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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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SAFAR 6, 1434 AH

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MPs submit more populist proposals for debt relief Panel approves two decrees • Trial of 3 ex-MPs on Jan 15

By B Izzak conspiracy theories

The untouchables

By Badrya Darwish

KUWAIT: Two more MPs yesterday submitted proposals calling for the government to purchase an estimated KD 6 billion in bank loans of citizens and then waive the incurred interest before rescheduling repayment over a long duration. MP Khaled Al-Adwah and Khaled Al-Shulaimi joined Askar Al-Enezi and Nawaf Al-Fuzai in submitting bills to resolve the most populist problem that

the government adamantly rejected to negotiate in the past but now appears to be ready for deals.

All the proposals basically call on the government to purchase the total consumer and personal debts owed to banks and financial companies estimated by the Central Bank around two years ago at over KD 6 billion. The bills also call for the state to waive all interest and then ask Kuwaiti debtors to repay the remaining part of the principal loan over many

years, some put it at more than 15 years while others said the value of the installment should not exceed 30 percent of the debtors’ monthly income.

The lawmakers also called for the state to raise the children’s monthly allowance from the current KD 50 for up to five children to between KD 75-100 for up to 10 children. In addition, the lawmakers have also proposed a monthly salary for Kuwaiti housewives to encourage more Kuwaiti women to stay at

Max 22º Min 07º High Tide 03:07 & 17:04 Low Tide 09:50 & 22:21

home to help raise their children. The MPs also proposed that the housing loan, which is currently KD 70,000 given on almost interest-free basis, should be increased to KD 100,000 and that the loan for Kuwaiti women should be increased from KD 40,000 currently to KD 70,000. The housing loan is given once in a lifetime to help Kuwaitis build their own house and cope with the skyrocketing price of land in the country. More Continued on Page 13

Queen attends first cabinet meeting badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

Monarch gets mats, Antarctic slab

I

t took me a couple of days since the tragic massacre at a Connecticut school which took the life of 26 people - amongst them 20 kids aged six to seven - to sit down and write about it. What a loss of life! What a colossal tragedy! Words cannot describe the sorrow. I hardly managed to overcome the shadow of sadness which gripped me to ask the question how could this guy shoot 20 kids? I kept praying for their families and for God to give them solace.

Horrible incidents like this make one think of arms. The cold-blooded killer Adam used two rifles and a handgun for the mass murder. Many previous incidents, in the United States especially, happened when young people walk into a school, university or even the cinema and start a shooting rampage. Now you can expect it anywhere. There is no safe place.

Why is it so easy for people to obtain guns whether it is in the US or outside the US? Why do politicians plan to “tame” the US gun violence? Why isn’t this issue addressed with more seriousness? How many people own guns?

Buying a gun is as easy as shopping in a supermarket. An online research shows that millions of guns have been sold and the profits from that industry have skyrocketed. Even in the money crunch, this industry created 30 percent more jobs in the US alone. It doubled its profits too. There are many lunatics and sick people around the world. These machines can fall in the wrong hands. Adam has many like him and even worse.

The answer to reducing the violence is to ban the sale of arms except for the army and governments. My words will not please the arm dealers who definitely have a strong lobby in the government. It looks like they are the untouchables. I am sure many of the influential people have interests in this industry too. What is this hypocrisy which I see in governments and politicians? They are interested in manufacturing arms on all levels and selling them. They are not worried about the security of the nation. It is an equation that cannot fit with philosophy, physics or mathematics.

I am sorry. If you want to safeguard the nation you need to ban arms. I wonder why American citizens do not push for it. Thank God, in many other countries it is not easy to obtain arms. At least it is not as easy as in the US but is available to arm dealers, smugglers and the black market.

The arms industry is not only for the countries that are manufacturing rifles. It has an impact on other countries. Look at the high competition of great powers that export arms. I am talking about the Gulf, especifically where you see a race by big manufacturers to sell defense shields, high-tech aircraft and machinery. It is all about money. Sometimes even these big industries might create a war somewhere in any continent so they can sell arms to both sides - the aggressor and the aggressed.

We have seen this in actual fact. Leave alone the race to sell arms to countries with the purpose to topple their governments regardless if they are ordinary citizens or not. The issue is too big. It needs a United Nations solution after debates and thorough study. Do you think that the nations will come around over such an issue? I doubt it.

LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II takes a seat in the prime minister’s usual chair at the table between British Prime Minister David Cameron and Foreign Secretary William Hague during a cabinet meeting yesterday inside No 10 Downing Street to mark her 60 years on the throne. — AFP

resignation angers Brotherhood

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6 polio workers killed in Pakistan

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Russia sends warships to Syria Rebels take Yarmouk camp • US news team freed BEIRUT: Russia sent warships to the Mediterranean to prepare a potential evacuation of its citizens from Syria, a Russian news agency said yesterday, a sign President Bashar Al-Assad’s key ally is worried about rebel advances now threatening even the capital. Moscow acted a day after insurgents waging a 21month-old uprising obtained a possible springboard for a thrust into Damascus by seizing the Yarmouk Palestinian camp, an urban zone just 3 km from the heart of the city, activists said.

The Syrian opposition has scored significant military and

Iraqi president suffers ‘stroke’ BAGHDAD: President Jalal Talabani, a former Kurdish rebel who became a major player in Iraq’s politics and worked to reconcile its feuding leaders, was in hospital yesterday after what state television said was a stroke. “Due to fatigue and tiredness, (Talabani) had a health emergency and was transported... to the hospital in Baghdad” on Monday night, a statement posted on the president’s official website said. A later statement said that “bodily funcJalal Talabani tions are normal and the health condition of his excellency the president is stable.” It said the emergency was due to hardening of his arteries.

Continued on Page 13

diplomatic gains in recent weeks, capturing several army installations across Syria and securing formal recognition from Western and Arab states for its new coalition. Despite those rebel successes, bloodshed has been rising with more than 40,000 killed in a movement that began as peaceful street protests but has transformed into civil war.

Assad’s pivotal allies have largely stood behind him and Iran, believed to be his main bankroller in the conflict, said there were no signs of Assad was on the verge of being toppled. “The Syrian army and the state machine are working smoothly,” Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said in Moscow yesterday. But Russia, Assad’s primary arms supplier, has appeared to waver with contradictory statements over the past week stressing opposition to Assad stepping down and airing concerns about a possible rebel victory.

Russia’s Interfax news agency quoted unnamed naval sources yesterday as saying that two armed landing craft, a tanker and an escort vessel had left a Baltic port for the Mediterranean Sea. Russia has a naval maintenance base in the Syrian port of Tartus, around 250 km northwest of Damascus.

“They are heading to the Syrian coast to assist in a possible evacuation of Russian citizens ... Preparations for the deployment were carried out in a hurry and were heavily classified,” the Russian agency quoted the source as saying.

Assad and his minority Alawite sect retain a solid grip on most of the coastal provinces of Tartus and Latakia, where their numbers are high. But the mostly Sunni Muslim rebels now control wide swathes of rural Syria, have seized border zones near Turkey in the north and Iraq to the east, and are pushing hard to advance on Damascus, Assad’s fulcrum of power that sits close to the western frontier with Lebanon.

Continued on Page 13

LONDON: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II attended her first-ever cabinet meeting yesterday, where ministers marked her diamond jubilee by naming a chunk of the Antarctic in her honour and giving her 60 placemats. In the only visit by a British monarch to a cabinet meeting for more than 200 years, the queen stayed for half an hour at Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron and the top ministers of his government. The 86year-old spoke twice, once to urge them “gently and humorously” to shorten her annual speech to parliament setting out the government’s plans, and then to wish them a happy Christmas, Cameron’s spokesman said.

Wearing a Stewart Parvin royal blue wool dress and matching coat with a sapphire and diamond brooch, the queen was greeted by the smiling prime minister outside the door of his official residence, 10 Downing Street. He said it was the first time a monarch had visited a cabinet meeting since king George III in 1781, and offered Queen Elizabeth a “very warm welcome” after she took her seat next to him in the middle of the cabinet table. “On behalf of everyone, I would like to congratulate you on a fantastic jubilee year,” Cameron told the queen, who was sitting between him and Foreign Secretary William Hague.

Ministers marked Queen Elizabeth’s 60 years on the throne with a gift of 60 bespoke placemats imprinted with images of Buckingham Palace, which were hand finished and then sealed with heat-resistant lacquer, officials said. The idea for the gift came from the palace, the Downing Street spokesman insisted. After attending cabinet, the queen headed Continued on Page 13

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

LOCAL

51 challenges against NA election results ‘Shiite bloc doesn’t exist’ KUWAIT: The Constitutional Court is scheduled to set hearings to look into an unprecedented 51 challenges to the election results after six cases were filed on Monday at the end of the deadline to do so. The challenges forwarded by voters and candidates vary between calls to recount votes and annulment of an emergency decree released in September and the adoption of the single-vote system prior to the elections. Some cases also called for a cancellation of the elections if the court finds the single-vote decree unconstitutional.

In other news, several lawmakers voiced reactions to what had transpired during Parliament’s inaugural session, particularly with regard to the unexpected victory of MP Mubarak AlKhurainej for the Deputy Speaker post following competition with Shiite MP Adnan Abdulsamad.

Asked to comment on what was seen as the government’s failure to support the Shiite bloc in Parliament by backing their candidate, MP Saleh Ashour emphat-

ically denied the existence of such a coalition in the first place.

“A Shiite bloc doesn’t exist. There are MPs who carry out their duty in Parliament to serve their country,” Ashour told Al-Rai, before reiterating Abdulsamad’s statements made after the voting results were announced, stating that “the government can’t be blamed for failing to meet promises they never made in the first place.” Abdulsamad was seen as the favorite for the Deputy Speaker’s post, given the votes of 16 fellow Shiite MPs, and there has been speculation that he was supposed to get ministers’ votes as part of a deal that saw former Public Works Minister Fadhel Safar leave the Cabinet for the first time in six years. “Every person is responsible for their own vote... This is a democracy, and we’ve congratulated the MPs for their win,” MP Ahmad Lari told AlJarida on Monday. Fellow Shiite MP Abdulhameed Dashty hinted in the meantime at “maneuvers” he said the Cabinet had used during the election process but indi-

cated that what had happened “[would] not stop us from extending our hands in cooperation.”

MP Khalil Al-Saleh believes that the voting process for Parliament’s senior posts was “a good step towards cooperation between MPs and each other on the one hand and between them and the Cabinet on the other.

The Cabinet has never announced prior support for Abdulsamad, but his failure to get the post doesn’t undermine his role,” he told Al-Jarida on Monday.

A couple of MPs, in the meantime, refuted allegations that Parliament elections amid the boycotting of oppositionist groups was destined to be under the government’s control. Asked about positional grilling motions, MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan told reporters at the Parliament building on Monday that interpellation remains a viable option if lawmakers find errors that require such an action. Meanwhile, MP Nasser Al-Shemmary confirmed that he plans to utilize his

“Constitutional tools in case of a fault detected on the part of the government.” (Jarida) In other developments, demonstrators returned to the streets on Sunday night to protest against the police’s ban on a gathering that had been planned that day at Iradah Square. Scattered gatherings were seen in Sabahiya, Sabah AlNasser, and Jahra, but no confrontations with police were reported.

In the meantime, the Public Prosecution office continued to detain three activists, who were held recently for taking part in an unlicensed demonstration, because they were set to undergo further investigations yesterday. Members of the Progressive Movement Khalid Al-Deyeen, Hamad Al-Derbas, and Anwar AlFikr are rejecting all charges, which also include disobeying police orders while they were trying to disperse the unlicensed gathering, as well as resisting apprehension and undermining the status of HH the Amir.

News

in brief

MANILA: Supporters of the Reproductive Health Bill celebrate as legislators passed a landmark birth control bill at the House of Representatives in Quezon City suburban Manila yesterday. —AFP

RH Bill divides Filipinos

By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Filipinos in Kuwait are still divided over the controversial Reproductive Health Bill (RH Bill), which was passed by the two chambers (Lower and Upper House) of the Philippines Congress yesterday. The RH Bill proposes laws in the Philippines that aim to guarantee universal access to methods of contraception, fertility control, sex education, and maternity care. The bill has been highly divisive and controversial, with experts, academics, religious institutions, and major political figures either supporting or opposing it, often being critical of the government and each other in the process.

The Catholic Church, for its part, has maintained its position in opposing the approved bill, saying it could ruin the family structure and the natural demographic balance. But there are other Christian denominations in Manila that support the bill and are very happy to witness the final passage of the controversial health bill.

“I am delighted to see the passage of the bill in our time. The Philippines Congress tried many times and failed, but now it has finally been approved. I definitely celebrate and thank God for the passage of the RH Bill,” Reverend Gil Bantugan, an evangelical pastor in Kuwait told Kuwait Times. “The bill is a very effective way of managing the ballooning population of the Philippines, which I believe is linked with poverty and therefore directly affects our economy. We are not promoting abortions here.

The bill, as it is now, does not uphold abortion.

If it does, then I am also against it, but this is not the case. It was envisioned to manage our uncontrolled population.” He explained that a farmer with two kids can manage his family more easily than a farmer with 10 children.

“He can send them to better schools. They can enjoy life. Maybe they can go abroad, unlike the famer with 10 children, who will surely experience financial hardship. The RH Bill can help our country to move forward,” he stressed.

The Catholic Church, on the other hand, is waiting for a miracle. In fact, some church leaders in Manila are planning a huge rally to continue their opposition of the bill. “We cannot change our position when it comes to the issue

of the RH Bill. The stand of the church is clear, and we want to make sure that our stand will be made clear to our followers. It is not true that poverty is linked to the rising population of the Philippines. It’s not, and we will continue to say so. We do not have the right to stop procreation mandated by God. The bill has been passed, but we continue to pray for miracles,” Micua said.

Meanwhile, President Noynoy Aquino noted that proponents and opponents of the RH Bill should not treat each other as enemies. “Let us move on...to ensure that all the positive attributes of the bill [are upheld]. Let us not treat people with divergent opinions as the enemy. There are no enemies within the country. Between Filipinos, we shouldn’t treat each other as the enemy,” Aquino stressed, quoted

by ABS-CBNnews, during the Bulong Pulungan media forum at the Sofitel hotel. A day after Congress voted to pass the RH Bill on its third reading, President Aquino said all parties should come together and work for the welfare of women and children. “This was not a battle where there are victors and losers. This is a battle where the country, especially women and children, can be victors. We have to work to ensure that everybody is committed to doing that,” Aquino stated.

Some Catholic-church members silently supported the bill. “I think it’s about time. The good thing about the reproductive health bill is that every Filipino will be informed and will benefit from it, from sex education to access to condoms and even hospitalization for pregnancy issues,” remarked Vicky, a female nurse who admitted to having lived through troubled times since she has seven family members and has to accept help from other people just to finish her studies. “Perhaps, if there were only two or three family members, we could all go to school and enjoy life,” she added.

Malacanang hailed both houses of Congress for their “historic vote” and for crafting a law “that can truly address the needs of our people.”

“The people now have the government on their side as they raise their families in a manner that is just and empowered,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said. “It begins a process of healing for wounds that may have been opened by an often-feisty democracy.”

Renewable energy talks KUWAIT: Renewable energy’s realities and challenges would be the theme of the first geographical forum to be held here tomorrow, said an official here yesterday.

Chairman of Kuwait Geographical Society, Hamad Bodai, said that the event would be focusing on relations between geographical studies and renewable energy in addition to the best means to utilize natural resources to produce clean energy. Issues such as sustainable development would also be on the agenda of the meeting, said the chairman. In regards to Kuwait’s status within the world scale for structuring energy, the official revealed that Kuwait was ranked 95 in the 2013 World Economic Forum’s energy structuring index, adding that the state of Kuwait was eager to better its ranking via the use of renewable and environment friendly energy.

Good care of citizens KUWAIT: Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Undersecretary Dr. Adel Al-Falah yesterday underscored Kuwait government’s keenness on taking good care of its citizens abroad to appropriately represent their country. The Ministry of Awqaf is keen on making Kuwaiti youth a beacon for the nation, Al-Falah said in a speech in the opening of a two-day seminar of Kuwaiti students abroad. The ministry, he added, was interested in seeing the youth develop their community. The seminar is organized by the center of correction of western idea.

Administrative supervisor of the center Fatma Al-Falah said the ministry was providing the students with all their needs to ensure stability and encourage them to meet their aspirations. The seminar includes workshops, lectures and training for the Kuwaiti students abroad.

Houses renovation begins GAZA: Two Palestinian societies began Monday Kuwait-funded renovation of houses damaged by the recent Israeli aggression on Gaza. The renovation will include 60 housing units in different areas of Gaza Strip. The houses were partially damaged by the Israeli air strikes and artillery. The renovation is being implemented by Al-Rahma for Relief and Development Society and the Dar Al-Kitab Al-Sunna Society. The renovation is funded by Kuwait Relief Society in coordination with the Ministry of Public Works in Gaza. Every house owner will receive USD 2,500 to repair his house. Total cost is around $150,000. Israel launched an eight-day assault on Gaza Strip on Nov 14, killing over 184 people and injuring 1,400 others. The government in Gaza estimated the losses at $1.245 billion.

KUWAIT: The ambassador of Bhutan Dasho Tashi held on Monday a reception on the occasion of the National Day of his country at Crowne Plaza Hotel.It was attended by diplomats and other dignitaries. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Constitution allows govt to sign agreements: FM KUWAIT: Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad AlSabah has said that the Constitution of Kuwait gave the government the right to sign agreements but they should be referred to the parliament for approval “or give another opinion.” Sheikh Sabah was speaking at a joint news conference with visiting Portuguese Foreign Minister Dr Paulo Portas at the foreign ministry.

Asked about the GCC security agreement, recently signed by interior ministers of the six GCC countries, Sheikh Sabah said the signature “does not make the agreement effective as long as it is not viewed by the parliament.”

The agreement, he added, “has been tabled to the relevant committee in the parliament to be examined before submitting a report over it to the National Assembly. It is soo transparent.” On his talks with Portas, Sheikh Sabah said they discussed ways of cementing bilateral cooperation in political, economic, trade, cultural and sport domains.

He said they have signed two agreements: one to exempt holders of diplomatic and special passports from entry visa, and the other was about sport cooperation.

Sheikh Sabah said they have discussed at length the situation in Syria “and we are preparing for the discussion of this issue at

the forthcoming GCC summit.”

During the GCC summit, due in Bahrain next week, the leaders of the six Arab Gulf countries would be discussing further means to alleviating suffering of the Syrian people and help them meet their aspirations.

On the recent visit by the US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Sheikh Sabah it was within constant cooperation and coordination between the two countries. He said Panetta and Kuwaiti officials discussed military cooperation and other matters of mutual interest.

Kuwait and the US are committed to several agreements, noted Sheikh Sabah. He said Kuwait was keen on maintaining “strategic cooperation” level of relation with the US. The Portuguese foreign minister Portas, meanwhile, said Portugal and Kuwait share good relations. “We are always standing by the freedom and independence of the State of Kuwait,” he added.

Portas said Portugal and Kuwait share common views over the Middle East issues and conflict in Syria. He said both counties could explore new horizons of commercial cooperation. Portas said Portugal intended to sign a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). —KUNA

Gulf Bank recognizes 170 employees’ long service KUWAIT: Gulf Bank’s Human Resources Department recently arranged a ceremony to honour 170 members of staff for their long standing dedication, as part of the bank’s Long Service Award program , which recog-

nises employees who have completed 5, 10, 15 and 20-years of service.

To mark the occasion each employee was presented with a special award certificate and a gift. The program, which was launched in

2011, has already honored over 600 employees for their commitment and service to the bank. The bank hosts these official recognition ceremonies to encourage motivation, loyalty and proactive behaviour on a continuous

basis, and simultaneously reiterates the importance of staff loyalty.

Gulf Bank is committed to providing its employees with the best working environment and continues to invest in its people to

achieve this. The Long Service Award program is just one more of Gulf Bank’s wide range of employee recognition schemes designed to motivate, attract and retain the very best people.

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LOCAL Brotherhood denies intervention in Kuwait Embassy ballot KUWAIT: The Muslim Brotherhood denied allegations of intervention in the referendum vote at the Egyptian embassy in Kuwait, stating a Wall Street Journal report that had reported on Muslim Brotherhood members providing a printer for the distribution of ballots to Egyptian expatriates was “inaccurate.”

Gehad Al-Haddad, a senior adviser to the Brotherhood’s political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, was quoted in the American newspaper’s report as indicating that the Muslim Brotherhood had brought in a new printer when the one at the embassy in Kuwait City broke.

“Haddad only indicated that the Brotherhood members in Kuwait had placed a photocopy machine, a computer,

and a printer outside the embassy building where Egyptian citizens can make copies for their IDs and passports, while using the printer to print out ballots from the [Egyptian] Supreme Election Committee website,” official spokesman of the Muslim Brotherhood Dr. Mohmoud Ghazlan told Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai. The Wall Street Journal’s reporter has since confirmed the accuracy of Mr. Haddad’s statement, quoted in his report, despite Ghazlan’s denial. “What happened isn’t an indication of intervention in the referendum,” the spokesman said, adding that the Muslim Brotherhood members were trying to help “Egyptians who showed up at the embassy without photocopies for their IDs or ballot forms.”

Assembly needs to restore confidence with Kuwaitis KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Ali AlRashed indicated yesterday that the parliament is in need to restore confidence with the Kuwaiti people, expressing optimism (this) Assembly would be an achiever and cooperative if harmony was shown by all. “ We are in need for dialogue and cooperation, and to turn a new leaf with all adversaries,” Al-Rashed said in press statements, noting that “Kuwait is a rostrum for all.”

He asserted that the speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah “represents a concern for Kuwaitis and Members of the Parliament.

Therefore, we feel HH’s responsibility toward his people, and also the Members of the Parliament feel the same major responsibility.”

Responding to a question on boycotting the recent parliamentary elections by some individuals, as well as the choice of marches and demonstrations, and their impact on the public, Al-Rashed stressed the importance of implementing the law and “if there are a licensed march in accordance to the law; then they would have it under the framework of freedom of opinion and it is their right, “ adding at the same time that “however, I wish that there are won’t be any violation of law.”

On the visit of former Speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi to him, Al-Rashed described the visit as “a very important” one, noting that Al-Kharafi has promised him to be in contact with him to assist him in managing the Assembly and benefit from his invaluable experience in this domain. — KUNA

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Official media is govt’s right hand: Info Minister KUWAIT: Information Minister Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah met, at Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) building yesterday, with the Agency’s Board Chairman and Director General Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah. “Official media is the Government’s right hand in achieving its mission,” Sheikh Salman, also Minister of State for Youth Affairs, said during the meeting.

The Minister was briefed by Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij on course of work at the Agency. The Minister commended “distinguished” media services offered by KUNA to audience in Kuwait and abroad.

He also discussed the issue of stimulating the role of overseas bureaus, as well as improving skills of correspondents in a bid to buttress the Agency’s status on an international level.

Underlining the major patriotic role of official media in manifesting on ground His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s speech at the inauguration of the first session of the 14th legislative term for the National Assembly, which recently commenced, Sheikh Salman stressed the need for media institutions to become a tool for development and supportive of every “enlightened” opinion Information Minister Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah that serves the public interest. — KUNA (left) during his meeting with Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Sabah yesterday.

Rule of law underlined KUWAIT: First Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah stressed here Monday the necessity of respecting the rule of law and policemen.

Speaking in news remarks marking the Arab Police Day, which falls on December 18, the minister said developed and a civilized society or nation is gauged by observing the rule of law, respecting policemen and cherishing the homeland.

He believed that security is primarily based on the fact that everybody should be equal before law and law-breakers ought to be punished. But, he emphasized that should a policeman abuse power or violate human rights, then he should be brought to book, given that law should apply to everyone and the law is above everyone.

He said his ministry is keen on fulfilling the security needs of Kuwaiti citizens and residents altogether, and on tackling traffic prob-

lems in cooperation with different state bodies and agencies. He underscored the right of Kuwaiti citizens to licensed peaceful protests and rallies, provided that rioting, violence, incitement and law-breaking should be fended off. “The Ministry of Interior is vigilant for any law-breaker who tries to undermine security and stability in Kuwait, or to tarnish its reputation,” the minister said.

But, he emphasized that Kuwaiti security forces are properly geared up to square up to violence, rioting and incitement, while fully respecting human rights.

On pan-Arab police cooperation, the Kuwaiti minister pointed to cooperation among Arab police apparatuses for unifying strategies, bylaws, plans, structures and methods for fighting crimes. He also indicated cooperation in the field of fighting terrorism, extremism, drug-running, money laundering, economic and technological crimes. —- KUNA

KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmed Al Hmoud received delegates of boy scouts from Ministry of Education schools in his office at the Ministry of Interior yesterday morning in the presence of the director of the Minister of Interior’s office Lt Gen Sheikh Ahmed Al-Khalid Al-Sabah and Public Relations Director Col Adel Al-Hashash.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

LOCAL

Deposits case on the shelf, affected plan legal action Period for challenge ends

By A. Saleh KUWAIT: A case regarding the suspected inflation of bank accounts belonging to former lawmakers was officially closed at the end of the legal period during which the complainants could have challenged the initial Public Prosecution decision to shelve it for lack of evidence. The case was filed by local banks through the Central Bank of Kuwait, accusing former MPs of accumulating illegal benefits based on suspicions surrounding multimillion-dinar deposits in their bank accounts.

Dubbed the “multimillion-dinar deposits scandal,” the case sparked nationwide protests in late 2010 against the alleged corruption within the pro-government majority in Parliament at the time. These protests eventually led to the resignation of the Cabinet, which was followed by a Parliamentary dissolution.

After the period to challenge the prosecution’s decision ended on Monday, sources close to the accused former MPs revealed that they are currently preparing to take legal action against the local banks that had pressed the charges against them.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity, these sources indicated that the cases are expected to be filed “within a couple of weeks.” Each complainant will claim individual damages for “vilification,” which they say also impacted their chances during the elections held last February.

In other news, the Criminal Court adjourned a case for three former MPs accused of undermining the status of HH the Amir during its hearing yesterday. The court set the date of the next hearing for Jan 15 after the defense for former oppositionist MPs Falah Al-Sawagh, Khalid Al-Tahous, and Bader Al-Dahoum demanded that the charges against their clients be dropped. Their agreement was based on a lack of evidence, which proves that the opinions expressed by the former lawmakers during a public address a couple of months ago were offensive to HH the Amir.

On a separate note, an attorney representing a team of Kuwaiti lawyers, who had volunteered to defend former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, left for Cairo yesterday to attend next Sunday’s hearing in which an Egyptian court is scheduled to look into their challenge of the verdict that convicted the ousted leader for charges related to the oppression of last year’s revolution. In a statement he made before leaving, lawyer Faisal Al-Otaibi argued that his team has a good case based on “errors found in the evidence provided in accusing Mubarak of failing to protect the demonstrations.”

DNA tests for 300 stateless residents KUWAIT: The Criminal Evidence General Department (CEGD) has received files for 300 stateless residents to undergo DNA tests after 250 were previously tested as part of the government’s plan to naturalize “bedoons” who meet the conditions for obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship.

The procedures form part of the Cabinet’s decision to naturalize 2,000 stateless residents next year. CEGD General Director, Maj Gen Dr. Fahad Al-Dousary predicted DNA testing will be completed by the beginning of next year. Asked about the delay in DNA-testing procedures, which were supposed to be completed earlier this year, AlDousary explained to Al-Rai that the CEGD labs are designed to receive a maximum of 15,000 cases for testing each year. He added that some tests for stateless residents had to be pushed back in favor of criminal cases or paternity tests.

This news came while the president of Parliament’s interior and defense committee MP Askar Al-Enizy announced plans to forward a draft law with other lawmakers, calling on the government to naturalize Bedoons who meet the required conditions, including military and Kuwait Oil Company veterans.

French medical team in Kuwait KUWAIT: A visiting French medical team documented complex and rare operations conducted by head of the Cardiac Catheterization Unit at the Chest Diseases Hospital Dr. Ibrahim Al-Rashdan, to showcase them at international conferences.

Al-Rashdan voiced pride, as such step by the team is seen as a plus for the medical record in Kuwait and reflects significantly on the level of its development, especially in the field of cardiac catheterization, adding that the techniques that are used in Kuwait are very accurate and only available in internationally-renowned specialized centers.

Al-Rashdan confirmed that Kuwait has now become a reference for cardiac catheterization operations in the Middle East, where operations transmitted directly from the Chest Disease Hospital to the largest global conferences to benefit from the experience and techniques in this field.

Dr Al-Rashdan, who had conducted many internationally-recognized rare operations, has also trained doctors through his participation in conferences.

In May, 2011, Dr Al-Rashdan carried out three complicated heart catheter surgery on the main stem through a Kuwaiti invention that was scientifically registered, and were transmitted on air through satellites to the biggest cardiac catheter conference in Paris. —KUNA

Praise for Saudi king’s role in Muslim unity JEDDAH: Kuwaiti Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah appreciated the role of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz in Muslim unity.

Speaking to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Balad newspaper, the Kuwaiti minister acclaimed the Saudi King’s successful efforts to resolve diverse Arab and international issues.

“It’s a sign of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s interest in spreading peace and reassurance all over the world,” the minister said.

Sheikh Salman congratulated the Gulf, especially Saudi, people on the recovery of the Saudi King following a successful backbone surgery.

Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti minister of information hailed media development in the kingdom.

King Abdullah was discharged from King Abdulaziz Medical City of National Guard in Riyadh on Thursday after recovering from a surgery in the back he underwent in late November. —KUNA

Burgan Bank receives Commerz Bank award KUWAIT: Burgan Bank yesterday announced that it had been awarded the Commerz Bank Quality Recognition Award for the second time. The award is in acknowledgement of the consistent, high quality performance and standards that Burgan Bank’s complete range of Euro funds transfer operations management and staff has maintained during the year.

Commerz Bank said that Burgan Bank achieved the highest level of the award and was amongst few banks across the MENA region to receive this recognition for both its treasury and commercial activities.

Adrian Gostuski, Burgan Bank Group’s Chief operating Officer said: “This is not the first time that Burgan Bank’s operations excellence has been recognized by Commerz Bank, a step that further illustrates the bank’s leading presence in the global financial services market.

“Over the course of the year 2011 and throughout this year the financial industry faced a number of challenges, and we are extremely proud that despite this, Burgan Bank has continued to maintain high quality performance and standards for funds transfer operations” added Gostuski.

Commerz Bank has presented awards in the past to select Euro clearing clients that achieved a best in-class level of operational excellence. These awards are given to clients who achieve outstanding straightthrough results by properly formatting their SWIFT payments.

Established in 1977, Burgan Bank is the youngest commercial Bank based in Kuwait, with a significant focus on the corporate and financial institutions sectors, as

well as having a growing retail and private bank customer base.

Burgan Bank has four majority owned subsidiaries: Gulf Bank Algeria - AGB (Algeria), Bank of Baghdad - BOB (Iraq), Jordan Kuwait Bank - JKB (Jordan) and Tunis International Bank - TIB (Tunisia), (collectively known as the “Burgan Bank Group”). The Bank has continuously improved its performance over the years through an expanded revenue structure, diversified funding sources, and a strong capital base. The adoption of state-of-theart services and technology has positioned it as a trendsetter in the domestic market and within the MENA region.

Burgan Bank’s brand has been created on a foundation of real values - of trust, commitment, excellence and progression, to remind us of the high standards to which we aspire. ‘People come first’ is the foundation on which its products and services are developed. Earlier this year, ‘Brand Finance’ - the international brand valuation company- rated Burgan Bank brand as AA with positive outlook. The rating places Burgan Bank Brand at 2nd amongst the most valuable banking brands in Kuwait.

Excellence is one of the Bank’s four key values and Burgan Bank continually strives to maintain the highest standards in the industry. The Bank was re-certified in 2010 with the ISO 9001:2008 certification in all its banking businesses, making it the first bank in the GCC, and the only bank in Kuwait to receive such accreditation. The Bank also has to its credit the distinction of being the only Bank in Kuwait to have won the JP Morgan Chase Quality Recognition

Award for twelve consecutive years.

Burgan Bank won the prestigious “Banking Web Awards” prize in the commercial and corporate Category for Kuwait.

In 2010 Burgan Bank was awarded with the “Best Internet Banking Service award” from Banker Middle East Awards. Burgan Bank was recognized in 2011 as Kuwait’s “Best Private Bank”, by World Finance. The bank also won, in 2011, the coveted “International Platinum Star for Quality” award from Business Initiative Directions, and “ The Best Technical Award” from Banking Web Awards.

In 2012, Global Banking and Finance Review online magazine recognized

Burgan Bank as the “Best Banking Group in the MENA” as well as the “Best Corporate Bank in Kuwait”. The bank also won the coveted “Best Bank Branding” award by the Banker Middle East. For the second consecutive year in 2012, Burgan Bank also won World Finance’s “Best Private Bank” award, as well as the “Best Private Bank in Kuwait 2012” award from Capital Finance International. The bank recently won the “Best Bank in Kuwait” award from EMEA Finance.

Burgan Bank, a subsidiary of KIPCO (Kuwait Projects Company), is a strongly positioned regional Bank in the MENA region.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

LOCAL

kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Our ‘shadow Parliament’

Listen, young activists!

By Thaar Al-Rashidi his is a question that might be addressed to the minister of interior: Let us suppose that a traffic policeman has stopped a person who violated a traffic law and crossed at a red signal.

Has the policeman the right to abuse or beat the traffic violator, or is the role of the traffic police limited to issuing a traffic citation to the violator?

Thereafter, the citation takes its legal course, whether being resolved by reconciliation or suspension of the driver’s license, or even sending the violator to traffic court.

Of course, in the legal reality, the minister says, “The traffic police are limited to only issuing traffic citations, and in case they assaulted violators by abusing or beating, then a policeman could face legal action on charges of assault. This is the legal reality, which leads to the fact that the role of security men is limited to controlling security and arresting all violators they think have violated laws by participating in rallies or demonstrations, and send such persons to concerned authorities for interrogation.

But if a security man assaulted a demonstrator while arresting him and beating him and shouting at him, here the security man becomes the breaker of the law and should be held accountable. Have you held any policeman accountable?

Or has any investigation file been opened in a case of beating any detainee, which the twitter youths raised? Personally, I don’t think that such a case will be raised in the national assembly council.

Therefore, I ask this question to the minister as a Parliamentary question in the form of an article, considering myself an MP in a shadow council. As I believe that the shadow council, and some are calling for its elections, will consist of writers and twitters and their role is to supervise the performance of the government and MPs. We are the ones who will supervise you and your council.

In general, in case of the announcement about the elections for a shadow council, I shall nominate myself, and for those who are scared of the birth of “a shadow council”, they should know that a council like this is just a popular symbolic council, nothing more or less, and it does not oppose the constitution.

Last October, the Russian opposition called for the forming of a shadow Parliament and began an election campaign through the internet to choose shadow Parliament members to face Russian Parliament elections, which they considered to have been a dishonest election, and at the beginning of the current month, Moroccan political activists called for the formation of a shadow council to supervise the performance of the Moroccan Parliament, while in Iraq a shadow Parliament election was held for a shadow council, and the shadow Parliament has since held more than one meeting, in this respect.

Did you understand? The shadow council is a symbolic one and it is not a Kuwaiti invention, as it has been available in all democracies throughout history. Basically, it is symbolic and without power. But it is a form of popular supervision, generally speaking, and for those who do not know, a shadow council was born in Kuwait more than two years ago, its MPs were the twitters and their hall is the twitter from which they release their monitoring of all government violations, whatever they might be. Several cases of violations were revealed by twitters, so doesn’t that make them part of the popular supervision, and not only Parliament? And thus, they are members of a shadow council. — Al-Anbaa

By Ali Mahmoud Khajah

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kuwait digest

Unconstitutional proposals

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kuwait digest

Al-Mubarak’s fourth Cabinet

By Dr. Terki Al-Azmi H the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah istry’s work which usually is based on the minister’s released the official decree to form the new vision. Without vision that is formed by experience in cabinet, which happens to be the fourth head- the field, a minister wouldn’t be able to take the right ed by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak decision at the right time, and might end up with Al-Sabah. And while I don’t have objections on that, plans which doesn’t meet the ministry’s requirethere are some notes I would like to make in hope ments. Unlike other countries which have separate that the advice might be taken in the future. ministries for labor affairs, sports, etc, Kuwait tried Once again, the cabinet feaeverything when it comes to mixtures assigning two portfolios to ing portfolios in the most strange one minister in what seems to be a Personally, I prefer way possible. We needs to underprocess of ‘trial and error’, through stand that a minister is not suphaving a Cabinet which the government seems to posed to have superpowers. It isn’t diagnose errors and find solutions. consisting of techno- logical to assign one minister with However, this approach is yet two ministries such as the MEW crat ministers who to be proven successful after muland MPW, information and youth, tiple attempts during which minjustice and awqaf, and communiare handed portfoistries were joined together such cation and housing. Not to menas the electricity and communication if we take into consideration lios matching their tions, municipality and public the minister’s busy schedule field of specialty. works, electricity and public between the parliament, cabinet, works, communications and houscommittees in both, and ‘opening Despite the minising, commerce and housing, jusceremonies’! ter’s position being a tice and awqaf, etc.

That’s why I hope the next cabiNow some notes about the net would be characterized by the political post, experi- following: Separate ministries: a cabinet’s new formation: Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah Ministry of Justice, Ministry of ence plays a major was appointed Minister of Awqaf, Ministry of Communications, role in outlining the Municipality Affairs despite having Ministry of Youth, Ministry of a degree in political sciences, strategy for the min- Housing, Ministry of Public Works, while the ministry requires someMinistry of Labor, a ministry for planistry’s work which one with experience in civil engining and development (which actineering or municipality affairs. vates the concept of strategic thinkusually is based on Meanwhile, Abdul-Aziz Al-Ibrahim ing), a special authority to evaluate was appointed Minister of the minister’s vision. senior stat e officials and tackles Electricity and Water and Minister administrative corruption. of Public Works. I understand why Meanwhile, each minister is handed he was assigned with the MEW portfolio, but I believe a single portfolio matching their field of specialty. the MPW requires a civil engineer with experience in Shifting the process of finalizing transactions to be projects management. done entirely online to eliminate office visits.

Personally, I prefer having a cabinet consisting of Meeting the needs of citizens, residents and ministechnocrat ministers who are handed portfolios ters cannot be achieved if a ministers had no prior matching their field of specialty. Despite the minis- experience in the field. In this case, ministers would ter’s position being a political post, experience plays simply be unable to achieve reform and utilize an a major role in outlining the strategy for the min- effective work plan. — Al-Rai

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By Dr. Mohammad Al-Moqatei have already written about the restrictions placed on lawmakers when it comes to proposing draft laws, and I have specifically mentioned that proposals dealing with the state’s general budget cannot be forwarded by Parliament members. Both of these issues are handled in line with the Constitution.

Amid numerous attempts by MPs to propose popular draft laws, I feel the need to explain the issue once again by first explaining the Constitutional limitations that restrict Parliament’s ability to pass such laws.

Articles 145 and 146 of the Constitution indicate that laws dealing with finances cannot be proposed by Parliament members because doing so would be considered a violation of the exclusive right of the executive authority to determine the nature of regulations associated with the state’s general budget.

MPs, however, have the authority to pass regulations related to the status of the state’s general budget and spending procedures. This authority also covers assets allocated to the state’s reserve and future-generation funds.

But at the same time, lawmakers don’t enjoy the authority to propose regulations to increase citizens’ benefits, distribute financial gifts, or force the state to write off bank loans or interest on loans, with the exception of proposing general policies that don’t mention specific amounts or numbers.

Lawmakers cannot grant money to citizens directly either. Such proposals can only be authorized by the executive authority, according to articles 145 and 146 of the Constitution.

I’m currently working on a compete analysis of the subject, which I hope will shed more light on the conditions associated with the proposal of financial regulations by legislative authority members in accordance with the regulations of the Kuwaiti Constitution. — Al-Qabas

inally, young activists realized the seriousness of our previous warnings to them. We have repeatedly warned them that what’s known as the ‘political Islam bloc’ were as bad as our previous successive governments, that they neither believe in the constitution nor have any principles and that we shouldn’t cooperate with them with an excuse of eliminating the government’s corruption. They are as corrupt themselves. They have always been allies with the government.

The thing now is that their interests came to a cross roads and thus they unexpectedly became two separate teams. Last Thursday, Jaman Al-Harbash, who had refused utilizing mosques and Fatwas to encourage voters take part in elections less than a month ago, did the same encouraging voters take part to vote for the Muslim Brethren in the referendum on the new Egyptian draft constitution!

Last Friday, a number of former Islamite MPs raced to reject the idea of having women spend the night over on a sit in called for by the ‘A Nation’s Dignity’ account on Twitter and disgustingly started questioning ethics and motives of such a call as they have always looked down on women and regarded them as mere lust-provoking creatures. By the way, this is not the first time members of those religious blocs degraded women, defamed them and rudely questioned their manners.

Personally, I’m not interested in discussing the overnight sit in nor the Egyptian constitution, but what matters to me is these double standards and measures used by those changeable religious bloc members who are trying to dominate everything.

What happened over the past few days is but a proof of our warnings to the young activists who argued that they shared the same concern with them and that they should combine their efforts. I admit that, yes, we may agree on certain issues but never join them in any event. For them, you, young people, are but mere means to help them achieve their goals that are built on suppressing freedoms, tyranny and controlling minds, manners and behavior, which they can easily do because they are more organized and already control many bodies in the name of religion. They will eventually manage to get the momentum they need from youth and their efforts.

Now, since they are totally exposed before all those who used to turn blind eyes and ignore the truth, a confrontation with them is inevitable. So, in order to have a better future, we should rather depose religious blocs and movements who have repeatedly proven that they neither value Kuwait’s constitution nor freedoms and isolate them from any youth movements or activities.

It’s unacceptable any more to fight governmental corruption in collaboration with religious blocs who are as corrupt. Only fools, or the corrupt themselves, would escape one form of corruption to fall into another and I’m confident that most youth are not. Nowadays, the youth has a golden opportunity and they should purify their demands and staffs by alienating those who violate the constitution and start pressing their demands through the rightful, legal and constitutional channels. — Al-jarida

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kuwait digest

‘They are all Kuwaitis’

By Ali Yousuf Al-Matrook hose who were afraid because of the increase in the number of Shiite MPs in the assembly, felt so because they do not know the Shiite’s history of loving their country and defending their land, or they are still influenced by the scare tactics of those who stir fears among Shiites and doubt the loyalty and love of their dear country, which is not only loved by its people, but extends to all who live in it, because the human being is where he remained, not where he grew up.

I do demand that when the issue of bedoons is discussed, that legislators do not ignore those children of expatriates who were born in Kuwait and are over 20 years old, since they speak the same dialect as its people, in order to grant them permanent residence during a certain time as a prelude for their later naturalization.

Kuwait is a small country that lies between three large countries and can absorb more citizens if it adopts developmental and industrial projects, and those become an additional force in the market place

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as Kuwait becomes an advanced financial and commercial center in the region. Those people with their Shiites, Sunnis, bedoons and urbanites (Hadar) are as one and cannot be divided into two, and if they were divided, they would become fragments without value.

Members of Parliament, the majority of whom are youths, should conduct serious work and cooperate with the government, because the government and assembly are one bird with two wings, and if one of them is shaken, the bird cannot fly, and if there is anyone who is optimistic towards forming the new cabinet, as far as ambition and challenge are concerned, the future will reveal that in the coming days.

There are big challenges, and among the most important jobs is to mend the rapture between society members and fight the corruption that is widespread in state systems, while moving the development process forward so that people can judge deeds, not rhetoric, so the country can restore its civilized image in all fields with an

atmosphere of understanding and cooperation in the country, along with its stability, which it has lacked for a long time, after having become an example for those countries in the region.

We must admit that we are living amidst division and fragmentation, and I hoped that such a case does not take place, and that those who boycotted the elections, really participated in the election process. Kuwait deserves our sacrifice. What is wrong with running the elections under the one vote system, because those who succeeded under this system gained the people’s confidence.

Then if it was later proven that the system, be it the one vote or the current constituencies, are not the ideal system, but then it is possible to amend the elections system. There is nothing sacred other than the holy Quran, otherwise everything can be discussed, returned and amended. The Kuwaiti people have proven that they are up to the challenge and can wisely overcome all the dangers the country faces. — Al-Watan

kuwait digest

Images reflect painful reality

By Iqbal Al-Ahmad photo published by Al-Qabas on Dec 7 under the title ‘Protests against the single-vote elections continue for the fourth day’, which in my opinion summarizes the type of the activity, who takes part in it and what its goals are.

The photo shows at least eight children - not more than 18 years of age and hence children - hurling stones in the direction of the police officers standing. A second photo published by Al-Qabas two days later showed a police officer grabbing a child. It presented another image of the turmoil created under the pretext of objecting to the single-vote system.

But the picture that I believe takes the cake is the one published by Al-Seyassah newspaper, showing people who appear to be domestic workers of Asian nationalities carrying signs reading ‘Karamat Watan’ (dignity of a nation) among participants in last Saturday’s procession organized under the same name.

I am not trying to show any disrespect because I understand that there are people among the demonstrators who believe one hundred percent in their cause.

However, I reiterate that forcing children and others into issues they do not understand or realize the importance of is catastrophic. Such an unacceptable behavior can lead the entire nation into chaos.

It is alright to voice our opposition to things we do not accept, and it would be normal if the language used was to be in harmony with the ideologies of the protestors. But to force the children to the frontlines of the political struggle is unacceptable from a humanitarian angle in the first place. What is the fault of the children who went out to have a ‘gala time’ yelling, hurling stones and running away from police without realizing the repercussions of their activities?

It is sad when children in some areas are used as a fodder in battles amongst political figures who refuse to acknowledge a fact even after it has become a reality.

What was the fault of the children who were arrested and prosecuted at a very young age? In the meantime, opposition leaders make statements or participate in licensed processions for an hour or two, but refuse to guide these children against committing acts of sabotage.

I saw an interview with an opposition activist on AlWatan TV, in which he demanded proof that children were present at demonstrations around Kuwait. When a guest in attendance gave names and ages of some children, he spoke proudly about “the level of political awareness that our young men have reached.” What awareness are you talking about? Are children going out in these demonstrations a reflection about our political awareness? Are you trying to convince us that the children we saw in pictures and video footage know what the single vote system even means? Do they even know what the constitution or elections actually mean, or why they are going out?

The activist was supposed to denounce forcing children into such scenes, and hope that future demonstrations feature only the people who truly understand what they are doing. — Al-Qabas

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

LOCAL

Duo HELD for selling forged Kuwaiti visas Three injured in armed robbery KUWAIT: Two people were arrested for selling forged Kuwaiti entry visas, and the search for their leader is ongoing. An investigation was conducted when a number of expatriates approached officers at the Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh police station to report being victims of a scam run by a Kuwaiti man and his two employees. The citizen had rented an office in the area and hired two people, an Indian and a Sri Lankan, who lured victims seeking entry visas for their relatives. Together, the three had sold 30 forged visas for amounts ranging from KD700 to KD1000 per visa before shutting down the office. Detectives eventually arrested the two employees, who denied any knowledge of the forgery and claimed that they thought the visas were being issued illegally by their manager.

The search is on for the prime suspect, who is believed to have used authentic stamps in issuing the forged visas.

Toddler killed A toddler died in an accident reported recently in Al-Dhahr after being hit by a driver who turned himself in to local police. The incident reportedly occurred in front of a Kuwaiti man’s house, where paramedics pronounced the 4-year-old dead on the scene. Paramedics had headed to the location shortly after the accident was reported, and the police officers who had accompanied them arrested the Kuwaiti driver responsible for the accident. The man remains in custody pending further investigation.

Infiltration foiled Border-security officers foiled an attempt by three Iraqi citizens to infiltrate Kuwait in search of jobs. The incident took place recently at the Abdaly Border Checkpoint, where the trio was caught trying to sneak across the border.

They were referred to the relevant authorities when they explained under interrogation that they were seeking job opportunities south of the border.

Documents missing

Investigations are ongoing in the search for thieves who stole “highly critical” documents from the manager ’s office at the Higher Institute for Theater Arts. Criminal investigators recovered fingerprints from the scene where the director of the Administrative Affairs Department had reported the theft of classified documents pertaining to administrative and financial decisions.

Investigators have found no evidence that the safe where the documents were kept was broken, which suggests that the thieves had used a key to open it.

Runaway maid A domestic worker was arrested at the Kuwait International Airport where she had reportedly tried to leave the country after escaping her employer’s house. The Asian woman was first approached by a police officer who had noticed her looking confused while walking around in the depar tures’ lounge for a long time. She eventually admitted to running away from her Kuwaiti employer’s house and heading to the airport with the hope of finalizing travel procedures to return home.

Armed robbery Two suspects were arrested and the search for their accomplice is ongoing after the three attacked staff members at a supermarket where they had attempted a robbery. The three Gulf nationals had fled the Jahra market following a clash with three employees, who had managed to stop them before they ran away with KD40 wor th of goods. Moments later, the suspects had returned and attacked the three expatriate men with pocketk nives.

Police arrived on the scene in the meantime and managed to arrest two of the attackers, while the third was able to escape on foot after deliberately hitting a car to block the path of patrol vehicles. The victims were hospitalized with serious injuries.

Zain awarded special recognition for best corporate citizenship KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, has been recognized for its Corporate Social Responsibility with an award for the organization’s CSR initiatives in 2012.

Speaking on the occasion of the award, Waleed Al-Khashti Corporate Communications & Relations from Zain, said: “Zain Kuwait is honored to be recognized as one of the leading CSR organizations in the Arab region. Such an award also means that we have many more responsibilities to the community - commitment that our team has embraced and will continue to grow. By taking

part in CSR initiatives and projects, we aim to instigate a change in behavior in organizations in Kuwait, encouraging private, governmental entities and the general public to take part in CSR based projects.”

Zain was chosen as Kuwait’s best CSR organization by The Arab Organization for Social Responsibility. The award was given to Zain Kuwait by an executive jury featuring professionals and authorized community members who have been assessing the governmental and private organizations in the Arab world. The jury has chosen Zain to be awarded for the best

Corporate Social Responsibility practices in Kuwait based on its rich CSR program including many activities and initiatives. Some of the CSR initiatives that Zain has pioneered in the countr y includeTaaleb ELearning Project, Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012, Shoof Zain and Zain Hospital.

With such awards the Arab Organization for Social Responsibility aims to honor and encourage governmental and private organizations in the Arab world. It also aims to emphasize their immense role in developing the Social Responsibility field.

Real estate sales down in October KUWAIT: Real estate sales during October totaled KD 219 million, a KD 40 million year-on-year drop. A slowdown in residential sales was the major reason behind the drop, whereas sales in the investment segment were up year-on-year , a report by National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) said yesterday.

Commercial sales, the smallest among the three main real estate segments, saw year-on-year declines, in line with trend. The cooling off of the real estate sector comes after a strong performance earlier this year.

“Residential sector sales totaled KD 142.6 million in October, a decent m/m increase, but a year-on-year decrease of KD 18.7 million nonetheless. For the second month in a row, the slowdown came as a result of a lower number of transactions.

Overall, Ahmadi governorate saw 40 percent of the transactions, bringing in a quarter of total value of sales for the month. As for the type of trans-

actions, October saw an even split between plots of land and finished homes - similar to the previous month, though plots usually take a larger share.

“The 3-month average (August October) price for residential plots recorded 369 KD/m2, down m/m; while the price of residential homes climbed to 625KD/m2. These prices should not be overstrained, as they are vulnerable to outside factors (beyond simple price inflation).

“The investment sector saw KD 74.9 million in sales during October, almost unchanged from the previous month, but a sizeable y/y increase of KD 18 million. Overall, the investment sector continues to recover from its seasonal slowdown. With the possibility of some intervention by the government’s national real estate fund, the sector’s recovery should continue in the near future.

“A little over half of the transactions in the investment sector were

for single apartments, whereas this type of transaction usually takes up less than a third of total. In terms of pricing, the 3-month average price for apartments was 624 KD/m2 for the August-October period, compared to a year average of 610 KD/m2 in 2011,” the report cited. “ The commercial sector saw 6 transactions, bringing in a total of KD 1.6 million in sales. Though sales in this sector tend to be volatile, sales in October were the lowest for the year, this sector could really benefit from the expanded real estate government fund. “The Savings and Credit Bank (SCB) approved KD 22.4 million in loans, spread over 394 application - two thirds of which were for new constructions. The SCB also disbursed KD 8.9 million in loans. All of these figures were increases compared to their counterpart from a year ago, an indication of healthy demand in the residential sector,” the report concluded. —KUNA

KASCO sponsors HORECA Kuwait KUWAIT: The Kuwait Aviation Services Company (KASCO) has announced its participation as a golden sponsor in HORECA Kuwait, an exhibition for hotel, hospitality, and catering equipment, which will be hosted in Kuwait between Jan 28 and 30. The event has been organized by the Leaders Group for Counseling and Development in cooperation

Khalid Al-Duwaisan

with Lebanon’s Hospitality Services Company, and it will take place in the Raya Ballroom at Court Marriott Hotel.

“The importance of supporting the HORECA Kuwait exhibition stems from the fact that it serves as a specialized gathering, addressing fields that form direct interests for KASCO, [which is] a major contributor to the

hospitality industry in Kuwait and the region,” Chairman and Managing Director Khalid Al-Duwaisan said in a recent statement.

Al-Duwaisan further stressed the need for the development of the hospitality, hotel, and catering fields in Kuwait “to meet the increasing requirements of the aviation-services market due to several aspects such as

competition between aviation companies, expansion projects at the Kuwait International Airport, and the privatization of Kuwait Airways.”

Organizers of the event have already announced that the Advanced Technology Company, Mabrouk Catering Company, and Boecker Company will be diamond sponsors.

Boubyan ItqAN Academy ‘a promising training edifice’

Mohammed Al-Hajeri

Sabekah Al-Abdullah

KUWAIT: A number of Boubyan staff who joined the bank’s ITQAN Academy emphasized that the academy launched last July represents a practical example for a new era in human resources training and development by providing a brand new model for the banking sector through developing the traditional training concepts into a more advanced form represented in granting well-known university academic degrees including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in cooperation with the most prestigious American and international universities. In separate interviews about their opinion about the Academy, these staff members expressed their pride to be part of the first Academy of its kind all over the local banks, which gives them many advantages with regard to their career future as well as the opportunity to continue their post-graduate studies. At the beginning, Adel Al-Hammad, GM - Human Resources Group of Boubyan Bank presented the Academy’s work mechanism saying: “The Academy’s work is based on combining specialized banking training programs with academic programs accredited by the most prestigious American, international and local universities.”

“ITQAN Academy ’s obtaining accreditation from the “ILM” of Britain proves its ability to provide leadership training and development programs that can significantly enhance operating efficiency and help create more harmonious teamwork-based work environments,” he added.

The Academy’s trainees satisfying certain conditions will be able to obtain 24 accredited credits of the

Abdul-Aziz Al-Wazzan

MBA program at Gulf University for Science & Technology (GUST), representing 55% of the program’s total hours, which suit the basic work requirements in Boubyan Bank. In addition, trainees will be given the opportunity to complete the remaining accredited credits of the MBA program at GUST to obtain the certificate, in case they so desire.

Abdul-Aziz Al-Wazzan (a Boubyan’s staff member joining the Academy) said: “When I had the opportunity to join Boubyan Bank, I did not have second thoughts to take the right decision, as despite the short history of Boubyan, it managed to gain good reputation and realize many successes and achievements during that short period.” “For me, the most attractive feature of the Academy was the training program that I found to be a comprehensive one for qualification of fresh graduates as well as enabling them to join the Master’s program at GUST; thus giving them two opportunities: the first is gaining experience in work and the second is obtaining a post-graduate academic degree,” added Al-Wazzan.

On her part, Sabekah Al-Abdullah (another Boubyan’s staff member joining the Academy) said: “The stage of joining ITQAN represents a qualitative leap for any ambitious person through which he/she enters the baking world and, at the same time, the world of post-graduate studies.

“My first impression was strong admiration of this offer that was given to me “on a gold plate” as the expression says. It opened the way for me to broaden my knowledge and provided me with a job opportunity within a

Abdul-Mohsen Al-Ghanim

very short period after graduation from university,” added Subaikah who concluded by advising fresh Kuwaiti graduates to join the Academy being a golden and unique chance.

Another joiner of the Academy, Abdul-Mohsen Al-Ghanim said: “No doubt that this program will give me and my colleagues added value as it includes training courses and subjects aiming at edifying the joiners and develop their management and leadership skills.”

“Based on the above, and considering that this is a unique opportunity, I strongly advise fresh graduates who have the chance to join Boubyan ITQAN Academy,” he added.

Mohammed Al-Hajeri (one of the joiners of the Academy) said: “Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says: “Verily, Allah likes whoever of you does a job to do it perfectly.” And in order to put this honorable hadith into action, and out of Boubyan’s care to promote Islamic banking business, the Bank, in a step deserving appreciation, established a banking academy to serve in qualifying and creating promising Kuwaiti youth for the Islamic banking sector.

“I did not hesitate at all to join the Academy for many reasons including the growth of Islamic economy in general and the fast growth of Boubyan in particular, as well as the evident care given by the Bank’s management to the Academy, the fact that signifies the Bank’s serious desire to create leaders for the coming period in line with its strategy. Another reason was the comprehensive and professional nature of the Academy’s training courses and MBA credits

Yusuf Al-Rabiea

combined with work at the Bank’s various departments, which gives the Academy an edge over all training programs provided by other banks,” he added.

On his part, Yusuf Al-Rabiea (one of the joiners of the Academy) said: “The human factor is one of the key constituents of big companies and institutions. And when I joined Boubyan Bank, I felt at home, as staff member is treated as a member of the big family to which all the Bank’s staff belong.”

“The Academy provides support to fresh graduates out of the belief that they are the promising generation upon which Kuwait will rely in building its future. Therefore, I advise fresh graduates to join the Academy being the best place both to achieve their aspirations and to receive career suppor t and care from the Bank,” he added.

Finally, Faisal Al-Roumi (another joiner of the Academy) said: “ The Human Resources Group of Boubyan Bank embraced a group of distinguished fresh graduates to enhance their academic skills under the leadership of a team comprising the different departments and divisions of Boubyan Bank which undertakes the supervision over the training process from all professional, administrative and behavioral perspectives.”

Al-Roumi added: “Joining the Academy represents a gateway to excellence, not only on the banking level but also on the academic level by acquiring a set of expertise and skills from the specialized cadre of Boubyan Bank that serve to create better career future.

Faisal Al-Roumi Noteworthy is that Boubyan Bank has signed in early June 2012 an agreement for the establishment of ITQAN Academy in cooperation with GUST to act as a centre for developing the Bank’s human resources in an academic manner by providing latest specialized programs, administrative sciences, and programs accredited by international institutions, in correspondence with work environment in Boubyan Bank and in compliance with the Islamic Shari’ah.

The Academy provides the Bank’s staff with training oppor tunities throughout a whole year in many fields comprising specialized training programs in financial management, financial statements analysis, business administration, communication skills, human resources development, as well as advanced, distinguished programs in customer service and professional sales of banking products. Boubyan Bank strives to be the employer of choice for branch managers by providing a work environment that encourages the development of young capabilities and gives opportunities for career development to skilled trainees in a carefully thought-out academic way under the supervision of a professional training team accredited by international institutions who participated in providing training courses to international companies in Nor th America, Europe and GCC countries. In addition, ITQAN Academy programs are based on Blended Learning Approach which includes training courses, onjob training, rotation among departments, guidance and instruction, elearning and assessment centers.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Hawaii’s Inouye, senator and war hero, dies at 88

Police demand death penalty for Delhi bus rapists Page 12

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CAIRO: Egyptian protester chants slogans against President Mohammed Morsi outside the presidential palace during a protest against President Mohammed Morsi yesterday. — AP

Prosecutor quits, angering Brotherhood Islamists challenged by protests; judiciary, Morsi face off CAIRO: Egypt’s public prosecutor resigned under pressure from his opponents in the judiciary, dealing a blow to President Mohamed Morsi and drawing an angry response yesterday from the Islamist leader’s supporters in the Muslim Brotherhood. Seeking to keep pressure on Morsi, the main opposition coalition staged protests against an Islamist-backed draft constitution that has divided Egypt but which looks set to be approved in the second round of a referendum on Saturday.

A few hundred protesters made their way through the streets of Cairo chanting “Revolution, revolution, for the sake of the constitution” and calling on Morsi to “Leave, leave, you coward”. But as the protest got under way, the numbers were well down on previous demonstrations. Morsi obtained a 57 percent “yes” vote for the constitution in a first round of the referendum last weekend, state media said, less than he had hoped for.

The opposition, which says the law is too Islamist, will be emboldened by the result but is unlikely to

win the second round, to be held in districts seen as even more sympathetic towards Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood. Protesters broke into cheers when the public prosecutor appointed by Morsi last month announced his resignation late on Monday. In a statement on its Facebook page, the Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Morsi to power in elections in June, said the enforced resignation of public prosecutor Talaat Ibrahim was a “crime”. The Supreme Judiciary Council, which governs the country’s judicial system, should refuse to accept the prosecutor’s resignation, the Brotherhood said. Further signs of opposition to Morsi emerged when a judges’ club urged its members not to supervise Saturday’s vote. But the call is not binding and balloting is expected to go ahead. If the constitution passes next weekend, national elections can take place early next year, something many hope will help end the turmoil that has gripped Egypt since the fall of Hosni Mubarak nearly two years ago. The National Salvation Front opposition coalition said there

News

in brief

were widespread voting violations in the first round and called for protests to “bring down the invalid draft constitution”. The Ministry of Justice said it was appointing a group of judges to investigate complaints of voting irregularities around the country.

DEMONSTRATIONS Opposition marchers headed for Tahrir Square, cradle of the revolution that toppled Mubarak, and Morsi’s presidential palace, still ringed with tanks after earlier protests. A protester at the presidential palace, Mohamed Adel, 30, said: “I have been camping here for weeks and will continue to do so until the constitution that divided the nation, and for which people died, gets scrapped.”

The build-up to the first round of voting saw clashes between supporters and opponents of Morsi in which eight people died. Recent demonstrations in Cairo have been more peaceful, although rival factions clashed on Friday in Alexandria, Egypt’s second biggest city. On

OPPOSITION BOOST “This percentage ... will strengthen the hand of the National Salvation Front and the leaders of this Front have declared they are going to continue this fight to discredit the constitution,” said Mustapha Kamal Al-Sayyid, a professor of political science at Cairo University. Morsi is likely to become more unpopular with the introduction of planned austerity measures, polarizing society further, Sayyid told Reuters. To tackle the budget

deficit, the government needs to impose tax rises and cut back fuel subsidies. Uncertainty surrounding economic reform plans has already forced the postponement of a $4.8 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund. The Egyptian pound has fallen to eight-year lows against the dollar.

Morsi and his backers say the constitution is needed to move Egypt’s democratic transition forward. Opponents say the document is too Islamist and ignores the rights of women and of minorities, including Christians who make up 10 percent of the population. Demonstrations erupted when Morsi awarded himself extra powers on Nov 22 and then fast-tracked the constitution through an assembly dominated by his Islamist allies and boycotted by many liberals. The referendum has had to be held over two days because many of the judges needed to oversee polling staged a boycott in protest. In order to pass, the constitution must be approved by more than 50 percent of those voting. — Reuters

Gunmen kill 6 polio workers in Pakistan

Ukraine cold kills 37 KIEV: Nineteen people died of exposure in Ukraine in the last 24 hours amid temperatures of minus 20 degrees Celsius (minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit), bringing the toll this month to 37, the health ministry said yesterday. Some 190 people asked for medical attention due to hypothermia and frostbite, and 162 of them were hospitalized, the ministry said in a statement. The ex-Soviet country straddling Russia and the European Union was hit with a cold snap and snowstorms which left nearly 600 villages without electricity last week. Temperatures fell to minus 16 degrees Celsius in the centre and south of the country and to minus 23 degrees Celsius in eastern Lugansk region.

Ukraine’s emergency ministry said Monday it opened over 200 emergency shelters in the country.

‘Mayan holy book’ GUATEMALA CITY: Before the creation of the Earth, there was only silence and darkness, only the sky and the sea until the deities Tepeu and Gucumatz created trees, animals and man-so says the Mayan holy book.

The Popol Vuh is a spiritual and philosophical book that explains the creation of the world. Even today, it plays an important role in defining the identity of ethnic Mayas in Mexico and central America. The “Book of Community” is a mix of religion, mythology, history, astrology, customs and legends. “Then came the word, like a lightning bolt. It ripped through the sky, penetrated the waters, and fertilized the minds of the Earth-Water deities, Tepeu and Gucumatz,” the book says. Its precise origin remains a mystery. Historians believe it was first put down on paper in the Quiche language by Christianized Indians in the middle of the 16th century but the author of the original text is not known. The text remained secret until 1701, when Spanish priest Francisco Ximenez produced a Spanish translation. That manuscript is currently in the Newberry library in Chicago.

Monday evening, more than 1,300 members of the General Prosecution staff gathered outside the public prosecutor’s office, demanding Ibrahim leave his post. Hours later, Ibrahim announced he had resigned. The crowd cheered “God is Great! Long live justice!” and “Long live the independence of the judiciary!” witnesses said.

The closeness of the first-round referendum vote and low turnout give Morsi scant comfort as he seeks to assemble support for difficult economic reforms.

KARACHI: A Pakistani mother mourns over her daughter, who was killed while on the job as a polio vaccination worker, at a hospital morgue following an attack by gunmen in Karachi yesterday. — AFP

KARACHI: Gunmen in Pakistan have killed six health workers at the start of a nationwide polio vaccination drive, officials said yesterday, highlighting resistance to a campaign opposed by the Taleban. Four women were killed in less than an hour in seemingly coordinated attacks in Karachi yesterday, a day after a man working on a local government-World Health Organization (WHO) project was also shot dead in the city, police said. A sixth worker, also a woman, was killed yesterday in the northwestern city of Peshawar, which lies close to the tribal areas, a haven for the Taleban and other militants who ordered a ban on polio vaccinations in June.

Pakistan is one of only three countries where polio remains endemic, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, but efforts to tackle the highly infectious crippling disease have been hampered over the years by suspicion. The Taleban banned immunizations in the tribal region of Waziristan, condemning the campaign as a cover for espionage after the jailing of a doctor who helped the CIA find Osama bin Laden using a hepatitis vaccination program.

Sagheer Ahmed, the health minister for Sindh province, of which Karachi is capital, said he had ordered a halt to the anti-polio drive in the city in the wake of yesterday’s shootings. Senior police officer Shahid Hayat blamed “militants who issued a fatwa against polio vaccination in the past” for the Karachi killings. He said one polio vaccination team was attacked in the eastern Karachi neighborhood of Gulshan-e-Buner. “They were fired upon by unidentified gunmen who rode away on motorcycles.

Two women members suffered multiple gunshots and died on the spot,” he said. Two women and a man were wounded in two separate incidents in the city’s west, Hayat said, adding that all of the victims were part of WHO-supervised polio vaccination teams. In a Peshawar suburb, two attackers on a motorbike fired on two sisters working on vaccination, killing one, senior police official Javed Khan said. In Waziristan, a hub for Islamist militants, the Taleban ban-to protest against US drone strikes and because they allege that the polio campaign is a cover for espionagerisks the health of 240,000 children, officials say.

Launching the polio drive on Monday, Pakistani authorities threatened to punish tribesmen who refuse to allow their children to be inoculated. Siraj Ahmad Khan, the top official in North Waziristan tribal area, said the punishments would include a ban on monthly stipends to tribal elders, development work, civil service recruitment and issuing ID cards and passports.

Yesterday’s killings in Karachi took place in parts of the city dominated by Pashtuns, Hayat said. Pashtuns are the dominant ethnic group in northwest Pakistan and have a sizeable migrant population in Karachi. WHO, a partner in government efforts to eradicate the disease, suspended vaccination activities in part of Pakistan’s largest city in July after a spate of shootings. A UN doctor from Ghana working on polio eradication and his driver were shot in Karachi and three days later a local community worker who was part of the same campaign was shot dead in the same area. — AFP

Christianity ‘most’ populous religion WASHINGTON: Christians are the world’s biggest religious group, numbering some 2.2 billion people, according to a study released yesterday by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. Pew assembled data on the size and geographic distribution of eight major religious groups, including non-believers. It found that Christians make up about 32 percent of the world’s population, followed by Muslims,

the second largest group, with 1.6 billion adherents.

Hindus were the third largest group, numbering about one billion (15 percent), followed by Buddhists, at 500 million (seven percent) and Jews, who number 14 million (0.2 percent.) The worldwide demographic study of more than 230 countries and territories found that more than eight people in 10 - about 5.8 billion people-identify with a reli-

gious group. More than 400 million people (six percent) practice various folk traditions, including African traditional, aboriginal or folk religions, the global survey found.

The Pew Forum said that the study, in which religious affiliation was based on self-identification, did not attempt to measure the degree to which practitioners observe their faiths. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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

Obama request for Sandy aid could face hurdles ANKARA: Questions about religion will be introduced in two Turkish university entrance exams next year, a first in the mainly Muslim but staunchly secular country, an official said yesterday. Students will be asked to answer five questions on religion in the Transition to Higher Education Examination (YGS) on March 24, and eight questions in the social sciences

branch of the Undergraduate Placement Examination known as LYS4 on June 15, the official said.

Both are standardized tests required to be admitted to higher education in Turkey.

“It is the first time that students will answer questions on religion in a Turkish university exam,” said the official on condition of anonymity.

Students in Turkish state schools are required to take religious courses. The new exam questions however are controversial in a country which has nonSunni Muslims, Christians and Jews, although 99 percent of the population is said to be Muslim.

In February, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his government wanted to “raise a religious

youth,” a comment that has touched a nerve, fuelling debates on a hidden government agenda to Islamize secular Turkey.

Erdogan is himself a graduate of a clerical school and the leader of the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP).

Secular quarters argue Erdogan’s conservative government is step by

step imposing religion in every aspect of life, saying many restaurants already refuse to serve alcohol during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan.

They also criticize recent changes to legislation under which religious school graduates will now be able to access any university branch they like, while in the past they had only access to theology schools. — AFP

Israel sees new US poise, to curb Iran Netanyahu’s deputy sounds more upbeat

THE HAGUE: Congolese ex-militia boss Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui (left) shakes hands with one of his lawyers before the verdict on his trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) yesterday. — AFP

ICC acquits Congo’s former militia boss THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court acquitted Congolese ex-militia boss Mathieu Ngudjolo Chui of war crimes yesterday, saying prosecutors failed to prove his commanding role in the murder of 200 people in a 2003 attack on a village using child soldiers. “The chamber acquits Mathieu Ngudjolo of all the crimes against him. The chamber orders... the immediate release of Ngudjolo,” presiding Judge Bruno Cotte said. Cotte stressed the acquittal did not mean the court felt no crimes were committed in Bogoro village but that witness testimony had been “too contradictory and too hazy”.

“After receiving all the evidence, the chamber hereby concludes that the prosecution did not prove beyond all reasonable doubt that Mathieu Ngudjolo committed the various crimes as alleged.” The judge ordered his immediate release but the prosecution requested a hearing at 1:30 pm to discuss its appeal.

Ngudjolo was once one of the most important militia leaders in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineralrich Ituri province. Now 42, Ngudjolo faced seven war crimes charges including using child soldiers to fight in his militia and three crimes against humanity charges for the bloody massacre of 200 villagers at Bogoro village on February 24, 2003.

It is the first time the Hague-based ICC, the world’s only permanent war crimes tribunal, acquitted a suspect. The court has only convicted one suspect, former Congolese rebel fighter Thomas Lubanga, in March for recruiting and enlisting child soldiers. Judge Cotte said three witness in particular who testified

for the prosecution were “too contradictory and too hazy, too imprecise. The Chamber was not able to base itself on their testimony.” He said the acquittal did not “put into question what happened to the people on that day.” But, he said, there was no evidence to show that Ngudjolo was the commander of the militia or that he was “able to impose his authority as a soldier.”

LACKING JUSTICE Geraldine Mattioli-Zeltner, advocacy director of Human Rights Watch’s International Justice Program, said the verdict “really leaves the victims in Bogoro lacking in justice”. She said the acquittal underscored the urgency for the prosecutor’s office to improve the way it builds cases. “The judges really insisted on the fact that a lot of the witnesses were not credible enough and that they didn’t have enough evidence in front of them,” she said. “It’s time for urgent and important lessons to be learned about investigating practices,” she said.

Summing up the case in May, the court’s then deputy chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda recounted witness testimony on how victims were burnt alive, babies smashed against walls and women forced to serve as sex slaves. “Child soldiers are said to have attacked Bogoro village, killing civilians, destroying property and pillaging,” a charge sheet summary states. The attack by ethnic Lendu and Ngiti-based rebel armies on Bogoro was “intended to ‘wipe out’ or ‘raze’ (the) village by killing the predominantly Hema population,” in order to secure Lendu and Ngiti control of the main route to Ituri’s provincial capital Bunia, it added. — AFP

JERUSALEM: US-led efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program have resumed since President Barack Obama’s re-election and include preparation for possible military action, a senior Israeli official said yesterday. The remarks by Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon suggested cautious optimism at prospects for an international resolution to the decade-old standoff with Tehran, though Israel says it remains ready to attack its arch-foe alone as a last resort.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set out a mid-2013 “red line” for tackling Iran’s uranium enrichment project. The West says this program is aimed at developing the means to build atomic bombs. Tehran denies this, saying it is enriching uranium solely for civilian energy. Yaalon told Army Radio yesterday that Israel knew there would be no movement on the issue before the US election in November, but had expected renewed effort after the vote.

“And indeed it has been renewed,” he said.

He cited contacts among the United States, Russia, France, China, Britain and Germany and Iran about holding new nuclear negotiations, ongoing sanctions against Iran, “and preparations, mainly American for now, for the possibili-

ty that military force will have to be used”. He did not elaborate. The P5+1 powers said last week they hoped soon to agree with Iran on when and where to meet. There have been suggestions it could happen this month, though January now seems more likely, Western officials say.

ZONE OF IMMUNITY A former armed forces chief who belongs to Netanyahu’s rightist Likud party, Yaalon questioned Obama’s resolve on Iran during the Democratic president’s first term. By contrast, Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the lone centrist in Netanyahu’s coalition government, argued in Obama’s favor.

Yaalon is a frontrunner to succeed Barak, who has announced he will retire from politics after Israel’s Jan 22 election. On Monday, Barak reiterated Israel’s determination to deny Iran the capability to make a nuclear weapon. Israel, widely assumed to have the Middle East’s only atomic arsenal, sees a nuclear-armed Iran as a mortal threat.

The prospect of unilateral Israeli air strikes, and ensuing retaliation by Iran, a big oil exporter, and its Islamist guerrilla allies in Lebanon and

Gaza, worries world powers. Speaking to Jewish leaders in New York, Barak acknowledged the limitations of Israel’s military against Iran’s distant, dispersed and well-defended nuclear facilities. “The Iranians are deliberately trying to create a level of redundancy and protection for their program, what we call the ‘zone of immunity’.

Once they enter the zone of immunity, fate will be out of our hands,” Barak said. “The state of Israel was founded precisely so that our fate would remain in our own hands.”

Barak’s term “redundancy” refers to Israel’s belief that Iran seeks to stockpile raw uranium and enrichment centrifuges on a scale that would allow it to restore independent nuclear capacity should its known facilities be attacked.

The Iranian projects have been dogged by sabotage. While Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility, Yaalon said there could be more in store, in parallel to global economic pressure.

“Sometimes malfunctions happen there worms, viruses, explosions. Therefore this schedule is not necessarily chronological. It is more technological,” he told Army Radio. “We are, without a doubt, closely tracking developments in the program there, lest they attempt to pass the red line.”— Reuters

From central Damascus, war seems ever closer DAMASCUS: From the centre of Damascus, Syrians can see the shrouds of smoke rising overhead and feel the shake of explosions that warn of a frontline creeping ever closer. The same squares where President Bashar Al-Assad once drew tens of thousands to cheer in support lie empty and walled off by concrete barriers up to two meters high. Damascus is bracing itself after nearly two years of civil conflict as rebel forces seep deeper into the capital, and anxiety is etched across the faces of people in the city centre.

“There is fear and pain in people’s hearts, a feeling of despair and paralysis because of the enormity of the crisis,” said Suad, an architect in the Salihiya neighborhood. “The sounds of all the different explosions - mortar, artillery and warplanes - suggest the frontline is getting closer,” she said.

This ancient city has survived conquests down the ages, from Alexander the Great to early Arab caliphs and Crusaders. Sacked by Mongol invaders in 1400, it was later taken by the Turks and seized more than once by European armies last century. Now Damascus is under attack again, this time by its own people.

On Sunday, warplanes raided the Palestinian refugee district of Yarmouk, one of the most densely populated parts of the capital, where concrete homes are piled upon each other. The air strike, believed to have killed 25 people, was the closest yet to the city centre, little more than a mile away. The army has warned Yarmouk’s impov-

erished Syrian and Palestinian residents to flee in preparation for a “cleansing” operation, as bombardment ratchets up the intensity of a week of internal clashes between Palestinians for and against Assad.

A new wave, thousands-strong is now seeking refuge. They are the latest victims of violence that has already forced people to flee many suburbs around Damascus, as rebels tighten their grip on the eastern outskirts of the city and its southern districts. Um Hassan’s family is fleeing for the third time in months.

They fled two sieges of other rebel-held suburbs. Now their new rented apartment in Yarmouk is under fire: “Once again, I have to move. I really don’t know when this will end,” she said. “God help us.”

NO SAFE PLACE Assad has support in Damascus among fellow Alawites who fear collective retribution if he falls and also from Christians worried by radical Sunni Islamists among the rebels. Many Damascenes from the Sunni majority long, too, for a return to stability and fear Assad’s departure would usher in only chaos.

Others pray he will flee, in the hope that will end the war. Whatever their political views, civilians are putting safety first.

Families and friends with homes in more central parts of Damascus have been taking in beleaguered refugees. But there are signs that generosity may be reaching its limits. “I have moved into my parents’ house along with all my siblings’ families. My wife’s house is full of

her aunts and uncles. Who has room now?,” said Issam, a resident of central Damascus. “Most families I know are like this, and I want to know what will happen to the refugees who come now.” Walking to his parents’ house from work this week, he thinks some of the new homeless have found an answer: “In some shopping districts, the shutters that cover storefronts aren’t locked. “If you look inside, you can see whole families have moved inside. They can’t go home.”

Despite the flow into the city centre, still relatively safe, rents have dropped and some apartments are empty. “I rent my place for 70 percent of what I used to, and that’s when I can find a tenant,” one resident said.

“You’d think the demand should be up ... but there’s a sense that no place is really safe.” Informal charity networks are springing up, though many residents who fear the ire of Assad’s security forces still keep their work secret. — Reuters

Turkey university entrance exams to test religion ANKARA: Questions about religion will be introduced in two Turkish university entrance exams next year, a first in the mainly Muslim but staunchly secular country, an official said yesterday.

Students will be asked to answer five questions on religion in the Transition to Higher Education Examination (YGS) on March 24, and eight questions in the social sciences branch of the Undergraduate Placement Examination known as LYS-4 on June 15, the official said.

Both are standardized tests required to be admitted to higher education in Turkey. “It is the first time that students will answer questions on religion in a Turkish university exam,” said the official on condition of anonymity. Students in Turkish state schools are required to take religious courses. The new exam questions however are controversial in a country which has non-Sunni Muslims, Christians and Jews, although 99 percent of the population is said to be Muslim. In February, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his government wanted to “raise a religious youth,” a comment that has touched a nerve, fuelling debates on a hidden government agenda to Islamize secular Turkey.

Erdogan is himself a graduate of a clerical school and the leader of the Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party (AKP). Secular quarters argue Erdogan’s conservative government is step by step imposing religion in every aspect of life, saying many restaurants already refuse to serve alcohol during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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

Capital punishment receding in US 9 out of 50 states carried out executions WASHINGTON: Only nine of the 50 US states carried out executions in 2012, the fewest in 20 years and the latest indication of a decline in the use of capital punishment, a report said yesterday. The study by the Death Penalty Information Center found that the number of new sentences had declined by 75 percent from a peak in 1996, with just four states accounting for over three-quarters of executions nationwide. “Capital punishment is becoming marginalized and meaningless in most of the country,”

said Richard Dieter, the director of the center and author of the report. “In 2012, fewer states have the death penalty, fewer carried out executions, and death sentences and executions were clustered in a small number of states.” This year Connecticut became the 17th state to abolish the death penalty.

More than half of US states — 29 in all-either have no death penalty or have not carried out an execution in the last five years, the report said.

The total number of executions in 2012 - 43 - was

the same as in 2011, but was less than half that in 1999, which saw the highest number of executions since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976. But the rate of new death sentences continues to decline as juries have become increasingly reluctant to impose capital punishment. Seventyeight new sentences were handed down in 2012, down from 315 in 1996.

Even states that have led the country in executions, like Virginia-second only to Texas in total execu-

tions since 1976 - and North and South Carolina, neither sentenced anyone to death nor carried out any executions in 2012. No executions were carried out in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana or Missouri, all staunchly conservative states where capital punishment enjoys strong support. Just four states-Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Arizona-accounted for more than three quarters of all executions, while Texas, California, Florida and Alabama together accounted for 65 percent of new death sentences. — AFP

Without Congress, Obama could act to restrict guns Improvement to background checks tops list of options

NEW YORK: Charts prepared by the US Department of Justice are on display during a news conference to announce money laundering charges against HSBC in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. — AFP

Too big to jail? Executives avoid laundering charges NEW YORK: When the Justice Department announced its record $1.9 billion settlement against British bank HSBC last week, prosecutors called it a powerful blow to a dysfunctional institution accused of laundering money for Iran, Libya and Mexico’s murderous drug cartels. But to some former federal prosecutors, it was only the latest case of the government stopping short of bringing criminal money laundering charges against a big bank or its executives, at least in part on the rationale that such prosecutions could be devastating enough to cause such banks to fail.

They say it sounds a lot like the “too big to fail” meme that kept big but sickly banks alive on the support of taxpayer-funded bailouts. In these cases, they call it, “Too big to jail.” “Shame on the Department of Justice. Shame on them,” said Jimmy GurulÈ, a former federal prosecutor who teaches law at the University of Notre Dame. “These are actions that facilitated major international drug cartels to continue their operations,” he said.

“Now, if that doesn’t justify criminal prosecution, I can’t imagine a case that would.” Oregon Democratic Sen Jeff Merkley shot off a letter to US Attorney Eric Holder after the HSBC settlement, saying the government “appears to have firmly set the precedent that no bank, bank employee, or bank executive can be prosecuted even for serious criminal actions if that bank is a large, systemically important financial institution.”

Neil Barofsky, the former inspector general of the government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program and a former federal prosecutor in New York, warned that big banks could interpret the Justice Department’s leniency as “a license to steal.” Since 2009, several European banks have paid heavy settlements related to allegations they moved money for people or companies on the US sanctions list: Switzerland’s Credit Suisse, $536 million; British bank Barclays, $298 million; British bank Lloyds, $350 million; Dutch bank ING, $619 million; and the Royal Bank of Scotland, $500 million for alleged money laundering at Dutch bank ABN Amro.

While those cases involved deals with such countries as Iran, Libya, Cuba and Sudan, the HSBC case was notable for the government’s allegation that it also helped launder $881 million in drug-trafficking proceeds for Mexican drug cartels. As bad as those allegations were, prosecutors say they could not prove HSBC executives conspired to aid drug organizations or rogue nations. Breakdowns in security controls within the company had occurred gradually, over decades, with a motive of increasing profits rather than committing crimes, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors also expressed fear of “collateral consequences” - that going further could have sunk a company that employs tens of thousands of people and is tied tightly to the economies of the roughly 80 countries where it does business.

Such a collapse has happened in white-collar prosecutions before, most notably in 2002 when the huge accounting firm Arthur Andersen was convicted for destroying Enron-related docu-

ments before the energy giant’s collapse. It was forced to surrender its accounting license and to stop conducting public audits.

Only after 85,000 people worldwide lost their jobs did the court case ultimately play out, with the Supreme Court overturning the conviction too late to save the doomed Chicago-based business. “From a policy standpoint, it’s a pretty compelling argument,” said Kevin O’Brien, a former federal prosecutor now in private practice.

“Employees lose their jobs, towns where these businesses are located are negatively affected, stockholders which include a lot of moms and pops lose their savings and none of that is really fair. Even a large fine can sometimes have a negative effect on employees and shareholders.”

Bill Black, a former financial regulator who was instrumental in uncloaking the savings-andloan crisis in the 1980s, scoffed at such a notion.

“Seriously, you want to keep felons in charge of a bank for bank stability?” he said. To Black and other critics of the government’s approach, the HSBC case is a replay of the years immediately after the 2008 financial crisis, when the people most responsible for it were never really punished. No high-profile bankers have gone to jail in the wake of the financial crisis, nor has there been any well-known, large-scale effort to recover the giant bonuses awarded to executives of failed or nearly failed banks.

In the HSBC case, the bank has rescinded deferred compensation bonuses given to its most senior executives and agreed to partially defer bonus compensation for its most senior executives during the next five years. “The guy who filed a false tax return, he’s probably doing five years in prison,” said Notre Dame’s GurulÈ.

“And these guys - transactions with Iran, threatening to jeopardize US national security - they don’t even get prosecuted. The fairness of that system is very suspect.” The government’s charges against HSBC are grim. They sketch a picture of a bank that systemically and purposefully skirted the law.

HSBC willfully failed to keep proper anti-laundering programs in place and to conduct due diligence on its customers, the government says.

Court documents showed that the bank let over $200 trillion between 2006 and 2009 slip through relatively unmonitored, including more than $670 billion in wire transfers from HSBC Mexico, making it a favorite of drug cartels. At the same time, the bank gave Mexico its lowest risk rating for money laundering.

The cartels are a deadly force, controlling large swaths of Mexico as virtual mafias. The government of former President Felipe Calderon started reporting drug-related killings when it took office in late 2006, but stopped more than a year ago when the toll reached 47,500. Many private groups now put the number close to 60,000. In July, the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations produced a damning 334-page report that told a similar story. In one email cited in the Senate committee’s report, an HSBC executive pushed to reopen a part of the bank’s business that had been closed to a Saudi Arabian bank with possible links to the Sept. 11 attacks.—AP

WASHINGTON: Unburdened by re-election worries and empowered by law to act without Congress, US President Barack Obama could take action to improve background checks on gun buyers, ban certain gun imports and bolster oversight of dealers. Prospects for gun control legislation intensified in the wake of the school massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, as more pro-gun rights lawmakers said on Monday they were open to the possibility while Obama and three cabinet members met at the White House to discuss the subject. Having just won a second four-year term, Obama does not need to fear alienating voters who favor gun rights and he could press ahead without lawmakers on fronts where federal law enables executive action.

Speaking in Newtown, where a gunman on Friday killed 20 children and six adults in an elementary school, Obama vowed late on Sunday to “use whatever power this office holds” to try to prevent such massacres. “Because what choice do we have? We can’t accept events like this as routine,” Obama said at Newtown High School. His administration has the power to issue executive orders or new rules, options that Obama is likely to consider in combination with possible new laws. The National Rifle Association, the largest US gun rights group with 4 million supporters, relies largely on its ability to influence lawmakers in order to block legislation.

Obama’s appointees at the US Justice Department have been studying ideas since the Jan 8, 2011, shooting of US Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona and 18 others at a public meeting. Giffords survived but six people died.

Christopher Schroeder, who ran the Justice Department’s review, said it looked at possible legislation to send to Congress as well as action the administration could take itself. “You always look at both, because if you can do it administratively it’s certainly a less involved process,” said Schroeder, who has since returned to a professorship at Duke Law School. Many of the ideas have to do with the background checks that licensed gun dealers run on potential buyers.

CRITICS CITE HOLES Critics say the system has holes because it does not include all the data it should on those ineligible to buy guns. The FBI, which runs the system, could incorporate more data from within the federal government - using evidence of mental incompetence, for example. There are privacy concerns, however, and the Justice Department is still studying which types of data it can legally use, Schroeder said. “That kind of system works effectively only if all of the potentially disqualifying information that has been gathered by any federal, state or local authority is accessible to the database, and that’s not the case today,” he said. It is not clear what changes to the background checks would have prevented the mass shooting in Newtown, because the killer appeared to have used weapons his mother bought legally.

Other proposals for executive action by Obama include sharing information with state and local law enforcement about possibly illegal purchases; maintaining data on gun sales for longer periods to help with investigations; and restricting the importation of certain military-style weapons, as President George HW Bush did in 1989. A pro-gun control mayors’ group co-chaired by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has pushed the Obama administration since 2009 to adopt 40 recommendations it said were allowed under existing law.

One of the 40 has been put into effect, said Mark Glaze, director of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and even that recommendation - requiring gun dealers to report sales of multiple semiautomatic weapons - drew heated resistance. In 2011, when the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) adopted a version of the recommendation aimed at dealers in states near the US-Mexico border, gun makers sued and congressional Republicans tried to eliminate funding for the rule. A judge upheld it, allowing it to go into effect. The case is now on appeal.

LOBBYING BLITZ Bloomberg’s group is still pushing the other recommendations as it makes plans for a lobbying blitz over new laws, such as a ban on high-capacity magazines. “While they are important, they’re not the big-ticket items. And we’re in a big-ticket world,” Glaze said. The administration also has leeway to act in how it defines certain categories of people prohibited from buying a gun. Federal law bars anyone “who has been adjudicated as a mental defective,” but it does not specify whether that means only a court can disqualify someone, said Michael Volkov, a former Republican Justice Department official now at the law firm LeClairRyan. Another option could be changing how long a firearms dealer must keep records of a sale - a period that is now three days but could be extended, Volkov said. Since the Justice Department began reviewing ideas to prevent mass shootings in early 2011, it has implemented a handful of changes. In May, the department unveiled an automated system to feed records of federal indictments into the background checks database, replacing a system in which prosecutors uploaded information manually. Schroeder said the department’s review of firearmsrelated ideas is ongoing. He described the process as informal, and not one that has produced a formal report. — Reuters

Shooter’s mother the missing link in tragedy NEW YORK: In a case full of perplexing questions, the mother of Connecticut shooter Adam Lanza is the mystery woman-but whatever secrets she had about her son were lost forever when he shot her in the head. Nancy Lanza has been something of a peripheral, and confusing, figure in the massive media coverage of the Newtown shootings. When the tragedy is discussed, whether by President Barack Obama or ordinary mourners, references are made nearly exclusively to the 20 children and six staff members shot dead at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. It’s almost as if Nancy Lanza didn’t exist. Yet she was the first to die that Friday, shot in the head by her 20-year-old son-with one of her own guns, and in her own house.

Amid the many rumors and unsubstantiated media reports about the horror, one picture painted of Nancy is of a somewhat kooky figure with a dou-

ble life, the typical suburban mom on one side, and a closet survivalist hoarding an arsenal of deadly weapons in her posh house on the other. But there are also signs she was a devoted mother who, like many Americans, happened to love firearms, and who was killed by the very young man she’d devoted her life to helping. What’s sure is that there is little sure about Nancy Lanza. In the first hours of the shooting, most of the world’s media reported wrongly that she was a teacher at the school. In fact, officials now say she had no connection with the school, nor did her son.

It’s known that she was divorced from an executive at GE Capital, that she lived in a detached house in a well-off neighborhood of Newtown, and that she owned at least the Bushmaster assault rifle and two semiautomatic handguns that Adam would ultimately turn on her-and then on the school. Why did

she have the weapons? Her former sister-in-law, Marsha Lanza, said in US television interviews that Nancy was a “prepper,” someone preparing to defend themselves from social unrest “down the line if the economy collapses.”

But other friends said Nancy was no wild-eyed gun nut, but a gentle and caring woman who happened to love shooting and-in supremely tragic irony-took her shy son Adam to learn on the range.

One friend, Russ Hanoman, insisted that “she used (the guns) very responsibly.” “She was a very responsible person, especially in terms of safety,” he told CNN. Sebastian Morrell, another friend of the deceased woman, described her “great moral compass.” What seems apparent is that Nancy Lanza cared for her son, whose profile appears to be one of the unusually clever, but socially awkward youngster whom no one ever really got to know before he snapped.—AFP

ILLINOIS: Cindy Sparr boxes up an AK-47 style rifle after selling it at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store in Tinley Park, Illinois. Americans purchased a record number of guns of guns this year. — AFP

Hawaii’s Inouye, senator and war hero, dies at 88 HONOLULU: On Dec 7, 1941, high school senior Daniel Inouye knew he and other Japanese-Americans would face trouble when he saw Japanese dive bombers, torpedo planes and fighters on their way to bomb Pearl Harbor and other Oahu military bases.

He and other Japanese-Americans had wanted desperately to be accepted, he said, and that meant going to war. “I felt that there was a need for us to demonstrate that we’re just as good as anybody else,” Inouye, who eventually went on to serve 50 years as a US senator from Hawaii, once said. “The price was bloody and expensive, but I felt we succeeded.”

Inouye, 88, died Monday of respiratory complications at a Washington-area hospital.

As a senator, he became one of the most influential politicians in the country, playing key roles in congressional investigations of the Watergate and Iran-Contra scandals. He was the longest serving current senator and by far the most important for his home state of Hawaii. “Tonight, our country has lost a true American hero with the passing of Sen. Daniel Inouye,” President Barack Obama said in a statement Monday. “It was his incredible bravery during World War II - including one heroic effort that cost him his arm but earned him the Medal of Honor - that made Danny not just a colleague and a mentor, but someone revered by all of us lucky enough to know him.”

Inouye turned toward life as a politician after his dreams of becoming a surgeon became impossible in World War II. He lost his right arm in a firefight with Germans in Italy in 1945. Inouye’s platoon came under fire and Inouye was shot in the stomach as he tried to draw a grenade. He didn’t stop, crawling up a hillside, taking out two machine gun emplacements and grabbing a grenade to throw at a third. That’s when an enemy rifle grenade exploded near his right elbow, shot by a German roughly 10 yards away.

He searched for the grenade, then found it clenched in his right hand, his arm shredded and dangling from his body. “The fingers somehow froze over the grenade, so I just had to pry it out,” Inouye said in recounting the moment in the 2004 book “Beyond Glory: Meal of Honor Heroes in Their Own Words” by Larry Smith. “When I pulled it out, the lever snapped open and I knew I had five seconds, so I flipped it into the German’s face as he was trying to reload,” he said. “And it hit the target.”

In 2000, when then-President Bill Clinton belatedly presented Inouye and 21 other Asian-American World War II veterans with the Medal of Honor, Clinton recounted that Inouye’s father believed their family owed an unrepayable debt to America. “If I may say so, sir, more than a half century later, America owes an unrepayable debt to you and your colleagues,” Clinton said. Inouye became a senator in January 1963. As president pro tempore of the Senate, he was third in the line of presidential succession. He broke racial barriers on Capitol Hill as the first Japanese American to serve in Congress.

Less than an hour after Inouye’s passing, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced Inouye’s death to a stunned chamber. “Our friend Daniel Inouye has died,” Reid said somberly. Shocked members of the Senate stood in the aisles or slumped in their chairs. He was elected to the House in 1959, the year Hawaii became a state. He won elec-

tion to the Senate three years later and served there longer than anyone in American history except Robert Byrd of West Virginia, who died in 2010 after 51 years in the Senate. Inouye died after a relatively brief hospitalization.

Once a regular smoker, he had a portion of a lung removed in the 1960s after a misdiagnosis for cancer. Just last week, he issued a statement expressing optimism about his recovery. Despite his age and illness, Inouye’s death shocked members of the Senate. “I’m too broken up,” said Sen Patrick Leahy, D-Vt, who becomes president pro tem of the Senate.

Leahy also is poised to take over the Senate Appropriations Committee, which Inouye helmed since 2009.

“He was the kind of man, in short, that America has always been grateful to have,

Sen Daniel Inouye especially in her darkest hours, men who lead by example and who expect nothing in return,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Hawaii Gov Neil Abercrombie will appoint a replacement, choosing from a list of three candidates selected by the state Democratic Party. “We’re preparing to say goodbye,” Abercrombie said.

“Everything else will take place in good time.”

Abercrombie met with the chairman of the state party on Monday afternoon, and the party leader said afterward that he hoped to have a replacement in office by the first day of the January session. Whomever Abercrombie appoints would serve until a special election in 2014.

Inouye was handily re-elected to a ninth term in 2010 with 75 percent of the vote. His last utterance, his office said, was “Aloha.”

Inouye spent most of his Senate career attending to Hawaii. At the height of his power, Inouye routinely secured tens of millions of dollars annually for the state’s roads, schools, national lands and military bases.

Although tremendously popular in his home state, Inouye actively avoided the national spotlight until he was thrust into it. He was the keynote speaker at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, and later reluctantly joined the Senate’s select committee on the Watergate scandal. The panel’s investigation led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.—AP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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

Catholic conference offers challenge and opportunity VATICAN: As a chunk of the Big East transforms itself into a mostly or even all-Catholic basketball league, the conference faces a choice: play up or play down its faith-based roots? With Catholic higher education already struggling to strike a balance between faith and financial security, either course carries both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, the seven schools that announced Saturday they’ll set off on their own - St John’s, Georgetown, Marquette, DePaul, Seton Hall, Providence and Villanova - have already made clear they’ll look to non-denominational institutions that otherwise fit their profile, such as Butler, to expand.

But even if they do so, the conference’s identity will likely lie with its core of Catholic-rooted schools. To be sure, going overboard with that identity could harm recruiting of non-Catholic students - both athletes and non-athletes - and limit expansion. But a moderate embrace could help institutions reconnect their sports programs to their missions, and reinvigorate their religious identities at a time when important groups on campus fear it’s slipping away.

Think of a non-secular Ivy League, but with much better basketball. It might take a leap of faith to

believe these days, but the NCAA’s musical chairs game of conference realignment isn’t always just about money. “Its’ not all about revenue,” said Warren Zola, an assistant dean at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management, who follows college sports business issues closely. “It’s partly about brand. I think the Catholic schools are looking at that and thinking, ‘What do we have in common with the existing Big East and the future Big East?’”

It’s not a coincidence that the seven schools that announced Saturday they’re separating from the Big East are all Catholic. They’re each part of a tradition that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries - church institutions that sprang up to serve urban immigrant communities. Neither their demographics nor tightly-packed city campuses lent themselves to football players and stadiums (Notre Dame, with space to grow in Indiana, proved the exception to the pattern). Basketball was a better fit for city schools, and each has done well with it.

The problem today is that college athletics revolves around big-time football dollars. That’s left behind the niche these Catholic schools inhabit - basketball powers where football is either second fiddle

(Georgetown, Villanova) or not played at all (the others). So they’re setting off on their own. “If it ends up as all Catholic schools, that’s the way we’re going to talk about them,” said Linda Bruno, a former associate commissioner of the Big East and former commissioner of the Atlantic 10 conference, who now leads the Division III Skyline conference. But while it will be up to the school presidents to decide whether to market the conference that way, she’s not sure that’s the best course.

“Why box yourself in?” she said. “They’re so much more than a Catholic basketball league. They’re going to be a national basketball league.” So far, that seems to be the marketing plan. “The criteria that we’ll set forth will be non-denominational,” Villanova athletic director Vince Nicastro said Sunday, adding the group will be looking for schools that are committed to toptier competition, are “attractive media entities,” and “care about the holistic development of their student athletes.” “When you start to populate that matrix, you’ll probably see some Catholic schools in there and see some schools that aren’t Catholic,” he said.

Still, it’s also worth noting that five of the seven institutions now leaving the Big East are led by priests

or members of religious orders. Seton Hall installed its first lay president in 2010, and it’s widely believed that many such schools will soon follow, given the dwindling pool of academics from the clergy or religious orders. That could encourage the current presidents to try to put a mission-related stamp on the conference, a way to distinguish the schools in this particular league. What kind of stamp? One model is the Ivy League, which prohibits athletic scholarships (but awards them for financial need), and schedules league basketball games only on weekends (the Ivy League also doesn’t allow football teams to play in the post-season).

The soon-to-be former Big East schools probably wouldn’t go that route. But they could impose their own mission-related choices like public service requirements and higher ethical standards - practices that could be cast in non-sectarian terms that the likes of Butler might embrace. And while Butler’s two recent runs to the national title game make it especially appealing, there’s no shortage of Catholic colleges with creditable basketball programs that might aspire to such company, and where the played-up Catholic identity would be part of the appeal. —AP

Serial killer inquiry finds ‘systemic bias’ by police Report finds ‘blatant police failures’

BLOEMFONTEIN: African National Congress (ANC) re-elected President Jacob Zuma (left) reacts with his deputy Cyril Ramaphosa, during their elective conference at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa yesterday. — AP

Zuma wins ANC leadership vote BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) re-elected President Jacob Zuma as its leader yesterday, setting him up for seven more years as head of state of Africa’s biggest economy. The 100-year-old liberation movement also chose respected businessman Cyril Ramaphosa as his deputy, seeking to repair the battered image of a Zuma government that has been hit by a string of corruption scandals and shaky handling of the economy. More than 4,000 ANC delegates crammed into a marquee in the central city of Bloemfontein erupted into wild cheers when Zuma was confirmed in the top party post after comfortably seeing off a challenge by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.

Given the ANC’s dominance at the ballot-box less than two decades after the end of apartheid, 70-year-old Zuma is virtually assured a second, five-year term as President of South Africa in 2014 elections. The rand briefly edged higher against the dollar after the announcement, reflecting relief among investors at the prospects of policies remaining largely unchanged under Zuma. After the vote, the beaming president, who secured 2,995 votes out of 3,977 cast, walked on stage to shake hands with fellow ANC ‘comrades’ - a label reflecting the ANC’s roots in the communist-backed struggle against decades of white-minority rule.

Zuma, a polygamous Zulu traditionalist, came to power in 2009 amid the first recession in 18 years and has had a chequered economic record, culminating in violent labor unrest in the mines this year that triggered two ratings downgrades.

He has also been dogged by personal scandals, including fathering a child by the daughter of a close friend, but his popularity within Nelson Mandela’s ANC is overwhelming. “I don’t care what people say about Jacob Zuma,” said Sinovuyo Kley, an ANC delegate from the impoverished Eastern Cape.

“When you hear him sing, you know he is one with the people. He speaks our language and knows our struggles.”

RAMAPHOSA’S RENAISSANCE Since Zuma’s re-election had looked likely for much of the year, the main talking point of the five-day Bloemfontein conference was the political renaissance of Ramaphosa after a decade-long absence to focus on his business interests.

Attention was also diverted by the arrest of four alleged white extremists for plotting to bomb the meeting and execute Zuma and top ministers as part of a plan to carve an independent Afrikaner state out of Mandela’s “Rainbow Nation”.

Having risen to prominence as a charismatic union leader in the 1980s, Ramaphosa became the ANC’s main negotiator in the talks that led to historic all-race elections in 1994 and Mandela’s appointment as South Africa’s first black president.

He was also tipped as a possible successor to the revered Mandela - now 94 and recovering in hospital from a lung infection - but gradually removed himself from politics when the job went to ANC stalwart Thabo Mbeki in 1999. Analysts said Ramaphosa’s inclusion in Zuma’s inner circle should help the government push through plans to lift South Africa’s long-term economic growth and stop its competitive slide against fastgrowing economies in Asia and South America. — Reuters

VANCOUVER: Police made critical errors in pursuing Canadian serial killer Robert Pickton partly because of “systemic bias” against his victims, sex trade workers from a rough Vancouver neighborhood, according to the final report from a public inquiry released on Monday. Commissioner Wally Oppal was asked by the British Columbia government to investigate, in effect, why Pickton was not caught sooner.

Women disappeared from the Downtown Eastside neighborhood for more than a decade before the pig farmer’s 2002 arrest.

“The investigations of missing and murdered women were characterized by blatant police failures, and by public indifference,” Oppal said at a press conference in Vancouver that was frequently interrupted by protesters. Pickton was convicted of six murders, but prosecutors believe he killed many more - 20 other charges were stayed after he received the maximum possible sentence.

Oppal outlined a string of police errors, from failing to take proper reports when women went missing and communicate adequately with families, to ineffective coordination across jurisdictions. He called his more than 1,200-page report, which is based on eight months of hearings, “Forsaken”. “After reviewing the evidence of the investigations, I have come to the conclusion that there was systemic bias by the police,” he said. Oppal recommended that the provincial government establish a compensation fund for the children of the victims and consider creating a regional police force for Vancouver, instead of the patchwork of jurisdictions currently in place.

After Oppal’s announcement, BC Minister of Justice Shirley Bond wiped away tears as she spoke to victims’ families. “I want

Four white South Africans charged with bomb plot BLOEMFONTEIN: Four white South Africans were charged with treason yesterday for plotting to bomb a conference of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and kill President Jacob Zuma “execution style”.

Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams said the men had planned to attack an ANC meeting, currently under way in the city of Bloemfontein, as a step towards carving an independent Boer republic out of Nelson Mandela’s post-apartheid “Rainbow Nation”. The four, named as Mark Trollip, John Martin Keevy, Johan Prinsloo and Hein Boonzaaier, were brought into court surrounded by police and security guards armed with assault rifles.

Their lawyers did not enter a plea, and the men, aged between 40 and 50 and dressed in shirts and jeans, remained silent and impassive throughout the 20-minute hearing. The vast majority of whites accepted the ANC victory in the 1994 election that brought Mandela to power and ended decades of white-minority rule. However, a tiny minority continues to oppose the historic political settlement. The attack plan, which the plotters code-named “The Slaughter of Mangaung” - ‘cheetah’ in the local Sesotho language included a mortar bomb attack on marquees housing ANC delegates.

That was to be followed by a ground assault targeting Zuma and cabinet ministers as they had dinner, Abrahams told the court. Zuma and others were to be shot “in execution style”, he said. The intention of the group, which had been trying to buy AK-47 assault rifles, was “directly aimed at eliminating the leadership of this country,” Abrahams said. The plan was about a year in the making, he added, and was timed to coincide with the Dec 16 anniversary of the 1838 Battle of Blood River, in which fewer than 500 Afrikaners defeated more than 10,000 Zulus. The battle, in which 3,000 Zulus are said to have died against three wounded Afrikaners, has been mythologized in the history of the Afrikaners, the white minority descended from South Africa’s earliest Dutch-speaking settlers. —Reuters

Trouble flares; Northern Ireland flag row renews BELFAST: Violent protests flared in Northern Ireland on Monday night as loyalists renewed their anger against restrictions on flying Britain’s union flag from Belfast City Hall. Loyalist riots had largely eased off since a decision 15 days ago by nationalist city councilors to end the centuryold tradition of flying Britain’s union flag from City Hall every day. In one incident, five men covering their faces in scarves and wrapped in Union Jack flags broke into a local council meeting in Carrickfergus, about 11 miles outside Belfast city centre.

The men, armed with implements including a rolled-up umbrella, banged on desks and shouted sectarian abuse at councilors, Noel Williams, a councilor at the meeting said. An unnamed Alliance Party councilor was singled out by the men and subjected to threatening language, while a crowd of about 20 loyalist supporters waited outside the building,

Williams said. Police dispersed the crowd and people were able to leave the building. No one was injured and it is unclear if any arrests were made.

Some loyalist protesters have targeted members of the non-sectarian centrist Alliance Party for supporting a nationalist vote to remove the flag. The decision means the flag will be flown only 17 days during the year, as is the case at the provincial assembly at Stormont in the British-controlled province. A police officer was injured during a riot in Sandy Row, near Belfast city centre, when protesters hurled paint bombs, fireworks and missiles at police. Trouble also broke out in other towns in the province. 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

you to know that, however inadequate these words sound, we are sorry for your loss,” she said. “We will work hard to prevent these circumstances from being repeated in our province.” She announced the appointment of a former lieutenant governor, Steven Point, to serve as the report’s “champion”, guiding implementation. Bond said the government would immediately give new funding to WISH, a drop-in center for women who work in the Downtown Eastside’s sex trade.

POLICE RESPOND The Vancouver Police Department said in a short statement that it is committed to learning from its mistakes and will study the report. “We know that nothing can ever truly heal the wounds of grief and loss but if we can, we want to assure the families that the Vancouver Police Department deeply regrets anything we did that may have delayed the eventual solving of these murders,” it said.

Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, who commands the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in British Columbia, said in a statement that his force will review the report. Oppal said many individual police officers were diligent, and he commended several by name. But he said that as a system, the authorities failed because of bias against Pickton’s victims, many of whom were poor and addicted to drugs. “Would the reaction of the police and

the public have been any different if the missing women had come from Vancouver’s (more affluent) west side? The answer is obvious,” he said.

Aboriginal women were overrepresented among the victims, and Oppal repeatedly referred to the broader “marginalization” of aboriginal people in Canada. “There has to be community responsibility for what has taken place,” he said, highlighting poverty and the conditions on the Downtown Eastside. “The social reality is that racism and gender bias are prevalent within Canadian society, and we must do something to eradicate those.” Victims’ families and activists were on hand for Oppal’s press conference, and he stopped speaking several times as audience members shouted criticism, chanted and played drums.

The provincial government did not offer funding to a number of community organizations that said they needed support to participate in the lengthy and complex inquiry. In protest, other groups boycotted the process. In November, several organizations, including the BC Civil Liberties Association, released their own report, criticizing the inquiry for, among other things, excluding too many aboriginal women, sex trade workers and drug users. Bond, the justice minister, said she did not regret the decision not to fund those groups, but said she saw them participating in the future. “I think going forward this is room for us to include other voices.” — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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

Police demand death penalty for Delhi bus rapists NEW DELHI: New Delhi’s police chief yesterday demanded the death penalty for rapists amid growing outrage over the gangrape of a 23-year-old student on a school bus in the city. The physiotherapy student and her male companion were brutally beaten and thrown off the vehicle after the attack, which has provoked street protests and widespread anger over the treatment of women in India. “We will seek the most severe punishment of life imprisonment for the culprits and we will send a proposal to the government for the death sentence for rapists,” New Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar told reporters.

Rape currently carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, while the death penalty is restricted to rare cases of murder and “waging war against the country”. Four of the six alleged attackers, including the bus driver, have been arrested and a hunt has been launched for two other suspects involved in the Sunday evening assault. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit yesterday vowed to “act tough” to crack down on rape and said the suspects must face a fast-track trial. Kumar said the suspects took the off-duty school bus for a “joy-ride” and offered to take the student and her companion, who had just watched a movie, home for a regular fare.

“They began molesting the girl and her companion bravely fought back trying to save her but these men attacked him with an iron rod,” he said. “The victim was dragged to the rear of the bus and brutally beaten and raped.” The female victim was in intensive care while her companion, a 28-year-old software engineer, was also being treated in hospital for multiple injuries. Protesters blocked traffic at the intersection in the south of the city where the couple boarded the bus, while others demonstrated outside a nearby police station. “No more rapes or harassment,” shouted protesters.

Molestation of women is a serious problem in many Indian cities, with rights campaigners complaining that the commonly-used term “eve-teasing” is a dangerous euphemism that hides a culture of abusive sexual behavior. The case triggered an emergency debate in parliament and made the front-pages of all newspapers, with the Mail Today headline reading “Savagery shames city”. Some lawmakers including Sushma Swaraj, leader of the main opposition BJP party, also called for rapists to be hanged. Rape cases in India more than doubled between 1990 and 2008, according to official data. — AFP

NEW DELHI: National Federation of Indian Women activists shout slogans during a protest following the gang-rape of a student in New Delhi yesterday. — AFP

Afghanistan’s army beset by desertions NATO pullout looms

SEOUL: South Korea’s presidential candidate Park Geun-Hye of the ruling New Frontier Party speaks during a press conference at her office yesterday on the eve of the vote. — AFP

Ghosts of presidents past haunt South Korean vote SEOUL: South Koreans choose a new leader today in an election shadowed by the ghosts of two dead presidents-the assassinated dictator Park Chung-Hee and the left-wing Roh Moo-Hyun, who took his own life. The ballot is a face-off between Park’s daughter, Park Geun-Hye of the ruling conservative party, and Roh’s former chief of staff and close friend Moon Jae-In of the liberal opposition party.

The spectral presence of the two former presidents-and the powerful emotions they still provoke-means that the election will, in part, amount to a vote on the legacy of both men.

Park Chung-Hee is probably the most polarizing figure in South Korea’s historyeither admired for leading the country out of poverty or reviled for the iron-fisted way he did so during 18 years of tough military rule.

He was shot dead by his spy chief in 1979.

Roh, a former human rights lawyer, promised a new start when he came to power in 2003 but his administration ended chaotically five years later-his party racked by scandal and infighting and his economic reforms shelved.

Fifteen months after leaving office, Roh committed suicide as a corruption investigation closed in on his family. Moon and Park have fought the campaign over key issues such as economic reform, social welfare and job security. But in the public perception, they are both seen through the prism of their links to the former leaders. “Park is the daughter of the symbol of Korean conservatism, while Moon is really the political alter ego of the symbol of Korean progressivism,” said Hahm Chai-Bong, president of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

The last opinion polls allowed before polling day suggested that the race for the presidential Blue House could be extremely close, with Moon having eroded the small but clear lead enjoyed by Park for most of

the campaign. Park has pushed herself as the leader capable of reviving a slowing economy, while Moon has vowed to tackle concerns over the country’s growing wealth gap.

With the liberal camp squarely behind Moon and the conservatives united in supporting Park, the winner will be the candidate who can win over the undecideds-many of them in their 40s-who are concerned about both social equality and economic growth.

In order to woo that demographic, the two candidates have moved slightly to the centre and, in so doing, sought to place some distance between themselves and their ghostly shadows. In Moon’s case, this meant publicly acknowledging the failings of the Roh administration and, in particular, its mishandling of the economy. Park’s effort was far more dramatic. In a strongly Confucian society that emphasizes filial respect, she publicly acknowledged the excesses of her father’s regime and apologized to families of its victims. “Essentially what we saw was the daughter and figurative son of these leaders forced to recant for some of the wrongdoings of their biological and political parents,” Hahm said.

Moon and Roh had shared a law practice together before the latter became president, and had focused on defending the rights of pro-democracy activists protesting against Park’s military rule. Moon himself was briefly jailed and used that experience to attack Park right from the outset of his campaign.

“While I was suffering from poverty, she was living like a princess in the Blue House,” he told reporters back in June. “She was at the centre of dictatorship when I fought against dictatorship.” Park left the presidential palace after her father was assassinated and began her political career in 1998 as a lawmaker in her home town. — AFP

Indonesia blames pilot error for deadly crash JAKARTA: Indonesian investigators blamed pilot error yesterday for the deadly May crash of a Sukhoi jet, post-Soviet Russia’s first passenger plane, which descended dangerously low and slammed into a volcano. The flight, with a veteran pilot at the controls, was planned as a 40-minute joy ride to showcase the new Russian plane to prospective buyers in Indonesia, where the aviation industry is booming. Instead, the twin-engine Sukhoi Superjet 100 slammed into the 7,200-foot dormant Mount Salak volcano, killing all 45 on board in a blow to Russia’s bid to improve the image of its aviation industry.

However, the National Transport Safety Committee (KNKT ) absolved Sukhoi of responsibility for the crash, ruling out technical failures in its report. The safety board found that the aircraft’s terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS) had sent multiple alerts to the pilot, who switched off the device before the crash. “The TAWS had sent a ‘terrain ahead’ warning before the crash, followed by six ‘avoid terrain’ warnings. The pilot in command switched the TAWS off as he assumed there was a database problem,” KNKT chief Tatang Kurniadi said.

“The crash could have been avoided if a recovery action was carried out within 24 seconds from the first warning,” he told reporters.

Photos of an earlier demonstration flight on the same day as the May 9 accident showed relaxed passengers smiling on board, being

treated to champagne, as well as cheerful Russian and Indonesian crew members posing outside the jet. Questions immediately swirled over the how the crash could have occurred with veteran Russian pilot Alexander Yablontsev at the controls.

The voice data recorder revealed that a potential buyer had been in the cockpit for 38 minutes to discuss the jet’s fuel usage, causing a “diversion of attention” during which the plane flew off course. A KNKT statement said that all the warning systems were working well, and that a “Landing Gear Not Down” alert was sent out seven seconds before the crash, indicating it was less than 800 feet from the ground without its wheels lowered.

Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Mikhail Yurievich Galuzin welcomed the findings and said Russia had cooperated in the “objective and balanced” investigation.

Indonesia last month deemed the Superjet 100 technically fit for its skies, and the jet has already been certified as airworthy in Europe. The safety board’s findings clear the way for the company to begin delivery of 42 aircraft to two local carriers, Kartika Airlines and Sky Aviation, with each jet priced at around $30 million. The findings also clear an Indonesian air traffic controller who allowed the pilot to descend to 6,000 feet before the crash, which some aviation observers had said was dangerously low for the mountainous area.—AFP

JALALABAD: Far from home, poorly paid and discriminated against, Mushtaq and Sefadullah are among thousands of Afghans who are deserting the army in a worrying trend two years before NATO troops leave. It is not that they have joined the Taleban. Like many, they simply got fed up with life in the army, fighting a war. So they went back to the eastern city of Jalalabad, where they both have blossomed in new jobs.

Mushtaq, which is a fake name, says he served in the relatively peaceful western province of Herat but was discriminated against for coming from the same ethnic group as the majority of the Taleban. A Pashtun from Tora Bora-where Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden hid after the 2001 invasion of AfghanistanMushtaq said his officers treated him like a Talib.

“Our commander was Tajik. All the Pashtuns were always blamed. So I left,” the 23-year-old told AFP. Today he works at an English language and information centre.

“At that time, I had a good salary - 11,000 Afghanis ($220). Now I get only 4,000 but I’m happy. I’m free and I learn English.” General Olivier de Bavinchove, number three commander in the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), says around 50,000 soldiers, or around 26 percent, of the 190,000-strong Afghan army desert the force each year.

General Zahir Azimi, spokesman for the Afghan defense ministry, says the desertion rate is significantly lower but still 10 to 15 percent. In the United States, the desertion rate is 0.3 percent.

“This is a normal percentage in a warring situation in Afghanistan. In other countries they are not in war so they don’t have a high rate,” Azimi said. “The desertion is seasonal. Some seasons and months are vacation seasons in which we have desertion, some months we don’t have any.” Desertion is also a problem in the police, if at the lower level of around eight percent a year, according to ISAF. Bavinchove says there is so far little evidence that the soldiers are deserting the army to join the Taleban, but believes the trend poses a major risk to a military and a state dependent on Western aid to stay afloat. “For the moment, we haven’t seen these boys who leave the army early join the ranks of the insurgency.... It does happen and it can still occur, but it is altogether marginal,” said Bavinchove.

“On the other hand, this haemorrhage is a mortal risk for a country and an institution which will encounter considerable financial difficulties,” he added, saying that desertions cost $850 million of the $4.1 billion stumped up by the international community each year to finance the army. Waheed Mujda, a political analyst and former member of the 1996-2001 Taleban regime, agrees that most of those who desert go back home to their villages.

Sefadullah, 24, says he was fed up with being far from his wife and three children, one of whom has since died. He is now a driver and says he has no regrets. “So I ran away. I got my salary, and I went back to Jalalabad,” he said. “In my group we were supposed to be 75 people but only 13 were actually present.... They would only come to get their salary and then they would go back home.”

Neither of the former soldiers fears a court martial. “Lots of other soldiers deserted before me, the army doesn’t look for them,” says Mushtaq, who nevertheless refuses to give his real name. The Afghan security forces, which did not exist until the Taleban fell in 2001, have been built up quickly and still lack professionalism. According to a recent Pentagon report, Afghans have “begun to assume the lead for security” in areas home to roughly 76 percent of the population. Between March and September, the United States decreased its military forces in Afghanistan by 25 percent. There are now about 68,000 US troops in the country.

Bavinchove says the Afghan army has to shake off a “culture of seasonal fighting”, which Azimi attributes mostly to soldiers leaving temporarily to visit their families during harvest. He says that better rotation of units and loyalty bonuses could be introduced to help stem the flow of desertions before the army goes it alone in 2014. Looking ahead, with presidential elections due in 2014 and the perennial fear of ethnic unrest, the general concedes that it would be a mistake to have too many trained fighters standing idle. “There is a risk. If this country enters a new period of instability then this large number of idle fighters, still young and easily influenced, will take the opportunity to engage in chaos,” Bavinchove said. — AFP

JALALABAD: Taleban fighters stand handcuffed near their seized weapons as they are displayed to media representatives at the governor’s house in Jalalabad yesterday. Nineteen Taleban insurgents were arrested by Afghan joint forces during an operation in Bati kot District of Nangarhar province. — AFP

Chinese ‘little Hu’ promoted BEIJING: A senior politician tipped as a future candidate for one of China’s highest leadership posts has been named as the top official in the country’s most populous province, state media said yesterday. Hu Chunhua, 49, has been appointed as Communist Party secretary for the manufacturing hub of Guangdong province, the state-run news agency Xinhua reported, in a move which amounts to a step up. He was one of the youngest politicians promoted to the party’s 25-member Politburo after its congress last month, placing him at the forefront of leaders slated to rule China following the next power transition in 2022, analysts said.

Hu is already one of the most prominent politicians of his generation and is seen as a protege of current outgoing Chinese president Hu Jintao, earning the nickname “little Hu”. Analysts say the alliance boosts his chances of promotion to the very top echelons of power, given the factional nature of Chinese

politics, where progress depends on receiving support from senior backers while not alienating rival camps. Hu was a senior party official in Tibet in the 1980s, where he oversaw a crackdown on antiBeijing protesters. But in his last post as party chief of the northeastern Inner Mongolia region he was seen as taking a more conciliatory line towards protests by ethnic Mongolians in 2010.

Hu replaces Wang Yang, also a member of the Politburo, who is seen as a reformist after he urged a less authoritarian response to popular protest, and greater freedoms for non-government organizations.

Guangdong is the core of China’s manufacturing-oriented economy, and workers have flocked to the province from across the country, pushing its population over 104 million. Top communist officials are typically swapped between different provinces to test their policy and crisis handling skills before they are promoted to the core of China’s leadership.— AFP

Kabul sets ambitious ‘roadmap for peace’ KABUL: Kabul has laid out an ambitious and contentious five-step plan that could bring hardline Taleban Islamists into government as efforts to broker peace accelerate ahead of the withdrawal of Western troops. The Taleban regime was ousted by a US-led invasion in 2001 and there are concerns that their return to any sort of power could see an erosion of gains in democracy and human rights, particularly the rights of women. But with the United States and NATO due to withdraw their combat troops in 2014, there are also concerns that a multi-sided civil war could erupt, and the search for peace has taken on a new urgency.

A flurry of diplomatic activity recently has seen meetings between the Afghan and Pakistani governments in Islamabad and Turkey, while the Taleban is participating in a conference in France this week with government officials and other opposition groups. Kabul’s “Peace Process Roadmap”, obtained by AFP this week, outlines a vision in which by 2015, “Taleban, Hizb-e-Islami and other armed groups will have given up armed opposition”. They will have “transformed from military entities into political groups, and are actively participating in the country’s political and constitutional process, including national elections”.

Analysts say the roadmap paints an unlikely scenario of steady progress towards peace by 2015. “This roadmap is too idealistic, we are still in the very first steps of a peace process,” said Abdul Waheed Wafa, executive director of the Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University. “The Taleban simply don’t want to talk to the government, because they think the government is not

in a position to give them what they want.

They’ve always asked for direct talks with other stakeholders such (as) the US.” But there are already signs of some movement on the steps outlined in the four-page roadmap produced in November in the name of the Afghan government’s High peace Council.

The first step calls for a focus on “securing the collaboration of Pakistan” in the peace process.

This includes Islamabad releasing specific Taleban detainees held in its prisons in the hope that this could help bring the militants to the negotiating table. In a sign that the fractious neighbors could be starting to work more closely together, Pakistan freed a first batch of nine prisoners last month, although they did not include the top Taleban figures Kabul wants released. The Taleban, however, has publicly refused to talk directly with the Kabul government of President Hamid Karzai, dismissing him as a puppet of the Americans.

The US itself began exploratory contacts with the Taleban in Qatar this year, but the Islamists broke them off a few months later. The second step in Kabul’s roadmap calls for initial moves towards formal direct negotiations with the Taleban in Saudi Arabia in the first half of next year, with the backing of the US and Pakistan. To facilitate this, the plan calls for the US and the United Nations to support the dropping of sanctions against specific Taleban and other armed opposition leaders. On Monday, the UN Security Council renewed its sanctions regime against the Afghan Taleban, but adapted it to help those on the blacklist travel outside of Afghanistan for peace talks.—AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

NEWS Russia sends warships to...

Continued from Page 1 It was not possible to independently verify the Interfax report, which came a day after Russia confirmed that two citizens working in the Latakia province were kidnapped along with an Italian citizen. About 5,3000 Russian citizens are registered with consular authorities in Syria.

In Damascus, activists reported overnight explosions and early morning sniper fire around the Palestinian refugee camp of Yarmouk. The Yarmouk and Palestine refugee “camps” are actually densely populated urban districts home to thousands of impoverished Palestinian refugees and Syrians. “The rebels control the camp but army forces are gathering in the Palestine camp and snipers can fire in on the southern parts of Yarmouk,” rebel spokesman Abu Nidal said by Skype. “Strategically, this site is very important because it is one of the best doors into central Damascus.

The regime normally does not fight to regain areas captured any more because its forces have been drained.

But I think they could see Yarmouk as a red line and fight back fiercely.”

Syria hosts half a million Palestinian refugees, most living in Yarmouk, descendants of those admitted after the creation of Israel in 1948. Damascus has always cast itself as a champion of the Palestinian struggle, sponsoring several guerrilla factions. The battle in Yarmouk was one of a series of conflicts on the southern edges of Damascus, as the rebels try to seal off the capital in their campaign to end 42 years of rule over the major Arab state by the

Assad family.

Both Assad’s government and the rebels have enlisted and armed divided Palestinian factions. Streams of refugees have fled Yarmouk. Many have headed to central Damascus while hundreds more have crossed into Lebanon. “We walked out on foot without our belongings until we reached central Damascus. We got in a taxi and drove straight for the border,” said 75-year-old Abu Ali, speaking at the Lebanon’s Masnaa border crossing. Abu Ali said around 70 percent of Yarmouk residents had fled and many had slept rough on the streets of Damascus.

Fighting raged across Syria yesterday, with fighter jets and ground rockets bombarding rebel-controlled eastern suburbs of the capital and army forces shelling a town in Hama province after clashes reignited there over the weekend. The Syrian government severely restricts media access into the country, making it difficult to report events on the ground.

An news team for the American NBC network who were kidnapped after entering Syria through the rebel-held northern border returned to Turkey yesterday after being freed in a gunfight. NBC chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel, who along with production crew members Ghazi Balkiz and John Kooistra disappeared after crossing into northwestern Syria from Turkey on Thursday, said their kidnappers were members of a militia loyal to Assad. Their ordeal ended when their captors, who frequently moved them bound and blindfolded between safe houses, on Monday night unexpectedly drove

into checkpoint set up by an Islamist rebel group. Two of their kidnappers were killed in the ensuing firefight, and the three spent the night with the Islamist rebels, Engel told the network.

The three were kidnapped when they were driving with anti-Assad rebels in a rebel-controlled area, Engel, an American, told NBC’s “ Today ” program from Antakya, Turkey. A group of about 15 heavily armed men wearing ski masks “jumped out of the trees and bushes on the side of the road,” seized the three and put them in a container truck, Engel said. The gunmen “executed” one of the rebels escorting the news team, Engel said. “Then they took us to a series of safe houses and interrogation places, and they kept us blindfolded, bound,” he said.

NBC identified the rebels at the checkpoint as members of the Ahrar al-Sham brigade, a Syrian rebel group. The network said it had not been able to contact them until they were freed. NBC had attempted to keep the crew’s disappearance secret but several media outlets ignored the requested blackout. There was no claim of responsibility and no request for ransom, NBC said, but Engel said of the captors: “This was a group known as the shabbiha. This is a government militia. These are people who are loyal to President Bashar Assad.” The kidnappers spoke openly about their loyalty to the government and their faith, he said, and were planning to exchange him and his team for four Iranian agents and two shabbiha members held by Syrian rebels. — Agencies

MPs submit more populist...

Continued from Page 1 such bills are expected to be submitted in the coming few days and the bills are expected to be taken up for debate in the Assembly in the coming few weeks.

The National Assembly bureau yesterday marked the start of its business by taking a decision to send Assembly reporters back up to the public gallery instead of sitting in the chamber floor to cover proceedings.

Since the start of the Assembly, journalists had always followed sessions from the ground floor where the lawmakers sit until about a year ago when former speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi moved them upstairs amid complaints from the reporters.

But when the opposition won the February election and Ahmad Al-Saadoun was elected speaker, he brought the journalists back to their original place. Observer of the Assembly Safa Al-Hashem said the decision to send the journalists to the upper floor “brings back authority

to the Assembly and will not affect the reporters’ work”.

The legal and legislative committee meanwhile yesterday approved two decrees issued by the Amir when the Assembly had been dissolved. The first decree, called national unity decree, imposes harsh penalties including jail and hefty fines for those who spread hatred in the society. The second is a decree to establish a national authority for combating corruption. The panel has to study a large number of decrees issued in the past two months.

Meanwhile, the criminal court yesterday postponed until Jan 15 the trial of three former opposition MPs accused of undermining the authority of HH the Amir and criticizing him at a public rally on Oct 10.

The three, Falah Al-Sawwagh, Khaled Al-Tahous and Bader Al-Dahoum, were detained for five days and then freed on KD 5,000 bail each. In yesterday’s hearing, three of the defendants’ colleagues testified in the court over the case.

A paraglider flies over the Qatari capital Doha as it takes part in the military parade marking the Gulf emirate’s National Day celebrations yesterday. — AFP

Iraqi president suffers ‘stroke’ Continued from Page 1

State television reported that Talabani had suffered a stroke. Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told AFP that Talabani was in intensive care, but was in stable condition. Talabani has struggled with a series of health problems in recent years. He underwent successful heart surgery in the United States in Aug 2008. The previous year, he was evacuated to neighbouring Jordan for treatment for dehydration and exhaustion. Talabani has also travelled to the United States and to Europe for treatment for a variety of ailments.

Over the past year, he has repeatedly sought to convene a national conference aimed at bridging sharp political differences in the country, and has worked to reduce

tensions among Iraqi leaders. And since becoming president in 2005, he has won praise for attempting to bridge divisions between Sunni and Shiite, and Arab and Kurdish factions. A married father of two, he has dominated Iraqi Kurdish political life for more than four decades, along with his long-time rival, Kurdistan regional president Massoud Barzani, and his family.

In his native Sulaimaniyah province, Talabani is known simply as Mam (Uncle) Jalal, although his once-ubiquitous political support has dropped off considerably as his Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has been accused of corruption and stagnation. Born in 1933 in the village of Kalkan in the mountains, as a young man he was quickly seduced by the Kurdish struggle for a homeland to unite a people scattered across Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria. — AFP

Queen attends first cabinet...

Continued from Page 1 across the road to the Foreign Office to receive her second jubilee present from the government: the renaming of an area of British Antarctic Territory in her honour. Queen Elizabeth Land, as it will now be known on all British maps, is around 437,000 sq km in size, making up just under a third of the territory. “This is a fitting tribute at the end of Her Majesty’s diamond jubilee year,” said Hague. “To be able to recognise the UK’s commitment to Antarctica with a permanent association with Her Majesty is a great honour.”

Historically, British monarchs used to chair cabinet meetings, but while Queen Elizabeth remains head of state her role is largely formal and the monarchy has to remain strictly neutral in political affairs. Queen Elizabeth has been to Downing Street on numerous occasions during her reign, most recently in July for a diamond jubilee lunch hosted by Cameron and attended by former prime ministers Gordon Brown, Tony Blair and John Major. Twelve British premiers, the first being Winston Churchill, have served during her 60-year reign but she has never attended a cabinet meeting, where secretaries of state discuss the big

issues of the day.

The queen arrived in a limousine with police motorcycle outriders and inside, ministers lined up to shake her hand, with the men bowing their heads and ladies curtseying as a mark of respect. At the start of the meeting Cameron said that her father king George VI had met the cabinet during World War II, but added: “We think the last time a monarch came to the cabinet was in 1781, during the American War of Independence.” The prime minister remarked that Anglo-American relations had improved since then, Downing Street said.

Cameron then said they would “crack on with a proper cabinet agenda which starts with the parliamentary business”, including a briefing from finance minister George Osborne on Britain’s struggling economy. In a rare step for British politics, the first few minutes of the meeting were televised and showed the queen sitting in silence while the prime minister and Chief Whip George Young spoke. The queen’s political involvement extends to giving a weekly audience to the prime minister at which she has a right and a duty to express her views on government matters. No-one else is present, no notes are taken and the content is never discussed. — AFP

14

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Issues

Abe’s return heartens US

By Shaun Tandon he return of conservative leader Shinzo Abe in Japan has raised hopes in Washington for closer security ties, although US officials hope he keeps a lid on his more strident views. Abe is a champion of revising the post-World War II pacifist constitution and may take shorter-term steps such as boosting defense spending and allowing greater military cooperation with the United States, Japan’s treaty-bound ally. His Liberal Democratic Party, which ruled almost continuously from 1955 until 2009, roared back Sunday with a crushing victory over the Democratic Party of Japan, which Abe accused of harming relations with the United States. Abe is due to take over as prime minister on Dec 26.

President Barack Obama’s relations with DPJ-led Japanese governments have substantially improved after early friction. But Abe is seen as more supportive of US force deployments and has vowed no compromise with China in a worsening row over disputed islands. Michael Green, the senior vice president for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said that Abe’s victory was a “net positive” for the United States and could in fact stabilize JapanChina ties. “The view in Beijing is that their pressure tactics are working on Japan and I think it’s important to disabuse them of that,” Green said.

But Green, who served as the top Asia adviser to former president George W Bush, feared that a new team in the second Obama administration could follow a “simplistic media picture” of a more hawkish Japan and potentially isolate Abe. “If the administration decides it has to somehow counter Japan’s shift to the right by brokering between Japan and China, it would not go well either in relations with Japan or China,” he said. But Green said that US priorities in Asia - particularly the relationship between allies Japan and South Korea - could face setbacks if Abe pursues a hard line over emotive history issues.

Abe, whose grandfather was arrested but not indicted as a World War II war criminal, has called in the past for rescinding Japan’s apology to wartime sex slaves, k nown euphemistically as “comfor t women”. But Abe, during his previous 2006-2007 premiership, worked to repair ties with China and South Korea and avoided politically charged visits to the Yasukuni shrine, which honors 2.5 million Japanese war dead including war criminals. “There is a concern for US policymakers that his revisionist inclinations will spark new tensions in the region, but his statements of late have at least tried to temper those anxieties,” said Weston Konishi, director of Asia-Pacific studies at the Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis. “I think the hope is that he’ll take a very responsible approach,” he said.

Abe will likely face domestic pressure not to antagonize neighbors. Japanese business leaders have been alarmed by tensions and Abe governs in a coalition with New Komeito, a Buddhist party with pacifist views. Konishi said there were “probably some circles in town that welcome” the return of familiar faces in the Liberal Democratic Party, but added that the Obama administration had developed a strong relationship with the Democrats. Obama and Abe spoke on Monday, reaffirming “the importance of the US-Japan alliance as the cornerstone of peace and security in the region,” the White House said.

James Schoff, a former Pentagon official who is a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Abe’s effort on defense could be “a net benefit for everyone” if Japan complements the United States. “But if the focus is more toward building up offensive capabilities vis-a-vis China, that’s going to create probably more problems than it’s worth from a US perspective,” he said.

Yukio Hatoyama, the first prime minister following the DPJ’s landmark 2009 win, resigned after clashing with the United States over the status of a controversial military base in Okinawa. Relations improved after the round-the-clock US response to last year’s tsunami and the Obama administration enjoyed strong ties with outgoing prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, who supported joining talks on a US-backed trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Liberal Democrats have been divided on the emerging deal. The party relies on support from farmers, many of whom adamantly oppose foreign competition. —AFP

T

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US policy gridlock not holding back economy

By Jason Lange and Jonathan Spicer ashington thinks a resolution of the tense debate over the national debt will unlock a burst of economic growth by lifting uncertainty that has stymied investment. It is a widely held view on Wall Street as well, derived from the glaring signs of weak business confidence over the last year as America struggles to get its fiscal house in order. However, evidence for this belief is far from clear and is an issue of considerable debate, and even some businesses wonder how big a factor uncertainty is. In Lexington, Kentucky, new sales are slipping at Gray Construction, a family-owned builder of factories and distribution centers.

Clients say they are holding back because America could fall into recession if Congress and the White House don’t strike a deal soon to avoid a “fiscal cliff” of some $600 billion in tax increases and government spending cuts due to begin in January. “They’re saying: ‘Let’s wait. Let’s see what happens,’” Chief Executive Stephen Gray said.

And yet, the company, which also does design and engineering work, still has a record backlog of work and has hired about 30 people in the last six months. The company’s CEO has seen little dips in the sales pipeline before and said it’s hard to know how different business would be if Washington’s politicians inspired more confidence. As it is, Gray sees no reason to stop hiring: “I’m not super-worried.” Like Gray, economists are also unsure how much they can attribute business decisions to something so indeterminate as uncertainty, and they are divided over the degree to which erratic policymaking has dragged on the economy in recent years, if it has at all.

Answering this question could give important clues on how the economy will perform next year, whether or not Congress strikes a deal to avoid the fiscal cliff.

Toward that end, researchers at Stanford University and the University of Chicago have created an index to gauge just how

W

murky the future looks. They count soon-toexpire tax provisions and mentions of uncertainty in major newspapers, as well as how much economic forecasters disagree on things like future government spending. In a sample period between 1985 and 2011, they found heightened uncertainty went hand in hand with weak economic growth and hiring. Their index hit an all-time high last year when congressional gridlock nearly led the United States to default on its debt. It remains high, with a host of temporary tax cuts due to expire at year’s end and the debate over the fiscal cliff regularly splashed across front pages.

Nicholas Bloom, a Stanford economist who helped make the uncertainty index, says weak levels of investment, along with surveys in which businesses say they are holding back because of concerns over the direction of policy, suggest uncertainty has weighed on growth since late 2011. This year, business investment on capital goods things like equipment and machinery - has fallen short of what economists would expect considering the $1.7 trillion in cash that companies were holding in the third quarter.

New orders for non-defense capital goods other than aircraft fell 7 percent in the year through October, while total business investment in the third quarter dropped the most since 2009. Bloom says businesses would spend their cash more readily if politicians united around a grand bargain to put US fiscal policy on a stable path. Using past correlations between uncertainty and economic growth as a guide, he estimates that lifting uncertainty could add about 3 percent to gross domestic product over the next 18 months - enough growth to create roughly 2 million jobs. “There should be a surge of investment and hiring,” he said. That would be a big boost to the lackluster 1.9 percent growth rate many economists expect next year.

A deal in Congress that avoids the fiscal cliff while taming the nation’s $16 trillion debt over the long term may come by year-

end or in early 2013. It is also plausible Washington will avoid the fiscal cliff but kick the can into 2013 when it comes to the details of longer-term deficit planning.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner, who has looked exasperated in public over the fiscal debate, has edged closer to President Barack Obama’s key demands in the last few days, and the president made a counteroffer on Monday that could put a deal within reach. The two sides still differ on where to set tax rates and how to overhaul social spending programs.

The tense negotiations have corporate America on edge. So far this month, companies have submitted 148 statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission expressing concern about the fiscal cliff. In November, there were 215 such warnings, up from 80 in October and none prior to May. About half of 200 big companies surveyed

by American Express last month said Congress won’t resolve the fiscal cliff this year. Chemical maker DuPont is trimming its capital investment plans due to uncertainty.

“We’re not going to spend as much as we thought next year,” DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman said last week in an interview.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told CNBC earlier this month that reaching a sensible fiscal deal would get rid of the biggest roadblock to stronger growth. Many business leaders and lawmakers agree.

However, some economists doubt uncertainty has played such a central role holding back the US economy. If they are right, growth next year could disappoint even if politicians wow investors with a grand bargain. Researchers at Goldman Sachs say the weak economy might be boosting measures of uncertainty as much as the other way around. The bank doesn’t rule out an “uncertainty shock” over the next few months most economists think uncertainty must matter for something - but its researchers crunched numbers and found there might be a simpler explanation for the disappointing levels of business spending.

The bank’s economists calculated how much the business sector would normally be investing given its assets and the stage of the business cycle, and found the recent shortfall could be mostly explained by a lack of available credit. Rather than being too scared to invest, companies might simply be having trouble getting loans. That makes sense considering many banks are still licking their wounds from the recent financial crisis. “The evidence that a policy uncertainty shock is already depressing activity is far from unequivocal,” Goldman Sachs economists Jan Hatzius and Sven Jari Stehn wrote in a recent note.

Their research suggests some of the hype over uncertainty is overblown. Indeed, much of the country is not paying attention to the fiscal cliff debate. A poll by Gallup conducted Dec 1-2 showed only 60 percent of Americans were following the talks at least somewhat closely. In the history of national events tracked by Gallup, that ranks somewhere between the Iraqi election of 2005 and the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito in 2006.

Households, whose spending drives more than two-thirds of the economy, are not as worried as the country’s CEOs, although a recent consumer sentiment survey showed concerns appeared to grow in early December. Some economists say the most important issue for Congress is not to resolve policy uncertainty but rather to strike a fiscal deal that doesn’t hurt the economy by ushering in harsh budget austerity measures.

Surveys of small businesses show companies are worried about higher taxes, but over the last few months and years they have worried even more about poor sales. Adjusting for inflation, household incomes are still lower than they were before the recession. This has depressed spending, a situation that could be exacerbated by tighter fiscal policy. “The biggest uncertainty is whether the US consumer is really back,” said Stephanie Kelton, an economist at the University of MissouriKansas City. —Reuters

High stakes for Cuba in Chavez cancer battle

By Marc Frank s Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez recovers in Havana from his fourth cancer operation, Cubans face renewed worries about their economic future if the country’s top ally dies or has to step down from office.

Cuba has staked its economic well-being on the success and generosity - of Chavez’s self-declared socialist revolution, much as it did with another former benefactor: the Soviet Union. Cubans vividly remember the great depression of the 1990s that followed the demise of the Soviet Union, and they worry about the communist-run island plunging into similar economic hardship if Chavez loses his struggle with cancer.

In the 1990s, they suffered through severe shortages of food, consumer goods and oil. Prolonged electricity blackouts made daily life miserable in what the government called the “special period”. “I remember those days. No lights, no transportation, no food. Nothing of nothing. It drove you crazy and it can’t happen again,” said Havana handyman Domingo Garcia. Recalled Marlen Perez, an operator at the state telephone monopoly: “I had to ride a bicycle to work and I’m too old for that now.”

The gravity of Chavez’s condition became clear when, before returning to Cuba to be operated on last week, he named his vice president and foreign minister, Nicolas Maduro, as his preferred successor if he cannot continue in office. Between bouts of cancer, Chavez won a new, six-year term in October, but if he has to step down in the first four years of his new mandate, a new election must be held within 30 days. In politically polarized Venezuela, where Chavez’s opponents do not hide their disdain for Cuba, their victory at the polls would have huge consequences for the heavily indebted island which relies on lucrative barter contracts with Venezuela, such as exchanging thousands of medical personnel for oil.

One economist warned that if a loss of Venezuela’s support were to destabilize the Cuban economy and cause a new round of serious shortages, there could be bouts of social unrest. “Take away the preferential terms for our oil

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and the billions of dollars for our services and there is no doubt we would be in very serious trouble,” he said, requesting anonymity due to a ban on speaking with journalists. “I doubt many people would put up with another crisis, even if it was only half as bad as the last. There would be serious unrest.”

Chavez’s government offers economic help to allies around Latin America, but Cuba is the biggest beneficiary, receiving 60 percent of its energy needs on preferential terms. Ahead of Chavez’s re-election, opposition candidate Henrique Capriles made clear that the distribution of oil to Cuba and other countries at reduced prices or in barter deals would end if he won the presidency. Capriles, who won 45 percent of the vote in the October election, would likely be the opposition candidate again if Chavez died or had to step down.

While a change of government in Venezuela would clearly be bad for Cuba, Capriles would be unlikely to cut off all ties. “It is potentially a serious blow, but it is unlikely that the entire relationship with Venezuela would end because the opposition has said it would continue to pay for Cuban medical personnel,” Phil Peters, a Cuba analyst at the Virginia-based Lexington Institute, said. “Even a steep drop in revenues from Venezuela would not be as severe as the loss of the Soviet bloc support. Cuba is on a better international footing today,” he said.

Soon after Chavez won his first election in 1998, Fidel Castro anointed the young and vitriolic firebrand as his revolutionary successor in Latin America. The two men became close friends and as leader of oil-rich Venezuela, Chavez proved to be a crucial ally for Cuba, which has faced a US embargo for half a century. Today, the worst horrors of the “special period” are just painful memories. President Raul Castro, who replaced his ailing brother in 2008, has strengthened relations with Venezuela even as he forged closer ties with other oil-producing nations such as Brazil, Angola, Algeria and Russia.

Cuba and Venezuela have formed more than 30 joint ventures over the years, most of them based in Venezuela.

They range from a fishing fleet, to port and rail repair, to

hotels, agriculture, nickel and steel production and just about all of Cuba’s downstream oil industry. In 2011, Venezuela accounted for $8.3 billion of Cuba’s $20 billion in foreign trade. It pays Cuba an estimated $6 billion or more annually for the services of 40,000 doctors, nurses and other professionals, local economists say. That is around 60 percent of the foreign exchange Cuba earned from services.

Venezuelan banks provide soft credits for dozens of development projects across the island. “Venezuela’s support for Cuba reduces the risk of investing in and trading with the country,” a foreign banker said, asking his name not be used. “They lose that and things might dry up.” Most Cuban economists point out that the economy has become more diversified over the last 20 years with the development of tourism, pharmaceuticals and increased oil and nickel production. But they say it remains far too dependent on Venezuela for comfort.

Many Cubans expect that if Chavez fades, Maduro will win the election, thereby ensuring the continuity of Venezuela’s support - but the mere possibility of a major change is nerve-wracking. “If we return to a situation similar to the fall of the Soviet Union, it would be horrible,” said Garcia, the handyman. Raul Castro, since taking over for his brother, has initiated an overhaul of Cuba’s state-dominated economy and has loosened various regulations on daily life, allowing people to buy and sell property, own mobile phones and travel.

Venezuela’s economic largesse has helped cushion the economic pain of moving away from a bankrupt paternalistic system to a less centralized and more market-oriented model. No matter what happens now, most experts agree that as the man Cubans pinned their hopes on falters, the pace of reform and Cuba’s opening to foreign investment will have to pick up. “The old model started to decay with the expanding role of Raul Castro and pragmatist reformers,” said Mauricio Font, director of the Bildner Center for Western Hemisphere Studies in New York. “Other things being equal, a substantial loss of Venezuelan support would thus make clearer to Cubans the urgency of structural change.” —Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

sp orts Collison on road to recovery LONDON: West Ham United’s Jack Collison is edging nearer to a first-team return after seven months out with a knee injury that threatens to dog his promising career.

Collison, 24, played 45 minutes for the Premier League club’s development squad in an Under-21 match against Norwich City on Monday, his first appearance since his side’s Championship (second tier) playoff win over Blackpool in May. The Wales midfielder, outstanding in West Ham’s successful promotion bid last season, has an ongoing problem with his knee and suffers with fluid on the joint, a situation that manager Sam Allardyce said resulted in his workload needing to be carefully managed.

While he is still some way from making his first Premier League appearance since May 2011, Collison said he was delighted to return to action in the 3-1 defeat. “I am obviously a little bit rusty but I have ticked a box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards from there,” he told the club’s website( www.whufc.com). “I loved it. It was great to be playing football again, even though it was not the best conditions out there. I thought the boys did well and were unlucky to not to get a point out of it.”—Reuters

Napoli docked two points ROME: Serie A title chasers Napoli were docked two points yesterday in Italy’s latest match-fixing shame as three players were banned for between six months and three years over bets placed on a match with Sampdoria in 2010.

Paolo Cannavaro, brother of Italy great Fabio, and fellow Napoli defender Gianluca Grava received six-month bans while former goalkeeper Matteo Gianello was banned for three years and three months, an Italian Football Federation statement said. Napoli, who now drop to fifth from third place in Serie A to lie 10 points behind leaders Juventus, were also fined 70,000 euros ($92,100). The Naples club said they would appeal and criticised the soccer federation.

“Napoli do not agree with the decision of the disciplinary commission,

believing that one cannot change the standings during a season. Any decision must be taken before or after a competition takes place,” a statement said, adding that no offence had been committed by the club itself.

The case is the latest in a string of match-fixing and betting scandals which have tainted Italian soccer and led to a number of players arrested. Champions Juventus, demoted in a 2006 match-fixing scandal involving referees, recently welcomed back coach Antonio Conte from a four-month ban for failing to inform authorities of match-fixing at previous club Siena. In this case Gianello, who is no longer with Napoli, was accused of trying to fix the result of the match in order to bet on a Sampdoria victory.—Reuters

Benzema, Player of the Year MADRID: Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has been voted the best French footballer for 2012, winning the award for the second consecutive year, the Spanish club said yesterday. Former France international Zinedine Zidane presented the 24-yearold with the trophy at Real’s Bernabeu stadium.

“It is an honor to receive it from Zidane because for me he is the best French footballer ever,” Benzema told the club website (www.realmadrid.com). Benzema won the award, organised by France Football, ahead of Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in voting carried out by a panel of former winners, including Zidane.

The former Olympique Lyon striker scored 21 goals in La Liga last term, helping Real win the title, and seven in the Champions League where they fell to Bayern Munich in the semifinals. He has struggled to find the same form this season and has netted only three times in the league, missing their 2-2 draw at home to Espanyol on Sunday with a foot problem. — Reuters

NBA results/standings Orlando 102, Minnesota 93; Houston 109, NY Knicks 96; LA Clippers 88, Detroit 76; Memphis 80, Chicago 71; Oklahoma City 107, San Antonio 93; Phoenix 101, Sacramento 90.

NY Knicks Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia Toronto Chicago Milwaukee Indiana Detroit Cleveland Miami Atlanta Orlando Charlotte Washington Oklahoma City Minnesota Denver Utah Portland LA Clippers Golden State LA Lakers Phoenix Sacramento San Antonio Memphis Houston Dallas New Orleans

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L 18 6 13 10 12 11 12 12 6 19 Central Division 13 10 12 10 13 11 7 20 5 20 Southeast Division 15 6 14 7 11 13 7 16 3 18 Western Conference Northwest Division 20 4 12 10 13 12 13 12 11 12 Pacific Division 18 6 16 8 11 14 10 15 7 17 Southwest Division 19 7 16 6 12 12 11 13 5 18

PCT .750 .565 .522 .500 .240

GB 4.5 5.5 6 12.5

.565 .545 .542 .259 .200

0.5 0.5 8 9

.714 .667 .458 .304 .143

1 5.5 9 12

.833 .545 .520 .520 .478

7 7.5 7.5 8.5

.750 .667 .440 .400 .292

2 7.5 8.5 11

.731 .727 .500 .458 .217

1 6 7 12.5

MEMPHIS: Grizzlies’ Rudy Gay (left) passes the ball past Chicago Bulls’ Luol Deng (9) during the first half of an NBA basketball game. — AP

Rockets pound Knicks, Thunder roll NEW YORK: Jeremy Lin won again at Madison Square Garden - and for the first time this season, the New York Knicks didn’t. Lin had 22 points and eight assists in his return to New York, leading the Houston Rockets to a 10996 victory Monday night that ended the Knicks’ 10-game home winning streak to open the season.

Cheered then jeered, and later clobbered, Lin added another masterpiece to the ones he put together last season during the height of Linsanity. No longer the fan favorite he was when wearing the home uniform, Lin got a mixed reception when he left the game with 2:25 remaining and Houston leading by 16.

James Harden had 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, who blew out the Knicks for the second time this season. They have won the last seven meetings, including a 131-103 rout in Houston on Nov. 23.

Rookie Chris Copeland scored a career-high 29 points for the Knicks, who played without leading scorer Carmelo Anthony and had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Thunder 107, Spurs 93 In Oklahoma, Serge Ibaka tied his career best with 25 points and grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds, and Oklahoma City beat San Antonio for its 11th straight win.

The Thunder took control with a string of 11 straight

points during the third quarter, punctuated by Nick Collison’s putback that made it 71-56 with 4:27 remaining in the period. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich kept his starters parked on the bench throughout the fourth quarter, even as San Antonio cut an 18-point lead in half with about 51/2 minutes left.

Tony Parker and Nando De Colo had 14 points apiece to lead the Spurs, who could have created a virtual tie for the best record with a win. Manu Ginobili did not play for the Spurs because he bruised his left quadriceps in Saturday’s win at Boston.

Russell Westbrook chipped in 22 points and nine assists, Kevin Martin scored 20 and Kevin Durant had 19 as Oklahoma City maintained sole possession of the best record in the NBA. It was the teams’ first meeting in Oklahoma City since the Thunder overcame a 2-0 deficit in the Western Conference finals by winning the next four games. The Spurs drew a measure of revenge in the season opener by beating Oklahoma City on Parker’s jumper as time expired.

field and had four assists. Rudy Gay scored 12 points for the Grizzlies but shot 5 of 13, continuing his slump. Wayne Ellington scored all 11 of his points in the second quarter, when the Grizzlies reserves provided a lift after Memphis shot poorly in the first period.

Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Marco Belinelli finished with 13 points.

Both teams shot just better than 37 percent. But Memphis was 6 of 11 from 3-point range compared to the Bulls hitting only 2 of 11 long-range shots.

Grizzlies 80, Bulls 71 In Memphis, Mike Conley had 17 points, Zach Randolph added 10 points and 15 rebounds, and Memphis overcame a poor start to beat Chicago. Conley was 6 of 12 from the

Magic 102, Timberwolves 93 In Orlando, Glen Davis scored 28 points and JJ Redick had 18 points and seven assists as Orlando beat Minnesota. The Magic won their third straight and stopped

Clippers 88, Pistons 76 In Auburn Hills, Jamal Crawford scored 15 points and Chris Paul added 14 to lead Los Angeles past Detroit for its 10th straight win. Blake Griffin had 15 points for the Clippers, who had five players in double figures. Griffin had two breakaway dunks in the last 30 seconds, one on a pass banked off the backboard by Crawford. Brandon Knight led the Pistons with 16 points and Tayshaun Prince added 15. Detroit has lost five straight.

the Timberwolves’ four-game winning streak. Nikola Vucevic had 14 points and 11 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double, and Arron Afflalo scored 13 points.

Kevin Love led Minnesota with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Nikola Pekovic had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who led by 15 in the middle of the third quarter but couldn’t hang on.

Suns 101, Kings 90 In Phoenix, Shannon Brown scored 14 of his 22 points in the third quarter, Jared Dudley added 20 points and the Phoenix Suns pulled off another big rally to beat the Sacramento Kings 101-90 Monday night.

The Suns were out of sorts throughout the first half, scoring 43 points while trailing by up to 19. Brown helped them outscore Sacramento 31-14 in the third quarter and Dudley provided the cushion down the stretch to give Phoenix its first three-game winning streak of the season.

Marcin Gortat had 14 points and 13 rebounds, and Luis Scola gave the Suns his usual hustle while scoring 14 points and dishing out a career-high 10 assists. The Kings played well early, but faded down the stretch to lose their fourth straight game. Jimmer Fredette had 22 points and Aaron Brooks added 12 for Sacramento.—AP

Lotus F1 team retain Grosjean for 2013

Romain Grosjean in action in this file photo.

Lebedev knocks out Silgado MOSCOW: Champion Denis Lebedev knocked out previously undefeated Colombian challenger Santander “Cha Cha” Silgado in the fourth round to retain his WBA cruiserweight title on Monday.

Silgado, 27, looked the better fighter in the first three rounds before the 33-year-old Russian south-paw regained control midway through round four. Lebedev threw a powerful left hook that stunned Silgado, then unleashed a devastating left uppercut to the chin of his opponent, knocking him out with less than a minute remaining to the delight of the partisan home crowd at Moscow’s Crocus City Hall.

“I didn’t know much about my opponent, therefore I was

patient, I was taking my time,” Lebedev told reporters. “I knew if I hit him with my best shot I could hurt him.”

It was the first title defence for Lebedev, who improved his record to 25 wins, including 19 by knockout, and one defeat a controversial points decision against German Marco Huck in a title bout in 2010.

In October, the WBA stripped Panamanian champion Guillermo Jones of his title for refusing to fight Lebedev and awarded it to the Russian. Among others, Lebedev knocked out former multiple world champion Roy Jones Jr. in a lightheavyweight non-title bout last year. For Silgado it was his first defeat in 24 professional fights. —Reuters

LONDON: The Lotus Formula One team will have an unchanged lineup next season after they announced on Monday that French driver Romain Grosjean will retain his place alongside 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen.

The confirmation came a day after Grosjean won the Race of Champions event in Bangkok, beating Red Bull’s triple champion Sebastian Vettel and seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher along the way. “Romain is a great talent and we are pleased that he is continuing with us for a second season,” said team principal Eric Boullier in a statement. “With the continuity of two exceptional drivers like Romain and Kimi we are well placed to build on our strong 2012 with even better results in the year ahead.”

Lotus finished the 2012 season as the fourth-placed team overall, with Grosjean taking three podium placings and ending the championship eighth overall, while Raikkonen was third in his comeback year.

The decision to stick with Grosjean was expected, although the Frenchman had an erratic season that included a one-race ban for causing a collision in Belgium that put Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso out of the race. Alonso, who was lucky not to be hit on the head by Grosjean’s flying car, lost the title battle to Vettel by just three points - a fraction of those he could have expected to score at Spa. “It’s fantastic for me to be continuing with Lotus,” said Grosjean, whose starting collisions led to Australian Mark Webber angrily dubbing him a “first-lap nutcase”.

“I’m really looking forward to rewarding their faith when

we take to the track in Australia. I learnt a lot in my first full season in Formula One and my aim is to put these lessons into practice with stronger and more consistent performance on track next year,” he added. The Lotus seat was the most desirable that had yet to be filled and leaves just three vacancies on the 2013 starting grid - one each at Force India, Caterham and Marussia. The seat left vacant at Force India

by Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg, who has moved to Sauber, is by far the most coveted with Germany’s Adrian Sutil a frontrunner to return to his former team.

Sutil left Formula One at the end of last year and was handed an 18-month suspended sentence in February for grievous bodily harm resulting from a nightclub incident after the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai. The German, who was a commentator for German television at the Race of Champions, assured BBC radio that his conviction would not be a barrier to his return. “We checked all the countries and there is no problem for me to travel,” he said when asked about some countries on the calendar having visa restrictions on those with criminal records. “All my problems last winter are solved.

“I’m ready for a new beginning,” added Sutil. Britain’s Max Chilton, 21, is seen as Marussia’s likely choice to partner Germany’s Timo Glock, who is confirmed for 2013, while Russian Vitaly Petrov has been tipped to stay at Caterham.

Brazilian Bruno Senna, Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi and Finland’s Heikki Kovalainen are all 2012 regulars still looking for race seats for 2013.—Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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HOBART: Sri Lanka’s Thilan Samaraweera (top center) reacts after he was hit on the pads by Australia’s Peter Siddle (second left) for an LBW for 49 runs on the fifth day of their cricket Test match at Bellerive Oval. — AP

Siddle strikes to spark dramatic Australia win HOBART: Seamers Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc skittled Sri Lanka’s last six wickets in a dramatic final session to give Australia a 137-run victory in the last hour of the first Test yesterday.

Siddle, who finished the match with figures of 9-104, and left-armer Starc, who took 5-63 in the second innings, caught fire after tea to bowl the tourists out for 255.

Having been stymied in similar circumstances by a brilliant rearguard action from South Africa in Adelaide last month, Australia were desperate not to repeat the experience in Hobart.

However, it looked like it might be a case of deja vu at tea after some resilient Sri Lankan batting and a couple of rain breaks frustrated the hosts for two sessions. Captain Michael Clarke, whose team will take a 1-0 lead to Melbourne for the second match in the three-test series, said he never doubted his bowlers.

“We knew we had to be patient,” said Clarke, who was confident he would be fit for the second test despite a hamstring injury. “No doubt I was confident that if we could bowl the balls in the right area for a long period of time that we would have success.

“It was going to be day’s work to get so many good batsmen out but take nothing away from the bowlers, they had to execute their plans and their skills. “If everyone’s got the heart that (Siddle) has, we’ll get back to being number one in the world no doubt.”

Siddle had already taken the key wickets of captain Mahela Jayawardene (19) and ICC Cricketer of the Year

Kumar Sangakkara (63) around lunch but the tourists reached tea on 186 with six wickets still in hand.

In a sign of Australia’s growing desperation, wicketkeeper Matthew Wade shed his pads and gloves to bowl the final over before the break and claimed a maiden in his first spell in senior cricket.

Sri Lanka, set a victory target of 393, could still conceivably have won the match but a paltry return of 42 runs in the second session clearly indicated they were batting for a draw rather than a first win in Australia.

“Disappointed that we lost the game,” said skipper Jayawardene.

“It was a tough Test match in the sense that we were chasing the game probably after the third or fourth day but we kept fighting. “Today we knew we had to bat through a couple of sessions sensibly, see what happens, and up until tea we were on target.”

The Australian bowling unit, a man down after local quick Ben Hilfenhaus suffered a side strain, never gave up, even if Siddle looked like the only man who might break through for much of the day.

The 28-year-old struck again on the first ball of his second over after tea to dismiss all rounder Angelo Mathews for 19 and then removed the last of the Sri Lankan top order with a sizzling delivery which trapped Thilan Samaraweera lbw for 49.

With Sri Lanka reduced to 218-6, Siddle took a rest but left-arm quick Starc picked up the baton and had soon removed Prasanna Jayawardene for 21. A fullish inswinger

nearly took the wickekeeper’s hand off and the ball flew off his glove to Mike Hussey at second slip to leave just three tailend wickets standing with around 90 minutes of play remaining.

Another peach of a delivery from Starc sent Nuwan Kulasekara back to the pavilion for nine and a perfectly delivered yorker soon afterwards removed Rangana Herath for eight.

With Siddle now bowling from the other end, it was a straight fight between the two for who would take the five wicket haul and win the match for Australia.

Starc took the honors when he had Shaminda Eranga caught behind for six, sparking huge celebrations among his team mates and the disappointingly small crowd of some 2,000.

“As a group, I think we’ve been outstanding since lunch on the second day and we got our rewards,” said Siddle. “I said the other day that I got lucky and got the results and someone else would get it in the second innings and Starcy did today.”

Siddle was named Man of the Match but was also at the centre of a ball-tampering row after a picture of the bowler apparently picking at the seam in Sri Lanka’s first innings circulated on social media.

The Sri Lankan team had not made an official complaint but spoke to match referee Chris Broad. The ICC later said no charges would be laid. “Why would I jeopardise that when we can go out and win in the spirit of the game?” a surprised Siddle added. — Reuters

NZ defeat S Africa A PIETERMARITZBURG: Uncapped fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan destroyed South Africa A’s top order to get the New Zealand cricketers off to a winning start in a Twenty20 match at the City Oval yesterday. New Zealand posted a modest 140 for seven after winning the toss and batting. The South African second stringers were soon in deep trouble at 23 for four before limping to 116 for nine to give the tourists a 24-run win.

The left-armed McClenaghan took three for 19, opening the bowling and sending down his full quota of four overs in a single spell. Left-arm spinner Ronnie Hira took three for 35. New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum hit 32 and Colin Munro made 39 as the Black Caps recovered from a poor start in which they lost their first three wickets for 44 runs in 7.5 overs. McCullum hit five boundaries in his 38-ball innings, while the left-handed Munro slammed two sixes and four fours off 27 balls. Munro is one of five uncapped players in the New Zealand squad. The first of three Twenty20 internationals is in Durban on Friday.

McClenaghan bowled Davy Jacobs and Stiaan van Zyl with his fourth and seventh deliveries and followed up by having Dane Vilas caught behind in his third over. Vaughn van Jaarsveld was the only South Africa A batsman to shine, making a run-a-ball 43.—AFP

SCOREBOARD PIETERMARITZBURG: Brief scores in a 12-a-side Twenty20 match between South Africa A and the touring New Zealanders at the City Oval yesterday: New Zealand 140-7 in 20 overs (B. McCullum 32, C. Munro 39, N. McCullum 22 not out; K. Abbott 4-16).

South Africa A 116-9 in 20 overs (V. van Jaarsveld 43; M. McClenaghan 3-19, R. Hira 3-35).

Result: New Zealand won by 24 runs.

SCOREBOARD HOBART: Scoreboard after Australia beat Sri Lanka by 137 runs in the first test after the fifth day at Bellerive Oval yesterday: Australia won the toss and chose to bat Australia first innings 450-5 declared Sri Lanka first innings 336 Australia second innings 278 Sri Lanka second innings (overnight 65-2) D. Karunaratne b Starc 30 T. Dilshan c Wade b Watson 11 K. Sangakkara lbw Siddle 63 M. Jayawardene c Clarke b Siddle 19 T. Samaraweera lbw Siddle 49 A. Mathews c Wade b Siddle 19 P. Jayawardene c Hussey b Starc 21 N. Kulasekara c Wade b Starc 9 R. Herath b Starc 8 S. Eranga c Wade b Starc 6 C. Welegedera not out 0 Extras (b-10, lb-8, w-1, nb-1) 20 Total (all out, 119.2 overs) 255 Fall of wickets: 1-26 2-47 3-112 4-151 5-201 6-218 7-235 8247 9-250 Bowling: Starc 28.2-7-63-5 (nb-1, w-1), Siddle 26-11-50-4, Watson 27-6-5-1, Lyon 32-12-57-0, Hussey 1-0-5-0, Warner 4-0-8-0, Wade 1-1-0-0.

ICC says no evidence of Aussie ball-tampering

LAHORE: Pakistani cricket batsman Younis Khan eyes the ball as wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal looks on during a team practice session at the Gaddafi stadium. Pakistan began a week-long training camp December 14 for its landmark limited overs series against India with former captain Inzamam-ul Haq and a psychologist drafted in, an official said. — AFP

O’Driscoll boosts Ireland after return from injury DUBLIN: Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll is on course to feature in the Six Nations tournament after returning to training with Leinster following ankle surgery.

O’Driscoll was sidelined for Ireland’s entire programme of internationals in November, raising fears he would not be available for the Six Nations.

But the 33-year-old trained on Tuesday for the first time since his operation and hopes to be back in the Ireland line-up when his country begin their Six Nations title bid against Wales on February 2.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt confirmed O’Driscoll’s return and also delivered positive reports on O’Driscoll’s Ireland team-mates Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald.

The Leinster pair missed the November internationals, Kearney with a back injury and Fitzgerald due to a neck problem, but Schmidt believes they will be fit to link up with Ireland coach Declan Kidney’s squad in the new year. “Brian is out there for his first onfield session and Rob Kearney is due out on the pitch next week,” Schmidt told the Irish Independent.—AFP

HOBART: Match officials have found no evidence of ball tampering in the Hobart Test between Australia and Sri Lanka and no charges will be laid, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said yesterday.

Australia paceman Peter Siddle took nine wickets to help the hosts to a 137run victory in the series opener but found himself at the centre of row after a picture of him apparently picking at the seam of the ball circulated on social media.

“The umpires frequently inspect the ball during play, and did so again after they had reviewed the video footage in question on Sunday,” ICC match referee Chris Broad said in a statement. “They found no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball had been changed.

“During the tea interval on that day, I spoke with Australia coach Mickey Arthur and told him that the umpires will continue to inspect the cricket ball regularly, and monitor the actions of all players.

“In the opinion of the umpires, there was no evidence to suggest that the condition of the ball was changed, or that the video or photographic evidence would support a charge under the Code of Conduct, so they will not be laying any charges relating to these incidents,” Broad added.

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene said the team had not

made an official complaint because they had no proof and just wanted Broad to take a look at the TV pictures.

“When we informally spoke with the officials they said they had noted it down,” he said. “The easiest thing for them to have done was to at least have a chat with the Aussie management or the captain and see what happened and move on.

“If the officials deem that there is something to it they can proceed with it, otherwise we move on.” Siddle said it was “ridiculous” to suggest he had been tampering with the ball.

“There’s a picture going round on Twitter but on Twitter you can say what you like and there’s no consequences,” he said. “If you took a picture of every time I turned around to bowl, you’d see the same picture. “Why would I jeopardise that when I know we can go out in the spirit of the game and win?”

Australia captain Michael Clarke was surprised at the development but equally adamant his team played within the rules. “At the end of the day the ICC have made it clear there’s nothing there,” he said. “I 100 percent believe we play in the spirit of the game.

“I don’t believe any of the Australian bowlers would jeopardise that to ruin our reputation. We play very hard on the field, but we understand there’s a line you cannot cross.”—Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

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Sport can help lead us down a better path NEW YORK: There are times when sports bring out the best in us. Like Victor Cruz writing a heartfelt message on his cleats, dedicated to a 6-year-old victim of the carnage at Sandy Hook Elementary School. There are times when sports bring out the worst in us.

Not even 72 hours removed from the horror in Newtown, there were racist tweets blasting NBC for pre-empting its regular Sunday night football coverage to show President Obama’s speech from that devastated community. One of the tweets apparently was sent by a walk-on player at the University of North Alabama (who quickly became a former player).

Sports, of course, had nothing to do with Adam Lanza’s walking into that school and killing 26 people, most of them innocent little kids filled with nothing but hope and wonder and goodness.

America needs to come to grips with truly important issues: gun control, mental illness, a violent culture among them.

Yet, we need sports - perhaps more than ever to help us get started on that path toward being a better nation, a better people, a better world.

Maybe, just maybe, in some small way the games we play can show us how to be a little nicer to each other, or at least more respectful.

The athletes can lead the way. Their actions have meaning, now more than ever. So, instead of ranting at the ref for blowing a call, try to remember

against the Falcons. He was the favorite player of Jack Pinto, one of those whose life ended on what should’ve been just another day at school, such a hero to the child that his family planned to bury him Monday in one of Cruz’s No. 80 jerseys.

“R.I.P. Jack Pinto,” Cruz wrote on his playing shoes, along with “Jack Pinto, my hero” and “This one is for you.” It didn’t really matter that the Giants played one of their worst games of the season, losing 34-0. Such is the power of sports.

“With a family facing that much tragedy, you want to be someone that inspires them, someone that can put a smile on their face at a time where it’s tough to do that,” Cruz said after a loss on the field but a win in life. That said, sports must do more.

Let’s have a serious discussion about all that is wrong with the games we play. The misplaced priorities. The sense of life and death when nothing could be further from the truth. And, especially, the nastiness and hatred it stirs from deep within our souls.

Not long after Cruz played with a heavy heart, we got a sampling of that other side on Twitter.

Some used social media to dole out racist vitriol against Obama while demonstrating how utterly meaningless their own lives must be, since they apparently thought the first quarter of the San Francisco-New England game was more important than a president’s stirring words in Newtown.

One of the tweets was reportedly sent by

there’s more at stake than a game. Instead of hitting someone after the whistle or getting so enraged that injuring the guy in the other uniform seems a worthy option, try to remember there’s more at stake than a game. Instead of standing triumphantly over a vanquished foe, trumpeting themselves at the expense of someone else, try to remember there’s more at stake than a game. So many are watching.

Given the huge importance we place on what happens in our stadiums and arenas, sports are again positioned, just as they were after 9/11 and other national horrors, to help us uncover some meaningful purpose to an utterly senseless tragedy.

Let’s not waste it this time.

There’s no doubting the power of sports to lift people up, to inspire us to greater heights, to bring us together as one. There’s no doubting the power of sports to console the grieving, to comfort the ailing, to make it easier to move on when we can barely find the strength for our next breath. “Sports is one of the most effective consolations for people dealing with grief,” said Ron Marasco, a professor at Loyola Marymount University who has written a book on dealing with loss. “In the early stages of grief, isolation and loneliness are the biggest problems. That shared communal experience of sports is actually a very healthy thing.”

Just look at what Cruz, a receiver for the New York Giants, did during Sunday’s game in Atlanta

Bradley Patterson, a walk-on long snapper who joined North Alabama’s NCAA Division II football team during the season, though he never actually played. Now, he won’t get the chance; the school said he was no longer welcome on the team, even as a blocking dummy in practice.

While those such as Patterson, who were actually willing to type out their ugly thoughts in 140 characters or less, make up a very small minority, there was surely a much greater number muttering to themselves about missing their football while Obama spoke, totally oblivious to the suffering in Connecticut. That’s why it’s time for all of us to look in the mirror, to not let another tragedy pass without some meaningful change.

So, instead of punching someone in the face down at the local bar because they trash-talked your favorite team, try to remember there’s more at stake than a game. Instead of posting a vile tweet about a coach’s mental capacity because you think he made the wrong call, try to remember there’s more at stake than a game. Instead of screaming an obscenity at an 18-year-old kid because he dropped a pass or threw an interception, try to remember there’s more at stake than a game. This is not in any way suggesting we shouldn’t strive for triumph as much as we ever did. Celebrate it, too. Life has always been about the Ws and the Ls. But we can play nice, or at least nicer. That would be the best way for sports to remember Newtown. — AP

Volleyball bounced out of UK Sport funding LONDON: Try telling Britain’s volleyball, basketball and handball players that London 2012 was a watershed moment in their bid for recognition on the world stage and you will get a curt response following funding cuts announced by UK Sport yesterday.

Britain fielded a men’s Olympic basketball team for the first time since the previous London Games in 1948 while its male and female indoor volleyball and handballers were Olympic debutants, performing admirably if without much success.

It might be a long wait before they get another chance, however, after UK Sport, which finances elite sport in Britain, pulled the plug on their funding despite an 11 percent overall rise in investment for the 2016 Rio Games compared to London.

Staying loyal to its “no compromise” policy, UK Sport revealed a four-year funding programme for 42 sports it says will help the British team surpass the 65 Olympic and 120 Paralympic medals they harvested in London.

In essence, money will be poured into the sports that Britain already excels at, cycling and rowing being the biggest beneficiaries with in excess of 30 million pounds each, while others with little realistic chance of medals in Brazil will be left to their own devices.

Sports such as swimming, which failed to deliver in London with only three medals and no golds, have effectively been put on report. Swimming had four million pounds chopped from its Olympic programme and has a year to prove it is worthy of the 21 million pounds it has been allocated. British Boxing, whose athletes won three golds in London, was also warned to sort out its organisational issues if it is to receive its increased 13 million pounds windfall.

The real losers, though, were the

team sports in which Britain has little international heritage but, with great fanfare, were awarded host-nation places at the London Olympics.

“I’m still trying to absorb it really,” British Volleyball president Richard Callicott told Reuters. “What I can say is that I’m shocked and stunned. “To all intents and purposes this decision shows that despite how well we have done, UK Sport cannot see the significant progress we have made from a standing start.

“I dispute their argument that we don’t have the talent to win medals, what we don’t have is the programme and how are we supposed to put that in place without any funding,” added Callicott, who said he would appeal against the decision. Britain’s female indoor team enjoyed a victory against Algeria at the Olympics while the men “closed a huge gap”, according to Callicott, despite being beaten in all their matches at Earls Court which attracted the third-largest crowds of any sport at London 2012. “We had 40,000 people in Earls Court every day and they will be asking where is the British team,” Callicott said. British Basketball’s performance chairman Roger Moreland also reacted angrily to its funding being pulled despite the men’s team heading for its third consecutive European Championship Finals in 2013.

“We knew the criteria that UK Sport were applying for Rio, but having been funded to the tune of 8.5m in the leadup to the London Olympics because of the sport’s medal potential for the future, this is a devastating decision and is a waste of that investment,” he said in a statement.

Despite accusations of undermining the well-worn London 2012 mantra of “inspiring a generation”, UK Sport was firmly backing its policy. “Our job here at

UK Sport is to take those with medal potential to the podium,” chair Baroness Sue Campbell told reporters. “It’s not about abandoning them it’s about saying they are not ready for that investment yet.”

Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson said the record investment for Britain’s elite sportsmen and women in the fouryear cycle to Rio was about keeping the momentum going. He defended UK Sport’s decision not to fund certain sports, saying priority had to be given to real medal contenders, even the seven million pounds earmarked for modern pentathlon, a vastly expensive sport out of the reach of most Britons.

“People understand that when you host an Olympics you have to put teams out in every sport to drive ticket sales,” he told Reuters. “I think when they look at the funding for Rio they know its done on a performance basis and not a lot of point funding teams that will not qualify for the Olympics. “Would you fund basketball teams that are expensive and have no chance of a medal in Rio and take funding away from a cyclist or rower who has a good chance of a medal?”

Robertson said he was confident the 347 million pounds ($564 million) invested in 42 Olympic and Paralympic sports leading up to Rio in 2016 would pay dividends. “I think its realistic,” he said of the target of at least 66 Olympic medals. “If you cast your mind back to pre-London everybody thought it would be extraordinary if we did better than Beijing and that worked out very well. “There are quite a few sports where we could do better in Rio than we did here.” UK Sport chief executive Liz Nicholl acknowledged that surpassing London 2012 was “ambitious” and said it was necessary for some sports to suffer to maximise the potential of others.—Reuters

NASHVILLE: Tennessee Titans safety Michael Griffin (33) intercepts a pass intended for New York Jets wide receiver Braylon Edwards (17) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game. — AP

Titans ground Jets NASHVILLE: Chris Johnson went 94 yards for the longest touchdown run in the NFL since 2006 as the Tennessee Titans beat the Jets 14-10 on Monday to eliminate New York from playoff contention.

Jake Locker’s first touchdown run of the season put Tennessee ahead late in the third quarter and the Titans intercepted four passes by a struggling Mark Sanchez to snap a three-game skid.

After bumbling around all night, the Jets somehow still had a chance to win when they took over at the

Al-Sultan and board members with participants.

KBC Squash Championship concludes

Al-Zair honoring Hossam Al-Qadhi of Gulf Bank.

KUWAIT: Under the auspices and in the presence of The Kuwaiti Banks Club (KBC) chairman, Ahmed Sultan, KBC’s sport committee chairman, Khalil Al-Bloushi and his assistant, Abdul Rahman Al-Zai, KBC recently concluded its 10th annual squash championship held at the Squash Union courts. The championship was held with the participation of a total of 50 players.

Player Falah Fayez emerged victorious winning the first place in the national team category while Qais Al-Mazeedi and Ayman Al-Farra won the first place in the pioneers’ pair category and CBK’s Mohammed AL-Ramzi won the first place in the banks category.

Al-Bloushi honoring Al-Ramzi of CBK.

Tennessee 25 with 47 seconds left following a 19-yard punt by Brett Kern. But Sanchez fumbled a low shotgun snap, Bilal Powell inadvertently kicked the ball away and the Titans recovered to seal it. It was a fitting end to an ugly game that left New York coach Rex Ryan cursing to himself as he walked off the field.

The Jets (6-8) needed to win their final three games and get help elsewhere to earn a playoff spot. Instead, the Titans sacked Sanchez three times and got a fourth on Tim Tebow. Jason McCourty and Michael Griffin each had two interceptions, keeping New York out of the playoffs for a second straight season after reaching consecutive AFC title games.

Johnson, with the names of the victims of Friday’s shootings in Connecticut written on his cleats, ran a club-record 94 yards for a TD in the second quarter.

Locker’s 13-yard touchdown run at the end of the third put the Titans (5-9) ahead to stay.

The Jets took a 10-7 lead when Sanchez and Jeff Cumberland connected on a 17-yard touchdown pass with 3:19 to go in the third. The Titans responded on their next possession with Locker’s quarterback keeper around left end, capping a seven-play, 64-yard drive.

On Cumberland’s touchdown, the Jets’ tight end caught a third-and-12 pass at about the 5-yard line after getting behind Titans linebacker Tim Shaw, starting in place of injured defensive captain Colin McCarthy.

Cumberland headed into the end zone from there.

The Jets began that drive at the Titans 35 after Kern shanked a 30-yard punt. Kern had been one of the few steady performers this season for the Titans. The Titans had a 7-3 halftime lead after Johnson’s long scamper in the second quarter. His touchdown run was the longest by any NFL player since Minnesota’s Chester Taylor had a 95-yard TD in a 31-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 22, 2006.

After Robert Malone’s 53-yard punt backed the Titans up to their own 5-yard line, Johnson rushed for 1 yard on first down. On the next play, he found a seam up the middle and appeared untouched on his way to the end zone.

Jets safety Yeremiah Bell chased Johnson most of the way and made an unsuccessful diving attempt to tackle him from behind inside the 15.

The previous record for the longest run in franchise history was 91 yards, a mark shared by Johnson and Sid Blanks. Johnson had a 91-yard run against the Houston Texans in 2009. Blanks also did it against the Jets in 1964.

This marked Johnson’s sixth career touchdown run of at least 80 yards, giving him twice as many as anyone else in NFL history. Barry Sanders, Ahman Green, Hugh McElhenny and O.J. Simpson each had three touchdown runs of at least 80 yards. — AP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

sp orts

Ifs and buts about head-butts in football LONDON: Head-butts in football are bad. They are dangerous and can smash noses and cheekbones.

Kids, don’t try them at home. Sometimes, though, did the recipient have it coming? The politically correct answer must be, ‘No.’ Head-butts are so violent that they can never be condoned. But they can sometimes be explained. Football’s most famous head-butt was understandable.

Marco Materazzi made Zinedine Zidane see red in the 2006 World Cup final by insulting his sister.

France’s captain responded with his head-butt to the Italy defender’s chest that sent shockwaves around the world. Of course, Zidane shouldn’t have melted down. But given how Materazzi provoked him, it’s not hard to fathom out why he did. The same goes for Marouane Fellaini.

The midfielder from Belgium with an impressive shock of hair recognizes that he shouldn’t have headbutted Ryan Shawcross. But given how the Stoke defender crawled all over the Everton player when their teams met in the English Premier League, it isn’t wholly unsurprising that Fellaini did a Zidane. The laws of football are clear: Players aren’t in theory allowed to wrap their arms around an opponent to stop them getting the ball or taking up a good position. They are not meant to yank shirts and arms. The

rules say referees must “deal firmly” with holding offenses, especially in front of goal.

Yet these anti-football tactics are systematically used. In match after match, grappling players turn penalty areas into a WWE free-for-all. One answer would be to copy UEFA and station additional referees next to goalmouths. The European football governing body believes that having those extra two pairs of eyes in its matches has cut down holding and shoving and given attacking players more chances to reach the ball.

But another answer would simply be for referees to be less tolerant, to apply the rules that already exist. Too often, pushers and pullers aren’t punished.

Little wonder they keep coming back week after week. And perhaps logical - however reprehensible that Fellaini ended up taking the law in his own hands. At various times in the match that ended 1-1 on Saturday, Shawcross did everything he could to blunt the threat posed by Everton’s leading league scorer this season. He shoved and blocked Fellaini from running in the penalty area. He wrapped his right arm around his back and used his left to grab hold of Fellaini’s arm. He wrapped both arms around Fellaini in a bear-hug. He wrestled his shoulder.

In the 59th minute, Fellaini lost his cool, delivering

his head-butt into the face of the octopus in a red and white jersey. Shawcross fell to the ground clutching his cheek but wasn’t badly hurt. For his sin, Fellaini is banned for Everton’s remaining three games of 2012 - against West Ham, Wigan and Chelsea.

“There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn’t feel I was getting any protection from the officials,” Fellaini said in a statement. “I have no excuses, I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me.”

Fellaini has had it both ways this season. At Manchester City on Dec. 1, he was the one doing the yanking. He pulled down Edin Dzeko in the box.

Referee Lee Probert awarded City a penalty. Which begs the question: Why isn’t pushing and pulling always punished?

“There’s just no consistency,” said Fellaini’s teammate, Sylvain Distin. Holding isn’t a new problem, just a recurring one. In the 2006 World Cup final, the verbal spat that escalated into Zidane’s head-butt started with Materazzi holding the France No. 10 in Italy’s penalty box, standing behind him, his thick tattooed left arm clutching at Zidane’s chest, preventing him from moving freely for Florent Malouda’s cross.

Zidane and Materazzi exchanged words, then the France captain wheeled around, lowered his head and rammed the Italian in the chest, knocking him to the ground. Like Fellaini, Zidane was banned for three games but served the punishment by doing community work because he retired from football after the final.

Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender and now the most lucid and convincing football pundit on British television, opined that pushing and shoving is simply part of the sport and that Fellaini was at fault for reacting so violently to it.

“It’s almost been made out to be Stoke’s fault, like they’re the sinners because Ryan Shawcross is holding,” Neville said on Sky Sports. “This goes on all over the pitch, every single game, arms in the air, physical challenges. It’s just the way the game is.”

“To me, that’s just competitive,” said Neville.

Football is a contact sport. It should be physical. The job of defenders is to defend. But football can do without the sly shirt-pullers, bear-huggers and armtuggers with clinging tentacles. By clambering all over attacking players, they deny fans spectacle.

Football mustn’t become rugby. Head-butts should never be the answer. But there are sometimes reasons for them. — AP

Song content at Barca

FRANCE: In this Sept. 26, 2012 file photo, a sculpture by French artist Adel Abdessemed depicts a headbutt that marked the end of French icon Zinedine Zidane’s international soccer career in front of the Centre Pompidou modern art museum. The historic head-butt is now more than just a memory, with a 5meter-high bronze artwork statue portraying Zidane aiming his shaven head at Italian opponent Marco Materazzi’s torso. —AP

Three-match ban for head-butt LONDON: Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini was given a three-match suspension on Monday after accepting a charge of violent conduct for headbutting Stoke’s Ryan Shawcross.

Fellaini wasn’t punished by referee Mark Halsey, who missed the incident which occured in the 59th minute of Everton’s 1-1 draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.

But the 25-year-old was charged retrospectively after the Football Association reviewed footage of his clash with Stoke defender Shawcross, who had grappled with the Belgian just before the incident as they prepared for a corner.

A statement from the FA also referred to two other clashes between Fellaini and Shawcross, but Halsey has confirmed he saw both and did not consider them violent conduct. Fellaini had already apologised for his conduct and Everton manager David Moyes also condemned the incident.

“I apologise completely to Ryan Shawcross, my

team mates and to our fans at the game,” Fellaini said in a statement released soon after Saturday’s match. “There was a lot of pushing and pulling going on inside the Stoke penalty area and I didn’t feel I was getting any protection from the officials.

“Nevertheless I know I shouldn’t have done what I did. I have also apologised to the manager and the staff. “I have no excuses. I was disappointed with the way I was being treated and I lost my temper, which was unprofessional of me.”

Fellaini will miss the Toffees’ busy Christmas schedule, which includes the next three games against West Ham on December 22, Wigan on Boxing Day and Chelsea on December 30.

He won’t be available again until the trip to Newcastle on January 2 and his loss is a big blow to Everton’s push to finish in the Premier League’s top four. The Belgium international has scored eight goals and been the driving force of a team currently fifth in the table. — AFP

BARCELONA: When Alex Song sealed a five-year, 19 million-euro ($25 million) deal to join Barcelona from Arsenal in August many wondered how he could possibly hope to win a regular starting place in a team graced with some of the world’s best midfielders.

Four months on, the doubts appear to be justified. The 25-year-old Cameroon international has made 11 starts for Barca in 25 La Liga, King’s Cup and Champions League games and there is a niggling perception that his adaptation to the intricate one-touch style is taking longer than it should.

It may not have helped that a rash of injuries forced coach Tito Vilanova to use him as a makeshift centre back and he is competing for a starting spot with, among others, Spain international Sergio Busquets, widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the game.

In an interview with Reuters at Barca’s training ground on Monday, Song appeared unperturbed by the criticism and said he and his family were enjoying life in the Catalan capital.

“I know it’s not easy to start to play but I know we have a lot of games and I need just to be ready every time when the manager needs me to play and just do my job in the training,” said Song, the seventh African to play for Barca.

“Sergio (Busquets) is one of the best in that position and I am very happy to train with him,” he added. “I know that when you work every single day with the top players you learn a lot and you improve yourself. “I am happy to be here because everybody is helping me to get the most out of myself.

There are not many chances to find a club like this one, with humble people who are the best in the world.”

Clad in a cream-coloured v-necked sweater, jeans and white shoes with luminous green trim, Song said former Arsenal team mate Cesc Fabregas, a product of Barca’s youth academy who returned to his boyhood club in 2011, had played an important role in the transfer.

Song, whose full name Alexandre Dimitri Song Billong, and his family had moved into the wealthy Barcelona neighbourhood of Pedralbes, taking the house where former France international Thierry

Chelsea to explain Leeds rivalry to foreign players LONDON: Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez will explain to his contingent of foreign players what playing against bitter rivals Leeds United means to the club ahead of their Capital One (League) Cup quarter-final today.

The two clubs have been sworn enemies since the infamous 1970 FA Cup final replay, won by the London club, was marred by nasty tackles and ill-feeling. That match and fractious games since have ensured plenty of spite between

Rafael Benitez

both sets of supporters. Leeds, now mid-table in the Championship (second tier), are chasing their third Premier League scalp of the competition having knocked out Everton and Southampton.

This is the first time the pair have met since Chelsea’s 1-0 win in the 2003-04 season and Benitez will explain to his players what the fixture means. “We will talk with them and we will explain how important is every game, how important is the competition for us and how important the game will be for all the fans and for the club,” the Spaniard told a news conference yesterday.

“We will have some research about the history, I think that it is quite interesting.” Benitez’s side have just returned from the Club World Cup in Japan, where they lost in the final to South American champions Corinthians.

Given the holders are already out of the Champions League and have slipped behind in the Premier League title race, the League Cup has taken on more importance as Benitez tries to convince Chelsea he should be kept on past May. The match also has extra spice because of animosity between Benitez and Leeds manager Neil Warnock, which stems from 2007 when the Spaniard played a weakened side for Liverpool against Fulham ahead of the Champions League final.

Fulham won, a result that contributed to Warnock’s Sheffield United side being relegated. Warnock has said he is unsure if he will shake Benitez’s hand before the match, although the Chelsea boss has no such issue. “I’m professional so I will do my job. I’m professional, I will behave,” he said.

Another link between the two clubs is Ken Bates, who sold Chelsea to owner Roman Abramovich in 2003 and has recently relinquished control of Leeds but stays as club president.

Chelsea will still be without the injured John Terry and striker Daniel Sturridge is doubtful. John Obi Mikel, Gary Cahill and Ramires are suspended. The match will be Chelsea’s eighth in 24 days, but Benitez said fatigue was something they would just have to deal with. “That’s the situation and we have to manage the situation.”— Reuters

Henry, another ex-Arsenal player who had a stint at Barca, used to live.

Song’s two sons, aged four and six, have enrolled in Barca’s youth academy and were learning Spanish. “I have known him (Fabregas) for many years and he is like a brother to me, he helped and guided me,” Song, who joined Arsenal as a teenager after a brief stint at French club Bastia, added. “We grew up together, we stayed together like eight years in London. He was my captain there and he did really well.”

Song still follows the Premier League and said he was sure that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would turn things around for the London club after a rocky start to the season. “I think for them it’s very difficult,” Song said.

“But you know when you take the new players it’s not easy but hopefully they will come back soon,” he added. “I think it’s no problem because I know Arsene very well.

He will fight to bring the club back to being successful and hopefully it will come soon because as I said it’s not easy.”

Song’s international career has had its ups and downs and he had a bust-up with former Barca striker Samuel Eto’o during the 2010 World Cup. Song was fined just over $2,000 by the Cameroon Football

Federation for refusing a reconciliatory handshake from Eto’o last year but now appears ready to put the good of the national team ahead of any lingering personal disputes.

The priority is to help the Indomitable Lions recover from their failure to qualify for the Africa Nations Cup twice in succession and regain their status as one of Africa’s soccer powerhouses.

“For me, I don’t have a problem with anyone,” Song said. “Some people don’t like each other but when you come together you just need to do something to make the team go forward.

“We have a lot of good young players and we have the potential to play but I think we just need ? to try to play football.

“We just need to clean two or three things. I think if we do that we’ll be good.”

Asked what it was like to be in the same team as World Player of the Year Lionel Messi, Song said he could add little to the avalanche of recent praise for the Argentine. “Messi is the best player in the world, whatever I say doesn’t matter,” he said. “He could play in any club in the world. He is a hard worker and he is a winner. I am happy to play with him and not against him.”— Reuters

Alex Song

Messi conquers all in AP soccer rankings LONDON: Lionel Messi brushed aside all challengers in the AP Global Soccer rankings this week, although his Barcelona team came close to being topped by new world club champion Corinthians.

Messi, with scored two goals in La Liga last weekend for a staggering 90 this year, received 169 points of a possible 190 from 19 global soccer journalists on The Associated Press panel.

Corinthians goalkeeper Cassio played a key role in the 1-0 defeat of Chelsea in the Club World Cup final in Japan on Sunday. He earned 72 points, two more than Manchester United’s Dutch striker Robin van Persie.

“Messi gets two more in the best match in La Liga,” panelist Orfeo Suarez of Spain’s El Mundo newspaper said. “And Barcelona has 13 points more than Real Madrid.” After being knocked off the top of the rankings last week by Manchester United, Barcelona was back in first place this week, by one point over Corinthians.

“The victory over Chelsea in the final of the Club World Cup returned the trophy to South America after six years,” panelist Leonardo Bertozzi of ESPN Brazil said, “rewarding the brilliant work of coach Tite who did it without any world-class players.”

Barcelona drew 161 of 190 points and Corinthians was at 160. United was in third place at 103, just ahead of Juventus, which stayed in fourth.

Paris Saint-Germain notched its highest ranking since it began in October, winning 75 points to finish fifth after the impressive 1-0 victory over Lyon that took the Parisian side to the top of Ligue 1.

Manchester City came in sixth, ahead of Lazio and AC Milan, giving Italy three

teams in the top 10. Tom Timmermann of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch put Cassio in the top spot.

“Players who do good things in very important games should get a little extra credit, which is why Cassio’s play in the Club World Cup gets top billing this week, ahead of standby Messi, who usually is in the top spot,” Timmerman said.

“Corinthians are the first nonEuropean club I’ve put on my ballot. I feel a little awkward putting the club that’s sixth in the Brazilian standings in my top 10, but they beat Chelsea, which counts for something. Paris Saint-Germain jumping over Lyon made the decision easy at the bottom of the top 10.” Paolo Guerrero, who had the only goal in Corinthians’ vic-

tory in Yokohama, was fourth with 69 points. Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao scored in a 4-1 loss to Barcelona.

He received 59 votes to finish fifth, down from last week’s second place. “Atletico Madrid presented the latest challenge to Barca,” Bleacher Report’s Will Tidey said.

“Tito Vilanova’s team swept it aside.”

Bayer Leverkusen’s Stefan Kiessling had two goals and an assist against Hamburg in a 2-0 victory the Bundesliga.

He rose to sixth place, just ahead of fellow German Miroslav Klose of Lazio.

“Stefan Kiessling is gathering attention in Germany,” said Christian Schatzle of Derfussballblogger.de. One of Europe’s classiest players, Andrea Pirlo of Juventus, was eighth with 40 points. — AP

SPAIN: Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, from Argentina (right) is congratulated by teammate Thiago Alcantara in this file photo. —AP

19

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

SPORTS

Siberian club Tom dream of Champions League TOMSK: Three years ago, Siberian soccer club Tom was in danger of bankruptcy before being rescued by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin, who was then prime minister, ordered seven of the country’s largest oil and energy companies to pump more than $12 million into the club’s coffers.

The cash injection helped turn Tom’s fortunes around both on and off the pitch, allowing the club to pay off most of its debt and also boosting the team’s morale. Tom, who owed nearly 600 million roubles ($19.25 million) in back pay to their players and staff in 2009, had needed around 400 million roubles to keep the club afloat.

However, Putin warned former Tom bosses that it was a one-off deal and they should not expect any such help in the future. “Many clubs have had to deal with such problems, not just in Russia but worldwide,” Sergei Zhvachkin, who became the club’s new president in March soon after Putin appointed him

governor of the Tomsk region, told Reuters in an interview.

“Look at Chelsea. They too were on the verge of bankruptcy just a decade ago, before Roman Abramovich came to rescue them.” Russian billionaire Abramovich has invested hundreds of millions of pounds of his own money into Chelsea since buying the west London club for some 17 million pounds ($31.75 million) in 2003. “Now they’re among the biggest clubs in Europe,” Zhvachkin said. “It just shows that nothing is impossible in football.”

Tom has continued to face problems both on and off the field. Their experienced coach Valery Nepomniashchy, who led Cameroon to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals and has worked with national teams in China and Uzbekistan, quit last year and the team were relegated to Division One (second tier league) in May. Last month, the club was fined 30,000 roubles by local authorities for failing to pay wages to its staff on time.

In addition, local prosecutors have opened a criminal case against their former general director Yuri Stepanov, charging him with embezzlement linked to the 2006 transfer of Russia international Pavel Pogrebnyak.

Investigators said a third party had been paid $400,000 to obtain Pogrebnyak’s transfer from Spartak Moscow to Tom. The following year, the well-travelled striker moved to Zenit St Petersburg, then to Bundesliga’s VfB Stuttgart before joining London club Fulham last season. He now plays for their English Premier League rivals Reading.

Stepanov has also left the club and the criminal case was closed earlier this year. Following a summit meeting in the Kremlin headed by Putin this year, Rosneft and Gazprom - the country’s largest oil and energy companies respectively - agreed to share the cost of running the club along with the regional government. Tom are currently under-

going restructuring after Gazprom and Rosneft officially became the club’s joint owners along with the Tomsk region. “I think it’s only fair for the state companies, such as Gazprom and Rosneft, to give something back to the people of our region for using our natural resources,” said Zhvachkin.

“With the help of Gazprom and Rosneft we have been able to pay off some 450 million roubles of the money owed to former players and staff but still owe about 150 million in back wages,” added deputy governor Chingis Akatayev.

The team are looking for a quick return to Russia’s top flight next year after comfortably leading Division One midway through this season’s campaign.

They have a good mix of experienced players, such as former Scotland striker Garry O’Connor, as well as young blood, including Pogrebnyak’s younger brother, 20-year-old Kirill.

“We have good crowds at almost all

our home games even when the temperature drops well below zero, especially when we face (arch-rivals) Sibir Novosibirsk. It’s our Siberian derby,” said long-time Tom fan Sergei Simonov.

The club, however, has still been criticised for relying heavily on government subsidy rather than trying to work out a solid economic plan. Zhvachkin said he would welcome a private owner with open arms but added it was nearly impossible to find a local tycoon who was willing to risk his own money by investing in the struggling club.

“Well, I can ask Abramovich to sell Chelsea and put his money into our club but I don’t think he would accept such an offer,” he added with a smile. Despite the recent problems, Zhvachkin dreams of one day playing in the Champions League. “Who knows, maybe I’ll live to see the day when Tom will host a top club, like Chelsea, in a European Cup match,” he said looking up and rolling his eyes.—Reuters

Ex-AFC official demands legal charges against bin Hammam

Marcel Hirscher speeds down a slope in this file photo.

Hirscher leads night slalom ITALY: Defending overall World Cup champion Marcel Hirscher held a slim lead over Germany’s Felix Neureuther after the opening run of a night slalom yesterday that was marred by the death of a gate keeper.

Hirscher clocked 52.07 seconds down the Canalone Miramonti course, which features gradients of up to 60 percent.

Neureuther was 0.06 seconds behind and Cristian Deville of Italy was third, 0.56 back. Two more Italians followed, with Manfred Moelgg and Olympic champion Giuliano Razzoli tied for fourth, 0.68 back.

Ted Ligety, the American who is dominating in giant slalom, was sixth, 1.02 behind. There was a delay of about 15 minutes after the first eight starters when a gate keeper midway down died from apparent cardiac arrest, organizers said. Gate keepers observe racers to make sure they go around each gate correctly, and are usually assigned two or three gates in slalom races.

Ligety, who hasn’t reached the podium in slalom since Jan. 2008 in Wengen, Switzerland, started immediately after

the delay - although the death was not reported until the run was finished.

Slalom standings leader Andre Myhrer of Sweden was only 11th, and risked losing his 10-point advantage over Hirscher.

Alexis Pinturault, the Frenchman who won the last slalom on home snow in Val d’Isere, straddled a gate on the top section and did not finish.

The first run was set by Croatian coach Ante Kostelic, who is known for his radical course sets. Michael Janyk of Canada was nearly half a second quicker than Hirscher at the first checkpoint, then went out. In all, 25 racers in the 76-man field failed to finish.

The race marks the World Cup’s return to Madonna Di Campiglio after a sevenyear break. Fans lined most of the course and despite temperatures slightly below freezing there was a festive atmosphere under the lights.

Giorgio Rocca, the Italian who won the last race here in 2005, was one of the forerunners who tested the course immediately before the race. Three-time winner Alberto Tomba was also in attendance.—AP

Far from perfect, but Brazil set fair for WCup SAO PAULO: Brazil has problems like most countries but one that appears to be rapidly disappearing is the notion that it will not be ready to host the World Cup in just over 18 months’ time.

While anxieties remain about the Amazonia Arena in Manaus and airports including Belo Horizonte as well the upgrading of roads and the construction of a few hotels, Brazil looks on course to stage a successful World Cup. “In the past 40 years only the Montreal Olympics in 1976 and the Athens Olympics in 2004 still had building worries at the end. That will not happen here,” said Ricardo Trade, the chief executive of Brazil’s World Cup organising committee (LOC).

However, a general mood of scepticism remains in the country. Many Brazilians do think the stadiums will be ready on time but a feeling exists that the transport system, airports and hotel capacity will struggle to cope.

There is also a belief that some stadiums, built at enormous cost through Brazil’s continually emerging muscle as the world’s sixth largest economy, are destined to become white elephants and that much of the building work is over budget.

For the last two weeks officials from world soccer’s governing body FIFA, Brazil’s LOC and representatives from national and state governments and the tourist board accompanied 20 foreign journalists on a tour of the six World Cup venues which will also stage matches at next year’s Confederations Cup. The stadiums are in varying states of readiness from the virtually complete Mineirao at Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza’s Castelao Arena to the far-from-finished Maracana in Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia’s Mane Garrincha National Stadium.

But there is no sense of panic. “We are not involved in a race against time,” deputy sports minister Luis Fernandes told reporters in Brasilia. “Our main concern is the stadium in Manaus, which, being in the Amazon jungle has its own problems - but they will be solved.

All 12 stadiums will be ready for the finals.”

The first of those stadiums officially opened its doors on Sunday when the Castelao in the north-eastern seaside city of Fortaleza was inaugurated by Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff. The Mineirao in Belo Horizonte will be opened on Dec. 21 with the four others

hosting Confederations Cup matches in Recife, Salvador, Brasilia and Rio due to be ready by April. While Brasilia and Rio still appear to have a huge amount of work to complete, Rousseff could at least celebrate on Sunday with the 67,000-seater Castelao refurbished at a cost of 518.6 million reais ($248.1 million).

She said inauguration of the first stadium for the 2014 tournament as well as Corinthians’ victory in the Club World Cup final in Japan showed Brazil’s strength on and off the soccer field. “Brazil is capable of both things, winning on the football fields and building a stadium of this standing,” she said.

FIFA has given the four other cities hosting Confederations Cup matches until next April to be ready - but doubts remain about the iconic Maracana, the venue for the 2014 final, and the national stadium in Brasilia. Both stadiums will support huge roofs.

“It is a very complicated task, but we are very confident it will be ready on time,” Icaro Moreno, the chief engineer on the Maracana project, said. “By the end of November the stadium was 75 percent complete and will last for 50 or 100 years - so a few weeks either way now will not damage our plans to be ready.”

The same might not be said of Brasilia, which looked even more of a building site than the Maracana. Engineer claims the stadium was 84 percent complete appeared hugely optimistic, but Trade was not too concerned.

“There are targets to meet and they will all be met,” he said. “The Confederations Cup is next June, the World Cup in 18 months time.

We have made promises to FIFA and to the Brazilian people and every promise we have made, we will keep.”

Even half-built, all the stadiums convey a sense of grandeur befitting a country that has won the World Cup a record five times and is desperate for a sixth success in 2014.

In Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza the surrounding walkways and platforms command superb views of their cities. The stadium infrastructures themselves are all built with sustainable legacies in mind and the designs are aweinspiring, especially in Fortaleza with one end left open looking out to the city below.

Whether Brazilian officials are being wildly optimistic that everything will be ready in time or not, they appear confident and feel everyone else should be too.—Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Mohamed bin Hammam should not escape punishment for alleged corruption despite resigning from all footballrelated positions and accepting a new life ban from FIFA, former Asian administrator Peter Velappan said yesterday.

Bin Hammam, the FIFA executive committee member from Qatar who challenged incumbent Sepp Blatter for the presidency last year, gave up his long-running dispute with FIFA after it found him guilty of violations of its code of ethics while head of the Asian Football Confederation.

Velappan, who was AFC general secretary from 1978 to 2007, told The Associated Press the AFC and FIFA should pursue investigations into alleged corruption and misappropriation of funds by bin Hammam.

“This is his Christmas gift. He has no other choice but to resign, but it doesn’t mean that he should be let off the hook,” Velappan said.

“Fair play should not be just on the field but also off the field. If bin Hammam has breached fair play, he must be made accountable and be charged.”

FIFA said the 63-year-old bin Hammam sent a resignation letter to both FIFA and the AFC on Saturday. It said the second life ban was a result of the final report from its ethics committee showing “repeated violations” of ethics during bin Hammam’s term as AFC president and member of the FIFA executive committee.

AFC official Chetan Kulkarni said its legal committee will meet on Jan. 14 in Kuala Lumpur to discuss and decide the future course of action. He declined to elaborate.

The AFC plans to elect a new president next April, ending uncertainty since bin Hammam was suspended by FIFA last year.

Acting president Zhang Jilong is considered the front-runner for the post.

FIFA handed bin Hammam a life ban last year after he was found guilty of bribing voters in a campaign to unseat Blatter, but the ban was lifted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Bin Hammam has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the FIFA probe was politically motivated to protect Blatter.

FIFA has said evidence from whistleblowers pointed to bin Hammam handing out $40,000 bribes in cash to each of 24 Caribbean football nations during his campaign visit to Trinidad. A yearlong audit by the Malaysia-based AFC also revealed “infringements” regarding the “execution of certain contracts” and tampering with the organization’s bank accounts by bin Hammam while he was president.

As a result, the AFC ordered probes into how bin Hammam managed the accounts. “I urge the AFC and FIFA to pursue charges against bin Hammam. This must be made a lesson to all future leaders that they cannot abuse their powers and escape with it,” Velappan said.—AP

Mohamed Bin Hammam

Jose Mourinho’s reign at Real Madrid turns sour MADRID: It began as a marriage of convenience between a coach hungry to establish himself at the top of his sport and a club determined to put the brakes on the runaway success of its archrival.

For Jose Mourinho, coaching Real Madrid added a major notch to his career, having previously led Inter Milan to the 2010 Champions League title and guiding Chelsea to six trophies in three years.

Madrid president Florentino Perez banked heavily on Mourinho having the qualities required to rein in Pep Guardiola’s stinging victories with Barcelona and also the strength of character to sort out a squad encumbered with “galactico” trappings but without a single item of silverware.

Mourinho had proved his Champions League pedigree early by winning the trophy with Porto in 2004, aged just 41. Perez set aside considerations that Mourinho’s fascination with defensive tactics might grate with his team’s tradition of overwhelming opponents through attacking prowess.

Two-and-a-half seasons later, the honeymoon is in tatters and the talk is that it was never a love match anyway. Spain’s media has claimed the Portuguese doesn’t understand the “stateliness” of Madrid and the reverence it deserves.

As evidence they point to the disrespect Mourinho showed to his position by poking (then assistant coach) Tito Vilanova in the eye during a melee in August 2011, and also to how he has criticized his own players in public for not showing the guts and commitment to win matches.

Mourinho was scathing after Madrid’s 2-1 loss at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey last Wednesday. “There are players who have disappointed me,” he said. “(Some) didn’t want to play because it was cold, raining.”

Perez showed unusual warmth as he quickly stepped up to defend him on that occasion.

“We have the best coach in the world, with an impressive track record,” Perez said Sunday.

“From here, Jose Mourinho, I give you my acknowledgment, my confidence in your work and my affection.”

That was before Sunday’s 2-2 draw against lowly Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu, a result that left Madrid in third place in the league, 13 points behind leader Barcelona after 16 matches, not to mention facing possible elimination from the Copa after a first-leg defeat.

Mourinho conceded it was “practically impossible” for his side to retain the Spanish

league title prized from Guardiola’s grip last season. “The distance is too great to achieve the League,” he said after the draw, words that Perez responded to rapidly.

“Madrid’s sporting principles are never to give up, however difficult the challenge,” the president said Monday. The atmosphere in Madrid’s dressing room has been tense, leading sports newspapers Marca and As have repeatedly reported in recent weeks. Rumors that French club Paris Saint-Germain may be trying to sign Mourinho have caused unease, as have unsubstantiated but unceasing speculation that the Portuguese coach really wants to end up at Manchester United.

Mourinho has never hidden his admiration for the English Premier League since beginning work as a translator, then assistant coach, to Bobby Robson at Lisbon in 1992 and then Barcelona.

The Portuguese has tried to quash rumors of his departure. “No, it’s not true,” Mourinho snapped at a news conference Saturday before a French journalist had even been able to pronounce the first two words of his question.

With the journalist about to speak again, Mourinho interjected that in May he had signed a new four-year contract to remain as Madrid coach until 2016, quashing the Frenchman’s curiosity about any possible link with PSG. But last season’s success, where Madrid finished with 100 points and 121 goals and Guardiola left the sport for a break, has been all but forgotten. Barcelona has eclipsed Mourinho’s squad, making it look flat-footed.

The press has been quick to lay the blame on Mourinho’s methods.

“His choking style of leadership, his persistent and obsessive defiance, have finally exhausted his players,” said sports columnist Alfredo Relano in As. The problem for Perez and fans is a lack of ideas as to who could replace Mourinho. A random question flung at Joachim Loew last week about his chances of taking the job was immediately dismissed by the German national coach.

“I do not care about the rumors. This is just speculation,” Loew said to German Television station Sport1. “Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2016. I have a contract until 2014.”

Despite the criticism and doubt that Mourinho has engendered, there is still great respect for his ability, as Perez’s words demonstrated. No trophy is more precious to Madrid than the Champions League, and hope still remains there. The Spanish press

grudgingly asked on Monday if Mourinho had “the pulse” to turn Madrid’s situation around.

“He still can, but much will have to change,” Relano said.—AP

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s coach Jose Mourinho from Portugal shouts from the touchline in this file photo. —AP

Matches on TV (Local Timings)

Italian Cup Lazio v Siena Aljazeera Sport 1 HD Aljazeera Sport +1 Udinese v Fiorentina Aljazeera Sport 1 HD Napoli v Bologna Aljazeera Sport +1 Aljazeera Sport 1 HD

17:00

19:30 23:00

Titans ground Jets

Siddle strikes to spark dramatic Australia win

17

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Ifs and buts about head-butts in football

Page 18

VIGO: Celta’s forward Mario Bermejo (right) vies with Betis’ defender Nacho (left) during the Spanish League football match.—AFP

Molina keeps Betis in hunt for Europe MADRID: Jorge Molina put Real Betis on the brink of La Liga’s top four with the only goal in a 1-0 victory at promoted Celta Vigo on Monday.

The forward spun away from his marker and fired low into the corner nine minutes from time, sparking a desperate final charge from Celta. Betis keeper Adrian had to block a header on the line in the closing minutes and Mario Bermejo finally worked his way round the visiting custodian, only to fire his shot against the post with the goal gaping in time added on.

The Andalusians are fifth with 28 points, behind Malaga in fourth on goal difference, and a massive 18 points adrift of runaway leaders Barcelona. Unbeaten Barca crushed secondplaced Atletico Madrid 4-1 with a double from Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp on Sunday, moving nine points clear at the top, and 13 ahead of champions Real Madrid who were held 2-2 at home by lowly Espanyol. In Monday’s other game, Deportivo La Coruna remained at the foot of the standings on 12 points after a 0-0 home draw with Valladolid.

Meanwhile, Barcelona secured the futures of leading players Lionel Messi, Xavi and Carles Puyol with renewed contracts yesterday. World Player of the Year Messi’s deal has been extended by two years to June 30, 2018, which ties him until he is 31, the La Liga leaders said in a statement. The 34-year-old Puyol, the club’s captain, has agreed a three-year extension to June 30, 2016, which would effectively see the Spanish international through to the end of his playing career at 38. Xavi’s existing deal ran until June 2016 depending on appearances but the 32year-old midfielder’s new contract would now end then regardless of the number of times he played, Barca added. The new contracts will be signed in the coming weeks.

“It is with great satisfaction that the board are able to bring continuity to this successful project with the renewed deals for Xavi, Puyol and Messi,” Barcelona director Toni Freixa told a news conference.

“Puyol, Messi and Xavi are three basic pillars.

It was essential to have our principal figures tied to the club. “The buy-out clauses remain the same until there is a financial improvement.”

Offering Messi a further two years indicates how important the Argentine is to the club and ensures they secure his services over the peak of his playing career, injury permitting. At 25, Messi has already set a number of club scoring records and is favourite to win a fourth World Player of the Year award next month.

He has been the top scorer in the world’s highest-profile club competition, the Champions League, for four years in a row, and hit the headlines recently as he racked up his 90th goal in 2012 for club and country.

Barca built their team around the fleet-footed forward over four trophy-filled seasons under coach Pep Guardiola until he stepped aside last May, and the transition to former number two Tito Vilanova has failed to upset the ‘the flea’s’ rhythm.

Messi has already scored 25 goals in 16 La Liga games this season, the latest being a double against second-placed Atletico Madrid in a 4-1 victory on Sunday which left Barca clear at the top, and 13 points ahead of their great title rivals Real Madrid.

Puyol has been a central figure at the heart of the Barca defence for more than a decade, famous for his commitment and aggression. His return after a string of injuries has settled a backline that looked distinctly shaky earlier in the campaign.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Puyol said: “I want to play until I am 40. I want to continue playing...but when it doesn’t feel right I will stop whether I have a contract in place or not.” Like Puyol and Messi, playmaker Xavi is a product of the club’s acclaimed youth academy, and has pulled the strings in midfield for more than a decade. With Cesc Fabregas settling into the side more, and the talented Thiago Alcantara emerging, Spanish international Xavi has increased competition for his place but remains a vital part of Vilanova’s plans.—Reuters

Arsenal dismantle Reading Arsenal 5

Reading 2

LONDON: Spanish playmaker Santi Cazorla scored a hat-trick as Arsenal stylishly dismantled bottom club Reading 5-2 to move up to fifth in the Premier League on Monday.

Reading’s lowly league position was reflected in their school-yard defending as Arsenal cut through the home team at will to open up a four-goal lead before the hosts briefly threatened to make a game of it late on.

Arsenal, under pressure following their humiliating League Cup defeat at Bradford last week, produced an impressive attacking performance. “It was important to stay strong and play football. Success comes with playing football,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger told Sky Sports. “And it was a very convincing win tonight.”

Germany forward Lukas Podolski put Arsenal ahead after 14 minutes while Cazorla scored twice in the first half and once after the break as the visitors ran riot. Adam Le Fondre

grabbed what looked like a consolation before Jimmy Kebe briefly stirred the home fans to believe in an unlikely comeback before Theo Walcott wrapped up the match.

Arsenal now have 27 points from 17 games, two behind local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in fourth and 15 behind leaders Manchester United. Reading stay bottom with nine points.

Arsenal were looking to rebound from the loss at fourth tier Bradford City last week and took the lead when Podolski took a touch and fired left-footed into the net for his fifth Premier League goal of the season.

The lead was almost doubled eight minutes later when Walcott, handed the central striking role he craves, sprung the offside trap but his low shot was parried by the feet of Reading keeper Adam Federici.

It was only a matter of time before Arsenal grabbed a second and on 32 minutes Podolski turned provider, darting down the left flank and curling in a cross that found Cazorla arriving in the centre unmarked to head past Federici.

Cazorla’s second was another example of poor Reading defending. Full back Kieran Gibbs headed a Podolski cross back into the danger zone and Cazorla found space to swivel in the area and score with a volley that bounced up off the ground and into the net. —Reuters

Global oil supply ample, demand good: Naimi Page 22

India keeps rates on hold as inflation fears weigh Page 23

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Dirty money costs developing world $6tn Page 24

Mercedes-Benz completes all-new SUV line-up Page 25

MADRID: Guests gather for Christmas celebration inside the Stock Exchange in Madrid yesterday. Interest rates continue to drop for Spanish debt with the Treasury easily selling a targeted euro 3.5 billion ($4.63 billion) amid easing investor concern over whether the country will have to apply for a bailout. — AP

Coal use set to surpass oil in a decade: IEA Growth in emerging markets to drive demand PARIS: Coal is set to surpass oil as the world’s top fuel within a decade, driven by growth in emerging market giants China and India, with even Europe finding it hard to cut use despite pollution concerns, according to a report published yesterday.

“Thanks to abundant supplies and insatiable demand for power from emerging markets, coal met nearly half of the rise in global energy demand during the first decade of the 21st century,” said Maria van der Hoeven, head of the International Energy Agency.

Economic growth is expected to push up further coal’s share of the global energy mix, “and if no changes are made to current policies, coal will catch oil within a decade,” she said in a statement.

The latest IEA projections see coal consumption nearly catching oil consumption in four years time, rising to 4.32 billion tons of oil equivalent in 2017 against 4.4 billion tons for oil. That has consequences for climate change as coal produces far more carbon emissions responsible for global warming than other fuels. But the IEA report on coal found that even countries which have committed themselves to reducing carbon emissions are finding it difficult to resist the

renewed allure of coal. A number of European countries have seen their use of coal for electricity consumption jump at the beginning of this year, including by 65 percent in Spain, 35 percent in Britain and 8 percent in Germany.

The shale gas boom in the United States has led to a slump in coal prices there and subsequently on the market in Europe, where natural gas remains expensive.

This gave a price advantage to coal beginning last year, with the low price of polluting in Europe’s emission trading scheme also a contributing factor. “...low coal prices, supported by a low (emissions) price resulted in a significant gas-to-coal switch in Europe,” said the report. European countries have been slow to exploit shale gas deposits, concerned about possible environmental damage, but the IEA pointed out that the US experience shows that tapping it can bring benefits from lower coal use as well as lower electricity costs.

“Europe, China and other regions should take note,” said van der Hoeven. Moreover, the IEA report doesn’t foresee within the next five years the widespread take-up of technology to capture and store underground carbon emissions from burning coal.

Emirates may steer clear of global alliances PARIS: Dubai-based Emirates airline plans to stay outside of global airline alliances but is open to bilateral partnerships, a company executive said in a newspaper interview yesterday. “Our strategy hasn’t shifted,” Emirates’ Executive Vice President Thierry Antinori told the online newspaper Latribune.fr. “We don’t want to enter a global alliance like Star Alliance, Skyteam or Oneworld which would be a brake to our development,” he added.

Instead he said Emirates sees “major partnerships between major actors” as the strategy for the future. “Our strategy is simply to fill out our network by concluding agreements with companies that cover best the part of the network we want to develop,” Antinori explained.

He said Emirates had no fixed objective in the number of partnerships it concludes, which don’t involve making capital investments.

Emirates already has bilateral cooperation arrangements with Australia’s Qantas and lowcost carrier EasyJet. Antinori said Emirates was in talks with American Airlines about expanding their cooperation, but that it would be more modest than the par tnership with Qantas, which shifted a hub to Dubai from Singapore to benefit from Emirates network.

He said that American Airlines being part of the Oneworld alliance posed no problem for Emirates. — AFP

Van der Hoeven warned that unless there is technological progress or a replication of the US experience “...coal faces the risk of a potential climate policy backlash.” ‘China is coal. Coal is China.’The IEA, the energy advisory arm of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development of 34 industrialized nations, sees non-OECD developing countries as driving the increase in coal consumption due to population growth and rising electricity consumption as their economies grow and modernize. In its baseline scenario, the IEA sees rapid increases in power generation making India the second-largest coal consumer in 2017, displacing the United States where the shale gas boom makes coal uncompetitive.

Chinese coal consumption is forecast to account for more than half of global demand by 2014, with the country also displacing the United States as the biggest coal polluter on a per-capita basis.

The IEA sees China’s coal demand increasing by an average of 3.7 percent per year to 3,190 million tonnes of coal equivalent in 2017. Even in the case of a slowdown in the breakneck growth in the Chinese economy the IEA sees the country’s use of coal growing

by 2 percent per year, as well as the overall coal market growing.

The agency said that given its position developments in the Chinese market would largely determine the course of the global coal market, saying: “China is coal. Coal is China.”

The IEA believes that current mining and port expansion projects are sufficient to meet China’s rising needs, but expressed concern if the current low prices and uncertainties about the economic outlook make investors overly cautious. Cancellations or a slowdown in “...development projects might lead to tightened international coal markets” in the next five years, the IEA warned. The report sees only the United States making reductions on coal-based carbon emissions on per capita and per economic output measures thanks to cheap gas displacing coal.

Increased coal use pushes up China’s emissions on a per capita basis, displacing the United States as the top polluter. However.

China is also seen as making the most gains in emissions efficiency, followed by the United States. Neither the Europe nor India are forecast to make considerable gains in emissions efficiency. — AFP

US ‘fiscal cliff’ deal closer WASHINGTON: After making major concessions on long-held “fiscal cliff” positions, President Barack Obama and House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner will test the reaction of their respective parties in the US Congress and continue talks aimed at further narrowing their differences.

The effort is designed to avert the steep tax hikes and across the board spending cuts set to take effect unless a deal is enacted into law before Dec 31.

Enactment would require a buy-in by the full US Senate and House on whatever Obama and Boehner present to them.

Neither Obama or Boehner can be certain

yet on how much resistance they might meet.

Though much work remains, the progress contrasted dramatically with previous movement so slow that as recently as Sunday, some Washington insiders saw a 50-50 chance of going over the cliff - which the Congressional Budget Office says would bring on a new recession.

In rapid developments Monday, the two sides came significantly closer to bridging gaps on critical issues such as tax hikes for the wealthy and cuts in Social Security cost-of-living benefits.

Those issues have the potential to cause

problems politically for both leaders, as Republicans and Democrats start to study them.

Obama and Boehner made the most headway on extending the reduced tax rates originally enacted in the administration of President George W. Bush. Both have agreed to keep the low rates for everyone but the wealthy, but they still differ on who qualifies as wealthy for tax purposes. Obama, whose definition has for months been taxpayers above the $250,000 threshold, traveled to $400,000 in his latest offer. Boehner was at $1 million, but could move down to $500,000.—Reuters

Agility among 4 fined for air freight cartel GENEVA: The Swiss Competition Commission said yesterday it has fined four transit companies, including Deutsche Bahn and Kuehne and Nagel International, for fixing prices on air freight passing through Switzerland.

“The Competition Commission has inflicted a sanction of 6.2 million Swiss francs ($6.7 million, 5.1 million euros) on four international transit companies who fixed fees and surcharges in the area of air freight,” the regulator said in a statement.

The commission, or COMCO, said it had decided on December 11 to hand the biggest fine of 3.12 million Swiss francs to Swiss Panalpina Welttransport, while another Swiss company, Kuehne and Nagel, was fined 1.17 million. The German national rail company Deutsche Bahn received a 1.02 million fine, while the Kuwait-headquar tered Agility Logistics International was fined 907,349 Swiss francs.

The German postal service Deutsche Post had also taken part in the cartel, but

since it turned itself in and alerted the authorities to the illegal practices it was offered immunity, COMCO said. Deutsche Bahn and Agility had also negotiated and received lower fines, the regulator said.

COMCO explained that it had launched the probe in October 2007, and determined that the companies in question had from 2003 to 2007 coordinated certain fees and surcharges for air freight passing through Switzerland.

“Such horizontal deals constitute serious offences,” it said. — AFP

Saudi snaps rally; Egypt edges up MIDEAST STOCK MARKET DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s bourse snapped a five-session winning streak yesterday as investors booked gains in petrochemical and insurance stocks, while most other regional markets rose.

The kingdom’s index slipped 0.2 percent, easing from Monday’s five-week high. Saudi Arabia’s index rallied in recent sessions as bargain hunters lifted the market from an 11-month low hit in late November. Expectations for increased spending that could be announced in the Saudi budget for 2013 during coming weeks have helped to spur buying. Petrochemical stocks declined with Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) and Saudi Kayan Petrochemical slipping 0.3 and 0.4 percent respectively. Dallah Healthcare Group, however, jumped 6.5 percent in its second session of trading, showing retail investors remain willing to trade fast-moving stocks aggressively. Dallah climbed 51.3 percent on its Monday debut.

“For the last two weeks or so we had momentum because of two things: a rebound from the recent drop, and expectations for the Saudi budget, which are very positive,” said Faisal al-Othman, portfolio manager at Riyadhbased Arab National Bank. “For the short term, the market will stop (around current levels) for a correction.”

Elsewhere, Arab investors helped to lift Egypt’s index to a four-week high. It rose 0.6 percent, extending 2012 gains to 47 percent and reaching its highest level since the market plunged in late November because of the controversy over President Mohamed Morsi’s moves to award himself wider powers and push through a new constitution. The market has now regained the vast majority of the losses caused by the political uproar, suggesting some investors do not think the long-term investment environment has been seriously damaged.

Palm Hills Development rallied 7.3 percent and was the most traded stock on the market. Large-caps were mixed, with Orascom Construction Industries slipping 0.8 percent and Telecom Egypt down 0.8 percent.

Arab investors were net buyers, while Egyptians and non-Arab foreigners were net sellers, according to bourse data. “I wouldn’t expect Egypt’s market to be able to replicate this year’s performance in 2013 because it started from a very low base, but volatility will always attract traders and volumes may improve rather than the index,” said Mohammed Yasin, managing director of NBAD Securities in Abu Dhabi.

In the UAE, investors booked gains in Dubai’s blue chips, while Abu Dhabi’s market ended flat as activity began to wind down ahead of the year-end.

Shares in Emaar Properties, which have been on a tear because of signs of a recovering real estate market, declined 0.8 percent, trimming 2012 gains to 43.2 percent.

The emirate’s index ended 0.1 percent lower, still up 17.4 percent so far this year but 10.6 percent below its March peak. Some investors expect the market to pick early next year, backed by positive momentum in the property sector and banks heading towards a peak in their loan provisioning cycle. “UAE markets will retain a positive tone until the finish of the year, given the overall expectation for equities in 2013,” said Anastasios Dalgiannakis, institutional trading manager at Mubasher. “On that basis, I would expect more positive momentum.” — Reuters

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

BUSINESS

Global oil supply ample, demand good: Naimi ‘Buyers, sellers satisfied with current prices’ SEOUL: Both producers and consumers are happy with current crude oil prices and fundamentals, top exporter Saudi Arabia’s oil minister Ali Al-Naimi said yesterday, adding that given the balance speculators should leave the market alone.

“You know my desire is that people leave the market alone,” Naimi told Reuters in an interview in Seoul. “You know why? Because everybody now is happy with where the prices are. Nobody is complaining about high prices or low prices.”

“They are no longer sky rocketing or falling down. So I will really leave the market alone.”

Brent surged to a high of $128 a barrel in March this year due to supply concerns as tensions between Iran and the West over Tehran’s disputed nuclear program escalated, threatening to derail a nascent global eco-

nomic recovery.

Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, responded by boosting output to the highest level in decades to over 10 million barrels per day (bpd) in summer. Higher supplies, along with a weak global economic outlook and a slowdown in China have since brought down prices about 15 percent to near $108 per barrel.

The US benchmark has held steady between $85 and $90 a barrel and Brent between $100 and $110, Naimi said, calling the prices stable. The oil minister had identified $100 a barrel as a suitable price earlier in the year.

Naimi declined to say what the kingdom’s current output level was. The OPEC-member cut output by 230,000 bpd to 9.49 million bpd in November, lowering the producer group’s

total to 30.78 million bpd, closer to its output target. Asked if he was concerned about next year’s demand growth given the global economic uncertainty, Naimi said: “Mechanisms are working well. Supply is plentiful, demand is good.”

On the supply front, he noted high US production along with a recovery in output from Iraq and Libya. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to maintain its oil output target of 30 million bpd at a meeting last Wednesday. OPEC is relaxed about the prospect of rising inventories in the first half of 2013, the group’s secretary general separately said, so long as oil prices avoid extreme moves from current acceptable level. OPEC’s own forecasts show demand for the group’s oil will average 29.25 million bpd during the period. — Reuters

Etihad buying majority of Air Berlin loyalty program

HONG KONG: Head stones adorn graves in a Muslim cemetery, in front of high rises, commercial premises and residential buildings in Hong Kong yesterday.

The International Monetary Fund warned that Hong Kong could see an abrupt fall in property prices after years of dramatic increases in one of the world’s most expensive housing markets. — AFP

Europe to miss bank rules deadline after EU talks postponed LONDON: Europe will definitely fail to meet the globally-agreed January deadline for the implementation of tougher capital requirements for banks after European Union talks to agree the rules were postponed yesterday.

World leaders approved the Basel III regime in late 2010, giving the world’s top 20 economies (G20) two years to get ready. The accord will force banks to triple the amount of capital they hold over six years. Member states and the European Parliament made progress last week on a draft law to implement Basel III, the world’s main regulatory response to undercapitalized banks that had to be rescued during the 2007-09 financial crisis. A senior lawmaker said last week that the bloc, which accounts for about half of the world’s banking assets, was on the “cusp” of a deal and yesterday’s meeting was intended to iron out final points of disagreement.

However, yesterday morning Sharon Bowles told the European parliament’s economic affairs committee, which she chairs, that there should be wider consultation with lawmakers on last week’s proposals. “I can confirm there will be no negotiations today,” a parliament spokeswoman said. A spokesman for the EU’s

Cypriot presidency said that it had not been possible to schedule negotiations and further talks to broker a deal will be held under the Irish presidency, which begins on January 1.

The EU joins another major banking centre, the United States, in delaying the introduction of the Basel rules. Last week’s talks proposed a compromise whereby bankers’ bonuses would be capped at no more than twice the level of their salaries. In return for the cap on bonuses, it was agreed that EU governments would have a say when it comes to introducing other key elements of Basel: new liquidity buffers for banks and a cap on their balance sheets from 2015.

Lawmakers are expected to formally delay implementing Basel until January 2014. Only 11 of the G20 countries are ready to start phasing in the accord from next month.

On Monday a group of US banks called on regulators to scale back the Basel liquidity rule being introduced in two years’ time, saying that they have already built up adequate buffers of cash and similarly liquid assets. Despite the delays, banking supervisors are already forcing the biggest banks to bulk up on capital. — Reuters

FRANKFURT: Gulf carrier Etihad is buying a 70 percent stake in Air Berlin’s frequent-flyer program, injecting cash into the loss-making German airline as it struggles to return to profit. Germany’s No.2 airline after Lufthansa said on Tuesday it expected cash proceeds of 184.4 million euros ($242.7 million) from the sale of the ‘topbonus’ program - more than the whole company’s market value.

The move comes a year after Abu Dhabibased Etihad bought about 29 percent of Air Berlin and agreed to grant the carrier up to $255 million in loans.

Middle Eastern carriers are building alliances and investing in new routes and new aircraft to divert a thriving traffic flow between Europe and Asia to their hubs and lure passengers with lower prices as well as better food and inflight service. Emirates, the biggest Gulf carrier in terms of fleet and num-

ber of routes, has formed an alliance with Australian carrier Qantas, and Qatar Airways is joining the oneworld alliance, which includes British Airways.

Under Tuesday’s deal, Air Berlin will keep 30 percent of the ‘topbonus’ program, which has 3.1 million members, and will have the right to repurchase 10 percent from Etihad next year.

The deal, which gives the program an enterprise value of 200 million euros, is to be completed by the end of the month. “Good news for Air Berlin shareholders because the amount ... is quite substantial and at the upper end of market expectations,” DZ Bank analyst Robert Czerwensky said.

Shares in Air Berlin were up 5.8 percent at 1.60 euros by 1025 GMT. The stock has lost almost 40 percent of its value this year, giving Air Berlin a market value of 177 million euros.

The airline, which has not made an operating profit since 2007, is struggling to recover after racking up debt in a few years of rapid expansion and said on Tuesday it would announce details of its new savings program early next year. At the end of September, its net debt stood at 853 million euros, about four-and-a-half times shareholder equity, though the sale of the ‘topbonus’ program will almost double equity.

Airlines use frequent flyer programs both to retain customers by offering them rewards for repeat bookings and to generate revenue.

For instance, hotels, restaurants and credit card companies may buy frequent flyer miles from airlines to offer to their customers as an incentive to spend money. Air Berlin said the sale of the program will have a positive effect on earnings after five years and increase the value of the stake it retains. —Reuters

Aramco, Total to double investment at Jubail site

Maaden raises $2.4bn from Islamic loan

DUBAI/KHOBAR: Saudi Aramco said its oil refinery joint venture with France’s Total will double capital investment to 7.12 billion riyals ($1.90 billion) at Jubail, the largest industrial city in the region.

Saudi Aramco Total Refinery and Petrochemicals Company (SATORP) will increase spend at the site from 3.56 billion riyals in the first-quarter of 2013, according to a statement on the Saudi bourse website.

State-owned Aramco holds a 62.5 percent stake in the project, with Total holding the remaining 37.5 percent stake. The capital increase will be on a pro-rata basis, the statement said.

In 2010, the joint-venture firm said it had raised $8.5 billion towards the $12.8 billion project and issued in 2011 3.75 billion riyals Islamic bonds to help pay for it.

The refinery, whose construction is close to completion is part of Saudi Arabia’s drive to boost crude refining capacity and would process heavy crude from Aramco’s giant 900,000 barrels per day Manifa oilfield. Aramco and Total have already started testing some units at the 400,000 barrels per day refinery, due to be fully operational in the third quarter of 2013.

The refinery would produce around 190,000 bpd of diesel, around 90,000 bpd of gasoline and 50,000 bpd of kerosene as well as petrochemicals. — Reuters

DUBAI: Saudi Arabian Mining Co (Maaden) , which has an aluminum joint venture with Alcoa , raised 9 billion riyals ($2.4 billion) through an Islamic loan facility to help fund its future projects, it said yesterday.

The murabaha-structured revolving credit facility has a life of five years and was increased from the 7 billion riyals initial target amount which the bank announced in June, Maaden said in a bourse statement. A murabaha is a sharia-compliant cost-plus-profit arrangement. In all, commitments from the banks covered the facility’s final amount by 2.5-times, the statement said.

Maaden runs Saudi Arabia’s first aluminum smelter, in a joint venture with US-based Alcoa. The Saudi firm said late last month the plant would not reach full capacity on schedule due to power supply issues. In March, Maaden outlined plans to add a new production line, with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year, at its aluminum joint venture to produce sheets used in the automotive and construction industries.

The subscribing banks for Islamic loan were National Commercial Bank, Samba Financial, Riyad Bank, Banque Saudi Fransi, Saudi British Bank (SABB), Al Rajhi, Bank Al Jazira, J P Morgan Chase, Arab National Bank, Bank Al Bilad, and Saudi Investment Bank. Maaden’s share price has risen 30.6 percent year-to-date, outperforming the main Saudi index, which has gained 7.1 percent in 2012. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds

.2740000 .4520000 .3670000 .3040000 .2830000 .2940000 .0040000 .0020000 .0761620 .7420270 .3880000 .0720000 .7274250 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2805500 GB Pound/KD .4548840 Euro .3695120 Swiss francs .3057100 Canadian dollars .2853000 Danish Kroner .0495250 Swedish Kroner .0421260 Australian dlr .2956860 Hong Kong dlr .0361980 Singapore dlr .2300340 Japanese yen .0033300 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0764130 Bahraini dinars .7444610 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0748330 Omani riyals .7289850 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - transfer Irani Riyal - cash

3.360 5.181 2.884 2.194 3.239 232.170 36.370 3.450 6.843 9.198 0.271 0.273

.2840000 .4610000 .3700000 .3130000 .2920000 .3030000 .0067500 .0035000 .0769280 .7494850 .4060000 .0770000 .7347360 .0510000 .2826500 .4582890 .3722780 .3079980 .2874360 .0498950 .0424410 .2978990 .0364690 .2317560 .0033650 .0051920 .0022010 .0028920 .0035290 .0769850 .7500330 .3997880 .0753930 .7344420 .0069380

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 75.190 77.474 732.360 748.900 76.777

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.700 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 45.594 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.315 Tunisian Dinar 181.550 Jordanian Dinar 397.730 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.892 Syrian Lier 3.855 Morocco Dirham 33.754 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 281.850 Euro 373.730 Sterling Pound 458.570 Canadian dollar 288.490 Turkish lire 158.300 Swiss Franc 309.050 Australian dollar 299.040 US Dollar Buying 280.650 GOLD 318.000 160.000 82.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

SELL CASH

300.500 749.420 3.690 290.100 553.400 45.900 50.300 167.800 47.860 375.400 37.050 5.480 0.032 0.161 0.242 3.450 399.340 0.191 95.310 45.800 4.330 241.300 1.825

51.400 731.980 3.070 7.210 77.950 75.240 232.600 35.200 2.684 460.800 43.200 310.700 3.400 9.560 198.263 76.830 282.200 1.360

731.800 2.898 6.865 77.520 75.240 232.600 35.200 2.193 456.800 309.200 3.400 9.420 76.730 281.800

GOLD 1,816.730

10 Tola Sterling Pound US Dollar

COUNTRY

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 458.800 281.800

SELL DRAFT

299.000 749.420 3.462 286.600

232.600 45.659 373.900 36.900 5.180 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

301.09 290.76 311.65 373.92 281.35 459.92 3.43 3.480 5.128 2.190 3.220 2.887 76.67 749.14 45.66 400.83 732.24 77.69 75.24

SELL CASH

299.500 288.500 310.000 372.500 282.700 458.500 3.690 3.620 5.460 2.330 3.600 3.100 77.300 748.000 47.700 398.700 734.000 77.850 75.500

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 399.310 0.190 95.310 3.240 239.600

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

281.700 286.195 456.200 371.200

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

307.320 745.795 76.675 77.325 75.085 397.095 45.691 2.186 5.162 2.872 3.464 6.841 691.010 4.370 9.285 4.370 3.340 92.270

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

281.700 2.870 5.155 2.195 3.476 6.905 76.800 75.275 748.900 45.652 462.200 2.990 1.550 376.700 292.500 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

281.350 373.400 457.100 287.550 3.400 5.145 45.635 2.186 3.460 6.860 2.870 749.200 76.600 75.100

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

BUSINESS

BOJ eyes 2% inflation target as Abe turns up heat TOKYO: The Bank of Japan will ease monetary policy this week and consider adopting a 2 percent inflation target no later than in January, sources say, responding to pressure from next Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for stronger efforts to beat deflation.

Turning up the heat, Abe made a rare, direct push for a higher inflation target when BOJ Governor Masaaki Shirakawa visited the headquarters of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) yesterday. “I told him that during my election campaign, I called for setting a policy accord with the BOJ and a 2 percent inflation target,” Abe told reporters.

“The governor just listened,” he said when asked how Shirakawa responded. The LDP swept to power in Sunday’s lower house election after campaigning for big fiscal spending to revive the economy and “unlimited” monetary easing to achieve higher inflation in a country mired in deflation for the past 15 years.

A day after the election, Abe called on the BOJ to boost its monetary stimulus at a two-day meeting that ends on Thursday and pressed it to adopt a 2 percent inflation target, double its current price goal, as soon as next month.

Under pressure, the central bank will likely ease policy this week amid looming risks to Japan’s economic outlook, sources familiar with its thinking have told Reuters, and may also start debating how to meet Abe’s calls to set a higher price target.

Abe will form a new cabinet on Dec. 26 and is seen choosing Taro Aso as finance minister, Japanese media said, a former prime minister expected to

toe the party’s line calling for aggressive easing and public works splurge.

That means the central bank will be under pressure to respond again at its policy-setting meeting on Jan. 21-22, when it is set to cut its economic forecast for the year ending in March 2013 due to the widening pain from slowing global growth.

“Abe’s comments have really raised expectations for easing this week,” said Norio Miyagawa, senior economist at Mizuho Securities Research & Consulting in Tokyo. “I think the BOJ will deliver with increased purchases of government debt. Next year could also be a big year for monetary policy easing, because of the inflation target debate and a change in leadership at the BOJ.” Fourteen of 19 economists polled by Reuters last week said they expected the BOJ to ease this week, most likely by increasing its 91 trillion yen ($1 trillion) asset buying and lending program by up to 10 trillion yen.

The BOJ currently has a 1 percent inflation target but has said this is a goal for the time being, and that it considers a range of zero to 2 percent as long-term desirable price growth.

The central bank may thus opt to clarify that after the 1 percent inflation is met, it will aim for 2 percent inflation as a long-term policy goal, to meet demands from Abe for more aggressive monetary stimulus.

The BOJ and the government may issue a joint statement, similar to one crafted in October between the central bank and the outgoing government led by the Democratic Party, pledging to take measures to aim for 2 percent

inflation in the long run, the sources said.

Shirakawa told reporters he did not discuss monetary policy with Abe, and that he only visited to pay respect. It is rare for a premier or a would-be prime minister to reveal what was discussed at a closed-door meeting with a central bank governor.

The BOJ has eased monetary policy four times so far this year via an increase in its asset-buying and lending program. But politicians like Abe have criticized the central bank for not doing enough to end 15 years of grinding deflation in Japan. Some central bankers are keen to boost stimulus again, with the world’s third-largest economy already in mild recession and unlikely to rebound strongly early next year due to weak exports to China and the potential impact from the US “fiscal cliff.” Any BOJ action on Thursday will likely take the form of a further increase in its asset-buying program. But central bankers, feeling the heat, have been privately pondering options for next year including setting a higher inflation target and buying government bonds more aggressively.

Through such steps, they hope to stave off threats by Abe of revising the BOJ law guaranteeing its independence. But there is strong resistance within the BOJ on setting a 2 percent inflation target in a country that has barely seen price growth exceed 1 percent in the past two decades. Japan’s core consumer inflation was flat in October from a year earlier after five straight months of declines. BOJ officials close to the conservative

TOKYO: A man checks the electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. Asian stock markets were mostly higher yesterday, boosted by signs China’s recovery is gaining traction and hopes for a new stimulus in Japan. — AP Shirakawa are wary of setting a higher Washington and give Japan a greater price target without having effective global security role. The choice of Aso, means of achieving it. They also fret 72, as finance minister suggests Abe is that pumping too much money into looking to experienced LDP lawmakers the economy could brew seeds of to fill key posts to avoid criticism that imbalances, such as sharp rises in asset his ministers lack experience. prices, in the long-term.

While Aso’s views on monetary poliBut Abe, whose LDP and its small cy are little known, as prime minister he ally New Komeito captured a two- launched massive stimulus packages to thirds majority in Sunday’s landslide combat the global financial crisis in victory, has swiftly moved to press his 2008. The new finance minister, along agenda. with the economics minister, can Yesterday, Abe told reporters that attend or send subordinates to BOJ he had agreed in a telephone call with policy-setting meetings.

US President Barack Obama that the They cannot vote on policy decitwo would try to meet next month, sions but can voice opinions and part of a push to strengthen ties with request a delay in a vote. —Reuters

India keeps rates on hold as inflation fears weigh Borrowing costs may be cut soon to boost growth

SYDNEY: A man silhouetted against a Malaysian Airlines plane tail as he looks out through a window at Sydney International Airport. Malaysia Airlines yesterday said it will buy 36 new ATR turboprop aircraft for 3.0 billion ringgit (916 million USD) as it looks to further expand its regional and domestic networks. —

Malaysia Airlines to buy ATR jets for over $900m KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines yesterday said it will buy 36 new ATR turboprop aircraft for more than $900 million as it looks to boost profits by further expanding its regional and domestic networks.

Of the 36 ATR-72-600 planes, the carrier said 20 will go to low-cost subsidiary Firefly, which is fast expanding its lucrative routes, while 16 are for MASwings, another low-cost carrier that flies to Sarawak and Sabah on Borneo island.

The three-billion-ringgit purchase comes after the struggling flag carrier in November said it had swung back to a profit, ending six straight quarterly losses after slashing unprofitable routes to cut costs. Malaysia Airlines group CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said Firefly is expected to rapidly expand within the next five years thanks to growing demand in Asia.

“The additional aircraft will be utilized to continue growing Firefly’s network and providing customers with more travel options,” said Ahmad Jauhari, who signed the deal with Filippo Bagnato, chief executive of French-Italian firm ATR. The aircraft are slated for delivery from the end of the second quarter of 2013. Ahmad Jauhari said that the expansion of the Firefly route network would focus on Malaysia, Indonesia,

Thailand and Singapore. Launched in April 2007, Firefly provides connections to various points within Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia’s Sumatra. It currently has 12 ATR-72-500 aircraft while MASwings operates 10 similar aircraft. Mohamad Nawawi Awang, CEO of MASwings, said the new aircraft would provide more flights to airports in the Malaysian part of Borneo. Asian airlines are ramping up purchases of aircraft as they look to tap growing demand for travel among the region’s expanding middle class.

Earlier this month Malaysia’s AirAsia, the region’s top budget carrier, ordered 100 Airbus A320 aircraft with a catalogue value of $9.3 billion, including 64 future A320 fuel-efficient Neo models as it looks to expand services.

Ignatius Ong, Firefly’s CEO said the additions to its fleet were more fuel efficient and will have the latest cockpit technology similar to Airbus’s A380 superjumbo. “The turboprop is also reputed to be one of the most fuel efficient aircraft in existence, hence resulting in lower carbon emissions,” said the CEO. The chief designer of the aircraft cabin is a top Italian designer whose work is seen in many luxury supercars such as Lamborghini and Maserati, Firefly said. — AFP

UBS Libor fine could swell to $1.5bn ZURICH: Swiss banking giant UBS may be slapped with a combined fine of $1.5 billion (1.1 billion euros) to settle allegations that it manipulated Libor interest rates, the Financial Times reported yesterday.

“UBS is close to finalizing a deal with UK, US and Swiss authorities in which the bank will pay close to $1.5 billion,” the British financial daily reported, quoting unnamed sources familiar with the matter. Around three dozen bankers and senior managers will be implicated, and according to the terms of the deal, the Swiss bank’s Japanese subsidiary will plead guilty to a US criminal offence, the paper said. Speculation has been rife in recent days over the amount of the expected deal, which will make UBS the second bank after Britain’s Barclays to admit to wrongdo-

ing. If the Financial Times report is correct, the Swiss bank would be hit with one of the biggest fines ever imposed on a financial institution. UBS was the first bank to reveal problems in the ratesetting process of the Libor, otherwise known as the London Interbank Offered Rate, which is supposed to be a measure at which banks lend money to each other and also affects a vast range of contracts around the world.

Other banks are also reportedly in advanced talks with regulators about settling allegations that they too manipulated their Libor information, including Royal Bank of Scotland and Deutsche Bank. In June, Barclays was fined $452 million by British and US regulators for attempted manipulation of interbank rates between 2005 and 2009. —AFP

MUMBAI: India’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate on hold yesterday due to inflation worries, but signaled it may cut borrowing costs soon as it shifts focus to boosting a slowing economy. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept its main lending rate at 8.0 percent, and the percentage of deposits banks must keep with the central bank-the so-called cash reserve ratio-also unchanged.

RBI governor Duvvuri Subbarao warned that “elevated food and commodity prices” remained risks.

However the bank suggested it may start easing monetary policy in the next financial quarter, which starts in January, as inflation had cooled last month to a 10-month low of 7.24 percent.

“In view of inflation pressures ebbing, monetary policy has to increasingly shift focus and respond to the threats to growth,” the central bank said. Subbarao also reiterated guidance given two months ago that the bank expects to be able to start cutting rates in early 2013.

“The RBI again walked the straight and narrow by staying on hold. That was prudent given the still lingering inflation risks,” said HSBC chief India economist Leif Eskesen. But the decision to keep rates on hold was likely to disappoint the government and business leaders who had called for an immediate shot in the arm for the economy, which grew at just 5.3 percent in the quarter to September.

The government on Monday cut its growth forecast for the current fiscal year to between 5.7 and 5.9 percent, putting Asia’s thirdlargest economy on track for its worst annual performance in a decade.

C Rangarajan, head of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s economic advisory coun-

MUMBAI: The facade of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) head office in Mumbai. India’s central bank kept its benchmark interest rate on hold yesterday. — AFP cil, said the RBI had taken a “cautious stance”.

“But there is a reiteration of the intention to move towards a more easy monetary policy beginning next year,” he told the CNBC TV-18 business channel.

The once-booming economy has slowed sharply due to high interest rates, Europe’s debt crisis and sluggish investment caused by domestic and overseas concerns about policy-making and corruption.

China, South Korea and Brazil have all cut interest rates to shield their economies from the effects of the euro-zone crisis. But the RBI

has kept rates on hold since April, when it cut them for the first time in three years.

Economists said the only positive note from yesterday’s announcement was that it offered more clarity on future rate cuts. “The (RBI) language has become more dovish and the probability of a rate cut in January has gone up,” Rupa Rege Nitsure, chief economist at state-run Bank of Baroda, told AFP. Indian shares fell after the RBI announcement, but then recovered to gain 0.59 percent to 19,358.79 points on optimism about future rate cuts. — AFP

Spain’s ‘bad bank’ leaps key hurdle MADRID: Spain’s “bad bank”, key to cleaning up the bad-loan ridden financial system, said yesterday it had met its first money-raising target by luring investors including Deutsche Bank of Germany, British bank Barclays and French insurer Axa. The bank, SAREB, will absorb tens of billions of euros in bad assets that have been weighing on the balance sheets of Spain’s banks since the property market crashed in 2008.

It will then seek to sell those discounted assets at a profit.

Spain’s euro-zone partners insisted on the creation of a bad bank after they agreed in June to provide up to 100 billion euros to rescue the crippled banking system of the region’s fourth-biggest economy.

SAREB said it had fully met its initial target for raising capital, bringing in 524 million euros ($690 million) from private investors, which also included eight Spanish banks and three Spanish insurers. Spain’s statebacked Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring, or FROB, will add in another 431 million euros, SAREB said in a statement.

SAREB will now sell subordinated debt to its private stakeholders and other investors, aiming to

boost its reserves to up to 3.8 billion euros of which 25 percent will be capital and 75 percent debt.

The bad bank eventually will manage about 55 billion euros in bad assets. SAREB said it would start by acquiring about 40 billion euros in assets from state-rescued banks Bankia, Catalunya Bank, Caixa, Novagalicia and Banco de Valencia before the end of this year.

“With the closing of 100 percent of the capital of the first phase, SAREB will be in good condition to undertake the goals that it has been set,” the bank said in a statement.

“The main aim of the entity will be to maximize the value of the assets through its management and commercialization,” it said. In a second phase starting in the first quarter of 2013, SAREB said it would absorb the assets of other troubled banks, for which it will require a new injection of shareholder capital and subordinated debt.

The fact that private sector holds most of the capital of SAREB means Spain will not have to count its debt in calculations of the public accounts, which are showing a fast-rising debt. Setting the bad bank up is a major step

towards sorting out problems in the Spanish banking sector that have weighed heavily on the government’s finances and undermined confidence in the 17nation euro-zone.

On December 5, the European Stability Mechanism announced the release of its first financial assistance funds, nearly 39.5 billion euros, for the recapitalization of Spanish banks. — AFP

PAMPLONA: Citizens affected by bank mortgage and evictions protest in front’a regional bank, one of them display’a banner reading, ‘’This Bank deceives, swindling and fire people of their house’’, in Pamplona northern Spain yesterday. — AP

24

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

business

Dirty money costs developing world $6tn China accounted for half of dirty money in 2010

Berlusconi ally says must cut taxes, end austerity ROME: The next Italian government must cut taxes and shun German-inspired austerity policies which have dragged the country into recession, the main economics spokesman in Silvio Berlusconi’s centre-right party said. Renato Brunetta, an economics professor and former minister of public administration, said a centreright government should rely on steps such as structural reforms and privatizations to tackle Italy’s debt mountain. Brunetta has been one of the leading critics of Prime Minister Mario Monti in the People of Freedom (PDL) party and a chief influence behind Berlusconi’s attacks on his “Germano-centric” technocrat government. “Putting our heads down and carrying on like this with a blood, sweat and tears economic policy designed by (German Chancellor) Angela Merkel doesn’t help anyone,” he told Reuters. “It’s time to finish with it, it’s a failed policy.”

With elections due in February, ministers and officials including Monti have declared that any future Italian government would be bound to stick to the pledges his government has made to cut the budget deficit and rein in public finances. But to a striking extent, Brunetta’s comments echo his counterpart in the centre-left Democratic Party (PD), Stefano Fassina, and underline broad agreement in large areas of Italian politics that the austerity policies of Monti’s technocrat government must be modified.

Brunetta said Monti, appointed last year to stem a widening financial crisis, had essentially continued the tight budget policies already followed by Berlusconi’s last government, which passed two emergency budgets worth a total 60 billion euros.

But he said Monti, who added a further 20 billion euros of tax hikes and spending cuts, had made three big mistakes which had deepened a recession expected to see the economy shrink by 2.4 percent this year.

The first was extending the so-called IMU property tax to cover principal residences, a deeply hated measure in a country where more than 80 percent of people live in homes they own. In addition, he said Monti had botched a pension reform which put back the retirement age but left thousands of early retirees with neither a job nor pension.

Finally, Brunetta said complex labour reform designed to ease hiring and firing rules had satisfied no one and added complications that made it harder for companies to hire new staff or to lay workers off. “Monti did all this because he was forced to by German policies and in doing so, he delivered a hammer blow to the economy,” he said. The centre-right’s attitude towards Monti, widely credited outside Italy as the main guarantee of stability, is an ambiguous one, and last year’s crisis, which saw Berlusconi’s government forced to step down, has not been forgotten. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: Crime, corruption and tax evasion have cost the developing world nearly $6 trillion over the past decade, and illicit funds keep growing, led by China, a financial watchdog group said in a new report.

China accounted for almost half of the $858.8 billion in dirty money that flowed into tax havens and Western banks in 2010, more than eight times the amounts for runnerups Malaysia and Mexico. Total illicit outflows increased by 11 percent from the prior year, Global Financial Integrity, a Washington-based group that campaigns for financial accountability, said in its latest report released on Monday.

“Astronomical sums of dirty money continue to flow out of the developing world and into offshore tax havens and developed country banks,” said Raymond Baker, director of GFI. “Developing countries are hemorrhaging more and more money at a time when rich and poor nations alike are struggling to spur economic growth. This report should be a wake-up call to world leaders that more must be done to address these harmful outflows,” he said.

All the countries in the top 10, which this year saw India, Nigeria, the Philippines and Nigeria join the ranks, face significant problems with corruption, and in most there are vast gaps between rich and poor citizens as well as internal security problems. Leaders of the Group of 20 major economies increasingly are focusing on ways to

crack down on money laundering, bank secrecy and tax loopholes to prevent funds stolen from public coffers or earned through criminal activity from depleting the budgets of developing countries.

The sums are so huge that for every dollar in foreign direct aid, $10 leaves developing countries.

China lost $420.4 billion in 2010 and over the decade lost a total of $2.74 trillion. And its losses are steadily rising. In an October report, GFI said another $602 billion in illicit flows left China in 2011 for a total of $3.79 trillion between 2000-11.

However, the numbers in the latest report are not directly comparable with earlier data because GFI has updated its methodology, making the estimates somewhat more conservative. It measures illicit flows by calculating the difference between fund inflows from loans and net foreign direct investment, and the outflows from a country to pay for trade, cash transfers and other earnings. Aware of the destabilizing impact of corrupt money, Chinese leaders are embarking on a crackdown. Outgoing President Hu Jintao recently warned corruption threatens to destroy the communist party and the state. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin last week also put the issue high on his agenda as citizen protests over corruption mount. “Our report continues to demonstrate that the Chinese economy is a ticking time bomb,” said Dev Kar, GFI’s lead economist, who compiled the report. “ The social, political and economic order

in that country is not sustainable in the long run given such massive illicit outflows.”

Mexico lost $51.17 billion in illicit flows in 2010 for a total of $476 billion over the last decade, which does not even count the billions of dollars in bulk cash that probably left under organized crime and drug dealing. Malaysia, an export-dominated economy with a wealthy elite, lost $64.38 billion in 2010 and $285 billion cumulatively between 2001 and 2010, the report said.

Illicit financial flows have grown by 13.3 percent a year since 2001, robbing countries of wealth and benefiting a handful of corrupt leaders. Kar said the worsening picture over the past decade coincides with the globalization of finance and loosening of capital controls, changes that make it easier to transfer funds to Western banks and to tax havens.

“Until governance improves and measures to shrink the underground economy take hold, we will not see a sustained decline in illicit flows,” Kar said.

GFI called on world leaders to accelerate efforts to curtail the flow of dirty money by clamping down on secret bank accounts and ownership of shell companies; reforming customs and trade protocols so that export/import payments cannot be used to hide illegal fund transfers; requiring multinational companies to report their profits by country to prevent tax avoidance; and strongly enforcing anti money-laundering laws. — Reuters

KHARTOUM: A man walks past buses at the main bus station in Khartoum yesterday as the capital’s decaying fleet of public buses is leaving commuters stranded with surging inflation and a sinking Sudanese currency driving maintenance costs out of control, bus operators say. The transport woes are the latest burden inflicted upon Sudanese by an economy which one think-tank said is on the brink of collapse after the loss of South Sudanese oil last year. — AFP

Commuters stranded as Sudan economy nears ‘collapse’ KHARTOUM: Khartoum’s decaying fleet of public buses is leaving commuters stranded as surging inflation and a sinking Sudanese currency drive maintenance costs out of control, bus operators say.

The transport woes are the latest burden inflicted upon Sudanese by an economy which one think-tank said is on the brink of collapse after the loss of South Sudanese oil last year. Hanan Jadien said commuting to her downtown office by bus has become a struggle since August, when the trip used to take about 30 minutes.

“Now I have to wait in the terminal between half an hour and two hours.

In total, I need four hours to come and go from work,” said Jadien, who also has to take care of her family. “The transport problem is getting worse every day,” said another bus passenger, Hassan Mohammed Omer.

Drivers blame the cost of spare parts, which has risen with the weakening of Sudan’s pound against the US dollar. A minibus driver, Abdelwahid Omar, said most of the buses are old and need continuous repairs but the price of replacement components keeps going up, even on a daily basis.

“Parts dealers say it’s because of the dollar. And the second thing is most of the spare parts now in the market are not original, so they don’t last for long,” Omar said.

The Transportation Association

representing private bus owners says some have decided to park their vehicles rather than pay for the spare parts whose cost has gone up 100 percent over the past year.

Vehicle components and other imported goods have soared in price since Sudan lost the bulk of its foreign exchange earnings when South Sudan separated in July 2011 with roughly 75 percent of the oil produced by formerly-unified Sudan.

Inflation has accelerated to 46 percent in November, and the Sudanese pound has plunged on the black market where it now fetches around 6.75 pounds for one dollar, against more than four pounds late last year. The government in June devalued the official foreign exchange rate as part of measures to compensate for the loss of South Sudanese oil.

It also raised taxes, allocated more funds for social spending and increased the pump prices of fuel by about 50 percent to reduce petroleum subsidies.

‘Waiting for a miracle’- Anti-inflation protests followed, with Arab Spring-inspired calls for the downfall of President Omar al-Bashir’s 23-yearold regime. The scattered protests petered out following a security clampdown. The International Monetary Fund described the June reforms as an important step to restoring economic stability and reducing dependence on oil. But an international economist said that implementation of the

reform package has been “mixed”.

Asking for anonymity, he said spending had not been contained as hoped, while revenues did not flow as expected, leaving a projected deficit of about 10 billion pounds ($1.48 billion at the black market rate).

“And they’re still printing money”, which has pushed inflation to its highest level in 15 years, he said. The economist said that if inflation rises further the Sudanese pound will remain under pressure, in turn threatening the country’s “very low” foreign exchange reserves.

“The economy is on the brink of collapse,” the Brussels-based International Crisis Group think-tank warned in a November report. The government has rejected workers’ demands to raise the minimum wage to 425 pounds a month, and the price of beef has doubled since late last year to 40 pounds per kilogram.

Struggling to feed their families, Khartoum commuters are left “waiting for a miracle, which is a bus, to bring them back home,” the pro-government Sudan Vision newspaper wrote in an editorial. It said some despairing travellers are being forced to walk home and urged government action “before it becomes too late to contain the anger of the people.”

Khartoum governor Abdelrahman AlKhidir has an “eight-step” plan to solve the problem, the official SUNA news agency reported, but it gave no details. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

business

KUWAIT: Built around the modern Arab family - The all-new Mercedes-Benz 7-seater GL 500 is launched in Kuwait. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Top officials pose during the launch of new Mercedes-Benz GL 500.

Mercedes-Benz completes all-new SUV line-up A R Albisher and Z Alkazemi Co heralds new Mercedes-Benz GL 500 in Kuwait KUWAIT: At an exclusive A R Albisher and Z Alkazemi Co event, VIP guests and media were welcomed to an exclusive lounge in the Shuwaikh showroom to witness the country launch of Mercedes-Benz’ new SUV flagship, the GL 500. The award winning large size SUV occupies the top position amongst luxury off-road vehicles and is built around the modern Arab family with its seven seats, best in class engines, powerful performance, space, refinement and cutting edge technologies.

With excellent driving dynamics and high levels of ride comfort - both on the road and on difficult terrain - the GL 500 pampers its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxury saloon. Up to seven passengers enjoy an excellent amount of space and standard ON & OFFROAD package for the new GL 500 has six driving programs for optimizing driving dynamics and handling safety, as the optimum drive system control is provided for

palm support there is a generous stowage compartment, in front of it the Controllers and switches for the off-road programs, for example, the AIRMATIC air suspension and the COMAND system.

Integrated here are two cup holders which can be heated and cooled as an option and which can be covered with a high-quality retractable wooden cover. In the door lining with distinctive stitching the trim from the dashboard continues, whilst the door openers and seat adjustment switches are arranged in the proven Mercedes fashion. The designo Exclusive package is available as an optional extra, and amongst its features are fine designo nappa leather, extensive stitching and exclusive diamond quilting on the seats and door lining.

• Peerless capability • Fascinating technology • Space and refinement • Powerful V8 Biturbo engine

an extremely wide range of on-road and off-road operating conditions. With the ability to travel almost 900km on just a single tank of fuel, numerous measures significantly increase the energy efficiency in the powerful V8 Biturbo 435 hp GL 500 4MATIC petrol model, with fuel consumption cut by about 18 percent.

While unveiling the new GL 500 along with other management personnel, Senior Manager Sales and Operations, Ashraf Tamim; said: “Mercedes-Benz and Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co’s 2012 Year of the SUV strategy has been an overwhelming success, with three exciting launches each achieving huge popularity amongst customers.

“With the launch of the new 7-seater GL 500 capping our unrivalled luxury off-road range, we now offer a stable of powerful, attractive, capable and intelligent SUVs that appeal to the tastes and sensibilities of a new generation of regional customers: Customers who question convention and seek only the very best for their families.”

Mercedes-Benz has an off-road heritage of over 100 years, and now boasts an unrivalled SUV family offering the widest range in the market, delivering peerless performance, fascinating technology, space and refinement across any terrain.

The flagship seven-seater GL 500: Built around the modern Arab family Comfort, safety, elegance, efficiency - the new GL 500 from Mercedes-Benz demonstrates leadership qualities in all the decisive SUV disciplines, boasting value that makes it an easy choice for those wishing to invest in the very best for their families. Innovations such as the Crosswind Assist, the STEER CONTROL steering assistance system, the load recognition and the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) increase the active safety.

Other new features available on the new GL500 are assistance systems such as Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, together with a parking package incorporating an automatic function for entering and exiting parking spaces. In 2013 a 360∞ camera will also be available.

Ahsraf Tamim, Senior Manager Sales & operations, Abdul Rahman Albisher & Zaid Alkazemi Co has it spot on when he describes the new generation as follows: “The new 7-seater GL 500 occupies the top position amongst the luxury SUVs. With its comprehensive assistance systems it has a pioneering role where safety and comfort are concerned, and is on a par with an S-Class - even when off the beaten track.”

Even at first glance the 2013 GL 500 is recognizable as a characteristic representative of the Mercedes-Benz Sports Utility Vehicle family. This new interpretation of the first generation impresses with its powerful dynamism and sporty elegance. In the front area the hallmark GL 500 upright radiator grille with its central star and the clear, high-quality design of the headlamps with an LED flare dominate. The daytime running

lamps featuring LED technology are integrated in a chrome insert in the bumper, and beneath the radiator grille the generously sized chrome-look underguard completes the self-confident appearance of the front.

With its balanced proportions (a length of 5120 mm, width of 2141 mm and height of 1850 mm) and the large wheelbase (measuring 3075 mm), the side view underlines the vehicle’s onroad emphasis. At the same time the short body overhangs at the front and rear, together with the large ground clearance, point to its off-road suitability. The hallmark-SUV high beltline with its high-quality trim, the feature line which rises dynamically and the chrome edging on the window surfaces highlight the vehicle’s effortlessly superior look.

As part of its standard specification the GL 500 is shod with attractive 21 inch light-alloy wheels as standard. The tail end with two-piece LED tail lights featuring fiber optics, a large roof spoiler and the bumper with integrated exhaust system, delivering a sporty and aggressive appearance for the luxurious full-size SUV. For GL 500 customers who place particular importance on a sporty, dynamic appearance, an extensive AMG Exterior Sports package is now available for the first time as standard in Kuwait.

In addition to the hallmark-AMG front and rear apron, it also offers special wheel-arch flarings,

which span over the 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Illuminated aluminium-look running boards also form part of the scope of supply, as do perforated brake discs and brake calliper covers with Mercedes-Benz lettering and V8 Biturbo badging on the side flanks and rear.

Inner values The GL 500 offers automotive first class Powerfully dynamic and elegant interior design, fine materials and lovingly crafted details, optimum ergonomics and a generous amount of space accentuated by a panoramic glass roof - the interior of the GL 500 oozes the ambience of wellbeing so characteristic of Mercedes-Benz.

Generously sized trim in various wood or aluminium variants, controls in silver chrome and the upholstery with the breathable premium grade leather and the stitching in a contrasting color underline the high-quality overall impression.

Ambient interior cabin lighting is available in three colors.

The seats offer seven people a generous amount of space and follow the 2-3-2 system.

Compared with the predecessor the occupants on all three rows of seats have more shoulder room, elbow room, headroom and 4 Zone Climate Control.

As part of the standard specification the third seat row can be operated electrically. Another

new feature is the EASY-ENTRY system on both sides - also available with electric operation on request - for access to the third row of seats. The centre bench seat facilitates even higher interior variability with its manifold adjustment options, including a cargo setting for optimising the luggage compartment, which offers a capacity of 680 to 2300 litres.

In the interior the dashboard continues the visual emphasis on the vehicle’s width. The modern instrument cluster with KEYLESS GO ignition and two easily legible round dials with a clear-cut design and a large 11.4 cm colour display between the instrument tubes featuring photorealistic representation stands out, making a highquality impression. Next to it a large, central colour screen for the infotainment system dominates on the dashboard. The rear seats feature entertainment including two colour LED screens.

The control and display concept impresses with excellent user-friendliness: infotainment, navigation and communication alike can be intuitively and very easily operated via the metal Controller on the centre console. Bluetooth connectivity allows for effortless wireless media and music enjoyment. As standard a multifunction steering wheel in nappa leather with steeringwheel gearshift paddles and 12 function keys is included on board. Situated on the centre console, beneath the centre armrest with its integral

Assistance systems take the GL 500 to the top of its market segment It is above all the numerous assistance systems which ensure enhanced handling safety and driver-fitness safety in the new GL. As part of its standard specification the new GL 500 has some impressive new features alongside the usual dynamic handling control systems ESP, ASR, ABS and the anticipatory safety concept PRE-SAFE: on board for the first time are the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system and the optional COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST (CPA) collision warning system.

One of the new GL’s innovations and highlights is the standard-fit Crosswind Assist, which helps the motorist if the car is affected by strong crosswinds. It does so through targeted brake actuations, therefore ensuring an enhanced feeling of safety.

Powerful V8 Biturbo engine The new powerful GL 500 4MATIC V8 Biturbo engine produces 435 hp, roughly 12 percent more power than its predecessor 388 hp. At the same time, torque has been increased from 530 to 700 newton metres - a 32-percent increase. As the high maximum torque is already available at only 1,800 revs, the new V8 produces superior power even at low engine speeds and provides a smoothness of performance that is exemplary for an eight-cylinder engine. The driver will thus notice no turbo lag, instead perceiving the new V8 as pleasant and powerful.

The GL 500 has an NEDC consumption of 11.311.6 l/ 100 km, making it the most fuel-efficient V8 petrol model in its class. A charged 4.6-litre BlueDIRECT engine is used here.

Emerging from the Mercedes-Benz Affalterbach performance division as the globe’s most powerful SUV, a GL 63 AMG version will arrive in A R Albisher and Z. Alkazemi Co. showroom in Q1 2013.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

business

Electrozan Electronics Store celebrates 6-year anniversary Widely popular gift campaign continues KUWAIT: Electrozan, the best deal electronics store is celebrating its 6-year anniversary this month by running an amazing campaign for its customers. The campaign, which was launched on December 2 and will run till December 31, allows customers to win an amazing array of free gifts by just spending KD50 at any Electrozan store. Customers have been walking away delighted by the huge number of gifts they have been winning at Electrozan.

“I came to buy just an iPhone5 but won a MacBook, a Samsung mobile phone and many free gift vouchers. This visit has completed my whole electronics collection!” said one delighted customer. “We came to buy an oven for our kitchen and won a hand blender and a mixer as gifts.” said a happy couple. “I just came to buy a laptop but I never thought that I will win a 32” LED, a DVD player, and a gift voucher. Thanks a lot Electrozan!” commented another happy winner.

Electrozan has been bringing numerous campaigns and offers for its customers, and truly living up to its position as ‘the best deal electronics store’. Launched in 2006, and having 3 stores located in Al-Rai on Ghazali Street, Salmiya near Holiday Inn, and Aswaq al-Qurein near Lulu Hypermarket in Qurein, Electrozan offers all electronics products and gadgets including mobile

phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, TVs, and home appliances at the most affordable prices.

Furthermore, it also has an installment plan through which customers can get all their favorite electronics items at very low monthly install-

ments without any hassle. Numerous other services such as an extended warranty and repair service through Wefix - the best service center in Kuwait, make Electrozan a one-stop shop for all electronics needs of customers.

VIVA announces fifth KD25,000 prize winner Winners of Mercedes Benz C180, Chevrolet Camaro

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive offers free safety checkup service for all Chevrolet, Cadillac vehicles KUWAIT: Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons the exclusive distributor of Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles in Kuwait is pleased to announce its Free Safety Checkup campaign. The free Safety vehicle checkup campaign invites every Chevrolet and Cadillac owner to a Free Checkup of Brake system, Steering system, Wheels and Tires, Suspension system, Supplementary Restraints Systems, Exhaust System and any other Safety related items and provides customers with a detailed condition report of the above along with approximate cost of work required, special discounts on parts and labor, as well as a free wash and vacuum.

The Safety Free Checkup campaign commenced on December 11 and will last until Monday 31st of December 2012. All Chevrolet and Cadillac owners are able to benefit from this valuable opportunity by bringing in their vehicles into the Service center in Shuwaikh and Fahaheel for a free safety checkup which

includes a special discount on spare parts and labor. In addition to the above customer will get a coupon to enter the draw on KD 500, KD 250, or KD 100 worth cash vouchers for service and parts. If you are interested in the Safety Free Checkup and you are not able to drop off your Chevrolet or Cadillac vehicle to the service center in Shuwaikh and Fahaheel during the week, Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive has made it convenient for you to enjoy this limited offer during the weekend due to the fact that the service center in Shuwaikh is open on Fridays from 2 pm until 7 pm. To book for an appointment and benefit from this Safety Free Checkup campaign, please call 24969000.

Yusuf A Alghanim & Sons Automotive operates under a simple philosophy to excel ownership experience for owners of Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles and will continue to launch initiatives to suit all of its customers’ needs to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.

KUWAIT: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing telecom operator, announced yesterday the fifth winner of the KD25,000 prize, the latest addition to the ‘win a car every week’ campaign. The fifth lucky draw winner of the KD25,000 grand prize was Abdullah Sulaiman Al-Enezi, and the latest lucky car winners were Sankaraya Boybi who won the Mercedes Benz C180 and Tahreer Sulaiman Mohammad who won the Chevrolet Camaro.

VIVA congratulated the lucky winners and invited customers to participate in the longest on-going campaign of its kind. The KD25,000 winner drawn on 3 December 2012 will have until 2 January 2013 to claim their prize, otherwise the prize will be given to the alternate winner. As for the two car winners drawn on 26 November 2012, they will have until 25 December 2012 to claim their prizes; otherwise the prize will be given to the alternate winner.

With the continuous success this campaign is witnessing, VIVA is keen to further engage its customers and hence, is presenting them with three

additional means to enter the draw, bringing the total number of valid options to five. Entering the draw can be done through one of the following options. The first option is to subscribe with 500 Fils per day giving customers infinite minutes and SMS to any VIVA line. This option entitles the customer to one chance to enter the draw each week.

The second option is to subscribe to the BlackBerry KD3.9 service, which gives customers full and unlimited BlackBerry Services. This option provides customers with 7 automatic chances to enter the draw each week.

The third option is to purchase the KD 2 prepaid line. Upon activating the line, customers should simply send ‘GO’ to 535, and will be presented with four chances to enter the draw each week. The fourth option is to recharge for KD 3 or more, and entitles the customer to six chances to enter the draw, each time. Last but not least, customers who choose to enjoy the prepaid internet service will receive either 2 chances for

KIB opens its 21st branch in Al-Rihab

30 travel packages to DSF 2013 awaiting NBK Visa Cardholders KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) continues its exclusive campaign offering its Visa Cardholders travel packages for two to Dubai Shopping Festival 2013, in partnership with Visa International.

NBK Visa Cardholders still have the chance to win 30 out of 60 travel packages to Dubai before the campaign concludes on 31st December, 2012. In an exclusive campaign valid until 31 December, 2012, NBK Visa Cardholders (debit, credit and prepaid cards) will get one chance to enter the second draw for every 10 KD spent using their NBK Visa Cards for all purchases during the promotion period.

Cardholders can also triple their chances to win while spending overseas during traveling or on the internet.

NBK is offering its Visa Cardholders a chance to win travel packages to witness one of the most exciting shopping events in the world.

Each travel package includes two round trip airline tickets with two-night accommodation in a five star hotel. The more NBK Visa Cardholders use their cards during the promotion period the more chances they get to win one of the 30 travel packages left.

NBK Cards are accepted worldwide and are the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. For more information log onto nbk.com or contact Hala Watani on 1801801, or follow NBK on Twitter @NBKPage, and on Instagram @NBKPage.

the KD 1 - 500 MB recharge or 10 chances for the KD 5 - 1 GB recharge, automatically upon activation. Customers can also subscribe to more than one of the five options, increasing their chances each week to win the valuable prizes. In the case a customer does not win, the points will be accumulated and carried on to the next draw.

VIVA also created the ‘Flavor of the Week’, an additional means to entering the draw and increasing the customers’ chances to win a new car every week. The ‘Flavor of the Week’ will be a ‘special service’ for that week, to which the customers can subscribe.

Prepaid customers interested in the full, unlimited, local KD 3.9 BlackBerry offer, can send an SMS with the number ‘2’ to ‘535’. For the full menu of the prepaid offers, send an SMS with the word “GO”, to number ‘535’.

To find out more about VIVA’s numerous competitive promotions, products and packages visit any of the 14 VIVA branches or visit our website at www.viva.com.kw.

KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank opened its 21st branch in Al Rihab area. The opening ceremony was inaugurated by Farwanyia Governor General Abdul Hameed Al-Hajji however Lieutenant Ahmed Ibrahim Ismail attended on his behalf. KIB Chairman Sheik Mohmed Al-Jarah Al-Sabah and Chief Executive Officer Loay Maqamis attended to represent KIB. On the occasion, KIB Chairman confirmed that the bank constantly seeks to provide comprehensive bundles of banking solutions and services through its new branches while emphasizing on delivering high quality service. The bank’s expansion strategy is based on its commitment to provide unique services to different segments of customers and a variety of banking solutions and products marked with excellence and convenience. Al-Jarah confirmed that the new branch is designed to offer the best banking experience to both AlRihab and residents from surrounding areas.

Worth to mention that KIB branches’ network distributed in all of Kuwait governorates, reflects the success and efficiency of the bank’s strategic expansion plan.

Falken Tire’s channel partners visit Sun Technology plant in Thailand KUWAIT: Falken Tire enjoys the pride of being one of Kuwait’s leading and preferred tire brands. Al Ghannam Tires Center Co, the prime channel partner for Falken Tires in Kuwait for more than 30 years had invited its selected channel partners in Kuwait to visit the modern state of art plant in Thailand.

Suresh, Vice President - Al Ghannam Tires Center Co during the press release quoted, “Falken has for long been one of the strongly performing brands in Kuwait, a outcome of the brands superior value and performance. Our channel partners have always been an integral part of us in our growth and we take great pleasure in sponsoring them to visit one of the world best tire production systems such as Sun Technology.”

Adding further, Suresh quoted, “We strongly believe that our channel partner’s visit to witness one of the most advanced tire manufacturing process, will enable them to better appreciate the technology and also allow them be in sync with the latest technologies in the field of tires.”

The Sun Technology was developed

by Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), the

manufacturer of Falken Tires. SRI is today ranked one among the top 5 global tire manufacturers in the world and next year SRI will celebrate its 100th anniversary on production of Japan’s first domestically produced automobile tire.

Since then, SRI has developed and evolved to implement latest advancements in tire technology and today is

one of world major tire producers with tire plants in multiple locations across the world.

Sun Technology is a highly automated tire manufacturing system to enhance the precision of its production process, for providing increased uniformity and casing integrity with reduced weight.

The tires manufactured through this

process allows, the tires to be stable and perform extremely well at higher speeds of operation. We are also delighted to note that the SRI has further improved this proven technology to whole new level, through the recent announcement of its all the new Neo-T01 system, an evolution of the Sun technology.

The team of Falken channel partners

was accompanied by Jaishankar, Chief General Manager of Al Ghannam Tires Center Co. On return from visit, Jaishankar said, “The delegates from Kuwait were cordially received by Nagahata San, President of Sumitomo Rubber Thailand (SRT ) and Ota San, Director of SRT in a well organized reception. The reception was followed with presentation on facility and site tour. Mr. Angelo san, Sales Manager for Kuwait of Sumitomo Rubber Middle East (SRME) also accompanied the delegation and we thank him for the tremendous support towards our business as well as for this trip.”

Jaishankar concluded saying, “The delegates were excited to have a glimpse at one of the best tire manufacturing facilities in the world and it has been amazing and knowledge enriching experience. Besides factory visit, we had also organized visit to major touristic attractions in Thailand. The informal sessions during this trip enabled improved business relations within and between channel partners and we are sure to jointly work for further development of Falken brand in Kuwait.”

27

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Twitter and Nielsen pair up to publish new ‘social TV’ ratings SAN FRANCISCO: Nielsen Holdings NV, the television viewership measurement company, said on Monday it will partner with Twitter to publish a new set of ratings that measure chatter on Twitter about T V programming. The new measurement, dubbed the “Nielsen Twitter TV Rating,” seeks to tap into the stream of viewer commentary and armchair musings generated on “second screens” - the smartphones and tablets perched on Twitter users’ laps while they watch, say, Monday Night Football or the latest episode of “Homeland” on their TVs. The new ratings, to be launched next fall, arrive at a moment when media and advertising industry executives say they are observing a shift in TV viewing habits that include the rise of “second screen” use. But significant questions remain for advertisers over

how best to interpret the data and whether a Twitter ratings system is meaningful at all.

In September, Nielsen ratings showed that TV viewership for Viacom Inc’s MTV Video Music Awards, which coincided with the Democratic National Convention, plummeted by more than 50 percent from a year ago.

Yet social media chatter tripled, according to the research firm Trendrr.

Brad Adgate, an analyst at Horizon Media, said advertisers will view the Twitter ratings as a useful layer of information about a show’s popularity, but it is “not going to be close to the currency” of existing ratings metrics. “It lets producers and creative directors know if the storyline is working, like a huge focus group,” Adgate said. “But I don’t think you can translate comments to ratings for a show. Right now I think the

bark right now is bigger than its bite.”

The new ratings will measure the number of people discussing a show on Twitter, as well as those who are exposed to the chatter, to provide the “precise size of the audience and effect of social T V to T V programming,” Nielsen said.

“As the experience of TV viewing continues to evolve, our TV partners have consistently asked for one common benchmark from which to measure the engagement of their programming,” Chloe Sladden, Twitter’s vice president of media, said in a post on the company blog on Monday. “This new metric is intended to answer that request, and to act as a complement and companion to the Nielsen TV rating.”

Mark Burnett, executive producer of NBC’s hit “The Voice,” argued that adver-

tisers should value programs that can attract a high level of social media engagement from viewers. Deeply embedded social media elements, such as live Twitter polls, were critical in driving “The Voice” to the top of the Tuesday night ratings among viewers between 18 to 49, Burnett said.

“If you’re an advertiser, wouldn’t you want to know whether people are watching this show passively or if they’re actively engaged in the viewing experience?” Burnett said. “Five years from now this will make traditional television ratings seem archaic.”

For Twitter, the partnership with a recognized measurement company like Nielsen emphatically punctuates a yearlong effort by its media division to bring second-screen usage into the mainstream. Twitter’s convergence with television has been on display during sport-

ing and major news events, which have provided some of the biggest viewership moments for both broadcasters and the social media company.

During the Summer Olympics in London, Twitter set up a page for the event that displayed photos from inside an event venue or athletes’ tweets to complement what was being broadcast on NBC. Advertisers like Procter & Gamble Co, for instance, which advertised heavily during the Games, tried to bridge the two mediums by airing an ad on TV, then sending out a tweet soliciting viewer feedback about the ad.

As news organizations tallied votes on election night in the United States on Nov. 6, worldwide Twitter chatter hit a peak of more than 327,000 per minute, the company said this month. — Reuters

Judge denies Apple request to ban Samsung phones Rejects Samsung’s call for a new trial

Ahmad Olaywan, RIM Country Manager

BlackBerry 10 Mini Jam World Tour arrives in Kuwait KUWAIT: The BlackBerry 10 Mini Jam World Tour arrived in Kuwait yesterday, showcasing the unique capabilities of BlackBerry 10 to developers based in Kuwait. The hands-on event at the JW Marriott in Kuwait City was well attended by close to 40 local developers in addition to walk-ins through the day, demonstrating a very high level of interest in the BlackBerry 10 platform amongst the thriving Middle Eastern developer community.

Recognizing the enthusiasm and passion of developers at the event, Research In Motion (RIM) announced their $10K app development competition, which gives three BlackBerry 10 developers the chance to take home $10,000 each should their app be chosen as one of the best and most original apps in the country. To participate in the competition, developers simply need to submit their native BlackBerry 10 apps online on the BlackBerry 10 Mini-Jam website.

Mohamed Al Mefleh, Director Product and Platforms, RIM Middle East, said: “With

every BlackBerry Jam event, the excitement for our new platform is only increasing among our developer community. The enthusiastic participation we have seen today strengthens our commitment to provide our customers in the region with a strong pipeline of locally relevant applications for when BlackBerry 10 launches.”

Mario Hachem, Managing Partner at apps2you says, “We have already had great success building apps for BlackBerry 7 smartphones. BlackBerry 10 gives us an opportunity to build on our expertise and enhance the app experience for customers.”

The winners of the BlackBerry 10 app contest will be announced in the run up to the launch of BlackBerry 10 in the region early next year. Applications created with any of the BlackBerry 10 tools will run on BlackBerry 10 smartphones as well as BlackBerry PlayBook tablets when the new platform becomes available for the PlayBook.

The judge also concluded that the public would be harmed if she ordered a ban. “Though the phones do contain infringing features, they contain a far greater number of non-infringing features to which consumers would no longer have access if this Court were to issue an injunction,” the judge wrote. “The public interest does not support removing phones from the market when the infringing components constitute such limited parts of complex, multi-featured products.”

At the same time, the judge also rejected Samsung’s call for a new trial because of alleged juror misconduct. Samsung had alleged jury foreman Velvin Hogan committed misconduct for failing to disclose that his former employer Seagate Technology filed a lawsuit against him in 1993. Samsung later acquired nearly 10 percent of Seagate.

Samsung alleged after the trial that Hogan had a bias against it because of its ownership stake in Seagate, a Northern California-based maker of computer hard drives. The judge said Samsung had the ability to investigate whether Hogan was biased toward Samsung before trial started because the company’s lawyer possessed Hogan’s bankruptcy file, which included the lawsuit. She said Samsung objected too late to Hogan’s joining the jury.

“What changed between Samsung’s initial decision not to pursue questioning, or investigation of Mr. Hogan, and Samsung’s later decision to investigate was simple: the jury found against Samsung, and made a very large damages award,” the judge ruled.

Koh still has before her several other legal demands from both companies. Apple is seeking to increase the award while Samsung is ask-

ing for a decrease in damages - or a new trial.

Samsung argues that it didn’t receive a fair trial in San Jose, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Apple’s Cupertino, California, headquarters.

Apple in turn argues that the jury didn’t award it enough damages and is seeking more than $100 million above the $1.05 billion. The judge earlier this month at a hearing seemed inclined to trim Apple’s award by tens of millions of dollars after concluding the jury erred in its calculations, though she didn’t specify an amount or a time she would rule.

Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet declined comment Monday night. Samsung officials didn’t respond to email and phone queries placed late Monday night. Adding to the legal tangle, Apple filed a second lawsuit earlier this year, alleging that Samsung’s newer products are unfairly using Apple’s technology.

That’s set for trial in 2014. In addition, the two companies are locked in legal battles in several other countries.

Apple lawyer Harold McElhinny claimed earlier this year that Samsung “willfully” made a business decision to copy Apple’s iPad and iPhone, and he called the jury’s $1.05 billion award a “slap in the wrist.”

Samsung lawyer Charles Verhoeven has argued that Apple was trying to tie up Samsung in courts around the world rather than competing with it head-on. Samsung recently shot passed Apple as the world’s top smartphone maker.

In the third quarter of 2012, Samsung sold 55 million smartphones to Apple’s 23.6 million sales worldwide, representing 32.5 percent of the market for Samsung compared with Apple’s 14 percent. — AP

New Facebook, Twitter ads boost mobile revenues

2013: Advancing threats, advancing opportunities DUBAI: I genuinely believe we are only a whisker away from some form of catastrophic event that could do damage to the world economy or critical infrastructure,” says ArtCoviello, Executive Vice President EMC, Executive Chairman RSA, The Security Division of EMC. Coviello believes that while the trend of targeted cyber-attacks will largely continue, the underlying tactics and the people behind these tactics will continue to evolve, ultimately changing the larger security landscape in 2013.

Organizations must now more than ever, approach security with the assumption that a security breach will occur and look beyond traditional security practices to leverage more intelligent systems to provision comprehensive protection.

Below are his predictions for the upcoming year: 1. The hackers will likely get even more sophisticated. Evidence of criminals collaborating with rogue nation states, exchanging methodologies, buying and selling information, and even subcontracting their respective capabilities expands their collective reach and enhances their mutual learning curves.

2. Increasing investments to provision pervasive mobility together with the steady adoption of cloud services will expand the attack surfaces at the expense of the perimeter.

3. Changes will occur whether security

SAN FRANCISCO: A federal judge has rejected Apple Inc.’s demands that its chief rival in the more than $100 billion global smartphone market cease selling models a jury recently found illegally used Apple technology.

The immediate impact of the ruling means that Samsung can continue to sell three of the older-generation smartphones still on US shelves that a San Jose jury in August found ripped off technology Apple used to create its iPhone.

The jury ordered Samsung to pay Apple $1.05 billion after it found the South Korean titan “infringed” several of Apple’s patents in creating 26 products - three of which are still being sold in the United States.

US District Judge Lucy Koh noted in her ruling issued Monday night that Samsung claims to have “worked around” using different technology than the Apple patents found to have been infringed such as the iPhone’s popular “pinch to zoom” feature.

And even if that’s a false claim, the judge ruled, Apple’s demands to yank the Samsung products from US shelves and bar future sales was too broad of a punishment in devices built with technology backed by hundreds of patents each.

“The phones at issue in this case contain a broad range of features, only a small fraction of which are covered by Apple’s patents,” Koh wrote in her ruling issued late Monday night.

“Though Apple does have some interest in retaining certain features as exclusive to Apple, it does not follow that entire products must be forever banned from the market because they incorporate, among their myriad features, a few narrow protected functions.”

teams are ready or not and enterprises will realize the need to address the critical skills shortage of security professionals 4. National governments will continue will continue to struggle to legislate on rules of evidence, information sharing and reforming privacy laws.Lack of privacy reform is particularly troublesome based on today’s realities because many organizations have literally been put in the position of violating one set of privacy laws if they take the necessary steps to protect information, which they are legally obligated to do based on another set of privacy laws.

5. It is highly likely that a rogue nation state, hacktivists or even terrorists will move beyond intrusion and espionage to attempt meaningful disruption and, eventually, even destruction of critical infrastructure.

6. Responsible people in organizations from all verticals, industries and governments will move to that newer intelligencebased security model and pressure governments to act on our collective behalf.

7. There will be significant uptake in investment for cloud-oriented security services to mitigate the effects of the serious shortage in cyber security skills.

8. Big Data analytics will be used to enable an intelligence-based security model. Big Data will transform security enabling true defense in depth against a highly advanced threat environment.

NEW YORK: New ad products from Facebook and Twitter have given US mobile advertising a boost, bringing revenues for the sector to more than $4 billion this year, a research firm said Monday. The eMarketer report said US mobile ad spending is growing more quickly than previously expected, helped by Facebook’s mobile newsfeed ads and Twitter’s Promoted Products.

With the new offerings, eMarketer expects overall spending on mobile advertising in the US, including display, search and messaging-based ads served to mobile phones and tablets, will rise 180 percent this year to more than $4 billion. That compares with a forecast in September 2012 of just $2.61 billion.

Now eMarketer expects US mobile ad spending to reach $7.19 billion next year and nearly $21 billion by 2016, a big upward revision. Facebook’s mobile performance in the third quarter is one major reason for the change, eMarketer said.

Before Facebook’s earnings call, most researchers and analysts expected US mobile ad revenues of roughly $45 to $100 million, according to figures examined by eMarketer. Most analysts now estimates Facebook’s US mobile ad revenues will hit $339 million in 2012. Google also posted better-than-expected mobile ad growth in the past quarter and now controls 56.6 percent of the US mobile advertising market, eMarketer estimates.

Most of Google’s mobile ad revenues come from search, and eMarketer estimates Google maintains a 93.3 percent share of the overall $1.99 billion US mobile search ad market. — AFP

A conservation analyst from the Israeli Antiquities department photographs fragments of the 2000-year-old Dead Sea scrolls at a laboratory in Jerusalem before photographing them yesterday. The director-general of the Israel Antiquities Authority Shuka Dorfmann and Professor Yossi Matias, managing director of Google Israel, announced the publishing of the Dead Sea Scrolls online, initiated by the Israel Antiquities Authority and Google. — AFP

MOUNTAIN VIEW: The Google logo is seen at the Google headquarters in Mountain View, California in this September 2, 2011 file photo. US regulators are likely to conclude a lengthy antitrust probe of Google’s dominance of Internet searches with a voluntary settlement, news reports said yesterday. The Wall Street Journal said Google was likely to agree to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission that calls for unspecified changes in how it handles search queries, but would stop short of signing a consent decree that could be enforced by a court. — AFP

Pros dominate YouTube greatest hits this year SAN FRANCISCO: “Gangnam Style” topped YouTube’s list of the most attention-grabbing videos this year, as other professionally produced works outshined the amateur clips that had originally made the website famous.

“Almost everything on the list this year was created by professional or creative talent for an online audience,” YouTube trends manager Kevin Allocca told AFP shortly before the results were released late Monday.

“It’s different from years ago, when homemade videos or random, funny stuff from smartphone cameras were the hits.” Music video “Gangnam Style” by South Korea’s Psy became the most viewed YouTube video of all time and was on pace to log a billion views by the end of this year. The view count on Monday was slightly more than 971.5 million.

Second place was a “Walk off the Earth” music video, a rendition of a hit Gotye song featuring five people simultaneously performing on one guitar. A “Kony2012” video that was part of a viral campaign to bring accused Ugandan war criminal Joseph Kony to justice was the year’s third-most attention-getting

YouTube video. The White House had praised the campaign, while a string of celebrities weighed in by tweeting links to the video and promoting the initiative by California-based nonprofit group Invisible Children.

Kony2012 was reported to be the first cause-based video by a nonprofit to make YouTube’s annual list of top videos. While trends in Google searches provide insights into what people are interested in learning about, YouTube hits tend to be “a reflection of pop culture,” according to Allocca.

Fourth place on the YouTube list went to a “Call Me Maybe” video in which stars, including Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, ignited a lipsynching rage. An “Epic Rap Battles of History” series episode that pitted a pretend Barack Obama against a Mitt Romney impersonator in a rap-powered debate came in fifth on the YouTube list. The Top Ten list included a stunt in a Flemish town square to promote a television channel; “dubstep” violin by Lindsey Stirling; comedian Emmanuel Hudson; a father’s reaction to his daughter’s Facebook post; and Felix Baumgartner’s freefall from about 39 kilometers (24 miles) above the Earth. — AFP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

health & science

Scientists solve 3,000-year-old pharaonic whodunit PARIS: An assassin slit the throat of Egypt’s last great pharaoh at the climax of a bitter succession battle, scientists said Monday in a report on a 3,000-yearold royal murder.

Forensic technology suggests Ramses III, a king revered as a god, met his death at the hand of a killer, or killers, sent by his conniving wife and ambitious son, they said. And a cadaver known as the “Screaming Mummy” could be that of the son himself, possibly forced to commit suicide after the plot, they added.

Computed tomography (CT) imaging of the mummy of Ramses III shows that the pharaoh’s windpipe and major arteries were slashed, inflicting a wound 70 millimetres (2.75 inches) wide and reaching almost to the spine, the investigators said.

The cut severed all the soft tissue on the front of the neck. “I have almost no doubt about the fact that Ramses III was killed by this cut in his throat,” palaeopathologist Albert Zink of the EURAC Institute for Mummies and the Iceman in Italy told AFP. “The cut is so very deep and quite large, it really goes down almost down to the bone (spine) — it must have been a lethal injury.” Ramses III, who ruled from about 1188 to 1155 BC, is described in ancient documents as the “Great God” and a military leader who defended Egypt, then the richest prize in the Mediterranean, from repeated invasion.

He was about 65 when he died, but the cause of his death has never been clear. Sketchy evidence lies in the Judicial Papyrus of Turin, which recorded

four trials held for alleged conspirators in the king’s death, among them one of his junior wives, Tiy, and her son Prince Pentawere.

In a year-long appraisal of the mummy, Zink and experts from Egypt, Italy and Germany found that the wound on Ramses III’s neck had been hidden by mummified bandages. “This was a big mystery that remained, what really happened to the king,” said Zink of the study, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

“We were very surprised and happy because we did not really expect to find something. Other people had inspected the mummy, at least from outside, and it was always described (as) ‘there are no signs of any trauma or any injuries.’”

It is possible that Ramses’s throat was cut after death, but this is highly unlike-

ly as such a practice was never recorded as an ancient Egyptian embalming technique, the researchers said. In addition, an amulet believed to contain magical healing powers was found in the cut.

“For me it is quite obvious that they inserted the amulet to let him heal for the after-life,” said Zink.

“For the ancient Egyptians it was very important to have an almost complete body for the after-life,” and embalmers often replaced body parts with sticks and other materials, he said. The authors of the study also examined the mummy of an unknown man between the ages of 18 and 20 found with Ramses III in the royal burial chamber. They found genetic evidence that the corpse, known as the Screaming Mummy for its open mouth and contorted face, was related to Ramses and may very well have been

Prince Pentawere.

“What was special with him, he was embalmed in a very strange way.... They did not remove the organs, did not remove the brain,” said Zink. “He had a very strange, reddish colour and a very strange smell. And he was also covered with a goat skin and this is something that was considered as impure in ancient Egyptian times”-possibly a postmortem punishment.

If it was Pentawere, it appears he may have been forced to hang himself, a punishment deemed at the time as sufficient to purge one’s sins for the afterlife, the researchers said.

History shows, though, that the plotters failed to derail the line of succession.

Ramses was succeeded by his chosen heir, his son Amonhirkhopshef. —AFP

Myanmar’s health care broken under military rule ‘For the first time, there’s reason to hope’ ZEE PHYU KWIN: In her long scarlet sarong, crisp white shirt and nurse’s cap pinned neatly in place, Khin Aye Nwe looks as though she belongs in a modern hospital. Instead, the midwife’s clean sandals scuff across the dusty cement floor of a dilapidated clinic in Myanmar’s Irrawaddy Delta.

She covers a territory spanning 15 villages with 3,000 people, delivering babies, immunizing children and treating everything from malnutrition to malaria in an area where 80 percent of young children and pregnant women are anemic.

are filling up hotel rooms.

But a half day’s drive away into the delta, it’s harder to sense that energy among the poor who live meal-to-meal in flimsy thatch huts on bamboo stilts along coffee-brown rivers and rice paddies. After being isolated from the rest of the world for so long, many are used to expecting very little in a country where running water and electricity are still considered luxuries in many areas.

For years, the US and others used economic sanctions to pressure the junta to clean up its dismal human rights record and allow demo-

IRRAWADDY DELTA: In this Aug. 31, 2012 photo, village nurses, who are also midwives, gather at a village health room during a briefing meeting given by a UNICEF child nutrition specialist in Zee Phyu Kwin village, near Pathein, in Irrawaddy Delta, Myanmar. Myanmar spent less than $1 per person on health in 2008, minus donor money, and ranks among the lowest countries in nearly every category of health care funding. —AP For half a century, such work was almost completely ignored by the secretive military-run government, which starved virtually every sector of the budget except defense. Now, with the dramatic change that has given Myanmar an elected government, there are hopes for improvement, but the country faces a long climb. Under military rule, it spent less than $1 per person on health in 2008, minus donor money, and ranks among the lowest countries in nearly every category of health care funding.

Despite the neglect, Nwe and a small army of other dedicated women have continued to fan out across the country’s vast rice basket to help the sick. They walk, ride buses, climb inside rickety boats and hop on the backs of motorbikes to reach patients who have no other source of medical care.

The work is exhausting, and Nwe knows no matter how hard she pushes herself, it will never be enough to help everyone. But she says now, for the first time, there’s reason to hope.

“I’m not seeing it here yet,” she says, softly. “I haven’t seen the improvements or changes yet, but I think it will come.” The excitement following a wave of political reforms and historic international visits is easily felt in bigger cities such as Yangon, formerly named Rangoon, where T-shirts adorned with pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi’s face are hawked at roadside stalls and Western business people

cratic reforms. As international donor aid poured into nearby countries, with Cambodia, Vietnam and Laos receiving $52, $34 and $67 per capita respectively in 2010, Myanmar got $7.

That, combined with the junta’s disregard, meant most people in Myanmar, also known as Burma, had to pay for what little health care they received, or do without. Wracked by corruption and mismanagement, the country’s overall health care system was ranked second worst in the world by the World Health Organization in 2000. The government spent the least of any country worldwide on health in 2009, as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product.

Its people pay the price in many ways: Myanmar has Southeast Asia’s highest death rates for newborns, infants and children under 5.

AIDS kills an estimated 18,000 people a year, and the country remains one of the hardest in which to receive HIV treatment. Tuberculosis is at nearly triple the global rate, and Myanmar has the highest number of malaria-related deaths in the region.

More than 90 percent of pregnant women and 70 percent of children in coastal and delta areas suffer worm infestations, a major cause of malnutrition. And all this is happening in a resource-rich country that was once the envy of its neighbors. “Decades of disinvestment in health by Burma’s rulers, coupled with the col-

lapse of the education system and censorship, have left the country’s public health system in ruins, without sufficient trained personnel or supplies to adequately offer basic, affordable health services for most Burmese,” said Dr. Vit Suwanvanichkij of Johns Hopkins University.

The lack of care is obvious at the country’s main hospital, Rangoon General in Yangon. Its once stately British colonial red-brick facade sprawls across a huge campus, but the grounds are cluttered with filth and weeds and food vendors sell cheap snacks to patients’ relatives near open sewage gutters.

Inside one ward, dozens of patients are packed into an open room. Some drift in and out of sleep while others twist in obvious pain as family members fan them.

As the country continues opening its doors to the outside world, historic visits such as last month’s by President Barack Obama are symbolizing a new era.

A parade of high-ranking global health officials also have recently filed through the country, taking stock of what’s left of the health system and vowing to help rebuild it. UNAIDS last month named Suu Kyi a global advocate to raise awareness of stigma and discrimination against HIV patients, a daunting problem in the country.

Myanmar has taken a few encouraging steps.

Its new health minister, Dr. Pe Thet Khin, is a pediatrician with firsthand knowledge of the challenges. In the US earlier this year, he said he hoped new partnerships and collaborations with foreign universities would improve the quality of the country’s health system. He added that infant, child and maternal health was considered a top priority.

He said the country is producing enough doctors, nurses and other health workers but that the quality was “a bit compromised” due to a lack of funding. “The economy, as you know, was not very good over the past 20 or 30 years, partly because of sanctions but partly because of some mismanagement,” he said.

The new government has quadrupled the health budget, but it is still low and much of the increase went to paying health workers’ salaries.

National studies are also needed to provide a clearer picture of the true state of health, especially from restive areas where ethnic minorities have been at civil war for decades and travel was previously forbidden.

“The system here is so far behind,” said Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS country coordinator.

Myanmar once had a strong health and education system and could recover, he said, “but it’s just going to take time and it’s going to take a serious commitment from the international community, not just financial but technical.”

Off the rocky, rutted dirt track in a faraway corner of the Delta where midwife Nwe works, UNICEF - not the government - has been running a program that provides vitamin- and mineralpacked sachets called Sprinkles to 3,000 children under age 3. The micronutrients are added to food to help ward off anemia caused by a lack of iron in an area of the country routinely hit by flooding and disasters Cyclone Nargis killed more than 100,000 people in 2008.

Nwe quickly rattles off a wish list of improvements she’d like to see: more health workers and supplies, better infrastructure and transportation for staff and patients. But she’s also quick to note that the government has doubled staffing at the local health center to deal with the heavy patient load. Doubled, that is, from one to two.

It’s a very small thing, she knows, but it’s enough to make her hope for more. And that’s something she never would have dared in the past. —AP

Revealed: Mystery of Rudolph’s nose PARIS: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s snout has been immortalised in movies, books and song. But until now, no-one has offered a scientific explanation for the glow that allows the world’s most famous antlered herbivore to guide Santa’s sleigh through the night before Christmas.

In a study released Monday, researchers in the Netherlands and Norway used a hand-held microscope to examine the nasal lining of five healthy humans, two reindeer and a sixth person with a non-cancerous nasal growth.

Reindeer noses have 25 percent more blood vessels than human noses, according to the

tongue-in-cheek investigation, published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) in its Christmas edition. The tiny blood vessels provide plentiful oxygen-carrying cells and help control the body’s temperature, showed their findings, which were backed by an infrared image of a reindeer after exercise.

“Rudolph’s nose is red because it is richly supplied with red blood cells, comprises a highly dense microcirculation, and is anatomically and physiologically adapted for reindeer to carry out their flying duties for Santa Claus,” the paper observes.

Rudolph’s round-the-world feat has been

closely scrutinised by physicists. In order to deliver presents to children in around 100 million homes where the Santa tradition is observed, he would have to travel at around 1,000 kilometres (650 miles) per second, they estimate.

At such speeds, the reindeer, Santa and the sleigh would be vaporised by friction with the air, along with the gifts and any little elvish helpers who came along for the ride.

Rudolph would need to deploy an ion shield to protect them, or exploit loopholes in the space-time continuum so that they travelled between dimensions in order to deliver the presents on time. —AFP

LONDON: Sally Roberts, the mother of seven-year-old cancer patient Neon, arrives at the High Court in central London yesterday for a hearing in the legal dispute over Neon’s cancer treatment. A High Court judge is expected to receive updates about the condition of a seven-year-old boy at the centre of a legal dispute over cancer treatment. —AFP

Time for states to decide on health care exchanges WASHINGTON: Nineteen states have turned down the Obama administration’s invitation to run the new health insurance markets that will begin serving millions of uninsured Americans less than a year from now. That puts a huge task on the feds, a defining challenge for President Barack Obama’s second term.

Friday is decision day for states to notify Washington if they will set up their own insurance exchanges under the federal health care law. Monitoring by The Associated Press finds a divided nation moving ahead, despite the misgivings of some state officials. Half the states now say they will participate in some way.

Still, drafters of the law did not anticipate that so many states would remain on the sidelines at this late stage. Federal control of the new state markets where individuals, families and small businesses will shop for taxpayer-subsidized private coverage was seen as a failsafe, not the standard for nearly half the country. Critics predict delays.

All of the states refusing are led by Republicans. On the other side of the ledger, 17 states and Washington, D.C., say they want to set up and run their own markets. The administration has already started granting approvals. Eight other states have indicated they want to pursue a partnership with Washington, and more may do so. Only six remain undecided.

Exchanges are the gateway to the new health care law for individuals and families who buy their own health insurance, as well as for small businesses. Currently, it’s hard to tell what’s a good plan or a fair price. You can get turned down if you have a medical problem, charged more if you are older or a woman. The health care law forbids insurers from turning away the sick, limits what they can charge older people and bans genderbased surcharges. It also requires virtually all Americans to get coverage or face fines.

Exchanges are supposed to make picking health insurance like buying an airline ticket from an online travel site like Orbitz or Expedia. There will be a website, and you’ll be able to put in your ZIP code and get a list of available health plans. There will be a section where you can find out if you qualify for subsidies, or for Medicaid. There will be cost calculators to allow you to compare different levels of coverage: platinum, gold, silver and bronze. There will be tools that allow you to see if your doctor or hospital is with a particular plan.

Middle-class consumers will be able to find out if they are eligible for government help with their premiums for private insurance. Initially, nearly 9 of every 10 taking part will get assistance.

Low-income people can use the exchanges to find out whether they are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage under the law. In addi-

tion to deciding how to implement exchanges, states must also decide whether to accept the Medicaid expansion. There’s no deadline set for that decision, and most are still weighing options.

Open enrollment for exchange plans starts next Oct. 1, and coverage begins Jan. 1, 2014. Initially around 10 million people are expected to sign up, growing rapidly thereafter. California, New York and Kentucky are among the states that have opted to create their own exchanges. Among those passing are Texas, Georgia and Kansas. Partnership states include Illinois and West Virginia.

Republican governors rejecting state exchanges have cited a variety of reasons.

Some say the administration has not provided enough information. Others say there’s too much federal regulation. Most have concerns about costs. But some Republican leaders have broken ranks, including governors in Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico, and the insurance commissioner in Mississippi.

In announcing his support for a state exchange this week, Idaho Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter said, “it would be irresponsible of me to simply abandon the field to federal bureaucrats. In the face of uncertainty we must assert our independence and our commitment to self-determination, while fulfilling our responsibility to the rule of law.”

Indeed, exchanges have a Republican pedigree. The idea was pioneered in Massachusetts under then-Gov. Mitt Romney’s health care overhaul. “All this is full of irony,” said consultant Jon Kingsdale, who founded the Massachusetts exchange for Romney. “If you had asked many of those (Republican) governors four years ago before this got politicized, it would have been a no-brainer: ‘We want the states to do it.’”

The health care law increased the power of the federal government, but states that run their own exchanges retain important roles overseeing insurance plans, addressing consumer issues and coordinating between the new marketplace and their Medicaid plans. That last item may be the most important, since Medicaid is a major component of state budgets.

Critics of the law believe the Obama administration will be overwhelmed trying to set up so many exchanges in states that are hostile to the idea. Some say the president may have to accept delays, perhaps in the face-saving context of budget negotiations where a delay would count as savings.

Publicly, administration officials are adamant that won’t happen, and independent observers are starting to believe them.

“It would be politically unwise for the president to delay the start of these benefits,” said Dan Mendelson, president of Avalere Health, a market analysis firm. “If this is going to be a legacy item, he’s got to move forward.” —AP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

health & science

Global malaria battle stalls as financing gets tight LONDON: Global funding for the fight against malaria has stalled in the past two years, threatening to reverse what the World Health Organisation ( WHO) says are “remarkable recent gains” in the battle to control one of the world’s leading infectious killers.

After rapid expansion between 2004 and 2009, funding for malaria prevention and control levelled off between 2010 and 2012 - meaning there were fewer life-saving steps taken in hard-hit malarial regions such as sub-Saharan Africa.

“If we don’t scale up vector control activities in 2013 we can expect major resurgences of malaria,” said Richard Cibulskis, lead author of the WHO’s World Malaria Report, which was published on Monday.

“Vector contol” means stopping transmission of the disease with tools such as treated mosquito nets. The report found that deliveries of such nets to endemic countries in sub-Saharan Africa dropped from 145 million in 2010 to an estimated 66 million in 2012.

“This means that many households will be unable to replace existing bed nets when required, exposing more people to the potentially deadly disease,” the report said.

Malaria is caused by a parasite carried in the saliva of mosquitoes and kills hundreds of thousands of people a year, mainly babies and children under the age of five in Africa.

According to WHO data, the disease infected around 219 million people in 2010, killing around 660,000 of them. Robust figures are, however, hard to establish and other health experts say the annual malaria death toll could be double that.

An estimated $5.1 billion a year is needed between 2011 and 2020 to get malaria medicines, prevention measures and tests to all those who need them in the 99 countries which have on-going transmission of the disease.

“Essentially, with the tools that we’ve got, we need to make sure that we continue the investments in the control measures that we have,” Cibulskis told a news conference in Geneva.

“If we don’t do that, malaria will bounce

back. As soon as you take bed nets away, malaria will come back. If you stop indoor residual spraying, it will come back, and with a vengeance. So yes, we need to keep on investing in malaria ultimately until new tools are developed.”

The WHO says while many countries have increased financing for malaria, the total available global funding remained at $2.3 billion in 2011 - less than half of what is needed. “Global targets for reducing the malaria burden will not be reached unless progress is accelerated in the highest burden countries,” Robert Newman, director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, said in statement with the report.

“These countries are in a precarious situation and most of them need urgent financial assistance to procure and distribute lifesaving commodities.” The WHO report found that by far the greatest impact of malaria is concentrated in 14 endemic countries which account for an estimated 80 percent of malaria deaths.

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the most affected countries in sub-Saharan Africa, while India is the hardest hit in South East Asia.

WHO director general Margaret Chan wrote in a forward to the report that there is now an urgent need to identify new sources of funding to boost and sustain malaria control.

“We also need to examine new ways to make existing funds stretch further by increasing the value for money of malaria commodities and the efficiency of service delivery,” she said. The Roll Back Malaria Partnership, which includes the WHO, UNICEF and the World Bank, said it was already exploring several options, including financial transaction taxes, airline ticket taxes and a potential “malaria bond” to encourage more involvement from private sector investors.

Fatoumata Nafo-Traore, executive director of the Roll Back Malaria Partnership, said Mozambique and one other African country were preparing to pilot such a bond in 2013, with the hope that other countries would follow their example. —Reuters

HO CHI MINH CITY: An undated handout picture released on December 17, 2012 by Word Wide Fund for Nature shows a Ruby-eyed pit viper (Trimeresurus rubeus) discovered in forests near Ho Chi Minh City in Southern Vietnam. Vietnam’s Cat Tien National Park is a stronghold for Trimeresurus rubeus, which inhabits a rather small geographic range, where pressures on forests are high. —AFP

New species, old threats to Mekong wildlife: WWF HANOI: From a devilish-looking bat to a frog that sings like a bird, scientists have identified 129 new species in the Greater Mekong area, the WWF said yesterday in a new report detailing discoveries in 2011.

But from forest loss to the construction of major hydropower projects on the Mekong River, existing threats to the region’s biodiversity mean many of the new species are already struggling to survive, the conservation group warned.

“The good news is new discoveries. The bad news is that it is getting harder and harder in the world of conservation and environmental sustainability,” Nick Cox, manager of WWF-Greater Mekong’s Species Programme, told AFP. Some 129 species were newly recorded last year in the Greater Mekong region, which consists of Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan.

Some, such as the Beelzebub tube-nosed bat discovered in Vietnam, depend on tropical forests for survival and so are especially vulnerable to deforestation. In just four decades, 30 percent of the Greater Mekong’s forests have disappeared, the report says.

Others, such as a short-tailed python species found in Myanmar are more at risk from illegal hunting for meat, skins, and the exotic pet trade, the report said. “Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade poses one of the greatest threats to the existence of many species across Southeast Asia,” Cox said in a statement accompanying the report.

The list, dominated by plants, included 21 reptiles and five amphibians, such as a frog that sings and another that has black and white eye patterns that look like yin and yang symbols. The WWF said that while the number of new species discovered was testament to the region’s astounding biodiver-

sity, there had been some “worrying developments” that posed a threat to their future.

WWF singled out Laos’ determination to construct the Xayaburi dam on the main stream of the Mekong River as a significant threat to the river’s “extraordinary biodiversity” and the livelihoods of more than 60 million people. “The Mekong River supports levels of aquatic biodiversity second only to the Amazon River,” according to Cox. “The Xayaburi dam would prove an impassable barrier for many fish species, signalling the demise for wildlife already known and as yet undiscovered,” he added. The Mekong River supports around 850 fish species and the world’s most intensive inland fishery, the report said.

Last month, Laos said it had begun work on the controversial multi-billion dollar Xayaburi dam, defying objections from environmentalists in its bid to become a regional energy hub. —AFP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

WHAT’S ON

New York’s Magnolia bakery opens in Kuwait 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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ew York City’s Magnolia Bakery, renowned for its classic American desserts, recently opened its first store in Kuwait, its third in the Middle East, at the AlHamra Mall located in Sharq.

Magnolia Bakery, credited with launching the “cupcake craze,” serves over 120 varieties of handmade baked goods, including cupcakes, cakes, pies, cheesecakes, icebox desserts, muffins and its world famous banana pudding. The brand is cherished for their freshly baked desserts, all of which are made from scratch in small batches throughout the day, using only the finest ingredients. In addition to their comprehensive dessert menu, Magnolia will offer a savory menu at their Middle East locations. Magnolia currently has several locations in the Middle East, including stores in Lebanon and Dubai.

“Magnolia Bakery is a luxury brand that has been embraced by the Middle East as evidenced by our success in Dubai,” said Steve Abrams, CEO and Owner. “Because of this and the region’s enthusiastic interest in Magnolia Bakery, we have chosen the Middle East as our first area of international expansion.

We are excited to bring Magnolia Bakery to Kuwait and look forward to opening many stores throughout the country.”

Magnolia Bakery’s Al-Hamra opening lasted three days, with attendees sampling a variety of Magnolia’s freshly baked desserts, learning how to create Magnolia’s

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ABS annual book fair

“signature swirl” and seeing first hand how the iconic bakery makes their cupcakes, cakes, cookies, icebox desserts and more. Event attendees included eminent personalities,

Kuwaiti families, regional media and local business owners.

The new bakery is located in the Al-Hamra Mall, located in Sharq on the mezzanine floor.

Magnolia Bakery has been featured in major Hollywood movies and television programs, including “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Saturday Night Live” and “Modern Family.”

Magnolia Bakery’s fame was sparked by its cameo on the popular “Sex and the City” hit series, which captured the attention of a worldwide audience.

Marriott holds special ‘Day out’ for Kuwait Centre for Autism

o celebrate Reading Week the American Baccalaureate School hosted a Book Fair from 2nd6th December. Classes from each department visited the Fair and were able to read what interests them from a vast selection of books, there was something for everyone.

The week was also full of activities, such as camp out day, where students read stories in their classrooms by lamp light - as if they were really camping out. In addition to the camp out activity they participated in drawing and decorating posters of the 101 Dalmatians. There were winners for all the activities with the Librarian, Ms Hadeel, announcing the winners and presenting the prizes. A good time was had by all!

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Announcements

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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Charity show n the occasion of New Year Hangama 2013, which will be held on December 31, 2012 , from 6:00 pm to 12:00 am at Carmel School, Khaitan. Rak Dance Academy is conducting dance competition in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi. The winners will be rewarded.

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s part of the ongoing ‘Spirit to Serve our Community’ initiatives by the JW Marriott Kuwait City hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait hotel, a rewarding ‘Day Out’ for children from the Kuwait Centre for Autism was held at Arraya Ballroom. Around 100 students and 80 teachers from the Centre were entertained by a series of exciting activities organized by the hotel’s associates.

Committed to realizing the challenge that afflicts autistic children on a daily basis, Kuwait Marriott Hotels opened its doors to a special event that ranged from live workshops that had a dedicated carpentry corner and live canvas painting corner, episodes of Tom and Jerry cartoons along with unique cookie dough-shaping activities to exercise their motor skills.

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Also, other fascinating stations were set up to add to the complete emotional fulfillment of the children’s fun day out, continuing with face painting corner, game corner where children had to identify different colors of balls and put them into baskets, cartoon character puzzles and making shapes out of towels - all in the midst of traditional lively Kuwaiti music playing in the background. The event was also sponsored by Cartoon Network World - represented by popular cartoon characters like Dee Dee and Johny Bravo who danced and entertained the children.

Kuwait Centre for Autism (KCA) is a non-profit charity organization established in 1994 by Dr. Samira Al-Saad that aims to relieve the country’s shortage in Educational Training, Diagnosis and Treatment of chil-

dren with autism and strengthening all the amenities needed for these children. The’ Spirit to serve our Community’ initiative is part of Marriott’s Social responsibility and community engagement program and has become a true pillar of Marriott’s culture, from its beginning 85 years ago.

“It was a very rewarding experience in hosting the young and vibrant children that are a source of inspiration for all of us. We hope to continue in our efforts to contribute to the local communities needs and in the world of the little people that hold great promise for our future,” said George Aoun, General Manager of Kuwait Marriott Hotels, following which he felicitated Shaikha Al Subaihi from the Centre with a commemorative award for their noble efforts.

Shirva feast hirva Welfare Association Kuwait (SWAK) will be celebrating their Shirva Parish feast-2013 here in Kuwait. On this occasion there will be a mass offered at 9.15 am on 8th of February 2013 at the Holy Family Cathedral. Kuwait and the celebration / get-together with a of variety entertainment programme will he held from 4.30 pm - 9 pm on the same day at the Indian Community School, Salmiya. SWAK members or their children who would like to participate in the variety entertainment programme and show their talent are requested to contact any of the SWAK committee members listed below to avail the opportunity before the 10th of January 2013. Likewise if any of members children have excelled in academics or any other extra curricular activities in the past 1 year will be appreciated and hence are requested to inform any of the SWAK committee members listed below before the 10th of January. Last date for enrollment in the talent show is 15th January 2013.

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

ICSK students perform well at French Cultural Bonanza he students of the Indian Community School, Kuwait, proved their mettle by bagging first prizes for several events at the French Cultural bonanza organized by FAIPS, Ahmadi on November 29, 2012. The children performed remarkably well in different competitions like French Music , Quiz, Word

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building, tongue twisters, French cooking which were held as part of the programme Tara Tomy and Karthik Subrammanya Karvaje from Class X D of ICSK Senior bagged the first prize in the Quiz Competition. In the French WordBuilding competition, Karthik

Subrammanya Karvaje (X D) again proved his excellence by winning the 1st prize. The competition was open for the students of CBSE schools in Kuwait who study French as their second language.

The students of ICSK Amman, ICSK Khaitan and ICSK Senior participated with great fervor and enthusiasm in the

competition. The achievement of ICSK students is significant as French is offered as a second language from class nine compared to other schools where it is offered from class two.

Congratulations to all the winners and the participants for a great performance!

Vive l’ICSK!

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WHAT’S ON

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Embassy Information

GUST students shed light on summer experience at UMSL and FIU he Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) Academic Affairs International Programs Office organized an information session on the annual GUST Summer Scholarships to University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) and Florida International University (FIU).

Dr. Milton Blood,International Studies and Programs Specialist at UMSL gave the introductory speech where he spoke about UMSL and St. Louis specifically mentioning leisurely activities and academic opportunities for students who may be interested in applying for the upcoming scholarship.

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Nine students who have had the opportunity in the past to attend UMSL and FIU attended with the interest in answering questions and giving advice to those interested in applying for the 2013 Summer Scholarships. The students began by introducing themselves and talking about their experience

abroad and how it has changed their lives both academically and personally.

After each student had this opportunity, the floor was open for the Q&A and students who previously attended UMSL and FIU answered questions and gave advice.

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department.

All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office).

In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

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EMBASSY OF 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.

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Class II sports fiesta he lively group of class II, FAIPS DPS celebrated their sports day with much fun and fervor on December 8. The auspicious presence of Mahmoud G. Abdullah, President of KCA made the event a memorable one. The dark clouds that came to disturb,paved the way to bright and colourful performances that followed. The program started with the hoisting of the school flag by the chief guest. Mrs Anju Dheman, Principal of FAIPS (DPS)

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addressed the gathering and welcomed the chief guest, Mahmoud G. Abdullah.

This was followed by the chief guest declaring the Sports Fiesta open.

The program was also attended by the Vice Principal of FAIPS -DPS, Ravi and supervisors of the primary block Mrs Shabnam and Mrs Namrata.

The first item on the agenda was acolourful flavor of dance forms from India whichleft the spectators spellbound. The dances were followed by

the synchronized movements of The Spin Wheel Drill and The Winnow Drill highlighting the precise movements and attention to details. The energetic performance of Taekwondo was a feast for the eyes. The Swift Wing Drill and The Umbrella Drill showered the ambience with bright colours.

The drills were followed by close finishing races which were eagerly participated by the children. The winners of the races were felicitated by the chief

guest who was full of praise about the Sports Fiesta.

The parents were not left out;they were encouraged to participate in a musical chair event which was competed with a lotof enthusiasm.

Anju Dheman delivered the vote of thanks by expressing her gratitude to the chief guest, parents, teachers and the support staff.

T10 cricket tournament he Indian Dentists Alliance Kuwait (IDAK) recentlyconducted T 10 Cricket Tournament on a cool and sunny morning on the 30thof November, held by four teams with seven players aside and three substitutes per team.The match was held in the fenced basketball grounds of the Andalus Park. The weather was perfect, and the IDAK kids who came along with their parents were demonstrating their bike riding and cricket skills alongside the tournament. Coming shortly after the Quick Gun Murugan shooting tournament, the T 10 cricket generated some really great response and passion, with teams practicing and honing their cricketing skills weeks before the event.

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The Four teams and their captains Avengers - Dr Mithun, FJ Tigers - Dr Arun, Royals - Dr Anil, Warriors - Dr Bobby Match 1 - Avengers vs. Royals The 1st match was played between Avengers and Royals. Avengers won the toss and they chose to bat first. Dr.Renjit and Dr. Rajesh opened the round andwith some great batting, followed by the rest of the team. They put up a challenging score of 76 for 6 in 10 overs.

The Royals came in to bat for the winning score of 77. The match gottighter as it headed closer towards the target score of 77. The last over was bowled by Dr. Rajesh, who bowled some good tight over’s in the beginning. With the last ball remaining and needing one run to win, the match went in for a tie and had to go for a superover.

The Royalstook 10 runs with a six in the lastball by Dr.Anoop. Thanks to the good bowling from Dr. Natesh and the good fielding by the team, the Royals restricted the Avengers whomanaged

only 5 runs, thuswinning the match and heading for the finals.

Match 2 - FJ Tigers vs. Warriors The 2nd Match was between the FJ Tigers and Warriors. The toss was won by the FJTigers who decided to bowl. FJ Tigers displayed some exceptional

bowling in the form of Dr.Rino, Dr.Arun,and Dr.Sasikiran, bowling with good line and length and restricting the warriors to a low score of only 36 runs in 10 overs,even though Dr. Thomas batted well till the last over. The FJ Tigers dominated the batting as well, with Dr. Rinoshowing some great batting. The FJ

Tigers won the match in 5 overs with two wickets in hand.

Finals - Royals vs. FJ Tigers The Finals was Played between The Royals and FJ Tigers. Thetoss was won by the Royals who then decided that batting was best.The FJ Tigers once again proved that they had the best bowling side in the tournament. With someexceptional over’s bowled by all the 5 bowlers,they kept the score of the Royals to minimal score of 34 for 6 in 8 overs.As victory neared for the FJ Tigers, the batting was taken over by Dr.Rino who played a master stroke of 29 runs of the required 34 runs and finished of the match with a boundary in the 5th over.

Winners The Champions Trophy was handed over by Dr. John the President of IDAK to the winning team, the FJ Tigers whose captain Dr. Arun accepted it on behalf of the team. The Runner-ups Trophy was handed over by Mr. Sandeep T.P. the official umpire of the tournamentto Dr. Anil who accepted it on behalf of the Royals.

The Man of the Tournament trophy went to Dr. Rino who truly deserved it with his exceptional bowling and batting abilities.

IDAK has had a great sporting season thanks to its exceptional sports secretary Dr. Renjit. IDAK has once again proved that it hastalented players, who have maintained their great bowling and batting skills even after all the years out of college. IDAK would like to thank Mr.Sandeep T.P. for the umpiring, Dr.Aju Wilson & Dr.PrakashKamath for the scoreboard, Dr. George for the photographyand the spectators for the sporty comments and cheers for their teams.

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.

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EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, Al-Salaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location. Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com.

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EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk.

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EMBASSY OF PERU The Embassy of Peru is located in Sharq, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Al Arabiya Tower, 6th Floor. Working days / hours: SundayThursday /9 am - 4 pm. Residents in Kuwait interested in getting a visa to travel to Peru and companies attracted to invest in Peru are invited to visit the permanent exposition room located in the Embassy. For more information, please contact: (+965) 22267250/1.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:50 Animal Cops Philadelphia 01:45 In Search Of The Giant Anaconda 02:35 Untamed & Uncut 03:25 Gator Boys 04:15 New Breed Vets With Steve Irwin 05:05 Mouse: A Secret Life 05:55 Call Of The Wildman 06:20 Cheetah Kingdom 06:45 Shamwari: A Wild Life 07:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 07:35 Wildlife SOS 08:00 The Really Wild Show 08:25 Natural Born Hunters 08:50 Deep Into The Wild With Nick Baker 09:15 Dogs 101 10:10 My Cat From Hell 11:05 Mouse: A Secret Life 12:00 Animal ER 12:55 RSPCA: On The Frontline 13:20 RSPCA: On The Frontline 13:50 Wildlife SOS 14:15 Bondi Vet 14:45 Animal Cops South Africa 15:40 Mouse: A Secret Life 16:35 Cheetah Kingdom 17:00 The Really Wild Show 17:30 Too Cute!

18:25 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 19:20 Dogs 101 20:15 Monkey Life 20:40 Bondi Vet 21:10 Call Of The Wildman 21:35 Cheetah Kingdom 22:05 Baby Panda’s First Year 23:00 Wildest Islands 23:55 Biggest And Baddest

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 03:15 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 04:05 Eating With The Enemy 04:50 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 05:35 Saturday Kitchen 06:40 Eating With The Enemy 07:25 Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is 08:15 MasterChef Australia 09:30 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 10:15 Ty Pennington’s Homes For The Brave 11:00 Bargain Hunt 11:45 Antiques Roadshow 12:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 13:25 Come Dine With Me 14:15 10 Years Younger 15:55 Bargain Hunt 16:40 Antiques Roadshow 17:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 18:15 Come Dine With Me 19:10 Kirstie & Phil’s Perfect Christmas 19:55 Kirstie & Phil’s Perfect Christmas 20:45 Come Dine With Me 21:35 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:00 Business Edition With Tanya Beckett 00:30 Hardtalk 01:00 BBC World News America 02:00 Newsday 02:30 Asia Business Report 02:45 Sport Today 03:00 Newsday 03:30 Asia Business Report 03:45 Sport Today

04:00 Newsday 04:30 Asia Business Report 04:45 Sport Today 05:00 BBC World News 05:30 Asia Business Report 05:45 Sport Today 06:00 BBC World News 06:30 Asia Business Report 06:45 Sport Today 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 Hardtalk 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 World Business Report 08:45 BBC World News 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 BBC World News 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 World Business Report 10:45 BBC World News 11:00 BBC World News 11:30 World Business Report 11:45 BBC World News 12:00 BBC World News 12:30 Hardtalk 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 World Business Report 13:45 BBC World News 14:00 BBC World News 14:30 BBC World News 15:00 GMT With George Alagiah 15:30 GMT With George Alagiah 16:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 16:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 Hardtalk 19:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 19:30 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:00 The Hub With Nik Gowing 20:30 BBC Focus On Africa 21:00 BBC World News 21:30 World Business Report 21:45 Sport Today 22:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 22:30 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 23:00 BBC World News 23:30 World Business Report 23:45 Sport Today

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:20 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:00 04:30 04:55 05:20 05:45 06:00 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:30 07:55 08:10 08:35 08:50 09:05 09:30 09:55 10:20 10:45 11:10 11:30 12:50 13:00 13:15 13:40 13:55 14:20 14:35 14:50 15:20 15:45 16:10 16:35 17:00 17:25

Taz-Mania Pink Panther And Pals Moomins Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Puppy In My Pocket Wacky Races Looney Tunes Duck Dodgers Dastardly And Muttley Dexter’s Laboratory Wacky Races Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Tom & Jerry The Garfield Show Moomins Looney Tunes Tom & Jerry Tales Dexter’s Laboratory Baby Looney Tunes Jelly Jamm Gerald McBoing Boing Bananas In Pyjamas Ha Ha Hairies Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Puppy In My Pocket Wacky Races Looney Tunes Popeye Scooby-Doo And The Loch...

Dastardly And Muttley Ha Ha Hairies Gerald McBoing Boing Jelly Jamm Baby Looney Tunes Cartoonito Tales Moomins Dexter’s Laboratory Johnny Bravo Tom & Jerry Pink Panther And Pals The Garfield Show What’s New Scooby Doo? Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries

17:50 Tom & Jerry Tales 18:00 Tweety’s High-Flying Adventure 19:15 Pink Panther And Pals 19:30 Moomins 19:45 The Garfield Show 20:00 Ha Ha Hairies 20:15 Gerald McBoing Boing 20:40 Jelly Jamm 20:55 Baby Looney Tunes 21:20 Bananas In Pyjamas 21:35 Puppy In My Pocket 22:00 The Garfield Show 22:25 What’s New Scooby Doo? 22:50 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 23:15 Tom & Jerry Tales

00:40 Chowder 01:30 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 02:20 Foster’s Home For...

02:45 Foster’s Home For...

03:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 04:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 04:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:50 Adventure Time 05:15 The Powerpuff Girls 05:40 Generator Rex 06:05 Ben 10 06:30 Ben 10 06:55 Angelo Rules 07:00 Cow & Chicken 07:30 Casper’s Scare School 08:00 Eliot Kid 08:45 Johnny Test 09:05 The Powerpuff Girls 09:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:20 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:45 Courage The Cowardly Dog 11:35 Adventure Time 12:00 Billy & Mandy Save Christmas 12:35 Transformers Prime 12:50 Ben 10: Omniverse 13:15 Courage The Cowardly Dog 14:05 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 14:30 Young Justice 14:55 Codename: Kids Next Door 15:45 Ben 10: Alien Force 16:10 Ben 10: Alien Force 16:35 Powerpuff Girls 17:00 Angelo Rules 17:20 Young Justice 17:40 Hero 108 18:00 Level Up 18:25 The Amazing World Of Gumball 18:50 Johnny Test 19:15 Ed, Edd n Eddy’s Jingle, Jingle...

19:40 Regular Show 20:05 Green Lantern: The Animated Series 20:30 Ben 10: Omniverse 20:55 Generator Rex 21:20 Level Up 21:45 Grim Adventures Of...

22:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 23:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 23:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 23:50 The Powerpuff Girls

00:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson 01:00 Amanpour 01:30 World Sport 02:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 03:00 World Report 03:30 World Sport 04:00 Anderson Cooper 360 05:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 06:00 Quest Means Business 07:00 The Situation Room 08:00 World Sport 08:30 News Special 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Report 11:00 World Sport 11:30 Inside Africa 12:00 World Business Today 13:00 Amanpour 13:30 On China 14:00 World One 15:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 16:00 News Stream

LITTLE BIG SOLDIE ON OSN CINEMA

17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30

World Business Today International Desk Global Exchange World Sport On China International Desk Quest Means Business Amanpour CNN Newscenter

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

Flying Wild Alaska Bear Grylls: How To Stay Alive Ultimate Survival Mythbusters Border Security Dirty Money Auction Hunters How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made River Monsters Overhaulin’ Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Dirty Money How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Flying Wild Alaska Bear Grylls: How To Stay Alive Ultimate Survival Border Security Dirty Money Auction Hunters Ultimate Survival Overhaulin’ River Monsters Mythbusters How Stuff’s Made How It’s Made Border Security GI Dough Auction Hunters Deception With Keith Barry Mythbusters Mythbusters

00:40 The Gadget Show 01:05 The Tech Show 01:35 Cosmic Collisions 02:25 Junk Men 02:50 Junk Men 03:15 Thunder Races 04:05 Mean Green Machines 04:35 Bad Universe 05:25 How Do They Do It? 06:15 The Gadget Show 06:40 The Tech Show 07:05 Cosmic Collisions 08:00 Junk Men 08:25 Junk Men 08:50 Bad Universe 09:40 Head Rush 09:43 Patent Bending 10:10 How Stuff’s Made 10:40 How Do They Do It? 11:30 Robocar 12:20 Thunder Races 13:10 The Gadget Show 13:35 The Tech Show 14:00 Junk Men 14:25 Junk Men 14:50 Bad Universe 15:45 Mean Green Machines 16:10 How Do They Do It? 17:00 Head Rush 17:03 Patent Bending 17:30 How Stuff’s Made 18:00 Robocar 18:50 Space Pioneer 19:40 Thunder Races 20:30 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 21:20 The Future Of...

22:10 The Gadget Show 22:35 The Tech Show 23:00 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 23:50 The Future Of...

00:10 00:20 00:35 01:25 02:15 03:05 03:30 03:55 04:45 05:35 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:35 10:00 10:25 10:50 11:15 11:25 11:40 11:50 12:05 12:15 12:30 12:55 13:20 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 22:55 23:20 23:45 23:55

Fish Hooks Fish Hooks Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Doc McStuffins Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Shake It Up Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Doc McStuffins Doc McStuffins Art Attack Jessie Jessie A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up Austin And Ally Shake It Up A.N.T Farm The Suite Life Movie 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 Phineas And Ferb Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Fish Hooks Fish Hooks

E! ENTERTAINMENT 00:55 Style Star 01:25 THS

02:20 THS 03:15 Behind The Scenes 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 E!es 05:05 E!es 06:00 50 Cutest Child Stars: All Grown Up 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 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 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 E!es 20:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:55 Married To Jonas 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Dirty Soap

00:40 Dr G: Medical Examiner 01:30 Ghost Lab 02:20 Psychic Witness 03:05 Deadly Affairs 03:55 Deadly Women 04:45 Dr G: Medical Examiner 05:30 Ghost Lab 06:20 Psychic Witness 07:10 Disappeared 08:00 Killer Outbreaks 08:50 Street Patrol 09:15 Street Patrol 09:40 Real Emergency Calls 10:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

10:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 11:20 Murder Shift 12:10 Disappeared 13:00 Life Or Death: Medical Mysteries 13:50 Street Patrol 14:15 Street Patrol 14:40 Forensic Detectives 15:30 On The Case With Paula Zahn 16:20 Real Emergency Calls 16:45 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

17:10 Murder Shift 18:00 Disappeared 18:50 Forensic Detectives 19:40 Street Patrol 20:05 True Crime With Aphrodite Jones 20:55 Who On Earth Did I Marry?

21:20 Nightmare Next Door 22:10 Couples Who Kill 23:00 Reel Crime/Real Story 23:50 I Almost Got Away With It

01:20 01:35 03:00 04:45 06:20 08:00 10:40 12:10 13:55 15:30 17:00 18:25 18:40 20:20 22:00 23:30

Mgm’s Big Screen Child’s Play Order Of Death Marshal Law Witchboard The Alamo Fatal Instinct Vampire’s Kiss Parker Kane Submerged Savage Harvest Mgm’s Big Screen The House On Carroll Street The Wicked Lady Boxcar Bertha Toy Soldiers

00:15 Delinquent Gourmet 00:45 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 01:40 A World Apart 02:35 Cruise Ship Diaries 03:30 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 04:25 By Any Means 05:20 Earth Tripping 05:45 Market Values 06:15 One Man & His Campervan 06:40 Exploring The Vine 07:10 Delinquent Gourmet 07:35 Delinquent Gourmet 08:05 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 09:00 A World Apart 09:55 Cruise Ship Diaries 10:50 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 11:45 By Any Means 12:40 The Best Job In The World 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 Dive Detectives 18:10 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 19:05 By Any Means 20:00 Delinquent Gourmet 20:30 Delinquent Gourmet 21:00 One Man & His Campervan 21:30 Exploring The Vine 22:00 Earth Tripping 22:25 Market Values 22:55 One Man & His Campervan 23:20 Exploring The Vine 23:50 Food School

00:00 Ancient Megastructures 01:00 Naked Science S2.5 02:00 Naked Science S2.5 03:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 04:00 Fight Science 05:00 Animal Autopsy (AKA Inside Nature’s Giants) 06:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 07:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 08:00 Ancient Megastructures 09:00 Naked Science S2.5 10:00 Naked Science S2.5 11:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 12:00 Fight Science 13:00 Animal Autopsy (AKA Inside Nature’s Giants) 14:00 Convoy: War For The Atlantic 15:00 World’s Toughest Fixes 16:00 Megastructures 17:00 Naked Science S2.5 18:00 Naked Science S2.5

KILL LIST ON OSN ACTION HD 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 India) 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Hooked Situation Critical Predator CSI Hooked Big, Bigger, Biggest

Animal Intervention Mystery Gorilla Nordic Wild World’s Deadliest Animals Crocodile King World’s Deadliest Animals Wild India (aka Secrets of Wild Nordic Wild World’s Deadliest Animals Crocodile King Hunt for the Giant Squid How Big Can It Get Wild Case Files Buffalo Warrior Wild Russia World’s Deadliest Animals Asia’s Deadliest Snakes Monster Crocs How Big Can It Get Wild Case Files Nordic Wild World’s Deadliest Animals Crocodile King Hunt for the Giant Squid How Big Can It Get

00:00 Kill List-R 02:00 Ronin-18 04:00 Stool Pigeon-PG15 06:00 Takers-PG15 08:00 True Justice: Vengeance Is Mine-PG15 10:00 Anaconda-PG15 12:00 Fright Night-PG15 14:00 True Justice: Vengeance Is Mine-PG15 16:00 The Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption-PG15 18:00 Fright Night-PG15 20:00 Devil-PG15 22:00 Tupac: Resurrection-18

01:00 Older Than America-PG15 03:00 Family Gathering-PG15 05:00 Another Year-PG15 07:30 Garfield’s Pet Force-FAM 09:00 Family Gathering-PG15 11:00 Another Year-PG15 13:15 Sammy’s Adventure: The Secret Passage-FAM 15:00 The Third Wave-PG15 17:00 Little Big Soldier-PG15 19:00 When Love Is Not EnoughPG15 21:00 Powder Blue-18 23:00 After Life-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 American Dad 02:00 Allen Gregory 02:30 How To Make It In America 03:00 New Girl 04:00 Hope & Faith 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Hope & Faith 08:30 New Girl 10:00 Modern Family 10:30 Community 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:30 Hope & Faith 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 New Girl 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 The Big C 23:00 How To Make It In America 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Glades Hawthorne Pillars Of The Earth The Tudors Private Practice Grey’s Anatomy The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street Criminal Minds The Ellen DeGeneres Show Grey’s Anatomy Private Practice Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Criminal Minds The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Criminal Minds Touch Warehouse 13 Hawthorne Smash The Tudors

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:15

Empire-18 Stool Pigeon-PG15 Biker Boyz-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 Spider-Man-PG Biker Boyz-PG15 Tremors-PG15 Spider-Man-PG Faster-PG15 AVP: Alien vs Predator-PG15 13 Assassins-18 Army Of Darkness-18

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:15 12:15 14:00 16:00 18:00 PG15 20:00 22:15

The Trip-PG15 The Banger Sisters-PG15 The Trip-PG15 Baby Geniuses-PG In Her Shoes-PG15 Letters To Juliet-PG15 Best In Show-PG15 Airheads-PG15 Letters To Juliet-PG15 The Marc Pease Experience-

01:00 03:00 05:15 07:15 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Square Grouper-18 Gandhi-PG Divorces!-PG15 Yona Yona Penguin-PG Le Syndrome Du Titanic-PG15 Chasing 3000-PG15 Justice For Natalee Holloway Le Syndrome Du Titanic-PG15 Boy-PG15 Brighton Rock-PG15 Blame It On Mum-18 Return To Paradise-PG15

Mystery Men-PG15 High School-PG15

01:00 Gandhi-PG 03:15 Yogi Bear-FAM 05:00 The LXD: The Uprising BeginsPG15 07:00 The LXD: Secrets Of The RaPG15 09:00 33 Postcards-PG15 11:00 Take Shelter-PG15 13:00 Spy Kids: All The Time In The World-PG 14:30 Michael Jackson: The Life Of An Icon-PG15 17:15 33 Postcards-PG15 19:00 Crazy, Stupid, Love.-PG15 21:00 Powder Blue-18 23:00 Paranormal Activity 2-18

01:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 02:45 The Apple & The Worm-FAM

04:15 Free Birds-FAM 06:00 Spooky Buddies-PG 08:00 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG 10:00 The Great Bear-PG 11:15 Cheaper By The Dozen-PG 13:00 Emilie Jolie-PG 14:30 Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules-PG 16:15 Scooter The Penguin-FAM 18:00 The Great Bear-PG 20:00 Cars 2-FAM 22:00 Scooter The Penguin-FAM 23:30 Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard-PG

03:00 Futbol Mundial 03:30 European Challenge Cup 05:30 ICC Cricket 360 06:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 07:00 Twenty20 Big Bash League 10:00 Trans World Sport 11:00 Live Twenty20 Big Bash League 14:00 Darts 19:00 European Challenge Cup 21:00 Trans World Sport 22:00 Live Darts

01:00 WWE Experience 02:00 Twenty20 Big Bash League 05:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 Darts 12:00 European Challenge Cup 14:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 15:00 Futbol Mundial 15:30 Extreme Sailing Series 17:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 18:00 Trans World Sport 19:00 Twenty20 Big Bash League 22:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 23:00 Pool Mosconi Cup

00:00 00:30 02:30 03:30 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 11:30 14:30 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:30

Spirit of a Champion European Challenge Cup Golfing World Fukuoka Marathon FEI Equestrian World Golfing World Ladies European Highlights FEI Equestrian World European Challenge Cup Fukuoka Marathon Golfing World MENA Golf Tour Highlights Futbol Mundial Spirit of a Champion Spirit of a Champion Asian Tour Golf Spirit of Golf Spirit of Golf Golfing World Mosconi Cup

02:00 03:00 04:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 23:00

V8 Supercars Extra UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 142 WWE Vintage WWE NXT PrizeFighter European Le Mans Series European Le Mans Series WWE SmackDown WWE Vintage V8 Supercars Highlights V8 Supercars Extra UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 143 PrizeFighter

00:35 02:25 05:10 06:35 08:00 10:10 11:35 13:05 15:00 16:55 19:05 21:25 23:00

Brotherly Love Grand Prix-PG Seven Women-PG The Petrified Forest-PG They Were Expendable-PG G-Men-FAM Ride, Vaquero!-FAM Silk Stockings-FAM The Opposite Sex-PG Ziegfeld Girl-FAM All This, And Heaven Too-PG Jailhouse Rock-PG Whose Life Is It Anyway?

Classifieds WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation in Salmiya behind Mercedes showroom only single Pilipina lady in a master bedroom. Tel: 97751739.

11-12-2012 FOR SALE Mazda (6) white color 2003, excellent condition, insurance one year, KD 1,100.

Mob: 66729295. (C 4256) 18-12-2012 Mazda (6) white color 2003, excellent condition, insurance one year, KD 1,100. Mob: 66729295.

(C 4256) 17-12-2012 TUITION AutoCAD tuition available by Highly Qualified Experienced Teacher, Learn professionally AutoCAD 2D&3D with Projects, Flexible Schedule, and individual tutorial. Contact: 99302850 / 22467301. (C 4251) 15-12-2012

MATRIMONIAL Orthodox parents invite proposals for their son 30/172 cm M.Com PGDBA, B & B in Kuwait and employed in a reputed MNC in Kuwait from parents of Orthodox/ Jacobite/ Marthoma B.E/MCA/MBA/M.Com/B.ED or other suitably qualified and employed in Kuwait. Contact Email: thekalloors@gmail.com (C 4253) 16-12-2012 55 years well placed Indian Muslim man seeks a lady for marriage 30 to 35 years age background and faith does not matter. Please email: asgar_kathawala@ymail.com 14-12-2012 32 years Roman Catholic boy 5’7” working as a private nurse invites proposals from God fearing and well educated girls. Email: shijopmathew@hotmail.com (C 4250) 13-12-2012 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

CHANGE OF NAME I, Ali Bhai, holder of Indian Passport No: G1349572 hereby change my name to ALI BHAI JIVAJI ALI KAKA. 19-12-2012 I, Muhammed Abdulla, holder of Indian Passport No: F6634470, have changed my name as MUHAMMED KUNHI ABDULLA. I, Parayil Puthen Veetil Abdul Rahim, holder of Indian Passport No: K3650340, hereby change my name to AZAD MANZIL ABDUL RAHIM. (C 4254) 18-12-2012

I, Parayil Puthen Veetil Abdul Rahim, holder of Indian Passport No: K3650340, hereby change my name to AZAD MANZIL ABDUL RAHIM. (C 4254) 17-12-2012

SITUATION WANTED Accountant (5 years’ experience) B.Com, MBA Finance, Finalization of accounts, B/S, P/L, TB, Bank Transaction, Cash, Debtor, Creditors and Inventory Management, ERP Tally, Oracle. Seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97176224. (C 4255) 18-12-2012

I, Muhammed Abdulla, holder of Indian Passport No: F6634470, have changed my name as MUHAMMED KUNHI ABDULLA.

Prayer timings THE PUBLICAUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is

1889988 Accountant (5 years’ experience) B.Com, MBA Finance, Finalization of accounts, B/S, P/L, TB, Bank Transaction, Cash, Debtor, Creditors and Inventory Management, ERP Tally, Oracle. Seeking suitable position.

Contact: 97176224. (C 4255) 17-12-2012

Fajr: Shorook Duhr: Asr: Maghrib: Isha:

05:11 06:36 11:44 14:34 16:53 18:15

No: 15662

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

112 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 MEA KNE MSR IRM UAE KAC CLX GFA FDB IRC KAC SVA QTR JZR KAC KAC

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 19/12/2012 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 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 788 JEDDAH 284 DHAKA

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 11:55 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 14:55 15:10

QTR KAC JZR JZR IYE UAE JZR ETD RJA GFA SVA KNE JZR QTR ABY UAL KAC JZR RBG KAC BAB FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC OMA FDB KAC JAI AXB MSR ABY QTR ALK MEA QTR GFA ETD UAE KAC JZR FDB DHX KLM AIC JZR GFA JZR UAL DLH

134 538 787 535 824 857 357 303 640 215 510 462 777 144 127 982 542 177 3553 786 438 63 166 618 674 102 774 647 61 614 572 389 606 129 146 229 402 136 221 307 859 1784 135 59 372 417 975 239 217 185 981 636

DOHA SHARM EL SHEIKH RIYADH CAIRO SANAA DUBAI MASHAD ABU DHABI AMMAN BAHRAIN RIYADH MEDINAH JEDDAH DOHA SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO DUBAI ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI PARIS DOHA DUBAI NEW YORK RIYADH MUSCAT DUBAI BAHRAIN MUMBAI MANGALORE LUXOR SHARJAH DOHA COLOMBO BEIRUT DOHA BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI JEDDAH BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM CHENNAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT

15:30 16:05 16:10 16:25 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 19:10 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 21:40 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 JZR KAC GFA KAC ABY UAE KAC FDB ETD QTR ETD GFA KAC JZR BAB KAC IRA JZR KAC JZR MEA KAC KNE MSR JZR IRM UAE

Departure Flights on Wednesday 19/12/2012 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 8:45 534 CAIRO 9:15 787 JEDDAH 9:25 224 BAHRAIN 9:30 671 DUBAI 9:35 122 SHARJAH 9:45 856 DUBAI 9:55 117 NEW YORK 10:00 56 DUBAI 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 12:20 786 RIYADH 12:55 405 BEIRUT 12:55 785 JEDDAH 13:00 461 MADINAH 13:10 611 CAIRO 13:45 176 DUBAI 13:50 1191 MASHHAD 14:15 872 DUBAI 14:15

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

GFA FDB CLX KAC IRC SVA KAC QTR KAC KAC KAC JZR IYE ETD JZR QTR UAE RJA GFA JZR SVA KNE ABY JZR QTR RBG JZR UAL FDB BAB FDB KAC OMA KAC JAI ABY MSR DHX ALK MEA ETD QTR GFA KAC FDB UAE DHX KAC KLM QTR JZR JZR GFA KAC

220 58 792 673 6693 503 617 141 773 1783 613 238 824 304 538 135 858 641 216 184 511 471 128 266 145 3554 134 982 64 439 62 353 648 331 571 120 619 171 230 403 308 137 222 301 60 860 373 205 417 147 502 528 218 415

BAHRAIN DUBAI GIALAM DUBAI MASHHAD MADINAH DOHA DOHA RIYADH JEDDAH BAHRAIN AMMAN SANAA ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH JEDDAH SHARJAH BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI KOCHI MUSCAT TRIVANDRUM MUMBAI SHARJAH ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN MUMBAI DUBAI DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DAMMAM DOHA LUXOR ASSIUT BAHRAIN KUALA LUMPUR

14:20 14:30 14:45 15:05 15:10 15:45 15:45 16:15 16:25 16:30 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 43

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) If you are in business for yourself or have a hobby that is making money for you, you may have to consider expanding or moving. You will be doing even better with more space to show off your wares or talents. If you are working for someone else, there is talk of closing shop for the next few days. Plan now for the finances you might need. Group travel is cheap during this time of the year and there is talk about taking a trip with a tour group. This is a time when new information becomes known, making it clear a change is needed to preserve the security around your home. This could mean an outside light, better locks or just changing the screens on the window. You and a mate may plan to work together in the future. All is well.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You just feel good for no particular reason today. The year’s end is a good time to reevaluate your goals and set your resolutions for the year ahead. Much of your future success lies in the wishes and goals that you visualize for yourself. You are in a learning phase now and that means adapting to changes you have set for yourself. Do not get into competitive situations today—compete with your own abilities. Some of the energies at this time indicate problems or difficulties in finding solutions to life’s problems but in your case, an easy solution is easy to find. You have the energy and the determination to complete whatever you set out to achieve. Tonight is a grand time to plot your path to a lovelier home—perhaps some redecorating or repairs.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. The 7th letter of the Greek alphabet.

4. Of or relating to Albania or its people or language or culture.

12. Type genus of the family Myacidae.

15. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters.

16. Free-swimming mostly freshwater flatworms.

17. A former agency (from 1946 to 1974) that was responsible for research into atomic energy and its peacetime uses in the United States.

18. 10 grams.

19. (Italian cookery) Squid prepared as food.

20. A rotating disk shaped to convert circular into linear motion.

21. By bad luck.

23. A unit of length equal to 1760 yards.

24. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to gallinules.

26. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water.

28. Not divisible by two.

30. A doctor's degree in education.

31. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) Optical device that produces an intense monochromatic beam of coherent light.

34. Taken or to be taken at random.

36. An aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect.

39. An alloy of mercury with another metal (usually silver) used by dentists to fill cavities in teeth.

42. South American wood sorrel cultivated for its edible tubers.

43. A woman hired to suckle a child of someone else.

44. Amino acid that is formed in the liver and converted into dopamine in the brain.

45. An analgesic for mild pain.

47. A state in the eastern United States.

48. Two items of the same kind.

50. Leaf or strip from a leaf of the talipot palm used in India for writing paper.

52. Someone who is morally reprehensible.

53. The Palestinian uprising (beginning in 1987) against the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

55. A radioactive transuranic metallic element.

57. Functioning correctly and ready for action.

58. A piece of furniture with open shelves for displaying small ornaments.

60. Insignificantly small.

62. 16 ounces.

63. A white or silvered surface where pictures can be projected for viewing.

66. In accordance with nature.

71. (abbreviated `ha') A unit of surface area equal to 100 ares (or 10,000 square meters).

74. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

75. A green or yellow or brown mineral consisting of a hydrated silicate.

78. (often followed by `of') A large number or amount or extent.

79. A colloid in a more solid form than a sol.

80. Lacking natural ease.

81. A period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event.

82. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

83. Having few if any teeth.

84. A spacecraft that carries astronauts from the command module to the surface of the moon and back.

DOWN 1. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

2. An official language of the Republic of South Africa.

3. Primitive chlorophyll-containing mainly aquatic eukaryotic organisms lacking true stems and roots and leaves.

4. A drug combination found in some overthe-counter headache remedies (Aspirin and Phenacetin and Caffeine).

5. Wild or domesticated South American cud-chewing animal related to camels but smaller and lacking a hump.

6. An island in Indonesia east of Java.

7. (electronics) Of a circuit or device having an output that is proportional to the input.

8. Refer to people that one assumes one's interlocutors admire in order to try to impress them.

9. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement.

10. Channel into a new direction.

11. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers.

12. Covered with paving material.

13. Not only so, but.

14. The highest level or degree attainable.

22. An ancient upright stone slab bearing markings.

25. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

27. A cgs unit of work or energy.

29. A kind of polyester fabric.

32. How much of something is available.

33. Tropical fruit with a rough brownish skin and very sweet brownish pulp.

35. Any of numerous local fertility and nature deities worshipped by ancient Semitic peoples.

37. (usually plural) A destructive action.

38. The sixth month of the Hindu calendar.

40. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers.

41. English economist noted for his studies of international trade and finance (born in 1907).

46. A master's degree in business.

49. Having no fever.

51. Be earlier in time.

54. An Eskimo hut.

56. A writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry).

59. An honorary degree in science.

61. Widely distributed low-growing Eurasian herb having narrow leaves and inconspicuous green flowers.

64. Green algae common in freshwater lakes of limestone districts.

65. Device for resetting instruments or controls v 1.

67. In bed.

68. The basic unit of money in Western Samoa.

69. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

70. (anatomy) A somewhat rounded subdivision of a bodily organ or part.

72. Not widely known.

73. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls.

76. An argument opposed to a proposal.

77. A groove or furrow (especially one in soft earth caused by wheels).

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

Your intuitive and inventive energies are steady and the time is favorable for technological and humanitarian—perhaps some volunteer work enterprises.

This is a favorable time for a job change or a move. Friends and colleagues tend to give you their approval and business affairs go smoothly. You may decide to work on the holiday calendar. You plan for any future events—leaving time open to be with family and friends.

Now is a good time to develop your personal resourcefulness. You may experience the desire to communicate your feelings with those around you. If you are experiencing problems with your partner, then this is a good time to express those concerns. Both of you will be able to express your views and listen objectively.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Today you could be feeling more dynamic and outgoing. Besting others in the heat of competition and taking on a leadership role means a great deal to you—second best is not good enough! You may decide the company you work for does not give you enough opportunity to grow. Friends encourage you to broaden your scope of education, especially when it comes to different cultures. This could mean an invitation coming your way to travel into unknown places. You may decide to work as a chaperone, travel companion or guide, etc. Whatever the case, today may be the beginning of insight into the exciting times to come. Losing sight of the practical where finances are concerned calls for caution.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Others value you for your ability to make practical decisions concerning group issues. This is a busy time but it does not stop you from helping others . . . often. You are probably working to teach young people or working in a service-oriented company. You have a natural sense of what the public wants at this time. Clear decisions affecting others could be made now. You make a positive difference in other people’s lives.

Update your information on local current affairs this evening. Socializing tonight may be hard on your rest quota but advantageous to your professional outlook next year. Some people attending this function will put in a good word for your advancement—network!

Plan to take some quiet time in the next few days.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) New ideas make positive changes possible. Do not be afraid to let others know where you stand and then busy yourself with your own schedule. Basic life lessons this week and next may continuously keep you paying attention. Your achievement today is where your attention stays focused. This afternoon you may get into some fun conversations with friends . . . it is time for a break. This could mean a weekend or a week at a health spa, vacation near water, recordings on relaxation and meditation, etc. Perhaps you would benefit from some creative visualization or any other number of ways to boost the energy level in positive ways. Outer circumstances tend to work in your favor. You may find that you are more organized and self-disciplined.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) This is the time for accomplishing work that was started last week. Your work is much more effective than usual and you are able to get a lot done. You could be most persuasive and eloquent in speech and communication. If you find it necessary to interrupt the flow of conversation in a meeting today, what you say and the way you say it will gain the attention you desire. The situation today is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas and thoughts. This afternoon is a very good time for physical competition and sports. Your vitality and enthusiasm make good impressions especially with your co-workers in an after-work team playoff. You are feeling good. This good feeling will rub off on other folks as well.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Today morning you may find yourself waiting and waiting and waiting—perhaps becoming quite restless. If there is nothing constructive to do, take this time to write out your goals, call a friend, play with the household pet. You may be glad for the extra time just now. Eventually, progress happens and you achieve whatever is needed.

This could mean you need to stay home for a plumber or you are waiting on a ride or a car to be fixed. You may look around your home and decide to use your executive abilities to bring structure to your home life. You decide on ways to become better organized and begin to create lists for yourself and your family or roommate to consider. You can see many possibilities to create a more comfortable lifestyle.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Clearing up a misunderstanding may be easy to do this morning—the extreme amount of work has cleared a bit and it may be easier to think and sort through things. Missing information may create some confusing situation this evening, particularly if you try to help someone without the complete story—ask. This afternoon you may feel like doing a bit of shopping—perhaps a visit to the hobby store or the post office to check out the new ways to store or add to an old collection. You are in a great mood of self-enjoyment and can appreciate your own, better qualities. You may also care to volunteer your services at a nearby recreation center in your community. You see value in others and enjoy guiding or sharing with people. This is a good time for friends.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Business connections may be changing, growing or moving. You will be glad you had put effort into keeping in touch with past customers. Let any weak links in business be a signal of the need to rethink your approach; otherwise, you may find yourself cut off or stranded. You might consider setting aside one day a month to confer with the people that give you leads, or help advance your place in the professional world. If you are stopping off at the library that is on the way home, why not invite a family member to come along with you? You could help this person get a library card—providing an encouragement to read. A young person may learn how to do a bit of research. Travels, communicating and social connections with people are emphasized now.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You are in a planning mood and are very clearheaded and able to view all the alternative paths. Go ahead and make those decisions—others are waiting for your opinion. You can see the road ahead and will make the right choices. You could find that you are appreciated or valued for your feelings or your ability to act and get things done. Chores take up much of the afternoon and cooking the evening meal may become a group affair. One person cooks the cornbread, another puts the soup on to cook, etc. After the chores are finished, you may find it quite enjoyable to be with others in activities such as card or board games. Others find you especially witty and eccentric just now. Take the time to be with the people you love more often.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) A meeting with co-workers may have you really looking forward to the beginning of next year. The customs and traditions of the season may have overflowed into the workplace where everyone talks of their gatherings and experiences and does very little work. You may be in a position to suggest a day to take a few hours to celebrate and visit with co-worker friends. This way there is a planning committee with allocated times to work on the party and the other times are for work. Suggest that each person review his or her own progress in the workplace. The subject of work and progress can soon return. You may be inspired to splurge when it comes to planning this event. You will be able to come up with a simple but successful event.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 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

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

ST TATE T OF KUW K WAIT A

Te el.: 161

DIRECTORA AT TE GENERAL GENE OF CIVIL AVIA V ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEP PA ARTMENT DA AY Y: Tuesday

18/12/2012

BY Y DA AY:

Partly cloudy with light variable wind changing to light to moderate north easterly wind, with speed of 06 - 26 km/h

BY Y NIGHT:

Partly cloudy with light variable wind, with speed of 06 - 22 km/h

No Current Warnings arnin a

WARNING A

12 °C

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

21 °C

07 °C

NUW WAISEEB A

21 °C

10 °C

WA AFRA

22 °C

07 °C

SALMI

22 °C

07 °C

ABDAL LY

20 °C

07 °C

JAL ALIY YAH A

20 °C

09 °C

25623444

FA AILAKA

21 °C

11 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

20 °C

14 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

20 °C

17 °C

W Hawally

22630786

WA ARBA A - BUBY YAN A

21 °C

09 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

ST TATION T

SFC. CHART

18/12/2012 0000 UTC

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST Temperatures DA AY

DA ATE T

WEA AT THER

MAX.

MIN.

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

Weednesday

19/12

fair + scattered clouds

23 °C

11 °C

VRB-SE

06 - 28 km/h

Thursday Friday

20/12

partly cloudy + scattered rain PM

24 °C

13 °C

SE

15 - 40 km/h

21/12

cloudy+blwing dust+ scatt.rain

25 °C

13 °C

SE-NW

20 - 45 km/h

Saturday

22/12

partly cloudy + scattered rain

23 °C

14 °C

NW-N

12 - 35 km/h

PRA RA AYER Y TIMES

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT

Fajr

05:11

MAX. Temp.

19 °C

24884079

Sunrise

06:36

MIN. Temp.

06 °C

24892674

Zuhr

11:44

MAX. RH

88 %

Asr

14:34

MIN. RH

30 % N 21 km/h

Omariya

24719048

Sunset

16:53

MAX. Wind

N Khaitan

24710044

Isha

18:15

TOT TAL AL RAIINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

Fintas

23900322

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

00 mm V1.00

18/12/12 03:03 UTC

T1.06

PRIVATE CLINICS Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

Dr. Salem soso General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Mousa Khadada Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours

20 °C

Psychologists /Psychotherapists

22545171

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

07:00

Issue Time

KUW WAIT A CITY

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

Al-Shuhada

WWW.MET.GOV V..KW

MIN. REC.

Firdous

Ext.: 262 2627 - 2630

22418714

Fax: 24348714

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 19, 2012

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Judge puts rapper Meek Mill’s tour plans on hold hiladelphia rapper Meek Mill has been barred from touring for a month after a judge found he violated probation restrictions associated with a 2008 drug and gun conviction. Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley said Monday the rapper, whose real name is Robert Williams, violated an order restricting his performance scheduling and failing to properly keep in touch with his probation officer. The Philadelphia Inquirer (http://bit.ly/SKt9yN ) reports Williams’ attorney argued the restrictions were preventing him from earning a living. Gary Silver said Williams didn’t need to check in with his probation officer because his fans frequently take pictures of him when he’s touring. Williams’ “Dreams & Nightmares” album debuted in October. He appeared in Jay-Z’s Made In America festival earlier this year.

P

Gervais

in Negotiations for ‘The Muppets’ sequel

icky Gervais is in negotiations to star in “The Muppets” sequel at Disney, a representative for the actor told TheWrap. Ty Burrell was cast in the film earlier this month after Christoph Waltz dropped out. James Bobin, who directed the 2011 Muppets film, is directing the sequel, which he co-wrote with Nicholas Stoller. Filming is expected to begin in Europe early next year. The 2011 “Muppets”

R

feature made $88 million at the US box office. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are producing the sequel.

Gervais’ recent credits include “Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D.” His upcoming films include “The Wind in the Willows.” He is represented by WME and United Agents.

‘Les Miz’ star has family ties to Victor Hugo elena Bonham Carter apparently shares more with Victor Hugo than just a role in the film based on his novel. A study by genealogy website Ancestry.com reveals Victor Hugo was a political colleague of a cousin of the 46-year-old actress. Carter stars as Madame Thenardier in the upcoming musical “Les Miserables.” The film is an adaptation of the stage musical based on Hugo’s 1862 book. Ancestry.com says French financier and politician Achille Fould was Carter’s first cousin five times removed. He served with Hugo in the post-revolutionary French government in the 1840s. Fould was minister of finance; Hugo was in the constitutional and legislative assembly. Fould was a staunch supporter of Louis Napoleon III when he seized power of the French empire in 1851, while Hugo declared him a traitor.

Carter’s ancestor moved up in power and authority in the new regime. Hugo left the country and wrote scathing letters and poetry about the treachery of his former colleagues, including Fould. In one publication, Hugo called Fould a “chameleon” with “blood on his hands.” It was during this time that Hugo wrote “Les Miserables.”

H

Zooey Deschanel, rocker husband finalize divorce judge has finalized actress Zooey Deschanel’s divorce from her rocker husband of roughly three years. Court records show a judge finalized the actress’ divorce from Death Cab for Cutie frontman Ben Gibbard on Wednesday in Los Angeles. Gibbard and Deschanel, who stars in Fox’s “New Girl,” were married in September 2009.

They had no children together. The actress filed for divorce in December 2011 after the couple separated two months earlier. The judgment does not provide financial details of the breakup, although it states that the former couple’s marriage cannot be repaired by counseling or mediation. Deschanel was nominated last week for a Golden Globe award for her work on “New Girl.”

A

Beckham junior stars in new Burberry campaign ith parents like his, it was only a matter of time before Romeo Beckham found himself the star of an advertising campaign. The 10-year-old son of footballer David Beckham and his wife Victoria, the former Spice Girls singer turned fashion designer, was revealed on Tuesday as the star of the latest campaign from luxury British brand Burberry. In the campaign for spring/summer 2013, shot by renowned photographer Mario Testino, Romeo wears the brand’s signature trench coat, a shirt and

W

Cruise returning to Pittsburgh for movie premiere om Cruise is heading to Pittsburgh for a scaled-down screening of his new action movie, “Jack Reacher,” after it was postponed over the weekend because of the deadly school shooting in Connecticut. Friday’s shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, left 20 children and six adults dead at the school, along with the gunman and his mother. Paramount Pictures then postponed the Saturday US premiere of the movie, which was filmed in Pittsburgh and is set to open Dec 21. The studio says Cruise will return to Pittsburgh on Wednesday to screen “Jack Reacher” for fans. It says there won’t be a red carpet but Cruise will introduce the film. The showing will be for previously confirmed guests.

Franco ‘tried to help’ Lohan

T

Guinness world’s oldest person dies in Iowa at 115 ina Manfredini, a 115-year-old Iowa woman who was crowned the world’s oldest person less than two weeks ago

by Guinness World Records, died on Monday, her granddaughter told Reuters. Lori Logli said Manfredini, who was born in Pievepelago, Italy, died at the retirement center in Johnston, Iowa, where she was living. Guinness said the world’s oldest living person is now a Japanese man named Jiroemon Kimura, who is also 115 years. Although Manfredini claimed the title for just 13 days, her reign as the world’s oldest person was not the shortest on record, Guinness said. That distinction belongs to American-born Emma Tillman, who died four days after she was named the world’s oldest person in 2007.

D

tie and brandishes an umbrella. Burberry’s chief creative officer, Christopher Bailey, said Romeo was “a joy to work with, and really stole the show”. “We had such fun shooting the campaign and I think that comes through in the images which really reflect the upbeat spirit of the collection,” he said. The Beckhams have three boys, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and a one-year-old daughter, Harper.

ames Franco has “tried to help” Lindsay Lohan through her troubles. The 34-year-old actor met the ‘Liz & Dick’ star - who has endured several stints in rehab and numerous legal problems - when he was directing her in a promo video for REM’s hit ‘Blue’ in February 2011, but he hasn’t spoken to her for a “long time” since she started getting into “more trouble”. He said: “Lindsay and I had reconnected at that time. I had been writing some poems about the Chateau Marmont and one or two of the poems involved Lindsay. “I haven’t talked to her in a long time because it seemed like she was getting into some more trouble. I’ve tried to help her.” James is sym-

J

pathetic to the 26-year-old actress - who recently had her probation revoked after it was claimed she lied to police - and believes one reason why she often finds herself in trouble is because of all the hype surrounding her life and constant offers for her to write a tell-all book about her experiences. He added to MTV: “I think one of the reasons it’s so hard is when she gets in trouble, she gets all this attention and I’m sure she gets book offers. “Like she goes to jail, and instead of feeling like, ‘I really hit a low place’, she’ll get a crazy offer for her jail memoir.” —Agencieis

37

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

LIFESTYLE M u s i c

&

M o v i e s

Indian Bollywood actor Kamal Haasan gestures during the promotion of the forthcoming dual language Tamil and Hindi film ‘Vishwaroopam’ at a press conference in Mumbai yesterday. —AFP

Oscar-tipped bin Laden film salutes CIA agent essica Chastain, tipped for an Oscar for her role in Osama bin Laden manhunt movie “Zero Dark Thirty,” says it should serve as a tribute to the CIA agent who was key to finding the Al-Qaeda chief. The movie by Academy Award-winning director Kathryn Bigelow tells the story of the decade-long search after September 11, 2001, climaxing in last year’s dramatic and deadly raid on Bin Laden’s hideout in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

The CIA agent known as Maya, played with fierce intensity by Chastain, is seen driving her bosses relentlessly to focus on leads which eventually identify a courier who totes messages to and from the Abbottabad compound. “I’ve never had really a responsibility like this. I’m playing a real woman, and that’s a huge responsibility because I really admire Maya and I don’t want to feel I betrayed her,” said the US actress, using her character’s pseudonym.

“She can’t take credit for what she accomplished because she’s undercover.

She can’t call out the press and say ‘It was me.’ So making this movie is like thanking her and giving her credit for what she’s done,” she told AFP. “I had a huge responsibility for not messing that up,” added the actress, who could not meet the CIA agent to help her prepare for the role, because she remains on active duty for the US spy agency. Bigelow, whose 2008 “The Hurt Locker” won six Oscars, had already begun work on the Bin Laden film-with the same screenwriter, Mark Boal-when US commandos stormed the Al-Qaeda leader’s compound and killed him on May 1, 2011.

The project had focused mainly on the decade-long hunt, and the agent at the center of it, but the movie was transformed by events into the tale of one of the biggest US military successes since 9/11. Controversy surrounded it even before its release: claims that the filmmakers were given access to classified information fueled criticism that it would serve as

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propaganda for President Barack Obama’s re-election bid.

The film-named after military-speak for the time of the nocturnal Abbottabad raid-also pulls no punches in showing the use of torture and harsh interrogation techniques like water-boarding to force captives to speak. Information obtained by such methods is shown as crucial in piecing together the trail which eventually

Actress Jessica Chastain arrives for the premiere of Columbia Pictures’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California. —AFP leads to Bin Laden-and CIA officers are clearly disappointed when the newlyelected Obama declares an end to torture in 2009.

But the film itself-which won best film and best director from the New York Film Critics Circle and has four Golden Globes nominations-avoids almost all politicizing

to focus unflinchingly on the hunt for bin Laden. Even Maya’s private life is virtually absent, with not even a hint of romance to lighten the tone-an element which Chastain says is true to reality. “That’s exactly how she was. She didn’t have a boyfriend. She didn’t have a personal life.

For her, the most important thing was her job and finding this man,” said the actress.

Chastain says Maya was-and is-a strong female character. “A lot of female lead characters, in films, are defined by the man in their life, are defined by their children, or are defined by being a victim,” said Chastain.

“But this woman is capable and intelligent. She’s the perfect representation of the current generation of women. And for me, it was actually very exciting to approach a character like that.” The movie climaxes inevitably with the Abbottabad raid and bin Laden’s death, a massively cathartic moment for America that triggered celebrations across the country and further afield.

But even here the emotion is restrained in Bigelow’s movie, with a single “whoop” from one of the returning Seals as they unload his bodybag from the helicopter.

The final scene is of Maya, climbing aboard a military transport plane as the only passenger and being asked where she wants to go, having just accomplished what she had been striving for ever since 9/11.

“When, at the very end, she’s asked ‘Where do you wanna go?’ she really has nowhere to go. Who is she? And the question is not only ‘Who is she?’ but also ‘Who are we, as a country and as a society of people?’“And I think it’s really brave for Kathryn and Mark. It’s not just ‘Hurray, we killed Bin Laden.’ That’s not what the movie is about. In the end, it’s: ‘Where do we go now?’”—AFP

David Chase reflects on the ‘Sopranos’ ending

n a recent interview with David Chase about his new film, “Not Fade Away,” the conversation inevitably turned to “The Sopranos” and its infamous ending. Below are Chase’s comments reflecting on watching the final episode for the first time two years ago, with only an occasional interjection from a reporter. I thought the episode itself might have been kind of a dud, but it wasn’t. I was proud of it. I was satisfied that we’d done something. What I didn’t understand was that the ending would be so

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going “Ha, ha, ha. It’s just a TV show.” None of that was what was going on. That was the best ending I knew to come up with and I thought it said some things but people didn’t get it because they were angry.

Or maybe it wasn’t executed well.

I do wish that connection had been made better. To me the question is not whether Tony lived or died, and that’s all that people wanted to know: “Well, did he live or did he die? You didn’t finish the show. You didn’t answer the question.”

In this file photo, originally released by HBO in 2007, Edie Falco portrays Carmela Soprano and James Gandolfini is Tony Soprano in a scene from one of the last episodes of the hit HBO dramatic series ‘The Sopranos.’ —AP talked-about that it would completely obliterate the rest of the episode that came before it. No one ever even saw it, talked about it, mentioned it or anything about it - and I think didn’t even interpret it correctly because all they talked about was that ending. I did not know that would happen.

I think a lot of people thought they were being made a fool of, that I was being really meta - is that the word? - and postmodern or just showing my quoteunquote “contempt” for the audience or

That’s preposterous. There was something else I was saying that was more important than whether Tony Soprano lived or died.

About the fragility of all of it. The whole show had been about time in a way, and the time allotted on this Earth. That whole trip out to California was all about that what people called a dream sequence. And all the dream sequences within the show.

Tony was dealing in mortality every day.

He was dishing out life and death. And he was not happy. He was getting everything he wanted, that guy, but he wasn’t happy.

All I wanted to do was present the idea of how short life is and how precious it is.

The only way I felt I could do that was to rip it away. And I think people did get it. It made them upset emotionally, but intellectually they didn’t follow it. And that could very well be bad execution. Did Tony die or didn’t he die? Well, first of all, it really comes down to this: There was, what, six seasons of that show? Seven? Am I supposed to do a scene and ending where it shows that crime doesn’t pay? Well, we saw that crime pays. We’ve been seeing that for how many years? Now, in another sense, we saw that crime didn’t pay because it wasn’t making him happy.

He was an extremely isolated, unhappy man. And then finally, once in a while he would make a connection with his family and be happy there. But in this case, whatever happened, we never got to see the result of that. It was torn away from him and from us. I forget what my point was.

(AP: That the meaning of the show didn’t have to be there in that final moment. It was there all along.) Exactly. That’s what I felt. It’s really about time, to me - just to me - and love. What else do we have in this universe? It’s a cold universe. People said, “Oh, the show is so dark,” and it posited the notion that nobody ever changes. That was never my intention. Change is hard to come by, and like most of us, he wasn’t trying hard enough. People said, “Oh, it got worse and worse and worse.” I think he’s the same guy in the beginning as he was in the end. Maybe had a little bit more capacity for compassion for people, I don’t know.

I said it’s a cold universe and I don’t mean that metaphorically. If you go out into space, it’s cold. It’s really cold and we don’t know what’s up there. We happen to be in this little pocket where there’s a sun.

What have we got except love and each other to guard against all that isolation and loneliness?—AP

Review

The shtick doesn’t stick in ‘Guilt Trip’ entl” goes yenta in “The Guilt Trip,” a creakily oldfashioned comedy that forgot to pack the laughs along with the nudging and kvetching. Possibly the first American film in decades in which characters drive cross-country courtesy of process shots out the back window, this mother-son yakfest blows a gasket and all four tires before it even hits the road. With Seth Rogen in very subdued mode, his fans will smell this one a mile away; it might be a movie only their mothers - or diehard Barbra Streisand fans - could love.

When was the last time an overbearing Jewish mother giving her schlemiel of a son a hard time about not being married was a major component of a big Hollywood film? This sort of routine used to pop up all the time in American comedy but pretty much has vanished in the rearview mirror since the heyday of Ruth Gordon. So to behold Streisand’s New York mom Joyce Brewster hectoring her homely visiting son Andrew (Rogen) about his myriad personal shortcomings is to revisit a musty mindset that the minor updates in Dan Fogelman’s woeful script can’t begin to freshen up.

The early scenes of Andrew’s return from California to his childhood home are so embarrassing that you wonder if such impressive consistency can possibly be sustained. Andrew knows what he’s in for, but that still doesn’t help when Mom immediately starts in asking what happened to former girlfriends X, Y and Z, complaining that he went to UCLA just to get as far away from her as possible, pointing out that she hasn’t had a date since her husband’s long-ago death and then recommending that Andrew get therapy. Enough, already.

In an effort to connect with Andrew, Joyce unloads what she considers a bombshell of a secret: She actually had a boyfriend before she met her husband and loved him so much she named her only son after him. Considering it odd she never tried to look him up after his dad died, Andrew does research that reveals he’s an executive in San Francisco.

With an ulterior motive in mind, he invites Mom to join him on a drive across the country, during which he’ll make stops in Virginia, Texas, Santa Fe and Las Vegas to hawk a nontoxic cleansing liquid product he has created to potential retailers.

These pitch sessions are desultory affairs - a salesman Andrew is not -

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and Joyce doesn’t help matters by hovering and carrying on in ways that scarcely help her son’s cause. To save a few bucks, she insists they rent a compact rather than an SUV, forcing them to share very close quarters as they listen to Jeffrey Eugenides’ gender-bending “Middlesex” on CD. The way Joyce gets excited about gift shops and free continental breakfasts at motels (where she insists they stay in one room to save more money), you’d think she’d never been out of New York before.

In terms of viewer relief from the constant haranguing, getting on the road held out the hope of changing

ulate, bittersweet emotions. At the same time, the easy-to-get point of the enterprise is to stress that the mother and son’s prolonged time together has forced them to break through their various barriers, grudges and expectations to arrive at a more honest satisfying relationship.

Yep, that’ll do the trick every time.

The Guilt Trip provides heavy competition with director Anne Fletcher’s previous films (“Step Up, “27 Dresses,” “The Proposal”) as to which is the most formulaic and conventional, but this one takes the cake for being the most visually unimaginative and clunky. Worse, even the most easy-to-

This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Seth Rogen, left, Pedro Lopez and Barbra Streisand in a scene from ‘The Guilt Trip.’ —AP scenery and a possible parade of lively supporting roles. Instead, we get process shots of the two leads crammed into the tiny car intercut with second unit coverage of highways and the countryside. They do get out of the car to look at the Grand Canyon, but after about five seconds, they decide they’ve seen enough and move on to Vegas, which Joyce actually likes.

The one stop that at least yields something different is at a Texas steakhouse, where anyone who can eat a 4 1/2-pound steak and all the trimmings in one hour gets it for free.

Uncharacteristically, Joyce volunteers, launching a gorge-fest that at least presents the half-amusing spectacle of Streisand pigging out and wins Joyce an admirer in the form of a handsome older gent (the indisputably handsome Brett Cullen) who’d like to have her come up and see him sometime.

The climactic visit to San Francisco to track down Joyce’s former beau predictably plays on, and aims to stim-

please audiences will struggle to find more than a half-dozen laughs here, so bereft is the film of fresh comic ideas.

Rogen - who for some reason sports about a one-day’s grizzle of beard throughout - drastically underplays, probably realizing that, with Streisand emoting so broadly, it was the only way to go. For her part, some combination of cosmetic expertise, cinematic enhancement and natural endowment makes Streisand look more like she’s in her 50s than in her 70s, which is the actuality. Those who’ve always liked the singer-actress probably won’t mind her here; for the nonfan, this is not the film that will change your mind. A retinue of terrific character actors could have greatly enlivened the proceedings, but Fogelman (“Cars,” “Bolt,” “Tangled,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love”) didn’t write the parts for them. “Guilt Trip,” a Paramount release, is rated PG-13 for language and some risque material.

95 minutes. —AP

Scorsese to make Bill Clinton documentary eteran filmmaker Martin Scorsese is to make a documentary about Bill Clinton, he said Monday, describing the former US president as “a towering figure” on the world stage. Scorsese, who has made award-winning films about Bob Dylan and former Beatle George Harrison, will have Clinton’s full cooperation on the project with cable broadcaster HBO. “A towering figure who remains a major voice in world issues, president Clinton continues to shape the political dialogue both here and around the world,” said the director.

“Through intimate conversations, I hope to provide greater insight into this transcendent figure,” he added.

Clinton added: “I am pleased that legendary director Martin Scorsese and HBO have agreed to do this film

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...I look forward to sharing my perspective on my years as president, and my work in the years since, with HBO’s audience.” Scorsese, whose fictional dramas include “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas,” won a primetime Emmy for the small screen film “No Direction Home” in 2005 about Dylan, and two for 2011’s “George Harrison: Living in the Material World.”

The filmmaker, who is an executive producer on HBO’s award-winning crime drama “Boardwalk Empire,” is also thought to be working on a biopic of classic crooner Frank Sinatra. In a statement announcing the Clinton film, recently-named HBO boss Richard Plepler and the broadcaster’s head of programming Michael Lombardo said: “President Clinton is one of the most

compelling figures of our time.” His “world view and perspective, combined with his uncommon intelligence, make him a singular voice on the world stage,” they added.

“This documentary, under Marty’s gifted direction, creates a unique opportunity for the president to reflect on myriad issues that have consumed his attention and passion throughout both his presidency and post-presidency.” Clinton was US president from 1993 to 2001. After leaving the White House he set up the William J. Clinton Foundation, which fosters public-private projects in a range of areas including healthcare, the economy and the environment. —AFP

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

Readying for

Christmas

‘battle’ in a three-star kitchen s the clock ticks down to Christmas in the three-star kitchens of the Bristol luxury hotel in Paris, chef Eric Frechon is readying his crew like a general rallying a battalion. “I love this season because it’s the one that gives the chef the best chance to express himself,” said Frechon, who opened up the kitchens of the hotel restaurant, L’Epicure, to AFP in the run-up to Christmas. But with 50 diners signed up for a Christmas Eve menu rich in truffles and foie gras at 750 euros ($990) — excluding drinks-and twice that number paying 1,100 euros at New Year’s, he will not be leaving anything to chance. “Without good produce, you can’t have good cuisine-which is why we need to examine all our deliveries one by one,” he said.

Frechon and his deputy vet all their supplies as they arrive: foie gras, truffles, poultry, game, fish and shellfish, all Christmas staples at the luxury end of the French spectrum. This morning he is testing a batch of duck foie gras, taking a little slice from each liver and pan-frying it to check its smoothness, while his supplier stands by. One fails to pass muster-”it’s bound to happen from time to time,” Frechon said. His deputy Franck Leroy takes delivery of a shipment of white truffles from the fine food supplier Faye. At 3,800-4,800 euros per kilogram, it is worth taking time to weigh and examine each one. “To check they are nice and round, and firm, and have the right color on the inside,” he said. For today’s needs, he takes 190 grams.

Supplies at the Bristol start rolling in from 7:30 am, from fish to vegetables and cheese, and are topped up several times a day if needed.

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Cooks of the five-star luxury hotel Le Bristol in Paris prepare dishes in the hotel’s kitchen.

Head chef of the five-star luxury hotel Le Bristol in Paris Eric Frechon poses in front of a Christmas tree in the hotel’s garden. — AFP photos ‘We want people to get their money’s worth’ Like high-end kitchens worldwide, the Bristol’s are run along a strict brigade system, introduced by the 19th-century French chefs Antonin Careme and Auguste Escoffier, who took their inspiration from the military. Once vetted, each batch of produce is despatched to a dedicated part of the kitchen-known as a station-one for meat, another for fish and so on, each of which operates under a chef and his deputy. “Back then they had these huge

kitchen staffs, so like in the military you needed a ranking system to be able to tell a fresh apprentice from a junior cook, or one with experience,” Frechon said.

“With 42 people in a three-star kitchen, you need this kind of rigour, for everyone to be at his station, and do what he needs to do.” For both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, 28 kitchen staff will be on hand backstage, plus 15 front-of-house for Christmas and 36 for New Year. Frechon comes and goes among the stations, watches, tastes; comes back two or three

A cook of the five-star luxury hotel Le Bristol in Paris prepares dishes.

times to check on a sauce. His deputy Franck is keeping close watch on a potato mash even while talking on the telephone.

“I want to taste everything that goes through the kitchen-so when I go front-ofhouse I know what I have served people to eat,” Frechon said. Key station chefs include the “saucier”, in charge of sauces and meat dishes, the “rotisseur” who roasts and sautees meat, the “garde-manger” who runs the pantry, preparing cold hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie, the “entremetier” in charge of soups and veg-

Raspberries tarts.

etable and egg dishes, and the “poissonnier” for fish and seafood. Seifhan, a 27-year-old butcher commis-or junior cook-is at work on a hefty piece of venison.

Further along, Benjamin, a 29-year-old station chef, is delicately filling cannelloni with a preparation of artichoke, black truffle and foie gras-one of Frechon’s signature dishes.

Drawers below the work surface are full of sliced and chopped ingredients, ready for use.

“Morning is the most important time for set-upthat is when you have to move really fast,” said

Employees pose in the cheese shop Hisada.

Finding buyers, Malaysian art searches for a voice fter art school, Haslin Ismail was the typical struggling artist, selling just a few of his mixed-media fantasy pieces for a few hundred dollars each over the next five years.

But in September, a buyer paid 30,800 ringgit (7,675 euros, $10,100) at auction for a wall-sized Haslin painting full of outlandish images including a large human foot without skin. “It’s still quite risky to become an artist ... but actually there is positive development,” the soft-spoken 28-year-old said. “It has changed a lot.”

Affluent Malaysia is known more for its Islamic conservatism and a consumer culture embodied by air-conditioned shopping malls than for the Bohemian pursuit of art. But a nascent art boom is under way as the industry seeks to replicate the rampant success seen in markets such as China and Malaysia’s neighbor Indonesia. Art auctions were once unknown, but five major sales have been held in Malaysia this year, earning more than 13 million ringgit, with domestic art fetching ever-higher prices. New galleries have sprouted with works depicting traditional village scenes, cautious commentary on modern society, or the wild imaginations of artists like Haslin.

“Prices have been rising, and it has positively affected some of the younger artists,” said Ray Langenbach, an artist and art professor at Tunku Abdul Rahman University. High prices in more established markets are stirring interest in Malaysia, he noted, adding: “It’s the least-tapped of the region’s markets.” For much of Malaysia’s recent history, an authoritarian government has focused on economic development, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most affluent nations, while religious and political constraints have stunted the arts and culture scene.

But since strongman ruler Mahathir Mohamad retired in 2003, society has gradually been relaxing, with more people expressing themselves via art and some collectors looking for edgier works. In May, a vast 1984 abstract of interwoven, multi-colored lines by the late painter Ibrahim Hussein sold for nearly 800,000 ringgit-a record for a Malaysian art work at auction. A painting by abstract artist Abdul Latiff Mohidin fetched 715,000 ringgit at an auction in early December, while another sold in October for 605,000 ringgit. Both sold well above their

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reserve prices. Buyers, meanwhile, also have snapped up paintings of ethnic Indian rubber tappers and portraits of Malay women in the country’s colourful batik fabrics expressions of Malaysia’s multi-cultural makeup.

But there are doubts over how long the current interest will last. The former British colony

has no deep-rooted art tradition, having developed as an agrarian society that drew large numbers of Chinese and Indian immigrants more concerned with economic survival than art and leisure. Religious and social taboos in the country of 29 million people-more than 60 percent are Muslim ethnic Malays-have also been

Malaysian artist Haslin Ismail draws outlines on the canvas inside his studio in KualaLumpur. — AFP Photos

Francois-Xavier, 25, the station chef in charge of fish that day.

As mealtime draws near, calm settles on the kitchen as the brigade awaits the first orders.

“We want people to get their money’s worth,” smiled pastry chef Laurent Jeannin, whose festive classic for desert is the “snowball”, filled with lime-flavored fruit and served just before the “buche”, a traditional log-shaped chocolate cake. Front-of-house, restaurant manager Frederic Kayser gives his team a final once-over to ensure flawless service. “You can tell from people’s look and the sound of their voice if they have had a truly great time.” — AFP

blamed for stifling more challenging art.

“For the moment, it’s very, very hot,” said Linda Leoni, business manager of Henry Butcher Art Auctioneers, which staged Malaysia’s first auction in 2010 and has held three this year.

“Can we sustain the level? We have yet to see.”

Government support for art is limited But Langenbach said that more daring art is slowly emerging. “I think new artists are definitely coming up. ... A more political art has come out recently,” Langenbach said. He pointed to the multidisciplinary artist Poodien and Shaifuddin Mamat, whose dark works suggest disillusionment with politics and the modern world. But government support for art remains limited and lacks the “vision” to encourage more experimental themes and art forms, Langenbach said. Auctions and other public sales steer largely clear of what little edgy content there is, and collectors are mostly Malaysians, leaving broad international interest elusive.

“For a serious collector, there is very little choice, really,” said Pakhruddin Sulaiman, a lawyer and art collector. Bayu Utomo Radjikin, one of the country’s most established figurative painters, belongs to a collective formed in 1989 by five Malaysian artists that today aims to encourage emerging artists.

Bayu said many younger artists who came of age under Mahathir were still struggling to find their voices, adding that art will not truly develop until more artists find ways around the taboos. “Malaysia is safe and comfortable, so that shows in their art, and we (Malaysians) are easy to satisfy,” he said. Haslin, a Muslim Malay, says the current interest nonetheless makes survival easier for new graduates, and he lets buyers find their own meaning in his art. “I am not interested in political events or stories,” he said in his small home studio, crammed with large canvases and the Star Wars and Lord of the Rings action figures that he collects. “But I think it’s good if the audience can relate it to political (issues,) because that is the power of the paintings. It can influence the audience to think,” he said. — AFP

‘Baltic gold’, a prehistoric organic treasure

s winter gales lash Poland’s Baltic coast, the storms are spitting up a prehistoric treasure on the sandy shore. Here, amber is known as “Baltic gold”. Rich veins of this 40-million-year-old fossilized tree resin running along the coast have fuelled a centuries-old trade in the northern port city of Gdansk, making it the amber capital of the world. Deftly crafted beads, bracelets and amulets dating back to the Neolithic Age attest to the timeless appeal of this sensuous organic treasure. Combing local beaches for precious golden nuggets is a ritual here harking back centuries, if not millennia.

It has become a life-long passion for Wlodek Janowski, a burly 53-year-old retired mechanic and amateur boxer. A good storm often brings with it what he calls a “Baltic gold rush”. “With any luck after a gale, you can find a couple hundred grams (seven ounces) of amber in just one day,” said Janowski, pouring out about a dozen irregular pieces from a pocket in his chest waders. Wlodek’s treasures, ranging in color from honey gold to dark molasses, can reach the size of golf balls.

The world’s largest known piece of raw amber-now kept in Berlin-weighs 9.75 kilograms (21.5 pounds).

Experts say amber crafting first began in neolithic times some 5,000 years ago. Today, the going rate for amber starts at 10 euros ($13) per gram but can be much higher depending on the quality of the specimens. Pieces that include insects, small lizards or vegetation are rare and very precious. Baltic amber originated in the primaeval coniferous forests of what is now Scandinavia upwards of 40 million years ago.

Over the eons, the resin that oozed from the trunks of ancient pines was fossilized and washed by a longgone river into the Baltic Sea. It comes in more than 300 varieties, some specimens sparkling with tiny prehistoric air bubbles, others swirling honey and butter colors together. Pieces with a blue-green tinge are the rarest and most valuable. Amber deposits in Poland and nearby Kaliningrad and Lithuania are estimated at 650,000 tons, easily the world’s largest concentration.

Smaller amber deposits are spread across the globe from Canada to South America and Australia, through to Africa and Asia as well as the Middle East. In Poland, most deposits lie around 90 meters (300 feet) underground and are costly to mine. But Kaliningrad, with its own plentiful amber caches closer to the surface, provides a less costly source of raw amber for Gdansk artisans. —AFP

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

Students learn about the Mayans at the Museum of National Identity in Tegucigalpa. — AFP photos

Visitors learn about the Mayans at the Museum.

Mayan calendar

is only part of rich legacy

he most precise and sophisticated calendar ever created is only one of the legacies of the ancient Maya, who also left their mark on the arts, architecture and cooking, experts say. The Mayan “Long Count” calendar says an era of more than 5,000 years ends on December 21 — doomsday for some but a reason to rejoice for many others in Mexico and central America, where the civilization once flourished. Millions of tourists are expected in the region on Friday to celebrate with fireworks, concerts and other spectacles held at more than three dozen archeological sites.

“The Mayan calendar is not just a matter of counting seconds, minutes and hours,” Guatemalan anthropologist Alvaro Pop, a member

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A teacher talks to her pupils about the Mayas at the Museum.

Jade rings found in the Margarita tomb at the archaeological site of Copan (thought to be that of the wife of Yax K’uk’ Mo’, governor of Copan), are displayed at the Museum of National Identity in Tegucigalpa. of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, told AFP. The calendar also represents a model showing “the movements of celestial bodies and the way it affects human life in a cyclical manner,” Pop explained. That expertise enabled the ancient civilization to detect the influence of celestial bodies on tides, births and plants, he noted.

But the contributions of the ancient civilizationwhich reached its peak between the years 250 and 900 — far transcend their understanding of the stars, touching on everything from architecture to textiles to food. The Mayas were the first to grow corn, some 3,000 years ago. Today, it remains the main staple in cuisines across the region. The Mayas were also among the first to use and grow cocoa and, according to some, they came up with the idea of chewing chicle, a natural gum from a regional tropical evergreen tree and the precursor to chewing gum.

The Mayas and their descendants, notably in Guatemala, are also known for their multi-colored fabrics, which “represent the most beautiful and explosive expression of life on the continent and in the world,” according to Pop. Their civilization is also noted for the only known fully developed written language of the pre-Columbian Americas.

In total, the Mayas spoke 36 languages throughout their history and in different regions. Many of these, which feature very elaborate grammatical structures, are still spoken in indigenous communities. The Popol Vuh, the Mayan holy book, is the most concrete example of that rich linguistic heritage. The mythological book explains the creation of the world, particularly of the Quiche people, one of the many Mayan ethnic groups.

According to Costa Rican anthropologist Ana Cecilia Arias, Mayan architects, who built imposing pyramids, and their descendants also made significant contributions, notably by helping design churches in the region. Today the ruins of major urban and religious centers such as Chichen Itza in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, Tikal in Guatemala, Copan in Honduras and Tazumal in El Salvador stand as shining examples of Mayan architectural knowhow. Perhaps the more important legacy of the Mayas is human-millions of ethnic Mayan descendants today live in Central America, mainly in Guatemala and Mexico. Most try to maintain the customs and traditions inherited from their illustrious ancestors even though they are often mired in poverty and face social exclusion. — AFP

Three men look at a picture taken in 1893 of a Chorti Maya boy sitting on the Altar S at the archaeological site of Copan, at the Museum.

A long blouse with Mayan A swimsuit with Mayan designs designs is displayed at the is displayed at the Museum of Museum.

National Identity in Tegucigalpa.

A teacher talks to her pupils about the Mayans at the Museum.

Pupils look at a picture taken in 1893 at the archaeological site of Copan, during a visit to the Museum of National Identity.

Schoolchildren learn more about the Mayans of National Identity in Tegucigalpa.

Folklory collection

epitomizes the rich culture, tradition across GCC F rom art & poetry to falconry & fishing to pearling, GCC boasts of a deep-rooted culture and tradition that has made it truly unique in its own inimitable way. Over the years, generations have been amazed at the rich culture and heritage on offer across the region. Celebrating this unique culture and heritage, Rasasi Perfumes - one of the leading names in the regional olfactory milieu - has announced the launch of Folklory collection that perfectly embodies this unique facet of GCC. An Oriental collection designed for women. Folklory symbolizes tradition and is set to unravel a fascinating journey into the extraordinary culture across the GCC region. Conceptualized as an

olfactive voyage in two variants, Folklory Al Ward [Pink] and Folklory Al Akhdar [Green] is truly traditional yet contemporary for that special occasion - and is set to become a perfect adornment for Arab nationals and expatriates.

Mr. Salim Kalsekar, Managing Director of Rasasi Perfumes, said: “As a company, we always were in awe of the rich culture and tradition on offer in the GCC states. With our Research & Development team, we thought of conceptualizing a perfume collection which truly reflects this rich heritage.”

Folklory Al Ward opens with luminous notes of Peach and Orange Flower, then evolves through a comforting heart combining Rose, Jasmine and Lily of Valley and the unique char-

acter of the trail is provided by Patchouli, Musk, Vanilla, Amber and Oudh. On the other hand, the AlAkhdar range comes with the top note of Cardamom and Orange Flower, cascading down to Bulgarian Rose and culminating with a core base of Amber, Honey, Benzoin, Oudh and Sandalwood. Creating a perfect harmony with the theme, Folklory gives an authentic feel with its unique packaging. The stone studded bottle, decorated in an attractive outer box gives it the character that it so proudly symbolizes. Rasasi has a rich portfolio of fragrances designed to preferences of everyone - including Royalty to the Common Man in over 60 countries across the globe.

Mayan calendar is only part of rich legacy

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2012

39

Photo shows DIFF 2012 Muhr Award Winners.

9th DIFF draws to a triumphant close with glittering awards ceremony he final credits have rolled on the 158 films screened during the 9th Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) and Saturday’s prestigious Muhr Awards ceremony formed a climactic finale for the Festival.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al- Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Festival which screened films from 60 countries across 43 languages saw visitors from around the world converge on the Emirate, now looks towards its decennial anniversary.

Abdulhamid Juma, DIFF Chairman, said: “After months of curation, preparation and coordination across multiple stakeholders, industry experts and the Dubai community, DIFF has delivered a true spectacle of cinematic diversity and a showcase of unbridled talent. In the past eight days we have not only screened 158 films but offered networking platforms to over 1,700 industry professionals, showcased 330 films in our Filmmart (60% increase versus 200 last year), hosted 24 forums and workshop for the filmmakers of the future, awarded thousands of dollars to worthy filmmakers and welcomed a host of International and Regional talent to Dubai.- we consistently strive to raise the standard of cultural events in the region and align ourselves alongside International peers.

Juma added, “My heartfelt thanks go to the unwavering support from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al- Maktoum - UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the commitment of our esteemed sponsors, especially the investment corporation of Dubai, and our founding sponsors along with the dedication of our 760 volunteers and all who make the Festival what it is today. Tonight’s Muhr Awards capped off a stellar ninth season and this success really sets the stage for the amazing programme we will have in store for the Festivals monumental 10th edition in 2013.”

Over the duration of the Festival film professionals from five continents converged for DIFF’s industry events-DIFF’s comprehensive script-to-screen industry initiative, the Dubai Film Market, paired directors and producers from the region with international

T

funding bodies and distributors, and numerous networking and matchmaking events took place throughout the festival’s eight days with.

Earlier, DIFF honored industry stalwarts Mahmoud Abdel Aziz, the veteran Egyptian actor, and renowned British director Michael Apted, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The DIFF Young Journalist Award were also presented during the festival to Jerusha Sequeira.

As one of the most lucrative filmmaker competitions in the world, the Muhr Awards were established in 2006 to honour filmmakers from the Arab world, and were expanded to include the AsiaAfrica competition in 2007. The programme has grown from strength to strength, with thousands of entrants competing to be finalists for the coveted Muhr Emirati, Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica Awards. This year an impressive 83 films competed for over USD600,000 in prize money.

Masoud Amralla Al- Ali, DIFF’s Artistic Director, said: “It is thrilling to see the Muhr programmes begin to generate return entrants. This is the kind of passion and dedication that the awards were instituted to support. Moreover, many of the past Muhr entries went on to enormous success around the world, and we are confident that this year’s lineup will continue to make waves at international festivals well into 2013. The field this year was incredibly strong, and our juries had a very difficult time selecting the finalists. We at DIFF are proud to announce this year’s winners and look forward to following their illustrious careers for years to come.”

The 2012 Muhr prize winners Due to the overwhelming response from the voting public DIFF faced a situation which never before occurred in the history of DIFF - a two way tie for the Dubai Expo 2020 People’s Choice award: Benjamin Renner, Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar - ERNEST ET CELESTINE (ERNEST AND CELESTINE): France Karzan Kader - BEKAS: Sweden The annual ‘Prize of the International Critics’ for Arab films from the International Federation of Film

Critics (FIPRESCI), the world’s foremost body of film writers, academics and critics from over 60 countries, were awarded to: Best Documentary: Khaled Jarrar - MUTASALILUN (INFILTRATORS): Palestine, UAE Best Short: Amr Abdelhadi - HOMMA AAILIYA (FAMILIAL FEVER): Jordan Best Feature: Djamila Sahraoui - YEMA: Algeria, France, UAE Muhr Emirati: Best Director: Abdulla Al-Junaibi and Humaid AlAwadi - THE PATH: UAE Special Jury Prize: Muna Al- Ali - DURBEEN: UAE Best Film: Juma Al- Sahli - RAAS AL GHANAM (THE GOAT’S HEAD): UAE Muhr Asia Africa Shorts: Best Director: Nargiza Mamatkulova - ZHYMZHYRT

(SILENCE): Kyrgyzstan Special Jury Prize: Taalay Kulmendeiev ZHYMZHYRT (SILENCE): Kyrgyzstan Best Film: L Rezan Ye’ilba? - SESSIZ-BE DENG (SILENT):Turkey Muhr AsiaAfrica Documentary: Special Mention: Sourav Sarangi - CHAR’ THE NOMAN’S ISLAND: India Special Mention: Mosco Kamwendo - CAMARADA PRESIDENTE (COMRADE PRESIDENT): Zimbabwe Best Director: Wang Bing - SAN ZIMEI (SAN ZIMEI THREE SISTERS): France, Hong Kong Special Jury Prize: Mohsen Amir youssefi, Pirooz Kalantari - KAHRIZAK, CHAHAR NEGAH (KAHRIZAK, FOUR VIEWS): Iran Best Film: Nishtha Jain, Torstein Grude, Signe Bryge Sorenson - GULABI GANG: India, Norway, Denmark

Muhr Asia Africa Feature: Special Mention: TELEVISION - Bangladesh Best Actress: Aida El-Kashef - SHIP OF THESEUS: India Best Actor: Engin G’nayd’n - YERALTI (INSIDE): Turkey Best Director: Kim Ki-duk -PIETA: South Korea Special Jury Prize: Nicholas Bruckman - VALLEY OF SAINT: India Best Film: Zeki Demirkubuz - YERALTI (INSIDE): Turkey Muhr Arab Shorts: Best Director: Fyzal Boulifa - THE CURSE: UK Special Jury Prize: Ghassan Kairouz - KHALFI SHAJAR ALZAYTOUN (BEHIND ME OLIVE TREES): Lebanon Best Film: Murray Bartlett - NOOR: Egypt, USA Muhr Arab Documentary: Special Mention: Farah Kassem - Abi Youchbeh Abdel Nasser (MY FATHER LOOKS LIKE ABDEL NASSER) - Lebanon Best Director: Hinde Boujemaa -YA MAN AACH (IT WAS BETTER TOMORROW): Tunis Special Jury Prize: Mohanad Yaqubi, Sami Said MUTASALILUN (INFILTRATORS): Palestine, UAE Best Film: Khaled Kaissar - SCHILDKROTENWUT (THE TURTLE’S RAGE): Germany Muhr Arab Feature: Special Mention: Alexandra Kahwagi - her role in ROUND TRIP - Syria, UAE, Germany, France, Egypt Best Actress: Waad Mohammed - WADJDA Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE Best Actor: Amr Waked - EL SHEITA ELLI FAT (WINTER OF DISCONTENT) - Egypt Best Director: Kamal El Mahouti - MON FRERE (MY BROTHER) - France, Morocco Special Jury Prize: Dina Farouk - HARAG W’ MARAG (CHAOS, DISORDER) - Egypt Best Film: Roman Paul, Gerhard Meixner - WADJDA: Germany, Saudi Arabia, UAE

My brother

BEKAS

WADJDA

The turtle’s rage

My father looks like Abdel Nasser

Infiltrators

Winter of discontent