19 April 2012

CR IP TI ON BS SU

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

Holocaust survivor finds haven as Muslim in Israel

150 FILS NO: 15423 40 PAGES

Picture perfect: Filipino architect bags grand prize

Japan study raises hopes of cure for baldness

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www.kuwaittimes.net

JAMADI ALAWAAL 28, 1433 AH

Drogba grabs winner as Chelsea beat Barca 1-0

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Barrak targets under-fire Shamali with new queries MP slams swollen ‘corruption file’ of finance minister

By B Izzak

conspiracy theories

History and facts

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

T

his week I read an article in Al-Qabas daily in which the writer criticized the education system in Kuwait. I do not blame him about this.

I often criticize it myself. The writer, however, was more specific in his criticism of history books in particular. He said that what is taught to students in Kuwait, according to his study, is misleading and inaccurate in many ways. He said that the textbook provides wrong facts and terminology.

In many instances the terminology used in the textbooks, he insisted, was misused. Wrong terminology could give a different interpretation from the original meaning. The accurate thing, which by the way was astonishing, in his study were some figures. He claimed that in one history book, the population of the world was estimated to be around 650 million. At this point I was laughing out loud. I thought to myself that maybe the writer of the textbook had written it in 1700 when Kuwait was established. Maybe 300 years ago the population of the world was around that number. I have no idea.

Then, other statistics popped up. The book he was referring to said that the geographical area of the Arab world is 10 percent of the whole world, the area of which he wrote was 14 million sq m.

Actually the whole world is around 150 million sq m. Do the math yourselves! At this part I laughed my head off. Whether the book was written in 1700 AD or BC, the size of the Earth could not have changed. The population could have shrunk or expanded but the Earth: No. Even in Moses’ times the size of the Earth was the same.

The writer of the article pointed many mistakes in the textbooks but I will focus on a few that attracted my attention. Austria, he said, was described in the textbook as a city. A well-travelled nation like Kuwait knows that Austria is one of the important countries in the European Union. Vienna, the capital, is well-known for music and arts.

The writer of the study also referred South Sudan as Sudan. At this point I took this as a trivial mistake. Of course the textbook was not written in the last six months when Sudan split in two. Maybe the textbooks for next year will have that historical event corrected. You never know, maybe the war in Sudan will split Sudan in four or unify it into one.

Maybe Khartoum will become a country on its own.

Or Darfur can also claim independence. Don’t forget good old Libya post Muammar Gaddafi. It could also disintegrate into four states - Amazigh on one side, Tawareq on the other and Tripoli and Benghazi on their own. If the plan for Syria continues maybe you will see Damascus turning into one state and Aleppo into another. Don’t forget good old Iraq. Nobody knows if Kurdistan will go on its own and if Maliki claims Baghdad as a sovereign state on its own. I do not know.

But I am sure that the future history of Kuwait will be full of intrigues and conspiracies especially if history focuses on the era of our democracy and parliament. Unfortunately, the writer won’t be living to fact-check the data. Do we all then have to rewrite the history of the Arab world? Then every year a textbook has to change. Especially with the Arab Spring still ongoing. Have a good day!

Wary UAE tightens screws on Islamists ABU DHABI/RAS AL-KHAIMAH: Wary of the Muslim Brotherhood’s growing influence in the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates is clamping down on Islamists, anxious they could be emboldened to challenge a government that has weathered “Arab Spring” uprisings unscathed. Long confined to the margins of the political scene or thrown in prison to ensure they stayed that way, Islamists have emerged as key actors in Tunisia, Libya and Egypt following the overthrow of their autocratic rulers. Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood now holds more seats than any other party in parliament and has fielded a candidate for the presidency, and the Islamist Ennahda party won Tunisia’s first free election last year.

Continued on Page 13

Max 33º Min 18º High Tide 10:42 & 23:09 Low Tide 04:12 & 16:58

MANAMA: Bahraini anti-government activist Zainab Al-Khawaja (second right) gestures and chants slogans in front of riot police during a protest in downtown Manama yesterday. — AP

Clashes hit Bahrain F1 exhibit Wave of arrests as activists vow ‘days of rage’ MANAMA: Security forces fired stun grenades yesterday at anti-government protesters who swarmed into a cultural exhibition for Bahrain’s Formula One race, setting off street battles and sending visitors fleeing for cover. It was a blow to the Gulf

nation’s efforts to project stability, returning to the Grand Prix circuit a year after the race was canceled because of unrest. The demonstration was the most direct attempt by protesters to bring their demands into events linked to Sunday’s race,

Bahrain’s top international showcase. The resumption of the top-level auto race is being touted by Bahrain’s rulers as a sign they have the upper hand after 14 months of clashes and crackdowns.

Continued on Page 13

KUWAIT: Opposition MP Musallam Al-Barrak, who has threatened to grill Finance Minister Mustafa Al-Shamali, yesterday sent a series of questions to the minister about transfer of public funds to officials and state institutions. In his questions, Barrak demanded a list of all sums exceeding KD 20 million transferred during four fiscal years to individuals, companies, establishments or state officials. The fiscal years extend from 2006/2007 to 2009/2010.

Barrak also demanded the names of beneficiaries, their positions, the date of transfer and supporting documents in addition to the names of local or foreign banks that the transfers were made to through the Central Bank of Kuwait. He asked Shamali if the finance ministry transferred through the Central Bank amounts exceeding KD 20 million directly into the local or foreign accounts of government officials, the names and account numbers of beneficiaries and the supporting legal and constitutional documents.

Barrak also demanded to know all the amounts exceeding KD 20 million that had been transferred to government departments which in turn transferred the amounts to other beneficiaries (officials), in addition to the names of those beneficiaries and the legal justification for the transfers. The lawmaker said that these transfers by the finance ministry are a very serious matter and could be as grave as the alleged foreign transfers by the former prime minister which was exposed by Barrak himself last September which eventually led to the resignation of the former premier and dissolution of the National Assembly.

Barrak claimed the “corruption file” of the finance minister has swelled and must be held to account, saying that he did not take any action on the Seimens corruption scandal. Trial reportedly began yesterday in Germany over charges that Seimens paid bribes to senior Kuwaiti electricity officials to win a power plant contract. Kuwait has not initiated any investigation into the allegations.

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Settlers force into home in Beit Hanina US Muslim tortured at FBI behest in UAE

JERUSALEM: Israeli police arrest a member of Khaled Natshe’s family as they are forced to hand over their home to Jewish settlers in the Israeli annexed east Jerusalem neighbourhood of Beit Hanina yesterday. — AFP JERUSALEM: Israeli police yesterday evicted a Palestinian family from their home in annexed east Jerusalem after Jewish settlers won a court battle over ownership, police and rights groups said.

The eviction of the 14-member Natshe family from two houses in Beit Hanina was the first successful attempt by settlers to secure a property in the wellheeled Arab district in the northern part of east Jerusalem, rights groups said.

Police spokeswoman Luba Samri confirmed the eviction, telling AFP it was in line with a recent court ruling which found settlers had legally purchased the property.

“The court decided a while ago that the two houses belong to the Jews. One of those houses was voluntarily evacuated a few weeks ago while police units are now helping forces from the eviction department to evacuate the other house,” she said. Speaking to AFP, Lubna Al-Natshe said all of the family’s furniture had been removed and that police had arrested her husband. “They came at 8:00 am (0500 GMT) to evict us and when my husband tried to resist, they beat him and they arrested him,” she said. “They say the settlers bought this house 73 years ago.”

Arye King, head of the Israel Land

Fund, a right-wing group dedicated to purchasing properties in Arab east Jerusalem, told AFP the land had been “bought by a Jewish buyer decades ago” and that his group was reclaiming it. He said Palestinian claims to the land were “forged”. Hagit Ofran, who works with Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now, said both the Palestinians and the settlers were claiming ownership of the land, but that a court had ruled against the Palestinians. “There were Jews living here before 1948 and some of them purchased parcels of land in the West Bank and east Jerusalem,” she said, adding the plots fell into Jordanian ownership after the war that accompanied Israel’s establishment. “But the Palestinians also say they bought it from the owner at around the same time,” she said.

“It could be true that the land was purchased by a Jewish buyer but I believe it is against Israel’s interests to establish a new settlement in Beit Hanina, and it is against Israel’s interests to acknowledge Jewish property rights before 1948 when we don’t allow the Palestinians to do the same, because that would be permitting the right of return.”

But there was a political twist to the story, she said, indicating the individual who Continued on Page 13

STOCKHOLM: A Muslim American seeking asylum in Sweden claimed yesterday he was detained at the US government’s request while in the United Arab Emirates last summer, tortured in custody and interrogated about the activities of a Portland mosque. Yonas Fikre told a news conference yesterday that he was held for 106 days and was beaten, threatened with death and kept in solitary confinement in a frigid cell. The 33-yearold, a naturalized US citizen born in Eritrea, says he had attended the same mosque in Portland as a man who has been charged in a plot to detonate a bomb in the northwestern US city. He moved to Sudan in 2009 and later to the United Arab Emirates. He went to Sweden, where he has relatives, after being released from detention on Sept 15.

Fikre, who converted to Islam in 2003, is the third Muslim man from Portland to publicly say he was detained while traveling abroad and questioned about Portland’s Masjidas-Sabr mosque. Mohamed Osman Mohamud, a Somali American who is awaiting trial on a charge of plotting to set off a bomb in downtown Portland in Nov 2010, occasionally worshipped there. A decade ago, seven Muslims with ties to the mosque were arrested following a failed effort to enter Afghanistan and fight US forces. Fikre says he met Mohamud a handful of times, but wouldn’t call him a friend or even an acquaintance.

Fikre says he was arrested on June 1 in the United Arab Emirates and taken to a prison in Abu Dhabi, where he was questioned about the activities of the Portland mosque and its imam, Mohamed Sheikh Abdirahman Kariye.

When he first suggested that his UAE interrogators were working for the FBI, they became very upset, he said. “They

Yonas Fikre got very angry and they said: We don’t work with the Americans, we are an independent countr y,” he said.

However, in the final days of his confinement, Fikre said that one interrogator acknowledged that the FBI had been involved in his questioning.

“He confirmed to me that the FBI was there. Also when I was getting beaten, they did admit that the FBI knew exactly what was happening and they were working with the FBI,” Fikre said.

Beth Anne Steele, a spokeswoman for the FBI office in Portland, said she could not discuss specifics of the case.

“I can tell you that the FBI trains its agents very specifically and very thoroughly about what is acceptable under US law,” she said. “To do anything counter to that training is counterproductive - we risk legal liability and potentially losing a criminal case in court.” The Council on AmericanIslamic Relations has called upon the US Department of Justice to investigate whether Fikre was tortured at the behest of the FBI. “Barack Obama said that America doesn’t torture,” said Gadeir Abbas, the group’s attorney.

“We didn’t see the footnote that Continued on Page 13

LOCAL

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah at the awards ceremony of the third Kuwait International Prize for the recitation of the Holy Quran at Bayan Palace yesterday.

Amir graces awards ceremony of Kuwait Quran Prize KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah graced the awards ceremony of the third Kuwait International Prize for the recitation of the Holy Quran at Bayan Palace.

The ceremony was also attended by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Parliament Speaker Ahmad Abdelaziz Al-Saadoun, former speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi, senior sheikhs, Deputy Chief of the National Guard Sheikh Meshaal AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and a host of senior state officials.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran. Then Minister of Justice and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Jamal Ahmad Al-Shehab, addressed the gathering. He expressed gratitude to HH the Amir for sponsoring the competition and attending the award-giving ceremony.

“The patronage by HH the Amir of this competition shows his permanent interest and support for everything related to the Holy Quran,” Al-Shehab said. “The life of the people and the nation includes days that are not matched.

Perhaps the most beautiful days are of the Kuwait International Award for memorizing, reciting and tajweed of the Holy Quran. Here we meet the people of the Quran, the reciters

Stage set for Gulf Jazz Festival in 1997 and was called the Kuwait Jazz Festival as it was only held in Kuwait. After a few years, it developed into the Gulf Jazz Festival. It was also held in other GCC countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. This is the eighth year for the Gulf festival, and it will also be held in Qatar at the Grand Hayat Doha on April 29,” said Witold Wnuk, Director of Cracovia Music Agency during a press confer-

ence held yesterday morning at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

“This is the only regional music festival held in several GCC countries. During this festival we are presenting popular musicians from the United States and Europe.

Sometimes we also present musicians from Arab countries. This year we have musicians from three countries: Austria, Sweden and Poland,” Wnuk said.

KUWAIT: Odile Groot, Witold Wnuk and Ramadan Ali during the press conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel yesterday. — Photo by Joseph Shagra

The festival will include: Full Drive - an energetic funk/jazz Polish Quartet led by a charismatic saxophonist.

Vivian Buczek - a top young Swedish jazz singer with a colorful voice. Michaela Rabitsch and Robert Pawlik Quartet - a charming easy-listening Austrian singer and trumpet player.

The opening concert on April 25 will feature the Full Drive Quartet from Poland with Vivian Buczek from Sweden, and a barbeque dinner. A special concert on April 26 will be per formed by Michaela Rabitsch and the Robert Pawlik Quartet from Austria.

The concert tickets are available at the Viking Club and at the Rangoli restaurant in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait. Reservations can also be made online.

Visit the website www.gulfjazzfest.com for more information.

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Radisson Blu Hotel will be hosting the two-day Gulf Jazz Festival on April 25 and 26 in the AlHashemi II Grand Ballroom from 8pm onwards. This festival is organized by the Cracovia Music Bureau in partnership with the Radisson Blu Hotel.

This festival has been held for many years. “The festival first started

Municipality plans six sites for solid waste KUWAIT: A Municipal technical committee recommended yesterday setting up six sites of 50,000 square meters of space for dumping solid waste in Salmi area, due to the closure of the Rehaiya dumping site.

The committee agreed, at a meeting held today under the chairmanship of Farz Al-Mutairi, to establish 10 sites for installing communication towers on highways and approved a proposal to build prayer corners on highways, spacing every two corners at 25 kilometers apart.

Members of the commission set a date to hold a special meeting to discuss issues related to the industrial city, located in Salmi area. They also approved a proposal to build a new sub-street in Rabiya, to be parallel with the main street.

However, they did not approve a plan to remove external staircases in housing districts, as this matter will be tackled by the special sub-committee tasked with removing construction infringements on state property. —KUNA

and the institutes and individual teachers of the Quran. We also meet the blessed segment of the Muslim youth, who came to the state of Kuwait from the countries of the Islamic world, and from Islamic communities in non-Islamic countries.”

Al-Shehab described the competition among the 120 contestants, from 61 countries, as fierce. Most participants were almost neckto-neck in their ability to memorize and recite the Quran. Othman Mohammad Al-Siddiqi, Head of the Judging Panel, extended warm thanks and gratitude to His Highness the Amir for sponsoring this competition.

He expressed appreciation for the warm reception with which both officials and the public received the scholars, judges and participants in the competition.

Al-Siddiqi applauded the contestants’ impressive mastering of diverse readings and performances of recitation of the Quran.

He said the awards are divided into four branches: memorizing the whole Quran with Tajweed, memorizing the whole Quran with seven recitations, recitation only, and the best technical project to serve the Holy Quran.

Following the speech by Al-Siddiqi, a documentary about the award was screened.

Then HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah presented awards to the winners and received a token to commemorate the event, upon which he left the venue. —KUNA

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

local

Body washes ashore

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: An unidentified male body was found on Shuwaikh beach early yesterday morning. The death was caused by drowning in the sea. The corpse was left for the medical examiner.

Khadija Mouhajer at the Exhibition.

(From left) Reem Hraki, Troy Coldrick, and Khadija Mouhajer at the HCA booth in Medica Exhibition. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Medica conference ‘a big success’ HCA in contact with govt for more than 36 years

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The HCA group of International Hospitals is a main participant in the Third Kuwait Medica Conference and Exhibition held at Al-Rayya Ballroom from April 16 to 18. The group is making its presence felt for the second time, representing seven international hospitals operating in London.

Top ministry officials, healthcare professionals involved in different aspects of hospital planning, design, building, management and operations made their presence felt in the event. “Such events are very important and are useful for work. We meet officials from the Ministry of Health and other institutions related to our work. I think such events are the best place for networking,” Khadija Mouhajer, Director of International Relations and Marketing, HCA International Hospitals told Kuwait Times.

HCA has been in contact with the Kuwaiti government for more than 36 years, “We share a great relationship with all medical health officers, both private and public sectors in Kuwait. in appreciation to the Kuwaiti government, we send our best doctor specialists to Kuwait on exchange visits .

They present lectures, operate patients and exchange medical knowledge between two countries. They hold these visits according to the hospitals’ request,” added Mouhajer.

“Specialist doctors — orthopedist, ENT, and neurosurgery (spine and brain) visit often. We also receive patients coming from Kuwait,” she added.

HCA officials met with former patients and new ones. “We spoke with former patients to read the

progress made in Kuwait. We also met with relatives of patients who have health concerns, and gave them a second opinion provided by experts in London within 24 hours,” explained Mouhajer.

This conference is committed to provide a platform for healthcare organizations to showcase, exhibit and market the latest trends, innovations and technological advancements in healthcare at one specific event that is dedicated to the ongoing development of healthcare sector in Kuwait, GCC and the Middle East.

The primary objective of the Kuwait Medica Exhibition is to provide stakeholders in healthcare an opportunity to interact on variety of business platforms and to encourage health contractors beyond the international borders to participate in the development of healthcare in Kuwait bridging the gap between the ever-growing demand and provision of quality healthcare services.

“The Medica was well-attended which signifies its success. Also, the lectures presented at this conference were very useful and informative. Our company is glad to participate in this event, and we are looking forward to participating next year as well. I would like to thank Dr Naser Al-Anezi, Chairman of the organizing committee of Universal Group, the organizer of Medica in cooperation with the Ministry of Health for giving us this opportunity,” concluded Mouhajer.

HCA International HCA International is committed to the care and improvement of human life. In recognition of this commitment, they strive to deliver high quality,

cost effective healthcare in the communities they serve. They welcome patients and their families from all over the world to benefit from their specialist services.

HCA International Ltd is part of HCA, Inc. (Hospital Corporation of America) the world’s leading independent hospital company with 173 hospitals and 108 outpatient centers in the USA and the UK. HCA International is the largest private hospital group in London, with six world-class hospitals located in and around Central London. We also have a unique partnership with the NHS located at UCLH, Queen’s Hospital Romford, and Christie’s in Manchester and outpatient diagnostics and medical centers in London. Additionally, we operate Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC) in Harley Street and the Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), one of the largest clinical research organizations.

They are the private hospitals of choice for the successful treatment of serious and complex medical conditions supported by over 3000 of London’s leading specialists. They also achieve some of the highest patient outcome and survival rates in the UK and our hospitals are virtually MRSA-free.

Their International Marketing Department will be able to assist by advising on an appropriate Consultant, Specialist and facilities, coordinating appointments as well as arranging admissions and transfer to an HCA facility. The office liaises on a daily basis with all London based Embassies, Medical Health Offices, individual patients, International Insurance Companies and other organizations.

KUWAIT: Municipality officials inspecting shops.

Municipality busts 230 kg of spoiled fish

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: The Municipal Council team in the capital district busted here yesterday 230 kg of spoiled fish at the Souq Sharq’s fish market.

Head of the team Faleh Al-Shimmari said that the campaigns would continue to prevent spoiled products from reaching customers, adding regular inspections of fish-stands in the market were conducted to make sure people get fresh fish.

The spoiled fish was disposed of and those responsible for selling were referred to the authorities for questioning, said the official.

Spoiled food seized Ahmadi Municipality Director Fahad Dughaim AlOtaibi said that an inspection campaign has been carried out in the governorate, at central markets and other outlets that deal with foodstuff, as well as restaurants and butcher shops. The campaign resulted in 47 citations issued for selling frozen meat passed off as fresh meat, in addition to selling food items that do not meet specifications.Food stuffs weighing 145 kg was destroyed .

Street naming Rumors circulated in social media websites stating that the municipality has stopped naming streets. In response to rumors, the municipality’s Public Relations Department announced that it has stopped naming streets after VIPs until proper guidelines are laid down to choose names as per certain standards. Once a study is completed, it will be referred to the Municipal Council so that a decision is made on it.

Street fight A fight broke out between a number of people on the 7th Ring Road crossing with Kabd, resulting in a head injury to a 48-year-old Bangladeshi expatriate who was taken to Farwaniya Hospital.

Car accidents A car accident on King Fahad Highway near Shuaiba Scrap yard resulted in a direct hit in the head to a 32-year-old Kuwaiti man, who died on the spot. His body was left for the medical examiner.

A car accident on the Seventh Ring Road towards Jahra, near the gas station, resulted in a broken left arm to a 43-year-old Indian expatriate, a neck injury to a 28-year-old Indian expatri-

ate and back pain to a 32-year-old Filipino expatriate. Casualties were taken to Mubarak and Farwaniya Hospitals.

A car accident on the Fourth Ring Road near the crossing with Tunis Street resulted in neck pain to a 36year-old Egyptian expatriate and pain in the right hand to a 35-year-old Iraqi woman. Both were taken to Mubarak Hospital.

A car accident on Fahad Al-Ahmad roundabout resulted in different minor injuries to four Kuwaiti women whose ages ranged from 25 to 38 years old.

Three of them were taken to Adan Hospital.

A car accident in Salmiya, on Amman Street, resulted in injuries to the head of a 37-year-old Kuwaiti woman and face injuries to a 70-yearold Kuwaiti man. Both were taken to Mubarak Hospital.

A motorcycle accident in Al-Salem, in front of a house in Block five, resulted in twisting the left foot of a 26-yearold Egyptian expatriate who was taken to Mubarak Hospital.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

LOCAL

Impatient Kuwaiti blinds hotel waiter in Salmiya Two dead in road accidents KUWAIT: A citizen was arrested in Salmiya recently after causing permanent eye damage to a restaurant waiter during a dispute over the time it took to be served his food.

Police rushed to the scene after a fight was reported, and found the victim writhing in pain on the floor. The angry customer had thrown a foreign substance in his face.

Investigations later revealed that the substance contained a mixture of detergents that caused the Indian waiter permanent eye damage, according to doctor’s diagnoses. The Kuwaiti attacker was taken into custody to face charges, as investigations revealed that the fight happened after he blamed the waiter for taking too long to serve him his order.

Traffic accidents Two people were killed and another was seriously injured in two separate accidents reported Tuesday on King Fahad Highway.

Paramedics and police rushed at 8:00 am to a location near Bnaider (south) following a report about an accident. A Kuwaiti man was pronounced dead at the scene as preliminary investigations revealed that his vehicle lost balance and overturned. Investigations are still ongoing to reveal the circumstances behind the accident. An hour later, police and paramedics headed to a location before Wafra Bridge where a collision involving two vehicles was reported. A young Kuwaiti man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver, also Kuwaiti, was rushed to Adan Hospital in critical condition. An investigation was opened into the accident.

Child molester Police have summoned for questioning a shopkeeper accused of molesting a child in

Nugra. A middle-aged Lebanese man on Tuesday reported to officers at the area police station that his 12-year-old daughter was sexually harassed by a worker inside a small convenience store near his building. The man reportedly learned about the incident when he became alarmed after his daughter returned home from the shop terrified. Police obtained information about the suspect and issued a warrant to summon him for investigations.

Friends help fugitive An attempted murder suspect managed to escape arrest after he was freed from police custody by friends. Patrol officers grew suspicious of a group consisting of two men and four women, who were making their way out of an apartment building in Salmiya. While checking their identities, police discovered that one of the men is charged with attempted murder and is wanted for investigations.

According to a security source, the man was able to escape shortly after he was put inside the patrol vehicle, as one of his female companions managed to open the door for him.

Police arrested the other man in the group, who reportedly helped the fugitive escape, while all four females reportedly fled back into the building. Officers went back to Rumathiya police station and filed a case for investigations.

Work mishap A construction worker was critically injured after falling from a height in Bneid AlGar recently. The victim was found unconscious after falling from the second floor of a building under construction. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at a nearby pri-

vate hospital where he was diagnosed with serious injuries. A case was filed at Daiya to investigate the circumstances behind the incident.

Manhunt for fraudster Hawally investigators are currently trying to identify a suspect behind multiple fraud cases which left many people largely indebted to telecom companies. At least 20 people of different nationalities reported to police stations within Hawally governorate that they are required to pay phone bills for numbers registered to their names which they know nothing about. According to a security source with knowledge of the case, the debts range between KD250 and KD650. They were mostly discovered at the airport, when complainants were told they could not travel due to unpaid dues. It is believed that the suspect was somehow able to obtain photocopies of the victims’ ID cards and used them to buy cell phone lines.

Reckless youths held Two teenagers were arrested in Jahra following an escape attempt, during which they managed to steal a handheld police transceiver. The suspects were in a car that was pulled over. Patrol officers decided to take them into custody. At that point, the Kuwaiti youths resisted apprehension and were eventually able to run away after snatching a wireless device held by an officer. The two were taken into custody after the officers pursued them on-foot. The duo denied the theft charges during investigations at the police station, where they were held before being referred to the Juvenile General Department.

—Al-Rai, Al-Watan

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait organized a cultural night at the American University of Kuwait recently. A lecture was delivered by keynote speaker Khalid Al-Rasheed. The event was held as part of the CBK’s cultural campaign which began in February and will continue until early next month.

Kuwait inherited humane work from one generation to another: Al-Barjas KUWAIT: Chairman of Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Barjas al-Barjas has stressed importance of Arab and foreign envoys acquaintance of KRCS’s humane and developmental role, noting that Kuwait inherited the support of humane work from one generation to another.

In a speech he gave while receiving the permanent delegation to the UN, Al-Barjas said that KRCS is supplemental and organ-

izer of Kuwait humane work, pointing out Kuwait’s efforts in areas of aid it has provided to affected countries due to natural disasters such as Indonesia, Haiti, Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Libya, Philippines, and Thailand which valued KRCS’s humane role.

KRSC aspires to do a bigger role in the future, out of its commitment to its humane responsibility, Al-Barjas noted, adding that

the Society has responded to calls from its international partners in humane work to extend a hand of help and aid countries affected by disasters that are caused by either nature or humans.

He explained that the Society works under the framework of international authorities and agencies that are specialized in humane issues such as International Federation of Red

Cross and Red Crescent Societies in order to boost abilities of those affected by disasters to face their current situations.

Moreover, he stressed that voluntary work in Kuwait has attained huge popularity on institutional and singular levels due to its value in developing society, alleviating suffering of others, and participating seriously and effectively in building and developing march. —KUNA

VALLETTA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Malta, Faisal Al-Msaileem, pictured with the Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister of Malta, Tonio Borg, yesterday.

Maltese FM, Kuwaiti ambassador discuss bolstering relations VALLETTA: Kuwaiti Ambassador to Malta, Faisal Al-Msaileem, said yesterday that he met with the Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister of Malta, Tonio Borg, at his office in the Foreign Ministry. He added that the meeting was part of his efforts to increase communication and interaction with the officials and institutions in Malta to bolster bilateral relations. The diplomat remarked that the

discussion concentrated on various means to boost cooperation and bolster relations in all fields. The Maltese official also expressed his eagerness in this regard, he said.

The ambassador also relayed the greetings of the Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA

Recommendation to amend KAC privatization law BEIRUT: Visiting Kuwaiti Minister of Communications, Salem Al-Utheina disclosed yesterday that a final recommendation to amend the privatization law of Kuwait Airways will be submitted to the Cabinet on Sunday.

This legislation stipulates that the KAC be transformed from a shareholding company into a private firm, affiliated with the Public Investment Authority.

Employees’ privileges and rights will be secured according to the privatization law, adopted by the National Assembly (Parliament) in 2008.

Meanwhile, the minister said, on sidelines of the 35th general assembly of ARABSAT, the Arab Satellite Communications Organization, a special budget was set aside during yesterday’s meeting for the project of transferring numbers among the three major telecommunication companies in Kuwait.

A special team of experts has been formed to examine the technical aspects of the project, due to be fully executed in the coming eight months. This process will enable a client to retain his (her) phone number while transferring subscription from one company to another

— with the aim of facilitating development of services by the three top telecommunication service providers.

Al-Utheina said profits of ARABSAT grew by nine percent this year compared to the past year despite dramatic events in the Arab world. Al-Utheina disclosed launch of the fifth satellite, which would cover Africa, large parts of Europe and Asia.

Member states unanimously agreed on writing off debts of Palestine, in response to a proposal by Jordan, he said, adding that they also reached an agreement on putting restrictions on the channels to compel them refrain from airing programs that may threaten national unity or foment sectarian sedition.

Moreover, the conferees discussed matters related to the planned sixth generation of the satellites, plans for further expansion of the service and financial issues.

The meeting grouped, in addition to Al-Utheina along with accompanying Kuwaiti officials, ministers and officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Libya, Sudan, Morocco and Algeria. — KUNA

Kuwaiti diplomat stresses keenness on boosting cultural interaction with Cuba H AVA N A : Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cuba Bader Al-Awadhi stressed keenness on bolstering cooperation and interaction with Cuba in the areas of tourism and culture, and met with director of the “Arabian House” museum in Old Havana Prof R igober to Menendez, Tuesday evening.

The ambassador presented the rector with an authentic miniature Kuw a i t i d how, a B oom , w hi c h he stressed reflected the country’s cultural and trade history. He expressed a desire for more cooperation with the historical office and said the gracious reception of Kuwaiti visitors of Arabian House reflects the friendly relations bet ween the t wo peoples. He also expressed Kuwait ’s readiness to engage in cultural and investment projects in Havana.

Prof M enendez presented the ambassador with a book he authored in 2007 on Arabs in Havana, which had won several awards in Cuba and had been translated into Arabic in 2010.

The Arabian House is a main tourist attraction which reflects all aspects of the influences of Arab culture and Arabs’ presence on Cuba and Havana in particular and in Latin America in general. It is supervised by the city’s

historical office, chaired by professor Eusebio Leal. The house displays an array of Islamic artifact, and the State of Kuwait had previously contributed several pieces to the exhibition.

Ambassador Bader Al-Awadhi Professor Menendez invited the Kuwaiti ambassador to attend a series of lectures the Arabian House is organizing on Middle East history. — KUNA

NA financial panel debates public tenders law

KUWAIT: Farwaniya Municipality inspectors shut down three food stores in Khaitan during a recent crackdown. Several citations were issued for committing violations related to failure in meeting minimum hygiene standards. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: The Financial and Economic affairs committee at the National Assembly yesterday discussed the proposed amendments to the public tenders law, which was recently approved by the parliament during its first session of debate.

MP Ahmad Lari, committee rapporteur, said the panel listened to the Government’s suggested amendments to the law in presence of Minister of Electricity and Water and Minister of Municipality, Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Planning and Development Affairs, Minister of Oil

and Minister of Commerce and Industry.

MP Lari said the discussion over the law (of item 13) was “practical and objective.”

The committee requested that the Government present actual statistics of bidding on tenders to “ensure the accuracy of applying the law before it is approved of in its second session of discussion.”

The debate over the public tenders law will continue today in the presence of Government officials and concerned bodies. —KUNA

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

local

Kuwait must stop introduction of death penalty for blasphemy Amendment massive step backwards: Amnesty KUWAIT: A proposed legal amendment that would make blasphemy a crime punishable by death in Kuwait would be a massive step backwards by the country’s authorities, if passed by parliament, Amnesty International said yesterday. The draft law was quickly introduced and passed by the Kuwaiti Parliament’s Law and Legal Affairs Committee following the arrest of a man accused of insulting Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on Twitter.

Hamad Al-Naqi, a member of Kuwait’s Shiite Muslim minority, is being held in pre-trial detention charged with “defaming the Prophet” in tweets posted on the social-networking website last month. He has denied making the posts, saying that somebody hacked into his Twitter account.

Kuwait’s parliament voted in favor of the amendment on 12 April. Before it is passed, the amendment must go to a second vote two weeks after the first and then be approved by the government and Kuwait’s

ruler Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah.

“We urge Kuwait’s parliament to reject such an amendment which would constitute a flagrant breach of the country’s international human rights obligations,” said Ann Harrison, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Program.

“All eyes are on Kuwait’s recently-elected legislators. They must immediately scrap any plans to introduce the death penalty for blasphemy.”

Article 111 of the Penal Code prohibits defamation of religion, currently providing for up to one year’s imprisonment and a fine.

Under international law, “religious” offences do not fall under the category of “most serious crimes”, the minimum threshold prescribed for crimes carrying the death penalty.

In November 2011, the United Nations Human Rights Committee called on Kuwait to “revise its legislation on blasphemy and relat-

Court adjourns verdict on electoral contestations KUWAIT: The Constitutional Court, presided by Justice Faisal Al-Mershed, yesterday adjourned till the 20th of June all contestations that have been submitted against the 2012 National Assembly (parliamentary) elections.

A verdict is scheduled to be issued by the tribunal by June 20. Meanwhile, any other complaints or memoranda can be filed within two weeks from now.

Most of the petitions, during yesterday’s session, were submitted by voters

in the First, Third and Fourth constituencies, requesting that membership of some elected MPs be declared null, arguing that they lacked “good reputation,” in line with the court verdict No. 8 (2008) regarding electoral contestations.

The tribunal is due, at a follow-up session today, to look into other pleas, contesting some results of the polls in the First, Second, Third and Fourth districts. — KUN

Private sector responsible for providing medication KUWAIT: The private sector has a national responsibility to import and provide medical commodities that are up to global standards and accessible for the masses, the Minister of Health Dr. Ali Al-Obeidi said yesterday.

The Ministry stated that the minister met with representatives from the Union of Medication Importers to dis-

cuss means of bolstering mutual cooperation.

The meeting also focused on implementing international standards and regulations on imported medication from abroad, the ministerial statement said, adding that the involved parties agreed to hold regular meetings to further coordinate efforts within the pharmaceutical domain. — KUNA

ed laws [...] to ensure their strict compliance with the [International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, or ICCPR]” to which Kuwait is a state party.

Article 15 of the ICCPR prohibits states from imposing a heavier penalty than the one applicable at the time an alleged offence was committed.

“If it emerges that Hamad Al-Naqi’s Twitter account was indeed hacked then he has no case to answer; otherwise he is being held solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression and, unless charged with an internationally recognizable offence, he must be released immediately,” said Ann Harrison.

“On no account should he be sentenced to death.” Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, as a violation of the right to life as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and as the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.

Arab Parliament moving to Cairo CAIRO: Head of the Arab Parliament Ali Al-Degbasi said yesterday that moving the Arab Parliament headquarters from Damascus to Cairo is a natural reaction to the ongoing massacres and human rights violations committed by the Syrian regime, which makes it impossible for the parliament body to function there.

Al-Degbasi told the press, after a meeting with the Chairman of Shura Council Ahmed Fahmi, that moving the Arab Parliament to Egypt is “ a positive step to fulfill its goals.”

The Arab Parliament would never interfere in any country’s internal affairs, he pointed out. However, it always strives to solve any obstacles the Arab countries face, especially poverty and diseases.

He even warned against real security threats that can be clearly seen in Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Palestine.

Ahmed Fahmi, meanwhile, stressed that Egypt’s Shura Council will hugely contribute in setting up a prestigious headquarters suitable for an Arab authority of such caliber.

It is of utmost importance to give full moral and financial support to the Arab Parliament because it is tool to “achieve the best interests of the Arab nations,” he noted. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The dump site after the fire was extinguished yesterday.

Massive tire fire finally extinguished KUWAIT: Firemen finally extinguished a massive fire that had been burning in Rhayya on Tuesday, the Kuwait Fire Services Directorate (KFSD) announced.

The fire blazed among the dump, which housed over 5 million tires. KFSD Director of Public Relations and Media Lt Colonel, Khalil Al-Amir, said that fire fighters had successfully put out the huge fire. He commended the collaboration of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department, the traffic department and the media.

In a statement, Al-Amir said that the tires were either separated or covered with sand in attempts to extinguish the fire. Meanwhile, the EMS Department Director General Dr Faisal Al-Ghanem said that medics treated 10 people for

smoke inhalation. Al-Ghanem said that a field clinic and five ambulances were brought in to treat any cases. The EMS Department coordinated with surrounding hospitals in case emergency beds were needed, he added.

Kuwait Fire Ser vice Directorate’s Deputy Chief of firefighting services and human resource Brig Yusuf Al-Ansari said that the location of the fire, a graveyard for disposable tires, was secure, adding that the area was in the process of being filled with sand so such an incident would not happen again in the future.

He thanked all those who participated in the effort to put out the fire, saying that all government sides involved helped to save a lot of lives. — KUNA

6

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

LOCAL

Local Spotlight

in my view

House owners discriminate

Taking the tube in Kuwait

Muna Al-Fuzai

By Labeed Abdal

muna@kuwaittimes.net he promising development plan, which is worth $145 billion, must be supported strongly by the new Parliament and Government and must become a priority.

This plan includes the building of new cities for the growing population, which has reached over 3 million. It will include more schools, hospitals, hotels, educational institutions and health cities. Then the transportation system must be upgraded with a modern underground system.

It has been a great move, as the GCC are building a railway network that will be cross international borders and will interlink cities and capitals in an easy way to move people, services and products from one GCC country to another.

However, those countries with a high Gross Domestic Product (GDP) mostly use luxury vehicles.

Each family has around four to ten cars, either to drive personally or by drivers. They definitely need more environmentally friendly means of transportation. We should reconsider a new culture of using modern public transportation in the region, and that surly needs advanced urban planning given the congested roads and the small size of the city.

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in my view

Rights mask of Al-Qaeda

By Tariq Al-Homayed audi television recently aired a recorded telephone conversation between an alleged member of AlQaeda in Yemen and the Saudi ambassador to Sanaa, during which Al-Qaeda revealed that it had kidnapped the Saudi deputy consul in Yemen, and stated its conditions for the safe release of the kidnapped diplomat, one of which was the release of all prisoners in Saudi Arabia affiliated to the terrorist organization.

Of course, this is not the whole story. Interestingly, the Al-Qaeda member identified the names of some prisoners, including some Saudi women, who the terrorist organization wants released and then sent to Yemen!

Amazingly, the Al-Qaeda member during the telephone conversation identified the names of the female prisoners, who are as follows: Najwa Al-Saidi, Arwa Baghdadi, Hanan Samkari, Najla Al-Roumi and Haifa Al-Ahmadi!

This is amazing for one simple reason, namely that most of those women’s names identified by Al-Qaeda are already the subjects of major campaigns undertaken on their behalf on the Internet, and social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, under the guise of human rights demands.

Indeed, some human rights activists and institutions claim that they, i.e. the female prisoners, have been incarcerated because of their opinions, and the Saudi government is suppressing them!

Of course, these campaigns in the name of human rights garnered great support at the time because of the surplus emotion generated by the so-called Arab Spring.

Matters soon became intertwined to the extent that those prisoners, accused by Saudi Arabia of being affiliated to Al-Qaeda, became equated to the activists who had been arrested in the states that recently witnessed revolutions or uprisings. All this confusion, of course, was thanks to the frenzied online campaigns and the inflamed Arab sentiments about what was happening in the region, particularly with regard to Tunisia and Egypt, and likewise thanks to increasing Western media attention toward Saudi Arabia, particularly last year during the day of incitement that was falsely branded the “day of rage”.

Today, according to the recording aired by the Saudi Interior Ministry, it is clear that those who were previously thought to have been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia “because of their opinions,” defended in turn by those who described themselves as human rights activists, are nothing more than affiliates of Al-Qaeda. Furthermore, Al-Qaeda does not only demand their release, but wants them transferred from Riyadh to the terrorist organization’s headquarters in Yemen!

Here the outstanding question is: Has Al-Qaeda become affiliated with human rights activists? Or have human rights activists become affiliated with Al-Qaeda?

This is an important and indeed essential question, because it is clear that our confusion is not a coincidence, nor does it stem from ignorance, but rather it is a result of these organized campaigns that are aimed at incitement and pushing matters toward chaos, for whatever reasons.

If it is true that one of the achievements of the socalled Arab Spring was the renouncement of a series of lies and false slogans that plagued our region for decades, whether politically, religiously or culturally, then today we are instead witnessing great confusion at the level of politicians, intellectuals and senior media figures. Today we are even witnessing further lies being exposed, namely those of human rights advocates in Saudi Arabia, as it becomes clear that those who they championed as innocent, imprisoned for their opinions, are nothing more than affiliates of Al-Qaeda, a terrorist organization that calls for their release today, and even wants them transferred to Yemen! This really is the year that the mask finally fell.

S

n Kuwait, discriminating against each other is a way of life! I know this may sound weird, but it is true. If it were otherwise, a daily protest would have been staged against wrongdoers. They unabashedly place ‘ads’ in newspapers papers, and there is no one to prosecute them! Here, it is commonly seen some house owners are interested in renting out flats to foreigners. They don’t hesitate in placing newspaper ads or boldly printed notices outside their home stating: ‘Foreigners Only.’

They do not feel an iota of remorse when doing this. They don’t rent out flats to Kuwaitis, their own kin! Let’s see what reasons they give.

Some house owners assume that as long as foreigners’ rent allowances are paid for by the company, they can be charged any atrocious amount! Others claim that Kuwaitis have noisy children who cause a lot of nuisance. I think this is ludicrous. I have seen many foreigners who have three and four children and stay in flats because they can’t buy a house in Kuwait. Most Kuwaitis with children have their own homes, by the time the third child is born!

Some house owners believe that foreigners will not delay rent payment. It is easier for them to evict a foreigner from a flat than a Kuwaiti, who would file a court case.

Finally, I think some house owners believe that no matter how well-behaved Kuwaitis are, foreigners are better! I think such Kuwaitis are a curse for their compatriots. Here is my question to them and I challenge Kuwaiti house owners to answer me! How would you feel if you went abroad and tried to make a reservation at a hotel, but your request was denied because they reserve it for their citizens or westerners? Surely, you would feel it is an insult and would claim that it is an act of discrimination! This is what you have been doing for so long without even flinching for a second.

I know that some Kuwaitis who avoid flying Western airlines because of the random security checks they are subjected to by airlines security. They don’t want to be stared at by curious Western passengers owing to their typical Arab appearance! If this is perceived as being discriminatory, why do you repeat similar practices back home? I don’t mind going through security checks at the airport. I would feel more safe that way. It is ironic that those that break the law or do something to hurt others, don’t like being accorded the same treatment!

What goes around, comes around!

We should not ignore such issues because it only reinforces the public perception that discrimination is tolerated in this country! If you ever came across something like this, write to me and we can all make a change.

I kuwait digest

Rectify the chaos created

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij he democratic system of governance chosen beginning, manipulation of democratic principles

by Kuwaitis has been constantly distorted ever and constitutional articles is taking place openly. since the foundation of the modern state was Direct efforts limit principles of democratic practice laid. At first, the ‘deformation’ was carried out in the in favor of enforcement of religious and tribal rules. dark as the government, exercising restricted In the meantime, the government, which has the authority to protect authority as a result of the state’s interests, the democratic syswatches in silence as tem’s implementation, The government acts as if it isn’t consabotage continues took the lead in trying cerned with the subject, since the parties to target Kuwait ’s to destroy it. responsible were elected by the people, democratic set up.

Since then, the The government acts government has and therefore reflect the point of view of as if it isn’t concerned stopped manipulating the public. This wouldn’t be true, had the with the subjec t, they system after pregovernment never interfered - both viosince the par ties sumably becoming responsible were successful in achievlently and cunningly in the past. While the elected by the peoing its goal of congovernment is technically not responsible ple, and therefore stric ting it, thereby for the undemocratic situation we are facreflect the point of limiting the practice view of the public. of many of the fundaing today, incidents such as interfering in This wouldn’t be true, mental principles. election results and parliament sessions, had the government While being content make them responsible for the mess. never inter fered with what they ’ve both violently and achieved, the governcunningly in the past. ment overlooked the fact that its manipulative attempts spawned politi- While the government is technically not responsical groups that further proved detrimental to ble for the undemocratic situation we are facing democracy, but gain some independence and con- today, incidents such as interfering in election trol. These groups are now the key players in the results and parliament sessions, make them responpolitical scene, and the only parties that actively sible for the mess. Therefore, the government alone has the duty to rectify what it created. It should attack the democratic system.

Among these parties are the Islamist political return to people, the authority that was taken away groups which currently assume the prominent role with forged election results, manipulation pracin the democracy-stifling mission. But unlike in the ticed in constituencies.—Al-Qabas

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kuwait digest

Four days detention

kuwait digest

By Thaar Al Rashidi here is a very famous song by the star Abu technology, it is not possible to accept that 24 Baker Salem named “24 hours”. It is the first of hours is not enough to check the identity of a perhis songs that introduced him to his audience son. If it is not, then what is the use of the millions in Kuwait and the Arab Gulf. Thereafter, he took off which we have spent on computer programs and into the sky to the stars. finger print equipment and courses and an internal I did not remember this song, but now I know it net for the Ministry of Interior? by heart since the Ministry of Interior refused to By entering the Civil ID number of any person reduce the detention period for enquiring about a living in Kuwait, we can even know the name of his suspect from four days to 24 hours, as demanded aunt in less than an hour and not 24 hours.

by National Assembly members.

Therefore, the refusal by the Ministry of Interior The Government justified the refusal for the sug- is not justified, unless officials in the Ministry of gested decrease through the Interior Minister, who Interior or the whole Government do not accept said that 24 hours is not enough to investigate the technology and are still living in the past? background of a detainee. It would be a reasonable Far from the logical answer I gave above for the excuse if it was given Ministry of Interior during the sixties of excuses, the only last century. Then we reason for the Today, it is 50 years after the law allowwould have believed Government to keep ing four days in detention for investigait. We even would the four day detention, (standby detention). Since then the have asked to double tion period is that fax machine was invented in the seventhe period to eight the Government ties, the computer in the eighties, and days and not only four. wants to keep an In the sixties, comarm of authority to internet invaded in the late nineties. Since munication methods hold whoever then the internet has expanded until it were basic. opposes it now or in has reached our pockets, through smart Investigations and the future. There is cell phones which we carry. With all of thumb prints and verino other reason. fying identities I did not find any these great advances in information techrequired that the suslogical reason for nology, it is not possible to accept that 24 pect toured all police the refusal by the hours is not enough to check the identity stations before they Government to of a person. could verify whether reduce the standby or not he was wanted detention period. for other cases.

Note: The law has to be applied to everyone Today, it is 50 years after the law allowing four without exception, and not through a four day days in detention for investigation, (standby deten- standby detention from what I know. Those who tion). Since then the fax machine was invented in are detained for the four day standby detention are the seventies, the computer in the eighties, and the poor public who have no power. internet invaded in the late nineties. Since then the I have never heard of an influential person being internet has expanded until it has reached our jailed on standby detention for even two hours. pockets, through smart cell phones which we carry. Four days detention is especially for the general With all of these great advances in information public only. — Al-Anbaa

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Waiting for a tragedy

By Waleed Al-Ahmad ccording to news report, the instrument landing system (ILS) at the Kuwait International Airport is dysfunctional - like the Kuwait Airways fleet.

Staff at the Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA), mainly air traffic controllers, have been warning for years that the system, which is necessary to assist planes land in poor weather conditions, has been out of order for two years.

A recent sandstorm forced seven planes to change from landing at their original destination at Kuwait International Airport to other airports in nearby countries. It is hard to even imagine what will happen during the summer, which is predicted to be deep in sandstorms.

Unfortunately, authorities do not seem willing to do something until after a tragedy happens. Is the Government waiting for an aircraft to fall before they act? Are lawmakers holding their grilling motions until after something bad occurs? Then will they start putting pressure on the Government to update the outdated devices at the airport?

There are also reports suggesting that many air traffic controllers moved to work in less demanding positions at the DGCA, where their pay is similar to what they made in their original stressful jobs. Not only are controllers paid half as much as their peers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, but are also made to operate malfunctioning machines. This puts their careers at risk should a tragedy happen in the future.

This should be the last warning before DGCA officials make efforts to change the ILS and other malfunctioning devices at the airport regardless of the expense, which is definitely less than the cost of human lives.

There was a time when Kuwait International Airport had the finest technology in the Gulf and Arab region.

It is sad that development at the airport, as well as to the KAC fleet, has since stopped.—Al-Rai

A

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

N Korea threatens retaliation, nuclear test expected

Spanish king apologizes for elephant hunting trip Page 10

Page 12

DAMASCUS: A handout picture released by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) shows Moroccan advance team leader Colonel Ahmed Himmiche (C- left), a member of a UN monitors team tasked with monitoring the UN-backed ceasefire in Syria, and two other UN monitors as they visit a suburb of the Syrian capital Damascus yesterday.—AFP

Syria bids to reassure UN over shaky truce Violence, casualties still reported DAMASCUS: Syria sought yesterday to reassure the United Nations over its willingness to implement a ceasefire despite violence and casualties still reported in various parts of the country. Foreign ministry spokesman Jihad Makdisi told AFP a protocol outlining a UN mission to oversee the fragile six-day ceasefire was nearly completed and that discussions with an advance team of UN observers had been positive.

“We are about to finalise it,” Makdisi said, referring to the protocol. “Discussions with UN observers have been constructive and both parties agree on 90 percent of the points,” he added. Makdisi said talks with the advance team would continue yesterday afternoon. The protocol will pave the way for UN observers to fan across the country to monitor a truce aimed at ending 13 months of violence that monitors say has left more than 11,000 people dead. UN chief Ban Ki-moon was due to report to the Security Council later yesterday on progress made by the advance team.

He has made it clear the UN mission could not go forward if Damascus does not cooperate and guarantee the observers safe access across the country. The team arrived in Damascus on Sunday and is to be expanded to 30 in the coming days.

Approved under a UN Security Council resolution, it is to be reinforced in the longer term with up to 250 international monitors, but this will require a new resolution. France said 14 foreign ministers would attend a meeting on Syria in Paris today to send a strong message to Bashar al-Assad’s regime to

implement the peace plan.

“The obstacles to the UN observers’ mission that Damascus is putting in place and the Syrian regime’s continued repression, contrary to its commitments, calls for a strong reaction from the international community,” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said in a statement. Juppe said the foreign ministers of the United States, Germany, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar and Saudi Arabia would be among those taking part. Washington earlier warned that hopes of a larger mission in Syria were being jeopardized by the persistent violence, which saw at least 14 people killed yesterday, seven of them civilians, according to monitors.

Three civilians were killed as regime forces launched a fresh bombardment of rebel neighborhood of the flashpoint central city of Homs, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

Four others, including a nine-year-old, were killed elsewhere, the Britain-based watchdog added. Seven government troops were also killed in a roadside bomb on the outskirts of the northwest town of Idlib, where fighters of the rebel Free Syrian Army have been active.

“The violence is escalating. It will be very difficult for the council to send unarmed observers into a hot war,” US Ambassador Susan Rice told CNN television in a new sign of Western doubts about Assad’s intentions. Another senior UN diplomat said that if Damascus did not complete the protocol by the end of the week then the Security Council could not allow the full mission of 200250 observers envisaged by UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan. He said there was a risk the Syrians would not agree to give the monitors “full, unimpeded and immediate freedom of movement and access.”

Damascus ally Moscow has pointed the finger at the rebels, accusing them of trying to provoke violence in a bid to torpedo Annan’s plan and pave the way for foreign military intervention. “There are plenty of those who would like to see Annan’s plan fail in hopes of then demanding other optionsprimarily meaning the use of (outside) force,” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters. Russia and China courted Western and Arab anger by vetoing two UN Security Council resolutions that would have blamed the Assad regime for the violence. But they have backed Annan’ peace efforts and voted in favour of Saturday’s text approving the observer mission. Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem was in Beijing yesterday for talks with his counterpart Yang Jiechi. —AFP

8

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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

Barred Islamist says Egypt army wants to keep power Mubarak’s former vice president also barred CAIRO: A leader of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood said yesterday his removal from the presidential ballot showed the army wanted to cling to power, a charge that turns up the heat between generals and Islamists, who both say they back a transition to democracy. Khairat alShater, a wealthy businessman and top official in the Brotherhood, Egypt’s biggest Islamist group, had been a frontrunner for next month’s first round of voting - until the election committee rejected his bid over a criminal record he acquired during political persecution under Hosni Mubarak.

“The military council does not

between the Islamists and their old foes in the army in the immediate aftermath of Mubarak’s fall dismayed secular liberals and others who had wanted faster and more sweeping political change after the revolution. That relationship has frayed in recent weeks, although there is little sign for now of a return of the kind of street violence that has blighted the transition at frequent intervals. Shater’s remarks point to a broader debate among Egyptians about where real power lies in the country run by a council of army generals since Mubarak was toppled in February last year and just how much control the new

began less than three weeks ago in a surprise U-turn by the Brotherhood, when it decided to field a candidate. It ended almost as abruptly with a decision by the election committee that Shater called a “crime”. He has called for a demonstration on Friday against the decision. Shater ’s ejection, along with disqualifications of a popular ultra-conservative Islamist and Mubarak’s former spy chief, have turned the spotlight back on Amr Moussa, an ex-foreign minister, and moderate Islamist Abdel Moneim Abol Fotouh, who campaigned longer than others but who were being overshadowed in

CAIRO: Followers of Egyptian Muslim cleric and a former candidate for the Egyptian presidency Hazem Abu Ismail protest the disqualification of their leader outside the Presidential Election Committee in Cairo, Egypt yesterday. —AP have the serious intention to transfer power,” he told a news conference in Cairo, accusing the officers who pushed out fellow general Mubarak after street protests last year of reneging on promises to make way. “We must wake up, because there is an attempt to hijack the revolution.” The Brotherhood, which built up a mass following despite its suppression by Mubarak’s security apparatus, has already taken a dominant role in the new parliament elected in December, but it fears full power might elude it if excluded from the presidency.

A degree of accommodation

head of state will have.

The ruling army council has vowed to hand power to civilians by July 1, after two rounds of voting on May 23-24 and June 16-17. But analysts expect the military to wield influence from behind the scenes long after the formal transition and many now see the army’s hands at work in determining who will run.

The armed forces, which have essentially run Egypt since the king was toppled in 1952 and which also has extensive and shadowy commercial interests, insists it will oversee a free and fair vote, hand over political power, then return to barracks.

Shater’s bid for the presidency

the race. The Brotherhood has been forced to field its reserve presidential candidate, Mohamed Mursi, who is head of a political party set up by the movement following the removal of a Mubarakera ban on its par ticipation in Egyptian politics. He, however, has much less of a popular profile than Shater.

As well as being a businessman, Shater was a political heavyweight in the Brotherhood and spent years in jail, often drawing up strategy from his cell. He was freed shortly after Mubarak was ousted, but the committee said his name had not been cleared, a prerequisite to run,

despite a military pardon. Mursi was then nominated for election as the group’s fears mounted that Shater would be pushed out. But Mursi, a 60-year-old engineer, lacks the political clout of Shater and may struggle to make such a big impression on the race, despite having the Brotherhood’s potent grassroots network behind him. “Is this the man that never smiles?

Why would I vote for someone I’ve never heard of and who I know nothing about?” Sobhy Ahmed, a 39-year-old Cairo security guard, said about Mursi.

Omar Suleiman, Mubarak’s intelligence chief and briefly at the end his vice president, made a lastminute announcement that he would run. He was backed by some Egyptians who saw him as a strongman who could restore security and by some who fear the rise of Islamist politicians, who swept the parliamentary vote. But Suleiman also sparked a big protest last Friday by those who said the former general’s bid showed remnants of Mubarak’s regime were seeking to reverse the gains of uprising that sought to end six decades of rule by ex-military men like Mubarak.

Suleiman said in remarks published by the state-run Al-Ahram daily that he would respect the decision of the committee.

Suleiman’s rival, Shater, had been stressing his Islamist credentials on his few days on the campaign trail, striking a tone that could have galvanised support from the ultraorthodox Salafi movement which also did well in the legislative election. A Salafi preacher, Hazem Salah Abu Ismail, had hoped that same constituency would launch him into the presidency. But he too is now out of the vote, disqualified because his late mother had obtained a U.S. passport - something he strongly denies.

The Brotherhood, which had until lately not planned to field a candidate at all, may not seek to impose voting discipline and push its members to back Mursi now that its prime candidate is out. That could benefit Abol Fotouh, who was expelled from the movement last year when he decided to launch his own campaign. “He will get many of the votes that were going to go to Shater and Abu Ismail as many will not be convinced by Mursi, who has been away from the Egyptian media in the last period,” said Nabil Abdel Fattah, a political scientist. —Reuters

HATAY: This photo taken yesterday shows an Antigua and Barbuda flagged ship suspected of carrying weapons and ammunition to Syria through the Mediterranean at the Iskenderun port in Hatay. —AFP

Turkey to search German ship over Syria arms claim ANKARA: Turkey will search a Germanowned ship over allegations it is carrying weapons to Syria, officials said yesterday.

The Atlantic Cruiser was halted in the Mediterranean last week, after its owners received information - allegedly from Syrian government defectors - that it may be carrying weapons. Neither the German owner of the ship, W Bockstiegel Reederei, nor a Ukrainian company that chartered it had any indications it was carrying any “weapons, munitions or military equipment,” according to a statement from the owner on Monday.

The owner of the ship said it had a long-standing relationship with the Ukrainian company and no problems in the past. The contract also stipulates that the ship only be used for “lawful cargo,” Bockstiegel said. The shipping company said yesterday that it had no comment beyond the printed statement. A Turkish foreign ministry official said yesterday the Antigua & Barbuda-flagged ship was towed to the Mediterranean port of Iskenderun and will be searched after it unloads some cargo for Turkey. The official spoke anonymously in line with government rules.

Turkey enforces an arms embargo against Syria over its crackdown on a popular uprising. The goods being carried by the ship were loaded on board in Mumbai, India, and were destined for Syria, Turkey and Montenegro. A delivery had already been made to Djibouti, but

nothing new was taken on board there, the shipping company said. According to the company’s records, the shipment for Syria consisted of parts for a thermal power station project. It did say, however, that on April 13 it received an e-mail from an organization calling itself the “Syrian Revolution Naval Forces” claiming the ship was carrying weapons for Syria.

Bockstiegel said it ordered the Atlantic Cruiser to stop its journey after receiving the email - which it said threatened that the ship would be attacked if it tried to dock in Syria. It said its manifest papers indicate cables and pipes are the ship’s main cargo, but that it won’t be able to say for sure what is on it until it is unloaded and inspected. It said the crew only had access to what was on the deck of the ship, and not all of the cargo.

The company said also it has remained in close contact with the German government on the matter, which is looking into a possible breach of a European Union arms embargo against Syria. “It goes without saying that the company adheres to the law closely,” Bockstiegel said in its statement. “Naturally that also includes the European Union’s weapons embargo against Syria.” Syrian forces fired a barrage of mortar shells at an opposition stronghold yesterday even as the Syrian government said it would respect a week-old cease-fire and withdraw troops from urban centers in line with an international peace plan. —AP

Holocaust survivor finds haven as Muslim in Israel UMM AL-FAHM: For more than five decades, Leila Jabarin hid her secret from her Muslim children and grandchildren - that she was a Jewish Holocaust survivor born in Auschwitz concentration camp. Although her family knew she was a Jewish convert, none of them knew of her brutal past. It was only in the past week that Jabarin, who was born Helen Brashatsky, finally sat down and told them the story of how she was born inside Auschwitz, the most notorious symbol of Nazi Germany’s war time campaign of genocide against Europe’s Jews.

In an interview with AFP to mark Holocaust Memorial Day which began at sundown yesterday, Jabarin, now 70, chuckles as she talks about what to call her. Her Muslim name is Leila, but in this Arab town in northern Israel

pulled out, it was a far cry from the savage reality the family had witnessed inside Auschwitz, says Jabarin who is dressed in a hijab and long robes, but whose pale skin and blue eyes belie her Eastern European parentage.

Her mother, who was from Hungary, and her father, who was of Russian descent, were living in Yugoslavia when they were sent to the Auschwitz with their two young sons in 1941. “When they took them to Auschwitz, she was pregnant with me, and when she gave birth, the Christian doctor at Auschwitz hid me in bath towels,” she says, explaining how the doctor hid the family for three years under the floor of his house inside the camp.

Her mother worked as a maid at the doctor’s home, while her father was the gardener.

“They used to come back at night and sleep

UMM AL-FAHM: Helen Brashatsky, who converted to Islam after surviving the Holocaust, poses for a photo with her Palestinian husband Ahmad Jabarin and their grandchildren on Tuesday at their home in this Arab-Israeli city. —AFP where she has lived for the past 52 years, most people call her Umm Raja, Arabic for “Raja’s mother” after her first-born son. Like most Jewish children, she also has a Hebrew name - Leah - but she just likes to be called Helen. She was six when she came to live in Mandate Palestine with her parents, just months before the State of Israel was declared in May 1948.

They arrived in a ship carrying Jewish immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, which was forced to anchor off the coast of Haifa for a week due to a heavy British bombardment of the northern port city, she says. Despite the war which broke out as soon as the British

under the floor and my mother used to tell us how the Nazis were killing children, but that this doctor saved us,” she says, recalling how her mother used to feed them on dry bread soaked in hot water with salt. “I still remember the black and white striped pyjamas and remember terrible beatings in the camp. If I was healthy enough, I would have gone back to see it but I have already had four heart attacks. It is scary and very, very difficult to remember that place where so many people suffered,” she admits, speaking in a mix of Hebrew and accented Arabic. She also speaks Hungarian, a little Yiddish and some Russian.

The family were finally freed when the

camp was liberated in 1945 and lef t for Mandate Palestine three years later. At first, the new immigrants were put in camps at Atlit, some 20 km south of Haifa, but two years later, they moved further south to Holon and then to Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. Ten years later, when she was 17, Helen Brashatsky eloped with a young Arab man called Ahmed Jabarin, and they moved to live in Umm al-Fahm, which caused a huge split with her family.

“She ran away with me and she was 17 when we got married,” her husband says. “The Israeli authorities used to come to Umm al-Fahm and take her back to her family in Ramat Gan, then she would come straight back here.”

Initially, her family did not speak to her for two years, but later they were reconciled.

In the end, it was her mother who suggested she convert to Islam when her eldest son turned 18 and was asked to do his compulsory military service. “My mother advised me not to send my son to do military service because if he did, my daughter would also have to do it. She said I should convert to Islam to save my daughter from serving in the army because Muslims would not let a girl live away from home on an army camp.”

So she converted. But she never told her family the full extent of her history. “I hid my pain for 52 years and the truth about my p a s t f ro m my e i g h t c h i l d re n a n d my 3 1 grandchildren. I hid the fact that I was born in Auschwitz and what that painful past m e a n s. I w a s j u s t w a i t i n g fo r t h e r i g h t moment to tell them.” The moment came several days ago when a man turned up from the Israeli social services and got talking to her about her past, just days before the a n n u a l ce re m o n i e s re m e m b e r i n g t h e H o l o c a u s t . “ Wh e n e ve r i t i s H o l o c a u s t M emorial Day, I cr y alone. There are no words to describe the pain that I feel. How can children eat dry bread soaked in water?

If this happened to my children, I don’t know what would become of me.”

For her family, the revelation was a huge shock - but it answered a lot of questions, admits her 33-year-old son Nader Jabarin.

“Mum used to cry on Holocaust Memorial Day watching all the ceremonies on Israeli television. We never understood why. We all used to get out of the way and leave her alone in the house,” he told AFP. But by telling her long-kept secret, it had brought release to both her and her family, he said.

“We understand her a bit more now.” —AFP

GAZA STRIP: Palestinian men cross a main road as a sand storm envelops the town of Rafah along the border with Egypt in southern Gaza Strip yesterday. —AFP

ICC prosecutor in Libya over case of Gaddafi son TRIPOLI: The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor pledged yesterday in Tripoli to look into the cases of two captured Libyans - a son of deposed ruler Muammar Gaddafi and his notorious intelligence chief. The Hague-based court is locked in a legal tug-of-war with Libya’s ruling National Transitional Council over who should try Seif Al-Islam Gaddafi, once considered his father’s heir apparent. He was captured last year in Libya after a civil war that toppled the Gaddafi regime.

Luis Moreno-Ocampo told The Associated Press at Tripoli’s airport that he would also follow up on the case of Abdullah Al-Senoussi, Gaddafi ‘s spy chief, who is accused of attacking civilians during the uprising, as well as of complicity in the 1989 bombing of a French airliner.

Al-Senoussi was captured last month in Mauritania, where the courts are reviewing requests for his extradition from Libya and France as well as the ICC. Since the end of Libya’s civil war with the capture and killing of Gaddafi last October, the new government has struggled to extend its control over the vast desert nation. It has largely failed to rein in the hundreds of brigades that fought in the war. They rule much of the country in the absence of an effective central government and military. The new rulers are also struggling to build a judicial system practically from scratch, raising concerns about how it would be possible to try Gaddafi ‘s son.

Earlier this month, a Libyan official said Seif Al-Islam would be tried in Libya, and there would be a verdict before mid-June.

The decision, announced by National Transitional Council spokesman Mohammed Al-Hareizi, was made despite appeals by rights groups to Libyan authorities to hand him over to the ICC, because of fears that he may not get a fair trial in Libya.

Al-Hareizi said he would be tried for murder, rape and corruption.

Seif Al-Islam had been held until now by his captors, ex-rebels from the town of Zintan, one of dozens of militias across the country operating outside government control. For months, the Zintan militia refused to give him up to Tripoli’s officials.

Moreno-Ocampo arrived in Tripoli yesterday. He said he would also travel to the coastal city of Misrata to investigate allegations of abuse in detention facilities run by militiamen who fought Gaddafi ‘s forces.

In February, Amnesty International accused militias of torturing detainees deemed loyal to Gaddafi ‘s regime and driving out residents of entire neighborhoods and towns. “We want to know how Libya will deal with war crimes, and how are they investigating the crimes,” Moreno-Ocampo told the AP. “Right now, we are focusing on the rape crimes. The next investigation will be decided after we see what the government is planning to do.” The UN ‘s top human rights official, along with Amnesty International, have urged the Libyan government to take control of all the makeshift prisons to prevent further atrocities against detainees. “There’s torture, extrajudicial executions, rape of both men and women,” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said on Jan 27. —AP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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

Cuba calls on Latin Americans to close ranks against US HAVANA: Cuba called yesterday on Latin America and the Caribbean to close ranks against US efforts to sow divisions over America’s only communist-ruled country. The Cuban statement was the regime’s first official reaction to a US rebuff of Latin American efforts to invite Cuba to attend the next summit of the Americas. “In the face of attempts to divide us and derail us that will come again, (Latin America) needs to stay united,” said the statement, which was published on the front page of the

communist party daily Granma.

Latin American leaders who attended the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena, Colombia over the weekend pressed the case for including Cuba but consensus on the issue was blocked by the United States and Canada.

Discord over Cuba’s non-attendance threatened to upend the gathering, which ended Sunday with no formal declaration and no signing ceremony.

The presidents of Bolivia and Argentina left the meeting before it

concluded Sunday, and the leaders of Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Haiti did not show up.

And various nations-including those which also are members of the ALBA bloc of nations founded in 2004

by Caracas and Havana-vowed not to participate in another Summit of the Americas without Cuba.

The bloc, which also called on the United States to end its economic embargo of the island, includes Antigua, Barbados, Bolivia, Dominica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, St. Vincent and

the Grenadines. Haiti has observer status within the ALBA. US President Barack Obama said at the close of the summit on Sunday that Cuba had not yet moved to democracy or observed basic human rights.

“I and the American people will welcome the time when the Cuban people have the freedom to live their lives, choose their leaders, and fully participate in this global economy and international institutions,” Obama said. But he added: “We haven’t gotten there yet.” Cuba was expelled from the

Organization of American States in 1962 at the height of the Cold War. The expulsion was rescinded in 2009, but Cuba has refused to return to the organization.

The Cuban statement reaffirmed Havana’s refusal to return to the OAS, calling the regional organization an “unburied cadaver.” Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, the summit host and a US ally, said the policy of isolating Cuba was ineffective, adding, “In today’s world, there is no justification for this anachronism.” —AFP

Secret service prostitution scandal ricochets through Washington 11 Service agents, 10 military personnel under investigation WASHINGTON: The Secret Service prostitution scandal escalated Tuesday with the disclosure that at least 20 women had been in hotel rooms with US agents and military personnel just before President Barack Obama arrived for a summit with Latin American leaders. The head of the Secret Service said he had referred the matter to an independent government investigator. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, shuttling between briefings for lawmakers on Capitol Hill, was peppered with questions about whether the women had access to sensitive information that could have jeopardized Obama’s security.

Sullivan said the 11 Secret Service agents and 10 military personnel under investigation were telling different stories about who the women were. Sullivan has dispatched more investigators to Colombia to interview the women, said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

“Some are admitting (the women) were prostitutes, others are saying they’re not, they’re just women they met at the hotel bar,” King said in a telephone interview. Sullivan said none of the women, who had to surrender their IDs at the hotel, were minors. “But prostitutes or not, to be bringing a foreign national back into a secure zone is a problem.”

King said it appeared the agency actually had “really lucked out.” If the women were working for a terrorist organization or other anti-American group, King said, they could have had access to information about the president’s whereabouts or security protocols while in the agents’ rooms. “This could have been disastrous,” King said. The burgeoning scandal has been a growing election-year embarrassment for Obama, who has said he would be angry if the allegations proved to be true.

At the White House, Obama was asked at the end of a Rose Garden event whether he believed Sullivan should resign. The president ignored the shouted inquiries; his spokesman later Obama had confidence in the Secret

Service chief. “Director Sullivan acted quickly in response to this incident and is overseeing an investigation as we speak into the matter,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said.

Last thursday, eleven Secret Service agents were recalled to the US from Colombia and placed on administrative leave after a night of partying that allegedly ended with at least some bringing prostitutes back to their hotel.

On Monday, the agency announced that it also had revoked the agents’ security clearances.

At least 10 US military personnel staying at the same hotel were also being investigated for their role in the alleged misconduct. Two US military officials said they include five Army Green Berets. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity about an investigation that is still under way. One of the officials said the group also includes two Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal technicians, two Marine dog handlers and an Air Force airman.

The Special Forces Green Berets were working with Colombia’s counterterrorist teams, the official said.

The agents and service members were in Colombia setting up security ahead of Obama’s three-day trip to the port city of Cartagena for a summit attended by about 30 other world leaders. People briefed on the incident said the agents brought women back to Cartagena’s Hotel Caribe, where other members of the US delegation and the White House corps also were staying. Anyone visiting the hotel overnight was required to leave identification at the front desk and leave the hotel by 7 a.m. When a woman failed to do so, by this account, it raised questions among hotel staff and police, who investigated. They found the woman with the agent in a hotel room and a dispute arose over whether the agent should have paid her.

While the identities of those being investigated have not been revealed, Maryland Republican Senate candidate Daniel Bongino told The Associated Press Tuesday that his

brother, an agent who was on duty in Colombia, is “cooperating” with the investigation. Bongino, a former agent himself, insisted that his brother was not a target of the investigation. The Secret Service has insisted that Obama’s security was not undermined by the incident, which happened before he arrived in Colombia.

Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security Committee said Tuesday that “20 or 21 women foreign nationals” were brought to the hotel.

Eleven of the Americans involved were Secret Service, she said and “allegedly Marines were involved with the rest.” In at least one of his briefings with lawmakers, Sullivan said he was calling on an inspector general to hold an independent review. Sen. Chuck Grassley, RIowa, welcomed that news, saying an independent review “should help the agency regain some respect from the American taxpayers and from people around the world.”

The Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Grassley’s account. Meanwhile, a person familiar with the agency’s operations said it was unlikely the agents involved would have had access to detailed presidential travel itineraries or security plans. Those materials are often given to agents only on the day they carry out their assignments and are kept in secure locations, not hotel rooms, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Danny Spriggs, a 28-year veteran of the service and a former deputy director, said there was no doubt that the agents had put themselves in a compromising situation in which security could have been affected. But he said the incident did not reflect a systemic problem. “I think we need to be careful not to paint that incident and paint the agency with a broad brush,” said Spriggs, now the vice president of global security for the AP. “The vast majority of the men and women of the Secret Service conduct their duties with the utmost professionalism.” — AP

NYC subway plotter says Bombmaking ‘very simple’ NEW YORK: The admitted mastermind of a foiled terror plot to attack New York City subways testified yesterday that Al-Qaeda trainers taught him a “very simple” formula for making explosives needed for suicide bombs. After being recruited by the terror network and taken to a compound in the South Waziristan region of Pakistan, Najibullah Zazi said he learned how to mix chemicals found in nail polish remover and other products sold at beauty supply stores.

“It was very simple and they’re everywhere,” he said of the chemicals. Zazi, 26, was testifying for a second day at the trial of Adis Medunjanin in federal court in Brooklyn. Prosecutors allege that Medunjanin, Zazi and another former high school classmate from Queens, Zarein Ahmedzay, formed a terror cell that posed one of the most ominous terror threats since the Sept 11, 2001, attacks.

Zazi has testified that during their 2008 trip to Pakistan, the three Americans met a top Al-Qaeda operative they knew only as Hamad.

Authorities say Hamad was Adnan Shukrijumah, a Saudi still listed on an FBI website as a fugitive who

plotted attacks for Al-Qaeda worldwide. Hamad told the three that they were best suited for an operation on US soil. He also mulled over potential targets with them, including the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square and an unspecified

DENVER: In this Sept. 17, 2009 file photo, Najibullah Zazi, the admitted mastermind of a foiled plot to bomb New York City subways, arrives at the offices of the FBI in Denver for questioning. —AP

Walmart store, Zazi said.

The men ended up choosing the subway because “it’s the heart of everything in New York City,” Zazi said yesterday. Medunjanin, 27, a Bosnian-born Muslim and naturalized US citizen, has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, providing material support to a terrorist organization and other charges. He has denied he was ever part of an Al-Qaeda operation.

Authorities have portrayed Zazi as a homegrown terrorist who orchestrated the 2009 scheme to strap on suicide bomb vests and detonate them inside Manhattan subways. Both he and Ahmedzay pleaded guilty in 2010 and were jailed without bail after agreeing to become government witnesses in a bid for leniency. After leaving Pakistan, Zazi relocated to the Denver area, where he used beauty supplies to try and cook up explosives in a hotel room and set out for New York around the time of the eighth anniversary of the Sept 11 attacks. Once he suspected he was under surveillance, he aborted the mission and returned to Colorado, where he was arrested. —AP

Ohio executes man who fatally stabbed teen in 1985 COLUMBUS: Ohio yesterday executed a man for fatally stabbing the 15year-old son of his former employers during a 1985 farmhouse burglary, marking the state’s first execution in six months. Forty-nine-year-old Mark Wiles died by lethal injection, ending an unofficial moratorium on the death penalty that occurred while the state and a federal judge wrangled over Ohio’s lethal injection procedures. Wiles, looking haggard with a sparse, cropped gray beard and shaven head, stared at witnesses for a few moments when he entered the

death chamber. A few minutes later, strapped to the gurney and IV lines inserted into his arms, he raised his head and looked at witnesses again.

He thanked his family for their love and support and said he hoped that “my dying will bring some solace and closure to the Klima family and their loved ones.” “The state of Ohio should not be in the business of killing its citizens,” Wiles concluded, reading a statement that the warden held over his head. “May God bless us all that fall short.” Wiles’ stomach rose and fell several times and his

head moved slightly, then his mouth fell open and he lay still for several minutes before he was pronounced dead.

Wiles, who dropped his final appeal last week, told the Ohio Parole Board that he wasn’t sure he deserved mercy but he was requesting clemency because he had to.

Both the parole board and Gov. John Kasich denied Wiles’ request. Wiles’ defense team had argued he should be spared because he confessed to the crime, showed remorse and had a good prison record. — AP

MEXICO CITY: Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy (R) and Mexican President Felipe Calderon arrive at the National Palace in Mexico City yesterday. Rajoy is now in an oficial visit to Mexico after attending a meeting of the World Economic Forum on Latin America in the Pacific resort of Puerto Vallarta, here in Mexico. —AFP

Mexico ex-prez doubts own party in election MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s ex-president Vicente Fox predicts a return to power in July elections of the PRI party, whose 71year hegemony he ended in 2000, saying only a miracle can save his own PAN. The outspoken former president has repeatedly spoken of “evidence” of a victory for Enrique Pena Nieto, from the centrist Institutional Revolutionary Party, in the July 1 contest for the presidency.

In a further blow to his party, Fox has criticized a military crackdown on drug gangs launched by his successor, President Felipe Calderon, in 2006, which has been accompanied by rising violence blamed for more than 50,000 deaths. Fox said recently that only a “miracle” could save the candidate from their conservative National Action Party (PAN), Josefina Vazquez Mota, who suffered a string of mishaps in early campaigning in the race for the presidency.

In the latest survey by the Mitofsky Institute, Vazquez Mota polled at 29 percent, compared with 48 percent for the PRI candidate. Leftist candidate Andre Manuel Lopez Obrador was third with 23 percent. “My wishes accompany my party, the PAN, with Josefina, but I’m a little concerned about the situation we find ourselves in, and I’m afraid we’ll end up losing,” Fox told reporters last week.

“Only a miraculous idea, a true action outside any kind of routine, can change

things.” Fox suggested a way out of the “routine” in a vitriolic editorial published in the El Universal daily in late March in which he slammed the war on the cartels, which has defined Calderon’s presidency. “Has this war reduced drug use ... murders and crimes ... human rights violations ... permitted access to fair trials ... increased drug seizures?” asked Fox, who supports the decriminalization of drugs.

After each question, he wrote: “The answer is no.” The former president said in a news conference on Tuesday that “the challenge is to end the war and achieve peace.” Analysts have pointed out that Fox and Calderon have never had good relations, particularly due to Fox’s criticism of the anti-drug strategy.

“It’s not short-term. Fox has become the main promoter of Pena Nieto outside the PRI for more than a year,” said political analyst Jose Antonio Crespo, from the Center for Research and Economic Teaching (CIDE). “He does it to get on well with him and increase his chances of impunity,” Crespo said. According to Crespo, Fox aims to avoid legal problems, due to various corruption allegations against him, before a possible return of the PRI to power.

The weekly Proceso news magazine this week splashed a photograph of the former president on its cover with the headline: “Fox’s betrayal.” — AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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

EU slams governments for not enacting growth laws BRUSSELS: The president of the European Union’s executive Commission yesterday slammed the bloc’s 27 member states for not implementing laws designed to boost growth on the crisis-hit continent. “It is incomprehensible that member states are still not fully implementing growth-friendly legislation we have in place,” European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso told the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

The European Commission for years has been pushing states to get rid of administrative barriers that prevent workers from taking jobs and companies from offering services in other EU countries. The EU’s internal market “is probably the largest engine for growth within the European Union,” Barroso said. “It gives European business unfettered access to other companies and half a billion consumers and allows them to develop the scale to compete globally.”

The criticism comes as the Commission approved a series of initiatives to boost jobs and growth in the crisis-hit bloc. However, many of the proposals in the package have been made before but have failed to overcome resistance by governments reluctant to give up national prerogatives. The Commission’s proposals on further opening up Europe’s service sector could boost growth on the continent by 1.5 percent, Barroso said. He also said the EU should try to improve

its trade relations with non-European countries, including the United States.

“The United States is our largest economic partner,” Barroso said, adding that trade between the EU and the US was worth almost ?450 billion last year and that they had invested more than ?1 trillion in each others’ economies.

“Any further gains, including through reducing non-tariff barriers, would be significant for both sides,” Barroso said. “We are exploring ways in which to broaden and deepen these

ties.” Talk of a free-trade agreement between the EU and the US has been around for many years, but has been gaining more traction following the failure of global trade talks under the auspices of the World Trade Organization.

Officials in Brussels have said that they are actively exploring steps that would free up trade between the world’s two largest economic powers, although they may fall short of a fullscale free-trade agreement. — AP

Breivik wants death penalty or acquittal Right-wing fanatic said he doesn’t fear death

HARARE: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe lights the flame of freedom at a rally to mark the country’s 32nd independence anniversary yesterday in Harare. —AFP

Zimbabwe prez: ‘Bury violence in the past’ HARARE: Zimbabwe’s president said yesterday that political violence must be “buried in the past” to move the nation toward free and unhindered elections. In a rare departure from his usual fingerpointing at opponents and critics, President Robert Mugabe, addressing celebrations marking 32 years of independence yesterday, acknowledged violence and intimidation have long blighted campaigning. He said he asked politicians vying for office to look back at how “we have done wrong to our people” through violence and “fighting among ourselves.”

Mugabe’s party militants and loyalists in the military and police have been blamed for much of the violence and political intimidation that has plagued elections since 2000. “We must now take absolute care and caution and ensure the fights of yesterday are buried in the past,” he said. Mugabe, 88, in a conciliatory and often faltering address of 50 minutes - less than his usual, fiery 90-minute public speeches - said voters should be allowed to join and freely vote for the party of their choice.

“All fights, all struggles that were violent should not be allowed,” he said.

Political party membership “should never be forced. We organize ourselves on the basis of freedom of choice, belonging to a party of choice and freely voting for the party of choice.” Mugabe’s party has frequently been criticized for coercing electors to support it and using emergency food aid as a political weapon to garner

votes. Mugabe did not refer to latest claims on his ailing health. He returned Thursday from Singapore where he received medical treatment last year.

Disputed and violence-ridden elections in 2008 led to a power-sharing coalition with former opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai, brokered by regional mediators the following year. Mugabe said Thursday he was pleased to see Tsvangirai - now the prime minister - and coalition leaders at the packed 60,000seat Chinese-built stadium for the independence day celebrations, parades and sports. Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change party had expressed concern over the focus of Thursday’s celebrations on Mugabe’s policies of black empowerment and the proposed seizures of 51 percent of foreign and white-owned businesses.

Tsvangirai, in his anniversary message Tuesday, described that theme as “repugnant” and likely to again scare off muchneeded investment. He said fighters who died to end Britain’s colonial rule in 1980 “will only be proud of us if we bring back the noise in our silent factories,” attract investment and create jobs and economic growth. Mugabe told crowds organizers had asked not to wear party symbols that all coalition partners had a responsibility to guarantee peace and security so as to safeguard future development goals. “We also say to you that your responsibility is not only to listen to us but also to do what we bid you to do,” he said to the attentive crowd. — AP

Spanish king apologizes for elephant hunting trip MADRID: In an unprecedented act of royal contrition, Spain’s king apologized yesterday for having gone elephanthunting in Africa while everyday people endure a severe economic crisis. “I am very sorry. I made a mistake. It won’t happen again,” the king said. Looking sheepish and using crutches to walk, he spoke as he left a Madrid hospital where he had undergone surgery after breaking his hip in a fall during the hunting trip to Botswana.

The 74-year-old monarch had come under scathing criticism this week after he went on the expensive safari as both Spain and its citizens struggled amid an economic crisis that has worsened by the day. The trip came to light when the king fell and had to be rushed back to Spain Friday. A royal palace official denied news accounts that the monarch left the country without telling the government. The official said that on April 2, in a routine weekly meeting with the prime minister, the king told him that the following Monday he would be in Botswana.

Justice Minister Alberto RuizGallardon said Tuesday that Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy always knows where the head of state is. The palace official said the king made the trip as a guest of unnamed hosts - so no taxpayer money was spent. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with royal palace policy. Many Spaniards were dumbfounded that the king could make such an opulent journey - and, to boot, one to hunt elephants even though he is honorary president of the Spanish branch of the World Wildlife Fund - while everyday people brave a 23 percent unemployment rate, a shrinking economy and fears that the country will be the next after Greece, Ireland and Portugal to need a bailout.

For many, the trip made the king’s

recent comments about how he couldn’t sleep at night thinking about the country’s unemployed ring hollow. News of the safari caused an uproar so loud it eclipsed Spain’s economic crisis for a few days. Members of most political parties had urged the king to say he was sorry.

The palace official confirmed the apology was unprecedented in the history of Spain’s monarchy. The royal family has been in the news a lot lately - and not for the best reasons. — AP

MADRID: Spanish King Juan Carlos leaves San Jose hospital yesterday in Madrid where he was hospitalised after breaking his hip on an African elephant hunting trip, which provoked a scandal at home. Spain’s King Juan Carlos, patron of a wildlife charity, faced fire for making an expensive hunting trip to Botswana while his country struggles with a recession. —AFP

OSLO: Norway’s prison terms are “pathetic,” mass killer Anders Behring Breivik declared yesterday in court, claiming the death penalty or a full acquittal were the “only logical outcomes” for his massacre of 77 people. The right-wing fanatic said he doesn’t fear death and that militant nationalists in Europe have a lot to learn from Al-Qaeda, including their methods and glorification of martyrdom.

“If I had feared death I would not have dared to carry out this operation,” he said, referring to his July 22 attacks - a bombing in downtown Oslo that killed eight people and a shooting massacre at a youth camp outside the Norwegian capital that killed 69. Breivik’s comments, on the third day of his terror trial, came as he was pressed to give details on the anti-Muslim militant group he claims to belong to but which prosecutors say doesn’t exist as he describes. Several unrelated groups claim part of that “Knights Templar” name.

The 33-year-old Norwegian acknowledged that his supposed crusader network is “not an organization in a conventional sense” but insisted that it is for real. “It is not in my interest to shed light on details that could lead to arrests,” he said refusing to comment on the group’s alleged other members.

The issue is of key importance in determining Breivik’s sanity, and whether he’s sent to prison or compulsory psychiatric care for the bomb-and-shooting massacre that shocked Norway. If found sane, Breivik could face a maximum 21-year prison sentence or an alternate custody arrangement that would keep him locked up as long as he is considered a menace to society. If declared insane he would be committed to psychiatric care for as long as he’s considered ill. “I view 21 years in prison as a pathetic sentence,” Breivik said. Asked by the prosecutor if he would rather have received a death penalty - which does not exist in current Norwegian law - he said that made sense.

“I don’t wish for it but I would have respected that decision,” he said. “There are only two outcomes in this case that I had respected, that that is the death penalty or acquittal.”

According to Amnesty International, the only country in Europe that still applies the death penalty is Belarus; two young men were executed there last month. Norway abolished the death penalty in peacetime in 1905 and for war crimes in 1979. Breivik claims to have carried out the attacks on behalf of the “Knights Templar,” which he described in the 1,500page compendium he posted online before the attacks as a militant nationalist group fighting a Muslim colonization of Europe.

Breivik said it exists but police just hadn’t done a good enough job in uncovering it. The group consists of “independent cells,” he added, “and therefore in the long term will be a leaderless organization.” Prosecutor Inga

Bejer Engh pressed him about details on the group, its members and its meetings. Breivik claimed to have met a Serb “war hero” living in exile during a trip to Liberia in 2002, but he refused to identify him.

“What is it you’re getting at?” Breivik told the prosecutor, then answered the question himself, saying prosecutors want to “sow

haven’t made up anything. What is in the compendium is correct,” he said. Later, he answered with more nuance. “There is nothing that is made up, but you have to see what is written in a context. It is a glorification of certain ideals,” Breivik said.

When asked about his faith, Breivik described himself as “a militant Christian” but

OSLO: Self-confessed mass murderer and right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik (R) stands next to his lawyer Geir Lippestad (2nd L), at the central court in Oslo, on the third day of his trial yesterday. —AFP doubt over whether the KT network exists.”

The main point of his defense is to avoid an insanity ruling, which would deflate his political arguments. One official psychiatric evaluation found him psychotic and “delusional,” while another found him mentally competent to be sent to prison. Breivik also refused to give details on what he claims was the founding session of the “Knights Templar” in London in 2002. He conceded, however, that he embellished somewhat in the manifesto when he described members at the founding session as “brilliant political and military tacticians of Europe.”

Breivik testified that he had used “pompous” language and described them instead as “people with great integrity.” Bejer Engh challenged him on whether the meeting had taken place at all. “Yes, there was a meeting in London,” Breivik insisted. “It’s not something you have made up?” Engh countered. “I

added he was “not particularly religious.” He said he was a member of Norway’s Lutheran Church, but dismissed its leadership as “pacifist.” Breivik’s defensive answers contrasted with the assertive posture he took Tuesday when he read a prepared statement to the court, boasting that he had carried out the most “spectacular” attack by a nationalist militant since World War II. His stance has angered victim support groups. “I think what we are watching is the revelation of a sort of fantasy or a dream,” said Christin Bjelland, deputy head of a support group for survivors of the July 22 massacre. Breivik said his victims - mostly teenagers at a ruling Labor Party youth camp - were not innocent but legitimate targets because they were representatives of a “multiculturalist” regime he claims is deconstructing Norway’s national identity by allowing immigration. —AP

Mali junta defends arrests of politicians

US warns sect may bomb hotels in Nigerian capital

BAMAKO: Regional mediators urged Mali’s junta leader yesterday to release politicians and high-ranking officers from the country’s ousted government who have been detained by soldiers. The arrests have raised concerns about whether Capt. Amadou Sanogo is in fact transferring powers to the new civilian interim government as promised under an agreement reached with the regional bloc ECOWAS. Adama Bictogo, one of the ECOWAS mediators, said he hoped some of the detainees would be released in the next 48 hours. “If they have evidence against these people they should make this known through the legal process,” Bictogo said. A number of senior politicians and high-ranking officers in Mali’s security forces were arrested on Monday night and Tuesday by the junta despite the fact that junta leader has signed an agreement that is supposed to return Mali to constitutional rule.

Many of those arrested have close ties with the ousted president Amadou Toumani Toure. In a statement late Tuesday the junta said that it carried out the arrests “on the strength of specific information.” Ongoing police investigations will be handed over very soon so that judicial cases can be opened, the statement said.

“The material he has, we can’t judge it, but according to Captain Sanogo these are things which could jeopardize the security of Mali,” Bictogo said.

A group of soldiers and middle-ranking officers overthrew the government in Mali on March 21. The coup leaders said they seized power because of the way the authorities were dealing with an uprising in the north of Mali. Rebels from the Tuareg ethnic group are seeking to create and independent state and Islamist groups want to see the introduction of Sharia law in the region.

After the coup the rebels took advantage of the disorder in the country to force Malian government forces out of the three major towns in the north, scoring a huge military victory. Just three weeks after the coup, ECOWAS pressured coup leader Sanogo to sign an accord that was supposed to move the country back to civilian rule. An interim president was sworn in last week and on Tuesday the president named a new prime minister, a former NASA scientist and Microsoft’s former Africa chairman, Cheick Modibo Diarra. — AP

LAGOS: The US warned its citizens yesterday that a radical Islamist sect may attack hotels frequented by foreigners in Nigeria’s capital, the second time it has advised such an assault is possible in the widening sectarian fight in the West African nation. The warning offered no specifics about the threat posed by the sect known as Boko Haram, only saying that the Nigerian government was aware and taking precautions to stop such an assault. The United Kingdom also issued an advisory to its citizens yesterday noting the US message, saying its “existing travel advice is consistent with this warning.”

Deb MacLean, a spokeswoman with the US Embassy, said she could not offer any other information about the warning. However, she said US officials spoke with the Nigerian government before issuing the alert. A similar alert issued in November angered Nigerian officials.

Early yesterday morning, an Associated Press journalist in Abuja only saw private security guards checking cars at the major hotels in the capital. Most opened the trunks of cars and looked at vehicles’ undercarriages with mirrors on telescoping poles. However, at the Sheraton, private guards appeared to be using a hand-held explosive detector when walking around vehicles.

The National Assembly also appeared to have more police officers guarding it yesterday morning. The US issued a similar warning in November after Boko Haram launched an attack in the northeastern state of Yobe that killed more than 100 people. That warning specifically mentioned the capital’s Hilton, Nicon Luxury and Sheraton hotels.

With popular restaurants and bars, the hotels draw diplomats, politicians and even reformed oil delta militants.

It wouldn’t be the first time Abuja saw itself targeted by Boko Haram, which has waged an increasingly bloody sectarian fight against Nigeria’s weak central government. A suicide bomber claimed

by Boko Haram attacked the United Nations headquarters in Abuja in August, killing 25 people and wounding more than 100 others.

Another Boko Haram bomber targeted the federal police headquarters in June.

Still, most attacks have targeted Nigeria’s arid and impoverished north, so any strike against hotels in Abuja would be an escalation that shows the group’s ability to strike at will, even against foreigners and its elite. Boko Haram, whose name means “Western education is sacrilege” in the Hausa language of Nigeria’s north, is blamed for killing more than 430 people this year alone in Nigeria. — AP

12

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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

Angry North Korea threatens retaliation, nuclear test expected China calls for dialogue for peace SEOUL: A bristling North Korea said yesterday it was ready to retaliate in the face of international condemnation over its failed rocket launch, increasing the likelihood the hermit state will push ahead with a third nuclear test. The North also ditched an agreement to allow back inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency. That followed a US decision, in response to a rocket launch the United States says was a disguised long-range missile

test, North Korea will for the first time try a nuclear device using highly enriched uranium, something it was long suspected of developing but which it only publicly admitted to about two years ago.

“If it conducts a nuclear test, it will be uranium rather than plutonium because North Korea would want to use the test as a big global advertisement for its newer, bigger nuclear capabilities,” said Baek Seung-joo of the Seoulbased Korea Institute for Defence

and communication” and continued engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors. North Korea has insisted that the rocket launch, which in a rare public admission it said failed, was meant to put a satellite into orbit as part of celebrations to mark the 100th birthday of former president Kim Il-sung, whose family has ruled the autocratic state since it was founded after World War Two. Kim died in 1994.

The peninsula has been divided

PYONGYANG: North Koreans sing at a picnic gathering at a park in Pyongyang yesterday, a national holiday celebrating the birthday period of the late leader Kim Il Sung. —AP test, to break off a deal earlier this year to provide the impoverished state with food aid.

Pyongyang called the US move a hostile act and said it was no longer bound to stick to its side of the Feb. 29 agreement, dashing any hopes that new leader Kim Jong-un would soften a foreign policy that has for years been based on the threat of an atomic arsenal to leverage concessions out of regional powers.

“We have thus become able to take necessary retaliatory measures, free from the agreement,” the official KCNA news agency said, without specifying what actions it might take. Many analysts expect that with its third

Analysis. Defence experts say that by successfully enriching uranium, to make bombs of the type dropped on Hiroshima nearly 70 years ago, the North would be able to significantly build it up stocks of weapons-grade nuclear material. It would also allow it more easily to manufacture a nuclear warhead to mount on a long-range missile.

The latest international outcry against Pyongyang followed last week’s rocket launch, which the United States and others said was in reality the test of a long range missile with the potential to reach the US mainland. China, the North’s main economic and diplomatic backer, called for “dialogue

More photos revealed of troops posing with corpses WASHINGTON: In another embarrassment to the Pentagon, newly published photographs purport to show US troops posing with the bodies of dead insurgents in Afghanistan. Top US military and civilian officials rushed to condemn the soldiers’ actions yesterday, calling them repugnant and a dishonor to others who have served in the conflict. The Army said an investigation is under way.

The photos were published in yesterday’s Los Angeles Times. It said one of the photos shows members of the 82nd Airborne Division posing in 2010 with Afghan police and the severed legs of a suicide bomber. The same platoon a few months later was sent to investigate the remains of three insurgents reported to have accidentally blown themselves up - and soldiers again posed and mugged for photographs with the remains, the newspaper said. A photo from that incident appears to show the hand of a dead insurgent resting on a US soldier’s shoulder as the shoulder smiles.

The photos are the latest in a series of blows to the US military image in Afghanistan. In January, US Marines were found to have made a video of them urinating on Afghan corpses. In February, what the military said was the accidental burning of Qurans triggered violent protests and revenge killings of six Americans. And last month, a US soldier left his base and allegedly killed 17 civilian villagers, mainly women and children.

The Times said that a soldier provided the newspaper with a series of 18 photos of soldiers posing with corpses. The soldier served in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne’s 4th Brigade Combat Team and said the photos point to a breakdown in leadership and discipline that he believed compromised the safety of the troops, the newspaper reported.

Even before the photos were published online, Pentagon press secretary George Little said Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “rejects the conduct depicted in these 2-year-old photographs.” “Anyone found responsible for this inhuman conduct will be held accountable in accordance with our military justice system,” Little said. The US commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, U.S Marine Gen. John R. Allen, also criticized the troops. He said there is a strict policy for the handling of enemy remains and it dictates they be processed as humanely as possible.

“The incident depicted in the LA Times’ photographs represents a serious error in judgment by several soldiers who have acted out of ignorance and unfamiliarity with US Army values,” Allen said, adding that commanders “will collaborate with Afghan authorities and carefully examine the facts and circumstances shown in these photos.”

A statement by US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan C. Crocker also condemned the behavior. “Such actions are morally repugnant, dishonor the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of US soldiers and civilians who have served with distinction in Afghanistan, and do not represent the core values of the United States or our military,” Crocker said. Little said the military had asked the Los Angeles Times not to publish the photographs. “The danger is that this material could be used by the enemy to incite violence against US and Afghan service members in Afghanistan,” he said. —AP

ever since with the two Koreas yet to sign a formal peace treaty to end the 1950-53 Korean War. Recent satellite images have showed that the Nor th has pushed ahead with work at a facility where it conducted previous nuclear tests. While the nuclear tests have successfully alarmed its neighbours, including China, they also showcase the North’s technological skills which helps impress a hardline military at home and buyers of North Korean weapons, one of its few viable exports. The North has long argued that in the face of a hostile United States, which has military bases in South Korea and Japan, it needs a nuclear arsenal

to defend itself. “The new young leadership of North Korea has a very stark choice; they need to take a hard look at their polices, stop the provocative action,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said at a news conference in Brazil’s capital.

The Swiss-educated Kim Jongun, who is in his late 20s, rose to power after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, last December. The country’s propaganda machine has since made much of his physical likeness to his revered grandfather, the first leader and now North Korea’s “eternal president”. But hopes that the young Kim could prove to be a reformer have faded fast.

In his first public speech on Sunday, the chubby leader made clear that he would stick to the pro-military policies of his father that helped push the country into a devastating famine in the 1990s.

Kim is surrounded by the same coterie of generals that advised his father and he oversaw Sunday ’s mass militar y parade. He urged his people and 1.2 million strong armed forces to “move forward to final victory” as he lauded his grandfather’s and father ’s achievements in building the country’s military.

Siegfried Hecker, a US nuclear expert who in 2010 saw a uranium enrichment facility in North Korea, believes the state has 2442 kg (53 to 95 pounds) of plutonium, enough for four to eight bombs.

Production of plutonium at its Yongbyon reprocessing plant has been halted since 2009 and producing highly enriched uranium would simultaneously allow Pyongyang to push ahead with its nuclear power program and augment its small plutonium stocks that could be used for weapons, Hecker says. “I believe North Korean scientists and engineers have been working to design miniaturised warheads for years, but they will need to test to demonstrate that the design works: no nuclear test, no confidence,” Hecker said in a paper last week. “Unlike the claim that Pyongyang can make that its space launch is purely for civilian purposes, there is no such civilian cover for a nuclear test. It is purely for military reasons.” —Reuters

BEIJING: A Chinese girl holds a small Chinese flag at the Meridian Gate in the Forbidden City in Beijing, China yesterday. —AP

China rejects Manila claims over South China shoal BEIJING: China said yesterday that the Philippines is violating maritime law by claiming a shoal in the South China Sea and dismissed Manila’s request to take the dispute to an international court.

“We believe it runs counter to historical facts and violates the law,” said Liu Weimin, a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry. Philippine navy and Chinese maritime patrol vessels engaged in a standoff last week over a fishing incident near the Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea, an area both sides claim as sovereign territory.

Liu said China had “lodged solemn representations” with the Philippines and that Fu Ying, a vice foreign minister, had called in the Philippine envoy yesterday over the issue. The Philippines plans to seek resolution in an international court, arguing that the shoal is well within the country’s 370-kilometer (230-mile) exclusive economic zone that is recognized under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Liu said the Philippines is violating international law by using the UN convention to call into question sovereignty over the territory, known as Huangyan island in Chinese. “China has sufficient legal evidence for its jurisdiction over the Huangyan island. China was the earliest to discover and name the island, and has included it on maps and exercised its sovereignty over it ever since,” Liu said. Liu said that the Philippines never objected to China’s territorial control of the shoal before 1997 and that its claim now is “completely baseless.”

A Philippine government statement yesterday contradicted Liu’s remarks, saying it has effectively occupied and exercised jurisdiction over the shoal -

Laden family deportation hits snag ISLAMABAD: Osama bin Laden’s three widows and their nine children are expected to be deported from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia yesterday, after their scheduled departure the previous day was delayed for bureaucratic reasons, their lawyer said. The family was detained by Pakistani authorities last May after US Navy SEALs raided the compound in northwest Pakistan where the Al-Qaeda chief was hiding and killed him. The American commandos left bin Laden’s relatives behind but took

around midnight but were held up for bureaucratic reasons, said their lawyer, Mohammad Amir Khalil.

The five women also had outstanding fines of about $110 each, which had not been fully paid. This has now been done, said Khalil.

Also, the brother of bin Laden’s Yemeni wife Amal Ahmed AbdelFatah al-Sada was not in possession of his passport when they tried to leave Tuesday because it was being held by a Pakistani cour t, said Khalil. Zakaria al-Sada traveled to Pakistan from Yemen to campaign

ISLAMABAD: Zakarya Ahmad Abd Al-Fattah, the Yemeni brother of bin Laden’s youngest wife, Amal Abdulfattah, arrives at the house where family members of slain Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden are believed to be held in Islamabad yesterday. —AFP his body, which they later buried at sea.

Pakistan interrogated the family members and eventually charged the widows and two adult daughters last month with illegally entering and living in the country. The five women were convicted at the beginning of April and sentenced to 45 days in prison, with credit for about a month served. Their prison term, which was spent at a wellguarded house in Islamabad, ended Tuesday. They were scheduled to be depor ted to Saudi Arabia

for his sister’s release. The two other widows are from Saudi Arabia.

Khalil said Zakaria al-Sada’s passport was expected to be released in time for them to leave for Saudi Arabia yesterday.

It was unclear why al-Sada was not being sent to Yemen. Khalil said earlier that the Yemeni government had consented to her return, and her brother had said the government had issued her five children passports. Pakistani officials have said very little publicly about the family, raising questions about

why they were kept in detention for so long. Some speculated Pakistan was worried information from the widows would point to some level of official assistance in hiding bin Laden. The compound in the town of Abbottabad where he lived for six years and was killed

by US commandos was about a kilometer (half a mile) from one of Pakistan’s main military academies.

The Pakistani government has denied k nowing the terrorist leader’s whereabouts, and the US has said it has no evidence senior Pakistani officials knew he was in Abbottabad. But details leaked to the media from the interrogation of al-Sada, bin Laden’s youngest wife, raised further questions about how he was able to live in the country unnoticed for so long. AlSada said the Al-Qaeda chief lived in five houses while on the run in Pak istan for nine years and fathered four children, two of whom were born in Pakistani government hospitals.

It’s also possible that one of the reasons Pakistan kept bin Laden’s family in detention for so long was the difficulty of figuring out where to send them. Saudi Arabia stripped bin Laden of his citizenship in 1994 because of his verbal attacks against the Saudi royal family, and there have been questions about whether the country would accept the women. That issue seems to have been resolved, though Saudi officials have declined to comment.

The family’s departure could help Pakistan close a painful chapter in the country’s history. Pakistani officials were outraged that the US did not tell them about the operation against bin Laden until after it happened - a decision American officials explained by saying they were worried the information would be leaked. In addition to facing difficult questions about how bin Laden was able to hide in the country for so long, Pakistan’s army suffered unusual domestic criticism because it was unable to stop the American raid from taking place. —AP

which it calls Bajo de Masinloc, or Panatag shoal - for decades. A map published in 1734 showed the shoal was part of the northwestern Philippine province of Zambales, the government said, adding that a Philippine flag and lighthouse were erected on Scarborough islets in 1965.

U.S. and Philippine warships engaged in defense exercises at the shoal when American forces maintained a naval base in Zambales, the government said. The shoal “is an integral par t of the Philippine territory” and Chinese vessels in the area are committing “serious violation of the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction,” it said. The shoal is among numerous islands, reefs and coral outcrops in the South China Sea claimed by China, the Philippines and other nations for their potential oil and gas deposits, rich fishing grounds and proximity to busy commercial sea lanes.

The controversy flared on April 10 when two Chinese ships prevented a Philippine warship from arresting several Chinese fishermen who were accused of illegal entry and poaching. The fishermen slipped away from the shoal over the weekend, angering Philippine officials. Manila lodged a protest with China on Monday, accusing one of the Chinese ships and an aircraft of harassing a Philippine-registered yacht that was conducting archaeological research in the shoal.

Liu said tensions started to ease after bilateral talks.” We hope that the Philippines can stay with their commitment and pull back their ships as soon as possible, and resume peace and stability in waters near the Huangyan island,” Liu said. —AP

News

in brief

Maldives president calls for early election in ‘13 COLOMBO: The Maldives president announced yesterday that he will call for an early presidential election following a contentious power transfer earlier this year, but the opposition said the plan fell short of its demands. President Mohammed Waheed Hassan said the election will be held in July 2013, the earliest permitted by the constitution, according to a statement from his office. The vote was originally scheduled for late 2013. Hassan took over in February when his predecessor, Mohamed Nasheed, resigned after weeks of public protests and eroding support from the police and military. Nasheed claimed he was forced to resign at gunpoint and challenged Hassan to order early elections. Nasheed’s opposition Maldivian Democratic Party insists that Hassan must resign and call an election immediately, claiming his ascendancy to power was illegal. “This is exactly what we did not want,” Nasheed’s spokesman, Hamid Abdul Ghafoor, said of yesterday’s announcement. “Why doesn’t he (Hassan) step down and let the people decide?”

Teen rescued days after factory collapse in India JALANDHAR: Rescuers pulled a 15-year-old boy from a massive heap of broken concrete yesterday morning, more than 48 hours after the blanket factory he was working in collapsed and killed at least six people in northern India. The boy, who told rescuers his name was Sandeep, was carried on a stretcher from the scene in Jalandhar, a town in Punjab state, and taken to a nearby hospital. Workers continued searching for more people buried when the three-story factory buckled near midnight Sunday, while workers were inside. Estimates for how many may still be trapped have ranged from a dozen to more than 100. Six bodies have been found and 60 people rescued, including three with serious injuries, District Magistrate Priyank Bharti said. Many of the factory’s workers were migrants from other Indian states, including Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Sandeep said he was from Bihar.

Malaysia to change laws to boost press freedom KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian legislators will soon debate a plan by the ruling coalition to ease decades-old restrictions on newspapers. The planned changes to the Printing Presses and Publication Act are part of Prime Minister Najib Razak’s pledge to improve civil liberties and media freedom.

Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop tabled the proposed amendments in Parliament yesterday. They include removing a requirement for newspapers and magazines to renew their government-issued publication licenses each year. Media activists nevertheless say the changes are insufficient because the Home Ministry can still determine whether a license is granted in the first place. Officials can also revoke publication licenses, but the amendments allow publishers to appeal such decisions in court. Parliament is expected to approve the changes this month. —Agencies

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

NEWS

Palestinian Khader Adnan (center) is greeted by Palestinians during a celebration ceremony after his release from an Israeli jail in the West Bank village of Arrabeh, near Jenin, yesterday. Adnan, a senior member of Islamic Jihad, who didn’t eat for 66 days, was freed as part of a deal reached with Israel. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel launched a hunger strike on Tuesday, officials said, protesting their conditions and demanding an end to detentions without trial as the Palestinians marked their annual day of solidarity with the inmates. — AP

Wary UAE tightens screws on Islamists Continued from Page 1 Islamists in Libya have also strengthened their hand after Muammar Gaddafi’s downfall.

These successes have energised Islamists in the UAE, a top oil exporter whose relationship with political Islam is long and fractious. Having staved off unrest at the height of the region’s turmoil, the government is making sure dissent does not take root on its soil. “The pressure on us is increasing,” said Mohammed alSiddiq, one of six members of Islamist group al-Islah (Reform) who were stripped of their citizenship in December for committing “acts threatening the national security of the UAE”. “They say we represent the Muslim Brotherhood and we’ll do what they did in Egypt, that we want to take power and grab seats and rule,” said Siddiq. “That’s not true”.

Like other activists in the UAE, Islamists say all they want is more civil rights and greater power for the Federal National Council, a quasi-parliamentary body that has no legislative authority. No one is openly questioning the UAE rulers’ right to rule. But government officials reject the idea that what’s at stake here is anything but political power - not religious freedom, civil rights or democracy. They are keenly aware that Islamists are the only group with any potential to rally serious opposition among the wider population, analysts and diplomats say.

“Emiratis are very religious, and there are quite a few that do sympathise with the Brotherhood and what they stand for,” said a diplomatic source in Abu Dhabi. Earlier this month, Siddiq and the five other Islah members were arrested for refusing to seek alternative citizenship and put in jail, their lawyer said. “Islam has a fundamental place in our society... But we cannot permit the activities of those who would seek to use religion to create division and dissension or to challenge the structures and policies of our state,” said an Emirati source close to the government.

The government is not the only one who remains unconvinced. “Let’s assume the Brotherhood just want an elected parliament, not a change of rulers... the only organised group here with one voice is the Muslim Brotherhood, so they will win 100 percent,” said Emirati columnist Ahmed Al-Amiri. “When you win, will you leave the laws unchanged or will you proceed to amend them according to your own vision?” His concerns were echoed

by Dubai’s outspoken police chief Dhahi Khalfan, who warned that the Muslim Brotherhood was plotting to take over all Gulf states by 2016. UAE Islamists dismiss the accusations as fearmongering by the security services to turn Emiratis against them. “I think this Brotherhood bogeyman is more a tool used by the security apparatus to intimidate people than it is a popular

fear,” said Saleh Al-Dhufairi, the general manager of the Holy Quran Foundation in the northern emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, where Islamists have a stronger presence than in UAE capital Abu Dhabi or in the business hub, Dubai. Dhufairi was recently detained for “provoking strife” after criticising the UAE’s state security services on Twitter. Banned from preaching years ago, he says he was forced into retirement and his sons cannot get the security clearance they need to work in government ministries.

Generous subsidies and cradle-to-grave handouts have helped shield the UAE from the revolutionary currents coursing from North Africa to Bahrain. But analysts ask for how long this will keep the tide at bay. UAE Islamists’ loyalty was put to the test earlier this year, when Khalfan was in the eye of an unusually public spat with the Egyptian Brotherhood. Sheikh Yousef AlQaradawi, an Egyptian former Brotherhood member, rapped the UAE for expelling around 30 Syrians who refused to disperse after an unlicensed protest against President Bahsar al-Assad outside their consulate in Dubai. He also denounced the decision to revoke the six Islamists’ citizenship.

That provoked a swift response from Khalfan, who said the cleric should not meddle in UAE affairs, suggesting the Muslim Brotherhood was trying to sow discord in the UAE and that Qaradawi could be held accountable for causing any unrest.

Muslim Brotherhood spokesman Mahmoud Ghozlan said in Egypt the group would act against the UAE if it tried to do anything against Qaradawi, without giving specifics about what it would do.

UAE Islamists were seen to have wasted a chance to demonstrate allegiance to their country because they did not defend Khalfan or denounce Ghozlan’s and Qaradawi’s comments.

“Their silence was an indication of the confusion of their loyalty,” wrote columnist Mohammed Al-Hamadi in Al-Ittihad newspaper. “The opportunity was there for the Emirati Muslim Brotherhood to deny the spokesperson’s attack and prove loyalty to the UAE, but unfortunately, the opportunity was not seized.”

Faced with the sudden demise of former allies and rapid rise of potentially hostile groups in its neighbourhood, the UAE, whose livelihood relies on hosting expatriates from all over the world in their millions, is walking a thin line. “What we don’t want is conflict between nationalities, or religions or ideologies, or people bringing here the political arguments or conflicts they have in their countries of origin,” said the Emirati source close to the government. “In a multinational country such as the UAE, that would be a recipe for importing unrest.” — Reuters

US Muslim tortured at FBI behest in UAE Continued from Page 1 America relies on others to do its torture.” An aide to Oregon congressman Earl Blumenauer told the AP that last June, Blumenauer’s office had been contacted by Fikre’s wife and lawyer after he vanished. The aide, Willie Smith, said State Department officials confirmed to the congressman’s office that Fikre was detained June 20 in the United Arab Emirates. A few days later a US official went to the prison where Fikre was being held, Smith said. According to Smith, US government officials told Fikre’s wife that he “was fine and that he wasn’t being mistreated”.Fikre said he moved to Sudan in late 2009 to pursue business opportunities. A few months later, he was asked to contact the US Embassy to discuss safety and security concerns for Americans in the unstable country. He was met by two men who identified themselves as FBI agents and asked questions about the Portland mosque. Fikre says the agents told him he had been placed on the federal no-fly list, and could only return to the US if he agreed to become an informant, an offer he refused.

In the ensuing weeks, the FBI met a relative of Fikre’s in Portland and urged that person to encourage Fikre to cooperate with authorities, he said. Fikre said he began to notice he was being followed on the streets of Sudan, prompting him to leave the country on June 15, 2010. Fikre then visited relatives in Europe for three months and flew to the United Arab Emirates after his European Union visa expired.

In a phone interview with The AP, Smith read what he said was an email from the American Citizens Services bureau about its contact with Fikre and with his family. “After contacting multiple legal authorities in the UAE and the ministry of foreign affairs, we finally got confirmation that he was being held by the state security department. We were able to conduct a consular visit today and have contacted his wife to update her,” the bureau wrote to Blumenauer’s office. Fikre said the person who visited him was a low-ranking embassy official. Fikre said he was warned to say he was being treated well or “more torture would take place.” He said the beatings and interrogation continued until his September release. — AP

Barrak targets under-fire Shamali with...

Continued from Page 1 Barrak accused the finance minister of defending those who committed financial irregularities in state institutions. Barrak had said that he will discuss the draft grilling against Shamali with the majority bloc on Sunday as the support of the bloc is crucial for voting the minister out of

office. It was reported that the grilling will be submitted by MPs Barrak, Abdulrahman Al-Anjari and Falah AlSawwagh, who will represent the Reform and Development Bloc. Member of the bloc MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei however said the bloc has not yet decided on participating in the grilling and will decide at the meeting of the majority bloc. If the

majority back the grilling, Shamali will be forced to quit or he will be voted out of office because the majority has more than 25 votes required to dismiss the minister.

The constitutional court meanwhile set June 20 to issue its verdicts in more than 30 challenges in the results of the Feb 2 general elections. The petitions relate to all the five constituencies.

Settlers force into home in Beit Hanina Continued from Page 1

claims to have purchased the land during the 1930 was now being represented by the settlers. “Settlers moving into Beit Hanina is a dangerous provocation.

We hope the government will not give its green light to the creation of a new settlement in the middle of this Palestinian neighbourhood of east Jerusalem.”

Itay Epshtain, co-director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, said regardless of the legal dispute over ownership of the house, its possession by Israelis was illegal. “No matter what the merits of the case, Beit Hanina is illegally annexed,” he told

AFP. “Israel has no authority to forcefully evict or demolish houses. Forcefully evicting people is a war crime.”

Israel captured east Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the Syrian Golan Heights during the 1967 Six-Day War. It considers all of Jerusalem its “eternal, undivided” capital and does not see construction in the eastern sector as settlement building. But the Palestinians want east Jerusalem as the capital of their promised state, and furiously denounce any move by Israel to buy or build property there. The international community considers all Israeli settlement on occupied land to be illegal under international law. — AFP

Clashes hit Bahrain F1 exhibit Continued from Page 1

Meanwhile, a rights group said yesterday Bahrain has arrested about 80 leading democracy activists in an attempt to contain anti-government protests ahead of the race. “About 80 people from several villages near (the capital) Manama have been arrested since April 14,” the president of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights, Mohammed Maskati, told AFP, adding that the “mass wave of arrests is a preventive measure” by the authorities. He said most of those arrested are “protest leaders” that have been organising near-daily demonstrations against the government in the kingdom’s Shiite villages.

Nearly 50 people have been killed since Feb 2011 in violence between security forces and protesters from Bahrain’s Shiite majority, which seeks to break the near monopoly on power by the island nation’s Sunni monarchy. Shiites account for about 70 percent of Bahrain’s population, but claim they face widespread discrimination and are blocked from key political or military posts. The Sunni leaders have offered some reforms, but the opposition says they fall short of their demands.

“Down, down Formula One,” some protesters shouted in the traditional market area in Bahrain’s capital, where displays set up for the F1 race featured local handicrafts, food and other items. The demonstrators also shouted messages of support for a jailed activist who has been on a hunger strike for more than two months. Some of the placards accused the US - a close ally of Bahrain’s leaders - of ignoring their struggle while backing with other reform movements in the Arab Spring.

Washington has pressed Bahrain’s rulers to open dialogue with opposition groups, but has been careful not to jeopardize its vital military ties with Bahrain as home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet - one of the Pentagon’s main counterweights to Iran in the Gulf. At the exhibition, riot police fired stun grenades and pepper spray as hundreds of protesters pressed close to the stalls and shops.

Visitors ran for safety, leaving shopping bags and sandals on the road.

Many shopkeepers closed early -

another sign that unrest might mar hopes the F1 race could help the country’s hard-hit businesses. There were no reports of injuries, but several protesters were detained.

Earlier yesterday, dozens of people confronted Bahrain’s crown prince and shouted anti-government slogans in a neighborhood that has been an opposition stronghold during the 14-month uprising. Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa was not injured in the outburst, but it carried powerful symbolism because he is a key backer of the Formula One race. The crown prince was surrounded as he left a funeral of a Shiite executive who worked on one of his labor reform projects. The ceremony was in Sanabis, the site of frequent clashes between security forces and Shiite protesters seeking to break Sunni dynasty’s tight grip on power.

Opposition figures outside the political parties and who are opposed to the race say they will stage protests inside the F1 circuit if they can, hoping to catch international attention. They say they will host daily events, including a march in Manama today at a location to be announced, culminating in a countrywide “day of rage” on both Saturday and Sunday. “They plan activities at the track but they have not announced what. For sure there will be something,” said Sayed Yousif AlMuhafda of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. “Boycott F1 in Bahrain,” reads a graffiti message daubed on a wall in a village outside the capital, Manama, next to a painted image of a red Ferrari race car.

“You will race on the blood of martyrs.”

In London, two activists were arrested Tuesday after occupying the roof of the Bahraini Embassy and unfurling a banner bearing pictures of Al-Khawaja, a prisoner on hunger strike, and senior Shiite opposition leader Hassan Mushaima. Both are sentenced to life in prison. The protesters have been identified the protesters as Mushaima’s son, Ali, and 30-year-old Moosa Satrawi. AlKhawaja’s wife, Khadija Al-Musawi, told AP that his family is concerned about what she described as her husband’s declining health. She said the family will hold the government responsible for his death in custody.

In addition to refusing food for more than two months, Khadija said her husband is now also refusing IV drips and water. “I am really worried about him,” she said in a phone interview yesterday. “The government wants my husband dead.”

She also accused Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone of ignoring her husband’s plight. Pausing occasionally to wipe away tears and gather composure, Khadija told Reuters in an interview in her apartment outside Manama that she supported Bahrain having the race.

However, she said the 81-year-old F1 boss had missed a chance to do something to help her husband. “I am not angry with the government...it’s their future at stake. What makes me angry is people like Ecclestone who decides to come to Bahrain because he thinks everyone is happy,” said Khadija, one of whose daughters was at a large protest in Manama later in the evening. “I can assure you that I am not happy. My family is not happy.”

The grand prix has been presented by the country’s rulers as a force to unify the nation, with the slogan “UniF1ed, one nation in celebration” to be seen on banners and hoardings around Manama. Chequered flags alternate with the red and white of Bahrain on roundabouts and junctions. On the surface, daily life appears normal with a low-key police presence even on the approach roads to the Sakhir circuit.

“I think Formula One is a great thing to happen to Bahrain,” she said.

“It makes Bahrain very well known throughout the world and this makes us happy...my daughter Maryam was one of the people who always insisted on going to the race. But I think at the same time, Formula One should help Bahraini people to get their rights. I know they would say this is not our job, we are only car racers.

Yes. You are car racers with democracy in your countries and with freedom,” she added. “I think if Ecclestone had said that he would come if Abdulhadi is freed - he knows about him. He knows about his hunger strike - I think there would have been a chance that he would be free. But ignoring the matter completely while the whole world is talking about this, it makes me sad.” — Agencies

in the

news

Gulf assets forecast to top $1.9tn in ‘12

Iran thanks Saudis for sparing citizens

Saudis might soon set minimum marriage age

Sri Lankan held for ‘witchcraft’ in Jeddah

KUWAIT: Net foreign assets held by energy-rich Gulf states are forecast to soar to $1.9 trillion in 2012 as a result of high oil prices, the Institute of International Finance said yesterday. The figure represents a 19-percent rise from estimates of $1.6 trillion at the end of last year for the value of assets held, the IIF said in a report.

OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia topped the list of net foreign assets with $613 billion last year, closely followed by the UAE with $503 billion, Kuwait with $396 billion and Qatar with $59 billion. The assets are forecast to grow to $2.14 trillion at the end of 2013. The GCC members are also forecast to post a record oil income of $572 billion this year from $538 billion in 2011. The oildependent economies grew by a healthy 6.9 percent in 2011 but are expected to slow to 4.9 percent this year and drop further to 4.2 percent in 2013, it said.

Combined nominal gross domestic product grew by 31 percent last year to hit $1.4 trillion and is forecast to rise to $1.5 trillion at the end of this year, IIF said.

TEHRAN: Iran - a country slammed by international rights groups for its state executions - yesterday welcomed Saudi Arabia suspending death sentences against several of its nationals convicted for drug trafficking. Iran’s protests over the matter led to intervention from Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal, media reported, quoting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi. “He (Faisal) exerted effort in this regard and the next day he called back and said that, for the time being, the execution of the Iranians has been suspended and this is a good sign,” Salehi said, according to the ISNA news agency. “I am announcing my thanks to Saudi officials,” he said, according to the Mehr news agency. Salehi said Saudi Arabia was considering an offer to extradite the Iranian criminals to Iran instead.

In the ISNA report, Salehi added that “many” Iranians were being held in Saudi prisons but did not give a number.

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia is edging closer to setting a minimum age for marriage, a Justice Ministry official was quoted as saying yesterday, following international criticism of cases of child brides. “The ministry has adopted a clear stance on under-age marriages and the issue was raised to the regulators,” Mohammed Al-Babetein, head of the Justice Ministry’s marriages department, was quoted as saying in the daily AlMadina newspaper. “It supports setting unified regulations to deal with such practices, which will ensure the safety of young girls,” he said. Babetein said the ministry was still in discussions over what age the limit should be set at. Human rights organisation Amnesty International said the Saudi government had been saying for several years that it planned to introduce a minimum age for marriage. “But until we see actual legislation and how it’s implemented, rather than merely fine words, we will continue to have serious concerns about lack of protection for girls from early and forced marriage,” said James Lynch, Amnesty’s Middle East spokesman.

JEDDAH: A Sri Lankan woman has been arrested on suspicion of casting a spell on a 13-year-old girl during a Saudi family’s shopping trip, a police spokesman said yesterday, and may face death in a country where convicted sorcerers are beheaded. The spokesman, Mesfir Al-Juayed, confirmed that details of the woman’s arrest published in local media were correct. The daily Okaz reported that a Saudi man had complained his daughter had “suddenly started acting in an abnormal way, and that happened after she came close to the Sri Lankan woman” in a large shopping mall in the port city of Jeddah. “He reported her to the security forces, asking for her arrest and the specialised units dealt with the situation swiftly and succeeded in arresting her,” Okaz reported yesterday. “The punishment is always beheading for anyone found guilty of witchcraft,” a Saudi lawyer and human rights activist, Waleed Abu Al-Khair, told Reuters.

14

opinion

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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Issues

Suu Kyi trip shows faith in reform

By Kelly Macnamara ung San Suu Kyi’s plans to travel abroad are the clearest sign yet of her trust in Myanmar reforms after more than two decades of house arrest and personal sacrifice, analysts said yesterday.

Suu Kyi, who became an icon for the nation’s struggle against dictatorship, refused to leave Myanmar even when the junta denied her dying husband a visa to visit her, because she feared she would never be allowed to return. But the Nobel laureate - now an elected politician - has begun preparations to travel to Norway and Britain, her party said, adding that the tour could include other countries. Experts said the move is a sign of her faith in the sustainability of sweeping reforms under a new regime.

“Clearly this reflects a vote of confidence that she will be allowed back in,” said Michael Montesano, of the Institute for South East Asian Studies in Singapore. “This trip is one more useful indicator of the progress we have seen Myanmar go through when we consider the fact that the people who run the country would have been thrilled at any point over the past 24 years to see her leaving because they would not let her back in.”

Suu Kyi burst onto the Myanmar political scene in 1988 during a visit from Britain, where she was then living, that coincided with a failed student uprising against the former junta. The generals ordered her first period of house arrest in 1989 and she spent 15 of the past 22 years locked up in her crumbling Yangon mansion. She was released from her most recent period of detention in 2010, days after a general election, which was marred by claims of cheating and the absence of her party and saw the military and its political proxies claim an overwhelming victory.

But the new government under President Thein Sein, a former junta prime minister, has initiated a series of dramatic reforms culminating in a win for Suu Kyi and her party in April 1 by-elections hailed by the international community. On a visit to Myanmar last week, Prime Minister David Cameron invited Suu Kyi for a June visit to Britain, the country where she settled with her husband Michael Aris after studying at Oxford University. “Two years ago I would have said thank you for the invitation, but sorry. But now I’m able to say perhaps, and that is great progress,” Suu Kyi told Cameron in a meeting that also saw her give her first endorsement for the suspension of tough Western sanction against Myanmar.

Thailand-based Myanmar expert Aung Naing Oo, of the Vahu Development Institute, said that the democracy icon appeared “very confident” in the political process. “By June she will probably know where she will stand when it comes to the politics, she will be by then in parliament,” he told AFP. “I think the government of Myanmar and the Myanmar people will benefit from this overseas travel... she can easily show that things have improved inside Myanmar and it is time for the international community to start engaging.”

Suu Kyi’s life story is closely entwined with the fate of her impoverished homeland and her stellar rise into the political mainstream comes as Myanmar begins to shed its pariah status. The daughter of Myanmar’s independence hero General Aung San left her homeland as a child and studied in Britain before marrying British academic Aris and having two sons.

Aris died in 1999, and in the final stages of his battle with cancer the junta denied him a visa to see his wife, while Suu Kyi refused to leave Myanmar to visit him, certain she would not be allowed to go back.

Former Australian ambassador to Myanmar Trevor Wilson said Suu Kyi’s decision to leave the country showed that “things are becoming more normal”. “She can travel, go back home and continue her political activities, it’s the way it should be,” he told AFP. Asked whether he thought Suu Kyi had any reason to fear she would not be allowed to return to Myanmar once she went overseas, he said: “I’m quite sure she wouldn’t be going if that was the case.” — AFP

A

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

TV channel dips toe into Iran culture war

By Yeganeh Torbati our Iranians gather for a cozy dinner party, cracking jokes in Persian over a traditional meal of saffron rice and stew. It’s a tableau that could be straight out of Tehran. But instead it’s a scene from a reality television show shot in Europe and broadcast by satellite from studios in southwest London. With light fare like “Befarmaeed Sham,” (“Welcome to Dinner” in Persian), the Iranian answer to the UK cooking show “Come Dine With Me”, family-owned channel Manoto 1 has struck a chord inside Iran, gaining what is likely to be millions of fans since launching in 2010. In the process, it has also irked Iran’s Islamic government.

“Manoto is closer to us than other channels culturally, and their shows are more fun,” said Mohamad, 25, of Esfahan, who answered questions over the Internet. “It’s like we are watching ourselves on television. Even their presenters are people who seem similar to us.”

Satellite dishes are illegal in Iran, and the government periodically cracks down on owners and scrambles content from Western channels. Still, the dishes are sold and installed widely on the black market. About 40 percent of Iranians watch satellite programmes broadcast from outside the country, according to a 2010 estimate from BBC Monitoring. After less than two years on the air, Manoto (“Me and You”) has outstripped its closest rivals, BBC Persian, Farsi 1, GEM TV and Voice of America (VOA), according to the number of “likes” each channel receives on its Facebook page - an imperfect proxy used by some experts to assess the channels in lieu of independent media survey firms in Iran. As of mid-April, more than 620,000 people listed themselves as Manoto fans on Facebook - more than twice the number of its biggest competitor.

But in a country whose government tries to instill Islamic values by strictly regulating popular culture, even an entertainment channel like Manoto has angered authorities, who view it as part of a cultural “soft war” waged by the West. The Iranian government sometimes jams Manoto’s signal, according to viewers.

“Manoto broadcasts programs that are completely against Islamic edicts, such as promoting the way the rich live,” said researcher Mohammad Reza Khoshroo at a conference held in Iran this year, according to comments reported by Iran’s Hawzah News Agency.

Kayvan and Marjan Abbassi, the UK-based Iranian couple who launched Manoto’s parent company, Marjan TV, in 2009, stay out of the media spotlight. They and other Marjan TV officials declined to comment for this story despite repeated requests for interviews. The Abbassis do not do interviews “in light of the sensitive nature of the current Iranian media environment,” said Maryam Meddin, managing director of Clarus Design, the network’s media agency. But she added: “Manoto 1 remains committed to providing entertainment programming to the Iranian people.”

For an example of the “sensitivities” involved, one need look no further than “Befarmaeed Sham”, where expatriate Iranians test their cooking skills and compete for a cash prize. Sounds innocent enough - except men and women also mix freely and drink alcohol. Female contestants do not cover their hair and tend to wear clothes that are more revealing than those allowed in the Islamic Republic, where women must wear headscarves and loose clothing in public. “It’s a window into a culture we could have if we were freely part of the global popular culture,” said Mehdi Semati, an expert on Iranian media and culture at Northern Illinois University.

“Knowing there’s a world outside where Iranians act like us, talk like us, and think like us, but live a life that is free of constraints - people compare themselves, and that’s worrisome for the government.” At the conference, citing data from Manoto, Khoshroo said about half a million people inside Iran contacted the channel in its first week. “This is a dangerous statistic,” he said.

F

Television for the Masses Manoto is partly funded by corporate sponsorships and has been sponsored in the past by companies that sell consumer products inside Iran, including Samsung and LG, according to Marjan TV’s website and Clarus Design’s Meddin. Manoto’s funding also comes from venture capitalists, according to a 2011 report on human rights and information access in Iran by the

Foreign Policy Centre, a UK-based independent think tank. The report did not name the venture capital firms behind the station. The Abbassis’ previous venture, Bebin.tv, an online channel aimed at second-generation Iranians living in the West, shut in 2008. Manoto continues Bebin’s focus on youth culture on a more ambitious scale, with several original shows, a second channel that airs documentaries and licenses to broadcast Miss World, the Golden Globes and the Grammy Awards.

Media professionals and experts and Iran watchers said it was not known what role politics played in the Abbassis’ business strategy, if any.

What was clear was that the channel has tapped into a yearning in Iran for creative, original Persian-language programming, they said. Though satellite channels can be accessed worldwide, experts believe the vast majori-

The past three years have seen a renaissance in Persianlanguage television. Iranians can now watch BBC Persian, which has doubled its Iranian audience since launching in 2009 to about 6 million people; Farsi 1, which also started in 2009 and is partly owned by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp; and VOA’s Persian News Network, home to satirical show “Parazit”, similar to Jon Stewart’s “The Daily Show” and popular inside Iran ever since it began in 2009.

Reports from viewers inside Iran suggest authorities have repeatedly tried to interfere with Manoto programming since the channel launched. Soon after Manoto debuted, a fan of “Googoosh Music Academy” complained he couldn’t tune in to the season finale because the signal was jammed. “Please, anyone who can, let us know what happens,” he wrote on a Facebook

Iranian women test the fragrances of perfumes at a store in Tehran in this May 13, 2010 file photo. — AFP ty of the viewership for Persian-language channels is inside Iran. Manoto’s popular news satire show, hosted by a cartoon monkey named Dr Copy, is aimed at viewers who don’t follow politics closely. Dr Copy makes barbs at both Iranian and Western politicians, uses a laugh track and often receives feedback and photos from child fans. “This is television for the masses,” said Mahmood Enayat, who directs the Iran Media Program at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. “It’s not for the elite or upper class.”

“Googoosh Music Academy,” a competition show featuring music doyenne Googoosh guiding aspiring Persian-pop crooners, has been a runaway hit and completed its second season last year. Googoosh, essentially the Barbra Streisand of Iran, made her name as a singer and actress in the Shah-era 1960s and 1970s, and now performs and lives outside the country. On the show, young men with trendy hairstyles and women in glitzy gowns sing ballads made famous during their parents’ generation, before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and later restrictions on female vocalists and pop music.

According to Manoto figures, over four million viewers voted for their favourite contestant on the new season last fall, and the final episode attracted nearly 140,000 views on YouTube.

Jamming One proof of Manoto’s success is that it appears to be a favourite target for Iran’s censors, who must be selective about the programs and channels they choose to jam because it is difficult to do so, media experts said.

thread dedicated to the show. On Manoto’s online message boards, viewers ask the channel to re-air beloved shows jammed on their original air date.

The head of IRIB, Iran’s state broadcasting network, admitted scrambling satellite channels in a 2010 speech, according to a BBC report. “We send jams” to the satellites, Ezatollah Zarghami was quoted as saying.

Manoto isn’t alone among its competitors in being targeted by Iran’s censors, Enayat said. VOA, BBC Persian and Farsi 1 face the same issue, he said. “If you don’t get jammed that means you are safe television and the government doesn’t feel threatened by you,” Enayat said.

Another way the government has gone after commercial channels like Manoto is by targeting firms who buy advertisement spots. In comments on Iranian state television last year, Tehran’s police chief reminded firms that advertising on satellite channels is illegal. “To those who perhaps unknowingly advertise on these channels, we are telling them to cancel their contracts,” said the official, Ahmad-Reza Radan. But despite the government’s efforts, the entrance of new Persian-language television outlets like Manoto has improved even the quality of Iranian state television, Enayat said.

In recent months, DVDs of a slick new show have popped up in Iran’s video shops and attracted a following: A “Come Dine With Me”-style cooking competition, featuring four same-sex contestants, called “Iranian Dinner!” The contestants in its first installments are wellknown Iranian actors, and YouTube videos of the show have garnered tens of thousands of views. “It has just forced everyone to produce better programming for Iranians,” Enayat said. —Reuters

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

sp orts FIFA bans and fines coach INDONESIA: Former Indonesia caretaker coach Aji Santoso has been banned for four games for suggestions of bribery to match officials in a humiliating 10-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Bahrain in February, local media reported yesterday.

Santoso was sent to the stands by Lebanese referee Andre El Haddad after the fourth official indicated that the coach had asked if there was “money involved” in the game in Manama.

“I accept the punishment and I regret my behavior,” Santoso told the Jakarta Globe. “I was just saying to the fourth official ‘Is there money involved in this match?’”

The 42-year-old, now in charge of the under23 side, added: “I won’t mind if the PSSI (Indonesia’s FA) decides not to appeal it.”

Unsurprisingly, given that Indonesian soccer is already treading on eggshells with FIFA over the chaotic state of its domestic game, the PSSI quickly accepted the punishment.—Reuters

Pastrana locked into field CHARLOTTE: Travis Pastrana will have a guaranteed spot in the field for his Nationwide Series debut next week at Richmond.

The extreme sports star will race a Toyota that will be fielded jointly between Michael Waltrip Racing and RAB Racing. Kenny Wallace has been the primary driver of RAB’s No. 09 car which will be changed to No. 99 for Pastrana. Pastrana said being locked into the field takes some of the pressure of him at Richmond.

“The qualifying, running one fast lap, is something that I’ve been working really hard,” he said Tuesday. “But the most difficult thing for me has been to get up to speed in the first

couple laps. So this will be huge for me.” MWR will provide cars and technical and marketing support for RAB under the alliance announced Tuesday. Mike Greci, Pastrana’s crew chief in NASCAR regional races, will co-crew chief with Scott Zipadelli of RAB when Pastrana drives.

Pastrana had been scheduled to make his Nationwide debut last July, but broke his right ankle in the X Games two days before the race. His debut has been delayed until Richmond, but Pastrana said his time sidelined actually gave him an opportunity to learn more about NASCAR. “I hadn’t realized it until I got back,” Pastrana said. —AP

Girl’s nose broken by Gayle six NEW DELHI: West Indies batsman Chris Gayle yesterday visited a girl in hospital who suffered a broken nose after being hit by one of his sixes as she watched from the stands at an Indian Premier League match. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) opener smashed eight sixes, including five in a row off leg-spinner Rahul Sharma, during an explosive innings that helped his team beat the Pune Warriors on Tuesday evening.

Gayle said on Twitter that after learning one of his strikes had hit the young fan, named only as Tia, he decided to go and visit her at a hospital in Bangalore.

“Her 1st word to me is to Chill, She’s fine!” he wrote. The left-handed opener, who was named man of the match, cracked a 48-ball 81 in a magnificent display of power-hitting to help Bangalore surpass Pune’s challenging total of 182 with six wickets to spare in a last-ball finish.

“She was thrilled to meet Gayle, who also presented his medal (for hitting maximum sixes in the match) to her,” RCB manager Avinash Vaidya told AFP, saying the girl was thought to be aged about 10.—AFP

Moyer oldest pitcher to win game in majors

CHICAGO: Texas Rangers Josh Hamilton (center) celebrates with teammates Adrian Beltre (29) and Michael Young (10) after he hit a home run in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox.—AP

Rangers romp past Red Sox BOSTON: Mike Napoli hit two of Texas’ six home runs as the Rangers romped past the Boston Red Sox 18-3 Tuesday for their fifth straight victory.

Josh Hamilton homered and matched his career high with five RBIs. Adrian Beltre, Michael Young and Nelson Cruz also connected for the Rangers.

Texas finished with a season-high 21 hits, tagging Jon Lester for eight of them before the Boston ace was pulled in the third inning. The Rangers provided more than enough run support for Colby Lewis (2-0), who settled down after a shaky start and finished pitched seven solid innings. It was the most home runs for the Rangers in a game since they hit six against Detroit in August 2008.

Yankees 8, Twins 3 At New York, CC Sabathia shook off early trouble to get a rare April win for the Yankees and backup catcher Chris Stewart hit a go-ahead, two-run single and had three RBIs for the first time in his career to lead New York over Minnesota.

Sabathia (1-0) allowed three runs and four hits in 7 1-3 innings with seven strikeouts and one walk. After falling behind 3-1 in the third, he didn’t allow a hit and retired 13 in a row during one stretch.

In going 19-8 last year, Sabathia didn’t get his first win until his fifth start. He is just 7-4 in March and April since joining the Yankees in 2009 and 18-14 through April in his career.

Blue Jays 7, Rays 3 At Toronto, Jose Bautista, Adam Lind and Brett Lawrie homered as Toronto took advantage of a three-error game by normally sure-handed Evan Longoria to beat Tampa Bay. It was a career worst performance for Longoria, the American League’s Gold Glove third baseman in 2009 and 2010. He became the seventh player in Rays history to make three errors in a game.

Matt Joyce homered for the Rays, who have lost six of eight. Ricky Romero (2-0) allowed three runs and eight hits in six-plus innings to win.

Orioles 3, White Sox 2 At Chicago, Nolan Reimold homered for the fourth consecutive game and made a terrific diving catch in left field to help Baltimore beat Chicago.

Baltimore had just one hit before Robert Andino singled with one out in the sixth.

Reimold then hit a drive to left-center off John Danks, giving the Orioles a 2-0 lead. J.J.

Hardy followed with a drive to virtually the same spot for his third homer.

Reimold also had a big home run Monday night, helping Baltimore rally for a 10-4 victory over the White Sox in 10 innings. He is batting .394 (13 for 33) in the past eight games.

Chen Wei-yin earned his first major league win in his second career game, allowing two runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings.

Tigers 3, Royals 1 At Kansas City, Missouri, Miguel Cabrera snapped out of his slump with a pair of hits, driving in the go-ahead run and helping Detroit to a win over Kansas City.

Cabrera was 0 for 22 before his single in the third inning, but it was his RBI single off reliever Greg Holland in the eighth that proved most important. It came on the heels of singles by Andy Dirks and Brennan Boesch, and snapped a 1-all tie.

Prince Fielder added an RBI single to make things a bit more comfortable for Octavio Dotel (1-0), who had worked around Brayan Pena’s double during a scoreless seventh inning.

Athletics 5, Angels 3 At Anaheim, California, Daric Barton ended a career-worst homerless drought of 76 games with a solo shot against Dan Haren and Coco Crisp drove in the go-ahead run with an eighth-inning single, triggering a four-run rally that carried Oakland over Los Angeles. Brian Fuentes (1-0) pitched a scoreless seventh inning for the victory and Grant Balfour got his third save in as many attempts despite giving up a one-out homer in the ninth by Vernon Wells. Kevin Jepsen (0-1) took the loss.

Indians 9, Mariners 8 At Seattle, Jason Donald’s tiebreaking single off Tom Wilhelmsen in the top of the seventh inning completed Cleveland’s comeback from seven runs down and lifted the Indians to a victory against Seattle.

Carlos Santana hit a three-run homer and Cleveland reliever Rafael Perez (1-0) pitched a scoreless sixth inning to pick up the win.

Chris Perez got his third save in four tries, despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth.

Mariners reliever Charlie Furbush (0-1) allowed a hit by Travis Hafner and a walk to Shelley Duncan before striking out the next two in the seventh and being replaced.

However, Wilhelmsen could not close the inning. Justin Smoak had a career-high four hits for the Mariners.—AP

MLB results/standings Detroit 6, Minnesota 5; San Diego 3, Atlanta 2 (10 innings); Philadelphia 5, Washington 4; Houston 12, Chicago Cubs 7; NY Yankees 5, Oakland 0; Seattle 4, Baltimore 3; LA Angels 10, Kansas City 8; San Francisco 7, St. Louis 3; Texas 11, Tampa Bay 5; Toronto 11, Cleveland 1; Chicago White Sox 7, Boston 3; NY Mets 7, Pittsburgh 3; Cincinnati 7, Milwaukee 3; Arizona 15, Florida 4; LA Dodgers 7, Colorado 1.

American League Eastern Division NY Yankees Boston Tampa Bay Toronto Baltimore Cleveland Detroit Chicago W Sox Kansas City Minnesota Texas LA Angels Seattle Oakland

W L PCT 29 23 .558 30 24 .556 28 25 .528 28 26 .519 24 28 .462 Central Division 31 20 .608 27 26 .509 25 31 .446 23 30 .434 17 35 .327 Western Division 29 25 .537 29 27 .518 27 26 .509 27 28 .491

GB 1.5 2 5 5 8.5 9 14.5 1 1.5 2.5

Philadelphia Florida Atlanta NY Mets Washington St. Louis Milwaukee Cincinnati Pittsburgh Chicago Cubs Houston Arizona San Francisco Colorado LA Dodgers San Diego

National League Eastern Division 34 20 .630 30 22 .577 30 25 .545 25 28 .472 22 31 .415 Central Division 32 23 .582 29 25 .537 28 27 .509 24 28 .462 23 29 .442 20 34 .370 Western Division 30 24 .556 29 24 .547 25 28 .472 25 30 .455 23 31 .426

3 4.5 8.5 11.5 2.5 4 6.5 7.5 11.5 .5 4.5 5.5 7

DENVER: Jamie Moyer turned in a vintage performance in becoming the oldest pitcher to ever win a major league game. The 49-yearold Moyer threw seven masterful innings and Dexter Fowler hit a two-run homer, helping the Colorado Rockies hold on for a 5-3 win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Moyer (1-2) was sharp all evening as he picked up his 268th career win, tying him with Hall of Famer Jim Palmer for 34th on the career list.

Relying on a consistent cutter and mixing in a 78-mph fastball, the cunning lefty gave up just six hits and two runs - both unearned - as he kept the Padres hitters at bay and off balance.

Thats been a winning recipe for Moyer over a career thats stretched nearly a quarter century and included 689 games.

retiring three in a row.

Braves 9, Mets 3 At Atlanta, Johan Santana made the shortest start of his career as Atlanta finally beat the New York Mets by taking advantage of shaky defense.

made it 6-0. Santana had never gone less than three innings in his previous 265 starts.

Brewers 5, Dodgers 4 At Milwaukee, pinch-hitter George Kottaras two-run double with one out in the bottom of the

Marlins 5, Cubs 2 At Miami, Ozzie Guillen made a victorious return to the dugout when pitchers Josh Johnson and Heath Bell snapped out of earlyseason slumps to help Miami beat Chicago. Guillen returned from a five-game suspension imposed after his comments praising Fidel Castro caused a backlash in South Florida, especially among Cuban Americans.

Johnson allowed two runs in seven innings and Bell earned the save after four rocky outings.

Streaking Hanley Ramirez broke a 2-all tie with a three-run homer in the eighth, his third.

Nationals 1, Astros 0 At Washington, Gio Gonzalez earned his first win with Washington, pitching seven dominant innings in a win over Houston. The Nationals improved to 9-3, their best start since moving from Montreal to Washington in 2005. Gonzalez (1-0) allowed two hits, walked two and struck out eight in his third start for Washington. The left-hander acquired from Oakland in the offseason also earned a standing ovation at the plate when he flied out to the warning track.

Brad Lidge pitched a shaky ninth for his second save. He gave up a double to his first hitter and walked the next batter before

the throw from second baseman Mark Ellis and sending the Brewers to a jubilant celebration at home plate.

Cardinals 2, Reds 1 At St. Louis, Matt Carpenter hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give St. Louis a victory over Cincinnati. David Freese walked to lead off the 10th off Sam LeCure (0-1). Tyler Greene came in as a pinch-runner and advanced on a sacrifice by Yadier Molina. After an intentional walk, reliever Bill Bray entered and walked Daniel Descalso to load the bases.

Carpenter, who returned to the bench after playing the last four games for the injured Lance Berkman, pinch-hit and worked the count full before flying out to right field. Jay Bruces throw home was unable to nab Greene. It was Carpenters 11 RBI of the season.

Pirates 5, Dbacks 4 At Phoenix, Andrew McCutchen lined a run-scoring single in the ninth inning, Garrett Jones homered and drove in three runs, as Pittsburgh beat Arizona.

Jason Grilli (1-1) allowed a solo homer to John McDonald in the eighth inning, but McCutchen reached down to line an RBI single off Bryan Shaw (0-2) to left with two outs in the ninth. Jones led off the sixth inning with a solo homer off Ian Kennedy, but the Pirates scored the rest of their runs with two outs to win for the second time in eight road games. Juan Cruz worked a perfect ninth for his first save since 2009.

DENVER: San Diego Padres Nick Hundley hits a solo home run in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies won 5-3. —AP Tyler Pastornickys two-run double highlighted a five-run second that finished off Santana. Randall Delgado (2-0) won it for the Braves, who lost their first four games against the Mets this season. Two costly errors - Jason Bay dropped a fly ball, Ike Davis made a wild throw - led to a pair of unearned runs against Santana (02), who allowed just one run in his first two games. He was lifted after 1 1-3 innings, finished off by Jason Heywards run-scoring single that

ninth inning lifted Milwaukee to a victory over Los Angeles.

Trailing 4-3, Corey Hart led off the ninth with a single off Dodgers closer Javy Guerra (1-1). Pinch-runner Carlos Gomez then stole second and Mat Gamel walked.

Guerra, who blew his first save of the year and third in his career, struck out Jonathan Lucroy.

Kottaras then pinch-hit for Cesar Izturis and hit a 2-2 pitch to the wall, driving in Gomez and Gamel with Gamel sliding in just ahead of

Giants 4, Phillies 2 At San Francisco, Madison Bumgarner backed up his nice new contract with a second straight win and Melky Cabrera hit an RBI triple as San Francisco beat Philadelphia.

Nate Schierholtz had three hits and drove in a run and Pablo Sandoval doubled leading off the fifth to extend his hitting streak to start the season to 11 games.

Bumgarner (2-1), pitching a day after receiving a new $35.56 million, six-year contract, outpitched Joe Blanton (1-2) and gave San Francisco a shot at a third straight series victory.—AP

Football Star Al-Mutairi to judge Red Bull Street Style in Kuwait KUWAIT: Football Star Ahmad Al Mutairi from Kuwait along with Khris Njokwana from South Africa and Marzouk Al Ajmi from Kuwait has been chosen to judge the 2012 Red Bull Street Style Final in Kuwait which will take place tomorrow at the Marina Crescent at 6:30pm.

Ahmad Al Mutairi, the Kazma football club star will evaluate the Control category. Marzouk Al Ajmi, head of sports in Annahar newspaper and Media Coordinator of the 2006 FIFA World Cup will evaluate the style category while Khris Njokwana the Freestyle Champion from South Africa will handle the creativity category.

Al Mutairi, a veteran in football, has

won the Kuwait Premier League title twice in 1994 and 1996, he also managed to hold the Amir Cup three times (1995, 1997-98).

Control, Creativity and Style are the name of the game at Red Bull Street Style. The Final will see the best 16 freestyle footballers compete against the other ballers in head-to-head battles for a ticket to the World Final.

Each battle follows the same format: 3 minutes, 2 players, 1 ball, with each freestyler having 30 seconds to impress the judges before passing the ball back to his competitor. The winner in the final of Kuwait will qualify to the world final which will be held in Rome, Italy in September.

Gulf Bank faces Boubyan in KBC League finals KUWAIT: The Gulf Bank will face Boubyan Bank in the finals of the KBC Football League following a 4-0 victor y in the semifinals against the National Bank of Kuwait held this week at the Ministry of Information Stadium.

Boubyan Bank had moved to the

finals after defeating the Kuwait Finance House 2-1 in the tournament that is organized by the Kuwait Banks Club.

The NBK and KFH are set to square off for a match this evening to determine the third place winner. The match kicks off at 8:00 pm.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

sp orts

NHL increasingly popular and out of control NEW YORK: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s vision of a bigger footprint for hockey is finally coming into focus. But it’s not just the skyrocketing TV ratings for these playoffs in markets both traditional, like Philly, Boston and Chicago, and those traditionally slow to come around, like Los Angeles, Miami and Phoenix. It’s the tire marks on the backs of the jerseys of some of the league’s best players. The game has never been more popular, nor seemed so out of control.

The latest to get run over was the Blackhawks’ Marian Hossa, who was taken off the ice in Chicago on a stretcher and briefly hospitalized after absorbing a blow to the head from a shoulder hit launched by Phoenix ’s Raffi Torres.

Everybody in the building saw it - including apparently Bettman himself, who was in attendance - except the four officials whose job it is to police that kind of mayhem.

And because they didn’t see it, according to a league statement issued after the game, they didn’t call a penalty, despite the fact that Torres left his skates to deliver the blow.

“First off, I hope he’s all right,” Torres, a serial offender as cheap shots go, said after the game.

“But as far as the hit goes, I felt like it was a hockey play. I was just trying to finish my hit out there, and, as I said, I hope he’s all right.” Chicago coach Joel Quenneville was so mad after the game that he was sputtering.

“It was a brutal hit. You can have a multiplechoice question, it’s ‘All of the above.’ I saw exactly what happened, it was right in front of me, and all four guys missed it. “The refereeing tonight,” he added, “was a disgrace.”

It was. But even the best officiating crews are helpless against the tide of fights, cross-checks, hits to the head and sneak attacks that is overwhelming some otherwise very entertaining hockey. They aren’t getting much help, either, from league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, whose decisions grow more bizarre with each incident that reaches his desk.

Shanahan began by letting Nashville’s Shea Weber off with a $2,500 fine - roughly the cost of one shift - after the All-Star purposely smashed the head of Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg into the glass at the end of Game 1 of their series.

Then he suspended Chicago’s Andrew Shaw and New York’s Carl Hagelin for three games each after both hit opponents without obvious intent during the run of play.

Cross-checking, hair-pulling, instigating fights - Shanahan has handed out punishments for all those violations, too, with differing results. As a former player of some stature, he took the job determined to bring some predictability to the punishment his office doles out and even explained his decisions with accompanying video evidence. But lately those explanations

have been all over the map.

Players no longer know whether the line is being drawn at intent or result - injuring another player - or even the star power of the violator who winds up in the dock. So everybody, from Sidney Crosby to repeat offenders like Torres are getting in on the action.

After winning 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night, Phoenix goalie Mike Smith was asked about the different sentences being handed out and whether he trusted the NHL front office to get each one right. In Game 2, the Blackhawks’ Shaw ran over Smith, who has a history of concussions, behind his net and got the three-game sentence, even though the goalkeeper hasn’t missed a minute of playing time.

Even more maddening - as far as the Blackhawks were concerned - was that the length of Shaw’s suspension wasn’t announced until Tuesday afternoon, once it was determined Smith would play in Game 3. Had he been unable to go, presumably Shaw’s suspension would have been even longer.

“I don’t know if it’s a trust factor. It’s a tough job. Whether it’s blatant, on purpose, or not. It’s tough to get that read up there,” Smith said.

“Obviously, the head hits have to be cut down.

It’s people’s livelihoods, not hockey ... people have families and kids at home and wives, and when we’re getting into head and concussion

issues around the whole league, I think we need to put a stop to it.” But the NHL’s commitment to limit concussions is either full-time, as it has been for the past few seasons and most of this one, or it’s not. The league knows the difference, but it also knows that pandemonium on the ice is a lot easier for plenty of viewers to follow than a puck.

Sold-out arenas and through-the-roof TV ratings across the board, including towns like Phoenix whose Coyotes may well be playing in another city next season - are a testament to that.

Back in January, even as the league was touting the fact that fights-per-game had dropped to low levels not seen since the mid-70s, Toronto general manager Brian Burke groused out loud about having to send his enforcer, Colton Orr, down to the Leafs’ American Hockey League affiliate. Burke, who once held Shanahan’s job, said his team was barely able to use Orr - he appeared in just five of Toronto’s 39 games - because hardly anyone wanted to fight him. He predicted that abandoning the code that governed who fought and when would result in more players taking cheap shots and seeking revenge in even more dangerous ways.

“I wonder where we’re going with it, that’s the only lament I have on this,” he said at the time.

“The fear that if we don’t have guys looking after each other, that the rats will take this game over.”

Too late. They already have. —AP

Predators top Red Wings

JAKARTA: This handout photo taken and released yesterday by the Asian Tour shows Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand in action during the practice round of the $750,000 CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters. —AFP

No lingering Masters regret for Hanson TIANJIN: Peter Hanson says he holds no lingering disappointment from finishing third at the Masters and is keen to tee off in the China Open this week.

Less than a fortnight ago, Hanson was the overnight leader going into the final round at Augusta National but the Swede shot a 2-over 73 to finish tied for third.

“I am very proud of the performance,” Hanson said. “I have to say when I left the 18th green on Sunday I was a little bit disappointed but that left me pretty quick.” He’s been close to a win all season: The Masters was his fourth top-five finish.

Also in a confident mood at Binhai Lake Golf Club was Englishman Ian Poulter, who finished seventh at the Masters, three shots behind Hanson.

“I like coming out to Asia and have had some success in this part of the world,” Poulter said. “I get a nice reception here and have a decent fan base which is always nice - that’s why I like coming out to play.” Also in the field are

Paul Casey, the 2006 China Open winner who will look to continue his comeback from a shoulder injury, Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium, who won last year at a tournament-record 24 under, and Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark, who secured his first European Tour title at the Sicilian Open three weeks ago.

Guan Tian-lang will make history by becoming the youngest player to compete in a European Tour event at 13 years, 173 days.

“I really couldn’t be happier, I’m so excited right now,” Guan said. “My goal now is to be the youngest player ever to make the cut in a European Tour event, and I think if I can shoot level par or better I’ll have a good chance to do that.”

The course is only two years old but plays long at 7,011 meters (7,667 yards).

After a longer than usual winter in Tianjin, very little new grass has grown meaning there is not much thick rough, but one defense for the course could be the fact it is wide open and susceptible to strong winds. —AP

Club pros get a taste of tour, and reality JACKSONVILLE: Jack Nicklaus recalls a time when the club pro and the PGA Tour player were not that far apart. That was when several tour players also held club jobs, even if they were ceremonial positions. That was before golf became big business, when it went from the total purse being five figures to the winner’s check being seven figures. When golf went from a way to make a living to a way to get rich.

“Can you imagine playing against Tiger Woods today, the average club pro trying to compete with him?” Nicklaus said a few years ago. “I used to play exhibitions, and the club pro, because he knew the course, had a chance to beat me. There isn’t anybody who is going to beat Tiger or Phil or these guys today.”

Lonny Alexander can attest to that.

He is playing the Texas Open this week in San Antonio, and it will be newsworthy if he even makes the cut. The 39year-old Alexander is the teaching pro at Onion Creek Golf Club in Austin, Texas.

He also teaches 10 beginning golf classes to 300 students at Texas State in nearby San Marcos. He won the Southern Texas PGA section championship, which earned him a spot in the field at the Houston Open last month and the Texas Open this week.

Unlike other pros in the field, this is not his day job. “Spring is my busiest time of the year. I teach for a living,” Alexander said Tuesday. “You’re almost sick about it. I’ve got to make a living, but I’ve got to get ready for these tournaments. The competitor in you says, ‘Take off two weeks and practice.’ The realistic side of you says, ‘Hey, pards, you

don’t pay the bills that way.’” Alexander shot rounds of 82-78 at the Houston Open to finish last, although three PGA Tour players withdrew after high scores in the opening round. For them, there’s always another week. For the club pro, these chances don’t come along very often.

This will be the eighth time Alexander plays a PGA Tour event, a tribute to how well he competes despite spending so much of his time giving lessons.

“I’ve had what people might call a lifetime of these experiences,” he said. “I wish I could give that spot to everybody who does what I do.”

For years, most PGA Tour events reserved three spots for club pros in the area. That recently was reduced to one spot because the competition on the PGA Tour became so great that the rankand-file clamored for more playing opportunities.

It’s important for club pros to be part of a PGA Tour event. Most of golf’s stars wouldn’t be where they are without a club pro at some stage in their career.

The results, however, speak to the growing divide. In eight tournaments this year, none of the club pros has made the cut, or even come particularly close. Then again, it’s not exactly a level playing field.

“There’s such a separation of where we are as competitors and where the pros are that play every week,” Alexander said. “That’s no knock on what we do. We do a lot for the game. Our skill level as a club pro is higher than ever. But the skill level of the tour pro has gone through the roof.” — AP

DETROIT: Kevin Klein scored a go-ahead goal 6:25 into the third period and Pekka Rinne made 40 saves to lift the Nashville Predators to a 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday and a 3-1 lead in the first-round Western Conference playoff series. The Predators can eliminate Detroit in Game 5 tomorrow night in Nashville.

Predators rookie Gabriel Bourque broke a scoreless tie 1:55 into the third period.

Detroit’s Niklas Kronwall tied it 1:19 later with a power-play goal that was waved off on the ice but reversed by video review.

The Red Wings pulled goalie Jimmy Howard to add an extra skater with 1:31 left, but had to put him back in the net because Henrik Zetterberg was called for high-sticking with 55.8 seconds left. David Legwand’s power-play goal sealed the win with 39 seconds left. Rinne stopped the first 29 shots he faced.

Howard made 14 saves.

Panthers 4, Devils 3 At Newark, New Jersey, Brian Campbell scored on a second-period power play as Florida staged its greatest playoff comeback, rallying from an early three-goal deficit to beat New Jersey.

Sean Bergenheim, Jason Garrison and Mike Weaver also scored and Scott Clemmensen made 19 saves after replacing Jose Theodore early in giving the Panthers a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference first-round series. Game 4 will be played in New Jersey today.

Florida scored on all three of its power plays against the NHL’s top-ranked penaltykilling unit, and is now 6 of 10 in the series with the man advantage.

Zach Parise, Stephen Gionta and Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who jumped out 30 in the opening 6:16. The Panthers ended a 15-year playoff drought in winning Game 2 on Sunday and then drove Martin Brodeur from the net after tying the game early in the second.

Coyotes 3, Blackhawks 2 At Chicago, Mikkel Boedker scored 13:15 into overtime as Phoenix beat Chicago to take a 2-1 lead in the wild and physical opening-

DETROIT: Pekka Rinne No. 35 of the Nashville Predators gets ready to make a save on a shot by Pavel Datsyuk No. 13 of the Detroit Red Wings with help from teammates Alexander Radulov No. 47 and David Legwand No. 11 during Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. —AFP round Western Conference playoff series.

Game 4 is today at the United Center.

Boedker scored from the left side of the net, beating goalie Corey Crawford as the teams played their third straight overtime game.

Chicago played most of the night without regular-season points leader Marian Hossa, who was taken off the ice on a stretcher in the

first period after a hit by Raffi Torres. Hossa was briefly hospitalized before being released.

He is expected to make a full recovery, but there is no timetable for his return to the ice, the Blackhawks said.

Andrew Brunette and Michael Frolik had goals for Chicago. Rostislav Klesla and Ray Whitney scored for the Coyotes in regulation. —AP

Japan looks to home advantage World Team Trophy TOKYO: Japan will be out to make the most of its home ice advantage when the International Skating Union’s World Team Trophy gets underway today.

The top six national figure skating teams - Japan, Canada, the United States, Russia, Italy and France - are competing in the April 19-22 event at Yoyogi Arena.

Each team consists of two women, two men, one pair and one ice dancing couple. Each skater/couple will compete with a short program/short dance and free skating/free dance and the highest point total will win.

Japan, which tops the team standings with 7891 points, will field a strong team that includes 2012 world silver medalist Daisuke Takahashi, world bronze medalist Akiko Suzuki and 2011 world silver medalist Takahiko Kozuka.

Narumi Takahashi and Mervin Tran, who won the bronze medal at last month’s world championships in Nice, France, will represent the host nation in pairs while ice dancers Cathy and Chris Reed round out Japan’s team. The United States, which won the inaugural team trophy in 2009, will be led by ice dancing world silver medalists Meryl Davis and Charlie White.

Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold will compete in the

women’s short and free events while Jeremy Abbott and Adam Rippon make up the men’s team.

Caydee Denney and John Coughlin will compete in pairs for the US. Canada will also be among the title contenders with a team that includes two-time and reigning world champions Patrick Chan and ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.

Chan will be joined by Kevin Reynolds in the men’s event while Canadian champion Amelie Lacoste and Cynthia Phaneuf are the entries in the women’s event.

Russia’s team will feature world silver medalist Alena Leonova who will team up with world junior champion Adelina Sotnikova. European ice dance bronze medalists Elena Ilinykh and Nikita Katsalapov and European pairs silver medalists Vera Bazarova and Yuri Larionov round out Russia’s team.

Newly-crowned world champion Carolina Kostner headlines Italy’s team. The Italians will also be represented by Valentina Marchei, Samuel Contesti and Paolo Bacchini in men’s, ice dancers Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte as well as pair skaters Stefina Berton and Ondrej Hotarek. Veteran Brian Joubert and European bronze medalist Florent Amodio will represent

France in the men’s event. Ice dancing world bronze medalists Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat and pairs skaters Daria Popova and Bruno Massot will also be skating for France as

well as Yretha Silete and MaeBernice Meite. The event was scheduled for April, 2011 in Japan but was postponed following the M arch 11 ear thquake and tsunami. —AP

SONOMA: This Aug. 26, 2011 file photo shows Dario Franchitti dons a balaclava as he prepares to practice for the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma auto race at Infineon Raceway. Biffle is still looking to complete a NASCAR title trio that has never been accomplished.

This could finally be the year. —AP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

S P ORT S

Brazil’s Murer eyes pole position in London SAO PAULO: Pole vaulter Fabiana Murer lived in world record holder Yelena Isinbayeva’s shadow for so long that finishing second became her main goal, but now she hopes the London Olympics will give her the chance to shine and bring the gold back to Brazil.

Indoor champion in 2010, Murer took gold at the world athletics championships in Daegu, South Korea last year but she knows Isinbayeva is still the only woman to jump over 5 meters.

While the Russian’s world record (5.06m) is 21cm better than her own personal best, Murer is confident she is getting closer to Isinbayeva and that this could be her year. “A two-times Olympic champion, she is a very experienced athlete and I think she will be very strong for the Olympics. She’s training for that and she wants a third gold,” Murer said in an interview at her home in Sao Paulo.

“But today, I know that if I train well, if I gain confidence, if I can get close to 5 meters, then I can compete head to head with her. That is the objective, to try and improve so I can get closer to her and compete for first place.” Murer is friendly with her Russian

rival. They shared a coach for a while and trained at the same base in Italy. They even went shopping together.

But Murer admitted there was a time when Isinbayeva was so dominant she turned up at competitions thinking no higher than winning second place.

That changed in 2010 when Murer defeated Isinbayeva to take the world indoor championship in Qatar. A year later she confirmed her position as a serious contender for Olympic gold when she won the world title in Daegu.

“Then I knew it was possible, I could see that she wasn’t so unbeatable,” Murer recalled. “In an Olympic year, athletes improve, their personal bests improve. I need to beat my personal best to win a medal.”

Murer will not be the only one trying to unseat Isinbayeva. Sveltana Feofanova, another Russian, has already won Olympic silver and bronze medals and wants to complete the set while Beijing silver medallist Jennifer Suhr of the United States is also gunning for gold. Pole Ana Rogowska, German Silke Spiegelburg and Cuban Yarisley Silva are also serious

contenders, while promising young Briton Holly Bleasdale recently jumped 4.87 meters indoors to smash the British record and will have a passionate home crowd to roar her on.

Murer, one of only four women to clear 4.85 meters outdoors, must exorcise the ghosts of her last Olympic appearance to stand any chance of a medal.

The Brazilian went to Beijing in 2008 with a realistic chance of a medal but was caught up in controversy when organisers mislaid one of her poles.

Vaulters use different poles for different heights and not having a particular pole for a particular height is not only inviting failure, it can also be dangerous.

Murer lost concentration, at one point blocking the runway to prevent other competitors from jumping, then after entering the competition at 4.45m she failed to clear 4.65 and ended up teary eyed and in 10th place.

“I left there very upset because I felt that they had taken away my chance of a medal,” she said. “I had the third best mark in the world that year. For a month afterwards it was very difficult and I kept thinking:

Why me? “But then I thought, I need to be better prepared. That motivated me to keep training and improving.

“Today, I am calm about it. But I also pay more attention. The poles and the mat, they have to be at a certain height and a certain angle and when I compete now I examine them. I always check that my poles are all there before I warm up. I am more careful.” Murer has focused her entire training schedule on being in prime form for London, even missing out on the world indoor championship earlier this year to spend 40 days at a training camp in Portugal. An Olympic medal is her only goal for 2012.

However, she sheepishly acknowledges there is another competition in the back of her mind. In four years time, at the age of 35, she hopes to be competing for medals at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“I think the only motivation that will keep me going until 2016 is that the Olympics will be in Rio,” she said. “If it was anywhere else I wouldn’t even consider it but the thought of competing before my home crowd is amazing.” — Reuters

Leander ready for 100th rowing medal

SINGAPORE: This June 17, 2011 file photo shows Lin Dan of China returning a shot to Simon Santoso of Indonesia.

Widely considered the greatest badminton player of all time, China’s ‘Super Dan’ is a four-time world champion, five-time All England winner and the reigning Olympic gold medalist. — AP

New drugs available in runup to Games LONDON: During an informative and entertaining address to an anti-doping conference last month, German researcher Mario Thevis referred to “80, 90, 100” new performance-enhancing drugs for which no tests yet exist.

“They act like EPO (erythropietin) but they are structurally different and that means the current EPO tests will not pick them up,” he told delegates to the conference in London convened by worldsportslawreport.

Thevis added that “according to anecdotal evidence and rumors” the drugs, which replicate EPO’s blood-boosting qualities, were already used in elite sports.

EPO stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. This increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, allowing muscles to perform for longer.

News that up to 100 new drugs could be available in the runup to this year’s London Olympics will astonish only the naive. “It doesn’t surprise me,” responded World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) director-general David Howman. “We are in the area where we are into third and fourth generations and they continue to climb. Whether they are detectable or not depends on the ability of the individual laboratory.” One in two competitors will be tested during the London Games, including all medallists, and the estimated 400 daily tests are higher than any previous Olympics.

The problem will not be at the Games themselves, running from July 27-Aug. 12, but the months before in the eternal cat-and-mouse game between the dope cheats and the testers. “In terms of the programme that is in place for the Olympic Games, I think it is very good,” Howman said in a telephone interview with Reuters from WADA’s Montreal headquarters.

“The International Olympic Committee have got probably the most extensive programme they could possibly operate. From the day that athletes come into the opening of the village to the closing ceremony, that’s good.

“What we need is extensive pre-Games testing and we need all the samples that are collected to be tested for the full menu of substances.” EPO, the drug at the core of the 1998 Tour de France doping scandals, is a sore subject for WADA. Earlier this year, Howman said that out of 258,000 doping tests conducted in 2010 only 36 had turned up positives for EPO. “You can understand the frustration that I have been voicing over the past six months,” he said in the interview.

“We can do a little bit better than that and one of the reasons we don’t do better is that many of the samples are sent to the lab and the lab is asked not to analyse for EPO. That’s just outrageous.” Howman said there were a number of reasons why national anti-doping agencies or international federations did not want samples analysed for EPO. “One, we don’t want to pay the extra cost for EPO, two we don’t think we have a problem in our sport and three, maybe, is we don’t want to know what the results are going to be,” he said.“What we are getting is many, many samples not being analysed. That’s our suspicion that there were only 36 positive tests in 2010...that defies logic.”Another current headache for the testers is gene doping, the use of gene therapy to smuggle performance-enhancing drugs into a healthy body. Legitimate gene therapy introduces genes into the body to treat diseases.

Gene doping was included on WADA’s prohibited list in 2003 and in 2006 years former WADA president Dick Pound said: “You would have to be blind not to see that the next generation of doping will be genetic.” However, six years later there is still no test and there will be nothing in place at the London Games.—Reuters

HENLEY-ON-THAMES: A Leander member failing to win the club’s 100th Olympic rowing medal at the London Games is about as unlikely as spying a pink hippopotamus winging its way through the Henley skies.

Of course, those wanting a glimpse of such an unnatural beast can always find it in the many drawings and sculptures of the Leander mascot on display inside the Victorian clubhouse.

Leander’s oarsmen - and women since 1998 - have delivered medals by the boatload in more than a century of Olympic endeavour and are all set to bag another haul on home water this summer.

Just one more is needed for the ton. A wealth of nations, some 80 in all from Albania to Yemen by way of the Seychelles and Somalia, have never won an Olympic medal of any sort but, with 100 days to go until the Games start, the club has its place on the podium as good as reserved.

While Team GB has yet to confirm the crews for London, the line-up announced for the first World Cup regatta of the season next month has 27 Leander rowers in it half of the total.

So far 99 Olympic medals have been draped around the necks of the club’s rowers in the only sport that Britain has unfailingly struck gold in at every Games since 1984.

“Even if you take away the individual medals and do it simply by crew then GB Rowing, of which Leander is a major part, would still have more medals than most countries over the years,” press officer Dr. Robert Treharne Jones told Reuters in the 19th century clubhouse with its idyllic views over the river from the Berkshire side.

“Leander athletes typically form between a third and a half of the British team at any world championship or Olympic regatta,” added the rowing writer, broadcaster and club member.

The list of British Olympic greats to have competed in Leander ’s pink colours includes Steve Redgrave, who won five gold medals in five successive Games and four times champion Matthew Pinsent.

The actor Hugh Laurie, who rowed for Eton and Cambridge, is also a member as was his late father, Ran, a 1948 Olympic rowing gold medallist.

The lunch menu in the well appointed clubhouse offers belt-busting ‘crew specials’ for those following in such giant footsteps along with fine dining for less gargantuan appetites.

In the ground floor gym, a functional space a world away from the memorabilia and gilded memorials covering the upstairs walls, a simple banner reminds the current crop of hopefuls what they must live up to once the Games start on July 27.

“Welcome to Leander’s gym,” it declares.

“The home to 13 Olympic medallists in Beijing 2008.” Leander had 15 athletes in Beijing as part of the GB rowing team and all reached the finals, winning three golds,

LONDON: Giant Olympic rings made up of 25,000 flowers at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London with torchbearers, games makers, London 2012 festival participants and parents of TeamGB athletes to mark 100 days before the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games. — AP seven silvers and three bronzes.

Individual names are on the wooden panels of the honours board in the lobby, a display at least three metres long, but time and space is running out even for them.

Despite its size, the current panels go back only as far as 2004, such is the rate of success at Olympics, world championships and the annual Henley Royal Regatta which ranks alongside Ascot and Wimbledon as highlights of the British summer social calendar.

Older boards are moved upstairs to join a collection of shields dating back to 1840, some 22 years after the first recorded existence of the club whose founders were known without hyperbole as ‘The Brilliants’.

There are oars suspended overhead, some of them used in previous Olympics, while a staircase up to the 11 guest rooms sponsored by the likes of Harvard, Yale, Oxford and Cambridge, climbs past portraits of past presidents - many of them in brass-buttoned blazers.

The black and white photographs in the members’ bar of late Victorian and early 20th century crews winning the Regatta’s Grand Challenge Cup could almost have been taken yesterday, so little has changed outside.

Ironically, there is only one Olympic medal on display - a 1908 gold tucked away in the corner of a dining room in a cabinet made from the remains of an old boat and won by the late Charles Desborough Burnell, whose son Dickie also won Olympic rowing gold in the 1948 double sculls.

“The (1908) final was Leander versus the Belgians. And it was rowed out there,” said Treharne Jones, gesturing at the broad

stretch of river flowing beyond the towpath. “On the progress board, the top one said Leander and the bottom one said Belgium.”

In the 1912 Stockholm Games, the Leander eight won gold again after beating a crew from New College, Oxford. Sidney Swann was the only man in the Leander boat not to have attended Oxford University.

In Antwerp in 1920, Leander had to settle for silver after losing to an American eight. The 1948 Olympic rowing events were held on the river at Henley, a wellheeled town so steeped in the sport that passengers arrive at the train station on the Regatta Line, but the Games now require still water and purpose-built six-lane courses over 2,000m.

This year’s Olympic regatta will be held at Eton Dorney lake, near Windsor. “We are not an ordinary rowing club,” Treharne Jones recognised. “You can’t come and knock on the door and say ‘I’d quite like to learn to row’ and give it a stab.

“Having said that, we do teach people to row... we take guys from other sports who we think have potential if they can just be taught to row. We bring people like that into our development academy, swimmers, basketball players...”

To do that takes money, 400,000 pounds ($633,800) a year to fund the development programme with 270,000 pounds raised by membership subscriptions and the rest having to be generated through clubhouse activities and from sponsors.

The club can accommodate 75 athletes, but half of them will be in the Team GB setup and train at nearby Caversham.

The boathouse, (built in 1896), contains

stacks of yellow Empacher racing shells, the German-made Rolls Royce of rowing, with each eight costing between 25,000-30,000 pounds.

“Most ordinary clubs could only dream of an Empacher,” explained Treharne Jones.

“Our entire fleet is made up of them.”

In the old days, the club was very much a haven for gentlemen from the great British public schools, such as Westminster and Eton, and Oxford and Cambridge universities. The memorial board in the clubhouse to fallen members in both World Wars reads as a list of officers.

Leander remains elitist even now, but on sporting excellence rather than class or education. Pinsent went to Eton, but Redgrave attended a state comprehensive in nearby Marlow.

The club’s name, harking back to the Greek myth of the amorous Leander who drowned while swimming the Hellespont to be with his lover Hero, derives from a type of 19th century boat.

The star and the arrow, which feature in the full coat of arms, were also types of sixoared cutters that had clubs named after them in London where Leander was also founded. “The earliest recorded reference to rowing as Leander is 1818,” said Treharne Jones.

“Twenty years later along came Henley regatta in 1839 and Leander decided not to enter it first time because we wanted to see whether it came up to scratch.

“So we sent a chap along to ride alongside on horseback to see if it was OK. He apparently reported favorably so we entered the second year and won. And we’ve been winning at Henley ever since.”—Reuters

Rugby school inspired the founder of modern Games LONDON: For spiritual inspiration Baron Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympics, looked back to Olympia and the splendor of the ancient Greek Games. Across the channel, a less obvious source provided a more immediate influence for the diminutive French aristocrat with the impressive handlebar moustache.

At the age of 12 de Coubertin read a French translation of “Tom Brown’s Schooldays”, the classic tale of Rugby School and its renowned headmaster Thomas Arnold, first published in 1857. From that day on, Rugby School and Arnold helped nuture a vision which was to culminate in the 1896 Athens Games and the foundation of the modern Olympic movement. De Coubertin was an educationalist obsessed by what he regarded as the degeneracy of the French educational system after the humiliating defeat in the 1870 Franco-Prussian war.

Visits to a series of English schools convinced him of the value of organised games as a means of developing character, courage and self-reliance.

They also led him in 1890 to the Wenlock Olympian Games in the medieval Shropshire village of Much Wenlock, a multi-sports festival largely founded by another remarkable Victorian, the local doctor and

philanthropist William Penny Brookes.

The Wenlock Games have been been called the bridge between the ancient and the modern Olympics and one of the London 2012 mascots is called Wenlock. Arnold had been dead for more than 40 years when de Coubertin paid a visit to Rugby School in the 1880s and spent a night in the chapel holding vigil over his grave.

“My eyes fixed on the funeral slab on which, without epitaph, the great name of Thomas Arnold was inscribed,” de Coubertin wrote. “I dreamed that I saw before me the cornerstone of the British Empire.”

That cornerstone included sports which were in themselves influenced by the 19th century “muscular Christianity” movement which emphasised moral certainty and physical strength. Thomas Hughes, author of “Tom Brown’s Schooldays”, was a proponent of muscular Christianity and his book was intended as as a moral tract rather than than a novel. The School-house match, a forerunner of the game named after the school, the cross-country run, the fight and the cricket game are the sporting highlights. Flashman, the bully expelled for drunkeness, was to become an acclaimed and libidinous anti-hero in a series of novels by George MacDonald Fraser.—Reuters

LEXINGTON: This Sept. 28, 2010 file photo shows Hiroshi Hoketsu, of Japan, riding Whisper 115 during the Dressage event at the World Equestrian Games. At the age of 71, the Japanese equestrian rider will be the oldest competitor in London. — AP

18

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

S P ORT S

Knicks rout Celtics NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony had 35 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double as the New York Knicks made 19 3-pointers to preserve their Atlantic Division title hopes with a 118-110 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

JR Smith and Steve Novak both scored 25 points for the Knicks, who overcame a seasonhigh 43 points from Paul Pierce and moved into sole possession of seventh place in the Eastern Conference while trimming Boston’s division lead to 3 1/2 games. The Celtics would have wrapped up their fifth straight Atlantic title with a victory.

Instead, the Knicks staggered them with a record-tying 14 3pointers in a 72-point first half and equaled their season high by finishing 19 of 32 behind the arc.

They improved to 14-5 under interim coach Mike Woodson.

Spurs 112, Lakers 91 At Los Angeles, Tony Parker had 29 points and 13 assists, and Tim Duncan had 19 points and eight rebounds as San Antonio handed the Lakers their worst loss of the season.

Manu Ginobili scored 15 points as the Spurs improved their spot atop the Western Conference with their fourth straight win. They also snapped Los Angeles’ four-game winning streak while dominating a meeting of division leaders - albeit

with Kobe Bryant sitting out his sixth straight game to rest his bruised shin.

Andrew Bynum had 21 points and seven rebounds for the Lakers, while Matt Barnes and Pau

Gasol scored 16 points apiece.

Pacers 102, 76ers 97 At Philadelphia, Danny Granger scored 24 points, and Roy Hibbert had 15 points and 13

LOS ANGELES: Lakers center Andrew Bynum (17) watches the ball as San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (left) and Tony Parker (9) defend during the second half of their NBA basketball game. —AP

NBA results/standings Indiana 102, Philadelphia 97; Detroit 116, Cleveland 77; Ny Knicks 118, Boston 110; Memphis 91, Minnesota 84; NY Knicks 118, Boston 110; San Antonio 112, LA Lakers 91.

Boston NY Knicks Philadelphia New Jersey Toronto

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L 36 26 32 29 31 30 22 40 22 40

Chicago Indiana Milwaukee Detroit Cleveland

Central Division 46 15 40 22 29 31 23 38 20 40

Miami Atlanta Orlando Washington Charlotte

Southeast Division 43 17 36 25 36 25 15 46 7 53

PCT .581 .525 .508 .355 .355

.754 .645 .483 .377 .333

.717 .590 .590 .246 .117

GB 3.5 4.5 14 14

6.5 16.5 23 25.5

7.5 7.5 28.5 36

Western Conference Northwest Division 44 17 34 27 32 30 28 34 25 38

.721 .557 .516 .452 .397

10 12.5 16.5 20

LA Lakers LA Clippers Phoenix Golden State Sacramento

Pacific Division 39 23 38 23 32 29 22 38 20 41

.629 .623 .525 .367 .328

.5 6.5 16 18.5

San Antonio Memphis Dallas Houston New Orleans

Southwest Division 44 16 36 25 34 28 32 29 19 42

.733 .590 .548 .525 .311

8.5 11 12.5 25.5

Oklahoma City Denver Utah Portland Minnesota

rebounds to lead Indiana to its sixth straight win.

The Pacers won their fifth straight road game and 10th of 11 overall and seem to be hitting their stride as the postseason nears. The Pacers play their final four games at home and, barring a complete collapse, should earn the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Andre Iguodala scored 23 points for the Sixers in their third straight loss as they continue their late-season fade.

Pistons 116, Cavaliers 77 At Auburn Hills, Michigan, Brandon Knight had 28 points and seven assists as Detroit routed Cleveland in one of the NBA’s most lopsided games of the season.

Tayshaun Prince added 15 points for the Pistons and Jonas Jerebko scored 14. Detroit led 6138 at halftime and scored the first 16 points of the third quarter. It was 100-50 after three.

The Cavaliers were without rookie point guard Kyrie Irving, who was out with a right shoulder problem and hasn’t played since April 3. Irving could return Wednesday night against Philadelphia. Cleveland forward Alonzo Gee was a late scratch because of a left ankle sprain.

According to STATS LLC, the biggest blowout of the season was Portland’s 44-point victory over Charlotte on Feb. 1. Manny Harris led the Cavaliers with 18 points.

Grizzlies 91, T’wolves 84 At Minneapolis, Rudy Gay had 28 points and nine rebounds to help Memphis withstand a weak start to the fourth quarter and beat Minnesota for the eighth straight time.

JJ Barea scored a season-high 28 points on 5-for-9 shooting from 3-point range to go with eight assists and five rebounds, but the Timberwolves lost their 11th straight - and their 27th consecutive game in April. They have three more tries this season to stop that streak.

Zach Randolph added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who moved within two games of the Los Angeles Clippers for fourth place in the Western Conference and crept closer toward clinching a playoff spot. —AP

MONACO: Spain’s Rafael Nadal plays a return to Finland’s Jarkko Nieminen, during their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament. —AP

Djokovic and Nadal cruise at Monte Carlo MONACO: Seven-time defending champion Rafael Nadal and top-ranked Novak Djokovic got their clay-court seasons off to a good start with comfortable wins in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday.

Djokovic opened with a 6-1, 6-4 win against Andreas Seppi of Italy and his archrival Nadal followed up by beating Jarkko Nieminen of Finland 6-4, 6-3.

“I thought I was really focused first set. I had a tough opponent, obviously, a quality opponent that plays good on clay,” Djokovic said.

“For the first match (on clay) since Roland Garros last year, it was satisfying.”

Nadal looked a bit rusty at times after not playing a match for three weeks to rest and treat his troublesome left knee. He broke Nieminen’s serve four times, and had the match closed for him when the Finn double-faulted.

The Spaniard, who has not won a title since last year’s French Open and has lost seven straight tournament finals to Djokovic, next plays Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin.

Djokovic raced into a 4-0 lead after 19 minutes before Seppi started to fight back.

Djokovic ultimately improved to 7-0 against the Italian.

The Australian Open champion next faces Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine, who had 11 aces in his 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 win against Australian Bernard Tomic.

“Well, I think you expect the unexpected with (Dolgopolov),” Djokovic said. “He’s a very talented player, comes up with some shots that are not really typical for a tennis player. He comes up with some drop shots, changes the pace very much. That’s why he’s very dangerous on clay.”

The 23-year-old Dolgopolov is confident of causing an upset. Although he lost in straight sets to Djokovic in the fourth round of last year’s U.S. Open, the Serb had to work hard to take a tight first set in a tiebreaker that finished 16-14.

“After that, I think I can compete with him,”

Dolgopolov said. “I mean, he’s No. 1, I’m No. 21.

Obviously he’s higher in the ranking. He’s playing more consistent. But I think I have my chances.” Djokovic looked on course for an even easier win after the early double break put him in total control.

But in a long fifth game lasting 11 minutes, the Serb was finally tested as Seppi showed some form with a couple of big forehands and one lovely drop shot. Djokovic even had to save two break points at 15-40. Targeting Djokovic’s backhand, Seppi then won a long rally to force another break point, then wasted it with a hurried forehand into the net.

After another long sixth game, Seppi drew a cheer from the crowd after finally holding his serve. Djokovic quickly wrapped up the set when Seppi returned his second serve into the net.

“We had a couple of long games. But I think I served really well when I needed to,” Djokovic said. “That’s encouraging for the clay because you (can’t) rely on your serves as much as maybe other surfaces, so it’s good to have a couple of free points there.”

Both players held at the start of the second set before Djokovic stepped up the pace by breaking Seppi to love. Sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, No. 7 Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia and No. 8 Nicolas Almagro of Spain also won in straight sets.

Berdych beat big-serving Marin Cilic of Croatia 7-6 (3), 6-1; Tipsarevic won 6-2, 6-3 against Spain’s Albert Montanes, and Almagro downed Italy’s Potito Starace 7-6 (3), 6-1.

Kukushkin won 7-6 (8), 2-6, 6-2 against Italian veteran Filippo Volandri in a match featuring 10 breaks of serve, while Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka hit seven aces in beating Spain’s Pablo Andujar 7-5, 6-3. Also, Gilles Simon of France beat Frederico Gil of Portugal 6-3, 6-0 and next plays Tipsarevic. Frenchman Julien Benneteau will play Andy Murray in the third round after beating Jurgen Melzer of Austria 6-4, 6-3. —AP

Australia back on top after Chanderpaul falls PORT OF SPAIN: Shivnarine Chanderpaul fell agonisingly short of a century before Australian spinner Nathan Lyon destroyed the West Indian lower order to hand the momentum back to the visitors on the third day of the second test on Tuesday.

Chanderpaul was dismissed for 94 after surviving a dropped catch early in his innings. He led a West Indian fight back with a blend of defence and controlled aggression.

But his gritty per formance counted for little at the end of the day after the fragile West Indian

batting crumbled and the home side were reduced to 252 for nine at the close, still 59 behind Australia’s first innings of 311 in a low scoring match.

Lyon (5-68) triggered the collapse when he captured five wickets in a devastating spell late in the

TRINADAD: Australia’s David Warner (right) and Ed Cowan run between wickets during the fourth day of their second cricket Test match against West Indies. —AP

Scoreboard Scoreboard at the close of play on the third day of the second test between West Indies and Australia at Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad yesterday: Australia 1st innings 311 West Indies 1st innings (overnight 49-3) A. Barath lbw b Beer K. Brathwaite lbw b Hilfenhaus K. Powell lbw b Pattinson D. Bravo lbw b Hussey S. Chanderpaul lbw b Lyon N. Deonarine st Wade b Lyon C. Baugh not out D. Sammy c Hussey b Lyon

7 0 19 38 94 55 17 1

S. Shillingford c Cowan b Lyon 4 K. Roach c Wade b Lyon 0 F. Edwards not out 0 Extras (lb-8 w-1 nb-8) 17 Total (for nine wickets, 104 overs) 252 Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-26 3-38 4-100 5-230 6-231 7-237 8241 9-249.

Bowling: Beer 25-9-52-1, Hilfenhaus 16-4-39-1, Lyon 29-968-5, Pattinson 11-2-40-1 (nb-4), Hussey 6-1-19-1 (w-1), Watson 12-5-14-0, Warner 3-1-9-0, Clarke 2-0-3-0.

final session on an increasingly difficult Queen’s Park Road pitch.

Chanderpaul, who scored an unbeaten hundred in last week’s first test defeat in Barbados, shared a 130 run partnership with Narsingh Deonarine (55) to give West Indies hope of a first innings lead when the wheels suddenly fell off and they lost five wickets for just 19 runs.

Deonarine was stumped by Matthew Wade shortly after completing his third half-century in his 10th test then Lyon trapped Chanderpaul lbw with a ball that turned just enough to beat the inside edge. Darren Sammy (one), Shane Shillingford (four) and Kemar Roach (no score) then followed in quick succession, leaving Carlton Baugh (17 not out) and Fidel Edwards (no score) to battle through to the close.

Chanderpaul, a thorn in Australian sides for years, had been given a life on eight when the Australian skipper Michael Clarke failed to grasp a difficult chance at slip that deflected off Wade.

The unor thodox lefthander then made the Australians pay for the missed oppor tunity with a watchful 217-ball innings that featured 10 boundaries and a six, off leftarm spinner Michael Beer.

Deonarine also had a close shave early in his innings, scrambling home by a whisker to avoid being run out on the last ball before lunch.

The day began in bizarre circumstances when play was delayed for 20 minutes because of a power outage. The two teams walked on to the field as scheduled but were told by match referee Jeff Crowe to retreat back to the dressing room before a ball was bowled because there was no live television footage. Australia’s frontline bowlers failed to make any inroads in the morning session and it was left to par t-time seamer Mike Hussey to make the initial breakthrough, removing Darren Bravo for 38. Australia did not get another wicket until after tea when the second session was interrupted for around 90 minutes because of a passing rain shower. —Reuters

MOHALI: Kings XI Punjab batsman Shaun Marsh plays a shot against Kolkata Knight Riders during their Indian Premier League cricket match. —AP

Gambhir helps Kolkata defeat Punjab by 8 wkts MOHALI: Captain Gautam Gambhir struck a neat half-century as Kolkata Knight Riders scored an easy eight-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League yesterday.

The left-handed opener’s unbeaten 66 helped Kolkata exact revenge for the loss in a low-scoring game three days ago as it coasted to 127-2 in 16.3 overs in reply to Punjab’s 124-7 in the return game at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.

Gambhir smashed one six and seven fours off 44 balls and finished the game in the company of South African allrounder Jacques Kallis, who was 30 not out off 23 deliveries.

The Kolkata batsmen completed a clinical show after Brett Lee and Sunil Narine had led a disciplined bowling performance.

Australian speedster Lee grabbed 226 and West Indian spinner Narine 2-24 as Punjab was restricted to a moderate total after captain Adam Gilchrist had elected to bat on a sporting pitch.

Gilchrist himself was the highest scorer for the home side with an unbeaten

40, playing his innings in two parts as he retired hurt on 28 after pulling a hamstring while running during the sixth over.

Gilchrist, who came back to bat when Dmitri Mascarenhas was dismissed in the 17th over, struck one six and three fours in his 30-ball knock.

His Australian compatriot, Shaun Marsh, was the second highest scorer in the team score with 33 off 30 balls with four fours.

“My injury took the direction out of our innings,” Gilchrist said. “It is hard to say what was a good score on this wicket but we should have got some more runs.” It was the third win from six games for Kolkata. Punjab has two wins from five games.

Scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 127-2 in 16.3 overs (Gautam Gambhir 66 not out, Jacques Kallis 30 not out; Piyush Chawla 2-19) def. Kings XI Punjab 124-7 (Adam Gilchrist 40 not out, Shaun Marsh 33; Sunil Narine 2-24, Brett Lee 2-26). —AP

19

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

sp orts

Mourinho’s tactics questioned, hapless Coentrao under fire

LA PAZ: Challenged by Chile’s Universidad Catolica’s players Enzo Andia (right) and Matias Perez, Bolivia’s Bolivar’s Jhasmani Campos (center) falls down during a Copa Libertadores soccer match. —AP

Quito, Bolivar in knockout stage BUENOS AIRES: Deportivo Quito and Bolivar of Bolivia earned victories on Tuesday to reach the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.

Deportivo Quito defeated Mexico’s Guadalajara Chivas 5-0 in Group 7, and Bolivar downed Universidad Catolica 3-0 in Group 3.

Fourteen teams have now reached the knockout stage. The other two places will be decided today with Brazil clubs Santos and Internacional the favorites to advance.

Matias Alustiza scored four goals for Deportivo with the other coming from Fidel Martinez Tenorio. Alustiza scored in the 17th, 27th, 70th and 86th minutes.

Martinez Tenorio chipped in with a header in the 64th. In the day’s other Group 7 match, Defensor Sporting of Uruguay defeated Velez Sarsfield of Argentina 3-1.

Velez had already qualified and finished with 12 points in six matches.

Deportivo Quito finished with 10, Defensor nine and Guadalajara Chivas four. The top two teams in each group advance.

Andres Olivera gave Defensor Sporting the lead in the sixth minute.

Diego Rodriguez made it 2-0 in the 37th and Matias Britos capped the Uruguay scoring in the 46th. Federico Insua broke through for Velez in the 63rd with a penalty.

In Group 3, Bolivar took a 1-0 lead in the second minute with a goal by Pablo Javier Frontini, followed by goals from Walter Flores in the 27th and Damian Lizio in the 49th.

In the other Group 3 match, Junior of Colombia defeated Universidad Espanola of Chile 2-1. Universidad Espanola had already qualified and finished with 10 points. Bolivar improved to 10 points in second place followed by Junior with seven and Universidad Catolica with six.

Sherman Cardenas and Luis Alfonso Paez scored for Junior and Emiliano Vecchio got Universidad Espanola’s lone goal. Deportivo Quito and Bolivar are the 13th and 14th teams to reach the final 16.

The teams that had already advanced are: Lanus, Emelec, Universidad Espanola, Fluminense, Boca Juniors, Libertad, Vasco da Gama, Corinthians, Cruz Azul, Velez Sarsfield, Atletico Nacional and Universidad de Chile. —AP

MADRID: Real Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League reverse at Bayern Munich on Tuesday raised questions about the tactics of coach Jose Mourinho and prompted sharp criticism of hapless left back Fabio Coentrao.

After falling behind to a 17thminute Franck Ribery strike in the semi-final first leg in Germany, Real battled back to 1-1 when Mesut Ozil tapped in what could prove a priceless away goal eight minutes after the break at the Allianz Arena.

Instead of going in for the kill, Mourinho appeared willing to settle for a draw and hauled off creative pair Ozil and Angel Di Maria, replacing them with fullback Marcelo and defensive midfielder Esteban Granero.

Brazilian Kaka, a former World Player of the Year and the natural replacement for Ozil if the German was tiring, was left on the bench.

It might have worked out, securing a slight advantage for next week’s second leg in Madrid, but for another dreadful performance from Mourinho’s Portuguese compatriot Coentrao, for whom Real paid Benfica 30 million euros ($39.4 million).

Coentrao was unable to cope with tricky Bayern forwards Ribery and Arjen Robben and

allowed Philipp Lahm to skip past him and cross for Mario Gomez’s 90th-minute winner, sealing Real’s first defeat in Europe’s elite club competition this season.

Although he was given unequivocal backing by his coach and team mates, the latest belowpar performance from the 24year-old was rubbished in the Spanish sports media and he was ridiculed on Twitter.

Daily Marca noted that it was Coentrao, who was criticised

recently after being photographed smoking in public, who conceded the free kick that allowed CSKA Moscow to score a late equaliser in their last-16 first leg in February.

“The 30-million-euro fullback saved the best until last (against Bayern) when he was very late closing down Lahm, who was able to cross under no pressure for Mario Gomez to score,” the paper wrote sarcastically.

It also speculated whether the

Jose Mourinho

Benfica fans had erected a statue of their club president for convincing Real to pay so much for the Portuguese international, who had an unsuccessful stint on loan at La Liga side Real Zaragoza in the 2008-09 season.

Coentrao’s team mates preferred to focus on the positives from Tuesday’s game as they prepared for Saturday ’s La Liga ‘Clasico’ at bitter rivals Barcelona.

Centre back Pepe, another Portuguese, said Real’s “quality” should see them through to next month’s final, also in Munich, where they would meet holders Barca or Premier League side Chelsea, who play their first leg in London later yesterday.

“We believe in our strengths and I am convinced we will get to the final,” Ozil, who plays in the German national team with many of the Bayern players, told reporters.

“I am a bit sad about the defeat but I have a positive feeling,” the former Werder Bremen player added. “We’ll meet again in Munich.” Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who led Real to the Champions League title in 1998, will have noted Coentrao’s weaknesses and the Portuguese can expect another torrid time in Wednesday’s second leg - if he is selected. —Reuters

Reading secure promotion to EPL LONDON: Reading capped a remarkable run of form by securing promotion back to the Premier League on Tuesday after a 1-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest guaranteed a top-two finish in the Championship (second division).

Reading, who have taken 46 points from a possible 51 over their last 17 games, return to the top-flight four seasons after losing their place in 2008.

Fans flooded on to the pitch in celebration after a victory at the Madjeski stadium that moved Reading, beaten by Swansea in last season’s playoff final, on to 88 points from 44

matches, three ahead of nearest pursuers Southampton who won 3-1 at Peterborough.

“I’m delighted and It’s a great night for us.

It was a tough game tonight,” Reading manager Brian McDermott told BBC radio.

“I couldn’t see too much good in losing that playoff final at Wembley last year but perhaps this is meant to be. I’m not even bothered about the Premier League tonight, I’m just concerned about the players and staff. It’s a night for the fans.”

Southampton are poised to join Reading in gaining automatic promotion. The south coast club have a five-point advantage over

West Ham United, who could only draw 1-1 at Bristol City on Tuesday, with two matches remaining. The top two go up automatically and the next four teams go through to the promotion playoffs.

Mikele Leigertwood’s late goal gave Reading victory over Forest who could at least take some consolation in defeat. Results elsewhere meant former European champions Forest, in 19th place on 47 points, cannot be relegated.

Portsmouth (40 points), Coventry City (40) and already relegated Doncaster Rovers (33) occupy the bottom three places. —Reuters

Police called in to solve Real stars’ boots theft MUNICH: Munich police are investigating the theft of several pairs of boots belonging to Real Madrid’s stars which were stolen from Bayern Munich’s stadium before their Champions League clash.

Bayern’s Mario Gomez netted the winner in the 88th-minute on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena to seal Munich’s 2-1 victory over Real in the first-leg of their semifinal with the return leg in Madrid next Wednesday.

But Real had a nasty surprise just before kick-off as two pairs of boots and two jerseys belonging to Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo were stolen from the Madrid dressing room at the stadium.

A pair of boots belonging to Real’s Germany midfielder Mesut Ozil were also taken. Real have pointed the finger at Bayern, who have contacted the police to clear up the matter.

The crime may prove tricky to solve as there is no video camera surveillance in the changing rooms at the Allianz Arena.

“We are now trying to look at who can give us advice in the matter,” police spokesman Wolfgang Wenger confirmed to SID, an AFP subsidiary. “We are in contact with Real.”

According to Spanish daily sports paper Marca, Real have already complained to European football’s governing body UEFA. —AFP

Lyon’s top-three challenge fades PARIS: Lyon’s hopes of playing Champions League football next season receded sharply yesterday after a 3-0 loss at Toulouse left them six points behind third-placed Lille in Ligue 1 with only six games remaining.

Lyon were bidding to bounce back from Saturday ’s extra-time loss to Marseille in the League Cup final but another sterile performance saw them undone by goals from Pantxi Sirieix, Emmanuel Riviere and substitute Umut Bulut.

Victory for Toulouse, meanwhile, drew them level on points with fourthplaced Lyon, who now face a battle just to hold on to the consolation prize of a Europa League place.

However, OL can secure a Europa League berth by beating third-tier Quevilly in the French Cup final on April 28, while the fact that Lille must still play Montpellier and Paris SaintGermain gives them a glimmer of hope in the battle for third.

Lyon coach Remi Garde dropped Lisandro Lopez to the bench in order to match Toulouse’s 4-1-4-1 but his side fell behind in the ninth minute when after home volleyed Sirieix Mouhamadou Dabo failed to deal with Adrien Regattin’s cross.

Sirieix turned provider in the 22nd minute, shaping a cross into the box from the right that Riviere met with a firm header into the top-left corner.

Garde introduced Lisandro and Michel Bastos at half-time, while Yoann Gourcuff came on in the 63rd minute to

make his first league appearance since December 21 following a spell on the sidelines with a groin injury.

The substitutes did not make the required impact, however, and Bulut broke the visitors’ offside trap in the 91st minute before lifting the ball over Hugo Lloris to seal Lyon’s 11th defeat of the season.

Marseille’s run of games without victory in Ligue 1 now stands at 11 after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Caen that left OM 10th and took the visitors a point clear of the relegation zone.

Caen went ahead in the 11th minute, with M’Baye Niang intercepting Nicolas N’Koulou’s attempted pass and crossing for Frederic Bulot to score at the second attempt.

Loic Remy equalised 15 minutes later, claiming his 11th league goal of the season from the penalty spot after a handball by Alexandre Raineau. —AFP

Matches on TV (Local Timings) UEFA Europa League Atletico v Valencia Aljazeera Sport 1 HD Aljazeera Sport +4

22:05

Lisbon v Bilbao Aljazeera Sport 2 HD

22:05

KUWAIT: United Friends Club and Rising Stars with the chief guest.

UFC prove superior in opener GOA Rolling Trophy KUWAIT: The opening match of the 18th edition of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company, was held on last Friday at the MOH Ground (Shuwaikh) and a strong United Friends Club (UFC) overcame a new look Rising Stars 4-0, who put up a spirited fight but were finally no match for their more fancied rivals.

The final result however does not reflect the actual action on the field with Rising Stars boasting of a few new and youthful recruits making the initial attempts on the UFC goal and goalkeeper Martin had to use all his experience in keeping a clean slate. But it was against the run of play that Seby Mascarenhas of UFC put his team in the front by scoring a fine goal to end the first half 1-0 in favor of UFC. In the second half, the inexperience of the Rising Stars players showed and UFC sealed their place for the second round with goals from Manual Dcosta, Abdulla Ziaueen and Hemmanth Mohan, the last two goals coming in the dying minutes of the game.

Earlier before the start of the match, the chief guest Charles D’Sa, the Managing Director of Bassem International Trading Company was welcomed with a bouquet of flowers and introduced to the players by G.O.A President Raymond D’Sa, along with KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes and other Club representatives.

A total of 19 teams participating in this prestigious tournament have been clubbed into two groups with last year’s champions

Goa Maroons and Runners-Up Navelim Youth Centre seeded in Group A and B respectively.

Teams in Group A are: Gulf Cable FC, Don Bosco Oratory, Indian Strikers FC, Real Betalbatim FC, Skynet Raiders SC, Kuwait Goan Association, C.R.C Chinchinim, FC Sparx, Santos United and Goa Maroons. Group B is made up of: Curtorcares United, AVC Sports &

C.A, Rising Stars, United Friends Club, DHL F.C, Santos FC, United Goans Centre, Malabar United FC and Navelim Youth Centre.

Coming Friday, 20th April 2012, there will be two matches only from group A with Indian Strikers taking on Real Betalbatim F.C at 6:30am followed by Kuwait Goan Association playing C.R.C Chinchinim at 8:00am.

KUWAIT: United Friends Club team

Djokovic and Nadal cruise at Monte Carlo

Girl’s nose broken by Gayle six

18

15

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

Mourinho’s tactics questioned, hapless Coentrao under fire Page 19

LONDON: Chelsea’s Didier Drogba reacts after scoring a goal against Barcelona. — AP

LONDON: Chelsea’s Jon Obi Mikel (right) tackles Barcelona’s Lionel Messi during their Champions League semifinal first leg soccer match at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium.— AP

Drogba strikes as Chelsea stun Barca LONDON: Didier Drogba scored the only goal as Chelsea stunned holders Barcelona to score a 1-0 upset victory in their Champions League semi-final first-leg match here yesterday.

Drogba left Chelsea dreaming of advancing to their first final since 2008 in next week’s return leg at Camp Nou after pouncing on the stroke of halftime as Barcelona suffered their first European reverse of the season.

Drogba’s goal was Chelsea’s only attempt on target in a match where Barcelona carved out chance after chance only to be denied by some desperate defending by their Premier League opponents.

Chelsea had taken the lead in first-half injurytime after an opening 45 minutes in which they had been comprehensively outplayed by the visi-

tors. Frank Lampard released Ramires down the left flank with a superb cross-field pass and the Brazilian threaded his pass across the area to Drogba, who swept a low shot past scrambling Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes.

Until then, Chelsea had been clinging on as Barcelona dominated for long periods with their customary slick passing game.

The Catalans might have taken the lead after only nine minutes when Andres Iniesta picked out Alexis Sanchez with a delightful chipped pass, only for the Chilean international’s lob over Petr Cech to hit the bar. Chelsea, who had opted for the muscular presence of Drogba in attack ahead of Fernando Torres, signalled their intentions early on, pumping a series of long balls forward for the Ivorian.

However, genuine chances for Chelsea were few and far between while at the other end Cech was working overtime in the face of a relentless Barca.

Cech had to be alert on 18 minutes after Lionel Messi darted into the box and cut back for Iniesta, whose fierce low shot was well saved by the Chelsea custodian before Cesc Fabregas scuffed his follow-up wide.

Fabregas tested Cech soon afterwards, his angled shot beaten away on 26 minutes. Cech was pressed into action two minutes later, saving after Messi met a Sanchez cross with a downward header. A goal seemed a certainty two minutes from the half-time when Messi won the ball in midfield and raced forwards menacingly.

The Argentinian threaded his pass through to

Late Adelaide winner spare Aussie blushes SINGAPORE: A last-gasp winner lifted Adelaide United to the top of their group and spared Australian blushes in the AFC Champions League yesterday.

Bruce Djite’s 90th-minute header handed the 2008 runnersup a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Pohang Steelers and made up for the 5-0 mauling handed out to Australia’s Central Coast Mariners

by Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma.

A-League champions Brisbane Roar had also seen their Asian campaign all but ended on Tuesday. But in Adelaide, goalkeepercaptain Eugene Galekovic led by example as the Reds pulled off a vital win.

Galekovic, who had spoken of his determination to make up for his howler away against Pohang, when he was at fault for a game-deciding own goal credited to Djite, pulled off a spectacular one-handed save early in the match.

And the intervention was to prove critical when Djite rose in the dying seconds to head Brazilian midfielder Cassio’s cross into the corner of the net, snatching all three points for the hosts.

“It’s an uplifting performance,” said Adelaide’s acting coach Luciano Trani. “This sets us up in a very good position to qualify.”

With two games to play, Adelaide now lead Group E by three points from Pohang and Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor, who beat 2008 winners Gamba Osaka 3-2 in Tashkent.

The teams swapped early goals before Lutfulla Turaev’s looping header gave Bunyodkor the lead on 41 minutes. Anvarjon Soliev slid home their third on 81 minutes before Hiroyuki Abe reduced the arrears deep into injury-time.

Pohang are edging Bunyodkor for second solely on goal-difference, but coach Hwang Sun-Hong was optimistic his team would make the round-of-16 knock-out stage, featuring the top two from each group, which will be played next month.

“Of course it feels very sad,” said Hwang. “But we must make sure we play with a purpose in this group stage.” In Group G, Seongnam went top on goal difference from Nagoya Grampus thanks to their 5-0 demolition of Australia’s Central Coast. Lee Chang-Hoon opened the scoring on 39 minutes and Brazilian Everton Santos struck in each half.

J-League side Nagoya missed the chance to stay top when they drew 0-0 with China’s Tianjin Teda. Japanese international striker Keiji Tamada fluffed a penalty in a match that left coach Dragan Stojkovic fuming.

“No good, no good. No good play, no good performance,” he

Fabregas, who dinked his shot over the advancing Cech. The former Arsenal star’s effort just appeared to be spinning in but Ashley Cole was on hand to hook the ball clear.

That appeared to be the final twist of the half until Drogba’s dramatic strike shot Chelsea into the lead two minutes into time added on.

Unsurprisingly, Chelsea’s goal was the cue for a sustained Barca onslaught after the break, yet the home side once again were able to frustrate the visitors despite their near-monopoly of possession.

Adriano was the first to test Chelsea again on 51 minutes, skipping over a challenge from Branislav Ivanovic and unleashing a venomous shot that Cech, diving at full stretch, parried to safety.

Moments later it was Messi’s turn, advancing

forwards only for his shot to be well blocked by John Terry. On 57 minutes Barcelona threatened again when Fabregas lofted a sublime pass into the area for Sanchez, but a desperate covering tackle from Cole was enough to unbalance the Chilean, who shot wide.

Barcelona continued to dominate but with Chelsea defending deep and in numbers, they were unable to find a breakthrough.

They came close to an equaliser on 87 minutes but once again Cech came to the rescue. Messi whipped in a low free-kick and Carles Puyol stooped to glance a header goalwards, only for Cech to dive and turn behind for a corner.

In stoppage time Pedro struck the woodwork and then Sergio Busquets blazed over as Chelsea hung on for a famous win. — AFP

Preview

Sporting and Valencia to kick off in Europa League

SOUTH KOREA: South Korea’s Seongnam Ilhwa’s Vladimir Jovancic (left) fights for the ball against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners’ Alex Wilkinson during their Group G match of the AFC Champions League.— AP said. “I’m angry, because my players didn’t play seriously, so they have to understand that every game they have to give 100 percent. Today we didn’t play 100 percent.”

Tamada fired his penalty wide after substitute midfielder Yuki Maki was brought down in the box 13 minutes into the second half. The home side were weakened by suspensions, and a back injury to Australia striker Josh Kennedy.

Al Jazira of the UAE became the first team to confirm their place in the last 16 when they battled back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Esteghlal in Group A. Arash Borhani put the Iranian side ahead midway through the first half but Brazilian forward Ricardo Oliveira levelled for the hosts in the 63rd minute to give them the point that they needed to secure their passage into the knockout stage for the first time.

They also became the first United Arab Emirates club to qualify for the knockout stage since Al Wahda in 2007. — AFP

MADRID: While Barcelona and Real Madrid chase a “clasico” Champions League final, Sporting Lisbon is the only team that’s keeping Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid and Valencia from making the Europa League finale an all-Spanish affair.

Valencia travel to Atletico for the first leg of their semifinal today, when Athletic play at Sporting looking to maintain its status as competition favorite.

Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has managed to get the most out of Bilbao’s young, talented squad, whose brazen and fearless displays have seen the allBasque club eliminate Manchester United and Schalke from the competition.

But not to be outdone, Sporting ended big-spending Manchester City’s European ambitions by eliminating it from the quarterfinals to ensure a second straight all-Iberian final. It’s just a question of whether it will be the second all-Spanish final in five years.

Bilbao already has a date with Barcelona in May’s Copa del Rey final, and knows reaching the May 9 final in Bucharest would make this one of its most successful seasons ever. Bilbao is without a trophy since a league-cup double in 1984, and it’s looking to reach a European final for the first time since losing the UEFA Cup to Juventus in 1977.

“We have to play like ourselves as we always do,” midfielder Ander Iturraspe said. “We’re not going to speculate on the result, we’re going there to win, to give it our all like we always do.”

While fatigue and a taxing schedule seems to have impacted Bilbao’s league hopes, it hasn’t shown any dips in concentration in continental play. Athletic is unbeaten in the last five games in the tournament and has won four of their six away matches.

Bilbao can also count on the return of forward Iker Muniain, who missed Sunday’s 1-0 win with an eye problem, plus midfielder Carlos Gurpegui, who was included in the squad for the first time since a knee

injury sidelined him in October. Defender Javi Martinez is suspended, but Bielsa still included him the team.

“We have experience with difficult games,” said Iturraspe, one of Bilbao’s surprise standouts under Bielsa. Sporting’s domestic form has improved since Ricardo Sa Pinto took over as coach after the firing of Domingos Paciencia, who had led Braga to the final against FC Porto last year.

Sporting is at full strength with only defender Oguchi Onyewu absent with a long-term knee injury ahead of the teams’ first meeting since the 1985-86, season when the Portuguese club emerged victorious over two legs. It is looking to return to its first final since losing to CSKA Moscow in 2005.

Only Atletico has scored more goals than Athletic in the competition ahead of their rematch of a 2010 quarterfinal, which Atletico won en route to beating Fulham in the final.

Atletico striker Radamel Falcao scored his 30th goal in all competitions in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, and has a chance to finish as the competition’s top scorer following Klass-Jan Huntelaar’s exit with Schalke. Huntelaar leads with 10 goals, two better than Falcao, who scored the only goal for Porto in the final last year for his record 18th of the tournament.

Atletico playmaker Diego is available at the Vicente Calderon stadium but will have to be careful as a booking will rule him out of the next week’s return leg and the final.

Valencia has to recover from Sunday’s 4-0 drubbing

by Espanyol, with forward Sergio Canales available after returning from a long-term knee injury.

“We know we have to improve in a lot of aspects between now and Thursday,” Canales said. “The most important thing is to lift our heads up and try to tap into that dynamic we showed before that game.” — AP

Business

HSBC merges Oman’s unit with local lender Page 23 Euro zone debt fears pressure euro, shares Page 24

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

Slower takaful growth prompts strategy rethink

Page 26

Spain warns Argentina over Repsol takeover Page 25

CALIFORNIA: A man walks by Yahoo! headquarters in Sunnyvale, California. — AP

Yahoo shows signs of life

News

in brief

Yahoo beats targets, reports rare revenue growth SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo reported an uptick in revenue that marked its first quarterly sales growth in three years, as new Chief Executive Scott Thompson outlined his plan to revamp the struggling Web company. Citing moves to shut down dozens of underperforming online properties, while making online commerce and mobile products a bigger part of Yahoo’s business, Thompson described “the first steps” to regain market share from online rivals and revive the company’s growth.

“I’m convinced that we don’t need to reinvent who we are,” Thompson said during a conference call with analysts on Tuesday. “But I’m equally convinced we absolutely do need to reinvent the experiences our users have with the marquee properties that bring them to Yahoo every day.” Thompson also said that Yahoo was once more exploring ways to “monetize” some of its stake in China’s Alibaba Group.

Shares of Yahoo increased 2.7 percent to $15.41 in after hours trading on Tuesday. The comments marked the most extensive details

Thompson has provided about his strategy since taking the top job at Yahoo in January.

But the former PayPal president faces a high wall of skepticism from investors who have watched several failed attempts to restructure and revitalize the one-time Web pioneer in recent years. Carol Bartz, Thompson’s immediate predecessor, was fired over the phone in September. “I didn’t hear anything particularly aggressive or transformative in what he said,” said Macquarie Research analyst Ben Schachter.

“While Scott has a great track record, the company itself has done many of these things,” in the past, Schachter said. Yahoo said its net income grew 28 percent in the three months ended March 31 to $286 million, or 23 cents a share, outpacing Wall Street expectations of 17 cents a share. Much of the increase in quarterly profit came from Yahoo’s earnings in equity interests, which more than doubled year-on-year and comprise mainly its investments in Alibaba as well as Yahoo Japan. “Their minority stake in their invest-

ments is generating more profit than their core business,” said BGC Partners analyst Colin Gillis.

ASIAN TALKS Yahoo’s plans for its Asian assets are being closely watched by investors, many of whom have argued that Yahoo should sell all or part of its holdings in the companies. Thompson told analysts that Yahoo was exploring a simpler deal to try and “monetize” its 40 percent slice of China’s Alibaba, a stake valued at billions of dollars and that Yahoo once discussed unloading in a complex tax-efficient transaction.

Thompson did not elaborate, but his comments suggest the company-which broke off deal talks with Alibaba and Softbank last year-was willing to go back to the negotiating table. He said that returning cash to shareholders, in the event of such a deal, would be at the “top of the list” of priorities. Thomson also noted that plans to monetize its stake in Yahoo Japan, underway for more than a year,

have been beset by a “valuation gap” which the parties have failed to bridge. As a result, Thompson said, Yahoo was now focused on talks with Alibaba. Yahoo said that betterthan-expected performance for its search ads helped the company increase its quarterly net revenue year-on-year for the first time since the third quarter of 2008.

Yahoo’s core display advertising business declined 4 percent during the first quarter.

The company’s net revenue, which excludes payments to partners, totaled $1.077 billion in the first quarter, compared to $1.064 billion in the year-ago period. It forecast net revenue in the second quarter of between $1.03 billion and $1.14 billion. Once one of the Web industry’s pioneering companies, Yahoo has seen its growth stunted in recent years amid competition from Google and Facebook.

Thompson, the former president of PayPal who took the reins in January, announced plans this month to lay off 14 percent of Yahoo’s staff and reorganize the management structure. — Reuters

Investors give thumbs down to Citigroup’s executive pay NEW YORK: Citigroup has become the first Wall Street bank to get a thumbs-down from shareholders over outsized executive pay. At its annual meeting Tuesday, 55 percent of the bank’s shareholders voted against the pay packages that have been granted to Citigroup’s top executives, including CEO Vikram Pandit’s $15 million for last year and $10 million retention pay. The vote is advisory and won’t force the bank to change its pay practices, but it did send a powerful message of discontent to Citi’s leadership.

“This vote is historic,” said Eleanor Bloxham, CEO of The Value Alliance, a board advisory firm. “None of the Wall Street firms have received this kind of a review yet.” Wall Street’s massive compensation packages have raised the ire of shareholders for years, especially when they appear to have little relation to the performance of specific executives. Bonuses became a flashpoint of public outrage after the 2008 financial meltdown, which was caused in large part by those same Wall Street firms.

Nonetheless, compensation on Wall Street has remained high, even after a taxpayer-funded bailout of the industry and the Great Recession that followed and left one in 10 Americans unemployed. Until Tuesday, shareholders haven’t voted in large enough numbers against Wall Street pay packages to make a difference. Under the Dodd-Frank financial overhaul law, major US companies are required to allow shareholders to have a “say on pay” vote at least every three years. The votes are not binding.

Besides Citi so far this year, only three companies - KB Home, International Game Technology Inc. and Actuant Corp - have failed to muster shareholders’ approval of its pay practices. Last year, 41 companies failed. For Citigroup’s CEO Vikram Pandit, the lost vote at the annual meeting comes at a bad time. Last month the bank’s chief regulator the Federal Reserve dealt Citi a huge setback by barring

the company from paying a higher dividend, saying the bank wasn’t financially strong enough. The Fed’s decision came soon after Pandit had been promising to raise dividends.

Pandit’s large pay package for 2011 and a large retention pay is not going over well with shareholders. He received $14.8 million in total compensation for 2011, up from his token $1 compensation in 2010. Pandit was also awarded $10 million in retention pay, which vests after 2013. Paid as an incentive for Pandit to stay on as CEO, Citi’s compensation committee will assess him not on financial performance, but on non-quantifiable measures such as talent management, organizational culture and risk management.

“Citigroup is one of most egregious example of disconnect between incentives of top management and value creation of shareholders,” said Mike Mayo, bank analyst at brokerage firm CLSA and author of the book “Exile on Wall Street.” “The owners of the big banks, namely the shareholders, are finally taking a greater amount of responsibility by speaking up.” The influential corporate governance firm ISS was particularly concerned about the fact that Pandit’s retention pay was not linked to any financial metrics. ISS had recommended that investors vote against Citi’s compensation package.

ISS also said in a report that Pandit’s pay was higher relative to the performance of its peer group and its total shareholder returns.

Since Pandit became CEO in December 2007 through the end of 2011, Citigroup stock was down 90 percent. Citigroup nearly collapsed during the financial crisis and was rescued by $45 billion in bailout money from the government in late 2008. In February 2009, Pandit said he would accept a salary of $1 until the bank was able to turn a profit. The bank has reported profits for two consecutive years now. However, shareholders didn’t seem to agree that it was time to handsomely reward management yet.—AP

NEW DELHI: Wholesale grain, pulses and spices sellers wait for customers at a grain market in New Delhi. India’s headline inflation rose 6.9 percent in March, faster than expected. — AP

India urged to tackle inflation WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund urged India to keep policy rates on hold until high inflation is on a downward trend and to take steps to boost economic growth. The IMF’s annual economic health-check of India’s economy stressed that the biggest challenge for the authorities was to bring growth back to its potential and lower inflation. Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of India announced its first interest rate cut in three years by an unexpectedly sharp 50 basis points to boost its economy.

Some IMF directors appeared to disagree on the underlying reason for the slow down in India, arguing that it is difficult to attribute it to economic “structural factors”. The IMF forecast that the economy would grow at about 7 percent in 2012 and

2013, down from the 8.4 percent levels of the last two years. It said inflation was projected to fall in the near term, but to stay above the Reserve Bank of India’s objective.

“The main domestic risk is a further weakening of private investment if government approvals do not accelerate, reform efforts are not reinvigorated, and inflation remains high and volatile,” the IMF said in a statement. Economic reforms and fiscal consolidation were crucial to address constraints to growth and reduce inflationary expectations, the global lender said. It said India’s plans to develop infrastructure, improving access to credit and making the labor market more flexible were some measures the government could adopt to ensure the country’s growth potential remains intact. — Reuters

Abraaj eyes Saudi DUBAI: Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj Capital is looking at three to four investments in Saudi Arabia valued up to $150 million each, a senior executive said yesterday. The Middle East’s largest private equity firm will close one of these deals in the next three to four months, Ahmed Badreldin, senior partner at Abraaj, said on the sidelines of an industry event in Dubai. “We are looking at three investments in Saudi Arabia currently. The equity contribution in those transactions would be between $100 to $150 million each,” said Badreldin. Abraaj has been pushing to expand its geographical footprint and recently bought UK-based specialist fund manager Aureos Capital. It is also investing $125 million in a Moroccan insurance holding firm. Founded a decade ago, Abraaj has raised $7 billion since its inception. It owns stakes in a range of Middle East companies including Orascom Construction, budget carrier Air Arabia, supermarket Spinneys and education group GEMS. Halliburton profit up 22.7% NEW YORK: Halliburton Co said yesterday its first-quarter profit increased 22.7 percent as the oil industry aggressively searched for new oil fields in North America. The Houston oil services firm reported net income of $627 million, or 68 cents per share, for the first three months of the year. That compares with $511 million, or 56 cents per share, for the same part of 2011.

Revenue increased by 30 percent to a company record of $6.87 billion. Excluding a $300 million charge for estimated losses related to its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Halliburton said it earned 88 cents per share. The results topped analyst expectations for earnings of 85 cents per share on revenue of $6.79 billion, according to FactSet. Halliburton shares rose 2 percent in premarket trading. Halliburton provides a variety of services for the oil industry. It helps evaluate how much oil and gas can be pumped from a well, for example, and it sells drill bits and specialized pressure pumping services that unlock oil and gas from underground rock.

Islamic bond program DUBAI: Banque Saudi Fransi has established a $2 billion Islamic bond, or sukuk, program, a regulatory filing on the London Stock Exchange showed. Citigroup, Credit Agricole, Deutsche Bank and Saudi Fransi Capital are arrangers and dealers on the program, the April 17 prospectus showed. Earlier this month, the bank reported a 10 percent rise in first quarter profit on the back of improved operating income, beating analyst estimates.

Although domestic riyal-denominated sukuk issuance has risen dramatically this year so far, with a mammoth $4 billion equivalent sale from General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA), Saudi borrowers are no so active in global debt markets. But many - especially investmentgrade corporates - would find substantial demand. In March, Saudi Electricity Co reportedly received orders in excess of $15 billion for a $1.75 billion sukuk issue. HSBC in a recent report estimated Middle East sukuk issuance in 2012 at over $14 billion, as investor demand and the relatively lower volatility of the asset class drive sales.

Alstom inks Iraq deal BAGHDAD: French engineering group Alstom signed a 50 million euros ($65.7 million) contract to rehabilitate a gas-fired power station in Iraq, it said in a statement yesterday. Alstom will work on two units of the Khor Al Zubair station in the southern city of Basra, adding 60 MW to the power supply. The first unit will be reconnected in 2012 and the second before the summer of 2013, the company said. Nine years after the US-led invasion that toppled dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s electricity grid still provides only intermittent power and little progress has been made increasing the output from its vast oil and gas fields.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

BUSINESS

Moneysupermarket benefits as Brits hunt for deals Q1 internet revenue up 14%: Shares down 1.4% LONDON: Price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com Group said its money and insurance segments had made a strong start to the year, boosting earnings and off-seting a slowdown in travel by cash-strapped Britons. The company said first quarter internet revenue was 14 percent higher than a year earlier and core earnings were 12 percent ahead, ensuring the company performed in line with the board’s expectations during the period. Moneysupermarket, whose website had 140 million visitors last year, also said yesterday that it had made a good start to the second quarter of the year

with revenue and profitability rates both up relative to the first three months of the year.

With British disposable incomes squeezed by rising prices, muted wage growth and government austerity measures, Moneysupermarket has benefited from shoppers actively looking for promotional deals to make their money go further. The company said revenues from its Money unit, where consumers can compare banking products such as credit cards and mortgages, were particularly strong, rising 22 percent versus last year after a 20 percent jump in visitor volumes.

Moneysupermarket said its insurance division also performed well, with revenues up 13 percent on the back of a 9 percent rise in visitor numbers. It described revenues at its Home Services unit, where people can compare utility prices, as being fractionally higher.

However, the travel segment, which has struggled over the past year, continues to decline with fewer holiday makers seeking deals on the website. Revenues and visitor numbers both fell 11 percent as a result of weak consumer spending on discretionary items that has also seen big travel operators such as Thomas Cook suf-

fer. The company said, however, that its new package holidays channel was performing well. “MoneySupermarket.com has made a good start to 2012. We have seen solid growth in our Money and Insurance businesses as consumers continue to use us to make their money go further,” said Peter Plumb, chief executive of Moneysupermarket.

Visitor numbers for the website across all the segments were 15 percent higher than the first quarter of 2011.

“Momentum continues to build and this update provides further evidence to support the structural market growth oppor-

HSBC launches yuan bond issue

IMF inches toward deal on boosting bailout funds Japan, Sweden, Denmark commit to emergency funds WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund appeared to be inching toward a deal on increasing its financial firepower on Tuesday, with Japan, Sweden and Denmark committing a total of $77 billion to help contain the euro zone’s debt crisis. The pledges were made ahead of meetings of global finance chiefs in Washington this week that will focus on additional funds for the IMF, an issue that has taken on fresh urgency, given a jump in borrowing costs in Spain and Italy this week. Their renewed borrowing woes have reignited fears that the euro-zone crisis is about to flare again.

While a deal may not be fully fleshed out by the time the meetings wrap up on Saturday, it is possible that the G20 developed and emerging nations could agree on the amount of funds needed and leave it to a leaders’ summit in Mexico in June to hammer out details. In an inter view with Reuters, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble played down concerns that Spain could be the next euro-zone country to seek a bailout. He expressed optimism that the G20 will increase IMF resources by $400 billion by the time the meetings conclude.

US Treasury Under Secretary Lael Brainard said Europe must commit to do whatever it takes to address its debt problems, but should be careful to avoid a “downward spiral of austerity and recession.” She reiterated that Washington has no intention to throw more money in the IMF’s pot. A number of emerging market economies, including China, Brazil and Russia, are also being cautious about ponying up money, although the funds would be designated to help countries outside of Europe.

These economies want firm commitments that any new resources will be accompanied by more voting power in the global lender.

They have been frustrated with the slow pace of governance reforms. The United States is holding up approval of vote reforms agreed in 2010 that would make China the IMF’s thirdlargest shareholder and boost voting shares for Brazil and India. Negotiations have already begun on the next stage of voting reform, which is expected to be completed in 2013.

Brainard said the United States would seek congressional approval for the quota reform “at an appropriate time.”

WILL OTHERS FOLLOW? On Tuesday, Japan pledged $60 billion to the IMF, becoming the first non-European nation to commit to strengthen the fund’s financial arsenal. Sweden said it was ready to immediately commit $10 billion and increase the amount to $14.7 billion later, while Denmark said it would give $7 billion. Norway pledged $9.6 billion in December. “Together, they set the stage for decisive progress to be made by the time of the spring meeting of our global membership later this week,” IMF Managing Director Christine

Lagarde said in a statement.

In an interview with Italy’s main financial newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, Lagarde said she hoped to “reach the critical mass of more than $400 billion,” although she said sealing a deal might take longer. The IMF has scaled back estimates for its funding needs in recent weeks,

tunity and medium term scope for progression,” Mark Fleetwood, analyst at N+1 Brewin, said in a note to clients.

Fleetwood said his forecasts were unchanged following the statement but that he had changed his rating on Moneysupermarket shares to “hold” from “add” and stuck with a 140 pence price target following a recent strong run for the stock. Shares in the company, which had gained 29 percent since the start of the year, were down 1.4 percent at 133.8 pence by 0739 GMT, slightly underperforming a 0.1 percent weaker FTSE 250 index. — Reuters

participate in the fundraising effort. Brainard said the United States believed the IMF had “very adequate core resources” to deal with global challenges. Canada has also said it would not contribute. Japanese Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Tokyo’s contribution, which will be formally announced at the G20 meeting, would

LONDON: HSBC Bank yesterday launched a bond issue denominated in the Chinese renminbi (RMB), or yuan, saying it was a benchmark move towards the yuan eventually becoming a reserve currency. The security also dovetailed into a new initiative by some leading banks, the British government and Bank of England, to develop London as an international “hub” for renminbi securities, HSBC said. “The internationalization of the RMB is simply too important to ignore,” it added.

Development of an offshore market for the renminbi was the way for the currency to develop into a “major global trading, financing and investment currency, and eventually a global reserve currency,” HSBC said.

It expected the renminbi bond market to amount to 1.0 trillion renminbi ($159 billion) within three years. Leading western governments have pressed China for years to allow the yuan to rise to reflect market pressures and the strength of the Chinese economy, and to alleviate global financial imbalances which were a key factor behind the financial crisis. China has begun easing its corset around the yuan exchange rate, and many analysts say that sooner or later the yuan is bound to take on a more international role.

HSBC said in a statement on its website: “The three year RMB-denominated bond, issued by HSBC Bank plc, is the first of its kind to be launched outside Chinese sovereign territory and to be issued from and distributed within Europe and Asia. “It is being launched in London and listed on the London Stock Exchange with the aim of tapping the growing pool of RMB liquidity across Europe.” HSBC, one of the leading banks in Europe and with a strong historic presence in Asia, said: “London, with its leading role in global FX (foreign exchange) markets and its position as the preeminent global treasury centre, stands to play an important part in the growth of this market.

“HSBC’s bond issue this morning coincided with the creation of a new initiative to develop London as an international RMB hub.” The initiative, organized by the City of London, involved representatives from five major banks, including HSBC, and was supported by the British treasury, the Bank of England and the Financial Ser vices Authority. “Its aim is to deliver a strategy for London to become a centre for RMB products and services, complementing Hong Kong, and seizing some of the significant opportunities which this new market represents,” HSBC said. — AFP

Italian govt puts back balanced budget goal

SHANGHAI: Containers stack up at the Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai. The International Monetary Fund has maintained its growth target for China at above eight percent for this year and next, despite a slowdown in the world’s second largest economy. — AFP saying that the risks to the global economy it foresaw last year had not materialized. Still, on Tuesday it warned that the world economy faced an “uneasy calm” and was still fragile.

In January, the IMF said it needed an additional $500 billion to lend and another $100 billion for reserves to comfortably guard against risks posted by the euro-zone crisis. Euro-zone countries have already committed to provide 150 billion euros ($200 billion) and they hope other European Union countries, notably Britain, will pledge up to 50 billion euros ($65 billion). G20 sources said China and Saudi Arabia were expected to commit funds, with smaller amounts coming from Brazil, Russia, Mexico and Poland.

The United States, heading into a presidential election in November and facing internal political opposition to putting up money for wealthy European nations, has said it will not

encourage other countries to follow suit. Azumi said he consulted with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan on Monday and that there were no gaps between the two countries on IMF funding. Analysts said Japan’s commitment may be motivated partly by fears that an unruly euro-zone crisis could lead to a surge in safehaven demand for the yen. “It remains to be seen how much the other major economies, which are less exposed to the euro zone, will contribute,” economic research firm Capital Economics said on Tuesday. Germany ’s Schaeuble said it would be wrong for countries to withhold new funds in an effort to secure a deal on quota reform, saying this would amount to going back on a promise. “That’s what we’ve agreed, and I assume it will happen,” Schaeuble said. “There are some voices that apparently want to set new conditions. That would go against what we’ve agreed.” — Reuters

ROME: Italy will delay by a year its plan to balance the budget in 2013 due to a weakening economic outlook, according to a draft document due to be approved by the cabinet of Prime Minister Mario Monti yesterday. The draft Economic and Financial document (DEF), which has been obtained by Reuters, raises the budget deficit forecasts for 2012-2014 and slashes this year’s economic growth outlook.

Italy’s budget deficit is already one of the lowest in the euro zone as a proportion of output and many economists say its chronically weak growth is more of a concern than fiscal slippage. Under former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi Italy promised its European partners last summer that it would balance its budget in 2013, bringing forward the previous 2014 target to try to reassure markets as Italian bond yields surged. Now Monti’s technocrat government is poised to revert to the old 2014 target as the economy contracts sharply, weighed down by a series of austerity measures approved to accelerate deficit reduction. Monti was hailed as a savior when he replaced Berlusconi in November as Italy appeared to be heading towards a Greek-style debt crisis, but his popularity is declining and his

reforms are drawing rising criticism and resistance. A similar move by Madrid earlier this year to weaken its deficit target sent yields on Spanish debt sharply higher. However, Spain’s deficit is much larger than Italy’s and is considered to be a bigger problem. Monti still enjoys enormous credibility internationally and the revised deficit targets are unlikely to disturb markets that are now more concerned about the danger of excessive austerity, said Nicholas Spiro from Spiro Sovereign Strategy.

“Berlusconi could have promised a balanced budget this year and people would have just laughed, while Monti can promise it in three years and he is still credible,” Spiro said. “I don’t believe that a decision to be less aggressive on the fiscal front is a concern for a country like Italy.” The draft DEF raises the 2012 deficit target marginally to 1.7 percent of gross domestic product from 1.6 percent, while the 2013 goal is raised to 0.5 percent from 0.1 percent. The nearly balanced budget, with a 0.1 percent deficit, is now targeted in 2014. The economy is forecast to contract 1.2 percent this year, according to the document, compared with a 0.4 percent decline in GDP projected by Monti’s government in December. — 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 Philippine peso Egyptian pounds

.2730000 .4390000 .3620000 .3010000 .2760000 .2850000 .0040000 .0020000 .0753500 .7341090 .3830000 .0710000 .7196620 .0040000 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2776500 GB Pound/KD .4439900 Euro .3640550 Swiss francs .3028960 Canadian dollars .2808940 Danish Kroner .0489360 Swedish Kroner .0411430 Australian dlr .2885760 Hong Kong dlr .0357750 Singapore dlr .2221020 Japanese yen .0034090 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0756230 Bahraini dinars .7367650 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0740600 Omani riyals .7214500 Philippine Peso .0000000

.2810000 .4490000 .3690000 .3100000 .2860000 .2950000 .0070000 .0035000 .0761070 .7414870 .4000000 .0760000 .7268950 .0072000 .0500000 .2796500 .4473480 .3668080 .3051870 .2830190 .0493060 .0414550 .2907580 .0360460 .2237820 .0034350 .0054590 .0021840 .0030950 .0034340 .0761950 .7423380 .3956860 .0746200 .7269070 .0066100

US Dollar Pak Rupees

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

278.000 3.073

Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

5.422 2.185 3.409 6.580 75.995 74.495 741.200 46.135 449.400 3.190 1.550 371.400 287.700 3.510

Rate for Transfer

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro 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

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

5.405 2.177 3.387 3.079 75.85 741.46 46.11 396.57 724.45 76.87 74.43

5.700 2.550 4.000 3.250 76.50 741.00 47.25 395.45 726.00 77.50 74.25

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co. Currency

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

278.450 368.300 446.200 283.600 3.450 5.405 46.130 2.168 3.404 6.512 3.070 741.600 75.850 74.350

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY

SELL DRAFT SELL CASH

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka

291.84 282.96 308.87 368.58 445.95 3.54 3.403

292.00 284.50 307.50 369.00 447.00 3.65 3.650

Selling Rate

278.950 281.210 444.240 365.770 303.830 738.695 75.925 76.570 74.345 392.660 46.178 2.189 5.426 3.082 3.411 6.549 684.255 4.440 9.120 5.875 3.480 92.305

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 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

Bahrain Exchange Company 10 Tola COUNTRY

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka

SELL CASH

SELL DRAFT

293.500 741.730 3.670

292.000 741.730 3.406

Sterling Pound US Dollar

285.400 547.800 45.500 50.200 167.800 47.700 370.000 36.620 5.710 0.032 0.159 0.236 3.530 395.250 0.189 93.960 45.400 4.290 231.900 1.807 49.700 724.450 3.170 6.860 77.150 74.470 224.630 39.130 2.657 448.400 42.200 308.000 4.200 9.420 198.263 76.040 279.300 1.340 GOLD 1,730.270

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 445.400 278.900

283.900

224.600 46.200 368.500 36.470 5.415 0.031

395.210 0.188 92.980 3.410 231.400 724.270 3.082 6.550 76.720 74.470 224.630 39.130 2.173 446.400 306.500 4.200 9.250 75.040 278.900

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

business

HSBC merges Oman’s unit with local lender HSBC to inject up to $97.4 million

PHNOM PENH: Cambodian Minister of the Economy and Finance Keat Chhon (center) rings a bell as Kim Bong Soo (left), CEO and chairman of the Korea Exchange, claps during the launching ceremony at the Cambodian Securities Exchange (CSX) yesterday. — AFP

Cambodia stock trading kicks off PHNOM PENH: The Cambodia Securities Exchange (CSX) finally began trading shares yesterday nine months after it officially opened, when a water monopoly became the first firm to list. Trading symbolically started at 09:09 am local time (0209 GMT) - the number nine is considered lucky in Cambodia-and ended at noon. Normal trading hours will be from 08:00 am until 11:30 am. Cambodia launched the bourse to great fanfare in July 2011, after numerous delays because of the global financial crisis and regulatory hurdles. But no firms were ready to list on the market-a joint venture between the government and South Korea’s stock exchange.

Now the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA), which was formerly fully owned by the state, is floating 13 million shares, or 15 percent of the company, starting at 6,300 riel ($1.57) per share. The state will continue to own the remaining 85 percent. At the close on the first day of trading, shares had climbed by almost 50 percent to 9,300 riel ($2.32) each. The firm’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) last month was 17 times oversubscribed, an indicator of strong investor appetite for the long-awaited exchange, observers said. Cambodian Finance Minister Keat Chhon, who led the bourse’s opening ceremony, hailed PPWSA’s “historic” listing as “a big leap forward” for the impoverished country’s econ-

omy. “I would like to appeal to national and international investors to participate in securities trading, and provide their support to this young, but full-of-potential securities market,” he said. “I strongly believe that securities trading in Cambodia will be a success.” Two more state-owned enterprises-Telecom Cambodia and Sihanoukville Autonomous Port-are expected to launch their IPOs later this year. Stock quotations for trading must be in the local currency, the riel, in line with the government’s long-term goal to reduce reliance on the US dollar, which according to the Asian Development Bank makes up more than 90 percent of all currency in circulation in the country.

But for the first three years, both buyers and sellers can arrange to settle payments in dollars at their agreement, according to regulator the Securities and Exchange Commission of Cambodia (SECC). While still among one of the world’s poorest countries, Cambodia has emerged from decades of conflict as one of the region’s rising economies. It achieved 5.9 percent growth in 2010, according to government figures, while the Asian Development Bank put 2011 growth at 6.8 percent. It remains a largely cash-only economy and a high degree of mistrust means many people hoard their money at home instead of using banks.— AFP

Engen buys Saudi oil to replace Iran Petronas spots Middle East market SINGAPORE: Engen has turned to top oil exporter Saudi Aramco for additional crude after South Africa’s biggest buyer of Iranian crude halted imports from the Islamic Republic, trade sources said yesterday. Engen, majority owned by Malaysian national oil company Petronas, will replace about half of the Iranian volumes with Saudi supplies and the remaining will be filled up from the spot market, mainly from West Africa, the sources said.

The refiner suspended an annual contract for 50,000 barrels per day of Iranian crude in March, joining a growing list of buyers bowing to Western pressure to cut business dealings with Tehran to isolate the countr y. “ The (Saudi) volume is on a spot basis and it does not fully cover their Iranian term volume,” a source familiar with the Saudi deal said. Refiners would be able to replace Iranian crude with ease at this point as the market is well supplied with most other OPEC members ramping up output while weak margins and a peak refiner y maintenance season curb demand.

Saudi Arabia has ramped up production to prevent oil prices from skyrocketing and pledged to fill the vacuum left

by Iran as tightening sanctions from the United States and European Union deter buyers from lifting Iranian oil. Engen is seeking mainly West African grades from the spot market to cover other import needs, they said. The company had booked the tanker Bouboulina to load 950,000 barrels of Angolan Girassol crude on April 17, a shipping fixture showed. Engen could not be immediately reached for comment.

PETRONAS Engen has also stopped buying Iranian crude for its Malacca refinery.

Petronas has turned to the Middle East spot crude market to replace the Iranian supply of about 10,000 bpd, sources said. “Malacca is quite a dynamic refinery as it can take a lot of grades,” a source said, adding that the company can choose from a variety of Middle Eastern grades. Some of the other grades that Malacca can use include Dubai, Eocene and Egyptian Belayim, a second source said. Petronas has booked the tanker Stavanger Bay to load on May 8 about 500,000 barrels of Belayim crude from Wadi Feiran, a shipping fixture showed.

The tanker is scheduled to head to Malacca. — Reuters

DUBAI: HSBC is to merge its business in Oman with Oman International Bank and hold a majority stake in the enlarged operation, Europe’s biggest bank said yesterday. HSBC will hold 51 percent of the group, to be named HSBC Bank Oman SOAG. OIB is Oman’s fifth-largest bank, with the second-largest branch network in the country and gross assets of $3.2 billion. “It is rare to get the opportunity to create a bank of such scale in a key target market,” Simon Cooper, chief executive of HSBC Middle East and Nor th Africa, told a conference call for reporters. “ The ability to grow

organically in Oman is there, but it would take an awfully long time to get to the scale of Oman International Bank. I am not predicting job losses.”

Under the terms of the merger, HSBC will inject additional capital of up to $97.4 million from internal resources into HSBC Oman, after which the lender’s local business will be merged with OIB. HSBC will have management and board control of the new entity, but it will remain listed on the Oman bourse, said Cooper. He declined to say whether the present chief executive of OIB would hold the same position in the new bank. OIB has

a market capitalization of around $700 million, according to Thomson Reuters data.

The deal is expected to complete in the second quarter, following regulator y and other approvals. Oman’s central bank approved the planned merger in March. Investors say the deal will benefit OIB. “OIB had a gradual decline in lending, but with HSBC coming on board they can reverse the trend,” said Vick neswaran Gowribalan, an Oman-based portfolio manager. “From an investor point of view, it’s good because OIB can get more aggressive, in terms of non-interest income. Also,

with Islamic banking licences now being issued, OIB can tap into the Islamic bank ing market with HSBC’s Amana expertise.”

Oman opened its doors to Islamic banking last May and let conventional lenders run shariacompliant operations. HSBC is pulling back from countries where it is unprofitable or lacks scale, and restructuring operations else where, and has been reviewing its Middle Eastern operations. Its reorganization affects Oman, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar and the UAE. Shares in OIB are down 0.9 percent this year, after ending 2011 nearly 7 percent higher.— Reuters

Gold eases for 4th day LONDON: Gold eased yesterday, having fallen for the past three trading days, as the euro came under pressure from ongoing worries about the euro zone. Across the broader markets, European shares fell along with the euro, while safe-haven Bund yields were steady on the day, as investors weighed up the impact of the ongoing debt crisis on regional growth, while Germany sold new two-year bonds for a record-low yield. Spot gold was down 0.1 percent at $1,646.64 an ounce at 0955 GMT, having lost 1.5 percent in value over the previous three trading days.

“From my point of view, we have to see a good shakeout towards the downside first, perhaps to break $1,600, or even lower than that and after that we will probably head back up again,” Afshin Nabavi, head of trading at MKS Finance said. “We are seeing very little demand from the physical dealers, very little demand from the investors, it’s pretty much come to a standstill and I think we have to come off (in price),” he added. Gold traded in a tight band yesterday, leaving the spread between the session high and low at just $8.7 an ounce, the narrowest since the end of last year.

“The nervousness around the euro zone has eased a bit, which could help stabilize the euro and support gold prices,” said Shanghai CIFCO Futures analyst Li Ning. But Li added that market sentiment remained cautious ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s meeting of its policy-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) next week, after comments from the Fed over recent weeks have caused sharp price fluctuations. Adding to the cautious tone were lingering concerns about Spain’s finances. Although Spain managed to exceed the target at Tuesday’s debt auction, it was forced to pay a stiff premium compared with a month earlier, boding ill for a key long-term debt sale on Thursday.

LUKEWARM DEMAND In terms of investment demand, shorter-term speculators in US gold futures have cut their exposure to the metal to their lowest in a month, while flows of gold in and out of exchange-traded products (ETPs) have virtually stagnated over the past two months. Options on shares in the SPDR Gold Trust, the world’s largest goldbacked ETP show investors are betting on a rising underlying gold price. SPDR Gold Trust options maturing tomorrow show most open interest is gathered in call options, which give the owner the right, but not the obligation, to buy shares in the trust at a pre-set price, at a strike price of 165.0 a share, which equates to an underlying spot gold price of $1,699 an ounce.

Based on combined open interest in SPDR calls and puts, the largest bet investors are taking are on shares moving to 160.0 a share by Friday, which is equivalent of a spot gold price of roughly $1,648 an ounce, which highlights some of the lack of any strong investor conviction in gold right now. “Gold price action has become stale, with conviction in either direction remaining remarkably low. The yellow metal could certainly use fresh catalysts from external markets at this stage to shake it out of this stupor,” Edel Tully, a strategist at UBS said. “But until there is a clear sign as to whether it is taking on a safe-haven or a risk persona, investors are likely to continue keeping participation small and timelines brief. Instead, it’s quite likely that gold will wait and take its next directional cue from the FOMC meeting next week.”

Buying interest in Asia’s physical market was muted, even as a key gold-buying festival in India looms on the horizon. “People won’t want to commit too much at this point,” said Ronald Leung, a physical dealer at Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong. “There is some buying when prices fall to the $1,630-$1,640 level, but the volume shrinks when prices rebound to $1,660-$1,670.”

Leung said gold bar premiums in Hong Kong were stable at $1.10-$1.60 per ounce above London prices.

For all the absence of conviction in the gold market at present and the 1.3 percent fall in price in April, gold has outperformed both silver and platinum so far this month. Of the four precious metals, platinum has fallen the most in April, having lost nearly 3.5 percent in value to trade at a discount of almost $70 an ounce to gold, after having traded at a premium of nearly $30 a month ago. — Reuters

TEHRAN: Participants including foreigners attend the 17th International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition in Tehran yesterday. — AFP

‘Times tough’ for Iran energy sector TEHRAN: Foreign firms dealing with Iran’s oil and gas sector admit that severe Western sanctions are taking their toll on business, despite Tehran talking up its ambitions at the opening of an international industry exhibition this week. The International Oil, Gas, Refining and Petrochemical Exhibition, held in northern Tehran, was three-quarters filled by Iranian companies working at every level of the industry, from the biggest to ones involved in peripheral activities such as instruments, quality inspections and oil barrel manufacturing.

There were 315 foreign stands, down from the 496 present at last year’s trade show. Some of the biggest foreign companies that had been major partners in the industry, such as the Anglo-Dutch group Shell and Italy’s ENI, were not present.

Others, such as the China Petroleum Technology and Development Corporation, the French-Iranian joint venture Beh Total and Norway’s Statoil, did have stands-but representatives there said they had been instructed by their bosses to give no comments at all to journalists.

Nevertheless, an executive with one European company and several representatives of smaller foreign firms acknowledged on condition of anonymity that the sanctions were proving problematic.

Companies trading in services or equipment from Europe, the United States and Japan were having the most difficulty, they said. Other Asian companies were doing somewhat better. Big foreign groups seeking to be repaid for credit or services extended to Iran were having to convert the debt into deliveries of oil or gas-in some cases to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars-because of the impossibility for Iran to transfer hard currency to them.

A representative at an exhibition stand for John Crane, a subsidiary of the Britishbased industrial technology group Smiths that sells engineering parts to the gas and oil industry, said his company had been forced to stop supplying certain hi-tech valves manufactured in the United States, Britain and Japan. A European oil executive, speaking on condition he not be identified, said the sanctions were resulting in “highend, sophisticated parts and services lack-

ing from Iran’s oil and gas industry.”

The Chinese, he added, were willing to try to fill the gap. “But many (Chinese companies) leave. Why? Because the contract terms are just not viable. The Iranians are not giving terms to allow a profit.” SeungHwan Jung, an export manager for Kiswel, a South Korean welding parts firm partnered for years with an Iranian company, was one of the few foreigners to speak on the record. His company’s dealings with the country were “good” but were hobbled by the “political problems,” he said. Stepping in to fill a vacuum left by departing German companies, Kiswel has doubled its Iran earnings projection to $1.5 million compared to last year, he said. “We want to be number one in the market, up from maybe 3rd of 4th last year,” he said. He added: “Iran can’t do everything by itself. It needs reserves from other countries.”

Those accounts contrasted with the official message from Iran, which asserts that its position as the second-biggest exporter in OPEC and the owner of the world’s second-biggest gas reserves mean sanctions will not work in cutting it out of the global market. “Finding substitutes for (Iranian) oil is unthinkable,” Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi said in a speech officially opening the four-day industry exhibition. He added that “we plan to produce five million barrels of oil per day by 2015” as part of a development plan for the sector. Currently, Iran pumps around 3.5 million barrels a day and exports around 70 percent of that, according to OPEC figures. Production has been declining for years, the cartel’s numbers showed.

The United States and the European Union have since late last year been sharply ramping up severe sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector and the Islamic country’s ability to transfer oil revenue through international transactions. The sanctions are scheduled to be upped further by the beginning of July, when an EU embargo on Iranian oil is to be fully enacted. The economic restrictions are designed to pressure Iran over its disputed nuclear program, which Tehran has now agreed to discuss in talks with world powers. A substantive round of the negotiations is due to be held on May 23 in Baghdad.— AFP

Showa Shell cuts Iran oil imports, renews deal

CHENNAI: An Indian farmer sits on a stack of bananas atop a truck at a wholesale market truck-stop in Chennai yesterday. The German automaker Daimler inaugurated its new factory, opening a new front against its Asian rivals, ever more threatening to world leadership.

With 1,400 employees and to double “in the coming years”, the factory will begin production in the third quarter with an initial capacity of 36,000 vehicles per year.— AFP

TOKYO: Japan’s top buyer of Iranian crude Showa Shell Sekiyu KK has renewed its annual oil purchase deal with Iran but cut the volume in line with other Japanese refiners to comply with US sanctions, trade sources said yesterday. The cuts come even after the United States in March exempted Japan and 10 other EU nations from sanctions due to take effect in July because they have significantly cut purchases of Iranian oil. Soon after receiving the exemption, Finance Minister Jun Azumi said Japan would continue to cut imports of Iranian oil.

The United States and European Union have stepped up measures to reduce Iran’s oil trade, stemming the flow of petrodollars to Tehran in a bid to force it to halt a nuclear program the West suspects is intended to produce weapons. Showa Shell’s cuts will come in addition to the 60,000 barrels per day (bpd) of cuts trade sources say Japan’s refiners and trading houses had made in April. That is already

around 18.5 percent of Japan’s total Iranian crude imports in the first two months of the year of 322,900 bpd. A spokesman for Showa Shell, which imported about 100,000 barrels per day from Iran in the past financial year, declined to comment. The exact reduction in Showa Shell’s contract volume was unclear, the sources said. The refiner had been discussing a cut with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) of around 15-20 percent to last year’s contract volume of 100,000 bpd, one source said. That would be in line with the cut in volume of around 15-22 percent in the second half of last year that helped win Japan its waiver to the US sanctions.

Showa Shell said in a statement last month the company would respect the agreement between Japan and the United States and reduce its Iran imports in line with that. The contract renewal came after Iran agreed to include a clause in contract terms that released Japanese buyers from any penalty if

international sanctions prevent them from taking delivery of Iranian oil, sources said. The force majeure clause, usually limited to exempting buyers and sellers from liability due to fires, accidents and natural calamities, was widened to include sanctions.

Difficulty finding insurers to underwite shipments of Iranian crude are threatening to curtail Japan’s imports even more. Financial sanctions on Iran have also made it tough for buyers to pay for Iran’s oil.

With the renewal, Showa Shell has resumed lifting Iranian crude this week, and a cargo was set to arrive in Japan in early May, two industry sources said.

Royal Dutch Shell is the biggest shareholder in Showa Shell, holding 35 percent. Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco holds 15 percent. Shell’s Chief Executive Peter Voser said in early March that the company would stop buying Iranian crude within weeks. Showa Shell says it operates independently from Shell.—Reuters

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

BUSINESS

KSE Price Index increases 0.49% GLOBAL DAILY MARKET REPORT KUWAIT: Kuwait’s stocks ended the day on a steady note, on the heaviest trading day in seven trading weeks. The market witnessed major gains in selected stocks that helped major indices post slim gains. Global risk appetite improves following positive news from Europe and some upbeat earnings in the US and the region.

Market Indices The market benchmark KSE Price Index increased by 0.49 percent, and closed at 6,268 points. The market’s heavy-weights performed robustly during the day as highlighted by a 0.95 percent improvement in the market’s blue chips-rich index, Global Large Cap Index. As a result,the Global General Index rose 0.80 of a point (or 0.45 percent) to close at 179.56 points.

Daily Trading Activity Yesterday’s performance was accompanied by growing trading activity. Volume of shares traded on the exchange rose by 65.62 percent, at 570.52mn shares. Services groups accounted for 197.99mn shares (34.7 percent) of the market’s total volume. National Ranges Company the most actively traded stock, with 94.32mn shares changing hands. The scrip was up by 5 percent.

Top Gainers and Biggest Decliners Al-Aman Investment Company was the prominent gainer. The scrip added 9.62 percent to close at KD0.0285. On the other hand, Pearl of Kuwait Real Estate Company was the biggest loser yesterday as it plunged by 12.31 percent to close at KD0.0285.

Sectors Wise All sector indices ended the day on a posi-

tive note, except for the banking sector index which plunged by 0.25 percent, as two out of its nine components dipped: National Bank of Kuwait (-1.85 percent) and Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (-1.64 percent). The board of Ahli Bank of Kuwait approved interim financial statements for 1Q2012. These financials reflected a 30.1 percent drop in net earnings to KD11.4mn (8fils a share), compared to approx.

KD16.3mn (11fils a share) in year-earlier period. While, Ahli United Bank (AUB) endorsed interim financial statements for 1Q2012.

These statements reflected a 16.1 percent jump in earnings to approx. KD9.9mn, compared with KD8.53mn in the year-ago period.

Accordingly, EPS rose to 9.3fils, from 8fils in 1Q2011. The scrip closed up by 1.15 percent at KD0.880.

Real Estate sector topped the gainers, adding 1.49 percent, on the back of the Mabanee Company, which increased by 3.03 percent closing at KD1.020. International Resorts Company and National Real Estate Company rose by 4.62 percent and 4.92 percent respectively. Industrial sector surged yesterday as its index reported 0.84 percent gain as Kuwait Cement Company and National Industries Group (Holding) rose by 4.44 percent and 0.88 percent respectively.

Oil News The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $116.27pb on Tuesday, compared with $116.98pb the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

Euro zone debt fears pressure euro, shares LONDON: European shares eased and the single currency softened yesterday as the region’s sovereign debt worries and its weaker economic outlook weighed on investors ahead of a German bond sale that will test demand for ultra-low yielding debt.

Signs that the International Monetary Fund is inching toward a deal to increase its ability to help contain the region’s crisis, strong US corporate earnings and a rise in the IMF’s global growth forecast helped to limit any losses.

But with Italy set to delay by a year its plan to balance the budget in 2013, Spain due to sell fresh two- and 10-year bonds today and worries over France’s presidential election rising, investors were reluctant to buy riskier assets.

“There is a lot of uncertainty in the market,” said Lutz Karpowitz, currency strategist at Commerzbank. The fears over Europe could be reflected in demand at a two-year German bond sale later, with some concern that the sale could struggle as safe-haven demand from investors has already driven yields to ultra-low levels. The existing March 2014 bond was yielding only 0.15 percent in the secondary market yesterday, and 10-year bonds were only offering around 1.66 percent.

CORPORATE HEALTH In equity markets the good demand for Spain’s debt was providing some support to prices, as was a strong start to first quarter earnings reports from the United States, where around 75 percent of companies reporting so far

have beaten analysts’ estimates, according to Thomson Reuters data. “If this can be maintained, it will be a good reminder and a timely reminder that while governments and individuals may be struggling, companies remain in good health,” said Richard Hunter, head of UK equities at Hargreaves Lansdown.

The euro zone blue-chip Euro STOXX 50 index, which saw its biggest daily gain of the year on Tuesday, reversed early losses to be up 0.1 percent at 2,429.26. The FTSE Eurofirst index of top European shares was largely unchanged around 1052.90.

The euro was being kept under pressure by worries about Spain’s fiscal problems and its debt sale today. It was also hurt in early trading when French president Nicolas Sarkozy, who is campaigning for re-election, said strength in the single currency euro hurt exporters and should be discussed with the European Central Bank.

The euro was down 0.13 percent at $1.3110, while the dollar measured against a basket of major currencies was up 0.2 percent at 79.65. In commodity markets the IMF’s latest economic growth forecasts, which raised the global growth estimate to 3.5 percent from 3.3 percent in January, offered some support to offset the worries about the euro zone. Brent June crude had slipped six cents to $118.72 a barrel, while US May crude gained 15 cents to $104.35. Spot gold inched up 0.2 percent to $1,652.84 per ounce after touching a one-week low near $1,634 on Tuesday. — Reuters

25

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

BUSINESS

Japanese-Brazilians go ‘home’ to tap economic boom TOYOHASHI: Yamato Hirai used to struggle to get into the starting line-up when he arrived at his local football pitch to play alongside his fellow Japanese-Brazilians. These days however, there are barely enough players for a game. Many of those who made their home in Japan have upped and left, off to seek their fortune in booming Brazil while the world’s number-three economy stutters. Football and its five -a-side variant, futsal, have helped bind Brazilians in Japanmost of whom are offspring of Japanese who migrated to Brazil in the 20th century-in a pastime that honors the heritage of their homeland.

But in cities like Toyohashi in Japan’s industrial belt, the beautiful game is becoming ever rarer because of the exodus of people like Hirai, who came to Japan two decades ago as a second generation Japanese -Brazilian.

Every Wednesday evening after work, Hirai takes his 14-year-old son

Yosuke to a futsal pitch in Toyohashi to train for weekend matches. “On some Wednesdays, not enough of us show up. Or we’ve got 10 players, just enough to train,” said the 48year-old manager of an employment agency, recalling how there used to be 30 players on his team.

“This is happening because there are far fewer Brazilians living here.”

Over the last four years the number of Brazilians in Toyohashi, some 250 kilometers southwest of Tokyo and a major centre for Toyota and its subcontractors, has halved to around 7,000. Japanese migrants began crossing the Pacific in large numbers in the early 20th century, with Brazil welcoming its first settlers in 1908, where they worked on coffee and other plantations after the abolition of slavery. Despite the often low wages and poor working conditions, the community grew into the largest Japanese population outside of Japan.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and

Statistics, there were between 1.4 and 1.5 million people of Japanese descent in Brazil as of 2000. Japan’s rapid economic growth of the 1970s and 1980s provided a tempting reason for many in the community to reverse the journey their ancestors had made, settling in industrialized cities like this one where they established Portuguese-speaking communities.

People came with big dreams”Twenty years ago, the costs of living in Brazil were still low as opposed to the high wages earned in Japan,” said Toyohito Tanabe, director of the Brazilian Association of Toyohashi. “So, many Brazilians would save money here and buy houses in Brazil,” the 43-year-old added. “Even doctors would open their own clinics after working in Japan for a few years. Back then, people came here with big dreams and goals.”

A famous example of such ties lies in former Japan international footballer Marcus “Tulio” Tanaka, who

was born in Brazil to parents with Japanese, Brazilian and Italian heritage before moving to Japan as a teenager. The Brazilian population in Japan expanded rapidly after 1989 when the Tokyo government abolished an entry limit on JapaneseBrazilians, up to the third generation, to make up for Japan’s own shortage of labor. It topped 300,000 in total for four years until 2008 when the global financial crisis felled Japan’s exportdriven manufacturers.

The number has since slumped to touch 210,000 at the end of 2011.

But even with the dramatic fall-off, Brazilians remain the third biggest ethnic minority group in Japan, behind Chinese and Koreans. Over the last few years, many of those who came to Japan to seek their fortune have found a force pulling them back across the Pacific, as Brazil’s economy races ahead. “Brazil is getting stronger,” said JapaneseBrazilian Michio Hirota, 46, who runs an employment agency in Toyohashi, adding he is ready to

move country. “Its economy is growing, and there are jobs and business opportunities. That’s why I plan to

go back and try my luck back in my own country, because Brazil is a country of the future.” —AFP

ARLINGTON: A bottle of Coca-Cola is pictured as people have lunch at a shopping mall in Arlington. Surging sales in emerging markets like India, China and Brazil gave earnings at Coca-Cola a solid boost in the first quarter. Net income for the quarter to March 30 was up 8 percent to $2.07 billion from $1.92 billion in the year-earlier quarter. —AFP

Tesco focuses on revival, curbs Britain’s expansion Shares up 0.5 percent

BUENOS AIRES: A tanker truck waits to download gasoline at the headquarters of the Argentine Automobile Club in Buenos Aires. —AFP

Spain warns Argentina over Repsol takeover MADRID: Madrid has threatened to retaliate after Argentina announced it will expropriate a subsidiary of Spanish oil giant Repsol, warning the move breaks a “good understanding” between the countries. Spain will take “all measures it considers appropriate” to defend the interests of Repsol and Spanish businesses abroad, Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria told a news conference Tuesday. Spain is considering action on diplomacy, trade, industry and energy, he said, without giving further details.

The government backed the company, which says it will take legal action after Argentinean President Cristina Kirchner announced she would nationalize Repsol’s YPF subsidiary. The European Union warned Buenos Aires that it was sending the wrong signal to investors, who dumped Repsol shares, sending them 6.06 percent lower on the Madrid stock exchange. In New York, trading in YPF remained suspended for a second day Tuesday. Argentina’s decision to take a 51-percent stake of YPF virtually wipes out Repsol’s 57.4-percent holding. US credit ratings agency Moody’s downgraded YPF to B3 from Ba3, warning that a further downgrade was possible.

It said the decision reflected “uncertainty regarding how the government will manage YPF, including uncertainty regarding the company’s future operating and financial profile.” Repsol executive chairman Antonio Brufau said Argentina’s move “will not remain unpunished.” Repsol would seek an amount at least equal to the value of its stake, which the firm estimates at $10.5 billion, the Repsol chief said. “Repsol will launch all legal actions that are within its reach,” Brufau vowed, saying he had a wide range of options including constitutional, commercial and civil actions to counter the “manifestly illegal and gravely discriminatory” move.

Spain’s government summoned Argentina’s ambassador, Carlos Bettini, for the second time in five days to ask why Buenos Aires had ignored warnings against intervening in the Repsol subsidiary. “Argentina has shot itself in the foot in a serious way,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo told reporters. “What worries me is that this means a cut, or at least distrust, in relations that have been really fraternal for a very long time,” he said. Speaking in Mexico, Spanish

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said the “decision breaks the previous good understanding between the two countries.” It was a “negative decision ... without justification,” he told the World Economic Forum on Latin America.

Later Tuesday, Argentina’s deputy economy minister Axel Kicillof, who helped mastermind the takeover, accused Repsol’s chief of running up its debt. Kicillof, speaking to lawmakers, said Brufau had hidden the actual value of the company, after incurring about $9 billion in debt. “He who speaks about excellent management owes $9 billion.

Sometimes he hides the debt with investment. Brufau told us he does not have the money to invest. Where did they put it that they do not have it?” Kicillof said. The proposal for the takeover of YPF is to be debated next week in the Senate, where the ruling party holds a majority, as well as in the Chamber of Delegates. Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon has offered strong support to Spain. Mexican state oil company Pemex has a 9.5 percent stake in Repsol. Meanwhile, European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said Argentina’s move sent a “very negative signal” to global investors and was a cause of grave concern. Britain vowed to back Spain and warned Argentina that its efforts to stimulate a trade surplus through protectionism were counterproductive. Repsol has denied Argentine accusations that it had failed to invest enough in YPF, saying that it had poured $20 billion into YPF in addition to $15 billion it paid to buy the subsidiary in 1999. Repsol boss Brufau accused Kirchner of taking the decision “as a way of hiding the economic and social crisis which Argentina is suffering.”

Brufau said YPF accounted for 25.6 percent of the group’s operating profit, 21 percent of its net profit and 33.7 percent of its investments, adding: “These are big figures but we can withstand them.” Front page headlines in Spain lambasted the Argentine takeover, many of them splashing a photograph of Kirchner announcing her decision with a picture of Evita Peron, the populist first lady of Argentina in the 1940s and 50s, in the background. “Pillaging,” headlined an editorial by the leading daily El Pais. “The expropriation of 51 percent of YPF opens a conflict that will have grave consequences for Argentina,” it said. —AFP

Britain’s unemployment falls LONDON: The number of jobless Britons fell in the three months to February, marking the first quarterly decline in almost a year, official data showed yesterday. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in a statement that the number of unemployed fell by 35,000 over the period to 2.65 million people. That was the first quarterly decline since the three months to May 2011. The unemployment rate stood at 8.3 percent, down from 8.4 percent in the three months to January. Market expectations had been for no change.

The ONS also revealed that the number of people claiming jobless benefits rose in March by the smallest monthly amount since December. The so-called claimant count of people registered for unemployment benefits increased by 3,600 in March from February to 1.61 million. However, that was the highest

total since October 2009. “The latest jobs data are relatively encouraging overall and supportive to hopes that the economy has returned to underlying modest growth,” said IHS Global Insight economist Howard Archer.

But he added that the labor market would deteriorate further before showing more signs of improvement. “Despite the improved overall tone of the latest data, we still expect unemployment to head higher over the coming months come as economic activity remains limited overall, business confidence is fragile and public sector jobs are pared,” Archer said. “Furthermore, current high oil prices are currently increasing the pressure on companies to limit their total costs by containing their wage costs, be it through holding down pay or keeping their labor forces as tight as possible.” —Agencies

LONDON: Tesco, the world’s No 3 retailer, slashed expansion plans for its main British business and said it would spend over 1 billion pounds ($1.6 billion) on improving existing stores as it battles to recover from a shock profit warning. The group also said yesterday it would rein in store openings at its loss-making US chain Fresh & Easy, pushing back the moment when it expects that business to break even. But it rejected calls for a more radical shake-up, after some investors urged it to pull the plug on Fresh & Easy, as well as its banking business, which has been hit by delays.

“I’m announcing today our 1 billion pounds plan to put the heart and soul back into Tesco,” Chief Executive Phil Clarke told reporters after the group reported a small full-year profit rise that met market expectations. “The plan isn’t radical, isn’t a radical change of direction, but it’s a radical change of pace,” he said.

Once one of the most consistent British companies in terms of earnings growth, Tesco stunned investors in January with its first profit warning in over 20 years, saying it needed to invest heavily to stem a steady decline in UK market share.

Many European retailers have been struggling as shoppers’ disposable incomes are squeezed by higher prices, muted wages growth and government austerity measures. Tesco, which accounts for about one in every 10 pounds spent in British shops and makes over 70 percent of its trading profit there, has suffered more than rivals like Sainsbury and Asda in part because it sells more discretionary goods like homewares, where shoppers have been cutting back most.

Clarke, a Tesco lifer who as a youth stacked shelves at his local store, took over from long-serving predecessor Terry Leahy in March 2011. He said the UK business needed more staff, smarter stores, lower prices and better products.

While focusing on improving its existing shops and growth

areas like online shopping and convenience stores, Tesco said it would rein in its expansion, particularly of large out-of-town hypermarkets, opening 38 percent less selling space in Britain in its 2012-3 financial year than in 2011-2. That would help to reduce capital spending for the group as a whole to 3.3 billion pounds from 3.8 billion in 20112. Tesco shares, down 22 percent

three years while it sorts out its problems. Jon Copestake, retail analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, also questioned the level of investment in Britain.

“Global competitors have recently set their sights on new markets in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, with a special focus on easing restrictions in India. Some may ask whether 1 billion pounds might

soned the head of the UK business to take control of the turnaround plan himself. Analysts said he faces an uphill struggle, pointing to the repeated failures by France’s Carrefour - which is Europe’s biggest retailer and even more exposed to out-of-town hypermarkets - to turn itself around. Espirito Santo analysts described as “underwhelming” results from Tesco’s revamped tri-

LONDON: A man loads items into his car outside the Tesco Extra superstore in north London. —AFP over the past six months, were up 0.5 percent to 330 pence by 0950 GMT, outperforming a flat European retail sector, as analysts expressed relief that there had been no second profit warning.

SHOULD HAVE BEEN BOLDER But some analysts said Tesco should have been bolder and a recovery could take years given a weak starting point, a tough economic backdrop and modest results from early store revamps.

“There is a lot of things listed ‘to do’ and doing them will by definition take time,” said Shore Capital analyst Clive Black, who thought the group should stop all new store openings in Britain for

have gone further in these markets,” he said. Clarke said the 1 billion pounds included around 400 million in capital spending and par t of the 500-millionpound price cutting campaign launched last September-the “big price drop” dubbed the “big price flop” by analysts. The group would revamp 430 British stores, or 25 percent of its UK selling space this year, improving their look and feel with warmer colours, better lighting and signage, Clarke said.

Since the January profit warning, Clarke has announced plans to hire 20,000 more staff in Britain and relaunched the firm’s budget food range. In March he also jetti-

al stores showing a 1.2 percent improvement in like-for-like sales versus a control group.

Tesco, with over 6,000 stores in 14 countries, said profit before tax and one-off items rose 1.6 percent to 3.9 billion pounds in the year to Feb. 25, 2012, in line with forecasts. Trading profit in Britain fell 1 percent, with sales at stores open over a year down 1.6 percent in the final quarter.

Losses at Fresh & Easy narrowed for the first time since its launch in 2007 by 18 percent to 153 million pounds, but Tesco said it now did not expect the chain to break even until its 2013-4 fiscal year, compared with the end of 2012-3 previously. —Reuters

Intel eyes sales pickup, but investors cautious NEW YORK: Top chipmaker Intel Corp posted earnings confirming the PC industry is alive-but not kicking-and said sales would accelerate in the second half of the year with a powerful new PC processor. In a first-quarter earnings report that did not inspire investors to push Intel’s recently high-flying stock further, the company also said costs associated with ramping up new production lines would hurt gross margins more than expected. “It’s not that they disappointed, they just didn’t give us the bull case. In previous quarters they blew the numbers out of the water,” said Patrick Wang, an analyst at Evercore Partners.

The long-time technology bellwether is ramping up production of its newest PC processor, codenamed Ivy Bridge, which is expected to drive sales later this year and power a new crop of super-thin laptops dubbed “ultrabooks.” But the costs of upgrading the factories where the chips are being made is temporarily hurting margins, Chief Financial Officer Stacy Smith told a conference call. That was bad news to Wall Street, which has pushed shares of Intel 17 percent higher so far this year.

“They had strong execution for the most part, and in-line expectations for the PC market. But from a investor standpoint you have a multi-year high stock price, very much priced for perfection. That gross margin guidance, while understandable, was not perfection,” said Cody Acree, an analyst at Williams Financial Group. Intel said nonGAAP gross margins in the second quarter would be 62 percent, plus or minus 2 percentage points, down from 64 percent in the first quarter. Intel’s full-year gross margin forecast of 64 percent was unchanged.

BANKING ON ULTRABOOKS Shaky economies in Europe and the United States, a growing consumer preference for tablets, and a recent shortage of hard drives due to flooding in Thailand last year have taken a toll on the PC industry.

Demand in China and other emerging economies has helped sustain growth, and CFO Smith said business would pick up more as the industry recovers further from the hard-drive shortage and PC manufacturers replenish low component inventories. “As we ramp Ivy Bridge and people gear up for

these really capable ultrabook sales in the last half of the year, you’ll start to see them refilling their pipelines with new products in the back half of this year,” Smith told Reuters.

Intel is heavily promoting ultrabooks, which it hopes can stand up to the likes of Apple Inc’s Macbook Air, with some of the technological chic the iPad and other tablets epitomize. Some investors are concerned that expensive components used in them, like solid-state drives, make them too pricey for many consumers. Wang and other analysts speculate Intel may have to sacrifice profit margins on sales of its processors to help make ultrabooks affordable. Intel says manufacturers are finding ways to bring down costs of ultrabooks, and CEO Paul Otellini told analysts on the call he was confident of the chipmaker’s previous prediction the new light-weight PCs would account for 40 percent of all notebook sales by the end of the year. “I’m still very confident we can do that. All the signs are tracking there.

Everything we’ve looked at since we first gave that number has gotten more positive, more designs, better price points,” Otellini said. —Reuters

26

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

business

Slower takaful growth prompts strategy rethink New markets likely to outpace traditional ones DUBAI: Growth of the takaful or Islamic insurance business is slowing, industry statistics show, increasing pressure on the sector to boost efficiency, roll out new products and explore new markets. Takaful, which has its core markets in the Gulf and southeast Asia, is one bellwether of consumer appetite for Islamic finance.

But profitability has been hit by fierce competition and rapid growth of workforces at takaful providers in past years.

“A key strategy is to scale up family takaful,” Shyam Sankar, regional head of insurance sales through bank channels at Bahrain-based Medgulf Allianz Takaful, told Reuters.

The industry’s big challenges include building product awareness and making consumers realise the importance of saving over the long term, he added. An alternative to conventional insurance, takaful is based on the concept of mutuality; the takaful company oversees a pool of funds contributed by all policy holders, but does not necessarily bear risk itself. In their investments, takaful firms must follow religious guidelines, including

bans on interest and pure monetary speculation, and a prohibition on investing in industries such as alcohol and gambling.

Product categories are similar to conventional insurance, however, with family coverage, equivalent to life insurance, and general coverage, equivalent to property insurance, accounting for most business. The market opportunity is significant, according to a report last year by Swiss RE; conventional insurance accounts for 83.1 percent of all premiums written in Muslim countries, it estimated.

TRADITIONAL MARKETS Growth of takaful contributions in Saudi Arabia, which provides about half of the total, slowed to 12 percent in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available, from a compound annual growth rate of 38 percent during 2005-2009, a report by consultants Ernst & Young said this week.

Meanwhile growth in Bahrain and Malaysia, regarded as the most welldeveloped takaful markets, is also showing signs of flagging, though it

still outpaces conventional insurance.

The most recent data from the central bank of Bahrain shows takaful premiums grew 20 percent in 2010, far from the 70 percent increase in 2008. Total assets expanded 12 percent in 2010 against 52 percent in 2007.

Bahrain is a major industry hub - the country was the first to deploy regulation specifically designed for takaful, and it has established a healthy retakaful market, which allows operators to obtain coverage on existing policies to manage their risks. But Bahrain’s takaful sector was hit hard by the 2008 global financial crisis, with assets decreasing 35 percent that year, prompting the reorganization of one of its flagship operators, Solidarity Group. Also, the continuing social unrest in Bahrain casts a shadow over its financial businesses in general.

Malaysia has proved more resilient but has followed a similar trend, according to data from that country’s central bank. Takaful assets grew 18 percent in 2010 against 28 percent in 2007. The deceleration could be hard to reverse because of shrinking sales

force in the industry. The number of employees involved in general takaful sales in Malaysia peaked at 32,997 in 2009, when it soared 107 percent from the previous year; but it contracted 5 percent in 2010, while staffing for the conventional insurance industry fell just 2 percent. If these patterns continue, the global takaful industry could slow to single-digit growth in coming years. But some operators are determined to tap new markets to prevent this.

NEW MARKETS Takaful companies are exploring new markets such as Egypt and Jordan; Islamic finance is expected to receive a boost in North Africa from last year’s Arab Spring uprisings, which removed authoritarian governments that discouraged or neglected shariacompliant business for political reasons. Bahrain’s Solidarity has moved into Egypt and Jordan. A consortium of Doha-based institutions tapped the Pakistani market by launching PakQatar Takaful in 2006.

Other firms have seen opportunities in markets such as Lebanon, which

posted 102 percent growth in takaful contributions during 2010, and Indonesia. A report by actuarial consultants Milliman forecasts strong growth for takaful in southeast Asia, suggesting it could become three times as large as the Middle East by 2015. Ernst & Young forecasts Saudi Arabia’s share of the global takaful market will drop to 44 percent this year as newer markets grow faster, and the trend of new markets outpacing traditional ones could continue in coming years.

Other companies are focusing on building size in their domestic markets, which could give them economies of scale. Ghassan Marrouche, chief executive of Takaful Emarat in the United Arab Emirates, said his company was expecting double-digit growth rates in coming years, supported by the launch of several new products including a capital-protected instrument and a “microtakaful” product focused on lowincome earners. “We want to be positioned well in the UAE market before we move outside,” he said. “It is a very dynamic market.” — Reuters

ABK records profit of KD 11.4 million Continuous progress in difficult conditions

Saleh Al Shimmari with the winner

NBK announces three Al-Jawhara winners KUWAIT: Three lucky customers won cash prizes in National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) weekly Al-Jawhara draws during the month of April. Soud Mohammed, Bader Al Banagi, and Suad Al Shimmery were awarded KD 5,000 each, expressing their surprise and delight at having won the prize. NBKs next Al-Jawhara will be held in the upcoming week where a cash prize of KD 125,000 will be awarded to one lucky winner. NBK recently re launched its Al-Jawhara account offering customers more chances of winning bigger prizes. This includes cash prizes of KD 250,000 quarterly, KD 125,000 monthly and KD 5,000 weekly.

Al-Jawhara is one of Kuwait’s leading cash prize accounts offering numerous

benefits to its customers. Not only is it an interest-free account with regular deposit and withdrawal privileges, it also entitles account holders to enter the weekly, monthly and quarterly AlJawhara draws. Each KD 50 in an Al Jawhara account entitles the customer to one chance in any of the draws. All prizes are automatically credited to the winners’ accounts the day after the draw. The more money held in Al-Jawhara account, the greater the chances of winning. AlJawhara account is available to both Kuwaitis and expats and can be opened at any one of NBK’s branches around Kuwait. For further information kindly visit www.nbk.com, or call Hala Watani at 1801801.

KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait reported a net profit of KD11.4 million for the first quarter ended 31 March 2012. Earnings per share amounted to 8 fils with return on assets of 1.5% and return equity of 9.4%. Operating profits before provisions increased to KD22.8 million, up from KD19.7 million for the same period in 2011. Commenting on the financial results of the first quarter 2012, Ahmed Yousuf Behbehani, the Chairman of the Board, stated the following: “ABK managed to achieve profits in spite of the stressful conditions of the world economy, the debt crisis in the Euro Zone. The bank has taken more precautionary provisions to face any unexpected emergencies in the future.”

“The strong capital base and the Capital Adequacy Ratio of around 25% enhance the Bank’s ability to grow and expand its operations under the current market conditions.

The Bank’s success in maintaining its credit ratings issued by the international credit rating agencies enhances the confidence in the strong capital position of the bank and its ability to tolerate risks and achieve profits”, added Behbehani.

The Bank periodically reviews and amends

its strategy to cope with any exceptional, conditions and the prevailing economic condi-

Ace Hardware’s ‘20% off’ KUWAIT: Ace Hardware, an America household name in hardware retailing has been in Kuwait since 1991. It opened its first and only store in Kuwait by Al Hasawi Industrial Group in Al Raiand. Through the years it has blossomed to a 5,000 sq meter store with a wide range of items from niche departments of construction materials, home improvement items, maintenance products and DIY projects. From its humble beginning to what it is now, Ace Hardware has catered to the demand of customers who come to the store for quality products, affordable prices and a customer service far better than any hardware store in Kuwait. ACE Hardware has launched 20% off on Bed and Bath department that includes bedding linens, comforters, bath essentials, candles, vases, bathroom accessories, soaps and much more in month of April with competitive prices suit to all of their customers. To be updated on Ace Hardware promotions visit our page in Facebook: Ace Hardware Kuwat

Ford dominates Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards

Pure Gold Jewelers launches new collection of pendants KUWAIT: Award winning jewelry retailer Pure Gold Jewelers has launched a new collection of pendants taking inspiration from the most romantic of all flowers, Rose that has long been celebrated as a symbol of love and beauty. The pendants have been right in time for Spring. Set in yellow and white gold ensconced in the sparkling brilliance of diamonds, they are a must have item for the season.

According to Karim Merchant, CEO & MD of Pure Gold Jewelers, “Spring is the season of color, sunshine and fun. With the bloom of exotic flowers all around, it is also the most romantic season of all.

Our spring collection draws inspiration from Rose, the flower with the forever romantic quality.

The diamonds in the pendant add to the allure of the jewelry.” Set in 25 cents diamonds, the pendants are priced at KD 205 and are available from all Pure Gold Jewelers outlets in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and India. For further information, please contact Lisa George, Iris PR, Dubai UAE. E-mail: lisa@irispr.net. Mob:

+971 50 871 8561. Website: www.irispr.net.

PURE GOLD JEWELERS Pure Gold Jewelers is an award winning jewelry retailer known for excellent customer service. It is now one of the fastest growing jewelry brands in the region, with over 100 stores across Middle East and opening 200 stores in India shortly. Pure Gold Jewelers is a recipient of the “Best Service Performance Brand” award in the large business category for three consecutive years - 2007-2008, 2008-2009 and 20092010 - under the Dubai Ser vice Excellence Scheme (DSES) of the Dubai Department of Economic Development.

The company also topped in the ‘Best Customer Service’ category in the UAE jewelry sector in an annual study by international consultancy Ethos Consultancy for the year 2009 and 2010.

Pure Gold Jewelers has been consistently ranked as a Superbrand by UAE Superbrand Council for four consecutive years since 2009.

KUWAIT: Ford has dominated the 2012 Kelly Blue Book Brand Image Awards by winning four honors, more than any other automaker. Ford took top honors as Most FamilyFriendly Brand; Best Exterior Design Brand, Non-Luxury; Best Interior Design Brand, Non-Luxury; and, for the fourth year in a row, Most Rugged Truck Brand. The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of the new-vehicle buying public.

The key research vehicle for the Brand Image Awards is Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence’s Brand Watch study, which taps into more than 12,000 shoppers. Based on the study, Ford was voted as the “Most Family-Friendly Brand” because of its revamped people-shuttling vehicles, which have struck a chord with those looking to haul growing families and their gear in safety and comfort. Overflowing with high-quality materials and the latest high-tech gadgets, Ford interiors break the perceptions of what can be achieved in a mainstream vehicle. As a result, the automaker has achieved the “Best Interior Design Brand, Non-Luxury” honor.

Ford’s F-Series have won the “Most Rugged Truck Brand” because it offers durable pickup vehicle with everyday versatility while its bold, dynamic exterior design is why the automaker was voted the “Best Exterior Design Brand, NonLuxury” for 2012. On the latest recognition, Hussein Murad, Ford Middle East’s director of Sales said: “We are humbled by this string of awards from Kelley Blue Book primarily because it reflects how much the consumers are trusting and liking our brand. Ford has been working tirelessly to provide vehicles that respond to consumers’ lifestyle by bringing innovations that not only simplify their driving needs but provide them with technologies that are technologically-advanced and class-leading. To us, the awards only mean we are on the right track.”

Ahmed Behbehani

tions. It focused on minimizing risks across our business areas, improving operational efficiency and enhancing value for our shareholders and customers, providing high quality banking services, and employing high caliber banking staff to service ABK customers. As for his expectations about the economic situations during 2012, Behbehani explained the following: “The economic conditions in the area are still difficult in the light of the political turmoil in some countries of the Middle East and the stressed economies in Euro zone.

The situation may become more difficult, with the economic recession, volatility of markets, slow growth of world and regional economies. However, the effective risk management and tight control over the loan portfolio will minimize the risks and maintain the strong financial position of ABK and enhance its ability to achieve good profits for its shareholders”.

He concluded his statement by expressing his hope to accelerate the launch of new development projects which will push forward the economy wheel to which we are looking forward.

Joyalukkas adorns Thanjavur KUWAIT: Joyalukkas one of the world’s largest jewelry retail chains has opened its large format jewelry showroom in Thanjavur. The bustling and exciting town of Thanjavur witnessed the grand opening of the showroom at which, Joyalukkas Brand Ambassador R Madhavan, dignitaries, VIP’s and senior management team of the Joyalukkas Group were present.

“Thanjavur is an exciting city, the center of business, industry, agriculture and learning. It is our honor to be able to expand to this blessed city and serve the residents of Thanjavur with the Joyalukkas experience of jewelry. My team and I are excited and looking forward to serving the discerning jewelry lovers of Thanjavur with a refreshing experience in jewelry that includes breathtaking choice, best value, great convenience and international class service,” said Mr. Joy Alukkas, Chairman of Joyalukkas Group.

Conveniently located on South Rampart, this is the biggest showroom in Thanjavur spread across 3 massive floors.

The showroom offers ample parking space and features a wide range of collections in gold, diamond, precious stones, platinum, pearl and silver. The mix of jewelry offered is a choice of traditional and contemporary designs to fulfill the needs and demands of all types of jewelry buyers.

Joyalukkas arranged some exciting offers during the opening celebrations to ensure the customers get the best from their buy at Joyalukkas. “Thanjavur is very special to us; hence we have pulled all stops to ensure we offer the residents

here the best experience in jewelry shopping. Our Thanjavur showroom features over a million designs in all possible jewelry options, at the best value. We look forward to the blessings and support of Thanjavur residents to make our presence here a grand success,” added Mr. Joy Alukkas.

Joyalukkas is on an expansion drive and the Management has announced their intention to open their next showroom in Trichy in the immediate future.

Also Joyalukkas has plans to open five more showrooms in key locations in Andhra Pradesh within the next six at Nellore, Tirupati, Kakinada, Rajahmundry and Visakhapatnam. The Thanjavur Joyalukkas jewelry showroom showcases the signature Joyalukkas format with stylish, convenient interiors and the best collections of jewelry from around the world.

Joyalukkas, is the only ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2008 certified jewelry retail chain, which also ensures and adheres to quality standards like the BIS Hallmark for gold jewelry, IGI certification for Diamond jewelry and PGI certification for Platinum jewelry to ensure the customers’ trust, assurance and give them total peace of mind. Joyalukkas also features many convenient and value added schemes like ‘Easy Gold scheme, Joyalukkas Golden Rewards Card, 100 percent buy back guarantee and pthers to make jewelry purchases easy and convenient for jewelry lovers. Joyalukkas is the only jewelry retail chain to have presence in nine countries including in UK, UAE, Singapore, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and India.

27

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

TECHNOLOGY

Where’s a Yellowstone bear? Look on your phone CHEYENNE: Pretty soon, the best place to look for wolves, grizzly bears, bison and other wildlife in Yellowstone National Park could be your phone. New smartphone apps enable people to pinpoint where they’ve recently seen critters in the US national park. People who drive to those locations can - at least in theory - improve their odds of seeing wildlife.

They may also see more tourists. One app called Where’s a Bear promises “up to the

second” animal sightings in Yellowstone. A website called Yellowstone Wildlife recently began offering a similar app. Websites have long tracked animal sightings in Yellowstone. But not everyone thinks that making such information readily retrievable by phone is a good idea.Already, the crowds that stop to look at roadside wildlife in Yellowstone can grow to hundreds of people, said Vicky Kraft, who maintains a

Facebook group for Yellowstone. Grizzlies are especially challenging for park rangers, who have to both direct traffic and keep people a safe distance away.Wildlife becoming too comfortable around people is another concern. A grizzly habituated to people is even more dangerous than your average bear.

Attempts to reach the app developers through their websites Monday and Tuesday

were unsuccessful. Yellowstone officials said the apps could become a problem, depending on their popularity. “If it did take off, it would be a concern,” Yellowstone spokesman Dan Hottle said. One technical problem with the apps is the vast majority of Yellowstone territory that doesn’t have cellphone coverage.

Tom Mangelsen, a wildlife photographer, is among the many photographers and

tourists who have been watching a popular grizzly in Grand Teton over the past few years. The grizzly recently emerged from hibernation with her three cubs, but Mangelsen said he didn’t rush off to share the news online.

“I haven’t been on one of those websites more than three times in my life to see what’s going on in Yellowstone,” he said. “But I know people live by it.” —AP

In Asia, BlackBerry’s RIM sees a glimmer of hope ‘Interest in smartphones growing nearly 10 times’

LYON: British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee, the man credited with inventing the World Wide Web, gives a speech yesterday in Lyon, central France, during the World Wide Web 2012 international conference yesterday in Lyon. —AFP

Amazon, Apple, Twitter score low on clean energy SAN FRANCISCO: Amazon, Apple and Twitter were graded poorly in a Greenpeace study of technology titans’ use of clean energy to power the mushrooming Internet cloud, but Facebook, Google and Yahoo! won praise.

The environmental charity’s “How Clean is your Cloud?” report, billed as a rallying cry instead of a critique, related to the companies’ use of data centers and other energy issues. “We are not trying to give them a hard time, we are trying to build them up to do the right thing,”Greenpeace senior campaign specialist Casey Harrell told AFP. “We love our iPhones, they make our lives better; but they shouldn’t make the planet worse.” Cupertino, Californiabased Apple got “D” grades for efficiency of datacenters, sharing information about power use, and lobbying utilities to provide clean energy.

Apple was given a flunking “F” when it came to locating datacenters in places where electricity comes from clean sources instead of climate-ruining coal.

Apple, however, rejected the Greenpeace findings as outdated or flat-out wrong, and said it was leading the pack when it comes to shifting datacenters to clean energy.

The company’s new North Carolina datacenter aims to get more than 60 percent of its power from renewable sources including an on-site solar farm and a fuel cell installation touted as the largest of their kind in the United States.

The facility will be “the greenest datacenter ever built” and will be joined next year by one in Oregon powered completely by renewable energy, according to Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet.

Amazon.com and its cloud-based Amazon Web Services got failing grades in all but datacenter energy efficiency, where it got a “D.” Technology firms tend to be tight-lipped about datacenter power use for competitive reasons, and Amazon.com said the information about it deduced by Greenpeace was “inaccurate.”

“Amazon Web Services believes that cloud computing is inherently more environmentally friendly than traditional computing,” the company said in response to an AFP inquiry.

“Instead of each company having their own datacenter that serves just them, AWS makes it possible for hundreds of thousands of companies to con-

solidate their datacenter use into a handful of datacenters in the AWS Cloud.”

While datacenter efficiency is a worthwhile goal, switching to clean energy is needed to safeguard the health of the planet, according to Greenpeace. The trend of software hosted in the Internet “cloud” to provide services such as Webbased email, video viewing, picture sharing, social networking and “tweeting” is driving demand for datacenters.

If the world’s datacenters were considered a country, it would rank fifth when it came to electricity consumption in a global ranking of nations, according to Greenpeace.

A major factor in locating datacenters has been cheap electricity, resulting in them being built in places where utilities generate power by burning coal, a prime source of climate changing carbon gas emissions.

Datacenters are so coveted as customers by power companies that technology companies have clout to press for a switch to clean energy sources, according to Greenpeace.

“The explosive growth of datacenters is a big problem if it continues to be linked to coal, or a big opportunity,” said Greenpeace media officer David Pomerantz.

“If the IT sector pushes to bring solar, wind and other renewables online it could be a huge game changer.” Google has been investing aggressively in renewable energy. Facebook in December implemented a policy making the availability of clean power a criterion for where it builds datacenters.

“We’ve put a significant time and resources into making Google as energy efficient as possible, using renewable energy, and investing in the sector,” said Google senior vice president for technical infrastructure Urs Hoelzle.

“We welcome reports like this, as they bring additional attention to these important issues for the industry.”

Internet pioneer Yahoo! was an early adopter of putting datacenters in places with renewable energy sources.

The list of companies graded included IBM, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Oracle, and Salesforce.com. “ These guys aren’t the enemies,” Pomerantz said of the 14 technology firms graded. “The enemies are the Duke Energy(s) of the world blowing up mountains to provide power,” he added. —AFP

JAKARTA: The launch in India of a new BlackBerry by Research In Motion Ltd is not just a nod to its lower-end users who love it less for its security, push email and seamless roaming than for its simplicity and its Messaging. It’s a strategy the Canadian company hopes will help fill both a hole in its balance sheet and a half-year wait for its next big thing - the BlackBerry 10 platform.

But will it work? The handset itself won’t impress devotees: Its main selling point is a dedicated side button that lets users chat over its BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) and a built-in FM radio, which lower-end Nokia phones have had for a decade.

It works only on the slower 2G networks, and the camera isn’t that great. But, RIM says, that’s the point.

RIM calls it a parallel approach: building the high-end next generation platform and devices, while coming up with cheaper phones that can prod some of the vast majority of its users to trade up.

“We’re really trying to build on and help those people who are moving from feature phone to smartphone.

We believe we can be successful in that,” Patrick Spence, RIM’s global sales chief, said in a telephone interview.

It’s a smart move, some analysts believe, given RIM’s position. Adam Leach, principal analyst at research company Ovum, said there is a misperception that RIM’s bruising experience in North America will be repeated elsewhere. RIM’s strength, he said, is being able to offer lowerend users a better experience on a slow connection than the equivalent Android handset.

RIM launched its new handset, the Curve 9220, in India yesterday, with other markets to follow. A RIM spokesman said the company would launch in Indonesia, one of its most lucrative markets, in the coming weeks. “Their success in Indonesia shows they have other attributes and capabilities in the BlackBerry platform globally that appeal to different markets rather than just the high-end, mature markets (like North America and Western Europe),” said Ovum’s Leach.

RIM doesn’t break down its sales by region, but has reported that sales outside the US, Britain and Canada accounted for 68 percent of total revenue in its fourth quarter, up from 61 percent in the previous three months. Those markets include India, South Africa, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, which RIM says are all targets for this year’s sales blitz.

But understanding why a market like Indonesia works - and then applying those lessons elsewhere - is not straightforward. Slamet Riyadi, a 30-year-old office boy in Jakarta with a wife and two young children, shifted to BlackBerry from Nokia two years ago. He owns a Gemini 8520 which he bought new for about $200 - about two months’ salary. He keeps his old Nokia to communicate with his family by voice and SMS, but loves his BlackBerry for staying in touch with friends and colleagues.

He dreams of owning an Onyx 2, which would cost upwards of $350,

but the reality is that he must soon sell his BlackBerry to pay for his daughter’s schooling.

Therein lies the rub for RIM. On the surface, Indonesia looks like an extraordinary success story in a gloomy narrative of failures elsewhere. While RIM slashed more than $750 million from the value of its inventory in each of its last two quarters, BlackBerry sales to Indonesia have boomed, with industry experts saying BlackBerrys account for around half of smartphone sales. Joy Wahjudi, director of marketing of operator XL Axiata, said there could be as many as 7 million BlackBerry users in Indonesia, the world’s fourth-most-populous country.

According to Harry Sasongko, CEO of cellular operator Indosat, Indonesia is RIM’s largest market outside the United States and

tem before RIM had even set up office in Indonesia in 2010. Take for example Hendrik, a 20-year-old who has worked as a phone repair man for the past three years, mostly fixing BlackBerrys. From a small stall in a down-market mall in Jakarta, Hendrik installs apps, upgrades software or replaces parts. One recent customer had dropped his device in the toilet. Despite burying the device in a pile of rice to try and dry it out, it still wouldn’t work. Hendrik replaced the power supply and some chips from another machine.

Total cost: $50.

As demand has risen, so have opportunities for smuggling in handsets from countries where they are subsidized - pushing down prices. Retailer Devandi Nugroho, for example, offers two versions of the same device: an official one for 1.8

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif displays BlackBerry’s new BlackBerry Curve 9220, at a launch in New Delhi, India yesterday. —AP Britain. And, with smartphones accounting for less than 25 percent of phone users, it’s not hard to see why RIM believes in Indonesia.

When RIM offered half-price handsets at a Jakarta mall in November, 5,000 people surged through barriers, knocking several unconscious and prompting a police investigation.

Still, the reality is more nuanced.

Interest in smartphones is growing nearly 10 times as many smartphones were sold in Indonesia last year compared to 2009, according to IDC. And in a country starved of land-lines and fixed-line computer connections, the phone has long been a key communications tool.

RIM’s success in Indonesia is down to a number of things, not all of them replicable outside Indonesia. Indonesian operators started early, among the first in the world to adopt RIM’s experimental stripped-down pricing plans which offered basic services at a fraction of the usual enterprise prices. Now plans start at as low as $5 per month. This nurtured a vast ecosys-

million rupiah ($200) and another for 200,000 rupiah less. Secondhand BlackBerrys can be found for as little as $75.

All this has fuelled a perception that RIM has done little to make Indonesia a success and so doesn’t understand how best to leverage it.

“Part of RIM’s issue is that they have had successes in areas they haven’t exactly planned,” said Ovum’s Leach.

RIM acknowledges it could have done things differently in Indonesia.

“Every company has to figure out how to deal with globalization and that’s what we’ve really been trying to do,” said Spence.

Despite a raft of local initiatives, there’s no guarantee BlackBerry users will remain loyal. There is already a feeling that Indonesians are beginning to tire of the device.

While smartphones have grown as a share of the overall phone market in the past year, RIM’s share has slipped while Samsung Electronics’ has tripled, industry data show.

Indonesians with long memories worry they’ve seen it before.

Indonesia was the world capital of

Major businesses hit by targeted marlware attacks DUBAI: Hundreds of major businesses have been hit by targeted marlware attacks, said David Emm, Senior Regional Researcher, UK , Global Research & Analysis Team of Kaspersky Lab, a leading developer of secure content management solutions, on day one of the MENA Information Security Conference 2012. The event is being held April 18-19 at the Kempinski Hotel in Amman, Dead Sea, Jordan for the second year, gathering industry experts and leading vendors to discuss the challenges for the future of cyber security.

According to Kaspersky Lab’s survey on “Global IT Security Risks”, a significant number of businesses have become victims to cyber crime, including targeted attacks, events of corporate espionage and loss of sensitive intellectual property naming including RSA, HBGary, Google’s Gmail, and Lockheed Martin. This in turn verifies

that cyber threats have become much more important for business, which was confirmed by 46% of the organizations.

59% of companies report to be at least well-equipped against cyber threats. However, small businesses indicate a lower level of confidence.

Almost half of the organizations have experienced an increase in the number of cyber attacks against them in the last 12 months. Businesses are worried that c yber-attacks may involve organized criminal gangs and are concerned about government interference. As a result, prevention of IT security breaches was the number 1 concern in all regions among IT staff.

Commenting on IT security for corporations, David Emm said, “IT strategy is one of the main concerns for businesses, ranked higher even than financial, marketing and human resources strategy. Almost half of all

the bulky Nokia Communicator until it suddenly fell from grace. Prasetyo Andy Wicaksono, community leader for Indonesia’s largest BlackBerry developer group, said doubts over RIM’s future were denting interest among developers. “If RIM isn’t careful, they can lose their loyal customers here. This phenomenon must be understood by RIM to prevent the same thing as happened to previous gadgets.”

More importantly, are poorer Indonesians going to bite? RIM believes it can persuade some of those millions of users of the more basic feature phones to upgrade.

But Slamet, the office boy, illustrates how thin the line is between those who can afford one and those who can’t afford to keep one. “ The biggest challenge for RIM is price,” said Sarwoto Atmosutarno, CEO of

organizations see cyber-threats as one of the top-three developing risks.

Wider business threats may also be a result of an IT security breach. 30% of the companies’ feel that are being specifically targeted by cyber-attacks and 9% of companies admit to at least one IT security issue involving a targeted attack.” He continued, “The only reason this is not even higher is that most targeted attacks are designed to be discrete, so companies never even notice them”.

Moreover, David shared the security tips with the audienc. l Do not open attachments in strange e-mails, especially in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF formats. l Use a secure browser to access the Internet like Google Chrome, due to its exceptional sandboxing technology. l Update all third-party applications; MS Office, Adobe Reader and Flash

Player are among the third-par ty applications most frequently targeted by cybercriminals. l Keep your OS up-to-date; enable automatic updates in windows and the respec tive auto -updates [e.g.

Yumd] in Linux Commenting on Kaspersky Lab’s participation in this summit, Tarek Kuzbari, Managing Director, Kaspersky Lab, Middle East and Turkey said, “This is our first par ticipation in MENA Information Security Conference and we are delighted to be part of such an important event in the region. Strong IT security across all business departments covering all endpoints is necessary to avoid major damage to a company. The number of cyber-threats, including targeted attacks, may lead not only to sensitive data loss a company’s brand image can also be damaged, which is a top threat for the majority of businesses”.

one of the largest cellular operators, Telkomsel. “Indonesia, like India, is a volume game industry.”

RIM said the Curve would sell in India for 10,990 rupees ($210), and about the same in Indonesia. Also, the key attraction of the BlackBerry for many - its Messenger function is less of the unassailable citadel it once was. The growing popularity of messaging services such as WhatsApp that use a cellphone’s data connection offer a cheap alternative to SMS - as well as a way to build BBM-like groups without having to own a BlackBerry recently released versions of its software that work on even the lower-end Nokia phones running the Symbian operating system - which still account for up to two-thirds of Indonesian cellphone users, according to StatCounter, a traffic monitoring service. Graham Hills, Indonesian general manager for travel start-up Wego, said that when he arrived in Jakarta last year everyone would ask for his BBM PIN number. “Now people ask whether you have WhatsApp on your phone,” he said. —Reuters

S Korea seeks ways to disable ‘silent camera’ apps SEOUL: South Korea is seeking ways to disable smartphone apps that allow users to silently snap photos in a bid to prevent Peeping Toms from secretly photographing women, an official said yesterday.

Discussions are underway between authorities and handset makers, an official of the Korea Communications Commission told AFP. “We have recently started discussions with firms like Samsung, LG, Google and Apple regarding whether it’s technically possible to disable those apps on their devices,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

The move comes amid privacy concerns after a series of crimes involving men secretly taking photos of women. While there is already a regulation in place making it compulsory for mobile phones to make a sound when a photo is taken there is no such rule for app developers, meaning there are dozens of apps that provide a mute switch.

In June a man in his 30s was arrested in the southeastern city of Gimhae for secretly taking about 500 pictures under women’s skirts by using a “silent camera” app. South Korea has nearly 25 million smar tphone users in a total population of almost 50 million. —AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

H E A LT H & S C I E NC E

Doc-lawyer uses both trades to fight abortion laws BOISE: A poor woman in rural Idaho was looking for help after authorities said they found an aborted fetus in a box on her back porch. Jennie Linn McCormack had been charged with giving herself an illegal abortion using drugs purchased online, and she faced five years in prison if convicted.

She had three kids, little money and less hope when she walked into a lawyer’s office in Pocatello and told her story to Rick Hearn, who has a soft spot for underdogs.

“Her circumstances pulled on my conscience,” he said. “I wanted to represent Jennie.” He had no idea his decision would turn into the nation’s first lawsuit challenging the so-called fetal pain laws enacted in more than half a dozen states. Nor did he suspect he could end up trying to intervene in the lawsuit on behalf of a doctor who had never been involved with terminating a pregnancy himself.

Hearn, who decided to get a law

degree after he had already finished med school, is using a legal strategy that many experts say is unheard of. “This is like nothing that I’ve ever read about or encountered,” said Bill Horton, a legal ethics expert associated with the American Health Lawyers Association and the American Bar Association’s health division. “But these abortion rights lawsuits tend to bring out unusual strategies sometimes.”

Hearn says he frequently works with people who can use all the help they can get. “I normally represent the small people who are suing government or corporations,” he said. “And I do some criminal defense.” McCormack came to him early last year, saying that she was a single mother living on between $200 and $250 a month and faced felony charges.

Authorities say on the day before Christmas in 2010, McCormack took abortion drugs to terminate a pregnancy that was more than five months along.

An acquaintance heard that she’d done

it and called police, who looked into the claim said they found a fetus in a box on her porch.

The county prosecutor charged McCormack under an Idaho law that makes it illegal for anyone other than a health care professional to be involved with terminating a pregnancy. Hearn defended McCormack and the case was dismissed. But it wasn’t a total victory, a judge tossed the charges “without prejudice,” meaning she could be prosecuted again at any time.

Meanwhile, Idaho lawmakers passed the fetal pain law. Such regulations ban abortions after 19 weeks of pregnancy, under the premise that a fetus may feel pain at 20 weeks. The scientific research that bolsters the measures has been the subject of heavy debate, but such bans have been gaining momentum among conservative legislators. A plan passed last year in Idaho with overwhelming support.

Hearn didn’t want McCormack living

with the constant threat of prosecution and decided to turn the tables. Rather than wait for the law to come after his client, he and McCormack decided to go after the law.

They sued in federal court last September, fighting for McCormack’s right to take medication to induce an abortion and for doctors’ rights to prescribe such drugs. They also took aim at the fetal pain abortion ban, which they felt also violated women’s constitutional rights to privacy.

But US Judge B. Lynn Winmill ruled the lawsuit wouldn’t get class-action status and that McCormack didn’t have the right to challenge some aspects of the law because she wasn’t currently pregnant and seeking an abortion.

So Hearn went one step further, filing a motion to intervene as a plaintiff himself, in his role as a physician who may want to prescribe abortion-inducing drugs in the future. Never mind that Hearn hasn’t practiced medicine for

about six years - his license to practice is still current, he said.

And never mind that he’s never performed an abortion, nor does he intend to. In fact, he’s Catholic, and the church is strictly anti-abortion. But Hearn says he’s reconciled his personal beliefs with his professional efforts to help McCormack in her legal fight.

“Neither I nor my family are seeking abortions, and we would not. But Jennie is not Catholic,” Hearn said. “This is about her right to choose.” Deputy Idaho Attorney General Clay Smith dismissed Hearn’s move as merely an attempt to introduce issues that McCormack has no standing to present.

Hearn doesn’t dispute that. “I’m not trying to trick anybody or anything,” he said. “I was forced to take this highly unusual step. I didn’t want to.” He added, “I’m intervening in order to assert her right to obtain an abortion, and the courts have said that doctors can assert the rights of their patients.” —AP

New US anti-drug policy stresses on prevention WASHINGTON: The White House unveiled a new drug policy strategy Tuesday that veers away from imposing heavy prison sentences for illicit drug use and focuses instead on prevention and treatment.

Officials said the new approach looks at drug addiction as a treatable disease rather than a crime. “For US drug policy, this is nothing short of a revolution in how we approach drug control,” Gil Kerlikowske, director of the National Drug Control Center, told reporters at a press event. He added that “the strategy emphasizes the importance of bolstering efforts to prevent drug use before it starts.”

“There’s a real reason to be optimistic that these reform efforts will reduce and continue to reduce drug use and its consequences on society,” said Kerlikowske.

Officials said that the administration would move away from outmoded policies like the mass incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders, and toward an approach that balances public health and safety.

“My colleagues-police and others-simply put, often say we can’t arrest our way out of the drug problem,” said Kerlikowske, the so-called US “drug czar,” who said that current thinking by health experts views drug addiction as a disease of the brain that can be prevented and treated. He added, however, that “the drug threat is far from over and, to be sure, there is more work to be done.” The policy shift comes at a time when illicit drug use in the United States, broadly speaking, is on the decline. The administration said drug abuse currently is only about one-third the rate it was in the late 1970s. Officials also report a 40 percent drop in current cocaine use and a 50 percent decline in the use of methamphetamine. But the administration conceded that the picture is not entirely rosy, acknowledging in a 60 page report that illicit drug abuse has risen among teenagers, from 16.8 percent in 2006 to 19.2 percent last year, and that US youth perceive marijuana use as benign. The administration says its revamped drug policy increases penalties on major drug traffickers while accelerating efforts to send non-violent drug offenders into treatment instead of jail.

Officials also said there has been a spike in prescription drug abuse, despite a year-old strategy to curb this growing scourge. “We

know people obtain these drugs from the medicine cabinet,” Kerlikowske told reporters.

“Few people recognize the dangers of prescription drugs.”

The Drug Policy Institute, a leading proreform group, dismissed the new drug strategy as being “almost identical” to those of previous administrations.

The Obama administration “is prioritizing low-level drug arrests, trampling on state medical marijuana laws, and expanding supply-side interdiction approaches-while not doing enough to actually reduce the harms of drug addiction and misuse,” said Bill Piper with the Alliance. The “vast majority” of Americans seeking drug treatment “do not have access to it.

Instead, our nation’s drug policies remain focused on punitive approaches,” he said. The announcement comes just days after a summit in Colombia where leaders from across the Americas agreed to consider alternatives to the US-led “War on Drugs,” which since it was launched in 1971 has claimed tens of thousands of lives but yielded only meager results.

At the summit Obama said he opposed legalizing drugs, but agreed for the first time to direct talks on the thorny issue of rampant drug consumption in the United States, the world’s most lucrative market for illegal drugs.

Obama also agreed to increase US efforts to stem the flow of money and arms toward Latin America. Officials said they also would step up efforts to secure America’s southern border with Mexico, increase US anti-drug cooperation with overseas partners and target violent international drug gangs.

Philadelphia Police Chief Charles Ramsey, a key law enforcement partner, said in a statement that the overall goal of the new policy is to break “the cycle of drug crime, incarceration and arrest.”

“Those of us in law enforcement understand that too often drug addiction is the underlying cause of crime,” he said. The administration said it is seeking about $10 billion from Congress for drug education programs and pay for expanded access to treatment programs for drug abusers.

The White House budget for 2013 also seeks $9.4 billion for domestic law enforcement, $3.7 billion for interdiction efforts, and $2 billion for international programs.—AFP

This artist’s interpretation provided by the University of Toronto January 23, 2012 shows 190 million year old nests, eggs, hatchlings and adults of the prosauropod dinosaur Massospondylus in Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa. An excavation at the site in South Africa has unearthed the 190-million-year-old dinosaur nesting site of the prosauropod dinosaur Massospondylus-revealing significant clues about the evolution of complex reproductive behaviour in early dinosaurs.—AFP

Dinosaurs put eggs in wrong evolutionary basket: Scientists Youngsters had to compete several size categories PARIS: The fact that land-bound dinosaurs laid eggs is what sealed their fate of mass extinction millions of years ago while live birthing mammals went on to thrive, scientists said yesterday.

In a new explanation for mammals’ evolutionary victory over dinosaurs, researchers said a mathematical model has shown that infant size was the clincher. Given physical limitations to egg size, dinosaurs had comparatively small young. Some came out of the egg weighing as little as two to 10 kilogrammes (4.4 to 22 pounds), yet had to bulk up to a hefty 30 or 50 tonnes.

Growing up, the youngsters had to compete in several size categories with adults of other animal groups for food, University of Zurich scientist Marcus Clauss told AFP. This meant that all the small and medium animal size categories supported by the natural environment were “occupied”, leaving no room for smaller dinosaur species in which to thrive, according to the findings published in Biology Letters, a

journal of Britain’s Royal Society.

“There is a lot of room in the ecosystem for small species, but (in such a scenario) that room is taken up by the young ones of the large species,” Clauss explained. “That was not a problem for 150 million years but as soon as something happens that takes away all the large species so that only small species remain, if there are no small species to remain you are gone as a whole group.”

The catastrophic event that wiped out all larger life forms some 65 million years ago meant the end for terrestrial dinosaurs. Scientists disagree on whether the scaly reptiles died out before or after a meteorite smashed into Earth in what is known as the Cretaceous-Tertiary impact, causing billions of tonnes of wind-borne ash and dust to filter out light from the Sun and triggering a “nuclear winter” that cooled the planet and withered vegetation.

Mammals did not have the same limitations in size spread, said Clauss, because their young were not born as comparatively small and did not need

to compete with other species for food, instead suckling on their mothers. This meant there were smaller mammal species able to cope with the new post-catastrophe environment and evolve into new species alongside birds, which are also dinosaurs. “ The question that haunted some people including me is ... why did the mammals survive and why did the dinosaurs not. I think we have a very good answer for that,” Clauss said.

The researchers said egg size is constricted by upper limits to the thickness of shells, which have to allow oxygen through to the embryo. The average four-tonne titanosaur, the largest type of vertebrate that ever lived, was 2,500 times heavier than its newborn.

A modern-day elephant mother weighs 22 times more than her calf. Scientists say all animals with a bodyweight of more than about 10 to 25 kilogrammes (22 to 55 pounds) died in the mass extinction event. — AFP

Magnetic rod reduces need for spine surgery PARIS: A new magnetic backstraightening rod holds promise for treating children born with curved spines without the need for sixmonthly surgery, researchers in Hong Kong said yesterday. At present, straightening rods fixed to the spine have to be lengthened on an operating table under general anaesthesia every six months to keep pace with the child’s growth.

The researchers replaced these with a new type of magnetically-

TOKYO: This handout picture taken on April 13, 2012 and released by the Tsuji Lab Research Institute for Science and Technology of the Tokyo University of Science shows a hairless mouse with black hair on its back at the laboratory in Noda, Chiba Prefecture. Japanese researchers led by professor Takashi Tsuji from Tokyo University of Science, successfully grown hair on hairless mice by implanting follicles created from stem cells, they announced yesterday sparking new hopes of a cure for baldness. — AFP

Japan study raises hopes of cure for baldness TOKYO: Japanese researchers have successfully grown hair on hairless mice by implanting follicles created from stem cells, they announced yestersday, sparking new hopes of a cure for baldness. Led by professor Takashi Tsuji from Tokyo University of Science, the team bioengineered hair follicles and transplanted them into the skin of hairless mice.

The creatures eventually grew hair, which continued regenerating in normal growth cycles after old hairs fell out.

When stem cells are grown into tissues or organs, they usually need to be extracted from embryos, but Tsuji and his researchers found hair follicles can be grown with adult stem cells, the study said.

“Our current study thus demonstrates the potential for not only hair regeneration therapy but also the realisation of bioengineered organ replacement using adult somatic stem cells,” it said.

The combination of the new and existing technologies is expected to improve treatment for baldness, possibly allowing people to use their own cells for implants that will give them their hair back.

“We would like to start clinical research within three to five years, so that an actual treatment to general patients can start within a decade,” said researcher Koh-ei Toyoshima. The study is published in the online science magazine Nature Communications.—AFP

adjustable rod in five children aged five to 14 being treated for scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, at the Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital in Hong Kong.

During monthly clinic visits over two years, the rods were manipulated with an external, hand-held magnetic device placed over the implanted, internal magnet, said the study published in The Lancet medical journal.

A rotating mechanism within the rod caused it to extend and thus length-

en the spine. “Our finding is that the rod can be remotely extended and the big advantage of this remote extension of the rod is that the patient does not need to undergo general anaesthaesia,” study member Kenneth Cheung of the University of Hong Kong told AFP. “They basically come back to our clinic once every month and we spend 30 seconds just to extend the rod and the patient can go back to school.” About three percent of all

people suffer from scoliosis, and some 0.1 percent require straightening treatment, said Cheung.

Traditionally, doctors used screws and rods to straighten the spine of scoliosis patients and keep it in place, but in small children this hampered their growth. The extendable rod has been in use for about five to 10 years, said Cheung. A large-scale trial is being planned to see whether the prototype treatment is safe and effective. — AFP

Court ruling supports generic drug makers WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court ruled that generic drug makers can challenge big-name pharmaceutical firms in court to stop them from broadening the scope of their patent descriptions. The measure overturns a 2010 appeals court ruling and confirms an earlier decision by a federal judge that ordered the US subsidiary of Danish laboratory Novo Nordisk to narrow the description of its patent on repaglinide, an antidiabetes drug sold under the name Prandin.

Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, the US subsidiary of the Indian firm Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, is seeking to produce a generic version of Prandin. However Novo Nordisk amended the wording of his patent to extend it, and block the Caraco’s request to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to produce a generic version of the drug.

The FDA cannot approve the sale of a drug that breaks patent protection laws. In a unanimous decision by the nine Supreme Court justices, Justice Elena Kagan wrote that “a generic company can employ the counterclaim to challenge a brand’s overbrand use code.” “We accordingly hold that Caraco may bring a counterclaim seeking to ‘correct’ Novo’s use code,” the ruling read. “While we are disappointed with the decision,” said James Shehan, a senior official with Novo Nordisk Inc, USA, “it appears the Supreme Court has held only that Caraco may challenge the use code narrative for Novo Nordisk’s patented method of treating diabetes with repaglinide in combination with metformin.—AFP

This image provided by NASA shows the sun releasing a M1.7 class flare associated with a prominence eruption on April, 16, 2012. This image was taken by the Solar Dynamics Observatory. This visually spectacular explosion occurred on the sun’s Northeastern limb (left) and was not Earth directed. — AP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

H E A LT H

New shrimp-like species found in New Mexico cave ALBUQUERQUE: Scientists have discovered a new shrimp-like species in a gypsum cave in southeastern New Mexico, only a few dozen miles from the famous caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park.

The species of amphipod was unknown before being discovered about a month ago in the Burton Flats area east of Carlsbad, said Jim Goodbar, the Bureau of Land Management’s senior cave specialist. The agency announced the discovery Tuesday.

Blind, about a half-inch long and almost translucent, the amphipod was found in a subterranean pool inside a cave no more than 80 feet from the sur-

face. The cave had been explored before, but samples had never been taken of the water until a biological inventory was done as part of plans to expand potash mining in the area.

For Goodbar and other cave researchers, short of rocketing into space, the depths of the earth represent one of the last unexplored frontiers for humankind. “You never know what you’re going to find down there,” Goodbar said.

“One of the interesting things about this is these guys, these critters have been down there for tens of thousands of years, millions of years and we’re just getting around to finding them.” More sur-

Prostate cancer therapy shows fewer side effects PARIS: A new prostate cancer treatment using high frequency sound waves may be a viable alternative to surgery and radiotherapy with less chance of incontinence or impotence, researchers said Tuesday. A clinical trial funded by Britain’s Medical Research Council examined the efficacy of a new treatment known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), that can target areas just a few millimetres in size.

“The results ... show that 12 months after treatment, none of the 41 men in the trial had incontinence of urine and just 1 in 10 suffered from poor erections both common side effects of conventional treatment,” said a statement. “ The majority of men (95 per cent) were also cancer-free after a year.”

The findings were published in the journal Lancet Oncology. Treatment involves radiotherapy or removing the prostate surgically-both methods that can damage surrounding healthy tissue, in some cases leading to incontinence or erectile dysfunction.

HIFU targets a small area affected by

cancer-the sound waves causing the tissue to vibrate and heat up, killing the cancer cells. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic and most patients are back home within 24 hours, said the statement.

“Our results are very encouraging,” said Dr Hashim Ahmed, who led the study. “We’re optimistic that men diagnosed with prostate cancer may soon be able to undergo a day case surgical procedure, which can be safely repeated once or twice, to treat their condition with very few side-effects. That could mean a significant improvement in their quality of life.”

There will be a larger trial to examine whether the new therapy, already in use in hospitals for several years, was as effective as the standard treatment.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. More than 37,000 men are diagnosed with it in the UK each year. Men can live with the disease for years without it getting worse, and many have to weigh whether they want to risk the side effects of treatment.— AFP

veys of the area are planned, Goodbar said. The new species has not been named, but officials said it has been grouped with the Parabogidiella (parabo-GIDDY-ella) genus, which was first described in 1980 by John Holsinger with the Biological Sciences Department at Old Dominion University in Virginia.

An amphipod expert, Holsinger said Tuesday the species found near Carlsbad is different from the other single species in the genus. He is currently working on its complete description.

Members of the Bogidiellidea family have been documented in parts of Mexico, but the new species represents

the family’s most northern extent, he said. Scientists know little about the new species. They’re already making guesses at whether it’s carnivorous or feeds on bacteria, minerals or vegetative bits that find their way into the cave’s water.

“They’re very cryptic,” Holsinger said. “ These things are usually found in groundwater and you can very rarely observe them firsthand.” Goodbar said the Bureau of Land Management is planning for a series of monitoring wells near the Burton Flats caves to keep an eye on water levels once the mining company begins pumping water for its proposed operations. The agency is developing mit-

igation plans that call for an end to pumping in the area if a certain threshold is reached.

The BLM is working on balancing protection of the new species and the area’s water supply with development of the region’s vast potash resources, Goodbar said. The water in the caves is replenished by rainwater soaking down through cracks and crevices in the Earth’s surface and fresh water from a shallow underground aquifer. “I think the implications are that we really need to protect the groundwater aquifers because there are species there that live nowhere else on Earth,” Goodbar said. — AP

Interpreters in ER may limit medical errors DALLAS: Having professional translators in emergency rooms for non-English-speaking patients may help limit potential miscommunications, according to a US study. The study, conducted at two pediatric ERs and published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, found that mistakes which could have “clinical consequences,” like giving the wrong medication dose, were about twice as likely if there were no interpreters or if the translator was an amateur.

“The findings document that interpreter errors of potential clinical consequence are significantly more likely to occur when there is an ‘ad hoc’ or no interpreter, compared with a professional interpreter,” said lead researcher Glenn Flores, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

An estimated 25 million US residents have limited English proficiency - that is, they say they speak the language less than “very well.” By law, US hospitals that receive federal funds have to offer some type of translation help for those patients. That can mean a professional interpreter who works for the hospital or telephone

or video-based translation services.

Studies have found that patients like to have a translator available, and that it may improve care and cut costs, by avoiding unnecessary tests, for instance. But it hadn’t been clear how well professional interpreters per formed against amateurs, or no interpreter at all.

The current study was based on 57 families seen in either of two Massachusetts pediatric emergency rooms. All were primarily Spanishspeaking and 20 families had help from a professional interpreter.

Ten had no translation help and 27 had a non-professional interpreter. The reasons for the difference was unclear. When trained interpreters were available, 12 percent of translation slips could have potential health risks to a child.

But when the interpreter was somebody such as a family member or a bilingual member of the hospital staff, 20 to 22 percent of their translation errors were potentially risky.

In one example from the study, an amateur interpreter - a family friend - told the doctor that the child was not on any medications and

had no drug allergies. But the friend had not actually asked the mother whether that was true.

A number of questions remain about professional interpreters, such as whether in-person interpreters are more effective than phone or video interpreters and what are the most costeffective measures, Flores said. Another issue is training, including the question of how much is enough.

Errors were least common when the interpreters had 100 hours of training or more. In these cases, only two percent of their translation slips had the potential for doing the child harm. Few training programs for medical interpreters provide at least 100 hours of training, Flores said. Even when hospitals run their own programs, the hours involved vary widely.

“These findings suggest that requiring at least 100 hours of training for interpreters might have a major impact on reducing interpreter errors and their consequences in health care, while improving quality and patient safety,” the researchers wrote. — Reuters

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THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N Greetings

Dearest Judy as you become 9 years old today. We feel happy and proud and thankfull to Allah. We pray to Allah to bless your life and fill it with joy. Best wishes from your mom, dad, sisters and brother.

Mary from KACCH, Dr Kathy Nixon and Alia Mustafa Aref, the president of Sigma Tau Delta’s Alpha Rho Eta chapter at AUK.

Dr Nizar Hamzeh, Dean Of College of Arts & Sciences and Alia Mustafa Aref accepting a gift of appreciation from Mary Dempsey-Booz from KACCH.

Dr Kathy Nixon, Dr. Craig Loomis and President Winfred Thompson examining the children’s books with Mary from KACCH.

Sigma Tau Delta members and their volunteers who worked with the KACCH book drives in 2011 and 2012.

Belated birthday wishes to our beloved Ghanim on his 4th birthday. May Allah bless you and fill your life with joy, love, peace and great achievements. From your dad, mom and sisters (Judy, Layan and Salam).

AUK donates to KACCH, receives award Wishing Salam a happy birthday on his 6th birthday. May Allah shower his choicest blessings on you. Best wishes come from your mother, father, sisters and brother.

Announcements Beachcombing in Kuwait The AWARE Center cordially invites you to its diwniya presentation entitled, “Beachcombing in Kuwait,” by Claudia Farkas Al-Rashoud on April 24 at 7 pm.

Virtually everyone who walks along a beach starts to collect odd bits and pieces that have been washed up and deposited along the strandline. On Kuwait’s beaches you can find many things that make beachcombing an interesting pastime. There are more than 500 varieties of mollusc shells alone. In addition to sea shells you might come across corals, sand dollars, sea urchins, cuttlefish ‘bones’, sea cucumbers, and various other types of marine life, and of course the inevitable man-made debris. Join local photojournalist and experienced beachcomber Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud for this illustrated lecture and take a look at life along Kuwait’s strandline. Beachcombers of all ages are welcome. If you are interested in the topic, AWARE is the most appropriate place to visit.

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he American University of Kuwait chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Society won the organization’s Service Award for 2012 in recognition of a book drive held on behalf of The Kuwait Association for the Care of Children in Hospital (KACCH).

“The project was deemed both wellorganized and extremely valuable as a social outreach that would benefit many persons who, in a particularly vulnerable time of their lives, would find some relief through reading,” said William C. Johnson, Sigma Tau Delta’s Executive Director.

Sigma Tau Delta promotes literacy in ways that exhibit service to society. Each year the organization recognizes one or more chapters whose service projects exemplify what it means to serve society by fostering literacy. “This year the Sigma Tau Delta judges were pleased to recognize the Alpha Rho Eta Chapter at AUK for exemplary service to KACCH,” Johnson said.

Chapter members accepted the award at the annual convention which was held in New Orleans, LA, USA in March. As part of this honor, the chapter received a plaque and $200 to buy children’s books for KACCH while in the United States. The chapter presented those books to the organization on April 1.

This gift follows the donation of roughly 676 books (duplicate titles were not counted) from a three-day book drive at AUK which concluded March 28. With this gift, the AUK students have donated over 1,000 books to KACCH since the first book drive in the spring of 2011.

“This project has always been dear to me because of my love of reading. As a child the book was the ultimate source of not only escape but of imagination as well as creativity. I believe all children should be given the gift of a book because it was one of the most precious gifts I have ever had the pleasure of receiving.We as an English honor

society understand the importance of literacy and being in an age where the book and reading is close to extinction, we really felt that the book drive would spark people’s interest in books again,” said Alia Mustafa Aref, the chapter President and principal organizer of the award winning book drive.

AUK’s Alpha Rho Eta chapter of Sigma Tau Delta was chartered in fall of 2009 becoming the first and only chapter of this organization in the Middle East. Since that time, members have presented at three international conferences, won all of the major chapter awards offered by the organization and had a student whose poetry was published in a Sigma Tau Delta journal.

“We are honored by the recognition of Sigma Tau Delta and the support we receive from the AUK administration.

Our students have formed a strong, hard-working chapter. We hope to benefit the community and our University

IOMF highlights ongoing projects

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ndian Orthodox Mercy Fellowship (IOMF - A spiritual and charitable organization of St. Gregarious Indian Orthodox Maha Edavaka, Kuwait)) released a colourful flyer with details of the project to commemorate the Catholicate Centenary and 40th Anniversary of IOMF. The flyer was released by Dr Yohanon Mar Dioscoros (Metropolitan of Chennai Diocese) and handed over to P.C George (General Convener) in the presence of Vicar Rev Fr Jose Mathew, Asso Vicar Rev Fr George Varghese and IOMF office bearers and conveners. The highlights of the project are - Mercy homes with 2 bedrooms - 40 Nos, Medical aid -15 Nos, Self Employment Support - 20 Nos, Education Assistance-15 Nos, Other aids-10 Nos (Total 100 Nos). IOMF always ensures that all its charity aids go to the poorest of the poor.

One day on earth One Day On Earth in KUWAIT on April 22 at 6.30 pm at the Australian College of Kuwait (West Mishref, Block 5, Al-Aqsa Mosque Street, Building 1, Auditorium Area).

Golden era Club Friday, 27th April from 5-7 pm. Join the Golden Era (an exclusive seniors club) for a 3500 km, zero carbon footprint, journey to a beautiful European country credited with amazing achievements. Dr Leos Tovarek’s dynamic presentation will give a unique insight into the Czech Republic; its history, culture, strengths, potential and future. Home sick Czech nationals are particularly invited to share their culture.

Venue- House #34, next to Abu-Tammam Intermediate School for Boys, Sate Alhusari St., Block 2, Rumaithiya. For details call 97172788/ 66208183 or drop a line to goldenera60@yahoo.com The Scientific Center The Scientific Center celebrates its 12th anniversary in a festival to be held today and tomorrow (April 19 and 20), featuring special activities and reduced prices on entrance tickets. “Visitors can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets to enter the Aquarium, the IMAX 3D theater and the Discovery Hall”, said Chairman and Managing Director Mejbel Al-Mutawa’a in a press released, adding that the event is set to feature an entertaining program including competitions and interactive activities such as an activity in which visitors will have the chance to make greeting cards using recycled material.

Golf Tourney American Business Council of Kuwait invites you to its 11th Annual 4-man 18 hole Golf tournament at the Sahara Club on Friday, May 4th. If interested to participate, register now, individually or a team off our at americanbusinesscouncil@abckuwait2012 NonGolfers are welcome to enjoy the day-out at the Sahara club and experience the delicious luncheon at the tournaments prize distribution ceremony.

Ahmadi Music Group Ahmadi Music Group is very pleased to announce that tickets for Semele are now available on our website www.ahmadimusicgroup.com or though our charming and energetic ticket person Yvonne whom you can reach at tickets@ahmadimusicgroup.com Semele is a dramatic story of love and deception which scandalized audiences when it first opened, and has enraptured audiences ever since. Our performance will be in the beautiful Dar al-Athar al-Islamiyyah which is much smaller than our other recent venues.

Entry will be very limited, so please do not delay. nPlease note also that purchase of a “ticket” is in fact a subscription to “Friends of Ahmadi Music Group” which entitles you to attend a performance of the opera. There will be no tickets available at the door.

for many years,” said Dr. Kathy Nixon, the group’s faculty sponsor who was recognized by the honor society at the convention with the 2012 Elaine W. Hughes Faculty Sponsor Award. “Our members are committed to the study of English literature at the University level and to promoting literacy in their country and abroad. I am very proud of them.”

In addition to its work with KACCH, the AUK group donated the proceeds from its 2011 Regents Common Reader Award to Reading is Fundamental (RIF) in the United States.

The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English.

Palestinian Cultural Exhibition

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andicrafts reaffirm the Palestinian national identity and support needy children and families. The Palestinian Culture Center in collaboration with the Women’s Cultural Society invite you to its spring exhibition.

The exhibition aims to preserve Palestinian handicrafts in order to reaffirm the Palestinian national identify by adapting it harmoniously to the 21st century demands.

We display classic designs intertwined with modern uses, colors, and motifs, to showcase some of the creativity of the Palestinian women. Items on sale include: cushions, runners, scarves, shawls, long traditional dresses as well as smaller items. We also have handmade ceramics from Palestine, books, music, and movies.

Today evening there will be a folklore dance and a bake sale of traditional foods as well as children’s activities at The Kuwaiti Women Cultural Soceity, Khaldiya, Block 2, Al Qurouba Street Date: Monday April 23 to Thursday 26th 2012 from 10 am to 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 8:30pm. Call 25755866, 25727388, 99376608.

Charity evening for ‘Palestine’s Children’

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he ‘Kuwaitis for Jerusalem’ committee; a joint committee between the Women’s Cultural and Social Society and the Kuwait Graduates’ Society, organizes a charity evening Sunday, April 22, 2012, to support a planned project for the ‘Relief for Palestine’s Children Society’ to establish a cancer treatment pediatric hospital in Bait Jala, Palestine. The event, titled ‘We Deserve to Live’, takes part at the Movenpick Hotel at the Free Trade Zone.

For reservations or other inquiries, please call: 99714347 99723474 - 67676167.

LOA strives for excellence through the path of knowledge and discovery

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ooks are companions, teachers, magicians and bankers of the treasures of the mind. They are the engines of the change, windows to the world and light houses elected in the sea of time. Without genuine books the development of civilization would have been impossible.

Indian Learners Own Academy recently bagged the credit of publishing its maiden CBSE-International

& curriculum books in Kuwait. It was a proud moment for the entire school wing when the book was launched on March 15th, 2012; another golden feather was added in the cap. The concerted effort of the sincere and industrious teachers made the dream come true.

Obviously they played a pivotal role taking the school to the summit of success in the blink of an eye.

In the past they successfully

experimented the theme-based worksheet which contained all the necessary study materials made into pieces of cake. The growth of these worksheets will continue in the years to come. Self- publishing allows teachers to keep ownership of their work and make changes when necessary. The school solely possesses the copy right of these workbooks.

The coping of these materials is henceforth strictly prohibited.

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THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF BRAZIL The Embassy of Brazil requests all Brazilian citizens in Kuwait to proceed to the website www.brazil.org.kw (Contact Us Form / Fale Conosco) in order to register or update contact information. The Embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the Embassy. The registration process helps the Brazilian Government to contact and assist Brazilians living abroad in case of any emergency. nnnnnnn

Porsche kids driving school in Kuwait

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he Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2021 is an international World Health Organisation (WHO) and United Nations (UN) global initiative. Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute (FSRI), a non-profit rehabilitation clinic owned by the foundation FAWSEC, is proud to design and support innovative health reform initiatives to address the most pressing public health challenges facing Kuwait. This year, through RunQ8 10km Run for Road and Traffic Safety, FSRI was able to raise funds through sponsors, and to partner with local organisations to implement initiatives that address the goals set out for this Decade of Action.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmad Al Humoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and in cooperation with the Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute and the Ministry of Interior, Porsche Centre Kuwait, Behbehani Motors Company, introduces the ‘Early Childhood Road and Traffic Safety Program’ targeted at Kuwaiti school kids aged between three and seven. The

event runs from April through December at the Qadsiya Sports Club.

The program includes the popular Porsche Kids Driving School designed

to introduce road and traffic safety guidelines to young children. It provides a child-friendly learning path which identifies and builds on the children’s knowledge and understanding, showing also how road safety can be incorporated into classroom topics and activities.

Kuwaiti schools are invited to arrange visits for their pupils to the Porsche Kids Driving School at the Qadsiya Sports Club in Hawally where they first learn road signs and basic traffic rules in a theory lesson, including the importance of wearing seat belts and using a pedestrian crossing correctly. Following this, kids can put their knowledge straight into practise and drive Porsche 911 pedal cars on a specially designed road circuit complete with working traffic lights, roundabouts, junctions, speed bumps and a pedestrian crossing.

“Research indicates that young children form attitudes that will shape their behaviour later in life, and with early intervention, we can have a direct impact on their future behaviour”, says

Eleanor Burton, Director of CSR at Fawzia Sultan Rehabilitation Institute.

Roger Kyriacou, Deputy General Manager at Porsche Centre Kuwait, adds: “It is best if children experience the importance of road safety first hand in a fun environment suitable for their age. We are proud to be part of such a comprehensive social responsibility project and look forward to teaching thousands of children here in Kuwait. It is so important to emphasize on road safety starting at an early age.”

On completion of their visit, children receive a Porsche Kids Driving School cap, their first ever ‘driving licence’, an activity book to practice their skills as well as a Porsche Safe Driving Handbook for the parents.

Organisers envisage that by the end of this year, over 7,000 children will have attended the Porsche Early Childhood Road and Traffic Safety Program, influencing the driving habit of the next generation. The initiative is seen by many as a big step in the right direction towards making the roads of Kuwait safer for everyone.

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St., Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 12:30 to 01:00 pm for lunch break.

Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday. The Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi provides visa and immigration services to residents of Kuwait. Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.uae.gc.ca. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS The Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus requests Cypriot citizens living in Kuwait to register with the Embassy has moved. This registration service is provided so that the Embassy can update its contact list and assist Cypriot citizens in cases of emergencies. Registration information can be emailed to cyprusembassykwt@gmail.com or faxed to 22253227 or given by phone to 65906048 (Mrs Christine). nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF FRANCE For the first round of voting for the French presidential election, the French Embassy in Kuwait will be closed to the public on Sunday April 22, 2012. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF KOREA The Embassy of the Republic of Korea wishes to inform that it has moved to Mishref. New Address: Embassy of the Republic of Korea Mishref, Block 7A, Diplomatic Area 2, Plot 6 The Embassy also wishes to inform that it will be opened to the public on the following office hours: Saturday to Thursday Morning: 8:00 am to 12:30 pm Lunch Break: 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm Afternoon: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, AlSalaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location.

Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com nnnnnnn

CEM conducts Annual picnic

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hristian Evangelical Movement (CEM), the youth wing of Sharon Fellowship City Church, organized annual picnic to Khaitan & Shaab parks on Friday the 13th of April. Sports & games were led by secretary, George Mathew.

EMBASSY OF NEPAL The Embassy of Nepal will be moving from its current location to a new place in Jabriya, Block 8, St. 13, House No. 514, effective from yesterday, 15th April, 2012. Till the new telephone connections are installed, the Embassy may be contacted by email: info@nepembku.org nnnnnnn

Liwan Mall Festival begins today

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he Liwan Mall in Al-Agailah kicks off its festival today (April 19) at 6 pm, featuring activities that take place until 10 pm the same night, and during the same period tomorrow (April 20). The event is organized by the Shuwaikh Gate Holding Company in cooperation with the Abraj Events Company. SGHC Managing Director Nasser Al-Mislem indicated in a press release that the festival includes a “special Russian display and a magic show”, in addition to competitions and interactive activities for chilNasser Al-Mislem dren. For more information, call 99771930 - 60608005.

Adv Mammen in Kuwait

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dv Varghese Mammen, the Lay Trustee of Marthoma Syrian Church, Kerala arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday on a brief visit. He will attend functions organized by Marthoma Church Kuwait including the public meeting on April 20 from 9.30 pm to 1.00 pm at Fintas Cooperative Society Hall (Near London Hospital) which will be graced by Mar Chrysostam Metropolitan and Saffrogan Metropolitan Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilus.

Adv Varghese Mammen A practicing Indian Supreme Court lawyer, Adv Mammen is also Kerala Congress (M) state secretariat member and a nominated advisory board member of BSNL Telecom.

Natyanjali 2012: A show of dance extravaganza

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 nnnnnnn

‘N

atyanjali 2012’, the annual dance recital organized by Anjali School of Dance was held at Cambridge English School Auditorium, Mangaf on 13th April at 5 pm. The program was inaugurated with the lightning of traditional lamp by Dr Saritha who is a renowned gynecologist and an eminent personality in Indian social arena. The other dignitaries who attended the inaugural function were Balu Chandran and Rathi Ravindren.

Anjali School of Dance, initiated by Sindhu Madhuraj who is also the guru, was established in the year 2004 and now proud of giving training on different kinds of Indian dance forms to quite a number of enthusiastic students.

Classical dances are a part of the vivid cultural essence of India. Post independent India has democratized the classical dance forms allowing them to reach to a wide spectrum of Indian population and making them the cultural envoys of India. Where ever Indians go, the heritage follows them through language and art. Kuwait has a large Indian population and accordingly the cultural vibrancy is evident. ‘Natyanjali 2012’ was such an expounding exposure of the dance forms of India especially that of South India like Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam and folk dance.

The recital started with the spell bounding Bharathanatyam performance - Ganapathi Sthuthi - the god evocation, by Sindhu Madhuraj and her senior disciples. The recital consisted of wonderfully choreographed twenty one performances starting from Ganapathi Sthuthi and ending with Thillana. The recital included Bharathanatyam, Mohiniyattam, folk dance and cinematic dance. While the guru and the senior students concentrated on the perfection and aesthetics of the Bharathnatyam and Mohiniyattam the junior students and

tiny tots enthralled the audience with the colorful and splashing vibrancy of folk dance and cinematic dance.

Dashaavatharam, a magnificently choreographed ballet in the Bharathanatyam form, thematically depicting the ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu

cated with loud applauses in awe. Folk dance depicting the harvest festival season of Kerala, with the sudden appearance of Theyyam - a traditional God Form, which is commonly performed in northern parts of Kerala, with its vibrantly colored attires, masks and face

EMBASSY OF ROMANIA The Embassy of Romania to the State of Kuwait would like to inform that the Consular Section of the Embassy will be closed for construction works beginning with 18 April 2012, till 10 May 2012. During this period of time the Consular Section will not issue any type of visas for Romania and will not issue any Romanian passports or travel documents. The Consular Section will only be able to assist with notary deeds. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF THAILAND The Royal Thai Embassy in Kuwait, wishes to invite the Kuwaiti companies that deal business with Thai companies or those agencies of Thai commercial companies to visit the Embassy’s Commercial Office to register their relevant information to be part of the embassy’s business and trade database. The Royal Thai Embassy is located in Jabriya, Block 6, Street 8, Villa No. 1, Telephone No. 25317530 -25317531, Ext: 14. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE We’d like to inform you that in response to the increasing number of our citizens who work in the state and the need for 24-hour operational telephone in case of emergency the Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait has opened “hotline telephone number” (+ 965) 972-79-206.

was the feast of the day for its narrative complexity and aesthetically seamless performance by ten dancers. Along with the energy and enthusiasm of the tiny tots, who were performing on a stage for the first time, the colorful and striking props used for folk dance and cinematic dance took the audience by surprise. When flowers bloomed and blue butterflies started flying around the radiant yellow flowers audience recipro-

drawings took the spectators to a different world of enchantment. Thillana, the last item of the recital was performed very uniquely as a fusion of Bharathanatyam and Mohiniyattam.

The three hour long standard setting recital ended with the distribution of mementos to all the participants and the people behind the scene. The entire function was gracefully compered by Chinnu Korah.

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Arrival Flights on Thursday 19/4/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 539 CAIRO 267 BEIRUT 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 370 BAHRAIN 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 503 LUXOR 770 ISTANBUL 154 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 201 DUBAI 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 362 COLOMBO 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 605 ISFAHAN 132 DOHA 617 AHWAZ 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 9621 ASSIUT 618 ALEXANDRIA 470 JEDDAH 201 DAMASCUS 610 CAIRO 616 DOHA 219 BAHRAIN 672 DUBAI 57 DUBAI 645 MUSCAT 472 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 500 JEDDAH 640 AMMAN 257 BEIRUT 302 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATI 788 JEDDAH 341 DAMASCUS 546 ALEXANDRIA 134 DOHA 535 CAIRO 118 NEW YORK 357 MASHAD 303 ABU DHABI 310 RAS ALKHAIMAH 857 DUBAI 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 177 DUBAI 328 TUNIS 777 JEDDAH 127 SHARJAH 176 GENEVA 474 JEDDAH 227 COLOMBO 502 BEIRUT 542 CAIRO 125 BAHRAIN 438 BEIRUT 786 JEDDAH 63 DUBAI 104 LONDON 624 SOHAG 9623 SOHAG 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 614 BAHRAIN 572 MUMBAI 774 RIYADH 562 AMMAN 389 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 3553 ALEXANDRIA 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 135 BAHRAIN 859 DUBAI 307 ABU DHABI 43 DHAKA 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 372 BAHRAIN 981 CHENNAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 411 AMSTERDAM 772 ISTANBUL

Time 0:15 0:20 0:30 0:50 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:55 3:10 3:20 3:25 3:55 4:35 4:55 5:00 5:30 6:15 6:30 7:15 7:30 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:15 8:20 8:25 8:30 8:35 9:00 9:15 9:20 9:30 9:35 10:00 10:55 11:05 11:10 11:25 11:35 12:30 13:30 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:45 14:00 14:15 14:25 14:30 14:55 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:05 15:05 15:15 16:00 16:00 16:20 16:35 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:25 17:30 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:45 17:55 18:00 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:00 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:40 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:00 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:40 23:40

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Departure Flights on Thursday 19/4/2012 Flt Route 976 GOA 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 773 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 371 BAHRAIN 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 164 DUBAI 200 DAMASCUS 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 545 ALEXANDRIA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 256 BEIRUT 126 SHARJAH 534 CAIRO 671 DUBAI 787 JEDDAH 606 MASHHAD 856 DUBAI 133 DOHA 101 LONDON 615 DOHA 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 616 AHWAZ 437 BEIRUT 356 MASHHAD 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 405 BEIRUT 501 BEIRUT 9622 SOHAG 776 JEDDAH 623 SOHAG 471 JEDDAH 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 561 AMMAN 646 MUSCAT 673 DUBAI 473 JEDDAH 124 BAHRAIN 617 DOHA 641 AMMAN 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 505 JEDDAH 342 DEIREZZOR 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 613 BAHRAIN 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 538 CAIRO 141 DOHA 311 RAS ALKHAIMAH 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 328 TUNIS 128 SHARJAH 511 RIYADH 982 BAHRAIN 475 JEDDAH 266 BEIRUT 228 DUBAI 64 DUBAI 439 BAHRAIN 607 LUXOR 9624 ASSIUT 300 KANDAHAR 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 3554 ALEXANDRIA 331 TRIVANDRUM 343 CHENNAI 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 171 BAHRAIN 120 SHARJAH 675 DUBAI 308 ABU DHABI 860 DUBAI 102 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 373 BAHRAIN 554 ALEXANDRIA 44 DHAKA 147 DOHA 390 MANGALORE 218 BAHRAIN 411 BANGKOK 415 KUALA LUMPUR 528 ASSIUT

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 2:15 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:10 8:10 8:25 8:25 9:00 9:05 9:10 9:20 9:35 9:35 9:40 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:05 10:15 10:15 10:25 10:30 10:45 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:10 12:15 12:25 12:25 13:10 13:20 14:20 14:25 14:30 14:40 15:00 15:05 15:15 15:30 15:45 15:50 15:55 16:00 16:05 16:15 16:25 16:30 17:20 17:30 17:40 17:45 17:55 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:25 18:25 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:10 19:25 19:30 19:55 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:50 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:50 22:10 22:10 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:30 23:40 23:50 23:50

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THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation or studio apartment wanted in Salmiya or Hawally (preferably near Hawally Al Shaya, Hassan Abul or Sana) for a decent South Indian bachelor. Please contact: 60316101. (C 3959) Immediate sharing accommodation available in Farwaniya behind Crowne Plaza separate room - fully furnished with telephone.

For decent Indian Christian couple or decent working ladies. Contact: 66099611/ 66027044. (C 3962) 19-4-2012 Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya from 1st May for one bachelor, near Unique Store No.2 with a Goan Catholic family.

Contact: 24313908/ 66110593. (C 3957) 18-4-2012 Sharing accommodation available for one or two working ladies to share with other Filipina. Airport road, Khaitan, just one minute to all route bus stop. Contact: 60077068. (C 3950) 14-4-2012

SITUATION WANTED Engineer need any work in any field, but I need good salary and I have experience in Secretary, Customer Service and Call Center.

Contact: 66606789.

(C 3961) 19-42012 Diploma in Civil Engineering having 7 years experience in India, transferable residency no. 18, seeking suitable placement.

Can join immediately.

Please contact: 66242041.

Email: abrahamkjohn@rediffmail.com (C 3955) 15-4-2012

CHANGE OF NAME I, Ajruddin holder of Indian passport No. F5493179 issued in Jaipur on 22-112005. I have changed my name to Azharuddin Saiyed, s/o Saiyed

Mohiuddin. (C 3958) 18-4-2012 I, Purushothaman, son of Nagarajan, holder of Indian passport No. G1674605 have converted to Islam on 21st October 2009 and do now here after be known by my new name Abu Bakkar. (C 3956) 17-4-2012 Marali Surya Pujari holder of Indian Passport No: F1052862 has converted to Christianity with name of SURESH JOSEPH ARANHA, and shall be known here forth.

(C 3951) I, Abul Abdul Rehman Bongai holder of Indian Passport No: F8708599 hereby change my name to ANSAR ABDUL REHMAN BONGYA. (C 3952) I, Pushpa Boosey Tanaji holder of Indian Passport No: F5734663 have changed my name and hereafter be known by my new name FLORY JOHN HERMAN. (C 3953) 14-4-2012

CHANGE OF DOB I, Afzalur Rahman, son of Fazlur Rahman, holder of Bangladeshi passport No. E0982724 hereby change my date of birth from 0301-1968 to 03-01-1967.

(C 3960)

No: 15423

TUITION Teacher available to teach Mathematics B.Maths, Algebra, Calculus, Geography, Science and Statistics for British, American and bilingual school and university students. Contact: 97170935.

(C 3954) 18-4-2012 Math teacher for secondary stage, language schools, bilingual schools and intermediate stage: Algebra, Gmath, Geometry, Statistics for arts and science branches. Tel: 66974020.

English language teacher specialized in starting elementary and intermediate, 10th and 11th experienced in starting functions, grammar, set book, vocabulary, notes and model exams available. Tel: 65791555.

Arabic language teacher, masters in methods of teaching for secondary and

intermediate students. Tel: 50644685.

Senior Arabic language teacher, elementary and intermediate, long experience in Kuwait curricula, explaining grammar rules and starting those weak in reading and writing. Tel: 99262948.

Senior chemistr y and physics teacher. Long experience for 10th, 11th and 12th stages. Intermediate science and applied institutions. Highly competent.

Tel: 99542922.

Mathematics and statistics female teacher for female students in the secondary, intermediate, university and applied institutions female students. Tel: 99410370.

Female Syrian Arabic language teacher for elementary and intermediate, and starting the weak using Halaby method in her house located in Abdallah Al-Mubarak area. Tel: 50513699.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

Stratford: A tale of two worlds

By Avril Ormsby

T

he attention of the world will be on London’s Olympic Park in 100 days’ time, but Nigerian tourist Olatunde Ojo’s more immediate focus is spending money at the adjoining super-sized shopping mall.

“I’ve come to see Westfield,” the 32-year-old public health worker said, taking photographs of his friends standing outside the shopping complex.

“My friend told me to come to the newest mall in town.” Westfield will be the main gateway to the Olympic Park in Stratford, and politicians hope it will help a previously neglected part of east London become a place of destination, attracting investment and tourists. Ojo already counts Westfield, Europe’s largest shopping centre of its kind, alongside more traditional tourist destinations such as Trafalgar Square.

Locals fear, however, the old Stratford could be left behind. When Ojo walked up the steps to Westfield from Stratford train station, which has had a £125 million ($200 million) refit, he did not glance back. If he had, he would have seen the old Stratford shopping centre on the other side of the road. Divided only by a strip of tarmac, the road might as well be a boundary between two worlds. On one side is more than £7 billion of new infrastructure, an island of new stadiums, shops, and hotels surrounded by waterways, roads and railway lines. On the other, is one of Britain’s most economically deprived areas, ethnically diverse, and blighted by unemployment and decrepit industries. A new metal sculpture of shimmering lime, green and yellow outside the 1970s shopping centre cannot disguise its down-at-heel appearance. Inside, shops advertise items costing less than a pound. There are pawnbrokers, burger restaurants and market stalls selling jellied eels and whelks.

The Olympics are the much hoped-for catalyst for a long-planned regeneration of east London. Once known as “stinky Stratford” because of its noxious industries and slaughterhouses, it has been in need of investment ever since the nearby docks, once the largest in the world, closed in

the 1970s. Unemployment reached 20 percent shortly afterwards, similar to rates during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Sitting on a hard bench in a white-tiled traditional ‘pie and mash’ cafe, once the staple of the poor in Victorian London, Sharon Falcone said the area used to be “the pits”.

“When people talked about the east end they would have the image in their minds it was all gangsters and guns,” the 57-year-old said, pushing a hair back from her forehead and revealing a ring on every finger. “They will see it in a different light now.”

Regeneration of the east end began in the late 1980s, with pockets of wealth created nearby, including Canary Wharf, now home to many financial institutions. However, it took the Olympics to provide the kind of impetus never before seen in Britain in terms of pace and scale, helping speed up regeneration by about 50 years, experts say. Even Westfield was brought forward by between five and seven years to meet the Games deadline. “It’s kind of a new start,” said Tony Travers of the London School of Economics. “It’s bristling with cranes and towers - just a whiff of modern China about it. A bit chaotic but on the other hand it’s economic activity.

“Most cities would give their eye teeth for this kind of one-off benefit.”

Dozens of businesses were bulldozed to make way for the Olympic Park, mountains of discarded fridges and shopping trolleys removed from the grimy waterways, and two million tons of contaminated soil cleaned of petrol, oil, tar and poisons such as arsenic. During the next 20 years, up to 11,000 new homes will be built, a new £33 million academic hub and a polyclinic created. The Olympic Park has provided 46,000 construction jobs, with about 20 percent of the workforce coming from local boroughs.

The £1.4 billion Stratford City - a complex of hotels, offices and homes that includes Westfield, has created thousands more jobs.

Developers have already constructed brightly coloured blocks of luxury apartments in the surrounding area, dwarfing the drab properties put up in the 1960s by town planners belatedly rebuilding after the damage caused by Germany’s Luftwaffe in World War Two. “What we have to say is:

come here, but don’t just go to Westfield, go over the bridge, come and have a look at the old part of town, have a look at the Olympic Park as well,” said Cathy Low of promotional body Stratford Renaissance Partnership.

Not all the locals are supportive, fearful they will be priced out. “You’ve got to have this,” said one man rubbing his thumb and first two fingers together, indicating money. They argue the construction jobs have gone to foreign workers and the new homes and Olympic tickets to the wealthy.

Hundreds of jobs were lost when businesses were forced to make way for the Olympic site, and nearly 80 companies are still in dispute with the local authority over compensation. House prices and rental prices have failed to take off as anticipated after an initial spurt, and have underperformed relative to the rest of London during the past four years, property analyst Hometrack says.

However, the improved infrastructure should help in the long-term, estate agents believe. “It should be remembered that as a regeneration project, the area is still in its infancy,” said Richard Donnell, director of research at Hometrack. London Assembly lawmaker Andrew Boff said the legacy might have been better if the body responsible, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC), had been involved from the start. He said Olympic organisers had been focused “just on a good Games”, which should have been a secondary consideration.

The Olympics have failed to impress local Raymond Plume, 52, who was drinking coffee outside a cafe in Bow, a neighbouring borough southwest of the Park. “The area was a bit of a dump, it still is a dump - a new dump,” he said. “The stadium looks a prefab. It’s a mishmash of nothing. I won’t go to the new pool. If I want a swim, I’ll go to a beach in Spain.”

Some locals are not even impressed with Westfield. “I still prefer the West End for shopping,” said Alan Jones, 66, a former club owner sharing a coffee with Plume, dressed in a smart blue cap, long blue coat and purple shoes. “It’s got better quality of shops.” — Reuters

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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Untamed & Uncut Buggin’ With Ruud Planet Earth Wildest Africa Natural World Going Ape Wildlife SOS Cell Dogs Orangutan Island Breed All About It Breed All About It The Really Wild Show Project Puppy Project Puppy Project Puppy Natural World Animal Precinct Animal Cops Phoenix Last Chance Highway RSPCA: On The Frontline Wildlife SOS Natural World Animal Battlegrounds The Really Wild Show Baby Planet Dogs 101: Specials Cats Of Claw Hill Cats Of Claw Hill Wildlife SOS Going Ape Orangutan Island Animal Battlegrounds Fur Seals: The Dark Side Wild Britain With Ray Mears Wild Britain With Ray Mears The Snake Buster The Snake Buster K9 Cops

00:00 Delicious Iceland 00:25 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 00:50 Indian Food Made Easy 01:20 Saturday Kitchen 2007/08 01:45 Living In The Sun 02:35 Bargain Hunt 03:20 Delicious Iceland 03:50 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 04:15 Antiques Roadshow 05:10 Living In The Sun 06:00 Cash In The Attic USA 06:25 Cash In The Attic USA 06:45 James Martin’s Favourite Feasts 07:10 MasterChef Australia 07:55 MasterChef Australia 09:30 Bargain Hunt 10:15 Antiques Roadshow 11:10 Come Dine With Me 12:00 10 Years Younger 12:50 The Restaurant UK 13:40 Dolce Vito: Dream Restaurant 14:05 Dolce Vito: Dream Restaurant 14:30 Fantasy Homes Down Under 15:20 House Swap 16:05 Bargain Hunt 16:50 Antiques Roadshow 17:40 Cash In The Attic USA 18:00 A Taste Of My Life 18:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 19:00 Indian Food Made Easy 19:30 James Martin’s Favourite Feasts 19:55 10 Years Younger 20:45 The Restaurant UK 21:35 Dolce Vito: Dream Restaurant 22:00 Dolce Vito: Dream Restaurant 22:25 Bargain Hunt 23:10 Antiques Roadshow

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BBC World News World Business Report Sport Today BBC World News America Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today

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00:00 Backstory 00:30 World Sport 01:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 02:00 World Report 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Quest Means Business 06:00 Erin Burnett Outfront 07:00 World Sport 07:30 Talk Asia 08:00 World Report 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 I Report For CNN 11:00 World Business Today 12:00 Amanpour 12:30 Aiming For Gold 13:00 World One 14:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 15:00 News Stream 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 Global Exchange 18:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East 19:00 World Sport 19:30 Aiming For Gold 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 21:45 CNN Marketplace Europe 22:00 Amanpour 22:30 News Special 23:00 Connect The World With Becky...

00:15 01:10 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 05:15 05:40 06:05

Aircrash Confidential Destroyed In Seconds Dirty Jobs Battle Machine Bros Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Stuff’s Made Dirty Jobs

07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 15:30 16:00 16:55 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20 23:45

Mythbusters Gold Rush Swamp Loggers How Stuff’s Made Cake Boss Border Security Auction Kings Time Warp Time Warp Battle Machine Bros Wheeler Dealers Ultimate Survival Mythbusters How It’s Made How Stuff’s Made Border Security Auction Kings Cake Boss Sons Of Guns First Week In Mobster Confessions Destroyed In Seconds

00:35 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 01:25 The Tech Show 01:50 Weird Or What?

02:40 Cool Stuff & How It Works 03:05 Cool Stuff & How It Works 03:35 Weird Connections 04:00 Weird Connections 04:25 Junkyard Mega-Wars 05:20 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 06:10 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 07:00 The Gadget Show 07:25 The Gadget Show 07:50 Kings Of Construction 08:40 Weird Or What?

09:35 Cool Stuff & How It Works 10:00 Cool Stuff & How It Works 10:25 Weird Connections 10:50 Weird Connections 11:20 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 12:15 Junkyard Mega-Wars 13:05 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 13:55 The Gadget Show 14:20 The Gadget Show 14:50 How Does That Work?

15:15 How Does That Work?

15:40 The Tech Show 16:05 Build It Bigger: Rebuilding Greensburg 17:00 Kings Of Construction 17:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 18:40 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 19:30 Sci-Trek 20:20 The Gadget Show 20:45 The Gadget Show 21:10 Powering The Future 22:00 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 22:50 Sci-Trek 23:40 Kings Of Construction

00:15 00:40 01:05 01:30 01:55 02:20 02:45 03:10 03:35 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:35 06:00 06:15 06:40 07:05 07:30 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:10 09:25 09:35 09:45 10:00

Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Replacements Replacements Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Parents Fish Hooks Recess So Random Wizards Of Waverly Place Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Phineas And Ferb Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Jake & The Neverland Pirates Handy Manny The Hive Mouk Recess

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS ON OSN ACTION HD

10:25 10:45 10:50 11:15 11:40 12:05 12:30 12:55 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:01 16:15 16:40 17:05 17:30 17:55 18:20 18:45 19:10 19:30 19:35 20:00 20:25 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:05 22:30 22:55 23:20 23:45

So Random Have A Laugh Hannah Montana Suite Life On Deck Jake & Blake Sonny With A Chance Wizards Of Waverly Place Phineas And Ferb So Random Suite Life On Deck A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Recess So Random Fish Hooks Wizards Of Waverly Place Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Suite Life On Deck Good Luck Charlie Have A Laugh Wizards Of Waverly Place Hannah Montana Phineas And Ferb A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Kim Possible

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:20 American Dragon 06:45 Rekkit Rabbit 07:10 Zeke & Luther 07:35 Zeke & Luther 08:00 Zeke & Luther 08:25 Zeke & Luther 08:50 Kick Buttowski 09:15 Zeke & Luther 09:40 I’m In The Band 10:05 Phineas And Ferb 10:30 Kid vs Kat 10:55 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 11:20 Pair Of Kings 11:45 Rekkit Rabbit 12:10 American Dragon 12:35 Kick Buttowski 13:00 Phineas And Ferb 13:25 I’m In The Band 13:45 Kid vs Kat 14:10 Iron Man Armored Adventures 14:35 Zeke & Luther 15:00 Rekkit Rabbit 15:25 Pokemon: Black And White 15:50 Timon And Pumbaa 16:15 Rated A For Awesome 16:40 Pair Of Kings 17:05 Zeke & Luther 17:30 Mr. Young 17:55 Phineas And Ferb 18:20 Phineas And Ferb 18:45 Fort Boyard - Ultimate Challenge 19:10 Kickin It 19:35 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 20:00 Pair Of Kings 20:25 Zeke & Luther 20:50 Escape From Scorpion Island 21:20 Aaron Stone 21:45 The Avengers: Earths Mightiest Heroes 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 22:35 Kid vs Kat 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:25 Kendra 00:55 Style Star 01:25 E!es 02:20 THS 03:15 Behind The Scenes 03:40 Extreme Close-Up 04:10 Sexiest 05:05 Extreme Hollywood 06:00 THS 07:50 Behind The Scenes 08:20 E! News 09:15 Kendra 09:45 Kendra 10:15 THS 12:05 E! News 13:05 Khloe And Lamar 13:35 Khloe And Lamar 14:05 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 14:35 Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami 15:00 Style Star 15:30 E!es 16:25 Behind The Scenes 16:55 Ice Loves Coco 17:25 Ice Loves Coco 17:55 E! News 18:55 E!es 19:55 Scouted 20:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 21:25 Fashion Police 22:25 E! News 23:25 Chelsea Lately 23:55 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

00:15 Stairsmasters 2010 00:40 Taig Jumping The Tower 01:30 World Combat League 02:20 Gotta Grudge 02:45 Stairsmasters 2010 03:10 Enfusion 04:00 Man’s Work 04:25 Man’s Work 04:50 Taig Jumping The Tower 05:40 World Combat League 06:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 07:00 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 07:30 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2008 08:00 Tread BMX 08:25 Summer Dew Tour 2011 09:15 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

10:05 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

10:55 I’ll Do Anything 11:45 Untracked 12:10 Untracked 12:35 Parcour 13:00 Slovaki: A True Movie About...

13:25 On Sight 14:15 World Combat League 15:05 I’ll Do Anything 15:55 Untracked

16:20 Untracked 16:45 Tread BMX 17:10 Summer Dew Tour 2011 18:00 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

18:50 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championships...

19:40 On Sight 20:30 Parcour 20:55 Slovaki: A True Movie About...

21:20 Pinks: Lose The Race, Lose Your Ride 21:45 Pinks: Lose The Race, Lose Your Ride 22:10 World Combat League 23:00 Enfusion 23:50 Parcour

00:05 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 00:30 Kid In A Candy Store 00:55 Unwrapped 01:20 Unwrapped 01:45 Kid In A Candy Store 02:10 Kid In A Candy Store 02:35 Good Eats - Special 03:00 Good Eats - Special 03:25 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 03:50 Easy Chinese: San Francisco 04:15 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 04:40 Good Eats 05:05 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 05:30 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 05:50 Food Network Challenge 06:35 Barefoot Contessa 07:00 Food Network Challenge 07:50 World Cafe Asia 08:15 Barefoot Contessa 08:40 Good Eats 09:05 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 09:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:55 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 10:20 Lidia’s Italy 10:45 Reza, Spice Prince Of India 11:10 Unwrapped 11:35 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 12:00 Food Network Challenge 12:50 Aarti Party 13:15 Cooking For Real 13:40 Barefoot Contessa 14:05 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 14:30 Kid In A Candy Store 14:55 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:20 Meat & Potatoes 15:45 Iron Chef America 16:35 Cooking For Real 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 17:50 Aarti Party 18:15 Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam 18:40 Dessert First With Anne Thornton 19:05 Kid In A Candy Store 19:30 Food Network Challenge 20:20 Iron Chef America 21:10 Cooking For Real 21:35 Cooking For Real 22:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 22:25 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 22:50 Aarti Party 23:15 Aarti Party 23:40 Meat & Potatoes

00:30 01:20 01:40 02:05 02:55 03:45 Cases 04:30 05:20 05:45 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40 Cases

01:40 01:55 03:35 05:10 06:35 08:10 10:20 11:55 13:20 15:20 16:55 18:25 18:40 20:10 PG 22:00 23:25

00:00 01:00 01:30 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00

Ghost Lab Crime Scene Psychics Crime Scene Psychics LA: City Of Demons Cops And Coyotes Autopsy: Most Shocking Ghost Lab Crime Scene Psychics Crime Scene Psychics Disappeared FBI Files Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Street Patrol Street Patrol Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared FBI Files Murder Shift Real Emergency Calls Mystery Diagnosis Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Nightmare Next Door Nightmare Next Door Autopsy: Most Shocking

Mgm’s Big Screen-FAM Jinxed!-18 Bar Girls Bloodmatch Chains Of Gold-PG The Pride And The Passion-PG Danielle Steel’s Heartbeat-PG Strictly Business-PG Play Dirty-PG K-9000-PG Carrie (2002) Mgm’s Big Screen-FAM High Noon-PG Report To The CommissionerNinja Vengeance-PG Rollerball (1975)-PG

Meet The Amish Weird & Wonderful Hotels Young Global Hotshots Madagascar Maverick Don’t Tell My Mother Banged Up Abroad A World Apart Meet The Amish Weird & Wonderful Hotels Young Global Hotshots Madagascar Maverick Don’t Tell My Mother Banged Up Abroad A World Apart

WAITING FOR SUPERMAN ON OSN CINEMA 12:00 Meet The Amish 13:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 13:30 Bondi Rescue: Bali 14:00 The Green Way Up 14:30 The Green Way Up 15:00 Exploring The Vine 15:30 The Music Nomad 16:00 On Surfari 16:30 On Surfari 17:00 Dive Detectives 18:00 Departures 19:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 19:30 Bondi Rescue: Bali 20:00 The Green Way Up 20:30 The Green Way Up 21:00 Exploring The Vine 21:30 The Music Nomad 22:00 On Surfari 22:30 On Surfari 23:00 Dive Detectives

00:15 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World-18 02:15 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-PG15 04:30 Chronicles Of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader-PG 06:30 Ong Bak 2-PG15 08:15 Arlington Road-PG15 10:15 Returner-PG15 12:15 Legendary-PG15 14:15 Arlington Road-PG15 16:15 True Justice: BrotherhoodPG15 18:00 Legendary-PG15 20:00 I Am Number Four-PG15 22:00 Legend Of The Guardians-PG

01:15 MacGruber-18 03:00 Season Of The Witch-PG15 05:00 A Trace Of Danger-PG15 07:00 Waiting For Superman-PG15 09:00 Coyote County Loser-PG15 11:00 Sounds Like Teen Spirit-PG15 13:00 Waiting For Superman-PG15 15:00 Coyote County Loser-PG15 17:00 Sounds Like Teen Spirit-PG15 19:00 Tomorrow, When The War Began-PG15 21:00 Vampires Suck-PG15 22:45 Brothers-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 Angry Boys 03:00 Melissa And Joey 03:30 10 Items Or Less 04:00 The Simpsons 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 06:00 Weird Science 06:30 How I Met Your Mother 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 The Simpsons 08:30 Melissa And Joey 09:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 09:30 Raising Hope 10:00 Modern Family 10:30 How I Met Your Mother 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Weird Science 12:30 The Simpsons 13:00 Tyler Perry’s House Of Payne 14:00 10 Items Or Less 14:30 Modern Family 15:00 Raising Hope 16:30 Weird Science 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 Melissa And Joey 18:30 10 Items Or Less 19:00 Cougar Town 19:30 How I Met Your Mother 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Big C 23:00 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00

Grimm The Glades Law & Order: Criminal Intent Once Upon A Time

04:00 05:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

True Blood Live Good Morning America The Protector Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Martha Stewart Show The View Once Upon A Time Live Good Morning America The Protector The Ellen DeGeneres Show Emmerdale Psych American Idol Necessary Roughness True Blood

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 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

Parenthood Law & Order: Criminal Intent Grimm The Glades Once Upon A Time Burn Notice Parenthood Emmerdale Coronation Street The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Law & Order: Criminal Intent The Glades Once Upon A Time Emmerdale The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Parenthood Emmerdale The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Psych American Idol Necessary Roughness Combat Hospital

01:15 Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-PG15 03:30 Chronicles Of Narnia: Voyage Of The Dawn Treader-PG 05:30 Scott Pilgrim vs. The World-18 07:30 The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course-PG15 09:00 Star Trek: First Contact-PG 11:00 Warriors Of Heaven And Earth-PG15 13:00 Dick Tracy-PG15 15:00 Star Trek: First Contact-PG 17:00 Law Abiding Citizen-18 19:00 I Am Number Four-PG15 21:00 Legend Of The Guardians-PG 22:45 Bram Stoker’s Dracula-18

00:00 Leap Year-PG15 02:00 Without A Paddle-PG15 04:00 Molly-PG15 06:00 Labor Pains-PG15 08:00 Malibu’s Most Wanted-PG15 10:00 Cats & Dogs-PG 12:00 Miami Rhapsody-PG15 14:00 Nanny McPhee And The Big Bang-PG 16:00 Leap Year-PG15 18:00 Blue Streak-PG15 20:00 Next Friday-18 22:00 Palo Alto-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 PG15 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Game Of Four-PG15 Chelsea On The Rocks-18 The Maiden Heist-PG15 Remember Me-PG15 Squanto: A Warrior’s TaleCinema Verite-PG15 Catch That Kid-PG The Eclipse-PG15 Don’t Fade Away-PG15 Le Syndrome Du Titanic-PG15 The Dry Land-18 Up In The Air-PG15

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00

Saw VII: The Final Chapter-R At Risk-PG15 Bound By A Secret-PG15 Gasland-PG15 The Extra Man-PG15 The Client List-PG15 My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend-

PG15 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

The Girl In The Park-PG15 The Extra Man-PG15 Just Wright-PG15 Vampires Suck-PG15 Ironclad-18

01:45 PG 04:00 06:00 08:15 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Gladiators: The TournamentPaws-PG The Spy Next Door-PG The Thief Of Baghdad-PG Tangled-FAM Scooby-Doo-PG Paws-PG Quest For Zhu-PG Tangled-FAM Rango-FAM Scooby-Doo-PG

02:00 03:00 03:30 05:30 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:30 20:00 21:00

UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC 145 Countdown Super Rugby Super Rugby Highlights Futbol Mundial Trans World Sport Super Rugby Highlights Live European PGA Tour Volvo Ocean Race Highlights UFC 145 Prime Time Trans World Sport European PGA Tour UFC The Ultimate Fighter Live Premier League Darts

00:00 00:30 01:00 04:30 05:00 05:30 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:30 09:00 09:30 10:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 19:30 20:30 21:30 22:30 23:00 23:30

European Tour Weekly Mobil 1 The Grid Premier League Darts Futbol Mundial European Tour Weekly Top 14 Super Rugby Highlights Total Rugby AFL Winners NRL Full Time Futbol Mundial SPL Highlights Ironman Trans World Sport Asian Tour Golf Rugby League Challenge Cup Ironman Ironman Ironman Ironman Trans World Sport Super Rugby Highlights Golfing World Asian Tour Golf Top 14 Trans World Sport

01:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 02:30 European Tour Weekly 03:00 Top 14 Highlights 03:30 Triathlon 06:00 Ping Pong World Championship 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Asian Tour Golf Show 08:30 European Tour Weekly 09:00 Live Asian Tour Golf 13:00 Golfing World 14:00 Super Rugby Highlights 15:00 Futbol Mundial 15:30 European Tour Weekly 16:00 Asian Tour Golf 20:30 Golfing World 21:30 Futbol Mundial 22:00 Scottish FA Cup

00:00 01:00 04:00 07:00 09:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 17:30 18:30 19:00 20:00 21:00

V8 Supercars Highlights Prizefighter UFC WWE SmackDown Prizefighter WWE Experience WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line V8 Supercars Extra V8 Supercars Highlights UAE National Race Day Series UFC 145 Countdown WWE NXT UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC

35

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

stars CROSSWORD 652

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Your ambition and drive to succeed are incredibly strong now. You will go to any lengths to achieve your goals, and you have the energy to do it now. A nonstop flow of communication between yourself and the people in your immediate environment is likely today. You may engage in interesting and informative discussions or fritter your time away in inconsequential chatter and gossip.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Hit hard and fast when needed, but don’t use up all your ammunition on the first target you see. The essence of exercise is that it should not exhaust you, but should reinvigorate and leave your stronger for the effort. So it is with life. You are more emotional and subjective than usual today. You may just want to have some alone time as you tend to question the motives and maybe even the manipulations of those closest to you.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

5. (of complexion) Blemished by imperfections of the skin.

10. A health resort near a spring or at the seaside.

13. Made of or resembling lace.

14. English monk and scholar (672-735).

15. A boy or man.

16. A blue dye obtained from plants or made synthetically.

17. An area in which something acts or operates or has power or control.

18. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

19. An award for winning a championship or commemorating some other event.

21. Wanted intensely.

23. Gully or streambed in North Africa and the Middle East that remains dry except during rainy season.

24. A local and habitual twitching especially in the face.

25. An extension at the end and at right angles to the main building.

28. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

33. A signal transmitted along a narrow path.

38. (usually plural) A destructive action.

39. Any of numerous ornamental shrubs grown for their showy flowers of various colors.

40. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

41. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

43. A port in southwestern Scotland.

44. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

47. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

49. An instance of questioning.

52. 100 ngwee equal 1 kwacha.

56. Flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes.

57. Flightless birds having flat breastbones lacking a keel for attachment of flight muscles.

60. Angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object).

61. (in Scotland or Ireland) A mountain or tall hill.

62. Evergreen Indian shrub with vivid yellow flowers whose bark is used in tanning.

63. (British) Your grandmother.

64. A graphical record of electric currents associated with muscle contractions.

65. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

66. A nucleic acid consisting of large molecules shaped like a double helix.

DOWN 1. Winning all or all but one of the tricks in bridge.

2. A stick that people can lean on to help them walk.

3. Harsh or corrosive in tone.

4. A rule made by a local authority to regulate its own affairs.

5. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

6. (botany) Of or relating to or functioning as a cambium.

7. A long projecting or anterior elongation of an animal's head.

8. A legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge).

9. An analgesic for mild pain.

10. Speaking a Slavic language.

11. Very light colored.

12. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

20. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

22. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

26. A light springing movement upwards or forwards.

27. Cleanse (one's body) with soap and water.

29. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

30. Offering fun and gaiety.

31. Be obedient to.

32. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent.

34. A Portuguese province on the south coast of China and two islands in the South China Sea. 35. A ductile gray metallic element of the lanthanide series.

36. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

37. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

40. Type genus of the family Zygnemataceae.

42. The sodium salt of amobarbital that is used as a barbiturate.

45. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

46. An anti-TNF compound (trade name Arava) that is given orally.

48. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

50. Large semi-evergreen tree of East India.

51. The last imperial dynasty of China (from 1644 to 1912) which was overthrown by revolutionaries.

53. A baton used by a magician or water diviner.

54. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause).

55. An inactive volcano in Sicily.

58. A self-funded retirement plan that allows you to contribute a limited yearly sum toward your retirement.

59. The bill in a restaurant.

60. Being nine more than forty.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Fleeting glimpses of larger things may come within view, but without time to follow up fully. Best to take notes on most relevant generalities, see how it may have changed by the same time next month. Big things take time.

You are inclined to flow along with people and situations, attracting what you need and letting the world come to you.

Contentment, emotional well being and harmony prevail in your personal relationships. This is a good time for you to relax, and indulge in your pleasure loving side.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

The finer workings of your game plan roll along smoothly and probably get taken for granted if you don’t take extra effort to notice them. Cooperation is a given, and if you give it you will get it. No blame, no strain, no pain.

Mutual pats on the back let everyone know that all is in sync, so give them freely.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

If you’re concerned that your resources seem to be dwindling away, you need to investigate alternative methods to stretch your dollar further.

This is not an occasion for visiting the most expensive restaurants or purchasing those high ticket items in fashion stores. Conversations and sharing plans and ideas with those you are closest to are very beneficial now.

ZITS

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

A yearning for the stimulation of new ideas and ideals is emphasized for you now. Others may see the world as it is and ask why, but like Bobby Kennedy, you imagine the world as it could be and ask why not. New friends and an involvement in idealistic groups take on greater importance for you now... the old is suspect; the new seems to hold all the answers.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

MOTHER GOOSE AND GRIMM

Good relationships with employers, supervisors, government agencies, parents, and other authority figures assist you now. A person of authority or influence may help you in your work, you may receive recognition or a promotion, or you may sign a contract or agreement of major importance.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Your ability to concentrate on mundane concerns and problems diminishes now. The world of imagination, fantasy, entertainment, or art holds more attraction for you. Go to a movie with a friend (or write your own!).

Also, your intuition are heightened at this time. You are more impressionable and open, but somewhat less precise and clear mentally.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

You may experience a passing notoriety, an unexpected word from without that lets you know they’re watching you, and not always when you’re expecting it. When you raise your flag, anyone can see it, and often does, but not often with import. You’re entering a period of emotional change now: feeling two ways at once without getting too deep into either polarity is possible.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

To

Yesterday’s Solution

For a period you may find yourself wondering if the people you’re involved with on an everyday basis are worth all the trouble, and you may consider doing a little pruning of timewasters and social situations that give less satisfaction than they promise. In fact, you may discover that less is more in terms of your social appetite and a breath of peaceful fresh air beats the excitement of a crowded venue. The issue is an internal one, and giving up at this point may actually result in getting more down the line as you resolve your priorities. In fact, in the end, you may find you save money in the process.

Yester

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

It’s a good time to reestablish the difference between fantasy and reality, as the line between them can get a little fuzzy. Chemical solutions will not serve you very well right now and are more likely to exacerbate problems rather than solve them. It’s time to clear out the cobwebs of your mind and let in some fresh air.

Word Sleuth Solution

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

You are inspired creatively, artistically, or spiritually at this time. Your imagination, intuition, and psychic sensitivity are high now, and you find yourself wanting to paint or listen to music, daydream, or fantasize rather than concentrate on practical matters.

36

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

lifest yle G o s s i p

he 39-year-old actress - who has previously dated Justin Timberlake and Alex Rodriguez - claims she does not want to live her life how society thinks she should and may one day extend her family without getting pregnant. She told InStyle magazine: “Society definitely puts pressure on women to make them think their lives should go a certain way. “I’ve never said I don’t want children - I just haven’t had children yet. I don’t know what’s going to happen in my life! I could end up adopting children. I could end up with a partner who already has children.

Who knows? I’m not trying to fit into anyone’s box about how I should be. I just fit in my own box.” Cameron, who rose to fame in early 90s movie ‘The Mask’, is often surprised by the kind of men

T

he ‘Marry the Night’ singer loves splashing cash on her tours and sets but rarely buys things for herself with her earnings, with even her manager questioning if she has lost her credit cards.

She said: “I didn’t get into this business for the money so I don’t spend a thing, but I am so happy. I am not bankrupt. Actually I spend no money at all. “It’s really funny because my manager often calls me and is like, ‘Did you lose your credit card? Did you cut it up? Did you lose it?’ “He is like, ‘Why

T

don’t you spend any money?’ It’s because I don’t. I have not gone crazy.” The 26-yearold pop superstar even continues to live in a one-bedroom flat she has had in New York since before she became famous.

She added in a US interview: “I live in the same apartment as I did six years ago and the bedroom is about the size of a small radio studio with the kitchen about four feet away.” However, her thriftiness may have to end soon as she was recently reported to be keen on starting a family with her boyfriend Taylor Kinney. An insider said: “She’s already doodling baby names on scraps of paper. She’s been bragging about how beautiful their children will be because Taylor is so handsome. “She wants everything with him love, marriage and a family. But she’s set on becoming a mother before they think about anything else and she’s talking about giving birth in the next year.”

he 86-year-old lothario invited the boy band - which is made up of Max George, Jay McGuiness, Siva Kaneswaran, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes - to his infamous home to hang out with the models and enjoy a barbecue. In a post on his twitter page, Hugh revealed: “The Wanted, a UK boy band, had a BBQ poolside while the girls & I were playing dominos. We shot a few photos together. Cristal Camden won tonight’s domino game with Amanda Streich, Caya Ukkas, Shera Bechard, Anna Berglund, Trisha Frick & me. A fun night. (sic)” The group were thrilled to be invited to the Mansion, in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, and the visit was extra special for Nathan because it coincided with his 19th birthday and before they headed to Hugh’s home they made an appearance on the US version of ‘The Voice’.

In a series of tweets, he wrote: “Guess that means I’m 19 ... Had so much fun on #thevoice Everyone go and get #chasingthesun now!! Gonna celebrate my bday in style!! (sic)” Tom took his twitter page to praise the media mogul for his hospitality describing him as a “legend”.

she has dated in the past and admits she “loves” the feeling of being in love. She told InStyle magazine: “I would never have guessed that I would end up dating any of the guys I’ve dated never. “There’s no through-line between them. But I love love, and love comes from many different places. When I was going through a bit of a heartbreak a little while ago, I said to a friend, ‘Wow, this really hurts!’ And he said to me, ‘That just shows you what your capacity for loving is.’”

he former ‘Hills’ star lost over $2 million on a failed music career two years ago, but has decided to try again and will release a new album, titled ‘Dreams Come True’, this year. She wrote on twitter: “4 of my favorite songs are now available! Please check out my new EP- Dreams Come True” http://itun.es/iPc8Hv #DreamsComeTrue “Thank you all for your love and support! #DreamsComeTrue! (sic)” The new album is a followup to her 2010 record ‘Superficial’, which sold less than 1,000 in its first week of release and Heidi has hired a new producer and manager in the hope of scaling the charts.

Speaking about her previous failure, she said: “I spent $2 million on my music career and it didn’t happen for me.”

Heidi and her husband Spencer Pratt have both tried to get the title of the album trending on twitter, with Spencer even writing a congratulatory message to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on their recent engagement announcement with the hashtag Dreams Come True. He wrote: “Congrats Brangelina on your engagement! #DreamsComeTrue (sic)” In November 2009, Heidi famously had 10 plastic surgery procedures in one day; she first got a breast augmentation and rhinoplasty in April 2007.

T

T

he singer-and-actor has teamed with his interior designer Estee Stanley for a home collection for HomeMint and has been very thorough with his research. He said: “I’ll sit and I’ll look at hardware for hours. Literally, for hours, I’ll sit and compare hardware. The devil’s in the details. I mean, it’s your home, it has to be your own.” Justin - who is engaged to Jessica Biel - insists everything in the collection for the online retailer is something he and Estee would be happy to have in their own homes. He told Elle Decor magazine: “If we wouldn’t put it in our homes,

T

we’re not going to ask people to put it in theirs. You don’t have to spend your whole bank account to make your home look amazing but also be comfortable and reliable. ‘I like very clean, almost modern architecture, and the obstacle with something like that is making it extremely warm, because it doesn’t naturally lend itself to that. With everything we do together, we try to get the juxtaposition right.”

he 29-year-old actress and her husband Stephen Moyer who already has two children, 12-year-old son Billy and 10year-old daughter Lilac, from previously relationships - will welcome their first child together into the world this autumn, their representatives have confirmed to Entertainment Weekly.

Anna and Stephen, 42, met on the set of ‘True Blood’ in 2007 and married in Malibu, California, three years later. Anna has previously admitted she doesn’t find it strange having to shoot scenes with her spouse for the racy TV vampire drama. — Bangshowbiz

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THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

LIFESTYLE

Gaza horse riders have to jump unusual hurdles orse riding has become a popular hobby in the Gaza Strip but local Palestinians face constant hurdles-from a conservative society to Israel’s blockade on the territory-to practise the sport on their home turf. The Al-Faisal equestrian club, on the seafront in Gaza City, attracts around 50 riders a day, according to Samir Salama Saad, director of the “Beautiful Life” society which bought the club several

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But the club, which occupies some 10 dunams of land-around 100 hectares (247 acres) — has had to resort to unusual methods to obtain the 60 horses it owns, smuggling them in through tunnels from Egypt.

“We don’t have medicine because of the blockade, and this affects the horses we have locally, so their numbers are constantly diminishing because of deaths,” Saad told AFP. To make up the numbers, horses are

Ola Abu Safia, 18, rides a horse at the Al-Furusia riding centre in Gaza City on January 10, 2012. —AFP months ago. Founded in 2003, the club now attracts both male and female equestrians ranging in age from eight to 40 years, Saad said.

brought in through the tunnels dug under Gaza’s border with Egypt, but the process is dangerous and often leaves the animals with injuries and

psychological problems.

Israel imposed the blockade in June 2006 after the capture of an Israeli soldier. The restrictions were tightened when the Islamist Hamas group seized control of Gaza a year later. Israel defends the blockade, saying it is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling, but the Palestinians call it collective punishment. Despite the restrictions, Saad runs an equestrian school at the club, with five trainers, including one qualified at the international level, who provide lessons and organise competitions.

There’s plenty of interest, but Saad acknowledges that the lessons remain out of the reach of most people in impoverished Gaza, where unemployment is around 45 percent and much of the population is dependent on foreign aid. Still, he said, “the prices are 20 percent less than those in neighbouring countries,” and they have come down in recent years as poverty in Gaza has continued to worsen. Before the Israeli blockade was imposed in 2006, the club charged around 300 shekels ($80, 61 euros) for 15 lessons, according to 18-year-old Ola Abu Safiya who has been riding for five years.

‘You’re veiled, how can you ride a horse?’

“Now they don’t take more than 150 shekels because they’re taking into account the economic conditions in Gaza,” she said. Abu Safiya is a psy-

Hanan Abu Nada, 28, a Palestinian lawyer from Gaza City, stands with her horse. —AFP chology student but she dreams of one day teaching horse riding herself.

“It’s been my favourite hobby since my father took me riding for the first time,” she said. She finds the sport liberating-”there’s no difference between boys and girls when it comes to horse riding,” she said.

Hanan Abu Nada, a 28-year-old lawyer and a mother of two, said she had to overcome some local scepticism when she took up the sport. “My father and mother encouraged me to ride. We had a small stable and my father was passionate about it. He wanted all his children to be excellent riders.” “People said ‘You’re veiled, how can you ride a horse? It’s impos-

sible’,” she said. “But I insisted on the idea that a veiled girl is like any other girl who wants to enjoy a pastime.”

“They shouldn’t be criticising. On the contrary, Palestinians should be proud of us,” she added. Abu Nada takes lessons with Omar Al-Mamluk, the club’s only international-level trainer, and aspires to one day participate in global competitions “representing the country of Palestine”. But Mamluk says opportunities to compete have been sharply curtailed by the blockade and the division between the Gaza Strip and West Bank because of tensions between rival Palestinian movements Fatah and Hamas.

The division “has greatly affected horse riding and stopped us from participating abroad, which had allowed us to reach the level of our Arab brothers,” he said. “The Palestinian Equestrian Federation works in the West Bank and Ramallah, but because of the division we have been excluded, even though we have horses for show jumping and racing, as well as riders.” “If the division were to end, we would be able to cooperate with our brothers in the West Bank,” he said.

“For now, all our competitions are local,” Saad added. —AFP

Bollywood uses comedy to break fertility taboos romantic comedy that opens at Indian cinemas this week tackles taboos about sperm donation and infertility, in the latest Bollywood film to experiment with traditionally off-limits content. “Vicky Donor”, which is released tomorrow, tells the story of the unemployed and lazy Vicky, who is persuaded by a doctor to donate his sperm to make a living-a job he then tries to keep quiet from his new girlfriend. The film retains the singing and dancing so beloved of Indian audiences and will be “fun to watch”, according to producer John Abraham. But while the style may be familiar, the content is definitely new.

“Indian audiences have never seen this kind of film,” Abraham said at the launch in Mumbai. He has expressed hopes that the movie will spread awareness among childless couples about sperm donation, which has largely been an alien concept in conservative Indian society. “It is high time we openly talk about this issue,” said actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who stars as Vicky. “We tell in the film that sperm donor identity is always kept a secret and also that donors have to go

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This picture shows Bollywood actor John Abraham posing for a photograph during The Hindustan Times Brunch event in Mumbai. —AFP

through many tests before getting selected.

This film is informative and entertaining at the same time.”

Trade analysts say the film is part of a wider trend in Hindi-speaking cinema, with censors relaxing their rules in a bid to keep up with the times. Tomorrow also sees the release of “Hate Story”, an erotic thriller that has generated a stir with a raunchy trailer on YouTube. One of the film’s stars, Nikhil Dwivedi, has described the film as an Indian “Basic Instinct”. “Bollywood is experimenting with newer and newer subject matter,” Komal Nahta, editor of the trade journal Film Information, told AFP. “Until four or five years back only the ‘masala’ films were being made,” he said, using the term for the typical Indian commercial melodrama that combines music and comedy with romance and action. Actor and producer Aamir Khan was one of the first to turn to more serious matters with “Taare Zameen Par” (Like Stars on Earth) in 2007, a film about a dyslexic boy that was a critically acclaimed box office hit. Khan pushed the boundaries further last year with screwball comedy “Delhi

Belly”, a film that outraged conservative critics for its toilet humour and profanity-peppered dialogue, which surprisingly passed the censor board uncut.

It sparked protests at cinemas and even a court case on charges of obscenity and insulting religion, but the movie ran to full houses and became a cult hit for its reflection of young people in modern, urban India. Some of the latest risk-takers in Bollywood are keeping a light-hearted touch. “Ab Hoga Dharna Unlimited”, released last week, focuses on the issue of hunger striking in protest for justice.

The practice is a common but controversial one in India, popularised by Mahatma Gandhi and last year propelling anti-corruption campaigner Anna Hazare into the media spotlight, but the film takes a comedic approach.

“I don’t want to bore people by making a serious documentary,” said director Navin Batra. “Everybody has seen these agitations on TV, so I don’t think anyone would be interested in watching the same thing in theatres as well,” he was quoted as saying in the daily Hindustan Times. Caste quotas, honour killings and sexual harassment are also

among the taboo-breaking topics that films have tackled in recent years.

Bollywood analyst Nahta said a “more discerning” audience as well as changes to cinemas themselves are driving increasingly bold content, which is largely tried out in lowerbudget films. He said the growth in India’s multiplexes meant you “don’t need 1,000 people to make a full house”. Relaxing social mores, particularly among India’s westernised youth, are one motivating factor behind the new wave of production, with increasingly risque themes and scenes on both the big and small screens.

Last month, popular television series “Bade Achhe Lagte Hain” (We Like Him Very Much) featured an unprecedented love-making scene that lasted about 15 minutes and sent social media abuzz with excitement-but it seems not all of India was ready for it. “The channel was promoting the steamy episode for a while but an actual lip to lip wasn’t really expected,” explained the Hindustan Times.

“People watching the episode with families were a bit scandalised.” —AFP

Four-legged US viewers wag tails for DogTV channel wo months after its San Diego debut, canine cable channel DogTV is keeping tails wagging at a local animal shelter, is available on the Internet and is headed for national distribution, an executive for the enterprise said on Tuesday. The advertising-free programming is aimed at stay-at-home pooches whose work-a-day masters fret about the separation anxiety

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adjusted to make them more appealing to canines. The dogs’ favourite TV stars, not surprisingly, turn out to be other dogs.

“They love watching other dogs being active on the screen, and other animals,” said Beke Lubeach, head of marketing for DogTV, adding that birds, monkeys and zebras have proven popular as well. The Nielsen television ratings service does not

In this picture, Bleu, a French bulldog owned by Maria Catania (left) watches DogTV in her apartment in San Diego. —AP their pets suffer, and the trouble they get into, when left unattended for long stretches of time.

Billed as the first channel of its kind, DogTV made its premiere on Feb. 13 as a free, around-the-clock offering carried by Cox Cable and Time Warner’s on-demand services in San Diego, reaching some 483,000 homes in California’s secondlargest city. The content is specifically tailored for four-legged audiences, with even the sound, colours and camera angles

measure viewership on the channel and Lubeach declined to disclose details of the company’s own marketing research. But she said that 80 percent of its viewers - or at least the humans who turn on the channel for their pets - are repeat visitors. Last week, the channel began offering online streaming from its website, dogtv.com, for $9.99 a month. On-demand viewing over Cox and Time Warner cable systems in San Diego remains free for the duration of test-marketing, which is expected to run another

two months at least, she said.

Hoping to go nationwide Lubeach said DogTV hopes to have a national distribution deal in place in the next couple of months, at which point the channel would charge subscribers about $5 a month. In the meantime, DogTV has become a big hit at the Humane Society animal shelter in suburban Escondido, which began airing the channel on several televisions mounted throughout the facility last month. The shelter “has seen a marked improvement in all the dogs who have been exposed to DogTV,” said Sally Costello, executive director of the Escondido Humane Society, which cares for more than 5,000 animals a year and currently houses 115 dogs.

In a press release last week, she said that “higher-energy dogs, which were once showing signs of anxiety, are now exhibiting positive development and calmer behaviour, including vocalizing less and resting more.” Programming, developed by a team of Israeli television entrepreneurs, was based on hundreds of hours of research into what TV-watching dogs like to see and hear and how content for pooches should appear. Researchers found that dogs favoured such things as harp music and the cartoon series “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

While DogTV is a cable television first, the concept of making couch potatoes out of canines is not new. More than 60 percent of US dog owners already heed the national Humane Society’s recommendation to keep a radio or television on in the house when their pets are left alone so the animals hear comforting voices rather than just silence, according to Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a member of DogTV’s scientific advisory board and a professor of veterinary medicine and behaviour at Tufts University in Massachusetts.

Carlina Duran, 25, reacts after being crowned Miss Dominican Republic 2012 in Santo Domingo, on April 17, 2012. Duran will represent the country in the Miss Universe competition. —AFP

In Canada, ‘Star Wars’ exhibit asks who we are new exhibit exploring human identity through the “Star Wars” universe and the epic sci-fi saga’s quirky characters kicks off a multi-city world tour in Montreal today. “Star Wars Identities” combines the latest scientific research in areas of psychology, neuropsychology and genetics with some 200 costumes, props, models and artwork from the Lucasfilm archives to ask the fundamental questions: who we are and how do we become who we are? “Since ‘Star Wars’ takes place in a fantasy world, the characters need to be identifiable so that the audience can connect to them,” the creator of the wildly popular films, George Lucas, said in a statement.

“These larger-than-life characters come complete with friends, enemies, values, and beliefs. This exhibition examines how the

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Star Wars characters are like us, what we may have in common, and what makes up our individual identities.” Visitors are expected to rediscover their favourite “Star Wars” characters “in a whole new light” while also developing a better understanding of their own complex identity.

The exhibit is divided into three major themes: the characters’ origins, the influences that shaped them, and the personal choices that altered their lives. Within these three themes, 10 components of human identity are explored-species, origins, parents, culture, mentors, friends, occupation, marking events, personality and values. The show at the Montreal Science Centre will run until September 16 before moving on to Edmonton in western Canada and then to 10 cities in Europe, Latin America and Asia. —AFP

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

lifestyle

Kuwait Times announces photography contest winners

A group photograph of the winners with sponsors, organizers and judges.— Photos by Joseph Shagra

By Ben Garcia

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n architect from the Philippines was adjudged the winner of the grand prize of Kuwait Times photography competition 2012. Kuwait Times hosted a grand celebration on Monday at Swiss-Bel Hotel, where the six top prize winners were announced. Ramil Sunga, 41, from Masantol, Pampanga captured the perfect shot of a Kuwaiti girl running for cover from a drizzle during the Liberation Day celebrations (held on February 25, 2012). A member of a Filipino photography group ‘Light Benders,’ photography is Ramil’s hobby and he likes shooting portrait and landscape photographs.

The grand prize winning shot was taken in front of the Kuwait Towers. “I saw a girl running for cover from the rain, carrying an umbrella on Liberation Day. I asked her permission to take her photograph. She hesitated at first, but she posed anyway. So I took at least six shots and I got this most beautiful one. I submitted it to the Kuwait Times photo contest,” he said. Ramil works for the Al-Muhalhel Interior Office, a general trading company located in Ardiya.

Ramil had a gut feeling that this particular photo would give him a good chance at victory. “I read the advertisement in Kuwait Times about the competition. I was dying to click a photo that would bring pride to the Filipinos here. My purpose was to take a lively shot, capturing the real emotions of people When I saw that girl [in the photo], I was ecstatic because I knew she could give me the perfect image I was searching for. She has a perfect skin tone, a beautiful smile and eyes that speak. I saw that her face was painted, carrying a small Kuwaiti flag, plus she was holding the umbrella that had the flag’s colours on it; she was also covered in a Kuwaiti flag themed scarf. I was filled with joy and excitement upon seeing her. I told myself that God is great for bringing her in front of me. She is beautiful and my shot was perfect,” he said.

Indeed, it was unanimously selected by three Kuwait Times judges as the perfect picture.” The grand prize winner’s entry was a perfect shot. Unlike the rest of the winners, none of us had any doubts about who the first prize winner was. We all agreed that it was a perfect shot and it deserved a grand prize award,” Abdul Karim Al-Enezy said of Ramil’s photo. “We love it because

The first prize winner, Ramil Sunga (fourth right) with Adnan Saad, and Canon Middle East (sponsors) and the board of judges.

The third winner, Ahmad Akbar, receives award from organizer and sponsors. the girl’s eye was focused by the camera, and it says many things to us; the photo speaks, it reveals many good things as a human. Plus, the contrast of colours perfectly blends with the image and we found no missing details. It’s all there. The photo is alive, there is life in it. Besides, the picture reflects the real theme of the contest, being the National and Liberation days,” he added.

Al-Enezy noted that the second and third prize winner’s entries depict people and children enjoying holidays. “It was heart-warming, a blissful atmosphere. In the background was Kuwait’s heritage. It shows joyful celebration; again the creativity was highlighted and showcased. There was happiness, all around. We are all humans; we want to see people celebrating. Congratulations to the first, second

Abdul Karim Al-Enezy

and third winners! Good luck for all your endeavours,” he beamed.

He reminded photographers to stick to the rules of the photography contest and examine their photos carefully before submitting them. “If you are not following rules, there are possibilities that even though you have some excellent and perfect photos, your photo will be excluded from judgment. You need to follow the theme and guidelines. A mistake for not following the rules will have a negative effect on your photo,” he told the audience comprising participants’ families. “Judges are strict about the theme and guidelines set by Kuwait Times. Next time, follow or abide by the rules. Give what the terms and conditions lay down, and you will get what you want. You will be successful.

Adnan Saad is pictured with the judges.

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

lifestyle

Sayed Hussein Al-Hashemi, the fourth prize winner, with Adnan Saad, Nabil Iskandarani and Dr. Ahmad Al-Dashti.

Members of the audience pose with Adnan Saad.

Colin Mc Lurg, sixth prize winner, with Adnan Saad, Iskandarani and Sarah Al-Sayegh.

Nabil Iskandarani receives a raffle gift from Adnan Saad.

Sponsors display certificates received from the Kuwait Times.

Sana Abdul Sattar poses with her certificate and gift received from Adnan Saad and Sarah Al-Sayegh after winning a special photography award.

Bozenna Grecka receives her special photography award from Adnan Saad and Abdul Karim Al-Enezy.

The photo exhibit at the venue entrance is being examined by some of the visitors.

Mefleh Al-Hajri receives special photography award from Adnan Saad and Nabil Iskandarani.

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dashti speaks at the ceremony.

Nabil Iskandarani, General Manager, Canon

Tome Levino Gracias, Canon, Sales Manager Kuwait

Adnan Saad delivers a speech on behalf of the Kuwait Times management.

Sarah Al-Sayegh

P. N. J. Kumar, Caesars Travels, General Manager

Keep on shooting pictures; you are all winners,” he added.

The first prize winner took home Canon Camera 60D with 18-135 lens, stay at Beirut for two nights (single/double occupancy) inclusive of breakfast courtesy Swiss-BelHotel, plus one economy class ticket (Kuwait-Beirut Kuwait.) The second and third prize winners received almost the same privileges as first place winner one but destinations visited will be Oman and Dubai respectively.

Meanwhile, Sarah Al-Sayegh, another judge, explained the difficulty involved in selecting the sixth, fifth and fourth place winners. “Choosing the sixth, fifth and fourth place winners was a tough task for us judges. They all deserved high respect and recognition. Categorizing them and putting a number on them was a difficult task. We talked and argued among ourselves about who should occupy the sixth, fifth and fourth place winners. There are some missing elements, but they are all winners in their own right. We agreed as to what places they deserve and should be posted.” “Congratulations, I hope you will continue to be creative in the coming photography contest. Enjoy your prizes!”

Judges were not informed of the names and identities of the participants until they were all selected. Kuwait Times deliberately removed their names to avoid any form of bias. Adnan Saad, Kuwait Times Marketing Director thanked sponsors for their continued support for the annual photography competition. He also thanked participants and those that worked behind the success of the competition. “I am honoured to be standing in front of you today, on behalf of Kuwait Times management to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation for all your effort and lovely photos sent to us. I am sure that it has been very difficult for our judges. They have spent a lot of their precious time and effort to finalize and select winners,” he told the large audience of mainly participants and families. “I would like to thank our main sponsor CanonNaser Al-Sayer Company for providing us with very valuable prizes, Swiss-Bel Hotel for their hospitality and for offering their banquet room, in addition to providing accommodation to the winners in six different destinations (Beirut, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain) for three days and nights. Of course, we cannot ignore

A raffle draw winner is seen with Canon representatives and Adnan Saad.

Caesar’s Travels Company that also supported us by providing airline tickets to different destinations, Response Media for assisting us in many ways, Thank you,” he said. Saad also expressed gratitude to judges Dr. Ahmad Al-Dashti, Abdul Karim Al-Enezi and Sara Al-Sayegh. “They assisted us in making this event smooth by screening all the participants’ photos and selecting the best of the best by discussing among themselves and convincing each other about the pictures of their choice.”

Saad explained that judges also chose the first best 50 participants. They selected the six big winners. “Judges asked to increase the number of winners from six to 12. So, additional six winners will also receive special awards.” Around 350 participants took place in this year’s competition, submitting two to 10 photographs each.

“The judges found extra six winners that had special flavours. So we give them special awards.” Next year’s photography competition theme will tackle issues about environment as per recommendations posted by Canon, Kuwait Times photography major sponsor. All participants will receive a certificate of participation as a token of appreciation. Winners, participants, who were unable to attend the awards ceremony last Monday are requested to visit the Kuwait Times office to claim their prizes and certificates.

Rana Mneimneh, Sales Director of SwissBel Hotel

Nagar Ashish, Canon Dubai representative receives a gift from Adnan Saad.

Six Big Winners 1) Ramil Sunga: First place winner 2) Najwa Marafie: Second place winner 3) Ahmad Akbar: Third place winner 4) Sayed Hussein Al Hashemi: Fourth place winner 5) Saleh Taqi: Fifth place winner 6) Colin Mc Lurg: Sixth place winner Special Award Mefleh Al-Hajri: Special Award Salwa Yahia Omara: Special Award Ramon M. Marbella: Special Award Sana Abdul Sattar: Special Award Maitham T. Al-Misry: Special Award Bozenna Grecka: Special Award

Aiman Al-Shara’a, General Manager Sebamed is seen with some of his Katrina Jarlos with Adnan Saad presents a gift to a rafstaff. fle draw winner.

Adnan Saad presents a git to Tome Levino Gracias, Canon, Sales Manager Kuwait.

Gaza horse riders have to jump unusual hurdles

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2012

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t’s a prom must-have, right up there with the dress and shoes: The guy’s tie must match the girl’s gown. And many teens today use cell phones to aid the colour coordination. Kourtney Ziercher took a picture of her dress in the store to send to her date, Michael George, for her prom last year at Barat Academy in Chesterfield, Missouri. “I told him it was burnt orange, and he got the tie to match,” she said.

“She knew that it was not a typical colour, but the tie I got even had a little design on it that matched the design on the dress,” Michael said, referring to a light tiger stripe print on the fabric. “She was really excited about it. The girl’s dress is a big deal. If the outfit doesn’t go perfectly, if the guy isn’t matching, it’s a problem. I made sure it worked.”

In Fort Collins, Colorado, Amy Weintraub sent a picture of her chocolate brown dress to her date, Luke Siddens, and he used the image to get a matching tie and vest for their prom last week at Poudre High School. “I didn’t realize he wanted to match me,” Amy said. “He just kind of decided that on his own. It was a little lighter than the dress, but it matched pretty well.”

For homemade dresses, ties can always be made from leftover fabric.

For a 2010 prom at the Stanley Humphries Secondary School in Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada, Arielle Roberts made her own dress with the help of a grandmother and aunt. Her date’s mom sewed a matching tie “when the green bow-tie and cummerbund she’d ordered for him weren’t quite the right shade,” Arielle said.

But with so many dresses store-bought these days, and with cell phone photos sometimes producing unreliable hues, stores often provide physical swatches to assist in colour coordination. David’s Bridal, which expects to sell 110,000 prom dresses this year in 300 stores, sells fabric swatches for $1 with dress purchases.

Sarah LaRue, a senior at Sheldon High School in Eugene, Oregon, picked out a dress at the local David’s Bridal and was happy to have the fabric scrap to give her date. “It’s a turquoise blue, and with that dress, you need the exact colour to match it,” she said. “If it was even a little bit off, it wouldn’t look right.”

David’s Bridal also has a partnership with Men’s Wearhouse that makes it easy for young men to get accessories in coordinated hues for their dresses. Guys can order ties, vests and cummerbunds from Men’s Wearhouse using the same terms David’s Bridal uses to identify the dress colours - names like “watermelon pink” or “Malibu blue” - and be guaranteed an ensemble that works.

Amanda Nohrenberg, store manager for David’s Bridal in Eugene, says “90 percent, if not 99 percent” of her prom customers want them to match. “If they aren’t coordinating, it’s because the guy is wearing a neutral colour like black or white.” Many couples also plan matching corsages and boutonnieres. “The girls are saying, ‘This is what I’m wearing and I want it to match the flowers,’” said Pennylyn Kaine, owner of Blossom & Bee Floral and Event Design in Newfoundland, New Jersey. — AP

In this photo, Maddie Parizek, Sadie Moussa and Gabriella Lujan (left to right) show off their hairstyles created with soft pastel chalk applied by neighbourhood mom Orly Telisman in Chicago. — AP photos

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irst there were feathers, and then the “Hunger Games” braid took over. Now there’s a new hair trend just as easy to embrace colouring strands with craft-store chalk. No stylist, no complicated instructions, no great expense. Everyone from hipsters to children to Hollywood celebrities is embracing the runway fad for brightly collared hair, using soft pastel chalk.

“Hair stylists and colourists, they’re artists at their core, so they’re always fooling around with things from the arts-and-crafts store,” said Kristin Perrotta, Allure magazine’s executive editor. “Somewhere along the line a few of them realized there were soft pastels you could use to leave colour on your hair.” The advantage? The chalks wash out in the shower, allowing for temporary rocker style.

“There’s no commitment,” Perrotta said. “This is your opportunity to go crazy for whatever time you want. Even if you’re a super-preppy woman who works in a library, on the weekend you can have purple stripes in your hair.” Colour-streaked hair first popped up on the catwalks two to three years ago, featured by designers such as Prabal Gurung, Prada and Jean Paul Gaultier, Perrotta said. But the look really took off when reality TV star Lauren Conrad featured hair chalking on her blog, The Beauty Department.

“There’s really one person to credit for the chalking trend: It’s Lauren Conrad,” Perrotta said. Conrad’s hairstylist, Kristin Ess, said beauty professionals have used the chalks to colour hair for a while. She credits the proliferation of online beauty blogs for turning the tool into a trend. “Usually it was secret, so top secret,” said Ess, who cofounded The Beauty Department with Conrad. “But now the way that things are, it’s so easy to get it out there.”

The steps aren’t complicated: Take a piece of chalk, run it along the strand of hair until it’s coloured and if necessary pull the hair through a curling iron. If you have darker hair the chalk may stick easier if you dampen the strand first. It’s important to use soft pastel chalks - the kind artists use, not oil-based chalks or sidewalk chalks.

To remove, shake or brush your hair to dust out the chalk before getting into the shower. Then wash your hair. The chalk can get messy, so wear plastic gloves. Kandee Johnson, a celebrity makeup artist and beauty and style blogger, posted a hair chalking how-to video on YouTube in February. So far it’s gotten more than 630,000 hits.

Orly Telisman of Chicago, prepares to colour eight-year-old Gabriella Lujan’s hair with soft pastel chalk.

“People were sending me pictures from websites,” she said. “I didn’t think people were going to be that excited over it. I did not think it was going to be that popular at all.” Johnson thinks the attraction comes because chalking is temporary and affordable - a whole set of chalks can cost between $6 and $8. “It’s a fun idea if you have kids or you have a corporate job,” she said. “It will be really fun for summer because you can have fun ponytails.” — AP

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A pair studded with Swavorski crystals are displayed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

— MCT

antyhose occupy a dicey place in the world of fashion. The dainty intimates are on the rise thanks to Kate Middleton’s penchant for them. Couple that with ultra-fashion-forward stars like Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Jessie J wearing sheer black hosiery, and you have a burgeoning trend. However, after years of barelegged freedom (inspired by first lady Michelle Obama and “Sex and the City’s” Carrie Bradshaw), it’s going to be a challenge for pantyhose manufacturers to get consumers to squeeze back into them. We’re not going to go easily. Many of us don’t want to return to the days of trying to match our skin tones with stockings. We don’t want to have to worry about snags and runs. It’s so much easier just to lotion up your legs and go without. “I personally really like a bare leg,” said Catherine Moellering, executive vice president of New York-based fashion retail consultants Tobe. “A lot of young consumers were brought up either bare-legged or in opaque (tights).”

They are experiencing sheer hose as something new, she says.

Hosiery has come a long way since the days when women had to attach stockings with garters. Today’s legwear goes from shimmery nudes to so bare that you look as if you’re not wearing anything. Also keep an eye out for jewel-toned shades of wine, purple, and cobalt

blue. Thanks to huge advances in graphic design and fashion technology, hose come in new bold finishes distressed-legging looks or even three-dimensional objects. I’ve got my eye on a pair by House of Holland for Pretty Polly that features alphabet-soup-style capital letters scattered all over the legs.

With all the options available, you’re practically guaranteed that every pair of these hose would look phenomenal with a little black dress. (Or an eggplantcoloured dress, if you’re colour-blocking.) “By and large, people are still feeling skittish about the economy.

Hosiery is an easy and economical way to update,” Moellering said. “You can put on a pair of new hose with an old dress and get a bang for your buck.”

Stockings were a non-negotiable staple in women’s wardrobes from the turn of the century well into the the late 1990s. A woman wasn’t considered dressed without them. Then the corporately chic ‘80s melted into the casual ‘90s and women let their hose go at the end of the decade. Even when dresses became all the rage, we preferred pointy heels and bare legs. No muss, no fuss. But now, as fashion takes a turn toward the flapper looks of the 1920s, we’re again interested in thigh-highs. A smoother leg seems more aesthetically pleasing. But what about comfort? What about durability?

Things have improved on that front, says Susan M. Kay, CEO of the Hosiery Association, a trade group based in Charlotte, NC. Millennial hosiery features the same kind of wicking technology as endurance wear. “There are pantyhose that have caffeine in them to make your legs appear more toned, and some with aloe that moisturize,” Kay says. “Now that the consumer is more educated, she’s demanding both comfort and practicality as well as style.” At $18 to $35, these high-tech tights cost more than drugstore lines, but not as much as Wolford pantyhose, which can run upwards of $50.

The target audience for updated sheer hosiery is young people. Like lipstick and wristwatches, the hosiery industry has found a new audience - women in their 20s who think of hose as a novelty. “These sheer pantyhose help women look more grown-up and sophisticated,” said Anna Sirotkin, who along with her husband, Viktor, opened Papilio, an Italian legwear and swimwear boutique, in Center City in November. One recent afternoon, I paid a visit to Posh Boutique, a hosiery and intimate apparel store in Cherry Hill that also opened in November.—MCT