11 Dec 2011

CR IP TI ON BS SU

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Gingrich calls Palestinians an ‘invented’ people

Desperate fight to salvage deal at stricken climate talks

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Four-star United too strong for Wolves

Barcelona rally to win 3-1 at Madrid in ‘clasico’

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CIA drone loss exposes covert US-Iran conflict Capture peels back another layer in US spying

US defends ‘Five Echo’ discipline block at Gitmo SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico: US military officials at Guantanamo Bay are defending conditions in a disciplinary block known as “Five Echo”, taking the unusual step Friday of releasing photos of a section of the jail not typically shown to outsiders. Lawyers for detainees say the cells are too small, toilets inadequate, lights overly bright and its air foul, and they call it inhumane to keep detainees there for 22 hours a day, especially when they have not been convicted of a crime. David Remes, a Washington-based attorney who represents three prisoners who have been held in Five Echo, said this week that the disciplinary unit appears to violate the Geneva Conventions. “Five Echo is really a throwback to the bad old days at Guantanamo,” Remes said.

Guantanamo Bay officials said Five Echo is by its nature a worse place to be imprisoned than in the communal blocks where most detainees at Guantanamo are now held, but the military disputed the assertions that its conditions violate the Geneva Conventions. “It is safe, humane and meets all the regulations,” Army Col Donnie Thomas, commander of the guard force at the prison, said of Five Echo during a telephone interview from the US base in Cuba.

The photos released to AP show empty cells with steel, pale green walls and a translucent, rectangular window near the ceiling covered in steel mesh. The military said the cells have about half the space of those in nearby Camp Five.

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KUWAIT: Demonstrators wearing orange prison jumpsuits, including a small child (inset), protest outside the Kuwait Society for Human Rights in Shuwaikh on International Human Rights Day yesterday, demanding the release of two remaining Kuwaiti prisoners at the US detention complex in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Russians stage protests against Putin, elections MOSCOW: Tens of thousands of election protesters came out yesterday in Moscow while thousands more rallied across Russia in the biggest ever national show of defiance against strongman Vladimir Putin’s 12-year rule. The boisterous crowd braved a whipping snow storm to snake its way through tight police cordons and across the Moscow River to a secluded square not far from the Kremlin that authorities picked for the “For Fair Elections” protest.

The same scenes were replayed on a smaller scale in the Far East and across the industrial hubs of Siberia and the Urals - a sign that Putin’s path back to the Kremlin in March elections may be thornier than it seemed just a week ago.

“Right now there is actually a chance for us to change something in this country,” said 44-year-old Anna Bekhmentova as the predominantly young demonstrators chanted “Russia without Putin” and “No to a police state!” “No one I know voted for United Russia,” said Bekhmentova while others held up banners deriding Putin’s ruling party as a gang of “swindlers and thieves.”

The biggest show of public anger in Moscow since the turbulent 1990s

brought police helicopters out overhead and more than 50,000 officers onto the streets just six days after Putin’s United Russia party clung onto power at legislative elections with the alleged help of fraud. But fury over the ballot and signs of Kremlin weakness have stirred many to call not only for a new vote but also an end to the stagemanaged political system that ex-KGB agent Putin introduced on his sudden rise to power in 2000. “People who have connections to the authorities feel like they can do anything,” said 26-year-old lawyer Yelizaveta Derenkovskaya, summing up the disgruntled mood of many who turned out. “I came to support people who want to change this system.”

Police reported making no arrests while putting turnout figures at 25,000 for Moscow and 10,000 for Russia’s second city of Saint Petersburg where both Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev grew up. But organisers and opposition lawmakers put the Moscow turnout at 50,000-80,000 - with some saying more than 100,000 had come out in a display of people’s power never before seen in Continued on Page 13

Max 17º Min 04º Low Tide 06:55 & 18:23 High Tide 13:40 & 23:31

WASHINGTON: The loss to Iran of the CIA’s surveillance drone bristling with advanced spy technology is more than a propaganda coup and intelligence windfall for the Tehran government. The plane’s capture has peeled back another layer of secrecy from expanding US operations against Iran’s nuclear and military programs. Just as the Soviet Union’s downing of the American U-2 spy plane revealed a hidden aspect of the Cold War, Iran’s recovery of the drone has shed light on the espionage that is part of US-Iran hostilities.

Leading Iranian newspapers yesterday gave frontpage prominence to the story, displaying photos of what was said to be the remarkably intact drone in Iran’s possession. One daily, Vatanemrooz, bragged that “Satan’s eye has been gouged out,” repeating the characterisation of the United States as the “Great Satan”.

Iran has charged the US or its allies with waging a campaign of cyberwarfare and sabotage, and of assassinating some Iranian scientists. The US has accused the Iranian government of helping kill US troops in Afghanistan and plotting to murder the Saudi ambassador in Washington. “It’s beginning to look like there’s a thinly-veiled, increasingly violent, global cloak-and-dagger game afoot,” Thomas Donnelly, a former government official and military expert with the American Enterprise Institute, said at a Washington conference.

The covert operations in play are “much bigger than people appreciate”, said Stephen Hadley, former national security adviser under President George W Bush. “But the US needs to be using everything it can.” Hadley said that if Iran continues to defy UN resolutions and doesn’t curb its nuclear ambitions, the quiet conflict “will only get nastier”.

Some historians and foreign policy experts compared the drone incident to the Soviet Union’s 1960 downing of the U-2 spy plane and pilot Francis Gary Powers. While those two countries sparred publicly on many issues, the world only occasionally glimpsed each Continued on Page 13

Trio accept Nobel Peace Prize Yemeni winner slams poor support for revolt OSLO: Liberia’s president, a compatriot and a Yemeni activist received the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo yesterday for showing how women facing war and oppression can shed the mantle of victimhood and lead the way to peace and democracy. “You represent one of the most important motive forces for change in today’s world: the struggle for human rights in general and the struggle of women for equality and peace in particular,” Norwegian Nobel Committee president Thorbjoern Jagland said before handing out the prestigious award.

At the lavish ceremony in Oslo’s city hall, and with Norway’s royal family and other dignitaries in attendance, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, fellow Liberian and “peace warrior” Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni “Arab Spring” activist Tawakkol Karman received their gold medals and diplomas. As Syrian security forces killed more civilians yesterday, the Nobel Committee chief said the laureates’ work should serve as a warning to autocratic leaders such as those in Syria and Yemen. “The leaders in Yemen and Syria who murder their people to retain their own power should take note of the following: mankind’s quest for freedom and human rights can never stop,” Jagland said.

Karman, who at 32 is the youngest person to win the Peace Prize and the first Arab woman to receive a Nobel in any category, voiced unwavering optimism that the “Arab Spring” uprisings would succeed using peaceful means. “People can attain all their goals ... by peace. You can’t take down a dictatorship without peace,” she told AFP in an interview after the prize ceremony, adding: “If Continued on Page 13

OSLO: The 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (right), Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee (center) and Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman pose yesterday with their medals and certificates during the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony at the City Hall. — AFP

in the

news

KUWAIT: US Army Private First Class Brandon Blair and Private First Class Steven Villalobos of the 2-82 Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division check the serial numbers on weapons as they turn them in while waiting to leave Kuwait and head home after exiting from Iraq yesterday at Camp Virginia. — AFP

Plane crashes onto Philippine slum MANILA: A four-seater cargo plane crashed onto a crowded Philippine slum yesterday, sparking a fire that killed 13 people and left five missing and at least another 20 injured, officials said. The crash and the resulting blaze killed both the pilot, co-pilot, and their lone passenger while the other fatalities are thought to be residents of the shanty town, said chief inspector Wilson Tana, a fire investigator. At least five other residents of the burnt shanties are missing, Tana said. However, investigators had not brought search lights and the search effectively stopped as night fell among the twisted wreckage of burnt slum homes. The blaze also engulfed a nearby elementary school, but it was empty at the time because it was a weekend. Florencio Bernabe, the mayor of Paranaque district where the crash occurred, said that at least 50 shanties burned down and at least 20 other injured victims had been taken to hospital. Ramon Gutierrez, head of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, told DZBB radio that the pilot had turned the plane around and attempted an emergency landing shortly after take-off.

RAFAH: Palestinian children watch a total lunar eclipse from the rooftop of their house in southern Gaza Strip yesterday. This was the second total lunar eclipse of the year and the last until 2014. — AFP

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

local

News

in brief

Coast Guard to hold exercises KUWAIT: The Kuwait Coast Guard are to carry out live ammunition target practice in regional waters on Dec 12 and 14. The Ministry of Interior department said that the exercises will be conducted in the sea area between Qarouh and Um Al-Maradim islands from 0800 to 1600 (local time). In a statement, sea-goers were warned not to approach the area in fear of the safety of the public.

New Jordan envoy to Kuwait KUWAIT: The Jordanian government plans to appoint Mohammad Al-Kayed, the official spokesman of Jordan’s Foreign Ministry as the new ambassador for the Hashemite Kingdom to Kuwait, to succeed the outgoing ambassador Jum’ah Al-Abadi. This news was revealed by a local daily, quoting sources who said the news is still unofficial.

Kuwaiti proposal approved ABU DHABI: Municipal affairs ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council approved yesterday the formation of a Kuwait-proposed neighborhood watch, intended to aid a wider implementation of law and order. Kuwait Minister for Public Works and Municipal Affairs Dr. Fadhel Safar said the neighborhood watch staff will be entitled to enforce municipal laws, record violations and arrest violators. He noted that the neighborhood watch is operative in many countries, including regionally, the United Arab Emirates, which has a very successful experiment in this regard. Safar said the neighborhood watch is a joint force of police and civilian municipal council staff. The proposal will be referred to the GCC General Secretariat for revision followed by referral to the GCC leaders in their upcoming summit for final approval, he said.

KUWAIT: Romanian Ambassador Vasile Sofinetihas held a reception in Safir Hotel and Residences on Wednesday on the occasion of the National Day of his country. A number of diplomats and other dignitaries attended the event. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

Expats continue to feel safe residing in Kuwait ‘Most hospitable country to Americans in Mideast’

By Lisa Conrad

KUWAIT: Mongolian President Tsakhia Elbegdorj and his accompanying delegation yesterday concluded an official visit to the country, during which he held talks with HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah. The Monogolian president and accompanying officials were seen off by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah AlAhmad Al-Sabah and the head of accompanying honorary mission, the advisor at the Amiri Diwan, Dr Yousef Hamad Al-Ibrahim.

KUWAIT: Despite the recent scandals, resulting protests and the dissolution of Parliament, expats in Kuwait report still feeling relatively confident in the stability of the country and continue to feel safe residing here. The recent uprisings in the region have received extensive media coverage as protestors rallied against, and even brought down, their governments.

With much of the Middle East hosting large expatriate communities of professionals residing and working in their countries, the question does arise as to how secure they feel when tensions arise. Unlike many others, they have the option to flee to their home countries for as long as needed should the situation worsen. However, problems have been k nown to spread quickly throughout the region, which can cause considerable anxiety. American expatriate Natalie said of her time in Kuwait dur-

ing the Arab Spring: “I wasn’t anxious over anything happening here. There have been issues before but they are usually resolved without the use of excessive violence, and Kuwait cannot be compared to other countries involved in uprisings.”

She added, “Plus, the country and the people have a close relationship with America. So I’ve never worried about being targeted based on my nationality. I think Kuwait is the most hospitable country to Americans in the Middle East.”

Brandon, who is also American, agreed.

“Kuwait felt like a separate entity from what was going on. Of course, we stayed up to date on ever ything, but it ’s never felt unsafe.” He continued, “We get messages from the embassy about any possible issues, so we’re always informed but I haven’t felt fear among the expat community.” While some have felt secure, others began asking questions as the situation worsened elsewhere. Abdullah, the HR

Total lunar eclipse visible in Kuwait

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: People in Kuwait were able to view the total lunar eclipse without a telescope yesterday. This is the second lunar eclipse that is visible in Kuwait, while the first one occurred in the Hijri year 1433.

This year has been a special one owing to two visible lunar eclipses.

During the past five years, there has been only one which was seen in Kuwait. “Next year, we won’t be able to see any lunar or solar eclipses in Kuwait. Both lunar eclipses this year were total, and there was one solar eclipse that was seen in Kuwait this year,” astronomer Khalid Al-Jamaan told the Kuwait Times.

“The other special thing about this lunar eclipse specifically, is that this is the first time after a really long time that the eclipse was on

during the Isha prayers. The eclipse started at 4:47 pm, which is three minutes before the Maghreb prayer and lasted till 7:18 pm. The middle of the eclipse was at 5:31 pm,” added Al-Jamaan.

As a part of the lunar eclipse phenomena, the moon was red in color and shades like pink and orange were seen during the shadow-stage. “The eclipse started partially and went on till it was complete. It started with the semishadow stage and then turned red. It entered the shadow of the ear th completely, and faded before the total eclipse was visible,” he further said.

Astronomer Adel Al-Sadoun invited his guests to watch the lunar eclipse from his observatory in Fintas. He also noted that it was possible to watch this phenomenon

without any special glasses and it’s completely safe. “Viewing it without any protective glasses is safe and won’t cause any damage to the eyes. There are rumors that it’s dangerous, but nobody should worry,” he said.

Regarding the expected weather week, this for broadcast Mohammed Karam, Head of the Weather Broadcast Department, Civil Aviation stated that the weather will be colder during the coming days. “The temperature will reach a maximum of 16 degrees Celsius during the day, and about one or two degrees during the night in the deser t areas. The wind will be North-West which brings lower temperatures and though the chances of rain are rare, the cold front will bring some clouds,” he pointed out.

RIYADH: Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah pictured with Kuwaiti students in Saudi Arabia.

New Info Minister lauds Kuwait students in Saudi RIYADH: Kuwaiti I nformation Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber AlAli Al-Sabah has praised Kuwaiti Medical Specialties’ students in Saudi Arabia for their academic excellence and good reputation.

The appraisal came during a celebration held by Kuwaiti Medical Doc tors in honor of the new

Information Minister who recently ended his tenure as Ambassador in Saudi Arabia. “Kuwait awaits your graduation and achieve ments, as you are the best representatives of Kuwait in Saudi Arabia,” Sheikh Hamad said. He thanked the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy

Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, especially Ministry of Health, for its contribution in training Kuwaiti doctors. On his part, the Cultural Attache to Saudi Arabia Dr Jaber Al-Marri lauded the role played by the Minister during his service in Riyadh as Ambassador of Kuwait.— KUNA

manager of a prominent company here in Kuwait which hires many expatriates, said “Many of the expats came and asked me if it was safe for them to stay here. They weren’t sure of whether or not problems would start erupting here like they had elsewhere.”

He continued, “I didn’t know, of course, what the future would hold but I told them to seek advice from their embassies. There’s a sense of responsibility when you’ve brought these people from their home countries to work here, but sometimes you just don’t know the answer to the questions being asked.”

Abdullah added, however, that expats who came to him for advice and information seemed more curious than fearful.

“They wanted to know if it was safe, but it seemed more like a long-term query than an immediate ‘let’s all evacuate now’ one.

They seemed more worried about the entire region deteriorating than Kuwait

specifically.” Interestingly, some staff enquired about religious differences within the region. “Some expats weren’t so well versed regarding the different groups, and when they saw religion becoming involved in different disputes, they wanted to understand it more.”

What’s more, some expats have been in Kuwait for extended periods of time and feel it would be difficult to leave even if there had been more of a threat of unrest in Kuwait. “My whole life is here: my job, my home, and my car. My kids are happy in schools here. Leaving would be extremely difficult. Being an expat doesn’t mean you can disappear whenever you want; it just means that you have another country to go to if you decide you have to,” said English expat, Jeffrey. He added, “Plus, you have to consider the situation as a whole. There may be political problems in the region, but it’s still more desirable economically than any other place in the West at the moment.”

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

LOCAL

in my view

Satire Wire

The Path towards Parliamentary Democracy

The time of my life

By Fouad Al-Obaid

Sawsan Kazak

fouad@kuwaittimes.net Twitter: @Fouadalobaid

n my way to work, I calculated that there’s an 11-minute wait at one of the lights I have to pass by before I get on to the highway.

This traffic light is the bane of my existence; well, only on the days I have to drive to work. This light is always crowded, always red, and always annoying. It’s not that the light only turns green every 11 minutes; it’s just that it has to turn green at least three to four times before I can get through.

For some reason, people driving through this light always seem confused and disoriented, as if it is the first time they have ever seen a light at an intersection.

An 11-minute delay on one day is fine, but when you calculate the delay for the week it comes up to 55 minutes of my life. If you take those 55 lost-life minutes and multiply them by four, you get 220 lost life minutes for the month (which is 3.6 hours).

If you take those 220 minutes wasted per month and multiply them by 12, you get a grand total of 2,640 lost life minutes for the year. That is about 44 hours of my life lost while I painstakingly wait for a light to change colors. This experience is mind numbing, discouraging and totally draining.

That is almost two days out of my year squandered in a non-moving car with my full attention on a distant traffic light. Every day I am hopeful that ‘today will be different; I will only have to wait five minutes.’ But it only seems to be getting worse from day to day.

There are so many better ways I could be spending those 44 hours. I have tried to make the best of that time, like taking those daily minutes to meditate or listen to my favorite music or just plain relax, but no matter how hard I try, I just end up being disheartened and drained of energy.

But I think I have found a solution to my annoying dilemma; I will start taking an alternative road.

This alternative road might seem longer on paper, but I will be able to get to work in the same amount of time, all while continuously moving. By bypassing this traffic light, I can regain my sanity and maybe a few minutes from my life.

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kuwait digest

The post-Sheikh Nasser era

By Ibrahim Al-Awadhi he Cabinet of Sheik h Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah resigned following a hard and costly phase that Kuwait’s political scene went through. This period witnessed legislation and achievements being stalled, freedom suppressed, bribes paid and development dreams crash.

While Sheikh Nasser’s seven Cabinets share a major part of the blame in the troubles that persisted in the political scene, I believe that the solution cannot be achieved solely by holding accountable those responsible for the situation we have reached. This process must be accompanied by a search for the real reasons behind attempts to harm our democratic experience.

In principle, legislating anti-corruption regulations should be the main subject followed by MPs who have the best interests of the country and people. This should drive MPs to give importance during the next parliamentary term to legislating financial disclosures and anti-corruption laws to prevent misuse of power, as well as squandering of public funds used to pay political bribes.

But after the Parliament is dissolved, can we guarantee that corrupt lawmakers won’t be reelected? Can we assure that the lawmakers we vote for won’t follow in the corrupt MPs’ footsteps? I believe that we as Kuwaiti citizens have to realize that we are a part of the problem we currently find ourselves in, since we were the people who voted for corrupt MPs. We also helped MPs get elected through criminalized tribal primary elections.

If we don’t change our approach, then the next Parliament will also get dissolved. It’s our duty as citizens who fully believe in the constitution to cooperate with the new prime minister instead of questioning his capabilities based on his past experiences, and give him a chance to prove his mettle. After achieving their legitimate demands, I hope that the opposition will turn from a negative opposition whose actions were mainly influenced by targeting the previous Cabinet, into a positive opposition that is tolerant to different opinions, to create a suitable environment for building a better Kuwait in the post Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah Cabinets’ era. —Al-Rai

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n looking at the current political stalemate that has plagued Kuwait for the better half of this year, one is to scrutinize the reasons that lead us to where we are today. We for years prided ourselves in a semblance of democracy that we spiced with our own flavor. By European standards we are at best a ‘half-democracy’, and at times one wonders if we really grasp the notion of democracy and liberties at all! Nevertheless, when placed in the context of neighboring countries, our ‘freedoms’ are envied. At least we can justly pride ourselves with our unquestionable freedom of speech and assembly. In attempting to not mix things, in our march towards democracy, greater strides today are needed to ensure that the political stalemate we keep getting into is brought to a grinding halt. Furthermore, we need the ushering of a new era of growth and development. In order to do just that a deeper look at our current system is needed.

What we have today enshrined in our constitution is the principle of a constitutional monarchy and yet there seems to be articles that contradict such a notion. As we are about to pass the fifty-year threshold of the passing of our current constitution, it is perhaps time that we examine how can we further strengthen this text to better accommodate the changes ongoing in the region and the wider world. An overture towards greater political participation and decision is perhaps near. Ideas such as the changing of the structure of government, and the allowing for political parties to emerge should become priorities for the void present is not healthy.

We keep hearing slogans about national unity on various occasion on TV sets, through the various media’s and yet one is to really wonder if mediated propaganda is not the real solution towards achieving such a lofty goal. The divide to conquer principle has been applied towards our society for years, some division are natural, others, created. The aim of which is to ensure a lack of cohesion that generates a general feeling of apathy and helplessness. Concurrently with a newer generation of young Kuwaitis aspiring to achieve success in a generation that is bound to be tougher than that of our parents, new terms and ideas are finding their way into this generations’ lingo. Merit, hardwork, career, opportunity, ethics to name but a few that has lead many to voice deep concerns as to how our country is being managed and run. To this generation which growing in awareness is deeply concerned by the squandering of wealth by ‘elders’ who seem to believe that the nation is a gold-goose whose wealth needs to be misappropriated by them, lest someone else does!

The nepotism and general feeling of massive corruption - even if only in perception should be reigned upon and stopped. With the upcoming legislative election for a new parliament on the corner, it is the duty of all to take a stance against corruption, and to elect MPs that will have the courage to push for greater change independent of any external variable. We need a new parliament, one with new faces void of corruption that will set a new standard for a country in great need of direction.

Each vote counts, I implore that we all take it upon ourselves to vote for candidates with clear agendas regardless of our immediate interest, we need people that care about the country as a whole, as opposed to special interest voters who have a short-term vision of immediate plunder.

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sawsank@kuwaittimes.net

kuwait digest

Beginning of a new era

By Waleed Al-Rujaib rench President Nicolas Sarkozy recently statUnited States and Russia have already sent wared that Europe has never faced a greater threat ships and submarines at the east side of the of disintegration as now, when the continent Mediterranean Sea, while US warships are currently faces its worst capitalist economic crisis in history. being mobilized at the Arabian Gulf, in preparation When I asked a friend of mine who happens to be a of a potential military strike against Iran. In the financial specialist to compare the current crisis to meantime, Turkish troops are mobilized along the the Great Depression in 1929, he said “The current borders with Iran and Syria, whose armies have crisis is incomparable and by far more serious”. already taken their preparation levels to the highest All attempts to prevent this disaster from point. Meanwhile, Israel is in the middle of military expanding and affecting people, especially the maneuvers which many American senior officials working class, have failed. Instead, the economic believe could be a prelude to a possible military collapse risk has been aggression. We can’t threatening every capitalignore the escalating tenStarting wars and seizing natuistic nation, including the sion between Turkey and United States of America. each of Greece and Israel ral wealth of other countries have Capitalism has fueled regarding the distribution been the usual way of capitalistic speculations for a long of massive natural gas countries to resolve their economtime about the end of the fields. ic crises, similar to the circumworld in 2012 based on If a war starts, thanks to stances of the two World Wars. an ancient Mayan any of the aforemenprophecy. As 2011 draws tioned scenarios, GCC While this might sound illogical for to a close, speculations (Gulf Cooperation many, the fact that should be conare rife that the Mayan Council) countries will not sidered today is that signs of prophecy doesn’t necesbe spared due to the prespotential wide-scale wars have sarily predict the end of ence of main US military the world, but rather the bases on their soil. already emerged on the beginning of a new Citizens of GCC countries Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf phase. While I never been will be subjected to fires shores a fan of the ‘End of the of global capitalism’s world’ prophecies, I do greed which burnt milfind myself entertaining the thought that the world lions of civilians during the first and second World might be on the brink of becoming a happier or Wars. more depressed place.

I believe that the world is facing a mysterious Starting wars and seizing natural wealth of other period with a strong possibility of catastrophic wars countries have been the usual way of capitalistic where nuclear weapons will come into question. In countries to resolve their economic crises, similar to the meantime, I also believe that the world is lookthe circumstances of the two World Wars. While this ing towards drastic changes in economic systems. might sound illogical for many, the fact that should As one American analyst said, the ‘Occupy Congress be considered today is that signs of potential wide- and Capitol Hill’ is the beginning of the end of a hisscale wars have already emerged on the toric era in which the United States reigned as the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf shores. greatest country in the world. — Al-Rai

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kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Playing the political game

Using posts to secure votes

By Sami Al-Nisf

By Waleed Al-Ghanim number of teaching staff members in the Kuwait kind of malpractice, it’s sad that state authorities fail to University and Public Authority for Applied come up with procedures to penalize employees who Education and Training announced their plans to abuse their posts for personal reasons. Moreover, this run for Parliamentary membership during the 2012 practice is unfortunately supported by people who are elections. This wouldn’t have been a source of concern, willing to vote for someone who will grant them favors. if it wasn’t for the probabilA strange story I once ity that these candidates came across pertains to a It’s not a secret that there are public former police officer who might use their posts as an sector employees who abuse their posts eventually made it to the opportunity to win students’ votes. to obtain personal gains. This includes Parliament after gaining There have been stories gaining popular support, and is prac- suppor t of voters. He in the past about KU prohelped them by cancelticed by police officers, board members ing traffic violations he fessors offering students of co-operative societies, and others. In issued. According to the with guaranteed high marks in exchange for their addition to failing to address this kind of story, the officer used to votes. We have also heard malpractice, it’s sad that state authori- issue traffic tickets stories about teaching staff abruptly during a selfties fail to come up with procedures to created security checkmembers failing to report penalize employees who abuse their point. He would then to classes or commit to their daily activities in posts for personal reasons. Moreover, open his office at the order to have more time police station to this practice is unfortunately supported area’s preparing their election receive appeals from peoby people who are willing to vote for ple he had just cited in campaigns. In exchange, these students would be order to dismiss the ticksomeone who will grant them favors. guaranteed good marks, so et. Eventually, he gained that no problems would be created from their regular a good reputation for being very tolerant and helpful absence. towards the traffic law violators.

It’s not a secret that there are public sector employCandidates must ensure that they do not abuse their ees who abuse their posts to obtain personal gains. This posts to secure votes. In the meantime, citizens must includes gaining popular support, and is practiced by also realize that voting for someone in exchange for police officers, board members of co-operative soci- favors is also a form of bribery, as cash isn’t the only way eties, and others. In addition to failing to address this by which votes can be bought. —Al-Qabas

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olitical games are very much like sports games.

Some resemble European professional teams where players and the audience enjoy the game together. Then there are games similar to those held in the streets among teens, which eventually lead to a fight as hands become weapons and anything nearby is utilized to inflict damage. It is clear that our political game is most similar to the street games; full of shouting and fighting with all ignoring the relevant rules being practiced by the more advanced in the world.

Accordingly, we need to change the rules of play in Kuwait to a clean, fair game, so that the public can enjoy it without counting causalities at the end.

In the ideal rules of play Kuwait’s public is dreaming of, threats and bad intentions would be eliminated. The captain (the prime minister) and the other team players (the ministers) wouldn’t garner too much concentration without justification. All would listen and abide by the decisions of the referee (the constitutional court) and suitable methods to deal with the bad players would be created. Excessive fouls and penalties (grillings and no trust) does not help create an ideal political game, which should be exceptional. Respect should be shown between the two parties by using suitable language the instructions of the football union (The instructions of political leadership) would be abided by so that the union does not have to stop the game every now and then. It is in our hands to learn lessons from our past experiences and to start a new game. Without such change, we will only continue to perform like street; at a low level and without the approval of the audience. The best idea that I have come across to solve our political problems is that of our colleague Thaar Al-Rashidi who suggested forming two governments; one technocratic to work and be available in the ministries, whilst the other government would be made up of politicians ready to fight with NA Members. —Al-Anbaa

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local

Kuwait parliamentary elections in January?

Moves to prevent tribal influence

KUWAIT: The bedoons demonstrated in front of a mosque in Jahra. — Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

Bedoon rally at Jahra

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Around 20 people demonstrated in front of a mosque at the Taima district of Jahra Friday afternoon, in a rally organized by bedoons (stateless residents) to demand more civil and social rights including naturalization.

The brief gathering lasted for approximately 30 minutes as the protesters opted to leave when the security officers rushed to the scene.

Early this year, a number of bedoons were arrested following confrontations with police in Jahra, Sulaibiya and Ahmadi. The protesters were later released on bail and were referred to court.

Meanwhile, the Kuwait government has approved some privileges that include releasing official marriage and birth certificates, and allowing bedoons to receive food at a subsidized rate.

Informed sources said that security forces had been instructed to arrest any bedoon taking part in a rally that was planned to be held Saturday at the determination yard on commemorating the World Human Rights day and that security forces were heavily stationed at the yard to carry out such orders.

Further, the interior ministry had warned bedoons warning that all needed legal procedures would be taken against demonstrators going out to street on unlicensed demonstrations.

KUWAIT: Kuwait is considering holding the parliamentary elections in January instead of February, says a recent report quoting reliable sources. Speaking to a local daily, sources explained that the state’s leadership sees a shortened electoral campaign as a good way to cut short any tribal attempts to affect vote.

“The elections will take place at a crucial time with major developments taking place in the region. Hence, it’s even more important to prevent sectarian and tribal agitations during election campaigns”, one source said.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlJaber Al-Sabah dissolved the Parliament last week, a week after Cabinet of former Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad AlSabah resigned following unprecedented public pressure. Under rules of the Kuwaiti Constitution, fresh elections must be held within 60 days of the dissolution’s decree.

Meanwhile, the same report published yesterday hints that organizers of primary tribal elections are currently coordinating to utilize technology to run their campaigns. Last week, the constitutional court made a ruling which renders primary elections as illegal. According to sources, smartphone applications have already emerged to help people vote in primary elections - something which the sources claim was made available mainly due to the lack of regulations that criminalize online illegal activities in Kuwait.

News has emerged about the possibility of former MPs Husain Al-Huraiti and Khalid AlAdwah dropping plans to run in the elections.

The same rumors also suggest that former Minister of Education and Higher Education Ahmad Al-Mulaifi doesn’t have plans to run as well. Meanwhile, MP Hassan Al-Qallaf made

statements in which he warned against “making use of bedoons to achieve support” during campaigns.

A report was published by a local daily yesterday hinting that Ministry of Interior undersecretary, Lt Col Ghazi Al-Omar, ordered the General Department of Criminal Investigations to keep a close eye on potential primary elections and vote-buying activities that could take place during the 2012 campaigns. The same newspaper suggests that three main Kuwaiti tribes started consultations to nominate representatives during the elections from the fourth constituency.

Quoting sources, the Mutair tribe - the largest tribal community in the fourth constituency already started consultations to nominate at least four representatives to run for elections.

Former ‘Mutairi’ MPs Musallam Al-Barrak, Daifullah Buramia, Mubarak Al-Wa’lan, Husain Mizyed and Mohammad Hayef have already announced that they will not take part in any tribal consultation talks or primary elections.

The ‘Rashaidah’ tribe reportedly finds itself in a similar situation as former MPs Ali Al-Deqbasi and possible candidates Thekra Al-Rashidi, Abdurrahman Al-Basman and Jamaal AlNassafi plan to avoid tribal consultation talks or primary election, yet the tribe still plans to nominate four candidates to represent the tribe in the elections. Meanwhile, the report indicates that the ‘Anza’ tribe looks to nominate two candidates in tribal consultations which former MP Askar Al-Enizy already announced he will not participate in.

Former MP Dr Waleed Al-Tabtabaei hinted that members from the ruling family prepare to use political money - a term commonly used to describe large financial support and

alleged bribes in favor of certain candidates during the upcoming elections “that can alter the outcome”. Speaking in exclusive statements yesterday, the oppositionist lawmaker said that he believes that the Opposition Bloc will form 60 percent of the number of MPs in the next Cabinet, and that 90 percent of Bloc members will make it to the Parliament.

Meanwhile, former MP Adnan AlAbdulsamad accused the opposition of failing to provide former Premier Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah an opportunity to accomplish much, adding during a televised interview, that the former premier was targeted with successive grilling motions filed over personal conflicts. Yet, the former pro-government lawmaker used the term “hesitant” to describe the former Cabinet while speaking during an Al-Rai TV talk show on Thursday. He also blamed “conflicts between ruling family members” as a factor that left a negative effect on the Cabinet’s performance.

Separately, a news report quoting a Ministry of Interior insider said that Mubarak Al-Kabeer Security Department Director Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Enizy, and Farwaniya Traffic Department General Director Brigadier General Rashid Al-Mie’a filed for retirement as they plan to run for elections in the fourth and fifth constituencies respectively.

In separate news, Acting Director of News and Political Programs Department at the Ministry of Information, Khalid Al-Enizy, revealed plans for a “comprehensive coverage of the 2012 elections” by Kuwait’s national television, using help of an international company specialized in this type of coverage.

— Al-Qabas, Al-Rai, Al-Watan, Al-Jarida

Asian busted with 30 bags of liquor

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Farwaniya security men arrested an Asian expat after finding 30 bags of locally brewed liquor with him. The man was sent to the Public Prosecutor for further action.

Works of Filipina artist on display

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Shulan O Primavera and Kuwait and Gulf Link Transport Company Chairman Saeed E. Dashti inaugurated the “Bursts & Kaleidoscope”, a first solo art exhibition by a Filipina artist, Bruha Eve. The event under the patronage of Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ali AlRashed was inaugurated on Thursday night at the Marina Hotel attended by several dignitaries from different Aseanmember countries.

“Indeed a saying that a picture paints a thousand words has once again made to life here today as we examine the beautiful work of art manifested here. It did capture our hearts which says lots of meaning to everyone,” stated Ambassador Primavera as he began his speech to welcome the guests. “Today marks a milestone for the Filipino community here in Kuwait because for the first time we’re able to launch successfully the first solo art exhibition of a Filipina artist. The embassy supports the Filipino artists and it is imperative for us to further engage in spreading the word that Filipino talent and capability is not solely confined to the deployment and management of labor to Kuwait and other Gulf countries but also the Philippines has much to offer in the artistic field,” the ambassador added.

Bruha Eve explained each of her masterpieces which depict not just the issues of women but other social issues back home. Eve also demonstrated a 10minute live painting session to showcase her wit in painting. “This is a dream come true for me,” she stated. “Thank you very much for all your support especially the Philippine Embassy under the leadership of Ambassador Shulan Primavera.

Thank you for all your generosity,” she noted.

Bruha Eve began her artistic journey at the age of two in her small town in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, using the flower sap from her mother’s garden to paint any piece she liked. “I personally dedicate this exhibition to my fellow

ATV accidents An ATV accident in Al-Julaia left an 18-year-old Kuwaiti man feeling faint. He was taken to Adan hospital. An ATV accident in Al-Julaia resulted in the minor injury of a 7-year-old Kuwaiti girl who was taken to Adan hospital.

An AT V accident in Al-Julaia resulted in a Sri Lankan man breaking his leg. He was taken to Adan hospital.

Car accidents A car accident in Jleeb AlShoyoukh opposite the coopera-

tive society resulted in the head injury of a 40-year-old Indian expat who was rushed to Farwaniya hospital intensive care unit, and pain in the right shoulder of a 42-year-old Egyptian who was also taken to Farwaniya hospital.

A car accident on the Second Ring Road between Nuzha and Mansouria resulted in different injuries for two Kuwaiti men aged 23 and 26 years. Both were taken to Amiri hospital.

While an unknown 25-year-old was crossing the road on the Sixth Ring Road towards Al-Jahra, a passing car knocked him down causing a head injury among various others. He was taken to intensive care unit at Farwaniya hospital.

A 45-year-old Indian expat was crossing the road in Jleeb Al Shoyoukh when a car knocked

him down and broke his left arm.

He was taken to Farwaniya hospital. A 38-year-old Afghani expat

was taken to Amiri hospital with 30 percent burns on his hands and legs.

KUWAIT: The Asian pictured after his arrest.

Stage set for Gulf defense exhibition

KUWAIT: Bruha Eve demonstrating prowess in painting.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait,” she said. Proceeds of this exhibition will benefit my kababayan’s, especially the Al-Danah Foundation for Mindanao Development and for the construction of a day care center for children and livelihood center for women in Mindanao,” she stated.

The art exhibition was sponsored by Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company, Tareq Company, Western Union, ADM International Manpower Services, Alamia International Manpower Services, Al Marzouk Recruitment Company and Crave Restaurant.

KUWAIT: Bruha Eve posing with Ambassador Shulan Primavera, KGL Chairman Saeed Dashti and some Asean ambassadors. — Photos by Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: Under the patronage of the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al Mubarak, the first Gulf exhibition for defense and aviation will begin on Dec 12 and ends on 14. The threeday exhibition which is organized by Kuwait International Fair in cooperation with the American Co TNT production Inc will be held at the Mishref Fair Ground.

Sales and Marketing Manager at Kuwait International Fair Basema Al Duhaim said that this international exhibition will attract about 118 participants (13 local companies and 105 companies from abroad). The international participants will be coming from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Holland, UAE, UK, and USA. “The exhibition is a quality shift in the exhibitions nature organized

by Kuwait International Fair, which reveals the high organizational skill of KIF,” Al-Duhaim said.

She hinted that the exhibition will showcase different kinds of arms, modern military and security equipments. Al-Duhaim expressed her thanks and gratitude to the Ministry of Defense, Interior Ministry, Public Administrations for Customs, and Ministry of Commerce and Industry and other organizations who have participated in the preparation for the forthcoming event. The local participants include MOD, ministry of interior, A&M Co, Sieze and Daisits, Gulf Qannas Organization for General Trading and Contracting, Bader Sultan and Brothers Company, Seedis Security Equipment Distribution, Al Sad General Trading, National Offset Co, Regional Atlantic Co for General Trading and Contracting, Super Technology Center, Paul Steak Co and FK Logistic.

KUWAIT: Firefighters in action after a fire broke out in a store in Wafra area yesterday which stored plastic materials and agricultural materials. The fire was brought under control and no casualties were reported. —- Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

NBK offers grand prize credit card holders KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) offers its credit cardholders the opportunity to win KD 2,000 weekly and KD 20,000 as a grand prize during the period from Dec 11 to Feb 29, 2012.

Every KD 20 spent by NBK credit cardholders in Kuwait will qualify them to enter weekly draws to win KD 2,000 the grand prize draw to win KD 20,000 at the end of the campaign. The chances will be doubled when they use their credit cards abroad.

“NBK maintains its leadership in the credit cards market in Kuwait by consistently delivering superior value to its customers,” said Mazin Saad Al-Nahedh, NBK general manager, Consumer Banking Group. “We always strive to develop rewarding promotions to our valuable customers”. NBK credit cards are accepted worldwide and considered to be the most rewarding way to pay for goods and services.

NBK credit cards are a great flexible payment option and they are free for the first year.

Moreover, NBK credit cards offer the best loyalty program in town “ The NBK Rewards”. NBK Rewards program is the most significant point redemption and discount scheme in Kuwait.

Mazin Al-Nahedh

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

LOCAL

KUWAIT: The Police Officers Club organized its first spring camp for club members and their families, which featured various activities including competitions and special events for children. The event was attended by senior Ministry of Interior officials including General Director of the General Department of Service Stations and the club’s Secretary General, Maj Gen Saif Al-Saif and Deputy Director of the Public Relations and Moral Guidance Department, Col Emad Al-Mulla.

Kuwaiti diplomat briefs UNGA about works of his commission UNITED NATIONS: A Kuwaiti diplomat has presented reports, at a session held late on Friday as part of the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, about works of the UNGA Special Political and Decolonization Committee, recommended for adoption by the assembly.

In his address at meeting, Hassan Shaker Abul-Hassan, the third secretary of the permanent Kuwaiti mission at the UN, and the rapporteur of the decolonization committee, said the reports included draft resolutions on mines, nuclear radiation and global cooperation for peaceful missions in space.

They also, he elaborated, dealt with

works of the UNRWA regarding aid for the Palestinians, reports by a special subcommittee on Israel’s breaches of Palestinians’ human rights, peace missions, media issues, matters related to self-ruled entities, independence for colonized peoples and plans for activating the assembly.

The decolonization commission has held up to 23 formal sessions, during the main course of the current UNGA session, during which 23 draft resolutions and two proposed decisions were adopted.

Abul-Hassan praised constructive spirit that prevailed among the members, which paved way for accomplishing the required tasks, as scheduled. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Al-Qanaei, Ambassador Mann, Behbehani and Chambless.

German ambassador visits KJA KUWAIT: Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank M. Mann met with Kuwait Journalists Association President Ahmad Behbehani and Secretary General Faisal Al-Qanaei during a recent visit to the KJA headquarters in order to check preparations for the upcoming visit of German President Christian Wulff to the association. President Wulff is set to discuss

the role of media in democratic societies during a meeting with KJA board members and editors-in-chief of Kuwaiti dailies on Tuesday at 3 pm.

Ambassador Mann was accompanied during his visit to the KJA by commercial attache Alexandra Chambless, and they discussed various topics with KJA representatives regarding journalism in Kuwait.

Alghanim Industries supports Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice KUWAIT: As part of its continued focus on corporate citizenship, Alghanim Industries (AI) sponsored an employee donation campaign in support of Bayt Abdullah Children’s Hospice (BACCH), a non-governmental organization in Kuwait that provides care for children suffering from lifethreatening or life-limiting diseases.

Employees responded enthusiastically to the campaign, giving generously. By combining employee donations with a company match, Alghanim Industries was able to provide BACCH with a number of items from its ‘Wish List’ including refrigerators, Wii consoles and games, and children’s books. In addition, several AI businesses made generous donations, including children’s educational toys from Cilek and electronics products from X-cite by Alghanim Electronics.

Samir Kasem, President Commercial and Industrial Groups, Andrew Miles, President - Retail and

Distribution Group, and Jim Batchler, Chief Human Resources Officer, recently visited BACCH to meet its executive team and tour the facility, which is scheduled to open to patients in January 2012.

During the visit, Batchler commented on AI’s support of BACCH stating, “As we strive to succeed in the marketplace, we also understand the importance of being a good corporate citizen. We are pleased that AI’s contributions will make a positive difference and we look forward to growing our relationship with BACCH in the coming years.”

Margaret Al-Sayer, Founder of BACCH, expressed her appreciation, stating, “We can’t thank your employees and businesses enough for caring about the children of Bayt Abdullah.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”

The donation campaign is part of Alghanim Industries’ ongoing commitment to corporate responsibility.

Ban recommends extension of mission on Kuwaiti prisoners Search for missing nationals on track UNITED NATIONS: Secretary-General Ban Kimoon recommended to the Security Council to extend financing of the UN high-level Coordinator Gennady Tarasov’s mandate on the issue of Kuwaiti prisoners for the next six months. “In view of the potential for progress that lies ahead, I recommend that the Security Council extend the financing of the Coordinator’s mandate until June 30, 2012 in order to continue to build upon the existing momentum towards the implementation” of the relevant Council resolution, Ban said in a report to the Council, addressed late on Friday.

“It appears that the search for missing Kuwaiti and third country nationals in Iraq is on track,” he said. “I welcome the cooperation shown by the Government of Iraq in this respect and encourage it to take further practical steps towards fulfilling its obligations ... I would like to acknowledge the support provided by the Government of Kuwait,” he added in his report.

Tarasov’s mandate is paid for by the Iraqi oil revenues through a UN fund. Ban’s recommendation to extend the financing of Tarasov’s mandate came despite a letter last July by Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, who said his Government “did not see the need to extend the Coordinator’s mandate after December 2011, since the Tripartite Commission and its Technical Sub-Committee ... should be able to work effectively on the humanitarian file for the benefit of Iraq and Kuwait”.

Ban recalled that Kuwaiti officials, whether in bilateral meetings with him or in various letters addressed to him “support the extension of the mandate of the High-level Coordinator in order to achieve substantive results that would help

put a closure to this humanitarian file”.

He mentioned, for instance, a letter addressed to him in mid-November by Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah who pointed out that “no progress had been made” since 2004 in discovering the fate of the 369 missing persons, and stressed Kuwait’s support to the extension of Tarasov’s mandate.

Ban called on Iraq “to continue to work with Kuwait in the spirit of trust and confidence in order to achieve significant progress in the resolution of this humanitarian issue.

This, along with other necessary steps by Iraq to comply with its remaining obligations under relevant Council resolutions, would enhance chances of getting it out from under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, he argued.

Tarasov’s priority is to facilitate the sending of joint exploratory missions to sites in Iraq where Kuwaiti and third country nationals may have been buried. Ban said three such missions were conducted up to date: to Nassiriah, southern Iraq in December 2010, and to a near-by site of Khamissiah in June and September of this year.

“Although no human remains have been discovered, ...these missions represent a promising format for their further work on the ground.

These missions have the potential to become an effective functional mechanism to fully probe the fate of missing persons,” Ban said.

These efforts have “established confidence that serious engagement is underway” and hold out a “prospect of gradually producing tangible results,” he added, stressing that concrete progress will require “strong commitment, constructive collaboration and sustained profession-

al effort”. He noted, in this regard, that Iraqi Minister of Human Rights Mohammad AlSudaney informed Tarasov while in Baghdad that his ministry had prepared a plan of action for 2012 that accorded priority to more investigations at Khamisiyah, Ramadi, and Hilla in Iraq.

Al-Sudaney also informed Tarasov, according to Ban, that Iraq has received the equipment purchased from the Kuwaiti grant, of close to one million dollars, to excavate the mass graves and identify missing persons, adding that Iraq needs to work with the UN on this humanitarian file “within a specific timeframe”.

In a related development, Ban said the remains of 32 Iraqi soldiers discovered by a mission of the Technical Sub-Committee (TSC) earlier this year were handed over to the Iraqi authorities last July, adding that a similar mission went to northern Kuwait at the end of November.

“Thus, the activities of the TSC have in fact become ‘a two-way street,’ dealing with missing persons both from Kuwait and Iraq,” Ban noted.

Ban finally said he “remains concerned that no substantial progress has been made in the search for the Kuwaiti national archive, and that no credible information about its whereabouts has so far emerged”. He recalled that Iraq informed him in a letter late last month that it had found about 136 microfilm cassettes belonging to the official newspaper ‘Kuwait Today’, and that it had sent a letter to the Kuwaiti authorities in this regard.

The Council is scheduled to take up the report on Dec 15 and Tarasov will be invited to brief the members on the latest developments.— KUNA

Kuwaiti students to resume studies in Cairo CAIRO: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Egypt Dr Rasheed Al-Hamad called on Kuwaitis studying in various Egyptian universities and institutes to speed their enrollment for orderly conduct of educational process in the universities.

During the Ambassador’s participation at an orientation session, held late on Friday, at the embassy, in coordination with National Union of Kuwaiti Students (Cairo branch), Al-Hamad said that the situation in Egypt is “reassuring and stable”. Egyptian universities and institutes in differ-

ent provinces resumed their studies.

The Cultural Bureau Director Dr Awadh Al-Enizi also said during the orientation, that this gathering aimed to identify the most important needs of Kuwaiti students, and highlighted the most prominent problems and difficulties encountered in their educational and academic studies under the exact circumstances that Egypt is now witnessing.

Furthermore, he appealed to the students in this context, to comply with laws in Egypt as well as rules and regulations established in the univer-

Kuwait, Mexico boost ties MEXICO CITY: Ties between Mexico and Kuwait have noticeably grown since the relations were established 36 years ago, said Kuwaiti Ambassador to Mexico Sameeh Jawhar Hayat. Hayat was speaking at a dinner banquet he hosted in honor of the newly appointed Mexican Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Luis Alberto Barrero Stahl, who will officially start his job on December 23. Hayat stressed that the opening of the Embassy of Mexico and the appointment of resident ambassador to Kuwait is considered a historic shift in the bilateral relations between the two countries and is the culmination of the efforts made by senior officials in both countries in order to consolidate and deepen their ties.

“The exchange of visits from both ends played a major role in strengthening the ties,” he added.

Among the important visits paid by Mexican officials to Kuwait was the one by Mayor of Mexico City Marcelo Ebrard in October, when he met with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Deputy Foreign Minister Lourdes Aranda, and Carlos Peralta the head of Mexican side in the Kuwaiti-Mexican Friendship Society attended the banquet. — KUNA

sities, in addition to instructions issued by the Embassy of Kuwait in Cairo in order to ensure safety of students and course of their operation and academic education.

For his part, the deputy of Consular Affairs at the Embassy, the third secretary Khalid Al-Askar said the meeting came out of keenness of the Embassy and the National Union of Kuwait students to facilitate and meet all needs of Kuwaiti students in Egypt, especially in light of current circumstances in the country. —- KUNA

Kuwaiti philanthropist honored at Fez Forum FEZ: Eminent figures participating in the Eighth Edition of the Fez Forum on the Alliance of Civilizations and Cultural Diversity and the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue have honored Director-General of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic and Social Development Abdul-Latif Al-Hamad.

Speaking during inaugural session of the broad forum, held late on Friday, the prominent figures hailed the leading Kuwaiti philanthropist for his unaccountable works in the social, relief and humanitarian domains.

They particularly mentioned Al-Hamad’s role for allocating financial aid for vital development projects in Morocco, such as construction and renovation of roads, irrigation projects, land reclamation, building airports, dams, ports and renovating historical sites.

Al-Hamad, who was celebrated as man of the year, expressed appreciation for the generous gesture. He also affirmed the solid ties bounding KFAED with the kingdom and congratulated the king on the new

constitution.

Mohammad Al-Qubaj, the former minister of economy and finance, said Al-Hamad deserved such honoring, considering his prime role in enhancing Kuwait’s ties with nations, namely Morocco, which has been granted so far up to USD four billion in aid from the fund.

For his part, Madi Khamees, Secretary General of the Arab Media Forum, boasted that an eminent Kuwaiti personality was honored by such a broad gathering.

“Although Kuwait is small in size, it has proven to be a great nation giving distinguished and creative men, whose works are visible across the Arab world,” Khamees said.

The forum got underway, under the theme, “youth and challenges of globalization.” Abdul-Haqq Azouzi, the head of the Moroccan Interdisciplinary Center for Strategic and International Studies, which organized the event, said that the participants would examine experience of the Arab Spring events. —- KUNA

NBK organizes seminar on breast cancer awareness KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) organized a breast cancer awareness and prevention seminar titled: “Be Aware.. Get Checked Today” for its female staff in collaboration with Al-Omooma Hospital. “ The seminar aims at protecting our female staff against breast cancer by encouraging them to go through medical checkups,” said Rola Dallah, NBK Internal Relations Specialist. “This initiative reflects NBK’s commitment toward its employees”.

NBK has also offered its female staff with special discounts on Mammogram, Gynecologist consultation and medical tests for early detection of breast cancer.

The breast cancer awareness and prevention seminar has been presented by Dr Yasser Thabet, Medical Director at AlOmooma Hospital, Dr Tareq Shawkey Radiology-HOD at Al-Omooma Hospital and Dr Asia Esmat OBGYN at Al-Omooma Hospital.

KUWAIT: Rola Dallah in a group photo with the participants.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

LOCAL Kuwait reaffirms commitment to democracy MANAMA: Kuwait will remain a pioneering democratic state due to abidance by the National Constitution and wisdom of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, the Gulf state diplomat here has affirmed.

Political shrewdness and experience of HH the Amir have resulted in “re-directing political activities,” in a manner that will serve requirements of construction and development, said Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah, in a statement yesterday.

His remarks came as Kuwait prepared for upcoming elections, following a recent decree by the Amir, dissolving the Parliament (the National Assembly) and calling for polls in two months, as constitutionally stipulated.

The Amir issued the decree after the (former) prime minister, Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, tendered his resignation, along with the government, citing difficulties in coordination between the executives and legislators.

Wisdom of HH the Amir and the Kuwaiti Constitution are the major reference for stability of Kuwait, said Sheikh Azzam, also stressing these bases are necessary for transforming Kuwait into a financial-commercial hub.

Kuwait shall remain a pioneer with its democratic experience in the Middle East, the ambassador said.

It presents an advanced form of democracy, safeguarded by the

Attempt to woo foreign investors

By Nawara Fattahova

Sheikh Azzam Al-Sabah adherence to the constitution and wisdom of the Amir, bases of which have also bolstered status of Kuwait at the regional and international levels, he said.

He re-affirmed that the commitment to democracy and loyalty to the Amir would remain unscathed despite “the dynamic (political) activity, based on responsible freedoms, respect of opinions, also on the bases of democracy.”

Kuwait, a member of the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council elects the parliament, which plays an instrumental role in examination of state affairs and administration. The country is credited for substantial freedoms, enjoyed by politicians, writers and ordinary citizens. — KUNA

Teen thwarts rapists in Salmiya KUWAIT: Hawally police are currently looking for six suspects who escaped following a failed sexual assault attempt on a teenager they kidnapped in Salmiya. According to a report, the boy was walking in the area when he was forced into an SUV which then drove behind a building in the area where the attackers attempted their assault. The victim was reportedly beaten following his strong resistance which thwarted the rape attempt. The assailants eventually dropped the kid off on the street before driving away from the scene.

The boy headed to the nearest police station immediately afterwards and reported the incident. He was taken to the Mubarak Hospital for medical attention before reporting back to provide descriptions of the suspects’ car.

Kuwaiti maid killer Ahmadi police charged a Kuwaiti man with second degree-murder for the death of his Ethiopian housemaid whose body was recently found buried in the desert at the Abdullah Port area. The charges were pressed by Ahmadi prosecutors following investigations with the military man who confessed to beating his maid with a hard object on her head, before burying her body at a remote location upon discovering she was dead. The man explained that he was only trying to discipline the maid for mistreating his children and causing troubles, which according to him, included continuous demands to allow her to go home. The medical report confirmed that the maid died from injuries. Meanwhile, Ahmadi police are reportedly weighing options to press charges against the man’s wife for failing to report the crime.

Govt firm on private sector role in development projects

According to a security officer, the wife could also face second-degree murder charges if investigations prove that she was involved in the victim’s death. The man faces other charges in addition to murder, like misleading authorities. He remains in custody, pending further action.

Security campaign One hundred expatriates of different Arab and Asian nationalities were arrested during a security campaign against fugitives and residency violators carried out recently in Al-Farwaniya, Khaitan and Jleeb Al-Shyoukh. The detainees were reported to the proper authorities for further legal procedures.

Fatal crashes An unidentified woman was pronounced dead on Gulf Road when the car she was driving in, burst into flames. A team of firefighters, paramedics and police officers rushed to the site where a collision between two vehicles was reported. Two people in one of the cars were treated on site while firefighters rescued a man from the other car which was on fire. Firefighters discovered the burnt body of a female inside the vehicle after the flames were put out. An investigation was opened to reveal the circumstances of the accident.

A Kuwaiti man in his forties died in a car accident that took place recently on Wafra Road. The victim was pronounced dead on the scene by paramedics who were present at the crash site with police shortly after the accident was reported. The body was taken to the coroner while a case was filed for investigations.

KUWAIT: Although there are many investment opportunities in Kuwait in various fields, the demand by foreign investors is not as high as expected. Osama Ibrahim Alduaij, Kuwait Municipality Deputy Director General highlighted some facts about Kuwait’s experience in privatizing government projects and services. The government programs of privatizing projects and services constitute a partnership between the public and private sectors and it is considered ‘service contracts’. On the other hand, the private sector arranges the necessar y funding of the public sector asset which will select and purchase the required services.

• What is the reason for such a partnership?

It differs from nation to nation for purely economic reasons related to funding projects. It’s reducing the financial burdens and costs of public debt as a means of transition from a planned central economy to free market economy, in addition to the effective utilization of private sector funding, rather than having to bear the financial burden for the purchasing of capital assets. Moreover, it will provide the opportunity and the right climate to ensure continued provision of high quality ser vices, achieve the added value and the utilization of efficient facilities, equipped with effective insulation. It will also migrate risk factors from the public sector to the private sector.

• How can the return of the privatization process on the overall economy be assessed?

By measuring the rates of increased private sector participation in the economy and a decrease of the budget deficit,

Osama Ibrahim Alduaij the growth of domestic capital markets and the improvement of the trade balance, in addition to the change in the unemployment rate, measuring the rates of financial indicators and profitability and services quality indicators.

• What’s the history of the government services privatization experience in Kuwait?

It started nearly 40 years ago when the government launched several multi-storey public parking projects. Investment and real estate companies have participated in implementing such projects, to fulfill the increasing demand on public parking space in Kuwait City and bear construction costs and operational

expenses in exchange for the right to utilize commercial space to cover all related costs and expenses on top of car park symbolic entrance fees.

This was followed by the privatization of mobile phone services, waterfront development projects, public markets, slaughterhouses, highway rest areas, waste recycling projects, craft and industrial land development, public transport projects, the development of customs services, health services, education, sports, entertainment and other public services projects.

The state enterprise and the private sector went through this experience without having the necessary expertise to deal with such methods for implementing projects and providing public services, any proper legislative cover or administrative regulations ready to regulate the relationship between the contracting parties.

• Are there any wrong practices in this process?

The state authorities work hard to achieve the best results, while some investors try to submit the best offer to ensure winning the competition of the BOT projects, without conducting a realistic risk and opportunities analysis. These circumstances have resulted in raising some legal and contractual issues, which have had a negative impact on these projects and has led to lack of confidence and escalating crisis in the relationship between the contracting parties.

• What are the rules regulating the BOT projects?

This experience has its advantages and disadvantages but the disadvantages and problems which have appeared on the scene took political dimensions, prompted the government to reconsider the rules and provisions of tendering and awarding of BOT projects procedures in accordance with the Build Operate - Transfer, Law No (7) of 2008 and Decree No (256) for the year 2008. This confirms the seriousness of the government, represented by its concerned body to move forward towards the implementation of privatization policy and the involvement of private sector to implement development projects and services.

• What are the negative points in this law?

The mentioned legislation had some articles which might have led to the reluctance of a large proportion of investors towards participation in privatization projects. This was the motive of issuance of the new BOT Law and outcome of the recovery period and economic boom witnessed during the past five years. It has not been more than two years since this law has been put into effect, nevertheless critics have been heard calling for reconsideration of the amendment. There should be confidence between the public and private sectors that would be translated into successful projects that contribute to pushing forward the development cycle.

Kuwait to host oil, gas conference KUWAIT: The Ministry of Oil confirmed attendance at Kuwait Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition at the Regency Hotel. The Inauguration will feature the exhibition opening and VIP tour taking place on Feb 12.

The Kuwait Oil and Gas Summit and Exhibition will be personally led by Farouk Al-Zanki, CEO and Deput y Chairman of KPC and will include full participation from KPC management and K-company personnel.

The Kuwait Oil and G as Summit and Exhibition is the only event in Kuwait where the key leaders from the International and Kuwait Oil and Gas Industry will attend.

Networking is at the heart of the event, hosted by KPC, the evening reception and gala dinner will take place on Feb 13 at the Al Hashemi II Grand Ballroom. Also part of the event is the Summit Workshop hosted by SNR Denton. This will take place on Feb 15

KUWAIT: Trit Kiriratnikom, charge d’affaires at the Thailand embassy held a reception last week on the occasion of the 84th birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the National Day of Thailand in Crowne Plaza hotel. It was attended by a number of diplomats and other dignitaries.—Photos by Joseph Shagra

at the Regency Hotel.

The program has now been published and will address the critical issues and discuss the strategies for future development and regional cooperation in energy security as well as opportunities in Kuwait’s downstream market.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Alawites in Turkish border city dread Assad’s fall

Lax safety cited in India deadly hospital fire

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WASHINGTON: Callista Gingrich (center) wife of Republican presidential candidate, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich (inset) applauds as her husband is announced onstage to address the 2012 Republican Presidential Candidates Forum hosted by the Republican Jewish Coalition. — AP

Palestinians ‘invented’ people GOP presidential candidate sparks controversy WASHINGTON: US Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich thrust himself into controversy on Friday by declaring that the Palestinians are an “invented” people who want to destroy Israel. The former speaker of the US House of Representatives predictably sided with Israel in its decades-old dispute with the Palestinians but took it a step further in an interview with the Jewish Channel. The cable station posted online its interview with Gingrich, who has risen to the top of Republican polls with voting to start early next year to pick a nominee to challenge Democratic President Barack Obama in the November 2012 election.

Gingrich differed with official US policy that respects the Palestinians as a people deserving of their own state based on negotiations with Israel. “Remember, there was no Palestine as a state. It was part of the Ottoman Empire” until the early 20th century, Gingrich said. “I think that we’ve had an invented Palestinian people who are in fact Arabs, and who were historically part of the Arab community. And they had a chance to go many places, and for a variety of political reasons we have sustained this war

against Israel now since the 1940s, and it’s tragic,” he said.

Most historians mark the start of Palestinian Arab nationalist sentiment in 1834, when Arab residents of the Palestinian region revolted against Ottoman rule. Israel, founded amid the 1948 Arab-Israel war, took shape along the lines of a 1947 UN plan for ethnic partition of the thenBritish ruled territory of Palestine which Arabs rejected. The two sides remain deeply divided over what the future boundaries should be for two states under any eventual peace accord, as well as on the fate of millions of Palestinian refugees who remain displaced. Gingrich along with other Republican candidates are seeking to attract Jewish support by vowing to bolster US ties with Israel if elected.

Gingrich said the Hamas militant group, which controls the Gaza Strip, and the Palestinians’ governing body, the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank, represent “an enormous desire to destroy Israel.” The US government has sought to encourage the Palestinian Authority to negotiate with Israel but has labeled Hamas as a terrorist

Al-Qaeda profiting from Yemeni political turmoil SANAA: A group linked to Al-Qaeda has profited from Yemen’s political turmoil, extending its influence in the restive south and hopes to create an Islamic emirate that reaches into the north, residents and analysts said.

Militants from the group known as Partisans of Sharia (Islamic law) are already imposing Islamist law in a string of southern towns which they control, residents said. “The members of Al-Qaeda move freely between the four (adjoining) provinces,” said analyst Zeid AlSallami, referring to Abyan and Shabwa in the south, the oil-rich Marib in the east Al-Jawf in the north.

Strengthened by its recent successes against government forces, Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, a fusion of the group’s Yemeni and Saudi branches “is getting ready to proclaim an Islamic emirate in southern Yemen,” he said.

The group may then try to extend its influence north, Sallami added. Residents said that during 11 months of protests against Yemen’s veteran leader President Ali Abdullah Saleh, fighters from the AlQaeda affiliated group filled the vacuum left by retreating government troops. “After the outbreak of the ‘Youth Revolution’ the state’s presence started to weaken and we were surprised by the withdrawal of the security services,” said a local official from the city of Azzan in Shabwa province.

“Al-Qaeda, which already had a clandestine presence in our region, has come out into the light and taken control of the city and two other neighboring localities,” the official, who requested anonymity, added. “Today, the Partisans of Sharia have taken the place of the state: they control the traffic, are repairing the hospital, and

are applying the law,” he said. According to residents, the group’s emir, or leader, in Azzan operates out of the police station and judges local disputes. Those found guilty of theft face punishments that include the amputation of a hand, while those whose behavior is deemed immoral are flogged, witnesses said.

Although the group applies draconian justice, Abdel Wahed, who asked that his family name be withheld, said the Partisans of Sharia are “trying as much as possible to avoid clashes with the residents and the tribes.”

“They are even trying to woo them over,” he said. In addition to Azzan, the Islamist militants have also spread their control over the districts of Huta and Rawda in Shabwa province. In the neighboring Abyan province, Islamist fighters have also taken advantage of a weakening central authority, seizing control of several towns, including the provincial capital Zinjibar.

Residents reported that government troops withdrew from parts of the region even before the Islamist fighters arrived.

Some of Saleh’s opponents accused the president of deliberately letting the Islamists extend their influence, so that he could present himself as a desperately needed bulwark against the growing Al-Qaeda threat. But Saleh has now signed a deal securing his exit from power, set for February after 33 years in power, and a transitional national unity government was due to be sworn in yesterday. As Yemen strives for political stability, government troops continue to clash with Islamist fighters, but have so far been unable to take back full control of southern towns and cities seized by Al-Qaeda-linked groups.— AFP

group. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has long forsworn violence against Israel as a means to secure an independent state, pinning his hopes first on negotiations and more recently on a unilateral bid for statehood via the United Nations.

Gingrich said he would be willing to consider granting clemency to Jonathan Jay Pollard, who has been serving a life prison term since 1987 for passing US secrets to Israel.

Successive US presidents have refused Israeli entreaties to free him. “If we can get to a point where I’m satisfied that there’s no national security threat, and if he’s in fact served within the range of people who’ve had a similar problem, then I’d be inclined to consider clemency,” Gingrich said.

Gingrich sharply criticized the Obama administration’s approach to Middle East diplomacy, saying it is “so out of touch with reality that it would be like taking your child to the zoo and explaining that a lion was a bunny rabbit.”

NEWT’S RISE PUZZLES CRITICS Gingrich’s rapid rise in presidential polls has left veteran

Republicans scratching their heads, and not just because he vaulted from far back to lead Mitt Romney in several key states. They’re trying to figure out why the former House speaker is supported by Republican voters who think he’s not particularly honest and doesn’t share their values.

They’re puzzled that Iowa evangelical Christians are flocking to a man who was unfaithful to two wives, paid $300,000 in House ethics fines and converted to Roman Catholicism.

They’re surprised that Republican voters say they value Gingrich’s experience far more than that of his rivals.

Gingrich’s record of earning millions of dollars in the government influence business, after 20 years in Congress, seems to upend the notion that this election cycle is driven by conservative, anti-tax tea partyers’ hostility to Washington insiders. “I can’t decipher what’s going on,” said Republcian Rep. Allen West, one of the tea party’s bestknown first-term lawmakers. “I’ve had a little trouble figuring it out, too,” said Republican Rep Steve King, one of Congress’ most conservative members.— Agencies

Police identify gunman in Virginia Tech murder BLACKSBURG: The man who fatally shot a campus police offi- ing suspiciously in a parking lot about a half a mile from the cer at Virginia Tech on Thursday before killing himself was a first shooting. After briefly losing sight of the man, the deputy student at a nearby university who had stolen a vehicle at gun- found him dead on the ground with a handgun nearby, police point the day before, officials said. Virginia State Police on said. Police later recovered a discarded backpack on campus Friday identified the gunman as 22-year-old Ross Truett Ashley, with clothing inside that was similar to that worn by the man a part-time student at Radford University in Radford, Virginia. seen in video taken by Crouse’s patrol car.

The man apparently changed clothes on the way to the secAshley entered a real estate office in Radford on Wednesday and demanded the keys to an employee’s white 2011 ond parking lot, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said at a media briefing at Virginia Mercedes Benz sport utility vehicle at gunTech. Police are investigating writing found point. He drove off in the vehicle and later on a wall near the backpack, she said. dumped it on the campus of Virginia Tech Officials did not lift the lockdown on camsome time before his deadly confrontation pus until later on Thursday afternoon with 39-year-old Deriek Crouse, an officer because they could not immediately identiwith the Virginia Tech campus police. fy the man as the shooter and were still The state police said they had not been investigating tips from the public, Geller able to establish any prior contact or consaid. The body did not have identification on nection between Ashley and Crouse and did it, but police found an ID in the backpack. A not know why he walked up to the officer Virginia Tech student was driving the car and shot him before turning the gun on that Crouse had stopped, Geller said. The himself in a nearby parking lot. Ballistics student has been cooperating in the investitesting confirmed the same weapon was gation. Crouse joined the Virginia Tech used in both shootings, police said. The incipolice department in October 2007 and is dent prompted a lockdown of the campus survived by his wife, five children and on Thursday and evoked memories of an Ross Truett Ashley stepchildren, and his mother and brother.

April 2007 rampage by a mentally deranged student who killed 32 people and wounded 25 before commit- “His death is a tremendous loss to our department,” Virginia ting suicide on the campus about 250 miles southwest of Tech police chief Wendell Flinchum said at the briefing. Other Washington. That was one of the worst shooting incidents in departments will help patrol the campus while officers grieve, he said. Virginia Tech implemented new alert systems, includUS history.

Shortly after noon Thursday, Crouse had a vehicle stopped ing text alerts sent to students’ phones, after facing criticism in a campus parking lot when he was approached by a man for the school’s response to the 2007 shootings. The systems and fatally shot while still in his car, police said. The man then “worked exactly as expected,” said Larry Hincker, Virginia Tech’s fled. About 30 minutes later, a sheriff’s deputy saw a man act- associate vice president for university relations.— Reuters

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

Alawites in Turkish border city dread Assad’s fall

HATAY: A tradesman Yusuf Mutlu poses in Hatay. In Antakya, a Turkish village overlooking the Syrian border, Ankara’s position on the Syrian crisis doesn’t get unanimous support. — AFP

ANTAKYA: In Antakya, a cosmopolitan Turkish city on the border with Syria, the Alawite minority has taken sides against Ankara in staunch defense of Bashar AlAssad-dreading their fate if he is toppled.

Rejecting their government’s tough stance and sanctions against Damascus, the group outrightly belies the deadly crackdown that has killed more than 4,000 people in Syria since March, according to UN figures.

“We know full well that there is no oppression in Syria,” says Ali Yeral, president of the Ehli Beyt Alawite association in Antakya-summarizing the predominant attitude. “Of course there are a few small problems ... but you have to allow time for President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime to put in place democratic reforms.” The Alawites form a minority Shiite branch that counts Syria’s ruling Assad family among its adherents. It has about two million devotees in Syria, strongly represented in the top ranks of the army and the Baath party in power-and hundreds of thousands in Turkey, mainly around Antakya where they retain strong links with their

brethren across the border.

Expatriate Alawites have for the most part remained loyal to the embattled regime in Damascus. “Everything is calm in the (Syrian) cities. There is nothing in (the northwestern town of ) Latakia; the people who come here say that they are living normally,” claimed Suheyla Kocak, an actress in the Antakya municipal theatre which has staged numerous plays in Syria. “Where are the incidents happening? In remote areas, where people are ignorant and where they can easily lose their heads. It is in these types of places where they are fighting and killing each other.”“Millions of people are on the street to support (Assad’s) reforms,” added Ali Yeral. “But certain television stations, in particular Al-Jazeera, do everything to ignore it and instead show 200 to 300 members of a bloody terrorist organization demonstrating,” said Yeral.

Lurking behind such denialism may be the threat of reprisals against the Alawites, in Syria and elsewhere, should Assad’s regime fall. “If Assad is overthrown, it is clear that there will be a mas-

sacre of Alawites,” said Yeral. “After that, Lebanon’s Hezbollah will be in the line of fire, then Iraq, Iran, and this will reach all the way to Turkey and Saudi Arabia.” Yusuf Mutlu, a restaurant owner, blames the Muslim Brotherhood for the violence in Syria. The movement is banned in Syria and all of its officials live in exile. “The Muslim Brotherhood are the ones who are creating all of these incidents,” he claimed.

Mutlu said he had little sympathy for the 7,500 Syrian refugees in the Antakya region, with their terrifying tales of the devastation committed by the Syrian army. Neither was he convinced by Ankara’s calls for Assad to stand down or the wisdom of sanctions against Damascus when relations between Syria and Turkey were warm just a year ago. “As an Alawite, it hurt me deeply ... that an official with the Turkish Republic commits religious discrimination,” he added, referring to a statement by senior AKP ruling party official Huseyin Celik in September in which he underlined the role of Alawites in Syria’s power structures. — AFP

Syria under pressure as death toll mounts 41 civilians killed in flashpoint cities DAMASCUS: World powers piled pressure on Syria to allow observers to monitor spiraling deadly violence as activists condemned rights violations yesterday’s anniversary of International Human Rights Day. Activists said 41 civilians were killed on Friday in flashpoint cities across Syria as the opposition warned the regime was planning a “massacre” in the protest hub of Homs, where another civilian was killed yesterday.

“The world celebrates human rights as human rights are being violated in Syria,” the opposition Syrian Revolution 2011 said in a message posted on its Facebook page. UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay has said that at least 4,000 people have been killed in a government crackdown on dissent in Syria since the anti-regime protest movement started in March. Pillay is to brief the UN Security Council about Syria and the wider Middle East at a meeting tomorrow-her second address to the world body since August when the number of dead was estimated at more than 2,000.

“Now it is more than 4,000. Lives could have been changed if action had been taken sooner.

It is not for me to determine what kind of action, it is for the Security Council,” she told a

UN news conference on Friday. Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has refused to let investigators from two UN human rights inquiries enter Syria, and his regime is resisting Arab League calls to accept monitors despite being hit by crippling sanctions. As the death toll mounted Britain and the United States expressed fresh concerns, and Washington urged Syria to allow independent monitors into the country.

Damascus, which blames “armed terrorist gangs” for the violence, meanwhile appealed to the international community to help it find an “honorable exit” to the crisis and stem the flow of weapons into Syria. “We are appealing to the outside world and our brothers in the Arab world to help Syria (prevent the) channeling (of ) weapons” into the country, foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi said on Friday, speaking in English. “If we all work together we can find an honorable exit to the crisis.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 41 civilians, including seven children, were shot dead by Syrian security forces in the capital Damascus and the restive central city of Homs on Friday.

Thirteen people were killed in the Homs

HOMS: This image from amateur video shows a dead body being dragged by a metal rod in Homs, Syria. — AP

Canadian man indicted in Iraq suicide bombing NEW YORK: A Canadian citizen has been indicted for aiding in a 2009 suicide-bomb attack that prosectors say killed five US soldiers near an American military base in Iraq. Faruq Khalil Muhammed ‘Isa, 38, who is an Iraqi national, was arrested and detained in Canada in January 2011, a spokesman for the US attorney’s office in Brooklyn said.

According to a federal grand jury indictment returned on Friday, Isa helped arrange for four unnamed co-conspirators to travel from Tunisia to Iraq in March 2009 to carry out a suicide-bomb attack near the fence of the US Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul, Iraq. The attack killed five US soldiers: Staff Sergeant Gary Woods of Kentucky, Sergeant First Class Bryan Hall of California, Sergeant Edward Forrest Jr of Missouri, Corporal Jason Pautsch of Iowa and Army Private First Class Bryce Gaultier of California, prosecutors said.

‘Isa is charged with the murder of all five soldiers, as well as conspiring to kill Americans abroad and providing material support to that conspiracy.

After the attack, ‘Isa continued to plot to kill Americans and Iraqi police, according to the indictment. In May 2010 ‘Isa told his sister, who lived in Iraq, “Go learn about weapons and go attack the police and Americans. Let it be that you die,” according to the indictment. An extradition hearing is scheduled for Jan. 30, according to federal prosecutors. If convicted, ‘Isa faces up to life in prison. The case is US vs ‘Isa, in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. — Reuters

region, five in the restive city of Hama, 18 around Damascus, two in Daraa, cradle of the protest movement, and three in the northwestern province of Idlib, the watchdog said.

Thousands of Syrians took to the streets across the country on Friday in response to calls by pro-democracy activists who urged citizens to turn out in support of a “dignity strike... which will lead to the sudden death of this tyrant regime.” Activists also called for a campaign of civil disobedience from today, the first day of the working week in Syria, with sit-ins at work, the closure of shops, universities and later a general strike.

The Local Coordination Committees, which organizes anti-regime protests on the ground in Syria, said the campaign would “snowball” and the strike is “the first step in an overall civil disobedience” campaign to overthrow the regime. The opposition Syrian National Council warned of a looming bloody final assault on Homs using the pretext of what the regime had called a “terrorist” attack Thursday on an oil pipeline. “The regime (is) paving the way to commit a massacre in order to extinguish the revolution in Homs,” said the SNC, a coalition of Assad opponents.

Homs, an important central junction city of 1.6 million residents mainly divided along confessional lines, is a tinderbox of sectarian tensions that the SNC said the regime was trying to exploit. Witnesses in Homs, already besieged for months by government troops, have reported a buildup of troops and pro-regime “shabiha” militiamen in armored vehicles who have set up more than 60 checkpoints, the SNC said. US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said that Assad would be responsible for any further deaths. “There are reports today that the government may be preparing a very serious new assault on the city of Homs in a very large-scale way,” said Nuland.

London echoed Washington’s concern, with Foreign Office minister Alistair Burt saying: “The Syrian government should immediately withdraw its forces from Homs and exercise restraint.” An Arab League ministerial task force had been due to meet in the Qatari capital to mull a response to Syria which wants the bloc to lift sanctions in return for allowing in observers to monitor its deadly unrest. But reports from Doha and from Cairo, where the pan-Arab bloc has its headquarters, suggested the meeting on Syria would be held in midDecember. — AFP

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s reelected President Cristina Fernandez lifts the baton during her swearing-in ceremony yesterday. — AP

Argentine leader starts new term with rocky road ahead BUENOS AIRES: Cristina Fernandez began a second term as Argentine president yesterday as signs of strain in a long economic boom force her to tweak the offbeat, highgrowth policies that pleased voters but spook investors. Fernandez won a landslide re-election on the back of sizzling economic growth and a wave of sympathy following the death of her husband and predecessor as president, Nestor Kirchner. She has vowed to “deepen the model” he started in 2003. Still dressed in mourning black, an emotional Fernandez addressed cheering supporters throwing tickertape from the balconies of the Congress building to mark her inauguration. “Our national project will continue until not one poor person remains,” Fernandez said in her speech.

“Our model is a model of growth ... we believe in growth, in work and inclusion and we’re going to maintain that path,” the former senator told industry leaders in a recent speech. Double-digit inflation, capital flight and tight finances are, however, raising concerns about the sustainability of her bigspending policies as a worsening global outlook weighs on grains prices and reduces demand from neighboring Brazil.

Factory output growth was significantly slower in October, a clear sign that Latin America’s third-biggest economy is cooling down. Fernandez, 58, is a center-left member of Argentina’s dominant Peronist party and rejects orthodox belt-tightening measures, saying they stifle growth. But she has already made several adjustments. Days after she was re-elected with 54 percent of the vote in October, Fernandez ordered energy and mining firms to cash in export revenues on the local foreign exchange market and sent in tax officials to approve dollar purchases on a case-by-case basis.

Both measures were designed to counter surging capital flight and bolster the central

bank’s foreign currency reserves, which Fernandez has earmarked for debt repayments next year. She has also started dismantling multibillion-dollar state subsidies on water, natural gas and utility bills, an unresolved legacy of a devastating 2001/02 economic crisis that is an increasing burden on public finances. Deeper cuts in public spending - such as further subsidy reductions or caps on wage demands - will likely lead to struggles with the powerful trade union movement that provides the key support for Peronist politicians like Fernandez.

Her choice of market-friendly Finance Secretary Hernan Lorenzino as economy minister was well-received by Wall Street, where analysts said it could point to intensified efforts to clear up lingering fallout from the 2002 debt default and return to global markets. “I don’t see any significant changes.

What’s happened so far has been reassuring for those who thought something scary would happen in the second term,” said political analyst Federico Thomsen. During her stormy first four-year term, Fernandez nationalized private pensions, fought with farmers over export taxes, and ignored international arbitration awards to private firms hurt during a massive debt default in 2002, which left Argentina’s virtually frozen out of global credit markets.

Yesterday’s inauguration ceremony was attended by regional leaders including Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who had been due to make his first official trip abroad since cancer treatment, canceled at the last minute. Fernandez’s outgoing vice president, Julio Cobos, who refused to step down despite an acrimonious falling out with her, will also be there. Cobos is seen by Fernandez loyalists as a traitor and is being replaced in her second term by her current economy minister, Amado Boudou. — Reuters

Gunman killed in Hollywood LOS ANGELES: A gunman opened fire on motorists in the heart of Hollywood on Friday, wounding three people before he was shot to death by an off-duty police officer who had been working on a nearby film set. The bizarre mid-morning incident, which some witnesses initially mistook for a movie, touched off fear, confusion and panic at the famed Hollywood intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Vine Street.

Police said on Friday night they were still trying to determine why the 26-year-old gunman, whose name was not immediately released and who was described as Hispanic, began firing randomly at motorists and pedestrians. A 40-yearold man who was struck by a bullet while driving through the intersection in a silver Mercedes was listed in critical condition at a local hospital, Los Angeles Police spokeswoman Norma Eisenman said.

Two other men suffered minor injuries, one when he was grazed by a bullet and the other when glass from a car window shattered near his face, Eisenman said. None of the wounded were identified by name. Eisenman said a plainclothes detective and an off-duty motorcycle officer who was working a security detail on the set of a film in the area were the first to engage the gunman. “He was the one who shot the suspect,” Eisenman said of the off-duty officer. Police said they did not know which production the officer was working on when he responded to the call.

‘THEY’RE SHOOTING AT US’ A spokesman for FilmLA, an agency that

coordinates film and television permits in Los Angeles, said the closest movie set was “Gangster Squad,” a crime drama starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Sean Penn. That set was several blocks away from the intersection of Sunset and Vine, the spokesman said, although he could not confirm that the officer had been working there. Witness Micah Williams told local KCAL-9 TV that he and a friend were walking nearby when the gunman began shooting “in every which direction.”

Williams said at first he and his friend thought the suspect was par t of a movie.

“Then the third one ricocheted right by our head and I was like, ‘Dude, they’re shooting at us’,” Williams said. A series of videos taken from a nearby office tower and posted on Twitter showed the gunman, dressed in black pants and a white shirt. walking in the intersection firing what appeared to be a handgun as motorists slammed on their brakes and veered out of the way.

Police were then seen arriving on the scene and running in the man’s direction. Several more shots were fired out of the camera’s view.

Another brief clip, posted on the Los Angeles Times website, showed the man firing at a black pick-up truck at close range. Witness Oscar Herrera told local KCBS-TV he saw the shooter fire his gun at several cars traveling near or through the intersection. Herrera told KCBS that when the suspect apparently ran out of bullets he put the gun into his waistband and took out a knife before he was shot by police. — Reuters

Man condemned to death for brutal home invasion NEW HAVEN: Jurors who condemned a Connecticut man to death for a brutal home invasion said each of them wept as they weighed the horrific brutality of the crime against the misfortune that the convict suffered is his own early life. The jury deliberated over five days before voting Friday to send Joshua Komisarjevsky to death row, condemning him to the same fate as his accomplice who joined him in bursting into a house in 2007 and killing a woman and her two daughters after subjecting them to a night of terror.

One juror, Tashana Milton-Toles, told The Associated Press that some on the 12-member panel favored the death penalty more than others at the outset, but they all had mixed feelings. “Everybody wanted to find a way to keep Joshua alive. That’s why we cried,” said Milton-Toles, a 29-year-old state investigator from West Haven. “I walked away feeling like I did the right thing, but it wasn’t easy getting there. “It was very intense. It was very emotional,” she said. Komisarjevsky and his accomplice Steven Hayes, tormented a family of four in the affluent New Haven suburb of Cheshire before killing Jennifer Hawke-Petit and leaving her daughters, 17-year old Hayley and 11-year-old Michaela, to die in a fire.

The sentencing verdict concluded two long trials that subjected jurors to grim evidence including charred beds, rope used to tie up the family and autopsy photos. The attack led to

the defeat of a bill to outlaw the death penalty in Connecticut, sparked tougher state laws for repeat offenders and home invasions and drew comparisons the crime described in Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood,” which documented the brutal murders of a Kansas farmer and his family. New Haven Superior Court Judge Jon Blue thanked the jurors for their service on what he called an “emotionally searing” case.

Juror Ryan Festa said he opposed the death penalty before the trial, and jurors explored several avenues to give him a life sentence without parole. But he said the heinous details of the crime ultimately persuaded him there was no alternative. “It was like a slaughterhouse,” said Festa, a 28-year-old wastewater operator from Wallingford. He said the trial itself was very stressful and left him wanting to spend time alone. Komisarjevsky will join 10 other men on Connecticut’s death row. The state has executed only one man since 1960, and the 31-year-old Komisarjevsky will likely spend years, if not decades, in prison.

The jury of seven women and five men, the same panel that convicted Komisarjevsky, sentenced him to death on each of six capital felony counts and took only slightly longer to reach a decision than Hayes’ jury did. Dr William Petit, the only survivor of the attack, said justice was served and thanked some panel members after they returned the sentence. — AP

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

NJ widow exposes mishandling of troop remains FRENCHTOWN: It took Gari-Lynn Smith more than four years to learn what happened to the final remains of her husband, an Army sergeant killed in Iraq. The New Jersey widow never thought that knowing would be worse than not, or that her search would lead to the bottom of a landfill. “I was told no one wanted my husband, so he was cremated with the medical waste and thrown in the trash,” Smith said in an interview with The Associated Press this week from her home. Her quest to find the truth of what happened to her husband’s remains led to an even more disturbing revelation this week as the Air Force acknowledged it had dumped cremated partial remains of at least 274 troops into a Virginia dump - far more than previously acknowledged.

Her story, first told by The Washington Post, along with information from multiple whistleblowers about other mistreatment of fallen soldiers’ bodies became the catalyst for an investigation that found “gross mismanagement” at the Air Force’s mortuary in Dover, Del - the first stop on American soil for fallen troops coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s where the body of Sgt 1st Class

Scott R Smith, a bomb-disposal technician, was flown in July 2006. Smith was killed after he stepped on a pressure plate above a roadside bomb as he worked to clear the area. Several limbs and much of his torso were lost in the explosion, his wife said.

Initially led to believe her husband’s entire body was returned, Gari-Lynn became suspicious after being told she shouldn’t ask to see the body before the closed-casket funeral. Later, she ordered copies of the autopsy and learned there were additional remains located, leading to more questions. This spring, after years of pestering Air Force officials, she received a letter from the Dover mortuary telling her some of her husband’s body was incinerated and sent to a landfill. It closed: “I hope that this brings you some comfort in your time of loss.”

The Air Force later confirmed that other soldiers’ remains were incinerated then handed over to a contractor who took them to the landfill in shipments of medical waste. The Air Force said remains were shipped to the landfill only in cases in which the family had previously signed a form saying it

didn’t want to be contacted in the event more remains were found. Scott Smith’s parents had signed the form in the days after his death. The forms allowed the Defense Department to “make appropriate disposition” of partial remains that may be discovered.

Gari-Lynn said she understood why his parents signed the form, but that it never specified that the remains would be thrown away. “I just don’t understand how they get ‘appropriate’ and ‘landfill’ in the same sentence,” Gari-Lynn said. “I obviously was completely outraged, upset and hysterical.” Smith contacted Democratic Rep Rush Holt of New Jersey, and together they pressed for more information.

The practice, which Holt believes goes back to 1996, was stopped in 2008, and cremated remains from such troops are now given a burial at sea, the Air Force said. The Air Force disciplined - but did not fire - three senior supervisors at Dover, and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has ordered a review of that decision.

“Nobody has ever apologized,” Smith said. “I would like for them to sit across the table and look

me in the eye and say that it was an appropriate disposition for my husband to be thrown in a garbage dump, mixed in with the rest of household garbage like last week’s leftover meatloaf.” Holt said he was shocked at the military’s response. “They tried to minimize this and present it as a procedural error,” Holt said. “I don’t think they understand the degree of dishonesty, disrespect and insensitivity that’s involved here.” Holt said the change of how remains are handled should be credited to the “persistence of Gari-Lynn.”

Gary-Lynn said she owed it to the legacy of her husband - a man who helped stranded motorists in snowstorms and who wore a big, mischievous smile that “let us know that he knew something that the rest of us just didn’t know or didn’t get.” He was a kind man, she said, and a man who took on a job assignment that others would run away from because he understood the honor and importance in saving lives and honoring those lost. “Scott would be completely disgusted,” she said of the way the remains were handled. “If he were here, I believe he would be helping me in this fight.” — AP

South Carolina could be Perry’s last stand Romney, Gingrich suck out the air

KINSHASA: A supporter of Democratic Republic of Congo’s opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi reacts in front of burning tyres as he demonstrates in Kinshasa. — AFP

Congo’s Kabila re-elected, opposition claims victory Protesters, troops clash in Kinshasa KINSHASA: The main challenger in Democratic Republic of Congo’s election declared himself president and poured scorn on provisional official results handing victory to incumbent Joseph Kabila. Clashes broke out between tire-burning protesters and security forces in the mostly pro-opposition capital, Kinshasa, and fears mounted a postelection dispute would reignite conflict in the war-scarred central African state. The head of the electoral commission said on Friday Kabila won nearly 49 percent of the votes to rival Etienne Tshisekedi’s roughly 32 percent, results an observer group later said appeared suspicious.

In Washington, the Obama administration called on Congolese authorities to complete the election process “with maximum openness and transparency.” State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland also said the Kinshasa government “remains responsible for providing security for the people of the Congo” and that anyone involved in violence “must be held accountable.” Electoral commission Chief Daniel Ngoy Mulunda called for calm. “(The results) are no reason to whip up the population against the established order to contest the results, or to settle scores,” he told officials and diplomats gathered to hear the results.

Tshisekedi said he rejected Kabila’s victory and considered himself the newly elected leader of Congo. “I consider these results a real provocation of the Congolese people,” he said in an interview on RFI radio. “As a conse-

quence, I consider myself, from today, the elected president of the Democratic Republic of Congo.” Opposition supporters burned tires in parts of Kinshasa, a sprawling city of 10 million, and chanted Tshisekedi’s campaign slogan, “The people first.” A UN source said there had been clashes with security forces and reports of shooting.

Gunfire erupted in Mbuji Mayi, an opposition stronghold in the south of the country, an hour after Kabila was named winner, a local civil society leader said. “We can hear gunshots everywhere, it’s still going on,” he said. Celebrations broke out in other parts of the country. At least 18 people have been killed in election-related violence, according to US-based Human Rights Watch, as opposition protesters took to the streets alleging the government was attempting to rig the vote. The Nov 28 poll was Congo’s first locally organized presidential contest since a war that killed more than 5 million, and is meant to move the country toward stability and encourage investment after years of conflict and turmoil. Government Communications Minister Lambert Mende said Tshisekedi’s self-declaration as president was “nonsense and illegal” and warned that it could spark violence. “We’re calling for Thshisekedi to come back to legality and not to threaten the peace of the country just because the people didn’t choose him,” he said. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Congolese on Friday to avoid violence over the results. —Reuters

CHARLESTON: South Carolina might be the last stand for Texas Governor Rick Perry if he fails to kick-start his US presidential bid soon.

Overshadowed by Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney and hit by gaffes and missteps, former front-runner Perry has seen his support tumble to single-digit percentages in states voting early for the Republican nomination. If his luck does not turn in the first two states holding contests for the Republican nomination, then Perry will need a strong showing among conservatives in South Carolina on Jan 21 just to stay in the race for the right to run against President Barack Obama in 2012. One Perry adviser called South Carolina the governor’s “last stand” if he fails to do well in Iowa and New Hampshire earlier in January, as it looks likely.

“I hate to say it, but if he’s not gotten a second look by the third primary, then he may not get a chance to win a second look anywhere else,” said another aide. “If, after South Carolina, he’s in second place or a very close third, in the double digits, he can stay in it for the long haul.”

South Carolina is a watershed in the primaries, the end of the first rush before the expensive race in Florida. Unlike other second tier candidates who will likely drop out of the race after Iowa and New Hampshire, Perry has a strong campaign finance machine which could keep him in the running even without strong poll support. He raised more money than any of his Republican rivals in the third quarter.

Perry’s fund raising, which fell off a cliff after a series of debate gaffes, has improved, said Katon Dawson, Perry’s campaign chief in South Carolina.

“You are going to get to see me a lot,” Perry told a crowd aboard the Yorktown aircraft carrier museum outside Charleston, South Carolina, on Thursday, asking voters to “give me a second look.”

Perry seemed to enjoy a series of campaign stops in South Carolina. He dove back into the crowd after an event, shaking hands and patting backs as his handlers steered him toward curtains. He gave a toddler a high five and made a young Boy Scout promise to work until he achieved the top rank, Eagle. “He did local politics much better than many of the other gentlemen in the race,” said Bill Fearns, president of the Republican Club in Sun City retirement community.

STRAGGLING IN POLLS Despite kicking off his campaign in South Carolina, Perry has not been seen often in the state, where as a southerner with both fiscal and

social conservative credentials he seems to be a natural fit. But Perry’s poll situation is drastic.

Real Clear Politics’ tally of recent South Carolina polls shows Gingrich, who was also campaigning in the state on Thursday, crushing Perry by about five to one and perennial second-best Romney by about 20 percentage points.

One hope for Perry might be if support for Gingrich wilts under media attention that is portraying the former House of Representatives speaker as a Washington insider with murky business connections. “Here’s how Perry can win that back: he can say, listen, I had some stumbles before, but that’s because, you know, I’m not a Washington insider slick politician. But I am the guy. If you look at Newt’s beliefs, he’s on multiple sides of an issue. If you look at Newt’s background, he is not the true conservative I am,” said Scott Huffmon, a pollster from Winthrop University.

“Whether or not it is possible for him to do that is an entirely different question,” he added.

Winthrop this week released a survey of 340 likely South Carolina Republican primary voters that showed Perry third with 9 percent to

WASHINGTON: Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition’s Republican Presidential Candidates Forum in Washington. — AFP

Alabama to revise tough immigration law Critic calls law ‘incredibly flawed’ BIRMINGHAM: Alabama’s governor said yesterday he would work to revise the state’s tough new immigration law following embarrassing incidents where foreign workers were detained because they were not carrying sufficient identification. Republican Governor Robert Bentley said in a statement with House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh that they did not plan to repeal or weaken the law, widely considered the toughest of its kind in the nation.

Several US states have passed laws cracking down on illegal immigrants, charging that President Barack Obama and the US Congress have failed to act on the issue. “We recognize that changes are needed to ensure that Alabama has not only the nation’s most effective law, but one that is fair and just, promotes economic growth, preserves jobs for those in Alabama legally, and can be enforced effectively and without prejudice,” Bentley said in the statement. Critics of the law said minor revisions would not be enough to salvage a law that Mary Bauer, the legal director at the Southern Pover ty Law Center, called “incredibly flawed.”

Bentley ’s move came after two foreign employees in Alabama’s important auto industry were detained by police in recent weeks for failing to produce proof of legal residency, generating negative publicity for the state and prompting calls for a re-examination of the law. The workers - a German Mercedes-Benz executive and a Japanese employee at Honda-were released without charges after the governor’s office intervened on their behalf.

“This has everything to do with those auto

workers,” said Tommy Eden, an immigration lawyer in Auburn, Alabama. “A lot of political contributors to the GOP want this straightened out so it won’t scare business away.” The Alabama law, which passed by large margins in both chambers of the Republican-led Legislature earlier this year,

ALABAMA: Alabama Gov Robert Bentley talks with reporters at the Governor’s mansion in Montgomery, Alabama. — AP

Gingrich’s 38 percent. The state also has shown a knack for picking presidential candidates.

Every South Carolina Republican primary winner has gone on to head the Republican presidential ticket since 1980. Previous elections have shown room for big swings. A Pew/AP poll of South Carolina in November 2007 had John McCain, the eventual winner, and Mike Huckabee, who took second, running in fourth and fifth place.

But Perry’s campaign has staggered into a blizzard of negative attention this week for a new video in which he says there is “something wrong in the country” because homosexuals can serve openly in the military. The spot may have been meant to reinforce Perry’s credentials as a strong Christian conservative in states like South Carolina, but it has gone too far for many Americans, particularly younger voters, some of whom said it should be banned as hate speech.

By Friday, 10,255 people who had viewed the spot on YouTube had clicked that they “liked” it, but 424,988 had said they disliked it, making it one of the most disliked pieces ever posted on the video sharing site. — Reuters

requires police to detain people they suspect of being in the United States illegally if they cannot produce proper documentation when stopped for any reason.

PROTESTS A US appeals court last month blocked Alabama from enforcing part of the new law, including a controversial provision that permits the state to require public schools to determine the legal residency of children on enrollment. But it let other parts of the law stand, including the detention requirement. Businesses in the state, especially farmers, have protested the law, saying it had caused widespread departures of Hispanic workers from the state, creating an employee shortage.

In response, some Alabama officials have suggested putting state prison inmates to work in the fields to do the jobs once performed by immigrants. In his statement, Bentley offered few specifics about the proposed changes, saying only they would ensure “law enforcement officers have the clarity, the flexibility and the tools they need to enforce immigration laws.”

But John Fitzgerald, president of Saunders Yachtworks in Orange Beach, Alabama, and a board member for the Alabama Gulf Coast Area Chamber of Commerce, said: “The message this is sending to the world is appalling. “It is one of the worst things the Legislature has ever passed. They are dead wrong.” The US Justice Department has sued the state, saying the law represents an impermissible effort by state lawmakers to set immigration policy. The department’s civil rights division has said the measure may also violate a number of federal civil rights laws. — Reuters

Private spat within US nuke agency laid bare Markey report cites ‘conspiracy’ at NRC WASHINGTON: Deep-seated infighting within the five-member US nuclear safety regulator was exposed on Friday after Democrats and Republicans in Congress separately released complaints about misconduct at the highest levels of the agency. The details shed new light on how caustic relationships have become at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which is rolling out a sweeping series of reforms for US nuclear power plants in the wake of the March disaster at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi power plant. On one side is the agency’s chairman, Gregory Jaczko, who previously worked for prominent nuclear critics in Congress.

On the other, four commissioners-two Democratic appointees and two Republicanswho complained to the White House in October that Jaczko was overstepping his powers, and intimidating senior NRC staff and an independent group of advisors that was reviewing the agency’s analysis of the Fukushima accident.

“We believe that his actions and behavior are causing serious damage to this institution and are creating a chilled work environment at the NRC,” the four commissioners said in a letter to White House Chief of Staff William Daley. The letter, signed by William Magwood, Kristine Svinicki, William Ostendorff and George Apostolakis, was stamped “not for public disclosure.” It was made public by Republican Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

In a Dec 7 letter to Daley, Jaczko refuted the accusations and defended his record.

“Unfortunately, all too often, a majority of this

current commission has taken an approach that is not as protective of public health and safety as I believe is necessary,” he said, apologizing to the White House for the “distraction” caused by the internal bickering at the agency. The NRC’s decisions are being closely watched by regulators around the world, and by operators of nuclear power plants. Its changes to safety regulations for existing plants are expected to cost millions for operators including Exelon and Entergy Corp.

The NRC is also expected to soon rule on new plants proposed by Southern Co and SCANA Corp. Also on Friday, Democratic Representative Edward Markey made public a 23-page report accusing the four commissioners of trying to impede US nuclear safety reviews after Fukushima. “The actions of these four commissioners since the Fukushima nuclear disaster has caused a regulatory meltdown that has left America’s nuclear fleet and the general public at risk,” said Markey, a Democrat and a long-time nuclear critic.

Jaczko was once an aide to Markey, and also worked as an aide to Nevada Senator Harry Reid, who successfully fought to shut down a dump for nuclear waste planned for deep inside Yucca Mountain-an issue that continues to rankle Republicans.

Markey said NRC commissioners engaged in a “concerted effort” to “undermine” the NRC task force that studied and proposed new safety steps for the US nuclear power industry, “conspired” to delay the release of task force findings and worked to block the new safety recommendations. — Reuters

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

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

4-nation Mekong security patrols begin BEIJING: China says its armed police began joint Mekong River security patrols yesterday with forces from Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, a development likely to deepen Beijing’s influence in an unstable region on its southern flank. The patrols are a response to the deaths of 13 Chinese sailors who were attacked on two cargo ships in early October along the Thai section of the river that flows through the lawless Golden Triangle region.

The joint operations among the four nations will take Chinese vessels downstream over the border, a first for Chinese border police. China has long contributed police to United Nations peacekeeping missions overseas, but this is believed to be the first time they will work in another country’s territory without a UN mandate. The official Xinhua News Agency reported Saturday from Xishuangbann in Yunnan province near the borders with Laos and Myanmar that the patrols had begun.

The patrols reflect how Chinese political influence is accompanying the country’s economic penetration of the region, particularly in the impoverished nations of Laos and Myanmar. That doesn’t come without political risk for Beijing, however, with many of its neighbors already wary of Chinese domination. China’s military strength and willingness to assert its territorial claims have prompted many to seek stronger ties with the United States, which is focusing again on the Pacific as military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are ending.

While Beijing has long provided key diplomatic and economic support for Myanmar, relations have been strained by fighting between Myanmar’s army and rebel groups that has sent refugees into southwestern China. China was also caught off guard by the suspension of a major dam project being built

by a Chinese company in Myanmar that presaged a significant about-face in Myanmar’s domestic politics. Overall, the joint patrols should be positive for relations among the four and will have little real effect on the balance of influence, said Zhao Gancheng, director of Southeast Asian studies at Shanghai’s government-run Institute of Foreign Studies.

“China is already the most influential country in the region and it’s not necessary for China to gain more influence,” Zhao said. Little is known about the scale of the planned operations on the Mekong and it remains unclear how far south on the river they will go. The Chinese leadership appears to be well aware of sentiments to its south, and Deputy Public Security Minister Meng Hongwei on Friday

XISHUANGBANNA: Fully-armed Chinese police officers line up on their boats as their patrol missions along the Mekong River are ready to start in Guanlei, Dai Autonomous Prefecture of Xishuangbanna, southwest China’s Yunnan Province. — AP

told the participating troops they must be respectful and mindful of foreign ways and win the support of commercial shippers and people living along the river.

“Let joint law enforcement become the bond of friendship between the people of the four nations and the officers and men taking part be ambassadors of friendly exchanges with the outside,” Meng said in remarks at a ceremony marking the formal establishment of the Chinese patrol unit. The Chinese force is made up of more than 200 officers and men drawn from border patrol units along China’s coast and major rivers. They will sail in 11 converted flat-bottomed passenger and cargo ships based in the Mekong River port of Guanlei on China’s border with Myanmar, also known as Burma.

State broadcaster CCTV ran footage showing the troops drilling on board a ship with the latest models of Chinese assault rifles. “It’s the first time in the history of Chinese border guarding to go abroad to another country to jointly enforce the law. This is a groundbreaking model of a police cooperation mechanism,” the force’s political commissar, Liu Jianhong, told CCTV. In addition to the patrols, China will host a multinational Mekong River security headquarters at Guanlei staffed by officials from the four countries.

China has also offered to dispatch experts to help train security personnel in Myanmar and Laos.

Sailors shipping Chinese manufactured goods and agriculture produce downriver have long complained of armed gangs that loot their boats or demand cash. But little action was taken to protect them until the Oct 5 attack near the Thai-Myanmar border that sparked Chinese demands for a thorough investigation.— AP

Taleban commander confirms peace talks Pakistan’s NATO blockade enters third week

KOLKATA: Hospital workers check bodies of victims of a fire brought to a morgue in Kolkata, India. —AP

Lax safety cited in deadly hospital fire KOLKATA: A private Indian hospital where 90 people died in a massive fire had failed to update its safety procedures despite being ordered to do so months ago, officials said yesterday. Most of the victims died in their beds from inhaling noxious black smoke that filled the rooms and corridors of one of AMRI Hospital’s three buildings after the fire broke out before dawn Friday in the basement and medical staff fled the scene.

Authorities had warned hospital administrators in September about the basement, where radiation equipment and other supplies were stored, but no action was taken to improve safety, said West Bengal state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who pulled the hospital’s license. The AMRI Hospital - recently rated by an Indian magazine as one of the best in Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta also did not have proper firefighting equipment, despite a six-month-old order to upgrade, Kolkata Joint Police Commissioner Damyani Sen said.

The hospital denied that any safety measures were violated. Police have charged six hospital directors with culpable homicide, and were due to produce them in court yesterday. Authorities were still trying to determine what caused the blaze, but said no radiation leak has been detected. Witnesses say many medical staff abandoned the hospital’s 160 or so patients and fled the fire.

Firefighters took more than an hour to arrive, and then they had trouble bringing fire

trucks close to the seven-story hospital because of the neighborhood’s narrow streets.

Neighborhood residents said hospital guards initially blocked them from trying to help rescue patients. “Finally, we forced our way,” said 18-year-old Babu Sona Goldar, one of the first to enter. “If we were allowed to go in early, we could have saved a few more lives.” Rescue workers on ladders eventually smashed windows to reach patients on the upper floors, and most survivors were taken to a nearby hospital, although at least 25 of the most critical patients were still being kept in AMRI Hospital’s main wing yesterday.

Hospital workers said, however, they had received no information on moving them or instruction to do so.

Journalists were barred yesterday from entering the hospital complex, where broken glass and shattered furniture lay strewn about. Walls had been plastered overnight with political party posters demanding that victims be compensated and that guilty parties be punished. Flowers were placed on the pavement outside the complex, where the state-owned Insurance Corporation of India set up temporary kiosks to help relatives handle any claims on their lost loved ones.

Safety regulations are routinely ignored at Indian hospitals, with few having fire stairways or holding evacuation drills. Even if fire extinguishers are present, they are commonly several years old and never serviced.— AP

Thousands of opposition supporters rally in Taiwan TAIPEI: Thousands of Taiwanese opposition supporters rallied yesterday in the capital, donating money from tiny piggy banks to support the campaign to unseat President Ma Ying-jeou in the unexpectedly close election. Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party has come from behind and is now running neck and neck against Ma ahead of the Jan 14 polls. Tsai’s party uses piggy banks as a campaign theme dubbed “Three Little Pigs.” The idea was to band together thousands of donations from workers and farmers to overcome what her party calls the “big bad wolf” of Taiwanese corporate power and defeat Ma. “We count on the power of the piggies to battle a society of injustice that still has the remnants of an authoritarian government,” Tsai told supporters who cheered her by holding up their piggy banks. At the rally at a boulevard outside the presidential office building, many supporters complained about the widening gap between the rich and poor. They chanted, “Let’s vote Tsai Ing-wen to be Taiwan’s first female president.” Taiwan is selecting its fifth popularly elected president in a poll that coincides with legislative elections.

The close race has alarmed many Taiwanese business leaders, who until recently had been almost assured of a Ma victory to plot a stable course for economic

recovery. Since taking office 3 1/2 years ago, the 61-year-old Ma has won plaudits for his signature China engagement policy that has brought tensions across the Taiwan Strait to the lowest point since the two sides split amid civil war in 1949. Ma has kept Taiwan’s jobless at a relatively low 4.3 percent. But he has been widely criticized for his perceived inability to address the interests of blue-collar workers, farmers and others less well-off, leading to worsening income equality.

But under Ma’s initiative, Taiwan and China launched direct flights and signed a landmark trade deal so the island’s mainstay high-tech industries could take advantage of China’s vast market. That effort has won him wide business backing. Terry Gou, chairman of Taiwan’s Foxconn Technology Group, openly backed Ma early this month.

At the groundbreaking of a new venture in southern Taiwan, he called the president “an experienced, outstanding helmsman” whose leadership he said would be essential to navigate Taiwan through the current global economic uncertainties. Yan Kaitai, CEO of Yulon Motor Group, warned this week that if Ma should fail, Taiwan could follow the steep economic decline of the Philippines, the island’s neighbor which was among Asia’s richest countries until the 1960s.— AP

PESHAWAR: The Pakistani Taleban is in peace talks with the Pakistani government, a senior commander in the militant group said yesterday, adding the negotiations were “progressing well.”

The statement by Maulvi Faqir Mohammad is the first time a named Taleban commander has confirmed that the group is negotiating with the Pakistani government. Mohammad, said to be the deputy chief of the group, said his men had held “peace talks with relevant government officials.” “They are progressing well, and we may soon sign a formal peace agreement with the government,” he said in a telephone conversation. Last month, anonymous militants and intelligence officials said exploratory peace talks were under way. The government and the army denied any such talks after those reports were published, as did a spokesman for the Taleban. It is unclear whether Mohammad speaks for the group’s entirety. The network, which has declared war on the Pakistani state and carried out hundreds of bloody suicide attacks around the country, is believed to have splintered into different factions over the last year.

Government officials were not available for fresh reaction. Mohammad’s main area of strength is the Bajur tribal region, which has seen military operations over the past three years that army commanders have claimed wiped out militancy there. Mohammad said any deal in Bajur could be “role model” for the rest of the border region. The United States is unlikely to support peace moves with militants from the Pakistani Taleban. Previous deals in the northwest close to the Afghan border have been used by the insurgents to rest and regroup. The Pakistan Taleban are allied with, and give safe haven to, militants fighting Western troops across the frontier in Afghanistan.

PAKISTAN’S NATO BLOCKADE Pakistan’s blockade of the vital US supply line into Afghanistan entered a third week yesterday, its longest closure of the 10-year war with no imminent sign of the border reopening.

Pakistan’s fragile alliance with the United States crashed to new lows two weeks ago on

November 26 when NATO air strikes killed 24 Pakistani soldiers in what the Pakistan military called a deliberate attack.

US President Barack Obama telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari to offer his condolences, but Washington has stopped short of apologiz-

anger cools down and the route is protected,” he added. Two nights ago, gunmen destroyed at least 34 trucks in a gun and rocket attack on a NATO trucking terminal in the southwestern province of Baluchistan. Around 44 oil tankers and goods trucks were parked at the temporary

CHAMAN: In this picture, a Pakistani drives his motorcycle past trucks, carrying supplies for NATO forces, parked at a terminal after closing the border in Chaman, Pakistan.— AP ing pending the results of a military investigation into what happened, due on December 23.

Although Pakistani and US officials dispute the precise sequence of events in the killings, Pakistan closed its two crossings to US and NATO supplies and gave American personnel until Sunday to leave an air base reportedly used by CIA drones.

Officials in the northwest, where the main Torkham crossing into Afghanistan is situated said there were no plans to reopen. “There is strong public resentment. People are angry about this incident and we cannot take a decision in haste,” one senior security official said.

“Pakistan will reopen the border when public

Noriega returns to a transformed Panama PANAMA CITY: Ex-dictator Manuel Noriega returns today to Panama to find a nation reconciled and transformed by an economic boom that is a far cry from the country he left on the verge of bankruptcy 22 years ago. After serving more than two decades in prisons in the United States and France, the 77-year-old, having been extradited, will face three separate sentences of 20 years in Panama for crimes committed under his dictatorship. Since Noriega’s departure, Panama “has made a 180-degree turn,” said Felipe Chapman of the Indesa economic and financial institute. “Panama is a perfect example of how you can prosper much better under a democracy than an authoritarian regime,” Chapman added.

A new El Dorado for investment thanks to its free trade zone, busy airport hub and role as home to several UN agencies for Latin America, Panama has become the “Dubai of the Americas,” according to President Ricardo Martinelli, himself a businessman. The economy of tiny Panama, niched between Colombia and Costa Rica and largely dependent on services, tourism and commerce, is flourishing, with a growth rate nearing 10 percent and debt below 43 percent of GDP. Major public works have also taken place-such as widening the Panama Canal and building a subway system in the capital-as the country goes all-out to be removed from a list of global tax havens.

A French appeals court ruled earlier this week that Noriega could be extradited to serve time for crimes committed under his iron-fisted rule in the 1980s. In 1989, when Noriega was overthrown in an operation by his former American allies, the country’s economy was shrinking 13 percent as it grappled with huge debt and a dramatic flight of capital and investment. Unemployment exceeded 15 percent and many Panamanians resorted to bartering after banks closed. Economic revival took off on the last day of 1999, when the United States handed back control of the Panama Canal after 85 years. —AFP

terminal, one of three set up in and around Quetta for stranded vehicles. No group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Taleban have carried out similar strikes to disrupt supplies in the past. The 140,000 foreign troops in landlocked Afghanistan rely on fuel, food and equipment brought in from outside-nearly half of which is routed through Pakistan, the quickest and the cheapest supply line. Lieutenant Colonel Jimmie Cummings, a spokesman for the NATOled International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), said the blockade was not affecting troops on the ground, although he declined to comment on what might happen if the border remained closed.— Agencies

Al-Qaeda strong at the fringes, weak in center WASHINGTON: With Al-Qaeda’s core leadership ravaged and its remaining commanders struggling to survive, militants in Africa, Yemen and elsewhere are taking over the anti-Western fight, US experts and officials say. Out of the network’s 10 main leaders listed after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, only one is still alive: Ayman Al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s onetime deputy who took over after his boss was killed in May. In the past year, eight of Al-Qaeda top 20 leaders were eliminated, most by missiles fired from US drones operating under an expanded covert warfare effort launched by President Barack Obama after taking office in January 2009.

“The top leadership of the organization has been hit hard in 2011,” State Department counter terrorism coordinator Daniel Benjamin said at a forum in Washington on Thursday. “We believe that the loss of bin Laden,” who was killed by US commandos in Pakistan, “will put Al-Qaeda on a path of decline that will be difficult to reverse,” Benjamin said. “If the lessons of history are right, Al-Qaeda should be finished.” But Benjamin cautioned that the fight is far from over, as Al-Qaeda affiliates based in some of the most unstable parts of the world “have continued to show resilience, to threaten our national security.”

Whether in Yemen, with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Somalia’s Shebab militants, groups in Iraq and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), violent extremists are continuing the fight of the Saudi-born

Al-Qaeda leader they revere-and, in some cases, are gaining strength. “Al-Qaeda today is stronger at the periphery than it is at the center,” said Bruce Hoffman of Georgetown University, noting that there are now 11 AlQaeda affiliates spread across the globe, up from eight in 2004-2005. “This is a movement that depends on sanctuaries and safe havens. And the number of ungoverned places in the world is increasing rather than decreasing,” Hoffman added.

In Yemen, where entire regions have historically escaped the grasp of the central government, AQAP-which was led by USborn Yemeni cleric Anwar Al-Awlaqi until his death in September-is likely to seize on prodemocracy unrest shaking the country and the state of anarchy that could follow. The group tried to gain global reach when it tasked a Nigerian with trying to blow up an airliner bound for Detroit on Christmas Day 2009, but passengers and flight crew ultimately subdued Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab as he tried to set off explosives he had concealed in his underwear.

Although AQAP has been more successful with operations in the Gulf, does it “have the capacity to be the global arm, the strategic arm of Al-Qaeda?” asked a doubtful Michael Hayden, who led the CIA from 2006 to 2009.

Al-Qaeda is “surviving,” said Hayden, who at the CIA “felt that if they were put under sufficient pressure, they would have to move... Organizations like that when they are moving are more vulnerable. But they didn’t move,” he added. —AFP

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

NEWS

This Dec 9, 2011 combo made from three images shows Palestinian protester Mustafa Tamimi falling on the ground after being badly injured by a tear gas canister fired by Israeli troops during a demonstration in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh, near Ramallah. The 28-year-old Tamimi died in an Israeli hospital yesterday from severe brain damage. — AP

Palestinian hit by tear gas canister dies JERUSALEM: A Palestinian protester who was struck in the face by a tear gas canister fired by an Israeli soldier at close range died of his wounds yesterday, activists said, accusing the army of using disproportionate force.

The 28-year-old, Mustafa Tamimi, was hurling rocks at the military vehicle on Friday in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh when a soldier inside opened the rear door and fired at him from just a few yards away, witnesses said.

He was taken to an Israeli hospital, where he died of his injuries yesterday The army’s use of the gas canisters has come under sharp criticism in the past few years. Military officials say they are using the gas to quell violent demonstrations. The canisters, which emit choking, acrid smoke, are meant to push back crowds. But some Israeli troops have fired them directly at demonstrators, causing severe injuries and death. Tensions also simmered

along Israel’s border with the Gaza Strip, where mourners buried a 12year-old Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike on Friday. Militants there fired two rockets at Israel.

Tamimi is the 20th person to be killed over the past eight years at similar demonstrations in rural villages throughout the West Bank, said Sarit Michaeli of the Israeli rights group B’Tselem. The weekly demonstrations are in protest of construction of

Russians stage protests against Putin...

Jewish settlements and a separation barrier that eats up Palestinian farm land along parts of its route.

Photographs taken by a proPalestinian activist from Israel, Haim Schwarczenberg, show Tamimi rushing after an armored military vehicle.

The photographer says he was throwing rocks. He then crumples to the ground a few steps from the vehicle.

His friends rush to help, covering his bloodied face with a black-and-white

Palestinian checkered scarf. “As he was throwing stones, a soldier opened the door of the back of the jeep. A soldier took his gun out and shot him directly,” Schwarczenberg said.

Tamimi succumbed to his wounds at Beilinson Hospital in central Israel, said another pro-Palestinian activist from Israel, Jonathan Pollak. “ The question is not whether the person is throwing stones or not throwing stones, the question is whether the

Trio accept Nobel Peace Prize Continued from Page 1

Continued from Page 1 the Putin era. “Many of my friends came out to a rally for the very first time in their lives. And others came for the first time since the 1990s,” environmental campaigner Yevgenia Chirikova, who spoke at the rally, wrote on Twitter.

The rolling rallies kicked off in Far Eastern hubs such as Khabarovsk where more than 50 people were detained during an unsanctioned rally attended by some 400 people in minus 15 degree Celsius (five degrees Fahrenheit) chills.

Organisers also reported 5,000 showing up in the struggling industrial town of Chelyabinsk and up to 4,000 in nearby Urals Mountains city of Yekaterinburg while similar rallies were also reported in Western Siberia and the south. In the Pacific city of Vladivostok, several hundred protesters rallied along a waterside avenue where some of Russia’s Pacific Fleet warships are docked.

They shouted “Putin’s a louse” and some held a banner caricaturing

United Russia’s emblem, reading “The rats must go.”

Putin’s party - bruised by corruption allegations and comparisons to the Soviet-era Communist Party lost its tight grip on parliament while keeping a slim majority that its foes claim was exaggerated by a corrupt vote count. Their complaints were supported by a flood of video footage shot by ordinary Russians and posted on the Internet appearing to show ballot stuffing and other widespread manipulation.

The poll was seen as a litmus test of Putin’s decision to return to the Kremlin in the March presidential ballot, via a stage-managed job swap with Medvedev, and appeared to expose a chink in his armour after more than a decade of dominant rule. Putin accepted the vote’s outcome and stayed silent about the protests for three days before accusing US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton of inciting the unrest by questioning the elections. The 59year-old has been Russia’s most popular and powerful politician as

president from 2000 until 2008 and since then premier - an image he cultivated with tough talk against foreign powers and warm words for the Soviet past.

But analysts say rapid social change and the Internet’s growing penetration in Russia may have caught Kremlin strategists off guard amid signs that Putin’s imminent return as head of state is less welcome than originally thought. A running public opinion poll conducted by the independent Levada Centre showed Putin’s ratings taking a dive immediately after his planned return to the Kremlin was announced on Sept 24. The opposition to Putin is also expanding beyond a narrow base of veteran liberals and far-right nationalists to attract popular cultural figures with broad appeal such as detective story writer Boris Akunin. “I have not seen Moscow like this for 20 years,” Akunin told the Moscow crowd from the stage before adding that it was his first speaking appearance at a rally of any kind. — AFP

army is allowed to use deadly force from within an armored vehicle,” Pollak said. B’Tselem spokeswoman Michaeli said she had personally filmed at least a dozen cases over the years of soldiers directly firing the projectiles at demonstrators, sometimes causing terrible injuries. She said the difference in this case was the very close range between the demonstrator and the soldier, who hit Tamimi in the face. — AP

they start with violence, they will end with violence”.

The journalist and mother of three, wearing a white headscarf with a lilac and green pattern, was instrumental in helping push 33-year-ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh to agree to step down early next year. In her acceptance speech, she expressed frustration however with the lack of Western support for the Yemen uprising, something she insisted “should haunt the world’s conscience”, according to a translation of her remarks given in Arabic. She especially lamented the lack of efforts to prosecute Saleh, who only agreed to leave once promised immunity, or to prosecute those responsible for the hundreds who have died in the Yemen rebellion.

“There should be no immunity for killers who rob the food of the people.” Jagland stressed the importance of women in the uprisings. “The promising Arab Spring will become a new winter if women are again left out,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, Gbowee, a 39-year-old social worker who led Liberia’s women to defy feared warlords and bring an end to her country’s bloody 1989-2003 civil war, hailed the Nobel Committee for shining the spotlight on women’s struggle for peace and human rights, insisting “this prize could not have come at a better time than this”. “It has come at a time when in many societies where women used to be the silent victims and objects of men’s powers, women are throwing

down the walls of repressive traditions with the invincible power of non-violence,” Gbowee, wearing a colourful headdress, said in her acceptance speech.

“Women are using their broken bodies from hunger, poverty, desperation and destitution to stare down the barrel of the gun,” she said, noting that “ordinary mothers are no longer begging for peace, but demanding peace, justice, equality and inclusion in political decision-making.” Gbowee, a mother of six who inspired Christian and Muslim women alike to wage a sex strike in 2002 and refuse to sleep with their husbands until the violence ended, pointed out that “we succeeded when no one thought we would, we were the conscience of the ones who had lost their consciences”.

Sirleaf, Africa’s first democratically elected woman president, who last month won a second term, also hailed the Nobel Committee’s focus on women’s struggles after the world in recent decades has witnessed “unprecedented levels of cruelty directed against women” in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and her own Liberia. “The number of our sisters and daughters of all ages brutally defiled over the past two decades staggers the imagination, and the number of lives devastated by such evil defies comprehension,” said the 73-year-old grandmother, wearing a majestic purple dress and headdress. At a separate ceremony in Stockholm yesterday, the winners of the Nobel Prizes for Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature and Economics received their prizes. — AFP

CIA drone loss exposes covert US-Iran...

Continued from Page 1 side’s secret operations. “When I first heard about the drone, my first thought was thank goodness there wasn’t a pilot in it,” said Francis Gary Powers Jr, the son of the U-2 pilot and founder of the Cold War Museum. “They were both on intelligence-gathering missions. They were both doing photo reconnaissance. They were both supporting the US government’s intelligence-gathering to find out intelligence about our adversaries,” Powers said. The difference this time, Powers said, was that “there are no family members that have to be notified, there’s no prisoner in a foreign country.”

The U-2 downing shocked US military planners, who thought the advanced aircraft flew too high to be hit by a Soviet missile. Likewise, Iran says it used advanced electronic warfare measures to detect, hack and bring down an RQ-170 Sentinel drone. Iran aired TV footage Thursday of what current and former US officials confirm is the missing Sentinel. The robotic aircraft suffered what appeared to be only minimal damage.

Iran protested Friday to the United Nations about what it described as “provocative and covert operations” by the US The Tehran government called the flight by the drone a “blatant and unprovoked air violation” that was “tantamount to an act of hostility”. It also summoned the Swiss ambassador, who handles US interests in Iran in the absence of US-Iran diplomatic relations, and the Afghan ambassador to lodge formal protests and demand explanations. A letter given to the Afghan ambassador said that Iran’s airspace had been violated from his country and stressed “Afghanistan’s responsibilities as a good neighbour,” the official IRNA news agency reported.

American officials said Friday that US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran played no role in the downing, either by shooting it down or using electronic or cybertechnology to force it from the sky. They contended the drone malfunctioned. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss the classified program.

Some US experts expressed skepticism that Iran would be capable of such hacking. But others said Iran’s capacity to counter drones may have been bolstered by Russia’s decision, announced in October, to sell Tehran an advanced truck-mounted electronic intelligence system. But none was able to explain how the drone - programmed to either automatically return to its base in Afghanistan or possibly even self-destruct - was recovered by the Iranians.

The RQ-170 is stealthy but not infallible, said robotics expert Peter Singer of the Brookings Institution think tank in Washington. Singer, who has written extensively about drones, noted Russia’s announcement about the sale of an undisclosed number of truck-mounted electronic intelligence systems, called the IL-222 Avtobaza, to Tehran. He said the equipment included “really good electronic warfare gear,” citing reports that its radars were designed to detect drones and included other equipment intended to intercept their data communications.

No country has demonstrated that it can seize control of a spy drone remotely, said Theodore Karasik, a security expert at the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis. But if any could, Karasik said, the likely candidates would include China and Russia, which has conducted research on the subject. Karasik said either country might have aided Iran against the US. The stealth drone is especially useful to the US because it provides what is called “persistent surveillance” of Iran’s nuclear sites. The US and its allies suspect Iran is building a nuclear weapons complex under cover of a civilian program, a charge that Tehran adamantly denies. John Pike of

GlobalSecurity.org, an expert on defense and intelligence policy, said that continuous surveillance of such sites from aerial drones can help intelligence analysts track vehicles to other facilities.

The images also can tell military planners when most workers at a site are expected to be on the job, he said, in the event the president orders a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program. “They want to bomb the buildings housing people when the largest numbers of people are present,” Pike said, noting that similar weapons-development efforts have depended much more on the technicians, scientists and other experts than on their physical structures. “The people can rebuild the buildings, the buildings cannot rebuild the people,” he said.

Experts said the drone probably carried an advanced radar system as well as other specialized sensors, including detectors for monitoring nuclear sites. If those were reverse-engineered by Iran, they could give insights into how to hide its nuclear facilities from the US surveillance.

Russia, China, North Korea and others may be interested in examining the Sentinel. For example, US drones have advanced engines that allow them to remain patrolling an area for days. China is thought to be struggling to master this technology.

Singer said it would be difficult for any country to exploit the technological bonanza of a downed Sentinel, but having one to pull apart will give them a start.

“Bottom line, it’s never easy to reverse-engineer anything, let alone something like a radar, but having a working or even damaged system in hand to study up close makes it a heck of a lot easier,” he said. Francis Gary Powers Jr noted that spy technology advances quickly. Powers said that the CIA suspended U-2 flights for several months after his father was shot down, but by then the US had launched its first reconnaissance satellite, which could gather vastly more information.

A private US defense expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that when he visited the command center at a US military base in the Gulf region in 2008, it was clear that the installation was receiving multiple feeds of electronic surveillance information from inside Iran. Some of the information appeared to be transmitted from high-altitude aircraft and some from electronic sensors which the United States had somehow installed on the ground in Iran, the expert said.

The United States has no official presence in Iran so it is difficult to determine exactly what is going on inside its borders. One recent incident has yet to be fully unraveled. On Nov 28, there were contradictory reports out of Iran on whether an explosion had occurred in the city of Isfahan, which is also home to a major nuclear site. David Albright, president of the Institute for Science and International Security, said he has been studying imagery of that area and no damage was detected at the Isfahan nuclear site. But, he said, “it is credible there was an explosion, but not at the nuclear site.” He said it was puzzling that Iranians clearly said an explosion at a missile depot two weeks earlier had been an accident, but did not provide similar clarity about Isfahan.

“We’re trying to figure out what actually happened,” he said.

“Explosions are happening in Iran, and Iran is not making a big deal out of them. They are either calling them accidents or saying they didn’t happen, and therefore when these things continue to happen it could be because intelligence agencies are actually now playing sabotage,” Albright said. In an earlier Nov 12 incident, Iran said a massive blast at a military base west of Tehran killed 17 members of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, including the head of its missile program, in an accident while weapons were being moved. — Agencies

GUANTANAMO BAY: The interior of a cell from a disciplinary block known as Five Echo is pictured on Dec 8, 2011 at the US detention center. — AP

US defends ‘Five Echo’ discipline block...

Continued from Page 1 The cells have a squat toilet in the floor, instead of a standard prison toilet found elsewhere in the prison.

Lawyers said that they did not believe any photos of the unit had been released previously and that the military has been secretive about the section of the prison.

Guantanamo, which is now approaching its 10th anniversary as a detention center for men suspected of links to Al-Qaeda and the Taleban, holds about 170 men in three camps. President Barack Obama vowed to close the prison upon taking office but has been thwarted by Congress, which has blocked efforts to move detainees to the US. The 15 most notorious prisoners, including the self-proclaimed mastermind of the 9/11 attack, are held in a top-secret section known as Camp Seven. Little is known about that area and even its location on the base is classified.

About 80 percent of the detainees are held in Camp Six, where they are free to congregate with each other in a communal setting for 20 hours a day, and they have access to games, classes and 20 channels of cable television. The military has credited creation of this communal block for a sharp drop in prisoners’ protests, hunger strikes and assaults on guards. Camp Five is now largely used for detainees who attack a guard or other wise violate the rules in Camp Six and are deemed “noncompliant.” It has capacity for about 100 prisoners but is less than half full.

Five Echo originally was created in 2007 as an overflow disciplinary section, but now is used as an “extension” of Camp Five, Thomas said. Thomas declined to disclose the criteria for the use of Five Echo. He said it

was empty Thursday, the day of the phone interview, but added that he could resume using it at any time at his discretion. He declined to say when it last held detainees. Five Echo has not been included in media tours of the Guantanamo jail provided for members of the media, and officials have previously provided little information about the unit.

Remes, a lawyer for a number of prisoners, said he drew a diagram and collected other details following a meeting with one of his clients, a Saudi national and British resident named Shaker Aamer who has been held in Five Echo. But he said the notes were deemed classified by a government review team and he is not permitted to release them. Ramzi Kassem, a lawyer and law professor who also represents Aamer, said the detainee described abysmal conditions in Five Echo.

He said the squat toilet is difficult to use, there are foul odors, bright lights shine on detainees and air conditioners keep it extremely cold.

“It is decrepit, filthy and disgusting. Those are the words he used to describe it,” said Kassem, a professor of law at the City University of New York. Aamer also told him there is not enough room in Five Echo for the Muslim prisoners to do their prayers. Detainees in the block are allowed two hours a day out of the cells for recreation. Kassem said conditions are akin to those of a Supermax prison in the United States. Thomas denied the lights are overly bright and said the toilets are adequate and conditions overall are humane.

“Quite frankly, detainees make the determination where they live,” he said. “If they are compliant they live in Camp six. If they are noncompliant they live in Camp 5.” — AP

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Bashir row tests Kenya judiciary

By James Macharia he Kenyan government’s appeal against a court order to arrest Sudan’s president on international war crimes charges has strained the ruling coalition and will measure the judiciary’s success in shaking off decades of political interference. A Nairobi court ordered the government to carry out an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir if he sets foot in Kenya, sparking a diplomatic row between the two countries. The ICC has charged Bashir with masterminding genocide and other war crimes during his country’s Darfur conflict, accusations Khartoum dismisses.

Kenya was criticised by the ICC and the West for failing to arrest Bashir when he attended a ceremony to enact the east African country’s new constitution in August last year. The Kenyan government has said repeatedly that it will cooperate fully with the ICC but the court ruling took the government by surprise and sowed discord in the shaky coalition formed to quell 2007 post-election violence. “In the past it would have been inconceivable that the judiciary would have made a ruling that was so clearly contrary to the government policy,” said London-based Patrick Mair, a Kenya analyst at Control Risks.

Analysts say the invitation to Bashir was a hint to The Hague-based court that Nairobi was unhappy with its probe of six high-profile Kenyans. They are suspected of masterminding the violence that erupted after the 2007 vote. “The invitation was a subtle indicator of resistance to the ICC. The message is: should you think about slapping arrest warrants on the Kenyan suspects, you should not expect cooperation,” political commentator Kwamchetsi Makokha said. Kenya awaits a decision in January by the ICC on whether the charges against the six will be confirmed.

The stakes are high. Two of the suspects, former cabinet minister William Ruto and Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, son of Kenya’s founding father Jomo Kenyatta, plan to run in next year’s presidential election. Analysts say their chances would be seriously damaged by a trial and so Kibaki and his allies want to shield them. If the court order to arrest Bashir is overturned, analysts said it would deal a big blow to nascent reforms at the courts.

“There would be negative perceptions all around. People may end up taking matters into their own hands as it happened after the elections, because Kenyans had little confidence in the court system’s independence in solving disputes,” Mair said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula has termed the ruling a “judgment in error” and advised against Bashir’s arrest, while the justice minister said the court order must be obeyed pending the resolution of the appeal, which could take more than a year. The petition may then be escalated to the newly-created supreme court chaired by Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, analysts said, predicting that the delay would test Bashir’s patience. “I think this is a major test for the newly-established sense of independence in the judiciary. If the courts back down now it could be the most damaging thing that would happen,” Mair said.

Nairobi argues it cannot afford to cut ties with Sudan at a time when it wants to win the backing of regional neighbours after it sent its troops into Somalia to pursue Al-Qaeda-linked al Shabaab rebels, who it accuses of threatening its security. Wetangula rushed to Khartoum on a charm offensive to forestall a raft of punitive reprisals ordered by Bashir against the east African country. Trade ties between Kenya and Sudan favour Nairobi, which exported $200 million worth of tea to Sudan last year.

Mutunga’s public warnings to top officials to stop criticising the court ruling on Bashir has set the judiciary on a collision course with the cabinet, and has exacerbated divisions within the government. Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo warned his colleagues to back off. “I don’t agree with my colleague Wetangula. Don’t malign our judges in public,” Kilonzo told Reuters. “If a court issues a court order you must comply. As far as I’m concerned, one can appeal and follow the due process. We should not give Bashir the impression that he can ride roughshod over our judicial reforms while we’re implementing them.”

Kenya’s cabinet has been riven by fault lines since it was set up. This new row has strained relations further, but has not boiled over mainly because President Mwai Kibaki and coalition partner Prime Minister Raila Odinga have publicly remained quiet on the issue. As an ICC member state, Kenya is legally obliged to cooperate with the court and its arrest warrants. — Reuters

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Semi-detached isle nation faces EU isolation

By Keith Weir and Matt Falloon rime Minister David Cameron has made history by blocking EU treaty change in a move that has isolated Britain and this detachment will define the next chapter in this island nation’s notoriously tricky relations with continental Europe. Cameron, who styles himself a “eurosceptic”, seems to have pushed Britain further from the heart of Europe than even “Iron Lady” Margaret Thatcher dared to do in her battles in the 1980s when she said “No, No, No” to Brussels increasing its powers. The prime minister was left out in the cold in Brussels on Friday when France and Germany failed to give him the safeguards he wanted for the powerful City of London financial services industry, which accounts for 10 percent of economic output.

Cameron’s hard line may appease elements of his Conservative Party but is likely to open up a rift with his proEurope Liberal Democrat allies. It could also leave Britain at risk of being excluded from Brussels decisions that affect business across the nation. “It is a black day for Britain and Europe,” Liberal Democrat Lord Oakeshott said. “We are now in the waiting room while critical decisions are being taken.”

Cameron’s tough talk, described by one senior diplomat as “clumsy”, is likely to give him short-term relief from the demands of a restive right wing of his Conservatives who have been clamouring for him to claw back powers from Brussels. But they will be back for more, with some seeking nothing short of a complete exit.

Britain, the EU’s third-biggest economy, was left on its own with an overwhelming majority of countries led by Germany and France agreeing to forge ahead with a separate treaty to build closer fiscal union to preserve the euro. “This is the moment when we have to start completely renegotiating our relationship,” Conservative eurosceptic member of parliament Bernard Jenkin told Sky News. “We are going to be a satellite on the edge of what is going to be an economic superpower.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson, a fellow Conservative who, like Cameron, attended the elite private school Eton College, welcomed the prime minister’s performance and, using a sporting metaphor, said his leader “had played a blinder”. One EU diplomat summed up the outcome of the Brussels summit as: “Britain seethes, Germany sulks, and France gloats.”

In the past, closer ties between Britain and Europe have torn apart the Conservatives in a country where protecting

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sovereignty can prove to be a big vote winner. Britons pride themselves on their national identity and some have joked that the United Kingdom’s sometimes blinkered relationship with Europe could be characterised by the old newspaper headline: “Heavy Fog in Channel, Continent Cut Off”. Britain never joined the 17-country single currency zone, although former Prime Minister Tony Blair declared his intention to join when the economic conditions were right. The country has long had an ambivalent attitude to European institutions after joining the then European Economic Community in 1973. Nevertheless, over 40 percent of Britain’s trade is with the euro zone and about 3 million jobs depend on trade with Europe. Conservative leaders are all too aware of painful rebellions of the past over Europe, weighing up the interests of trading as part of a bloc with the rules and regulations that go with it. Alarm bells rang for Cameron this October when some 80 of his legislators - a quarter of the total - defied him and backed calls for a referendum on Britain’s membership of the EU. “He’s thrown some meat to the eurosceptics who like to see the British PM wielding the veto. (But) it is going to make it harder to defend British interests,” said Simon Tilford of the Centre for European Reform, a think tank in London.

“Cameron has played a bad hand poorly. He’s been stung by the mounting rebellion here.”

In Brussels, Germany failed in its campaign to persuade all 27 EU countries to write the tougher rules into the bloc’s treaty, with just Britain and Hungary refusing to go along.

“Worried that Britain is starting to drift away from Europe in a serious way. To where? In a strong alliance with Hungary,” Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt said in a tweet on Friday.

By lunchtime, even Hungary had changed its mind. British Foreign Secretary William Hague played down London’s isolation and tried to put a positive spin on the treaty clash, noting that different groups of EU nations had long worked together on various issues like defence and border controls.

“Decisions about the European single market, the thing that matters most to us for jobs and businesses in the UK, still have to be made by the 27 countries together,” he told Sky News from Brussels. “We will be very vigilant about any threat to that.”

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, also put on a brave face, saying that the government was united over the EU treaty and that Cameron had made reasonable demands in Brussels. Analysts said Britain’s isola-

tion could result in core EU nations effectively taking over decision-making without London. “You have the potential risk that this new emerging group manages to colonise the EU structures,” said Mats Persson of the Open Europe think tank.

Regulation affecting financial services industry could now be decided by 26 rather than all 27 EU members.

Proposals such as short-selling bans and the European Central Bank’s insistence that euro-denominated financial transactions are cleared within the euro zone could damage Britain’s financial markets, political analysts said. Britain may still try to exercise a veto over an EU-wide financial transactions tax, since taxation policy is subject to unanimity rules, but Cameron effectively goes home with little tangible to show for his defiance. British government bond markets were looking beyond Cameron’s position and were more interested in whether the euro zone economy would stabilise. But threats to the stability of the coalition could imperil the low yields of which Britain has boasted. Anthony O’Brien, fixedincome strategist at Morgan Stanley, said: “Europe is a major trading partner of ours and therefore any disagreement between us and Europe could be damaging for trade and therefore (mean) a slowing of the economy.”

At home, Britain is governed by a coalition, its first since World War Two, which is committed to long-term austerity to balance its budget. Tensions over Cameron’s performance could make it much harder for the coalition to survive until the next election in 2015, analysts said, adding any threat to the coalition would jeopardise Britain’s role as a safe haven for investors. Applause from Eurosceptics was accompanied by opposition warnings about Britain’s position on the world stage. “We have warned consistently that an isolated David Cameron has been on the sidelines of Europe for months,” Labour leader Ed Miliband wrote in the Evening Standard. “If you get out of the deal-making room ... you end up losing influence. Having no allies is a sign of weakness, not of strength.” Relations between Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who both provided forces earlier this year to protect civilians in the conflict that ousted Muammar Gaddafi as Libyan leader, have been badly strained over Europe. Britain has made much play of its “special relationship” with the United States, but the Americans have increasingly valued the British as just a conduit to European diplomacy as well as a military ally in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. — Reuters

Sarkozy, Draghi winners, Cameron loses

By Paul Taylor apoleon dreamed of it, De Gaulle fought for it, but Nicolas Sarkozy may have achieved it - a Europe of Nations with France in the cockpit and Britain on the sidelines. The French president emerged as one of the big winners of a European Union summit on Friday which ended with up to 26 member states agreeing to move forward in economic integration around the euro zone, and Britain alone in staying out. “Of course this is not just a long-standing desire, but a long-standing goal of French politics ... because in the French tradition Britain never really belonged to the European Union, dating back to De Gaulle,” said a senior EU official who attended the summit, referring to the French president’s veto of British entry in 1963 and again in 1967.

By obstructing the wish of the other EU members to amend the bloc’s governing Lisbon treaty to allow closer fiscal union among the 17-nation single currency area, British Prime Minister David Cameron managed to unite Europe against him. He may be feted by Eurosceptics at home, but he emerged as the biggest diplomatic loser of the summit, leading his country into an isolation that all his predeces-

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sors sought to avoid. For centuries, a basic principle of British diplomacy was to maintain a balance of power on the European mainland forming shifting alliances with the main continental powers.

Cameron not only failed to win a blanket veto right over EU financial services legislation. The illusion of leading a group of 10 non-euro member states like Sweden and Poland, committed to a more liberal, open economy, crumbled as his supposed allies threw in their lot with the euro zone. Even though Cameron said the Dutch had promised to look out for Britain’s interests in the EU’s single market, the City of London financial centre could be a loser in a two-speed, 26-1 Europe, given the current low political standing of banks and hedge funds.

For German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the summit was a more ambiguous success. Europe’s most powerful leader achieved her primary goal of anchoring strict Germanstyle budget discipline, with automatic sanctions on deficit and debt offenders, in a new treaty, to be negotiated among the 26. That should calm rebels in her centreright coalition angry at successive bailouts of euro zone weaklings in which Berlin guarantees the biggest share.

But Merkel failed to keep the new “stability union” inside the EU treaty, due to Cameron’s obduracy, making it harder to use key institutions such as the executive European Commission and the European Court of Justice to enforce fiscal rectitude.

Furthermore, she may have lost Britain as

a useful ally in balancing out French tendencies towards trade protectionism and state domination of industry, which run counter to Berlin’s economic interests.

Merkel acknowledged in a major speech in Bruges last year that Europe may have to use intergovernmental cooperation to advance economic integration because of the limits of the Lisbon treaty, and the lack of political appetite for revising it. But Berlin wanted to remove political discretion from the fiscal sanctions procedure, while France was determined to allow politicians the last word on any decision to punish a country for budget delinquency. Sarkozy has had to give ground to Merkel on many issues in the last few months, accepting intrusive powers to reject national budgets and backing off on calls for massive European Central Bank intervention to buy government bonds and the issuance of common euro zone bonds.

But the French leader, never keen on EU enlargement which diluted Paris’ influence, never abandoned a vision of a smaller Europe with the euro zone as its core, run by a Franco-German directorate. Cameron’s empty-chair diplomacy gave Sarkozy the chance to turn that vision in to reality.

Another winner from the Brussels summit was

European Central Bank President Mario Draghi. Barely a month in office, the Italian has already exercised decisive influence, shaping the emerging euro zone “fiscal compact” behind the scenes, while warding off efforts to hijack the bank to bail out governments. Diplomats said the ECB was closely involved in telling euro zone leaders what economic reforms and budget discipline steps they should take. Hours before Draghi came to the summit, the central bank had taken two decisive steps to shore up the euro area, cutting its interest rates to a record low 1.0 percent to soften a looming recession, and crucially extending long-term liquidity help to Europe’s cash-starved banks. But the ECB chief managed to avoid pressure from euro zone leaders to intervene massively to buy troubled states’ bonds, which he fears would immediately weaken their resolve to carry out painful economic reforms. After watching former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi back away from austerity plans and economic reforms he had promised to implement as soon as the ECB started buying Italian bonds in August, Draghi is determined to avoid a repeat. So while Sarkozy may have gone some way towards realising Napoleon’s dream, it is Draghi, for now, who looks more like the new emperor of Europe.— Reuters

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Chan excels in ISU GP Final QUEBEC CITY: Canada’s Patrick Chan shrugged off the distractions and an uncharacteristic fall into the boards to win the short program Friday night in the ISU Grand Prix Final.

The 20-year-old from Toronto scored 86.63 points for the jazzy program marred by the hard fall into the boards on a triple toe loop. American Jeremy Abbott was second at 82.66 points, and Spain’s Javier Fernandez followed at 81.26. Chan found himself in trouble a day earlier for comments that were perceived as comparing Canada unfavorably to his parents’ country of China. The skater apologized for his comments.

“It was so exciting to hear them cheer and not hear boos. I was expect-

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

sp orts

ing boos actually,” Chan said. “For me to hear that, it gave me energy, it almost came from the ice, and I completely forgot about everything and focused on skating.” Chan, the defending Grand Prix Final champion, was happy to put the controversy behind him.

“Luckily, I was still able to sleep well,” Chan said. “I have great people around me, Skate Canada has been really behind me, my parents and my coach, Christy (Krall) is always great at keeping it light, completely distracting me. And I accept that it happened, and that’s the best way to get rid of something, accept it happened and accept the responsibility.”—AP

Ecclestone hopes F1 will return to Bahrain LONDON: Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone backed Bahrain to put on an incident-free race next year but agreed yesterday that events on the ground could force a re-think.

This year’s race had to be cancelled, after first being postponed, due to civil unrest in the Gulf kingdom and a subsequent crackdown that triggered accusations of rights abuses.

A government appointed commission of international jurists found evidence of systematic abuses against detained protesters.

“I hope we go to Bahrain and there’s no trouble - the race goes on, the public are happy and there are no dramas. That’s what I hope,” Ecclestone told the Guardian newspaper in an interview.

Veron puts off retirement

Asked what he would do if he had ‘incontrovertible evidence that unacceptable things were still happening,’ Ecclestone said: “We’d have to give it some serious thought then.

“But we’ve been to Argentina when there’s been big dramas. There’s been dramas in Brazil. Bad things happen there. I think you can look anywhere now and it’s not all good.

“You can’t really hold England up as being all good, can you? There have been some terrible atrocities that we committed.” The Grand Prix has been scheduled for April 22. In an interview focused largely on his daughters’ lavish lifestyles, the 81-year-old Briton touched on the situation in Bahrain whose race was confirmed on the calendar this week. — Reuters

BUENOS AIRES: Juan Sebastian Veron has delayed plans to end his glittering career until the close of the Argentine season after being persuaded to change his mind by Estudiantes team mates and fans. Veron, who shone in Europe for a decade with Sampdoria, Parma, Lazio, Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan, was set to play his last match for Estudiantes against Union on the final weekend of the Apertura championship today.

Instead, the 36-year-old who has been plagued for months by ankle problems, told reporters in La Plata on Friday he would play for another six months and finish when the Clausura champi-

Capitals and Sabres roll WASHINGTON: Dennis Wideman scored three power-play goals and added an assist as the Washington Capitals beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2 Friday.

Wideman finished his first career hat trick and sealed the win with a shot from the point with 1:19 left in the game.

Washington got even for its worst loss of the season with a good performance on the power play, which had been a weakness during the Capitals’ recent woes.

Nicklas Backstrom also scored and had two assists for Washington. Phil Kessel and Cody Franson scored for the Maple Leafs.

Justin Faulk scored his first goal of the season on a point shot that was redirected to get the Hurricanes (9-18-4) on the board, and Brandon Sutter added a power-play goal to make it 4-2.

Newly acquired defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, who came from Montreal in a Friday morning trade for Tomas Kaberle,

assisted on both of Carolina’s goals.

Oilers 4, Avalanche 1 At Edmonton, Alberta, Sam Gagner scored a pair of goals and added an assist as Edmonton ended a two-game losing streak with a victory over Colorado.

Ben Eager and Jordan Eberle also scored for the Oilers, who had won just one of their previous six games. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had two assists to lead NHL rookies with 32 points. Jay McClement scored for the Avalanche, who have lost three in a row and eight straight on the road. — AP

Jets 4, Hurricanes 2 Dustin Byfuglien scored 34 seconds into the first period and Winnipeg never looked back as it beat struggling Carolina.

Evander Kane, Tim Stapleton and Bryan Little also scored as the Jets (1311-4) built a 4-0 lead after two periods and held on for their fourth straight win, their longest streak of the season. Blake Wheeler had three assists.

NHL results/standings NHL results and standings on Friday: Washington 4, Toronto 2; Buffalo 2, Florida 1 (OT); Winnipeg 4, Carolina 2; Edmonton 4, Colorado 1. (OT denotes overtime win)

Philadelphia Pittsburgh NY Rangers New Jersey NY Islanders Boston Toronto Buffalo Ottawa Montreal

Sabres 2, Panthers 1 Jason Pominville scored at 2:19 of overtime, and Ryan Miller finished with 22 saves to lift Buffalo over Florida. Derek Roy also scored for the Sabres (15-11-2), who won for just the third time in their past nine games (3-4-2). Buffalo also won for only the second time in its past eight home games.

Jason Garrison scored, and Scott Clemmensen finished with 18 saves for the Panthers (16-8-5), who failed to win their fourth straight for the first time since March 2008. Pominville notched the winner with a wrist shot on a breakaway from the blue line.

Florida Washington Winnipeg Tampa Bay Carolina

Chicago Detroit St. Louis Nashville Columbus Minnesota Vancouver Edmonton Calgary Colorado Phoenix San Jose Dallas Los Angeles Anaheim BUFFALO: Ryan Miller No. 30 of the Buffalo Sabres makes a save against the Florida Panthers as Tomas Fleischmann No. 14 of the Florida Panthers looks on during their NHL game. — AFP

Australia to face Spain in Champions Trophy final AUCKLAND: Australia will face Spain in today’s final of the Champions Trophy men’s field hockey tournament in its bid to become the first team to win the elite eight-team tournament four consecutive times. World No. 1 Australia qualified for the final when it beat host New Zealand 2-1 in its last preliminary match yesterday to remain unbeaten at the tournament. Spain beat the Netherlands 31 to earn the other finals berth.

New Zealand and the Netherlands will meet today in the bronze medal playoff, while Britain and Germany will contest fifth place, and Pakistan and South Korea will compete for seventh.

Australia qualified for a record 13th final, winning five-straight matches in Auckland to extend its winning streak at the Champions Trophy to 13 matches.

The world champion will now attempt to win the tournament for the 11th time.

Des Abbott scored a lucky goal in the 14th minute yesterday to give Australia a 1-0 lead, sending a a cross into the area which was going wide of

goal before deflecting off the stick of a New Zealand defender. New Zealand hit back four minutes from halftime when Nick Wilson won a penalty corner that was slotted home by Andrew Hayward. The goal was Hayward’s third at the tournament and his seventh in Champions Trophy matches, a record for a New Zealander. Eddie Ockenden scored Australia’s winner in the 58th minute and in similar circumstances to its first goal, putting in a cross that was deflected into the goal by a defender.

Spain continued its remarkable return to form with a 3-1 win over the Netherlands, qualifying for the Champions Trophy final for the first time since 2008. Goals from Edi Tubau, Roc Oliva and Gabriel Dabanch clinched a win for Spain, which has improved dramatically since its sixth place finish at the EuroHockey Nations Championships last summer.

Spain took the lead inside two minutes through Tubau and added a second in the 25th minute when Santi Freixa set up Oliva who touched the ball over

the goalkeeper’s pads.

The Netherlands pulled a goal back just before halftime through Bob de Voogd but were denied an equalizer by the goalkeeping of Francisco Cortes, who made saves from Rogier Hofman and Jeroen Hertzberger.

The decisive goal came in the 51st minute when Jose Carlos Ballbe worked his way into the circle from the right and set up the easiest of tap-ins for Jorge Dabanch. Germany beat Pakistan 5-0 and Britain beat South Korea 4-3 after trailing 1-0 at halftime to qualify for the playoff for fifth.

Earlier, Australia captain Jamie Dwyer fought off competition from Ockenden, German duo Moritz Furste and Max Muller and three-time winner Teun de Nooijer of the Netherlands to win the FIH Player of the Year award.

It was Dwyer’s fifth award,following wins in 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2010 and the 32-year-old attacker has now won the annual award two times more than any other male player in history. — AP

AUCKLAND: New Zealand’s Andy Hayward (center) slices through the Spanish defense of Alex Fabregas (left) and Pau Quemada in a semi final match of the Hockey Champions Trophy. — AP

onship ends in June. “I’ve taken the decision to carry on. I’m happy to stretch it to six more months at the club,” said Veron, who last Sunday had told about 500 fans chanting “Veron’s not going” at the club’s training complex that he would think about staying on.

He said it was not a sudden decision but rather the result of talks with team mates and club staff since he said in September he would retire at the end of the Apertura. “During this time we talked a lot and I gave them my reasons (for quitting) because I suffer a lot from my ankle and it’s something that limits me whatever others may say about it not showing,” Veron said. —Reuters

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF 17 7 3 96 16 9 4 88 15 6 4 73 14 12 1 70 9 11 6 59 Northeast Division 17 9 1 89 15 11 3 91 15 11 2 78 13 12 4 90 11 11 7 72 Southeast Division 16 8 5 81 15 12 1 88 13 11 4 81 12 14 2 73 9 18 4 79 Western Conference Central Division 17 8 4 96 17 9 1 82 16 9 3 70 13 11 4 74 8 16 4 68 Northwest Division 19 7 3 75 17 10 1 93 14 12 3 83 13 13 2 70 13 16 1 78 Pacific Division 15 10 3 76 15 9 1 73 15 11 1 71 13 11 4 64 8 15 5 65

GA 79 72 58 78 82

PTS 37 36 34 29 24

56 94 75 101 76

35 33 32 30 29

71 89 85 91 108

37 31 30 26 22

90 61 62 77 94

38 35 35 30 20

63 70 77 80 91

41 35 31 28 27

72 60 77 65 92

33 31 31 30 21

Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

Slater to face Florence in Pipeline showdown OAHU: Kelly Slater won his first Pipeline Masters in 1992. It was the year John John Florence was born.

Nothing could provide a more graphic illustration of the vast generation gap between two irrepressible forces who clash in the quar ter-finals of the Billabong Pipeline Masters late yesterday.

Slater is the 39-year-old Floridian with 11 world titles and six Pipe Masters on his resume. Florence is the 19-year-old Hawaiian who used to have posters of Slater on his bedroom wall.

The old man of the sea relishes putting ‘Generation Next’ back in their box but Florence, the most precocious talent to hit professional sur fing in decades, poses the ultimate threat to Slater in a showdown that will bring Oahu’s North Shore to a standstill.

Florence drew Slater in the nonelimination fourth round on Friday, and smoked him. More than 5,000 spectators watched the first clash between the master and his most capable apprentice. Traffic on the Kamehemahema Highway descended to a crawl, the noise was deafening as 12-foot waves approached.

Florence posted his second 10point ride of the event, racking up 17.67 points to swamp Slater’s 8.5 and former world champion CJ Hobgood’s 5.43.

Their next heat, however, will be a whole new ball game. It will be manon-man. And sudden death. Slater has perfected the art of peaking at the business end of contests, while the rookie has been the standout of the first five rounds but the Association of Surfing Professionals is yet to start handing out trophies for making a good start.

“I suck in the first few rounds, is that what you’re saying?” Slater said to the suggestion he rarely went at full steam until the finals.

“I do feel like I get more rhythm and momentum the longer an event goes.

I wasn’t in sync my first few heats here.

The heat I had with John John, he was right on it.

“It’s only a matter of a few feet here and there and you’re in the right or wrong spot. The 10 he got, he was in the perfect position. When it’s a guy’s heat, it’s his heat.”

The message was clear. The next heat might not be Florence’s. Slater turned it up a notch in his repecharge round against Hawaii’s Kalani Chapman to book his berth against Florence.

He disappeared inside a hissing barrel and made a clean getaway to earn 9.87 points and self-administer a large injection of confidence.

Slater had an eventful day, surfing three heats, breaking the tail off one board and the nose off another, sustaining a deep gash to an elbow.

Florence took a beating from Pipe, too. He had cuts and bruises on his cheek from face-planting onto the reef.

“The guys I grew up admiring at Pipe were Kelly, Andy Irons I have to pinch myself about having a heat out here against him,” Florence said.

Australia’s Josh Kerr was the biggest casualty on another jaw-dropping day of dangerous waves as he stumbled from his defeat to compatriot Kieren Perrow in round three with mild concussion.

Perrow had to reach the quarterfinals or lose his place on the world tour. “The best heat I’ve ever had,” he said after surging into the last eight by beating Hawaii’s Shane Dorian and Australia’s Taj Burrow. “ The pressure was insane. I’m speechless. I made it. I’m still on tour by the skin of my teeth.” The Pipe Master will be crowned on Saturday.

Florence and Tahiti’s Michel Bourez are neck-and neck to win the Vans Triple Crown for the best performer across the three major events of the Hawaiian winter at Haleiwa, Sunset Beach and Pipeline.

Aside from the Slater-Florence clash, the other quarter-finals are Jamie O’Brien against Joel Pa r k i n s o n , B o u re z a g a i n s t Ev a n Valiere, then Perrow versus Brazil’s Gabriel Medina. — Reuters

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Hafeez, Younus put Pakistan in control CHITTAGONG: Younus Khan closed in on a centur y af ter M ohammad Hafeez hit a career-best 143 as Pakistan strengthened their grip on the first test against

dismissed for 20 runs in the final session.

However, the unbroken 104-run stand between Younus and Shafiq kept Pakistan firmly in control as they built on the well-

CHITTAGONG: Pakistan’s Younis Khan (front) follows the ball after playing a shot during the second day of the first Test cricket match against Bangladesh. —AP Bangladesh yesterday.

The visitors, resuming on 132-0, reached 415-4 at the close on the second day to build up a lead of 280 runs after bowling out Bangladesh for 135.

Younus (96) was batting with Asad Shafiq (40) at the close, capping another day of domination for Pakistan in the field. The former Pakistan captain became only the fourth Pakistani cricketer to complete 6,000 runs in tests.

Bangladesh hoped to build up some momentum after left-arm spinner Elias Sunny had Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq

composed century of opener Hafeez.

Hafeez, who faced 237 balls and clubbed 14 boundaries, was unlucky to be dismissed lbw, though replays suggested the ball took a thin inside edge and hit him on the backfoot.

Asked if he was disappointed, Hafeez said: “Not really, I mean it’s a part of the game.

Sometimes you really get the bad decision, so no complaint about that. As a cricketer you have to go through with this.

“At the moment I think we are in the very good position from where we can dominate the test match,” he added.

Resuming on 74, the right-hander completed his fourth test century and second against Bangladesh with a boundary off Mahmudullah, who gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough in the morning.

The off-spinner trapped overnight batsman Taufiq Umar lbw on 61, ending his 164run opening stand with Hafeez.

“We’ve nothing to do but to hope for the best,” Mahmudullah told a news conference.

“As we could not bat well in the first innings we have to hope for the best in the second innings.” Azhar Ali was the other batsman dismissed, edging paceman Shahadat Hossain to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim for 26. —Reuters

Scoreboard CHITTAGONG: Scoreboard at the close of play on the second day of the first test between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Chittagong yesterday.

Bangladesh first innings 135 all out Pakistan first innings (132-0 overnight) Mohammad Hafeez lbw b Elias Sunny Taufiq Umar lbw b Mahmudullah Azhar Ali c Rahim b Shahadat Hossain Younus Khan not out Misbah-ul-Haq lbw b Elias Sunny Asad Shafiq not out Extras (b-1 w-1 lb 18, nb-9)

143 61 26 96 20 40 29

Total (four wickets; 128 overs) 415 Fall of wickets: 1-164 2-220 3-265 4-311 To bat: Adnan Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema Bowling: Shahadat Hossain 18-3-71-1 (w-1 nb-5), Rubel Hossain 18-1-65-0 (nb-4), Mahmudullah 27-783-1, Shakib Al Hasan 29-6-85-0, Elias Sunny 33-581-2, Nasir Hossain 1-0-1-0, Mohammad Ashraful 20-10-0.

N Zealand edge ahead as wickets tumble in Hobart HOBART: New Zealand’s hopes of claiming a first test win on Australian soil since 1985 soared yesterday as the tourists grabbed a 153-run lead at the end of a dramatic second day’s play in the second test.

After skittling Australia for 136, New Zealand made 139 for three

rescued the Australians from 75 for seven and ensured they would at least better their lowest score of 103 against New Zealand.

The hosts, who won the first test in Brisbane by nine wickets, had resumed on 12-1 looking to build a big score but ended up scratching for runs as wickets fell

Tim Southee trapped him lbw, a decision so clear the former Australia captain was walking back to the pavilion before the umpire’s finger was raised.

Martin claimed his second wicket of the morning when Usman Khawaja, who had made seven off 51 balls, got a nick to an

HOBART: New Zealand’s batsman Kane Williamson cuts on his way to 34 not out in a 68 run partnership with New Zealand’s captain Ross Taylor in the second day of play in the second Test match against Australia. —AP in their second innings with skipper Ross Taylor set to resume on Sunday on 42 alongside Kane Williamson (34).

With the lively greentop pitch ruthlessly punishing batting errors and rewarding good bowling, 23 wickets had fallen in just over five sessions of the test and the firstinnings 56 from New Zealand’s Dean Brownlie was the only batting tally of note.

Early in the day it looked like Australia might even struggle to beat the 47 they made against South Africa last month as the New Zealand bowlers ripped through their top and middle orders.

Chris Martin celebrated his 37th birthday with 3-46, Doug Bracewell grabbed 3-20 and debutant Trent Boult 3-29 as the New Zealand quicks made the most of the movement offered by the wicket and gave the Black Caps a real chance of winning their first test in Australia in 26 years.

A stand of 56 for the eighth wicket from Peter Siddle (36) and James Pattinson (17), however,

with metronomic regularity.

Opener David Warner was the first to go for 15, driving at a full Martin delivery but only managing to edge the ball to Taylor in the slips.

Local favourite Ricky Ponting had accumulated five runs before

outswinger and wicketkeeper Reece Young took the catch.

Boult snared his first test wicket to account for Mike Hussey, caught by Young for eight, before wicketkeeper Brad Haddin smacked the ball to Brendon McCullum at mid-off from the

bowling of Doug Bracewell for five.

Australian skipper Michael Clarke, who hit a century in the first test, had grafted hard for 22 when he became Bracewell’s second victim, leaving an inswinger only to see the ball knock his offstump out of the ground.

Sensible batting from Siddle and Pattinson allowed Australia to inch towards New Zealand’s first innings total of 150 before they were removed in successive overs.

Siddle got an edge to a Bracewell delivery and was caught in the slips by Martin Guptill before Kane Williamson took a beautiful low catch at gully to remove Pattinson off left-armer Boult.

Boult ended the Australia innings 14 runs behind the tourists, trapping Mitchell Starc lbw for four with umpire Asad Rauf forced to reverse his decision after a review of the television pictures.

New Zealand openers McCullum and Guptill negotiated 10 tricky overs before tea but both were gone within three overs of the resumption.

Pattinson, who took 5-51 in the first innings, added to his burgeoning reputation by tempting McCullum to edge the ball to Phil Hughes in the slips for 12.

In the next over, Siddle had Guptill caught behind by Brad Haddin and the Australian wicketkeeper was also responsible for the third wicket down.

Hussey had already had Taylor dropped at slip by the embattled Hughes when he beat Jesse Ryder down the leg side and Haddin reacted brilliantly to stump the batsman for 16.—Reuters

Scoreboard HOBART: Scoreboard at the close of play on the second day of the second test between Australia and New Zealand at the Bellerive Oval in Hobart yesterday.

New Zealand first innings 150 (D. Brownlie 56; J Pattinson 5-51) Australia first innings (overnight 12-1) D. Warner c Taylor b Martin 15 P. Hughes c Guptill b Martin 4 U. Khawaja c Young b Martin 7 R. Ponting lbw b Southee 5 M. Clarke b Bracewell 22 M. Hussey c Young b Boult 8 B. Haddin c McCullum b Bracewell 5 P. Siddle c Guptill b Bracewell 36 J. Pattinson c Williamson b Boult 17 M. Starc lbw b Boult 4 N. Lyon not out 1 Extras (lb-8, nb-3, b-1) 12 Total (all out, 51 overs) 136 Fall of wicket: 1-7 2-24 3-31 4-35 5-58 6-69 7-75 8-131 9-131

Bowling: Martin 16-1-46-3 (nb-1), Boult 13-4-29-3, Southee 12-2-32-1, Bracewell 10-3-20-3 (nb-2) New Zealand second innings M. Guptill c Haddin b Siddle 16 B. McCullum c Hughes b Pattinson 12 J. Ryder st Haddin b Hussey 16 R. Taylor not out 42 K. Williamson not out 34 Extras (lb-9, w-5, nb-1, b-4) 19 Total (for three wickets, 44 overs) 139 Fall of wickets: 1-36 2-36 3-73 Still to bat: D. Brownlie, R. Young, D. Bracewell, T. Southee, T. Boult, C. Martin.

Bowling: Pattinson 12-2-37-1 (w-1), Siddle 12-4-29-1 (nb-1), Starc 11-3-30-0 (w-2), Hussey 5-0-15-1, Lyon 3-0-11-0, Ponting 1-0-4-0 Australia lead the two-test series 1-0.

DUBAI: Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland reacts on the18th hole during the third round of Dubai World Championship golf tournament. —AP

Donald on brink of unique double DUBAI: The local billboards call the Dubai World Championship the ‘greatest show on Earth’ and Luke Donald did his best to justify that tag with a faultless sixunder-par 66 in yesterday’s third round.

The world number one’s performance means he now stands on the threshold of achieving a unique golfing double by landing the order of merit titles on both sides of the Atlantic.

Donald, who secured the U.S. PGA Tour money-list in October, is also leading the way in Europe and needs to finish no worse than ninth with no more than one other competitor to edge out his only rival, Rory McIlroy, in the season finale in Dubai.

The 34-year-old Donald was fourth on 10-under 206 at the end of the third round, four strokes adrift of tournament leader Alvaro Quiros (70) of Spain.

McIlroy could only manage a 71 for 208 at the Greg Norman-designed Earth course. “ The race is over,” the 22-year-old Northern Irishman told reporters. “Luke is in a great position and I expect him to go out and shoot another very solid round tomorrow.

“He deserves it, he’s had an incredible year. He has played great. He deserves to be number one in the world and deserves to win both money-lists.”

Donald, however, refused to consider the money-list race was run with one round still remaining. “You can’t in this game,” he said. “I would be foolish to expect it is over.

“Tomorrow will be just like any other day in terms of my focus. I will be trying to catch the leader and trying to win the tournament.”

Donald has already won four times in a remarkably consistent season and a fifth victory is still a possibility after he

blazed his way to six birdies in the scorching Dubai heat.

“To win both money-lists would be a little bit of history,” said the Englishman.

“If it all works out tomorrow it will be a pretty amazing feat.” Donald said he tried to ignore how McIlroy was faring elsewhere on the course.

“The first time I saw a leaderboard was on the 13th I think,” he explained. “I tried not to really look and just kind of concentrated on my own game.

“The couple of times I did look I didn’t see his name on there so obviously he wasn’t playing his best today. “But it didn’t really change anything for me, other than maybe a slight ease and peace of mind. My career has been built on consistency and today was a good example of that.”

Donald said there were occasional moments when his mind wandered away from the task in hand. “The money-list race comes into your mind now and again but you try and put it away quickly and get back to focusing on the job,” he added.

“There were definitely a couple of times when I was on putts and my mind wandered a little bit ... you just have to step back, shut it out and get back focusing.”

Donald said the peculiar nature of this week’s event, where there are effectively two competitions at stake in one tournament, had evoked memories of the start of his professional career.

“In a way it’s felt like being at Qualifying School,” he said. “I haven’t been there for 10 years but doing all the great work I’ve done this year, if I’m not able to quite complete it, that would feel like I’d missed out. “It is going to be a tough day tomorrow. I’m going to feel it but I’m in a good position.” —Reuters

PARIS: Racing Metro 92 player Antoine Battut (on the ground) tackles London Irish player Matt Garvey during their Heineken European Cup rugby union match. —AP

Castres dent Saints’ European hopes PARIS: Former European Cup champions Northampton’s chances of reaching the knockout stages of this season’s competition were left hanging by a thread yesterday as they fell to a surprise 41-22 defeat by French side Castres.

The Saints - beaten finalists in last season’s competition and who last went out at this stage eight years ago - didn’t do themselves any favours in being reduced to 14 men twice in the match as Castres wing Romain Martial scored two tries - his first for the club since he joined from Narbonne two years ago.

Romain Teulet scored 21 of their other points with his boot to help his club to their first victory in any rugby since October 22.

There was something of a surprise in another of the early matches as Italian side Treviso beat ailing two-time European Cup finalists Biarritz 30-26, set up mainly on an explosive first-half which saw them score three tries and lead 24-12 at the break.

Castres took an early lead against their English opponents with a try by Steve Malonga but Saints were back on level

terms soon afterwards as flanker Mark Sorenson burrowed over and Steve Myler added the two points.

The hosts spoilt a great chance to score another try a minute later as they made inroads into the Northampton 22 but an infringement cost them a penalty which allowed the English side to clear - but when they too conceded a penalty Teulet slotted it over to give Castres a 10-7 lead after 20 minutes.

Teulet - a prolific points scorer over the past few seasons and nicknamed ‘RoboCop’ for his singular style of preparing for penalty kicks - added another penalty to extend the lead to 13-7.

However, in an open and entertaining if error-strewn encounter it was the visitors who grabbed the second try as winger Jamie Elliott went over in the 32nd minute after being brilliantly set up by Samoan George Pisi.

Myler was unable to convert from the touchline to leave them a point adrift of Castres, who went four points ahead as Teulet landed another penalty. —AFP

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First casualty of match fixing is innocence PARIS: It’s a sad reflection on our times that an amazing scoreline in soccer this week sparked doubt when it should just have inspired awe. Conspiracy theorists with unsubstantiated mutterings of a possible fix prevented Lyon from simply basking in its 7-1 rout of Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, devaluing the remarkable achievement. With good reason, the French club was angry and hurt.

Yet skeptics also can point to good reasons why it is hard and even unwise these days not to be suspicious about what happens on the field, or to accept all results at face value. Those reasons are clearly identified. They even have names.

Like Ante Sapina and Marijo Cvrtak.

Those match fixers are serving 5 1/2-year prison sentences in Germany for manipulating more than 20 games, including a 2010 World Cup qualifier between Liechtenstein and Finland, a Champions League qualifier between Debrecen of Hungary and Fiorentina of Italy, Europa League matches and games in leagues in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Turkey, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and

Canada. Phone taps caught Sapina and accomplices honing plans to corrupt the referee of a 2009 Europa League match, with one saying: “Listen! If you can somehow ensure that the home team wins by two goals in the second half. Only the second half ... Do you understand? And you can bet on that.”

The Ukrainian referee later acknowledged to UEFA investigators that fixers “told him that he would be a millionaire in two to three years from now by manipulating certain games,” according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport panel that upheld his life ban from soccer this January.

Another name is Wilson Raj Perumal, from Singapore. He is serving a 2-year prison sentence in Finland for bribing players and fixing league matches there. FIFA also linked Perumal to a conspiracy to fix games in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South America.

Those are just two of many possible examples, just two of the good reasons to not be naive. It seems that each week brings new reports from somewhere around the globe - most recently, Turkey,

where 93 people have been charged - of the threat posed to sports by fixers and gambling syndicates getting rich by manipulating results. Because this corruption is underground and under-the-table, it’s impossible to know exactly how far and deep the rot has spread.

Suffice to say that for UEFA President Michel Platini “match fixing has become the favorite pastime of organized criminal networks” and “an evil as profound as it is intangible.” And the first casualty of fixers is our innocence.

Skeptics like the Twitter user (at)PrimlyStable - who wondered online whether the Zagreb-Lyon match was fixed perhaps shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions so quickly and without solid proof.

Yet one cannot fault them for doing so.

That is not a swipe at Lyon or Dinamo Zagreb, it’s just a sign of the times.

Even if the vast majority of the 29,000 games that Platini’s organization monitors per season for indications of betting fraud and fixing are clean, it’s not surprising that minds have been dirtied by games that were not. Aside from fixing itself, it is the

perception of corruption that presents such a mortal danger to sports. Because if many minds start to suspect that results are fixed even when they are not that could turn them off and away. Saddest of all, it could stop fans believing in that magic ingredient which makes sports such addictive entertainment: the unexpected. Like Lyon beating Dinamo 7-1. As Judge Jeremy Cooke said to the three Pakistan cricketers he sentenced last month in one of the biggest fixing scandals to tarnish that sport: “Now, whenever people look back on a surprising event in a game or a surprising result or whenever in the future there are surprising events or results, followers of the game who have paid good money to watch it live or to watch it on TV ... will be led to wonder whether there has been a fix and whether what they have been watching is a genuine contest between bat and ball.” Tragic.

But that cynicism must be kept in check, too. Although suspicion without proof may be understandable, it also is unfair and will ruin our enjoyment if we let it take hold.

Yes, it was amazing that everything happened just as it needed to for Lyon on

Wednesday night. To advance to the last 16 of the Champions League, Lyon needed both a deluge of goals against Dinamo and for Ajax to lose the other Group D game against Real Madrid.

Yes, it was surprising the unlikely scenario actually unfolded. But aren’t surprising and amazing why we watch sports? By themselves, they do not have to mean that a 7-1 scoreline must be too good to be true.

Nor did the wink that Dinamo defender Domagoj Vida appeared to direct at Bafetimbi Gomis as he helped the Lyon forward pluck the ball out of the net after the French team’s fifth goal constitute proof of anything. It should, in fairness to all those who sweat and work so hard in sports, take far more than that to get fans tweeting.

Still, admittedly, between doping and fixing, it is getting harder to cling on to the ability to believe in the unbelievable that one needs to enjoy the unlikely feats sports can offer. Lyon can blame the likes of Sapina, Cvrtak and Perumal for that.

Because of such thieves of innocence, we say “Bravo!” and “Really?” at the same time.

Sad for us all.—AP

Khan expects convincing victory over Peterson

DENVER: Denver Nuggets Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri (left) talks with head coach George Karl during the first day of NBA basketball training camp.—AP

NBA owners, players in new labor deal NEW YORK: David Stern had three deals to consider, all promising significant changes to the NBA. A new collective bargaining agreement, saving owners more than $1 billion in player salary costs? Definitely.

An expanded revenue sharing plan that would perhaps quadruple the money shared by teams? Of course. A trade that would send Chris Paul from the league-owned, small-market Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers? Absolutely not.

Stern announced the ratification of the deal that ends the lockout, but shortly afterward the league had to deny reports that he was pressured by owners into rejecting a previously agreed upon trade that would have put Paul in the same backcourt as Kobe Bryant.

“It’s not true that the owners killed the deal, the deal was never discussed at the Board of Governors meeting and the league office declined to make the trade for basketball reasons,” league spokesman Mike Bass said. So Paul stays in New Orleans - for now - but that does little to calm fans in small markets such as New Orleans and Orlando who worry about losing their superstars. In time, Stern said, the “tortured journey” of this 161-day lockout will have been worth it.

“We think it’s a very good deal, and it’s going to withstand the test of time,” he said. Thus ends the lockout, with training camps and free agency to open Friday. But not before one more chaotic day in this wacky offseason that guarantees the status quo remains for now.

Besides an expanded revenue sharing program, Stern said teams and fans will see an improved league in coming years.

“It’s a new beginning in a way,” he said. “It’s going to take a couple of years to work its way out, but we’re very excited about its prospects.”

The 10-year deal promises owners savings of perhaps a quarter billion dollars a year in player compensation, but largely leaves intact the soft salary cap system that the players fought hard to maintain.

Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver announced the deal during a news conference, putting an end to nearly two years of difficult negotiations that resulted in the second shortened season in NBA history. A 66-game schedule will begin on Christmas and run through April 26, forcing every team to play on three straight nights at least once.

Owners approved the deal, which allows either side to opt out after six years, by a 25-5 vote. The players’ association said 86 percent of the more than 200 players who voted electronically approved the deal.

Union executive director Billy Hunter did not attend the news conference and no union officials were quoted in their statement, issued just as Stern began speaking.

Owners also agreed to an expanded revenue sharing plan, and Stern called both agreements “a watershed moment” for the league.

The plan, which will begin in 2013-14, more than quadruples the revenue currently shared by teams, with Stern saying some could now receive more than $20 million and at least six teams could pay $50 million into the plan.

Stern said the current net transfer among teams of about $40 million annually would exceed $160 million. But that’s of little help now to a team such as the NBA-owned Hornets, the latest small-market club to face a future without

its franchise player.

The framework was in place Thursday on a three-team deal that also involved Houston and would have sent Paul to the Lakers to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt of the league’s biggest revenue team, people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. But the deal fell through amid reports owners pressured Stern to stop it.

Yet even if Paul bolts, or Dwight Howard leaves Orlando this summer, Stern said the new labor deal can’t be judged by that, or anything else that may happen right away.

“I believe in free agency,” he said. “We have a deal where a player who has completed his time at a team under a contract has a right to go someplace else. And then there are potential judgments to be made by teams about whether there’s a time when they want to consider getting something more for that player in the event he will leave than if he stays.

So nothing has changed about that. That dynamic is the same. But, yes, this is going to be a more competitive league over time.”

Saying they lost hundreds of millions a year under the old collective bargaining agreement that owners believed favored large-market teams, the league sought significant changes in these negotiations. Owners refused an option to let the CBA run another year and opened negotiations in January 2010 with a proposal that called for a hard cap, the elimination of guaranteed contracts, rollbacks of current salaries and a massive reduction in the players’ share of basketball-related income.

After locking out players on July 1, the two sides reached a tentative deal around 3 a.m.

Nov. 26, heading off the potential disaster of a canceled season and avoiding a possibly costly and lengthy court battle had players proceeded with an antitrust lawsuit.

The remaining issues finally were agreed to late Thursday morning, after players already had begun voting electronically.

Though owners insisted they wanted competitive balance just as much as a chance for profit, there’s no proof yet they achieved it.

Stern knows the owners, particularly in the small markets, didn’t get everything they wanted after watching the big-spending Celtics, Lakers and Mavericks claim the last four championships.

“While it’s not perfect, the deal addresses significant issues on both sides in a very productive way, we believe,” he said.

Player salaries were reduced by 12 percent, and Stern emphasized new provisions such as the amnesty clause will allow teams to more easily escape difficult contracts and become competitive more quickly.

But with the revenue split and system issues taking so much time, there was little opportunity to change the non-economic issues. The draft age limit will remain 19 years at least through the 2012 draft - the league would have liked to go to 20, the players would like to abolish it entirely - and blood testing for human growth hormone won’t be implemented this season.

Stern and the owners have been criticized for taking so long to come to an agreement, with no noticeable proof that the small-market teams who so badly needed relief are getting it.

And the lockout comes with damage to the legacy of the 69-year-old Stern in his last CBA negotiations.—AP

WASHINGTON: Britain’s Amir Khan expects a convincing triumph over Lamont Peterson and greater crowd support than the hometown hero when he defends two world boxing titles late yesterday in Washington.

“I know when I go into the ring I will win this fight convincingly. I will do whatever it takes,” Khan said Thursday. “I’m going to be ready for whatever he brings to the table.”

Khan, 26-1 with 18 knockouts, risks his World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation light-welterweight titles against Peterson, 29-1-1 with 15 knockouts, in his likely farewell fight in the division.

Unless unbeaten US rival Tim Bradley accepts a fight, Khan plans to rise to the welterweight ranks, where undefeated US star Floyd Mayweather and a host of new big payday foes await.

“I’m 90 percent sure,” Khan said. “I’m moving up after this fight because there are no challenges left for me.” Khan added to the formidable test posed by Peterson, once a homeless youth living on the streets of the US capital, by coming to Washington to fight him.

“I’m not afraid of anything. I’ve fought all around the world,” Khan said. “I’ve had a lot of support here this week. I really think I’ll have more fans there on Saturday than Lamont Peterson. That’s going to make it feel like home.

“Winning a fight over Lamont Peterson in his hometown is better than beating him in Vegas.

To beat him in Washington is a bigger achievement for me.”

Peterson relishes the underdog role. It’s one he has had most of his life, beating the odds to make himself a championship contender.

“It’s an advantage,” Peterson said. “It kind of puts the edge on your shoes. You want to change people’s perspective. It gives you the urge to prove to everyone you can win the fight.

And I will win the fight.”

Khan is counting on denying Peterson the

upset, but praises him at the same time as a difficult rival to discount.

“He’s going to be strong, quick and come forward,” Khan said. “A lot of people don’t want to fight Lamont because he will beat them. We’re going to give him the chance to show what he can do.

“My power is developing. I’m getting better. I need to be quick and ready for his strength. It could be a long fight.”

Bradley inflicted Peterson’s only loss two years ago, but Peterson’s trainer, Barry Hunter, has seen his fighter mature since then.

WASHINGTON: WBA super world and IBF junior welterweight champion Amir Khan (left) of England, and Lamont Peterson face off during the weigh-in in Washington.—AP

Sehwag biggest threat to his ODI record — coach NEW DELHI: Virender Sehwag’s world record score in one-day internationals will remain under constant threat from the swashbuckling opener himself, according to the Indian batsman’s coach. Sehwag hit a breath-taking 219 off 149 balls against West Indies in Indore on Thursday to surpass Sachin Tendulkar, the player he was compared to early in his career, as the owner of the highest individual score in 50-over cricket. A.N.Sharma, credited for not ruining Sehwag’s natural free-flowing batting when he took the school student under his wing, was not surprised by the achievement.

“It was long overdue,” Sharma, who runs a cricket academy in the capital, told Reuters on Friday. “Honestly speaking, I expected him to score 200 in one-dayers ahead of Sachin Tendulkar. “I lost count how many times I told him that he just needs to bat 40-odd overs. He

INDORE: India’s captain Virender Sehwag hits a six during their fourth one -day international cricket match against West Indies in this file photo.—AP

“I’ve seen a lot of growth since that fight,” he said. “I would put Lamont against any fighter on the planet and be comfortable with it.

“The strongest fight you have in any fight is your brain. What we lacked in the Bradley fight was mental preparation. Mentally we are stronger. Now we need to be a hero. We don’t mind stepping up and taking that challenge.”

Freddie Roach, Khan’s trainer who this week was elected to boxing Hall of Fame, expects Khan to be at his best late yesterday. “Amir is really ready,” Roach said. “He had a great training camp. He was working hard.”—AFP

does not require more overs to get there. He has such a game.

“I think he can better even this knock. All he needs is a match on a good wicket where the ball comes nicely onto the bat and the outfield is fast. It’s not a difficult task for him.”

According to Sharma, Sehwag has it in him to surpass the record test score of 400 not out set by West Indies great Brian Lara.

“Of course it’s not easy but Sehwag has already hit two triple centuries and can score so quickly that you don’t want to rule him out. “Of course test matches are a different ball game altogether. To score 400, he would have to return the next day, get his eyes in all over again and resume the good work.

“What works for him is that he is never bogged down by any milestone. If he’s batting on 94, he would like to reach the 100 with a six.

That’s how he plays his game and I never tinkered with that.”

One thing that Sharma did tinker with though was Sehwag’s foot-work. “He had this habit of dragging his back foot out of the crease while playing his shot. To stop that, I tied one end of a rope to his leg and another to a post.

He’d practise like this for one month to cure himself,” Sharma quipped.

Since those days, Sehwag has established himself as possibly the most devastating batsman in international cricket. His uncomplicated batting philosophy has made him a spectators’ delight and led to comparisons with former West Indies great Viv Richards.

“I say it again! I never saw Sir Viv bat but I’ve seen Sehwag bat! What a player, 219 in a oneday game is next to impossible,” his team mate Yuvraj Singh tweeted at http://twitter.com/# !/yuvsingh09. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja echoed a similar view on the same platform via his page http://twitter.com/#!/RamizSpeaks.

“When Viv Richards retired I thought it was end of entertainment. But then came Sehwag, the King of entertainment! Long live the King!”

Tendulkar too was happy that the record he possessed now belonged to a man, who early in his career, was dubbed a “Tendulkar-clone.”

“I saw his batting towards the end. I’m very happy for him and also the fact that someone who has broken my record is my team mate and an Indian,” Tendulkar, now in Australia, was quoted as saying by the Indian Express newspaper.—Reuters

Dalglish stands by Suarez ahead of Rangers clash LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has insisted Luis Suarez has his full support after the controversial Uruguay striker was hit with two Football Association charges. Suarez has been charged with improper conduct following an alleged gesture he made towards Fulham fans during Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. The incident was captured by photographers and Suarez, who already faces an FA charge for allegedly making racist remarks to Manchester United defender Patrice Evra, has until 1600GMT Monday to respond. Fulham fans chanted “cheat” at Suarez during a game which saw him on the receiving end of some hefty challenges. Dalglish said it was a “joke” the racism charge hanging over Suarez had yet to be dealt with by the FA. And he insisted the former Ajax player, who has scored seven league and cup goals this season, retained the full backing of everyone at Liverpool. “The staff, players and supporters will stand by him because they know what the truth is,” said Anfield great Dalglish. “We’ll stand by him.

It’s only in other people’s interests that if they cannot stop him on the pitch, they have to try some other ways and means to stop him. “They’re entitled to tackle him, but tackle him fairly. That’s all we’re saying,” the former Scotland striker added.

“People just jump on the bandwagon and accuse him of this, that and everything else. He’s a fantastic footballer and one that every other club would love to have in their side.” Despite being hit with a new FA charge, Suarez will start when Queens Park Rangers visit Anfield today.

Liverpool are seventh in the Premier League table-five points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea. Dalglish’s players are under pressure to defeat QPR after four home games without a win. But QPR striker Jamie Mackie believes encouraging performances earlier in the season against Chelsea and Manchester City give his side confidence ahead of the London club’s first visit to Anfield for 16 years. Mackie, who returned to the first team in October after recovering from a broken leg, was involved in the QPR sides that beat Chelsea and narrowly lost 3-2 to Premier League leaders City. “We have shown with our performances against Chelsea and Man City that we enjoy the challenge of playing against the top sides in the division, and hopefully we can do that again,” he said. QPR conceded a late equalizer at home to West Brom last week and arrive on Merseyside with one win in five games. “We played some good football today, and I felt we dominated much of the game,” added Mackie.

“Now, having had a couple of days to reflect on it, there are a lot of positives to take from the match and we have got to take the sort of football we’re playing into today’s game at Liverpool.”— AFP

18

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

SPORTS

United too strong for Wolves Man United 4

Wolves 1

LONDON: West Bromwich Albion’s Steven Reid (rear) is challenged by Wigan Athletic Victor Moses during the English Premier League soccer match at the Hawthorns. —AP

Wigan off the bottom West Brom 1

Wigan 2

BIRMINGHAM: Wigan moved off the bottom of the English Premier League after beating West Bromwich Albion 2-1 to notch up just their third win of the season here yesterday.

Steven Reid opened the scoring for West Brom with a fine, curling 20-metre free-kick past Wigan’s Omani goalkeeper Ali al-Habsi after 33 minutes.

But Wigan hit back four minutes later when Victor Moses lined up a shot from the edge of Ben Foster’s box and fired into the

far top corner. Reid turned from hero to villain for West Brom after he brought down Moses going into the box in the 57th minute, Jordi Gomez sending Foster the wrong way from the penalty spot for a lead Wigan just managed to hold on to for an invaluable win.

There was, however, drama to come as Paul Scharner spurned a great chance for a late equaliser, the unmarked Austrian defender heading Jerome Thomas’ cross wide of Habsi’s post.

The victory saw Roberto Martinez’s Wigan move three places off the basement, Bolton going bottom with Sunderland and Blackburn in 18th and 19th places respectively. It will also come as a massive fillip for a side that enjoys the worst goalscoring record in the league (along with West Brom and Stoke) and now has Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United as their next three opponents.—AFP

MANCHESTER: Nani and Wayne Rooney scored two goals each as Manchester United bounced back from their Champions League exit with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Wolves at Old Trafford here yesterday.

United failed to reach the knock-out phase of European club football’s premier tournament for just the third time when they were beaten 2-1 by Basel in midweek.

Sir Alex Ferguson had described it as a “black week” for the club but they responded with a win that left them just two points adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, who travel to Chelsea on Monday.

United had not scored more than once in the Premier League since their 2-0 win over Norwich on October 1. But that unwanted record was ended in emphatic fashion while Rooney’s double ensured he avoided a personal ‘worst’ of nine Premier League games without a goal.

Nani put United ahead in the 17th minute and Rooney scored a second 10 minutes later. Steven Fletcher halved the deficit with his 11th in 16 matches just after half time but Nani restored the lead before Rooney added United’s fourth.

Wolves came into the game on the back of a miserable run of five consecutive defeats away from home but they were the first to threaten a goal.

Republic of Ireland forward

Kevin Doyle broke down the right and clipped a pass across for Fletcher, whose drive flew just wide. But United were soon on the offensive, with Patrice Evra sending over a clever cross from the left that was allowed to run across Wolves’ six-yard line.

England striker Rooney, whose international ban was reduced by one match on appeal last week, was unlucky to see his attempted chip glance off Christophe Berra’s face into the hands of Wayne Hennessey.

Michael Carrick went even closer when he was picked out by Antonio Valencia’s cross from the right and thumped a diving header just past the top corner.

Rooney had a curling effort held low down by Hennessey and was then thwarted by the Welsh

goalkeeper again after he was played through by Carrick.

But United moved in front when Nani was allowed to cut in from the left and find the bottom corner from just outside the area with his sixth goal of the season.

Rooney added a second goal himself when he was fed by Nani and made a yard of space to drill a low shot past Hennessey from just outside the area.

And Rooney came close to stretching the lead further when he was picked out by Danny Welbeck and produced a low shot pushed wide by Hennessey.

Welbeck also threatened just before the interval with a curling shot that glanced wide off Roger Johnson, while Nani was also denied by Hennessey.

But Wolves responded just

over a minute after the restart.

Matthew Jarvis found space on the left and sent over a looping cross that Fletcher met with a firm header to beat United keeper David de Gea. Jarvis soon worked another opening with another fine cross from the left but Fletcher could not find the power to trouble de Gea for a second time.

United should have restored their two-goal advantage when a clever cross from Phil Jones picked out Welbeck but the England international could not guide the ball on target.

But the hosts did manage to score a third in the 56th minute when Nani turned in Valencia’s accurate cross six yards out before Rooney completed his double just after the hour mark.—AFP

Van Persie gives Gunners birthday win over Everton

German League

Arsenal 1

Everton 0

GERMANY: Bremen’s Sokratis Papastathopoulos (left) and Wolfsburg’s Ashkan Dejagah challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match. —AP

Gladbach slump at Augsburg BERLIN: Borussia Moenchengladbach missed the chance to go top of the German League yesterday with a shock defeat at strugglers Augsburg while Werder Bremen got back in the title race with a 4-1 defeat of Wolfsburg.

With leaders Bayern Munich at VfB Stuttgart today, ‘Gladbach could have gone two points clear, but instead slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat as Augsburg picked up only their third win of the season.

“Augsburg earned the win, they were better,” admitted ‘Gladbach coach Lucien Favre. “We have to accept that. Augsburg invested more than us in the game, we were always a step too late and played too slowly.”We had trouble dictating the game.” Augsburg midfielder Jan-Ingwer Callsen-Bracker scored the all-important goal against his former club on 51 minutes and the Bavarian minnows held on for a valuable win which lifted them up one place up from bottom.

“My team played with pure passion and I am very, very proud of the performance,” said Augsburg coach Jos Luhukay. Only two points now separate the top five teams. ‘Gladbach were without rising star midfielder Marco Reus, who is still recovering from breaking the little toe on his left foot a fortnight ago, but the guests were frustrated by their determined hosts.

The defeat drops ‘Gladbach to fourth,

LONDON: Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand (right) gets to grips with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Kevin Doyle during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP

but still just a point behind Bayern, secondplaced Schalke and Dortmund, third, who host Kaiserslautern today.

Bremen are fifth, but just two points behind Bayern, after their hammering of Wolfsburg with Greek defender Sokratis putting the hosts ahead early on.

On 45 minutes, Peru striker Claudio Pizarro netted the second, to claim his 12th league goal of the season, before Sweden’s Markus Rosenberg scored the third after the break. Austria’s Marko Arnautovic came off the bench to hit the fourth with 19 minutes left. Wolfsburg’s Germany defender Marcel Schaefer pulled a consolation back in the dying stages when his shot curled around Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

“I am very happy, we produced a good performance,” said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf, whose team were hammered 4-1 at Bayern last weekend.

“We got some of our self-confidence back, it was an entertaining game with lots of goal chances. “I have to pay the team a big compliment on their performance.”

Freiburg replaced Augsburg at the bottom as they were hammered 4-0 at Cologne with Germany striker Lukas Podolski slotting home two second-half goals in the rout. Schalke had admitted yesterday that they are interested in signing the 26-yearold Germany star whose brace leaves him with 13 goals this season. —AFP

LONDON: Robin van Persie’s stunning volley at the Emirates Stadium allowed Arsenal to celebrate their 125th birthday with a 1-0 Premier League victory over Everton yesterday.

The Gunners skipper settled the match with his 33rd league goal of 2011, one behind Thierry Henry’s club record for a calendar year. His goal ensured Arsene Wenger’s team extended their unbeaten run to eight league matches.

Former players and managers were invited onto the pitch before the game to celebrate the club’s landmark anniversary and salute the home supporters. The “legends” introduced by Arsenal included former France internationals Henry and Robert Pires.

Wenger needed to reshuffle his defence after left-back Andre Santos suffered an ankle injury in the midweek Champions League loss to Olympiakos.

It meant Thomas Vermaelen was playing as a full-back, with Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny in the middle of defence and Johan Djourou on the right.

With four out-and-out centrebacks across the defence, Arsenal were looking to keep Louis Saha quiet after the Everton striker returned from a thigh injury.

There was an injury scare for

Djourou and Louis Saha when they collided in the early exchanges while competing for an aerial ball, but both were able to hobble on and continue.

Vermaelen was also in the action straight away on his left flank, timing a tackle perfectly to dispossess Seamus Coleman as the young winger charged into the penalty area.

Arsenal had the first chance of the contest with a move started by ex-Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta, who left Goodison Park just before the last transfer window closed.

Arteta won the ball off Marouane Fellaini and played Theo Walcott through on goal, with the England winger unselfishly laying the ball towards Gervinho.

But Gervinho took too much time and it allowed Tony Hibbert to race back and deflect the Ivory Coast forward’s finish over the crossbar.

The next chance came just before the half-hour mark when Alex Song played the ball forward for Aaron Ramsey in the penalty area.

The Welsh midfielder took his time and got the ball on his left foot but just cleared the bar with his chipped finish.

Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was called into action a minute later, saving well with his feet after Phil Neville’s poor clearance allowed Gervinho to race through on goal again.

Arsenal also had a penalty appeal just before the break.

Vermaelen was on the end of a corner and his header was blocked by Phil Jagielka-but ref-

LONDON: Arsenal’s Laurent Koscielny (right) vies for the ball with Everton’s Tim Cahill during their English Premier League soccer match. —AP eree Howard Webb waved play on as he had not seen the incident.

In the second half, Arsenal enjoyed the majority of possession and the chances inevitably followed from that. Van Persie could only stab over when he was on the end of a cross from Walcott. Then Walcott had a chance himself, skipping around Leighton Baines and firing

towards the top corner, but Howard saved well.

Everton were forced to make a change when Saha suffered an injury, with Sylvain Distin coming on and slotting into defence.

But van Persie’s moment came when Song played the ball over the top and his first-time volley smashed in off the post as Arsenal went fourth in the table.—AFP

Scottish League

Celtic break Hearts GLASGOW: Fraser Forster was the star as he saved an 89th-minute penalty to help Celtic to a 1-0 victory over Hearts that kept them four points behind Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premier League.

Victor Wanyama broke the deadlock with a curling shot from 20 yards in the 72nd-minute before the Kenyan was then penalised for handling in the box.

However, Forster superbly saved Eggert Jonsson’s spot-kick before Hoops captain Scott Brown and Jamie Hamill clashed at the end of the match as emotions ran high.

Earlier, rivals Rangers remained top as a secondhalf double from Nikica Jelavic helped them to a 20 victory over Hibernian at Easter Road.

At Celtic Park, the first real chance fell to the

home side when Georgios Samaras played a neat one-two with Anthony Stokes, who over-hit his pass to Gary Hooper and keeper Marian Kello smothered the danger.

Hooper came close when he poked the ball just wide of the post after being picked out by James Forrest on the half-hour mark.

The English striker’s first touch was then found lacking as Samaras’s cut-back rebounded off his ankle and straight into the hands of Kello. Strike partner Stokes tested Kello with a powerful strike from 25 yards which stung the palms of the keeper as Celtic looked for an opener. Brown returned from a long injury lay-off as he replaced Glenn Loovens at the break.

However it was Hearts who immediately threat-

ened as Forster had to be alert to edge out an Ian Black free-kick. The Edinburgh side began to grow in confidence and Forster was relieved to see Scott Robinson’s low drive from 30 yards go just by.

The woodwork denied Celtic on the hour mark when Stokes leapt to meet Forrest’s cross but his header came crashing off the bar.

The Hoops made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute with a superb strike from Wanyama. The ball broke to the Kenyan 20 yards out and he sent a swerving shot into the top corner of the net leaving Kello rooted to the spot.

Hearts made a triple substitution in a search of an equaliser and sub Andy Driver set up Mehdi Taouil for a shot but his tame effort was held by Forster.—AFP

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

S P ORT S

Soccer results/standings Arsenal 1 (Van Persie 70) Everton 0; Bolton 1 (Klasnic 55) Aston Villa 2 (Albrighton 33, Petrov 39); Liverpool 1 (Suarez 47) QPR 0; Manchester Utd 4 (Nani 17, 56, Rooney 27, 62) Wolves 1 (Fletcher 47); Norwich 4 (Hoolahan 39, Holt 59, 82, Morison 63) Newcastle 2 (Ba 45, 71); Swansea 2 (Sinclair 56, Graham 90) Fulham 0; West Brom 1 (Reid 33) Wigan 2 (Moses 37, Gomez 57pen).

Playing today Sunderland v Blackburn; Stoke v Tottenham.

Playing tomorrow Chelsea v Manchester City.

English Football League results Championship Birmingham 2 Doncaster 1; Burnley 0 Portsmouth 1; Coventry 0 Hull 1; Derby 2 Bristol City 1; Leicester 1 Peterborough 1; Middlesbrough 1 Brighton 0; Millwall 0 Cardiff 0; Nottingham Forest 0 Crystal Palace 1; Reading 3 West Ham 0; Southampton 2 Blackpool 2; Watford 1 Leeds 1.

Scottish Premier League results Aberdeen 2 (Vernon 1, Fallon 17) St Mirren 2 (McLean 34, Carey 52); Celtic 1 (Wanyama 72) Hearts 0; Hibernian 0 Rangers 2 (Jelavic 61-pen, 69); Inverness C T 2 (Hayes 2, McKay 47) Dundee Utd 3 (Russell 51, 78, Golobart 64-og); St Johnstone 0 Motherwell 3 (Daly 16, Murphy 28, 68).

Division One Brentford 2 Hartlepool 1; Colchester 4 Bury 1; Huddersfield 0 Bournemouth 1; Leyton Orient 3 Exeter 0; Oldham 0 Sheffield Wednesday 2; Preston 0 Stevenage 0; Scunthorpe 1 Carlisle 2; Sheffield Utd 3 Rochdale 0; Tranmere 0 Milton Keynes Dons 2; Walsall 1 Charlton 1; Wycombe 3 Chesterfield 2; Yeovil 1 Notts County 0.

Division Two AFC Wimbledon 0 Accrington 2; Aldershot 1 Shrewsbury 0; Bradford 1 Plymouth 1; Bristol Rovers 1 Swindon 1; Cheltenham 3 Southend 0; Crawley 3 Burton 0; Dagenham and Redbridge 1 Port Vale 2; Hereford 2 Rotherham 3; Macclesfield 0 Gillingham 0; Morecambe 0 Oxford 0; Northampton 1 Crewe 1.

Scottish Football League results First Division Dundee 2 Queen Of The South 1; Falkirk 0 Hamilton 0; Morton 1 Partick 2; Raith 0 Livingston 1.

Postponed Ayr v Ross County Second Division Albion Rovers 3 Dumbarton Cowdenbeath 0 Arbroath Stenhousemuir 1 Airdrie 1.

1; 0;

Postponed Brechin v Stirling; Forfar v East Fife

Postponed Clyde v Elgin City; Peterhead v Berwick German League results Werder Bremen 4 (Sokratis 18, Pizarro 45, Rosenberg 55, Arnautovic 71) VfL Wolfsburg 1 (Schaefer 86); Mainz 05 0 Hamburg 0; Nuremberg 0 Hoffenheim 2 (Ibisevic 39, 56); Cologne 4 (Clemens 19, 60, Podolski 60,73) Freiburg 0; Augsburg 1 (Callsen-Bracker 51) Borussia Moenchengladbach 0.

Playing later Hanover 96 v Bayer Leverkusen Playing today Borussia Dortmund v Kaiserslautern, VfB Stuttgart v Bayern Munich Played Friday Hertha Berlin 1 (Ramos 25) Schalke 04 2 (Huntelaar 19, Pukki 44)

Played Friday Torquay 1 Barnet 0

English Premier League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points):

14 15 13 15 14 15 15 15 15 14 15 14 15 15 15 15 15 14 14 15

12 11 10 9 9 7 7 4 5 5 4 5 4 3 4 4 3 2 2 3

2 3 1 2 1 5 5 7 4 3 5 1 4 6 3 2 3 5 4 0

0 1 2 4 4 3 3 4 6 6 6 8 7 6 8 9 9 7 8 12

Liverpool 1

QPR 0

LIVERPOOL: Luis Suarez put his Football Association charges to one side to inspire Liverpool to a 1-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers at Anfield yesterday.

The Uruguay striker, who has requested a personal hearing over a racism charge involving Manchester United’s Patrice Evra, is also in trouble for making an alleged obscene gesture at Fulham fans last Monday.

But Suarez responded on the pitch with his first league goal since October 1 as Kenny Dalglish’s side won at home for the first time in nearly three months.

QPR had looked like frustrating the hosts on their first visit to Anfield for 16 years. Yet Suarez’s second-half header settled the game as Liverpool’s charge for a top-four finish gathered momentum.

All eyes were on Suarez to see what the Premier League’s latest pantomime villain would get up to at the end of a week that brought an improper conduct charge plus another call for greater protection from Dalglish.

But there were other concerns for the Liverpool manager. The league’s other promoted sides, Nor wich and Swansea, had both emerged unbeaten from trips to Anfield and, with the hosts’ midfield options dwindling by the week, QPR were looking to follow suit.

With Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard still injured and Jay Spearing suspended, Dalglish recalled Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez and Dutch international Dirk Kuyt to the starting line-up.

Having drawn their previous four home games, Liverpool were desperate for an early breakthrough goal to ease nerves.

Yet despite creating a flurry of chances, it looked like being another frustrating afternoon as their inability to turn first-half pressure into goals once again threatened to cost them dear.

Rodriguez had a goal-bound effort blocked

LONDON: Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt (left) vies for the ball against Queens Park Rangers’ Alejandro Faurlin during their English Premier League soccer match. — AP as early as the third minute while Suarez headed tamely at keeper Radek Cerny from close range after Stewart Downing’s cross from the right.

Suarez’s long sequence without a league goal prompted suggestions the racism charge hanging over him since United’s visit eight weeks ago had affected his game. His 15th-minute miss, after being teed-up by Rodriguez, appeared to add more fuel to the theory.

Instead it was the busy Rodriguez who forced Cerny into the best save of the first-half after Kuyt’s 31st minute pass had split the QPR defence wide open.

Cerny spread himself well to prevent the goal, but Liverpool did not test the Czech Republic keeper enough despite spending most of the first-half camped in the Rangers half.

Liverpool were lacking a creative spark yet

two minutes into the second-half they got the goal they craved. A poor corner by Charlie Adam, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, was headed back into the path of the Scotland international.

This time he produced a delightful right-footed return into the penalty area which allowed Suarez to head home unmarked from the edge of the six-yard area.

After the most testing of weeks, Suarez’s wild celebrations in front of the Kop were understandable. Suddenly, Suarez was at his probing, teasing best. Rodriguez should have doubled the lead in the 61st minute after being set up by Suarez but his close range shot was blocked.

And Cerny produced a fine stop to deny Rodriguez in the 68th minute as Liverpool upped the tempo towards the end. — AFP

Holt double sinks Newcastle

English Premier League table Man City Man Utd Tottenham Arsenal Chelsea Liverpool Newcastle Aston Villa Norwich Stoke Swansea Everton QPR Fulham West Brom W’hampton Wigan Sunderland Blackburn Bolton

Suarez stays focused as Liverpool defeat QPR

Postponed Dunfermline v Kilmarnock

Third Division Alloa 1 Queen’s Park 0; Annan Athletic 2 Montrose 1; Stranraer 6 East Stirling 0.

Playing later Barnsley v Ipswich

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

48 35 29 31 31 18 21 18 24 14 16 15 15 16 14 16 14 16 21 20

13 14 16 23 17 13 19 19 28 23 20 18 26 18 23 28 29 17 32 36

38 36 31 29 28 26 26 19 19 18 17 16 16 15 15 14 12 11 10 9

English Football League tables Championship Southampton 21 13 4 4 44 West Ham 21 12 4 5 36 Cardiff 21 10 8 3 34 M’brough 21 10 8 3 25 Hull 21 11 3 7 24 Leeds 21 10 5 6 36 Brighton 21 9 5 7 23 Blackpool 21 8 7 6 33 Leicester 21 8 6 7 28 Reading 21 8 6 7 26 Barnsley 20 8 6 6 27 Crystal 21 8 6 7 21 Birmingham 19 8 5 6 26 Derby 21 8 4 9 26 Burnley 21 8 3 10 31 Portsmouth 20 7 5 8 23 Peterborough 21 7 4 10 40 Watford 21 6 7 8 22 Millwall 21 5 8 8 23 Bristol City 21 5 5 11 21 Ipswich 19 6 2 11 26 Nottingham 21 6 2 13 18 Doncaster 21 4 4 13 17 Coventry 21 2 7 12 17

23 20 22 17 22 29 22 27 23 22 26 20 22 31 31 22 39 30 24 33 39 36 35 32

43 40 38 38 36 35 32 31 30 30 30 30 29 28 27 26 25 25 23 20 20 20 16 13

Division One Charlton Sheffield Milton Huddersfield Sheffield Utd Brentford Carlisle Notts County Stevenage Preston Bury Colchester Hartlepool Bournemouth Tranmere Oldham Leyton Orient Exeter Yeovil Scunthorpe Walsall Rochdale Wycombe Chesterfield

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

14 13 11 10 11 9 9 9 7 8 8 6 7 7 7 7 5 5 4 3 3 4 4 3

5 3 6 8 5 5 5 4 8 3 3 8 5 5 5 5 7 5 7 9 8 5 4 4

1 4 3 2 4 6 6 7 5 9 9 6 8 8 8 8 8 10 9 8 9 11 12 13

43 36 41 37 36 24 27 34 24 32 26 30 25 23 20 27 22 20 22 26 19 22 23 25

15 24 21 18 22 21 29 28 18 36 31 31 28 26 23 31 29 33 30 32 26 38 34 40

47 42 39 38 38 32 32 31 29 27 27 26 26 26 26 26 22 20 19 18 17 17 16 13

Division Two Crawley Town Southend Cheltenham Shrewsbury Burton Albion Swindon Gillingham Morecambe Torquay Oxford Utd

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

14 13 13 11 10 10 9 8 8 8

3 3 2 4 5 4 5 7 7 6

3 4 5 5 5 6 6 5 5 6

43 37 32 32 32 31 33 35 32 28

25 21 18 20 29 17 25 21 26 23

45 42 41 37 35 34 32 31 31 30

Rotherham Port Vale Macclesfield Aldershot Accrington Crewe Wimbledon Rovers Barnet Northampton Hereford Bradford Plymouth Dagenham

20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

8 8 7 8 6 8 7 6 5 4 4 3 3 4

6 5 5 2 8 2 5 5 4 5 5 7 4 1

6 7 8 10 6 10 8 9 11 11 11 10 13 15

37 34 21 24 22 23 29 25 24 24 18 21 19 18

35 29 20 24 23 28 37 33 39 40 35 29 39 38

30 29 26 26 26 26 26 23 19 17 17 16 13 13

Scottish Premier League table Rangers 18 14 3 1 34 Celtic 18 13 2 3 36 Motherwell 17 10 3 4 23 St Johnstone 17 7 5 5 20 Hearts 18 6 4 8 16 Kilmarnock 17 5 7 5 23 Dundee Utd 18 5 6 7 24 St Mirren 18 5 6 7 17 Inverness 18 4 3 11 24 Aberdeen 17 3 5 9 19 Hibernian 17 3 5 9 16 Dunfermline 17 3 5 9 20

8 14 18 16 14 25 29 23 36 25 28 36

45 41 33 26 22 22 21 21 15 14 14 14

Scottish Football League tables First Division Ross County 15 10 4 1 28 Dundee 16 8 2 6 25 Falkirk 16 7 5 4 24 Partick 16 6 5 5 23 Livingston 16 5 7 4 22 Hamilton 16 5 4 7 22 Morton 16 5 4 7 18 Q of South 16 4 4 8 19 Ayr 15 4 4 7 14 Raith 16 4 3 9 16

13 18 22 16 21 23 26 22 28 22

34 26 26 23 22 19 19 16 16 15

Second Division Cowdenbeath 16 Arbroath 16 S’housemuir 16 Albion 16 Dumbarton 16 East Fife 15 Airdrie Utd 16 Brechin 15 Forfar 14 Stirling 14

9 9 8 6 5 6 4 3 3 3

5 5 4 3 4 1 6 6 5 3

2 2 4 7 7 8 6 6 6 8

34 35 30 29 28 21 34 16 22 17

17 22 21 32 32 29 37 22 27 27

32 32 28 21 19 19 18 15 14 12

Third Division Annan 15 Alloa 15 Stranraer 15 Elgin 13 Berwick 14 Clyde 13 Queens Park 14 Montrose 15 East Stirling 15 Peterhead 13

9 8 8 6 6 5 5 4 2 1

3 5 3 4 3 4 4 2 2 4

3 2 4 3 5 4 5 9 11 8

25 22 37 23 26 18 19 24 11 12

16 19 19 14 22 11 20 36 38 22

30 29 27 22 21 19 19 14 8 7

1 1 3 3 2 4 4 3 6 2 7 6 5 2 3 5 5 4

4 5 3 4 5 4 5 7 4 7 5 6 6 9 9 7 8 9

38 33 30 24 30 22 22 18 19 26 23 20 21 22 14 11 14 20

9 22 10 11 26 19 17 18 23 31 25 26 27 34 28 19 27 35

31 31 30 30 29 25 22 21 21 20 19 18 17 17 15 14 14 13

German League table Bayern 15 10 Schalke 16 10 Borussia 15 9 Borussia 16 9 Bremen 16 9 Leverkusen 15 7 Stuttgart 15 6 Hoffenheim 16 6 Hanover 15 5 Cologne 15 6 Hertha Berlin 16 4 Hamburg 16 4 Mainz 15 4 Wolfsburg 16 5 Nuremberg 16 4 Kaiserslautern 15 3 Augsburg 16 3 Freiburg 16 3

Norwich 4

Newcastle 2

NORWICH: Norwich captain Grant Holt bagged a brace to inspire a 4-2 win over 10-man Newcastle at Carrow Road yesterday.

Paul Lamber t ’s side punished injur y-hit Newcastle’s defensive frailties as Holt’s double and strikes from Wes Hoolahan and Steve Morison clinched Norwich’s fifth Premier League victory since last season’s promotion from the Championship. Senegal striker Demba Ba kept Newcastle in the match with a goal in each half, but Magpies midfielder Dan Gosling ruined his team’s hopes of a comeback when he was sent off in the second half.

The Canaries moved up to ninth place, while Newcastle drop to seventh after their second successive league defeat. The loss of central defenders Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini after injuries against Chelsea last weekend had taken its toll as the inexperienced centre-back pairing of James Perch and Danny Simpson failed to handle

Holt and Morison. A superb diving save from John Ruddy stopped Yohan Cabaye from giving Newcastle the lead. But it was Norwich who opened the scoring six minutes before half-time in controversial circumstances. The assistant referee ruled that Tim Krul had carried the ball out for a corner from a looping shot despite the goalkeeper insisting he had kept the ball in play.

Krul then palmed away Andrew Crofts’ powerful header from the resulting corner, but the ball rebounded in off Hoolahan to give Norwich the opener.

Replays appeared to show that the corner should not have been given as Krul had kept the ball in play and the Newcastle players were furious that Atkinson had allowed the corner to take place.

Their anger lasted barely five minutes as Ba latched on to Cabaye’s excellent through-ball before prodding past Ruddy to make it 1-1 in stoppage time. Norwich regained the lead just before the hour when Krul parried Holt’s header with his feet before the striker powered home the rebound off the bar. That was Holt’s fifth goal of the season and his strike-partner Morison added their third four minutes later. Gosling dallied on the edged of his own box, allowing Crofts to race down the flank and cross towards Wales international Morison, who headed in his seventh of the season. —AFP

Swansea see off Fulham

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

English Premier League Sunderland v Blackburn .............. 16:30 Dubai Sports .

Stoke v Tottenham ....................... 19:00 Dubai Sports

Pan Arab Games Libya v Sudan ...............................17:30 Al Jazeera Sport Channels Saudi Arabia v Oman ................... 17:30 Al Jazeera Sport Channels Jordan v Palestine ....................... 19:30 Al Jazeera Sport Channels

Spanish League Rayo v Sporting ............................ 14:00 Al Jazeera Sport +2 Getafe v Granada ......................... 18:00 Al Jazeera Sport +8 Villarreal v Sociedad .................... 18:00 Al Jazeera Sport +5 Zaragoza v Mallorca ..................... 20:00 Al Jazeera Sport +8 Malaga v Osasuna ......................... 20:00 Al Jazeera Sport +2

Swansea 2

Bilbao v Racing ............................. 21:45 Al Jazeera Sport +5

Fulham 0

Espanyol v Atletico ....................... 23:30 Al Jazeera Sport 2 HD SWANSEA: Swansea beat Fulham 2-0 at the Liberty Stadium here yesterday for a win that left the newly promoted side in an impressive 11th place in the Premier League.

Second half goals from Scott Sinclair and Danny Graham saw the Welsh side on their way but as just as important in securing what was the Swans’ first win in five games was a superb penalty save by keeper Michel Vorm.

The Dutchman dived to his right to deny Clint Dempsey, capping a miserable day for the United States international who’d earlier deflected Sinclair’s shot into his own net.

Following Vorm’s save, Swansea substitute Graham made sure of all three points for Brendan Rodgers’s side when he turned in Mark Graham’s injury-time corner.

Italian League Udinese v Chievo ......................... 17:00 Al Jazeera Sport +9 Scott Sinclair Goalless at half-time, Swansea took the lead in the 56th minute when the unlucky Dempsey got in the way of Sinclair’s shot and deflected it past Fulham’s Australia international goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

Fulham looked as if they would equalise when Jazz Richards was ruled to have brought down Karim Frei with just four minutes to go. But Vorm then produced a brilliant stop before Graham sealed victory. —AFP

Cagliari v Parma ........................... 17:00 Al Jazeera Sport +1 Bologna v AC Milan ..................... 17:00 Al Jazeera Sport +6 Atalanta v Catania -.......................17:00 Al Jazeera Sport +7 Novara v Napoli ............................ 22:45 Al Jazeera Sport 1 HD

Villa end away win drought Bolton 1

Aston Villa 2

BOLTON: Aston Villa won away from home for the first time this season as goals from Marc Albrighton and Stiliyan Petrov clinched a 2-1 victory at Bolton yesterday that left the hosts at the bottom of the Premier League.

Alex McLeish’s side had gone seven games without a victory on their travels but a trip to the Reebok Stadium was the perfect tonic to that miserable run.

Bolton have now lost 12 of their last 15 league matches-and seven of eight at home-and this

result, combined with Wigan’s victory at West Brom, left Owen Coyle’s strugglers languishing in 20th place.

They fell behind when Albrighton prodded in Gabriel Agbonlahor’s cross midway through the first half and Petrov added to the second soon after.

Ivan Klasnic reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half, but the hosts could not salvage a point and were booed off by their angry fans.

After respects had been paid around the ground to former Bolton midfielder Gary Speed with a minute’s applause, it was the hosts who created the first real chance of the game when Chris Eagles swung a free-kick towards the box and Gary Cahill headed into Brad Guzan’s arms.

A slip from Cahill allowed Charles N’Zogbia to cross to Petrov, who was right in front of goal but put his shot wide.

Darren Bent also failed to convert when he really should have scored, the unmarked Villa striker

seeing his effort come back off the legs of Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Wanderers were struggling to contain their opponents’ attacking play and it came as little surprise when Villa made the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark, Albrighton on hand to tap in Agbonlahor’s delivery from the left.

Within six minutes, the visitors had doubled their lead, Petrov’s drive taking a deflection off Cahill on its way in. Bolton might have pulled one back two minutes before the break, but Guzan did well to block Kevin Davies’ header.

The hosts showed more purpose at the start of the second half and after Guzan had dived to push away a curler from Eagles, Wanderers got one back in the 55th minute.

Klasnic showed his predatory instincts, sweeping in his seventh goal of the season after Zat Knight’s shot had caused a scramble in the box, but Bolton were unable to maintain their momentum as Villa held on to win. —AFP

Suarez stays focused as Liverpool defeat QPR

Khan expects convincing victory over Peterson

19

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

First casualty of match fixing is innocence

Page 17

MADRID: Barcelona’s midfielder Cesc Fabregas (right) heads the ball and scores next to Real Madrid’s Portuguese defender Fabio Alexandre Silva Coentrao during the ‘El clasico’ Spanish League football match. — AFP

Barca fight back to clinch ‘El Clasico’ MADRID: Barcelona overcame the shock of conceding a goal after just 23 seconds-the fastest in El Clasico history-to defeat bitter rivals Real Madrid 3-1 yesterday and go top of La Liga.

French striker Karim Benzema scored the early goal to give Real a 1-0 lead after a terrible clearance from Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Alexis Sanchez, who was chosen ahead of David Villa, levelled in the 30th minute after a sublime through ball from Lionel Messi.

A drive from Xavi in the 53rd minute took a wicked deflection off Marcelo and beyond the desperate reach of Iker Casillas in the Real goal as Barcelona went into a 2-1 lead.

Cesc Fabregas added the third in the 65th minute, scoring with a diving header from a fine cross by Dani Alves. It was the former Arsenal man’s 10th league goal of the campaign.

Real, who now trail Barca on goal difference, still have a game in hand over the reigning

champions, but this result brought to an end a 15-match winning streak in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side.

An astonishing injury-time brace from Ruben Castro saw Real Betis come from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over Valencia and end a run of 10 matches without a victory. Valencia, who are seven points behind Barcelona and Real, were undone in the final minutes.

There were few chances in a high tempo first half which was emphasised by the hard work from both teams’ midfielders but after the break Betis took charge.

Jonathan Pereira in particular caused a threat down the wing and the Valencia defence was stretched to the limit.

A Benat Etxebarria free-kick was saved by Valencia keeper Diego Alves but the best chance fell to Castro who blazed over from inside the area.

Betis never looked secure at the back but conceded against the run of play after 65 minutes in the cruellest way with Jose Dorado put-

ting a Jeremy Mathieu cross into his own goal.

The Andalusian side appeared as though they were heading for defeat until Castro finally found his range, knocking in a Juanma Gomez cross in the first minute of time added-on and then grabbed the winner three minutes later after running through on goal.

Levante’s surprising start to the season continued as a scrambled goal by defender Nano Rivas gave them a 1-0 victory over Sevilla which consolidated their fourth place.

The modest side from Valencia are more accustomed to fighting relegation battles but they now find themselves five points clear of Sevilla directly below them.

Levante went into the game with just one win from five games and while they had plenty of possession it was Sevilla, looking to leapfrog Levante into fourth, who had the openings.

Jorge Coke headed over early on and then Jesus Navas side-footed wide as Sevilla failed to make the most of their chances.

Alvaro Negredo had a powerful shot which

Spanish League results/standings Levante 1 (Ballesteros 57) Sevilla 0 Real Betis 2 (Ruben Castro 90+1, 90+3) Valencia 1 (Dorado 66-og) Real Madrid 1 (Benzema 1) Barcelona 3 (Sanchez 30, Xavi 53, Fabregas 66) Spanish League table after yesterday’s matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Barcelona Real Madrid Valencia Levante Sevilla Malaga Osasuna Atletico Bilbao Espanyol

16 11 15 12 15 9 15 9 15 6 14 7 14 5 14 5 14 4 14 5

4 1 3 2 6 2 6 4 6 2

1 2 3 4 3 5 3 5 4 7

50 50 24 24 16 19 18 21 20 11

8 13 16 17 11 19 26 21 17 17

37 37 30 29 24 23 21 19 18 17

went inches past the post before the break and then Piotr Trochowski inexplicably fired straight at the keeper from close range after the restart with the goal glaring.

Sevilla were made to pay when Levante

Rayo Granada Real Betis Sociedad Mallorca Villarreal Getafe Racing Sporting Zaragoza

15 14 15 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

4 4 5 4 3 3 3 2 3 2

4 4 1 3 6 5 4 6 3 4

7 6 9 7 5 6 7 6 8 8

16 8 15 15 13 11 14 10 12 12

22 14 22 22 20 20 22 20 24 28

16 16 16 15 15 14 13 12 12 10

stole the lead after 56 minutes through defender Nano. A header from Sergio Ballesteros was blocked on the line by Negredo but Nano pounced to knock the ball in from close range. — AFP

Klose sends Lazio second

MILAN: Inter Milan’s Brazilian midfielder Thiago Motta (bottom) vies with Fiorentina’s midfielder Andrea Lazzari during their Italian Serie A football match. —AFP

ROME: Miroslav Klose scored three minutes from time to earn Lazio a crucial 3-2 win at rock-bottom Lecce yesterday and move the Roman club up to second in Serie A. Later Inter Milan climbed clear of the relegation zone with a 2-0 win over Fiorentina, who were showing some early festive generosity.

Mistakes from Cesare Natali and Manuael Pasqual handed Inter a pair of gift goals for Giampaolo Pazzini and Japan full-back Yuto Nagatomo.

At Lecce, Klose scored a brace and provided the pass for Lorik Cana to add Lazio’s other goal while David Di Michele and Stefano Ferrario netted for the hosts.

Klose’s brace took him to eight league goals this season and brought him level with AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic in third in the scoring charts.

Lazio could yet lose second place later in the weekend if either AC Milan draw or Udinese win but this result ensured the capital-based club will remain amongst the front-runners.

Lazio coach Edy Reja paid tribute to his German forward but admitted his side had been fortunate to win. “We know Klose’s strength and if you leave him alone for a moment in the area he’s unforgiving,” Reja told SkySport.

“Today I can say without a problem that we struggled and we were kissed by luck, Lecce deserved at least a draw.”

Lecce may have come into the game bottom of the table but they showed no hint of an inferiority complex. From the start they were on top and they earned a penalty after Di Michele beat the offside trap and was brought down by Federico Marchetti’s rash dash from his line.

The former West Ham striker dusted himself down and dispatched the spot-kick. Marchetti may have been at fault in giving away the penalty but he redeemed himself to a certain degree with a pair of fine saves from Luis Murial and Di Michele.

Then, out of nothing, the visitors equalised as Mobido

Italian League results/standings Inter Milan 2 (Pazzini 41, Nagatomo 49) Fiorentina 0 Lecce 2 (Di Michele 13-pen, Ferrario 58) Lazio 3 (Klose 28, 87, Cana 47) Palermo 0 Cesena 1 (Mutu 63) Siena 0 Genoa 2 (Rossi 57, Palacio 90) Italian Serie A table yesterday (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Juventus 13 8 5 0 24 10 29 Lazio 14 8 4 2 22 11 28 AC Milan 13 8 3 2 29 14 27 Udinese 13 8 3 2 16 6 27 Napoli 13 5 5 3 21 13 20 Palermo 14 6 2 6 16 16 20 Genoa 13 5 3 5 16 16 18 Cagliari 13 4 5 4 12 13 17 Inter Milan 13 5 2 6 16 18 17 Roma 13 5 2 6 15 17 17 Catania 13 4 5 4 14 19 17 Fiorentina 14 4 4 6 13 13 16 Parma 13 5 1 7 15 20 16 Chievo 13 4 4 5 10 16 16 Atalanta 13 5 6 2 16 15 15 Siena 14 3 5 6 14 14 14 Bologna 13 4 2 7 11 18 14 Cesena 14 3 3 8 7 15 12 Novara 13 2 4 7 14 24 10 Lecce 14 2 2 10 13 26 8 Note: Atalanta deducted six points at start of season for match-fixing

Diakite climbed highest to win a header and Klose turned sharply to guide the ball home from close range.

Yet still it was Lecce who threatened as Murial cut inside a defender but then shot wastefully wide of the near post from 12 yards. Lazio may have been holding on at times in the first half but they came out with a bang after the break.

Cana burst from midfield, played a one-two with Klose and then shot across Massimiliano Benassi.

But by the hour mark the hosts had levelled as Ruben Olivera swung a free-kick into the box and Murial hooked the half-cleared ball back into the danger area where Ferrario was one of four players lining up to knock the ball home.

But on 87 minutes France forward Djibril Cisse crossed from the right and Klose ghosted across his marker to flick a glancing header inside the post.

Inter welcomed back Brazilian defensive pair Lucio and Maicon for the visit of La Viola, who were missing crucial pair Riccardo Montolivo and Stevan Jovetic.

Inter took the lead four minutes from the break when Fiorentina old-boy Pazzini pounced on a mistake from Natali to flick the ball past Artur Boruc.

Four minutes into the second period, Pasqual’s tentative clearance hit a charging Nagatomo and the ball went in.

“This isn’t the match that reawakens us but I’m satisfied with the way we played,” said Inter coach Claudio Ranieri. “It was a match full of desire, everyone was committed.”

The win moved Inter from 16th to ninth and a victory in their game in hand away to Genoa on Tuesday could even see them move as high as sixth.

Elsewhere Genoa won 2-0 at Siena to go seventh thanks to goals from Marco Rossi and Rodrigo Palacio while Cesena won for the third time in four games as Adrian Mutu gave them a 1-0 win away to Palermo, who dropped their first home points of the season. Cesena, however, remained third from bottom. — AFP

JTC awarded 4-year deal on free zone Page 22

A closer look at Indonesia’s monetary policy Page 25 SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

US economic fix could take years, says Obama Page 26

UAE rolls out new initiative to boost competitiveness Page 23

PARIS: French Occupy protesters participate in a rally as part of the 63rd anniversary of the Universal Declaration of the Human Rights, yesterday in Paris. The activists, angered by state spending cuts that hurt ordinary people and high unemployment have called for a nationwide protest. Placard reads: “Time for Outrage! “ — AFP

France faces specter of downgrade EU mulls lastchance to salvage euro-zone PARIS: France faces the specter of a downgrade of its AAA credit rating by not one but two notches after a heated EU summit considered a last chance to save the debt-struck eurozone. The Standard and Poor’s ratings agency warned France, Germany and 13 other euro-zone members that they faced a possible downgrade amid worsening economic conditions and discord among the region’s leadership.

While Germany is in the same dock, France distinguishes itself by being the only one of the six countries with the hallowed Triple-A rating that

may see two notches knocked off.

The top rating allows governments to borrow at advantageous rates. S&P said it would complete a review of the 15 countries’ ratings “as soon as possible” following the European Union summit in Brussels Thursday and Friday.

“I have no doubt that France’s rating will be lowered,” said Charles Wyplosz, a professor of international economics at Geneva’s Graduate Institute.

“Whether it happens tomorrow or in a month it won’t make much of a difference. If I were Standard and

Poor’s, I would decide right away.”

In reality, “France lost its Triple A a long time ago,” he said. “There will be debt restructuring, which won’t be voluntary. Banks will collapse, including possibly a number of French banks that are very exposed to Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain,” Wyplosz added.

“The government will have to bail them out, and that’s why Standard and Poor’s, in my opinion, wants to lower the Triple A,” he said. But Elie Cohen of France’s National Centre of Scientific Research said: “The news coming from this sum-

mit is not the sort of news that precipitates a downgrade.”

He said a ratings agency would normally take time to scrutinize developments in a country once it is put under watch. The usual period is three months. Asked Friday about this sword of Damocles over France, Budget Minister Valerie Pecresse expressed the hope that the Brussels agreement would be well received by “all euro-zone watchers.” EU leaders on Friday agreed to back tighter budget policing, but failed to reach unanimity as Britain refused to get on board. Wyplosz said that while the

summit had taken “the first real step in the right direction, there is still too much uncertainty to be able to draw conclusions,” and weeks of further negotiations can be expected.

A downgrade would reopen the question of new austerity measures after two belt-tightening plans unveiled by the French government since the summer, while growth forecasts dim.

The government is still predicting growth of 1.0 percent in 2012, while the OECD sharply lowered its forecast to 0.3 percent. “We don’t even have enough growth to service the interest

Saudi to okay foreign ownership of stocks DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s plans to open up its stock market will limit direct foreign ownership to investors with at least $5 billion under management and allow each to hold a maximum 5 percent of a stock’s issued share capital, two industry sources said.

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) and Tadawul, the largest Arab bourse, have indicated to market participants the details of the proposed framework of foreign ownership.

Total direct ownership of each stock would not be allowed to exceed 20 percent of the issued share capital, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Currently, foreigners have only very limited opportunities to invest through indirect ownership and exchange traded funds that track indexes. Under the new framework, total foreign investment in a listed firm, including swap notes, nonGulf Arab foreigners and expatriates in Saudi Arabia, will not be allowed to exceed 49 percent, the source added.

“The market operator has highlighted some issues for foreign investor trading,” the source said.

“The main problem is how the custody landscape will look like. Tadawul is proposing three custody models to facilitate it.” The types of models are currently confidential.

The source also said that there is still no indication of how much the fees or commissions for trading would be.

Saudi Arabia has been considering a wider opening of its market for several years.

The chief executive of the kingdom’s exchange, Abdullah al Suweilmy, told reporters earlier this week that it has yet to finalize a timeframe for when it would open up its market, but industry sources say it could happen as early as mid to late first quarter of 2012.

CMA was not immediately available to comment when contacted by Reuters. — Reuters

on the public debt,” lamented Marc Touati of Assya Compagnie Financiere. Faulting the summit for failing to take real steps to shore up growth in the euro-zone, he joked: “What’s the point of being cured, then dying?” Wyplosz agreed, saying what was needed was twofold, involving “joining hands for the long term” to clean up public finances and “giving each other space in the short term in order to avoid recession.”

He added: “You pay for decades of irresponsibility and the inability to deal with the banks correctly. You pay for everything in the end.” —AFP

Iran sees crude market ‘relatively balanced’

NEW DELHI: A shopper looks at wedding garland made from Indian rupee notes in a specialized market in New Delhi yesterday. In the second quarter of the fiscal year the Indian the economy expanded by 6.9 per cent.— AFP

TEHRAN: Iran’s OPEC governor said yesterday the oil market was “relatively balanced”, indicating the country will not push for any major shift in an OPEC ministerial meeting next week.

“The market is relatively balanced ... and my feeling is there is a general sentiment among the OPEC members to make a decision based on the real needs of the market,” Mohammad Ali Khatibi told Reuters. Khatibi’s comments came days ahead of a meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in Vienna on Wednesday.

Iran, OPEC’s leading price hawk, said in November it would ask member states to reduce output back to preLibya crisis volumes, but it has since backed down from that stance and now appears likely to agree a new production target that legitimizes current output of around 30 million barrels a day.

“If there is a real need in the market, an appropriate decision should be made,” Khatibi said. “But if there is a surplus of oil supply in the future, a solution should be sought for that.”

“The decision should be made on the need of the market. OPEC has always sought a balanced market in which there is neither shortage nor surplus.” Talks in OPEC’s last meeting in June broke down in acrimony as members failed to reach consensus over output.

Iran, which holds the OPEC rotating presidency, successfully opposed a move led by Saudi Arabia to raise the OPEC ceiling but the top exporter went ahead and raised output unilaterally. Saudi Arabia says it is now pumping at its highest rate for decades. — Reuters

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

BUSINESS

JTC awarded 4-year deal for Kuwait free zone operations Focus on quality customer service: CEO KUWAIT: Jassim Transpor t & Stevedoring Company WLL. (JTC) has further consolidated its position as one of Kuwait’s leading logistics companies with the recent award of the tender from the Public Authority for Industry (PAI).

The scope of the contract comprises cargo handling and transportation between Kuwait sea and land transit gates and Kuwait Free Trade Zone in Shuwaikh Port for a period of three years.

The project for the establishment of the Free Trade Zone is a key element in the government’s vision to transfer Kuwait into a Global Financial and Trade Hub. By granting exemptions from taxes and customs duties, issuing licenses on the spot and having as little state intervention as possible, the Kuwait Free Trade Zone promises to give competition to the neighboring free zones in

Dubai and Iran, in the near future.

The operation of the free zone is managed by PAI - Public Authority for Industry and is supervised by

the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI).

Andreas Mohr, CEO of JTC, said: “JTC proved that it had the expertise and credentials to be

able to facilitate this contract, I believe that our focus on quality, and the ability to meet our customer’s high standards was the

decisive factor in winning this contract.”

“We were up against stiff competition from strong local logistics companies in Kuwait, so we are

proud to have been selected by PAI. We are now looking forward to serving their logistics needs.”

JTC’s responsibilities towards the agreement include comprehensive logistics solutions, advanced cargo handling services, extendable logistics and transportation services from the ports to Kuwait’s land borders with Iraq and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that supports the cargo transit through Kuwait with value added activities and enhances Kuwait position as a transit hub in the Middle East.

Mohr added, “With our regional presence and comprehensive portfolio of services, we are well equipped to support the needs of Kuwait Free Trade Zone. The services offered to PAI are a natural expansion of our current activities and expertise in ports management and the Free Trade Zone activities.”

IKEA offers hot deals on its Kitchen selections KUWAIT: IKEA Kuwait recently announced the launch of its new Kitchen campaign that offers modern and contemporary styles designed to cater to a wide range

of audiences. This season IKEA Kuwait intends to feed every woman’s desire to mold their kitchen into the shape and design they desire to perform

their most sacred task of preparing a home cooked meal for the whole family.

Keeping in line with IKEA’s mission to serve every customers

varied tastes, budgets and living situations, the new promotion now offers 10% off on all kitchens and 25% off on all the kitchen electrical appliances. The campaign ends January 31, 2012.

Further, IKEA’s kitchen promotion ensures that you don’t have to compromise on your kitchen dreams by enabling you to enjoy good quality kitchens at really low prices which are a result of smarter design, manufacturing and distribution. The entire process of buying and assembling the newly purchased kitchen is made easier and simpler with the help of committed designers deployed to provide an ideal kitchen set up. The campaign guarantees free designing, delivery and assembly within 7 days and comes with a 15 year guarantee on its full range of kitchens.

IKEA Kuwait urges everyone to benefit from the amazing offer in store now to start afresh and in style this New Year.

Khalid Faraj Al-Saeid receives the award

ITS awarded Systems Integrator of Year KUWAIT: The International Turnkey Systems Group (ITS) has realized a new regional achievement by obtaining the Systems Integrator of the Year award from Arab Technology Award (ITP Publishing).

This award was presented in recognition of ITS recent achievements in the field of companies that not only deliver huge multi-vendor projects on time and on budget, but also ensure that the end-user organizations gets the technology it needs not just for today but for future.

Khalid Faraj Al-Saeid, Managing Director and General Manager of the ITS Group, received the award at a prestigious ceremony at Armani Hotel, Dubai. Al-Saeid commented on being selected for this award by saying: once again ITS confirms its superiority by the testimony of others through obtaining one of the top regional awards and is highly recognized by companies and institutions in various sectors.

He added: More than 30 years (the lifetime of the company) our Human Resources have played the most prominent and important role in realizing these achievements and have positioned the company to enable it to compete strongly within the market and most importantly to distinguish it through groups of solutions, products and services which have ultimately become the hallmark of ITS.

responding to the increased demand of customers for both traditional and Islamic products and services.

In addition, through the use of the most advanced and developed technological solutions in the world, ETHIX Financial solutions is ranked globally as the premier total banking solution, fully compliant with Islamic Sharia catering to Tier1 banks.

Higher Education Sector The ITS OneCampus solution for the higher education sector provides a unique and innovative approach through technical and social integrated solutions accompanied by incomparable services.

The applications and the solutions provided by OneCampus are fully compatible with the future plans of any university or educational body which aim to keep pace with its growth and to ensure the best at educational, administrative and technical service levels.

During the last few years the ITS Group has succeeded in providing a range of unique solutions, systems and techniques which are suitable for universities and educational institutions across the Middle East.

The ITS solutions are in line with the requirements of students in the region and it is this factor which distinguishes ITS from other companies operating in the same activity.

While modern technology has increased substantially it is the deep-rooted experience of the ITS Group which allows the company to meet client requirements and to successfully apply the OneCampus solutions with internationally high standard specifications.

Banking and Investment Sector The ITS ETHIX financial solution is a recognized solution in meeting the requirements of Islamic and traditional banking and Islamic finance. ETHIX has assisted many banks and financial institutions to minimize their operational costs in

Al-Ahli Bank hosts Korea delegation KUWAIT: Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait KSC welcomed a delegation from the Export Import Bank of Korea which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Recognizing that Korean companies have a significant role in various projects within the region, both par ties are seek ing to

increase cooperation and coordination of activities through the exchange of information and resources both domestically and regionally.

New oppor tunities exist for operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and we will continue to support domestic infrastructure

projects with our local banking partners.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials of both institutions and concluded between Colin Plowman (CEO and CGM) of Al-Ahli Bank and Ki-Sub Nan (executive director) of the Export Import Bank of Korea.

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4260000 .3670000 .2980000 .2650000 .2720000 .0040000 .0020000 .0750520 .7312060 .3810000 .0700000 .7168150 .0040000 .0430000

.2800000 .4370000 .3770000 .3090000 .2750000 .2830000 .0072500 .0035000 .0758060 .7385550 .4010000 .0760000 .7240200 .0072000 .0530000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2757000 .2793000 GB Pound/KD .4310710 .4367000 Euro .3694380 .3742620 Swiss francs .3006870 .3046130 Canadian dollars .2679820 .2714810 Danish Kroner .0496560 .0503040 Swedish Kroner .0400710 .0405940 Australian dlr .2768440 .2804590 Hong Kong dlr .0353810 .0358430 Singapore dlr .2129620 .2157420 Japanese yen .0035470 .0035930 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0053970 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0024600 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0031760 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0036530 UAE dirhams .0750920 .0760720 Bahraini dinars .7315910 .7411440 Jordanian dinar .0000000 .3950500 Saudi Riyal/KD .0735400 .0745000 Omani riyals .7163830 .7257370 Philippine Peso .0000000 .0064500

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - Transfer Irani Riyal - Cash

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.598 5.337 3.154 2.436 3.341 213.250 35.672 3.580 6.336 8.873 0.271 0.273

GCC COUNTRIES 74.150 76.402 722.230 738.540 75.715

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal/for 1000 Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira/for 1000 Syrian Lier Morocco Dirham

ARAB COUNTRIES 47.500 46.282 1.272 189.860 392.670 1.865 6.003 33.814

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 277.950 Euro 370.650 Sterling Pound 431.930 Canadian dollar 268.420 Turkish lire 153.940 Swiss Franc 300.620 Australian dollar 277.000 US Dollar Buying 277.750

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY 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 285.000 737.620 3.800 274.900 544.800 44.800 51.300 167.800 48.360 375.500 36.350 5.810 0.032 0.213 0.241 3.680 393.900 0.188 90.430 46.400 4.270 218.900 1.797

49.500 720.420 3.330 6.770 76.730 74.050 216.410 36.460 2.643 438.600 42.200 303.700 5.300 9.340 198.263 75.620 277.700 1.220

720.240 3.130 6.370 76.300 74.050 216.410 36.460 2.433 436.600 302.200 5.300 9.190 75.520 277.300

10 Tola

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 436.600 277.300

Sterling Pound US Dollar

SELL DRAFT 283.500 737.620 3.480 273.400

216.400 46.173 374.000 36.200 5.330 0.031

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro 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

284.80 275.50 305.19 373.65 436.81 3.62 3.505 5.309 2.434 3.327 3.114 75.48 737.61 46.14 394.51 720.68 76.47 74.04

290.00 280.00 307.40 378.00 440.00 3.70 3.800 5.710 2.650 4.050 3.350 76.00 737.62 48.37 393.00 721.00 76.80 74.15

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 393.010 0.187 90.430 3.340 217.400

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar

Selling Rate 276.850 268.505 443.300 374.970 303.055 733.125

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

75.350 75.990 73.785 389.700 46.310 2.422 5.309 3.179 3.615 6.383 679.095 3.675 8.955 5.830 3.415 91.960

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

GOLD 1,793.240

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

GOLD 315.500 159.000 81.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

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 277.650 Pak Rupees 3.165 Indian Rupees 5.355 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.445 Bangladesh Taka 3.595 Philippines Peso 6.410 UAE Dirhams 75.685 Saudi Riyals 74.185 Bahraini Dinars 738.000 Egyptian Pounds 46.260 Pound Sterling 436.300 Indonesian Rupiah 3.190 Yemeni Riyal 1.550 Jordanian Dinars 394.400 Syrian Pounds 5.750 Euro 376.400 Canadian Dollars 274.400 Nepali rupee 3.690

Al Mulla Exchange Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) US Dollar 276.950 Euro 370.800 Pound Sterling 4358300 Canadian Dollar 273.700 Japanese Yen 3.585 Indian Rupee 5.335 Egyptian Pound 46.100 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.432 Bangladesh Taka 3.432 Philippines Peso 6.365 Pakistan Rupee 3.125 Bahraini Dinar 737.575 UAE Dirham 75.475 Saudi Riyal 73.975 *Rates are subject to change

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

BUSINESS

Michael Behr - 918 RSR concept engineer giving information to eager visitors

The new 911 Carrera

Porsche in Dubai Motor Show triumph DUBAI: Porsche is celebrating overwhelming consumer response to the new 911 Carrera S, unveiled for the first time in the region at the Dubai International Motor Show.

The show, which ran from November 10-14, gave Porsche its first regional opportunity to showcase the brand new 911 Carrera, along with a crowdstopping array of some of the world’s finest sports cars - the Cayenne S Hybrid, Cayenne Turbo, Cayman R, and the 550 horsepower Panamera Turbo S. The completely re-designed 911 took centre stage on Porsche’s stand at the exhibition centre - with a host

of excellent feedback from show visitors. George Wills, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, says: “As you might expect, when we showed car enthusiasts the new iteration of perhaps our most iconic vehicle with a 48-year history, they reac ted ex tremely positive. As a result of a ver y busy show for Porsche, we now have a bulging order book for this truly head turning vehicle.”

The astounding Porsche 918 RSR, described as a ‘laboratory on wheels’, also pulled in the crowds. They were eager to have their questions regard-

ing this motor sport version of the 918 Spyder answered by Michael Behr, one of the three concept engineers behind the 918 RSR. Also on the stand, the Cayenne S Hybrid represented the chance for visitors to gain a greater understanding of Porsche’s strong commitment to the future of environmentally friendly drive trains. Despite this vehicle delivering 380hp at 5,500rpm; 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a top track speed of 242 km/h, it takes most of its power where possible from an electric motor.

The Cayenne Turbo on display fea-

tures a brand new two-tone leather interior in Black and Guards Red, while the Cayman R gave visitors the chance to view the latest addition to Porsche’s two-seater range in eyecatching Peridot Metallic paintwork.

Porsche is spending a great deal of time and effor t on its Intelligent Per formance concept, which was detailed in a thrilling cinematic experience on the stand. More than 1,300 stand visitors took the chance to view the short film, specially produced for the show, which explained Porsche’s long history, powerful presence and astounding technologies of the

future - exemplified by the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and the 918 RSR. “ The 11th Dubai I nternational Motor Show was a great success for us. Being able to show visitors what Porsche Intelligent Performance is all about, whether on our displayed series products, the 918 RSR concept car or through our cinema experience, was very important to us. Our stand was constantly buzzing with people.

“While we had a stunning display at this year’s show, our stand hero was definitely the new 400 hp 3.8litre 911 Carrera S,” concluded Wills.

UAE rolls out new initiative to boost competitiveness Emirates Competitiveness Council signs MOU with NBS

Jazeera Airways issues performance report KUWAIT: Award-winning airline Jazeera Airways, the largest airline serving the Middle East out of Kuwait, yesterday issued its monthly operational performance report for October 2011, which showed that the airline has once again captured a leading market share on most of the routes it operates.

The October 2011 report showed that Jazeera Airways grabbed a leading market share to Alexandria, Assiut, Damascus, Luxor, Sharm El Sheikh and Sohag, putting it ahead of all other carriers operating these routes. The airline

was also the leading Kuwaiti operator to the majority of its destinations, including high-demand routes such as Beirut, Amman, Dubai and Istanbul. The company secured the month-on-month lead in market share since July 2009 thanks to its expanding value offering to customers, great schedules, and operating at high on-time performance of 97% during the month, making the airline one of the most punctual airlines in the Middle East once again. The report is based on data from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA).

American Express offers more than 250 reasons to visit UAE KUWAIT: American Express Middle East announced the launch of its “Experience UAE” campaign, offering leisure and business travellers to the United Arab Emirates hundreds of specially negotiated savings with leading names in travel, hotels, car rental, retail, dining, leisure and entertainment. The campaign, launched in association with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, enables Cardmembers visiting the UAE to avail of a vast range of rewards simply by using their American Express Cards.

Until March 2012, American Express Cardmembers can receive hundreds of benefits such as a 25% discount on selected Gulf Air flights when travelling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, 40% savings with National Car Rental on daily and weekly rates as well as special monthly rates, a 15% discount at Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts when staying two nights or more, 15% off at Jumeirah’s signature Talise spas, 20% off while dining at Starwood Hotels and Resorts restaurants, as well as up to 10% discounts on brands such as Samsung, Hitachi, Sonos, Linksys

by Cisco from Eros Group and much more.

In addition to an enormous array of offers, American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of the wide variety of events and festivals taking place during the “Experience UAE” campaign period, including the Dubai International Film Festival (December), Volvo Ocean Race Abu Dhabi (January-February), Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February), Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament (February), Dubai World Cup (March), Art Dubai (March) and International

Triathlon in Abu Dhabi (March).

“Combining modernity and tradition like few places on earth, the UAE attracts visitors from far and wide,” said Deepak Jain, VP Merchant Business and Strategic Partnerships, American Express Middle East. “There are so many reasons to experience the UAE, and with hundreds of offers and savings on tax-free shopping, world-class hotels and restaurants, and endless leisure and entertainment facilities, American Express Cardmembers can now get even more out of their trip to the UAE.” The UAE boasts iconic landmarks such as the Palm Jumeirah and Yas Island; the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world; Ferrari World, the only Ferrari theme park in the world and the sailshaped Burj Al Arab, consistently voted the world’s most luxurious hotel.

In addition to its gleaming towers, visitors can also explore the UAE’s serene sandscapes and beaches, and experience its rich cultural heritage, on show in places such as the UNESCO world heritage sites of Al Ain which date back to 4th Millennium BC. To help American Express Cardmembers make the most of their UAE experience, American Express Middle East has developed a digital destination guide which among pages of handy information, showcases interesting areas and sites to visit across the UAE, highlights important events taking place during the campaign period and provides a link to American Express SelectsSM - the anchor platform for thousands of exclusive local, regional and global offers and savings.

DUBAI: Ranked among the world’s top destinations to live and do business, the UAE has reiterated its commitment to further enhancing its international competitiveness by leveraging the importance of providing accurate and timely research information and statistics about the country’s economic and social fundamentals.

To further demonstrate the competitiveness of the UAE’s economy, the Emirates Competitiveness Council (ECC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Sultan Al-Mansoori, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the National Bureau of Statistics; and Reem Al-Hashimy, Minister of State and Chairperson of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, were present as the MOU was being signed by Abdullah Nasser Lootah, Secretary General of the Emirates Competitiveness Council, and Rashid Khamis Al Suwaidi, Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics.

The MOU provides a framework for partnership and coordination between the General Secretariat of the Emirates Competitiveness Council and the National Bureau of Statistics on areas that are relevant to the UAE’s competitiveness. It will accelerate data collection and reporting of statistics related to the nation’s social and economic performance, and ensures that the statistics presented comply with international standards.

International rankings recently released have endorsed the UAE’s

competitiveness policies, strategies and services across various social and economic domains.

The Global Competitiveness Report of the World Economic Forum ranked the UAE as the top Arab country in Information Technology, Enabling Trade, Financial Development and Travel & Tourism categories and in addressing Gender Gap. The National Bureau of Statistics is the federal statistical authority mandated to centralize the country’s socio-economic indicators from different ministries and agencies, as well as emirate-level statistical agencies. Centralizing such data is important in gathering UAE-level indicators that benchmark the nation’s competitiveness.

His Excellency Sultan AlMansoori highlighted the importance of good quality national statistics for evidence-based policy mak-

ing, delivering effective programs and assessing outcomes. “The ability to provide regular and reliable data on the economy and social indicators is an important measure of good policies, and will further enable data-supported policy making that enhances national competitiveness.”

He said that the MOU is aligned with the strategic framework of NBS to provide technical support and expertise to different levels of government to improve data collection and dissemination. “We will continue to support the government entities in promoting their capacity building, by collecting and reporting on specific competitivenessrelated data on economy, education, health and socio-economic wellbeing.”

Reem Al-Hashimy said: “The MoU will play a critical role in driving the

nation to achieve its Vision 2021 of becoming one of the best nations in the world, supported by strong economic and social fundamentals. This is in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid AlMaktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and the Ruler of Dubai, to further strengthen the competitiveness of the country.”

She added: “A key parameter that enhances a country’s competitiveness is the availability of relevant and timely data that reflects strong performance of the economy and well-being of its people.

This, in turn, will boost investor confidence and promote increased inward investments. Through this partnership, we will deliver international-standard statistical reports and economic trends that reflect the varied aspects of the UAE’s economy.”

Joyalukkas opens Global Village jewelry showroom Joyalukkas Global Village showroom has now opened at the Indian Pavilion in Global Village.

The objective this year, like every year, is to offer great shopping experience for jewelry lovers within one of most popular destinations of Dubai.

Joy Alukkas, Chairman, Joyalukkas Group, said, “ The Joyalukkas Global Village jewelry Showroom has been designed to complement the spirit and theme of Global Village. We will offer exciting promotions and offers to jewelry shoppers to make their trip memorable. People visiting Global Village can avail the best of gold, diamond, pearl, platinum and precious stone jewelry at the best of offers to add to the excitement of their visit”.

John Paul Joy Alukkas, Executive Director, Joyalukkas Group added, “Spread over a wide area of 2,000sq.ft. the Joyalukkas Global Village showroom is set to be one of the biggest jewelry showrooms within Global Village. We will feature an extensive range of all forms of jewelry. The Joyalukkas Global Village showroom launch offers includes an incredible zero percent deduction on gold exchange, a whopping 70 percent discount on diamond jewelry, 50 percent discount on Polki jewelry and a 50 percent discount on our world-renowned Masaaki Pearl jewelry collection. In addition to this, we will also offer customers the chance to win big during the DSF period.” The Joyalukkas Global Village showroom was inaugurated by Khalid Karmastaji, Director Commercial Leasing, Marketing & Sponsorship, Global Village. Joyalukkas has also created some

Khalid Karmastaji, John Paul Joy Alukkas, Sunil Bhatia, Tomy Joseph and Justin Sunny. exclusive collections in gold, diamonds and pearls exclusively for its Global Village outlet. Customers with all sorts of budgets will be able to find something that suits their needs, taste and style at this showroom. Consumers are assured of the same value, trust and excellent service at the Joyalukkas Global Village jewelry showroom.

Joyalukkas has been recognized as a Superbrand for 2 years in a row and is the first ISO 9001 and 14001 certified jewelry retailer in the Middle East. In addition to this, Joyalukkas has been recognized with the Dubai Quality

Appreciation certificate for its best practices in all aspects of jewelry retailing and has also been awarded with the status of Middle East’s retailer of the year by Retail ME. Joyalukkas Group, with international experience in jewelry retailing, manufacturing and exports, and 85 showrooms across the world employs over 3,000 staff worldwide. The Group’s operations are spread across India, GCC, London and Singapore. In addition to jewelry retail the $ 1 billion plus Joyalukkas Group’s businesses include money exchange, textiles and more.

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KSE equities advance on new optimism

KUWAIT: Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) ended last week in the green zone for a second week in a row. The price index ended last week with an increase amounted to 0.54%, while the weighted index raised by 0.12% compared to the closings of the week before. Furthermore, last week’s average daily turnover increased by 24.29%, compared to the preceding week, reaching KD 24.18 million, whereas trading volume average was 205.32 million shares, recording increase of 38.22%.

The political factors continued to be the main mover for the market, as the week before the last, witnessed the resignation of the government resulting cautious atmosphere in the market until the new government economic policies get clear. In addition, His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, disbanded the parliament during last week, to end the longest conflict in Kuwait history between the government and the parliament. Nevertheless, the recent events inspired the traders for better economic situation in the future, resulting paying trend, along with growth for the trading activities, whether the daily turnover, or the daily volume. The buying deals included wide variety of stocks, especially the low price stocks. By the end of the week, the price index closed at 5,867 points, up by 0.54% from the week before closing, whereas the weighted index recorded a 0.12% increase after closing at 413 points.

Sectors’ indices Five of KSE’s sectors ended last week in the green zone, while the other three recorded declines. Last week’s highest gainer was the non-Kuwaiti Companies sector, achieving

BAYAN WEEKLY MARKET REPORT 3.73% growth rate as its index closed at 5,460.7 points. Whereas, in the second place, the Services sector’s index closed at 13,294.2 points recording 1.21% increase. The Real Estate sector came in third as its index achieved 0.52% growth, ending the week at 2,055.9 points. The Investment sector was the least growing as its index closed at 3,621.5 points with a 0.07% increase.

On the other hand, the Industry sector

headed the losers list as its index declined by 0.92% to end the week’s activity at 4,327.8 points. The Insurance sector was second on the losers’ list, which index declined by 0.53%, closing at 2,479.6 points, followed by the Banks sector, as its index closed at 11,426.9 points at a weekly loss of 0.08%.

Sectors’ Activity The Investment sector dominated total

trade volume during last week with 429.89 million shares changing hands, representing 41.87% of the total market trading volume.

The Services sector was second in terms trading volume as the sector’s traded shares were 20.97% of last week’s total trading volume, with a total of 215.31 million shares. On the other hand, the Banks sector’s stocks where the highest traded in terms of value; with a turnover of KD 43.14 million or 35.68% of last

week’s total market trading value. The Services sector took the second place as the sector’s last week turnover of KD 29.50 million represented 24.40% of the total market trading value.

Market Capitalization KSE total market capitalization grew by 0.10% during last week to reach KD 29.10 billion, as five of KSE’s sectors recorded an increase in their respective market capitalization, whereas the other three recorded declines. The Non Kuwaiti Companies sector headed the growing sectors as its total market capitalization reached KD 1.74 billion, increasing by 2.28%. The Real Estate sector was the second in terms of recorded growth with 0.54% increase after the total value of its listed companies reached KD 1.73 billion. The third place was for the Services sector, which total market capitalization reached KD 7.22 billion by the end of the week, recording an increase of 0.38%. The Investment sector was the least growing with 0.16% recorded growth after its market capitalization amounted to KD 2.14 billion. On the other hand, the Industry sector headed the decliners list as its total market capitalization decreased by 0.81% to reach, by the end of the week, KD 2.31 billion. The Insurance sector was second on this list, which market value of its listed companies declined by 0.50%, reaching KD 287.64 million, followed by the Banks sector, as its market capitalization amounted to KD 12.96 billion at a 0.23% decrease. For further details, please visit our web site: www.bayaninvest.com.

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A closer look at Indonesia’s expansionary monetary policy n the aftermath of the 2007/2008 global financial crisis, governments around the world tried to stimulate recovery in their weakened economies by easing the flow and supply of money through very low interest rates.

Some major economies, such as China, introduced massive funding or stimulus packages that enhanced economic activity. In 2010, the world experienced a period of high liquidity and high growth, especially in Asia, that drove up the prices of commodities, particularly food and energy that was compounded by droughts and other natural disasters. As a result, emerging economies suffered high inflation, which prompted their central banks to reign in economic activity by tightening their monetary policy in the past year and a half.

In Indonesia, for example, inflation had reached a two-year high of 7.0% in January 2011, as shown in the graph. Developed economies such as the United States, euro-zone, and Japan did not experience robust growth and therefore had to keep their interest rates at historic lows.

Because of the debt and fiscal problems in the Western economies, global growth is expected to slow in 2011 and 2012, but developed economies have very little room to counter the slowdown because their interest rates are already too low. In the emerging markets, however, inflation has been

I

gradually easing due to restricted economic activity, and countries like Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia are now better positioned to face another economic slowdown.

determined based on the residents’ spending habits. The CPI basket contains the costs of food, transport, housing, utilities, and leisure activities.

In Indonesia, like other developing

policy rate will boost economic activity by encouraging consumption. The Bank Indonesia Rate is the policy rate announced by the Board of Governors of Bank Indonesia in each monthly meeting. The policy rate is used for liquidity management on the money market to achieve the monetary policy

Compared to the West, Indonesia and the rest of the ASEAN countries have the capacity to stimulate growth through easing, which they have already started to do.

Compared to the West, Indonesia and the rest of the ASEAN countries have the capacity to stimulate growth through easing, which they have already started to do.

The graph above represents inflation through the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Inflation is the year-onyear increase in the price of a basket of goods and services. This basket is referred to as the CPI basket and is

nations, food prices make up more than a third of the basket, hence rising food prices have a strong effect on inflation. In order to prevent high inflation, the monetary authorities can decide to hike their policy rates, which directly impacts households spending.

By raising rates, the central bank makes borrowing more expensive, and incentivizes households to borrow less, hence spend less. A cut in the

operational target.

The monetary policy operational target is reflected in the movement in the Interbank Overnight Rate, the rate at which banks lend to each other overnight. Bank deposit rates are expected to follow the movements in interbank rates, and henceforth affect bank lending rates. The Bank Indonesia would normally raise rates if the future inflation is expected to be too high, above 6%, and would lower rates if future inflation is forecasted to be below the target rate of 4%.

Indonesia is rich in resources and has a strong export market.

While its economy relies on exports for growth, it is also supported by a strong domestic demand. Because of the strength of its domestic consumption, strong fiscal position, and easing inflationary pressures, Indonesia’s economy is considered one of the most dynamic economies in Asia. That is why rating agencies have been improving their outlook on Indonesia and are keen to raise their ratings of the country and its sovereign debt, in a time where the opposite is happening on the western side of the world.

Indonesia’s risks are expected to ease as the country’s economy continues to show resilience, making it an attractive investment choice.

However, the Indonesian government fears a severe slowdown in the developed economies that will hinder global trade and depress global commodity prices. The Indonesian government started cutting its policy rate for the first time in two years, decreasing it by 25 basis points (bps) in October and another 50 bps in November. The government hopes that these preemptive cuts will support economic activity and ease the negative effects of the global economic slowdown on the domestic economy. Prepared by Fatema Akashah, economist at KCIC, an investment firm specializing in emerging Asia investments

China posts surprisingly strong trade figures US demand helps Beijing surpluses BEIJING: The pace of Chinese export growth is slowing official data showed yesterday, but analysts say stronger than expected US demand helped narrow China’s politically sensitive trade surplus in November. The combined value of China’s monthly exports and imports rose from October, the data showed, despite ongoing turmoil in the country’s key markets of Europe and the United States, and Beijing’s growing concern about economic growth.

China’s exports rose 13.8 percent year-onyear to $174.46 billion in November, up from $157.49 billion in October, the customs office said in a statement, and greater than the 10.4 percent expected by 16 economists polled by Dow Jones newswires.

Analysts said the unexpected strength in the monthly exports rise did not change the overall slowing trend. “Exports are decelerating,” IHS Global Insight economist Ren Xianfang told AFP. “If you compare with

BEIJING: People walk down a shopping street before the Zhengyangmen gate in Beijing yesterday. China’s economy lost steam in November as inflation and output slowed sharply, data showed, fuelling pressure on Beijing to further relax credit restrictions to prevent a hard landing. — AFP Vice Premier Wang Qishan, China’s top finance official, last month issued a dire warning that the global recession was here to stay and would impact the export-driven economy due to weakening external demand.

Yet China’s trade surplus-a bugbear for major trade partners who say its exports are cheap because its currency is undervaluednarrowed to $14.5 billion in November from $17 billion in October, China’s customs office said. The surprisingly strong data came amid China’s growing concerns over weakness in its vast manufacturing sector, which employs hundreds of millions of people and is a major driver of the world’s second largest economy.

August, their growth is almost down 10 percentage points. It is a gradual deceleration.”

The month-on-month growth came on the back of a rise in China’s shipments to the United States, which rose to $30.94 billion in November from $28.60 billion the previous month. Despite economic hardships in the West, the better than expected US demand appeared to be offsetting sluggish buying in Europe, now in a debt crisis, supporting the idea of an “overall soft landing of the Chinese economy”. “The US economy is doing much better than initially thought,” Ren said. “If the US holds on, we don’t think it will be as bad as 2009. It won’t even be as bad as during the

Asian financial crisis.”

Meanwhile, exports to the European Union-China’s biggest trade partner were up to $30.98 billion in November from $28.74 billion in October, customs data showed. Ren said China could expect exports to continue to grow in 2012, just at a slower rate, “on the border of 10 percent”.

China’s overall imports expanded by 22.1 percent to $159.94 billion in November, up from the $140.46 billion recorded a month earlier, outstripping a 19 percent rise expected in the market as reported by Dow Jones newswires. Patrick Chovanec, a professor of business at Tsinghua University said he was surprised by rising imports of products such as iron ore and automobiles, both up in the low-double-digits in November following similar jumps in October.

“Look at the overcapacity in steel and the roughly 15 percent drop in steel production since June. I don’t know where that iron ore is going. And everyone I talk to tells me the car market is flattening out,” he said. “What this reflects, really, is a volatility of expectations in the market. Two reports back to back will often show opposing trends. Predicting demand patterns in China is more art than science. It can be baffling,” he said.

The robust trade data are in contrast with other official figures released on Friday that showed China’s economy lost steam in November. Consumer prices rose at their weakest pace in more than a year and factory output growth hit its lowest level in more than two years, fuelling pressure on Beijing to further relax credit restrictions to prevent a hard landing. Analysts have said the weakerthan-expected data will raise concerns that economic woes in Europe and the United States are hurting China’s economy and likely embolden policymakers to further open credit valves to spur activity. China’s economy is expected to grow 8.9 percent next year, which would be the slowest pace in more than a decade, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a state-run think tank, said this week. But the official Xinhua news agency said China’s top leaders had decided at a meeting on Friday to maintain a “prudent monetary policy” in 2012, suggesting they will move cautiously to ease credit restrictions to spur more spending. — AFP

ROME: Shoppers admire plaster sculptures at the Christmas market installed in the Piazza Navona in Rome yesterday. —AFP

Euro-zone deal overlooks major threat: Lousy growth NEW YORK: Stricter budget discipline in the 17 countries that use the euro is all well and good, but investors fear it won’t provide what the euro-zone needs most of all: More economic growth.

Money managers say that means Friday’s stock market rally and euro gains could be short-lived, particularly if credit ratings agencies decide to strip any of Europe’s top-rated countries of their AAA status. “The fundamental problem in the most troubled European countries is the debt burden is growing at a faster rate than their economies are,” said Michael Cheah, who manages a $1 billion fixed income fund at SunAmerica Asset Management in Jersey City, New Jersey.

“That’s been the problem for a long time.

Yet the only solution we get is more discipline, more austerity.”

All 17 euro-zone countries agreed Friday to draft a new treaty that would allow Brussels to enforce tougher fiscal discipline, making it harder for governments to wriggle out of their highly unpopular and painful austerity programs.

Investors, though, fear this will make it nearly impossible for weak countries such as Greece, Spain, Italy and others to grow quickly, adding to already large debt burdens. Italy’s government, for instance, presented a 30 billion euro ($40 billion) package of spending cuts and tax hikes this week even though the economy is forecast to shrink by 0.5 percent this year and post zero growth in 2013. If markets lose confidence in the countries’ economic via-

bility, they will likely stop lending them money, driving borrowing costs back to unsustainable levels and reviving fears that some countries will be forced to leave the euro-zone altogether.

The plan “is not going to restore confidence in Italian and Spanish bond markets,” said Nicholas Spiro, director of Spiro Sovereign Strategy, a London-based consultancy that specializes in sovereign risk.

Italy’s 10-year government bond yield rose to 6.85 percent on Friday, capping a roughly 55-basis-point weekly rise and pushing it back toward the dreaded 7 percent level at which markets fear Rome won’t be able to roll over maturing debt.

Spiro called the Italian 10-year yield “the best barometer for market stress in the euro zone” and said its rise in spite of the treaty agreement was “cause for serious concern.”

Many economists fear the euro zone is on the verge of or already in recession, and the European Central Bank this week tempered its growth projections for 2012.

Goldman Sachs, in a note to clients published late on Thursday, suggested that investors short German equities through the benchmark DAX index. “The European summit seems focused on a set of future priorities for increased fiscal risk-sharing and the outlining of some of the needed elements of a new fiscal arrangement, but looks to have little to say about alleviating proximate stresses in Greece and Italy and the European banking system more generally,” Goldman said. —Reuters

ASUS U53SD Bamboo Notebook gets carbon neutrality certification KUWAIT: ASUS broke new ground by being the first manufacturer to meet the requirements of the PAS 2060:2010 Standard for Carbon Neutrality with the U53SD Bamboo Notebook. This certification makes the U53SD the first notebook in the world to achieve net zero carbon emissions throughout its product lifecycle.

The company consistently devotes itself to sustainability development and innovation to help reduce its own, as well as its consumers’, environmental impact in the years ahead. In 2009, ASUS developed the first notebook that received the carbon footprint certificate and has since combined the European Commission’s Integrated Product Policy (IPP) with eco-friendly design concepts as it continues its quest to reduce carbon emissions.

ASUS analyzed the carbon footprint patterns caused by human activities, and devised a plan to reduce and offset these emissions to carbon neutrality status without net increase in the global emissions of greenhouse gasses (GHG) to the atmosphere. To

achieve this, ASUS reduced the U53SD’s carbon footprint by up to 10 percent using bamboo instead of plastics for parts of the notebook chassis, as well as developing energy-saving hardware and software.

Frank Lin, chief quality officer, said, “ASUS supports all available strategies to mitigate climate change. Aside from reducing carbon emissions at enterprise level, we also follow the Integrated Product Policy (IPP) to develop energy-saving technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of our products through our Eco design concepts.”

A closer look ASUS Bamboo Series notebooks feature the use of bamboo on the exterior instead of the usual plastics found in most notebooks. The bamboo has been lightly-treated to retain its look and feel, giving this eco-tech marvel a warm, natural texture.

Inside, the Bamboo Series comes with the Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology which significantly lowers

energy consumption by up to 20% through a clever combination of hardware and software.

The Bamboo Series also employ the use of 100% natural and recyclable bamboo paper and non-woven cloth in its packaging, further reducing the environmental impact of this range of notebooks.

Green milestones GreenASUS is a company-wide environmental initiative that strives to increase environmental awareness across all departments. It consists of Four Green Home Runs - Green Design, Green Procurement, Green Manufacture, and Green Service & Marketing.

This latest commitment to carbon neutrality with the U53SD Bamboo notebook continues to strengthen ASUS position as a responsible organization that looks to a Greener future as the world economy moves towards low carbon emissions, high energy efficiency and sustainability development.

PR ASUS U53SD Bamboo Notebook Front

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business

Corporate warnings bode ill for earnings NEW YORK: On top of euro-zone debt troubles, Wall Street now has to worry about sagging sales from Europe as a recession in the region seems more likely.

Warnings from companies such as chemical maker DuPont and chip maker Texas Instruments suggest the crisis may already be taking its toll on corporate America. While holiday shopping has started on an upbeat note, the corporate warnings could sour the cheer for some investors.

“We are now beginning to see the collateral damage of the events in Europe with the earnings guidance cuts,” wrote Peter Boockvar, equity strategist at Miller Tabak & Co in New York.

Fourth - and first-quarter earnings growth estimates for Standard & Poor’s 500 companies have come down sharply since July, underscoring worries about the outlook for companies.

Earnings are now expected to increase 10.1 percent for the fourth quarter, down from a growth estimate of 15 percent at the start of October and from an estimate of 17.6 percent in July, according to Thomson Reuters

WALL STREET WEEKLY OUTLOOK data. The data also showed that negative preannouncements by companies are outpacing positive ones by the biggest ratio since the second quarter of 2001.

Late Thursday, Texas Instruments cut its revenue outlook for the current quarter, citing lower demand, while DuPont on Friday lowered its full-year profit forecast.

Overseas, German specialty chemicals group Wacker Chemie also cut its outlook, with the industry worried about slower global growth. Among others in technology, Lattice Semiconductor Corp cut its fourthquarter revenue outlook on Friday.

Stocks mostly brushed off the bearish news on earnings, focusing instead on Europe after nearly all European Union leaders agreed to build a closer fiscal union to battle the sovereign debt crisis.

But the market for months has struggled with the news from Europe, which featured the lack of resolution to the debt crisis, causing high uncer-

tainty for investors.

“Today was a positive move forward. Unfortunately European austerity will impact global corporate earnings going into the next year,” said Chad Morganlander, portfolio manager at Stifel, Nicolaus & Co in Florham Park, New Jersey. “European policymakers’ inability to placate investor fears has business decision-makers hesitant to give positive light to the coming months,” he said.

Stocks ended with gains for a second straight week, and the profit warnings came on the heels of what has been considered a fairly robust third-quarter reporting period.

For the week, the Dow rose 1.4 percent, the S&P gained 0.9 percent and the Nasdaq was up 0.8 percent.

Earnings increased 17.9 percent for the third quarter, according to Thomson Reuters data, up from a forecast for 13.1 percent growth in early October.

Prospects for profit and revenue growth have been among the chief

reasons why a good number of analysts remain optimistic about stocks heading into 2012.

Kenneth Fisher, a billionaire investor and author whose money management firm oversees $40 billion in assets, said 2012 “will be a very nice year” for the United States. “Revenue growth, as a function of the economy, is pretty damn gangbusters,” he said at the Reuters 2012 Investment Outlook Summit this week.

Still, the aggregate change in consensus earnings estimates has been coming down even over the past month, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine data. All but two S&P 500 sectors- healthcare and consumer staples-show negative earnings revisions to estimates over the past 30 days, the data showed. Materials and financials are among sectors showing the biggest drops in estimates.

For the fourth quarter, earnings for the materials sector are now expected to have decreased 1.4 percent from a year ago, while in October earnings

were expected to have risen 25.6 percent. Financials, seen as the sector most sensitive to euro zone problems, also have taken a hit. Sector earnings are expected to have increased 18.3 percent for the fourth quarter, down from an Oct. 3 forecast for growth of 26.6 percent. S&P 500 revenue is expected to have increased 6.6 percent in the fourth quarter compared with revenue growth of 11.1 percent in the third quarter, Thomson Reuters data showed.

“A lot of companies are talking about Europe,” and its effect going forward, said Greg Harrison, Thomson Reuters earnings research analyst.

Also, lackluster trading volumes are going to affect financials here in the United States, he said.

Companies seemed more optimistic heading into 2011. Consumer confidence was higher, and the crisis in Europe seemed more contained.

Among companies with disappointing outlooks a year ago were Xilinx and Jo-Ann Stores, which forecast a weak 2011 profit on Dec 1, 2010 but was bought by a private equity firm in January. — Reuters

US economic fix could take years, says Obama Approval rating at 44% in CBS poll

MATOSINHOS: 44-year-old Maria do Ceu cleans up fish at the local market in Matosinhos, Portugal on Friday. While the country struggles to meet the conditions of a European Union-led bailout, the European Union said that 26 of its 27 member countries are open to joining a new treaty tying their finances together to solve the euro crisis. —AP

Bangladesh’s Libya evacuees keen to get back to work CHORASHUNDI, Bangladesh: Bangladeshi migrant worker Kamal Matbar, 23, fled his job in Libya when civil war broke out, but now he is desperate to return to the war-torn country to save himself from bankruptcy.

Some 37,000 Bangladeshi migrant workers were evacuated from Libya, mostly by the International Organization for Migration or their employers, when foreign companies shut up shop as fighting erupted earlier this year.

Most, like Matbar, arrived home penniless and in debt to the recruiting agents who secured their initial contracts. The only way to get out of debt now is to head back overseas, Matbar said.

“I need to go back to Libya-war is over, I know the country well and I have to repay my debts urgently,” Matbar told AFP, adding he had taken out a 300,000 taka ($4,000) highinterest loan to secure his first Libya contract. “I will never be able to pay back my loan in Bangladesh, there’s no decent job for me here.”

Matbar wants to return despite his last memories of the country. “We saw gunmen patrolling the streets, robbing and shooting unarmed people, torching houses,” he said. “I was lucky my Malaysian firm arranged transport to the Tunisia border and air tickets home. Others were just left to escape.”

Before war broke out, tens of thousands of Bangladeshi contract workers were based in Libya, working mostly for large Korean companies on oil or infrastructure projects. Globally, up to nine million Bangladeshis work overseas, sending back annual remittances totaling some $12 billion, which makes up 10 percent of annual Gross Domestic Product.

After the death of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in October, Bangladesh-which has been hit hard by a fall in remittances due to unrest in the Arab world-said it would send construction workers back to Libya.

The Dhaka government immediately opened discussions with the transitional authorities on a deal, and it says that many firms that employed Bangladeshi workers before the unrest have already got back in contact. “A group of 38 Bangladeshi migrants who worked for an Italian firm before the war broke out has already left for Libya to join the com-

pany,” overseas employment secretary Jafar Ahmed Khan told AFP. “We’ve had talks with Libya and the companies where our laborers were before the war. They want to take Bangladeshi workers back. Libya will be a big job market for us as our workers have a good reputation.” For most Bangladeshi migrants, overseas contracts are the only way they can support their families-and to secure them they often take out huge loans, usually from their employment broker.

When contracts go sour, as happened in Libya, returning overseas to pay off their debts is often their only option, said International Organization for Migration (IOM) spokesman Asif Munier. “ They are desperate as they think they do not have jobs in their villages,” he said.

After migrants have already left Bangladesh once “they have gained confidence about working abroad and believe that they can do better,” Munier told AFP. Most Bangladeshi migrants find work through the country’s 800 government licensed recruiting agencies.

The agencies, which are not tightly regulated, are often accused of charging excessive fees.

The agents do not reimburse the fees paid to secure long-term contracts when things go wrong-even when migrants like Matbar are forced to leave after a matter of months.

The government provided workers returning from Libya with a hand-out of 50,000 taka ($650) but it argues it has no power to force the recruiting agencies to forgive the debts.

The government’s policy is to pressure recruitment agencies to give priority to Libya returnees for new contracts-and they have also warned agents not to over- charge, said Ministry of Manpower secretary Zafar Ahmed Khan. “It is a condition all recruiters must show they have met before we will give them approval on other issues,” Khan said.

But Anisur Rahman Khan, coordinator of a local Bangladeshi charity that is a member of the Hong Kongbased International Migrant Alliance, says workers who are indebted because of previous contracts are now even more vulnerable.

“Those people who are already in debt will get in debt all the more to go abroad again,” he said. — AFP

WASHINGTON: Despite some recent signs the sluggish US economy might be improving, President Barack Obama warns it could be years before the country is on a sound footing.

In excerpts from an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” program that will air today, Obama was asked whether he underestimated how difficult it would be to fix the US economy when he became president in 2009. “I always believed that this was a long-term project,” the Democratic president told “60 Minutes.”

He added it would “take time” to reverse “structural problems in our economy that have been building up for two decades.”

Obama added in the excerpts, released on Friday, that he thought “it was going to take more than two years. It was going to take more than one term. Probably takes more than one president.”

When asked whether he thought the US jobless rate might drop to 8 percent by next November’s presidential and congressional elections, Obama said: “I think it’s possible.

But ... I’m not in the job of prognosticating on the economy.”

Reducing unemployment is considered key to Obama’s re-election chances next year.

The US jobs picture has improved in recent weeks, with the national unemployment rate falling to 8.6 percent from 9 percent. The government also reported this week that the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits dropped to a ninemonth low last week. But even an 8 percent unemployment rate is considered high a 4 percent or 5 percent rate is seen as about normal - and if it stays high in coming months, it

could complicate Obama’s hopes for re-election.

Some independent economists have suggested the national jobless rate is likely to be in the range of 8 percent to 9 percent, leaving millions unemployed over the long run. A new CBS News poll has Obama’s approval rating at 44 percent, with 54 percent of respondents saying he did not deserve a second four-year term.

NEW YORK: Gov Andrew Cuomo holds a press briefing after signing a bill creating “NY Youth Works,” an inner city youth employment program on Friday at Medgar Evers College in the Brooklyn borough of New York. — AP

Worries grow over IMF loans to Europe WASHINGTON: The prospect of European heavyweights like Italy or Spain turning to the IMF for rescue loans is worrying the United States and other nations that fear they could suffer losses on funds they have extended to the IMF. The International Monetary Fund cannot be expected to step in as a substitute for a stronger commitment by Europe which needs to assume the brunt of any losses on emergency loans, a senior US official said on Friday. Despite the International Monetary Fund’s stable record - no borrower has ever defaulted on an IMF loan and no country has ever lost money lending to the IMF - there are concerns about the IMF’s growing exposure to the euro-zone.

That exposure could take a quantum leap if Italy and Spain need bailouts, a level of assistance that would almost certainly dwarf the loans already approved for Greece, Ireland and Portugal in deals engineered with the European Union.

Emerging markets, which are contemplating lending more money to the IMFwhich couples monetary assistance with tough conditions that seek to ensure a country does not default-have also raised concerns in the IMF about the risks to the fund’s capital, officials from emerging nations told Reuters. A crucial European Union summit ended on Friday with a historic agreement to draft a new treaty for deeper integration in the euro-zone in an effort to rein in a debt crisis that started in Greece two years ago and has continued to spread.

Worries about the IMF’s risk are also brewing among congressional lawmakers.

Four U.S. lawmakers who met with IMF chief Christine Lagarde this week expressed unease over the risk the fund would take on with a bigger role in Europe.

A request for a big IMF loan for Italy or

Only 33 percent gave Obama good marks for his handling of the economy, the lowest of his presidency, according to the CBS poll released on Friday. Republicans are in the process of deciding their party’s presidential nominee to challenge Obama. Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich are considered the front-runners. — Reuters

Spain would put the United States, which holds veto power over most IMF lending decisions, in an uncomfortable spot.

The American public is still stung by the US government’s big bailouts for banks during the 2007-09 financial crisis and fears that mounting US debts imperil the nation’s future.

With President Barack Obama facing a tough battle for re-election in November, the White House is not keen to appear as Europe’s savior, and the administration’s message to Europe has consistently been: Put more of your own money on the line. — Reuters

VIENNA: Germany’s Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble delivers a speech during the meeting “A new course for Europe?” in Vienna. Word in background reads: Europe. The committee for a German prize honoring individuals who contribute to European unity have selected Wolfgang Schaeuble to receive its 2012 award. — AP

US tax fight heads to expected deal WASHINGTON: Democratic and Republican lawmakers skirmished on Friday over plans to extend a payroll tax cut seen as crucial to a fragile US economic recovery, but aides predicted a last-minute deal.

While independent economists say extending the tax cut would boost the economy at a critical time, both parties have been struggling to agree on a compromise deal in a rerun of this year’s budget battles that have knocked investor confidence in Washington’s ability to deal with its fiscal problems.

Both parties are under pressure to strike a deal at a time of economic difficulty. Failure to do so would mean an effective tax hike for millions of voters in 2012, when Republicans and Democrats will face off in presidential and congressional elections.

“The optics politically to be seen blocking an extension of payroll tax is lousy - and neither wants their fingerprints of blame on it for not getting it done before Christmas,” said Ethan Siegal of The Washington Exchange, a private firm that tracks Washington for institutional investors.

Senior party aides predicted on Friday that common ground would be soon be found to extend a reduction of the payroll tax, which helps fund the Social Security federal retirement program, and renew jobless benefits for millions of Americans.

“Everybody figures it will happen. It has to. No one wants to raise taxes or end jobless benefits,” one aide said. “The only real question if it will be next week or the week after.”

Democrats pounced on Republican moves to include a controversial pipeline project in the tax-cut bill, citing environmental concerns. But they also said attempts by Republicans in the House of Representatives to kill new federal controls on industrial boilers and incinerators would keep toxic pollutants like mercury in the skies for years to come. Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee said the Republican bill also would weaken Obama’s landmark healthcare reform law by undermining tax credits and subsidies designed to make health insurance affordable.

Republican lawmakers have been skeptical of extending the tax cut, set to expire on Dec. 31, questioning its stimulative effect on the economy. But party leaders, fearing a voter backlash, have drawn up legislation to woo them and blunt Democratic efforts to paint Republicans as the party of the rich. — Reuters

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TECHNOLOGY

Indonesia threatens to cut BlackBerry service JAKARTA: Indonesia has threatened to cut data services used by millions of BlackBerry customers, the industry body said yesterday, in an ongoing spat over infrastructure and government access to information. The industry regulator said it would block internet services to the smartphones in the biggest market for Research In Motion (RIM) — which makes the BlackBerryoutside North America if RIM did not comply with its demands.

Canada-based RIM had agreed in January to fulfil four requests made by the communications and information technology ministry. “RIM is supposed

to have a licence to provide internet services, and the government will only grant them one when they have fulfilled all four requests. “If they don’t, we’ll have to cut their data services,” the commissioner of the Indonesian Telecommunication Regulatory Body, Heru Sutadi, told AFP. The requests included setting up an aggregator that would effectively reduce costs for local service providers, but authorities claimed yesterday RIM had rolled back on that commitment. “We had a meeting with RIM on Thursday to talk about progress since January. They have ful-

filled some requests, but we are disappointed they have not agreed to establish an aggregator in Indonesia,” Sutadi said. The government also requested that RIM set up customer care centres, block pornography from its service, and assist the government in accessing encrypted data on users’ phones. RIM said, however, that it has addressed all the requests and that it is looking at new multimillion-dollar investments in Indonesia. It has set up a router in Singapore to which some Indonesian carriers have connected, and said that this fulfilled the government’s aggregator request as it had

only asked for a centre in the region.

The firm said it was receiving “mixed messages”. “We have never been formally asked to build a centre in Indonesia,” RIM’s East Asia managing director Gregory Wade told AFP. Sutadi said the industry body was concerned by the state of play on government access to encrypted data.

“RIM told us they were working with law enforcement agencies to ensure they can access the information, but they could not tell us who exactly they were working with,” Sutadi said. Indonesia is RIM’s biggest market outside North America, with

shipments of BlackBerry smartphones expected to surpass nine million units by the year end. The government’s threats come just two weeks after a BlackBerry promotional event turned disastrous.

More than 40 people were injured and 20 were knocked unconscious or fainted in a crush when thousands rushed toward a shopping mall hoping to get their hands on one of 1,000 new BlackBerry Bold 9790 model going at half price. Police named RIM’s country president-director Andrew Cobham and consultant Terry Burkey as suspects in the case. — AFP

Jobs to be remembered with statue in Hungary Bronze sculpture recognition of leadership, vision

SEOUL: A Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Tab 10.1 is displayed at the showroom of its headquarters in Seoul, South Korea, Friday. Samsung Electronics Co. is free to sell its Galaxy tablet computers in Australia after the country’s highest court dismissed rival Apple’s appeal in its global patent battle. —AP

NASA OKs February launch of private space station trip FLORIDA: A private California company will attempt the first-ever commercial cargo run to the International Space Station in February. NASA announced the news Friday, one year and one day after Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, became the first private business to launch a capsule into orbit and return it safely to Earth. On Feb 7, SpaceX will attempt another orbital flight from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This time, the unmanned Dragon capsule will fly to the space station and dock with a load of supplies. NASA stressed it is a target date.

“Pending all the final safety reviews and testing, SpaceX will send its Dragon spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station in less than two months,” said NASA’s No 2, deputy administrator Lori Garver. “So it is the opening of that new commercial cargo delivery era.” NASA has turned to industry to help stock the space station now that the space shuttles are retired, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in this startup effort. The station currently is supplied by Russian, European and Japanese vessels.

SpaceX’s Dragon capsule will fly within two miles of the space station, for a checkout of all its systems. Then it will close in, with station astronauts grabbing the capsule with a robotic arm. The Dragon ultimately will be released for a splashdown in the Pacific. None of the

other cargo carriers come back intact; they burn up on re-entry. If the rendezvous and docking fail, SpaceX will try again. That was the original plan: to wait until the third mission to actually hook up with the station and delivery supplies.

SpaceX wanted to hurry it up.

None of the supplies on board the Dragon will be one-of-a-kind or crucial, in case of failure. SpaceX - run by PayPal co-founder Elon Musk - is one of several companies vying for space station visiting privileges. It hopes to step up to astronaut ferry trips in perhaps three more years. In the meantime, Americans will be forced to continue buying seats on Russian Soyuz spacecraft.

“Every decision that we make at SpaceX is focused on ... taking crew to space,” SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said Friday at a forum in Seattle about NASA’s future. She said the company is “thrilled” at the prospect of delivering cargo to the space station early next year, and noted that the company is shooting for 2014 with astronauts.

Congress has appropriated $406 million for the commercial crew effort for 2012, considerably less than NASA’s requested $850 million.

“It is nevertheless a significant step,” Garver said at the forum, televised by NASA. She said NASA is evaluating whether it can speed up when US companies “deliver our precious astronauts to and from the space station.” —AP

FLORIDA: In this Dec 8, 2010 file photo, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying a Dragon capsule, which is designed to deliver up to 13,000 pounds of cargo to the International Space Station. Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, will attempt the first-ever commercial cargo run to the International Space Station next year. —AP

BUDAPEST: In the Hungarian capital, Steve Jobs has been cast in bronze. A Hungarian software company will unveil a bronze statue commemorating the co-founder of Apple on Dec 21 in recognition of his leadership and vision, and appreciation for Jobs’ support of the fledgeling firm while Hungary was still under communist rule.

Graphisoft founder Gabor Bojar first met Jobs in 1984 at an information technology trade show in Germany, where the company founded behind the Iron Curtain in 1982 was presenting the first version of its ArchiCAD three-dimensional design software on Apple’s Lisa computer.

“Steve Jobs was very much convinced about the technology and he offered financial and also marketing support for the company,” said Akos Pfemeter, Graphisoft’s director of global marketing. “We received some financial support and Steve Jobs helped us distribute our products in the Apple distribution network.” Hungarian sculptor Erno Toth’s statue depicts Jobs, who died on Oct 5, with all his trademark characteristics - a mock turtleneck, jeans and sneakers, round glasses and welltrimmed stubble.

Toth chose to show the inventor making one of his legendary product presentations, one arm outstretched, the other holding a remote control with an uncanny resemblance to an iPhone. “Jobs said that the hand is very important in a presentation and the hand is the intermediary energy between man and computer,” Toth said while putting the finishing touches on the statue at the Leonardo Gold foundry in southern Budapest. “I liked his personality, and at the same time his temperament and movements were inspiring.”

The nearly 7-foot-tall (2-meter) statue weighing 485 pounds (220 kilograms) will be

placed in Graphisoft Park, a Budapest complex home to several high-tech businesses.

“His designs are also very attractive, so his memorial plaque will be in the shape of the iPad,” Toth said, and will highlight a quote “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Despite Hungarians’ relatively low

“I think it is very rare when someone dies maybe the last time it happened was with Michael Jackson - that such a frenzy and so much empathy could be seen among people,” said Andras Horvath, owner of XMS, one of Hungary’s largest Apple retailers. “I feel that Jobs really changed not just the world of

BUDAPEST: Hungarian sculptor Erno Toth works on a bronze statue of late Apple cofounder Steve Jobs in his foundry in Budapest, Hungary, Thursday. —AP average income and the financial crisis sweeping across much of Europe, hundreds of thousands of Apple products have been sold in the country, and Jobs’ death inspired tributes similar to others around the world.

HP to offer webOS as open-source software SAN FRANCISCO: It may be one of the technology world’s most expensive efforts to give something away: HewlettPackard Co. said Friday that it’s making its webOS mobile system available as open-source software that anyone can use and modify freely. HP snagged the intuitive webOS software when it paid $1.8 billion in 2010 for Palm Inc. in what became a failed effort to revive the flailing smartphone pioneer. HP said it still plans to develop and support webOS. First released on the Palm Pre smartphone in 2009, webOS ultimately ran on several smartphones. In July, HP also used it on its tablet computer, the TouchPad. The webOS software was marked by its multitasking capabilities and the ability to view open apps as “cards” that you can slide across the screen, tap to enlarge or flick to dismiss. Initially, it was generally well-reviewed by technology critics.

The mobile devices never caught on with consumers, though, many of whom were more enticed by Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPad and smartphones running Google Inc.’s Android software. Developers also weren’t that interested in creating apps for such a small audience. HP hopes that by offering it to the open-source community, more mobile apps will be developed. The move could also mean that other consumer-electronics manufacturers would decide to make devices that use the software.

Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett called HP’s decision creative. He suspects companies would have been interested in buying webOS from HP, but he’s not sure how much they would have wanted to pay for it. This way, HP gets to make a limited investment in webOS’ future and keep a hand in mobile software.

“If you decide you can’t afford to get in the game fully with both feet, absolutely at least keep your options open,” he said. HP’s decision is not unlike what AOL did with the Netscape browser years ago. After losing to Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Netscape was released to the open-source community. Its successor, Firefox, is now one of IE’s leading rivals. Google also has seen success letting developers use its open-source Android software. The future of webOS had been uncertain since August, when HP said it would stop making tablet computers and smartphones - part of a blundered announcement by then-CEO Leo Apotheker, who also said then that HP was looking into putting its PC business up for sale.

In September, Apotheker was fired and replaced by former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Whitman said in late October that HP wouldn’t be selling off its personal computer business after all, but said then that the future of webOS was still unclear. Todd Bradley, the head of HP’s PC unit, said at the time that it was “fair to say Apple got a great jump-start in the tablet space” and HP was trying to figure out its own best approach. He said HP was focused on building a tablet that uses Microsoft Corp.’s upcoming Windows 8 software.

He added that consumers shouldn’t be keeping an eye out for a TouchPad 2, but that the company would “clearly look at what’s the right path forward for WebOS.” With Friday’s announcement, it appears HP believes it has found it. Shares of HP, which is based in Palo Alto, rose 24 cents to finish trading at $27.90. The stock rose 22 cents to $28.12 in after-hours trading.— AP

Apple but also the competitors’ computers and telephones,” Horvath said. “At some level, everyone feels his influence, his megalomania, his pursuit of perfection. This can be found in every IT product.” —AP

Hackers deface profile of India’s Sonia Gandhi NEW DELHI: Hackers broke into the official website of India’s ruling Congress party Friday and defaced the profile page of party president Sonia Gandhi with a pornographic message. The attack coincided with Gandhi’s 65th birthday and came just days after the Indian government pledged a crackdown on “unacceptable” Internet content, that included faked naked pictures of the Congress leader. “I have been informed that the website has been hacked,” Congress spokesman Tom Vadakhan said, adding that the site had been swiftly closed down once the intrusion was detected.

The pornographic text included a reference to a Pakistan-based email address, but did not otherwise identify the hackers.

Vadakhan said that the party’s computer department was investigating the incident. Earlier this week, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal pledged a crackdown on “unacceptable” online content, saying Internet giants such as Google, Yahoo! and Facebook had

ignored India’s demands to screen images and data before they are uploaded. “We will evolve guidelines and mechanisms to deal with the issue,” Sibal told reporters, without detailing what steps might be taken.

He highlighted examples of faked pictures of naked politicians, including Sonia Gandhi, and other images and social network pages that he said could inflame religious tensions. Sibal’s comments prompted a storm of online ridicule along with warnings of the risk to the country’s image as a bastion of free speech. Official Indian websites have been repeatedly hacked in the past. Last year, a group who identified themselves as the “Pakistan Cyber Army ” hacked the website of the country’s top police agency. The group also claimed to have hacked a number of other websites in recent years, including India’s state -run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, in retaliation for Indian hackers accessing Pakistan sites. — AFP

Amazon slammed for price reporting deal WASHINGTON: Online retailing giant Amazon was criticized as “anti-competitive” yesterday for its latest promotion that encourages consumers to enter stores and leave empty-handed, after reporting back the prices they find there.

The deal dubbed “Price Check” involves customers finding and sharing in-store prices and receiving a discount of five percent-to a maximum of $5 from the online retailer for that item if Amazon has it in stock. The move was sharply criticised by Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, who called the move a direct assault on retail stores.

“Amazon’s promotion-paying consumers to visit small businesses and leave empty-handed-is an attack on Main Street businesses

that employ workers in our communities,” she said in a statement this week. The deal, accessed through a new smartphone application from the Amazon website, can be applied three times for a total savings of $15 on electronics, sporting goods, music, DVDs and other items.

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) also criticized the promotion, saying that “central to this tactic is Amazon’s continued practice of using a pre-Internet loophole to avoid state sales tax collection.” The group called on lawmakers to rein in what it called the company’s “exploitative” practices. The online retailer is regularly targeted by trader associations who believe the company gains an unfair competitive advantage due to being exempt from VAT taxes in most US states. —AFP

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H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

FDA panel backs birth control patch despite risks ADELPHI: A panel of federal health advisers said Friday that a birth control patch from Johnson & Johnson probably carries a higher risk of blood clots than older drugs, but should remain available as an option for women who have trouble taking a daily pill. The Food and Drug Administration’s panel of reproductive health experts voted 19-5 that the benefits of the Ortho Evra patch outweigh its risks, specifically a potentially higher risk of dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs. Panelists said the patch can be especially useful for younger women who have difficulty sticking to a daily pill regimen.

“I have many teenagers and it’s the only method they’ll use - for them it’s the perfect method,” said Dr. Melissa Gilliam of the University of Chicago. The FDA sought the experts’ advice as it reviews the safety of newer hormone-based contraceptives launched in the past decade. The agency is not required to follow their advice, though it often does.

Johnson & Johnson’s weekly Ortho Evra patch

was approved in 2001 and has been marketed for its convenience as an “option for busy women who are looking to simplify life.” The drug works about as well as other contraceptive medications, allowing about one unplanned pregnancy per year for every 100 women.

Studies assessing Ortho Evra’s blood clot risk have reached differing conclusions over the years. At least two studies found that patch users have twice the risk of clots as women taking birth control pills.

Even a slightly higher risk can be critical because blood clots can trigger heart attacks, strokes and blockages in lungs or blood vessels, which in rare cases have been fatal, even among young women.

The most recent study by the FDA found that women using the patch have a 50 percent higher risk of clots than women taking various oral contraceptives. However, agency scientists said the data was not definitive. Panelists voted 20-3 with one abstention that the drug’s current label is inade-

quate and should be updated with the latest information about the potentially higher risk. In discussion, a majority of panelists said Ortho Evra probably carries a higher risk than older birth control pills, though the risk is less clear when compared with newer birth control pills launched in the last decade.

Despite the safety concerns, the experts stressed that Ortho Evra fills a unique niche among birth control products. “There is no alternative in this range for women who desire hormonal contraception but can’t take the pill, so I think it is important to maintain that option,” said Dr. Michele Orza of the George Washington University. Prescriptions for Ortho Evra have declined steadily over the last five years, from 5 million in 2006 to about 1.3 million last year.

The decline has followed repeated updates by J&J of New Brunswick, N J, to the product’s labeling, including language indicating that patients absorb up to 60 percent more estrogen via the patch than with the pill. “The company will continue to collabo-

rate with the FDA on a product label that adequately reflects the known risks and benefits of the product, including new information,” said Jeff Christensen, communications manager with J&J’s Janssen unit.

Ortho Evra is part of a new generation of contraceptives that use recently-developed, laboratorymade forms of the female hormone progesterone. In the past decade the medications have overtaken older medications, though studies have reached conflicting conclusions on whether the drugs carry a higher risk of blood clots. On Thursday, the same panel recommended clearer risk labeling on Yaz, Yasmin and similar birth control pills marketed by Bayer and Teva Pharmaceuticals. As with Ortho Evra, the panel affirmed their overall benefit of the pills for women.

Ortho Evra sales last year totaled $124 million, trailing Merck & Co. Inc.’s NuvaRing, which posted sales of $437 million, according to health care data firm IMS Health. NuvaRing is the most widely used, non-pill contraceptive drug. — AP

Deal distant as climate talks race against clock No agreement on pact to roll back carbon emissions DURBAN: Deep into an unscheduled 13th day, UN climate talks yesterday struggled to agree on a proposed pact to roll back carbon emissions in a key decade for fighting global warming. But chances of a deal receded, given the pressure of the clock and an agonizingly slow process to untangle a web of issues, France and Germany said.

“We are now in an extremely critical situation because of time,” German Environment Minister Norbert Roettgen told journalists after all-night wrangling. “The delay is very critical. ... It is very doubtful whether we will succeed.” His French counterpart, Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, added: “We are in the worst situation, that of failure because of time management.” On the table at the yearly marathon of the 194nation UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a master plan for strengthening action against greenhouse gases blamed for damaging Earth’s weather systems.

Pushed by the European Union, the scheme would assure the survival of the Kyoto Protocol, a landmark treaty defended by poor countries but increasingly dismissed by rich ones as unfair.

By 2015, according to the EU scheme, UNFCCC parties would reach a legally binding agreement that, for the first time, would bring all economies, including the emerging giants and the United States, under the same roof. But a cluster of other problems, including discord over

a proposed Green Climate Fund to help vulnerable countries, conspired to make deal-making in yesterday’s final hours even more difficult.

With Durban’s International Convention Centre set to close yesterday evening, time pressures mounted-and memories revived of the Copenhagen Summit just two years earlier. Intended to set the seal on a historic treaty, the summit nearly collapsed in fingerpointing. Face was saved in the final hours by a lowest-commondenominator deal put together in the back rooms.

Some European delegates feared the Durban talks were in such a mess that conference chair South Africa might declare a suspension. A follow-up meeting would then be staged next year to try to reach consensus. But UNFCCC chief Christiana Figueres ruled this out. “Today is the last day of the conference. ... All of these unhealthy speculations do not help the process,” she told AFP. An informal coalition of nearly 90 African countries, least developed nations and small island states, along with emerging giants Brazil and South Africa, rallied behind Europe’s plan for a “roadmap.”

This left China, the United States and India to declare their hands. Under the deal, the EU would keep the Kyoto Protocol alive after its first round of targeted carbon pledges expires at the end of 2012. Canada, Japan and Russia have already refused to

sign up for fresh vows, saying this is unfair so long as far bigger emitters have no such binds. In exchange, the UNFCCC nations would mandate talks for a new pact, due to be concluded in 2015, that would draw all major emitters into a single, legally binding framework.

What the pact would do, when it would take effect and the sharing-out of emissions curbs are

among the many questions that would be hammered out in the pre -2015 talks. One of the biggest stumbling blocks in the proposed compromise was just the two words “legally binding.”

This terminology is perceived as political dynamite in Washington, given the powerful conservative currents in Congress and presidential elections that lie less than a year away. Research presented

in brief

Scientists kick off barefoot running debate LONDON: Despite the cold and many other potential hazards, naked from the ankle down is the way Anna Toombs likes it, and she gets plenty of catcalls in the street as a result. The 35-year-old co-founder of the personal training company Barefoot Running UK says she’s lost count of the times people yell “where are your shoes?” as she and partner David Robinson negotiate London’s parks and pavements to indulge their passion and train their clients.

Gallbladder and appendix surgery safe in pregnancy NEW YORK: Pregnant women are at no greater risk of developing an infection or other complication after having their gallbladder or appendix removed than their non-pregnant counterparts, researchers report in a new study. “Often surgery is necessary in pregnancy and, in fact, it probably promotes not only the health of the woman, but her pregnancy as well,” said Dr. Jeffrey Ecker, an obstetrician at Massachusetts General Hospital, who was not involved in this study.

Weak Dutch tobacco controls to cost lives LONDON: Leading cancer, asthma and heart health experts accused the Dutch government on Friday of “all but closing down” its tobacco controls and said such lax policies could lead to 145,000 preventable deaths by 2040. In a letter to The Lancet medical journal, specialists from Europe, the United States and Canada said new Dutch policy moves, including weakening smoking bans in bars and ending the reimbursement of quit-smoking aids, would inevitably cost lives.

DRUBAN: In this image released by Greenpeace International, Kumi Naidoo, the Executive Director of Greenpeace International, speaks to activists at the International Convention Center in Durban, South Africa, Friday.—AP

Deadly Tasmanian Devil cancer found in ‘clean’ area

TASMANIA: (FILES) This file picture taken 30 October 2003, a female Tasmanian Devil (sarcophilus harrisii) with her young, shows her teeth at Trowunna Wildlife Park at Mole Creek, 60km east of Launceston in Tasmania. —AFP

at Durban said that voluntary carbon pledges under the so-called Copenhagen Accord are falling far short of the goal of limiting warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit). In fact, the world is on track for 3.5 C (6.3 F), a likely recipe for droughts, floods, storms and rising sea levels that will threaten tens of millions, according to German data. — AFP

News

SYDNEY: A deadly cancer riddling Australia’s Tasmanian Devil has been found in an area thought to be free of the disease, troubling officials struggling to keep the animal alive in the wild. The facial tumor disease has so far been confirmed across more than 60 percent of the small island state of Tasmania, but it came as a surprise that it was found in one animal in the Zeehan area in the state’s west.

“Although our monitoring does indicate a westward movement of the disease, and we expected to continue to detect cases west of the known perimeter, this detection is not in an area we expected to see the disease at this stage,” Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s Howel Williams said Friday. The furry marsupials were declared endangered in 2009 after the contagious cancer began sweeping through the population, disfiguring their faces so badly they are unable to eat and starve to death.

Estimates suggest that some 70 percent of devils have already been lost to the infectious disease, which is spread by biting. Williams said the sickness, which scientists believe could see the entire wild population of devils vanish within 20 to 50 years, was unusual in its persistence. The detection of a case beyond the known perimeter highlighted to officials that they could not rely on a single measure to conserve the species in the wild, he said.

Williams said the government had a “thriving” insurance population of Devils, which secured the animals’s long-term future in captivity and was working to keep other areas in the wild free of the disease. Williams told ABC Radio that officials would press ahead with plans to build a 12.5 kilometre (almost 8 mile) fence to protect healthy devils in the wild from infected animals in one part of the state’s west. Tasmanian devils first came to prominence when their unearthly shrieks and grunts while devouring corpses of dead animals terrified European settlers arriving on the island in the 19th century. — AFP

Vitamin D doesn’t prevent heart attack, cancer NEW YORK: Among seniors with a high risk of bone fractures, taking vitamin D or calcium pills has no impact on their chances of dying from cancer or vascular disease, researchers say in a new study.

Vitamin D is considered beneficial for bone health, and earlier studies have found that having low vitamin D levels in the blood is tied to a greater chance of dying from heart problems.

‘Bullet-proof’ evidence of past water found on Mars Water-deposited mineral gypsum found inside Martian rock SAN FRANCISCO: A NASA rover scouting for signs of past water on Mars has found the strongest evidence yet-a vein of gypsum, a mineral deposited by water, protruding from an ancient rock. The rover, called Opportunity, and its twin, Spirit, arrived on opposite sides of Mars in January 2004.

Over the years, the rovers, aided by several orbiting spacecraft, have returned a convincing body of evidence that Mars was not always as cold and dry as it is today. The most convincing proof, unveiled this week at the American Geophysical Union conference in San Francisco, is a thin vein of gypsum laced inside and protruding from an ancient rock along the rim of a 96-mile wide crater called Endeavour.

Gypsum-commonly known as plaster of Paris-typically forms from water flowing through rock. “This is the single most bullet-proof observation that I can think of that we’ve made this entire mission,” Cornell University planetary scientist Steve Squyres, lead researcher for NASA’s Spirit and

Opportunity Mars rovers said. While Spirit, which is no longer operational, and Opportunity have previously found evidence of other water-deposited minerals, many questions remained. “They’ve been moved around by wind. They’ve been mixing with other materials. It’s a big, jumbled up, fascinating mess,” Squyres said.

In contrast, the newly found gypsum is threaded into a rock. “This stuff formed right here. There was a fracture in the rock. Water flowed through it. Gypsum was precipitated from the water. End of story,” Squyres said. Both the chemistry and the geologic conditions “just scream water,” he added. Opportunity is expected to analyze other suspected veins of gypsum around the crater before moving on to probe what appears to be water-formed clays. Water is considered to be a key condition for life. A new rover, named Curiosity, is en route to Mars to assess if another site, called Gale Crater, has or ever had water and other ingredients, including organics, necessary for life. — Reuters

MARS: This image provided by NASA shows a fragment along the rim of Endeavour Crater where the Mars rover Opportunity has been exploring since August. With Martian winter approaching, Opportunity has been in search of a spot to spend the winter. —AP

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

Billion-dollar weather disasters smash record WASHINGTON: America smashed the record for billion-dollar weather disasters this year with a deadly dozen, and counting. With an almost biblical onslaught of twisters, floods, snow, drought, heat and wildfire, the US in 2011 has seen more weather catastrophes that caused at least $1 billion in damage than it did in all of the 1980s, even after the dollar figures from back then are adjusted for inflation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration added two disasters to the list Wednesday, bringing the total to 12. The two are wildfires in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona and the mid-June tornadoes and severe weather. NOAA uses $1 billion as a benchmark for the worst weather disasters.

Extreme weather in America this year has killed more than 1,000 people, according to National Weather Service Director Jack Hayes.

The dozen billion-dollar disasters alone add up to $52 billion.

The old record for $1 billion disasters was nine, in 2008. Hayes, a meteorologist since 1970, said he has never seen a year for extreme weather like this, calling it “the deadly, destructive and relentless 2011.” This year’s total may not stop at 12. Officials are still adding up the damage from the Tropical Storm Lee and the pre-Halloween Northeast snowstorm, and so far each is at $750 million.

And there’s still nearly a month left in the year.

Scientists blame an unlucky combination of global warming and freak chance. They say even with the long-predicted increase in weather extremes triggered by manmade climate change, 2011 in the U.S. was wilder than they had predicted. For example, the six large outbreaks of tornadoes cannot be attributed to global warming, scientists say.

“The degree of devastation is extreme in and of itself, and it would be tempting to say it’s a sign of things to come, though we would be hard-pressed to see such a convergence of circumstances occurring in one single year again for a while,” said Jerry Meehl, a

climate scientist at the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado.

Another factor in the rising number of billiondollar calamities: “More people and more stuff in harm’s way,” such as in coastal areas, said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco.

“What we’re seeing this year is not just an anomalous year, but a harbinger of things to come,” with heat waves, droughts and other extreme weather, Lubchenco said Wednesday at an American Geophysical Union science conference in San Francisco.

The number of weather catastrophes that pass the billion-dollar mark when adjusted into constant dollars is increasing with each decade. In the 1980s, the country averaged slightly more than one a year. In the 1990s, it

was 3.8 a year. It jumped to 4.6 in the first decade of this century. And in the past two years, it has averaged 7.5. Other years had higher overall damage figures because of one gargantuan disaster, such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and a 1988 drought.

But this is not just about numbers. “Each of these events is a huge disaster for victims who experience them,” Lubchenco said in an email. “They are an unprecedented challenge for the nation.” Half the billion-dollar disasters were tornado outbreaks in one of the deadliest years on record. More than 540 people were killed in those six tragedies. In four days in April, there were 343 tornadoes in the largest outbreak on record, including 199 in one day, which is another record.—AP

Cat with 26 toes help boost animal shelter WISCONSIN: In a reversal of fortunes, a once-unwanted cat has come to the rescue of an animal shelter in need of a new home. However, this orange-and-white tabby named Daniel is no typical cat. He has a near-record 26 toes, a phenomenon that is helping the nonprofit Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center raise money to relocate to a new building. Normal cats have 18 toes, but Daniel has two extra on each foot due to a genetic mutation called polydactylism.

Officials at the center found out their rent at a Milwaukee-area mall was being doubled on Jan 1. So, the shelter is buying a new building and is seeking small donations of $26 - or $1 per toe. They’ve collected enough so far to secure the financing with about $80,000 raised since Oct 24, but they hope to raise $120,000 by Dec 23 so they can become even more financially sta-

ble. About $50,000 of the money raised has come from $26 donations. “I’ve always been a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and this is definitely the case,” said Amy Rowell, owner of Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center.

She found Daniel in October at animal control when she went to pick up another cat. As she bent down to that cat’s cage, Daniel stuck his paw out and poked her head. “He was very clearly saying, ‘I need to be rescued, I’d like to be your friend, please pay attention to me,’” she said. “And when a sign is that obvious, we tend to not ignore it.”The shelter takes in animals that might otherwise be euthanized. Daniel was originally going to be adopted out, but Rowell has decided to keep him as a shelter mascot. Daniel’s 26 toes - two shy of the Guinness World Records number- don’t seem to affect his cat activities.—AP

This undated handout photo provided by the journal Science shows the presence of a rat trapped in a restrainer elicits focused activity from his cagemate, leading eventually to dooropening and consequent liberation of the trapped rat. —AP

Study shows rats nice, not naughty WASHINGTON: New experiments show rats demonstrating compassion and helping other rodents. It is a trait some scientists thought was reserved only for humans and higher primates. And it is certainly not the sneaky, selfish rap that goes with calling someone a dirty rat. In repeated tests, rats freed another trapped rat in their cage, even when yummy chocolate served as a tempting distraction. Twenty-three of the 30 rats opened the trap by pushing in a door. The rats could have gobbled the chocolate before freeing their partners, but often didn’t, choosing to help and share the goodies.

“Basically they told us (freeing another rat) is as important as eating chocolate,” said study author Peggy Mason of the University of Chicago. “That’s a very striking thing.” In some cases, the rats first took the chocolate chips out of a container, but didn’t eat them, then freed the other rat and shared “almost as

if they were serving them chocolate,” Mason said.

The research is reported in Thursday’s journal Science.

Also, females showed more consistent empathy than males, Mason said. All six females freed their trapped partner; 17 of the 24 males did so. This confirms other studies that show females demonstrating more pro-social behavior than males, she said.

There were days when the male rats took the day off from helping their trapped partner, but the females never did, she said. Jeff Mogil at McGill University in Canada, who was not part of the study, said it was a tad surprising but even more convincing.

“It’s a very, very obvious demonstration of the phenomena,” Mogil said. Both scientists said social empathy is probably a characteristic that is important in the evolution of animals. Mason joked that if rats can be so caring and helpful “there’s a sense of optimism. It’s something we could be.” — AP

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W H AT ’ S O N

KPFA to conduct general elections

K

uwait-Pakistan Friendship Association (KPFA) will be conducting its general election to elect the new Executive Council of the years 2012-2013. Dr Manzoor Ali of Kuwait University will be the election officer for this process. The election process has been started from December 10, 2011 and will continue till December 17, 201. During this period the members will fill their nominations and which can be withdrawn till December 22, 2011. The final list of the elected members will be circulated on January 01, 2012 followed by the Annual General Assembly (AGM) meeting on January 06, 2012.

Upcoming events Entertaining events Al-Kout and The British Playhouse join hands in bringing fun, entertaining and educational events to the community. Please join them for lots of fun filled activities. All activities are FREE of charge! Events will include: Face painting, Henna, Characters Clown, Balloon arch Balloon art, gifts for children’s competitions for kids (best drawing, etc). Interactive activities will include: Coloring corner, story telling corner, play dough corner, arts and crafts corner, bricks blocks, board games and puzzles corner on Saturday December 17th, & Thursday December 29th at Al-Kout Mall, Fahaheel-Kuwait From 5pm - 9pm. For more info: 9441-1783.

Kuwait National English School Early Years winter concert

Talent Hunt Wesal Media Team is organizing a new concept competition for little talents in Kuwait. This competition is for children ages 6-12 years who have excellent talents in singing, dancing, drawing, etc. All interested little talents are welcome to participate. To sign-up, just visit their website and register your child. The final announcements will be published in a short event at Discovery Mall with famous singers and actors in Kuwait. For more information: 9754-7705 New Year Hangama The RAK Dance Academy (RDA) Kuwait, is planning to put a charity event as celebration of its New Year Hangama 2012, on 31st December, 2011, from 6 pm onwards, at Carmel School Khaitan. All participants are well known artists from Kuwait. The main purpose of this celebration is to collect donations and raise money for supporting handicapped children in India. contributions from you. Your attendance is your donation. Please join for an evening for a good cause. Call 99692266, 65925730 for details.

Aware Center Arabic lessons The AWARE Management is glad to inform you that Winter 1 Arabic language courses will begin on November 20th, 2011 until January 12th, 2012. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed and courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community.

We cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector. Arabic classes at the AWARE Center are unique because students are provided with the chance to practice their Arabic through various social activities that aim at bringing Arabs and Westerners together.

AWARE Arabic courses highlight: lIntroductory to Level 4 Arabic language basics lBetter prepare you for speaking, reading and writing Arabic lCombine language learning with cultural insights lTaught in multi-nationality group settings lProvide opportunities to interact with Western expatriates and native Kuwaitis/Arabs.

For more information or registration, call 25335260/80 ext 105/104/0 or log onto: www.aware.com.kw.

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he Early Years Department at Kuwait National English School in Hawally celebrated their annual Winter Concert on Wednesday December 7th, 2011. This is a very special concert each year, as it is the first time Kindergarten and even some Reception children have performed in public. The children shined with enthusiasm and confidence to a full auditorium of family. As the children continue to develop their unique personalities, it is our objective to ensure they are able to carry this forward to their larger Global Human Family.

Great performance from the little ones at Kuwait National English School!

Celebrating 21 Years of Service to the Community: Accredited by CIS (Council of International Schools) & NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges)

Sangeerthanam - 2011

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s planned and guaranteed by a group of devoted and sincere likeminded individuals, ‘Sangeerthanam - 2011’ was magnificently presented on Dec 2, 2011 at Indian Community School (Senor Girls) auditorium, Salmiya. The program earned the fame of one of the most popular, well-organized and authentic stage program in Kuwait. The event was attended by more than 550 guests from all walks of life. The program began by honoring certain eminent personalities

in Kuwait namely, K S Krishnamoorthy, Balasubramanium and T A Remesh for their commendable contributions to the society.

Prominent artists, ThyagabrahmamAyyappaganasree T S Radhakrishnan, accompanied by popular singer and Kairali TV fame (Rain Drops) Ravisankar, Aravind (singer) Wilson Xavier (keyboard), Antony Sebastian (tabla), Rajesh (flute), Vinayak (vocal and mridangam), Hari Perunna (mridangam), Balamurali (violin)and Anjana Mohan

(vocal) presented almost a 4-hour-long breathtaking melodious performance transporting the jam-packed audience to a different world.

The auditorium was filled with the fragrance of the powerful message of harmony and universal brotherhood as the musicians rendered exceptional songs in four different Indian languages including, ‘Samastha Lokha Sukhinobhavandu’ providing the audience a rare opportunity for total relaxation.

The organizers thanked the spon-

sors, various associations and individuals for their continued support and guidance. T S Radhakrishnanji, in his concluding remarks, thanked the audience for their graceful presence and support that enabled them to draw inspiration and present the four-hour evening with ease and divine passion.

He observed that such class of devoted gatherings could not be found even in major towns in India these days and was extremely delighted to be part of ‘Sangeerthanam 2011’.

La Leche meeting La Leche will hold a meeting on December 12 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at the L’Ali Al-Badri Building in Salmiya (Qatar Street, across from the Boulevard construction site, about 500 metres from City Centre. Little Caesar’s Pizza is at the foot of the building). For directions call Raj Alvis at 6991342. La Leche League (LLL) is an international, non-profit organization that provides mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information and education for women who breastfeed their children. If you are currently breastfeeding your baby or small child, or are pregnant and intend to breastfeed your baby (or are considering it but have questions) and would like to meet up with others mums who breastfeed, then LLL is for you! This meeting is for pregnant women and breastfeeding moms only.

Rak dance academy New Year Hangama-2012 The RAK Dance Academy (RDA) Kuwait, is planning to put a charity event as celebration of its New Year Hangama 2012, on 31st December, 2011, from 6.00pm onwards, at Carmel School Khaitan. All participants are well known artists from Kuwait. The main purpose of this celebration is to collect donations and raise money for supporting handicapped children in India.

Advertisement will be published throughout Kuwait absolutely free of charge. We are expecting huge crowd for this event. The fund raised will be beneficial handicapped children. In order to make this event joyous and successful we are seeking kind contributions from you. Your attendance is your donation. Please join for an evening for a good cause. Darla Srinivasulu Achari, 99 692266; Mob: 65728740 K. Eswar Babu, Phone 99692266, Lashmeesha 65925730 Email: rakdanceacademy@gmail.com

KERA conducts mass signature campaign

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uwait Ernakulam Residents Association (KERA) conducts mass signature campaign on a memorandum to show the solidarity and support in the Mullaperiyar Dam issue especially to the residents of Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alapuzha and Ernakulam districts of Kerala. The campaign is focusing to obtain signature from minimum 10,000 people from Kerala.

The memorandum is demanding to the authorities to immediately bring down the water level to 120 feet in the dam to ensure safety of 3.5 million people and properties. Approval to construct

a new dam as it fears that a strong earthquake might damage the existing dam.

Protect the lives and properties of over 3.5 million citizens. Find an amicable solution (preferably outside court) to this Kerala-Tamil Nadu dispute. Consider the Government of Kerala commitment to undertake ‘water for Tamil Nadu and safety for Kerala’.

The organizers stated in a press release that the signed documents will be submitted to the President, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, and the Union Minister for Water Resources of India, and the Chief Minister of Kerala.

Lecture at AUK

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he Center for Gulf Studies at the American University in Kuwait (AUK) is going to organise a lecture “When Victory is Not an Option: Islamist Movements in Arab Politics” by Dr Nathan J. Brown, a distinguished scholar and author of several wellreceived books on Arab politics. During his lecture, Dr Brown will be introducing and talking about his latest book When Victory is Not an Option: Islamist Movements in Arab Politics, which provides an analysis of Islamist movements in Kuwait, Egypt, Palestine, and Jordan on Tuesday, Dec 17 at 10 am.

AUK Auditorium Liberal Arts Building.

The lecture will be conducted in English but the speaker can handle questions or interviews in Arabic. Dr Brown, who is also a fluent Arabic speaker, received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Princeton University, and was previously a scholar in residence at the Middle East Institute. He is currently a Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University. Dr Brown has recently been a member of the International Advisory Committee on drafting the Palestinian constitution and consultant to the UNDP’s program on governance in the Arab world.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency. nnnnnnn

Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort hosts American Business Council

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he Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel and Resort welcomed the American Business Council of Kuwait’s Safety and Security Conference which took place in the hotel’s Slayil Ballroom on 1st December 2011 with full catering of exquisite treats, refreshing drinks and a delicious buffet lunch. The American Business Council of Kuwait (ABCK) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of bilateral trade between the Gulf state and the USA. More than 70 delegates attended the

event, including VIPs and dignitaries from both Kuwaiti and American society and senior ranking military officials.

Presentation highlighted issues in road, environmental and personal safety in Kuwait, with speakers representing both the private sector and the government, including the Department of Defense, The US Embassy’s Regional Security Office, the Ministry of Interior, and the Overseas Security Advisory Council.

Dani Saleh, General Manager at Al-

Jahra Copthorne Hotel and Resort said: “It is a pleasure to host events of this magnitude at Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel.

Between our meeting rooms, the ball room, and our majilis tents, we can accommodate any type of event and many guests who come for an event later come back to stay for a break from the city.”

Part of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, one of the world’s largest hotel companies with more than 120 owned and managed hotels across 20 coun-

tries, the Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel and Resort is located in Al Jahra - a growing town within driving distance of the Saudi Arabian and Iraqi borders, 25 minutes from the international airport and 20 minutes from Kuwait City Centre.

Part of the “Slayil Al Jahra Tourist Resort”, the hotel has access to a shopping mall, theme park and numerous restaurants nearby. It offers an attentive, personal service as well as boasting business and convention centre services and an outdoor pool.

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. Canada offers a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad.

This service is provided so that Consular Officials can contact and assist Canadians in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform Canadians of a family emergency at home. The Embassy of Canada encourages all Canadian Citizens to register online through the Government of Canada Travel Website at www.voyage.gc.ca.

The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GERMANY

Universal Institute conducts knowledge competition

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nowledge is power” is a universal truth. To sharpen the knowledge of present day youth, a knowledge competition was organized at Universal Institute, Salmiya on 2nd December, 2011. This competition was organized particularly for the senior secondary commerce students.

Students from Carmel School, Indian Academy English School, Jabriya Indian School, United Indian School, India International School, Al-Amal Indian School, Fahaheel Al-Watania Indian Private School, Indian Central School and Indian Educational School participated in the competition. Girls outnumbered the

boys among the participants. All the participants sat for one hour written examination and the results were announced immediately after the competition. Anis Ahmad, Managing Director, Salmiya Model School, Kuwait, graced the occasion and gave away the prizes.

In his brief address he congratulated all the prize winners and other participants. He also pointed out that the spirit of participation is more important than winning or losing.

Sonal Mashankar of Indian Educational School got the first prize of KD.100/-. For the second place there was a tie between Smrti Ganapathy of Carmel School

and Geethu Treesa Matam of Indian English Academy School. As per the competition rules, lots were drawn and Smrti Ganapathy of Carmel School won second prize of KD.75/- and consolation prize of KD.25/- was awarded to Geethu Treesa Matam of Indian English Academy School..

Universal Institute management is thankful to Principals / Directors of the participant Indian Schools for their kind support, all the participants for their enthusiastic participation and the Universal Institute team for the successful organization of the competition.

The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kuwait wishes to announce that as of 1 May 2011, the external service provider Al Qabas Assurex is operating a Visa Application Centre in support of the German Embassy. Short-term visa applications for travels to Germany (e.g. for tourism, visits, business) are to be submitted to the service provider Al Qabas who for your convenience will ensure that all relevant documents are included in your application. Your personal appearance at the Application Centre is not required. Address of the Visa Application Centre: Al Qabas Assurex Sanabel Tower (AlBabtain) Mezzanine (M3) opposite Sharq Mall Kuwait 22924444 Fax: 22924442 Further information are available on the following websites: www.kuwait.diplo.de www.qavisa.com nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF INDIA The Embassy of India will remain closed December 25, 2011 (Sunday) “Christmas Day”. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to request all Kenyans resident in or training through Kuwait to register with the Embassy.

We are updating our database. This information is necessary in order to facilitate quick assistance and advise in times of emergency. Kindly visit in person or register through our website www.kenyaembkuwait.com. The Embassy is located in: Surra Area Block 6 - Street 9 - Villa 3 Tel: 25353362 - 25353314; Fax: 25353316. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax- 25387719.

Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF PERU Peruvian Permanent Expo will be temporary close from December 2lst 2011 to January 21st 2012. The Expo will reopen on January 22nd 2012 and offer once again “Peruvian Private Gastronomy Tasting Lunches” and much more like Peruvian culture, tourism, trade and great possibilities of investment. nnnnnnn

Tiatr presentation by KGA enjoyed by all

‘X

irlo’, the latest Konkani tiatr (drama) refers to the chameleon that is known to change its colors as the situation arises - a natural phenomenon written and directed by Mario Menezes was presented by Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) under the presidentship of Salvador Dias.

The story revolves around a person who has his family and all the affection around him but his love goes haywires due to his greed and temptation for worldly motives and his selfish and evil

longings well enacted by Jessica Gomes, Rosy Alvares, Lawry Travasso, Mathew Araujo and Mario Menezes in the lead with Comedians Ben and Joana providing the hilarious input with Rioma, Tony de Ribandar adding to the presentation.

Songs by Lopes Brothers, Cajetan de Sanvordem, Micheal D’Silva and Mario de Majorda provided the interlude signature songs during the evening. Earlier a short presentation and award ceremony was held wherein all the sponsors and chief guest, SME Cargo Managing Director

Merces Dias and guest of honour Merwin Franco of Gulf Cable & Electrical Co. also spoke about Goa’s culture and tiatr activites. A token of appreciation was also presented to James Goviea.

A lucky raffle draw sponsored by LuluHypermarket was won by Joe Pereira, and an air-ticket Kuwait-Dubai-Kuwait gifted by Al Qattan Travels and a Canon Camera were among the prizes offered.

The opening ceremony was conducted

by Gasper Crasto. The entertaining show held at the Al Jeel AlJadeed School in

Hawalli was attended by a large crowd and was sponsored by Mughal Mahal, UAE Exchange Co, Bhasin Co, Wataniya Telecom, Dana Optics, Kuwait Automotive Imports Co, Almarai, Churchill Brothers, Fitwell Tailor, among others.

A commemorative souvenir was released on the occasion of KGA’s sixth anniversary celebrations. A word of thanks was voiced to all the press and internet publications and all members and well-wishers and Konkani enthusiasts.

EMBASSY OF RUSSIA Embassy of the Russian Federation will hold the elections to the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (Parliament) on December 3, 2011, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm in the Embassy s premises by the address: Kuwait City, Daiya, Block 5, Diplomatic campus, Plot 17. All the Russians are invited to participate.

They are requested to present valid Russian passports. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US The United States and Kuwait enjoy a long-standing and fruitful relationship with higher education. As evidence of this enduring partnership, the number of Kuwaiti students enrolled in US institutions of higher education in 2010/11 increased from 2442 to 2998, a 22.8% increase compared to the previous year. Kuwaiti students study in 45 states. This year, embassies and institutions around the world will be celebrating International Education Week the week of November 14-18. In honor of International Education Week, the US Embassy s Mobile American Corner will be at the Marina Mall on Wednesday evening, November 16, and at the Avenues Mall on Thursday evening, November 17. Information about higher education in the US, English language classes and the student visa application process will be available, and staff will be present to answer questions about study in the USA from the general public.

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00:50 Untamed & Uncut 01:45 Dogs 101: Specials 02:40 Air Jaws 03:35 Best Bites 04:30 Rogues 05:25 Dogs 101: Specials 06:20 Animal Cops Phoenix 07:10 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 08:00 Monkey Life 08:25 Michaela’s Animal Road Trip 09:15 Breed All About It 09:40 The Really Wild Show 10:10 Panda Adventures With Nigel Marven 11:05 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 11:30 Monkey Life 12:00 Crocodile Hunter 12:55 Dogs 101: Specials 13:50 Queens Of The Savannah 14:45 Wildest Africa 15:40 Zebras On The Move 16:35 Cheetah Kingdom 17:00 Cheetah Kingdom 17:30 Karina: Wild On Safari 17:55 Karina: Wild On Safari 18:25 Bondi Vet 18:50 Bondi Vet 19:20 Animal Kingdom 19:45 Animal Kingdom 20:15 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 21:10 Dogs 101 22:05 Air Jaws 2 23:00 Speed Of Life 23:55 Whale Wars

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:45 02:40 03:10 03:40 04:10 04:40 04:50 05:00 05:15 05:20 05:40 06:00 06:10 06:20 06:35 06:40 07:00 07:10 07:30 07:40 07:50 08:05 08:10 08:30 08:40 09:00 09:10 09:20 09:35 09:40 09:45 09:50 10:10 10:20 10:40 11:10 11:45 12:35 13:20 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:45 16:35 17:05 17:35 18:05 18:35 19:05 19:50 20:20 20:50 21:50 22:20 22:45 23:35

One Foot In The Grave Beautiful People Doctor Who Ray Mears’ Wild Foods One Foot In The Grave One Foot In The Grave As Time Goes By Last Of The Summer Wine 3rd & Bird Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Poetry Pie Tweenies Fimbles 3rd & Bird Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Poetry Pie Tweenies Charlie and Lola Fimbles 3rd & Bird Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Poetry Pie Tweenies Charlie and Lola Fimbles 3rd & Bird Bobinogs Boogie Beebies Poetry Pie Poetry Pie Buzz & Tell Tweenies Charlie and Lola Fimbles As Time Goes By Last Of The Summer Wine Doctor Who The Weakest Link Casualty Big Bear Diary Big Bear Diary The Weakest Link The Weakest Link Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctors Doctor Who As Time Goes By Last Of The Summer Wine Coast Big Bear Diary Big Bear Diary Return To Cranford The Fixer

00:35 06:45 08:20 12:35 13:25 17:40 18:30 19:15 20:00 20:50 21:40 23:20

Holmes On Homes Holmes On Homes Come Dine With Me Come Dine With Me Antiques Roadshow Antiques Roadshow Design Star Design Star Gok’s Fashion Fix Gok’s Fashion Fix Holmes On Homes Holmes On Homes

00:00 BBC World News 00:30 Dateline London 01:00 BBC World News 01:10 The World Debate 02:00 BBC World News 02:10 World Features 02:30 Middle East Business Report 03:00 BBC World News 03:10 World Features 03:30 Spirit Of Yachting 04:00 BBC World News 04:30 Dateline London 05:00 BBC World News 05:10 The World Debate 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Newsnight 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 Click 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 India Business Report 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 Fast Track 10:00 BBC World News 10:10 The Health Show 10:30 Spirit Of Yachting 11:00 BBC World News 11:10 World Features 11:30 Dateline London 12:00 BBC World News 12:10 World Features 12:30 Horizons 13:00 BBC World News 13:10 World Features 13:30 My Country 14:00 BBC World News 14:10 World Features 14:30 Newsnight 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 Nobel Peace 16:00 BBC World News 16:15 Sport Today 16:30 Click 17:00 BBC World News 17:30 Nobel Laureates 2011 18:00 BBC World News 18:10 The World Debate 19:00 BBC World News 19:30 India Business Report 20:00 BBC World News 20:30 Talking Books 21:00 BBC World News 21:10 World Features 21:30 My Country 22:00 Sports World Have Your Say 22:30 Sports World Have Your Say 23:00 BBC World News 23:10 This Week With Christiane Amanpour

00:00 00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:35 06:00 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:15

Dexters Laboratory The Garfield Show Scooby Doo Where Are You! The Perils Of Penelope Pitstop Droopy: Master Detective The Flintstones Johnny Bravo Duck Dodgers King Arthur’s Disasters The Scooby Doo Show Popeye Classics Tom & Jerry Popeye The Jetsons The Flintstones Looney Tunes Pink Panther & Pals Tex Avery Duck Dodgers The Garfield Show The Addams Family

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

TV PROGRAMS 07:40 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 09:55 10:20 10:45 11:10 11:35 12:00 12:30 14:00 14:30 14:50 15:15 15:40 16:05 16:30 16:55 17:20 Doo 17:45 18:10 18:35 18:55 19:20 19:30 19:55 20:20 20:40 21:00 21:30 21:50 22:05 22:40 23:05 23:30

Popeye Paddington Bear Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Baby Looney Tunes Jelly Jamm Puppy In My Pocket Help! It’s The Hair Bear Bunch Yogi’s Treasure Hunt The Garfield Show Pink Panther And Pals Looney Tunes Scooby Cinema New Yogi Bear Show Tex Avery The Addams Family Droopy & Dripple The Flintstones The Garfield Show Duck Dodgers Wacky Races Scooby-Doo And ScrappyDastardly And Muttley The Jetsons Wacky Races Scooby Doo Where Are You! Popeye Classics The Scooby Doo Show Tom & Jerry Looney Tunes Pink Panther & Pals Top Cat Dastardly And Muttley Tom & Jerry Wacky Races The Scooby Doo Show Tom & Jerry Johnny Bravo

00:15 Samurai Jack 00:40 Megas XLR 01:05 Robotboy 01:30 Squirrel Boy 01:55 George Of The Jungle 02:20 Cramp Twins 02:45 Chop Socky Chooks 03:10 Best Ed 03:35 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 04:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:25 Generator Rex 04:50 Adventure Time 05:15 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 05:40 Chowder 05:55 Powerpuff Girls 06:30 Ed, Edd n Eddy 06:55 I Am Weasel 07:20 Squirrel Boy 07:45 Cow & Chicken 08:00 Total Drama Action 08:25 Powerpuff Girls 08:50 Angelo Rules 09:05 Eliot Kid 09:30 Chowder 09:55 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 10:20 Adventure Time 10:45 The Amazing World Of Gumball 10:55 Cow & Chicken 11:30 Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated 11:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 12:20 Generator Rex 12:45 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 13:10 Bakugan: Gundalian Invaders 13:35 Hero 108 14:00 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 14:25 Robotboy 14:50 I Am Weasel 15:15 Best Ed 15:40 Chowder 16:05 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 16:30 Courage The Cowardly Dog 16:55 Cow & Chicken 17:20 Adventure Time 17:45 Codename: Kids Next Door 18:10 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 18:35 Generator Rex 19:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:25 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 19:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 20:15 Adventure Time

PUBLIC ENEMIES ON OSN ACTION HD

20:40 The Grim Adventures Of Billy & Mandy 21:05 Chowder 21:30 Courage The Cowardly Dog 21:55 Cow & Chicken 22:20 Best Ed 22:45 I Am Weasel 23:00 Ben 10 23:25 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 23:50 The Secret Saturdays

00:00 News Special 00:30 African Voices 01:00 The Best Of Backstory 01:30 World Sport 02:00 World Report 02:30 Living Golf 03:00 World Report 03:30 Inside Africa 04:00 CNN Marketplace Europe 04:15 CNN Marketplace Africa 04:30 African Voices 05:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 06:00 The Best Of The Situation Room 07:00 World Sport 07:30 Living Golf 08:00 World Sport 08:30 The Best Of Backstory 09:00 World Report 09:15 CNN Marketplace Middle East 09:30 Inside The Middle East 10:00 World Report 10:15 CNN Marketplace Europe 10:30 Eco Solutions 11:00 World Sport 11:30 Living Golf 12:00 African Voices 12:30 Talk Asia 13:00 News Special 13:30 Inside Africa 14:00 World Report 14:30 World Sport 15:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 16:00 Fareed Zakaria Gps 17:00 State Of The Union 18:00 International Desk 18:30 Inside Africa 19:00 Eco Solutions 19:30 World Sport 20:00 Prism 20:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East 21:00 International Desk 21:30 Inside The Middle East 22:00 World Report 22:30 Living Golf 23:00 Piers Morgan Tonight

00:40 Freddie Flintoff vs The World 01:35 Nothing Personal 02:30 How It’S Made 03:00 How Stuff’S Made 03:25 How It’S Made 03:55 How Stuff’S Made 04:20 How It’S Made 04:50 How Stuff’S Made 05:15 How It’S Made 05:40 How Stuff’S Made 06:05 How It’S Made 06:35 How Stuff’S Made 07:00 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 07:50 Desert Car Kings 08:45 Ultimate Biker Challenge 09:10 South Beach Classics 09:40 Extreme Fishing 10:30 Marley Africa Road Trip 11:25 Coal 12:20 How Stuff’S Made 12:45 Cash Cab Us 14:35 Cash Cab Us 15:05 Cake Boss 16:55 Cake Boss 17:20 Mythbusters 18:15 Coal 19:10 Deadliest Catch 20:05 Gold Rush: Alaska 21:00 Mythbusters 21:55 Curiosity 22:50 Ross Kemp In Search Of Pirates 23:45 Sons Of Guns

00:40 01:05 01:30 02:20 05:50 06:40 07:10 08:00 08:55 08:58 09:25 09:55 10:45 11:35 14:55 15:45 15:48 16:15 16:45 17:10 17:35 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

Bang Goes The Theory The Tech Show Stephen Hawking’s Universe Sci-Trek Sci-Trek The Tech Show What’s That About?

Stephen Hawking’s Universe Head Rush Sci-Fi Science Weird Connections Da Vinci’s Machines Prototype This Sci-Trek Sci-Trek Head Rush Sci-Fi Science Weird Connections Bang Goes The Theory The Gadget Show The Gadget Show Engineering Ground Zero Stephen Hawking’s Universe Flying Anvils Robocar Mighty Ships Engineering Ground Zero Flying Anvils Robocar

00:00 Kim Possible 00:20 Replacements 00:45 Replacements 01:10 Fairly Odd Parents 02:00 A Kind Of Magic 02:45 Stitch 03:35 Kim Possible 04:25 Emperor’s New School 05:15 Stitch 06:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 07:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 07:25 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 07:30 So Random 08:00 Suite Life On Deck 08:25 Phineas And Ferb 08:50 Good Luck Charlie 09:15 A.N.T. Farm 09:40 A.N.T. Farm 10:05 Wizards Of Waverly Place 10:30 Twitches 12:00 So Random 12:25 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 12:50 Good Luck Charlie 13:15 A.N.T. Farm 13:40 Fish Hooks 14:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place

14:25 14:50 15:15 15:35 15:55 Cody 16:20 Cody 16:45 17:10 17:30 18:00 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:30 21:05 21:25 21:50 22:15 22:40 23:05 Cody 23:30

My Babysitter’s A Vampire Shake It Up Fish Hooks So Random The Suite Life Of Zack And The Suite Life Of Zack And My Babysitter’s A Vampire Wizards Of Waverly Place A.N.T. Farm Phineas And Ferb Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place So Random Cow Belles Wizards Of Waverly Place My Babysitter’s A Vampire Good Luck Charlie Suite Life On Deck Sonny With A Chance The Suite Life Of Zack And Hannah Montana

00:25 Fashion Police 00:55 Chelsea Lately 01:25 E!es 02:20 E! Investigates 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Reality Hell 05:30 Wildest TV Show Moments 06:00 20 Acts Of Love Gone Wrong 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Style Star 09:45 Style Star 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 11:10 Ice Loves Coco 11:40 Ice Loves Coco 12:05 E! News 13:05 Fashion Police 13:35 Style Star 14:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 14:30 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 15:00 Giuliana & Bill 15:55 Dirty Soap 16:55 Behind The Scenes 17:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 19:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:25 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 23:25 The Soup 23:55 Chelsea Lately

00:40 01:30 02:15 03:05 03:50 04:40 05:25 06:15 07:10 08:00 08:50 09:40 09:40 10:25 11:10 11:35 11:55 12:40 13:25 14:15 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:35 17:20 18:10 19:00 19:45 20:10 20:55 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

A Haunting A Haunting The Haunted Ghost Lab A Haunting A Haunting On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis FBI Files Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Real Emergency Calls On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift FBI Files Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 01:00 Word of Mouth 01:30 Food School 02:00 Danger Men 03:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 04:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 04:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 05:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 06:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 07:00 Word of Mouth 07:30 Food School 08:00 Danger Men 09:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 10:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 10:30 Don’t Tell My Mother 11:00 Don’t Tell My Mother 12:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 13:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 13:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 14:00 Exploring The Vine 14:30 Exploring The Vine 15:00 Word of Mouth 15:30 Banged Up Abroad 16:30 Banged Up Abroad 17:30 Weird & Wonderful Hotels 18:00 Travel Madness 18:30 Latin America On A Motorcycle 19:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 19:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 20:00 Exploring The Vine 20:30 Exploring The Vine 21:00 Word of Mouth 21:30 Banged Up Abroad 22:30 Banged Up Abroad 23:30 Weird & Wonderful Hotels

00:00 02:00 18 04:00 06:00 07:30 09:45 12:45 PG15 15:00 17:30 PG15 19:30 22:00

Chicago Overcoat-18 Smokin’ Aces 2: Assassin’s BallFade To Black-PG15 Arctic Predator-PG15 The Sum Of All Fears-PG15 The Postman-PG15 The Hunt For Red OctoberThe Sum Of All Fears-PG15 Stonehenge ApocalypsePublic Enemies-18 Deadtime Stories 2-PG15

FASTER ON OSN CINEMA 01:15 03:15 05:15 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Black Death-PG15 Slipstream-PG15 Strange Culture-PG15 Alabama Moon-PG15 The Flyboys-PG15 Strange Culture-PG15 The Last Airbender-PG Dean Spanley-PG The Flyboys-PG15 Easy A-PG15 Faster-PG15 West Is West-PG15

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 Saturday Night Live 02:30 South Park 03:00 Melissa And Joey 03:30 2 Broke Girls 04:00 According To Jim 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Seinfeld 06:00 Two And A Half Men 06:30 Just Shoot Me 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 According To Jim 08:30 Melissa And Joey 09:00 Seinfeld 09:30 Community 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 10:30 Just Shoot Me 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Two And A Half Men 12:30 According To Jim 13:00 2 Broke Girls 13:30 Seinfeld 14:00 Just Shoot Me 14:30 Hot In Cleveland 15:00 Community 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Outsourced 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Friends 18:30 Friends 19:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:30 State Of Georgia 20:00 Happy Endings 20:30 The Ricky Gervais Show 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 Saturday Night Live 23:00 South Park 23:30 Happy Endings

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Killing C.S.I. Miami Top Gear (UK) Breakout Kings No Ordinary Family The View Good Morning America Law & Order Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Persons Unknown Breakout Kings No Ordinary Family C.S.I. Miami Live Good Morning America The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Coronation Street Cold Case Unforgettable Pan Am Top Gear (US) Law & Order

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

Detroit 1-8-7 Top Gear (UK) The Killing C.S.I. Miami Breakout Kings Commander In Chief Detroit 1-8-7 Modern Family Marathon Coronation Street Kojak Top Gear (UK) Breakout Kings C.S.I. Miami

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

Modern Family Marathon Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Kojak Detroit 1-8-7 Modern Family Marathon Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Law & Order: Los Angeles Cold Case Unforgettable Pan Am Top Gear (US) Commander In Chief

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 10:45 12:15 15:30 17:15 19:00 21:00 23:00

Mirrors 2-18 Fade To Black-PG15 Fear Island-PG15 The Karate Kid II-PG The Three Musketeers-PG15 Armored-18 Wyatt Earp-PG15 The Three Musketeers-PG15 Rocky III-PG15 Dead Snow-PG15 Deadtime Stories 2-PG15 4.3.2.1.-18

00:00 All About Steve-PG15 02:00 Charlie & Boots-PG15 04:00 Big Fat Liar-PG 06:00 It’s A Wonderful AfterlifePG15 08:00 The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie-PG 10:00 Leave It To Beaver-PG 12:00 One Hot Summer-PG15 14:00 A Film With Me In It-PG15 16:00 All About Steve-PG15 18:00 Away We Go-PG15 20:00 The Slammin’ Salmon-18 22:00 Road Trip: Beer Pong-18

00:45 Guilty As Sin-PG15 02:45 Bob Roberts-PG15 04:45 The Remains Of The Day-PG15 07:00 Amelia-PG15 09:00 The Cake Eaters-PG15 11:00 The Remains Of The Day-PG15 13:15 Astro Boy-FAM 15:00 Flying By-PG15 17:00 Star Trek III: The Search For Spock-PG15 19:00 Ishtar-PG15 21:00 Red Rock West-18 23:00 Me And Orson Welles-PG

00:30 02:30 05:15 07:00 09:00 PG15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 PG15 19:00 21:00 23:30

Essential Killing-18 My Name Is Khan-PG15 Just Married-PG15 The Social Network-PG15 The Sorcerer’s ApprenticeEasy Virtue-PG15 Bubble Boy-PG15 Love The Beast-PG The Sorcerer’s ApprenticeBurlesque-PG15 Robin Hood (2010)-PG15 Jane Eyre-PG15

00:00 Pollyworld-FAM 02:00 Young Fisherman-PG 03:45 Ed-PG 06:00 Barbie: Princess Charm School-PG15 08:00 Ulysses-PG 10:00 Babe-FAM 12:00 Kung Fu Magoo-FAM 14:00 Ed-PG 16:00 Last Of The Mohicans-PG 18:00 Babe-FAM 20:00 Barney’s Great AdventureFAM 22:00 Kung Fu Magoo-FAM

00:15 02:00 04:15 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00

Howl-18 Ironclad-PG15 Sounds Like Teen Spirit-PG15 The Other Guys-PG15 Tangled-FAM Sounds Like Teen Spirit-PG15 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid-PG The Lightkeepers-PG15 Tangled-FAM

18:00 My Last Five Girlfriends-PG15 20:00 Relative Stranger-PG15 21:45 Inception-PG15

00:15 01:30 02:30 09:30 10:00 11:00 16:00 23:00

Live Powerboats F1 UFC Countdown Live Test Cricket Powerboats Nations Cup Powerboats F1 Live PGA European Tour Test Cricket UFC 140

02:00 Futbol Mundial 02:30 Live Test Cricket 09:30 Volvo Ocean Race 11:00 Live European PGA Tour 16:00 Asian Tour Golf 16:30 Trans World Sport 17:30 Live Pool Mosconi Cup 20:45 Live European Challenge Cup 22:45 Live Darts Player Championship

03:00 08:30 10:30 11:00 16:00 16:30 17:30 20:30 21:30 22:00

European PGA Tour Scottish Premier League European Tour Weekly Live European PGA Tour Asian Tour Golf Trans World Sport LIVE Pool Mosconi Cup Volvo Ocean Race Highlights Futbol Mundial Live Pool Mosconi Cup

03:00 Prizefighter 05:00 UFC 140 Countdown 06:00 Live UFC 140 08:00 WWE Bottom Line 09:00 Speedway 10:00 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 11:00 WWE SmackDown 13:00 WWE Bottom Line 14:00 WWE NXT 15:00 WWE Vintage Collection 15:45 Live Volvo Ocean Race 17:00 Live Snooker UK Championship 20:00 UFC 140 23:00 Live Snooker UK Championship

00:00 Globe Trekker 01:00 Tokyo Revealed 02:00 Going South 02:30 Essential 03:00 Trabant Trek 03:30 Trabant Trek 04:00 The Blue Continent 05:00 Globe Trekker 08:00 Globe Trekker 09:00 Essential 09:30 Glutton For Punishment 10:30 Rudy Maxa’s World 11:00 Luxury Train Journeys Of India 12:00 The Big Guide 13:00 Globe Trekker 14:00 Sophie Grigson In The Souk 14:30 Feast India 15:00 Planet Food 16:00 Essential 16:30 Cruise Today 17:00 Globe Trekker 18:00 Indian Times 20:00 Globe Trekker 21:00 Travel Today 21:30 Essential 22:00 Luxury Train Journeys Of India 23:00 Great Scenic Railways-New Zealand 23:30 Life’s A Trip

01:00 Boogie Night 02:00 VH1 Music 08:00 Smooth Wake Up 11:00 Best Of The Week 13:00 Top 10 14:00 Cover Power 15:00 Worst & Best Videos 2011 Weekend 18:00 VH1 Hits 19:00 Evolution Of 20:00 Guess The Year 21:00 Worst & Best Videos 2011 Weekend 23:00 90’s vs 80’s

Classifieds SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

ACCOMMODATION One separate room in 3 bedroom spacious flat, fully furnished is available for single/bachelor in Ashbiliya opposite Farwaniya. Contact 99714430. (C 3768) Sharing accommodation at Hawally opposite of Pakistani school at the back for single person, rent KD 80. Tel: 66489207.

Sharing accommodation available from 1st Jan, 1 or 2 decent bachelors to share with another, only KD 25 each in 2 bedroom flat new building, separate bathroom, kitchen and Sat facility, W&E free, opp Apollo hospital, Naser Al-Bather St, near Shara Aman St. Call 99761807 or 66209879. (C 3767) 10-12-2011

FOR SALE Two General A/C window units and Sony TV 21” excellent condition. Contact: 66625253. (C 3772) 11-12-2011 2004 model Ford Mondeo car, red color, run 1,17,000 km, very good condition, insurance up to Oct 2012. Price KD

1050, negotiable. Call 66463727 after 7 pm. (C 3769) 10-12-2011

CHANGE OF NAME I, Santhana Rego holder of Indian Passport No: A9871318 hereby change my name to Santana Rego. (C 3773) 11-12-2011 I, Habibulla Ismail Mithu, holder of Indian Passport No. Z 026492, hereby changed my name to Mitha Habibullah Ismail. At. Lunawada (pms) 389230. (C 3764) 10-12-2011 I, Luis De Almeida, have changed my mother’s name from Francisquina Marques to Carmina Marques and father’s name from Antonio Xavier Almeida to Antonio Xavier de Almeida for the purpose of my Passport No. J3505800.

(C 3765) I, Luis De Almedia, r/o H.No. 539, Dona Paula, IIhas, Goa, change my name from Luis Almeida to Luis De Almeida for the purpose of my Passport No. J3505800. (C 3766) 8-12-2011

MATRIMONIAL Orthodox parents invite proposals for their son 27/180, fair.

B.Tech, employed with a reputed company in Kuwait, from parents of suitable girls working in Kuwait. Contact email: rcengannoor@yahoo.com (C 3770) Proposals are invited for an RCSC girl 30, 165, working in Kuwait as accountant. Email: anson7714@yahoo.com (C 3774) SITUATION VACANT A Kuwaiti family is looking to hire a full-time Asian driver. Tel: 99774658. (C 3771) 11-12-2011 Looking for immediate employment Pakistani/ Indian/Bangladeshi cook who is ready to work on part time or full time basis and can cook for a small Pakistani family. Contact: 24828124.

(C 3763) 6-12-2011 English speaking female lady Indian / Sri Lankan full time live-in housemaid is required in Salmiya for an Indian family. Contact: 25635450 / 99838117.

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines LMU AFR JZR KAC RBG JZR JZR MLR ETH THY UAE QTR DHX MSR FDB ETD RJA GFA KAC DHX FCX JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD FDB IRA GFA FCX RBG IRC JZR IRA RKM MEA SYR KAC MSR JZR KAC GFA

Arrival Flights on Sunday 11/12/2011 Flt Route 1109 ALEXANDRIA 6708 PARIS 185 DUBAI 154 ISTANBUL 3564 ASSIUT 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 1405 COLOMBO/DUBAI 620 ADDIS ABABA 772 ISTANBUL 853 DUBAI 138 DOHA 370 BAHRAIN 612 CAIRO 67 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 642 AMMAN 211 BAHRAIN 544 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 201 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASSIUT 157 LONDON 412 MANILA/BANGKOK 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 301 ABU DHABI 55 DUBAI 603 SHIRAZ 213 BAHRAIN 203 DUBAI 3555 ALEXANDRIA 6801 AHWAZ 165 DUBAI 615 SHAHRE KORD 310 RAS ALKHAIMAH 404 BEIRUT 341 DAMASCUS/ALEPPO 382 DELHI 610 CAIRO 201 DAMASCUS 672 DUBAI 219 BAHRAIN

Time 0:01 0:10 0:20 0:35 0:40 0:45 0:50 0:55 1:45 2:15 2:35 2:40 2:55 3:00 3:05 3:10 3:10 3:15 4:40 5:15 5:30 6:00 6:20 6:40 6:45 7:40 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:30 9:00 9:05 9:15 9:20 9:40 9:55 10:30 11:05 11:10 11:20 11:35 11:45 11:55 12:35 12:45 12:55 13:00 13:20 13:25

KAC KAC FDB UAL QTR SVA RJA ABY KAC KAC JZR JZR ETD UAE GFA SVA RBG ABY JZR JZR FDB KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC FDB JAI OMA AFG ALK MLR KAC DHX VOS MEA GFA QTR UAE KAC JZR KAC AIC KAC JZR UAL AXB DLH

744 774 57 982 140 500 640 123 284 550 561 213 303 857 215 510 3557 127 777 177 63 542 787 786 618 674 166 102 562 61 572 647 405 267 1407 512 372 81 402 217 136 859 172 135 502 981 678 239 981 389 636

DAMMAM 13:25 RIYADH 13:45 DUBAI 13:50 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 14:05 DOHA 14:20 JEDDAH 14:30 AMMAN 14:40 SHARJAH 14:45 DHAKA 15:00 SOHAG 15:15 SOHAG 16:10 DEIREZZOR/ALEPPO 16:45 ABU DHABI 16:50 DUBAI 16:55 BAHRAIN 17:15 RIYADH 17:20 SOHAG 17:35 SHARJAH 17:40 JEDDAH 17:45 DUBAI 18:15 DUBAI 18:40 CAIRO 18:50 RIYADH 19:05 JEDDAH 19:10 DOHA 19:15 DUBAI 19:25 PARIS/ROME 19:30 NEW YORK/LONDON 19:35 AMMAN 19:50 DUBAI 20:00 MUMBAI 20:10 MUSCAT 20:15 KABUL/DUBAI 20:30 COLOMBO/DAMMAM 20:45 COLOMBO/DUBAI 20:50 TEHRAN 20:55 BAHRAIN 21:00 BAGHDAD 21:15 BEIRUT 21:20 BAHRAIN 21:25 DOHA 21:35 DUBAI 21:40 FRANKFURT 21:45 BAHRAIN 21:55 BEIRUT 22:00 CHENNAI/HYDERABAD/AHMEDABAD22:05 MUSCAT/ABU DHABI 22:05 AMMAN 22:45 BAHRAIN 23:00 KOZHIKODE/MANGALORE 23:35 FRANKFURT 23:50

Airlines AXB UAL LMU AIC BBC DLH RBG MLR AFR KAC ETH THY VOS KAC FDB UAE DHX MSR ETD QTR JZR GFA RJA JZR FDB BAW KAC KAC KAC JZR JZR UAE ABY ETD KAC FDB QTR KAC IRA GFA KAC FCX RBG KAC IRC JZR KAC IRA RKM MEA

Departure Flights on Sunday 11/12/2011 Flt Route 394 COCHIN/KOZHIKODE 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 1110 ALEXANDRIA 976 GOA/CHENNAI 44 CHITTAGONG/DHAKA 637 FRANKFURT 3562 ALEXANDRIA 1405 COLOMBO 6708 DUBAI/VIETNAM 283 DHAKA 621 ADDIS ABABA 773 ISTANBUL 94 DUBAI/KANDAHAR 381 DELHI 68 DUBAI 854 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 613 CAIRO 306 ABU DHABI 139 DOHA 164 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 643 AMMAN 200 DAMASCUS 54 DUBAI 156 LONDON 549 SOHAG 671 DUBAI 171 FRANKFURT 560 SOHAG 212 ALEPPO/DEIREZZOR 856 DUBAI 126 SHARJAH 302 ABU DHABI 117 NEW YORK 56 DUBAI 133 DOHA 773 RIYADH 602 SHIRAZ 214 BAHRAIN 743 DAMMAM 204 DUBAI 3558 SOHAG 541 CAIRO 6802 AHWAZ 776 JEDDAH 103 LONDON 614 SHAHRE KORD 311 RAS ALKHAIMAH 405 BEIRUT

Time 0:40 0:45 0:45 0:50 1:00 1:20 1:25 1:55 1:55 2:40 2:45 3:15 3:30 3:30 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:00 4:00 4:55 6:55 7:00 7:10 7:30 8:25 8:40 8:55 9:00 9:05 9:30 9:35 9:40 9:45 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:10 10:25 10:40 10:40 10:45 11:45 11:45 12:00 12:10 12:15 12:30 12:35 12:50 12:55

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

SYR KAC JZR MSR GFA FDB KAC KAC UAL KAC ABY RJA SVA KAC JZR KAC KAC QTR JZR ETD JZR UAE GFA RBG ABY SVA JZR JZR FDB JZR KAC FDB DHX KAC JAI OMA MLR ALK DHX MEA GFA FCX QTR KAC UAE KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC AFG

342 785 176 611 220 58 561 673 982 677 124 641 503 617 786 501 511 141 238 304 538 858 216 3556 128 511 266 134 64 184 361 62 171 351 571 648 1407 267 373 403 218 102 137 301 860 205 343 502 415 411 406

ALEPPO/DAMASCUS JEDDAH DUBAI CAIRO BAHRAIN DUBAI AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN MUSCAT/ABU DHABI SHARJAH AMMAN MEDINAH/JEDDAH DOHA RIYADH BEIRUT TEHRAN DOHA AMMAN ABU DHABI CAIRO DUBAI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA SHARJAH RIYADH BEIRUT BAHRAIN DUBAI DUBAI COLOMBO DUBAI BAHRAIN COCHIN MUMBAI MUSCAT COLOMBO COLOMBO BAHRAIN BEIRUT BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DOHA MUMBAI DUBAI ISLAMABAD CHENNAI LUXOR KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA BANGKOK/MANILA DUBAI/KABUL

13:35 13:40 13:50 13:55 14:20 14:35 14:45 15:05 15:20 15:25 15:25 15:35 15:45 15:50 15:50 16:15 16:25 16:30 17:15 17:35 17:40 18:10 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:35 18:45 19:05 19:20 19:55 20:20 20:40 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:50 21:55 22:00 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:50 23:00 23:30 23:35 23:45 23:55 23:59

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 524

CALVIN & HOBBES

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Purchasing gifts and selecting colors are at a high just now. You enjoy shopping, particularly today with all the decorations of the season to cheer you as you go. Circumstances may augment and stimulate appreciation and enjoyment of your life situation. Your system of values may deepen, providing you with a better sense of discrimination and good taste. You absorb emotional energy and a feeling of protection from principles, friends and social interaction. You long for the new, the different and the unique. Your mind is quick and you are fun to converse with and will probably have a lot to say about most anything this day. You and your partner or sweetheart may talk over career concerns. It helps to bond on an emotional level.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Characteristic of a mob.

4. Of or relating to or in the style of a musical fugue.

9. A small loosely aggregated mass of flocculent material suspended in or precipitated from a liquid.

13. Any of various primates with short tails or no tail at all.

14. Jordan's port.

15. Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality.

16. Having leadership guidance.

17. Flesh of any of various freshwater fishes of the families Centrarchidae of North America or Cyprinidae of Europe.

18. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology.

19. Any of a number of fishes of the family Carangidae.

21. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

22. The sixth month of the Hindu calendar.

24. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

27. A bin that holds rubbish until it is collected.

30. In an exposed manner.

34. The cardinal number that is the sum of four and one.

35. Occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure.

36. An informal debt instrument.

38. An armed adversary (especially a member of an opposing military force).

39. The large trunk artery that carries blood from the left ventricle of the heart to branch arteries.

41. A bottomless gulf or pit.

43. A French abbot.

46. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

49. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

51. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

55. An implement used to propel or steer a boat.

58. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

59. The law enforcement agency in the Justice Department.

60. Make certain of.

61. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement.

62. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

63. Lacking in body or vigor.

64. A long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head.

65. A mouth or mouthlike opening.

DOWN 1. A master's degree in library science.

2. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

3. English monk and scholar (672-735).

4. Extremely pleasing.

5. A republic in southeastern Europe.

6. A Gaelic-speaking Celt in Ireland or Scotland or the Isle of Man. 7. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

8. The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet.

9. An order of dicotyledonous trees of the subclass Hamamelidae.

10. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element.

11. Chocolate cookie with white cream filling.

12. A bluish shade of green.

20. Small European freshwater fish with a slender bluish-green body.

23. Japanese painter whose work influenced the impressionists (1760-1849).

25. 1 species.

26. Not out.

28. Drive away by crying "shoo!".

29. A period of time equal to 1/24th of a day.

31. French painter noted for brightly colored scenes (18771953).

32. A mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern Asia.

33. (cosmology) The original matter that (according to the big bang theory) existed before the formation of the chemical elements.

37. Continuing forever or indefinitely.

38. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

40. The bill in a restaurant.

42. The cry made by sheep.

44. Strong lightweight wood of the balsa tree used especially for floats.

45. A small unit serving as the nucleus of a larger political movement.

47. Open-heart surgery in which the rib cage is opened and a section of a blood vessel is grafted from the aorta to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked section of the coronary artery and improve the blood supply to the heart.

48. An elaborate song for solo voice.

50. King of Denmark and Norway who forced Edmund II to divide England with him.

52. A quantity that is added.

53. Swift timid long-eared mammal larger than a rabbit having a divided upper lip and long hind legs.

54. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

56. (Scotland) A small loaf or roll of soft bread.

57. The fatty flesh of eel.

Yesterday’s Solution

You could be feeling quite ambitious, as a rather practical streak motivates you to get the things in your life organized. You want very much to be respected for who you are and what you can achieve for your family and community; this means a great deal to you now. You are practical when it comes to interacting with others. You just seem to have a natural talent for knowing what to do and can take action with very little fuss or bother. You are often called upon to make use of your natural abilities. Being conscientious is of special importance. Taking care of the necessary underpinnings of life—health, work and such—becomes a greater preoccupation. A cultural event involving your favorite people can be enjoyed this evening. Praise others.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) This should be a time when you can put your commonsense and your insights into words and convey them to others.

Communication with older members of your family is enhanced now. Gather more information before drawing a conclusion or helping with a decision that may mean a move for an older person. Others should find you almost charismatic in speech and communication and would probably follow you to the end of the earth if you asked.

The conditions are ripe for your kind of self-expression and this works very well with your particular ideas and thoughts. Good feelings abound, so take all of the positives that this day has to offer and enjoy them to the fullest. This kind of day comes too seldom to ignore—enjoy.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

Try to break out of a routine you find dull this month. You might find yourself really enjoying a good book dealing with romantic fantasies or a movie with the same kind of theme. Ideas and thoughts should have meaning and form. Plans are beginning to take form. Many find you very eloquent in communicating your thoughts. People will have absolutely no problem in understanding just what you mean. A friend or relative wants to join or help you with your future plans. Perhaps you will be building a sailboat. You should find yourself enjoying a little encouragement from others. The lines of communication are wide open and you should not want for support. You will find that you are appreciated and valued for your determination.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

ZITS

Old friends are like gold, new ones like silver, hold on to the new, but cherish the old. That could be the sentiment that you feel as a great wave of nostalgia hits you at this time. You may enjoy using your talents in creating gifts for your friends or in designing your own greeting cards for this holiday season. Good friends that you have held dear for a long time may become even more precious in your eyes now. You may find someone complimenting you on something you are doing, or on some of your personal belongings. It should not be hard for you to enjoy and value your own life situation. Your independent spirit may surface today and need to be dealt with, finding you latching onto anything that is unusual or different.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Take care to plan a budget and stick to it. You must give careful consideration to the use of money. You are drawn to reading and will find pleasure frequenting a bookstore or local library. You likely are experiencing desires for the physical this afternoon. You are the ideal candidate to take charge of a project—your creativity and originality are abnormally high. Luckily, you are presented with many opportunities to release this energy. A friend who needs you, or something that you believe in that needs your support, gains your attention. You may be called on to lend a helping hand. You love to find ways to help your friends make their dreams come true. It is an ideal time for travel. If unable to vacation now, you could make plans for a future journey.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

You may find your life taking on a kind of mystical quality on the emotional and instinctive levels. Dreams and illusions, forgiveness and understanding of human frailties are the things that arouse deep feelings. The past and the future come together—thankfully the stumbling blocks between people go away. This is the key to the greater psychic and spiritual sensitivity that you may be feeling now. This time promises an opportunity to resolve health issues. You look for new opportunities to grow. Someone compliments you today on your decisions or possessions. You value your own life situation at this time. You take pleasure in being with others and planning and enjoying fun times with friends and relatives this evening.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Now is a great time to find some space for you and to polish off any unfinished personal business. This, however, may not be the best time to make any important decisions that could affect your living situation or life conditions. You may find others challenging your authority or questioning the direction you are taking. This time period should all work out to your advantage in the long run however, even though it may drag you through a bit of a hassle for a while—or so it may seem to you. You may allow yourself a few meditative moments and a quiet manner will prove a valuable asset from time to time. A good listener is valuable. You might consider taking on a boarder around your place soon. If you have the extra room, the extra money will be appreciated.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You are feeling encouraged. You are motivated to really get serious about taking better care of yourself on many levels. The bottom line to all of this is that you simply want to continue to feel good about yourself and the way that you do things. Diet, exercise and work all somehow mean more to you now. Your ambitions increase and you could find yourself mentally sorting through your accomplishments and goals with logical and practicality these days.

Organization is the number one key to helping you find success. Sticking to a good program never hurts anything either. Make your goals attainable and then do not allow yourself to become discouraged if you do not feel that you are making progress. You will continue to move forward.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You may be seen by those around you as just the person to be put in charge of some project that requires a conservative mind. Expect challenges, but nothing that you cannot handle. You may feel elated that a new friend has the same sort of likes and dislikes that you have—it is easy to appreciate this individual. This is a great time to shop and choose colors, etc., considering you compare prices and keep within the boundaries of your budget. You like good food, creature comforts and security—both financial and the emotional kind. This afternoon you may prefer to pay attention to the things that need organizing in your personal affairs. You look for new ways to bring the older traditions back into your life and home.

Yesterday’s Solution Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Knowing how to manage and direct others will be your calling card now and could have someone in authority seeking you out to handle a special project. It’s a great time to be involved with other people either personally, or in a work environment. Your sensitivity and understanding of others will be appreciated, as your life takes on a kind of mysterious quality at the emotional and instinctive levels. Hopes and fantasy are the things that stimulate deep feelings now.

The former and the future combine and any problems between people seem to magically vanish. This is the key to the greater sensitivity that you feel now. Do yourself a favor and pat yourself over the head or on the back—you are on the right path to succeed with your goals.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Word Sleuth Solution

This should be a landmark day to solve problems and make important decisions. You will find your way around almost any obstacle and are in control and able to guide yourself with ease. Your sense of inner direction is good and should lead to social opportunities. This is an easy, calm day that should find everything running in a smooth manner. Ideas and interaction with authority figures or older people may be in the picture later this evening. Working with rather than against the flow should be easy to do. Your emotions or the feelings of those around you are very clear. You will find yourself able to understand better your own situation, as well as others. You will know just how you feel about yourself. Volunteer work can be considered now.

A

y

e niv rsar n

Years

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

i n f o r m at i o n

FIRE BRIGADE

112

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

24812000

Al-Jahra

25610011

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128

Hospitals Sabah Hospital

POLICE STATION Al-Madena Police Station Al-Murqab Police Station Al-Daiya Police Station Al-Fayha’a Police Station Al-Qadissiya Police Station Al-Nugra Police Station Al-Salmiya Police Station Al-Dasma Police Station

Clinics Rabiya

4732263

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

22451082

Al-Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Murphy may play DC s Marion Barry in fi ddie Murphy may soon star in a more serious role, playing former Washington Mayor Marion Barry in a new HBO film project. Washington journalists Tom Sherwood and Harry Jaffe have optioned the rights for their 1994 book “Dream City: Race, Power and the Decline of Washington, DC” Sherwood said Friday that they have a separate contract with HBO to consult on a project if their book is adapted. Sherwood is a reporter for NBC’s Washington affiliate and previously worked for The Washington Post. Jaffe is an editor and writer for Washingtonian magazine. An HBO spokeswoman said Friday that the network is working with Spike Lee and Murphy on the project, though she said it’s in the early stages of development. Lee would direct the project, and Murphy would play Barry. Lee did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Nearly 10 years ago, HBO also bought the rights to “Dream City” for a different project, but it was never produced. In 1990, during Barry’s third term as mayor, he was videotaped smoking crack cocaine in a hotel room during an FBI sting operation, an episode that drew worldwide attention. He eventually served six months in federal prison on a misdemeanor drug possession conviction and was elected again to the DC Council in 1992. Barry won a fourth term as mayor in 1994. He returned to the Council in 2004 and continues to represent one of the city’s poorest wards. Barry has declined to talk publicly about the HBO project. A spokesman for Barry said he had no comment on it.

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Hurt Lockersuit: Soldier ordered to pay attorneys fees he tables have turned on the army sergeant who sued “The Hurt Locker” team over a year ago for allegedly stealing his life story. At the time, Master Sgt Jeffrey S Sarver was asking for millions of dollars, but he’ll be the one left writing some checks. This week, US District Court Judge Jacqueline Nguyen ordered Sarver to pay $187,125 in attorney’s fees, according to court documents. The lawsuit was thrown out initially October, but a number figure was not attached to the billings that Sarver was ordered to pay.

Among those named in Sarver’s lawsuit were the Oscar winning film’s screenwriter Mark Boal, director Kathryn Bigelow, production company Voltage, distributor Summit Entertainment and Playboy magazine, for whom Boal wrote the article that inspired “The Hurt Locker.” According to the filings, Boal and Bigelow will receive $37,975.50 in fees, the film’s producers will get $89,753.85 in fees, and the film’s distributor Summit Entertainment will get $59,395.30. The Hollywood Reporter first reported the attorneys fees amounts.

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Judge orders man to stay away fromKirsten Dunst judge on Friday granted Kirsten Dunst a temporary restraining order against a French man who has repeatedly written to the actress and traveled to Los Angeles at least five times to try to meet her. Superior Court Judge Carol Boas Goodson ordered Jean Christophe Prudhon of Dijon, France, to stay 100 yards away from the “Spider-Man” star and to stop trying to contact her. In letters accompanying Dunst’s petition, Prudhon wrote that he sold his home in France so he could continue to travel to meet Dunst, who has not responded to any of his more than 50 letters. He wrote that he is in love with the actress and that he has repeatedly waited outside Dunst’s home to try to meet her and has been mistaken for a paparazzo. “I am frightened for my safety, as well as the safety of my family and friends who visit my home,” Dunst wrote in a

A

court filing. “I am worried that Mr. Prudhon will escalate his conduct further, putting myself and my family in danger.”

Dunst’s mother, Inez Dunst, wrote in a sworn declaration that she was alarmed by Prudhon’s appearance when he came to her door last week trying to meet the actress. Inez Dunst said she knew who he was because he has repeatedly sent her daughter letters over the years. It could not be immediately determined if Prudhon, 51, was represented by a lawyer, and attempts to locate him for comment were unsuccessful. The actress, who recently appeared in the film “Melancholia,” wrote in a court filing that her security personnel told Prudhon to stay away, but he has refused.

Goodson will consider whether to grant a three-year restraining order at a Dec 21 hearing.

Roberts is protective over Adele ulia Roberts has issued a strong warning to any man wishing to date Adele. The ‘Pretty Woman’ actress is a huge fan of the ‘Someone Like You’ singer and has threatened to harm her next boyfriend if he treats her badly. She told Entertainment Weekly: “Anybody that’s going to date her is a brave, brave man. You’re going to get a whole lot of love, but you’d better treat her right, or we’re all coming after you.” Julia says the reason Adele, 23, has become a worldwide star is because people can relate to her and the pain and heartache she’s going through. She said: “Adele’s music is so personal that you get invested in her life. “When Adele had her health scare, I had random people saying to me, ‘Oh my God, did you hear about Adele?’“We feel like Adele’s in our book club or she lives near us - that’s a gift, to make people feel that way.” Meanwhile, Adele who recently underwent throat surgery - has revealed she is going to take a couple of years to work on her third album, following the huge success of ‘19’ and ‘21’. She said: “I imagine I’ll be 25 or 26 by the time my next record comes out, as I haven’t even thought about my third record yet.

“I’m just going to lay some concrete, set up home and just ‘be’ for a bit. I’ll disappear and come back with a record when it’s good enough.”

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Lifetime is remaking The Blue Lagoon t sealed Brooke Shields’ status as a teen star (and, trivia, made her the first-ever recipient of the Worst Actress Razzie), and now Lifetime is going to remake the 1980 drama “The Blue Lagoon.” Lifetime confirmed to TheWrap the made-for-TV do-over will be produced by Neil Meron and Craig Zadan’s Storyline Entertainment and Judith Verno’s Peace Out Productions will be in association with Sony Pictures Television. The 1980 movie starred Shields and Christopher Atkins as Emmeline and Richard, two children who grow up together while marooned on a deserted island, fall in love, experiment with the birds and the bees and don’t initially realize why Emmeline’s tummy begins to grow. The Lifetime remake will actually be the third version of the movie; the story is based on a 1908 novel by Henry De VereStacpoole, as the first of a “Blue Lagoon” trilogy. A 1949 movie adaptation of the first novel starred Oscar nominee Jean Simmons and Donald Houston. In 1991, Milla Jovovich and Brian Krause both earned Razzie nominees as the stars of “Return to the Blue Lagoon,” a sequel to the 1980 film. Meanwhile, the movie becomes the second big screen-to-boobtube makeover in Lifetime’s upcoming slate. The network is also producing a remake of “Steel Magnolias,” the 1989 drama that earned Julia Roberts her first Oscar nomination. The Lifetime remake will feature an all-black cast.

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Bielwas shy teen essica Biel was too “shy” to be popular with boys. The 29year-old actress - who is in a relationship with Justin Timberlake - insists she didn’t get much attention from guys when she was younger because her insecurities made her seem “aloof”. She said: “I never [got chased by guys] as much as people might think. I’m quite shy, so sometimes guys would find me aloof because they’d think I was acting cool when it was just my nerves. “It always takes me a while to feel comfortable in social situations or when I’m with new people.” As well as her shyness, Jessica also admitted guys didn’t think she was pretty when she was younger.

She said: “I wasn’t considered attractive at all as a teenager. I was kind of an ugly duckling. “But when I did Pilates competitions, I started to work on my appearance and body and was determined to make some of the nasty girls who tortured me feel jealous.”

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Rowland can be too bossy for love

Boyle visited by late mother usan Boyle claims she has been visited by her late mother. The Scottish singing sensation was extremely close to her mother, Bridget, and although she was devastated when she passed away, Susan is comforted by the fact she still watches over her. Susan - who still lives in the house she grew up in despite owning another bigger property nearby - told the Daily Mail newspaper: “The council house is my mother’s house. Her energy is still there. It’s my comfort zone. My mother said, ‘Look after my house and look after my cat Pebbles’ and that’s what I did. I’ve actually seen my mother in the house. I don’t know how you feel about people coming back?’ “She wasn’t troubled. I think she was letting me know she was all right. There was a lovely smell. Perhaps it was her perfume, I’m not sure. I used to think she’d abandoned me when she died.

Maybe she was telling me she hadn’t.” However, Susan - who shot to worldwide fame after auditioning for UK TV show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2009 - says she still feels lonely, especially as most of the people close to her have died. —Agencies

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he ‘Down for Whatever’ singer admits she has ruined dates with her determination to be in control at all times and thinks she needs to learn to let men be “gentlemen” and look after her. She said: “The desire to be in control and decide everything myself as much as possible gets in the way of things. “The fact that I can act a little bossy has ruined quite a few dates. I choose the restaurant, I open the door myself, sometimes I’ll even pay the bill. I really have to learn to let a man be a gentleman. “That’s probably one of the reasons why I’m single. I get in the way of myself when it comes to men.” However, Kelly is in no hurry to settle down as people’s attitudes have changed and she no longer sees 30 as an age to settle down. She added in an interview with Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “We’re no longer in the fifties. At 30 I am still very young and still have a lot of time to settle down. I love to go dancing and partying, I live and pretend to be forever young.”

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

lifestyle A W A R D S

Cyrus, Rimes @ the American Giving Awards red carpet

Judy Shepard, mother of the late Matthew Shepard and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, is presented an award by actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

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n December 9, Friday, Miley Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Colin Farrell, Gabrielle Union, and JR Martinez were some of the guests at this year’s American Giving Awards. The event, presented by Chase, took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

LeAnn Rimes was in a minimalist mood at the

(From left) Jamie Tworkowski, of the To Write Love on Her Arms charity, accepts the winning one million dollar grant from host Bob Costas at the close of the first annual American Giving Awards on Friday, in Los Angeles.

—AP photos

American Giving Awards. LeAnn wore a nude, figure-hugging Alaia dress. The sleeveless, tiered skirt number can be unforgiving, but with LeAnn’s slim figure, the country singer pulled it off. Too bad she paired her dress with clunky Giuseppe Zanotti heels which overwhelmed her and her pretty outfit.

Actor Colin Farrell accepts the Leadership Award from presenter Donald Sutherland.

A sexy, very adult gown is not something new for Miley Cyrus. The singer has worn her share of slinky, Roberto Cavalli gowns on the red carpet. At the 2011 American Giving Awards, Miley opted for yet another sexy look in a plunging neckline, embellished Jenny Packham dress.

It was a beautiful dress, but Miley Cyrus’s styling

left something to be desired. The slick, extra long ponytail, with ombre hair included, looked too severe. And Miley Cyrus’s affinity for piling on the boho jewels took away from the gown’s delicate charm. The American Giving Awards are the firstever televised celebrity tribute to community heroes, offering five charities an opportunity to

Will.i.am, center, and backup dancers wear iPads on their faces as they perform.

share in $2 million in Chase grants so they may continue their work in helping others.

The winning charity receive a $1 million grant from Chase, the runner-up was granted $500,000, a third organization receive a $250,000 grant and two were given $125,000 grants. — www. celebs.gather.com

Rapper and actor 50 Cent gives an award to Adam Lowy of the Move for Hunger charity.

Actor Terrence Howard speaks onstage.

11-year-old singer Jackie Evancho performs.

David Girgenti of the Wish Upon a Hero social networking site accepts an award.

Country singer Rodney Atkins, right, performs.

Actor Colin Farrell accepts the Leadership Award for his work with the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.

Miley Cyrus walks onstage.

LeAnn Rimes performs.

Taio Cruz performs alongside ballet dancers.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

lifestyle M U S I C

&

M O V I E S

Popcorn and snowflakes:

‘Nutcracker’ at the movies

F

or so many American children, it is their first - sometimes only - exposure to ballet: A holiday performance of “The Nutcracker,” the classic tale of a little girl’s dreamlike encounters with battling mice and toy soldiers, a dashing prince, a growing Christmas tree and a land of sweets. There is one in virtually every town.

But until now, if you lived in Anchorage, Alaska, or Omaha, Nebraska, or Tulsa, Oklahoma, you were not able to see what many consider the Nutcracker gold standard: the late George Balanchine’s classic production for New York City Ballet.

On Dec 13, though, the company will beam a live “Nutcracker” performance in high-definition from Lincoln Center to some 560 movie theaters in all 50 states, followed the next night by a live broadcast on public television. In taking its “Nutcracker” national, the company hopes to promote its brand, earn new revenue and join a growing trend of HD transmissions of live performance, pioneered by the Metropolitan Opera.

“There’s nothing like the real thing,” says an admittedly “totally biased” Peter Martins, the company’s ballet master in chief. “Of course, the hope is that if this works - however success is defined it will become a new way to show the world what we do so well.” Martins, a former prin-

cipal dancer with New York City Ballet under his legendary predecessor, Balanchine - grew up in Denmark and thus was not exposed to “The Nutcracker” until he came to New York as a young adult. But he is well aware of its crucial role as an introduction to ballet for generations of Americans, including virtually all his own dancers.

One is Ashley Bouder, who was 6 when she saw her first “Nutcracker” in Carlisle, Pennsylvania; as it happened, she also performed in it as an angel. It launched a lifetime of dancing, and Bouder, who turns 28 on Saturday, is now an NYCB principal, known for her fearless, attacking style in jumps and turns. “I do think this particular ‘Nutcracker’ is really special,” said Bouder, who will dance the brief but demanding role of Dewdrop in both the live performances.

“Balanchine’s choreography is so wonderful, for children as well as adults.”

Indeed, the choreographer is known to have been particularly masterful with children, as in the scene where eight rosy-cheeked kids suddenly emerge from Mother Ginger’s 9-foot-wide skirt to perform an intricate yet buoyant dance.

Growing up in Spain, Joaquin De Luz never got to see a live “Nutcracker” as a child. The first “Nutcracker” he saw was Balanchine’s on DVD,

the 1993 version put out by New York City Ballet with the young Macaulay Culkin as the prince.

“It’s just magical,” said De Luz, who will play the main male role, the Cavalier, next week. “That growing tree in the first act just breaks your heart. This is the quintessential ‘Nutcracker,’ not too much of anything, not too little.”

De Luz will be dancing with his frequent partner, Megan Fairchild, as the Sugarplum Fairy. It is better not to think too much about how many people will be watching, he said. “This is a big deal,” De Luz said. “I’m just hoping they won’t do the close-ups when I’m wetting my lips or doing something else I shouldn’t be doing.” That would be a minor mishap compared to last weekend, when Fairchild’s costume suddenly got caught on De Luz’s buttons during a lift. Such is the joy of live performing; he spent crucial seconds trying to yank the costumes apart before anyone got hurt.

“I finally ripped the whole thing,” he said. “I’m glad it happened last Saturday. It’s good to have an accident under your belt.” It is that coolness under pressure that Martins was looking for when casting the leads for next week’s performances. “I have 12 casts and they’re all fantastic,” Martins said. “But this particular cast is very, very reliable. They will always deliver.” The ballet trans-

missions, produced by Live From Lincoln Center for the NCM Fathom theater network, are the first by an American ballet company (the Bolshoi Ballet and the Royal Ballet in London have done their own, as well as several opera companies and the National Theater in London).

The two broadcasts will have high-profile presenters: Television talk-show host Kelly Ripa on the 13th, and Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, on the 14th. Clinton is a known ballet fan who danced ballet as a child in Washington. “We’ve been talking about doing this for a long time,” said Katherine Brown, executive director of City Ballet. She said tickets appear to be selling well, but that it is hard to tell in advance because many people just show up and buy tickets on the spot.

Tickets cost more than an average trip to the movies, ranging from about $15 to $20, depending on the theater. Although such HD transmissions in theaters are growing in popularity, they have raised the question of whether they could siphon off dance-goers who might otherwise seek out a live performance in their own communities. Could the New York City Ballet be considered, in other words, an unwelcome interloper?

Not at all, said a ballet presenter in Omaha,

where the City Ballet version will hit the AMC Oakview multiplex next week.

“The more the merrier,” said Trisha HoffmanAhrens, vice president of marketing and communication at Omaha Performing Arts. The organization is presenting a “Nutcracker” by the visiting Aspen Santa Fe Ballet this weekend at the Orpheum Theater, which it owns. Like many American cities, Omaha gets Nutcrackers from various sources. The city’s own Omaha Theater Ballet shut down in 2009. For the past few years, the Moscow Ballet touring company has visited, although not this year, Hoffman-Ahrens said.

There also is a production at the city’s Creighton University.

“It’s great that we can get these fabulous companies from New York into the theaters,” Hoffman-Ahrens said. “And this will never detract people from seeing a live performance in their own community.” Brown and Martins clearly hope this will be just the beginning. Future ballets that could be shown in movie theaters include other full-length works like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Sleeping Beauty.” For now, though, the dancers have to pull off their best performances. And make sure not to forget the basics. “I’ve got to remember to smile,” Bouder quipped.—AP

Adele makes Billboard history, named 2011 top artist B ritish singer Adele made Billboard history on Friday when she became the first female singer to be named top artist, have the top album, “21,” and score the top single, “Rolling in the Deep,” all in one year.

The 23-year-old chanteuse was followed in the top artist group by No 2 Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga in that order, while Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars rounded out the top ten. “I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of success is that my life isn’t speculated about” by the media, Adele said in an interview with Billboard.

Tye Comer, editor of Billboard.com, attributed Adele’s success to her being a “breath of fresh air” in a market saturated with pop artists cut from a “certain cloth,” like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. “Her success is really inspiring because it shows that there is still room in the music industry for an artist to make it with true, raw talent,” Comer told Reuters. “It’s not necessarily always about the

outrageous outfits or flashy videos, but an amazing voice coupled with the right song still has the ability to turn the ears of millions of people and keep them interested,” he said.

Adele’s smash hit album “21,” which was described by Billboard’s Julianne Escobedo Shepherd as a “break-up requiem,” was written in the aftermath of the singer’s failed relationship, and it features underlying themes of love, heartache and moving forward. “I’m incredibly private but I’m also incredibly honest, and I think that creates a kind of ‘meet in the middle’ respectable ground,” said the singer.

The singer’s rousing soul and blues-fused single “Rolling in the Deep,” which was named the No. 1 song, beat pop and dance tracks like LMFAO’s “Party Rock Anthem,” Katy Perry’s “Firework” and “E.T.” featuring Kanye West, as well as Pitbull’s “Give Me Everything.” Adele, who earned six Grammy nominations last week, was also named top female, while rapper Lil Wayne was awarded top male and Wiz Khalifa was the best new artist. —Reuters

‘Young Adult’ is not women behaving badly, just real N

owhere is the old saying “beauty is only skin deep” less understood than in Hollywood where for years women have tried with sporadic success to overcome the notion that looks count for more than brains. This past year two female-starring film comedies, “Bridesmaids” and “Bad Teacher,” became smash hits based on the

Actress Charlize Theron attends the premiere of ‘Young Adult’ at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Thursday, in New York. —AP

idea that women can behave badly and on Friday, a third, “Young Adult,” hits theaters with a head-turning performance by Charlize Theron and written by Oscar winner Diablo Cody.

But Theron, Cody and director Jason Reitman are loathe to pigeonhole the film as just another funny story about a woman acting in impolite and socially incorrect ways. Instead, they see Theron’s character, Mavis Gary, as a real-life person who is as flawed as anyone. And their take on Gary is winning praise from critics. “I don’t really see it as women behaving badly so much as multifaceted female characters,” Theron said at a recent news conference. “You’re actually seeing women in complicated, funny situations where you would normally see a man.”

Theron sets out to prove that beauty may be skin deep, but ugly cuts to the bone in the role of hard-drinking Gary, a ghostwriter of young adult fiction who returns to her hometown to seduce her high school sweetheart-never mind the fact that he is happily married and a new father. The movie reunites Reitman and Cody who collaborated on the unlikely 2007 hit, “Juno,” about an unconventional teenager who becomes pregnant and decides to keep the baby. She, of course, learns many life lessons during her nine-month pregnancy.

High school happy days?

Cody said the screenplay for “Young Adult” was inspired by a newspaper story she read in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where “Young Adult” is set. The story made her think about what might happen if an emotionally immature woman returns to the best time and place in her life-high school. “What if she thinks the only

way she can reclaim that happiness is to go back and find the man who made her happy?” Cody wondered at the time.

Gary is not “behaving badly”-as comedies “Bridesmaids” and “Bad Teacher” have been described in the media-but simply chasing what everybody is, happiness. Reitman characterized “women behaving badly” as a cheap term when it comes to describing “Young Adult” and said that he finds the female psyche more interesting than a man’s. “”There’s a long history of male characters (in movies) we love to hate, but there’s actually very few female characters that we love to hate,” Reitman said. Once committed to the movie, he aggressively pursued Theron for the lead role of the passive aggressive Gary who spews hate with just about every word that comes from her mouth.

Critics, who for the most part have liked the film, know why. “In (Gary), it is her unintentional drive to destroy everything and anyone who comes close, and for this Theron uses her statuesque beauty as if it is just something else in life to be squandered,” wrote Betsy Sharkey in the Los Angeles Times.

Theron initially passed on the role, but finally couldn’t get the character Gary out of her head. “It’s obvious that she’s delusional. But I didn’t want to focus on whether she should do four-hours of therapy versus two hours,” the actress said. She likened her character to “a beautiful car wreck” and said, “there’s no cure for that.” In the movies, “women are usually either really good prostitutes or really good mothers. Maybe women are finally getting the chance to play more honest characters,” Theron said. “We usually don’t get to play bad hookers or bad mothers — or anything in between.”—Reuters

In this film image released by Warner Bros Pictures, from left, Robert Downey Jr, Noomi Rapace, and Jude Law are shown in a scene from “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” —AP

‘Sherlock Holmes’ sequel has London premiere S

herlock Holmes is back on the streets of London - or rather Robert Downey Jr, the actor who plays him, is for the European premiere of “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” Also walking the red carpet in the British capital on Thursday night will be co-stars Jude Law and Noomi Repace and director Guy Ritchie, Madonna’s ex-husband.

(From left) Indian Bollywood personalities Bipasha Basu, Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam Kapoor pose during the music launch event for the Hindi film ‘Players’ in Mumbai on December 9, 2011. —AFP

The film, the sequel to the 2009 hit “Sherlock Holmes, sees Downey Jr and Law reprise their roles as the eccentric detective and his loyal sidekick Dr Watson. This time they travel across Europe as they take on the criminal mastermind Professor Moriarty, played by Jared Harris.

“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” hits UK cinemas on Friday. — AP

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

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In this image released by Paramount Pictures, Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt in a scene from “Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol.” —AP

Cruise faced ‘moment of truth’ in Mission Impossible 4 aramount Pictures, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc, chose the Dubai International Film Festival in the Middle East for the unveiling of the latest episode of a franchise that has grossed over $2 billion worldwide.

“Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol” is shot mainly in Dubai, making use of its high-rise buildings including Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower at 828 meters (2,716 ft).

In one scene, Cruise, whose spy

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team is accused of blowing up the Kremlin, undertakes high-adrenalin acrobatics around the summit of the building. Cruise spent four months training on a set before coming to Dubai to shoot the real thing. But he said it was still a challenge translating director Brad Bird’s vision into reality.

“It’s one thing seeing it and another thing trying to accomplish that. The first moment, you know I have one little pick here and one little rope. I

remember just being there saying ‘this is a moment of truth’,” Cruise, who is known for doing his own stunts, told reporters.

“I had to figure out how to fly. I had to figure out how to use my feet as a rudder because you have crosswinds up there. It took a while to work out how not to come slamming into the building head first,” he said. “I was very excited because I thought it would be very entertaining for an audience and

very challenging, and so that’s why I did it.” The popularity of Cruise, 49, has had its ups and downs with US audiences in recent years but he retains global appeal.

His last film, action comedy “Knight and Day” co-starring Cameron Diaz, got mixed reviews but the Mission Impossible series has been a safe bet with audiences and critics alike. Cruise chose to give the film a first, limited showing to fans in Tokyo last week

before its official unveiling in Dubai.

Mission Impossible 4 has Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt moving from Budapest to Moscow to Mumbai, showcasing glossy locations around the world in classic spy genre style.

Bird, who comes to the franchise after critically acclaimed turns directing animated Oscar winners “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille,” said he tried to keep a step ahead of audience expectations with the action film. “One

of the challenges of any sequel, particularly a third sequel, is you have a lot of audience expectation, going in,” he said on the red carpet. “But I think you can run straight at those expectations and play with them, and zig when the audience are expecting you to zag, and I think that’s what we did in this movie.” —AP

Mike Leigh,accidental poet of London life critic once said you couldn’t step onto a London bus without thinking of a Mike Leigh film, yet the British filmmaker told AFP he never set out to capture the city on celluloid. “I’m called the cinematic poet of London,” smiled the 68-year-old director in an interview Friday, in Paris as guest of honor of a festival celebrating London in film, starting with a Mike Leigh masterclass and retrospective.

From “Naked”, the anarchic vision of a tormented young man colliding with the city, which won best director prize in Cannes in 1993, to the Palme d’Or winner “Secrets and Lies” or the abortion drama “Vera Drake”, almost all of Leigh’s feature films have been set in London. “People are my raw material,” said the director.

“The core issues of my films are ones that apply to people not in cities, not in London, not in Britain.” But he adds, “London provides the backdrop, it is the given environment. I cherish London, and I take great joy in recreating its nuances and detail.”

Himself a northerner who came south, Leigh left the Manchester of his youth for London aged 17, and has lived there happily all his adult life, raising his two sons in the British capital. “London for all the obvious, ordinary cultural reasons was the hub. The provincial, suburban, bourgeois, dreary, bland, bleak world that I grew up in was one that you simply wanted to escape in the 1950s.

“Before then I never saw a film that wasn’t in English. I went to London in the autumn of 1960 and saw ‘Les 400 Coups’, ‘A Bout de Souffle’,” the French New Wave classics by Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut, he said. As a filmmaker Leigh has used London as a versatile canvas. Timely all over again as Britain faces soaring unemployment, his 1983 film “Meantime” about a working-class family trying to stay afloat in a recession, with Gary Oldman and Tim Roth, has “a very strong sense of London” as a city of haves and have-nots.

Leigh at one point films the main character far from his downtrodden East End neighborhood, crossing Trafalgar Square with Big Ben in the distance-”to remind the audience that these guys live near the beating hub of the capital, and yet they live this impoverished and wanting existence.” By contrast the London of “Naked”, whose main character Johnny comes

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Photo released by Warner Bros shows talk show host Ellen DeGeneres greets Lady Gaga after her performance of “Marry The Night” during a taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” The episode will air on Friday. —AP

Television personality Khloe Kardashian makes an appearance.

Singer Pitbull performs.

Gaga gives a naughty and nice concert ady Gaga was in the Christmas spirit at Z100’s annual Jingle Ball concert, but her version of “White Christmas” would have made Bing Crosby blush. Gaga performed a slightly naughty rendition of the holiday classic Friday night as part of her miniconcert at the radio station’s event at Madison Square Garden. Gaga - sporting tight studded leather pants, matching top and a bare midriff gyrated on a set that included antlers, Christmas trees and holiday lights as she performed “White Christmas.”

“So I recently added a couple of lyrics to this song because I think it’s too short. It’s like when you really start to enjoy it it stops. Merry Christmas New York!” she shouted. Later, she made a suggestive pose as she gave a come hither coo to Santa. But her performance wasn’t all saucy. She was nostalgic and appreciative as she thanked the radio station for allowing her to be the headliner of this year’s show, which included performances from Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, LMFAO, Pitbull, David Guetta, Foster the People, Hot Chelle Rae and more.

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Gaga said her first concert as a young girl growing up in New York City was the Z100 Jingle Ball.”I worked so hard and when I was 11 ... my mom got me tickets to Jingle Bell Ball,” she said.

Gaga opened the Jingle Ball concert three years ago, she said: “I’ll never for-

get there were a whole lot of superstars and no one knew who the hell I was. ... Some people thought I was going to be a one-hit wonder.”

The singer, recently nominated for three Grammys, proved to be otherwise, and sang a few of her best-

Singers Kelly Clarkson and Demi Lovato perform together at Z100’s Jingle Ball concert. —AP photos

known songs, including “Telephone,” “Just Dance” and “Edge of Glory.”She opened her performance by singing between several Christmas trees; later, she performed on a keytar shaped like a Christmas tree, and she ended the night dressed in a hospital gown, reenacting the theme of her latest video, “Marry the Night.”

A portion of the evening’s proceeds will go to “STOMP Out Bullying,” a program designed to reduce and prevent bullying, a cause close to Gaga’s heart.

Earlier this week, she went to the White House to meet with officials about the matter.”It’s important to keep everybody safe in school,” Gaga told the audience before launching into her inspirational anthem “Born This Way.”She also told her fans that she was happy to be in New York City during the holidays.”This city gave birth to me and I will always come home,” she said. The concert will air Dec 18 on the Fuse network.—AP

down from Manchester to the city, a gifted loner twisted by frustration at his lack of a place in society, is a far cry from Buckingham Palace and Big Ben. While some sequences are captured documentary-style in the Soho red-light district, others were shot in the derelict far East End, in an “almost operatic, strange decaying landscape,” Leigh said.

“There’s nothing literal about the Londonness of that film-it’s a kind of urban netherworld. It could be any big city, it’s a metaphorical kind of London.”

Leigh points out-deadpan-that one reason he set so many works in London was simply economic: “We can’t afford do a film in the north, because London is where everybody is.”

“The milieu is London,” he said. “But I set out to explore all kinds of aspects of what life is about, what relationships are about, and the good and bad things about existing, and all the rest of it.” Take “Vera Drake” in which Imelda Staunton plays a backstreet abortionist, and “you could absolutely tell the same story set anywhere in the world,” he said. “It’s about a universal predicament.” Likewise “Secrets and Lies,” which tells of the fraught reunion between a young black woman and her white biological mother, and whose theme struck a chord around the world.

Chosen to chair the jury of the 62nd Berlin film festival in February-”a formidable task, and a great honor, and terrifying”-Leigh is guest of honor of the “London’s Calling” festival in Paris.

Starting with a Mike Leigh weekend and master- class on Sunday, the three-month long cycle at the capital’s Forum des Images celebrates London in film from the smoggy decor of murder movies to the swinging 1960s and the riotous punk years.

Film noir is spotlighted with a dozen works from Alfred Hitchcock’s serial killer classic “Frenzy”, to Tim Burton’s surrealist tale of a murderous Fleet Street barber, “Sweeney Todd”. Stephen Frears’s “Dirty Pretty Things” exposes the gritty underworld inhabited by illegal immigrants, headlining a mini-series on London as global city, ahead of cycles on everyday London, and finally “apocalyptic” London. —AFP

Cruise faced ‘moment of truth’ in Mission Impossible 4

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2011

39

South Koreans wearing Santa Claus costumes take part in the SantaMarathon race in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. More than 1,000 people participated in the 5-kilometer (3.1 miles) charity run to raise money for the poor as Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea, where over half of the population are Christians. —AP

Celebrity lookalikes:

Hey, are you my twin?

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ver been mistaken for someone else on the streets?

Has anyone told you about how they spotted your doppelganger? Well! We’re pretty sure Natalie Portman and Keira Knightley get a lot of that too. There are more than six billion people in the world right now, so whether you like it or not, you are bound to find someone that resembles your physical attributes; even the world of film and rock stars have their very own doppelgangers.

Check out how alike Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly look! Also, have you caught Jordin Sparks and America Ferrera coming across as splitting images of one another?

Freaky! —www.news.ph.msn.com

(From left) Keira Knightley and Natalie Portman

(From left) Avril Lavigne and Hilary Duff

(From left) Jared Leto and Jake Gyllenhaal

(From left) Nelly Furtado and Courteney Cox

(From left) Krysten Ritter and Anne Hathaway

(From left) Angelina Jolie and Brittany Murphy

(From left) Isla Fisher and Amy Adams

(From left) Zoe Saldana and Thandie Newton

(From left) Joey Lauren Adams and Renée Zellweger

(From left) Kofi Annan and Morgan Freeman

(From left) Paz Vega and Penelope Cruz

(From left) Leighton Meester and Minka Kelly

(From left) Weird Al and Kenny G

(From left) Jordin Sparks and America Ferrera

(From left ) Jennifer Aniston and Christina Applegate