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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

MOHARRAM 28, 1434 AH

Shamali returns in new Cabinet Rashed gains edge over Omair for speaker

Sheikh Jaber Prime Minister

Sheikh Ahmad Dep PM, Interior

Sheikh Ahmad Dep PM, Defence

Sheikh Sabah Dep PM, Foreign

Mustafa Al-Shamali Dep PM, Finance

Hani Hussein Oil

Sheikh Salman Info, Youth

Sheikh Mohammad Cabinet, Municipal

Sharida Al-Maosherji Justice, Awqaf

Anas Al-Saleh Commerce

Rola Dashti Planning, Assembly

Thekra Al-Rasheedi Social, Labour

Salem Al-Othaina Comm, Housing

Mohammad Al-Haifi Health

Nayef Al-Hajraf Education

KUWAIT: The new Cabinet was formed yesterday and issued in a decree by HH the Amir, and included one of the biggest surprises that will certainly antagonize the opposition. The new Cabinet brought back veteran former finance minister Mustafa AlShamali who was forced to resign in May following a grilling by the opposition over allegations of corruption and mismanage-

ment, which he categorically denied.

Shamali, also made the deputy prime minister, was the opposition’s number one foe, especially in the annulled 2012 national assembly which was under the opposition’s control.

Shamali is expected to be charged with implementing the KD 30.7 billion four-year Continued on Page 13

Abdulaziz Al-Ibrahim Electricity, Works

US to retain Mideast role KUWAIT: The US military will retain a “strong presence” in the Middle East despite a strategic shift to Asia, Defence Secretary Leon Panetta said yesterday during a visit to Kuwait. The United States plans to deploy a majority of its naval fleet to the Asia-Pacific along with other advanced weaponry but Panetta insisted that a robust American force would remain in place in the Middle East. Panetta spoke to reporters aboard his plane before arriving in Kuwait to discuss bolstering security ties amid tumult in the region and tensions with Iran.

“Let me assure you that the United States is strong enough that we can maintain a strong presence in the Middle east as well as in the Pacific,” he said. He acknowledged that the United States had to be “flexi Continueed on Page 13

Kuwait, Iraq bury hatchet over Mubarak Al-Kabeer port

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KT photog’s pic among top ‘smooches’ of the year

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KUWAIT: US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta meets HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at Dar Salwa yesterday. — KUNA

www.kuwaittimes.net

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

LOCAL

KUWAIT: His Higness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received the visiting US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta at his Dar Salwa residence yesterday. The meeting was held in the attendance of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Other Kuwaiti officials present included Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and the Deputy Minister for Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah, among other senior officials.

KUWAIT: US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta arrived in Kuwait yesterday for a two-day visit during which he will be meeting with Kuwaiti officials to discuss military cooperation and issues of mutual importance. The US official was received upon arrival by Kuwait’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah, Kuwait Army’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah and a number of high-ranking officials.

Taking a dream and making it come true US expert presents workshop

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The Leaders Group for Consulting and Development in cooperation with the Kuwait Small Projects Development Company held an interactive workshop with a leading entrepreneurship expert from the US, Rhona Abrams, titled ‘Start, Grow, Run Your successful Business’ yesterday at the J.W. Marriot Hotel.

This is the first time that Rhonda Abrams presented a workshop anywhere in Kuwait or the Middle East. “I think that we need such workshops and activities for young people presented by specialists such as Rhonda Abrams to provide them training which will make them develop and change their way of thinking,” Nabila Al-Anjari, Founder and General Manager of Leaders Group for Consulting and Development, said during the workshop yesterday.

The government is supporting and encouraging young citizens to start their own business, and as part of this strategy, different institutions were founded to help these young businessmen. “I was surprised when various institutions which are related to small business and are supposed to encourage young people for this

activity, refused to participate in this workshop or support it.

However, I am happy with having 80 young participants from different institutions. We will hold more workshops in the future and will also be the agents of Rhona Abrams in Kuwait and the region,” Al-Anjari added.

When starting a business, the founder needs balance. “To succeed is to understand what you are good at, and you need to achieve a balance with other partners and build a team. For instance, the Facebook would not have been that successful if the founder Mark Zuckerberg had

Rhona Abrams

Nabila Al-Anjari

The workshop discussed business vision and concept including calculating costs, identifying a strategic position including identifying customers, target market, business plan, establishing milestones, growth strategies, leadership, developing the team, finding what is new in the market, feasibility analysis, competitive edge, and finally, an exit strategy.

done it all alone,” said Rhonda Abrams during her presentation.

“Taking a dream and making it come true is the first step of your small business. It is a challenge to start posting a profit. To run a successful business, it should be new, or could be new to your country. Alternatively, it should be better than others already existing, or have a new way of

distribution method or a new market. Also some entrepreneurs have businesses and want to expand, so they should have a goal, and you should have the confidence that you can do this,” explained Abrams.

The participants were given tests to fill to find out which type of entrepreneur they are and what could be the best business for them. Also, some of the businessmen who are already into their businesses spoke about their experience. For instance, Abdulrahman spoke about his business of popcorn, which is providing 38 different kinds of popcorn. He is running his business for about a year, and considers it successful.

Rhona Abrams is a nationally recognized expert on entrepreneurship and small business. She was named one of the 100 small business influencers in 2012, and has been exclusively focusing on small businesses for over 15 years now. She is also the author of more than a dozen books for entrepreneurs with over one million copies sold.

You can follow Abrams on Twitter: @RhonaAbrams Facebook.com: RhonaAbramsSmallBusiness. website:www.PlanningShop.com

Other group of male participants. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Female participants of the workshop.

Eight endangered turtles released to the wild KUWAIT: The Kuwait Scientific Center released eight sea turtles into the sea by the Kuwait City beach yesterday after administering them treatment for injuries they had sustained. Turtles were brought to the center throughout the year. The operation came as part of the center’s campaign to release

endangered species back to the wild after they receive medical attention, according to Chairman and Managing Director Mijbel AlMutawa’a. “The green turtles that were brought in were suffering from various injuries when they were found by fishermen and activists at local beaches or inside basins

at Al-Sabbiya power plant,” Al-Mutawa’a said in a statement released to the press.

As part of their initiative, the Scientific Center released many turtles, birds and animals during the past few years after treating them at the facility till they are ready to return to their natural habitats.

NBK offers Kuwaiti graduates career, training opportunities

Emad Al-Ablani

KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) offers fresh Kuwaiti graduates and diploma holders career and training opportunities through its ongoing campaign “Looking for the career of a life time?”

NBK launches this campaign in support to the country’s aim to encourage young Kuwaitis to assume roles in the private sector. When applying, new Graduates will have the opportunity to join one of NBK’s training programs specifically designed to develop the skills of newly recruited diploma holders in order to prepare them as highly qualified Kuwaiti banking leaders of the future.

“This campaign succeeded in attracting hundreds of young nationals since its launch a few months ago,” said Emad AlAblani, NBK Deputy General Manager,

Human Resources Group. “NBK provides this opportunity as part of its commitment to supporting Kuwaiti nationals.”

“NBK offers applicants different kinds of training programs that best suit their qualifications. These programs aim to provide the trainees with theoretical and practical skills covering the different aspects of the banking industry,” added Al-Ablani.

NBK maintains its leading position as one of the country’s largest employers in the private sector and is committed to supporting Kuwaiti nationals and empowering them to realize their potentials. For more information, Applicants may submit their CV via career@nbk.com or visit Human resources department at NBK HeadOffice2.

KUWAIT: Senior NBK officials with recruits.

— Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

LOCAL

Hundreds take part in Mangaf beach clean up KOC takes lead role

KUWAIT: The clean up campaign in progress. —Photos by Joseph Shagra

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Hundreds of students from various public and private schools in Kuwait joined hands yesterday to clean a stretch of the beach in Mangaf as part oil industry’s commitment to the environment.

Organized by the Kuwait Oil Company, a subsidiary of Kuwait National Petroleum Corporation, the drive titled ‘Clean Up Arabia Campaign’ also saw participation of various environmental groups and sponsors.

Sami Al-Rushaid, KOC Chairman and Managing Director, said the drive was KOC’s contribution to the environment.

Initially, KOC employees started with annual environmental campaigns on a voluntary basis but decided to involve students this time.

The campaign usually starts from October in various areas in Kuwait which includes cleaning of Kubbar Island, Kiran Beach Resort and an awareness campaign for Bnaider Camping site.

The KOC’s project is now running for six consecutive years. Referring ot the goals of the campaign, Al-Rushaid said it was to “achieve balance in the marine and terrestrial environment, seek to enforce this approach as part of mainstream lifestyle for the society to follow.” As part of the campaign, the KOC’s ‘Export & Marine Operations Group’ carried out several projects, including combating desertification through establishing oases in western Kuwait. At the Al-Abdaly environmental project which is spread over more than one million square kilometers area, more than

20,000 saplings were planted. Also, artificial lakes were set up over 50,000 square meters, and similar other projects were also undertaken.

The KOC also carried out studies on its marine reserve and initiated a project to recycle the company’s waste. The recycled products are to be later used in development of construction projects. “We have been carrying out this campaign every year not just for the benefit of our country, but to serve our vulnerable mother earth. We only have one earth to care for and protect and so we should involve our children.

They should know from a young age about how to protect and care for our environment. “That is the reason why we have invited many children today to share and show them how to care for our environment,” he said.

According to Al-Rushaid, KOC was fully committed to the local and international laws related to the environment. As part of the clean up drive, tons of trash previously dumped at the bayside was collected. The Export & Marine Operations Group initiated a clean up campaign as a pioneering effort to reflect the KOC’s strategy and concern for the protection of the environment in general, and the marine life in particular.

The campaign was part of the Company’s contribution to the Marine Environment Unified Clean Day in the GCC countries. It was widely covered by Kuwait TV and other mass media. Kuwait Autism Center, KPC, Ahmadi Educational Area, EPA, Ministry of Interior and volunteers from a number of various institutions were also involved in the project.

Canada’s doors open for bedoons KUWAIT: While a senior Immigration Consultant invited stateless residents to seek immigration to Canada, hundreds of Arabs locally referred to as bedoons staged an unlicensed demonstration in Jahra on Monday that saw arrests and clashes with police.

The procession started with a gathering in front of a mosque in Taima, before police forced the demonstrators to break up a procession they had embarked on shortly afterwards. The confronta-

tions that ensued saw seven people being arrested while police fired teargas. No injuries were reported.

In the meantime, Immigration Consultant Elie Nasrallah told AlQabas newspaper that “the door for immigrating to Canada is open” for stateless residents through official means.

“Canada’s immigration laws deal with people regardless of their nationalities or religion,” Nasrallah said, adding that Bedouins were

just like other expatriates living in Kuwait and can apply for immigration as per the terms and conditions.

Nasrallah added that many stateless residents who used to live in Kuwait have now settled in the North American country. “Canada remains the best place to go to for a person looking for safety, stability and profit,” he said, adding that “human rights are protected for ever y human being living in Canada.”

Seminar on safety at work site

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: A seminar on the issue of ‘Safety at work site’ was held at the construction institute in which Col Musaed Al-Sarheed, Director of Ahmadi Prevention centre and Captain Majid AlOtaibi, head of Public Relations department, participated.

The seminar discussed the impor tance of safety at work sites and the precautions that must be observed by the workers. It also covered the importance of awareness among trainers and trainees about steps to be taken at the time of a fire incident and the importance of fire fighting equipment at all locations under construction.

At the end of the seminar, director of the institute, Engineer Ali Al-Khamees, thanked the administration of fire department for its efforts, especially on the informative side.

Municipality criticized for housing delay

By A. Saleh KUWAIT: A Municipal Council member asked a series of questions to the Kuwait Municipality yesterday about its alleged inability to handover housing units to the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, as well as the deteriorating state of sanitation as a result of piled up garbage containers in several areas.

Taking up the first issue, member Jenan Bushehri said that the Municipal Council had previously allocated 7,000 housing units west of Abdullah Al-Mubarak “but the municipality is yet to hand them over to the PAHW” for the construction to start.

She asked for reasons behind the delay as well as potential plans to “eliminate all problems to ensure the

units are completed and handed over as soon as possible.”

As for the second subject, Bushehri indicated that the municipality signed new contracts for street cleaning after two years. The previous annual contracts were renewed to make sure that tenders are awarded to those quoting the lowest bids. “The result was lower cost but at the expense of quality,” said Bushehri, adding that the new companies came with insufficient staff and machines to cut costs, while some companies had untrained staff.

She asked for details about the companies signed up for the job and also about their staff, as well as official documents for comparison in order to make sure whether they meet the terms of their contracts.

KUWAIT: Sami Al-Rushaid-KOC Chairman and Managing Director receives appreciation.

Licenses ‘used in human trade’ to be canceled KUWAIT: The government plans to cancel 3,000 licenses given to businesses that are no more active. The step is part of the government’s fight against human trafficking as many labourers are brought into Kuwait in the name of such inactive establishments, a local newspaper reported yesterday.

The report was provided by sources within the licensing department at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, who also indicated that 3,000 out of 51,000 registered licenses are to be canceled by the beginning of next year as per article 14 of the commercial licenses law which indicates that “the ministry is entitled to revoke licenses that have not been renewed for a year.”

Apart from their failure to renew their licenses, the owners reportedly used them to facilitate activities other than what their businesses were licensed for, according to the sources.

“It is normal to have a large num-

ber of licenses canceled when we take into account the fact that they were utilized for non-commercial purposes, such as obtaining social security or in residencies trade,” said sources who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity.

The sources explained that some owners used their licenses to “register for social security” by circumventing the law and even obtained allowance the government pays to Kuwaitis working in the private sector, which in such cases would be collected in the name of inactive labor forces.

Also, the sources confirmed that several cases were discovered in which owners obtained permission to hire workers and then collected large amounts of money from expatriate laborers who would come to Kuwait without an actual job.

Since the plan was started in 2006, the MCI canceled at least 43,000 individual licenses as of December 1, 2012, the sources added.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

LOCAL kuwait digest

In my view

Children and poll dispute

Egyptian democrats

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

By Amir Taheri

T

he government is supposed to have learnt by now and also expected to have acquired political and democratic experience about how to deal with opponents or boycotters. Their numbers are going down, and their voice is fading by the day. Even their claims are now becoming smaller as earlier they used to talk about crowds running into hundreds of thousands while now the demonstrations are only said to attract a few thousands.

Licensing demonstrations, and even welcoming them will not hurt the government, if the government is right on issues and the opposition’s demands are wrong or not the best thing anyway. These are not traitors or saboteurs, though we believe it is possible that there could have been some, but these are people who have an opinion and want to express it. We must admit that the expression of opinion and feelings in our society is very rare, so it is natural for people to rush to take the opportunity and join a “wave”. It is a healthy trend and should not disturb anyone.

What could be considered strange and raises doubts are the claims of arrest of some Gulf citizens participating in the demonstrations. Of course, there is a possibility of this being a rumor spread by those opposing the boycott group to sow the seeds of doubt about the patriotism of those involved in the movement. But there is a strong possibility that this could be the result of a real hunger for freedom and a true wish of some GCC citizen to cooperate with his Kuwaiti brothers. So, I look at it as something positive, rather normal, although I have a chronic allergy to the GCC. If there was to be a Kuwaiti among those who believe that Egypt is “mother of the universe,” was he not supposed to side with one of the two parties in Egypt if he had happened to be there?

If our government dealt wisely with the more sensible demonstration, then this wisdom seems to have disappeared while dealing with children who had gathered inside residential areas. By the way, the boycott group calls them part of a youth movement when it instigates them, but when they are arrested, they are called children and suddenly it is not right to punish them.

The demonstrations by the youth were not dealt with in a wise manner and truth was another casualty.

Violence always destroys and never builds. The government quelled the demonstrations, and will be able to do so in the coming days or over a longer period of time. However, we and our government failed to understand the children’s views. Why did children, or youth between the ages of 13 and 17, or say even 20 years of age, hit the streets over issues that are not supposed to concern them? The dispute is over the election system, and in this system only those above the age of 21 can vote. So how are the children concerned with the matter? Who stole their rights which they are asking to be restored or insulted their dignity that they want to retrieve? — Al-Qabas

A

kuwait digest

Unnecessary oppression

By Abdullah Al-Misfer Al-Adwani

I

fail to understand how does the government benefit from repeatedly trying to break up the peaceful rallies by citizens by using violence, throwing tear gas shells or baton charging the participants who are not just peaceful people but also unarmed.

The government is making a mistake if it thinks that by such actions, it can force the people to shut up or end their peaceful rallies, demonstrations and protests.

Therefore, it needs to double check its stance on the issue and distance itself from unnecessary oppression that is only yielding negative results.

What does the government stand to lose if it lets these rallies carry on peacefully and no one indulges in any arson or violence. The participants only want to make their voice reach the rulers. They want to say that they do no accept the one man-one vote council and demand a return of the previous electoral mechanism.

Does the government not believe that violence only begets more violence? The famous law is that every action has an equal reaction but in the opposite direction. Does the law have any exceptions? Has the government become unable to find another way

of dealing with the citizens except those that are incompatible with the concept of human rights and the rights of a citizen to have the freedom to be part of a peaceful demonstration?

The government should let the demonstrations go on peacefully and these will not last more than an hour or two on any given day, after which everyone will go home without anyone incurring any loss. The roads will no more be congested as the Ministry of Interior’s personnel will then concentrate only on organizing traffic.

Our advice to the government is that it is sufficient to keep an eye on the demonstrations and no one should try to provoke the demonstrators. Any violence, God forbid, could prove to be fatal for someone, and if that were to happen, it will worsen things and lead to more escalation. It is necessary to prevent things from becoming more complicated. If the situation escalated any further, it will go out of control and any regrets will be useless.

Hence, the government must organize the traffic and protect the demonstrators instead of insulting them as at the end of the say, they are all Kuwaiti citizens. — Al-Anbaa

kuwait digest

Are women secondary creatures?

By Arwa Al-Waqian

I

was fortunate to have been brought up in a family that highly valued women and treated them very well. However, I plan to write today about our society, or rather the entire pan-Arab world, in which women are treated as secondary or marginal creatures.

The society has come to be constructed in such a way that patriarchal domination is all pervasive and the male of the species has embraced so much arrogance that makes it commit vice and theft, lose faith in God, consume liquor and become oppressive and, yet, harbor a hope to be gladly forgiven just because it is male.

So prejudiced have our Arab societies become towards women that they now take it for granted that the female of the species should always be the one to sacrifice, be giving and stay virtuous.

Else, she will be branded as ‘indecent’ and ‘unduly liberal’, all of it in total disregard of the position of women in the religion or what the Sharea ordains.

Our societies have been pushing the women to the margins, forcing them to become increasingly dependent on men in one way or the other. It is the men who control their fate, decide for them and sometimes put an end to their lives in the name of defending their honor.

Our society tacitly approves of a man manipulating women’s hearts and feelings, and brands him as a ‘Don Juan’, a ladies’ man, whereas if a woman does the same, she is condemned as a ‘slut’. When a man somehow deprives a woman of her rights - she could be his sister, wife, mother or even a mistress - he is considered a ‘Manly Man’ whereas a woman is immediately branded as a rebel and disobedient if she objects.

Arab societies seem to be viewing women through a prism that magnifies their every behavior and move to overstate any aberrations and find some where none exist.

It has become masterly at misjudging them, plotting to force them to err, treating them in a humiliating manner. This has become so pervasive across the society that people promote sayings like “Break a girl’s rib and she’ll grow 1000 others,” suggesting that women must be treated in a very strict fashion. Popular sayings often seem to be part of a conspiratorial social campaign against women.

We are living through times when the society is misleading itself by letting it be controlled by silly outdated traditions and ideas as per which men are Class A citizens who should treat women as Class B members. Our women must remember that they are the symbol of beauty in this monstrous and ugly world and never believe all that which the male-dominated society heaps upon them to undermine them. — Al-Jarida

re Egyptian democrats trying to make every mistake in the book? Assuming there could be any democrats in a country emerging from six decades of dictatorship, the answer seems to be yes.

The first mistake they made came in early 2011 when a weakened Mubarak regime was offering a negotiated deal for a mutually agreed transition.

The Tahrir Square crowd rejected that out of hand, although, in hindsight, they might have dictated their terms to an ailing dictator who was looking for an honourable way out of history. Through daily demonstrations they transformed the streets into Egypt’s main political arena. They did not realise that street politics is different from democratic politics and that if the fate of Egypt were to be decided in the streets they would not be able to match the organisational resources of the Islamist groups.

Once Mubarak had stepped down, Egypt’s democrats, or at least those who describe themselves as such, made their second mistake. This time they boycotted contacts with the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) that, in the absence of other institutions, was keeping the ship of state afloat. The Tahrir crowd systematically scripted itself out of real politics, leaving the stage to the military and its long-time partner-cumadversary the Muslim Brotherhood.

While the self-styled democrats sat in Zamalek coffeehouses to sulk and moan, the military and the Brotherhood wrote and performed their own script. In the parliamentary election, they managed to attract around 40 percent of the electorate. In the presidential election they seduced almost 50 percent, with the votes split between the candidate of the military and that of the Islamists in the second round.

A simple calculation would show that had the Tahrir camp fielded a credible candidate, or had they backed the candidate of the military Ahmad Shafiq, Mohamed Mursi would not be President of Egypt today.

Once the presidential election was over, as democrats they should have acknowledged Mursi as president and offered to work with him to manage the transition and shape the future. Instead, they clung to their policy of sulking and cursing from the sidelines. Worse still, they boycotted the committee charged with drafting the new constitution. Not surprisingly, that gave the Islamists a free hand to produce a long, confused and thoroughly retrograde document that is bound to create more problems for Egypt.

Demonstrations, boycotts, hunger strikes, and protest marches are effective in destabilizing a government or, in rare cases, even causing its demise. However, no democratic system could be built with such tactics. More importantly, perhaps, when there is a possibility of institutional participation, there is no need for such tactics. Egyptian democrats could have participated in the parliamentary and presidential elections. They could have filled their seats on the committee drafting a new constitution.

Even now, if they don’t like the draft submitted

by Mursi and his friends, Egyptian democrats should try to fight it with something better than street riots. They could demand a dialogue with the president to negotiate amending the text. At the same time, they should tell the Egyptian people which sections of the text they oppose and why and what they propose instead. Saying “no” is easy and, perhaps, an inevitable tactic where no open space exists for political activity. In Egypt today there is such a space. Thus, those who say “no” should also be able to say what they recommend instead.

In contrast to democrats, Egypt’s Islamists have learned their lessons. They no longer claim that a Muslim nation needs no constitution because the Quran could be regarded as such. Nor do they assert that Islam is “the only solution”. They have abandoned their decades-long opposition to a Western-style republic with an elected president instead of a caliphate with a Caliph.

Islamists have also abandoned the tactics that failed to get them any closer to power. At least for the time being, they have abandoned assassinations, car bombs, suicide attacks, kidnapping and murdering foreign tourists, and the use of facial attributes and special dress codes as props of visual terror.

In other words, the Islamists have made concessions to reality. They realise that their hard-core support base is too small for imposing the kind of religious despotism they have always dreamt of.

This is a major development and an opportunity that must not be wasted.

Of course, the Islamists may not be honest in their acceptance of the rules of the game. They may be wolves dressed as sheep. However, no democrat should judge his adversaries on the basis of assumed intentions.

Egyptian democrats should not boycott the process of approving a new constitution. If they do, they would be signing a blank cheque to the Islamists. In a democratic system whoever manages to persuade a majority of the people would succeed in having his programme adopted. Thus, Egyptian democrats should unite behind a common strategy for dealing with the draft prepared by the rump council.

Judging how small the hard-core Islamist base is, I believe it is possible to persuade a majority of Egyptian to reject the draft in the planned referendum. Democrats should get out of Tahrir and the cafes and go to villages, shantytowns, souks, factories, universities and offices to inform the voters about the implications of approving the proposed draft.

The only problem is a shortage of time; changing a sulk-and-retreat strategy into one of active and combative participation needs time. This is why Mursi is trying to speed things up, hoping that his opponents will continue making mistakes.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

LOCAL

Salmiya child molester in police custody Two rapists at large KUWAIT: A school bus driver molested a girl when he found she was the last of the students left in the vehicle to be dropped home in Salmiya. The Asian driver pulled over and committed the heinous crime when he found the girl was the last student remaining in the bus. Later, he dropped her off at her home. The victim’s parents rushed to the local police to report the case after learning about the incident. Police swiftly arrested the suspect who was referred to the proper authorities to face charges.

Traffic accidents Two people were killed when they were run over in separate accidents in Kuwait on Monday. The first accident took place on the Abu Dhabi Street where a 37-year- old Kuwaiti man died on the scene after being hit by a Kuwaiti driver. An Indian woman died on the Jahra Highway when an Indian driver hit her while she was crossing the road. Both the cases were filed with concerned authorities.

Jabriya rapists Two men raped a woman after one of

them picked her up from Jabriya and was to go on a date with her to Salmiya but conspired with his friend to commit the crime.

The woman, who is in her twenties, reportedly stepped into her boyfriend’s car in Jabriya but found another man, a friend of her boyfriend, already in the car. Her boyfriend claimed they were to drop the other man at Al-Ardhiyah before going for a date in Salmiya. After reaching Ardhiyah, the woman was forcibly taken to a vacant house where she was repeatedly raped before she could seize an opportunity when left alone for a moment to grab her boyfriend’s car keys and escape. She drove directly to the Jabriya police station and reported the case.

Police identified the suspect through the registration records of his car, and detectives were assigned to arrest him after he failed to answer police’s calls.

Suicide suspected Investigations are on to determine the circumstances behind the death of a woman whose body was found hanging from a tree in Al-Ruymathiya recently. Preliminary investigations indicated that the woman, who

appears to be a domestic worker, had committed suicide. The body was taken to the coroner after paramedics declared the woman dead on the scene. The medics had arrived at the scene along with police following a call from a Kuwaiti man who found the body near his home. Police are trying to identify the woman and reach her employer for investigations.

Harasser confronted A man tried to harass a woman but had to face her wrath when she turned out to be a martial arts practitioner and used her selfdefense skills to thwart his advances. He later damaged her car by leaving scratches on it.

The incident took place recently in Salmiya where the taekwondo student noticed a man stalking her as she was leaving her gym.

Before she entered her building’s elevator, the suspect reportedly grabbed her which sparked a flurry of kicks and punches that sent him running for cover. Contented that she has taught him a lesson, the woman later found he left scratches on her car. She reported the case at the area’s police station afterwards.

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank’s Priority Banking team officials with top sales performers for the third quarter of 2012.

Gulf Bank honors top sales performers KUWAIT: In line with its quarterly recognition program, Gulf Bank ’s Priority Banking team announced their top sales performers for the third quarter of 2012. The announcement was followed by a recognition event that took place at Leila Min Lebnan Restaurant.

The Priority Banking team at Gulf Bank, led by Brinn Atkinson Assistant General Manager, Consumer Banking Group, dedicates time each quarter to recognize and celebrate the top sales performers and their achievements.

This event, which is part of Gulf Bank’s quarterly Recognition Program, gives the Bank an opportunity to assess the staffs level of customer service, its performance and end results, conse-

quently providing an opportunity to thank and reward the employees for their efforts. This initiative aims to motivate and encourage the team to further excel in their levels of productivity and efficiency, while facilitating the spirit of friendly competition amongst them to garner better results for the forthcoming quarter. Gulf Bank continuously looks to create opportunities wherein it demonstrates its appreciation and gratitude for its employees’ efforts. This event is one of a series of events and activities conducted by the Bank with the sole objective to recognize and motivate its employees.

Priority Banking is a premium banking service that extends personalized services coupled with a suite of banking products that

Fire drill at Al-Salem hospital

By Hanan Al Saadoun

meet the clients’ financial needs.

In addition, Gulf Bank launched an exclusive section for Priority on the website www.e -gulf-

bank.com/eng/pbanking/index.js p, designed to guide high net worth customers and outline the service’s benefits.

Stage set for food, kitchen exhibition KUWAIT: Kuwait International Fair (KIF) Company will organize the food and kitchen appliances exhibition with the participation of more than 65 companies, between Dec 20 and 29, at International Fair Grounds in Mishref.

The exhibition Director, Emad Al-Haroun, said in press remarks yestrday that the food and kitchen appliances exhibition is considered as one of the biggest annual exhibitions to be held in Kuwait.

A large number of companies are looking forward to take part in this exhibition which will attract many comsumers and expand publicizing company activities, he stated. The number of pavilions reached 80, set on an area of 5,000-cubic-meters, participants include businesses from Yemen, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Turkey and Palestine, he added.

This exhibition is the best destination to meet the needs of consumers by offering various kinds of food and kitchen utilities, he affirmed. —KUNA

Kuwaiti relief aid for refugees much welcomed in Lebanon BEIRTUT: Kuwaiti humanitarian relief aid for Syrian refugees in Lebanon, distributed through Lebanese charities, reached two million dollars, the bulk of which was donated by the Kuwait Zakat House, said a Lebanese charity official yesterday.

Kuwaiti charitable donations for the Syrian refugees are given in a spirit of great generosity, said Haj Riyadh Eitani, chief of the relief aid department at the Lebanese Fatwa House.. The donations, he assured, would promptly reach the people they are intended for, in particular those stationed at refugee camps in the northern part of Lebanon as well as the region of Bekaa Valley.

The charitable help from Kuwait is very much looked forward to as every day more than 150 Syrian refugee families stream into Lebanese territories, said Eitani, who estimated that by the end of the current year the total number of these refugees may surpass 200,000, an enormous number of people who will require basic daily needs.

He praised the Kuwait Zakat House for their constant help, noting they have up till now donated USD 1.2 million for the refugees. — KUNA

KUWAIT: In order to improve firefighting ability of the personnel and save crucial lives, a mock drill was carried out yesterday morning at the Al-Salem International Hospital under the supervision of Al-Hilali fire center chief, Col Omar Al-Marshood.

The drill started with a report at 10 am about a fire breaking out at the 4th floor in the hospital in which four persons

were said to have been ‘affected’. As AlHilali firemen arrived, the four ‘casualties’ were immediately evacuated and the fire was brought under control.

Thereafter, a meeting was held in the Lectures Room at the hospital to discuss the aims of the drill and the benefits generated.

Al-Marshoud thanked the hospital management and the firemen for their efforts in making the drill successful.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

LOCAL

Public Works Ministry renovates Subbiya road Kuwait, Iraq bury hatchet over Mubarak Al-Kabeer port

KUWAIT: Renovation work in progress on Subbiya road.

KUWAIT: The Ministr y of Public Works announced yesterday that it is working on renovating Subbiya road with a 76.6 km project beginning from the 35th intersection that links Jahra road and the Sixth Ring Road.

The ministry indicated that the project coincides with the establishment of Subbiya city, which is expected to accommodate about 250,000 people by 2030.

The project is designed to accommodate current and future traffic growth in Subbiya and truck traffic coming from the under-construction project of Mubarak Al-Kabeer port, said Ahmad Hadi Al-Mutairi, in charge of the public relations department.

The project includes an expansion of the current road and converting it from one-way street to a two-way one that consists of three lanes with an island in the middle, he added.

He noted that it will begin with the end of the second phase at the 46th station, and is branched into two-ways; 17.475 km way that ends at Motor Way near the old Bubyan Bridge and the 13.202 km Express Way that ends at the Bubyan Bridge that is under construction. Al-Mutairi revealed that the project

includes the construction of three intersections with speed bumps, soil stabilization, water network as well as communication, electricity and KOC lines, bridges and street lighting.

The project also includes work plans and traffic construction signs, in addition to plans of protecting the environment by planting trees to work as windbreaks on the left side of the road. Meanwhile, Kuwait and Iraq have ended the dispute over Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port and ushered in a phase of “wonderful understanding over this issue”, Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs Khaled Al-Jarallah said here Monday.

“The State of Kuwait and the brotherly Republic of Iraq have closed the chapter of the question over Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, and entered into a stage of wonderful understanding over this issue,” he told reporters following a ceremony by the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait to mark Japan’s National Day. On the Arab peace initiative, he said: “The initiative still act as a basis for a peaceful settlement to the Arab-Israeli conflict.”

But, he called for more pressure to be exerted on Israel to comply with the initiative.

On GCC Secretary General Abdulatif AlZayani’s acceptance of the Syrian National Coalition’s request to send an ambassador to the GCC member states, he said: “It is a normal development. The coalition will have a single representative to the GCC.” He dismissed reports that UN-Arab Envoy for Syria Lakhdar Brahimi’s mission has failed to find a solution to the Syrian crisis.

On Kuwaiti-Japanese relations, Al-Jarallah said Kuwait and Tokyo have distinguished and historical relations, pointing to high-level visits between both sides.

In this context, he lauded the successful and historic visit by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Japan this year.

“HH the Amir’s visit has pushed KuwaitiJapanese relations to high and developed horizons,” he said. He also recalled to memory Japan’s bountiful contribution of $13 billion for the liberation of Kuwait, in addition to its participation in post-invasion environmental cleaning. — KUNA

Kuwaitis urged to invest in Thi Qar KUWAIT: Taleb Al-Hassan, governor of Iraq’s Thi Qar Province, called on Kuwaiti investors yesterday to contribute to Iraq’s development projects which he described as the biggest in the Middle East.

Al-Hassan, meeting with representatives of Kuwait’s private sector, said there were many international companies already involved in the development projects in Iraq.

Thi Qar Mayor Qusai Al-Abadi, meanwhile, gave an illustration about the province, which was the fourth largest in terms of population in Iraq.

Al-Abadi said Thi Qar has four oil fields with combined production of 80, 000

barrels per day (bpd), with output expected to surge to 800,000 bpd by end of next year.

He said there were many opportunities in the housing sector, as the province was in need of 200,000 housing units, not to mention to agriculture.

Thi Qar needs the development of its industrial sector to produce food and construction materials, noted Al-Abadi.

Second Vice -Chairman of Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdulwahab Al-Wazzan highlighted importance of commercial and economic partnership between Kuwait and Iraq.

Al-Wazzan said Iraq was lucrative market for Kuwaiti investors. —KUNA

Kuwait hosts ‘GCC Inmates Week’

KUWAIT: The ambassador of Japan Toshihiro Tsujihara held a reception on Monday to celebrate the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at his residence in Bayan area. It was attended by diplomats and other dignitaries. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Kuwait, Morocco discuss industrial cooperation KUWAIT: Kuwait Industries Union (KIU) said here yesterday that it has discussed with a delegation from Morocco ways of boosting economic cooperation between the two countries, especially industrial opportunities available in Morocco.

In a statement, the Union quoted Moroccan Ambassador to Kuwait Dr. Yahya Banani as saying that his country is moving on toward implementing an integrated strategy aimed at strengthens economic tributaries within it, and encourages traditional industries in particular.

Banani added that his country is keen to providing several advantages for investment within its territories, including tax exemptions and flexible laws, noting that the investment advantages, to be obtained by the

investor, would increase every time the volume of investment increases.

Also, he indicated the possibility of negotiation with the government regarding granting lands and other facilities, adding that Morocco enjoys a political stability, which gives it a major quality in attracting foreign investments, especially since share capital requires a stabilized and safe environment.

For his part, Mohammad Belhassan, chief of chamber of handicrafts in Morocco, said that 30 percent of total Moroccan manpower works in the traditional industry field, noting that his country is moving on with industries that give modernity impression.

Belhassan mentioned that some of the traditional industries that the country takes care of include traditional architecture, weaving, carpet, mosaic, and gypsum, as well as coppery, wooden, and iron industries. The Moroccan traditional industries account for nine percent of Moroccan national product, adding that an academy specialized in traditional industries has been established due to the special position these industries have reserved within Moroccan community and economy, said Mohammad Al-Zaghary, a PM in Moroccan Council for Counsellors. Furthermore, AlZaghary added that his country is very proud of such industries, especially with the current invasion by Asian products, stressing importance of caring for quality and type of Moroccan traditional industries. —KUNA

KUWAIT: The upkeep and conditions of inmates in the GCC region have emerged as a matter of concern for the ministries and governmental organizations besides the non-profit organizations.

A number of international organizations working in the field of human rights are also concerned about the conditions of the inmates and the reform facilities.

It was for the first time that the GCC council saw activities like “ The GCC inmates week” currently being held from Dec 9 to 13. The delegate exchange involved during the event was aimed at gathering more experience and information.

This week, which was held following approval of the interior ministers of the GCC council, was a result of the recommendations from the reform establishments’ directors in GCC states. This slogan for the week being held this year is “My family in your hands.”

The director of central prison, Col Shraydi Al-Shimmari, said that the idea of holding a GCC inmate week proved that the interior ministers are concerned about the inmates. The idea was first floated by the directors of reform establishments and has resulted in positively impacting the concerns about GCC inmates, particularly after they complete their sentence.

He explained that lectures and seminars held by the experts and specialists have positively reflected on the inmates and the aim is to prepare them for rehabilitation into the societal mainstream.

He added that activities are not just meant for one week but are renewable in nature and will be held jointly with the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Public Authority for Youth and Sports and Ministry of Social Affairs and Charity Organizations round the year to help reform the inmates.

Women prisons director, Colonel Djhaim Al-Nasefi, said that the administration of the prison always offers a variety of activities and programs for female inmates to enlighten them, improve their abilities and to ensure that they do not become bored. For this purpose, a library stocked with a large number of books about different subjects in more than one language has been opened. It will help the inmates add to their knowledge.

There is also a sports hall with a woman trainer to train the inmates in the evening.

CBK Open Day at Shaab Park KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait organized an Open Day event at Shaab Park for its My First Account customers and their families which saw a record turnout and became one of the most successful events that Al Tijari has done. Customers started lining up since 10am and stayed until after 9pm to enjoy the Open Day which included twenty free rides and a discount from McDonalds.

There were also countless activities that kept the children and their families entertained such as a circus show, traditional Indian band, stilt walkers, face painting and much more. The Commercial Bank of Kuwait strives to draw a smile on

Al-Hajraf refutes allegations, dares accuser to come up with proof KUWAIT: A senior state official refuted a lawmaker’s recent allegations about violations committed by the caretaker cabinet, and called for proof to be provided simultaneously with the accusations.

MP Saadoun Hammad AlOtaibi had recently claimed that some ministers issued orders that violated the authorities of the outgoing cabinet. “Such allegations are untrue as I have not released any new decisions since the cabinet was assigned to continue as a caretaker cabinet,” Minister of Finance and Acting Minister of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Nawaf Al-Hajraf, said in a statement on Monday.

The minister also challenged

his accuser and dared him to submit proof to back up his allegations about the alleged decisions taken at the Ministry of Education after December 3rd, the date on which the cabinet resigned.

“We know exactly what our limits and authorities are, and if anyone has a copy of a decision released after the cabinet resigned, he should reveal it,” AlHajraf told Al-Rai. “I am sure he does not have it because such decisions simply do not exist.”

Al-Hajraf further indicated that subcommittees are still forwarding recommendations “but decisions are put on hold [until a new cabinet is formed] to maintain their legitimacy.”

their young customer’s faces as well as keep their families entertained and happy. After the success of past events in Aqua Park, 360 Mall and Discovery, the event in Shaab Park continues the promise of AlTijari towards giving the best to its My First Account holders and looks forward to many more successful events in the future. My First Account is a special savings account for kids from 0 - 14 years old and is the best choice for parents who want to secure their children’s future. When the account is opened, customers get an instant gift in addition to the countless benefits like special discounts, interest and invitation to fun and educational events and competitions.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

DSK and Diallo settle sexual assault lawsuit

Wealthy Asia countries leading in education

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CAIRO: An Egyptian protester holds the Quran, Islam’s holy book, a Cross and the Egyptian national flag during a demonstration in front of the presidential palace in Cairo yesterday. — AP

Disputed referendum sparks rival protests News

in brief

Singapore pets to get newspaper obituaries SINGAPORE: Animal lovers in Singapore will soon be able to publish tributes to their dead pets when the citystate’s leading daily launches a special obituary section.

From December 16, the classified ads section in the Sunday edition of the English-language Straits Times will have a segment devoted to pet obituaries, publisher Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) said. The Pets Corner is a section of the classified ads that already contains a pet adoption column and a lost and found segment. For pet obituaries, tributes of no more than 30 words will be published for free, subject to space availability. However, a grieving owner may choose to enhance the message by having it published with a photograph of the pet at a “special discounted price” of Sg$50 ($41). “More and more, we are getting requests from pet owners who want to remember their pets which have passed away, and want to tell the stories of their pets,” said Tan Su-Lin, vice president for CATS Classified, which handles advertisements for the SPH stable of newspapers.

Malaysia seizes 24 tons of ivory KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian customs have seized 24 tons of unprocessed elephant tusks worth almost $20 million, the largest haul in the country to date, officials said yesterday. Some 1,500 tusks hidden in two containers were discovered by customs officials at the country’s main port of Klang, in the western state of Selangor. The tusks had been hidden within pieces of timber inside the containers, which had originated from the west African nation of Togo. State customs director Azis Yaacub said in a statement that the cargo had been transferred from one ship to another in Spain and was believed to be headed to China. “The two containers were found to be filled with sawn timber. Inside the wood there were secret compartments that were filled with elephant tusks,” he said. The haul is worth 60 million ringgit, which amounts to $19.6 million.

Bahrain court cuts activist’s jail terms DUBAI: A Bahraini court cut yesterday the jail terms against rights activist Nabeel Rajab, who is behind bars for taking part in anti-regime protests, from a total of three years to two, lawyers said. The appeals court reduced two jail sentences in cases involving attendance at unauthorized protests from one year to six months each, while it upheld a one-year jail term in a third case, the lawyers said. It also overturned a sentence against the Shiite activist over a conviction for insulting security forces, for which he had been fined 300 dinars (795 dollars), they said. Rajab, 48, who heads the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, had led anti-government protests following a crackdown on Shiite-dominated demonstrations against the Sunni Al-Khalifa regime in March 2011.Bahrain continues to witness sporadic Shiite-led protests that have often spiraled into clashes with police.

9 hurt as gunmen fire at Cairo protesters CAIRO: Nine people were hurt when gunmen fired at protesters camping in Cairo’s Tahrir Square yesterday, according to witnesses and Egyptian media, as the opposition called for a major demonstration it hopes will force President Mohamed Morsi to postpone a referendum on a new constitution. Supporters of the Islamist leader, who want the vote to go ahead as planned on Saturday, were also gathering in the capital, setting the stage for further street confrontations in a political crisis that has divided the Arab world’s most populous nation.

Police cars surrounded Tahrir Square in central Cairo, the first time they had appeared in the area since Nov 23, shortly after a decree by Morsi awarding himself sweeping temporary powers that touched off widespread protests. The upheaval following the fall of Hosni Mubarak last year is causing concern in the West, in particular the United States, which has given Cairo billions of dollars in military and other aid since Egypt made peace with Israel in 1979. The Tahrir Square attackers, some masked, also threw petrol bombs which started a small fire, witnesses said.

“The masked men came suddenly and attacked the protesters in Tahrir. The attack was meant to deter us and prevent us from protesting today. We oppose these terror tactics and will stage the biggest protest

possible today,” said John Gerges, a Christian Egyptian who described himself as a socialist. The latest bout of unrest has so far claimed seven lives in clashes between the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood and opponents who are also besieging Morsi’s presidential palace.

POLICE POWERS The elite Republican Guard which protects the palace has yet to use force to keep protesters away from the graffitidaubed building, now ringed with tanks, barbed wire and concrete barricades. The army has told all sides to resolve their differences through dialogue, saying it would not allow Egypt to enter a “dark tunnel”. For the period of the referendum, the army has been granted police powers by Morsi, allowing it to arrest civilians. The army has portrayed itself as the guarantor of the nation’s security but so far it has shown no appetite for a return to the bruising frontline political role it played after the fall of Mubarak, which severely damaged its standing.

Leftists, liberals and other opposition groups have called for marches to the presidential palace later to protest against the hastily arranged constitutional referendum planned for Dec 15, which they say is polarizing the country and could put it in a religious straightjacket. Mohamed

ElBaradei, a prominent opposition leader and Nobel prize winner, called for dialogue with Morsi and said the referendum should be postponed for a couple of months due to the chaotic situation. “This revolution was not staged to replace one dictator with another,” he said in an interview with CNN. Outside the presidential palace, antiMorsi protesters huddled together in front of their tents, warming themselves beside a bonfire in the winter air.

“The referendum must not take place.

The constitution came after blood was spilt. This is not how a country should be run,” said Ali Hassan, a man in his 20s.

Opposition leaders want the referendum to be delayed and hope they can get sufficiently large numbers of protesters on the streets to change Morsi’s mind. Islamists, who dominated the body that drew up the constitution, have urged their followers to turn out “in millions” in a show of support for the president and for a referendum they feel sure of winning.

OPPONENTS ANGERED Leftist politician Hamdeen Sabahy, one of the most prominent members of the National Salvation Front opposition coalition, said Morsi was driving a wedge between Egyptians and destroying prospects for consensus. As well as push-

ing the early referendum, Morsi has angered opponents by taking extra powers he said were necessary to secure the transition to stability after the uprising that overthrew Mubarak 22 months ago. “The road Mohamed Morsi is taking now does not create the possibility for national consensus,” said Sabahy. He forecast polarization if constitution were passed. The National Salvation Front also includes ElBaradei and former Arab League chief Amr Moussa.

The opposition says the draft constitution fails to embrace the diversity of 83 million Egyptians, a tenth of whom are Christians, and invites Muslim clerics to influence lawmaking. But debate over the details has largely given way to street protests and megaphone politics, keeping Egypt off balance and ill equipped to deal with a looming economic crisis.

Mahmoud Ghozlan, the Muslim Brotherhood’s spokesman, said the opposition could stage protests, but should keep the peace. “They are free to boycott, participate or say no; they can do what they want. The important thing is that it remains in a peaceful context to preserve the country’s safety and security.” The disruption is also casting doubts on the government’s ability to push through economic reforms that form part of a proposed $4.8 billion IMF loan agreement.— Reuters

Typhoon reduces farmers to beggars in Philippines NEW BATAAN: The secluded valley that sheltered Jerry Blanco’s banana crop from communist and Muslim rebellions offered no refuge from Typhoon Bopha, which left him destitute in seconds. Last week’s terrifying storm has left more than 1,600 people dead or missing in the southern Philippines, and all but wiped out the banana plantations that are one of the desperately poor country’s few export earners. “First the strong wind came, then a sheet of rain. Our roof rattled, the house creaked and then the wall was blown away,” Blanco, a 39-yearold plantation worker said in the southern Philippines. “I looked out across the field, and all the (banana stalks) were felled. Our harvest was gone. The first thought in my mind was, we’ve just lost our future,” the father of four said.

Barefoot, shirtless and wearing torn trousers, Blanco stood by the roadside with neighbors who had also suddenly lost everything. Days after Bopha obliterated their town of New Bataan, they were reduced to begging for help from passing motorists. For fellow plantation worker Ben Alpor, the disaster

meant the three youngest of his seven children would have to stop going to school. “I will not be able to afford it. What little savings we had was in a (children’s) piggy bank, and that has been blown away too,” the 55-year-old said. “We’ve been reduced to begging for food, when before we had so much to eat,” Alpor added.

Ensconced in a valley on the southern island of Mindanao that is the centre of the country’s banana industry, New Bataan is surrounded by a wall of mountains that had long protected it from storms before Bopha barreled through.

From the 1960s, the valley was settled by migrants who found its sheltered location ideal for growing bananas, a crop that earned the nation $471 million last year in exports-about 12 percent of total Philippine farm exports. Big corporate farms bought up large tracts, contracting locals as sharecroppers in an industry that has grown to become the world’s third-largest exporter of bananas-after Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Up to 200,000 farm hands plus their families live around the 42,000

hectares of plantations across Mindanao that supply major markets such as China, Japan and Iran, according to the industry association. The banana regions had weathered the worst of deadly insurgencies by Muslim and communist rebels that engulfed other areas of Mindanao over recent decades. The New Bataan plantation workers earned up to 10,000 pesos ($240) a month and were allowed to build wooden homes near their places of work. “We had everything that we wanted, a simple life, enough food on the table and friends and family-until the typhoon came and destroyed everything,” Blanco said.

Up to 14,175 hectares of banana crops were destroyed, a third of the country’s production, said Carlo Mallo, spokesman of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association. The group estimates the damage to crops and infrastructure at eight billion pesos ($185 million). It will take two months to clean up and replant the fields and nine months after that before the next harvest, Mallo said. Governor Arthur Uy of Compostela Valley

province said up to 80 percent of the province’s banana crop had been lost, with dire consequences for the 150,000 local farmers and relatives who depend on the industry. “It would take years,” he said when asked about the plantations’ recovery. “We need assistance from the national government.”

Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala said the production shortage would cause the Philippines to lose foreign customers for high-quality bananas to Ecuador. “The worrying thing is that if we lose them we might not get them back,” Alcala told ABS-CBN television in Manila.— AFP

NEW BATAAN: Victims of devastating Typhoon Bopha jostle for position as they beg for relief food being distributed by members of a private company in New Bataan in Compostela Valley province, six days after the storm hit the southern Philippines. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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

Syria: From revolution to all-out war A far cry from the idealism of the Arab Spring ATME: Syria’s uprising has shifted from popular street protests against President Bashar AlAssad to a full-fledged war, increasingly influenced by armed Islamists, in a far cry from the idealism of the Arab Spring. The fer vor born in March 2011 for democratic reforms still runs high, but the initial peaceful protests against Assad’s regime have been overtaken by the government forces’ brutal crackdown.

Backed by the country’s Sunni Muslim majority against Assad, whose Alawite faith stems from Shiite Islam, the rebels launched the battle with arms smuggled into Syria, collected by defectors or bought from corrupt army officers.

Now nearly 21 months into the revolt, the insurgents control large swathes of rural territor y as well as a number of medium-sized towns, say AFP correspondents on the ground.

In northwest Syria, they hold sway from Aleppo all the way to the Turkish border, although the metropolis itself remains the scene of endless street-tostreet clashes. After advances in the country’s oil-rich but mainly desert east, the battle lines

have neared Damascus where the regime is battling to “secure” the capital’s province against what it brands foreignbacked “terrorists.” Sheikh Tawfiq, a power ful Islamist commander in the Aleppo region, is convinced Assad’s regime is weakening by the day and that it is “the beginning of the end.”

Having failed to recover lost ground, the regime’s military strategy has switched to defending the capital, major cities, strategic main roads and the Alawite heartland on the Mediterranean coast. Government forces pound rebel-held villages and town districts, apparently regardless of civilian casualties.

On October 18, a bomb dropped by a MiG warplane on an apartment building in the central town of Maaret AlNuman killed more than 40 people, including 22 children, crushed under the rubble, as witnessed by AFP. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has tirelessly documented the bloodshed, more than 42,000 people, mostly civilians, have been killed over the past 21 months. Hundreds of thou-

Turkey ‘world’s worst jailer’ of journalists NEW YORK: Turkey has more journalists in jail than any other country, followed by Iran and China, the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said yesterday. The number of journalists in prison reached a record high this year, as critical reporters and editors were charged with “terrorism” and other crimes against the state, the New York-based group said. “We are living in an age when anti-state charges and ‘terrorist’ labels have become the preferred means that governments use to intimidate, detain, and imprison journalists,” CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said in a statement.

“Criminalizing probing coverage of inconvenient topics violates not only international law, but impedes the right of people around the world to gather, disseminate, and receive independent information.” Turkey had jailed at least 49 journalists as of December 1, including dozens of Kurdish reporters held on terrorismrelated charges and other journalists accused of plotting against the government, the group said. Iran had jailed at least 45 journalists by the start of this month, followed by China with 32, the report said.

In all, the group identified 232 writers, editors and photojournalists imprisoned as of December 1, a “snapshot” that does not include many journalists imprisoned and released over the course of the year, it said.

The total marked an increase of 53 from the same day in 2011 and the highest since the organization began its survey in 1990. The previous record of 185 journalists imprisoned worldwide was set in 1996. Rounding out the top five jailers of journalists were Eritrea, with 28 reporters behind bars, and S y r i a , w i t h 1 5 . T h e y we re fo l l o we d b y Vietnam (14), Azerbaijan (9), Ethiopia (6), Saudi Arabia (4) and Uzbek istan (4). The group identified a total of 27 countries as imprisoning journalists.—AFP

village sheltering doomsday believers ANKARA: Believers of the Mayan calendar prediction that the world will end on December 21 have flooded into a small village in western Turkey, near the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Some New Age spiritualists are convinced of a December 21 “doomsday” foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs-at least according to some interpretations. Sirince, a village of around 600 inhabitants, has a positive energy according to the doomsday cultists, who say that it is close to an area where Christians believe the Virgin M ar y ascended to heaven. The M ayan prophecy has sparked a tourism boom in the village, which is now expected to host more than 60,000 visitors according to local media. “It is the first time we witness such an interest during the winter season,” said Ilkan Gulgun, one of the hotel owners in Sirince, quoted by the media.

He said the tourists at his hotel believed that the positive energy of Sirince would save them from an apocalyptical catastrophe. An ancient Greek village, Sirince is home to boutique hotels attracting Turkey’s wealthy class. It is also well known for its wine. Erkan Onoglu, a Turkish businessman, produced a special “wine of the Apocalypse” for December 21, a product on sale especially for superstitious survivalists, the daily Radikal newspaper reported. A resident of Sirince working in the hotel business, Ibrahim K atan, welcomed the enthusiasm of tourists to the village, hoping that local businesses can benefit from the boom. “The rumors floating around have increased the number of customers. We are only happy about it,” he told AFP.—AFP

sands of Syrians have been displaced or forced into exile from villages such as Atme where they wait to cross the barbed wire into Turkey after wading

though mud and negotiating olive groves. The international community, meanwhile, has been reduced to an observer, stumped by divisions within

MAARET AL-NUMAN: A Syrian rebel mans a Duska heavy machine as he scans the skies for Syrian air force fighter jets in Maaret Al-Numan. — AFP

the UN Security Council.

Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Assad has been able to count on the support of both Russia and Iran.

War-hardened, the rebels have also been strengthened by hundreds of foreign volunteers pouring in from Turkey, which openly calls for Assad’s fall. But the past six months have been marked by a growing Islamisation of the conflict as Al-Nusra Front, suspected of ties to Al-Qaeda, takes a prominent role in the battle for Syria.

Al-Nusra has become active on all the front lines, threatening a takeover of the revolution.

Disciplined and battle-hardened, they are often contrasted with the allegedly “corrupt” revolutionaries in the form of some commanders of the mainstream Free Syrian Army battalions made up mostly of army defectors.

On Monday, rebels led by AlNusra seized Sheikh Suleiman base west of Aleppo. A video posted online showed fighters linked to Al-Nusra standing before black flags and reciting the Muslim profession faith inside the abandoned base.

Most FSA members are Syrians,

but Al-Nusra has attracted jihadists from across the Muslim world. Their hatred of “non-believers” combined with the regime’s fight-to-the-death mentality adds fuel to the civil war. The Syrian military, with its vast superiority and control of the skies, is still capable of mounting major operations, although its possible last-resort use of chemical weapons is stirring rising international concern.

In what could prove to be a turning point, AFP witnessed the shooting down of two aircraft in as many days near Darret Ezza in the northwest in late November with surface-toair missiles which rebels say they seized from the army. The insurgents say they have light weapons and ammunition as well as communications equipment, but that they still need more sophisticated offensive arms. Their strategy, in the face of the regular army, the mukhabarat intelligence services and pro-regime “shabiha” militia, has been refined into one of cutting supply lines, choking off large urban centers and besieging isolated garrisons.— AFP

Meshaal repositions Hamas GAZA: Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal is hoping his movement’s success in the recent conflict with Israel will help him dictate the terms of renewed efforts at Palestinian unity, analysts say. During his first-ever trip to Gaza at the weekend, the Hamas chief-in-exile, sounded a defiant note in a speech to thousands of followers marking the 25th anniversary of the Islamist movement’s founding. Emerging from a door in a giant model of a long-range Hamas rocket used to hit Israel in the recent confrontation, Meshaal pledged not to “cede an inch” of historic Palestine, which includes the territories and Israel proper. “ What we heard from Khaled Meshaal was a very hardline speech,” noted Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a political science professor at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University. “There was no mention at all of Hamas’s readiness to accept a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders,” he said, even though Meshaal has expressed that readiness many times recently. “Even though he has been speaking about the need for reconciliation... he spoke about reconciliation based on Hamas terms, based on Hamas positions, he spoke about reconciliation on the basis of the resistance program,” he added.

Both Meshaal and Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniya spoke as though Hamas had just experienced “a big war and they came out victorious,” Abu Mukhaimer said. In a report on last month’s eight-day conflict with Israel,

the International Crisis Group think-tank said Hamas had “proved itself the central player in Palestinian politics.” Hamas was “discovering whether-by substituting Egypt, Qatar and Turkey for Syria and Iran-it had traded up,” the group said in reference to the movement’s shift away from Damascus and Tehran in the wake of the Arab Spring.

“The world must know that just as we were not subservient to Syria or Iran in the past, we are not subser vient to Egypt, Qatar and Turkey,” Meshaal said on Saturday. The Hamas head was formerly based in Damascus, but left the Syrian capital for Qatar as fighting between government forces and rebels opposed to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad intensified. “His previous statements were more moderate and won his acceptance from Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, which finally allowed him to enter the Gaza Strip,” said Hani al-Masri, a West Bank-based political commentator.

Unlike Meshaal, Islamic Jihad chief Ramadan Sha l l a h , w h o h a d b e e n expected to join the Hamas celebrations, did not ultimately make the trip after Israel reportedly warned Egypt it would consider his entr y to Gaza a violation of the ceasefire agreement t h a t e n d e d l a s t m o n t h’s f i g h t i n g.

Masri said Meshaal’s “tough” speech was likely intended to cater to the Gaza public, and “smacked of an internal election campaign.” Naji Sharab, also a professor at Al-Azhar university, said Meshaal’s priority was “to get a mandate from the Hamas leadership

GAZA: A handout picture shows Palestinian Hamas leader-in-exile Khaled Meshaal (center) waving as he leaves the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. — AFP for reconciliation, and he got it.”

“Meshaal’s speech was quite contradictory because he was concentrating on the emotional aspect in addressing the Hamas audience in Gaza, which is proud of its victory, while at the same time setting a political vision for the future,” he said. “This trip recalls Yasser Arafat’s visit to Gaza in 1994 at the time of the creation of the Palestinian Authority, with his speech akin to that

of a statesman and not the head of a resistance movement,” he recalled.

Writing in Israel’s top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot, Eitan Haber said that with Meshaal’s visit, “peace moved further away from Israel’s border” which recalling that “peace is made with enemies.”

“The day will come, and it is probably not far off, in which we will have to talk with Meshaal and his cohorts,” he concluded.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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

Alaska serial killer researched mass murderers ANCHORAGE: An Alaska man who confessed to killing at least eight people across the US had researched Ted Bundy and other serial killers, saying he recognized himself in them, investigators said Monday. But Israel Keyes told Anchorage authorities his ideas were his own. And most of all, he never called himself a serial killer, Anchorage homicide Detective Monique Doll said. “In fact, that was one of those things that he wanted very much, as this investigation progressed, to keep from being identified as,” she said.

Those details were among information Anchorage police and FBI investigators released about Keyes, who authorities said never showed any remorse, but spoke of getting a rush out of hunting for victims and killing them. He also tortured animals as a child, investigators said. Keyes, 34, was found dead in his jail cell Dec 2 after slitting a wrist and strangling himself with a rolled up bedsheet. Bloody, illegible notes found in his cell have been sent to the FBI lab at Quantico, Va. Keyes was set for a March trial in the February slaying of Anchorage barista Samantha Koenig, who was abducted from the coffee stand where she worked. Investigators say the 18-year-old was raped and strangled, her body left in a shed outside Keyes’ Anchorage home for two weeks while he went on a cruise. Investigators said Monday that Keyes told them he was losing control and that his time

between killings was getting shorter, which could explain why he broke his own rule of traveling long distances to find his targets.

“Israel Keyes didn’t kidnap and kill people because he was crazy. He didn’t kidnap and kill people because his deity told him to or because he had a bad childhood,” Doll said. “Israel Keyes did this because he got an immense amount of enjoyment out of it, much like an addict gets an immense amount of enjoyment out of drugs. In a way, he was an addict, and he was addicted to the feeling that he got when he was doing this.”

Before he killed Koenig, he had targeted others in Alaska. In a close call in April or May last year, he set his sights on two people at an Anchorage park to try out a silencer he had put on a rifle that would soon be put to use in Vermont. In the Anchorage case, a police officer arrived and told the intended targets the park was closed. Keyes told investigators in an audio recording released Monday that he almost pulled the trigger on all three, but another officer arrived. “That could have got ugly,” Keyes said matter of factly before chuckling. “Fortunately for the cop guy, his backup showed up.”

After that, Keyes obtained a police scanner, which he used in the Koenig abduction. Keyes was arrested in Lufkin, Texas, in March after he used Koenig’s debit card. Using the debit card while eluding authorities was part of a fantasy Keyes long had,

Israel Reyes

police said, and so was a $30,000 ransom note Keyes placed at an Anchorage dog park, texting directions to Koenig’s boyfriend. Koenig’s family could manage to pay only a fraction of that amount. Three weeks after Keyes was arrested, Koenig’s dismembered body was found in a frozen lake north of Anchorage. Keyes told authorities he had disposed of the remains there after cutting a

hole in the ice with a chainsaw.

Keyes also confessed to two murders in Vermont, four in Washington state, and one on the East Coast with the body disposed of in New York in the past decade. Investigators said there also could be three other victims, for a total of 11 murders. The only other known victims are Bill and Lorraine Currier of Essex, Vt. Their bodies have not been found since their disappearance in June 2011. Keyes told authorities he sexually assaulted and strangled Lorraine Currier and shot her husband at an abandoned home, which was demolished and taken to a landfill. Asked if it’s possible Keyes exaggerated the number of victims, investigators said they believed what he told them, and they never caught him in any lies. Investigators said Keyes enjoyed the media attention his crimes received, tracking stories on the Curriers on his computer. But he quit speaking with investigators for two months between late July and September when he learned his name had been linked to the Curriers by unconfirmed news reports.

“He enjoyed seeing media coverage of his crimes as long as he wasn’t connected to those crimes,” Anchorage Police Chief Mark Mew said. “He didn’t want to see media coverage of himself.” Keyes told investigators the first violent crime he committed was a sexual assault in Oregon between 1996 and 1998 in which he let the victim go. The FBI is seeking more information on that crime. — AP

Marijuana smokers light up in Colorado Washington, Colorado legalize pot

This undated US Air Force AFP photo shows the X-37B spacecraft.

US to launch secretive pilotless space plane WASHINGTON: The United States is planning a new launch of its tiny, pilotless military space plane on Tuesday as part of a futuristic Air Force program that has fueled speculation over its mission. The X-37B, which weighs five tons and is 29 feet long, can return material to Earth in the way of the retired shuttle Orbiter program but is designed to stay in orbit for much longer at 270 days. The last X-37B returned in June after orbiting for 469 days in a test of endurance. The United Launch Alliance, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, approved the X-37B at Cape Canaveral in Florida after finding no danger following an anomaly during a separate launch two months ago.

The company said in a statement that a Global Positioning System satellite was put into orbit as expected on October 4 but that a fuel leak took place inside the thrust chamber, triggering an investigation.

Patrick Air Force Base gave notice of a haz-

ard from a launch between 10:45 am to 5:15 pm (1545 to 2215 GMT ) yesterday.

Authorities have said little more about the X-37B. An Air Force fact sheet described it as “experimental test program to demonstrate technologies for a reliable, reusable, unmanned space test platform for the US Air Force.”

The secretive nature of the equipment on the X-37B has led to speculation in the media over its true nature, with some experts saying it could eventually be designed to tamper with satellites from rival nations. China in 2007 became the first nation after the United States and the former Soviet Union to shoot down one of its own satellites, in a test seen in Washington as a sign of the rising power’s ambitions in space. The X-37B project was launched by the space agency NASA in 1999 before being adopted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, which designs new technologies for the US military. — AFP

Riots and bombs rock Bangladesh DHAKA: Explosions of homemade bombs were repor ted across the Bangladeshi capital yesterday as opposition activists enforcing a daylong general strike rioted and clashed with police.

Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds of people who were smashing vehicles.

It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured in the violence described by witnesses and television reports in parts of the capital, Dhaka, A coalition of 18 opposition parties was enforcing the strike to demand that a caretaker government be restored before the next national elections due in 2014, while a key coalition partner wants their leaders facing charges of crimes against humanity be freed from jail.

Schools and businesses remained closed in Dhaka and other major cities and towns yesterday and transportation was largely disrupted across Bangladesh, a parliamentary democracy that has a history of fierce political violence. Amid the violence, the United States yesterday urged the two main political parties to resolve their disputes through dialogue.

Independent television reported detention of at least six opposition activists from Dhaka University area in the capital. Police said activists torched at least 21 vehicles in Dhaka late Monday after police arrested a senior leader of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Par ty, led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. Jamaat-e-Islami, the country’s largest Islamic party and the main partner of Zia’s party, has been demanding the release of nine of its leaders facing charges of crimes against humanity dating back to the 1971 independence war against Pakistan. Two other leaders from Zia’s party face similar charges and are now jailed. Zia criticized the trial, calling it a farce. In 1971, Bangladesh - at the time, the eastern wing of Pakistan -

became independent after a bloody, nine-month war with the help of India, Pakistan’s bitter rival. Jamaat-e-Islami leaders are accused of aiding the Pakistani army in killing and raping during the war. The leaders are behind bars pending trial proceedings. But Jamaat-eIslami says the charges are politicallymotivated.

Police said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, acting secretary general of Zia’s party, was arrested Monday on charges of instigating violence and torching a vehicle during a nationwide road blockade on Sunday. Dozens of vehicles were burned and smashed Sunday and at least two people died during the opposition-sponsored blockade. The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina scrapped the 15-year-old caretaker system last year in line with a Supreme Court order that ruled it unconstitutional, saying the constitution allows only popularly elected people to run the government. Opposition parties fear the election will be rigged if the current party remains in power.

The government has blamed the opposition for the recent violence, saying the protests are aimed at protecting 1971 suspects. The administration has vowed not to go back to the unconstitutional provision of the caretaker government system. Hasina’s Awami League party and Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party are the main contenders for securing power.

Robert O Blake, US assistant secretar y of state for South and Central Asian Affairs, called upon the bickering parties to hold a dialogue to find a solution to the political impasse. Blake, who was on a four-day official visit to Dhaka, told reporters at a press conference that the US would support any resolution that would come from the two major parties. — AP

COLORADO: Pot smokers formally gained the right to light up in Colorado on Monday as Governor John Hickenlooper signed into effect a controversial ballot measure legalizing marijuana for adult recreational use in what proponents hailed as a “historic day.” Hickenlooper’s signature, largely a formality, made Colorado the second US state after Washington to legalize recreational pot use, and put it on a possible collision course with the federal government - which calls marijuana an illegal drug. “Voters were loud and clear on Election Day,” Hickenlooper said in a statement released by his office. “We will begin working immediately with the General Assembly and state agencies to implement Amendment 64.”

The ballot measure, approved by a margin of 55 percent to 45 percent, amends Colorado’s constitution to legalize the personal use and possession of up to an ounce (28 grams) of pot by adults 21 and over. It also allows users to grow up to six plants at home. Hickenlooper, a Democrat who had opposed the amendment but said he would respect the will of voters, had been required by law to issue the executive order, or “official declaration of the vote,” within 30 days of certification by Colorado’s secretary of state on Dec 6.

His move, more than three weeks before the deadline, put the amendment into immediate effect without the pre-planned hoopla seen in Washington state last week when pot users organized a downtown Seattle public weed fest to begin the moment marijuana became legal there. Eighteen US states and the District of Columbia have already removed criminal sanctions on the use of pot for medical purposes, but Colorado and Washington were the first to allow it for recreational use. The moves by the two Western states came in defiance of federal law, and experts have said that the victories by promarijuana activists could be short-lived if they are fought by the US Department of Justice.

FEDS ‘REVIEWING’ LAW Colorado law will ultimately permit cannabis to be commercially grown and sold by statelicensed producers and distributors, and to be

DENVER: Gerald Thompson holds up a bag of marijuana on the steps of the State Capitol in Denver. Marijuana for recreational use became legal in Colorado Monday, when the governor took a purposely low-key procedural step of declaring the voter-approved change part of the state constitution. — AP taxed, in a system modeled after those used in many states for alcohol sales. For now, it remains illegal to buy or sell marijuana in any quantity in Colorado. But the governor ordered creation of a task force to recommend details of a sales-andtaxation plan for the state legislature to pass in the near future.

“This is a truly historic day. From this day forward, adults in Colorado will no longer be punished for the simple use and possession of marijuana,” Amendment 64 spokesman Mason Tvert said in a written statement. “We look forward to working with the governor’s office and many other stakeholders on the implementation of Amendment 64. We are certain that this will be a successful endeavor and Colorado will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

John Walsh, US Attorney for Colorado, said in a statement that the US Department of Justice was reviewing the Colorado and Washington measures, and that its “responsibility to enforce the Controlled Substances Act” had not changed.

“Regardless of any changes in state law, including the change that will go into effect on December 10th in Colorado, growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law,” Walsh said. “Members of the public are also advised to remember that it remains against federal law to bring any amount of marijuana onto federal property, including all federal buildings, national parks and forests, military installations, and courthouses.” — Reuters

Indonesia Shiites persecuted as ‘heretics’ live in limbo SAMPANG: Condemned as heretics, a community of around 200 Shiite Muslims have for months lived as pariahs in a sports hall, driven from their Indonesian village after a deadly clash with Sunnis. In August, a mob of hundreds armed with sickles and swords hacked a Shiite man to death and torched more than 30 houses, forcing villagers to seek refuge at the sports hall. Since then they have slept on thin mattresses surrounded by flies, sharing few communal toilets and eating modest meals at the Sampang district indoor tennis courts in eastern Java.

Now their future appears more bleak than ever. Last month, the government cut their free food and water supplies, citing lack of funds. To add insult to injury, religious and village leaders demanded they convert to Sunni Islam or be expelled from the district.

“We don’t want to live like refugees. We want to return home as soon as possible, to the village where we were born. But it seems our fate is not for us to decide,” Suleha, a 22-yearold housewife said. “Aren’t we all Muslims?

We believe in the same god, the same prophets, the same Koran. So why can’t we get along and live together in peace?”

Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslimmajority nation of 240 million people, is hailed as a bastion of moderate Islam, but rights groups say religious intolerance is on the rise amid concerns that too little is being done to address it.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned last month that Indonesia risked losing its culture of diversity and tolerance “if firm action is not taken to address increasing levels of violence and hatred towards minorities and narrow and extremist interpretations of Islam”. According

to a report by the Setara Institute of Peace, a local rights watchdog, 308 incidents in the first half of 2012 were recorded against religious minorities, including Christians, minority Muslim sect Ahmadis and more recently, Buddhists. Incidents-which include attacks and forced closure of places of worship have risen steadily since 2009, when 491 cases were reported, rising to 502 in 2010 and to 543 in 2011, Setara said. The August attack in Sampang was the worst-ever against minority Shiites in Indonesia, according to Setara.

Tohir, 50, saw his brother die and bears physical and emotional scars from the attack.

“My stomach feels sore all the time and I still get nightmares,” Tohir said, writhing in pain, showing a long scar on his back and stomach where he was slashed with a sickle.

“They threw rocks and shouted ‘Burn the Shiites’ houses’ and ‘Kill the Shiites’. My brother tried to calm them down, but they killed him. I rushed forward to save him and they attacked me as well,” he said.

“I have not forgiven them. My brother died for nothing. I want justice,” he said. A Sunni religious leader believed to have orchestrated the attack stood trial earlier this month, charged with assault and murder, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years. But such attacks in the past have been met with lenient sentences.

I WILL NEVER CHANGE MY FAITH Sunnis and Shiites agree on the fundamentals of Islam. Sunnis believe that Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) closest aides were the rightful leaders of Islam while Shiites consider the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali, as his divinely-appointed successor. The real number of Shiites in Indonesia is unknown as

many feel forced to practice in secret. “Their beliefs are heretical. In Sampang, they go to villages to proselytize their deviant ideologies and convert our fellow Sunnis to Shiites,” district chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Buchori Maksum said. “They are the real provocateurs.” Munaji, 46, a village chief in Sampang, said that the Shiites were not welcome back in the community.

“The Shiites have caused a lot of unrest. We don’t welcome them here unless they return to Sunni Islam,” he said.

The MUI in East Java, a stronghold of Sunni Islam, issued a fatwa in January ruling Shiites religious “deviants”, a move slammed as repressive by rights groups.

As the government mulls a solution, patience is wearing thin for the ostracized Shiites, hanging in limbo. Iklil Al-Melal, 40, who represents the Shiites taking shelter at the tennis hall, said the group rejected the local government’s suggestion of relocation.

“On New Year’s Day, we plan to go back to the village. We are prepared for the backlash.

We have nothing to lose,” he said. “How can the government guarantee life is safer elsewhere?”

With no food and water, the Shiites have stopped bathing and have begun skipping meals. They pool whatever money they have to buy supplies. Rohah, a 21-year-old housewife, sold her gold ring-the only item she salvaged from her burnt home-to chip in a modest $30. Others, she said, sold cows and goats. “I’ve not showered for two days. I’ve no money to buy milk, so my baby has been drinking water instead,” she said. “I don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I will never change my faith. I pray that Sunnis will one day accept us.” — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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

December 21: End of Mayan calendar, or end of the world?

CANCUN: Gonzalo Alvarez, who had just arrived in Cancun for two weeks of revelry linked to a major milestone in the Mayan calendar, seemed reasonably cheerful for a man about to swallowed up by the Apocalypse. “We came to party and to get ready for the beginning of a new era,” said the 39-year old architect, as he gathered his luggage from a baggage carousel at Cancun’s airport. Alvarez had traveled to Mexico from Florida to witness firsthand the beginning of a new Mayan era on December 21, 2012, which will be marked with celebrations throughout southern Mexico and Central America.

Mexico is one of five countries preparing to observe the date, which marks the end of a more than 5,000-year era, according to the Mayan “Long Count” calendar, which began in 3114 BC. For many people in this region, December 21 will be a date for celebration. The start of the new Mayan calendar also is big business in this region, with tourism offices in no fewer than five countries aggressively promoting the date.

Millions of tourists are expected to flood into the region for celebrations that will include fireworks,

concerts and other spectacles held at more than three dozen archaeological sites.

In addition to Mexico, celebrations will be held in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador or Honduras, and at least two heads of statePresident Otto Perez of Guatemala and President Porfirio Lobo of Honduras-have confirmed that they will take part in festivities in their respective countries. But while some prepare for the end of the Mayan calendar, others fear with trepidation the date will usher in the end of the world. Some New Age spiritualists are convinced of a December 21 “doomsday” foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs-at least according to some interpretations. The prophesy they refer to is found in an ancient Mayan monument in Tortuguero, Mexico, and is believed to have been left by a Mayan ruler. The Mayan leader, fresh from defeat on the battlefield, declared that the military setback was but one event in a larger cycle of time that would end in 2012. Many scholars say the prophesy was misinterpreted, however, and was not meant to suggest the end of all time, but simply the end of the old Mayan calendar and the beginning of a

new one. Indigenous experts scoff at the faulty and sensational misreadings of the Mayan calendars. “The Mayans had a cyclical concept of time, not one that ever focused on the end of the world,” Mexican archaeologist Jose Romero said.

Romero based his conclusions on his studies of the carved stone known as the Tortuguero Monument, which now is broken into six pieces divided between Mexico and the United States, including one piece which is housed in a museum in New York. Nevertheless, the current doomsday panic has spread far beyond MesoAmerica. The trend has been fueled in part by movies like “2012” by Roland Emmerich and books like the novel “The Mayan Testament” by Steve Alten that have cashed in on the fad.

Romero blames Hollywood for a rather fantastical interpretation of the hieroglyphs “without much knowledge of the facts” of Mayan history and culture.

Meanwhile, the belief that the world will end on December 21 has traveled to the far reaches of the globe. In the Russian city of Tomsk, for example, a company is selling an “Apocalypse

kit” that includes food and medicine with a bottle of vodka-or tequila if the customer prefers. In the French Pyrenees, authorities have temporarily closed access to a mountain in the southwest of the country to avoid throngs of people fleeing from apocalypse. Indigenous leaders in Mexico, critical of the way the date is being commercialized, have convened a Mayan Peoples Council to focus more on the cultural significance of the new era. “Like native cultures throughout the world, we want to maintain our cultural identity and preserve our ways of speaking, thinking and seeing the cosmos,” said Mary Coba, a tribal council representative.

“Above all, we want to realize the possibility that, wherever we live, we are respected, and live free of discrimination, violence and poverty.”

She said native people have prepared dignified observances for the new Mayan era, and that ceremonies marking the date would be simple but profound. “There are no real requirements,” she said. “We just ask that people arrive before five in the morning wearing white clothing and carrying a white candle.” — AFP

DSK and Diallo settle sexual assault lawsuit Terms of deal to remain confidential

Mali’s Cheick Modibo Diarra

Mali PM quits after arrest New development complicates intervention efforts BAMAKO: Mali’s prime minister announced his resignation yesterday, hours after being arrested by soldiers while trying to leave the divided and unstable West African nation for France.

The development in the Sahel state, whose desert north was occupied by Al-Qaeda-linked Islamists following a March coup, seemed likely to complicate African and international efforts to organize a military intervention to reunite the country. “I, Cheick Modibo Diarra, hereby resign with my entire government on Tuesday, December 11, 2012,” a nervous-looking Diarra said in a statement broadcast on state television early yesterday morning.

News of Diarra’s resignation came hours after he was arrested late on Monday as he tried to leave the country for France. It was not immediately clear whether he made the statement of his own volition or was forced to do so. Bakary Mariko, a spokesman for the group of soldiers that seized power in the March coup, and which remains powerful despite officially handing power back to civilians in April, said Diarra had been arrested for not working fully to address the nation’s problems. “The country is in crisis but he was blocking the institutions,” Mariko said. He added Diarra had been taken to the ex-junta’s headquarters in Kati, a military barracks town just outside Bamako, after his arrest.

Asked if the overnight arrest was a second coup, Mariko said: “This is not a coup. The

president is still in place but the prime minister was no longer working in the interests of the country.” There was no immediate reaction from interim civilian President Diouncounda Traore. Coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo has been repeatedly accused of meddling in politics since he stepped down and was officially tasked with overseeing reforms of Mali’s army. Residents in Bamako said the town was quiet in the early hours of yesterday morning.

There have been divisions for months between the former junta, interim President Traore and Diarra, a former NASA scientist and Microsoft chief for Africa.

POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE Fearing Mali has become a safe haven for terrorism and organized crime, West African leaders have signed off on a plan to send 3,300 soldiers to Mali to revamp Mali’s army and then support operations to retake the north from the Islamist rebels. But support for the plan is not universal. France is keenest to see militar y action to tackle the Islamist groups, including al Qaeda’s North African wing, AQIM. But the United States and the United Nations have expressed concern, saying the plan lacks necessary detail for a complex operation. The United States warned on Monday that Mali was “one of the potentially most explosive corners of the world”. —Reuters

News

in brief

Slapped Nepal Maoist chief bails out attacker KATHMANDU: The leader of Nepal’s ruling Maoists put up the bail money yesterday to free a young chef who is awaiting trial for slapping him in the face, the party said.

Padam Kunwar, 25, had been behind bars since his arrest a month ago for assaulting Pushpa Kamal Dahal-and smashing the former revolutionary’s glasses-at a tea reception in Kathmandu. Kunwar, a former party member turned chef at a five-star hotel in the capital, was hailed as a hero for his actions by a large section of Nepalis growing increasingly frustrated by their political leaders. He was sent from police custody to a Kathmandu jail on Monday after failing to post his 28,000-rupee ($515) bail, with his family saying they were too poor to stump up the cash. “Our party chairman has sent his aide to deposit the money and bail him out,” Dahal’s spokesman Chudamani Khadka said. Dahal, who turned 58 yesterday, led a Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives before a 2006 peace deal paved the way for the abolition of the world’s last Hindu monarchy and his own rise to power via the ballot box.

Hijackers sentenced to death in Xinjiang BEIJING: A court in China’s restive Muslimmajority region of Xinjiang sentenced three men to death yesterday after they were found guilty of trying to hijack an aircraft, state media said. The men, along with a fourth who received a life prison term, tried to commandeer the plane in June, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Xinhua did not give details of the hijack, but authorities said in June that six members of China’s Uighur minority tried to seize a plane that had taken off from Hotan

in the northwestern region and were thwarted by passengers and crew. The plane returned safely to the airport in Hotan-which has seen a spate of violent clashes between mainly Muslim Uighurs and police due to simmering ethnic tensions-and the suspects were detained, authorities said. Two security personnel were seriously injured, Xinhua said at the time. Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the exiled World Uyghur Congress said the four men were sentenced for the June incident.

Terror suspect ‘moves to bigger house’ in UK LONDON: Terror suspect Abu Qatada, once dubbed Osama bin Laden’s righthand man in Europe, has moved to a bigger house funded by the British taxpayer, a newspaper reported yesterday. The Sun tabloid reported that the radical Islamist cleric, who is fighting extradition from Britain to Jordan, has moved to a larger residence in the greater London area with his wife and five children. Britain’s interior ministry said it would not comment on operational matters. The ministry won permission last week to appeal against a decision by British judges to block Abu Qatada’s extradition. The preacher was convicted in Jordan in absentia of involvement in terror attacks in 1998, but both British and European judges have accepted his argument that evidence obtained by torture might be used against him in a retrial. British authorities have kept him in custody for most of the last decade and repeatedly tried to send him to Jordan to face trial. But they were forced to release him on bail last month following the ruling

by Britain’s Special Immigration Appeals Commission that he should not be deported, and he returned to his family home in northwest London.

NEW YORK: Dominique Strauss-Kahn and a New York hotel maid who accused the former International Monetary Fund chief of sexual assault on Monday settled her civil lawsuit against him for an undisclosed sum, ending one chapter of a scandal that cost him his job and a chance to become president of France.

At a brief hearing in New York State Supreme Court in the Bronx, Justice Douglas McKeon said the terms of the deal would remain confidential. Strauss-Kahn, 63, was not required to appear in New York and remained in Paris.

His accuser, Nafissatou Diallo, was present as the judge had ordered, wearing a green blouse with black pants and a gray and white head scarf.

“I thank everybody, and I thank God,” Diallo said in a brief statement outside the courthouse after the hearing. The hearing took place about seven miles (11 km) from the luxury Manhattan hotel where Diallo claimed the managing director of the IMF attacked her last May. The jet-setting financier spent six nights in custody and resigned.

“Diallo is a strong and courageous woman who never lost faith in our system of justice.

With this resolution, she can now move on with her life and we thank everyone for their suppor t and prayers,” said her lawyer, Kenneth Thompson.

Strauss-Kahn’s New York lawyers, William Taylor and Amit Mehta, said in an emailed statement: “On behalf of Mr. Strauss-Kahn, we are pleased to have arrived at a resolution of this matter. We are grateful to Judge McKeon whose patience and forbearance allowed this agreement to be formulated.”

The agreement ends Strauss-Kahn’s legal woes in the United States, but he faces more court dates in France. The US scandal erupted on May 14, 2011, when Diallo, 33, told police Strauss-Kahn attacked her at the Sofitel Hotel.

She said he emerged naked from the bathroom of his $3,000-a-night suite and forced her to perform oral sex.

The accusation led to a frantic scramble by New York police to arrest Strauss-Kahn as he sat aboard a jet at John F. Kennedy International Airport waiting to take off for France that night. The scandal forced StraussKahn to resign as head of one of the world’s most influential international finance organizations and wrecked his hopes of running for president in France. He was once seen as a front-runner for the Socialists. Instead Francois Hollande became the candidate and unseated President Nicolas Sarkozky. The New York case also seemed to initiate a wave of other accusations against Strauss-Kahn, long known as the “great seducer” in French political circles.

Prosecutors initially expressed confidence in the evidence, including DNA that showed a sexual encounter. But they dropped the case in August 2011 after developing concerns about Diallo’s credibility, including what they said were inconsistencies in her account of what happened immediately following the

NEW YORK: This combo image shows former International Monetary Fund leader Dominique Strauss-Kahn (left) and Nafissatou Diallo in New York. — AP

incident. Judge McKeon said a separate lawsuit filed by Diallo against the New York Post over the tabloid’s report that she was a prostitute had been settled as well. Terms of that were also kept confidential. The newspaper did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday, though it has said in the past that it stood by its reporting.

GLARE OF PUBLICITY Accusers in such cases often hide from the glare of publicity and many media outlets, including Reuters, protect their identities by not revealing their names. But Diallo, the daughter of an imam from Guinea, broke her silence in July 2011, while the criminal investigation was still active, revealing her identity in interviews to Newsweek and ABC News.

She filed her civil lawsuit just weeks before the charges were dismissed, claiming StraussKahn’s “sadistic” attack caused her physical and emotional damage.

Strauss-Kahn filed a $1 million countersuit against Diallo for defamation. He said the sexual encounter was consensual but admitted it was a “moral error.” Legal experts said it was common for settlement amounts in such cases to remain sealed, as defendants try to avoid the perception of guilt. “There are a lot of people in the general public that will equate a large settlement with being guilty of what you are accused of doing,” said Colorado attorney John Clune, who represents victims of sexual assault.

Once cleared of criminal charges, StraussKahn returned to France, where his legal troubles persisted. He awaits a decision by a French court on his request to halt an inquiry into whether he should stand trial on pimping charges related to sex parties he attended with prostitutes. A court date was set for Dec 19. In October, French authorities dropped a related probe into allegations of group rape by Strauss-Kahn after the complaining witness, a prostitute, retracted her accusations. Soon after Strauss-Kahn’s arrest, a French writer, Tristane Banon, accused him of attempted rape in 2003. French authorities brought no charges, despite concluding the incident likely qualified as an assault, because the statute of limitations had expired.

Lawyers for Strauss-Kahn have denied any wrongdoing, saying he has become a target for his “libertine” ways. Strauss-Kahn and his wife, journalist Anne Sinclair, separated this summer.

Strauss-Kahn is quietly trying to resume his career, delivering speeches at private conferences in recent months and setting up a consulting firm in Paris. If the reaction of some Parisians asked about the legal settlement in New York is any indication, Strauss-Kahn still faces a skeptical public in France. “Just because he’s got money he gets away with it,” Bastien, an electrician in his 20s told Reuters TV. “If it had been anyone else they would have done time for this. It’s not right.” — Reuters

Police attacked as N Ireland flag row inflames loyalists BELFAST: Police were attacked in Belfast on Monday night by loyalists enraged by a decision to remove the British flag from Belfast City Hall, which has sparked eight consecutive days of protests. About 15 masked men broke out of a crowd assembled in the predominantly Protestant Newtownards Road area, smashed the windows of a police car and threw a petrol bomb into it while an officer was still inside, police said.

The officer escaped unharmed but the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were treating the attack as attempted murder. The attack was one of a series of protests across the city on Monday during which stones and fireworks were hurled at police, who responded with water cannon in at least two locations. Loyalists have been

protesting against a decision by Irish nationalist city councilors from Sinn Fein and the SDLP to take down the flag which had flown above the provincial capital’s city hall every day since it opened in 1906.

The decision by councilors means Britain’s ‘Union Jack’ flag will now fly on 17 days during the year, as is the case at the provincial assembly at Stormont in the British-controlled province. “ This was a planned attempt to kill a police officer which also put the lives of the public in danger,” Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton said. The attack happened outside the constituency office of Naomi Long, a member of the British parliament for the non-sectarian centrist Alliance party. Long was forced to flee her home last week after receiving threats over her party’s support of

the removal of the flag from City Hall.

Later on Monday night, police separated rival loyalist and republican crowds rioting in a flashpoint area between the loyalist east Belfast and the small nationalist Short Strand enclave. Violence has raged for seven of the last eight days since the decision, in Belfast and around the and nearly 30 officers have been injured.

About 10 people have appeared in court charged with offences linked to the rioting - the youngest just 13 years of age.

Violence between the province’s mainly Catholic republicans and pro -British Protestants, which raged on and off for three decades, has largely ended since a peace agreement was signed in 1998, but much of Belfast remains divided along sectarian lines. — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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

Air rage: Chinese screaming mad over delays SHANGHAI: Airline crews and ground staff are assaulted, passengers storm a runway, and a person yanks open an emergency exit door on a plane. In China, angry passengers are resorting to extreme measures to protest delays as the country’s restricted air corridors are becoming clogged with millions of new fliers each year-a fact attributed to the fast rise of the middle class and cheap flights.

There have been dozens of incidents involving irate travelers on both domestic and international flights this year, as airlines struggle to stick to their schedules. “When flights get delayed, passengers make a lot of trouble.

Sometimes they even beat our staff,” Wang Zhenghua, founder and chairman of Shanghai-based budget carrier Spring Airlines, told Reuters in an interview earlier this year.

“Airlines are actually the weaker party. With the government calling for a ‘harmonious society’, the only thing we can do is to give them compensation to calm them down.” With manufacturers predicting a new plane will take to China’s skies every other day for the next two decades, industry officials say congestion is only going to get worse.

And that means more delays. Some 30 years ago, flying was a travel option only available to top government and company officials who needed to submit a special document from their employer to buy a plane ticket.

While most Chinese people still use

trains for long-distance travel because of the lower cost, rising income and cheaper flights as a result of increased competition means more are now using planes. Over 270 million passengers flew on domestic routes in China last year, up nearly 10 percent from 2010 and over 70 percent from 2003, according to government data. The International Air Transport Association projects 379 million will be flying domestically by 2014.

Airlines have been adding planes to keep pace with the increased demand.

Boeing predicts China will need to add 5,260 new airliners worth $670 billion over the next 20 years.

OVER THE TOP Airlines are increasing the number of flights but with China’s air force controlling much of the airspace, flight delays are likely to become increasingly common. The results can be over the top. Earlier this year around 20 angry passengers dashed toward the runway at Shanghai’s main international airport, coming within 200 meters of an oncoming plane from the United Arab Emirates. Their action was sparked by a 16-hour flight delay.

It was not clear why they charged on to the tarmac, unless they were seeking to create a scene in order to boost their chances of getting compensation. In August, two passengers furious after being refused compensation for a delay yanked open an emergency exit door on their plane-result-

ing in a further delay. An Australian pilot and crew were surrounded and threatened by an angry mob in October after a Jetstar flight, which originated in Melbourne, was diverted from Beijing to Shanghai because of bad weather, Australian media reported.

That incident echoed another involving a United Airlines flight that was delayed for three days in Shanghai.

Media reported frustrated passengers started shouting and rushed at the pilots. Last week, angry passengers came to blows with ground staff after their flight was delayed from Guiyang in southwestern China, according to a witness. “The staff’s attitude was bad, so I can understand their anger but I strongly disagree with police not arresting the passengers,” said the 28year-old office worker, who only gave her last name as Tong.

There have been other equally bizarre, yet peaceful acts. A group of passengers sang songs over the public announcement system after airline staff deserted the terminal in Shanghai when all flights were grounded due to a thunderstorm this year. The cause of these protests partly lies with the Chinese carriers themselves. It is not uncommon for passengers to have to wait for hours inside a plane or at the boarding gate without any information about how long the delay might last.

“In the past, only ‘first class’ people had the privilege to travel by plane so the

BEIJING: Two elderly people are pushed on their wheelchairs at a park in Beijing yesterday. China’s elderly face increasing uncertainty three decades since the one-child policy took hold, with no real social safety net, the law has left four grandparents and two parents with one caretaker for old age and bereaved families with none. — AFP average Chinese has very high expec- were given 1,000 yuan ($160) each in tations for services,” said Li Yuliang, an compensation from the carrier, independent civil aviation commenta- Shenzhen Airlines. None of the protesttor who is also the chief trainer for China ers were reprimanded.

According to the Civil Aviation Eastern Airline’s Shandong office. “But when they actually fly, they find the Administration of China, about a quarter services are not as good, especially of the 2.4 million domestic flights were when there is a delay, and these disap- delayed in 2011. The ratio is roughly pointed passengers make a lot of trou- comparable with delays seen in Britain ble.” In the case of the runway protest in but this data does not reflect delays that Shanghai in April, all passengers, includ- occur after all the passengers have ing those who ran out to the tarmac, boarded the plane. — Reuters

Wealthy Asia nations leading in education Morocco, Middle Eastern nations struggle

WASHINGTON: In this file photo, President Barack Obama does pushups during the annual White House Easter Egg Roll at the White House. — AP

World leaders face heavyweight issues WASHINGTON: Barack Obama is back and China has a new leader in Xi Jinping, but world leaders face heavyweight issues in the coming year, from lingering economic crises to bloody tumult in the Middle East: ECONOMIC CRISES “No ‘foreign policy’ issue in 2013 will matter as much to global economic, political, and ultimately security conditions as whether the United States and Europe are able to deal with their economic crises,” Jessica Mathews, president of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote in “Global Ten: Challenges and Opportunities for the president in 2013.”

Unless a deal is reached between US President Obama and his Republican opponents by the end of 2012, the United States will plunge off the “fiscal cliff ”-a toxic combination of tax hikes and spending cuts that could trigger another recession in the world’s biggest economy.

“If America’s political parties can agree on a way to climb down from the fiscal cliff, the resolution of the acute economic uncertainty that has gripped the country for the past 18 months would unleash private sector investment, spark an economic recovery, and give new capacity and weight to the country’s international role,” Mathews said.

As for Europe, “the challenge is still to summon sustained economic discipline and political will,” explained the American expert. “The euro crisis morphed in 2012 from a life-threatening emergency to a chronic disease that will be with us for years to come,” she said, warning countries like France, Italy, Portugal and Spain of the need “to maintain the harsh treatment, avoid setbacks (in France, especially), and continue to inch toward restored growth.” Euro-zone GDP is forecast to contract by 0.3 percent next year, but Justin Vaisse, director of research on the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution, said he believed that the worst of the euro crisis is behind us.

“The Americans and the markets have concluded that the euro will not explode, otherwise it would have fallen and there would have been a flight of capital,” he said. The French expert is worried, however, about the effects of the global slowdown on China. Vaisse envisaged a gloomy scenario in which the euro area “cuts Chinese imports drastically due to a deeper than expected recession,” causing “political, social and geopolitical consequences in China.” “China’s outgoing leadership, after years of stellar economic growth, could afford to allow growth to slow and politico-economic problems to accumulate. Xi cannot,” noted Mathews. — AFP

N Korea dismantles rocket ‘to fix glitch’ SEOUL: North Korea has started to dismantle a controversial long-range rocket on its launch pad in an apparent move to fix a technical problem but still looks likely to go ahead with the launch, South Korean news reports and experts said yesterday. North Korea says the launch is to put a weather satellite in orbit but critics say it is aimed at nurturing the kind of technology needed to mount a nuclear warhead on a long-range missile. When the first reports emerged that the rocket parts were being taken down, there was speculation the North might abandon the launch altogether, but experts said the construction of the rocket meant that it needed to be removed from its gantry.

“For North Korean rockets, it’s the only way to repair them because they build the rocket stage by stage,” said Kwon Sejin, a rocket expert at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology in Daejeon, South Korea. North Korea said on Monday that the launch window had been extended by a week due to technical problems. “So as it had announced, if the North has a problem with the first-

stage control module, it has to replace it and take down (the rocket) from the top,” said Kwon.

The launch has been timed to coincide with the first anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-il after a failed launch in April. It also comes as Japan and South Korea, long-time foes of the North, are holding elections.

North Korea is banned from testing missile or nuclear technology under UN sanctions imposed after its 2006 and 2009 nuclear weapons tests, and the United States, South Korea and Japan have condemned the current launch.

Even China, the one major diplomatic backer of isolated and impoverished North Korea, has expressed “deep concern” over the planned launch. South Korean media reported yesterday that satellite images showed the rocket was being taken down. “We have captured indications that a part of the rocket is being disassembled from the launch pad in Tongchang-ri,” Yonhap news agency quoted a South Korean government source as saying. — Reuters

BOSTON: Relatively wealthy Asian nations including South Korea and Singapore, as well as Hong Kong, led a ranking of international student achievement, a result that researchers said reflected a strong societal commitment to primary education. Morocco and several Middle Eastern nations occupied the bottom of the rankings of fourth-grade student performances in reading, science and math, reflecting the challenges caused by poverty and relatively new educational systems, according to two Boston College-backed studies released yesterday. The studies found that international student achievement generally has improved in the past decade as more nations have increased their focus on education, with top-performing Asian countries holding their lead in math and science and gaining ground in reading.

“In the beginning, when we were assessing the reading, they were not necessarily at the top of the charts,” said Ina Mullis, a Boston College professor who worked on the studies.

“A decade later they are.” The improvement reflects a focused effort both by parents to read more to their children in the home and official efforts to make school reading programs more rigorous, Mullis said. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study evaluated 63 countries’ performance in science and math while the Progress in

International Reading Literacy Study evaluated 49 nations’ performance in reading.

Hong Kong, Russia and Finland recorded the top-three performances in fourth-grade reading, the studies found. In science, South Korea, Singapore and Finland led, with Singapore, South Korea and Finland leading in math. The United States ranked sixth in fourth-grade reading, 11th in science and seventh in math. Canada ranked 12th in fourthgrade reading. The nation did not participate in the science and math rankings, although the provinces of Quebec, Ontario and Alberta did and all three ranked above average in each subject.

LITERACY CHALLENGE The poorest reading performances came in Morocco, Oman and Qatar. Yemen, Morocco and Kuwait trailed in math, with Yemen, Morocco and Tunisia occupying the bottom spots in science. Their struggles reflect the difficulty of establishing new school systems, said Boston College professor Michael Martin, another study author. “Education is a multigenerational enterprise, so if you go back 30 or 40 years, many of these countries really did not have an education system, with only a small group of people getting a decent education,” Martin said. “When parents haven’t been to school and are not literate. This is a

Royal prank station to give $500,000 to dead nurse’s family SYDNEY: An Australian radio station yesterday pledged at least Aus$500,000 (US$523,600) to help the grieving family of a nurse duped by a royal prank phone call, after coming under sustained scrutiny over the hoax. Nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who fielded the hoax call from Sydney station 2Day FM to London’s King Edward VII Hospital, was found Friday after apparently committing suicide. The Indianborn mother-of-two put the call through to a colleague, who divulged details of the recovery of Prince William’s pregnant wife Kate from severe morning sickness.

The station initially suspended all advertising after the death but said it would resume Thursday, with all profits until the end of the year given to an “appropriate fund that will directly benefit the family of Jacintha Saldanha”. The amount donated would be at least Aus$500,000, it said. “We are very sorry for what has happened,” Rhys Holleran, chief executive of Southern Cross Austereo which owns the station, said in a statement. “We hope that by contributing to a memorial fund we can help to provide the Saldanha family with the support they need at this very difficult time.”

In the wake of the death the company suspended all prank calls across its network and cancelled the show which ran the segment. But the station remains under renewed pressure to fully explain how its royal prank call was cleared to air after the shattered hosts said they were not ultimately responsible. In tearful interviews Monday, 2Day FM presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian said that while they made the call to the hospital, the hoax was vetted by others without their involvement.

“It’s not up to us to make that decision (to air). We just record it and then it goes to the other departments to work out,” said Greig in an emotional interview with Australia’s Nine Network. Christian added: “There’s a process in place for prank calls or anything that makes it to air, and you know, that’s out of our hands.” Media pressure is growing in Australia for the network to fully explain how the segment made it to air, with the Sydney Daily Telegraph claiming senior management were “dodging responsibility”. — AP

big problem to overcome.”

While well-funded, well-organized school systems produced the most able students, the studies found performance was not purely dependent on schools. The top performing students were those children raised in homes where books were present and they regularly were read to and saw others reading or engaged in math-related activities like games.

The math and science studies found many countries did better in teaching the basic rules of those subjects than in teaching their application, with students struggling to think of ways to use their knowledge to analyze a problem.

The rankings are based on 900,000 tests of students in their fourth year of formal schooling, typically aged 10 or 11, in countries that opt into the studies. The math and science study is conducted every four years and the reading study every five. They overlapped this year by coincidence. Martin said the studies aimed to improve world educational standards by showing educators what other countries had achieved. “One thing you can learn from these is what’s possible,” Martin said.

“That comes as a shock sometimes, what students in other countries can actually do and the gap sometimes between what your students are achieving and what students in other countries are achieving.” — Reuters

Baby and teachers among 6 dead in Thai shootings BANGKOK: Six people, including a oneyear-old girl and two teachers, were gunned down in separate attacks on a teashop and school in Thailand’s insurgency-plagued south yesterday, police said. Gunmen sprayed bullets at villagers as they were having breakfast at a teashop in Narathiwat, one of three southern provinces to have suffered nearly nine years of unrest, killing the child, a 25-year-old woman and two men aged 37 and 70. Four others were injured in the shooting, including a 10-monthold boy. “ We found 62 bullets fired at the scene,” local police chief Captain Boonsak Numad said, adding that at least three people were thought to have been behind the violence. In a second attack later yesterday, a headmistress and male teacher were shot and killed as they had lunch in the staff cafeteria of a school in Pattani, the latest attack targeting educators. Police said the group of at least six gunmen stole a school vehicle to make their getaway. Hundreds of schools in Pattani and Narathiwat have staged brief closures in recent weeks to protest at the risks facing educators, more than 150 of whom have died in the insurgency.

Militants view the school system as an effort by Bangkok to impose Buddhist culture on the Muslim-majority south.

Teachers working in non-religious schools are frequently targeted because they are seen as a symbol of government authority. Thailand’s southern unrest has claimed more than 5,300 lives, both Buddhist and Muslim, since it reignited in 2004, with near-daily bomb or gun attacks. A report by the International Crisis Group on the violence said yesterday that successive governments have “opted to muddle through Southeast Asia’s most violent internal conflict”. “As

Bangkok dithers, the insurgents are growing bolder and stronger,” said Jim Della-Giacoma, Crisis Group’s Southeast Asia project director.

“But the violence has evolved at a pace that is starting to challenge the ability of the government to respond on its own terms.” ICG recommended a greater push towards decentralization and closer engagement with local civil society groups and peace negotiations with insurgents. It added that the deployment of some 60,000 security forces and an emergency decree “have not achieved any appreciable decline in casualties”. — AFP

NARATHIWAT: Thai men bury the body of a Muslim man who was shot dead in an attack on a teashop by suspected separatist militants in Thailand’s restive southern province of Narathiwat yesterday. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

NEWS Shamali returns in new Cabinet Continued from Page 1

KUWAIT: HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah (left) hands over the names of his new Cabinet members to HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah yesterday. — KUNA

Cyber attacks on Gulf infrastructure rising DUBAI: The former chief of the United Arab Emirates’ air force said his country’s advanced cyber infrastructure made it a favourite target for hackers, especially when tension heightened in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. “The last war in Gaza led to a barrage of cyber attacks because UAE has advanced telecommunications infrastructure,” retired Major General Khaled Al-Buainnain said. “The biggest attack was during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon war which was carried out by pro-Israeli hackers who did not understand the nature of the conflict and its parties.”

His comments came a few months after a virus infected 30,000 computers at Saudi Arabia’s national oil company, Saudi Aramco, which said on Sunday the attack was aimed at stopping oil and gas production at the world’s biggest oil exporter. The attack failed to disrupt production, but was one of the most destructive cyber strikes against a single business. Cyber attacks on infrastructure by hostile governments, militant groups or private “hacktivists” have the potential to disrupt oil and gas supplies to power plants and desalination plants, on which the Gulf states are heavily reliant.

“There is an interest at the political level in cyber security which has prompted investments in protection systems to protect the interest of the people, the government and national security,” Buainnain said, speaking on the sidelines of a cyber security conference in Dubai. “All the evidence that we have confirms that the attacks will increase,” said Robert Eastman, vice president for global solutions at Lockheed Martin.

Eastman said Lockheed Martin, the Pentagon’s top supplier, was in discussions with officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates about the company’s training and vulnerability analysis systems. A company official estimated last month that 5 to 8 percent of Lockheed’s revenues in the information systems sector were related to cyber security. Lockheed generated $9.4 billion sales in that division in 2011.

“All companies have to prepare response plans,” said Hervi Meurie, general manager of C4 Advanced Solutions LLC, an Abu

Dhabi-based technology and security firm. “What happens if the electricity network gets hit by a virus and goes down for three days?” Iran, the target of international economic sanctions focused on its oil industry over its disputed nuclear program, has been hit by several cyber attacks in the last few years. In April, a virus targeted Iranian oil ministry and national oil company networks, forcing Iran to disconnect the control systems of oil facilities including Kharg Island, which handles most of the country’s crude exports.

Iran has blamed some of the attacks on the United States, Israel and Britain; current and former US officials told Reuters this year that the United States built the complex Stuxnet computer worm to try to prevent Tehran from completing suspected nuclear weapons work. Buainnain said he believed Iran would remain the target of cyber attacks rather than a source for them. “I don’t think Iran poses any threat,” he said. “I think their activity is less aggressive and more focused on intelligence gathering, they are in fact subject to cyber attacks because of the nuclear program.”

He said the UAE was in the process of creating a government body that will be responsible for handling cyber threats, adding that the National Electronic Security Authority was expected to be officially launched within the next few months. While it is standard industry practice to shield plant operating networks from hackers by running them on separate systems, these have not been enough to fend off cyber attacks. Qatar’s natural gas firm Rasgas was hit by a cyber attack in September, although it has not said how much damage was caused or whether it was the same virus that hit Aramco.

Theodore Karasik, director of research at the Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis which organised the conference, said governments and companies must stay on high alert. “You’re always in catch-up mode because the bad guys can outthink the good guys faster,” he said. “The Gulf states need to stay as far ahead as possible given their enemies who may be more technically savvy.” — Reuters

development plan, which is way behind schedule.

Also, former state minister for national Assembly affairs Sharida Al-Maosherji was appointed as minister of awqaf and Islamic affairs and minister of justice. The move is seen as a reward for the wing of the Salafists who backed the government and campaigned for the election and against those who boycotted it, including the majority of Salafists who sided with the opposition.

Thekra Al-Rasheedi, one of three women who won seats in the Dec 1 boycott-hit polls, was appointed minister of social affairs and labour, raising the number of women to two along with Rola Dashti, who was retained as state minister for development and for National Assembly affairs. The new Cabinet retained the ministers of interior, foreign and defense, along with the minister of information who was appointed as state minister for Cabinet affairs and municipality. All four are members of the ruling family. A fifth ruling family member, Sheikh Salman Al-Sabah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, was appointed as information minister, being promoted from the undersecretary post. Among the other new faces are Mubarak Al-Haifi as health minister. It is clear that the new composition of the Cabinet rewards those who participated in the election and penalizes those who did not.

In another development, MP Ali Al-Rashed appears

to be headed to become the speaker of the new Assembly after one member of the 17 Shiite MPs said yesterday that they will back Rashed to become the next speaker. MP Ahmad Lari said that the Shiite MPs, who form the largest bloc in the 50-seat Assembly, will vote for Rashed, known for his good relations with the Shiites. No other Shiite MP, however confirmed the statement.

Rashed’s main competitor is Islamist Salafist MP Ali Al-Omair who was the likely candidate for the past few days. Omair had banked on the support of some Shiite MPs in his battle for speakership. MP Ahmad Al-Mulaifi, a former minister, is also contesting for the post along with a few others whose chances are very slim. The race is expected to be settled by the 16 votes of the Cabinet ministers whose role is expected to be evident in the second round of voting when Omair will be facing only Rashed. The two lawmakers are both pro-government MPs and it was initially reported that the government will allow its ministers a free hand to vote for either one.

Meanwhile, several former opposition MPs yesterday rejected invitations sent out by the secretariat of the Assembly to attend the inaugural session of the Assembly. Faisal Al-Mislem sent the invitation back, telling Secretary General Allam Al-Kandari not to send him such invitations in the future as long as this Assembly remains.

US to retain Mideast role Continued from Page 1 ble” in managing its forces in a more austere era and that it would have only one aircraft carrier in the Middle East for about two months to allow for maintenance work on another carrier, the USS Nimitz.

The American military still had nearly 50,000 troops and warships positioned across the region, he said. “But in the end, I am very confident that we’re going to be able to maintain the ships and forces we need in order to respond to any contingency.” The United States has deployed more ships and aircraft in the strategic Gulf over the past year after Iran threatened to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz if Western countries boycotted Iranian oil exports.

HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held talks at his residence with Panetta in the presence of the crown prince, the prime minister, defence minister and senior officials. During the visit, which ends today, Panetta also plans to meet some of the 13,500 US troops stationed in the state to thank them for their service ahead of the Christmas holidays. His visit is the first to the state by a Pentagon chief in five years. “We share a history of cooperation that goes back to the first Gulf War,” in 1991 that ousted Iraqi occupation forces, Panetta said of Kuwait, calling the country an “important partner”. “I look forward to discussing with the government of Kuwait how can we enhance that cooperation in the face of regional security challenges in the area,” he said.

“Our presence in Kuwait and throughout the Gulf helps enhance the capabilities of partner nations, deters aggression and helps ensure that we’re better

able to respond to crises in the region.” Panetta’s visit coincides with a wave of protests in the state, with thousands of opposition demonstrators demanding fresh elections due to a bitter dispute over amendments to the country’s electoral law. Kuwaiti activists have called for protesters to camp outside the National Assembly on Saturday on the eve of its opening session.

Panetta also said Syria has not taken any new steps in recent days that signal a readiness to use its chemical weapons arsenal, citing intelligence reports. “At this point the intelligence has really kind of levelled off. We haven’t seen anything new indicating any aggressive steps to move forward in that way,” Panetta told reporters. “But we continue to monitor it very closely and we continue to make clear to them that they should not under any means make use of these chemical weapons against their own population. “That would produce serious consequences.”

The Pentagon chief said last week that the United States had intelligence that showed Syria was considering employing its chemical weapons. Some US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the regime had mixed precursor chemicals to create a lethal nerve agent and had loaded it into aerial bombs. After a series of stern warnings from Washington and other Western capitals, Panetta said he hoped Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad had gotten “the message”.

“I’d like to believe he’s got the message. We’ve made it pretty clear and others have as well.” But he said the US government remained concerned that as opposition forces make gains, the Assad regime could resort to its chemical stockpiles as a last-ditch move to hold on to power. — AFP

14

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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Issues

In pixel wars, LCD has staying power

By Miyoung Kim iquid-crystal display (LCD) screens were expected to slowly fade and die, giving way to lighter, thinner and tougher organic light-emitting diode (OLED) panels in everything from smartphones to televisions. But LCD is refusing to go quietly as its picture quality keeps getting better. At the same time, the major backers of credit card-thin OLED panels - led by Samsung Electronics Co and LG Electronics Inc - are struggling to make the technology cheap enough to mass produce. The two South Korean firms this year showcased 55-inch (140 cm) OLED TVs, but priced at around $10,000 - 10 times that of an LCD equivalent they have yet to reach store shelves.

OLED displays, used on Samsung’s Galaxy S and Note smartphones, have been touted as the future display model to replace LCDs across the consumer electronics spectrum - from TVs to computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones. OLED is more energy efficient and offers higher contrast images than LCD, and is so thin that future mobile devices will be unbreakable, and will be able to be folded or rolled up like a newspaper. But OLED panel makers such as Samsung Display and LG Display have yet to address major manufacturing challenges to lower costs to compete against LCD panels.

At the same time, LCD panels, which are used on 9 of every 10 television sets, are still evolving and show no sign of giving way in this latest battle to set the global standard - less than a decade since LCD effectively killed off plasma screens. “OLED still has a long way to go to become a mainstream display, as it has to become bigger and improve picture quality,” said Chung Wonseok, an analyst at HI Investment & Securities. “The use of OLEDs will continue to be confined to small displays at least for the next 2-3 years. Its usage as a mainstream TV panel is only likely in 2014, but even then there’s a possibility of intense competition with LCD TVs as that technology keeps improving.”

According to DisplaySearch, it will take another four years for OLED screens to capture less than a tenth of the global TV screen market. Far from fading, LCD panels now offer better picture quality - up to four times better than OLED - and use less power, creating robust demand from smartphone and tablet makers. As has often been the case, Apple Inc moved the goalposts by upgrading the display resolution for its iPhone and iPad, still the high-end LCD market’s gold standard, prompting rivals to upgrade their display panel qualifications. Analysts at Macquarie predict Apple will adopt high-resolution screens for the MacBook Air and iMac monitor next year, accelerating the industry’s shift to high-resolution displays. “It’s only a matter of time (before) other high-end notebook companies such as Sony Corp, Toshiba Corp and Samsung upgrade their screens to high-resolution to compete with Apple’s MacBook series,” Macquarie analyst Henry Kim wrote in a recent client note. Rivals are taking note. Taiwan’s HTC Corp has introduced the Droid DNA smartphone with a 440 pixel per inch (ppi) density - the sharpest smartphone screen yet, with far higher resolution than the iPad’s 330 ppi and the iPhone 5’s 326 ppi.

Samsung’s Galaxy S III, which uses an OLED screen, has 306 ppi density. “The pixel war is an absolute bonanza for LCD makers,” said Kim Byung-ki, analyst at Kiwoom Securities. “Manufacturers from LG Display to Samsung, Sharp Corp, AU Optronics Corp and Chimei (Innolux) all will gradually convert their traditional lines into more high-end product fabs, and that will curtail supply and boost profitability.”

These higher-resolution panels cost more than double the commodity-type LCD screens, boosting panel producers’ profits.

Even Samsung, the standard bearer for OLED panels and also a major LCD manufacturer, is actively promoting LCD screens for tablets and laptops over OLED, said a person familiar with the matter, who was not authorised to talk to the media so didn’t want to be named. Sharper resolution LCD TV screens also mean OLED is struggling to make inroads in that market. Both Sony and LG Electronics now sell ultra HD (high definition) LCD sets that boast four times the picture quality of HD TVs. The two firms, which are selling 84-inch TVs, aim to reduce that size to cater for more popular smaller sets.

To squeeze more pixels per inch, panel makers are upgrading their thin-film transistor (TFT) panel production facilities to new IGZO or LTPS processing technologies that require almost twice as many processing steps and which suffer higher faulty product rates and lost output. Japan’s Sharp is the frontrunner in IGZO technology, which uses indium gallium zinc oxide instead of amorphous silicon, in panel manufacturing. LG Display, a major supplier to Apple, is investing 1.2 trillion won ($1.1 billion) by end2013 in its production of low-temperature poly silicon (LTPS) panels - a technology used to make screens for the iPhone and iPad. While new technologies can be game-changers, these panels are not simple to produce, limiting availability and driving up manufacturing costs. Some warn of an LCD supply shortage. “The LCD industry is improving more strongly than expected and panels are likely to be in short supply from 2013, as manufacturers upgrade their lines to increase high-end products. This requires more processing time and steps, reducing total output,” said Kim Dong-won, an analyst at Hyundai Securities. —Reuters

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Morsi behaves like his predecessors

By Hamza Hendawi he freshly scrawled graffiti depicting Mohammed Morsi as a pharaonic Saddam Hussein tells the tale of high hopes dashed with record speed: Barely six months after becoming Egypt’s first democratically elected president, the Islamist is widely accused of abandoning pledges of inclusive government for doctrinaire and authoritarian ways. Some say it should come as no surprise: heavyhanded rule has a history in Egypt and in much of the region - as do unfulfilled promises of reform.

In the past three weeks alone, Morsi has given himself nearabsolute powers; placed himself above any oversight; allowed or looked the other way when his supporters set upon peaceful protesters outside his palace or besieged the nation’s highest court to stop judges from issuing an unfavorable ruling; and, ominously, indicated he was spying on his foes. Borrowing a page from his predecessors’ governance manual, Morsi justified his actions by speaking, albeit cryptically, of a “conspiracy” aimed at destroying state institutions and derailing the transition to democracy. He offered no evidence to back his allegation, saying only that he would do everything he can to protect the nation.

“I see what you don’t see,” he told state television a week after he touched off a political crisis Nov 22 by issuing decrees that gave him sweeping powers. The actions of the 61-year-old, US-trained engineer have a lot to do with a political system that in six decades of de facto military rule has grown accustomed to having one man with all the power concentrated in his hands. Some in Egypt argue that oneman rule is an enduring legacy of pharaonic times when the leader was treated as a god.

In Morsi’s case, critics and analysts believe his actions are dictated by the powerful group he hails from, the Muslim Brotherhood, although they only have anecdotal evidence to support that contention. “In the final analysis, he is a dictator,” said analyst and former lawmaker Emad Gad. “But he is only carrying out the will of the Brotherhood after he promised to be a president for all Egyptians.”

Gad and others were surprised that Morsi made the power grab so quickly.

But Gehad El-Haddad, a Brotherhood spokesman, dismissed charges that Morsi embraced an autocratic style of governance, emphasizing the president’s popular election. “Those who claim he is a pharaoh or a dictator need to produce proof to back their argument or be quiet,” he said. The Brotherhood, Egypt’s oldest Islamist group, had been outlawed for nearly 60 years until it emerged as the

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country’s most powerful political force following Mubarak’s ouster in last year’s uprising. Critics accuse the group of monopolizing power as a prelude to its longtime dream of turning Egypt into an Islamic state. The military officers who seized power in 1952, ending three decades of a Western-style democracy under a monarch and British occupation, promised to return to the barracks after six months.

Instead, they founded decades of military rule with Gamal AbdelNasser emerging as the country’s strongman two years later after a power struggle with an older officer. Anwar Sadat, who succeeded him in 1970, jailed his rivals a year later to consolidate his grip on power, marketing his move a “corrective revolution.”

Mubarak began his 29-year rule with a series of goodwill gestures toward the opposition, ordering the release of hundreds of Sadat’s critics, promising a gradual move toward democracy and pledging to step down after two terms in office. Before his ouster, his son, Gamal, was poised to succeed him. Such transformations are found elsewhere in the region. Syria’s Bashar Assad succeeded his father, Hafez, in 2000 amid high hopes that the young leader would relax the police state that was established in nearly 30 years of iron-fisted rule.

Assad did not disappoint, but the so-called “Damascus Spring” he tolerated lasted less than a year before authorities began to arrest dissidents and jail them again. Assad is now fighting for his survival in a civil war that has killed at least 40,000 Syrians since March 2011.

Even the late Muammar Gaddafi brought hopes for a better life and development to Libyans when he seized power in a 1969 coup that toppled the monarchy. He rode a wave of popular support for several years before he began ruling the North African nation as a fiefdom, with his family dividing up its vast oil wealth.

So much hope had been placed on Morsi’s shoulders during his campaign and the early days of his presidency that liberals found it hard to accept his latest grab for power. Many of them voted for him in June not so much out of conviction as out of a desire to see the defeat of Mubarak’s last prime minister, Ahmed Shafiq. Morsi narrowly beat him, winning only 51 percent of the vote. Morsi had fed these expectations by promising inclusion and equality, suggesting at one point that he might appoint a Christian as vice president. In the end, he gave the job to a Muslim judge, and the one Christian among his four assistants has quit in protest of his handling of the political crisis. In fact, of the 17 people he named to a presidential advisory council, seven quit over the same issue. Most of those who remain on the panel are Islamists. All those who quit, in addition to Vice President Mahmoud Mekki, said they were not consulted about

the president’s Nov. 22 decrees. Morsi has vowed never to infringe on the freedom of the press, but since coming to office, Egypt has seen a private TV station closed and several newspaper journalists and bloggers hauled before the courts. Brotherhood members or sympathizers have been named editors of most of the nation’s 50plus state publications, including its flagship dailies. Hundreds of Islamists are besieging a media complex on the western outskirts of Cairo to protest what they see as a hostile editorial line of the powerful, privately owned TV networks.

The spiritual leader of the Brotherhood, Mohammed Badie, offered a rare glimpse of the vast influence he wields in Egypt when he criticized prosecutors for releasing most of the dozens of protesters who were arrested last week in clashes with Morsi supporters near the presidential palace. The prosecutors cited a lack of evidence in the release, but they still drew the ire of Badie, who has no official capacity in Morsi’s administration.

Also Sunday, the man thought to be the Brotherhood’s most powerful member, Khairat el-Shater, indicated in statements on TV that he had voice recordings of individuals allegedly plotting to destabilize Morsi’s rule. El-Shater did not identify the individuals and did not say how or why he had access to the recordings. Like Badie, he has no official role in government.

Morsi and his Brotherhood supporters, however, must contend with a very different Egypt than his predecessors - one in which nearly every adult has a strong opinion on topics such as political leaders, the economy and how to reform the police force. “He has made a huge mistake when he did not accurately read the Egyptian population in terms of whether or not they will accept what is essentially a return to authoritarian rule,” said Tarek Radwan, a Middle East expert at the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center in Washington. “He saw himself as having ‘revolutionary legitimacy,’ which allows him to take the drastic steps he did. He does not have that mandate.”

Evidence of the new Egypt has been on display since the uprising that toppled Mubarak began on Jan 25, 2011, with wave after wave of demonstrations, strikes and sit-ins that at times made the country look almost ungovernable. In the past three weeks, tens of thousands of Morsi opponents have rallied in Cairo and elsewhere against the decrees and a draft constitution that they see to be favoring Islamists, restricting civil liberties and giving clerics a say over legislation. And then there is all the graffiti - the unflattering caricatures and slogans against Morsi and the Brotherhood that the protesters have spray-painted on the walls outside the presidential palace. —AP

Berlusconi could undermine Monti agenda

By Barry Moody ilvio Berlusconi’s decision to stand in Italian elections increases the risk of a large populist bloc in parliament that could severely hinder attempts to continue the legacy of outgoing Prime Minister Mario Monti. Monti, the man foreign governments and investors desperately want to continue governing Italy, announced his intention to resign on Saturday, soon after Berlusconi’s PDL party withdrew its support from his technocrat government and launched a frontal attack on his austerity policies. Monti’s decision followed Berlusconi’s announcement that he would stand as the People of Freedom (PDL) candidate in the election expected in mid-February.

Some of the jitters on financial markets since then - which have pushed up the effective interest rate on Italian government bonds - seem to have been prompted by fears that the scandal-plagued media magnate could return as prime minister. While this is a remote possibility given the PDL’s low ratings in opinion polls, there could still be plenty of reason for nervousness. Berlusconi’s tactics appear aimed not at winning the election but to have enough power in the Senate or upper house to make life difficult for the pro-European centre-left government expected to succeed Monti. It would also help Berlusconi, who was forced from power a year ago, to protect his troubled personal interests.

This could undermine centre-left leader Pier Luigi Bersani’s promise largely to continue Monti’s prudent economic policies.

“This is Berlusconi’s calculation. He hopes to have a hung Senate ... He hopes to be in a situation where he doesn’t govern but prevents government,” former diplomat and commentator Sergio Romano told Reuters.

Berlusconi seems intent on reviving the fortunes of his faltering party by espousing the antiMonti rhetoric of the populist 5-Star Movement.

This has overtaken the PDL in opinion polls and is

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now drawing around 20 percent support due to public anger over the pain of a year of deficit-cutting austerity. Monti has directly rebutted PDL criticism of his austerity policies since the weekend, painting them as ill-informed, and revived his repeated warnings against the danger of antiEuropean populism. European leaders have lined up to praise him and urge a continuation of his policies.

Since declaring his candidacy, Berlusconi has railed against Monti, accusing him of worsening Italy’s situation with his rigid austerity mix of higher taxes and spending cuts. “The Monti government has followed the Germano-centric policies which Europe has tried to impose on other states and it has created a crisis situation much worse than

where we were when we were in government,” he told his Canale 5 television. Romano said Berlusconi wanted to revive his party by taking votes from the same constituency as the 5-Star Movement of foul-mouthed Genoese comedian Beppe Grillo, who calls Monti Rigor Montis and wants a referendum on whether to leave the euro.

Whereas Grillo’s movement is web-based, Berlusconi has huge media power through his television and newspaper empire. “Berlusconi has more firepower,” said Professor Gianfranco Pasquino of Bologna University. “Berlusconi reads the polls and sees Grillo has 20 percent. He wants the votes of the angry people,” Romano said. He warned that Berlusconi can never be underestimated, despite problems in his Mediaset broadcasting empire and his legal problems - he is awaiting a verdict early next year in a trial in which he is accused of paying an underage prostitute. “We have been mistaken many times. We have been burned many times,” Romano said.

Berlusconi’s return to centre stage and Monti’s announced resignation have almost certainly scuttled attempts to reform a much maligned electoral law known popularly as the “pigsty”.

Berlusconi wanted to keep the law partly because it imposes fixed lists where party leaders rather than the electorate choose members of parliament, ensuring he maintains his power of patronage and control. Berlusconi’s strategy will benefit his centre-left enemies in the lower house of parliament where they will probably be guaranteed a strong working majority by a winner’s premium - they are currently up to 20 points ahead of the PDL. But the law also decides Senate seats

based on votes in each region and this is where Berlusconi hopes to win enough in its traditional northern strongholds to stymie the centre-left. To this end he is busily working to revive his lapsed alliance with the anti-European and populist Northern League. “I have to say it is a very, very unpleasant situation because you cannot see an easy way for this to resolve itself without leaving a considerable amount of power and influence in Berlusconi’s hands,” said Erik Jones, Director of European Studies at Bologna’s Johns Hopkins University. “The goal is not to control the Senate, the goal is to prevent anybody else controlling it. I think he has a good chance. If he can get the League,” Jones told Reuters.

While Berlusconi’s fortunes are clearly in steep decline and many in his own party are wary of anti-Monti and anti-European policies, the freezing of the current electoral law appears to have restored his grip on a party he created and bankrolled.

Party secretary Angelino Alfano, who as recently as last week looked to have a chance of gathering party moderates around him to lead the PDL into the election, has been humiliated by Berlusconi and is toeing his anti-Monti line enthusiastically. “Berlusconi will make things very very difficult. The interpretation of the markets is negative, and it is rightly negative,” Pasquino said. —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

sp orts Stoilov gets Botev job

ITF World Champions award

SOFIA: Botev Plovdiv have appointed twice former Bulgaria coach Stanimir Stoilov in place of the sacked Ferario Spasov, the club said yesterday. Stoilov, 45, who has signed a two-and-a-half year contract with the double Bulgarian champions, had a brief spell as interim national coach in 2007 and was also in charge of his country for 17 months between February 2009 and September 2010.

“We want to transform Botev from a mid-table to a leading team,” club owner Tsvetan Vasilev told reporters. Vasilev, one of the country’s leading bankers, immediately signed Stoilov’s first player when former defender Veselin Minev rejoined the club from Turkish team Antalyaspor.

The 32-year-old left back has been a key player for Bulgaria since making his international debut in 2009.

Botev are fifth in the table with 28 points from 15 games, 10 points behind leaders Ludogorets.

Stoilov was coach when Levski Sofia reached the 2006 UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Former Bulgaria defender Tsanko Tsvetanov, sacked three times earlier this season by bottom club Etar Veliko Tarnovo, will be his assistant. Spasov, 50, was fired on Monday after winning just one of his four previous league games. —Reuters

LONDON: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has beaten Andy Murray to the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) annual men’s World Champion award with American Serena Williams taking the women’s prize for a third time.

Djokovic, who ended a second successive year on top of the ATP rankings, successfully defended his Australian Open title, reached the final at the French Open and US Open and claimed five other titles including the season-ending Tour Finals.

Britain’s Murray was a strong contender for the honour after beating Djokovic at the U.S. Open to win his first major title after four losses in finals and claiming Olympic gold at Wimbledon, just weeks after reaching the grand slam final there in which he lost to an inspired Roger Federer.

“I am proud to have been named ITF World Champion for the second successive year,” Djokovic, who dominated 2011 with three of the four grand slam titles, said in a statement yesterday. “It was very difficult to follow up such a successful season in 2011, but it was extremely satisfying to win another grand slam title, reach two other major finals and finish the year at number one.” The 31-year-old Williams was unstoppable in the second half of 2012, winning Wimbledon, singles and doubles gold at the Olympics and the US Open.

“It means a lot to be named ITF World Champion for the third time. It has been such an amazing experience this year to win the Olympics and two Grand Slam tournaments, and I look forward to having an awesome 2013,” said the 15-times major winner.

Americans Bob and Mike Bryan were named men’s doubles World Champions for the ninth time in 10 years after winning Olympic gold for the first time, while Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci of Italy, winners of the French Open and U.S. Open, became women’s doubles World Champions for the first time.—Reuters

Nadal to return in Abu Dhabi this month MADRID: World number four Rafa Nadal has confirmed he will return to competitive action at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi at the end of December after six months out with a knee injury. The 11-times grand-slam singles champion has not competed since a shock defeat to Czech Lukas Rosol in the second round at Wimbledon in June.

The Spaniard was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the patella tendon and an inflammation in his left knee and was unable to defend his Olympic title at the London Games. He also missed the US Open and the season-ending World Tour championships before returning to the practice court on Nov. 20. “Can’t wait to get back on court in Abu Dhabi at the end of the month,” the 26-year-old wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday.

“I won the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in 2010 and 2011,” he added. “Would love to get my hands on the trophy again this year!” Nadal is due to play either world number three Andy Murray of Britain or ninthseeded Serbian Janko Tipsarevic on Dec. 28 at the event in Abu Dhabi, which is not part of the ATP Tour.

World number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia, fifth-ranked Spaniard David Ferrer and number six Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic are also taking part.

Nadal said this month he was hoping to be back to full fitness in time for the clay season, when he will be chasing an eighth French Open title on his favored surface after winning a record seventh Roland Garros crown in May. —Reuters

Heat scorch Hawks

NUREMBERG: Armenian-German super middleweight boxer Arthur Abraham (right) spars with his trainer Ulli Wegner during a public training session. Abraham will face his French challenger Mehdi Bouadla in their title fight scheduled for December 15. —AFP

Indian athletics body faces ban over poll process NEW DELHI: The Athletics Federation of India was warned by the government yesterday to hold re-elections for key posts or face suspension. The sports ministry, which won’t recognize the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation and the Archery Association of India for not following a government sports code during their recent elections, announced in a press release the AFI’s “recognition shall stand withdrawn without any further notice” if it did not amend its constitution and hold fresh polls for the posts of president, secretary and treasurer.

The objections were in respect to AFI rules which allow only previous executive members to become president or secretary as well as a condition that a candidate’s name needs to be proposed by three members rather than one.

Indian sports federations have come under scrutiny from the government and the International Olympic Committee in recent days.

On Friday, the government withdrew its recognition of the IABF within hours

of its suspension by world body AIBA for not following proper electoral procedures. It also withheld support of the AAI for failing to follow age and tenure restrictions in the sports code.

The latest government announcement has come within four days of the IOC suspending the Indian Olympic Association because of government interference in its election process.

Abhay Singh Chautala became president of the IOA in elections which were declared “null and void” by the world body. He was also the chairman of the IABF before its suspension.

Tainted official Lalit Bhanot, who was in jail along with Suresh Kalmadi for corruption cases related to the organization of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, had been elected secretary general of the IOA. Both Chautala and Bhanot were said to be backed by Kalmadi in the IOA elections. Kalmadi also wields considerable power in the AFI, of which he is a past president. —AP

NHL cancels games until Dec. 30 NEW YORK: The NHL eliminated 16 more days from the regular-season schedule Monday, and if a deal with the players’ association isn’t reached soon the whole season could be lost. The league wiped out all games through Dec. 30 in its latest round of cancellations.

Already, 422 regular-season games had been called off through Dec. 14 because of the lockout, and the latest cuts on Day 86 of the NHL shutdown claimed 104 more. The New Year’s Day Winter Classic and the All-Star game were canceled earlier. In all, the 526 lost games account for nearly 43 percent of the regular season that was scheduled to begin Oct. 11.

The cancellation of just two more weeks of the season, however, could perhaps signal hope of a deal to begin play in early January. Negotiations between the league and the players’ association broke off last week, but NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Sunday the sides are trying to restart talks this week.

Daly wrote in an email to The Associated Press on Monday that nothing had been completed regarding a meeting with the union.

Whenever the sides do get back together, they will need to work quickly on a new collective bargaining agreement. Commissioner Gary Bettman said last week, after the most recent round of negotiations, that a season must consist of at least 48 games to protect its integrity. That’s the same number of games played during the lockout-shortened 1994-95 season.

The 1995 lockout ended Jan. 11. The season then began nine days later and lasted until May 3. That marked the only time the NHL season has stretched until May. Each team played 48 games, solely within its own conference, which is likely the model the league would follow this time if a settlement is reached soon.

“When it gets to the point where we

can’t play a season with integrity, with a representative schedule, then we’ll be done,” Bettman said on Thursday. “If you go back in history, in ‘94-95 I think we played 48 games. I can’t imagine wanting to play fewer than that.”

Depending on who was asked last week, the message was either the sides were close to a deal or nowhere near one.

Players’ association executive director Donald Fehr said Thursday night, after three straight days of negotiations, that he believed an agreement was close, only to change his position moments later when the NHL rejected the union’s most recent offer.

Bettman disagreed that a deal was near and then angrily announced the league was rescinding every offer it had put on the table since the start of negotiations. “I would say it was expected,” New York Rangers goalie Martin Biron, the team’s union representative, said about the lost games Monday in an email to the AP. “We continue to stand behind Don 100 percent and the work our negotiating committee is doing and working hard to get a deal done.” Neither Fehr nor his brother Steve, the union’s special counsel, had a comment following the NHL announcement on Monday.

The NHL and the players are trying to avoid the loss of a full season for the second time in eight years. The 2004-05 lockout, that eventually produced a salary cap for the first time in league history, was the first labor dispute to force a totally canceled season in North American professional sports.

The season was called off Feb. 16, and an agreement was reached on July 13.

The lockout ended nine days later, after the deal was ratified by both sides, allowing for the following season to begin on time. That agreement reached then was in place until this year, and the current lockout began right after its expiration on Sept. 16. —AP

MIAMI: LeBron James scored 27 points, Dwyane Wade had 26 and the Miami Heat pulled away in the second half to beat the Atlanta Hawks 101-92 on Monday night.

James (10-16) and Wade (11-13) made 21 of 29 shots for Miami, which shot 58 percent overall to improve to 10-1 at home this season. Chris Bosh had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Norris Cole scored 10 for the Heat, who handed the Hawks only their second loss in 11 games.

Josh Smith scored 22 points and Al Horford finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for Atlanta, which briefly held the lead midway through the third quarter before the Heat got rolling and moved 11/2 games ahead of the Hawks in the Southeast Division. Atlanta is 0-2 against Miami this season and 1-7 since March 2011. A 17-4 run was the difference maker, turning a two-point deficit into an 11-point lead with 1:24 remaining in the third. Wade got it started with a jumper, and he wound up with eight points during the burst, including a layup off a perfect pass by James from the right side of the lane.

Spurs 134, Rockets 126 In Houston, Gary Neal hit seven 3-pointers and scored 29 points, and Tony Parker had a triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to lead San Antonio over Houston.

Jeremy Lin had his best game since joining the Rockets, scoring a career high-tying 38 points with leading scorer James Harden sidelined by a sprained right ankle. Neal’s last 3pointer followed by a three-point play by Manu Ginobili put the Spurs ahead 130-122 with two minutes left in overtime, and they held on for the win. It was San Antonio’s fifth straight win overall and second over Houston in three days after a 114-92 victory Friday.

Houston is 0-2 since coach Kevin McHale returned to the bench following the death of his daughter.

PORTLAND: Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) is fouled by Toronto Raptors’ Ed Davis during an NBA basketball game. —AP

Warriors 104, Bobcats 96 In Charlotte, Stephen Curry put on a show for his hometown fans, finishing with 27 points, seven assists and seven rebounds to lead Golden State over Charlotte. Curry, who grew up in Charlotte and made a name for himself leading nearby Davidson College to the brink of the Final Four in 2008, shot 10 of 22 from the field and hit four 3-pointers. It was his eighth straight 20-point game, a career best. David Lee had 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Warriors (14-7), who have won seven of their past eight games and improved to 4-0 on their current seven-game Eastern trip. Kemba Walker scored 24 points to lead the Bobcats, who have lost eight straight.

Mavericks 119, Kings 96 In Dallas, OJ Mayo scored 19 points and Dallas took control with a 31-3 run in the first half to beat Sacramento for the 17th straight time at home during the regular season.

Chris Kaman, playing on a sprained left ankle he suffered last week, scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half for Dallas. Francisco Garcia, who was 7 of 12 from 3-point range, and DeMarcus Cousins scored 25 points apiece for the Kings, who haven’t won in Dallas during the regular season since Feb. 27, 2003. Mayo hit a jumper late in the first quarter to kick off the game-turning run for the Mavs, who led by as many as 28 in the first half and were up 65-43 at halftime.

Trail Blazers 92, Raptors 74 In Portland, LaMarcus Aldridge had 30 points and 12 rebounds to lead Portland to a win over Toronto in a game that was overshadowed by injuries for both sides. JJ Hickson added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who were without injured starters Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews. DeMar DeRozan scored 20 points for the Raptors, who lost forward Andrea Bargnani to a right elbow injury and guard Kyle Lowry to a right shoulder problem during the game.

Toronto also lost reserve Amir Johnson in the second half after he was ejected for arguing with an official. Johnson threw his mouthpiece and had to be restrained by teammates before exiting.

76ers 104, Pistons 97 In Philadelphia, Evan Turner had 18 points and 11 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored 25 points to lead Philadelphia past Detroit.

Thaddeus Young added 20 points and Spencer Hawes had 15 for the Sixers.

DALLAS: Sacramento Kings power forward James Johnson (52) defends as Dallas Mavericks’ Elton Brand (right) attempts a shot in the second half of an NBA basketball game. —AP Greg Monroe missed a tip-in with less than a minute left that came back to haunt Detroit.

Holiday sank a 19-footer for a 100-95 lead and the Sixers stretched it from there at the free throw line.

Monroe and Brandon Knight had 22 points apiece. Rodney Stuckey scored 19 for Detroit, and Tayshaun Prince finished with 16. Jason Richardson scored 13 points for Philadelphia. —AP

NBA results/standings Philadelphia 104, Detroit 97; Golden State 104, Charlotte 96; Miami 101, Atlanta 92; San Antonio 134, Houston 126 (OT); Dallas 119, Sacramento 96; Portland 92, Toronto 74.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT NY Knicks 15 5 .750 Brooklyn 11 8 .579 Philadelphia 12 9 .571 Boston 11 9 .550 Toronto 4 18 .182

Chicago Milwaukee Indiana Detroit Cleveland

Central Division 11 8 .579 10 9 .526 10 11 .476 7 16 .304 4 17 .190

Southeast Division Miami 14 5 .737 Atlanta 12 6 .667 Orlando 8 12 .400 Charlotte 7 13 .350 Washington 2 15 .118

GB 3.5 3.5 4 12

1 2 6 8

1.5 6.5 7.5 11

Western Conference Northwest Division Oklahoma City 17 4 .810 Utah 12 10 .545 Minnesota 9 9 .500 Denver 10 11 .476 Portland 9 12 .429

5.5 6.5 7 8

Pacific Division 14 6 .700 14 7 .667 9 12 .429 7 13 .350 7 15 .318

0.5 5.5 7 8

LA Clippers Golden State LA Lakers Sacramento Phoenix

San Antonio Memphis Dallas Houston New Orleans

Southwest Division 18 4 .818 14 4 .778 11 10 .524 9 11 .450 5 14 .263

2 6.5 8 11.5

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

S P ORT S

Could winning save coaches on the hot seat?

NEW YORK: Andy Reid got such a hearty hug on the sideline from Howard Mudd that the 70-year-old assistant with the artificial hip actually lifted the burly head coach off his feet. Norv Turner received a game ball from the team president.

Reid and Turner were just two of four coaches on the hot seat who celebrated wins on Sunday, joining Ron Rivera and Pat Shurmur. Reid’s Philadelphia Eagles (4-9) snapped an eight-game losing streak when rookie Nick Foles threw a touchdown pass with no time left to beat Tampa Bay 23-21. Turner led the San Diego Chargers (5-8) to their first regularseason victory in Pittsburgh in 15 tries. A 34-24 win over Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers kept the Chargers mathematically alive for a wild-card playoff berth.

Rivera watched his Carolina Panthers (4-9) build a 23-0 lead against NFC South champion Atlanta and hold on for a 3020 upset. Shurmur is actually getting used to winning in Cleveland. The Browns (5-8) beat Kansas City 30-7 for their third straight victory to also keep slim playoff hopes alive.

But, is it too late for any of the four coaches to save their job? “Listen, I’m not worried about any of that,” Shurmur said Monday. “I’m not worried about saving, I’m worried about doing my job and that’s it. I just want to do my job.”

He could’ve been speaking on behalf of the other coaches, too. “That’s not the thing that’s on my mind,” Turner said about his job status. “We’re trying to get ready for Carolina and trying to build on what we did. That’s where I’m at.”

Reid and Rivera have expressed similar thoughts whenever asked. Of the four, Reid may have the least security, even though he’s been the most successful among the group and is the longesttenured coach in the NFL at 14 years.

Reid is assured his third losing season and second in a row. The Eagles entered each of the last two seasons as Super Bowl contenders and failed miserably.

Team owner Jeffrey Lurie already gave Reid a directive before the season, saying the Eagles had to make “substantial improvement” on their 8-8 finish from last year. It’s a foregone conclusion in what-have -you-done -for-me -lately Philadelphia that Reid won’t be back.

Local comedian Joe Conklin and his daughter, Casey, put together a video parody of Taylor Swift’s song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” mocking Reid. It’s called: “We Are Never Ever Gonna Win With Andy.” The video already has nearly 400,000 views on YouTube.

Fans and media have speculated about Reid’s potential replacement and the nature of his departure for months.

The only question here is whether Reid steps down or is fired.

But Lurie and Reid are closer than a typical owner-coach relationship. Reid also is due to make about $6 million in 2013. So, it’s not entirely unreasonable to think Lurie could let him finish his contract, especially if the Eagles win the final three games.

Lurie could cite several reasons, including turmoil and injuries. Reid fired defensive coordinator Juan Castillo in October and defensive-line coach Jim Washburn last week. Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson - the team’s top three offensive players - have missed a total of eight games. The offensive line was decimated by injuries.

There’s also the rookie quarterback factor. Foles has shown signs of being a long-term answer. Reid was hired by the Eagles largely due to the role he played in developing Brett Favre when he was an assistant in Green Bay. Donovan McNabb had an outstanding career under Reid in Philadelphia. Perhaps Lurie would want to keep Foles in proven hands. All that said, the city might riot if Lurie doesn’t part ways with Reid.

There wouldn’t be upheaval in San Diego if Turner stays. But that’s unlikely.

The Chargers are headed toward a third straight year out of the playoffs, and are

one loss away from their first losing season since 2003.

Chargers president Dean Spanos is expected to fire Turner and general manager A.J. Smith shortly after this dismal season ends. Reid, by the way, has been mentioned as a potential successor.

In Carolina, Rivera is coaching like a guy who expects to return. He’s playing younger guys and preparing them for the future whether he’s part of it or not.

The Panthers fired GM Marty Hurney after a 1-5 start. At that time, Rivera said he was told by owner Jerry Richardson the team needs to be “trending upward” the rest of the season. The Panthers are 3-4 since, including the impressive win over the Falcons.

Richardson hasn’t talked about his plans. He does have to hire a new GM, who likely would want to bring in his own coach. “The disappointing thing is that’s what we can be,” Rivera said after the win over the Falcons. “We know that.

Based on what we did, how we did it and who we did it with, that’s the disappointing thing. ... We’ve found balance, we have. Unfortunately, we didn’t do it sooner.” Shurmur could make the best argument to keep his job. The Browns are 5-3 after an 0-5 start and they have a roster filled with young players.

Cleveland’s rookies have combined to

make 72 starts - a league high.

“That’s good for the future because we’re finally starting to find how to win football games with these young players,” Shurmur said. Whether that future includes Shurmur remains to be seen.

New owner Jimmy Haslam and new CEO Joe Banner may want to hand-pick their own coach to run the franchise. But if the Browns win out and finish the season on a six-game winning streak, firing Shurmur would be hard to justify.

Other coaches who could be looking for employment include Tennessee’s Mike Munchak. The Titans (4-9) have lost five of their last six, and owner Bud Adams put the entire franchise on notice following a 51-20 loss to Chicago on Nov. 4.

Munchak, who has a year left on his contract, fired offensive coordinator Chris Palmer two weeks ago and may have to make other staff changes to keep his own job when this season ends.

In Buffalo, Chan Gailey appears safe despite the Bills (5-8) being headed toward their 13th straight season out of the playoffs. Gailey is just 15-30 with the Bills, but general manager Buddy Nix has insisted he has no intention of firing him.

Reid, Turner, Rivera, Shurmur and Munchak haven’t received similar votes of confidence. —AP

Patriots blast Texans

FOXBOROUGH: New England Patriots strong safety Steve Gregory (28) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Lestar Jean (top) during the second quarter of an NFL football game. —AP

NFL standings American Football Conference AFC East W L T OTL PF PA New England 10 3 0 0 472 274 NY Jets 6 7 0 1 245 306 Buffalo 5 8 0 0 289 352 Miami 5 8 0 2 240 276

PCT .769 .462 .385 .385

National Football Conference NFC East NY Giants 8 5 0 0 373 270 Washington 7 6 0 0 343 329 Dallas 7 6 0 0 300 314 Philadelphia 4 9 0 1 240 341

.615 .538 .538 .308

Green Bay Chicago Minnesota Detroit

9 8 7 4

NFC North 4 0 0 5 0 1 6 0 0 9 0 2

323 308 283 320

279 219 286 342

.692 .615 .538 .308

Baltimore Pittsburgh Cincinnati Cleveland

9 7 7 5

AFC North 4 0 1 6 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 1

Houston Indianapolis Tennessee Jacksonville

11 9 4 2

AFC South 2 0 0 4 0 0 9 0 1 11 0 3

365 292 271 216

263 329 386 359

.846 .692 .308 .154

Atlanta Tampa Bay New Orleans Carolina

11 6 5 4

NFC South 2 0 0 7 0 0 8 0 1 9 0 1

337 354 348 265

259 308 379 312

.846 .462 .385 .308

Denver San Diego Oakland Kansas City

10 5 3 2

AFC West 3 0 0 8 0 1 10 0 0 11 0 1

375 292 248 195

257 281 402 352

.769 .385 .231 .154

San Francisco Seattle St. Louis Arizona

9 8 6 4

NFC West 3 1 1 5 0 0 6 1 0 9 0 1

316 300 236 186

184 202 279 292

.731 .615 .500 .308

331 278 321 259

273 264 280 272

.692 .538 .538 .385

HOUSTON: The New England Patriots crushed the conference-leading Houston Texans 42-14 in an AFC showdown to re-establish themselves as the Super Bowl favorites on Monday. Tom Brady tossed three of his four touchdown passes in the first half, where the home Patriots grabbed a 21-0 lead by halftime, and the New England defense flexed their muscle to deliver a seventh straight victory.

“Hopefully we can use this as something to build on and try to move forward,” Brady told reporters. “I thought defensively we played well, we ran the ball and made big plays in the passing game when we needed to.”

The Patriots (10-3), who won last season’s AFC title, moved within a game of Houston for the conference lead. The Texans (11-2) had their six-game winning streak snapped and were humbled as they tried to snatch the reign away from New England.

The Patriots set the tone by scoring touchdowns on their first three drives, with Aaron Hernandez catching a pair of TD passes while Brandon Lloyd hauled in a 37-yard score.

Running back Arian Foster, who was held to just 46 yards rushing, had a one-yard score to make it 28-7 in the third but Houston would get no closer.

Brady finished with 296 yards passing and led two more New England TDs in the fourth where the Texans scored in the final couple minutes to lighten the blowout.

It was a comprehensive triumph for the Patriots who showed they can excel in all aspects. Running back Stevan Ridley even got in on the action with 72 yards and a touchdown, his sixth straight game with a score.

“We have a lot of things we can do because of the talent we have and what guys bring to the table,” said Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. “The coaches do a good job of seeing that and using it.”

Matt Schaub threw for 232 yards for the Texans but was mostly ineffective playing from behind the entire night. “We got our tails kicked,” said Texans coach Gary Kubiak. “When you’ve got an opportunity to make a big play, you can’t miss it against a team of this magnitude. We turned around and it was 21-0 pretty quick.”

Houston had their lead in the AFC S outh trimmed to two games over Indianapolis as they host the Colts on Sunday and try to rebuild their status as true contenders. —Reuters

Kuwait Kart Championship KUWAIT: Kuwait Quarter Mile Club (KQMC) will hold its second Kuwait Kart Championship (Kart 2012) at 3 pm next Friday at the International Fair Grounds in Mishref with participation of 140 drivers who will compete over a period of 26 hours (until the conclusion

at 5 pm Saturday) over a 450 meter long track.

In this regard, KQMC’s board chairman Sheikh Ali Al-Fawwaz Al-Sabah said that, for the second time and in regards of the success achieved in Kart 2011, the event would be jointly organized with Profession Co. he

also noted that all international safety standards set by the CIK would be taken into consideration in this championship. The championship is sponsored by Profession Co., Ron Gulf, Wataniya Telecom and Gulf Cables Co..

Jovan Belcher

Player deaths fail to dim NFL popularity NEW YORK: The tragic, unrelated deaths of two National Football League (NFL) players this month may have triggered fresh debate about the behavior of some of the sport’s competitors, but has done nothing to harm the game’s enormous popularity in the United States.

Just over a week ago, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend at their home then drove to the team’s training facility and killed himself, in front of his coach and general manager.

Then on Saturday, Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent was charged with intoxication manslaughter after the car he was driving flipped over and caught fire, killing team mate Jerry Brown, a passenger in the car.

The NFL has long been plagued by cases of off-field violence, including gun crime and drink-driving by players, but even after the latest violent deaths there was no indication fans were turning away.

Both the Chiefs and the Cowboys played games the day after the death of their respective teammates, with only a few isolated voices suggesting the games should not have gone ahead.

Both games were heavily attended and the NFL’s prime-time Sunday game was once again the top-rated show in its weekly time slot. In the tough-guy macho culture of the NFL, battling through adversity is one of the main mantras from coaches, players and media alike.

The Belcher murder-suicide was just the latest violent incident involving NFL players and firearms. Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, a 12time Pro Bowl selection, was found dead at his home in May, with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.

In 2009, former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was shot dead by his lover in his Nashville apartment in a murder-suicide. Plaxico Burress served 20 months in prison after accidentally shooting himself in 2008 at a nightclub, a season after catching the Super Bowl-winning touchdown for the New York Giants.

According to a report by USA Today, three out of four NFL players own a gun, above the national average, but the ratio of gun-related crimes in the NFL was no worse than in general American society.

“It’s not really the culture of the NFL, it’s about what’s going on in society today,” Burress told USA Today. “It will (be a topic) for a while but over time something else will happen and we will be having the same discussion then.”

The debate following Belcher’s murder-suicide brought heated opinions and controversy. Prominent NBC broadcaster Bob Costas used his television segment to advocate for gun control, earning the wrath of the National Rifle Association.

Some players argued that big-earning, high-profile individuals, were at greater risk of being targeted by criminals and needed guns for their protection. The case of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor, who was shot dead by burglars in 2007, is often cited by players when they explain their high rate of gun ownership.

But while gun-related crimes grab headlines, drink-driving is a bigger problem among players. The San Diego Union Tribune newspaper repor ted there were 385 arrests of NFL players between 2000-2008 and 29 percent were for drink-driving.

The league tried to address the problem with a ‘Safe Rides’ program which was later taken over by the players’ union. The NFL has taken a strong line with sanctions for off-field trouble through a personal conduct policy.

“We strive every day, not just when a crisis occurs, but every day, to bring the best practices available in providing a safe and productive workplace environment for all our employees and their families,” NFL spokesman Greg Aiello told Reuters.

“Specifically, we address domestic violence and gun safety, as well as many other issues, including alcohol and substance abuse, as part of our Employee Assistance Program and other services.” —Reuters

17

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

S P ORT S

Figure skaters feel love at first sight for Sochi SOCHI:- After getting their first taste of the Olympic figure skating arena in Sochi, American ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White cannot wait to return for the main event in 2014.

The 2011 world champions said they have only positive memories from their trip to the Russian Black Sea resort, situated at the foot of the majestic Caucasus mountains, after winning the Grand Prix Final at the 12,000-seat Iceberg Palace.

“Looking out of my room I have the mountains on the left and the ocean on my right,” White told reporters during the test event for the 2014 Winter Games, which concluded here on Sunday.

“It just gives you a sense of grandeur and you want to take that feeling to the ice.” The arena, which will stage the figure skating and short track events in February 2014, was the first to be com-

pleted at Sochi’s Olympic Park. “It’s a beautiful arena and the atmosphere here is just fantastic,” said Davis. “We’ve been several times in Moscow but this is our first visit to Sochi. Everything feels great.”

The Americans beat Olympic champions and long-time training partners Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada in the short and the free dance to establish themselves as early favourites for the gold when the elite skaters take to the ice again at the same arena in less than 14 months from now. The Canadians were also impressed with the facilities.

“The arena looks great, the ice is fantastic,” said Virtue. “And the weather is great too, unlike Moscow or St Petersburg, especially this time of the year.” Moir added: “For us it’s a great privilege to be here so early. The venue definitely has an Olympic feeling to it. It

reminds me a lot of the arena in Vancouver.”

While some were fascinated by the setting of palm trees against the backdrop of snow-covered peaks, two-time world men’s champion Patrick Chan was enjoying a morning walk by the sea.

“It has become almost a daily ritual for me. I come early before practice just to get some fresh air,” the Canadian figure skater said. “At this time the place is virtually deserted. It’s so quiet there you could almost hear your heartbeat.”

Problems remain, however, mainly in getting around the venues, with the city and the surrounding area still resembling a huge construction site.

Traffic on Sochi’s limited motorways is bad at the best of times but it comes to a virtual standstill when Russian President Vladimir Putin, a frequent visitor to the resort, is in town.

Putin acknowledged the problem when he met the International Olympic Committee members during his visit to the Iceberg arena on Saturday. “It’s true the number of vehicles on our roads is increasing each year because more families can afford to buy more than one car,” Putin said.

“We don’t want to have less cars, we want to have better motorways. We’re working on this problem, and I think, we will solve it in time for the Olympics or even before that.”

Traffic jams and huge delays were blamed for thousands of empty seats during the first two days of the competition despite the assurances from the Olympic hosts that the arena was sold out a long time ago.

President of the International Skating Union (ISU) Ottavio Cinquanta was concerned with the lack of spectators. “The

first question I put to the president of the Sochi 2014 organising committee (Dmitry Chernyshenko) when I arrived here was about the spectators,” the Italian told reporters.

“Are we having a full arena? And I was told the arena is sold out. Obviously, this is a problem but that’s why we have these test events to find out what we need to do beforehand. I’m sure all the venues will be full for the Olympic Games.”

Despite some shortcomings, Davis and White remained upbeat. “We’re seasoned competitors and we’ve been around many places, so if we’re stuck in traffic or the food is not that great - these things don’t bother us,” White told Reuters. “It doesn’t take our focus away from our main goal, which is to skate well. The rest is academic.”—Reuters

Ponting absence keenly felt, says opener Cowan

Shahid Afridi

Afridi faces moment of truth after India axe KARACHI: There was a time when Shahid Afridi’s name would have been the first on Pakistan’s one-day international teamsheet, but the allrounder’s future looks uncertain after he was dropped for this month’s series against arch-rivals India.

The 32-year-old has endured a dreadful run of form, scoring just 85 runs in his last 10 ODI innings, prompting selectors to axe him from the 15-man squad for the three-game series starting later this month.

While Afridi has retained his spot for the two Twenty20 matches, the warning bells are ringing for the man whose dismissal has often emptied the stands in the past.

In his 349 ODIs Afridi has taken 348 wickets and scored 7,075 runs-at an electric strike rate of nearly 114 runs per 100 balls-but he has not scored a half-century in his last 10 innings, a slump former England great Geoffrey Boycott has called embarrassing.

“Pakistan have lost out with his batting deteriorating so badly,” Boycott told the ESPN Cricinfo website recently. “In the early days when he was playing and batting well, he tended to believe his own publicity. People wanted him to hit big sixes, everybody was raving for him, and he kept trying to oblige.” But former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif insisted Afridi, Pakistan’s third most-capped oneday player of all time, could still make a comeback. “Afridi is facing tough times.

Even a player like Ricky Ponting had to quit after he failed to score big,” said Latif of the former Australian captain who retired earlier this month.

“But Pakistan is different in the way that a player can stage a comeback after a good performance and Afridi can still do so.” Another former captain, Moin Khan, described Afridi’s axing as unjust.

“Afridi is an impact player,” said Khan.

“He holds a psychological dominance over India so he should have been included.” But on the street, ordinary fans are fast losing patience with their onetime hero.

“It’s time to move on,” said Athar Khan, a student in Karachi. “Afridi’s form has not been up to the mark and it is common that every rise has a fall, he rose to fame and now he is losing it.”

Afridi burst onto the international stage in 1996 when aged just 16 he smashed a 37-ball century-still an ODI record-against Sri Lanka in only his second match, and his explosive batting style earned him the nickname “Boom Boom”.

The shortest form of the game brought more fame for Afridi as he starred in Pakistan’s World Twenty20 triumph in England in 2009, helping the team with both bat and ball.

The performance elevated him to the captaincy the following year and he led Pakistan to the semi-final of the 2011 World Cup but differences with coach Waqar Younis and then Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt almost ended his career prematurely.

His form suffered and at this year’s T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in SeptemberOctober he was a shadow of the player he once was, scratching and groping for runs where once he smashed the ball to all corners.

Afridi admitted he was not up to expectations but vowed to fight on. “I am disappointed at not being able to live up to the expectations but every cricketer goes through such a time. I am not one to run away from challenges as I am a fighter and I will come back,” Afridi said in October. Despite all the disappointments and frustrations of the past few years, there are still some in Pakistan who believe-or at least hope-he can manage one last stand. —AFP

Indian midfielder hit by a stone NEW DELHI: Indian midfielder Rahim Nabi stone hurled from one of the stands occuhas been ruled out for at least six weeks pied by Bagan supporters-apparently aimed with a fractured jaw after being hit by a at the referee-hit Nabi and forced a 13stone hurled by a supporter during a game minute stoppage towards the end of the first at the weekend, a report said yesterday. half. Mohun Bagan refused to take the field Nabi, 26, has undergone surgery for the after the interval, citing security worries, leaving the popular club open to a injury sustained during three-year ban by the All-India Sunday’s away game Football Federation (AIFF). between his club Mohun The AIFF was seeking a Bagan and bitter rivals East legal opinion on whether it Bengal in front of 85,000 fans should go ahead and ban at the Salt Lake stadium in Mohun Bagan for not playing Kolkata. The Kolkata-based as per the rules of the ITelegraph newspaper quoted League, the Telegraph quoted the doctor who performed an unnamed official as saying. surgery on Nabi on Monday “We don’t want to take a as saying that the Indian chance,” the official said. “It is international would not be always safe to take legal opinable to train for six weeks. ion as that would tell us exact“The operation was successly where we stand.” Mohun ful,” surgeon S N Sinha told Indian team Mohun Bagan’s next match is against the paper. “He is doing well.

We will discharge him in five Bagan player Rahim Nabi Pailan Arrows on Saturday.

The incident came as Britain’s to six days. He can start trainProfessional Footballers’ Association said ing after six weeks.”

Nabi has made 49 appearances for the there was a case to be made for erecting national team, which is languishing at num- nets to protect players from missiles after ber 169 in the FIFA rankings. India is not due Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand was hit to play an international match till next year. by a coin at the weekend. —AFP Mohun Bagan were a goal down when a

MELBOURNE: Ricky Ponting’s retirement has left a big leadership void in Australia’s test side and other players will have to step up and lead by example in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, according to opening batsman Ed Cowan. “(He’s) the greatest Australian batsman in the modern era. Of course we’ll miss him,” Cowan told reporters in Hobart, where Australia will host the first of a three-Test series against Sri Lanka starting on Friday. “(It’s) not just what he does on the field ... it’s what he gives the group off the field. But that’s now in the past. “It’s up to us, as the other guys in the group, to step up.

And there’s a big void to fill in terms of leadership.

“And I’m not talking about the captaincy. Good teams don’t have one leader, they have five or six guys who take that role on-not tactically, but leading the group at training which Ricky did, and around the change-rooms, so it’s a great challenge for other guys to step up. “That’s the other side of the coin.”

Following three consecutive failures with the bat, Ponting scored eight in his final innings as South Africa ruined his Perth farewell with a 309-run rout to win the series 1-0. The sudden departure of the 37-year-old Tasmanian, who batted at number four in recent years, has left Australia scrambling to work out a succession plan for its batting order.

Despite the brilliance of Michael Clarke and fellow middle order batsman Mike Hussey, Australia’s top order has proven vulnerable under pressure, and their dramatic second innings collapse led to South Africa’s win in Perth.

In replacing Ponting, Australia has thrown another lifeline to

Phillip Hughes, who has already been dropped twice in his fouryear test career for proving consistently susceptible to short-pitched bowling.

The addition of another specialist opener in Hughes, however, along with current openers Cowan

after being dropped in the wake of Australia’s drawn test series with New Zealand. “My only concerns is every time he gets out someone will want to mention it,” he said.

“That’s just what people have to deal with.”

Hughes’s batting mentor Neil

News Ltd. “To me, the painting is not finished. Phil is not even close to being at the top of his game yet. “The guy has just turned 24 and has 20 first-class centuries.

How many other blokes his age in the game today can match that?

“I think of where he will be when

Ricky Ponting and David Warner and all-rounder Shane Watson, who has enjoyed his best batting at one or two, has stoked further debate in Australia about the right combination ahead of back-to-back Ashes series in 2013.

Cowan said Hughes was a much-improved player, having worked on his technique for a year

D’Costa, who helped Australia captain Clarke work through a slump in form in the wake of Australia’s home Ashes loss in 2010/11, also backed the 24-year-old to cement his place in the side.

“Based on 10 to 15 tests a year, I don’t see any reason why Phil Hughes won’t be a 10,000-run player for Australia,” D’Costa told

he is 26 to 30 and the cricket world should be scared, because when Phil builds a complete game, there will be no stopping him.” Following the Hobart test, the series moves to Melbourne on Dec. 26 with the third and final Test in Sydney starting on Jan. 3.

—Reuters

Corinthians, Al Ahly gear for Club World Cup showpiece TOYOTA: Legions of Corinthians fans are set to raise the roof at the Club World Cup in Japan today when the Brazilian giants line up in the semi-finals against Egypt’s Al Ahly.

The intercontinental showpiece has been notable so far for the lack of spectators entering the turnstiles, with only 25,000 watching the opening match at the 68,000-capacity Yokohama International Stadium last week.

That figure was all the more disappointing because it featured the J-League winners Sanfrecce Hiroshima, representing the host nation, although it did also consist of part-timers Auckland City.

Toyota Stadium, capacity 36,000, appeared marginally less bare with around 20,000 watching Sunday’s quarter-final between Ulsan Hyundai and Monterrey, and just over 27,000 taking in Hiroshima’s loss to Egypt’s Al Ahly as the snow fell.

But the South American champions’ opening match is expected to give attendances a much needed boost, with around 20,000 noisy supporters making the trip from Sao Paulo to see their idols, according to the club’s website.

It follows dramatic scenes at Sao PauloGuarulhos International Airport last week when some 15,000 fans turned up to wave off the Copa Libertadores winners, with some reportedly setting off fire extinguishers and blocking roads.

“We are feeling a very strong and heavy responsibility to the supporters,” Tite, the coach, told a news conference in Toyota. “Some supporters have left their families behind or quit their jobs just simply to be here and support Corinthians.

“The supporters have come so far but they are not here to put pressure on us. They are here to encourage us. They are here to rejoice and be happy. “They should be appreciated because they can become part of the power of the team.”

Corinthians take on seven-time African champions Al Ahly in Toyota for a place in Sunday’s final where they may face European champions Chelsea. Al Ahly were forced to play the home

legs of their recent successful CAF Champions League campaign behind closed doors because of security concerns after February’s Port Said stadium disaster in which more than 70 fans died.

However, coach Hossam El-Badry said his players would not be intimidated by the legions of boisterous Brazilian fans. “It doesn’t really matter how many people are watching us,” he said.

“We are motivated for this match. Our objective is to win.”

The Brazilian Tite said Corinthians, who have been in Japan training and acclimatising to the cold conditions for a week, were relishing the

JAPAN: Brazil’s Corinthians’ Guilherme Andrade keeps the ball on his head during a training session at Toyota Stadium ahead of today’s semifinal match against Egypt’s Al-Ahly SC at the FIFA Club World Cup soccer tournament. —AP

opportunity to be named the best club side in the world. “To be able to play in the Club World Cup is a precious opportunity for us,” the 51-yearold said. “If we perform our responsibilities then our dreams will come true.”

Meanwhile, Corinthians boss Tite said yesterday star midfielder Paulinho was not the type to be distracted by speculation surrounding his future, with a host of Europe’s top clubs reportedly chasing his signature.

The Brazilian conceded that Paulinho was attracting interest from around the world because he was playing a key role in a successful Corinthians team, who were recently crowned champions of South America.

Tite said Paulinho’s profile had benefited because he was “standing out” in a “strong team” but that he was confident the midfield dynamo would not let the publicity go to his head. “He is not the sort of player to prioritise his own situation,” Tite told a news conference in Toyota, Japan. “He prioritises the team.”

Reports in Britain this week have claimed that Manchester City are lining up a bid for the 24year-old, with rumours circulating over recent months that Chelsea, Inter Milan and Paris SaintGermain are other interested parties.

The defensive midfielder recently signed a new contract tying him to the Sao Paulo side until 2015, but the extension is not thought to have put off a number of Europe’s most illustrious clubs, according to reports.

Paulinho has a handful of appearances under his belt for the Brazilian national side and is expected to be a key figure for the Selecao at the World Cup on home soil in 2016.

His profile is set to be raised further over the next few days as Corinthians bid to win the Club World Cup in Japan. The Brazilian giants take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semi-finals of the intercontinental event in Toyota today.

A victory would potentially set up a mouthwatering match with one of Paulinho’s reported suitors-Chelsea, who play their last-four tie against Mexican side Monterrey tomorrow.—AFP

18

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

S P ORT S

Rodallega ends goal drought Fulham 2

Newcastle 1 LONDON: Hugo Rodallega fired Fulham to their first win in eight matches as the Colombian ended his goal drought to seal a 2-1 vic tor y over Newcastle at Craven Cottage on Monday.

Rodallega had failed to hit the back of the net since September, but the striker finally notched only his second goal since his preseason move from Wigan with a second half header to kill off the Magpies.

It was sweet relief for both Rodallega and Fulham boss Martin Jol, whose struggling side had blown the first half lead given to them by Steve Sidwell.

Although Hatem Ben Arfa equalised for Newcastle early in the second half, Alan Pardew’s team, were unable to avoid a fifth defeat in their last six Premier League matches.

They remain only four points above the relegation zone after a 14th successive away match without a win. Jol said: “That was vital for us. I was so happy that we could score the first goal because that’s been our problem in the last couple of weeks.

“We showed some character but I felt we should have finished it off earlier.” For Pardew, celebrating two years in charge of Newcastle, it was a miserable anniversary as Fulham took control on a freezing night on the banks of the River Thames.

“It’s a really soft second goal. You can’t do that as this level,” he said. “We had the game by the scruff of the neck at that point. We played some of the best attacking play of the season, but we still came away with nothing.”

Rodallega had the first sight of goal for the Cottagers with a bicycle kick, although his acrobatic effort failed to test Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul. Newcastle’s defence

was far too open and the hosts were able to exploit those gaps to take the lead and end a five-hour goal drought in the 19th minute.

Damien Duff was the provider as he released Sidwell into the penalty area and the former Chelsea midfielder ’s strike looped past Krul via a deflection off Mike Williamson.

Dimitar Berbatov should have doubled Fulham’s advantage moments later when he

an injury, produced a moment of inspiration to equalise in the 54th minute.

Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer must have felt relatively comfortable when Ben Arfa took possession just outside the right edge of the penalty area. But the Australian was left flat-footed as Ben Arfa rifled a fine strike into the roof of the net via a deflection off John Arne Riise.

Krul was quickly off his line to block when

LONDON: Fulham’s Steve Sidwell (centre) and teammate Dimitar Berbatov (right) defend the ball from Newcastle United’s Demba Ba during their English Premier league soccer match. —AP surged through on goal but, with just Krul to beat, the former Manchester United forward shot too close to the Newcastle goalkeeper.

Berbatov threatened again after Krul could only palm Sascha Riether’s cross to the Bulgarian, but once more he was unable to convert the chance as the Newcastle keeper recovered to save.

Pardew’s team had more menace about them in the second half and French forward Ben Arfa, back from four matches out with

Sidwell went charging through soon after, yet Fulham didn’t have to wait long to take the lead. In the 63rd minute, Duff whipped a teasing cross into the six-yard box, where Rodallega got in front of Fabricio Coloccini to head powerfully past Krul.

Desperate to make amends for that mistake, Coloccini went forward and smashed a shot against the bar from the edge of the area, but that was as close as the visitors came to an equaliser.—AFP

Anti-racism body criticize ‘weak’ FA, Premier League LONDON: The chairman of an anti-racism group has accused England’s Football Association and the top-flight Premier League of lacking morality and leadership over their handling of recent racism cases.

Herman Ouseley, who heads the Kick It Out organisation, also rebuked Chelsea and Liverpool over the racism incidents involving their players John Terry and Luis Suarez, saying they failed to take a stand against unacceptable behavior.

“There is very little morality in football among the top clubs,” Ouseley, a lawmaker in Britain’s upper chamber of parliament, said in an interview with The Guardian newspaper published yesterday.

“Leadership is so important; you have to send a powerful message that racism is completely unacceptable. But there is a moral vacuum. “The big clubs look after their players as assets. There was no bold attitude from them, to say that they would not put up with it.”

Terry served a four-game ban earlier this season after being found guilty of racially abusing Queens Park Rangers’ Anton Ferdinand by the FA, while Suarez was hit with an eight-match suspension for a similar offence last season.

Despite the punishments dealt out to the two players, Ouseley said the football authorities should have been more outspoken in their criticism. “The condemnations have been mealy-mouthed,” the former head of the Commission for Racial Equality said.

“We want all players and fans to feel confident about reporting abuse. But the FA did not say anything about the lies and distortions which came out in John Terry’s and Ashley Cole’s evidence. Instead the players are protected.

“The Premier League could have set the tone; they and the FA do a good job in community work. But on this, I have not heard anything from the Premier League.”

Ouseley also chastised the former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish and

ex-Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas for giving too much support to Suarez and Terry during their respective cases.

“We were observing the process but the managers were speaking out and sticking up for Luis Suarez and John Terry,” Ouseley added. “The FA should have asserted themselves, said they would not put up with people disrespecting the process, but the FA were very slack and weak.”

English football has been hit by a spate of incidents of racial abuse this year, with a succession of players allegedly targeted by fans both at grounds and on the microblogging site Twitter. Chelsea also had a claim of racial abuse against referee Mark Clattenburg dismissed by the FA over a lack of evidence. Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers’ Association has (PFA) announced plans for players and coaches to receive “cultural lessons” to improve awareness of the rules regarding discrimination.

“Up until now we have had cultural awareness courses for our apprentices and the plan now is to extend these to senior players and coaches, including those coming from overseas,” said PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor. “We want to make sure there there is no misunderstanding with regards to the rules and regulations on discrimination.”

Taylor also said his organisation wants the contracts of players and managers to include clauses in which it is stated that discriminatory language and behaviour will be considered “serious gross misconduct”.

The document containing the proposals is part of a combined response to calls from the British government to crack down on racism in the English game. It has been approved by the FA, the PFA, the Premier League and the Football League but still needs to be signed off by the FA board. —AFP

Top teams qualify for quarterfinals KIFF League completes 1st phase for late JP D’mello Rolling Trophy KUWAIT: After grueling 2 months of intense action sometimes amidst unforgivable climatic conditions, Kuwait Indian Football Federation completed the 1st phase of its prestigious League for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy for season 2012-2013 held at the MOH Sabah grounds in Shuwaikh, Kuwait. The League phase took off on 5th October 2012 and culminated on 7th December 2012. 18 clubs affiliated to KIFF for season 2012-2013 displayed their grit and determination continuously for two long months in the round robin league format to qualify for the quarterfinal knockout stage wherein only 8 teams came out trumps.

33 matches were played and 86 goals scored. 33 Man of the Match awards sponsored by Integrated Logistics were presented by different prominent personalities to the players who performed their best on the day. Housie Snowball (bingo) with a special prize of an air ticket on sector Kwt-Mum-Kwt on Jet Airways sponsored by Al Qatan Travels is carried forward to the final stage.

The following clubs have qualified to the quarterfinal stage. Group A Indian Strikers & Real Betalbatim, Group B Navelim Youth Center and Kerala Challengers, Group C United Friends & Kuwait Goan Association, Group D AVCKuwait & GOA Maroons. The matches were supervised expertly by Indian Football Referees Association-Kuwait (IFRA) and most noteworthy that all matches were conducted with utmost refereeing precision applying the latest FIFA approved laws of the game. IFRA is an Indian professional refereeing body in the State of Kuwait and once of its kind in the entire Gulf region. It may be noted that Kuwait Indian Football Federation is the only professional Indian expatriate federation in the entire Middle East conducting football activities with registered players on their rooster and also supported by GFA and AIFF. More than 300 players spanning the entire country of India ply their trade with KIFF in the current season.

Elections are held every year at the AGM to elect a new managing committee which oversees the footballing activities and the current season 2012-2013 is led

by Fidelis Fernandes as its President.

The second and final knockout stage will begin in May 2013 before the season ends in June 2013. KIFF introduced the fair play rules for the Fair Play Trophy to make the game more palatable to the fans and the clubs and the final results will be declared at the culmination stage in June 2013. All the matches held as of todate have been played in a true sportsmanship spirit by all the affiliates.

The KIFF Managing Committee for season 2012-2013 is headed by the Hon. President Fidelis Fernandes (KGA) along with Hon. Vice President Derrick Gomedes (RBFC) Hon. Gen. Secretary Praveen Kumar (Sparx) Hon. Sports Secretary Kevin Vaz (AVC) Hon. Treasurer

AVC- KUWAIT

GOA MAROONS

INDIAN STRIKERS

KERALA CHALLENGERS

KUWAIT GOAN ASSOCIATION

NAVELIM YOUTH CENTER

REAL BETALBATIM

UNITED FRIENDS CLUB

Adly D’Lima (UG) Hon. Registrar Stevin Fernandes (DBO) Hon. P.R.O Julio Cardozo (GOA) Hon. Asst. Sports Secretary Joseph Gomes (DHL) and Hon. Reliever Seby Dias (Curtocares United) The 18 affiliates comprises of Goan Overseas Association, United Goans

Centre, YRC Rising Stars, Navelim Youth Center, CRC Chinchinim, Curtorcares United, United Friends Club, Kuwait Goans Association, FC Sparx, Indian Strikers FC,DHL Football Club, AVC Overseas Sports and Cultural Association, Skynet Raiders Soccer Club,

Santos United, Don Bosco Oratory, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim Football Club and Kerala Challengers.

As KIFF league takes a breather till May 2013, three 11 a side tournaments, three non regular tournaments organized by different affiliates and Veterans

tournament organized by KIFF and all affiliated to the Federation will be held during this period and all the matches will take place at the MOH Al Sabah grounds.

19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

SPORTS

Platini stands firm against use of goal-line technology KUALA LUMPUR: UEFA president Michel Platini yesterday stood firm against the use of goal-line technology in Europe despite FIFA tests of Hawk-Eye and GoalRef at the ongoing Club World Cup in Japan. The Frenchman said goal-line referees, used in various UEFA competitions since 2009, were a cheaper way of determining whether the ball had crossed the line and warned against allowing technology to encroach on the game.

He said it would cost 50 million euros ($65 million) to introduce goalline technology to UEFA’s international and club competitions over five years. “I prefer to give 50 million

(euros) to grassroots than goal-line technology for perhaps one or two goals a year,” he said at a press conference in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. “If the goal-line referee is one meter from the line and he has good glasses, he can see whether the ball is inside or not.”

While fans have called for years for football to embrace goal-line technology to eliminate human error, Platini has repeatedly warned it will lead to technology encroaching into other areas of the game. The debate came to the fore again at Euro 2012 - where goal-line referees patrolled the sidelines-when Ukraine were denied a goal against England, leading FIFA

president Sepp Blatter to call for the new technology. But Platini pointed to an offside infringement in the buildup and questioned where the line on introducing such technology would be drawn.

Asian Football Confederation acting president Zhang Jilong told the press conference the AFC would study the use of the technology at the Club World Cup before making a decision.

“This is something new. After the tests during the World Club Championships in Tokyo, we will see whether it can be adopted by all the competitions or not,” he said. The Club World Cup, involving the winners of continental club competitions, is running both

Hawk-Eye and GoalRef at a cost of $1 million over the eight-game competition. The Hawk-Eye system uses between six and eight cameras while GoalRef uses magnetic fields to determine whether a ball has crossed the line. Both systems transmit their findings to devices that can be worn on officials’ wrists. European champions Chelsea are the main draw at the competition in Tokyo and play Monterrey of Mexico tomorrow for a place in the final. Platini also rejected any chance of Euro 2020 matches being played outside Europe after criticism over UEFA’s green light to hold tournament matches across the continent.

“I have received requests from

many national associations in Europe (to host Euro 2020). And if I say, ‘No, we don’t play in our continent but we play in some other continent,’ they will kill me,” he said. Platini has argued that a cross-continental competition would relieve pressures on a single or joint host nation given the current financial climate, but fans have complained the spread of games will ruin the atmosphere. The host cities bidding process beings in March, with decisions on venues set to be made in early 2014. The next European championships in 2016 are to be held in France, with an increase in the number of teams from the current 16 to 24.—AFP

More derby fallout for blighted English game

Franck Ribery

Bayern target end to silverware wait in 2013 BERLIN: With a commanding lead at the top of the Bundesliga and a place in the Champions League knock-out phase secured, German giants Bayern Munich aim to end their three-year wait for silverware in 2013.

Having finished their Champions League group-stage campaign with a 4-1 win over BATE Borisov in Munich on December 5 to leave them top of their group, Bayern aim to be at the front of the queue when titles are decided next May. The Bundesliga’s top clubs end 2012 in rude European health with Bayern joining Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 in winning their respective Champions League groups.

“I am 100% sure that we will be German champions (in May),” France star Franck Ribery has said. Under current Holland coach Louis van Gaal, Bayern won the German Cup in 2010 as part of the domestic double before losing to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan in that season’s Champions League final. Since then it has been two miserable seasons for Bayern, reaching its nadir last May when Borussia Dortmund lifted their second consecutive Bundesliga title as Munich tasted disappointment three times during a disastrous fortnight.

Firstly, Dortmund were confirmed league champions on May 5, winning the title by eight points with Bayern second.

Then Borussia hammered Munich 5-2 in the German Cup final on May 12 with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski scoring a hat-trick and Japan’s Shinji Kagawa running Bayern’s midfield ragged in a confidence-draining defeat.

The Bavarians went on to lose the

Champions League final in their own Allianz Arena stadium on May 19 when Chelsea won the penalty shoot-out. This season, Bayern are showing a steely determination and are bidding to reach their third Champions League final in four years.

“The fact is Bayern are showing a different nature compared to last season, they are greedy and bitter,” admitted Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

Financially, the Bundesliga is booming with record attendances and both title rivals Bayern (11m euros) and Dortmund (34.3m euros) returning record profits for the 2011-12 season.

Deloitte figures for 2011 showed the Bundesliga is Europe’s second highest earner in revenue bringing in 1,746m euros, second only to England’s Premier League (2,515m).

Spain’s Javi Martinez became the Bundesliga’s record signing when he joined Bayern Munich for 40 million euros ($52.34 million) in August from Athletic Bilbao. Dortmund sold Kagawa to Manchester United for 14 million euros in July having bought him from Cerezo Osaka for 350,000 euros ($450,000) in 2010. Borussia replaced Kagawa with Germany’s rising star Marco Reus, a name to watch out for in the build-up to the Brazil World Cup in 2014, for 17 million euros ($22 million) from Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Reus scored their goal in the 1-1 draw in the Champions League group game at Manchester City, then at Real Madrid in the key 2-2 draw and also found the net in the 4-1 win at Ajax which Dortmund produced despite just 33 percent possession.—AFP

LONDON: The fallout from Sunday’s Manchester derby has continued to rumble on with City’s Gareth Barry charged with verbally abusing a match official and a 15-year-old arrested for sending a racist tweet to a United player during the match.

English football, long seen to have dealt with previous problems with hooliganism and racism, has been hit by a series of recurrences in recent times. The country had hoped the golden glow of a triumphant London Olympics had set an example for a game still recovering from the effects of the John Terry and Luis Suarez racism rows.

However, Sunday’s pulsating match at City’s Etihad Stadium, won by the visitors 3-2 after a late goal by United’s Dutch striker Robin van Persie, was marred by crowd disturbances towards the end of the game.

Police are trying to identify a supporter who threw a coin at United defender Rio Ferdinand which left him bleeding from a cut about his left eye, while a City supporter ran onto the pitch and had to be restrained by the home side’s goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Thirteen people were arrested after the match, with nine being charged. There was further action on Monday, with Greater Manchester Police dealing with the latest in a long line of Twitterrelated problems in English soccer. “Police investigating a racist tweet sent during Sunday’s Manchester derby have made an arrest,” a GMP statement said yesterday. “An investigation was launched following a message directed at a Manchester United player. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated public order offence on the evening of Monday 10 December 2012.”

Yesterday, City midfielder Barry booked himself a date with the Football Association after it announced the England man had been charged for using abusive language towards a match official. Since English outrage after

LONDON: Manchester City’s Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Matija Nastasic (from left) react in this file photo. —AP their Under-21 team were subjected to racist chanting by Serbian supporters in October, the spotlight has been fixed firmly on the English domestic game as it grapples with seemingly weekly incidents of trouble.

Premier League club Norwich City have reported four cases of racist abuse aimed at their Cameroon defender Sebastien Bassong in the past two weeks, coming from both individuals in the crowd and via social media.

Referee Mark Clattenburg was cleared of making a racist remark towards Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel during a match with United in October, when a Stamford Bridge steward was injured when Chelsea fans vented their anger at United’s winning celebrations.

Half a seat was thrown onto the pitch while at other matches fans have been seen making monkey impressions in the stands. That same month, Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Chris Kirkland was punched in the face by a Leeds United fan during a second-tier match.

All this has occurred as the Terry racism saga came to a con-

clusion, with the former England captain being banned by the FA for four matches for racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, Rio’s brother, a year ago. The Chelsea defender was cleared in a criminal court.

Lord Herman Ouseley, the chairman of anti-racism group Kick It Out, has accused Chelsea and Liverpool - who last season had striker Suarez banned for eight matches for racially abusing United’s Patrice Evra - as well as the Football Association and the Premier League of a failure of “morality” and “leadership”.

He described the last year as “12 months wasted in hypocrisy” by the authorities. “There is very little morality in football among the top clubs,” he told the Guardian newspaper.

“Leadership is so important; you have to send a powerful message that racism is completely unacceptable,” he said. “But there is a moral vacuum. The big clubs look after their players as assets.

There was no bold attitude from them, to say that they would not put up with it.”

Ouseley went on to say that

despite Terry being found guilty and the FA commission expressing doubt on the evidence of team mate Ashley Cole, he felt neither the club, the FA nor the Premier League had made any strong statement of disapproval.

“The condemnations have been mealy mouthed,” Ouseley said.

Following the events in Manchester, authorities have been vocal in their condemnation with the Professional Footballers’ Association boss Gordon Taylor suggesting netting should be erected in some parts of stadiums to protect players from objects being hurled from the crowd.

Many fans have argued that such an idea would be a retrograde step and regard the netting as an alien concept used in soccer troublespots around the world. However, countries with hooligan problems such as Italy have not been on the front pages of the newspapers as often as England in recent months. The FA’s chairman David Bernstein has said fans who “hijack” matches with bad behavior should be banned for life.—Reuters

Benfica pile misery on Sporting AFC ‘did all it could’ to fix Indonesia row KUALA LUMPUR: The two rival factions that are set to land Indonesia a FIFA suspension this week have only got themselves to blame for the mess, AFC executive committee member Prince Ali bin Al Hussein said yesterday. The Indonesian soccer federation (PSSI) failed to hold a congress attended by the rival Indonesian Soccer Rescue Committee (KPSI) on Monday, a deadline set by FIFA, with the world governing body set to punish the Southeast Asians at its executive committee meeting in Japan on Friday.

If, as expected, Indonesia are suspended it will close a chapter, but not the story, on a turbulent period of soccer governance in one of the world’s most populated countries. At one point, the country had two national teams and still has two domestic leagues with players blocked from competing in the other, but the comical nature of the events took a serious turn with the death of Paraguayan striker Diego Mendieta from a viral infection last week.

Mendieta died in hospital awaiting four months’ wages from his former club Persis Solo, who play in the KPSI-run league, with the PSSI refusing to help cover the debt as they did not recognize the league. FIFA vice-president and AFC executive committee member Prince Ali believes the pair should have patched up their differences long ago. “I have seen how important football is to the people of Indonesia and this issue has to be sorted out,” Prince Ali told Reuters in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday after the signing of a memorandum of under-

standing agreement with European counterpart UEFA. “You cannot have two leagues in one country and that is a fundamental issue that has to be resolved.

“We have tried our best with the task force the AFC has set up, it is trying its best to do this but this horrible tragedy with the death of this player is just another example of why this issue has to be sorted out and sorted out immediately.” The PSSI has agreed to pay to fly Mendieta’s body back to his family in South America but the damage of the duo’s squabbling has affected many others. The PSSI and KPSI had looked set to bury the past after signing a memorandum of understanding in June at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation where they agreed to run one league next season and hold a congress by Dec. 10.

But in what has become common practice, the PSSI held a congress in a hotel in Central Kalimantan on Monday while the KPSI held its at the same time in Jakarta, local media reported. Prince Ali, also the head of Jordanian soccer, said the two groups had forgotten their mandate. “I think all the stakeholders in football need to realize that if they want to serve their people they have to sort out their differences and we will be discussing the situation in Tokyo during the FIFA Exco,” the Jordanian added. “I think all stakeholders now have to take it very seriously.

Obviously the only people that will suffer from it will be the people who love the sport.” — Reuters

LISBON: Benfica scored three second-half goals to earn a thrilling 3-1 comeback win over struggling Sporting on Monday to stay top of the Portuguese Premier League while their Lisbon rivals endure their worst league start in nearly 80 years. Benfica’s Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo netted twice in the last 10 minutes having pressed defender Marcos Rojo into scoring an own goal after an hour

to cancel out Sporting’s first-half opener from Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Cardozo converted a penalty after Sporting’s Dutch centre back Khalid Boulahrouz was sent off after handling a goal-bound shot from Eduardo Salvio and then sealed the points with a neat header in the 86th minute. The battle for the title already looks like a two-horse race with

LISBON: Benfica’s Eduardo Salvio (right) runs for the ball with Sporting’s Emiliano Insua, both from Argentina, during their Portuguese league soccer match.—AP

Benfica and Porto locked on 29 points after 11 matches, the champions having earned a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Moreirense on Saturday.

Sporting, knocked out of the Portuguese Cup and Europa League, the defeat left them in ninth place, are now 18 points behind the leaders. They have only three wins in 19 matches in all competitions which represents their worst start to a campaign since the league was formed in 1933. “We were at different levels. We had physical problems and in (terms of) quality to keep the ball and (catch our) breath as we were getting too much pressure from Benfica and paid for our mistakes,” said Sporting coach Franky Vercauteren. “It was all a bit too much for us”.

Sporting played well in the first half but crumbled in the second. They had deservedly taken the lead through Dutch striker Van Wolfswinkel who applied a classy finish to Diego Capel’s cross after half an hour. But in a Lisbon derby featuring plenty of chances for both sides the second period was commanded by the ‘Eagles’. “We came into the match a bit sleepy in the first half but after the goal we pressed them and kept the ball to ourselves,” said Cardozo.

The equalizer came when Liberian-born winger Ola John sent in a dangerous cross from the left that Cardozo misheaded but defender Rojo deflected in. Man-of-thematch Cardozo then converted a penalty in the 81st and, with many frustrated Sporting fans having left the Jose Alvalade stadium, struck again five minutes later to give Benfica some consolation following a goalless draw against Barcelona on Wednesday that ended their Champions League campaign. —Reuters

Heat scorch Hawks

15

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Afridi faces moment of truth after India axe

17

More derby fallout for blighted English game

Page 19

ITALY: Bologna’0s Alessandro Diamanti (right) challenges Lazio’s Stefan Radu during a Serie A soccer match at Bologna’s Renato Dall’Ara stadium. — AP

Lazio held by Bologna, Udinese win MILAN: Lazio were lucky to escape with a share of the points from a lacklustre scoreless draw away to Bologna which left them three points behind third-placed Napoli in Serie A on Monday.

Lazio went into their 16th match of the campaign unbeaten in their last four fixtures and with a clean sheet in the last three away games. But their bid to edge closer to the top three and pull three points clear of city rivals Roma were undone by an enterprising Bologna side which dominated the second half and were unlucky not to secure all three points.

Midfielder Antonio Candreva had the best of Lazio’s chances in the first half but his long-range drives failed to worry Federico Agliardi in the Bologna goal. It was after the interval that the hosts began to trouble Vladimir Petkovic’s side, who remain in fourth, eight points behind leaders Juventus. French midfielder Saphir Sliti Taider saw his well-worked shot blocked while under pressure in the Lazio area.

On the hour mark Bologna almost broke the deadlock when playmaker Alessandro Diamanti laid the ball off nicely for Tiberio Guarente, only for his first-time effort to creep wide. At the other end Agliardi had to look smart to collect Candreva’s near post header from a corner.

But Bologna immediately carved open another great chance only to be left frustrated when striker Alberto Gilardino and Greek Panagiotis Kone failed to connect from close in when Taider whipped in a probing cross from the right.

With no sign of goals, Petkovic replaced Candreva with veteran German striker Miroslav Klose with 13 minutes remaining but it was Bologna who came closest, Gilardino seeing his angled leftfoot drive parried by Federico Marchetti as Bologna threatened in Lazio’s area.

Lazio’s frustrations were growing and they were compounded when Czech striker Libor Kozak was red carded for a vicious challenge on defender Archimede Morleo. — AFP

Business

Obama’s tax plan no small deal to small businessmen Page 23 Fiscal cliff deal hopes support market sentiments

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Page 24 Philippines gives green light to electric tricycles

Jaguar Land Rover may set up Saudi plant Page 22

Page 25

HONG KONG: A pedestrian walks past a billboard advertising for HSBC in Hong Kong yesterday.— AFP

HSBC pays $1.92bn to settle probe Global giant share price slides to 0.25% LONDON: Asia-focused bank HSBC said yesterday it would pay US authorities a record $1.92 billion to settle allegations of money laundering that were said to have helped Mexican drug cartels, terrorists and Iran. HSBC, which is listed in Hong Kong and London, said in a statement that it would pay the equivalent of 1.48 billion euros or £1.2 billion as part of an agreement with several US authorities including the US Department of Justice. The London-based bank admitted to having “inadequate” controls in place, accepted responsibility for the group’s past mistakes and added that it would finalize a deal soon with Britain’s Financial Services Authority watchdog.

The global giant was thrown into crisis earlier this year when a US Senate report found it had allowed affiliates in Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh to move billions of dollars in suspect funds into the US without adequate controls. US lawmakers accused the company of giving Iran, terrorists and drug dealers access to the country’s financial

system. “HSBC has reached agreement with US authorities in relation to investigations regarding inadequate compliance with anti-money laundering and sanctions laws,” it said in yesterday’s statement.

“This includes a deferred prosecution agreement with the US Department of Justice. “HSBC has also reached agreement to achieve a global resolution with all other US government agencies that have investigated HSBC’s past conduct related to these issues and anticipates finalizing an undertaking with the UK FSA shortly.” It added: “Under these agreements, HSBC will make payments totaling $1.921bn, continue to cooperate fully with regulatory and law enforcement authorities, and take further action to strengthen its compliance policies and procedures.”

In reaction to yesterday’s record fine, HSBC’s share price slid 0.25 percent to 639.60 pence in London morning deals.

The group’s Hong Kong-listed shares rose 0.31 percent to end at HK$79.70. “We accept responsibility for our past mis-

takes. We have said we are profoundly sorry for them, and we do so again,” said chief executive Stuart Gulliver. “The HSBC of today is a fundamentally different organization from the one that made those mistakes.

“We are committed to protecting the integrity of the global financial system. To this end we will continue to work closely with governments and regulators around the world.” Among the US Senate findings, revealed in July, was the revelation that HSBC and its US affiliate concealed more than $16 billion in sensitive transactions to Iran, skirting US sanctions on the country for a six-year period. The firm soon afterwards apologized for failing to apply anti-laundering rules and David Bagley, head of group compliance, was forced to resign.

A money-laundering indictment, or a guilty plea, would have severely damaged the lender as it could have cut it off from certain investors such as pension funds and cost it its charter to operate in the United States. HSBC said it has con-

UAE telcos plunge on taxes Saudi, Egypt shares gain DUBAI: Declines on the UAE’s two telecom operators dragged the Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s bourses lower yesterday after the government set new taxes, or royalty fees, which were higher than analysts had expected. Shares in Dubai-listed du slumped 9.8 percent, their lowest close in nine weeks and the largest one-day loss since April 16. The firm will pay 5 percent of revenue and 17.5 percent of profit in royalties for 2012, which will steadily increase to 15 and 30 percent respectively in 2016.

Abu Dhabi-listed Etisalat will pay 35 percent of its profit in royalties, plus a further 15 percent of revenue, according to a government statement on Monday. Heavyweight Etisalat plunged 9 percent to its lowest close since June 7. “Du clarified that the royalty on revenues will be cost deductible and they will be able to reduce the taxable profit, so this has less of an impact on du’s bottom line than we originally thought but the overall impact on valuation is still negative,” said Omar Maher, equity research analyst at EFG-Hermes.

“The market consensus was for a 50 percent royalty on bottom line but under the new scheme, the royalty will be lower than 50 percent in 2012 and 2013 but higher than 50 percent going forward - despite the cost deductible royalty and therein lies the problem.” Bucking the trend, Dana Gas surged 7.5 percent to its highest closing level since Oct 29 after the natural gas producer reached an agreement with sukukholders on terms to restructure its Islamic bond.

“The company reached an agreement, which will ease the significant overhang on the stock,” said Reda Gomaa, portfolio manager at Mashreq. “It should react positively in the shortterm since the current shareholders will not be diluted but the cap will be 75 fils - the conversion rate.” Dana’s gains were not enough to lift the Abu Dhabi index which dropped 2.6 percent and Dubai’s benchmark fell 1.5 percent. In Saudi Arabia, the bourse climbed as petrochemical and cement stocks attracted buyers for year-end dividends. The kingdom’s index gained 0.3 percent, up for four sessions in the last five.

National Industrialization (Tasnee) and Yanbu National Petrochemical each climbed 1.6 percent. Yanbu Cement rose 2.6 percent and Eastern Province Cement gained 2.8 percent.

“Investors are waiting for the results and positioning in petchems - Q4 results are expected to be better than Q3,” said a Riyadh-based trader who asked not to be identified. “People

are also moving to stocks that will give a good yield at yearend.” In Egypt, the benchmark ended 0.8 percent higher at 5,017 points, as buying interest returns after Monday’s losses.

The market fell 1.5 percent in the previous session. “We are trading in a range between 4,800 and 5,100 level, reflecting the current political situation,” said Mohabeldeen Agena, head of technical analysis at Cairo’s Beltone Financial. “We might see a minor rally towards 5,300.”

Nine people were hurt when gunmen fired at protesters camping in Cairo’s Tahrir Square yesterday, according to wit-

nesses and Egyptian media, as the opposition called for a major demonstration it hopes will force President Mohamed Mursi to postpone a referendum on a new constitution.

Gainers outnumbered losers 21 to seven. Palm Hills Development climbed 1 percent, Talaat Mostafa Group gained 0.5 percent and Citadel Capital rose 1 percent, the three most active stocks on the benchmark. Elsewhere, Kuwait’s measure gained 0.2 percent, while Oman’s index slipped 0.3 percent. Qatar’s measure also slipped, closing 0.09 percent lower. — Reuters

DUBAI: Visitors walk past planes on display during the opening ceremony of the Middle East Business Aviation (MEBA) event at the Al-Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central (DWC) yesterday. MEBA is featuring exhibitions by 385 companies inside the DWC terminal building and over 45 business aircraft in front of the airport runway. — AFP

ducted extensive internal investigations since the revelations and vowed to put in place “robust standards”. Prior to the settlement, HSBC has said in November that it had set aside $1.5 billion for fines linked to money-laundering in the United States. “HSBC is anxious to draw a line under the affair.

Emphasising a transformation at the bank over the last two years, the bank has agreed to pay a record fine,” said analyst Keith Bowman at Hargreaves Lansdown Stockbrokers.

“Positively for shareholders, the fine has already been largely accounted for, with the figure seen as more than bearable given the bank’s size and strength.” News of the record penalty came one day after British-based emerging markets bank Standard Chartered was hit with a $327-million fine by US authorities to settle charges it had violated US sanctions on Iran, Myanmar, Libya and Sudan. For Standard Chartered, the fines from the Treasury and other US federal and local regulators brought to $667 million the total it has been charged for sanctions violations. — AFP

Michigan curbs union rights CHICAGO: Thousands of protesters descended on Michigan’s state capitol yesterday as lawmakers prepared to pass union-curbing “right-to-work” legislation in a state seen as the heart of the labor movement.

The measure would weaken unions by allowing workers who get the same wages and benefits as union members to decline to pay any union dues. Democratic lawmakers begged their Republican colleagues not to pass the controversial bill, which they warned would unleash deep social and political strife.

“There will be blood. There will be repercussions,” state representative Douglass Geiss told the chamber.

Geiss reminded his colleagues of the violent clashes that accompanied the struggle to form unions in the 1930s and warned that people feel just as strongly about solidarity today.

“If ten people walk in and say I’m not going to pay dues anymore, there’s going to be fights,” he warned.

State representative John Switlaski lashed out at the fact Republicans were pushing the bill through in a lame duck session using a parliamentary maneuver that limits debate and means Democrats can’t stop it unless they regain control in the 2014 election.

“The next two years are going to be terrible. They’re going to be ugly,” Switlaski said. “I think we should pause and take a step back... let the people have a say. we’ll vote for it. Put it on the ballot.”Republican state representative Lisa Lyons insisted the law was about giving workers their constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association.

“We are witnessing history in the making,” she said.

“This is the day that Michigan freed its workers.”Boos and chants of “veto” poured into the chamber from the gallery after the House voted 58-51 to pass the bill, sending it to Governor Rick Snyder for final approval.

Hundreds of union members and supporters crowded into the capitol dome, blowing whistles and chanting “the people are united” and “What’s disgusting?

Union busting!” Thousands more shivered in the cold outside, television news footage showed. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

BUSINESS

Jaguar Land Rover may set up Saudi plant NEW DELHI: Luxury auto maker Jaguar Land Rover, owned by India’s Tata Motors, said yesterday it was looking at setting up a plant in Saudi Arabia as it seeks to tap into growing regional demand.

Britain-based JLR said it signed a letter of intent with a Saudi government body to consider opening the plant but that no detailed discussions had been held between the two sides.

“This is an exciting project that could enable Jaguar Land Rover to establish a joint venture partnership in a part of the world where luxury vehicle sales are expected to rise,” JLR chief executive Ralf Speth said in a statement. The announcement comes after JLR said last month it would construct a plant with leading Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co to make vehicles at a new plant near Shanghai to tap

surging Chinese demand for luxury autos. JLR and Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Clusters Development Program will now conduct “a detailed feasibility study together to determine the viability of setting up an automotive facility,” JLR said. Saudi Arabia “is an attractive potential development option,” Speth said, adding JLR was committed to new international partnerships to meet demand. The agree-

ment “is clearly exploratory at this stage,” a JLR spokesman told AFP. But JLR said it has already identified opportunities in Saudi Arabia in aluminium parts production.

The preliminary plans call for the JLR plant to be built next to the world’s largest aluminium complex, a joint venture between Saudi Arabian Mining Co and Alcoa of the United States, due to start production in 2014. JLR’s expan-

sion plans follow a sharp rise in sales to emerging markets. In this calendar year, sales in the Middle East and North Africa have increased by more than nine percent.

Tata Motors bought JLR from Ford in 2008 for $2.3 billion as part of plans to expand beyond Asia and the company accounted for 63 percent of the Indian firm’s revenues in the last financial year. — AFP

Sanctions push Iran into recession: IIF Iran asks OPEC to cut output

DUBAI: A November 21, 2012 file photo shows president of the opposition Syrian National Council George Sabra arriving at a conference focusing on investment in future Syria in the Gulf emirate of Dubai. The Syrian economy has crumbled into a disjointed patchwork as civil war rages in the country, forcing some people to subsist through looting while others collect ransoms and civil servants continue to pay taxes and receive state salaries. — AFP

Templeton’s Mobius to buy Egypt stocks LONDON: Protests in Egypt have failed to deter veteran emerging market investor Mark Mobius, who said yesterday he is holding onto his Egyptian stock position and is looking to add more even as the latest crisis unfolds.

Mobius, executive chairman of Franklin Templeton’s emerging markets group, told Reuters in a telephone interview that while there was an international focus on the protests over Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi’s plans to vote on a new constitution, business continued as usual in many parts of the country. “Tahrir Square is not Egypt. Life goes on outside Cairo,” Mobius said, following a recent visit to Cairo which included going to the square during protests there. Mobius said that the latest wave of protests was “relatively peaceful”.

Egyptian stocks have dropped 12 percent in the past few weeks but remain 38 percent higher on the year, having posted one of the best stock market performances of 2012. Egypt had a weighting of 4.6 percent in the Templeton Frontier Markets Fund at end-Sept, according to Lipper data, and holdings in the $1.1 billion fund include companies such as Orascom Telecom and Egyptian International Pharmaceuticals. “Possibilities in con-

struction are going to be interesting - we have not done anything there yet,” Mobius said. Mobius, speaking from Nairobi, said he was optimistic on the Middle East and North Africa region since the Arab Spring uprisings last year.

He said Tunisia and Libya were countries to watch. Rwanda was another possible investment destination in Africa, Mobius said, with Africa already having a 23 percent weighting in the frontier markets fund. “The population is so young and the growth rates are high, we see the changes taking place here have been very dramatic. With the growth, you are going to get equities that are very attractive.”

Mobius said he had not invested in Venezuela since Hugo Chavez came to power in 1999. Chavez this week named a successor as he battles with cancer, and markets have soared on speculation that a more market-friendly government will win power in the Latin American oil-producing country. “If there is a change in government, there could be a change in attitude towards capital markets, the change will probably come gradually,” Mobius said.

Emerging stocks will outperform the developed world next year, after underperformance in 2011 and the first part of 2012, Mobius said. — Reuters

BEIRUT: Sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear programme have pushed the country into recession, a global association of financial services said yesterday. Crude oil exports have dropped sharply, the Iranian rial has plummeted and inflation has soared in 2012, the Washington-based Institute for International Finance said in its report on the Middle East and North Africa.

GDP in 2012 is expected to shrink by 3.5 percent, from 1.2 percent positive growth in 2011, it added.

Iran is refining uranium to a fissile concentration that Western experts say is a relatively short technical step from the level that would be suitable for atomic bombs. But Tehran says its enrichment programme is solely for civilian energy purposes.

The US Senate is considering a broader set of economic sanctions on Iran’s energy, port, shipping and shipbuilding sectors.

During the 2012/2013 fiscal year “with crude oil prices holding at around $110 per barrel, government revenues from oil (which accounted for about half of its total revenues in previous years) could drop by at least 40 percent,” it said. The Iranian government has started consolidating public spending to off-

set a fall in revenues, it added. The rial has been “steadily depreciating this year as foreign currency inflows have been garnered by the central bank for use in payment for government imports and to meet essential import needs,” it said.

Inflation will average around 50 percent this year, up from 26.5 in 2011. Iranian officials at first sought to downplay the effect of sanctions, but in recent months have acknowledged their impact on the economy, saying Iran must use the sanctions as an opportunity to wean itself off heavy dependence on oil.

Iranian parliamentarian Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghaddam, who sits on the parliamentary budget committee, said in November the state budget for the next fiscal year may assume exports of just one million barrels of oil per day, about half volumes shipped in 2011.

The economic problems have also contributed to sharper criticism of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad by his rivals in parliament, worsening divisions within the government. Parliament speaker Ali Larijani said last week the country was experiencing an “economic drought” this year. The IIF report said that the economic conditions could have seri-

ous political and social implications as the country approaches mid-2013 presidential elections.

“As the economy enters a recession, the regime faces pressures from rising public unrest and discontent within Parliament,” the report said. Meanwhile, Iran will ask the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reduce its output in line with the group’s agreed limit of 30 million barrels per day, the country ’s oil ministry spokesman was quoted as saying yesterday.

“Iran’s first request from OPEC members will be returning to agreed commitments regarding production limits,” Alireza NikzadRahbar said on Tuesday, according to its English-language Press TV. Nikzad-Rahbar said although OPEC members had agreed to a 30-million bpd limit, production “has now exceeded 31 million bpd,” according to Press TV. Nikzad-Rahbar also said Iran will not support OPEC secretary-general candidates from Iraq and Saudi Arabia and will promote its own candidate for the position, Press TV reported. OPEC will convene on Wednesday in Vienna and is expected to leave its output target unchanged. — Agencies

Italian PM defends austerity measures ROME: Premier Mario Monti yesterday defended his government’s austerity measures as necessary to restore confidence in Italy’s financial future, and warned voters to beware “magic solutions” promised by candidates in upcoming elections.

Monti has said he will resign as soon as the country’s budget is approved, spreading anxiety in the markets that a new elected government will not follow through on reforms.

Speaking on state TV, he warned politicians in the election against suggesting there is an easy way out of Italy’s financial problems. “It is important that everyone use some self-discipline and avoid the tendency to oversimplify, presenting magic solutions to the citizens,” he said.

Monti declined to discuss his

future plans. Supporters have been pushing him to lead a centrist movement in the elections. Others say he may seek the largely ceremonial position of president, others that he may seek an EU position in Brussels.

Keeping the jittery markets in mind, Monti stressed that “there is a government in Italy and will be until another is named.” Former Premier Silvio Berlusconi, meanwhile, was in full election mode. In a call to one of the TV stations he owns, he said Monti’s politics are too “Germancentered,” belittling concerns about the country’s borrowing costs as measured by the spread - the difference in interest between benchmark German bonds and Italian ones. — AP

HAMBACH: Employees work on the assembly line of the Smart ForTwo car at the Smart factory of Hambach, eastern France, yesterday. The third-generation Smart electric drive is scheduled to be launched in the US and Europe by the second quarter of 2013 and Smart plans to mass produce the electric car with availability in 30 markets worldwide. — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds

.2750000 .4500000 .3620000 .2990000 .2830000 .2930000 .0040000 .0020000 .0763110 .7434790 .3880000 .0720000 .7288490 .0430000

.2850000 .4610000 .3720000 .3110000 .2920000 .3020000 .0067500 .0035000 .0770780 .7509510 .4060000 .0770000 .7361740 .0510000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2811000 .2832000 GB Pound/KD .4521350 .4555130 Euro .3639960 .3667160 Swiss francs .3013020 .3035530 Canadian dollars .2849760 .2871050 Danish Kroner .0487980 .0491620 Swedish Kroner .0420290 .0423430 Australian dlr .2946630 .2968640 Hong Kong dlr .0362700 .0365410 Singapore dlr .2299950 .2317130 Japanese yen .0034130 .0034390 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 .0052430 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 .0022060 Pakistan rupee .0000000 .0029260 Bangladesh taka .0000000 .0035140 UAE dirhams .0765630 .0771350 Bahraini dinars .7459200 .7514930 Jordanian dinar .0000000 .4005660 Saudi Riyal/KD .0749800 .0755400 Omani riyals .7304140 .7358710 Philippine Peso .0000000 .0069690

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - transfer Irani Riyal - cash

3.430 5.192 2.905 2.188 3.258 231.750 36.451 3.449 6.899 9.219 0.271 0.273

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 75.363 77.653 734.050 750.630 76.955

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.500 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 45.870 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.318 Tunisian Dinar 179.940 Jordanian Dinar 398.650 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.896 Syrian Lier 3.864 Morocco Dirham 33.432 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 282.500 Euro 366.970 Sterling Pound 455.530 Canadian dollar 287.090 Turkish lire 158.090 Swiss Franc 303.760 Australian dollar 297.190 US Dollar Buying 281.300 GOLD 321.000 162.000 84.000

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

51.100 734.190 3.080 7.200 78.180 75.470 232.730 35.110 2.692 457.300 43.200 305.500 3.400 9.570 198.263 77.060 283.000 1.360

10 Tola

GOLD 1,822.200

Sterling Pound US Dollar

734.010 2.937 6.917 77.750 75.470 232.730 34.110 2.195 455.300 304.000 3.400 9.420 76.960 282.600

COUNTRY

Currency

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 455.300 282.600

SELL CASH

SELL DRAFT

299.400 751.680 3.700 289.600 555.100 46.000 49.800 167.800 48.000 369.200 37.160 5.500 0.032 0.161 0.243 3.520 400.540 0.191 95.690 45.500 4.340 238.900 1.831

297.900 751.680 3.457 288.100

232.700 46.077 367.700 37.010 5.200 0.031

SELL DRAFT

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

300.50 290.30 306.85 369.07 281.90 457.12 3.49 3.474 5.183 2.194 3.255 2.922 76.82 750.60 46.03 401.61 733.67 77.85 75.38

SELL CASH

300.000 289.000 307.000 367.600 283.000 457.500 3.690 3.580 5.450 2.320 3.600 3.100 77.300 749.500 47.700 399.500 734.000 77.850 75.850

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 400.510 0.190 95.690 3.270 237.400

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

282.550 286.480 453.910 365.130

Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

302.305 748.045 76.905 77.555 75.310 398.295 46.053 2.188 5.197 2.915 3.453 6.897 693.099 4.426 9.295 4.385 3.340 92.425

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

282.400 2.917 5.212 2.199 3.455 6.940 76.990 75.465 750.700 46.049 458.400 2.990 1.550 370.800 291.600 3.265

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

281.900 368.200 455.750 287.200 3.450 5.195 45.865 2.186 3.495 6.895 2.895 750.700 76.700 75.200

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

BUSINESS

US Fed expected to launch new bond buying program WASHINGTON: With a nervous eye on the “fiscal cliff,” the US central bank is expected this week to announce a new bond-buying plan to support the country’s economy.

The goal would be to further reduce long-term interest rates and encourage borrowing by companies and individuals. If it succeeds, the Federal Reserve might at least soften the blow from the so-called “fiscal cliff” - the automatic tax increases and spending cuts that will kick in in January if Congress can’t reach a budget deal with the White House.

But the Fed’s actions wouldn’t rescue the economy.

Chairman Ben Bernanke warned last month that if the economy fell off a “broad fiscal cliff,” the Fed probably couldn’t offset the shock. Fears of the cliff have led some US companies to delay expanding, investing and hiring.

Manufacturing has reached its weakest point since July 2009. Consumers have cut back on spending.

Unemployment has dipped in recent months but remains a still-high 7.7 percent. If higher taxes and government spending cuts lasted for much of 2013, most experts say the economy would sink into another recession. Once its two-day policy meeting ends Wednesday, the Fed is likely to say it will start buying more long-term Treasurys to replace a program that expires at year’s end. Under the expiring program, the Fed has sold short-term Treasurys and used the proceeds to buy $45 billion a month in long-term Treasurys. The plan is called “Operation Twist” because it has sought to “twist” long-term rates lower relative to short-term rates.

One advantage of Twist is that it hasn’t increased

the Fed’s record-high investment portfolio. Critics say that when the Fed pumps more money into the financial system and adds to its portfolio, it risks escalating inflation later.

Unlike Twist, the Fed’s new program would expand its portfolio, which totals nearly $2.9 trillion more than three times its size before the 2008 financial crisis.

Most economists think the Fed will replace the $45 billion-a-month Twist program with a roughly equal amount of Treasury purchases each month.

“The Fed really has only one key decision at the meeting, and that is how much of the current program will they replace,” said David Jones, chief economist at DMJ Advisors. When the Fed expands its portfolio with bond purchases, it’s called quantitative easing, or QE. The Fed has launched three rounds of QE since the financial crisis hit. QE3 began in September.

Under it, the Fed is buying $40 billion in mortgage bonds each month. A new program would amount to an extension of QE3. After it last met in September, the Fed said it would keep buying mortgage bonds until the job market improved substantially. It also extended its plan to keep its benchmark short-term rate near zero through at least mid-2015. And it raised the possibility of taking other steps. Skeptics note that rates on mortgages and many other loans are already at or near all-time lows. So any further declines in rates engineered by the Fed might offer little economic benefit.

But besides seeking to spur lending, the Fed’s drive to cut rates has another goal: to induce investors to shift money out of low-yielding bonds and into stocks, which could lift stock prices. Stock gains boost wealth and typically lead individuals and businesses to spend

and invest more. The economy would benefit.

Inside and outside the Fed, a debate has raged over whether the Fed’s actions have helped support the economy over the past four years, whether they will ignite inflation later and whether they should be extended. At this week’s meeting, some regional Fed bank presidents will likely express concern that more bond buying will further flood the financial system with money and eventually send prices soaring.

One such critic, Jeffrey Lacker, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, has cast a lone dissenting vote at all seven Fed policy meetings this year.

Lacker has said he thinks the job market is being slowed by factors beyond the Fed’s control. And he says further bond purchases risk worsening future inflation. Others, like John Williams, president of the San Francisco Fed, have said they think the Fed’s bond purchases must continue because the job market and other components of the economy are improving only gradually. The Fed is also expected this week to resume discussions on how to signal future policy moves to the public more clearly. Since August 2011, the Fed has identified a target date to try to reassure markets that it doesn’t plan to raise short-term rates soon. Some Fed officials, however, oppose using a target period to signal the earliest when it might start raising rates. They’ve been urging that future interestrate moves be linked to how the economy is faring as measured by unemployment and inflation.

Chicago Fed President Charles Evans, a proponent of this change, would set the unemployment target at 6.5 percent and the inflation target at 2.5 percent. If those targets were adopted, the Fed would say it didn’t

plan to raise rates until unemployment drops below 6.5 percent - as long as the Fed’s inflation gauge is no more than 2.5 percent. The Fed’s inflation measure over the past 12 months has risen just 1.7 percent, signaling that inflation pressures are well-contained.

Many private economists expect no change in the Fed’s communications strategy this week. They think officials are far from a consensus on how to adopt numerical targets for any interest-rate move. But a change could come next year.

By contrast, there’s widespread expectation that the Fed will announce a program to replace Operation Twist. If it didn’t, the Fed’s support for the economy would be reduced at a time when growth is weak and unemployment still high.

“They can’t have the current level of bond buying come to an end with all the uncertainty of the fiscal cliff just around the corner,” said Greg McBride, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

The Fed’s meeting coincides with negotiations between Congress and President Barack Obama over a budget deal to avert the fiscal cliff. The talks are focused on Obama’s push to raise tax rates for the top 2 percent of income earners. Most Republicans are resisting such a move.

Brian Bethune, an economics professor at Gordon College, says he thinks Fed officials this week might discuss what further action they could take if Congress and the administration fail to reach a deal before January and the tax increases and spending cuts take effect. “We are in unusual times, and that may require an unusual amount of Fed policy actions,” Bethune said. — AP

Obama’s tax plan no small deal to small businessmen Proposal to hit about 940,000 Americans

NEW YORK: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York City. Stocks were little changed Monday morning as investors remained concerned over developments in Europe and ongoing fiscal cliff negotiations in Washington.

The Dow Jones industrial average was up 24 points after the opening bell. — AFP

Markets solid despite US, Italian concerns LONDON: Markets retained their optimistic tone yesterday even though US leaders have yet to thrash out a budget deal that could prevent recession in the world’s largest economy and despite ongoing concerns over Italy’s political and economic future.

However, the longer a US deal to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic tax increases and spending cuts at the start of next year fails to emerge, the more fidgety investors are likely to become. Coupled with concerns over upcoming Italian elections and their impact on the country’s efforts to tackle its financial crisis, the outlook in the markets has the potential to turn around sharply.

“The fiscal cliff and European sovereign debt situations remain lurking in the wings and could well provide some quick price action if we see any developments,” said Fawad Razaqzada, market strategist at GFT Markets.

In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was up 0.1 percent at 5,926, while Germany’s DAX rose 0.5 percent to 7,566. The CAC-40 in France was 0.5 percent higher at 3,631. Wall Street was poised for a steady opening after modest gains Monday, with Dow futures and the broader S&P 500 futures up 0.1 percent.

As has been the case for much of the period since President Barack Obama won re-election early last month, the gaze of U.S. investors remains on whether he and Congress can agree to a budget deal to avoid the fiscal cliff that many economists think would tip the U.S. back into recession.

“Like the debt ceiling drama of 2011 investors expect the fiscal cliff debate to run to the wire, but overwhelmingly believe a solution will be found,” said Mike McCudden, head of derivatives at Interactive Investor. Alongside the discussions over the US budget, investors are

keeping a close watch on developments in Italy following the surprise weekend announcement by Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti that he will resign after Italy’s 2013 budget has gone through Parliament.

Monti, a technocratic leader who has been credited with restoring confidence in Italy’s economy, said he found it impossible to lead after former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s party, Parliament’s largest, dropped its support for the government.

Analysts fear Monti’s unexpected resignation could spark a new round of Italian political turmoil and slow efforts to get one of Europe’s largest economies back in shape. That prompted a big spike in Italy’s borrowing costs Monday as well as falls on the Milan stock exchange.

Some calm appeared to have been restored yesterday, with the yield on Italy’s 10-year bonds down 0.03 percentage point at 4.58 percent and the FTSE MIB in Mila up 0.7 percent. The euro was also solid, trading 0.2 percent higher at $1.2970. Earlier, markets in Asia appeared to take in stride news that HSBC, the British banking giant, will pay $1.9 billion to settle a money-laundering probe by federal and state authorities in the United States. HSBC shares rose 0.3 percent in Hong Kong and fell 0.3 percent in London.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index fell 0.1 percent to 9,525.32, with Japanese utilities coming under pressure a day after a team of geologists said that a nuclear power plant in western Japan is likely located on an active fault. Japanese guidelines prohibit nuclear facilities above active faults.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.2 percent to 22,323.94 but shares in mainland China fell, with the main Shanghai index closing 0.4 percent lower at 2,172.50. Oil prices tracked equities higher, with the benchmark New York rate up 27 cents at $85.83 a barrel. — AP

DORAL: FedEx employees, James Johnson and others, sort through items being shipped through the Fedex World Service Center yesterday in Doral, Florida. FedEx Corp. expects today to be the busiest shippping day of the year when 19 million packages are expected to move through their system. — AFP

WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s plan to increase taxes on top earners would have only a small impact on the nation’s economy, according to congressional budget experts. But don’t tell that to small business owners facing a tax hike.

Obama’s proposal would hit about 940,000 people who report business income on their individual or household returns, says the Joint Committee on Taxation, the official scorekeeper for Congress. That’s only 3.5 percent of the people who report business income, but those business owners are projected to earn 53 percent of the $1.3 trillion in business income that will be reported on individual returns next year.

That, Republicans in Congress argue, makes those business owners an important engine for economic growth and job creation. They recite it as gospel: Paying higher taxes will reduce the amount of profits business owners would otherwise re-invest in their companies, making them less likely to expand and hire more workers.

Many economists agree that tax increases in general limit economic growth. But there are big disagreements about magnitude - how much relatively small changes in the top two income tax rates would affect the economy and job creation. The Congressional Budget Office estimated last month that Obama’s plan to increase taxes only on top earners would reduce economic growth by 0.1 percent of Gross Domestic Product next year, or about $16 billion. That translates into about 200,000 fewer jobs.

By comparison, letting all the tax cuts enacted in 2001 and 2003 expire would reduce economic growth by 1.4 percent of GDP, resulting in about 1.8 million fewer jobs, the CBO said. “It’s a very tiny portion of the cliff impact and it very much raises revenues and it does so in a fair way,” Rep. Sander Levin of Michigan, senior Democrat on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, said of Obama’s proposal. “It will not stifle economic growth in any significant way.” Most of the expiring tax cuts were first enacted under former President George W. Bush and extended by Obama in 2010. This time around, Obama says he is determined to let the tax cuts expire on income above $200,000 for individuals and $250,000 for married couples. He wants to extend the Bush tax cuts for people making less.

House Speaker John Boehner and other Republicans have said they are open to more tax revenue through reducing or eliminating tax breaks. But Boehner opposes Obama’s proposal to increase tax rates on high earners.

“Raising taxes on small businesses instead of taking a balanced approach that also cuts spending is wrong,” Boehner, said recently. “It’s only going to make it harder for our economy to grow. And if our economy doesn’t grow, Americans don’t get new jobs and the debt problem that we have will continue to threaten our children’s future.” Republicans often relate

the tax increases to small businesses because 94 percent of America’s businesses are structured so that profits go directly to partners or shareholders who report the income on their individual tax returns. It’s a way for business owners to avoid paying taxes twice on the same income once at the corporate level and again when profits are distributed as dividends.

Under Obama’s plan, the 33 percent tax rate would rise to 36 percent on taxable income above $231,000 for a married couple filing jointly. The top tax rate would increase from 35 percent to 39.6 percent on taxable income above $397,000. Obama’s plan also would phase out the personal exemption and gradually reduce itemized deductions for individuals making more than $200,000 and married couples mak-

who report the income on their individual tax returns. Business owners note that they often pay taxes on profits they don’t necessarily receive. For example, if you borrow money to start or expand your business, you can use some of your profits to repay the loan, but only the interest portion of the loan payment is tax deductible. When business owners use profits to buy new equipment or make other upgrades, it often takes several years to write off the cost of those upgrades, depending on depreciation rules.

Dan McGregor, chairman of McGregor Metalworking Companies in Springfield, Ohio, said he and the other six shareholders in the business are looking at a tax increase of $250,000 to $300,000 next year under Obama’s plan. Under Obama’s plan to increase the top

DETROIT: US President Barack Obama greets wellwishers after arriving on Air Force One at Detroit Metro-Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Michigan, yesterday. Obama is traveling to speak on the economy. — AFP ing more than $250,000. The top capital gains tax rate would rise from 15 percent to 20 percent. Qualified dividends, which are now taxed at a top rate of 15 percent, would be taxed as ordinary income for top earners, or at a top rate of 39.6 percent.

That, some business owners complain, would leave them with less money to hire new workers or keep the ones they have. “We’re trying to encourage people to go out and hire and take risks,” said Brian Reardon, executive director of the S Corporation Association. “If you are reducing the marginal value, you are reducing the incentives for folks to take that risk.”

An S corporations is a common business structure in which profits flow directly to shareholders

two income tax rates, a taxpayer would have to have an income of around $4 million - depending on how it’s structured - to face a tax increase of $250,000.

McGregor’s company, which has 365 employees at five locations, does about $80 million a year in sales, McGregor said. Each year, a portion of the profits are distributed to shareholders, along with money to pay taxes. The rest, he said, is invested back into the company.

If taxes go up, distributions to shareholders must go up to pay the higher taxes, leaving less money to reinvest in the business, McGregor said. “I feel a $40,000 reduction is the loss of one job, so if it’s a $200,000 tax increase, that’s five jobs,” McGregor said. — AP

Christmas cheer for Germany FRANKFURT: Investors in Germany are increasingly feeling some Christmas cheer, with sentiment topping a seven-month high this month on hopes Europe’s top economy will dodge recession, data showed yesterday.

The widely watched investor confidence index calculated by the ZEW economic institute soared to 6.9 points in December from minus 15.7 points in November. It was the highest reading since May and also the first time since then the index has been in positive territory, the institute said. The health of the German economy economy is of critical importance to the rest of Europe and notably the eurozone.

“Financial market experts are looking to next year with a bit of pre-Christmas optimism,” said ZEW chief Wolfgang Franz. “The economic slowdown we have seen over the past months will also stretch into 2013. But as things currently stand, Germany will be spared a recession,” Franz said. “Nevertheless, a precondition for this is that the eurozone crisis does not intensify further,” he added. Although Germany has managed to resist the crisis a lot better than most of its eurozone neighbours, growth has slowed here as well since the beginning of the year. After expanding by 0.5 percent in the first quarter of 2012, gross domes-

tic product (GDP) grew by just 0.3 percent in the second quarter and a mere 0.2 percent in the third quarter. Last week, the German central bank, the Bundesbank, warned that Germany will not be able to escape the crisis and may even flirt briefly with recession early next year, although it is well placed to rebound strongly.

The Bundesbank, in its latest updated twiceyearly forecasts, said there were “indications that economic activity may actually fall in the final quarter of 2012 and the first quarter of 2013.”

Recession is technically defined as two consecutive quarters of negative growth and many of Germany’s eurozone neighbours have fallen into deep recessions due to the region’s long-running debt crisis. Berenberg Bank economist Christian Schulz said the Bundesbank “may have become a bit too pessimistic. “Investors interpret the current state of the economy as stagnation rather than contraction,” he said.

“The ZEW index is the first survey pointing to an actual turnaround,” Schulz said. For the survey, ZEW questions analysts and institutional investors about their current assessment of the economic situation in Germany, as well as their expectations for the coming months.

A sub-index measuring financial market play-

ers’ view of the current economic situation in Germany edged up by 0.3 point to 5.7 points. A frequent criticism of the index is that it can be volatile and therefore not particularly reliable.

But the better-than-expected reading for December-analysts had been projecting a much more modest rise in the index to minus 11.3 points-chimes with other forward-looking data released recently.

In November, the key Ifo business confidence index halted a six-month slide to stage an unexpected rally. Newedge Strategy analyst Annalisa Piazza pointed out that with the current assessment index still close to its lowest level in more than two years, the jump in expectations “seems to be the result of mere ‘hope’ that the worst of the eurozone debt crisis is over,” rather than any concrete evidence.

The ZEW itself noted that recent positive data coming out of the US were fuelling such hopes.

Capital Economics economist Jennifer McKeown was also cautious. The reading “provides only limited hope for the German economy given clear signs of a downturn in the recent hard data,” she argued. “The ZEW has never been a reliable predictor of gross domestic product growth, she pointed out. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

BUSINESS

US women make slow progress into boardrooms, executive jobs NEW YORK: Although women make up nearly half of the US workforce, only 16.6 percent have seats on the boards of Fortune 500 companies and the number has barely budged since 2005, according to a study released yesterday. The Catalyst 2012 F500 Census, which annually tracks women in top positions in companies, showed progress is painfully slow for women seeking the top spots in corporate America, with only a 0.5 percent rise from the previous year. “What we found is that the needle barely budged for women aspiring into corporate board service or into top-level leadership at these very prominent American companies,” said Rachel Soares, a senior research associate at Catalyst, a non-profit group.

“In 2012 women held only 16.6 percent of board seats and only 14.3 percent of executive officer positions.” The number of women executives last year was slightly lower than in 2010 and only marginally better than in 2011. During the past two years more than a quarter of US companies had no women executive officers, according to the research, and just one-fifth had 25 percent or more.

Women’s advancement into boardrooms and executive offices has been slow since Catalyst, which works to expand opportunities for women and businesses, started with the F500 Census in 1993. In 2005 it slowed to a snail’s pace, with half or less than half of a percentage point gain each year.

“It is not meaningful. It is not significant,” Soares said of the lack of progress in closing the gender leadership gap. For women of color, the situation is even worse, with 3.3 percent holding board seats in 2012, up 0.3 percent from 2011. “It just underscores the chal-

lenges that women face, particularly at the intersection of different dimensions of diversity, in this case gender and race/ethnicity,” said Soares. In 2011 and 2012 two-thirds of companies did not have any women of color serving on their boards.

Catalyst compiled the results by studying the top 500 US companies ranked by revenues by Fortune magazine and counting everyone on boards and in top executive positions, noting their gender and race/ethnicity. Three companies were excluded because data was not available.

Although many barriers block women’s entry to boardrooms and executive offices, Catalyst research showed that sponsorship is critical to advancing women, as is the commitment of current leadership.

“Our data shows that between 2009 and 2011, 81 percent of (board) seats that were filled went to men.

The pool that companies were drawing from is not taking advantage of the full range of women with their skills that are available,” Deborah Gillis, chief operating officer of Catalyst, said in an interview.

To pry open the door further and break through the relationship barrier, Catalyst is compiling a directory of board-qualified women based on recommendations from sponsors and companies.

“What we are saying with this list is that the underrepresentation of women on corporate boards is not about a lack of supply. That’s a myth,” said Gillis.

“In fact, if we look at the executive officer pool, we see 710 women executive officers in Fortune 500 companies. It is an extensive pool of women with skills and experience in critical areas that corporate boards could tap into.” — Reuters

Fiscal cliff deal hopes support market sentiments NBK’S WEEKLY MONEY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: After five days of making higher lows and highs, the Euro outper formance ended after the European Central Bank press conference on Thursday.

The ECB’s weakened growth forecasts for the Euro zone, emphasizing how difficult the global growth picture is still looking, even if some of the immediate concerns over bailouts and sovereign risks default have subsided in recent months.

Post ECB meeting, there was massive unwinding of Euro trades and the market focused on the Italian political tensions as a factor as they have been burning in the background for several days. The underperformance of Italian government bonds was nothing extraordinary and was more technical in nature rather than a material change on investors economic or policy outlooks in Italy.

Back in the US, developments were primarily in the political landscapes rather any than economic developments. Democrats and Republicans continued the political drama in Washington without achieving any concrete results as to the fiscal cliff negotiation. However, hopes remain in markets especially after US President Obama said that a fiscal cliff deal was possible ‘in about a week’ if Republicans compromised on raising tax on the wealthiest.

After starting the week on a positive note, the post ECB press conference on Thursday opened the door to a rate cut in Q1 next year. Consequently, after trading at a high of 1.3127 on Thursday, the Euro broke lower to 1.2877 as the pressure started and demand was weak that even positive reports on the Greek buyback was unable to provide any bounce at all. The Euro closed the week at 1.2927.

The Pound continued range trading during the week following the positive news out of Europe’s Greek deal and the negative headlines from the UK office of the Budget responsibility. After starting the week at 1.6054 the pound ended the week at 1.6039.

In the commodities world, Gold showed a pulse by the end of the week after a faltering late performance.

After registering a low of $1685, the metal closed the week at $1704.

The latest development in the Middle East political tension has not affected oil prices as we had expected.

After falling to a three weeks low of $85.68 after the ECB mentioned the bank projected the economy to contract 0.5% this year worse than the September forecast of a drop of 0.4%, Oil rose on Friday on speculation that China’s production rose at the fastest pace since March 2012. The first month delivery closed the week at $85.93.

ADP affected by Hurricane Sandy ADP reported that only 118,000 jobs were added in November and October’s reading was revised slightly lower to 157,000 from 158,000. Expectations were for 129,000 jobs to be created in November and this miss marks the fourth month of decline for ADP job creation. One of the more interesting aspects of the ADP report is the breakdown of the private sector by service producing and goods producing jobs. Service producing sectors are beyond the ones tracked and created 114,000 payroll jobs for November. Goods only gained 4,000 private sector jobs. As expected, hurricane Sandy cost 86,000 estimated job losses according to the report.

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) moved lower in November, falling once again into contraction territor y. The PMI fell from 51.7 in October to 49.5 in November. Worries about slowing sales and the fiscal cliff are having an impact on this category. Additionally, according to analysts the number has been probably affected by Hurricane Sandy, hence markets prefer to wait for next month’s number to have a clearer picture as a subcomponent of the number, that is the pace of production edged slightly higher in November, up from 52.4 to 53.7.

On a different note, the latest Non-Manufacturing Report Composite Index came at 54.7%, signaling slightly faster growth than last month’s 54.2%.

Economists has a consensus of 53.5%.

Europe & UK Draghi’s Projections Disappoint while Italy ’s Government Overcomes a Confidence Motion. During the ECB press conference on Thursday, President Mario Draghi seemed more hesitant on a deposit rate cut. His comment about ensuring ECB liquidity “reaches the real economy” was perhaps a hint that if the Council loses confidence in the H2 2013 recovery, further, ‘credit easing’ type policy could be an option. According to him, the ECB needed to lose confidence in the H2 recovery to feel the pressure to pull a policy lever.

On the other hand, the ECB staff survey was more aggressive with their new forecasts. However, in reducing the 2013 GDP growth forecast from +0.5% to -0.3%, the ECB staff have gone well below other official sector institutions and below all recent consensuses in the market. The staff inflation forecasts for inflation were at 1.6% in 2013 and 1.4%in 2014 much lower than what economists had projected close to 2%.

European bond spreads continued to widen by the end of week and markets shifted their attention to Italy, as the government overcame a confidence motion, when ex Prime Minister Berlusconi’s threatening to withdraw his support and bring down the government.

Negative Euro Zone GDP The euro zone’s economy contracted in the third quarter of 2012 in line with economists’ expectations and confirming a continuing recession in Europe as a technical recession is defined as two straight quarters of contraction.

In a report published by Eurostat, the Euro zone’s gross domestic product shrank 0.1% in the third quarter of 2012 and remained unchanged from the previous quarter. Year-on-year, euro zone GDP fell 0.6% compared to a year earlier, also in line with expectations.

German Factory Orders Impress The German factory orders were stronger than market expectations in October, rising 3.9% m-o-m versus 1% consensus. According to the German economy ministry, a rise in demand from foreigner trading partners, in particular from those outside of the Euro zone, was behind the surprise. This was the first major real data release this month and continued to show a gap between survey (e.g. PMI) data which has been weaker and real data which has been stronger.

Bank of England gives bleak outlook The UK trade balance was weaker than market expectations in October, with the visible trade balance recording a deficit of GBP -9.5bn versus consensus 8.6bn and higher than September’s -8.4bn which was also revised higher. The overall deficit was -3.6bn versus -3bn consensus.

Chancellor George Osborne said he would stick with his deficit-reduction programme but declined to comment more specifically on whether he would be able to meet debt targets, but stressed he did not believe Britain should borrow more or increase spending.

The Office of the Budget responsibility on the other hand slashed its forecasts for growth between 2012 & 2015 by between 0.7 and 0.9% putting growth at 2.3% by 2015. The Office forecasts Bank of England QE to be fully unwound by late 2022.

Australia Impresses the World Australia’s unemployment rate fell to a three-month low of 5.2% in November, from 5.4% in October. The market had been expecting the rate to be 5.4% in November. Total employment on the other hand rose 13,900 in November, beating market expectations of a 5,000 fall. Australia has proven remarkably resilient to its diminishing interest rate advantage. Indeed, the country retains a solid yield advantage over most other G10 currencies and given the brightening outlook for Asia including China, the medium term outlook for Australia remains relatively better than the rest of the G10.

Asia Investors Await Japan’s Election Markets have been awaiting the Japanese election.

The Opposition leader Shinzo Abe has been calling for the bank of Japan to pursue unlimited easing until it reaches an inflation target of 2%. Japan’s consumer price index has been hovering around 0% and the bank does not expect it to come closer to 1% until after April 2014.

The Bank of Japan next meets on December 19 and comments from one of its members last week strengthened investors’ views that the bank will take additional easing measures this month.

Commodities Gold Continues to Hope for QE4 After a faltering performance, Gold continues to trade sideways on hopes of QE4 in 2013 and declining global interest rates. Though gold fell to a one-month low earlier this week, investors confidence in the metal remained well supported this week after Bank of Korea stated it increased its gold reserves by 14 tons in November with gold representing now 1.2% of its reserves up from 0.9% Oil Markets Ignore Geopolitical Tensions According to the US Energy information administration, US oil and gas production will rise much higher than previously expected over the next two decades, with output from shale formations driving the increase.

In its first energy outlook through 2040, the EIA said US oil production would hit 7.5 million barrels per day in 2019, up from a peak of 6.7 million bpd in 2020 forecast last year.

“After about 2020, production begins declining gradually ... as producers develop sweet spots first and then move to less productive or less profitable drilling areas,” the EIA said. For the moment, Oil prices continue to range trade on Middle East tensions and slower global growth expectations.

25

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

business

India to probe Walmart lobbying over retail reforms NEW DELHI: The Indian government yesterday promised a inquiry into the spending of millions of dollars by US supermarket chain Walmart on lobbying in Washington to ease access to India’s retail sector.

Walmart, which will be able to open stores in India after recent liberalisation reforms, has said there was nothing illegal about the practice and the US State

Department also stated no laws had been broken. However, allegations of any foreign interference and lobbying that may influence government policy are a sensitive subject in India, and opposition parties jumped on the disclosures to try to embarrass the government. “We will take all steps to unearth all the facts in this regard,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath told

reporters after protests by lawmakers forced parliament to be adjourned.

“We have no hesitation in having an inquiry.” Walmart issued a statement flatly rejecting accusations by India’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party that it was guilty of bribery.

“These allegations are entirely false,” it said. “The expenditures are a compilation of expenses associated with US fed-

eral lobbying contacts... all in the United States.

“Our Washington office naturally had discussions with US government officials about a range of trade and investment issues.” Walmart in a disclosure report to the US Senate has said it spent $25 million on lobbying, including issues related to “enhanced market access for investment in India”. The polit-

ical ruckus in New Delhi came the week after the Congress-led government won two parliamentary votes for its policy to allow in foreign supermarkets as part of its push to revive the faltering economy.

Opposition parties hope to tap into fears that the arrival of chains such as Walmart, Tesco and Carrefour will drive millions of small independent shops out of business. — AFP

Asian markets mixed, eyes on US fiscal talks Dollar edges up slightly against yen

MANILA: Students from a government high school ride an “e-trikes” to and from school in suburban Manila yesterday. Rickshaws running on lithium-ion batteries are to be fielded in the Philippine capital in USD 500 million project to offer green public transport to the megacity, its financiers said. The 100,000 “e-trikes” would provide an alternative to gas-guzzling, smoke-belching motorised tricycles that now ferry Manila residents through narrow streets not served by buses, the Asian Development Bank said. — AFP

Philippines gives green light to electric tricycles MANILA: The Philippines is to roll out 100,000 electric tricycles in an effort to replace the petrol-powered ones that currently ply its cities, one of the project’s financiers said yesterday. The “e-trikes” would provide an alternative to the gasguzzling, smoke-belching motorised tricycles that now ferry Manila residents through narrow streets not served by buses, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said.

ADB energy specialist Sohail Hasnie said the lender hoped the e-trikes would eventually replace some of the estimated 3.5 million gas-powered motorcycles and tricycles already in use in the country.

“It will not stop at e -trike. It will expand horizontally to other transports like buses... and once that happens, nationwide, the country’s consumption of oil will come down,” he said in a video message. The $500 million project received the green-light yesterday but a launch date for the vehicles has not yet been set. The e-trikes, powered by an

electric motor with rechargeable lithiumion batteries, cost only $1.20 for a daily charge compared to the $6-8 in fuel a normal tricycle burns every day, the ADB said. There has been generally favourable reaction to a pilot project of 20 e-trikes that have been in service in one Manila district since last year, the bank said. The ADB is lending the Philippines $300 million to acquire the vehicles.

The project will also get an $105 million in a soft loan and grant from the United Nations’ Clean Technology Fund, which is administered by the ADB, the bank said. The Philippine government will provide $99 million.

The loans will also put up five solar charging stations so the e-trikes can be powered up without drawing on the electrical grid, the ADB said.

Other countries have also expressed interest in the e-trikes, said Hasnie. The Philippines hopes to eventually become a centre for manufacturing these vehicles, he added. — AFP

HONG KONG: Asian markets were mixed yesterday following a positive lead from Wall Street, with traders hopeful for a deal in the United States to avert the fiscal cliff.

The dollar edged up slightly against the yen after falling in New York trade ahead of a US Federal Reserve meeting that begins later in the day, with expectations it will announce more monetary easing.

Tokyo ended flat, edging down 8.42 points to 9,525.32, Sydney gained 0.4 percent, or 18.1 points, to end at 4,576.0 while Seoul added 0.37 percent or 7.2 points to 1,964.62.

Hong Kong ended 0.21 percent higher, adding 47.22 points to close at 22,323.94, while Shanghai shed 0.44 percent, or 9.07 points, to 2,074.70. In Hong Kong, banking giant HSBC rose 0.3 percent after it said it will pay a record $1.9 billion settlement in the US over allegations of money laundering.

And fellow British lender Standard Chartered was up 0.60 percent after being told by the US Treasury to pay the United States $327 million to settle charges it violated US sanctions on Iran, Myanmar, Libya and Sudan. Talks in Washington aimed at agreeing a plan to avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in tax hikes and spending cuts taking effect on January 1 were said to be progressing, with President Barack Obama saying he was open to compromise.

If there is no deal the US economy will likely tip back into recession. Buoyed by last month’s re-election, Obama has said a deal will not be done unless there are tax rises for the rich-an idea his Republican rivals have previously set themselves dead against.

However, reports said he and Republican House Speaker John Boehner were making headway. Joe Bracken, BT Investment Management head of macro strategies in Sydney, said traders were buying higher yielding assets, reflecting their confidence.

“There is a mild risk-on sentiment because of expectations that the fiscal cliff situation will be resolved,” he told Dow Jones Newswires. “If it does get resolved, you are going to have a very good start to 2013.”

Wall Street ended in positive territory. The Dow rose 0.11 percent, the S&P 500 was flat and the Nasdaq gained 0.30 percent.

The Federal Reserve’s policy committee begins its two-day meeting yesterday and traders are keeping an eye on what it will do as the end approaches of its “Operation Twist”-selling short-term debt to buy longer-

HEFEI: Chinese shoppers buy vegetables at a supermarket in Hefei, east China’s Anhui province yesterday. China’s inflation rate accelerated slightly to 2.0 percent in November, the National Bureau of Statistics said. — AFP Wellington fell 0.11 percent, or 4.59 term debt. There are signs policymakers will replace it with more outright bond purchases, points, to 4,026.18. Telecom was down 1.32 or “quantitative easing”, aimed at lowering percent at NZ$2.235, Chorus fell 0.37 percent interest rates to encourage businesses to to NZ$2.72 and Fletcher Building added 1.44 invest and hire. On forex markets the dollar percent to NZ$8.45.

Jakarta ended up 0.36 percent, or 15.31 eased in New York as traders bet there would be more cash flooding the markets as a result points, at 4,317.92. Food manufacturer Indofood Sukses Makmur climbed 1.67 perof further easing but it rose slightly in Asia.

In early European trade the greenback cent to 6,100 rupiah and tin miner Timah rose bought 82.52 yen, up from 82.33 yen in New 7.41 percent to 1,450 rupiah.

Kuala Lumpur shares rose 0.58 percent, or York late Monday, while the euro bought 9.42 points to 1,641.57. Axiata Group added $1.2960, from $1.2939.

The euro was at 106.96 yen from 106.53 2.3 percent to 6.33 ringgit, while Maxis gained yen. Oil prices rose, with New York’s main con- 1.5 percent to 6.60. Tenaga Nasional lost 0.6 tract, light sweet crude for delivery in January, percent to 6.92 ringgit.

Singapore rose 0.13 percent, or 3.99 gaining 12 cents to $85.75 a barrel and Brent North Sea crude for January delivery up 45 points to 3,118.33. Sembcorp Industries fell cents to $107.70. Gold was at $1,709.35 at 1.18 percent to Sg$5.02 and United Overseas 1100 GMT compared with $1,708.09 late on Bank shed 0.41 percent to Sg$19.35.

Bangkok rose 0.48 percent or 6.38 points Monday. to 1,341.33. Electricity firm EGCO lost 0.78 perIn other markets: Taipei was flat, adding 4.19 points to cent to 126.50 baht, while Siam Cement 7,613.69. TSMC rose 1.87 percent to Tw$98.3 edged up 1.76 percent to 404.00 baht.

Mumbai closed down 0.12 percent or while smartphone maker HTC fell 2.34 percent to Tw$271.5. Manila surged 1.29 percent, or 22.55 points 19,387.14. Kingfisher Airlines 73.96 points, to 5,831.50. BDO Unibank added was up 4.96 percent at 15.67 rupees and Tata 0.13 percent to 75 pesos, while Ayala Land Motors was down 0.70 percent at 278.05 rupees. —AFP gained 3.84 percent to 25.70 pesos.

India’s bitter colonial past generates suspicion over FDI

JAKARTA: Hideki Mizuma, chief engineer of Toyota Motor Corporation poses beside the 2013 model of Toyota Nav1 during official launch in Jakarta yesterday.

Nav1, the new six-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) car model of Toyota was launched as officials of Indonesian automotive industry predict domestic car sales to reach between 1.08 million and 1.1 million units next year in 2013. — AFP

Ikea doubles pace of investment STOCKHOLM: The investment arm of Ikea, which in August unveiled plans for a budget hotel chain, has more than doubled its investment pace, a spokesman told Swedish business daily Dagens Industri yesterday.

“We have more than doubled the pace of our investments. It’s possible thanks to our strong financial position and having an owner who takes a longterm perspective,” said Anders Bylund, a spokesman for Inter Ikea, the company which holds the rights to the company brand.

More than four billion kronor (462 million euros or $600 million) will be invested anually, he said without specifying the time period.

“We’re ready to incur losses for several years in our growing operations. We count on getting good long-term returns

on our investments,” Bylund said. In addition to real estate projects in Britain and Germany, the company wants to develop shopping malls in Europe and China. It is also investing in privately held businesses in Sweden.

To avoid the turbulence of global stock markets, Inter Ikea has sold its equity holdings and invested in government bonds with high credit ratings.

Th e co m p a ny a n n o u n ce d i n September it would up the pace of new store openings to between 20 and 25 branches per year, from the current six to 10. Together with the Interogo Foundation, which is controlled by the family of Ikea founder Ingvar Kamprad, Inter Ikea has access to a 160 billion kronor war chest that will fund future investments, Dagens Industri wrote. — AFP

NEW DELHI: India’s bitter colonial past hangs heavily over the government’s renewed drive to open the inward-looking economy to foreign investment, even 65 years after independence, analysts say.

Despite a dramatic economic transformation in the past two decades, the emerging market giant’s 200 years under British domination still evoke painful memories.

“The evils of British colonisation are etched in our minds and Indians fear foreign companies have the power and strategies to recolonise India,” said Mridula Mukherjee, a history professor at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Those worries came to the fore last week as lawmakers debated a government move to let in foreign supermarkets-a key plank of its economic reform agenda and aimed at drawing in more investment from overseas.

Opponents fear that allowing the entry of retail giants such as US-based Walmart will force India’s millions of small shopkeepers out of business. The Congress party-led government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh won the vote to permit the entry of big retailers even as opposition parties accused it of wishing to revive the rule of foreign traders.

“Vote against the entry of foreign retail giants-think of your duty to your country,” Sharad Yadav, head of the socialist Janata Dal (United) party, implored lawmakers in parliament’s decisionmaking lower house.

“America and other countries

will never want India to develop-it only loves the market here. Don’t let another East India Company enter the country,” he said. Yadav was referring to Britain’s former East India Company, dubbed the world’s first multinational, which held sway over vast parts of India and set up trading posts to ship cargoes of textiles, indigo, sugar and spices. The East India Company was disbanded after the bloody 1857 uprising known in India as the country’s First War of Independence.

The revolt which was savagely repressed made way for the British Raj-direct rule by the British government.

The anti-foreign tone was the same in the elected upper house of parliament. “ The East India Company entered through Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and ruled,” said Naresh Agarwal of the regional socialist Samajwadi Party. “This time, they are coming through New Delhi.”

The feisty chief minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has been among the most strident opponents of allowing foreign traders access to India’s vast consumer market, calling it a “historical economic blunder”.

Banerjee’s office is in Kolkata’s sprawling red-brick secretariat built by the East India Company more than 200 years ago for trading in opium, cloth, tea and indigo. “Indians trusted the British and we know what happened. We were slaves,” she said. “Again, we are inviting the British and other countries to rule us.”

Akshaya Deb, a historian at the

University of Calcutta, said that “British brutality in India cannot be forgotten. They came in as traders and ended up ruling India.”

Defending the policy of economic liberalisation, the left-leaning government said the country cannot be subservient to what it called the “East India Company complex”. “We talk about East India Company but we forget Indian firms like Tata are buying out international companies and are going global,” Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Minister Praful Patel told parliament. “Let’s not get emotional,” Patel said. “There is no way the

East India Company story will be repeated here. Foreign companies need new markets-even we need them.”

The market-opening push comes as India faces a sharply slowing economy, a gaping fiscal deficit and high inflation, which has stoked pressure on an administration already under fire for corruption.

JNU’s Mukherjee said Indians need to overcome their political and economic insecurity.

“Why are we getting nervous about foreign giants entering the markets? India is not mortgaging its future and history will not repeat itself,” she said. — AFP

HONG KONG: In this file picture taken on December 3, 2012 Cathay Pacific flight attendants stage a protest over pay rise at the international airport in Hong Kong. A union representing flight attendants of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific said yesterday, it is mulling to stop serving alcoholic beverages and not smiling at passengers as a dispute over pay rise escalates. — AFP

26

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

business

Takaud savings and pensions launch corporate solutions in Bahrain MANAMA: Takaud Savings and Pensions B.S.C. launched its first corporate solutions services and product designed to support businesses in understanding and managing efficiently and cost effectively their End of Service Benefit (ESB) liabilities.

The Takaud ESB Plan brings investment expertise, choice and customer centric service to companies who want to explore models for managing ESB liabilities. With the Takaud ESB Plan companies can manage their own personalised investment strategy, benefiting from secure

Abdallah Kubursi

Takaud on-line services designed for ease of administration or leave decision making in the hands of professionals.

The Takaud ESB Plan will be further supported by Takaud’s Actuarial Services. Regionally this represents a first of its kind coupling of local Actuarial and investment service. This provides services, independent from external auditors, to support companies in understanding their ESB liabilities and asset liability matching options.

The proposition delivers by providing service, technology and investment expertise supported by an evolving

and responsive investment proposition together with on line services as another step in establishing a “TAKAUD one stop shop” for all pensions and savings needs.

Abdallah Kubursi, Chief Executive Officer of Takaud said; “This is one product in a range of Corporate and Individual Savings and Pensions Solutions we will be launching over the coming months. We are delighted to be in a position where we can bring new and innovative long term savings and pensions solutions to the markets we serve.”

VIVA launches iPhone 5 with unique packages

Eng Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Badran

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s fastest-growing telecom operator VIVA yesterday announced the launch of the iPhone 5 to customers in Kuwait.

The iPhone 5 will be available in versions ranging from 16GB to 64GB with plans starting from KD10 per month. VIVA will be offering a range of plans, some of which will include a free iPhone 5 as part of the package. The iPhone 5 will be available in all VIVA’s branches and authorized dealers’ showrooms starting 13th of December iPhone 5 is the thinnest and lightest iPhone ever, completely redesigned to feature a stunning new 4-inch Retina display; an Apple-designed A6 chip for blazing fast performance; and ultrafast wireless technology-all while delivering even better battery

ABK announces ninth draw winners ‘Update your Info’ campaign KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait announced the ninth draw winners of its “Update your Info Campaign”. The lucky winners were Ms. Panikka Veetil Abdullah AbdulSalam from Shuwaikh Branch who won Samsung Galaxy S lll and Ramy Mamdouh Abdulmajeed from Andalous Branch who won iPad 3.

Stewart Lockie, General Manager of the Retail Banking Division said, “Customers that update their personal information at any ABK branch will automatically be entered into a draw for a weekly chance to win an iPad 3 or a Samsung Galaxy S III and a monthly draw to win cash prizes. There are 2 more weekly draws coming up until 23rd December so I would suggest for everyone to update their info as soon as possible, so as to get a chance to win any of these valuable prizes.”

SADAFCO announces consolidated half year financial results KUWAIT: Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO), a leading manufacturer of an extensive range of nutritious dairy and foodstuff items for consumers of all age groups has announced its interim condensed consolidated half year financial results.

For the second quarter ended 30 September 2012, SADAFCO generated a consolidated net profit amounting to SAR 46.1 million, an increase of 15% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 40 million) and an increase of 44% compared to the 1st quarter 2012 (SAR 32 million).

As per the recently announced results, SADAFCO’s total gross profit for the second quarter ended 30 September 2012 amounted to SAR 121.5 million, an increase of 13% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 108 million). The operating profit for the same period amounted to

Wout Matthijs - Chief Executive Officer, Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company.

SAR 49 million, an increase of 15% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 42.7 million).

“The financial results for the second quarter reflect the robust growth momentum that SADAFCO has maintained over the last three years by registering a double digit growth and delivering significant operational profits.

The continued strong performance and consumer demand for key product groups including Dairy, Tomato Paste and Ice Cream along with the success of new products have contributed immensely to our growth”, said Wout Matthijs, Chief Executive Officer, Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company.

SADAFCO also announced that the consolidated net profit for the six month period ended 30 September 2012 amounted to SAR 78.1 million, an increase of 16% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 67.5 million) while the earnings per share (EPS) for the six months period ended 30 September 2012 was SAR 2.40 compared to SAR 2.08 for the same period last year an increase of 15%.

In addition, the total gross profit for the six month period ended 30 September 2012 amounted to SAR 248.4 million, an increase of 16% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 213.8 million) while the operating profit amounted to SAR 84.4 million, an increase of 17% compared to profit for the same period last year (SAR 71.9 million).

Furthermore, net profit for first half (6 months) increased by 16% compared to the same period last year due to sales growth of 17% (SR 797 million versus SR 683 million) for the same period last year that was due to improved performance and efficiencies across all business functions.

life. iPhone 5 comes with iOS 6, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 200 new features including: the all new Maps app; Facebook integration and Passbook organization.

Eng Salman Bin Abdulaziz AlBadran, VIVA’s Chief Executive Officer said: “We are very pleased to present our customers with the latest Apple iPhone 5. Being an official iPhone 5 reseller in Kuwait gives us an edge in introducing the latest Apple technology to our customers, and having them experience the latest in smartphone technology with our range of packages. For customers wishing to take advantage of this offer, we urge them to visit one of our branches or authorized dealers across Kuwait.”

HH the Amir to patronize opening of Al-Hamra Tower KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will patronize the opening of Al-Hamra Tower and the prestigious shopping center, today. The opening ceremony includes a tour of the project.

Deputy Chairman of the Board and Managing Director in Al-Hamra Real Estate Company Khalid AlOthman said: “It is a great honor that HH the Amir patronizes the opening ceremony and we welcome him, as his presence is witness to our success and we are very proud of it.”

Al-Othman said “this gigantic facility is another contribution by the private sector in general and the

Hamra Real Estate Company in particular, to the development of HH the Amir project to transform Kuwait into a financial and commercial center, that fits its status, history and role.”

He said we dedicate this achievement to HH the Amir as a taken of fulfillment to his comprehensive development vision. He said AlHamra Tower occupies a distinguished center in Kuwait City, which was the historic location of AlHamra Cinema, where Kuwait’s cultural and “we kept Al-Hamra name, because it was the location of a cinema site in the state of Kuwait and the Gulf.

Khalid Al-Othman

ASOS running at full speed to meet demand LONDON: British online fashion retailer ASOS said it was operating at close to full capacity to maintain heady rates of sales growth both in its home market and overseas. Shares in ASOS, whose celebrity fans include United States First Lady Michelle Obama, rose 4 percent on Tuesday after the firm posted firstquarter sales growth slightly ahead of consensus expectations and said it was confident about the outlook for Christmas and 2013.

With Britain facing the prospect of a triple-dip recession, many retailers have been finding the going tough as consumers fret over job security and a squeeze on incomes. ASOS, with its broad international reach, has bucked the gloom.

The retailer, which targets young women looking to emulate the designer looks of celebrities like Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa Contostavlos and Cheryl Cole, said its retail sales rose 30 percent to 165.8 million pounds ($266.5 million) in the three months to Nov. 30, its fiscal first quarter.

That compares with analysts’ consensus forecasts of about 29 percent and growth of 31 percent in the

fourth quarter of the previous financial year, and reflects a 35 percent rise in active customers to 5.4 million from 160 countries buying on-trend products such as onesies, Christmas jumpers and leathers. “I can’t grow much more than these sorts of levels on the basis that I haven’t got more than 30 percent more stock in the business,” Chief Executive Nick Robertson told Reuters, adding he was keen analysts “don’t run away with” growth forecasts.

ASOS’ first-quarter retail sales in Britain rose 24 percent to 62.1 million pounds, while international sales increased 34 percent to 103.7 million pounds and now represent 63 percent of total sales.

“I can’t sell the same dress twice because it’s all coming out of the same warehouse, so if I’m doing better in the UK I can’t outperform everywhere else,” said the CEO. Robertson was particularly encouraged by the performance in Britain. “This is our mature market and some people had questioned whether or not we were grinding to a halt in the UK. Clearly that’s not the case,” he said.

ASOS’ retail gross margin did, however, fall 100

basis points year-on-year. That reflected a strong comparative period last year, when gross margin rose 440 basis points, the UK accounting for a larger percentage of total sales than initially planned, and price cuts.

“The irony of doing more sales in the UK is that that puts a bit of negative pressure on my margin,” said Robertson, noting international sales have a higher component of more profitable own-buy products. He said he was “pretty confident” about Christmas trading. “There was a bit of talk last year that maybe online growth was starting to come off a bit. I’m not feeling that, I think mobile and iPad have helped,” he said.

ASOS shares have risen 82 percent over the last year, hitting a record 2,571 pence in October. The stock was up 4.5 percent at 2,574 pence at 1136 GMT, valuing the business at 2.1 billion pounds.

“If ASOS can grow sales at 24.3 percent in this (UK) market, it bodes extremely well for ASOS in virtually all of its markets ex UK,” said Panmure Gordon analyst Jean Roche. — Reuters

French luxury eyes Turkey as Mid East hub

LYON: A ping pong table and empty chairs are pictured at the Veninov plant, the European leader in table covering manufacturing, in Venissieux, near Lyon yesterday. Veninov’s workers have occupied their plant today demanding that the new owners, Austiran outfit Windhager, restart machines as soon as possible. — AFP

PARIS: From Chanel to Dior, Hermes to Vuitton, the giants of the French luxury industry will swoop into Istanbul in January in a joint drive to build ties with the booming market and Middle Eastern trade hub. Under the umbrella of the Comite Colbert industry association, 26 firms will take part in a January 16-22 festival in Istanbul aimed at showcasing the best of French luxury, in partnership with contemporary French and Turkish artists.

Taking place in the Istinye Park shopping mall and the upmarket Nisantasi shopping district, the event aims to promote the cultural side of French luxury-but also marks Turkey’s rise as a market for the sector. “It is time to start thinking where tomorrow’s growth will come from,” the comittee’s head Elisabeth Ponsolle des Portes told a Paris press conference. After the dynamic growth of the BRICSBrazil, Russia, India and China-attention is turning to Turkey as one of the CIVETS group of emerging economies, along with Colombia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Egypt and South Africa.

Turkey at present accounts for just two percent of the combined turnover of the 75 firms represented by the Comite Colbert, a total of 31 billion euros, but growth is “extremely strong,” said Ponsolle des Portes. The French luxury firms present in Turkey have seen their turnover grow by an annual average of 30 percent over the last five years. “Turkey is taking on a more and more important regional role,” she said. “The country, and especially the city of Istanbul, is becoming a regional trendsetter.” “For the last two to three years it has attracted a clientele from the Gulf countries-who previously flocked to Beirut-as well as from the ex-Soviet republics, with very strong purchasing power.”—AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Kickstarter’s creative community takes hold in Britain LONDON: Tea enthusiast Emilie Holmes this week hit the streets of London in her antique van serving flavourful loose-leaf tea to drinkers she says have had to settle for low-quality brew-courtesy of around 300 complete strangers.

The 27-year-old Londoner has turned her battered grey 1974 Citroen H van, whose engine growls like a small aircraft mid-take-off, into a mobile tea bar that features black, green, oolong and white teas.

Holmes, who left her job in advertising to launch the business, needed about £10,000 ($16,000, 12,000 euros) to refurbish the delivery truck with flooring, shelving, worktops, sinks and other basic supplies.

But instead of taking a loan from the bank or pitching to an investor, she posted her tea project on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. Just 25 days later, Holmes had raised £14,682 from 372 backers, most of whom she didn’t know-and she does not have to pay any of it back.

“To have that support is so unexpected,” she told AFP. “Even the pledges of £1 are amazing because it’s kind of like a ‘thumbs-up, go for it’.” Her project is one of the first success stories from Kickstarter’s new British venture, which opened on October 31.

Run by 46 people out of a tenement building in New York City, the website provides a space for creators to bid for funding from people around the world. Since its launch in 2009, more than 3.1 million people have pledged more than $426 million to about 33,000 creative projects ranging from films to new technologies and food projects.

Despite being considered the largest crowdfunding site worldwide, initially only creators with a US bank account could take part. But British innovators can now try their luck and in the first week they launched 171 projects, raising more than £588,000 from more than 15,000 pledges.

“It oozes creativity. It’s about exciting, passionate people doing things, rather than other sites where it sort of feels like it’s about the money,” Holmes said as she sipped from a cup of Starbucks tea that was not to her liking.

Holmes has been talking about a tea-related project with family and friends for the past four years, but it wasn’t until the mobile tea van went up on the website that she was able to gauge public interest.

“It was an amazing market research exercise because people have the opportunity to choose who they want to exist, and if they want your idea to come to life, then they help it happen,” she said.

Holmes is lucky that the online community liked her idea. For 56 percent of those bidding for funds on Kickstarter, the money never materialises.

Backers can pledge between £1 and £5,000 (or $1 and $10,000), but their donations are only taken once the project’s funding goals are reached.

In return they are guaranteed nothing but the satisfaction of participating in a new creative process, although there are occasional tangible awards. Holmes will give 95 backers who pledged between £15 and £25 a bag of tea, an illustrated postcard, a loyalty card and their names listed on her website as founding supporters.

On other projects it’s just e-mail updates about how the work is unfolding. “Once you get people involved in it they want it to work too,” said Adam Smith, 33, who has already raised more than £5,000 from 92 backers to publish an illustrated children’s book-with more time still left to donate.

He is also a donor, having given money to support another children’s book. “I just think if you want to be a part of Kickstarter you’ve got to be part of the community, and you’ve got to wish other people well,” he said. Kickstarter isn’t only creators backing other creators.

Some, like Alex Clymo, a 24-year-old PhD student at the London School of Economics, have

only used Kickstarter to pledge. He made a modest contribution to an iPhone video game developed by two Americans, and will receive a copy of the game when it’s finished.

“I wanted to be a part of it. It’s very much about feeling part of a project,” Clymo said. Donors cannot be sure however that their promised rewards will arrive on time, if at all. Ethan Mollick, assistant professor of management at the University of Pennsylvania, said his research has shown particular problems for creators of large projects in delivering promised products to deadline.

“Kickstarter says that it’s not a pre-order system, and you aren’t customers, you are patrons,” Mollick told AFP. “If you are viewing it as Amazon, you are making a mistake.” Creators also need to be wary of promising too much, as they have no idea how many people will support them.

“It’s a bit like running a business in itself. You have to kind of budget it all really carefully,” said Holmes.Although she said it was “terrifying” to put her idea on Kickstarter to be scrutinized, she exceeded her £10,000 funding goal by 146 percent. She even had backers from other countries who may never see her tea van cruising along London’s streets, but they will surely ride with her in spirit. — AFP

Government investigating makers of cellphone apps 400 apps designed for kids examined by FTC

TAIPEI: Models display Taiwan’s electronics giant HTC’s new smartphone “HTCJ butterfly” during a press conference in Taipei yesterday. The new smartphone has a quad-core CPU, 5-inch sized high-definition LCD display and an 8 megapixel CMOS camera. — AFP

Taiwan’s HTC unveils new rival to iPhone 5 TAIPEI: Taiwan’s HTC yesterday unveiled a new smartphone boasting a higher resolution display than the iPhone 5 just days before Apple’s latest handset goes on sale on the island. The HTC Butterfly features a 5-inch screen with a pixel density of 440 ppi (pixels per inch) and full 1080p HD resolution, compared to the iPhone 5’s 4-inch screen at 326 ppi at a lower resolution.

“We are confident that HTC Butterfly will set a new example for high-end smartphones,” chief executive Peter Chou said at the launch in Taipei. The new model, which is slimmer and curvier, is equipped with the latest 1.5 GHz QuadCore S4 processor that allows users to surf the Internet and stream HD movies to their TV wirelessly at the same time, HTC said.

Its photo-taking and audio functions are also enhanced, with an ultra-wide front angle lens as well as a built-in amplifier for higher sound quality, the company said. HTC sells its own smartphones and also makes handsets for a number of leading US companies, including Google’s Nexus One. The company has recently unveiled a new series of smartphones as it faces intense competition from Apple and South Korea’s Samsung and seen its third quarter profit tumble 79.1 percent yearon-year.

HTC and Apple were locked in more than 20 patent lawsuits worldwide until the two firms reached a global patent settlement last month. The world’s leading technology firms have routinely pounded each other with patent suits. — AFP

Russia scientists work to fix satellite’s off-target orbit MOSCOW: Russian scientists were working to correct the orbit of a communications satellite yesterday after it failed to reach its designated location in space-the latest setback for the country’s once-pioneering space industry.

The mishap was believed to be linked to a malfunction in the Proton-M rocket’s Briz-M booster stage, and occurred hours after the rocket blasted off from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 1313 GMT Saturday. Previous problems with the booster type apparently led President Vladimir Putin to fire the chief of a key aerospace bureau earlier this year.

“On December 9, during the placing of Yamal-402 satellite vehicle into designated orbit, the separation of the satellite vehicle occurred four minutes ahead of schedule,” Russia’s Roskosmos state space agency said in a statement.

The agency said it had taken control of the satellite and was looking to fix the problem after finding all its systems were “functioning in a regular mode”. Scientists were to attempt later Sunday to fix the satellite’s orbit by firing up the device’s own engines, though such a move would shorten its lifespan, a source in the space industry told the Interfax news agency.

“The situation is unpleasant but not catastrophic,” the source was quoted as saying. Interfax added the satellite could need three days to correct its orbit. The Yamal-402 satellite was made for Gazprom Space Systems, a space and telecommunications arm of natural gas giant Gazpom, to provide communications for Russia, Western and Central Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Problems with the rocket’s Briz-M booster stage have bedevilled Russia’s space programme this year, which has been beset by a litany of technical prob-

lems that saw the loss of a half-dozen satellites and vehicles, including a Russian cargo vessel bound for the International Space Station in July.

Space experts linked the past failures to persisting problems with the Proton-M rocket’s Briz-M booster stage. “The interconnection has been recognised even by Roskosmos management because the general director of this organisation, Vladimir Popovkin, ordered to conduct additional checks into and even temporarily suspend the work of these booster stages,” space analyst Yury Karash said on Ekho of Moscow radio.

This weekend’s space mishap comes after two satellites were lost after problems following the launch of a Proton-M rocket on August 6, which missed its correct orbit.

Contact was never made with the two telecommunications satellites-the Russian Express-MD2 and the Indonesian Telkom3. A commission later found a problem with Briz-M, the upper-stage used with the Proton-M rocket, and ordered inspections on the entire Briz-M production line, putting future launches on hold. In September, President Putin fired Vladimir Nesterov, the chief of a key state-run aerospace bureau, the Khrunichev space centre, which produces and launches the Proton rocket.

A source at the Baikonur cosmodrome told Interfax that the rocket’s failure to put the satellite into space could delay the launch of another satellite, Satmex 8, set for December 27, until next year.

US space authorities on Sunday published the orbital measurements of the communications satellite and said it had not reached its proper trajectory around the Earth because of a problem with the Briz-M, Interfax said. — AFP

WASHINGTON: The government is investigating whether software companies that make cellphone apps violated the privacy rights of children by quietly collecting personal information from mobile devices and sharing it with advertisers and data brokers, the Federal Trade Commission said late Monday. Such apps can capture a child’s physical location, phone numbers of their friends and more.

The FTC described the marketplace for mobile applications - dominated by online stores operated by Apple and Google - as a digital danger zone with inadequate oversight. In a report by the FTC’s own experts, it said the industry has grown rapidly but failed to ensure the privacy of young consumers is adequately protected. The FTC did not say which or how many companies it was investigating. Among 400 apps designed for kids examined by the FTC, most failed to inform parents about the types of data the app could gather and who could access it, the repor t said. Others apps contained advertising that most parents would find objectionable or included links to Facebook, Twitter and other social media services where kids post information about themselves. The report said mobile apps can siphon data to “invisible and unknown” third parties that could be used to develop a detailed profile of a child without a parent’s knowledge or consent.

“It’s not hypothetical that this information was shared,” said Jessica Rich, associate director of the FTC’s financial practices division.

The FTC also said it was investigating whether any of the apps developers engaged in unfair or deceptive trade practices, which would be illegal. A trade group representing apps developers said the industry’s growth has been fueled largely by small businesses, firsttime developers and even high school students who do not have legal departments or privacy experts on staff. The FTC’s report is a reminder of the importance of educating developers on best practices for privacy, the Washington-based Association for Competitive Technology said in a statement.

In one case mentioned in the FTC report, an app that allows children to paint pictures and save them in an online photo gallery didn’t indicate that it included advertising. But investigators said the app ran an ad across the bottom of the screen for an online dating service that said, “See 1000+ Singles.”

The FTC would not identify any companies it was investigating until a complaint is filed, Rich said. She said the agency expects the report will “light a fire” under the industry.

“We’re not naming names, in part because we think this is a systematic problem, and we don’t want people to think that if they avoid certain apps that they’re home free,” Rich said.

The commission is considering major changes to a 1998 law, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, that would impose tougher online safeguards for children under 13. Technology companies have warned that the proposed changes are too aggressive and could discourage them from producing kidfriendly content on the Internet. But public interest groups have pushed hard for the

changes, saying expanded use of mobile devices and methods for collecting personal data have outpaced rules put in place more than a decade ago.

The commissioners are expected to vote on the revisions to the law within weeks.

Among the proposed changes is a requirement to prohibit the use of behavioral marketing techniques to track and target children unless a parent approves. The changes also would cover a category of location information and data known as “persistent identifiers” which allow a person to be tracked over time and across various websites and online services. An apps game called Mobbles violated the law by collecting personal information from children under 13 without providing any notice to parents or attempting to obtain prior and verifiable consent, a public interest group alleged in a complaint it said it would file with the FTC yesterday. Mobbles is a location-based game for cellphones that allows kids to collect, care for and trade virtual pets like Krinker, a purple creature with a yellow flame on its head, according to the complaint from the Center for Digital Democracy in Washington. Mobbles offers rewards that improve game performance to players who supply their email addresses, ask their friends by email to join Mobbles or use the app to buy “MobbDollars” with real money, the complaint said. The game’s “Catch a Mobble” feature gathers the physical addresses of children, according to the complaint.

The Mobbles Corp., which owns and operates the app, took the program offline from the app stores on Monday after reporters contacted the company about the complaint.

Alexandre Curtelin, the chief executive officer of Mobbles, said in an email that the company is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of user privacy. The new FTC report builds on an earlier survey of the mobile apps

industry by the commission’s staff that urged apps stores and developers - along with the advertisers and brokers they work with - to be more open about how their programs work.

The commission credited Apple and Google for new policies that encourage developers to publish their privacy policies clearly and in places that are easily accessible. But the FTC said there was too little progress, forcing it to take more aggressive steps.

As of September, Apple and Google combined offered more than 1.4 million apps for downloading, up from 880,000 in March, the FTC said. Google said in a statement that it is reviewing the FTC’s report. Google informs consumers about what data an app can access and requires user approval before installation, the company said. The staff randomly selected 200 apps each from the Google and Apple stores using the keyword “kids.” After testing the apps, they determined that 60 percent of them transmitted the user’s device identification to the software company or, more frequently, to advertising networks and data brokers that compile, analyze and sell consumer information for marketing campaigns.

The device ID is a string of letters or numbers that uniquely identifies each mobile device and can represent a pathway to more personal information, like a person’s name, phone number and email address. More than a dozen of the apps that transmitted device IDs also sent the user’s exact geographic location and phone number, the FTC said.

Only about 20 percent of the apps disclosed any information about the program’s privacy practices, and the FTC said many disclosures were inadequate. “Many consisted of a link to a long, dense and technical privacy policy that was filled with irrelevant information and would be difficult for most parents to read and understand,” the report said. —AP

SYDNEY: People walk past an Apple store in Sydney’s central business district in Australia, yesterday. Australian police are warning the public that errors in Apple’s much-maligned mapping application are leading drivers headed to the southern city of Mildura to take a potentially “life-threatening” wrong turn into the middle of a remote state park. — AP

Twitter adds Instagram-style photo features SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter yesterday added Instagram-style smartphone photo sharing features after the Facebook-owned service made it impossible for Internet users to integrate its images into tweets.

“Starting today, you’ll be able to edit and refine photos, right from Twitter,” the globally popular one-to-many messaging service said in a blog post. “Every day, millions of people come to Twitter to connect with the things they care about and find out what’s happening around the world,” it added.

“As one of the most compelling forms of selfexpression, photos have long been an important part of these experiences.” Twitter said its partner Aviary is powering “filters” and other effects for images using the latest Twitter applications for Apple iPhones or smartphones running on Google-backed Android software.

A social media feud between Twitter and

Instagram escalated over the weekend as the popular smartphone photo-sharing service made it impossible for Internet users to view its images in “tweeted” messages. Instagram, which has some 100 million users, is seeking to route photo viewers to its own website, where it has the potential to make money from ads or other mechanisms, instead of letting Twitter get the benefits.

Previously, Instagram pictures shared in messages tweeted from smartphones could be viewed unaltered at Twitter. Twitter indicated in a status update Sunday that Instagram had “disabled photo integration with Twitter” and that “as a result, photos are no longer appearing in Tweets or user photo galleries.”

“While tweeting links to Instagram photos is still possible, you can no longer view the photos on Twitter, as was previously the case,” Twitter said. Last week, Instagram had made it more dif-

ficult to view pictures in tweets, with the images cropped from the posts called Twitter Cards. By Sunday, the images were no longer viewable.

The moves escalated the battle between the smartphone app Instagram, which was acquired

by Facebook this year, and the popular message service Twitter.

Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom told a Paris conference last week that the move was part of a shift by the photo app to direct more users to the Instagram site. Instagram rose to stardom with the help of Twitter, but has distanced itself from the messaging service since being acquired by leading social network Facebook.

Facebook completed its acquisition of Instagram in September. The original price was pegged at $1 billion but the final value was less because of a decline in the social network’s share price. —AFP

28

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

health & science

Youth who overeat more likely to take up drugs NEW YORK: Children and teens who reported overeating, including binge eating, were more likely to start using marijuana and other drugs, according to a US study looking at over 10,000 youths. Binge eating, defined by loss of control during overeating, was also tied to a higher chance of depression and becoming overweight or obese, researchers writing in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine said. “Physicians and parents should be aware that both overeating and binge eating are quite common in adolescents, and these problems put them at risk for other problems, such

as drug use,” said lead author Kendrin Sonneville, from Boston Children’s Hospital. “The earlier we can screen for who is at risk, the more able we are to prevent the onset of drug use.”

This type of study does not prove that one behavior causes another, but rather that one can be a warning sign of increased risk for the other.

Sonneville’s team used data from a large study of 16,882 children and teens, initially between age nine and 15, who filled out health-related questionnaires every year or two between 1996 and 2005.

At any point during that time, up

to one percent of boys and up to three percent of girls said they binged regularly. Those rates were reversed - about three percent of boys and one percent of girls among children who overate without loss of control.

During the study period, 41 percent of youths started using marijuana and 32 percent used other illicit drugs. Children and teens who had reported overeating on surveys were 2.7 times more likely to start using marijuana or other drugs, and binge eaters were 1.9 times more likely to take up drugs. Researchers have

thought teens who lose control while eating might also be at risk for other impulsive behaviors, such as drug use, Sonneville said. But her findings showed that any kids who overate whether they reported losing control or not - were more likely to start experimenting with drugs.

It’s not yet clear why that might be the case. Overeating without loss of control wasn’t tied to obesity, so it’s important to know that eating too much can be a problem for reasons other than weight, Sonneville said, and that extra weight isn’t the only sign of worrisome eating.

She said doctors should ask children and teens about their eating patterns, and parents who notice their children eating much more than usual in a sitting should go to their health care provider. Treatment from a dietician or therapist could help head off future problems, she added.

“It may be easy to overlook eating problems in normal-weight or healthy-weight kids,” she said. “We need to think about eating habits even before they maybe affect a kid’s weight, but realize these may be a risk factor for other problems down the road.” —Reuters

Second most polluted city turning to buses Ulan Bator spending more than $200m on BRT

WASHINGTON: In this Dec 5, 2012, photo, Regina Benjamin, Surgeon General of the United States, is interviewed after speaking about health disparities. — AP

Women battle obesity with dialogue, action WASHINGTON: Nicole Ari Parker was motivated by frustration. For Star Jones, it was a matter of life or death. Toni Carey wanted a fresh start after a bad breakup. All three have launched individual campaigns that reflect an emerging priority for AfricanAmerican women: finding creative ways to combat the obesity epidemic that threatens their longevity. African-American women have the highest obesity rate of any group of Americans. Four out of five black women have a body mass index above 25 percent, the threshold for being overweight or obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By comparison, nearly two-thirds of Americans overall are in this category, the CDC said.

Many black women seem to not be bothered that they are generally heavier than other Americans. Calorie-rich, traditional soul food is a staple in the diets of many African-Americans, and curvy black women are embraced positively through slang praising them as “thick” with a “little meat on their bones”, or through songs like the Commodore’s “Brick House” or “Bootylicious”

by Destiny’s Child. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and The Washington Post earlier this year found that 66 percent of overweight black women had high selfesteem, while 41 percent of average-sized or thin white women had high self-esteem.

Still, that doesn’t mean black women reject the need to become healthier.

Historically black, all-female Spelman College in Atlanta is disbanding its NCAA teams and devoting those resources to a campus-wide wellness program. In an open letter announcing Spelman’s “wellness revolution,” president Beverly Daniel Tatum cited a campus analysis that found many of Spelman’s 2,100 students already have high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or other chronic ailments. “Spelman has an opportunity to change the health trajectory of our students and, through their influence, the communities from which they come,” Tatum’s letter said.

Jones, who underwent open heart surgery in 2010 at age 47 and now urges awareness about heart disease among black women, was met by an overflow crowd earlier this year when she convened a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation panel on black women and obesity. “We have to get ourselves out of being conditioned to think that using soft words so we don’t hurt peoples’ feelings is doing them any favor,” Jones said. “Curvy, big-boned, hefty, full-figured, fluffy, chubby. Those are all words designed to make people feel better about themselves. That wasn’t helpful to me.” Jones once embraced being large and fabulous, at 5 feet 5 inches tall and 300 pounds. But under that exterior, she said, she was morbidly obese, suffering from extreme fatigue, nausea, lightheadedness, heart palpitations and blurred vision. The attorney and TV personality also had gastric bypass surgery in 2003. Now, she advises women to make simple changes such as reducing salt intake, exercising 30 minutes a day, quitting smoking, controlling portion sizes and making nutritious dietary choices.

Nutritionist and author Rovenia M Brock, known professionally as Dr Ro, agrees with Jones. She said getting active is only about 20 percent of the fight against obesity. The rest revolves around how much people eat.

“Our plates are killing us,” she said. Brock said “food deserts,” or urban areas that lack quality supermarkets, are a real obstacle.

She suggested getting around that by carpooling with neighbors to stores in areas with higher-quality grocery options or buying food in bulk. She also suggested growing herbs and vegetables in window-box gardens. “Stop focusing on what’s not there,

or what you think is not there,” Brock said.

“We have to get out of this wimpy, ‘woe is me’ mentality.”

While first lady Michelle Obama has encouraged exercise through her “Let’s Move” campaign targeting childhood obesity, the spark for this current interest among black women may have been comments last year by Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, who observed publicly that women must stop allowing concern about their hair to prevent them from exercising. Some black women visit salons as often as every two weeks, investing several hours and anywhere from $50 to hundreds of dollars each visit - activity that, according to the Black Owned Beauty Supply Association, helps fuel a $9 billion black hair care and cosmetics industry.

In an interview during a health conference in Washington last week, Benjamin said the damage sweat can inflict on costly hairstyles can affect women’s willingness to work out, and she hopes to change that. She goes to beauty industry conferences to encourage stylists to create exercise-friendly hairdos. “I wouldn’t say we use it as an excuse, we use it as a barrier,” Benjamin said.

“And that’s not one of the barriers anymore.

We’re always going to have problems with balancing our lives, but we could take that one out.”

Parker, an actress who starred in “A Streetcar Named Desire” on Broadway earlier this year, understands this dilemma well.

Out of personal frustration over maintaining both her workout and her hair, she created “Save Your Do” Gymwrap - a headband that can be wrapped around the hair in a way that minimizes sweat and preserves hairstyles. “Not just as a black woman, but as a woman, since the beginning of time, beauty has been our responsibility,” Parker said in an interview. Because of that, she said, exercise has become linked with vanity instead of health. “We’ve turned exercise into a weightloss regimen,” Parker said. “No. Exercise is about being grateful for the body you have and sustaining the life you have. ... Take all the hype out of the exercise and think of it as brushing your teeth.”

With their mutual family histories of diabetes and high blood pressure in mind, Carey, 28, and her sorority sister Ashley Hicks, 29, co-founded the running club Black Girls Run. Carey also considered it a new beginning after a bad breakup and a move across country. Since 2009, Black Girls Run has amassed 52,000 members who serve as a support system for runners.

Black Girls Run has about 60 groups nationwide that coordinate local races in Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Houston and Greensboro, North Carolina. Most groups run at least five times a week. Next month, the national running club will take its first “Black Girls Run Preserve the Sexy” tour to cities with high obesity rates. The tour includes health and fitness clinics with information on nutrition, hair maintenance and running gear. “We found that when you want to get healthy and when you want to be active, it’s intimidating,” Carey said. “You don’t know where to start. There’s a little coaxing that has to go along with that.” Parker said once AfricanAmerican women place value on their bodies and longevity, everything else will follow.

It costs her nothing, she said, to walk around an outdoor track with her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, or run up and down stairs at home with her headphones.

“One good step breeds another one,” Parker said. “You’re going to have one less margarita, one less scoop of Thanksgiving macaroni ... and yet you’re not doing anything fanatical or dramatic.” — AP

ULAN BATOR: On the streets of Ulan Bator a people renowned for their horse riding skills have to contend every day with ever more Hummers, Land Cruisers and Range Rovers.

Mongolia’s vast open steppes and deserts stretch for hundreds upon hundreds of kilometres, and it has the lowest population density of any country in the world. But with its economy rocketing on the back of a mining boom the capital is the planet’s second most polluted city after Ahvaz in Iran, according to the World Health Organisation, and suffers from dire congestion.

Now the authorities hope to alleviate the gridlock by spending more than $200 million on a bus rapid transit system (BRT), in the hope that commuters can be tempted out of their vehicles. The hulking cars filling the streets are a symptom of the country’s economic rise as it cashes in on its vast reserves of coal, copper and gold. GDP growth hit a record 17 percent last year and is still steaming ahead at 11 percent now, despite the effects of a slowdown in China, its main trading partner. Now Ulan Bator has more than 210,000 registered vehicles, almost quadruple the number in 2006.

Each morning Batsukh Gerelmaa bundles up against sub-zero temperatures for a rattletrap trolley bus ride from the city’s southern fringe to its northwest districts that is only six kilometres long but takes up to an hour to complete in frustratingly start-stop traffic.

There is no way around the cold and uncomfortable journey, says Gerelmaa, an accountant for a local shoe distributor. Taxis costs too much and are just as slow. “Sitting on that bus is so cold, I am practically frozen by the time I get to work. It shouldn’t take so long because it’s not that far, but the morning traffic is always bad,” she said.

Many Ulan Bator denizens prefer to walk in the city centre, as taxis and buses get snarled in traffic. But for businessmen and women in freshly pressed suits or high heels, pedestrian progress is not always the best option.

“Walking is sometimes better than dealing with the traffic, but by the time I get to where I am going I am covered in dust,” said Gerelmaa.

Road crews, construction sites and traffic on unpaved back roads all kick up fine Central Asian silt in the warm months from April to October. But coal combustion is by far the biggest contributor to the smog as yurt-

ULAN BATOR: This picture taken on Nov 30, 2012 shows a traffic jam along a road. — AFP They will be heated in winter and should dwelling residents on the outskirts vigorously burn it to keep warm in winter temperatures cut suburban residents’ commuting times by as much as two thirds. Rosenthal said the sysas low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Nonetheless according to one study by the tem would “easily” meet demand. “In terms of National University of Mongolia, motor vehi- operating costs, BRT is cheaper than rail syscles contribute eight to 10 percent of particu- tems and can be built in a small number of years. Constructing a rail system would take a late matter.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is sup- decade or more” and cost at least 20 times as porting the BRT project with a $217 million much, he added. In the meantime Ulan Bator’s loan and Shane Rosenthal, its deputy country mayor Bat-Uul Erdene has tried to control the director, said: “As the economy grows and traf- traffic problem by restricting vehicles based fic congestion increases, there is great poten- on their licence plate number. Since tial for an investment like this to have a sub- September, cars with plates ending in one stantial and positive impact on respiratory and five have been banned on Mondays, two disease -considered a leading cause of death and six on Tuesdays, and so on.

Damdin Amgalanbaatar, a 62-year-old in Mongolia.”

Only BRT buses will be allowed to use the retired soldier who drives an informal taxi to 14 km of dedicated lanes running down the make ends meet, says the mayor’s scheme has centre of the city’s main north-south corridor, helped, even if it forces him off the road one so they will not get jammed in the usual day per week. “My plate ends in four so I canstream of cars, trucks and local buses. Work on not drive on Thursdays but for me it’s OK. It the first section is due to start in spring and forces me to take a day off so I have more time later phases will see the system expand to to spend with friends and relatives.” The payoff 64.5 km, says the ADB. The state-of-the art has been an easier workday, as lighter traffic vehicles will be a significant leap forward over means quicker transport times and more fares, current public transport options, a motley col- he added. “Before I could only get a few paslection of battered Soviet-era buses and some sengers because I spent most of the time sitting in traffic, not going anywhere.” — AFP newer South Korean models.

Weight loss? There’s an app for that NEW YORK: Mobile devices that let people track how much they eat and exercise may help them shed weight over and above the benefits of a typical weight-loss program, according to a US study.

Researchers writing in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that overweight and obese adults lost an average of over 3.5 kg more when they had personal digital assistants (PDAs) and occasional phone coaching to help them, in addition to a group program. There’s no reason to think the same wouldn’t hold true for smart phone apps that can log nutrition and activity information, and give real time feedback, they said.

“The number one mechanism through which people lost weight is self-monitoring, just watching what you eat and keeping a record of it,” said Goutham Rao, who wrote a commentary published with the new study. Rao, from the NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Illinois, noted that programs for mobile devices are easily personalized, and readily available wherever people carr y their phones or PDAs. “I’m actually very optimistic that people who are motivated, who can couple the technology with in-person counseling and management, are going to be very successful,” he told Reuters Health.

The study included 69 overweight and obese people in their late 50s, on average, who were referred to a Veterans Affairs clinic for weight-loss support. All were

enrolled in 12 group sessions over six months, which focused on nutrition, exercise and behavioral changes to promote weight loss. Half of them were also given a PDA to record their food and activity throughout the day and had a coach who checked in with them by phone.

After six months in the trial, people in the PDA group had lost an average of almost 4.5 kg and 41 percent of them had met the goal of losing at least five percent of their initial body weight. Those in the comparison groups had dropped just over 1 kg each, on

average, an 11 percent had achieved the weight loss goal. At the one-year mark, six months after the mobile devices were taken away, people who’d used the PDAs had managed to keep off most of the weight they initially lost, said lead researcher Bonnie Spring, from the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.

The benefits of using an app on a mobile device, Rao said, are that it can be cheaper and widely available, and can help re-engage people who are having trouble,

unlike an in-person program with a specific end date. Although PDAs have mostly fallen out of fashion, the researchers said smart phones can serve the same purpose as the devices used in the study.

Spring said most weight-loss apps on the market haven’t been scientifically tested but may still help people lose weight. Still, Rao warned, there’s evidence that apps alone don’t have much of an impact - and it may be more helpful to think of the technology as an aid to help from a doctor or nutritionist. — Reuters

HAAPSALU, Estonia: This picture taken on Dec 9, 2012 shows the fox sparrow (Passerella iliaca), which originally nests in Northern Canada. The bird that was last seen in Europe in 1947 in Iceland and 1961 in Ireland, has been recently spotted in Estonia by birdwatcher Aivar Veide. Many European birdwatchers have visited Estonia to see this rare bird. — AFP

health & science

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

US loosens rules aimed at healthier school meals

HOBART, Australia: This handout photo shows the Sea Shepherd’s newest vessel, the SSS San Simon. — AFP

Activists convert Japanese boat for whaling campaign SYDNEY: Activists aiming to halt Japan’s whaling fleet yesterday revealed their new weapon for their latest Antarctic campaign a $2 million ship once owned by the government in Tokyo. Lockhart MacLean, captain of the renamed Sam Simon, said the militant Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was able to buy the vessel after a US company, New Atlantis, purchased it when it was advertised for sale. “It’s a Japanese vessel,” MacLean told AFP, adding that it was ideal for chasing the harpoonists through the freezing and remote waters of Antarctica where they annually hunt for whales during the southern hemisphere summer.

Japan says the hunt does not breach an international moratorium on commercial whaling because it is done in the name of “scientific research” but the meat is later sold openly in shops and restaurants. The new Sea Shepherd vessel was built as a scientific observation ship and run by Japan’s meteorological agency until 2010. “Her main career was doing that, collecting ocean current data, weather observations, that sort of thing,” MacLean said from Hobart in Tasmania, where the boat was being launched yesterday. “It’s interesting that it was actually a real research ship, whereas we feel that Japan is not doing any

significant research down in Antarctica. We actually own a real Japanese research ship.

“I guess it’s ironic in that sense.”

Sea Shepherd has said that this year’s campaign against the whalers, its ninth, is its biggest ever, but until now it had kept the identity and location of the Sam Simon a secret. MacLean said the 56-m boat was in good condition, had a thick, strengthened hull suitable for icy conditions and could keep up with the whalers for 60 days about two-thirds of the expected Antarctic campaign. “The vessel will be able to keep up with the Japanese factory whaling ship.

That was the main criteria that we needed,” he added.

Sea Shepherd bought the ship after a donation from Sam Simon, the American television producer best known for “The Simpsons”, and renamed it in his honour.

MacLean said Simon himself was expected to be part of the Sea Shepherd campaign this year, travelling on the flagship vessel the Steve Irwin, which is already at sea and skippered by controversial Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson.

The group, whose vessels harass the Japanese fleet to prevent them slaughtering whales, has four ships, a helicopter, three drones and more than 100 crew members in Operation Zero Tolerance. — AFP

WASHINGTON: US regulators are relaxing school meal rules aimed at reining in calories and portion sizes after some students, parents and lawmakers complained that new stricter policies left many children hungry. Under the adjustment, the US Department of Agriculture said it would suspend daily and weekly maximum amounts for grains and meat or meat alternatives. That means school districts this year can serve larger portions of those items without penalty.

USDA officials said late Friday they were loosening the regulations after some schools found it difficult to buy alternative portion sizes of such foods from suppliers. Some also said they had inventory to use up that does not meet the new guidelines. “We understand that this is a year of transition,” Cynthia Long, head of USDA’s Child Nutrition Division, wrote in a memo on Friday to state and regional school food officials.

The School Nutrition Association, which represents school food directors, said the change gives them more time to design healthier menus that will suit students’ tastes. “School nutrition professionals have faced significant menu planning, operating, financial challenges and more as a result of the new meal pattern requirements,” it said in a statement.

USDA’s move follows complaints from some students that the revised meals left them hungry. Despite such complaints, most health experts continue to back the overhaul, which was adopted in January as part of a 2010 law aimed at improving school breakfasts and lunches. The modified meals, which aim to limit fat and salt as well as curb portion sizes and boost fruits and vegetables servings, took effect at the start of the 2012 school year in late August and early September. Schools that adopt the changes get more money back from the federal government, in part to offset the higher prices of healthier foods.

For example, under the guidelines half of breads and other grain-based foods offered must contain whole grains until the start of the 2014 school year, when all such foods must be whole-grain. Such changes take aim at rising U.S. childhood obesity and were championed by First Lady Michelle Obama. More than one-third of American youth are too heavy, statistics show. Schools are a top focus because they pro-

vide meals to many low-income students, who are often the most at-risk for being overweight or obese. In 2011, more than 31 million children received free or low-cost school lunches and more than 10 million received free or discounted breakfasts, according to USDA. Margo Wootan, a nutrition policy expert at Center for Science in the Public Interest, welcomed the change to give struggling schools more options this year without having Congress interfere with the fundamental law.

“Nutritionally, this change is minor and doesn’t undermine the overall nutrition standards,” said Wootan, whose health advocacy group backed the 2010 law. Erik Olson, head of food programs at Pew Charitable Trusts’ health group, said calorie limits remain intact but schools will “have much more flexibility about how they present

meals that kids will want to eat,” calling it “a fairly modest readjustment.” Democrats and Republicans in Congress praised the change, saying parents and students in their states worried about strict limits. Several lawmakers had called on the USDA last month to reconsider, saying the guidelines did not account for various student’s height, weight, gender or physical activity levels. Senator John Hoeven, a North Dakota Republican who had pressed USDA along with Democratic Senator Mark Pryor of Arkansas, on Saturday called for more permanent action. USDA’s Long said the agency would consider extending the change. “It may be difficult for all students to get adequate protein to feel full throughout the school day,” Hoeven said in a statement. “Protein is an important nutrient for growing children.” —Reuters

FISCHBACH, Germany: Seagulls flock together on the snowcovered shore of Lake Constance in eastern Germany yesterday. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

WHAT’S ON

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

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AUK College of Business & Economics hosts Fakhro he College of Business & Economics at AUK is pleased to invite you to a public talk by Jamal Mohamed Fakhro, Managing Partner KPMG Bahrain & Qatar. The lecture will be conducted in English and will take place on December 16th, 5-6pm at the AUK Auditorium.

The discussion will touch on the changes the corporate world had encountered following the recent global economic crisis. The talk will particularly shed light on accounting, auditioning, and finance aspects.

Following Fakhro’s lecture, there will be a question and answer session for the audience. Jamal Fakhro is the chairman of KPMG’s Middle East and South Asia subregion and the managing partner of KPMG’s Qatar and Bahrain practices. He is also a board member of KPMG Europe. Fakhro has extensive regional experience in audit and accounting, particularly in financial services. He is a key advisor for several large insurance, government sector, banking and finance services organizations and has a special interest in corporate governance issues.

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Kuwait on the International Teaching Map ESOL Kuwait, the long-awaited new professional teacher association for teachers of English to speakers of other languages, launched on December 1 at the Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST), has just gained affiliation with the extensive US based TESOL International association. There was a huge response to its first open meeting with over 100 enthusiastic English and subject teachers attending to find out more and to participate in a choice of three professional development workshops with a view to broadening their

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teaching strategies and keeping up to date in the field.

Workshops were offered in three areas. Don Prades, from The American University of Kuwait, delivered a handson seminar on Impromptu Speaking, demonstrating how to cope with on-thespot public speaking. Susan Hamade and Siobhan Connolly from The Australian College of Kuwait took instructors through online quiz-generator websites, and a third workshop was offered on a teaching strategy called “Dictogloss,” which is a multi-skill text reconstruction

activity for all levels from elementary to adult. Although the presenters came from private universities, the organization stresses that this will not always be the case because teachers of all levels and from all institutes from primary to tertiary level will be well represented, as are others who have an interest in TESOL. President Yvonne Johnson, who welcomed and updated everyone on TESOL Kuwait’s activities, said that she was overwhelmed by the response and excited by the way the new venture brought teachers from a wide variety of schools togeth-

er. Some of the organization’s achievements to date include: the establishment of a board and constitution, design of a prominent logo for Kuwait, and gaining affiliation with the extensive US based TESOL International association. But it’s early days yet!Bi-monthly meetings are planned starting in early March next year.

Also on the schedule is a conference in Fall,2013. Watch this space!

Announcements Goan Culinary Club he Goan Culinary Club - Goa encourages you to log on to their website where you can find a video of Odette and Joe Mascarenhas sharing their thoughts on Goan cuisine. These videos were recorded at the launch of the Goan Culinary Club in Goa on March 3, 2012. Thanks to support from all at the Goan Culinary Club, we have made great progress in six months.

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Basketball Academy he new Premier Basketball Academy offers coaching and games every Friday and Saturday from 10 am onwards for 6 to 18 year olds, boys and girls. Located in Bayan Block 7, Masjed Al-Aqsa Street by Abdullah Al-Rujaib High School. Free Basketball and Tee Shirts for all participants, with certificates and special awards on completion of each 6 week course. Qualified and experienced British and American Coaches, Everyone Welcome.

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Arabic courses WARE will begin Winter 1 Arabic language courses with new textbooks and curricula on from December 2, 2012 until January 24, 2013. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, and conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. For more information or registration, please log-on to our website.

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Indian Embassy Announcements Indian Embassy passport and visa Passports and visa applications can be deposited at the two outsourced centers of M/S BLS Ltd at Sharq and Fahaheel. Details are available at www.bls-international.com and www.indembkwt.org.

Consular Open House Consular Wing is providing daily service of Open House to Indian citizens on all workings days from 1000 hrs to 1100 hrs and from 1430 hrs to 1530 hrs by the Consular Officer in the Meeting Room of the Consular Hall at the Embassy. For any unaddressed issues, Second Secretary (Consular) can be contacted.

Furthermore, the head of the Consular Wing is also available to redress grievances.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

FAIPS organizes LKG sports day AIPS KG held LKG Annual Day on 29th November 2012 which was a very exciting day for the tiny-tots.

The field, decorated with colorful flags and meticulous markings looked no less than a mini Olympic Stadium! Anju Dheman, Principal, FAIPS and the chief guest, Dr Bhaskar Gupta and Chaitali Roy released the colorful balloons and declared the event open. Their clarity and confidence indeed made FAIPS proud.

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The ceremony began with the recital of the Holy Quran followed by the National Anthem. While the young fitness freaks of the LKG galaxy were braving the November morning to put their new aerobics avatar as their jubilant parents wait anxiously! Grandly attired in their costumes, they swept the audience away. Their neatness, coordination and confidence, the “Zumba” freestyle moves and enthusiasm enthralled one and all.

To add more color to the morning, came

Youth Chorus Christmas Carol ellifluous and timeless Christmas carols will be rendered at the Sixteenth Annual Christmas Carol program on Thursday, 20th of December 2012 at the Indian Central School Auditorium, Abbasiya by 6.00pm. It is organized by the Youth Chorus. Choirs from various churches in Kuwait, Youth Chorus, United Indian School, Indian Central School and Indian Public School will usher in the spirit of Christmas at the three hour long Christmas Carol service with a wide repertoire of classic Christmas Carols. Respected Bishops, Priests and Elders of the different churches will attend and lead the program. The prizes of the International Bible Quest Examination 2012 and prizes of the Seventh Group Song Competitions will be distributed on the occasion. Youth Chorus welcomes one and all to join this wonderful celebration. Youth Chorus feel elated to invite you to the 16th Christmas Celebration which will be held on Thursday, 20th December 2012at 06:15 p.m. at the Indian Central School Auditorium, Abbasiya.

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the KG “hindi troupe” performing an everyone’s all time favorite “LakdikiKathiwhich was absolutely spectacular. Their rhythmic moves to each beat and their formations got a grand applauds.

Then we had the “Royal Circus” with the circus band announcing their arrival followed by the clowns, magicians ,the animal procession, the balance girls, cheerleaders and the daredevil little stuntmasters who attempted a three lev-

el pyramid which completely swept all and left them spellbound. The icing on the cake was the grand finale- a formation done exclusively by the tiny-tots!

The message was clear- Love Can Turn The World! The purity of love reverberated all over the FAIPS Sports Field that morning and all had a lump in their throat. Salutations to the KG team under the able guidance of their supervisor SangeetaBawa.

Kick Boxing uwait Kick Boxing Committee, Hawally organized ‘Kick Boxing in Rain’ competition on 24th November, 2012 and 26th November, 2012 respectively.

India International School takes in pride to promulgate the name of its champion, Ahmed Fahad of Class XI in the news bulletin. With this triumphant victory our student has carved a niche in the category of champions.

Out of 10 participants classified under the category namely heavy weight, middle weight and light weight, Ahmed Fahad participated under light weight category and knocked down the opponent in the first round and won silver medal and a memento was presented. In the second round too he successfully defeated the opponent and won Gold medal and a certificate.

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WHAT’S ON

Coffee Shop Company launches first branch in Kuwait liet Taste Company’ - the leading company in the field of Coffee shop and restaurants service revealed that it has signed an exclusive contract for the series of “Coffee Shop Company” the Austrian famous brand in the Kuwait market, with the slogan of (HOME IN VIENNA). “Coffee Shop Company” began offering its luxury services in 1999 with the opening of its first branch in the charming Vienna, and here it is today and after about 13 years of its first launch spread around the world in many countries includes Austria, Germany, the United States, Russia, China, Turkey and others to reach more than 300 branches.

On this occasion Haya Al Bassam, Executive Director of “Coffee Shop

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

Embassy Information

Company” branch in Kuwait, invites the elite and coffee lovers of all kinds to enjoy the wonderful taste that accompanying them throughout Austrian European environment as it being located in the Arabella project which is expected to open soon, and which provides an unparalleled atmosphere, where comfort, elegance and excellence, in addition to the unique view of the sea. Once you get into the world of Arabella and wander in its locations which were inspired by the Italian island of Capri, which will certainly enjoy the visitors.

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department.

All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office).

In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

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Art & Craft exhibition at FAIPS

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AIPS live up to its motto of facilitating all round development of its students by conducting a maiden Art & Craft exhibition - HORIZON in the

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school premises on 22nd November, 2012. The exhibition organized in 2 sessions had Mohammad Al Shuabi, CEO of Al Rayan Holding as the Chief Guest for the morning session, while H K Mohan, First Secretary Community Affairs and Education Wing of the Indian Embassy graced the evening session. The exhibition showcased the artistic and creative talents of students from Grade 1 to 12.

Displays included Oil paintings,

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Canadian Embassy in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-im-enquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 7:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed for lunch from 12:30 to 13:00. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday.

Portraits, Mosaic paintings, Sand paintings, Paper Collage, Egg Shell Collage, Best out of waste, Crafts and Handicrafts to name a few. The highlight of the exhibition was the live demonstration by 3

students: who greatly impressed the audience with ‘on the spot’ painting talent. The artists were: Nehal Jajal, Sonali Rane and Rozanne Jojo. The Chief Guest congratulated the students for putting

up a good show. Kudos to the Art Department for giving expression to the innate talents of the students and encouraging them to pursue their interest in art.

Kuwait expat leader to address future leaders or inspiration, Sheryll Mairza likes to recall the words of Mother Teresa: “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” Giving life to these words, Sheryll Mairza founded Operation HOPE Kuwait, a mission of mercy, in 2005 (www.ohkuwait.org). For the past seven years, she has spearheaded various grassroots projects, bringing Kuwaitis and Western expats together to help third world expats in need.

Kuwait Leadership Mastery (KLM), which is developing future leaders for Kuwait and the world, is pleased to announce that Sheryll will speak to KLM

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participants on Wednesday 12 December at Gulf University for Science & Technology. KLM is funded by the US State Department through the Middle East Partnership Initiative. Fifty of Kuwait’s youth competed for a seat in KLM where they are developing leadership skills. Sheryll, who moved to Kuwait in 1989, is currently a distance learner with Illinois Central College majoring in Organizational Leadership. In 2011, she became a member of Sigma Kappa Delta, the college’s English Honors Society.

The author of a children’s book, Roxanne’s Great Adventure, Sheryll’s

pledge to do small things with great love is evident in her volunteer commitments to various charities over the years, including the American Women’s League of Kuwait, Kuwait Little League, the Universal American School, and the American Academy for Girls. Hoping to exemplify that small things done with love can also become great, Sheryll is a proud mother, wife, sister, and friend.

She is also a mentor to KLM’s Social Responsibility Team, which will develop a Campaign for Change for Kuwait.

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, would like to announce that as from 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay (up to three months) visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS central database. Therefore, as from 2nd October 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear in person when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, have taken all necessary technical measures to facilitate the rapid examination and the efficient processing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementation of the new VIS. ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com.

■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, Al-Salaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location. Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com.

■■■■■■■

Seventh grade students from Al-Nibras International Bilingual School visited the Kuwait Times yesterday, and were given a tour around the premises to learn about the process of news making and newspaper printing.

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait would like to remind that the external polling station No 90046 was created in the Embassy’s premises at the following address: Hawalli, Jabriya, bl.10, str. 6, build. 5. The working hours of the polling station: Sunday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Monday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Tuesday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Wednesday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Thursday from 13.00 to 17.00 pm; Friday from 10.00 to 13.00 pm; Saturday from 10.00 to 13.00 pm On October 28, 2012 the working hours of the polling station from 8.00 am to 20.00 pm. Please be advised to refer to the Embassy to check your data in the Electoral Register as well as to pick up your personal invitation from the polling station if you did not receive the document by post.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:50 01:45 02:35 03:25 04:15 Irwin 05:05 05:55 06:20 06:45 07:10 07:35 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 12:55 13:20 13:50 14:15 14:45 15:40 16:35 17:00 17:30 18:25 Baker 19:20 20:15 20:40 21:10 21:35 22:05 23:00 23:55

Animal Cops Philadelphia Perfect Predators Untamed & Uncut Gator Boys New Breed Vets With Steve Africa’s Outsiders Call Of The Wildman Cheetah Kingdom Shamwari: A Wild Life Shamwari: A Wild Life Wildlife SOS International The Really Wild Show Natural Born Hunters Natural Born Hunters Dogs 101 My Cat From Hell Africa’s Outsiders Animal ER RSPCA: On The Frontline RSPCA: On The Frontline Wildlife SOS International Bondi Vet Animal Cops Philadelphia Africa’s Outsiders Cheetah Kingdom The Really Wild Show Too Cute!

Weird Creatures With Nick Dogs 101 Monkey Life Bondi Vet Call Of The Wildman Cheetah Kingdom Africa’s Super Seven Wildest Islands Biggest And Baddest

23:50 Animal Cops Houston 00:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 00:45 Come Dine With Me 01:35 Antiques Roadshow 02:30 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 03:16 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 04:00 Eating With The Enemy 04:45 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 05:30 Celebrity MasterChef 06:00 Celebrity MasterChef 06:30 Eating With The Enemy 07:15 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 08:00 MasterChef Australia 08:45 MasterChef Australia 09:35 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 10:20 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 11:05 Bargain Hunt 11:50 Antiques Roadshow 12:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 13:20 Come Dine With Me 14:10 10 Years Younger 15:00 10 Years Younger 15:50 Bargain Hunt 16:35 Antiques Roadshow 17:30 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 18:10 Come Dine With Me 19:00 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 19:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 19:55 Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey 20:45 Come Dine With Me 21:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

20:30 21:20 22:10 22:35 23:00 23:50

Meteorite Men The Future Of...

The Gadget Show The Tech Show Meteorite Men The Future Of...

Flying Wild Alaska Masters Of Survival Ultimate Survival Mythbusters Border Security Dirty Money Auction Kings How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Hillbilly Handfishin’ Wheeler Dealers Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Dirty Money How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Flying Wild Alaska Masters Of Survival Ultimate Survival Border Security Dirty Money Auction Kings Ultimate Survival Wheeler Dealers River Monsters Mythbusters How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Border Security Dirty Money Auction Hunters Dynamo: Magician Impossible Mythbusters Mythbusters

23:20 Surviving Disaster 00:40 01:05 01:35 02:25 02:50 03:15 04:05 04:35 05:25 05:50 06:15 06:40 07:05 08:00 08:25 08:50 09:40 09:43 10:10 10:40 11:05 11:30 12:20 13:10 13:35 14:00 14:25 14:50 15:45 16:10 16:35 17:00 17:03 17:30 18:00 18:50 19:40

The Gadget Show The Tech Show Race To Mars Junk Men Junk Men Thunder Races Mean Green Machines Bad Universe How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? The Gadget Show The Tech Show Race To Mars Junk Men Junk Men Bad Universe Head Rush Things That Move How Stuff’s Made How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? Engineered Thunder Races The Gadget Show The Tech Show Junk Men Junk Men Bad Universe Mean Green Machines How Do They Do It? How Do They Do It? Head Rush Things That Move How Stuff’s Made Engineered Race To Mars Thunder Races

Delinquent Gourmet One Man & His Campervan Exploring The Vine The Green Way Up The Green Way Up David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 4 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 4 Food School

11:15 13:00 15:15 17:00 18:45 21:00 23:00

Lies In Plain Sight-PG15 Glorious 39-PG15 Backwash-PG15 Blind Mountain-PG15 Up Close And Personal-PG Yelling To The Sky-U Black Snake Moan-18

KUWAI

Square Grouper-18 23:00 Naked Science 00:10 00:20 00:35 01:25 02:15 03:05 03:55 04:45 05:35 06:00 06:15 07:05 07:55 08:45 09:35 10:25 11:15 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 17:00 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:35 20:00 20:30 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:05 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45 23:55

Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whisker Replacements Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Doc McStuffins Suite Life On Deck A.N.T Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Austin And Ally Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Doc McStuffins Fish Hooks Jessie A.N.T Farm A.N.T Farm Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up Austin And Ally A.N.T Farm A.N.T Farm Frenemies Austin And Ally Phineas And Ferb A.N.T Farm Good Luck Charlie Jessie That’s So Raven Cory In The House Kim Possible Hannah Montana Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Fish Hooks Fish Hooks

ecial Agent Oso 23:50 Lazytown 00:55 Style Star 01:25 THS 03:15 Behind The Scenes 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 THS 05:05 THS 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 09:15 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 10:15 THS 12:05 Khloe And Lamar 12:35 Khloe And Lamar 13:05 Married To Jonas 13:35 Married To Jonas 14:05 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 14:30 Kourtney & Kim Take New York 15:00 Style Star 15:30 THS 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Opening Act 17:55 E! News 18:55 Fashion Police 19:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 20:55 E!es 21:55 Married To Jonas 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Dirty Soap

EditionEdition 00:15 01:10 02:05 03:00 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 14:35 15:05 15:30 16:25 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:25 22:55 23:20 23:50

00:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:30 Guy Fieri’s Top Of The Class 01:55 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Special 02:45 Guy’s Big Bite 03:10 Guy’s Big Bite 03:35 Iron Chef America Special 04:25 Kid In A Candy Store 04:50 Unique Sweets 05:15 Charly’s Cake Angels 05:40 Chopped 06:30 Iron Chef America 07:10 Unwrapped 07:35 Unwrapped 08:00 Unwrapped 08:50 Food Network Challenge 09:40 United Tastes Of America 10:05 Barefoot Contessa - Specials 10:55 Cooking For Real 11:20 Cooking For Real 11:45 Charly’s Cake Angels 12:10 Unique Sweets 12:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 13:00 Iron Chef America 13:50 Guy’s Big Bite 14:15 Cooking For Real 14:40 Barefoot Contessa - Specials 15:30 Unwrapped 16:20 United Tastes Of America 16:45 Chopped 17:35 Barefoot Contessa - Specials 18:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:15 Kid In A Candy Store 19:40 Unique Sweets 20:05 Charly’s Cake Angels 20:30 Chopped 21:20 Iron Chef America 22:10 Winning Holiday Cookies 23:00 Barefoot In London 23:50 Food Network All-Star

00:45 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 01:40 A World Apart 02:35 Cruise Ship Diaries 03:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 04:25 Long Way Down 05:20 The Green Way Up 05:45 The Green Way Up 06:15 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 4 06:40 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 4 07:10 Jerusalem On A Plate 08:05 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 09:00 A World Apart 09:55 Cruise Ship Diaries 10:50 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 11:45 Long Way Down 12:40 Earth Tripping 13:05 Market Values 13:35 One Man & His Campervan 14:00 Exploring The Vine 14:30 Delinquent Gourmet 14:55 Delinquent Gourmet 15:25 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 16:20 A World Apart 17:15 Cruise Ship Diaries 18:10 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:05 By Any Means 20:00 Delinquent Gourmet

00:00 Animal Intervention 01:00 Lizard Kings 01:55 Wild Russia 02:50 World’s Deadliest Animals 03:45 The Pack 04:40 World’s Deadliest 05:35 Kingdom of The Oceans 06:30 Wild Russia 07:25 World’s Deadliest Animals 08:20 The Pack 09:15 Clan Of The Meerkat 10:10 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr 11:05 Hunter Hunted 12:00 Croc Ganglands 13:00 Nordic Wild 14:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 15:00 Crocodile King 16:00 Hunt for the Giant Squid 17:00 How Big Can It Get 18:00 Wild Case Files 19:00 Wild Russia 20:00 World’s Deadliest Animals 21:00 The Pack 22:00 Clan Of The Meerkat 23:00 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr Zoo Confidential 23:00 Dangerous Encounters 00:00 And Soon The Darkness-PG15 02:00 Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown-18 04:00 House Of The Rising Sun-18 06:00 Faster-PG15 08:00 The Craigslist Killer-PG15 10:00 Twins Mission-PG15 12:00 Top Gun-PG15 14:00 The Craigslist Killer-PG15 16:00 Battle: Los Angeles-PG15 18:00 Top Gun-PG15 20:00 Gridlock’d-18 22:00 The Heavy-18 22:00 13 Assassins-1822:00 Homecoming-18 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 American Dad 02:00 Allen Gregory 02:30 The League 03:00 How I Met Your Mother 04:00 Samantha Who? 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Samantha Who? 08:30 How I Met Your Mother 10:00 Modern Family 10:30 Community 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Samantha Who? 14:30 Community 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 How I Met Your Mother 19:00 Modern Family 19:30 The Office 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:30 Veep 23:00 The League 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon on 00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Glades Hawthorne Pillars Of The Earth The Tudors Private Practice Grey’s Anatomy The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street White Collar The Ellen DeGeneres Show Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show White Collar The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show White Collar Touch Warehouse 13 Hawthorne Smash The Tudors

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 PG15 11:00 13:00 15:00 PG15 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Kick-Ass-18 House Of The Rising Sun-18 Last Breath-PG15 Men In Black II-PG Jesse Stone: Innocents LostLast Breath-PG15 The Warlords-PG15 Jesse Stone: Innocents LostReturner-PG15 Alien Resurrection-18 Seventh Moon-18 Dread-18

00:00 Big Fat Important Movie-PG15 02:00 High Fidelity-PG15 04:00 It’s Kind Of A Funny Story-PG15 06:00 Good Boy!-PG 08:00 Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate-PG 10:00 Envy-PG15 12:00 It’s Kind Of A Funny Story-PG15 14:00 Scooby-Doo-PG 16:00 Envy-PG15 18:00 Morning Glory-PG15 20:00 Eurotrip-18 22:00 The Men Who Stare At Goats18 22:00 Frenemy-18 01:15 03:15 05:30 07:30 09:30

Flight Of The Phoenix-PG15 World Trade Center-PG15 Top Gun-PG15 Waiting For Superman-PG15 Backwash-PG15

01:00 World Trade Center-PG15 03:30 Soldier Love Story-PG15 05:15 The Dragon Chronicles: Fire & Ice-PG15 07:15 Winnie The Pooh-FAM 09:00 Mars Needs Moms-PG 11:00 Treasure Buddies-PG 13:00 Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story-PG 15:00 Certain Prey-PG15 17:00 Mars Needs Moms-PG 19:00 Footloose-PG15 21:00 Casino Jack-PG15 23:00 30 Minutes Or Less-18

01:00 Tommy & Oscar-FAM 02:45 Freddy Frogface-PG 04:30 A Venetian Rascal Goes To America-FAM 06:00 Turtle Hero: Part I-FAM 08:00 Winner & The Golden Child: Part II-FAM 10:00 The Adventures Of Don Quixote-FAM 11:30 A Venetian Rascal Goes To America-FAM 13:00 Turtle Hero: Part II-FAM 14:30 Freddy Frogface-PG 16:00 Return To Halloweentown-PG 18:00 The Adventures Of Don Quixote-FAM 20:00 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG 22:00 Return To Halloweentown-PG 23:30 Turtle Hero: Part II-FAM

02:00 02:30 05:30 06:30 07:00 11:00 12:00 15:00 15:30 17:30 18:00 19:00 22:00

01:00 02:00 02:30 06:30 07:00 08:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

ICC Cricket 360 Twenty20 Big Bash League PGA European Tour Highlights ICC Cricket 360 Pool Mosconi Cup PGA European Tour Highlights Live Twenty20 Big Bash League Extreme Sailing Series European Challenge Cup Futbol Mundial PGA European Tour Highlights Twenty20 Big Bash League Live Pool Mosconi Cup

WWE Experience Futbol Mundial Pool Mosconi Cup Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport Rugby Union Varsity Match PGA European Tour Highlights European Challenge Cup Pool Mosconi Cup PGA European Tour Highlights Trans World Sport UFC The Ultimate Fighter Boxing Fight Night PGA European Tour Highlights Twenty20 Big Bash League

21:00 NHL 23:00 Trans World Sport 00:00 01:00 04:30 05:30 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 18:00 18:30 19:30 20:30 21:30 22:30 23:00

01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

MENA Golf Tour Highlights Snooker UK Championship Golfing World FEI Equestrian World AFL Premiership Highlights Golfing World Ladies European Highlights FEI Equestrian World Spirit of a Champion Fukuoka Marathon Golfing World Snooker UK Championship FEI Equestrian World Asian Tour Golf Golfing World Ladies European Highlights MENA Golf Tour Highlights AFL Premiership Highlights FEI Equestrian World Golfing World

UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC The Ultimate Fighter V8 Supercars UFC Unleashed UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Vintage WWE NXT NHL V8 Supercars V8 Supercars V8 Supercars WWE SmackDown WWE Vintage V8 Supercars V8 Supercars European Le Mans Series NHL UFC The Ultimate Fighter Prizefighter

23:00 Trans World Sport 00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

American Pickers Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Storage Wars Storage Wars American Pickers American Pickers American Restoration Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Pawn Stars Storage Wars American Pickers American Restoration Storage Wars Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Storage Wars Storage Wars American Pickers American Pickers American Restoration Storage Wars Storage Wars Storage Wars American Pickers American Pickers American Restoration Storage Wars Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Swamp People23:45

KNCC PROGRAM FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (06/12/2012 TO 12/12/2012) SHARQIA-1 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

SHARQIA-2 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) 2:30 PM RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) 4:45 PM THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) 6:45 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 9:00 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 11:00 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 1:00 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-3 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 12:45 PM TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) 3:00 PM CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) 5:15 PM KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) 7:00 PM UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 10:00 PM UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-2 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:45 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-3 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) 12:30 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 2:30 PM RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) 4:30 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 6:30 PM THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) 8:30 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 10:45 PM STORAGE 24 (DIG) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-1 STORAGE 24 (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

FANAR-2 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:15 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-3 KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) TALAASH (DIG)(HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM

FANAR-4 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-5 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS RISE OF THE GUARDIANS RISE OF THE GUARDIANS THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS FLIGHT FLIGHT NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-1 MISS MOMMY (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-2 STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MARINA-3 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-1 KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) TALAASH (DIG)(HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:45 PM

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM

12:30 PM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

2:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 11:30 PM

AVENUES-2 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-3 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-4 JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-5 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) AVENUES-6 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:00 PM 11:45 PM

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

1:30 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM 12:05 AM

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 10:00 PM 12:30 AM

AVENUES-7 FLIGHT (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-8 TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) FLIGHT (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

AVENUES-9 STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-10 JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED MISS MOMMY (DIG) SUN+TUE+WED AVENUES-11 RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:30 PM 11:00 PM 11:00 PM

1:45 PM 4:15 PM 6:45 PM 9:15 PM 11:45 PM

360 º- 1 RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:15 PM 5:45 PM 8:15 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

360 º- 2 JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED

KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 8 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO THU “Redbull -DVD” THU ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO THU ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 9 (VIP-1) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º-10 (VIP-2) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 11 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 12 THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG)

3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM

1:45 PM 4:30 PM 3:00 7:15 PM 10:00 PM 12:45 AM

1:45 PM 4:30 PM 7:15 PM 10:00 PM 12:45 AM

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 11:00 PM

360 º- 13 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (IMAX-3D) 12:30 PM RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (IMAX-3D) 2:45 PM RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (IMAX-3D) 5:00 PM RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (IMAX-3D) 7:15 PM THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (IMAX) 9:30 PM THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (IMAX) 12:05 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 14 MISS MOMMY (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG)

2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM

360 º- 15 FLIGHT (DIG) TALAASH (DIG)(HINDI) TALAASH (DIG)(HINDI) JAB TAK HAI JAAN (DIG) (HINDI)

1:30 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

AL-KOUT.1 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN - PART 2 (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

1:30 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.2 ANNA KARENINA (DIG) MISS MOMMY (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) ANNA KARENINA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:30 PM 9:15 PM 11:45 PM

360 º- 3 SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AL-KOUT.3 RED DAWN (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) RED DAWN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

360 º- 4 STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.4 STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) TROUBLE WITH THE CURVE (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

BAIRAQ-1 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) STORAGE 24 (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

360 º- 5 THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS (DIG) FRI+SAT CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) NO MON THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE (DIG) 360 º- 6 RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (DIG-3D) FLIGHT (DIG) FLIGHT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 7 KHILADI 786 (DIG) (HINDI)

2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM 1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:45 AM

12:30 PM

BAIRAQ-2 UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 1:30 PM UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 3:45 PM RED DAWN (DIG) 6:00 PM UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 8:15 PM UNIVERSAL SOLDIER: DAY OF RECKONING (DIG) 10:30 PM RED DAWN (DIG) 12:45 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation in Salmiya behind Mercedes showroom only single Pilipina lady in a master bedroom. Tel: 97751739.

11-12-2012

MATRIMONIAL Pentecostal parents invite proposals for their daughter 26, 5’4”, MSc Biochemistry working in Kuwait, from professionally qualified boys. Please send detailed profiles with photos to ne_georgev@yahoo.com 12-12-2012

FOR SALE Toyota Camry model 2011 GLX full option with sunroof km done 27,000, white metallic color, registration till 11-6-2014 (installment possible) cash price KD 4750. Tel: 66507741.

(C 4244) 11-12-2012

29 years Marthomite boy (5’9”) working as a nurse in MOH invites proposals from God fearing and well educated girls. Email: kannothuroney@gmail.com (C 4242) 8-12-2012

SITUATION VACANT Required driver for a Kuwaiti family, 3 years experience, Kuwaiti driving license. Salary KD 100. Call 99304076. (C 4245) Required maid for a Kuwaiti family, experience in Kuwait for three months.

Call 99304076. (C 4246) 10-12-2012 CHANGE OF NAME I, JUDE D’COSTA holder of Indian Passport No: F1450021 hereby change my name to JUDE DA COS-

TA. (C 4247) I, VENKAPA REDDY Indian Passport No: F8461897, embraced Islam, so I change my name MUSTAFA REDDY. (C 4248) 11-12-2012

GOVERNMENT WEB SITES Kuwait Parliament www.majlesalommah.net

The Public Institution for Social Security www.pifss.gov.kw

Ministry of Interior www.moi.gov.kw

Public Authority of Industry www.pai.gov.kw

Public Authority for Civil Information www.paci.gov.kw

Prisoners of War Committee www.pows.org.kw

Kuwait News Agency www.kuna.net.kw

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.kw

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair www.islam.gov.kw

Kuwait Municipality www.municipality.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Oil) www.moo.gov.kw

Kuwait Electronic Government www.e.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Water) www.energy.govt.kw

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.kw

Public Authority for Housing Welfare www.housing.gov.kw

Ministry of Commerce and Industry www.moci.gov.kw

Ministry of Justice www.moj.gov.kw

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.kw

Ministry of Communications www.moc.kw

Ministry of Information www.moinfo.gov.kw

Supreme Council for Planning and Development www.scpd.gov.kw

Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation www.awqaf.org

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

112 Prayer timings Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

05:08 06:33 11:42 14:32 16:51 18:13

THE PUBLICAUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JAI THY JZR JZR QTR ETH GFA UAE ETD OMA QTR FDB MSR DHX THY JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC ETD UAE KAC GFA ABY QTR FDB ETD GFA BAB IRA JZR UAE MEA KNE MSR IRM UAE KAC CLX GFA FDB IRC KAC SVA QTR JZR

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 12/12/2012 Flt Route 574 MUMBAI 772 ISTANBUL 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 148 DOHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 643 MUSCAT 138 DOHA 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 770 ISTANBUL 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASSIUT 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 933 ABU DHABI 855 DUBAI 344 CHENNAI 223 BAHRAIN 121 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 213 BAHRAIN 436 BAHRAIN 603 SHIRAZ 165 DUBAI 4987 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 470 JEDDAH 610 CAIRO 1190 MASHAD 871 DUBAI 382 DELHI 792 LUXEMBOURG 219 BAHRAIN 57 DUBAI 6692 MASHAD 672 DUBAI 500 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 561 SOHAG

Time 0:30 0:35 0:45 0:50 1:00 1:45 1:50 2:35 2:45 2:50 3:01 3:05 3:10 5:15 5:30 6:00 6:35 6:40 6:45 7:40 7:45 7:55 8:05 8:30 8:40 8:40 8:45 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:55 10:05 10:40 11:20 11:50 11:55 12:10 12:45 12:50 12:50 12:55 13:15 13:35 13:50 14:10 14:10 14:30 14:45 14:50

KAC KAC QTR KAC IYE UAE JZR ETD RJA GFA SVA KNE JZR QTR ABY UAL KAC JZR RBG KAC BAB FDB JZR KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC OMA FDB KAC JAI AXB MSR ABY QTR ALK MEA QTR GFA ETD UAE JZR FDB DHX KLM AIC JZR GFA JZR UAL DLH

788 284 134 538 824 857 357 303 640 215 510 462 777 144 127 982 542 177 3553 786 438 63 787 166 618 674 102 774 647 61 613 572 389 606 129 146 229 402 136 221 307 859 135 59 372 417 975 239 217 185 981 636

JEDDAH DHAKA DOHA SHARM EL SHEIKH SANAA DUBAI MASHAD ABU DHABI AMMAN BAHRAIN RIYADH MEDINAH JEDDAH DOHA SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO DUBAI ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH PARIS DOHA DUBAI NEW YORK RIYADH MUSCAT DUBAI BAHRAIN MUMBAI MANGALORE LUXOR SHARJAH DOHA COLOMBO BEIRUT DOHA BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM CHENNAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT

14:55 15:10 15:30 16:05 16:30 16:40 16:45 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:40 18:45 19:05 19:10 19:20 19:35 19:35 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:10 20:20 20:25 20:35 20:45 20:55 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:40 21:50 22:00 22:00 22:05 22:30 22:45 22:50 23:05 23:25 23:55

Airlines AIC PIA BBC UAL DLH JAI KAC ETH THY KAC FDB UAE OMA ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR GFA THY KAC JZR FDB BAW KAC GFA KAC ABY UAE FDB KAC ETD QTR ETD GFA KAC JZR BAB KAC IRA JZR KAC MEA KAC KNE UAE MSR JZR IRM UAE GFA

Departure Flights on Wednesday 12/12/2012 Flt Route Time 982 AHMEDABAD 0:05 206 LAHORE 0:10 44 DOHA 1:00 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 1:10 637 FRANKFURT 1:20 573 MUMBAI 1:30 283 DHAKA 2:25 621 ADDIS ABABA 2:45 773 ISTANBUL 2:55 381 DELHI 3:15 68 DUBAI 3:45 854 DUBAI 3:50 644 MUSCAT 3:55 306 ABU DHABI 4:00 613 CAIRO 4:10 139 DOHA 4:50 149 DOHA 6:05 164 DUBAI 6:55 212 BAHRAIN 7:00 771 ISTANBUL 7:35 537 SHARM EL SHEIKH 8:10 560 SOHAG 8:15 54 DUBAI 8:25 156 LONDON 8:45 787 JEDDAH 9:25 224 BAHRAIN 9:30 671 DUBAI 9:35 122 SHARJAH 9:45 856 DUBAI 9:55 56 DUBAI 10:00 117 NEW YORK 10:00 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 133 DOHA 10:30 934 ABU DHABI 10:30 214 BAHRAIN 10:40 175 FRANKFURT 10:45 356 MASHHAD 10:45 437 BAHRAIN 10:50 541 CAIRO 11:30 602 SHIRAZ 11:40 776 JEDDAH 12:15 103 LONDON 12:20 405 BEIRUT 12:55 785 JEDDAH 13:00 461 MADINAH 13:10 4988 DUBAI 13:20 611 CAIRO 13:45 176 DUBAI 13:50 1191 MASHHAD 14:15 872 DUBAI 14:15 220 BAHRAIN 14:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

FDB CLX KAC IRC SVA KAC JZR QTR KAC KAC JZR IYE ETD JZR QTR UAE RJA GFA JZR SVA KNE ABY JZR QTR RBG JZR UAL FDB BAB FDB KAC KAC OMA JAI ABY MSR DHX ALK MEA ETD QTR GFA KAC FDB UAE DHX KAC KLM QTR JZR JZR GFA KAC

58 792 673 6693 503 617 786 141 773 614 238 824 304 538 135 858 641 216 184 511 471 128 266 145 3554 134 982 64 439 62 353 331 648 571 120 619 171 230 403 308 137 222 301 60 860 373 205 417 147 502 528 218 415

DUBAI GIALAM DUBAI MASHHAD MADINAH DOHA RIYADH DOHA RIYADH BAHRAIN AMMAN SANAA ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH JEDDAH SHARJAH BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI KOCHI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT MUMBAI SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN MUMBAI DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DAMMAM DOHA LUXOR ASSIUT BAHRAIN KUALA LUMPUR

14:30 14:45 15:05 15:10 15:45 15:45 15:50 16:15 16:25 17:05 17:15 17:30 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:15 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:00 19:05 19:10 19:25 19:30 20:40 20:45 20:55 20:55 21:10 21:15 21:25 21:50 21:55 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:50 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:35 23:50 23:50 23:55

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 36

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) There are some overdue rewards that may develop this day. You attract people that have high standards and this keeps you on your toes now. Praise comes from your friends—enjoy. There will be more attention coming your way soon, particularly if you are trying to get some project approved. Be prepared to be in the position to cooperate with superiors. Your secrets to success may be in your organization skills as well as your compassion. You will find increased responsibilities requiring you to exert authority and discipline. Be wise in your choice of investments today as someone has an unbelievable get-rich-quick technique. You might hold off making any decisions here for a few days.

Enjoy playing games with youngsters tonight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You seem to be on the right track where your professional life is concerned.

This may not be the easiest day but it is one in which you feel accomplishments are constructive. You may have some time now to combine your ideas with another and create some new opportunities for after the holidays. You could be working in research. Perhaps you are in sales or dealing with the personnel of a large company. Meetings, phone calls and making appointments would not be an unusual activity at this time. Being in touch with ideas and people on a grand scale keeps your mind busy. You gather useful information that will serve your personal goals. Problems seem easy to solve now, especially with work. The night is yours.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. Experiencing or showing sorrow or unhappiness.

4. Trade name for a drug containing an antihistamine and a decongestant.

12. A caustic detergent useful for removing grease.

15. 100 pyas equal 1 kyat.

16. On or outside the dura mater.

17. The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet.

18. The sense organ for hearing and equilibrium.

19. Darkened with overcast.

20. Affect with wonder.

22. Italian painter (born in Greece) whose deep shadows and barren landscapes strongly influenced the surrealists (18881978).

24. Someone who communicates by signals.

26. The month following July and preceding September.

27. An interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs.

28. Of or relating to apnea.

35. A series of things depending on each other as if linked together.

36. The compass point that is one point east (clockwise) of due north.

38. South African term for `boss'.

40. A genus of Scolopacidae.

42. A decree that prohibits something.

45. A plant hormone promoting elongation of stems and roots.

46. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

47. Leather with a napped surface.

49. An audiotape recording of sound.

50. A former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia.

52. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

53. United States musician and composer and conductor noted for his comic operas (1859-1924).

55. A state in New England.

56. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

61. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

62. (Greek mythology) Goddess of the earth and mother of Cronus and the Titans in ancient mythology.

66. A large metal or pottery vessel with a handle and spout.

70. American prizefighter who won the world heavyweight championship three times (born in 1942).

74. Plant with an elongated head of broad stalked leaves resembling celery.

75. (informal) `johnny' was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War. 76. The state of being behind in payments.

77. A notable achievement.

78. An affirmative.

79. Straggling shrub with narrow leaves and conspicuous red flowers in dense globular racemes.

80. Type genus of the Alcidae comprising solely the razorbill.

DOWN 1. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work.

2. An Indian nursemaid who looks after children.

3. An Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan.

4. A shop selling delicatessen (as salads or cooked meats).

5. A medicinal drug used to evoke vomiting (especially in cases of drug overdose or poisoning).

6. The sound made by a cat (or any sound resembling this).

7. A doctor's degree in education.

8. The third day of the week.

9. Used especially in treating bruises.

10. An informal term for a father.

11. German physicist whose explanation of blackbody radiation in the context of quantized energy emissions initiated quantum theory (1858-1947).

12. Showing deterioration from age.

13. Be idle.

14. A man who courts a woman.

21. The capital and largest city of Equatorial Guinea on the island of Bioko in the Gulf of Guinea.

23. A major European river carrying more traffic than any other river in the world.

25. Shift from one side of the ship to the other.

29. An expression forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence but not containing a finite verb.

30. Sole genus of the family Naiadaceae.

31. Any tree or shrub of the genus Inga having pinnate leaves and showy usually white flowers.

32. A man who is the lover of a girl or young woman.

33. A syllabic script used in writing Sanskrit and Hindi.

34. A genus of Bothidae.

37. (computer science) A computer that is running software that allows users to leave messages and access information of general interest.

39. Type genus of the Ardeidae.

41. (botany) Of or relating to the axil.

43. Indian statesman and leader with Gandhi in the struggle for home rule.

44. (Akkadian) God ruling with his consort Ereshkigal the world of the dead.

48. Deep-sea ribbonfish.

51. A Hindu prince or king in India.

54. A state of Uganda and site of a former Bantu kingdom.

57. A public promotion of some product or service.

58. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

59. Tropical American trees with palmately compound leaves and showy bell-shaped flowers.

60. Rock star and drummer for the Beatles (born in 1940).

63. On or toward the lee.

64. A sensation (as of a cold breeze or bright light) that precedes the onset of certain disorders such as a migraine attack or epileptic seizure.

65. Humble request for help.

67. A Gaelic-speaking Celt in Ireland or Scotland or the Isle of Man. 68. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

69. A quantity of no importance.

71. A spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus.

72. Having only superficial plausibility.

73. A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Telescopium and Norma.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

It may take a few formalities to clinch a deal today but you and your partner are able to succeed. Broadening your intellectual horizons takes on a high priority now as you prepare for out-of-town business as well as pleasure. You are intent on seeing the big picture and getting to the point of some current issue. Work or research brings about new discoveries that will finally relate to an increase in salary or in notoriety.

This is a time to enjoy your career and savor the rewards. This holiday period opens doors of opportunities to make new friends and also renew old friendships. If you find yourself away from the family this holiday season, you will be near close friends. If you are at home for this holiday season, you will find plenty of activities to fill your time.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Your improved confidence gives you courage to challenge and be challenged. As a buyer for a retail store or working in some service oriented business, you may find yourself in a fast paced world. Be sure you take those important allocated breaks and enjoy some time away from the workplace during the noon break. Later today you will have an opportunity to develop some of your ideas. You could be most convincing with others. The situation today is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular thoughts. You are coming into a period of greater than usual emphasis on emotional security, which is likely to manifest as putting down roots somehow. Home and family matters can play a big part in this—relatives are important.

Leo (July 23-August 22) This is a good day, with lots of energy and ambition. It is a good day to start new projects or push forward with those already in motion. You may enjoy a sense of creating your own opportunities. Someone older or in authority may be a motivating force. Your sharp eye will discover any problem or mistakes and bring it out into the light of day. Be prepared to back up your findings with facts—someone may not want to change numbers, dates or connections. Travel to sunny beaches could be planned. There are opportunities to find additional or new and fun ways to make a living—perhaps parttime. A young person in your family may want to do the same part-time job with you. You will enjoy these days—focus on building fun memories.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) There could be some exhilarating times today as you approach a challenge with the attitude of progress. Some proposal that you present to a customer is accepted and you may be pleasantly pleased at the development of the final transaction. This afternoon a group meeting may have you feeling like a referee. You may be the person who has worked the longest and knows the most about your profession. Give a few scenarios for the newest people to solve and help them see how to best handle the outcome. A firm foundation is forming underneath you as your management and directional abilities are in high focus. A co-worker needs your advice today and you may be wise in determining ways in which he or she could increase his or her skills.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) A clash in personalities could be unavoidable today. The best thing to do is to understand that miscommunications somewhere along the line have occurred and allow the other person to express his or her opinion. Find the sanity and the basis for the confusion—then transfer some form of understanding to the situation. If you can change the problem, do so. If you cannot change the problem, perhaps a new direction is good; time is the answer. Be aware of the temptation to perceive a situation as unfair. One popular saying is, it is what it is, and that is something you may find yourself saying several times this afternoon. A robot may be an item that has caught your attention this evening.

You may work a little on next year’s resolutions.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) If you work in a factory you may find yourself escorting groups of people around to see a new layout or new machine. You and others are quite proud of the equipment your company has and other companies may ask an awful lot of questions . . . careful. Concentrate on the most pressing issues this afternoon. You might get someone to help you with the busywork so that you can tend to the most important matters. Perhaps you are a detective or a news writer. The interview, the chase or the investigation is important—pay someone else to do the paperwork—especially, if you can dictate.

This might also be a way for you to see some progress with some personal work—perhaps in writing a story, etc. Invite co-workers into your home for a small party soon.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You may find yourself in a conference meeting this afternoon. A supervisor or a different department manager may want you to sit in on some decision making. Make every effort to attend or comply with higher-ups . . . there could be a promotion in the making. Consider a class at the junior college to help sharpen your skills. You may find that someone close to you is supportive of your views. Results will be positive when you look for positive solutions to the projects you are attempting at this time. A family member may need your help this afternoon. You will also have a loved one’s support today.

Make it a point to talk about some fun things you will want to do next year. Plan and consider setting some short-term and long-term goals.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You seem able to handle most anything that comes your way today, but if you need help, help is available. Humor is the healing factor now and the people you touch and heal with your sense of humor are many. This is a good time to write and communicate with real originality. Inventions and breakthroughs are possible. Someone that could influence your future success may ask a favor of you today. Sensing the importance here and your good frame of mind, you can spend a lot of time in lending a helping hand. This may mean you spend some time and energy with one of your favorite charities.

You are appreciated and held in high esteem by many for your dependability and your good nature. This day is filled with renewed appreciation for all.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Be as clear as possible in your conversations this morning. Sometimes when we hurry we do not take the time to make ourselves understood. Someone may challenge your sense of independence today. You may feel the day coming to a full stop before lunch. This is a short-term situation—patience. There may be bouts of slow progress this day but you will probably appreciate that after all the busy days. Cooperation, organization, authority, discipline and responsibility are all the things it takes to guide you on your path through life. You do well at putting your energies to good use later this afternoon. The pace at home is quite different from work today. It may be difficult to try to cram everything you want to do into one evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) In the work world—luck is present today. Investments should do well, particularly this morning. Education, taught by yourself or by an institution, is important for your own development. You probably read the latest news magazine or have an ongoing book of someone’s biography nearby most of the time. This puts you aware and up-to-date with most conversations, at any level and with most highly intelligent groups of people. You seem to be the cog that makes the wheel go around. You attract people that thrive on learning and you possibly have many teachers as friends. Joys and delights are yours now and the interactions you have with the people you encounter are some of the building blocks to your future. Smile, it is contagious.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

Sabhan

24742838

24575518 24566622

Al-Helaly

22434853

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Al-Faiha

22545051

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Hawally

ST TAT TE OF KUW K WAIT A

Te el.: 161

DIRECTORA AT TE GENERAL GENE OF CIVIL AV VIA ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEP PARTMENT A DA AY Y: Tuesday

Ext.: 2627 262 - 2630

Fax: 24348714 WWW.MET.GOV V.KW .

11/12/2012

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

07:00

Issue Time

Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours BY Y DA AY:

Unstable with moderate to fresh south easterly changing to north westerly wind, with speed of 25 - 45 km/h causing raising dust with a chance for rain that might be thundery at times

BY Y NIGHT:

Cool with moderate to fresh north westerly wind, with speed of 25 - 50 km/h causing raising dust

No Current Warnings arnin a

WARNING A

26 °C

20 °C

Mirqab

22456536

NUW WAISEEB A

24 °C

19 °C

Sharq

22465401

WAFRA A

23 °C

18 °C

Salmiya

25746401

SALMI

21 °C

15 °C

ABDAL LY

24 °C

19 °C

Jabriya

25316254

JAL ALIY YAH A

22 °C

18 °C

Maidan Hawally

25623444

FAILAKA A

23 °C

20 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

23 °C

21 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

24 °C

22 °C

W Hawally

22630786

WARBA A A - BUBY YA AN

22 °C

19 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

ST TATION T

SFC. CHART

11/12/2012 0000 UTC

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST Temperatures DA AY

DA ATE T

WEA AT THER

Wednesday e

12/12

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

Thursday

South Jahra

24775066

Friday

North Jahra

24775992

Saturday

North Jleeb

24311795

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

temperature will decrease + raising dust

21 °C

15 °C

NW

20 - 45 km/h

13/12

sunny + raising dust

20 °C

12 °C

NW

15 - 40 km/h

14/12

cool + scattered clouds

19 °C

11 °C

NW

15 - 35 km/h

15/12

partly cloudy + Chance scattered rain

19 °C

10 °C

NW-VRB

08 - 30 km/h

PRA RA AY YER TIMES

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WAIT A AIRPORT

Fajr

05:07

MAX. Temp.

22 °C

Sunrise

06:32

MIN. Temp.

15 °C 89 %

24884079 24892674

Zuhr

11:41

MAX. RH

24719048

Asr

14:31

MIN. RH

66 %

Sunset

16:50

MAX. Wind

E 28 km/h

Isha

18:13

TOT TAL AL RAIINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

.13 mm

11/12/12 03:14 UTC

V1.00

T1.06

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Dr. Salem soso General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Mousa Khadada Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

22545171

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

23900322

Al-Nuzha

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

22451082

Fintas

24810598

Jahra

20 °C

24710044

Al-Shuwaikh

23915883 23715414 23726558

25 °C

N Khaitan

22545171

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

KUW WAIT A CITY

Omariya

Al-Shuhada Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

MIN. REC.

Firdous

22418714

Ahmadi

MAX. EXP P.

Ardhiya

PHONE

Al-Madeena

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

lifestyle

Kim Kardashian

Paris, Nicky Hilton adopt a cat

will have to wait till Feb for divorce

G O S S I P

he ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ star’s wedding to Kris Humphries lasted just 72 days in 2011 but because the pair can’t agree on how to proceed, the case has been dragged out, with a court date finally set for February. A source told HollywoodLife.com: “[Kim and Kris are] both stubborn and they won’t end it

T

he feline was originally taken in by Demi Moore after it appeared at the city’s Soho Beach House. The actress took a shine to the cat stray and took it to the exclusive Chanel dinner last, where it was fed expensive food while seated on Demi’s lap. The cat stuck around at the Soho Beach House for the Diane von Furstenberg event, where its apparent cuteness caught the eye of the Hilton sisters, who decided they wanted to take it on. The pampered cat - which has been named Soho by the sisters - got to stay at

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their suite at the upmarket Fontainebleau Hotel and was then flown back to New York on Sunday on the Jordache private jet with Nicky, 29, and rapper Kanye West. Animal lover Paris, 31, went back to Los Angeles, where she was pleased to be back with her other pets, which in 2010 reportedly included 20 rescued rabbits, 17 dogs, two cats, three ferrets, two monkeys, a baby possum, a goat and a micro pig. She tweeted: “Back in La La Land. So excited to get home to all my pets. Missed my. babies so much! (sic).”

because they both want to prove their point.”

While Kim, 32, initially filed for divorce, 27-yearold Kris attempted to get an annulment on the basis of fraud. Meanwhile, Kim’s boyfriend Kanye West is said to be tired of the divorce drama as he is desperate to marry the star. A source said: “The only thing he wants to give Kim for Christmas he

Charlie Sheen gives $75,000 to help a girl

Demi Moore

Reese Witherspoon

trying to lose baby weight

T

Michelle Obama

is The Wanted’s number one fan

he 48-year-old US First Lady loves the British boy band and likes to dance around the White House to their chart-topping tunes. Singer Siva Kaneswaran told the Daily Mirror news-

T

paper: “The highlight of our year so far has been meeting Michelle Obama. She was so normal with us. She told us that The Wanted were on her playlist. I’m sure we’re on her 25 Most Played on her iPhone.” Michelle - who has children Malia, 14, and 11-year-old Sasha with her husband, President Barack Obama - previously admitted her daughters were big fans of the ‘Glad You Came’ singers, and their musical tastes have clearly rubbed off on their mother. Meanwhile, The Wanted stars Tom Parker, Max George and Nathan Sykes were snubbed by staff at exclusive London hotel the May Fair when they tried to check in after a boozy night out at Whisky Mist club. The trio was turned away so they stumbled on to a casino, where they were also deemed too drunk to be let in. The Daily Star newspaper claims youngest band member Nathan, 18, ranted: “Don’t you know who I am?” Fifth member Jay McGuiness was not there. —Bang Showbiz

“She wanted to know how she was going to feel in that moment and what it would be like when you meet your baby for the very first time. “And I was talking to Jim, my husband, and I said, ‘Can you imagine describing that moment of pure joy that happens when your child is in your arms for the very first time.’ I mean, what are the words?! “We are parents that know the joy of having a beautiful, brilliant, joyful, perfect baby. That somehow heaven has opened up and delivered us an angel [who] looks adorable in every angle of an iPhone photo. And, in my case, looks gorgeous printed on a bag or a pillow or an iPhone cover - anything you can get on TinyPrints!”

Sienna Miller

he actress gave birth to Tennessee James, her son with husband Jim Toth, two months ago but admitted she is finding it a struggle to regain her pre-pregnancy figure. She told ‘Extra’: “I don’t know if I’m bouncing back. I’m slowly crawling back.

You know, all of your joints feel wobbly, and your head is sort of confused. “You just have to be gentle and patient with yourself and just sort of, you know...slowly get back to your health.” Reese, 36, is smitten with Tennessee and recently gushed about what a “beautiful, brilliant, joyful, perfect baby” he is. Speaking about a friend who recently called her on the way to hospital shortly before she was due to give birth, Reese said:

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about him and Demi.” Vito, 26, was also said to be unhappy that Demi just wanted to party at the prestigious art fair as he was trying to work. The insider added: “He wasn’t too happy that Demi flew down to party at Art Basel while he was working to build his business. It was a distraction he didn’t need while all the big collectors were in town.” Demi and Vito first met at the lavish birthday bash Naomi Campbell threw for her boyfriend Vladimir Doronin in India in November.

he ‘Anger Management’ actor had been speaking to a policeman in Hermosa Beach in California, when he discovered the officer’s 10-year-old daughter, Jasmine, had been diagnosed with Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma (CR). Father-of-five Charlie told the officer, “No parent should have to watch their kid go through that”, and the next day sent a cheque for $75,000 to the Hermosa Beach Police Association, which had started a fund in Jasmine’s honour. According to website TMZ.com, Charlie’s stunt-double Eddie Braun also gave $25,000, and the family is extremely grateful for the donation and hopes their actions will inspire others to join the fight against CR. CR is a debilitating form of cancer that occurs in the muscle tissue and requires over a year of expensive medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Last month, Charlie gave Lindsay Lohan $100,000 when he heard she was having financial difficulties, but claimed she had never thanked him.

He said: “She got shorted and I found out, so I said, ‘Here.’

“I’m still waiting for a text to say, ‘ Thank you’. Anything you know?”

T

dumped by her toyboy lover

he 50-year-old actress enjoyed a brief fling with Vito Schnabel, 26, but the art dealer broke off their relationship after she flew to Miami to join him for Art Basel as he was worried the attention would distract from his career. A source told the New York Post’s Page Six: “Vito has worked very hard to be taken seriously in the art business and doesn’t want to be seen as somebody who dates celebrities. He hated having photographers follow him around after work got out

can’t ... he wants her to be free from this dude. It’s been going on way too long and he hates this.

Really son, you don’t understand how much he despises him. He hates this dude with a passion.

“He is crazy when it comes to this and rightfully so. He gave her the world already, so now he’s got to get her the entire planet.”

can’ t bear to be away from her daughter he 30-year-old actress gave birth to Marlowe in July - her first child with fiance Tom Sturridge - and she says her life has changed for the better since becoming a mother and hates being apart from her little girl.

She told Radio Times magazine: “My life is really different: it’s much better.

People told me not to have kids, but I think motherhood’s got a bad rep - I don’t feel compromised. In fact I don’t want to be anywhere else except with her.” Sienna recently spoke out about how much she was enjoying motherhood and found it all “surreal”. She said: “It’s still the most surreal thing, that you can create, that I grew this life inside my stomach, her eyeballs, everything every little fibre. And I’d expected that she’d be this extension of me and I’d instantly understand who she was because she’d come from me, and then you realise that they are their own people entirely. Very connected to you, of course. But they’re their own person.”

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

Lady Antebellum performs with Kristin Chenoweth during the American Country Awards on Monday, in Las Vegas. — AP photos

Kip Moore performs during the American Country Awards.

Luke Bryan cleans up at ACAs with 9 awards uke Bryan didn’t want the American Country Awards to end. He cleaned up during the fan-voted show, earning nine awards, including artist and album of the year.

His smash hit “I Don’t Want This Night To End” was named single and music video of the year. Miranda Lambert took home the second most guitar trophies with three. Jason Aldean was named touring artist of the year.

Carrie Underwood won female artist of the year, and a tearful Lauren Alaina won new artist of the year.

Bryan, Aldean, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Trace Adkins with Lynyrd Skynrd were among the highenergy performances. The third annual ACAs were held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday night. —AP

L

Something new for Singapore’s pampered pets: Obituaries rieving pet owners in Singapore, known for lavishing care in life on their animals, can soon share their feelings about furred family members after they pad off to the great beyond via obituaries in the city-state’s largest newspaper. From Sunday, The Straits Times pets section will let pet owners publish goodbye messages to their favourite non-human companions along with an accompanying photo.

The memorials will be part of a “pets’ corner” in the paper’s classifieds section, along with notices by the SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and other animal groups about pets available for adoption. The decision to market obituaries to pet owners in tiny Singapore, one of the world’s richest countries in terms of per capita income, comes as wealthy Asians have fewer kids and shower more attention on pets.

Though dogs and cats once roamed free around neighbourhoods in Singapore, pet owners today are extremely protective of their pets. In addition, the 80 percent of the population that lives in government-run flats is restricted to just one dog, of a small breed. Research firm Euromonitor, in a recent report on Singapore’s pet care market, said people are spending more on premium pet food as well as accessories such as strollers for dogs and designer pet clothing.

“Many pet owners are increasingly treating their pets as household members and are therefore pampering their pets with luxurious food, products and services, just as they would dote on their family,” it said. “This trend led to a shift in consumer spending towards premium categories, such as premium pet food, hence driving growth in the pet care market.”

Needless to say, the obituaries too are not free - they will each run S$50 ($40.96), with a goods and services tax of 7 percent on top of that. — Reuters

G

Keith Urban and the Grammy Camp Band perform.

Singer Luke Bryan poses in the press room with multiple awards backstage.

Lee Brice, Jana Kramer and Casey James appear on stage.

Carrie Underwood accepts the award for ‘Female Artist of the Year’.

Jake Owen accepts the award for ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’.

Lynyrd Skynyrd and Tracie Adkins perform.

Keller shares memories, spotlight in latest book homas Keller, one of America’s most respected chefs, shares the food memories of his childhood and his time in France in his new book “Bouchon Bakery,” which is also the name of his chain of pastry shops in the United States. Keller is the only American chef who owns two three-Michelin-star restaurants - Per Se in New York City and The French Laundry in the Napa Valley region in California. Earlier this year, Britain’s Restaurant Magazine named Per Se, which opened in 2004, the world’s sixth best restaurant. Keller also earned the magazine’s lifetime achievement award.

Like his four other books, his latest effort is a collaboration. He co-wrote it with his top pastry chefs Sebastien Rouxel and Matthew McDonald along with food writers Susie Heller, Michael Ruhlman and Amy Vogler. The 57-yearold spoke to Reuters about the book, his pastry chefs and his place in the culinary world.

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Q: Why did you collaborate with the leaders of your pastry team with this book?

A: “If you look at my other cookbooks, it’s always been a point with me to share these opportunities with those who share their skills and expertise with the general public. That was the reason why I did the book. Sebastien is one of the best pastry chefs in America. His techniques are unparal-

leled. I’m not trying to pretend that I’m a pastry chef by writing a book about baking and pastries. Nor am I trying to be a bread baker. I have Matthew McDonald, who is one of the best bakers in America. To be able to highlight his skills in the bread section was very important as well.”

Q: How did your time in France change your view about pastry and bread-making?

A: “When you are in France, especially in Paris, there were three or four boulangeries of different significance just on the block where I lived because they had pastry chefs with different levels of skills. You went to different ones for different things. To have a fresh baked baguette everyday was extraordinary. Anyone who lived in Paris for any length of time would say eating a fresh baguette is pretty special. Bread plays a real important part in the experience of the diners. To make sure we have the opportunity to significantly impact the experience by controlling the production and style of the bread was very important to me.”

Q: Do you have a favorite dessert?

A: “It depends on the day ... There are so many things I love. I think anything that’s done really, really well. For me, that’s really something I really appreciate. I think one of the things that

really resonate with the individual is that idea that eating, and eating through that experience, they have a memory. We are always trying to do something that’s good. Why put something on the menu that’s not very good?”

Q: The book emphasizes weighing ingredients over measuring with cups and spoons. Could that be difficult for home cooks?

A: “One of the things about pastry ... it’s such an exact process. The most exact thing you practice is with weighing.

There is an exactness to the execution, which gives you every opportunity to be successful.”

Q: French Laundry and Per Se are among two of the best restaurants in the country. Bouchon Bakery is a success. What more would you like to accomplish in the culinary world?

A: “I have accomplished today everything I wanted to accomplish, more than I ever dreamed was possible.

Right now, I’m just focused on the restaurants we have and the book I just wrote. Let me enjoy this moment before you ask me what I’ll be doing tomorrow.”

Pecan Sandies for my mom (makes 1-1/2 dozen cookies) 1 3/4 cups + 1 1/2 teaspoons all-pur-

Thomas Keller pose flour (250 grams) 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans (80 grams) 4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature (170 grams) 3/4 cup + 1 3/4 teaspoons powdered sugar (90 grams) Additional powdered sugar for dusting (optional) 1. Position the racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat the oven to 325∞F (convection) or 350∞F (standard). Line two sheet pans with

Silpats or parchment paper.

2. Toss the flour and pecans together in a medium bowl.

3. Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and mix on medium-low speed until smooth. Add the 90 grams/3/4 cup plus 13/4 teaspoons powdered sugar and mix for about 2 minutes, until fluffy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, until just combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to incorporate any dry ingredients that have settled there.

4.Divide the dough into 30gram/11/2-tablespoon portions, roll into balls, and arrange on the sheet pans, leaving about 11/2 inches between them. Press the cookies into 2-inch disks.

5. Bake until pale golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes if using a convection oven, 22 to 25 minutes if using a standard oven, reversing the positions of the pans halfway through. (Sandies baked in a convection oven will not spread as much as those baked in a standard oven and will have a more even color.)

6. Set the pans on a cooling rack and cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Using a metal spatula, transfer the cookies to the rack to cool completely. If desired, dust with powdered sugar.

Note: The cookies can be stored in a covered container for up to three days.

— Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

lifestyle

ens of thousands of lovelorn South Koreans are set to take part in a “battle of the singles” on Christmas Eve-a mass dating event triggered by an innocuous query posted on Facebook last month. More than 36,000 people have signed up for the event in a park in central Seoul since two young men jokingly floated the idea on the social networking site and met with an overwhelming response.

“We only asked ‘What do you plan to do on Christmas Eve?’ and people started to leave thousands of comments that they were single and miserable and had nothing to do,” Justin Chanwook Jang, one of the two organisers, told AFP. “So we suggested this idea to help lonely singles find love on Christmas Eve... we never imagined it would grow this big,” said 29-year-old Jang, who plans to participate himself. Some businesses have decided to enter into the spirit of things by allowing single employees the day off on Christmas Eve which falls on Monday, and around 200 firms have offered to sponsor the event. The rules of “the battle” are simple. Women must dress in red and men in white and all gather at the park, which sits on an island in the Han River that bisects the capital. The two groups will stand facing each other a few metres apart until the event starts at 3:00 pm (0600 GMT) — then run towards a potential date and grab his or her hands. Those who manage to get a date are encouraged to post photos taken with their new partners on the event’s Facebook page.

It remains to be seen how many of those who signed up will actually attend, but Jang is confident. “I’m witnessing how social networking sites can help a tiny idea grow so big and so quickly ... it’s overwhelming,” he said, adding that more than 200 people had volunteered to act as stewards.

When it became clear just how many people might turn up, the organisers informed the police and asked them to help monitor the event. News of the “battle” has been publicised on major Korean Internet sites and Twitter, with a flood of postings expressing both excitement, scepticism and concern. “This will be a scene we all must watch... a horde of men chasing after women to grab their hands and girls frantically running away,” tweeted @ksmfilm.

“My only concern is white is not my colour. I’ll pretend that I’m sick on that day so that I can leave work early,” said one anonymous commentator.

One Facebook user warned that the mass event was an open invitation to sexual harassment and pickpockets. The concept has spread outside Seoul and similar “battle of the singles” have been arranged in several other cities. Some businesses,

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perhaps scenting a free marketing opportunity, have decided to embrace the event. K2 Korea, a Seoul sportswear company, has offered all single employees a paid holiday, provided them with red and white jackets to wear on the battle day, and even promised a cash prize to those who find a date. “About 70 of our 300 workers are without partners ... we wanted them to have the holiday in a happier mood so that they can eventually work better,” a K2 spokeswoman told AFP. Seoul online matchmaking site operator I-Um Socius also offered a day off to its employees-most of whom are young and unmarried. Jang, who is hoping to interest Guinness World Records in what he hopes may turn into the world’s biggest

dating event, said he had been approached by a company in New York to organise a similar event in Manhattan next Christmas. Out of a population of some 50 million, South Korea-one of the world’s most-wired nations-has 31 million smartphone users and nearly 20 million users of either Facebook or Twitter. But virtual social connection is not necessarily translating into physical partnerships, as a slowing economy and financial constraints cause many young people to put off the idea of marriage or opt to live alone.

According to Statistics Korea, 404,931 couples got married in 1990 across the country. By 2011 the figure had fallen by nearly 20 percent to 329,087. The country’s fertility rate stood at 1.2

percent in 2009 — the lowest among members of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development-before inching up to 1.23 in 2010.

That, combined with growing life expectancy, means South Korea has one of the world’s most rapidly-aging societies-a trend that will have profound economic implications in the decades ahead. — AFP

Dressed in a Santa Claus outfit, a diver feeds to sardines at the Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea, yesterday. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in South Korea, where over half of the population is made up of Christians. — AP

Swiss opera singer Lisa Della Casa dies wiss opera singer Lisa Della Casa, renowned for her interpretations of Mozart and Richard Strauss’s works, has died aged 93, the Vienna Opera where she performed for many years announced yesterday. Della Casa died on Monday in the Swiss town of Muensterlingen on Lake Constance, the opera house said in a statement. The soprano, who appeared on the world’s greatest stages, from Vienna to London’s Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Milan’s La Scala and the New York Metropolitan Opera, was known for her radiantly beautiful voice. Debuting in 1941 as CioCio-San in Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly” at the local Swiss theatre of Solothurn, she went on to perform some of the greatest operatic roles in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” “The Marriage of Figaro” and “The Magic Flute,” as well as “La Boheme,” “Rigoletto” and Strauss’s “Der Rosenkavalier” and “Ariadne of Naxos.”

In 1947, she joined the Vienna Opera ensemble, singing there a total 411 times in 27 different roles until October 1973, and she also appeared at the famous Salzburg Festival. Born on February 2, 1919, in Burgdorf, Switzerland, she trained in Zurich before launching her international career. “Lisa Della Casa accompanied and inspired generations of opera lovers and fellow artists,” Vienna Opera director Dominique Meyer said yesterday. “She will remain unforgettable, especially as an exceptional Strauss and Mozart interpretator.” — AFP

A picture shows a road sign that says “First Serbian vampire Sava Savanovic” near the western Serbian village of Zarozje. — AFP photos

A Serbian villager hangs a garlic braid, used as vampire repellent, on a window.

he leering visage of a gap-toothed man with blood dripping down his stubbly chin is an unusual lure for tourists, but in this tiny Serbian hamlet of Zarozje, locals are hoping a resurrected vampire legend will let them bleed a little cash from passing visitors. Anyone entering the poor mountainous village in eastern Serbia, which lies near the Bosnian border, is greeted by a billboard warning visitors they are entering the “land of the first Serbian vampire”, known locally as Sava Savanovic.

Accompanying the warning is a rather clumsy illustration of a man dressed in traditional folk clothes, bearing his fangs as beads of blood dribble onto his chin. Former local councilman Miodrag Jovetic, 67, has been trying for years to entice tourists to this town of about 1,000 people and drum up custom for local businesses-including his own petrol station and bistro. He recently sent out an alert that a roof of the Sava mill, hidden in a dark valley on the bank of a river, had collapsed, leaving its wicked vampire occupant homeless. He omitted the fact that the roof collapsed last winter. The warning quickly took on a life of its own. First, local tabloids jumped on the story, followed by foreign media. Many eagerly quoted Jovetic’s supposed municipal order, telling villagers to stock their homes with garlic and carry a wooden cross-well-known talismans against night-stalking blood drinkers.

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“It is only a custom we have inherited from our ancestors that I mentioned. People here are religious, everyone has a wooden cross, while we all plant garlic,” Jovetic said. Milun Prokic, Jovetic’s successor at the helm of the village, stresses the local council never issued a decree calling people to buy garlic to protect themselves.

Legend has it that Sava, who cut an imposing figure of more than six feet, six inches, lived alone in his mill and turned into a vampire after his death. Nobody is quite sure of the date. Ever since, the story goes, anyone who spent the night at the mill met an eery fate. Defending his tale, Jovetic said the mill should be repaired without delay so as not to anger any unseen forces.

“We should have repaired it long time ago. It is better not to defy fate,” he said. Locals in Zarozje have no Internet access, but when they heard of the media reports about panic in their hamlet and runs on garlic supplies, they howled with laughter. “We should keep the legend alive and, if necessary, spice it up with a tiny white lie to make it a talk of the town,” villager Slobodan Jagodic said, while pulling garlic cloves from his pocket. “It is hilarious! We all plant garlic, we all have it and we have always hung it from the ceiling, under the roof,” said another villager, Nikola Jovanovic. Serbia’s Tourist Office has backed off from officially supporting the initiative

of Zarozje’s villagers, saying it did not “believe this kind of mythology should be” used for official promotion, spokeswoman Danijela Vlatkovic said. In the traditional Balkans, legends of evil spirits are common and almost every country has its own vampire, dating back as far as the 14th century, US expert on Balkans history James Lyon says.

But he highlights key differences between the Balkan myths and the toothy protagonists of Hollywood blockbusters. “The vampires in Slavic culture are not sparkling vampires like in (the movie) ‘Twilight’. They are not potential boyfriends,” like Edward Cullen from Stephanie Meyer’s vampire saga, Lyon said. “If a vampire bites you, you do not become one, you just die,” Lyon said. The undisputed champion among the region’s vampires is of course Romania’s Count Dracula from Transylvania, whose worldwide reputation was boosted by Irish writer Bram Stoker’s novels and, inevitably, by the silver screen. — AFP

he Spice Girls hit the red carpet in London yesterday for the world premiere of a musical based on their meteoric rise to fame in the 1990s, and will discover if “Girl Power” still appeals to the next generation. “Viva Forever!” opens at the Piccadilly Theatre with a star-studded launch including all five members of the band, and hundreds of die-hard fans are expected to block the streets to get a glimpse of the girls who once ruled the charts. Renowned for their sassy attitude and trend-setting sense of style, Victoria Beckham, Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm and Geri Halliwell recorded a string of hits including “Wannabe”, “Spice Up Your Life” and “Viva Forever”.

Although the storyline of the new production is not strictly based on the Spice Girls, their music will feature and the plot of a girl’s overnight celebrity and how it affects her family and

friends has clear parallels with the group. Viva Forever! was written by British comedian Jennifer Saunders, who was a big enough fan of the band in its heyday to call herself the “sixth” Spice Girl. “We used to travel around everywhere to see them and they were so great with my kids,” said the 54-year-old, best known for playing a self-absorbed, eccentric mother in the popular comedy series “Absolutely Fabulous”.

“The thought of a Spice Girls musical written by somebody else was not acceptable,” she told the Daily Mirror newspaper.

“Because I was so close to them, I couldn’t let it slip through my fingers.” Saunders did much of the work on the new musical while undergoing treatment for breast cancer, although she said she was “getting through the worst” by the time she started.

Saunders was the first choice of producer Judy Craymer, who was also behind the global hit “Mamma Mia!” based on the

tunes of ABBA which has taken a reported 1.2 billion pounds ($1.9 billion) in ticket sales and spawned a successful movie. The Spice Girls are now all young mothers in their late 30s or early 40s, but are affectionately known by the nicknames they adopted in the band - Posh (Beckham), Scary (Brown), Baby (Bunton), Sporty (Chisholm) and Ginger (Halliwell).

When they coined the phrase “girl power” they were hailed as modern-day feminists by some and dismissed as vacuous pop princesses by others. The band broke up around 12 years ago, and internal bickering among the members was long the delight of Britain’s celebrity-obsessed tabloids.

Perhaps surprisingly, given the bust-ups and hissy fits, the group is united in its backing of the new musical, and underlining the Spice Girls’ lasting popularity they played a major part in the closing ceremony at the London Olympics. Only Beckham

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Lisa Della Casa

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has gone on to become a global celebrity in her own right, however, partly through her marriage to England soccer player David and a career in fashion design.

The band got back together briefly in late 2007 and early 2008 for a world tour, and some members have said they would not be averse to reuniting again. “I’ve always been punchy when saying I never wanted to be part of it again but it’s getting to the point where we’re happy together,” Chisholm told the Mirror.

“The door’s not closed these days.” — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

lifestyle

he mother of “Modern Family” actress Ariel Winter sued an associate of her adult daughter for defamation Monday, claiming he falsely labeled her an “abusive monster” in an online comment about an ongoing custody struggle for the teenage star.

Chrisoula Workman filed the defamation lawsuit against Matthew Borlenghi, claiming his comment attached to a Nov 9 Los Angeles Times online story was false and has harmed her reputation.

Borlenghi is an actor who teaches at a studio operated by Shanelle Gray, Winter’s adult sister who currently has custody of the 14-year-old actress. A judge temporarily stripped Workman of custody amid allegations she had been physically and emotionally abusive to the star.

A trial on whether Workman will be completely lose custody is scheduled to begin Wednesday. Borlenghi said he had not yet seen the lawsuit and declined to say whether he posted a comment about the story on the Times website. The story centered on Workman’s allegations that Winter was having an improper relationship with an 18-year-old actor.

“This is a total falsehood,” the comment attributed to Borlenghi states. “The mother is grasping and clawing to find a way not to lose her money-maker, and hide the fact that she is an abusive monster.” The comment cites personal interactions with Workman for forming the opinions in the post.

“All I can say is that David (Gray) and Shanelle Gray are very close friends of mine and comments that Chris has made are absolutely fabricated,” Borlenghi said when contacted about the case. “The negative comments she’s made about her own daughter in order to try to get custody back of Ariel are truly disgusting.” Workman’s lawsuit includes several pages of sworn declarations from tutors and other friends and associates denying she has been abusive to her daughter.

The declarations have been filed in the guardianship case and may be considered by a judge who has to determine whether to allow Gray to continue caring for her sister.

A judge said last month that child protective investigators had evidence of emotional abuse toward Winter.

Workman has denied she has been abusive toward her daughter. Guardianship cases in California are public record.

Attorneys for Winter’s sister requested the case and its proceedings be sealed, but a judge refused. The case was filed under Winter’s birth name, Ariel Workman, in part to avoid attention.

Although The Associated Press does not generally name underage victims of abuse, Winter’s name is being used because it is included in the public guardianship case. Besides playing Alex Dunphy on ABC’s “Modern Family,” Winter’s credits include appearances on several TV series, including “ER” and “Phineas and Ferb,” and movies such as “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” “Ice Age: The Meltdown” and “ParaNorman.” — AP

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om Cruise has defended his role as Jack Reacher in the first of what could be a new action movie franchise, despite being much slimmer and shorter than the character created by author Lee Child in the original books. Cruise told Reuters Television at the world premiere in London on Monday of “Jack Reacher” that he would not have taken the part if British thriller writer Child had been unhappy.

Child’s version of Reacher - a military sniper - is 6 foot 5 inches (nearly 2 meters) tall and weighs over 200 pounds (91 kilograms). Cruise, 50, is just 5 foot 7 inches (1. 7 meters) tall according to the Internet Movie Database, and has a trim physique. “You know, he (Child) created the character, I had my own opinion that I didn’t say to Lee and then he came back and pretty much reflected what I had felt about it.

But had he said ‘look I’d rather not’, I would not have played the character,” Cruise said.

Cruise described Reacher’s size as a “characteristic” rather than a “character.” “Jack Reacher,” to be released later this month, is based on “One Shot” - one of the series of bestselling novels by Child about the eponymous former soldier turned drifter who travels the United States dealing out his own brand of justice. British actress Rosamund Pike, who plays the female lead, said she hoped there will be many more Reacher movies.

“We hope this is going to be a great big new franchise for Tom and for Paramount and so to be in the first one is always kind of cool... It’s witty, it’s fast-moving, the plot is... puzzling and incisive and quite dark in places. You know the humour and the violence in this film is pretty edgy and I like that about it,” Pike said.

Cruise was also a producer on the Paramount Pictures movie, which is due for release in the United States on Dec 21. — Reuters

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Serbian village stakes out its own vampire claim

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2012

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n 2012, love was in the air. From the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy to the running of the bulls in Pamploma, Spain, kisses all over the world were captured in photos.

Here are our top picks from www.meshable.com.

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Kuwait Times photographer does us proud!

An Egyptian married couple kisses on the Trocadero esplanade in front of the Eiffel Tower on October 29, 2012.

Kuwaiti opposition former MPs Mbarak Al-Walan and Bader AlDahoum give each other a nose kiss during a gathering to mark Eid Al-Adha, on October 25, 2012 at Irada square in Kuwait City. This photo was placed at Number 5 on the list of the top 10 kissing photos of 2012. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat , Kuwait Times photographer A couple kisses before the second run of the bull of the San Fermin Festival, on July 8, 2012, in Pamplona, northern Spain.

Lily kisses on the cheek of a Japanese tourist as he reacts after the show at the Chiang Mai Cabaret September 9, 2012 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Ana Borjas, 75, kisses her husband Luis Garcia, 87, during the wedding of 412 couples during the Free Wedding ceremony in Tegucigalpa on August 31, 2012.

Uggie, the dog who starred in the Academy Award-winning film The Artist, gets a kiss from Lassie, a descendant of the original Lassie, at his hand and paw print ceremony outside Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California, June 25, 2012. The ceremony marked Uggie’s retirement from acting.

A couple kisses on the Brooklyn Bridge in front of the partially-lit skyline of lower Manhattan on November 3, 2012 in New York City after Hurricane Sandy passed through.

Fran Calvo and Monica Fraile celebrate their wedding in a Sea Life Aquarium on August 6, 2012 in Benalmádena, Spain, where two couples took the opportunity to get into the pool to get married.