diseases are those occurring in the heart and arteries, kidneys, eyes, as well as causing tumors and diabetes.

Al-Rabee’a said these dangerous statistics forced the UN, WHO, governments and health organizations to highlight lethal effects of the noncommunicable diseases through all-out awareness campaigns. GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani, meanwhile, said the leaders of the Arab Gulf countries were keen on improving health care including against noncommunicable diseases.

He said the health ministries in the six GCC countries were working on treatment and preventive programs. AlZayani said prevention was the first line of defense against the noncommunicable diseases. Kuwait is represented by Health Minister Dr Ali Al-Obaidi. —KUNA

‘Fake’ doctor examines 2,300 people in Japan TOKYO: A hospital in Japan is checking the qualifications of all of its doctors after a man believed to have no medical licence examined more than 2,300 of its patients. The man conducted medical interviews, examined electrocardiograms and explained check-up results to people in 2010-2011 at Takashimadaira Chuo General Hospital in Tokyo, weekend media reports said.

The man was dispatched to the hospital through an employment agency

and is suspected of being involved in the treatment of 2,363 people, the mass-circulation Yomiuri Shimbun and other media reported. Broadcaster TBS said allegations he is not qualified came to light after a medical exam study school where he taught contacted the hospital. The hospital has apologized for the incident and asked all those seen by the man, who is reportedly in his forties and worked part time, to go back for re-testing. — AFP

BOSTON: File photo shows Tom Cervantes, a research engineer at the Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Organ Fabrication at Massachusetts General Hospital, displays a titanium frame designed for the reconstruction of a human ear, left, and a three dimensional plastic ear model, right, at the lab.

BOSTON: Photo shows Cathryn Sundback, director of the tissue engineering lab at Massachusetts General Hospital, holds a laboratory rat implanted with a human-scaled ear made from sheep cells at the lab.

Surprising methods heal wounded troops People have been working on this for 20 years BOSTON: Scientists are growing ears, bone and skin in the lab, and doctors are planning more face transplants and other extreme plastic surgeries. Around the country, the most advanced medical tools that exist are now being deployed to help America’s newest veterans and wounded troops. In Los Angeles, surgeons used part of Michael Mills’ forehead to rebuild his nose after a bomb disfigured him in Iraq. In Pittsburgh, doctors used an experimental therapy from pig tissue to help regrow part of a thigh muscle that Ron Strang lost in a blast in Afghanistan. In Boston, scientists are making plans for the first implants of lab-grown ears for wounded troops after successful experiments in sheep and rats.

In San Antonio and other cities, doctors are testing sprayed-on skin cells and lab-made sheets of skin to heal burns and other wounds. The ingenuity is impressive: One product was developed from foreskin left over from circumcisions. Much of this comes from taxpayer-funded research. Four years ago, the federal government created AFIRM, the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a network of top hospitals and universities, and gave $300 million in grants to spur new treatments using cell science and advanced plastic surgery. The whole idea is to bring all these researchers together to develop these great technologies that were in early science to eventually be ready for the troops,” said AFIRM’s recently retired director, Terry Irgens.

Now those who served are coming home, and projects that once had been languishing in labs are making strides and starting to move into clinics. Strang is among those benefiting. The 28-year-old Marine sergeant from Pittsburgh lost half of a thigh muscle to shrapnel, leaving too little to stabilize his gait. “My knee would buckle and I’d fall over,” he said.

Now, after an experimental treatment at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, “I’m able to run a little bit” and play a light football game with friends, he said. “It’s been a huge improvement.” It’s one example of the “new medicine” in the works for troops. The Associated Press conducted more than a dozen interviews and reviewed the latest medical research to measure the progress and extent of novel treatments under way for wounded warriors. The results point to some surprising feats of surgery and bioengineering.

Growing new ears Up to a thousand troops might need an ear, and prosthetics are not a great solution. A rod or other fastener is required to attach them to the head. They don’t look or feel natural and they wear out every couple of years.

A matching ear grown from a patient’s own cells would be a huge improvement. “People have been working on this for 20 years” but haven’t been able to overcome obstacles to making it practical, said Cathryn Sundback, director of the tissue engineering lab at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Her lab thinks it’s found the solution. Using a computer model of a patient’s remaining ear, scientists craft a titanium framework covered in collagen, the stuff that gives skin elasticity and strength. They take a snip of cartilage from inside the nose or between the ribs and seed the scaffold with these cells. This is incubated for about two weeks in a lab dish to grow more cartilage. When it’s ready to implant, a skin graft is taken from the patient to cover the cartilage and the ear is stitched into place. Scientists in her lab have main-

tained lab-grown sheep ears on those animals for 20 weeks, proving it can be done successfully and last long-term. They also have grown anatomically correct human ears from cells.

These have been implanted on the backs of lab rats to keep them nourished and allow further research. But that wouldn’t happen with ears destined for patients - they would just be grown in a lab dish until they’re ready to implant. “We’ve solved all the technical problems,” Sundback said, and now they are ready to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration to implant these into patients - probably in about a year. “It’s amazing how much progress we’ve made with the AFIRM funding.”

Bioengineering muscles, bone and skin A soldier lucky enough to keep his arms and legs after a bomb blast still might lose so much of a key muscle, like biceps or quadriceps, that the limb can’t be used properly. In some cases, “the patient has lost so much muscle that there’s nothing left for the surgeon to sew together,” said Dr Stephen Badylak, a regenerative medicine specialist at

muscle after treatment, said Irgens, the director of AFIRM, which funded some of the early work. The Department of Defense is sponsoring the study under way now, which includes non-military patients as well as former troops.

The new study is measuring changes in strength and muscle volume, and doctors are aiming for the kind of quality-of-life improvement Strang has enjoyed.

In other efforts, Pittsburgh and Rice University scientists are working on growing bone to fix jawbone and other facial defects.

Researchers at Massachusetts General and Rutgers University are trying to grow eyelid muscles. Blindness can result from not being able to close an eyelid.

Doctors also are testing various ways to make skin. In one method, doctors take a postage stamp-sized piece of a patient’s skin, process it in the lab and spray these cells onto a burn or other wound. The sprayer device that is used for this treatment is already licensed in seven countries, and AFIRM is sponsoring a study aimed at winning U.S. approval so the treatment can be offered here. The second approach uses sheets of skin

BOSTON: File photo shows a chart provided by the Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Organ Fabrication at Massachusetts General Hospital, depicts the progression, from left to right, of implanted tissue engineered for ear development and construction, at the lab in Boston. —AP photos the University of Pittsburgh. He is testing implants of “extracellular matrix” - connective tissue that holds cells together - to boost muscle mass. The matrix is thought to release chemical signals that promote regrowth of healthy tissue instead of scar tissue.

“It changes the body from thinking, ‘I need to respond to injured tissue,’ to ‘I need to rebuild this tissue,’” Badylak said. The material is supplied by a private company - A Cell Inc of Columbia, Md - and comes from pigs. The immune system tolerates it because it doesn’t contain cells. It comes in multi-layered sheets like slightly stiff gauze and can be cut or molded to fit the needed shape.

Strang, who lost half of a thigh muscle, is among the five patients treated so far in an 80-patient study. Doctors wait at least six months after an injury to make sure all natural healing has occurred, and put patients through intensive physical therapy before implanting the matrix. “We want to be able to say after the surgery that they were as good as they could be” and that the matrix accounted for any improvement, Badylak explained.

In early testing, “They’ve shown up to 10 to 20 percent improvement” in strength of the

developed from cells in the lab that originally came from foreskin after circumcisions. “That’s in clinical trials now and they ’re having tremendous results,” Irgens said.

Beyond ‘bionic arms’ to transplants For all the advances that have been made in modern prosthetics, the arms and hands are not as effective as the legs and feet.

Dozens of wounded troops would rather try a transplant. The government also estimates that up to 200 troops might need face transplants, although Dr Bohdan Pomahac, a Boston surgeon who has done four face transplants on non-military patients, thinks only 50 to 100 ultimately will get one.

One reason is the lifelong drugs needed to prevent rejection. They have side effects and raise the risk of cancer. Dr W.P. Andrew Lee, plastic surgery chairman at Johns Hopkins University, has been working to minimize those risks. Previously, at the University of Pittsburgh, he led hand transplants on five patients with minimal immune suppression, giving them bone marrow taken from their donors along with the hands to help them better tolerate the new tissue. — AP

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Plague, hantavirus, West Nile: How to avoid them CALIFORNIA: The “bugs” of late summer are biting. The US is having its worst West Nile virus season in a decade, and up to 10,000 people who stayed in California cabins are at risk of hantavirus. A second case of bubonic plague in the West has been confirmed - in a girl in Colorado - and scientists fear that a bumper crop of ticks could spread Lyme disease, the nation’s most common bug-borne malady. Yet the risk of getting these scarysounding diseases is small. With the right precautions, you can still enjoy spending time outdoors. And that helps fight much more common threats to your health - obesity and too little exercise.

Hantavirus How it’s spread: Touching or breathing air particles of urine or droppings from certain types of mice or rats, especially deer mice.

Symptoms: Develop one to six weeks later and can include flulike symptoms that progress into a dry cough, headache, nausea

and vomiting, then shortness of breath.

Where it occurs: Anywhere in the US; recent cases were in Yosemite National Park in California.

Prevention: Keep rodents out of your home; carefully clean any nests with disinfectant or bleach and water.

West Nile How it’s spread: Mosquitoes Symptoms: Most people have none; some develop flulike symptoms; a very small percentage get neurological symptoms.

Where it occurs: Nearly all states; this year, Texas has been hardest-hit.

Prevention: Eliminate standing water that can breed mosquitoes; use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Bubonic plague How it’s spread: Contact with an infected fleas, rodent or cat; prairie dogs in

Colorado can carry it.

Symptoms: Sudden fever, headache, chills, weakness and swollen lymph nodes.

Where it occurs: Only about half a dozen cases occur each year across the country, mostly in the Southwest.

Prevention: Avoid contact with rodents; limit brush, rock and wood piles and rodent breeding areas near the home.

Lyme disease How it’s spread: Ticks.

Symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue and a bulls-eye rash. Untreated, it can cause joint, heart and nervous system problems.

Where it occurs: Northeast and midAtlantic coastal states; North central states, mostly Wisconsin and Minnesota; the West Coast, especially northern California.

Prevention: Use bug repellents with 20 percent or more DEET; when in the woods, walk in the center of trails, avoiding brush; shower soon after coming inside and check your body, hair and clothes for ticks.— AP

DALLAS: Mosquitos are sorted at the Dallas County mosquito lab in Dallas. Hantavirus, West Nile, Lyme disease and now, bubonic plague the bugs of late summer are biting, although the risk of getting many of these scary-sounding diseases is very small. — AP

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

WHAT’S ON

UPCOMING EVENTS Onam celebration onni Nivasi Sangamam celebrates Onam on Friday, 21st September 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm at Abbassiya United Indian School. Public meeting honored with presence of prominent dignitaries from social-cultural-political sectors, maveli, athapookalam, chendamelam, ganamela, mimicry and other cultural events will be conducted as part of the program. Ccome and enjoy! Feel the experience of traditional tastes! Have lots of fun & frenzy! rock with music!

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! This summer, let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

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Free Arabic course PC and all its branches is opening free Arabic language course for non Arab ladies accessible in beginners and advance levels. Class will commence in September 14. Islamic and Quran courses are also presented in different languages.

Registration is on!

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Patriotic songs competitions ndo-Kuwait Friendship Society, Kuwait (www.indokuwaitfriendshipsociety.com) is planning to conduct competitions in Indian and Kuwaiti Patriotic songs. This is the first time in Kuwait, an Indian Association is organizing contests in “Patriotic Songs” for both Indian and Kuwaiti School students. The first 3 places will be declared separately by Judges who are experts in Indian and Kuwaiti Patriotic songs.

Several prizes and awards will be handed over for the winning schools. Pradeep Rajkumar and A K S Abdul Nazar said that IKFS wants let our children learn what they mean as a “Patriotic” to their home country. 4 pages of spot Essay competition related to “Patriotism” also will be held in the same day as a spot registration. 1 girl and 1 boy student from each school can participate in the essay contest. Dr Mohamed Tareq, Chairman of the First Indian Model School in Kuwait “ Salmiya Indian Model School (SIMS) already confirmed as a Co-Sponsor of the Program.

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Study in Canada exhibition rganized by the Embassy of Canada, the seventh annual Middle East Education Initiative (MEEI) will be visiting Kuwait from Oct 2-4, 2012.

Representatives of 20 leading Canadian universities and colleges will be available to meet students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to present the advantages of studying in Canada. On Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012 a Study in Canada exhibition will be held at the Marina Hotel, Salmiya from 6:00 - 9:00 pm for potential students and their parents to attend. The Canadian institutions will also be visiting local schools to speak to interested students about opportunities to study in Canada.

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Arabic courses PC and all its branches are opening Free Arabic Language Course for non-Arab ladies accessible in beginners and advance levels. Class will commence on September 14, 2012. Islamic and Quran courses are also presented in different languages. Registration is on! Call the nearest IPC branch: Salmiyah: 25733263, 97533263; Kheitan: 24730137, 99285459; Mangaf: 23723002 ext. 124/123; Jahra: 24558830, 97533948.

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AWARE Arabic courses highlights * 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.

Vanitha vedi Onam anita vedi, Kuwait will be celebrating the Onam festival this year as titled Ragothsavam-2012 on Friday 28th September 2012 at Kaithan Indian Community school. This is a full day program. Prof.

Omanakutty the famous classical musician will be the chief guest.

A classical music recitation ‘Sangeethakacheri’ by Prof. Omanakutty will be showcased. Shanta R. Nair (Program convener) Dr. Vasanthy S. Nair, Minerva Ramesh (Joint conveners) Sumathi Babu, Sajitha Scaria, Shobha Suresh, Presanna Ramabhadran, Rema Ajith, Valsa Stanley and Valsa Sam are selected for various committees. Sam Pynummoodu is the patron of Ragothsavam-2012.

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Winter 2012 AMIE examination he AMIE Winter 2012 examinations will be held between Dec 01-07, 2012 as follows:

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Section A (Diploma) - December 1-4, 2012 Section A (Non-Diploma) - December 1-7, 2012 Section B - December 1-7, 2012 The last date for submission of examination application forms are given hereunder: Candidates not appeared at Summer 2012 Exam: Aug 21 - Sept 21, 2012 Candidates appeared at Summer 2012 Exam: Sept 21 - Oct 19, 2012.

Candidates who intend to appear for the Winter 2012 examination must apply directly to Kolkata by filling the prescribed application form along with requisite amount of demand draft in favour of The Institution of Engineers (India), payable at Kolkata.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Calling all Ten-pin Bowlers he Indian Bowling League (IBL) Season 3 will be held at Cozmo Entertainment, Salmiya commencing on Friday the 28th of September at 3 pm. Kindly reserve your team in advance to avoid disappointment, on a first come first serve.

T Bhavanites celebrate Teachers’ Day eachers’ Day is celebrated as a tribute to the valuable contribution made by the teachers to the society by imparting knowledge and shaping the career of students. In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on the 5th of September, the birth anniversary of Dr S Radhakrishnan, a great scholar and educator India has ever seen.

Bhavanites, the true flag-bearers of Indian ethos and culture in Kuwait celebrated Teachers’ Day most majestically by paying reverence and gratitude to their beloved teachers for their selfless effort in shaping their future and enriching their knowledge so as to prepare their wings for their successful flight in the broad, all-encompassing sky of life.

The events of the day were planned by the democratically elected Supreme Council of Students. The fact that no other school in Kuwait has ever witnessed such a spectacular Teachers’ Day celebrations by the students speaks volumes and volumes about the child-centred learning and the lofty ideals that the Bhavanites have imbibed at Bhavans.

The pedagogues were ushered into the auditorium and were given an ecstatic standing ovation by the students as a token of their admira-

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tion and adoration for their dear teachers. The serenades sung by the students in their teachers’ honour left many a teacher misty eyed.

The countless cards and bouquets presented to the teachers were indeed a testimony of the exalted pedagogic culture of Bhavans.

The very many virtuosos of Bhavans unwrapped a vibrant cultural fiesta that consisted musical, dance and dramatic performances that highlighted the prominence of the noblest profession. Vocal and instrumental music emanated from the stage was soothing to the soul.

The peppy dance segment followed was truly a kaleidoscope of colours and rhythm. The hilarious skit ‘Make a Tale’ showcased by grade 12 students was the icing on the cake of the day’s fiesta as the exceptionally talented students displayed a veritably laudable and entertaining display of their fine flairs. The seventh and eight graders presented skits, dances and instrumental music. The thought-provoking skit staged by them on ‘the importance of classroom discipline’ won the hearts of the audience. The satirical skit on the mushrooming ‘nonsensical reality shows’ on television channels was also ardently approbated by the audience .

The fifth and sixth graders also

added merriment to the occasion.

The audience witnessed a few solo dance performances and a hilarious mono act. The culmination of the cultural fiesta was marked by a fascinating fusion musical extravaganza by the young wunderkinds of grades five and six.

The artistic amalgamation of talent and fun was followed by two hours of outdoor games where the traditional boundaries between the pedagogues and the students were temporarily torn down as both groups engaged themselves in various games in the school playground. Principal T Premkumar thanked the students profusely for organizing the events of the day in the most magnificent manner “This day will ever remain etched in my memories and the memories of your teachers. Thank you children” said the principal. The appreciation and gratitude from their dear students for the altruistic devotion of the teachers indeed touched a few chords in the hearts of the teachers and left behind a trail of indelible memories. The bouquets presented to them may wilt and wither but they are sure to cherish the fond memories of the Teachers’ Day celebrations for a life time.

Places of interest Sadu House Al Sadu House stands on Arabian Gulf Street near the National Museum, representing one of the last preserved pre-oil -era dwellings in Kuwait. Al Sadu House became a centre for Bedouin art and the sale of traditional goods In 1979. Visitors can observe Bedouin women weaving at their looms, handmaking carpets, camel bags and tent screens.

Opening hours are Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m and from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m daily except Friday. Admission is FREE. Science & Natural History Museum A wealth of education awaits the visitor to the Science and Natural History Museum on Abdulla Al Mubarak Street. Each gallery contains either a collection or an exhibit covering a wide range of themes. Collections on display Include fossils, stuffed animals, skeletons, and dried flowers. There are exhibits on health, petroleum, space travel, and electronics, among others. Forming part of the National Museum complex, the wonderful, modern Planetarium In the museum complex has shows at around 18:00 daily: local children, convinced the room is spinning, clap In syncopated beats every time the accompanying music begins. A museum planetarium shows: Mornings: 1st Show: 10:00 a.m; 2nd Show: 11:00 a. m; 3rd Show: 12:00 p.m Evenings: 1st Show: 5:00 p.m; 2nd Show: 5:45 p.m; 3rd Show : 6:00 p.m. Note: Friday & Saturday no morning shows. Admission is FREE. The Dickson House The house of the first British political agent In Kuwait is still standing. The Dickson House, located across from the dhow harbour east of Sief Palace, was originally a Kuwaiti home built in 1870, but was given to Britain to use as residential headquarters. The compound was expanded several times over the years, but stands as an excellent example of early Kuwaiti architectural styles.

Opening hours are from Saturday to Thursday 8:30 a.m-12:30 p.m and 4:30 a.m-8:30 p.m Friday 4:30 a.m - 8:30 p.m. Admission is FREE. Al-Qurain Museum Located in the residential suburb of Qurain, This small museum is a memorial to a cell of young Kuwaiti patriots who tried to resist arrest in February 1991. Early In the morning, Iraqis bombarded the house for hours with machine guns, bombs and eventually a tank.

Monday to Saturday 8.30 a.m - 12.30 p.m; 4.30a.m -8.30 p.m Friday morning off. Afternoon: 4.30 a.m-8.30 pm. Winter Visiting hours: 4-8.30 pm.

1st Day of Eid off.

Al Hashemi Marine Museum The World’s largest wooden dhow, owned and build by Hussein Marafie,Al Hashemi is a ‘Baghalah’ of monumental proportions. Baghalah is a large wooden cargo vessel which sailed the seas in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Constructed next to Radisson SAS Hotel, the double-decked Al-Hashemi II is dry-docked next to preoil era Kuwaiti village and marine museum containing models of extinct and modern dhows The lower deck has the grand ballroom - one of the finest in Kuwait. Al-Hashemi II has earned the distinction of being listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The museum is opened Sat. Thu. from 9 am till 5 pm. Admission is FREE. Oil Display Centre The Oil Display Centre at Kuwait is located 20 kilometers in the southern direction from main city of Kuwait. Oil display center In Kuwait is set In the Ahmadi area, which is the primary hub of Kuwait’s oil production where many oll-fields and oil wells are located. This center is a learning ground for all those who wonder how oil processing is done. It gives an opportunity to the tourists to know all about the history beginning from how oil was explored, drilled, produced and processed In Kuwait.

The Oil Display Center Is located 20 kilometers away from Kuwait City, in the southern direction.

This small center throws an insight into Kuwait’s oil business and the work of the Kuwait Oil Company, which owns it. It is definitely worth a visit. Opening hours Sat - Wed 07:00 am -3:00 pm. It is open by appointment. KOC can also arrange for groups to tour the oil fields themselves.

Kuwait Memorial Museum Before the Iraqi invasion, the museum housed a collection that has been acclaimed by International art historians as one of the most comprehensive collection of Islamic arts. Located near the National Assembly, comprising of four buildings and a planetarium. In 1997, the Muhallab II, the replacement for the magnificent trading dhow from the 1930 that graced the front yard of the museum before it was burned by the Iraqis, was constructed on site and now is open to visitors.

‘Leniency of Islam’ n 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 to- 97822021 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.

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NAFO Onam on Sept 21 ational Forum Kuwait (NAFO Kuwait) will celebrate Onam 2012 with its full spirit and fervor on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Indian Community School Auditorium from 10.00 am onwards. Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta will be the chief guest on this happy occasion. A galaxy of eminent personalities in Kuwait is also expected to join the celebration. Starting from the floral carpet called “Athapookkalam,” NAFO family will present various cultural programs bringing back the nostalgic memories of a bygone era of prosperity, equality and righteousness under the golden reign of Mahabali. In addition, a grand sumptuous meal, the traditional ‘Onasadya’ will also be served.

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Focus Kuwait 6th annual day s a part of the 6th anniversary celebrations, Forum of Cadd Users (FOCUS Kuwait), a nonpolitical, non-religious organization is set to stage a mega cultural event “Focus Fest-2012”. This mega event will be a blend of traditional and contemporary dance and musical extravaganza by renowned South Indian playback singers Jyotsna and Sudeesh. Scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, October 12, 2012, at the Al-Jeel Al-Jadeed School Auditorium, Hawally, the mega musical show, is expected to be a super-hit in Kuwait.

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Audition for ZEE Antakshari or the first time Indian Cultural Society brings you live excitement of ZEE - International antakshari in Kuwait. Audition & first round will be held in Kuwait, there after followed by semi finals in India & Grand Finale in Dubai. Complete team of Carnival films & Zee TV will be in Kuwait for the final round of selection on Friday 5th October with Jaaved Jaaferi: Celebrity Judge, Akriti Kakkar: Female Bollywood Singer & Host of Antakshari, Manish Paul: Host for Auditions, Sarfaraz Khan: Actor, Director and Producer, Michael Amin: Producer & Director Carnival films world. Musicians, Male Singer & many more for live performances.

Final audition at 10 am & music show at 7.30 pm at AIS-Hawally.

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Tulukoota Kuwait free medical checkup ulukoota Kuwait, in coordination with Indian Doctors Forum, Kuwait Medical Association, Indian Dentist Alliance in Kuwait and Kuwait Heart Foundation is conducting a Free Medical Check up & Consultation Camp on Friday, September 14, 2012 at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Abbasiya (Indian Educational School, Building No 4, Block No 241, School Street, Jleeb Al-Shyoukh) from 7 am - 1 pm. The Medical Checkup & Consultation Camp is specially taking place for all the people who do not have the opportunity or facility to undergo regular medical checkups at a regular clinic. We urge people to come ahead and fill up and submit applications well before September 9 to avoid disappointments. Kindly do not miss this opportunity and come ahead to take part in our free Medical Camp.

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Tulukoota Kuwait ‘Merit Scholarship’ pplications are now being invited for “Tulukoota Kuwait Merit Cum Means Scholarship” to be awarded during Tuluparba 2012 scheduled to be held on October 11 and 12, 2012. The objective of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance and support to deserving meritorious students, to enable them to pursue their higher studies. Applications are accepted from minimum one year valid Tulukoota Kuwait member’s children studying either in the State of Kuwait or in India and scoring high grades in Xth and XIIth standard Board Examination held for Academic year 2011-2012.

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WHAT’S ON

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

Embassy Information

Vennikulam Valakuzhy Pravasi Association (VEVA) holds Onam EVA Kuwait members gathered together with their family and friends to celebrate Festive Onam 2012 at Hi-Dine auditorium Abbassiya on 7th Sept 2012 . The meeting started at 11.15 am with prayer song by Lija

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Manoj followed by welcome speech by Rony M. Skaria, Co -ordinator VEVA Kwt. P. E Georgekutty, president, presided over the meeting. Chief Guest, Mr. Thomas K Thomas, inaugurated the function and M K Pothen conveyed the

Onam Message. The Felicitation Message from Joseph M Puthuserry Ex MLA of Kalloppara Assembly constituency presented by Manoj.

Varieties of cultural programs were performed during the occasion. Manoj

Thelliyoor , convener coordinated the games and cultural activities. Vote of thanks was by General Secretary Charles P. George.

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 Consulate-General 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.

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EMBASSY OF ARGENTINE The Embassy of Argentina requests all Argentinean citizens in Kuwait to proceed to our official email ekuwa@mrecic.gov.ar 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 Argentinean Government to contact and assist Argentineans living abroad in case of any emergency.

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KIG Onam meet fosters relations erala Islamic Group conducted Onam Meet for the prominent leaders of the expat society, including leaders of various organizations, and prominent personalities. PP Abdul Razak delivered the Onam message. Joy Mundakad, Ebi Varikod, Krishnan Kadalundi, Kaipatoor Thankachan, Thomas Mathew Kadavil, Lissy Kuriakose, Raju Sakariya, Aboo Backer,

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Sathar Kunnil, Iqbal Kuttamangalam, Hamza Payyannur, Chesil Ramapuram and Aniyankunju participated in the discussions. Such programs are very much needed in these times when friendly relations with other cultures are decreasing by the day, opined the participants in the program unanimously. VP Shoukath Ali concluded the discussions,. KIG Acting

World Renowned Memory guru to present “The Mind- Body Seminar” in Kuwait he world renowned memory guru Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury will present his unique seminar for the third time in Kuwait on Friday, 14th September 2012. “The Mind-Body Seminar” will be held at Jabriya Kuwait Medical Association Hall auditorium, Kuwait.

Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury , holder of 2 World Records in memory management and push-ups, is the author of 25 books on mind and memory. His biography is included in 2012 edition of Who’s Who In The World and his name is mentioned in Oxford University’s official website for his contribution in the field of memory training. He has conducted more than 2000 seminars internationally addressing more than 10 lakh audiences. He holds worldwide patent for his inventions- memory

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ball, mnemonic pen, happiness machine and animated cosmic energy cord.

This enriching seminar is specially to help children to perform better in academics and always stay ahead in competitions. 5 secrets will be revealed which will help students to score 10% more in every examination.

The highlights of the proposed seminar include how to recall quickly and avoid mistakes in examination, mind control techniques, how to overcome examination phobia, the science of interest, how to use mindbody-medicine principle to gain extra energy instantly, measurement of happiness index and how to improve the power of concentration.

The seminar will be also beneficial for the parents to mentor their chil-

ACK to hold annual orientation meeting today r Raghad Al-Kazemi, director of student affairs at ACK, announced that ACK will hold its annual orientation meeting for the fresh students of the first semester of academic year 2012/2013 today from 9:30 am till 12:30 noon.

Dr Raghad stated that this meeting will be organized by the department of student affairs at ACK, will include an orientation summary on the applied policies and procedures at ACK. She noted a vides will be displayed in audio vides to orient different related departments of the college, as well as a detailed explanation of the tasks of the students during their academic journey. i.e. Academic advisory center, students achievements center and the student and ports activities center. The meeting will include the important academic procedures applied in the college on punctuality, sick leaves, the importance of dealing with the related departments and the communication in the campus.

Dr Raghad mentioned that the fresh students will be divided into groups so as to make an orientation tour all over ACK to know the scientific department in the engineering and administration programmers.

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dren to excel in life and to use the techniques taught during the seminar in their own personal and professional life. Also an important part of the seminar is dedicated for health, which will be focused on lifestyle diseases especially for the expats in this part of the world.

Any students above the age of 8 years can attend this free seminar with their parents. Adult also can attend the seminar for the effective management of our memory. Entry to this one hour session will be totally free, but since the number of seats is limited, a pre registration is mandatory to allocate the time slot for the attendees. The seminar timings are 9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:00 pm

Aware presentation ou are cordially invited to our diwaniya presentation entitled, “The Quran: An Introduction to Islam’s Holy Book,” by Dr Teresa Lesher tomorrow, September 11, 2012 at 7:00 pm. The Quran is a 1,400-year old Arabic document or so believed to be God’s message to mankind. Dr Teresa will briefly explain the methods of revelation, documentation and preservation of the Quran, as well as its style and themes. She will clarify its importance to Muslims until today indicated by their approach to handling and studying it. Open discussion will follow the presentation and complimentary translations of the Quran in English will be offered to all attendees. Dr Teresa holds her PhD in Information Science from the UK and is now associate professor at the Kuwait College of Basic Education. She held the position of General Manager of the AWARE Center for three years and returns often to host presentations related to Arab and Islamic culture.

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BSK annual Carnival Day he British School of Kuwait, located in Salwa block 1, street 1, will be holding its annual Carnival Day on Saturday September 15 from 10 am to 1 pm. It will be a fun filled day with lots of activities for the whole family. You can also find out more information about the various afterschool activities for children and parents open to everyone in Kuwait at The British Academy of International Arts (BAIA)such as dance, theatre, music, art and cuisine and various sports such as football, swimming, karate, cricket and many more offered through The British Academy of Sports (BAS). Sponsors will be on hand to provide free gifts and add to a wonderful atmosphere of fun and entertainment.

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President K Abdurahman presided over the function.

KIG General Secretary Anwar Sayeed welcomed the audience which began with verses from the holy Quran by Manaf. VS Najeeb and teams entertained the audience with their melodious songs.

NSS Kuwait Onam celebrations on Sept 28 SS Onam will be celebrated on September 28 (Friday), at Carmel School, Khaitan from 9:30 am. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait is one of the largest socio-cultural organization in Kuwait formed in the year 2001 and now has more than 3,000 Indians as members. On Sept 28, a full day variety entertainment program depicting the rich heritage and art forms of Kerala has been planned and the major attractions are drama “Aaal Roopam” (Dummy) directing by Shemej Kumar and musical drama “Ravanaputri” a unique art form, organizing by NSS Vanitha Samajam.

Raveendran Nair, President of Nair Service Society (NSS), Kuwait will preside over the function and . KR Rajan, Secretary, HRD, Nair Service Society (NSS), Changanassery, Kerala will be the Chief Guest. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait is introducing first time in Kuwait “Onam Valla Sadhya” a vegetarian banquet with around 50 dishes. The renowned Master of the Kitchen Aranmula Nadamangalath Vijayan and his team, will be supervising NSS Kuwait’s Onam Sadhya kitchen this year. This year more than 1,500 people are expected to enjoy the NSS taste of Vijayan.

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Korean movie night on Sept 18 he Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kuwait has the great pleasure to invite to a Korean Movie Night on Tuesday, 18 Sept at Cinescape Laila in Salmiya at 4:30 pm. The event is organized by the embassy and sponsored by the Kuwait National Cinema Company. We will start our Korean Movie Night with two South Korean hits “Pacemaker and “My Girlfriend is an agent”. Movies are open to the public and admission is free. Refreshment will be served during the break time. Please come to experience and enjoy a Korean Movie Night featuring adventure, comedy, and romance for all ages.

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Tulukoota Kuwait Tulu Parba Competition 2012 ulu Parba Competitions are here again and Tutu Koota Kuwait is very excited to invite all the Tuluvas to join us on the event to be held on Friday, September 21, 2012, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm at the Indian Community School Auditorium, Khaitan. Join us for an enthusiastic and entertaining day with lots of fun and creativity. Competitions for various age group planned for the day include: Dance Solo and Group, Fancy Dress Solo and Group, photography of toddlers and origami, post card writing, drawing for children; Tu Dhantina Atil and Beeda Kattunu for ladies solo; while we have Peta Kattunu and Gali Pata Malpunu for Men Solo; married couples have Adarsh Dampati and hair styling, while we also have a game planned for the senior citizens.

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EMBASSY OF BRITAIN 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.

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EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah.

Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 12:30 to 01:00 pm for lunch break. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca.

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EMBASSY OF FRANCE The Embassy would like to inform that starting September 2nd, 2012, visa demands for France will be handled by the outsourcing company “Capago - MENA Company”. Capago - MENA’S Call Center will be operational starting Sunday August 26 for setting appointments beginning September 2nd (+965 22270555).

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EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com.

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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, Al-Salaam 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.

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EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk.

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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.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

TV PROGRAMS 22:25 Stuck With Hackett 22:50 Scrapheap Challenge 23:40 Prototype This 00:45 I Was Bitten 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 02:25 Best Bites: 25 Greatest Shark Moments 03:15 Dogs 101: Specials 04:05 Bad Dog 04:55 Animal Kingdom 05:20 Shamwari: A Wild Life 05:45 Vet On The Loose 06:35 Wildlife SOS International 07:00 Baboons With Bill Bailey 07:25 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 08:15 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 10:05 Best Bites: 25 Greatest Shark Moments 11:00 Wildlife SOS International 11:25 Orangutan Island 11:55 Animal Cops Houston 12:50 Wild Animal Orphans 13:15 Wild Africa Rescue 13:45 Animal Precinct 14:40 Best Bites: 25 Greatest Shark Moments 15:30 Baboons With Bill Bailey 16:00 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 16:30 Baby Planet 17:25 Cats Of Claw Hill 18:20 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 19:15 Wildlife SOS 19:40 Orangutan Island 20:10 Cheetah Kingdom 20:35 Shamwari: A Wild Life 21:05 Great White Invasion 22:00 Animal Airport 22:55 Wildlife SOS 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 00:35 Antiques Roadshow 01:30 Open House 02:00 Open House 02:30 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 03:25 Living In The Sun 04:20 MasterChef 05:10 Living In The Sun 06:05 MasterChef 06:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 07:15 MasterChef Australia 08:05 MasterChef Australia 08:55 Open House 09:55 Bargain Hunt 10:40 Antiques Roadshow 11:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 12:20 10 Years Younger 13:10 Holmes On Homes 14:50 Bargain Hunt 15:35 Antiques Roadshow 16:30 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 17:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 18:00 Rachel’s Favourite Food For Living 18:25 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 18:55 Rhodes Across Italy 19:40 Come Dine With Me 20:30 Open House 21:00 Open House 21:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:15 Bargain Hunt 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 23:45 Holmes On Homes Edition 00:15 01:10 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 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

Deadliest Catch Shocking Survival Videos Around The World In 80 Ways River Monsters World’s Toughest Drive Border Security Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Deadliest Catch American Chopper Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Around The World In 80 Ways River Monsters Border Security Auction Hunters Ultimate Survival American Chopper Wheeler Dealers Deadliest Catch Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Border Security Gi Dough Deconstruction Life On A Wire Finding Bigfoot Moonshiners

23:20 Surviving Disaster 00:35 01:25 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:35 04:25 05:15 06:05 07:00 07:25 07:50 07:53 08:20 08:50 09:40 10:30 10:55 11:20 12:10 12:35 13:00 13:50 14:45 15:35 16:00 16:03 16:30 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 21:35 22:00

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Things That Move Things That Move Head Rush Weird Connections Test Case Sport Science Smash Lab The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Mighty Ships Things That Move Things That Move Engineering Ground Zero NASA’s Greatest Missions Smash Lab The Gadget Show Head Rush Weird Connections Test Case The Future Of...

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20:20 Bang Goes The Theory 00:10 01:00 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:30 04:20 05:10 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 Fairies 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:25 09:35 09:45 10:00 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:40 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:20 13:45 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:00 17:30 17:55 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:25 21:15 22:05 22:55 23:45

00:25 01:20 02:15 03:10 04:05 04:30 05:00 05:55 07:00 07:55 08:50 09:45 10:40 11:05 11:35 12:30 12:55 13:25 14:20 15:15 15:40 16:10 17:05 18:00 18:25 18:55 19:50 20:45 21:40 22:05 22:35 23:30

Fairly Odd Parents Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck The Adventures Of Disney Recess So Random Timon And Pumbaa Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mouk Jonas So Random Hannah Montana Fish Hooks Kim Possible Shake It Up Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb Timon And Pumbaa Suite Life On Deck Austin And Ally Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Suite Life On Deck Austin And Ally Phineas And Ferb A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Jessie Suite Life On Deck Jonas Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Kim Possible

Aiya TV Pro Bull Riders 2010 World Combat League TNA: Greatest Matches The Cool Guy Files The Cool Guy Files M1 Challenge Pro Bull Riders 2010 Ride Guide Snow 2009 Alli Presents AMA Motocross 2011 Blood, Sweat And Gears Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Pro Bull Riders 2010 Mantracker Mantracker Carpocalypse World Combat League Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Alli Presents AMA Motocross 2011 Mantracker Mantracker Pro Bull Riders 2010 Carpocalypse World Combat League The Cool Guy Files The Cool Guy Files TNA: Greatest Matches M1 Challenge

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:55 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 01:45 Extra Virgin 02:35 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 03:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 04:15 Guy’s Big Bite 04:40 Outrageous Food 05:05 Unique Eats 05:30 Chopped 06:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 08:40 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:30 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 09:55 Cooking For Real 10:45 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 11:35 Hungry Girl 12:00 Chopped 12:50 Guy’s Big Bite 13:15 Cooking For Real 13:40 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 14:30 Kid In A Candy Store 15:20 Unique Sweets 15:45 Staten Island Cakes 16:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:15 Guy’s Big Bite 18:40 Unique Sweets 19:30 Chopped 20:20 Iron Chef America 21:10 Guy’s Big Bite 22:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 22:50 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 23:15 Grill It! With Bobby Flay 23:40 Guy’s Big Bite 00:30 01:20 02:05 02:30 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

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23:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner

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Around The World For Free Graham’s World Long Way Down Destination Extreme Travel Oz Madventures Madventures Around The World For Free Graham’s World Long Way Down Destination Extreme Travel Oz Madventures Around The World For Free Graham’s World Long Way Down Destination Extreme Travel Oz Madventures Around The World For Free Travel Oz Food Lover’s Guide To The One Man & His Campervan David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 Wheel2Wheel Graham’s World The Best Job In The World

23:00 Naked Science

NAT GEO WILD HD 00:00 Wild Mississippi 01:00 Hooked 01:55 Hidden Worlds 02:50 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 03:45 Freaks & Creeps 04:40 Expedition Wild 05:35 Caught In The Act 06:30 Hidden Worlds 07:25 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 08:20 Freaks & Creeps 09:15 Cameramen Who Dare 10:10 Animal Impact 11:05 Philly Undercover 12:00 Hooked 13:00 The Living Edens 14:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 15:00 Tiger Man 16:00 Cameramen Who Dare 17:00 Animal Impact 18:00 Philly Undercover 19:00 Hidden Worlds 20:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 21:00 Freaks & Creeps 22:00 Cameramen Who Dare 23:00 Animal Impact 23:00 Hunter Hunted

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Sinners & Saints-18 Aeon Flux-PG15 A Perfect Getaway-18 True Justice: Street Wars-PG15 Cross-18 Ladder 49-PG15 Lords Of Dogtown-PG15 Cross-18 The Net-PG15 Lords Of Dogtown-PG15 The Resident-18 Saving Private Ryan-18

20:00 Fighting-PG15 22:00 Homecoming-18 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 02:30 Hot In Cleveland 03:30 Raising Hope 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 09:30 Allen Gregory 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 14:00 Raising Hope 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 18:00 30 Rock 18:30 Community 19:00 The Cleveland Show 19:30 The Office 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The League 22:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 23:00 Hot In Cleveland 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:00

The Glades Top Gear (UK) The Newsroom Greek Switched At Birth Drop Dead Diva The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street Private Practice The Ellen DeGeneres Show Switched At Birth Drop Dead Diva Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Private Practice The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Private Practice White Collar Royal Pains Homeland Perception Greek Greek

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00

RoboCop-PG15 Gridlock’d-18 Takers-PG15 Kull The Conqueror-PG15

09:00 Green Lantern: Emerald Knights-PG15 11:00 Takers-PG15 13:00 The Librarian: The Curse Of Judas Chalice-PG15 15:00 Green Lantern: Emerald Knights-PG15 17:00 The Warrior’s Way-PG15 19:00 Kiss Of Death-18 21:00 Saving Private Ryan-18 23:45 Storm Warning-18 23:00 The Speak-18 Luste

000:00 Lottery Ticket-PG15 02:00 For Richer Or Poorer-PG 04:00 Flipped-PG 06:00 My Sassy Girl-PG15 08:00 For Richer Or Poorer-PG 10:00 My Best Friend’s WeddingPG15 12:00 The Beverly Hillbillies-PG15 14:00 Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie-PG15 16:00 My Best Friend’s WeddingPG15 18:00 Griff The Invisible-PG15 20:00 How Do You Know-PG15 22:00 Love And Other Drugs-R

01:15 Strength And Honour-PG15 03:00 Le Divorce-PG15 05:00 Bobby Jones: Stroke Of Genius 07:15 Certified Copy-PG15 09:00 Swansong: Story Of Occi Byrne-PG15 11:00 A Simple Twist Of Fate-PG15 13:00 Lies In Plain Sight-PG15 15:00 Swansong: Story Of Occi Byrne-PG15 17:00 My Afternoons With Margueritte-PG15 18:45 Coach Carter-PG15 21:00 The Natural-PG 23:15 Sea Of Love-18 23:30 Square Grouper-18

01:00 Le Divorce-PG15 03:00 Rango-FAM 05:00 According To Greta-PG15 07:00 Dear John-PG15 09:00 Chronicles Of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader-PG 11:00 Battle For Terra-PG 13:00 Senna-PG15 15:00 Game Change-PG15 17:00 Chronicles Of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader-PG 19:00 Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes 21:00 30 Minutes Or Less-18 23:00 Black Swan-18

00:00 The Proud Family Movie-FAM 02:00 Supertramps-FAM 04:00 The Hairy Tooth Fairy 2-PG 06:00 The Proud Family Movie-FAM 08:00 Emilie Jolie-PG 10:00 Barbie In A Mermaid Tale 2 12:00 Rio-FAM 14:00 Winner & The Golden Child: Part I-FAM 16:00 Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure-PG 18:00 Barbie In A Mermaid Tale 2 20:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil 22:00 Winner & The Golden Child: Part I-FAM 22:15 Resident Evil 4: Afterlife-18 01:00 America’s Cup World Series Highlight 02:00 Top 14 04:00 Super League 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Cricket Twenty20 10:30 Live Rugby Union ITM Cup 12:30 America’s Cup World Series Highlight 13:30 AFL Premiership 16:00 NRL Premiership 18:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 19:00 Rugby Union ITM Cup 21:00 Futbol Mundial 21:30 AFL Premiership

01:00 04:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 09:30 10:30 12:00 12:30 13:30 14:00 16:00 19:00 22:00

Cricket Twenty20 PGA European Tour Highlights Rugby Union NRL Premiership Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport Volvo Ocean Race Highlights Futbol Mundial PGA European Tour Highlights WWE This Week Rugby Union ITM CUP Cricket Twenty20 UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE SmackDown

03:00 Golfing World 04:30 Triathlon 06:30 Challenge Series Golf Highlights 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 AFL Highlights 09:00 Senior European Tour Highlights 10:00 City Center Races 12:30 Golfing World 13:30 ITU World Triathlon Series 16:00 AFL Premiership 18:30 City Center Races 19:00 Golfing World 20:00 NRL Full Time 20:30 Mobil 1 The Grid 22:00 Darts World Match Play

00:30 01:00 04:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 23:00

European Le Mans Series Prizefighter UFC Unleashed WWE NXT WWE Bottomline Mobil 1 The Grid V8 Supercars Highlights V8 Supercars Extra WWE Bottomline WWE Vintage Collection European Le Mans Series V8 Supercars Extra Mobil 1 The Grid WWE NXT WWE Experience Prizefighter UFC 151 Prelims

KNCC PROGRAM FROM THURSDAY TILL TOMORROW (06/09/2012 TO 12/09/2012) SHARQIA-1 THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN SUN+TUE+WED THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THU+FRI+SAT+MON GRABBERS (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY(2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-2 BRAVE (3D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 4:00 PM 3:15 PM 6:00PM 8:00 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

1:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-3 THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 2:00 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 4:15 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 6:30 PM THE EXPENDABLES (2D-Digital) 9:45 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MUHALAB-2 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 12:30 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 3:45 PM LAWLESS (2D-Digital) 5:45 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 8:00 PM LAWLESS (2D-Digital) 10:00 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 12:30 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-3 TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 2:00 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 4:00 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 6:00 PM STOLEN (2D-Digital) 8:30 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 10:30 PM STOLEN (2D-Digital) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-1 TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

FANAR-2 GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

FANAR-3 Ek Tha Tiger (Hindi) (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN Ek Tha Tiger (Hindi) (2D-Digital) Ek Tha Tiger (Hindi) (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

FANAR-4 TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-5 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES THE EXPENDABLES 2 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES 3 THE EXPENDABLES 2 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-1 THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) 1:15 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 4:00 PM TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) 7:15 PM THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) 9:30 PM TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-2 GRABBERS (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

MARINA-3 BRAVE (3D-Digital) 12:30 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 2:30 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 4:30 PM STOLEN (2D-Digital) 6:30 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 8:30 PM STOLEN (2D-Digital) 10:45 PM STOLEN (2D-Digital) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-1 GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-2 TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-3 LAWLESS (2D-Digital)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

2:15 PM 4:45 PM 7:15 PM 9:45 PM 12:15 AM

12:30 PM

LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:45 PM 5:15 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 1:00 AM

AVENUES-4 LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:15 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 1:00 AM

AVENUES-5 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-6 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-7 THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) Ek Tha Tiger (Hindi) (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 AM 12:30

AVENUES-8 BRAVE (2D-Digital) 1:00 PM BRAVE (2D-Digital) 3:30 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 5:45 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 9:00 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-9 TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 2:15 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 4:30 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 6:30 PM THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 8:45 PM THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 11:00 PM THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 1:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-10 THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-11 TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 1 THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2(2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2(2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 4:15 PM 7:00 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

360º- 2 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 1:30 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 4:45 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 8:00 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 11:15 PM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 3 TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 12:45 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 3:00 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 5:15 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 7:30 PM NO FRI (07/09/2012) Special Show“BRAVE (2D-Digital)” for Oil Kuwait Tanker Co. 7:30 PM FRI (07/09/2012) JUST CRAZY ENOUGH (2D-Digital) 9:45 PM JUST CRAZY ENOUGH (2D-Digital) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 4 THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:15 PM 6:00 PM 8:45 PM 11:30 PM

360 º- 5 BRAVE (3D-Digital) BRAVE (3D-Digital) BRAVE (3D-Digital) BRAVE (3D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

360 º- 6 TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:45 PM 6:15 PM 8:45 PM 11:15 PM

360 º- 7 GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 8 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital)

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM

STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

11:45 PM

360 º- 9(VIP-1) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

360 º-10 (VIP-2) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 9:00 PM 11:30 PM

360 º- 11 LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 4:00 PM 6:30 PM 9:00 PM 11:30 PM

360 º- 12 TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 12:45 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 3:00 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 5:15 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 7:30 PM NO FRI (07/09/2012) Special Show “BRAVE (2D-Digital)” for Oil Kuwait Tanker Co. 7:30 PM FRI (07/09/2012) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 9:45 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 13 THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-IMAX) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-IMAX) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-IMAX) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-IMAX) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:30 PM 5:45 PM 9:00 PM 12:15 AM

360 º- 14 INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

360 º- 15 JUST CRAZY ENOUGH (2D-Digital) THU+FRI+SAT EK THA TIGER (Hindi)(2D-Digital) JUST CRAZY ENOUGH (2D-Digital) EK THA TIGER (Hindi)(2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 11:30 PM

AL-KOUT.1 TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

AL-KOUT.2 LAWLESS (2D-Digital) BRAVE (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) LAWLESS (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.3 GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 1:30 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 3:30 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 5:30 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 8:45 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 10:45 PM GRABBERS (2D-Digital) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED AL-KOUT.4 THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN THE EXPENDABLES 2 2D-Digital) INTERVIEW WITH A HITMAN THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE DARK KNIGHT RISES NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

BAIRAQ-1 TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 12:30 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 2:30 PM TINKER BELL: SECRET OF THE WINGS 4:30 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 6:30 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 8:45 PM TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) 11:00 PM THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 1:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED BAIRAQ-2 THE BOURNE LEGACY 2D-Digital) 1:30 PM THE DARK KNIGHT RISES (2D-Digital) 4:15 PM THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) 7:30 PM THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) 10:15 PM TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) 12:30 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED BAIRAQ-3 STOLEN (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) GRABBERS (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

PLAZA BRAVE (3D-Digital) TOTAL RECALL (2D-Digital) THE BOURNE LEGACY (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 2D-Digital)

3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 11:00 PM

LAILA THE BOURNE LEGACY THE EXPENDABLES 2 TOTAL RECALL THE BOURNE LEGACY

3:30 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 0:45 PM

AJIAL.1 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) EK THA TIGER (Hindi)(2D-Digital)

3:45 5:45 7:45 9:45 PM

Classifieds TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR KAC RJA GFA UAE ETD OMA THY FDB MSR RBG QTR JZR KAC THY JZR DHX JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY GFA QTR FDB IRA ETD IRA GFA UAE MEA JZR MSR MSC JZR JZR MSR GFA KAC KAC FDB KNE JZR QTR SVA KAC RJA JZR KAC QTR ETD KAC JZR JZR UAE UAL GFA SVA JZR JZR ABY KAC KAC QTR SYR KAC KAC FDB KAC MSR MSC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC JAI KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA ALK KLM UAE JZR ETD ABY QTR QTR JZR AIC FDB GFA UAL JZR DLH JZR MSR THY PIA

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 11/9/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 502D BEIRUT 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 643 MUSCAT 768 ISTANBUL 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 3553 ALEXANDRIA 138 DOHA 503 LUXOR 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 1541 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 416 JAKARTA 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 223 BAHRAIN 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 605 ISFAHAN 301 ABU DHABI 619 LAR 213 BAHRAIN 871 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 618 ALEXANDRIA 401 ALEXANDRIA 561 SOHAG 201 DAMASCUS 610 CAIRO 219 BAHRAIN 514 TEHRAN 672 DUBAI 57 DUBAI 472 JEDDAH 535 CAIRO 140 DOHA 500 JEDDAH 562 AMMAN 640 AMMAN 257 BEIRUT 546 ALEXANDRIA 134 DOHA 303 ABU DHABI 1802 CAIRO 527 ASSIUT 787 RIYADH 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 502 BEIRUT 542 CAIRO 144 DOHA 341 DAMASCUS 166 PARIS 786 JEDDAH 63 DUBAI 104 LONDON 624 SOHAG 403 ASSIUT 325 NAJAF 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 614 BAHRAIN 742 DAMMAM 572 MUMBAI 774 RIYADH 389 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 229 COLOMBO 415 AMSTERDAM 859 DUBAI 135 BAHRAIN 307 ABU DHABI 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 6130 DOHA 539 CAIRO 981 CHENNAI 59 DUBAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 614 CAIRO 772 ISTANBUL 205 LAHORE

Time 00:15 00:20 01:15 02:10 02:20 02:25 02:30 02:50 02:50 03:10 03:20 03:20 03:25 03:55 04:10 04:35 04:55 05:00 06:00 06:15 06:30 06:35 07:15 07:45 07:50 07:55 08:05 08:15 08:25 08:30 08:40 09:00 09:20 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:00 10:45 10:55 11:05 11:25 12:00 12:25 12:30 13:30 13:40 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:15 14:20 14:25 14:30 14:30 14:55 15:00 15:05 15:15 16:35 16:40 16:40 16:40 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 18:00 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:00 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:30 19:35 19:40 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:55 21:05 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:50 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:30 23:35 23:40 23:59

Airlines AIC UAL DLH MSR KLM PIA THY THY UAE FDB OMA RBG ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR RJA JZR JZR GFA THY JZR KAC BAW FDB JZR ABY KAC KAC KAC GFA UAE JZR KAC QTR FDB KAC ETD IRA IRA GFA KAC KAC MEA KAC JZR UAE MSR MSC KAC JZR JZR GFA FDB MSR KAC JZR KNE SVA KAC JZR RJA QTR KAC KAC KAC ETD JZR JZR QTR UAE GFA JZR ABY UAL SVA JZR QTR FDB SYR MSR MSC JZR KAC KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA DHX ALK KLM JZR ABY ETD KAC UAE QTR KAC KAC JZR QTR AXB FDB QTR GFA KAC

Depature Flights on Tuesday 11/9/2012 Flt Route 976 GOA 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 411 AMSTERDAM 240 SIALKOT 773 ISTANBUL 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 644 MUSCAT 3554 ALEXANDRIA 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 643 AMMAN 164 DUBAI 200 DAMASCUS 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 534 CAIRO 545 ALEXANDRIA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 256 BEIRUT 126 SHARJAH 513 TEHRAN 561 AMMAN 671 DUBAI 224 BAHRAIN 856 DUBAI 526 ASSIUT 101 LONDON 133 DOHA 56 DUBAI 1801 CAIRO 302 ABU DHABI 604 ISFAHAN 618 LAR 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 405 BEIRUT 501 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 872 DUBAI 623 SOHAG 404 ASSIUT 785 JEDDAH 786 RIYADH 176 DUBAI 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI “ 611 CAIRO 673 DUBAI 538 CAIRO 473 JEDDAH 501 JEDDAH 617 DOHA 324 AL NAJAF 641 AMMAN 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 613 BAHRAIN 741 DAMMAM 304 ABU DHABI 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 238 AMMAN 141 DOHA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 128 SHARJAH 982 BAHRAIN 511 RIYADH 266 BEIRUT 145 DOHA 64 DUBAI 342 DAMASCUS 607 LUXOR 402 ALEXANDRIA 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 361 COLOMBO 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 343 CHENNAI 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 171 BAHRAIN 230 COLOMBO 415 DAMMAM 1540 CAIRO 120 SHARJAH 308 ABU DHABI 381 DELHI 860 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 554 ALEXANDRIA 147 DOHA 390 MANGALORE 60 DUBAI 6131 DOHA 218 BAHRAIN 411 BANGKOK

Time 00:05 00:25 00:30 00:35 00:55 01:00 02:15 03:40 03:45 03:50 03:55 04:00 04:05 04:20 04:50 05:40 06:00 06:50 06:55 07:00 07:05 07:10 07:30 08:10 08:25 08:25 09:00 09:05 09:15 09:15 09:20 09:25 09:40 09:50 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:05 10:15 10:20 10:40 10:45 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:15 12:20 12:25 13:00 13:10 13:15 13:20 14:25 14:25 14:30 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:45 15:45 15:50 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:30 16:30 17:20 17:25 17:30 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:20 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:50 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:35 20:40 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:10 23:10 23:15 23:20 23:30 23:40

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available for decent bachelor near German clinic. Call 66941892. (C 4130) 10-9-2012 Sharing accommodation, one room, is available at Amman street, Salmiya, near Al-Rashid hospital for a decent Indian working lady. For more details contact: 99307471, 99315825.

(C 4128) 9-9-2012

LOST Policy No. 633002598 & 630001537 issued by the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan Gulf Zone on the Life of Mr Muhammad Boota & Mr Muhammad Shahzad is reported to have been lost.

Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with the Manager State Life, Ph: 22452208-9 within one month from this date.

(C 4131) Policy No. 633002307 & 633003076 issued by the

State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan Gulf Zone on the Life of Mr Samir Shafiq & Mohammad Kazafi is reported to have been lost.

Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with the Manager State Life, Ph: 22452208-9 within one month from this date.

(C 4132) 11-9-2012

Prayer timings Fajr:

04:10

Duhr:

11:45

Asr:

15:15

Maghrib:

17:58

Isha:

19:16

MATRIMONIAL Inviting marriage proposal for qualified Muslim girl 26, staying with family in Kuwait from groom living in Kuwait or family from Mumbai, Maharashtra. Email: marouf@yahoo.com (C 4129) 9-9-2012 FOR SAL Mitsubishi Outlander, 2006, KD 2075, negotiable, 94,000KM, Passing up to 18 June 2013, accident free, pearl white color, two new tire, new battery, auto lock, Engine, Gear, AC, Interior and exterior in good condition. Call 94947880. If you want to see the car image, contact: mansoorizh@gmail.com 10-9-2012

112 Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

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

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

s ta rs CROSSWORD 793

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) Many rewarding job offers can come your way now—particularly those related to publishing, teaching, travel, foreign trade, law, hospitals or churches. New appliances at home or machinery at work can make life easier and help to increase your output. The energies are positive toward finding a new financial plan, finding a new doctor, lawyer or accountant—improving your diet and providing yourself with a better wardrobe. At some point, others may scrutinize your work performance—however, they will not have anything to say because you are an excellent employee. It is fun to have people do special favors for us but we like people best when we can be of service to them. Consider doing a good deed for someone tonight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You have great opportunities for leadership without unpleasant duties or responsibilities. You can develop a more independent lifestyle. Self-improvement and the influence of those around you can go along educational, religious, philosophical or cultural lines. Lately, you have found it easier to identify with a more professional and prosperous class of people. You may travel or do business over a distance. Indulgence in rich foods can contribute to unhealthy habits or excessive weight gain. You desire greater freedom and excitement in your fantasies, inspirations and your visualization of the future. Unconscious memories and intuitive knowledge are apt to be suddenly stimulated through meditation. Meditate for inspiration tonight.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Of southern Europe.

4. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

9. Related to or located at the back.

13. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

14. Connected with or belonging to or used in a navy.

15. A shade of blue tinged with green.

16. Take in solid food.

17. A hard copal derived from an African tree.

18. A member of the British order of honor.

19. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls.

21. An ester of adenosine that is converted to ATP for energy storage.

23. The general activity of selling.

25. The elementary stages of any subject (usually plural).

26. A port in southwestern Scotland.

27. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

29. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

31. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

33. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

34. A public promotion of some product or service.

39. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft bread.

42. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity.

43. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

44. Tall perennial herb of tropical Asia with dark green leaves.

50. A statistical method for making simultaneous comparisons between two or more means.

52. A state of extreme confusion and disorder.

54. A town of Denmark in north central Jutland.

56. New Zealand timber tree resembling the cypress.

60. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

61. Botswanan statesman who was the first president of Botswana (1921-1980).

64. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

65. Made warm or hot.

66. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

67. A Tibetan or Mongolian priest of Lamaism.

68. A strong emotion.

69. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

70. A unit of apothecary weight equal to an eighth of an ounce or to 60 grains.

DOWN 1. American novelist (1909-1955).

2. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

3. Reddish long-tailed monkey of west Africa.

4. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

5. Fairly small terrestrial ferns of tropical America.

6. (often followed by `for') Ardently or excessively desirous.

7. A town in southwestern Idaho.

8. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer.

9. A small cake leavened with yeast.

10. Jordan's port.

11. (East Indian cookery) A pungent dish of vegetables or meats flavored with curry powder and usually eaten with rice v 1.

12. An Arab country on the peninsula of Qatar.

20. An independent group of closely related Chadic languages spoken in the area between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages.

22. A fraudulent business scheme.

24. A digital display that uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field.

28. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

30. A light strong brittle gray toxic bivalent metallic element.

32. A heavy odorless colorless gas formed during respiration and by the decomposition of organic substances.

35. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

36. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

37. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

38. Electrical conduction through a gas in an applied electric field.

40. A judicial certificate saying that a will is genuine and conferring on the executors the power to administer the estate.

41. A ductile gray metallic element of the lanthanide series.

45. 100 avos equal 1 pataca.

46. The basic unit of money in Finland.

47. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

48. A long thin fluffy scarf of feathers or fur.

49. United States assassin of President John F. Kennedy (1939-1963).

51. An African river.

53. Jordan's port.

55. The dialect of Albanian spoken in northern Albania and Yugoslavia.

57. The sixth month of the civil year.

58. God of love and erotic desire.

59. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

62. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

63. A member of a Mayan people of southwestern Guatemala.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Technical or experimental matters are highlighted this workday. It’s a good time to try your luck at increasing your financial resources and security. At times, money will be much more plentiful and easier to acquire. It’s a good time to ask for a raise in pay or to pay off any outstanding loan.

There is private achievement now and you will make a greater effort to establish your home in the community. You will enjoy activities now with groups and organizations, or entertainment with friends. You may volunteer some of your time for a political cause or an ideal. Do not alienate yourself from others. This evening is a good time to walk away the stresses of the day. A small amount of exercise might help to relax you and an early bedtime will have positive results.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Initially, some of your fantasies and imaginative thinking will give way to structured, serious, goal-oriented thinking. If necessary, you may enroll in formal programs of education, giving particular attention to science, mathematics or philosophy. As the magnitude of your goals strike you, you may be prone to bouts of negative thinking, doubt, worry and pessimism. As you organize your thoughts into formal presentations through writing, speaking or teaching, you will gradually emphasize practical and positive ideas that will serve your intentions. Travel and shipments of goods are subject to delays. If you are looking to buy an inexpensive car, inspect it carefully first. Take it for a test drive and, perhaps, have a mechanic check it out for you.

Leo (July 23-August 22) You may need to communicate more with marriage or business partners today. You may develop close associations with intellectual or scholarly individuals and tend to be more interested in psychology, human relationships and the process of negotiation. There are improved trusts and security now. Joint finances are handled harmoniously and you may gain through gifts, financial partnerships or business opportunities. You may desire greater political or professional security due to some important issues concerning corporate ethics, product safety or sensitive information. You may want to begin the process of improving or remaking the power structure and strategies of your business or profession. Exercise is the number one way to relieve stress this afternoon.

Yesterday’s Solution Virgo (August 23-September 22) You may be more involved in joint finances, corporate business, insurance, wills, inheritance, taxes and alimony. This could be in or apart from your professional expertise. You may desire greater freedom and excitement in your friendships, groups and associations. This will call for making more friendships with interesting, unusual and original people. As a result you may attend more parties and events. Group activities tend to involve scientific, technological and humanitarian concerns. This, of course, may cause sudden changes in the variety of friendships. You may wish to develop your intuitive insight through friendships with therapists and artistically-talented individuals. You seek to be inspired.

Libra (September 23-October 22) You will consider all legally binding contracts and agreements to assure yourself that they meet the necessary requirements. Learn more about how to sell your ideas. You are able to negotiate successfully and reach acceptable compromise on important issues—it is just time to widen the scope of possibilities. In your home life, you may be desirous of a new place to live. There may be a change of residence coming soon. You may want to entertain friends more often or have a better place to conduct business from the home. Family life is subject to disruptions and family members are more independent and rebellious. This will improve with a move. You have an interest in locating new products. Enjoy music for relaxation this evening.

Yesterday’s Solution

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Abundance surrounds you. Continue to analyze you own personal budget carefully and you will make the right move. It is good that you have good self-discipline and organization abilities. Planning and detailed work are favored activities. Your serious approach to work is likely to attract favorable attention from superiors. If needed, now is an excellent time to seek the advice of an older or more experienced person. You can accomplish a lot of work around the house and property this afternoon. Paint, repair and build. You will have a helping hand if you need it. If you have been planning to move, this is a good time for it. Cook up some new tasty meal this evening.

Chatty, upbeat companions and good food—nobody could ask for more.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may have noticed lately that you are becoming more comfortable with solving problems in the workplace. Past conditioning is no longer current and you have become wise in making life choices.

You set the example and others follow. A specific woman can be a powerful influence just now. If you need to move, now is a favorable time to move and improve your domestic environment. Heavy workloads, responsibilities and tedious effort may have contributed to some temporary exhaustion. Now, however, the path is clear . . . you can look ahead to your goals and strengthen your energies with self-discipline—you can pull yourself through any difficulties.

Others will help you, when help is needed. Enjoy a relaxing evening.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) If you are looking for a job today, this can be a most rewarding day. You may be happy to know that a networking group meeting coming up soon will help to give you lots of helpful information and leads Business and professional dealings may have a great deal to do with family—perhaps a family business. You may transform your personal appearance and personal expression several times. You may increase your will power, self-confidence and personal resourcefulness through physical or competitive activities. Through stages of self-improvement, you cast off your vulnerable or threatened self-image and assume a stronger, more autonomous persona. Create a balance in all of your affairs and teach the young people under you to do the same.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You should enjoy great success and attention through your profession. Being in the spotlight is common to you now and you may very well realize that it is a good time to be humble and see where your talents can best help others. You enjoy interacting with co-workers and people apart from work. Now you can think seriously about your career or work and decide your next step. Additionally, you may find it important to voice new ideas to others in hopes of winning them over. You have a great deal of eagerness to tackle most any problem that presents itself. You have a fine ability to communicate your true feelings to friends and family. This evening you will find communication is upbeat and attention-grabbing with loved ones.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You may be emotionally concerned with your reputation and social status today. Business and professional dealings may have relevance to family, or to domestic products and services. Caution is needed in signing contracts and written agreements for now. You can easily expand your home environment and enlarge your family circle. There are plenty of opportunities in real estate, farming, building and domestic or consumer products and services. Participating in community religious, educational or cultural gatherings can be very rewarding. Invite more people into your home to mix and become acquainted. You can improve your living conditions now. Discussing future ideas with family members and listening in turn, is a good move now.

36

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Watson

most dangerous cyber celebrity atson is the favorite celebrity bait for cyber criminals trying to lure Internet users. McAfee said yesterday that the “Harry Potter” star is the “most dangerous” celebrity to search for online. That’s because many sites use Watson to trick users into downloading malicious software or to steal personal information. When searching for the 22-year-old Watson, there’s a one-in-eight chance of landing on a malicious site.

This is the sixth time the Intelowned security technology company has conducted the study, which was last year topped by Heidi Klum. Female celebrities are far more likely to be utilized by cyber criminals: late-night host Jimmy Kimmel was the only male in the top 20. Others among the riskiest celebrities to search online are Jessica Biel, Eva Mendes, Selena Gomez and Halle Berry.

W

Cyrus

stalker

arrested

ason Luis Rivera, who claims to have been friends with the 19year-old singer for five years, climbed over a fence at the blonde beauty’s £3 million gated mansion in Los Angeles, where he turned up with a pair of black and green scissors. He started banging on the door and then hid in bushes in the garden when police officers arrived at the scene. Police soon realized where Rivera was hiding when he started lighting candles and they threatened to taser him if he did not come out with his hands up. As he was led away by officials, a local TV station heard him telling officers: “I am friends with Miley Cyrus. I am.

“She’s my wife. Me and Miley have been friends for five years.” Rivera who had scissors, money, notes and ID in his pockets - had what seemed to be a tie around his neck, but when officers tugged on it a large pink heart appeared from his chest.

Lieutenant Brian Wendling, of Los Angeles Police, said: “Rivera thinks they were married. I would say delusional is a good characterization of him.” According to sources, he “has a lengthy record in Texas, including a trespassing charge”.

Rivera was charged for trespassing and burglary and bail has been set at $1,000. Miley was not at home at the time of the incident. In 2009, Mark McLeod served time in jail for stalking Miley when she was a minor and claimed the pair were “secretly married”.

J

Diaz beds a cheetah he actress plays a character who keeps one of the big cats as a pet in her latest movie ‘The Counselor’ and had to tame the beast she was to act alongside for scenes in the movie.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “When Cameron first started working with the cheetah it was strutting about like it owned the place. But now she’s wearing the trousers. “It has taken a shine to her, which is good because they’ve had to shoot a number of scenes together, including a set-up where they shared a bed.” While there was a risk of Cameron getting bitten by the dangerous animal, there were handlers on hand at all times to supervise what was happening. Producers were also worried about damage to Skywood House in Middlesex, Southern England - a modernist home designed by architect Graham Phillips - the big cat could potentially cause. The source added: “The specialist animal handlers have been close by in case the cheetah gets a bit carried away. “The building is pristine and the furniture is worth a lot of money, so the potential is there for it to do a lot of damage.” ‘The Counselor’ is a drug dealer drama which also stars Brad Pitt. It is based on a novel by Cormac McCarthy, and directed by Ridley Scott.

T

Victoria relieved NYFW show over yesterday he singer-turned-designer showcased her spring/summer 2013 collection at The New York Public Library and she admitted she was pleased when it had finished because she had been worrying about it beforehand. She told The Times newspaper: “I think I’m just relieved it’s over. I still find it so nerve-wracking. I wanted to use the same aesthetic as I always have, but apply it in a different way. I’ve also been doing a lot of in-store events in different department stores and boutiques.

It has been really interesting to listen to what the customer wants, and I think that first-hand knowledge has given me a bit more confidence to take each next step.” Victoria’s collection featured tailoring and separates for the first time as

T

well as her famed body-hugging dresses and the mother-of-four says moving on from just evening dresses was something she had wanted to do for a long time. She said: “I focused on separates rather than dresses because there’s a lot more to think about, and I wanted to challenge myself. Tailoring is so difficult, and I am incredibly particular about shoulders, so it has taken me a long time to come up with a perfect jacket.”

US Vogue editor Anna Wintour was in the front row, as was Victoria’s husband David and after the triumphant show, the couple and their 14-month-old daughter, Harper, went out for lunch to celebrate.

Stewart: Rob and I are

fine

he 22-year-old actress was caught cheating on Robert with her ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’ director Rupert Sanders in July resulting in the 26-year-old actor dumping her.

Despite their problems, Kristen doesn’t think it will be awkward for the former couple to promote ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2’ - the final movie in the series - together in November.

Speaking at the premiere of ‘On The Road’ at the Toronto Film Festival, Kristen said: “We’re going to be fine. We’re totally fine.” Kristen and Robert play on-screen lovers Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular vampire franchise and the brunette beauty is determined to not let her “momentary indiscretion” affect their professionalism or let their fans down. She added: “We have been waiting for this thing to be unleashed for so long. It was sort of one of those situations where you just have to put yourself in your body and go appreciate the moment.” Kristen made her first public appearance since the split at the ‘On The Road’ gala premiere last Thursday and was greeted by hundreds of supportive fans, despite the public backlash she has suffered since she was discovered cheating on Robert with a married man. The starlet admitted in a candid interview just before their separation that she was besotted with the 26-year-old hunk and wanted to have his children.

She gushed: “My God, I’m so in love with my boyfriend. I wish he were here now. I think I want to have his babies.”

T

Pitt doesn t feel safe without a gun he ‘Killing Them Softly’ actor is protective of his fiancee Angelina Jolie, and the children they raise - Maddox, 11, Pax, nine, Zahara, seven, Shiloh, six, and four-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne - and feels owning a weapon is “in his DNA” as an American.

He told the Daily Mail’s Live magazine: “America is a country founded on guns. It’s in our DNA. It’s very strange but I feel better having a gun. I really do. I don’t feel safe, I don’t feel the house is completely safe, if I don’t have one hidden somewhere. “That’s my thinking, right or wrong.” Brad, 48, points out how he was exposed to guns from an early age but still turned out to be a responsible adult. He added: “I got my first BB gun when I was in nursery school. I got my first shotgun by first grade [six years old], I had shot a handgun by third grade [eight] and I grew up in a pretty safe environment.” While Brad and Angelina have very busy acting schedules, filming in locations around the world, they always take their family with them, and make a point of always eating breakfast together, no matter how hard they are working. Brad explained: “Right now, Mama [Angelina] is working but the day always starts with breakfast, all of us together. “It’s chaos and a joy. When they are young like this, it’s special, and I’m very aware they’ll be grown up before we know it. I see it already and I’m clinging on with my nails.

T

Beyonce: Jay-Zand me love changing nappies he ‘Halo’ singer and the hip-hop star welcomed little Blue Ivy into the world in January and are loving every moment of parenthood, including the not-so-glamorous parts. She said: “Actually, [Jay-Z] is very good. We both [change diapers]. I love changing diapers, I love it. I love every moment of it, it’s so beautiful. I love it all.” Beyonce also revealed how she likes to make up songs for Blue Ivy to send the tot to sleep. In an appearance on TV show ‘Anderson Live, she revealed’: “I make up actually a lot of crazy, corny songs.” However, while she sings songs at home, Beyonce admits her little girl gets confused when she sees her perform in front of an audience. She said: “I’m Mommy and when [Blue] sees me - today was the first time she saw me perform in rehearsal - she was very confused.” Jay is equally as besotted with his daughter and recently revealed she “doesn’t have to be tough” when she grows up. The rapper - who had a hard upbringing said: “She doesn’t have to be tough. She has to love herself, she has to know who she is, she has to be respectful, and be a moral person.”

T

Livelyand Reynolds married he couple - who met on the set of ‘The Green Lantern’ and have been dating since last year - tied the knot in an intimate ceremony at Hall Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina on Sunday, according to People. Florence Welch performed three songs for the newlyweds and their guests at the reception, which took place in a large white marquee on the plantation, while they also hired a DJ to entertain the revellers.

Bette Midler was spotted having dinner with Blake’s mother and sister in the town over the weekend, although it is unclear if she attended the nuptials. Ryan, 35, was previously married to Scarlett Johansson while Blake, 25, has dated her ‘Gossip Girl’ co-star Penn Badgley and actor Leonardo DiCaprio. Broody Blake recently revealed she can’t wait to become a mother. She said: “I want to be a mum someday. I’m upset that my nieces and nephews aren’t my own children. It’s something I can’t wait for and I’m so excited about.” While Blake and Ryan rarely talk about their relationship, she also revealed her ideal man is someone who can be her best friend. She said: “When I look for a partner there has to be a strong connection. He needs to be my best friend, whether he’s macho or sensitive - it doesn’t matter. He also has to make me laugh. I enjoy someone who’s a lot of fun to be with. “He also needs to be kind, patient, caring and not take himself too seriously. And of course, he needs to appreciate my cooking! I’m very domestic.” —BANG Showbiz

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Midnight s Children film may not be released in Ind new film of Salman Rushdie’s 1981 novel “Midnight’s Children”, which is set in India after independence, may not be released in the country, its director has said, blaming “insecure politicians”. The adaptation, which has been showed at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada, is due for worldwide release in October or November, but has yet to find an Indian distributor.

“Salman has often said that the book was his love letter to India. I think the film reflects that love,” director Deepa Mehta told the Hindustan Times in Toronto. “What a pity if insecure politicians deprive the people of India (of the chance) to make up their own minds about what the film means,” she said.

Rushdie’s Booker prize-winning novel includes highly critical descriptions of the late prime minister Indira Gandhi, who suspended democracy in India between 1975 and 1977 in a period known as “the Emergency”.

The Gandhi family remains at the centre of political life in India, with Indira’s daughter-in-law Sonia Gandhi the president of the ruling Congress party and Sonia’s son Rahul seen as a potential future prime minister. The Hindustan Times said Indira’s thinly-disguised character is depicted on screen in “a manner that conveys an almost Voldemort-like menace”-a reference to Harry Potter’s arch enemy.

Rushdie’s 1988 book “The Satanic Verses” remains banned in India for allegedly insulting Islam.

The author, who was born in Mumbai, was forced to withdraw from a literary festival in Jaipur this

A British singer George Michael performs on stage during a charity gala for the benefit of Sidaction, at the Opera Garnier in Paris. —AFP

Michael rocks Paris Opera at AIDS fundraiser eorge Michael on Sunday became the first pop singer to play a gig at the Paris Opera, with a special gala concert backed by a symphony orchestra for the AIDS related charity Sidaction. The British star, on top form and fully recovered from a bout of pneumonia which forced him to postpone his Symphonica tour of the UK and Europe last year, filled the majestic 2,000-seat Palais Garnier, management said.

He performed a selection of his biggest hits and American standards before the swaying crowd, winding up with an explosive finale of “Freedom” and “White Light”.

Tickets for the concert went at up to 1,300 Euros with a special dinner thrown in. An auction raised 68,000 Euros, with a dinner

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for six with George Michael at his London home bringing in 31,000 Euros. After the show some 250 celebrities met George Michael at the invitation of organizers Line Renaud and Pierre Berge.

Berge, the companion of late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and co-founder of Sidaction, declared: “The only vaccine against AIDS is the condom” while singer and entertainer Renaud praised George Michael as having always promoted “sex without risks”. The concert and dinner swelled the coffers of Sidaction by some 289,000 Euros. —AFP

year after death threats and angry protests from Islamist activists. He later said that “religious fanaticism,

Writer Salman Rushdie arrives at the “Midnight’s Children” premiere. political opportunism and public apathy” were seriously undermining freedom of expression in India.

Rushdie spent a decade in hiding after Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa in 1989 calling for his death due to passages in “The Satanic Verses”. The film version of

Actress Shriya Saran arrives at the “Midnight’s Children” premiere. —AFP Photos “Midnight’s Children”, which was adapted by Rushdie, was shot in Sri Lanka, where the government came under pressure from Iran to stop the project. —AFP

Makeup masks all-star cast in ‘Cloud Atlas’ H Lee Yong-Kwan, director of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), speaks during a press conference in Seoul yesterday ahead of the 17th BIFF. —AFP

S Korean film festival to feature N Korean comedy sia’s largest film festival will feature an unusual romantic comedy set in North Korea when it kicks off next month, organizers said yesterday. South Korea’s Busan International Film Festival runs Oct 4-13 and includes more than 300 movies from 75 counties. Among them is “Comrade Kim Goes Flying,” co-directed by a North Korean filmmaker and two European directors.

The film is about a plucky young woman who runs off to the circus, only to find her wings clipped by the show’s handsome but arrogant superstar. Organizers said it is the first time since 2003 that the festival will present a movie directed by a North

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Korean. In 2003, five North Korean movies played at the festival. “Comrade Kim Goes Flying” has been shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and will play at the Pyongyang International Film Festival later this month.

Makers of the film have been hoping to screen it in both South and North Korea.

The two Koreas have remained technically at war since the Korean War ended in 1953 with a truce rather than a peace treaty.

Festival organizers said they want to invite the North Korean director and the two European filmmakers to Busan. —AP

eaps of makeup transformed the all-star cast of “Cloud Atlas,” which premiered on Sunday at the Toronto International Film Festival, “startling” the cast members themselves, they said. ‘I loved working with Hugh (Grant), you didn’t know it was him until he said (in a thick English accent) ‘Get lost,’ quipped actor Jim Broadbent at a press conference.

Grant, who celebrated a birthday on Sunday, said “plastic was applied to their faces for hours” each day during filming. “I heard only one complaint and that was out of (actor Jim) Sturges... (over a) sticky beard that had grown on his face over the course of the film, at the end of the day he said, ‘Please take this thing off my face,’” Tom Hanks said dryly.

Actor Hugo Weaving said the cast members, which also included Halle Berry, Doona Bae, Keith David, Susan Sarandon, David Gyasi, James D’Arcy, Zhou Xun and Ben Whishaw, transcended race and gender in multiple roles and were “unrecognizable” in the thick makeup. “There was that sense of nervous excitement about going into the next day (of shooting), the next character,” he said. Sarandon as a man in the film, said: “When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t even see myself, which was really the first time that’s ever happened.

“Despite all the various things I’ve done to myself in film, I’ve never looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Is that Chris Walken’s cousin?’ That was a startling experience not recognizing myself at all,” she said. Berry said she most enjoyed playing a “white German Jewish woman” in the movie. “I was having a fitting and I remember

crosses $600m overseas

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million for “Dark Knight”; in Mexico, it’s $31 million to $25 million; in Japan, it’s $24 million to $14 million; and in Russia, it has out-earned its predecessor $17 million to $8 million.

“Dark Knight Rises” has some built-in advantages. More and better theaters have been built abroad since “Dark Knight” played in 2008, and the earlier film wasn’t allowed to screen in China. Overall, 52 percent of the Batman franchise’s $3.6 billion in grosses have come from North America. Compare that with the “Harry Potter” films from Warner Bros., which drew just 31 percent of their $7.7 billion gross domestically, or the studio’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, which made 35 percent of its $2.9 billion at home, and you see what an anomaly Batman has become.

Michael Uslan, a producer on “The Dark Knight Rises” and all of the previous Batman films, said before the film’s release that he believes this is because Batman has been an American hero.

“Batman represents 75 years of folklore in the United States,” Uslan told TheWrap, “but the rest of the world has only known him for the past 10 years.” He gives director Nolan much of the credit for broadening the character’s appeal.

“Batman is the only superhero in the world without super powers,” Uslan noted, “He’s just a man, but a man who as a child watched his parents murdered in front of him and decided from that point on to fight for justice. That’s primal, and provides an appeal that transcends cultures and borders. Nolan has really brought that out.” —Reuters

Actor Tom Hanks laughs during the press conference for the film “Cloud Atlas”. —AP “It was one of those heavy moments but we found a way to laugh about it and I thought, ‘Great, that’s why I get to do this, to play something that I would never get to play in life, I would never get to dress up like that and be that character if I was really me,’ so that was very poignant for me as an artist to get to do

that.” Directors Tom Tykwer (“Run Lola Run”) and Andy and Lana Wachowski (“The Matrix”) created out of David Mitchell’s landmark novel a globe-spanning, time-tripping, gender-hopping epic film.

Its strings connect a nineteenth century notary (Sturgess) who keeps a journal of his voyage across the Pacific, a musician (Whishaw) in 1931 writing to a lover, a journalist (Berry) investigating a murder at a nuclear plant in California, a publisher (Broadbent)’s pursuit of gangsters in present-day Britain, a robotic clone (Bae) interviewed on the eve of her execution for rebelling against a totalitarian regime that created her in a dystopian future Korea, and a tribesman (Hanks) in a post-apocalyptic Hawaii who is visited by one of the last survivors of a dead civilization (Berry), just to name a few.

At its core, Hanks said the film is an “example of cinematic literature that examines the connections of the human race throughout all of time.” The story’s characters “had to make a choice between cruelty and kindness and that decision was going to change the world from here on in,” he explained. Being a part of the film, despite the makeup headaches, Hanks (who has never before appeared in a science fiction movie) concluded “was totally worth it if only to see Hugh Grant as a cannibal.” —AFP

OSN Launches OSN Privileges for subscribe

Dark Knight Rises f there was any doubt that Batman is no longer just an American hero, it’s gone now.

“Dark Knight Rises” raised its overall international gross to $603 million - and its worldwide total to $1.041 billion - after adding an estimated $13 million from the overseas box office this weekend. In North America, it has taken in $437.8 million. The weekend’s leading overseas moneymaker was “Expendables 2,” which brought in $14 million from 23 markets to raise its overall international gross to $110 million.

Universal’s “Bourne Legacy” made $13 million from 49 regions and has now brought in $78 million from abroad.

The strong overseas numbers for “Dark Knight Rises” represent a coup for Warner Bros, because Batman movies have typically played better on the home front than abroad. “The Dark Knight,” is one of just two films among the 35 top worldwide moneymakers that did the majority of its business domestically (the other is “E.T.”). “Dark Knight Rises” this weekend got a boost from China, where it took in $5.7 million. It has taken in $42 million from that country in just under two weeks. It has posted strong numbers in every market it’s opened in, led by the $86.5 million it brought in from the U.K. That still trails the $96.1 million “Dark Knight” did there, but that is the exception.

“Dark Knight Rises” has already matched its predecessor in Australia with $43 million. In South Korea, it’s made $41 million, compared with the $24 million of “Dark Knight.” In France, it’s made $35 million compared to the earlier film’s $27 million. In Germany, it’s $32 million for the “Dark Knight Rises” surpassed the $30

Tom (Hanks) said to me while I was trying on all of these beautiful dresses trying to figure out what looked best on her and Tom said, ‘Have you ever done a period piece before?’ and I said (hesitant), ‘Yeah.’“And he asked, ‘Have you ever worn clothes like this (in these films)?’ and I said, ‘Tom, think about it for a minute... For me to have played in that time period I was probably a slave or close to it, and not dressed up as formally.’

SN, the leading pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the launch of its first rewards program, OSN Privileges, offering money can’t buy lifetime experiences, special offers and premium prizes all year round for its subscribers.

The launch of OSN Privileges affirms the broadcaster’s commitment in going that extra mile for its subscribers and rewarding them for their loyalty. Designed to make the viewing experience richer and even more enjoyable, OSN Privileges aims to bring the magic of TV to life by giving subscribers access to the most exclusive and unforgettable experiences, incredible rewards and limited edition merchandise.

David Butorac, CEO of OSN said: “At OSN, our customer is the main priority and providing more value, more benefit and more enjoyment from their subscription is the core of our marketing strategy. OSN Privileges is a unique program developed with the customer in mind and provides a platform for us to engage with viewers and thank them for their loyalty. It’s about extending the magical OSN promise with the ultimate all-access pass to premium tailor made experiences and rewards.”

Hamad Malik, Chief Marketing Officer at OSN added: “OSN Privileges is the result of extensive research and insights into customer preferences and lifestyles and is our way of giving subscribers something extra. It goes beyond traditional loyalty programs by being purely reward based -there’s no need to accumulate points, there are no tiers, no strings attached and its absolutely free to be a member. All viewers need to do is sign up and look forward to a host of exclusive experiences and prizes every month.”

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OSN Privileges members will also have access to special offers and benefits from retail partners across the region - from leisure activities to shopping and electronics to VIP cinema tickets. Regional partners include Majid AlFuttaim Leisure, Marriott Hotel and Resorts, Fitness First, Damas and Emax to name a few.

The rewards program will be available to existing and new customers. All subscribers need to do is log on to OSN Privileges at www.osn.com/privileges. Once registered, customers will receive regular updates, news and information on the latest prize draws.

OSN Privileges has been launched with five amazing prizes to be won in September including an all expense paid week-long trip for four

to the amazing Euro Disney Resort in Paris.

Other big draw prizes to look forward to include a three-night luxury trip with VIP access for two to attend the MTV Europe Music Awards; three pairs of tickets for the sold-out JLo World Dance Tour in Dubai including 5-star hotel stay; lunch with the Hamdan sisters glamorous celebrity hosts of the popular talk show Sisters Soup; and OSN Privileges members stand the chance to win over 25 hi-tech Home Cinema systems and 32GB iPads. All this in just one month!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

lifestyle F A S H I O N

What clothes?

Skin is ever

in at NY Fashion Week

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ikini season may be over, but this is no time to tone down the workout. Many of the styles on the runway at New York Fashion Week flash a bit of skin here or there: bare midriffs, cutout backs, keyhole necklines. The silhouettes in spring previews that entered a fourth day Sunday aren’t necessarily skin tight, but it’s not a season of full-on floaty frocks, either. “We’ve gone so far away from overt sexiness, but the reality is, sex sells. At some point the shopper wants to be sexy,” said Hal Rubenstein, fashion director of InStyle magazine. “Illusion fabric on a shoulder or a little skin showing on a midriff gives you a hint without giving it all away.” Victoria Beckham continued the trend with bra-style tops. Many of Alexander Wang’s looks were seemingly held together by fishing wire. Rag & Bone flashed some skin with strategic cutouts and at Peter Som, midriff-baring cutouts were carved into ladylike sheath dresses. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week continues through Thursday before the fashion crowd heads to London, Milan and Paris.

and a blood-orange scarf gown attached to a silver choker and cuff bracelets for the night. She brings her kiwi-green gown with a cutout neckline just in case she’ll need it for a last-minute, black-tie invitation. The trip is definitely more play than work, a bit of a departure for von Furstenberg whose label often is the workhorse of a career woman. But these clothes fuel the fantasy she might be having at her desk. Google co-founder Sergey Brin was on hand and Von Furstenberg and some of the models wore Google Glasses that were collecting video for a project to be released on Google-Plus and YouTube on Thursday.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

Diane von Furstenberg called her spring collection “Palazzo.” “La Dolce Vita” also would have worked. The muse has “the polish of a princess and the heart of a gypsy,” von Furstenberg said, and she travels from Rome to Marrakesh and then off to Jaipur, India. She takes with her on this journey tunics and skinny-leg pants - practically silk leggings - to wear during the day,

VICTORIA BECKHAM

Victoria Beckham’s show not only looks like her signature pulled-together, well-edited style, but it feels like her, too. She’s the thoughtful hostess with waiters offering morning juice to the crowd at the New York Public Library, but she keeps the guest list very tight. She’s one of the biggest draws of the week, but there’s no frenzy of paparazzi photographers. (Husband David Beckham, however, did take some photos from his seat.) Beckham said she checks - or doublechecks - every look to make sure “it looks good from every angle.” The clothes for spring had a delicacy that she said was new for her this season, although the clothes remained substantial and structured.

It was the touch of illusion lace, the lingerie bra top or hemline of pleated chiffon that took the edge off banded short skirts, zip-back sheaths and shirtdresses. The lingerie influences built on her knowledge of corsetry and fell naturally into the collection, Beckham explained after the show. Black and white were dominant as elsewhere in these spring collections, and Beckham used a poppy red as her bold contrast color. She was more interested in texture than crazy colors, she said, noting the black dress she was wearing, which mixed canvas, georgette, lace and chiffon. “I want to design what I want to wear,” she said.

DKNY

DKNY

What can stop traffic in alwaysbustling New York?

Donna Karan in a taxicab-yellow raincoat. Karan took her bow in the eye-catcher at Sunday’s DKNY New York Fashion Week preview to the delight of the fashion insiders and to the passers-by on the street who could peek in the open doors to the Chelsea studio space. She turned out a collection of mostly sporty looks featuring white perforated leather (think golf-glove material), camouflage prints, bathing suits-turnedbodysuits, bra tops and long neoprene dresses with mesh backs and sexy inserts. One of those dresses was in the same super-bright yellow that Karan wore. DKNY is supposed to dress its customers every day and for every occasion, said Karan in a post-show interview: “When I can wear the same thing as the girls on the runway, I’ve done my job.”

Models display outfits by designer Diane Von Furstenberg during the Spring/Summer 2013 New York fashion week. — AP/AFP photos

TRACY REESE

Tracy Reese rode her Michelle Obama bump from the Democratic National Convention to the runway, putting on a show of juxtapositions in color, textiles and embellishments. “It’s still such a big high,” Reese smiled backstage after the show. “It reminded us how grateful we have to be to live in this country.” In a range of foliage greens, cool blues, warm ochre, tangerine and crimson, Reese put wide bands of flat industrial shingle sequins on airy loose trousers in yellows and reds. She mixed a dainty, beaded floral pattern on top of one sleeveless shift dress with zigzags outlined in black sequins against bold blue on the bottom. Reese worked in phosphorescents to embroider bright pink flowers on the top of a tunic, using the same technique in yellow in a tribal pattern at the bottom.

Anything for the first lady this time around? “We have a lot more back in the showroom,” Reese said. “I think there’s going to be a lot of things that she’ll like.”

DEREK LAM

Burgundy foil paillettes for cocktails or skinny madras plaid trousers with matching jacket in a military green for the office? You can take your pick from Derek Lam’s spring collection. Lam’s edgy but wearable runway at a downtown venue included black lambskin halter tops and a fitted black leather dress with a pleated hem. Solid-color

DEREK LAM

leather pieces, including a fold over bodice vest and matching skirt in bright blue, stood in contrast to laser cut foil accents on dresses and skirts and macrame and lace work in tweeds and basket weave patterns. Lam went metallic gold for a skirt with macrame that stopped at the knee. Most hems landed just above or below the knee.

Kyle Anderson, the accessories director for Marie Claire, said Lam creates what many young women want, including those who crave fashion but may not be looking to take extreme risks. “It’s never weird,” Anderson said. “It’s always something new, always something fresh. He delivers every single time.”

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

lifestyle F A S H I O N

ALTUZARRA

ALEXANDER WANG

The audience at Alexander Wang is trained to know the best is coming last. The mostly inventive black-and-white, pieced-leather looks that filled the first part of Saturday’s show would have held Wang’s place as one of the princes of cool. There were sporty parkas, tops inspired by hockey jerseys and even some more refined halter dresses. Wang could have called it a collection and be done with it.

However, the final parade of nine models all wearing a cream color - had their embroidered tank tops, pencil skirts, crewneck dresses and Bermuda shorts turn into glow-in-the-dark lightsticks when they assumed a final pose on the runway and the lights went out.

Wang also created a stir by having model Liberty Ross - the wife of the director Kristen Stewart had an affair with - walk the runway, along with the likes of Erin Wasson. Jennifer Aniston’s fiance actor Justin Theroux sat in the front row along with rapper A$AP Rocky. “In such a short time, Alex has redefined urban utility,” said Laura Brown, Harper’s Bazaar features and special projects director, who picked a cut-out silver dress as her favorite.

“There’s always a sexiness to his clothes, but this season he brought a glamour, too.”

nation of the very casual - navy-and white striped cotton jackets and overcoats, for example, evoking kids’ overalls - and the glamorous, in the form of gold fringes on everything from skirts to tanks, and crystalencrusted garments like dramatic scarves draped high around the neck. Workday looks of simple cotton graduated to looks that suddenly shimmered and glistened under the lights, occasionally perhaps a bit blindingly. “He’s going sky-high,” said Nina Garcia, the “Project Runway” judge. “A real original.”

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

The red carpet during the upcoming Hollywood awards season could be a sea of ocean-inspired gowns if Monique Lhuillier has anything to do with it.

Lhuillier, a favorite source for celebrity gowns, pre-

sented a bright aqua lace gown draped with a tulle overlay that gave the illusion of rippling waves - and so did a one-shoulder tiered gown in crepe. A seaglass green gown was embroidered with sparkly beads and had a low, sheer illusion back, and a textured jacquard strapless gown with a trumpet hemline was an underwater kaleidoscope of colors, including blues, greens and purple. “The inspiration this season came from a wonderful trip I had in Turkey and I was on a boat and I was looking at the beautiful landscape and water and I was like, that’s it.

This is the feeling I want for spring,” Lhuillier said backstage. “The Emmys are coming up and some of the looks have been selected so they’re on hold,” said Lhuillier. Bet the gold, coral-embellished sculpted gown that served as the finale is one them. — AP

JOSEPH ALTUZARRA

It was a rainy Saturday night in Manhattan, and getting a taxi was murder. But fashionistas lined up patiently under umbrellas, undeterred, to catch one of the most buzz-worthy spring previews of Fashion Week: that of rising star Joseph Altuzarra. Inside the Industria Superstudio in the chic meatpacking district, the excitement was palpable. Actress Kate Bosworth, a big Altuzarra fan, kissed acquaintances and greeted Mamie Gummer, the actress daughter of Meryl Streep. The NBA’s Tyson Chandler posed for photos not far from actress Jessica Chastain. The looks that greeted them on the runway were a combi-

VICTORIA BECKHAM

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

ALEXANDER WANG

TRACY REESE

‘Dark Knight Rises’ crosses $600 mln overseas

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2012

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An elderly woman sits next to a bronze statue of Albert Einstein as part of the art event ‘Bench-art in Marunouchi’ in Tokyo yesterday. The event features 20 bronze statue on benches and runs from September 6 to October 14. — AFP

Impressions of an American in Paris

By Bob Downing

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he Musee du Louvre is ornate, palatial and extremely large. The sprawling art museum on the Right Bank of the Seine River was one of our first stops on our Paris visit. It is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the No. 1 attraction in the museum. The most common tour of the Louvre is: Let’s see what we can see going to and from the Mona Lisa. Wife Pat, expatriate daughter Caitlin and I were soon part of the never-ending parade

most famous. It gets 15,000 visitors a day, 5 million a year, 65 percent of whom are foreign tourists. The Louvre is a vast complex: 380,000 objects, of which about 35,000 are on display over more than 652,000 square feet. I was as impressed by the building as I was by the artwork. It is an awesome onetime fortress and palace that shouts Paris.

With its 2.2 million residents, Paris is a city with a flair, style, exclusivity and sophistication. It is the world capital of elegance with sidewalk cafes, museums, shops, parks and palaces. It is known for its wide avenues, rich fashion houses and opulent mansions. It is the No. 1 city for international visitors, 15.6 million in 2011.

Paris has been called the most beautiful city in the world, the City of Lights, the City of Daily Delights. Its history goes back 2,000

Notre Dame Cathedral sits on an island in the Seine River and dates to 1163. heading toward the image of a Florentine noblewoman, known as La Gioconda.

The painting, done about 1504, is not big: about 30 by 20 inches. Your viewing will be shared with countless others. The Louvre is described as the largest and most-visited museum in the world, and is arguably the

years to the Romans. It is a rich and varied city that covers 40 square miles with 400 parks, gardens and squares.

Visitors openly gawk at buildings that are just ultra-cool with balconies, railings and striking above-the-ground features. Paris is known for celebrated visitors and residents: Vincent Van Gogh, Rudolf Nureyev, Josephine Baker, Oscar Wilde, Richard Wagner, Henri Matisse, James Joyce, Gertrude Stein, Samuel Beckett, Jean-Paul Sartre, Marlene Dietrich and Leon Trotsky. You can sample museums of Pablo Picasso, Salvadore Dali and Auguste Rodin. Paris has an attitude all its own. We saw a bit of that in surly waiters and drivers.

Some proclaim Paris the food capital of the world with its breads, pastries, 400 kinds of cheese, bistros and patisseries.

It was the home of the first restaurant in 1785. Today it has an estimated 40,000 restaurants, more than most cities of its size.

It offers 75,000 hotel rooms at 2,000 locations. Paris, arranged in 20 districts or arrondissements, is linked by its Metro subway with 185 miles of track and 429 stops.

Nothing says Paris more than the Louvre. It dates back to medieval times and is known for its European paintings, Middle East art dating back to 7000 BC, Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, sculptures, decorative arts, prints and drawings and Islamic art.

It is easy to get lost in the interconnected galleries. Surprisingly, you are welcome to take digital pictures. Just no flash. It was one of the first museums I’ve ever seen where the walls and ceilings themselves are ornately painted. It was constructed as a fortress in 1190 by King Phillippe-Auguste to protect

The galleries in the Louvre include paintings on the ceilings.

The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and dominates the skyline in Paris, France.

There are three platforms for visitors.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is described as one of the largest museums and the most-visited museum in the world. — MCT photos

The Seine River is one of the dominant features in Paris, France. There are 26 bridges over the Seine.

Paris from Viking raiders. In the reign of Francois I (1515-1547), who purchased many of the Italian paintings including the Mona Lisa, the fortress building was replaced with a Renaissance-style building. For four centuries, it was the home to French monarchs and emperors.

King Louis XIV (1643-1715) added 200 items, taking artwork in lieu of taxes. The museum opened to the public in 1793 with 537 paintings. In 1989, a glass pyramid was added to create the main entrance; the architect, American I.M. Pei, also designed Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum with its similar appearance.

The Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France, But there are lots of other tourist attracwas first proposed by Napoleon in 1805 tions in Paris: the Eiffel Tower, Cathedrale de after one of his greatest military victoNotre-Dame, the Arc de Triomphe and the ries. The 164-foot-high arc was not comSeine River. In fact, Paris has more familiar pleted until 1836. It dominates the landmarks than most international cities. The Champs-Elysees.

Eiffel Tower was built by Gustave Eiffel, intended as a temporary addition to the Paris skyline for the Universal Exhibition of 1889.

Some disliked its stark, geometric structure from the very beginning.

It was the world’s tallest building at nearly 1,063 feet or 108 stories until New York’s Empire State Building was constructed in 1931. It dominates the Parisian skyline.

Platforms for visitors are at 187 feet, 377 feet and 899 feet. There are 1,665 steps on the east staircase. The base covers 2.5 acres and the tower weighs 10,100 tons. It was built with 18,000 metal parts held together with 2.5 million rivets and coated with 50 tons of brown paint. It gets nearly 7 million visitors a year, 75 percent from other countries. For The Louvre Museum in Paris. more information, go to www.eiffeltower.com. Cathedrale de Notre-Dame, a Gothic masterpiece that dates to medieval times, stands on the Ile de Cite, an island in the Seine River.

The massive church was constructed from 1163 to 1333. When completed, it was 430 feet long with flying buttresses, a large transept, a deep choir and twin 228-foot-high towers with four bells. Notre-Dame is where kings and monarchs were crowned and where France blessed crusades. —MCT