20th Sep

CR IP TI ON BS SU

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Israel military holds largest snap drill in years

US Army tests body armor tailored for female soldiers

11

40 PAGES

NO: 15574

150 FILS

7

www.kuwaittimes.net

THULQADA 4, 1433 AH

Lohan arrested in New York for hitting pedestrian

36

Messi double gives Barca comeback win against Spartak

20

French cartoons fuel Muslim fury France braces for backlash, shuts embassies, bans demos

PARIS: Fresh protests erupted in the Muslim world yesterday over an anti-Islam film as a French magazine added fuel to the fire with the publication of obscene cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). France braced for a backlash over the cartoons, stepping up security at its embassies and banning demonstrations on its own soil as senior officials and Muslim leaders appealed for calm. More than 30 people have been killed in attacks or violent protests linked to the controversial US-made film “Innocence of Muslims”, including 12 people who died in an attack by a female suicide bomber in Afghanistan on Tuesday.

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Elaraby called the drawings outrageous but said those who were offended by them should “use peaceful means to express their firm rejection”. Tunisia’s ruling Islamist party, Ennahda, condemned what it called an act of “aggression” against Muhammad (PBUH) but urged Muslims not to fall into a trap intended to “derail the Arab Spring and turn it into a conflict with the West”. In Egypt, Essam Erian, acting head of the Muslim Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party, told Reuters: “We reject and condemn the French cartoons that dishonour the Prophet (PBUH) and we condemn any action that defames the sacred according to people’s beliefs.” In the northern Paris suburb of Sarcelles, one person was slightly hurt when two masked men threw a small explosive device through the window of a kosher supermarket. Police said it was too early to link the incident to the cartoons. One small local Muslim group filed a legal complaint against the weekly but there were no reports of reaction on the streets of France.

In Pakistan yesterday, around 1,000 students from the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami party took to the streets in the eastern city Lahore, chanting anti-US slogans and burning the American flag.

conspiracy theories

Campaign of hatred

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

Y

esterday was the United States. Today it is France. Tomorrow, I do not know where. What is this vicious attack against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? Why now all of a sudden?

There is a history of insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with mocking cartoons, which ended up with the boycott of Danish products all over the Arab world. When the incident happened, the Prime Minister of Denmark had to come out, apologize and try to mend relations with the Arab world.

Why the unnecessary animosity and hatred today seven years later? The Prophet (PBUH) is not here anymore. That means that whoever is doing the insults simply aims to abuse Muslim feelings.

He has no other agenda. This now looks like a campaign. It is not an individual act to pin on a guy under probation. It is not just a stupid whim coming from a narrow-minded and failed filmmaker. We thought we could blame it on the silliness of a person.

But when such acts are repeated again by a wellknown French publication, then such insults are not innocent. It is meant as an insult to the whole Muslim world - over a billion of people spread all over the world. Many people living in countries as far apart as Japan, the United States and Asia, Latin America and the Arab world are Muslims. Many Muslims live in Europe. There is no country in the world without a Muslim population. I am sure in the surroundings of the Vatican there are Muslims. Why the targeted abuse then?

Right after the furor over the film, a famous USbased publication tried to rub salt into the wound with their abusive cover story called “Muslim Rage”. I do not buy that it is about freedom of speech anymore. This seems like a very calculated and wellstudied move. It is a campaign of hatred. It has a certain agenda. Do not accuse the Muslims of being terrorists. Those who abuse and intentionally attack religions and prophets should be held responsible.

I do not buy the talk of freedom of opinion and expression. How about the freedom to publish the pictures of Kate Middleton topless? The palace in the UK banned the publication of the princess’ pictures.

Why doesn’t an international body come up with laws and regulation, such as the one they all proudly took part in calling it “the war on terror”.

I have repeated many times that terror has many faces. It is not just about bombs and murder. It is not just about angry crowds burning flags or throwing stones at an embassy building. Abusing other people’s feelings intentionally is worse. It is the worst kind of terror because it is hidden. I am sure that there are international networks behind this. I am quite confident and sure that the West’s secret police will discover who is behind this because even if there is a Muslim in the middle of nowhere, they can find him. How about the perpetrators now? What will be their punishment and who will punish them?

Max 43º Min 26º High Tide 01:54 & 15:00 Low Tide 08:26 & 20:17

An Indian Muslim student hits a burning effigy of US President Barack Obama as others shout anti-US slogans during a protest against an anti-Islam movie in Kolkata yesterday. (Inset) French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo’s publisher Stephane Charbonnier clenches his fist as he presents to journalists yesterday the latest issue which contains several cartoons caricaturing Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). — AFP

Continued on Page 13

Scores held, fake firms busted Surprise raids launched across Kuwait

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Flash raids were carried out by the Ministry of Interior against residency violators and wanted criminals in all governorates of Kuwait yesterday, especially in areas with a high percentage of marginal laborers. The campaign began early morning yesterday with the participation of security chiefs, the traffic department, the criminal investigations department,

special forces and medical emergency teams in Bneid Al-Gar. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 2,136 people, some of whom were wanted for different cases including residency violations and crimes like theft and drug peddling.

Security officials said the campaign will continue in all governorates against all residency violators and criminals. Security sources said that a majority of residency violators are

KUWAIT: Police round up hundreds of residency violators in Bneid Al-Gar after a surprise raid yesterday. — Photo by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Bahrain accepts ‘90%’ of critical UN report GENEVA: Bahrain said he said, responding to yesterday it accepted “90 numerous recommendapercent” of reforms tions by the Council first urged by the UN Human made in May and coverRights Council (HRC) in ing notably Bahrain’s the wake of a popular criminal justice system, uprising, amid US critithe prevention of torture cism that the kingdom and the rights of women, was dragging its feet. children and minorities.

“The government of The Bahraini repreSheikh Khalid Bahrain is pleased to fulsentative also pointed to ly accept 145 (out of 176 the creation of a special recommendations) and partially unit tasked with investigating misaccept 13 more,” Foreign Minister treatment by security services. But Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa he added: “Some, unfortunately told the Council, adding that “signifi- believe that continued unrest on the cant challenges remain”. “We have streets affords them undertaken unprecedented reforms”, Continued on Page 13

Article 20 domestic workers who were brought to Kuwait by unscrupulous sponsors who abandoned them on the streets to work for others without reporting them as absconding. The sources said such sponsors will be held liable as per the law. They added that security and safety of the public is the main concern in all governorates.

Meanwhile, inspectors from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor also launched a surprise inspection campaign yesterday in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Farwaniya that resulted in exposing a large number of fake companies.

Assistant undersecretary for labor affairs Jamal Al-Doussari said the fake companies were rented offices without any staff working in them. He added that such offices are rented for certain periods in an attempt to circumvent the law until workers are brought from abroad. The “companies” are then closed and open only for inspections.

“More raids will be conducted all over Kuwait and all legal actions will be taken against violators,” Doussari said, calling for closing down the violating companies’ dossiers with the ministry. He added the government will prevent violating companies from having any work permits issued for them unless they can prove that the workers actually work for them.

Iranian FM meets Assad DAMASCUS: Iran’s foreign minister met embattled Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad yesterday, calling for a Syrian solution to the civil war, as a rights watchdog accused Damascus of waging “relentless, indiscriminate” attacks against its own people. Speaking on arriving in Damascus, Ali Akbar Salehi said a solution to the 18month conflict lies “only in Syria and within the Syrian family”. Salehi, who called this week for a simultaneous halt to the fighting by both regime and rebel forces, added this should be done in “partnership with international and regional organisations”.

Following their meeting, Assad said the war engulfing Syria was targeting not only it but the “axis of resistance”, a term Syria, Iran and Lebanon’s Shiite movement Hezbollah use to refer to their common opposition to Israel. He also said “Syria has shown openness in dealing DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Alwith all initiatives put forward to find a solution to the Assad (left) welcomes Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi upon his crisis. The key to any initiative’s success is the sincerity Continued on Page 13 arrival for a meeting yesterday. — AFP

Study links GM corn to cancer France orders probe LONDON: In a study that prompted sharp criticism from other experts, French scientists said yesterday that rats fed on Monsanto’s genetically modified corn or exposed to its top-selling weedkiller suffered tumours and multiple organ damage. The French government asked the country’s health watchdog to investigate the findings further, although a number of scientists questioned Continued on Page 13

A combination image of three pictures feature rats with tumors after they were fed a diet of genetically modified (GM) maize produced by US chemical giant Monsanto. — AFP

No raise in haj quotas ‘Syrians not barred’ RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has rejected requests by 40 countries to increase their haj quota this year because of development projects now under way in the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, local dailies said yesterday. Saudi Arabia also denied allegations that the kingdom has barred citizens of war-hit Syria from performing the pilgrimage. “The ministry has apologised to all countries which had asked to increase the number of their pilgrims this year... (because of ) the giant development projects in Makkah and Madinah which make it difficult Continued on Page 13

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

LOCAL

Muslim Brotherhood lost alliance with govt: Al-Mulla Preparations underway for demonstration

KUWAIT: An Interior Ministry inspection campaign in progress in Bnaid Al-Qar yesterday. The campaign resulted in the arrest of 2,136 people. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: A Kuwaiti lawmaker believes that the Muslim Brotherhood in Kuwait is trying to put pressure on the government by taking part in demonstrations “after losing their typical alliance with the government”. “ The Muslim Brotherhood and their youth activists are part of the political scene who we respect. However I believe that they’ve become bankrupt after failing to reach power”, said MP Saleh Al-Mulla in statements to Al-Qabas on Tuesday.

While the Muslim Brotherhood isn’t officially represented in Kuwait’s political landscape, the Islamic Constitutional Movement (ICM) is often considered as the political arm of the pan-Arab group in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Al-Mulla criticized the Cabinet’s step to challenge the constitutionality of the electoral law, but indicated that “we cannot claim to be protecting the constitution without recognizing the Cabinet’s right to take that step”. If the law is found unconstitutional, the liberal lawmaker urged the Cabinet to “hold thorough discussions with political groups in the country to reach an agreement on an amendment”.

The Cabinet had challenged the constitutionality of the electoral law with the Constitutional Court, which

is scheduled to announce its ruling on September 25th. If the law is found unconstitutional, the Cabinet can release a modified law via an emergency decree after the 2009 parliament is dissolved; which is likely to be taken as the first step after the ruling is announced.

The Cabinet had opted to verify the constitutionality of the electoral law - which divides Kuwait into five constituencies - in order to protect future election results from appeals.

The parliament, elected last February, was annulled by a Constitutional Court ruling last June which found last year’s decree to dissolve the 2009 parliament to be unconstitutional.

The opposition, on the other hand, strongly rejected a “monoaction” by the government, requiring that a new law is approved by a parliament elected after the 2009 parliament is dissolved.

Represented by the Majority Bloc, a coalition of 34 oppositionists who dominated majority seats in the 2012 parliament, the opposition has staged two demonstrations at the Iradah Square since August 27th as part of their campaign to garner public pressure against any step taken individually by the Cabinet to change the electoral system.

And while preparations are underway for the third demonstration next Monday on the eve of the Constitutional Court’s ruling, AlQabas reported, quoting sources close to the Majority Bloc, that “members are divided between a team which believes that a larger crowd is expected, and another who feel that more protests hurt the bloc’s popularity, in the long-term”.

(Qabas) Meanwhile, bloc member Nayef Al-Merdas told Al-Rai daily that “youth groups plan to head after [Monday’s] demonstration to the Palace of Justice, where they are prepared to stay the night until the [Constitutional Court’s] ruling is made” the following morning.

Meanwhile, MP Musallam AlBarrak issued statements from Iradah Square in which he reiterated his rejection of “forcing the judiciary into politics”, and refused speculation that links the opposition’s calls for an elected prime minister and suggestions of targeting the ruling system.

“If the ruling system faces any threat, we will join all Kuwaitis in defending it”, Al-Barrak said, “however, our demands for a constitutional monarchy and elected Cabinet will continue”. —Al-Rai

More sponsors join Gulf Women Forum KUWAIT: More companies and leading groups have joined the list of sponsors for the 2nd GCC Women Economic Forum (GCCWEF), which will be organized by the Leaders Group Co. for consultancy and development under the title, “GCC Women and Investment Opportunities.” The event will be held under the aegis of Sheikhah Ayeda Salem Al-Ali at the J.W. Marriott in Kuwait on September 25 and 26. The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has announced that it will offer a platinum sponsorship for the forum based on its belief that women can play a crucial role in the economy and to celebrate women’s outstanding participation in various investment and developmental fields, particularly the oil sector. “The oil sector is very proud of the role women have played, both in the past and the present,” KPC managing director for government relations and PR and media Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah stated.

He also noted that supporting women’s role in economics and investment will positively reflect on Kuwait and the progress made by the GCC countries.

On his part, the Kuwait Small Projects Development Co. (KSPDC) general manager, Hassan Al-Qena’e said his firm will provide a golden sponsorship for the forum, given the support it has lent to small projects and because of its role in developing the private sector, which will eventually help achieve the government’s goal of sustainable economic development. “Small and medium proj-

Hassan Al-Qenae

Sheikh Talal Khaled

ects are the cornerstone of women’s investments and therefore, the forum will encourage GCC women to take the initiative of joining the world of business,” he added, noting that his company’s stall at the exhibition that is being held on the sidelines of the forum, will offer a chance to women business leaders to communicate with business owners that have creative ideas and with investment-focused entrepreneurs.

Munira Mohammed Sager AlMousherji, the representative of McDonald’s in Kuwait, said that the Al-Mousherji Catering Co., which owns the McDonald’s franchise in Kuwait, plans to offer a silver sponsorship during the forum.

“Sponsoring this forum is part of our long history of supporting such initiatives and communal activities,” she stated. The acting PR and media manager of Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC)’, Yousif Al-Abdel

Kareem, said the national carrier will be displaying its support for the forum by acting as the official carrier of all participants flying in from GCC states. “Our contribution stems from the fact that the forum is a GCC and Kuwaiti joint initiative.

The forum’s organizing committee stated that it has received the support of other sponsors, including the Arabic version of the ENTREPRENEUR magazine as a media sponsor.

The committee added that the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of its Board, Al-Jawhara Bint Torky will address the forum and speak on the role of media in supporting businesses. The committee also named the Good Health magazine, published by Sheikhah Entisar Salem AlAli Al-Sabah, UNIDO, CBK, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Kuwait Financial Center and the Gatehouse Bank as additional sponsors for the event.

Al-Tabtabaei accusations ‘baseless’ KUWAIT: KUNA categorically denies accusations by Kuwaiti MP Walid Al-Tabtabaei that claimed it had published Iranian statements a day before they were published on Fars News Agency, stressed Editor-in-Chief Rashed Al-Ruwaishid yesterday.

The report which involved statements by Iranian MP Mohammad Karim Abedi were published on KUNA’s bulletin over two hours and a half after they were published by the Iranian news agency early on Sunday, Sept 16, affirmed Al-Ruwaishid. Al-Ruwaishid noted that the article was immediately translated from Farsi into Arabic and was published on KUNA’s official website before

being released by the Iranian agency in Arabic a day later. “Fars news agency writes its news in four languages; Farsi, English, Turkish and Arabic, and the Arabic translated product was where the honorable MP AlTabtabaei must have obtained his information, a whole day later after being published in Farsi,” explained KUNA’s Editor-in-Chief. KUNA depends on Fars’ news bulletin as a legitimate source as it is considered the semi-official news agency of Iran, and KUNA does not adopt its news written in the English and Arabic languages as information could be lost in translation or delayed as a result of the endeavour. — KUNA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

local

Co-ops Union plays major role in controlling prices Call for data pertaining to sold items

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receiving at Bayan Palace yesterday Minister of Commerce and Industry and Minister of State for Housing Affairs Anas Khalid Al-Saleh who introduced Director General of the Public Authority for Housing Care Sobhi Yousef Al-Mulla, Director General of Public Authority for Industry Barrak Abdulmohsen AlSabeeh, the Director General of the Kuwait Stock Exchange Faleh Abdulla AlRaqaba, Assistant Undersecretary for Planning Fawaz Yousef Al-Shallal and Assistant Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Mansour Faraj Al-Saeed to the Amir on the occasion of assuming their new duties.

Virtual Job Fair to focus on hospitality industry KUWAIT: Adding to the success of its Virtual Job Fair (VJF) concept, Bayt.com, the region’s number one job site, will host a VJF that is specifically targeted towards the hospitality industry in the Middle East.

Employers and job seekers from across the region are invited to participate in the online job fair, which will be held from Sept 23 to 27.

The Bayt.com Hospitality Virtual Job Fair is supported by event sponsor Marriott International Inc. and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C, alongside media sponsors.

Since its inception in 2000, Bayt.com has maintained a prominent position as a leading recruitment platform for the hospitality sector. At present, the job site’s community of professionals working in the hospitality industry consists of more than 500,000 job seekers, whose talents and experience spans all career levels and job roles in the hospitality industry.

“Bayt.com’s Virtual Job Fair concept is the natural revolution of the traditional job fair. It takes into consideration today’s fast pace of business, and the need for employers and job seekers alike to find results in the quickest, most convenient and costeffective ways,” said SuhailMasri , VP Sales at Bayt.com. “Our experience in recruitment for employers in the hospitality industry and the sheer number of relevant job seekers that are registered on Bayt.com makes this the ideal sector to select as the focus of our first industry-specific VJF. We encourage hospitality- industry employers to take advantage of this opportunity to find top quality candidates specifically targeted to their requirements, in a cost-effective and highly efficient manner that ensures they can maximize their choice and reach when it comes to candidate recruitment across career levels and job roles.”

Robert Dodds, Vice President - Human Resources, Marriott International Inc. and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C, Middle East and Africa Continent, said; “We at Marriott and Ritz-Carlton are delighted to be part of such a pioneering and innovative event such as Bayt.com’s Hospitality industry Virtual Job Fair. With the help of Bayt.com, who are committed to facilitate employment in the Hospitality industry, we look forward to bringing recruitment to the next level, ensuring the most qualified talent is recruited and trained to rapidly fill open positions.”

Bayt.com’s exciting Virtual Job Fair con-

cept is unique in that it allows employers to fully interact with job seekers through an immersive, interactive virtual environment.

The VJF platform mimics a traditional job fair setting but eliminates the inconveniences and logistics required to participate.

It presents numerous advantages, not least of which is easy accessibility from anywhere in the world, less planning, no need for costly stand manufacturing and logistics and a far speedier implementation and execution.

When participating in one of Bayt.com’s Virtual Job Fairs, which take place fully online, employers and job seekers can use a range of digital tools, such as chat rooms, webcasts, and webinars to exchange vital job-related information. Jobseekers can search for available jobs and submit their CVs, while employers can interact with jobseekers through virtual ‘booths’.

Participating employers benefit from increased brand awareness, particularly amongst Bayt.com’s extensive portfolio of jobseekers - made up of over 500,000 registered users directly relevant to the hospitality industry and an additional eight million professionals with varied skills and experience across the industry spectrum. With Bayt.com’s Virtual Job Fair, there are minimal resource requirements in return for maximum exposure, which translate to lower costs and a higher return on investment for employers than with a traditional job fair. Moreover employers benefit from the excellent measurability the online job fair enables and the ease of managing the entire recruitment process particularly in terms of candidate sourcing and screening and selection.

In 2011 alone, Bayt.com’s Virtual Job Fairs attracted more than 31,000 registered job seekers, with over 100,000 total visits for the duration. Overall employer booth views averaged more than 10,000 (26,000 on average for Sponsor booths and an average of 15,000 for Platinum; 10,000 for Gold and 4,000 for Silver booths) with employers reporting a high satisfaction on their return-on-investment.

Jobseekers wishing to participate in Bayt.com’s Hospitality Virtual Job Fair can register for free any time from today until the week of the Fair at http://virtualjobfair.bayt.com.Once logged in, candidates are able to apply for jobs on a 24/7 basis, at their own convenience and from the privacy and comfort and confidentiality of their own home or office environment.

Jordan PM praises Kuwait for providing $1.25bn grant AMMAN: Jordanian Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh praised yesterday Kuwait’s efforts in granting Jordan $1.25 billion as part of its contribution to the $5 billion grant by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Kuwaiti ambassador to Jordan Hamad AlDuaij was speaking to KUNA after meeting the General Director of the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) Abdul Wahhab Al-Bader and Minister Tarawneh, who praised the support of HH the Amir, the government and the Kuwaiti people.

The Jordanian prime minister highlighted the fund’s contributions to achieving sustainable development in Jordan by funding economic and social projects. Tarawneh noted the strong ties and the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Kuwait is the top Arab investor in Jordan and Tarawaneh stressed the importance of Kuwaiti investment in his country.

According to ambassador Al-Duaij, Tarawaneh in the meeting pointed out the economic situation in Jordan, especially related to power outages and the Egyptian gas shortage as well which has led to high petrol prices. For his part, the Director of KFAED affirmed Kuwait’s commitment to providing support to Jordan under the signed agreements. Jordan’s minister of planning Jaafar Hassan was also present at the meeting.

Al-Bader praised Jordan’s government measures to undertake structural inequity of the economy in order to achieve higher growth rates. He also said he admires Jordan’s political stability, which attracts investors.

KFAED signed an agreement yesterday with the Jordanian government, in which Kuwait granted Jordan an annual USD 250 million as part of a total USD 1.25 billion aimed at funding development projects over a five-year period. — KUNA

Health minister denies role in KMA dissolution KUWAIT: Minister of Health Dr Ali Al-Obaidi denied having any connection with a recent decision to dissolve the Kuwait Medical Association’s board, asserting that the body falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

Dr Al-Obaidi’s statements came Tuesday, shortly after the decision made recently by Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Salem AlOthaina to dissolve the KMA’s board over financial violations detected by the KMA’s General Assembly. Earlier reports hinted that Al-Othaina made his decision based on a recommendation from Al-Obaidi over old dis-

putes he has with the KMA’s board.

Meanwhile, several doctors welcomed the decision which they believe “shows that doctors have the ability to change any board for the KMA they believe has deviated fromits course”. Conflicts had previously happened between the dissolved board and a number of doctors over financial violations they accused the board member of being involved in.

In the meantime, source said that the dissolved board’s members plan to take “an immediate legal action” against the social minister’s decision.

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Journalist Association (KJA) held a press conference to discuss the current prices existent in co-operatives coinciding with the United Nations celebrating 2012 as the Year of Co-operatives. The event, which was held at KJA’s office in Shuwaikh, also marked the golden jubilee of the establishment of Kuwait’s first co-operative society in Keifan. Abdulaziz Al-Samhan, the head of the Co-operative Societies Union noted that the organization is currently controlling the prices of 22,000 items sold through co-ops, out of about 60,000 to 70,000 such items that are sold there.

“The Union has a committee that keeps tabs on the companies that supply goods to the co-ops. The committee allows these companies to sell their goods on the basis of the prices approved by it,” Al-Samhan explained.

However, many people have complained about the hike in prices of some goods in a short time span. “The supplier can demand that the price of a certain item be raised and we have a procedure in place to address such a demand. The supplier has to first justify the demand by providing to the committee, relevant documents, such as bills from the country of origin, where the price has increased. It also has to attach a copy of the bank transfers made, proof of customs department’s cheques as well as other documents,” added Al-Samhan.

“After that, the committee reviews the documents to decide the extent of the hike in prices. Usually, such hikes range between three percent and seven percent. In some cases, it might touch up to 15 percent. I don’t remember it being higher than that, although the companies often demand for a 30 percent or more hike,” he stated.

“So when an item’s price appreciates by 35 percent, for instance, we know that it could not have been approved by the committee.

In that case, inspections of co-ops are ordered and violators are penalized. Sometimes we may even ban the company from supplying goods to the co-ops,” Al-Samhan pointed out.

The Union has now demanded data pertaining to all items sold through co-ops so that it can guard against any unfair price hikes. “We are pressing the co-ops to let the union assume full control of the remainder of the items for the benefit of customers and shareholders, who are more important for us.

The difference in the prices of some items sold by different co-ops might be due to an ongoing discount promotion or festival, or it may be on account of the co-ops supplying certain item themselves,” stressed Al-Samhan.

He added that co-ops along with the public and private sectors are the third largest entity, as far as assets and the number of customers served are concerned. “The co-ops are run on the basis of a system, which involves

holding elections, generating profits, and rendering services to the shareholders and residents of the area. It also provides social services and runs projects in the area as per its budget. We always aim to improve our services,” he pointed out.

However, co-ops face certain stumbling blocks. “The Co-ops Union is short of staff, which delays the processing of paperwork, especially for investors, and results in financial losses to the tune of tens of thousands,” stated Al-Samhan.

The number of co-ops has increased with the growth of urban population and new residential areas coming up. “Around 25 co-ops existed at the time the Union was founded in 1982. That number has grown and touched 55 today. Now we need to expand the Union to absorb these additional co-ops and any new ones that will be created along with new cities being built,” he noted.

Al-Samhan also proposed the establishment of a co-operative bank for handling the finances of co-ops.

KUWAIT: Abdulaziz Al-Samhan (middle) addressing the press conference at the KJA on Tuesday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

local Medcomm enriches Arabian Conference on Information, Communications Security KUWAIT: Middle East Digital Communications (Medcomm), the leading information and communications consulting services company and the strategic business partner of the world-class company “Booz Allen Hamilton” announced yesterday their participation in the upcoming 2nd Arab Conference on Information and Communications Security (ACICS2) that will be held by the Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) under the sponsorship of His Highness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, the prime minister of Kuwait.

Salem Methyeb Al-Othaina, the minister of communications, will represent the prime minister during the opening ceremony that will be held at Al-Raya Conference Center of Courtyard Marriott Hotel and on Sept 24 and 25. Information security of cloud computing, e-government security issues, corporate and IT governance, and IT auditing will be among the many topics to be covered by the conference speakers. The opening ceremony will take place at 6:30 pm and will be attended by many industry leaders and specialists. The Conference proceedings will focus on the lat-

est technologies and solutions to protect our IT assets against the flood of threats that hit them on a continuous basis.

The proliferation of mobile devices (mobile phones, tablets, etc.) will be extensively discussed. A special focus will handle the issues of developing the qualified human resources that can develop and implement sustainable, dependable, upgradable, scalable, and highly available security solutions and services.

Naser Al-Karmi, the Managing Director of Medcomm, will address the audience during the opening ceremony. Commenting on the conference proceedings, he said “Guy Petreson of Booz Allen Hamilton, who is a well-known information security specialist, will present his paper about Information Security Strategies Planning and Training to highlight challenges of information security and to better understand their implications in Kuwait”.

He added “we hope that the conference triggers an ongoing workshop with the participation of government agencies and local and international technology vendors to benefit from technology and information security solutions available today.

KUWAIT: A honoring ceremony for artist Shadi Al-Khaleej in progress at Crowne Plaza hotel on Tuesday.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra

13 Asian women freed from brothel in Jleeb Alcohol found in abandoned car KUWAIT: Al-Yaqout receiving UNESCO representative.

Preparations continue for launch of ‘Big Tree Society’ initiative KUWAIT: As part of the preparations made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in cooperation with Boubyan Bank for the environmental program “The Big Tree Society”, Mark Sutcliffe, Project Officer -Natural Science Section at UNESCO - Doha Office recently visited Kuwait and met with Waleed Al-Yaqout, GM - Administration Group at the Bank to discuss the latest developments related to the initiative.

The meeting witnessed discussions about the preparations for launching the initiative announced last June on the celebration of the World Environment Day by examining all necessary elements to actually launch the initiative and spread it among all schools in Kuwait in ways that realize its objectives.

Meanwhile, all the details of the initiative including the ways of competition among schools, all conditions related to the way of schools’ participation in the initiative, and the competition that will be held among schools for proposing initiatives and projects for environmental conservation will be announced next October.

“The Big Tree Society” is a program directed to schools for the purpose of enhancing awareness of the importance of environmental conservation, which will be launched for the first time in Kuwait at the beginning of the new school year in September 2012.

The program implemented by Boubyan Bank in cooperation with UNESCO encourages students of all ages and all school years to positively impact their future and provides them with the opportunity to explore their personal capabilities through participation in a special competition aiming at enhancing environmental awareness and impact on the environment.

As UNESCO’s Mark Sutcliffe said, “The Big Tree Society’s overall aim is to enhance the

behaviour of people and their relationship with the buildings they are in, such as schools, where the ecological footprint can be actively improved, especially via the development of improved water, energy, and waste-management, as well as reflecting on their environmental health.”

The initiative is based on two rules: The first is that the students must be the ones who decide on how to change their behaviour, and the second is that the solution must involve everyone in the school, from the teachers to the students.

Apart from these two rules, schools are free to choose to follow any environmental program they want, or they can even create their own.

Commenting on the initiative, Al-Yaqout said: “It is a pleasure for us to be partners for one of the biggest UN organizations in raising the level of awareness of the necessity to take more practical steps towards sustained environmental conservation out of the care of all of us for the future of coming generations.” “Boubyan Bank believes in the necessity of cooperation among all parties in any society in order to take the actions and introduce more initiatives that help create actual awareness of the importance of the environment, and it is the responsibility of current generations to conserve the environmental resources we now have to sustain future generations,” he added.

Al-Yaqout also expressed his wish, as well as the wish of all Boubyan Bank’s staff that this initiative realizes its objectives, whether on the level of Kuwait schools or the Kuwaiti society, especially being the first of its kind that is implemented in cooperation between the UNESCO and a Kuwaiti bank which believes in the importance of social responsibility and its role as a private institution in raising the level of awareness of social issues.

KUWAIT: Thirteen women were freed from a brothel in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh where they were imprisoned and forced into prostitution by a man who was arrested. The operation took place recently following investigations carried out by Farwaniya detectives based on information about an Asian man’s illegal activity. The Asian victims told police that the male suspect collected money by forcing them into prostitution. The man is in custody pending legal action. ‘ Deportee’ caught Investigations following a residency violator’s arrest revealed that the suspect used a forged passport to re-enter Kuwait after being deported earlier. The Asian man was arrested in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh after police discovered that he was deported. Police later confirmed that the man managed to come back to Kuwait using a forged passport.

Alcohol found Farwaniya police are looking for the owner of a car which was found recently on Airport Road with liquor bottles inside. Two patrol officers were granted permission to search a car they found parked in a no-parking spot on the side of a busy street. After finding imported liquor bottles inside, the officers headed back to Farwaniya police station and filed a case. An arrest warrant for the car’s owner has been issued.

Fugitive caught A fugitive was arrested recently after being caught driving under influence and with possession of drugs. The suspect was pulled over the side of a road in Al-Nugra for driving recklessly.

The patrol officers immediately noticed that the man was in an unstable state, and learned that he is on the wanted list for failing to pay KD 5,000 in debt. Police also found three hashish rolls hidden inside the man’s cigarette’s box. He remains in custody pending legal procedures.

Counterfeit products A man was caught in Al-Salmi stealing counterfeit products held inside the customs’ warehouse at the border checkpoint. Customs officers were assigned to monitor the warehouse after noticing that some shipments sealed with red wax were opened. An Asian man was caught sneaking inside the warehouse. The suspect confessed to stealing counterfeit items and selling them in Kuwait. He was referred to the proper authorities to face charges.

Kidnap foiled Two people were arrested in Al-Fahaheel on Tuesday following a failed attempt to kidnap a teenager with the intention of sexual assault.

Special task force officers were reported patrolling the area when they noticed a young man running and signaling for help. The 16-yearold pointed at a car that was following him, say-

Politics ‘inevitable’ at upcoming ASPA Summit: Peruvian diplomat KUWAIT: Despite the fact that the next Summit of South American-Arab Countries (ASPA) is more of an economic and cultural gathering, yet delving into political issues seems to be inevitable, Charge d’Affaires at the Peruvian Embassy in Kuwait Gustavo Bravo said. “Actually, Syria and Paraguay are not participating in the Summit,” Bravo said. “South American countries see the case of Paraguay the way Arab countries view the situation in Syria,” he said, adding “this would reflect on the Summit.” The event will be held on Oct 1 and 2 in Lima, Peru, with the participation of 34 countries; 12 South American and 22 Arab, and with the coordination and support of the Arab League and Union of South American Nation (UNASUR).

Both the South American and Arab countries were suspended from their respective blocks; UNASUR and the League.

Paraguay was suspended following the political impeachment, which last June removed Fernando Lugo from presidency and replaced him with Federico Franco.

“I look at it (the Summit) as an opportunity to see common challenges and find regional solutions for them, as both regions went through similar events.

“It hasn’t been decided if political conflicts in both regions would be included in the Summit’s final communique,” Bravo noted.

ASPA is a forum for policy coordination between countries in these two regions, and a mechanism for the cooperation in the field of economy, culture, education, science and technology, preservation of the environment, tourism and other topics relevant to the sustainable development of those countries and contribute to world peace.

Bravo indicated that many world leaders and heads of government have confirmed personal attendance, including Argentina’s President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Ecuador’s Rafael Vicent Correa Delgado, Guyana’s Donald Ramotar and Uruguay’s Jose Mujica.

List of prominent Arab leaders includes King Abdullah of Jordan, Lebanese President Michel Suleiman, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Amir of Qatar Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-

Thani and Tunisian President Moncef Marzouki.

Furthermore, Bravo noted that there will also be a special meeting on South American and Arab journalism for press and media personnel in both regions.

“Expectations are big from both regions,” he stressed. More than 400 Arab and South American business leaders are also expected to show up. “There will also be a special meeting for representatives of Arab investment funds, organized by the Inter-American Development Bank.

“This event is very significant to Peru. It is actually a public policy of the country as we will also be hosting the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in 2015 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in 2016.” His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, will head Kuwait’s delegation to the Summit.

In addition, a meeting of the council for the ministers of foreign affairs will be held in parallel to the summits; the ASPA and CEOs, in which Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah will take part.

The first ASPA Summit was held in Brasilia, Brazil, in May 2005, while the second took place in Doha, Qatar, in March 2009. The Lima Summit was scheduled to be held in February 2011, but was postponed due to the Arab Spring uprisings. Turning to bilateral relations with Kuwait, the Peruvian envoy said that ever since the Peruvian Embassy opened here last year, it embarked on promoting the country’s tourism industry through contacting and holding seminars and presentations to local travel agencies in a bid to spread the word about the land of the Inca Empire.

Moreover, Bravo said that both Kuwaiti and Peruvian societies enjoy many similarities when it comes to architecture; seen in old buildings in Lima and traditional souks in Kuwait City, as well as food and music. He also pointed out to an initiative by the embassy here to establish a student exchange program and a scholarship plan for Peruvian PhD students to study Arabic Language at Kuwait University.—KUNA

ing that two men inside went after him after he managed to escape from their clutches. He further explained that the suspects forced him inside their car when he was walking with his friend, who was physically assaulted by the suspects. The two were forced to stop and arrested after a knife was found with them. They were referred to authorities to face legal action.

Forgery network Three people were arrested recently in connection with a major forgery case in which they traded illegal forged stamps. Investigations were on following information about the activity of a male suspect who sold government stamps at state service offices with reduced prices. The Egyptian man was arrested after being monitored for a period of time. He admitted during investigations that he was selling a stamp worth KD 10 at KD 8 to expatriate workers. He provided information about an Arab suspect who he said provided him with the forged stamps. The suspect was later arrested, and admitted to supplying the Egyptian man with KD 10 stamps at KD 6 each. He further said that he keeps 1,000 forged stamps in his car, and provided information about a compatriot he said had been providing him with the stamps.

The third suspect was soon arrested, and admitted that his brother regularly smuggles the stamps - which he said are forged in Turkey.

— Al-Rai, Al-Anbaa, Al-Watan, Al-Jarida

Documentary film on Oman National Day MUSCAT: A Kuwaiti media delegation has conducted a number of interviews with Kuwaiti and Omani officials as part of making a documentary film celebrating Oman’s 42nd National Day. Head of the delegation, Dr Mohammad Menaif AlAjmi, said yesterday that the Kuwaiti Information Ministry delegation has carried out many interviews with both countries’ officials; on top of those was one made with Kuwaiti envoy to Oman Salem Al-Zamanan.

The Kuwaiti envoy said, in the interview, that Oman has witnessed a major rise in all of its government and private sectors which introduced this Gulf country to the world 42 years ago.

These great changes and giant projects has modernized Oman at all levels, turning it into a country that is prevailed by security and stability.

Al-Zamanan concluded his interview by lauding the Kuwaiti-Omani relations that have been built on strong foundations for many years.

This documentary is part of a media cooperation amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council’s states, Al-Ajmi pointed out. —KUNA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

local

No support for Kuwaiti opposition: Qatar PM Accusations ‘complete lies’ KUWAIT: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani is aware of the parties which floated rumors linking him and the opposition in Kuwait, but chooses not to respond because “the special relationship with Kuwait is a priority, so is maintaining concord between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries”.

Sheikh Hamad also believes that “the majority of Kuwaitis realize the main goal” behind spreading rumors which often accuse him of providing financial support to certain Kuwaiti parties which have a hand in the current situation in Kuwait; the most recent one being instructing MP Waleed Al-Tabtabaei over the phone to proclaim Sheikh Jaber AlMubarak Al-Sabah as the last prime minister from the Mubarak branch of the ruling family.

The Qatari premier made these statements during an interview with Kuwait’s Al-Rai daily, in which he called people behind the campaign against him in Kuwait to “provide any proof, even one that is not accepted by court” to support their claims.

And while categorically referring to the accusations as “complete lies”, Sheikh Hamad argued that Qatar wouldn’t “blatantly interfere in an internal Kuwaiti

matter” as the rumors suggested.

“Some parties create a problem to take attention away from the real problem”, he said, adding that Qatar has “a clear policy not to interfere in the internal affairs of any country”. “I support those who wish lasting stability in Kuwait, and my goal has always been and will always be to improve [bilateral] relations”, he added. Sheikh Hamad took the opportunity during the interview to express faith in “prudence of the Kuwaiti leadership” and “His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah’s leadership and vision”, while also indicating that “constructive dialogue between the executive and legislative authorities is necessary to overcome issues peacefully”.

“Kuwait has a constitution that was voted by the parliament, therefore it must be respected by all parties”, he said.

The interview, conducted by Al-Rai’s Editor-in-Chief Majid Al-Ali published yesterday, addressed accusations at Qatar of creating problems in the region.

Sheikh Hamad said that no evidence was ever presented to support such claims.

“Qatar has no problems with any party, and we support people’s freedom of choice in determining their rulers”, he said, reiterating rejection to rumors

about Qatari support to the Muslim Brotherhood. Regarding the situation in Syria, Sheikh Hamad said that President Bashar Al-Assad is left with no other option but to “take a bold step to surrender power to an organized government, on the condition that no party takes revenge against another”.

Meanwhile, the Qatari PM denied rumors which claim that Qatar no longer allows Lebanese Shiites to work in or travel to the Gulf state due to Hezbollah’s positions. “Despite the differing views, Qatar won’t hesitate to take the same decision to rebuild Lebanon as the one taken after the 2006 war, if a similar situation occurs today”, he insisted.

Regarding the low-budget movie offending Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) and the violent reactions it stirred, Sheikh Hamad did not see any “interest for the American administration” to be involved in the movie in any manner.

He added however that “certain parties could be behind the movie seeking to create disorder”. Other topics mentioned during the interview include the joint GCC market, which Sheikh Hamad described as important “as it includes areas of investment with greater returns between the GCC countries”. — Al-Rai

Ministry prepares new commercial companies act KUWAIT: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has said that the ministry has finished preparing the new commercial companies’ act.

In a statement to Al-Anbaa newspaper published yesterday, Assistant Undersecretary for companies affairs and commercial licenses Dawood Al-Sabej said that the act will soon be raised to the Minister of Trade and Industry Anas Al-Saleh, and later the Council of Ministers.

He added that “this commercial act is characterized by creating mechanisms and new financial instruments such as issuing negotiable bonds, in addition to the standard of governance, especially in the case of separating the ownership of the company and its management.” Most recently, the concept of single ownership companies has been introduced “in order to stimulate the corporate sector.” In addition, he said that the new act will include legislation instruments as they are part of the Islamic finance, “which contribute to the organization of the work of companies operating in accordance with Islamic Sharia law.”— KUNA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

LOCAL kuwait digest

letters to Muna

Kuwait’s weapons market

Making Kuwait a safer place

By Dr Naji Al-Zaid

I

T

hree thousand forty-four felony crimes. Two thousand fifty-eight misdemeanor crimes.

Twenty-four cases of possession of an unlicensed firearm. Eight-eight muggings at gunpoint.

These are official statistics detailing crimes reported last year and published recently by the press.

Meanwhile, a local daily published an investigative report about the spread of weapons in Kuwait, which provides a breakdown on the price of firearms sold illegally in the country. For example, the report detailed how a 0.25mm handgun is available for KD300, a 9mm gun is sold for KD600, rifles are available for prices ranging between KD350 and KD600, whereas an AK47 can be obtained for KD950 and an M16 for KD1200.

The report also quotes sources who indicate that the Ministry of Interior’s Border Security Department and Customs General Department are responsible for monitoring the smuggling of weapons into Kuwait.

It’s unimaginable to see weapons being within anyone’s reach and available in the black market, sometimes for less than what you can pay for a new computer.

Could this mean that some within the Interior Ministry’s departments are allowing weapons to be smuggled into the country? And if the ministry is truly responsible for weapons control, then what is the reason behind the lack of serious efforts to collect unlicensed weapons in Kuwait? It’s not a secret that this lack of control has led to weapons spreading throughout the country.

Many people have fallen victim to shootings in Kuwait, and many others were either killed or injured by stray bullets. Despite that, people have not received a response to demands to limit the possession of weapons.

Under Kuwaiti law, licensing a firearm is controlled by certain terms that include keeping a firearm inside a household for the owner’s protection. This means that carrying a firearm while in public, even if it is licensed, is not allowed. Yet, weapons continue to remain in the possession of a large number of citizens, some of whom could behave recklessly, while others feel that taking a firearm wherever they go feeds their pride. Nevertheless, it’s not surprising to see weapons spreading when the Interior Ministry does not make the slightest effort to collect unlicensed weapons.

How can large numbers of firearms enter Kuwait and be made easily available to the public? How are we supposed to feel safe? These are simple questions that come to mind while reading the statistics mentioned in the recent press report. If reporters can obtain details about the number, prices and types of weapons available at the local black market, I don’t think state authorities have any excuse to stop them from launching a campaign to arrest illegal weapons traffickers. — Al-Qabas

In my view

Which side will you take?

By Hassan Al-Essa

A

number of preachers and lawmakers have strongly reacted to the recent ruling made by the Supreme Judiciary Council, which allowed women to work as judges, by issuing Fatwas and by demanding that the move be scrapped.

Though this opinion is regressive in nature and takes advantage of the right to freedom of expression, one cannot reject it outright as there is more than one person who harbors such feelings. The real danger is not in expressing the opinion itself, but rather in the threats made by MP Hayef being taken seriously.

Well, this is their opinion and whether that opinion is based upon the opinions of Faqeehs or Muslim scholars, who are described as scientists and placed on an equal footing with physicists and doctors, or merely drawn from their personal social prejudices that portray women only as a child-bearing machine and not someone who is fit to be appointed as a judge and sentence guilty men to prison.

Though this opinion is regressive in nature and takes advantage of the right to freedom of expression, one cannot reject it outright as there is more than one person who harbors such feelings. The real danger is not in expressing the opinion itself, but rather in the threats made by MP Hayef being taken seriously, where he demanded that a legislation be issued, which strikes down the Supreme Judicial Council’s decision, effectively banning women from working as judges.

Assuming that such a legislation is passed in the near future, how will the activists defending the constitution or the conservatives that constitute the majority amongst the opposition react? How will they face their supporters? Will they support the constitutional call for equality among citizens, regardless of religion or gender? Will they pretend to support the constitution and call for a separation of powers, which would imply alienating the judiciary from politics? But will agreeing with such Fatwas also imply that they are willing participants in this attempt to scuttle women’s rights? Which side will they take? — Al-Jarida

Hi Muna; regularly read your articles in the Kuwait Times and am saddened when I see people only talking about food, entertainment, having fun, etc. but never display any concern for the rise in the negative things that are happening in Kuwait.

Regarding the recent news of an expat being kidnapped, raped and killed, it just seems so easy for criminals to get away with committing crimes like this, especially since the concerned authorities are so slow to react and take steps to prevent such incidents from taking place. However, the authorities seem to have registered a lot of such cases recently.

It has also become quite common for such people to gain access to private buildings, or attack pedestrians in broad daylight, which begs an answer to the question that which place should now be considered the safest in Kuwait, especially when security agencies fail to take any preventive measures? Things will continue to remain this bad, unless people wake up to the reality of what is happening in Kuwait.

Only last night, a car started chasing our office transport at around 2 am, from the Avenues till the first drop location in Salmiya. The girl who was dropped there was followed by some ‘sabab,’ but was lucky after she managed to quickly enter the lift in her building and escape to safety. I would request you to please include this letter in your column, so that people in Kuwait can be made to realize the problems being faced by expats and can help making Kuwait a safer place for them.

Regards, Vicky

kuwait digest

Everything is possible in this country

By Mohammad Ahmad Al-Mulla

T

he individuals who create political problems in the country include members of the trading class, be it those involved in political dealings, the money lenders or even the merchants. Those living in the ‘Shahbander chamber’ can construct buildings on land, which they are able to acquire free of cost, and their main concern revolves around how much they can extract from their sizable incomes generated from the oil business.

They are the one who manipulate MPs, they are the one who control and drive up the prices of foodstuffs, which have appreciated more than 30 percent in the last few months. These slaves of money have managed to halt growth in this country, and any project proposed by the government that is aimed at achieving growth is hijacked by such individuals, who end up dividing the gains amongst themselves, while the project is ruined and laid to rest at the Sulaibikhat graveyard.

These merchants of the ‘Shahbandar chamber’ charge a fee and a percentage of the commission earned from every tender, claiming that they are the ones who have built this country from scratch.

Therefore, no government or party can dare to visit their building and make them aware of the violations they have committed. That is because this is the building from where the actual business of the government is conducted.

The members of this group are the real ministers and they hold the power to appoint the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Commerce, along with placing their consultants in every council of ministers and in close proximity with every important position of power in this country.

The actual MPs end up creating a crisis and are unable to stabilize the country, while the political wheelers and dealers, which include some bank owners, who control the rate of interests applicable to loans, decide as per their whims how the country should be run. All of them are members of Ali Baba’s cave, including one trader, who trades in everything, even the blood of people, and is known as an arms

dealer in the Middle East. It is said that one day, while he was in his deewan, he challenged his audience by saying, “Do you see that Iranian who works as a blacksmith?” When they replied in the affirmative, he said that by next year the Iranian would be a Kuwaiti citi-

The members of this group are the real ministers and they hold the power to appoint the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Commerce, along with placing their consultants in every council of ministers and in close proximity with every important position of power in this country. zen. Members of the group refused to believe him, but indeed after a year the Iranian was found wearing a ‘dishdasha’ and sitting as a mute spectator in the deewan. When the ‘Shahbandari’ man asked if anyone recognized him, everyone in the audience said no.

He then pointed out that the Iranian blacksmith was now a Kuwaiti citizen. The audience was shocked and asked him how he had managed to pull it off? To which he replied that everything is possible in this country. Today, this Iranian’s sons are Kuwaitis and his daughter is working as a secretary for a female MP. Unfortunately, every one in Kuwait realizes that the real political crisis stem not from the lack of protection lent to the constitution, or imparting social justice, but from the widespread financial corruption rampant in the country.. I don’t blame them. I blame the unusual kindness extended to these individuals by our sheikhs and the government. — Al-Shahed

kuwait digest

Demanding respect for our religion

By Jaafar Rajab

I

t appears that we either act foolishly or just pretend to be foolish when we demand that the United Nations release a resolution criminalizing any insults leveled at a religion. If such a law is enforced, then we would be in trouble.

First of all, the concept of religion in Muslim and Jewish communities is very different from others.

Religion in both of these communities shapes cultural identities. Muslim communities, for example, characterize themselves on the basis of Islam first, before any other distinction. On the other hand, when a man in Europe indentifies himself as a Christian, his religious identity in this context, is different from the identity of a Muslim man in a similar situation.

Therefore, just as the concept of religion is different in Muslim and Jewish communities, so is the concept of what constitutes as an insult to one’s religion.

The second reason why I believe this law could prove to be problematic is that there are people among us who refuse to recognize any other religion than the three Abrahamic religions. So, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and thousands of other religions are not only ignored, but there are people who demand that these religions be eradicated from our society. Such demands can also be classified as religious insults.

Third and most importantly, Muslim countries cannot ask the world to respect Islam, while other religions are being offended in Muslim communities.

Religious minorities often feel marginalized by religious majorities in some countries. In Nigeria, members of the Boko Haram organization are known to burn churches, while people are still praying inside. In Libya, Sufi shrines are razed. In Afghanistan, the Taliban desecrated a statue of Buddha, while clerics applauded from the sidelines. In Egypt, Christians’ homes were burnt down during violence that was

sparked by a conflict between a Christian laundry owner and a Muslim man, whose shirt was burned by the shop. In Kuwait too, a lawmaker has called for the destruction of churches, but later stated that he was misquoted and had actually demanded that no new licenses be granted for setting up churches. In Iraq, churches and other places of worship are bombed by roving religious militias. In Pakistan, sectarian clashes take place throughout the year and in Turkey, sectarian, religious and racial discrimination continues to take place. In Iran, the Baha’i sect is constantly scorned. A culture of contempt for other religions has been exposed in our societies, when people mock others for what they believe in. And after doing so, we demand that others respect Islam and our religious feelings?

Insult is not only borne out of making a low-budget movie, publishing an offensive cartoon or making a public statement. Insulting religion is far more serious, when it permeates the social culture, rather than remain an individual practice. Insulting religion doesn’t only imply writing an article, which attacks a certain religion, but also by denying a person the right to practice their religion freely. Respecting religion isn’t only reflected in attempts made to avoid insulting religious figures, but also by making sure that a follower of Mohammad and a follower of Jesus share equal rights.

There are people in our culture who use terms such as ‘Jew’, ‘Christian’, ‘Magian’ or ‘Hindu’ when they want to curse someone. Yet, we demand that the world stop the practices of people who want to offend Islam. Take a look at the religious TV channels that we broadcast and see the extent of hatred featured on the programmes these channels show in order to realize that the problem lies with us and not with others. — Al-Rai

Respected Madam, I have been reading your articles from a long time and find them very interesting, as you are raising your voice against different social injustices. I would also like to divert your attention to a very serious issue.

We, i.e. people hailing from Pakistan, have been living in Kuwait from a long time and have played an important role in the development of the country, both at the national and international levels. Our feelings stem from a true Islamic spirit of Muslim fraternity.

The government of Kuwait had imposed sanctions on all types of Pakistani visas nearly three years ago, and effective measures are still to be adopted on either side that will eliminate such obstacles. We are suffering as a result of this policy and the entire setup of our family has also been disturbed.

I would request you to personally focus on this issue through the media and also help us get a proper visa, so that we can spend our lifetime in Kuwait.

Thanks, A Requester.

Dear Muna, I read your article and it made me happy to see your concern for underprivileged people. Poor people who work hard even during Ramadan or on any other day have to brave the elements of nature to earn their livelihood. On top of that, they are also not paid enough and often have to subsist on a single meal so that they can save money for their families. Madam, I know families who even keep their dogs in conditions better than these people. Anyway, thanks a lot.

Regards, Cleaning supervisor Dear Muna, KPTC bus staff is still finding it difficult to understand that customers do not need to make a payment if they present prepaid cards. Most commuters are still finding it hard to convince KPTC drivers about the use of prepaid cards and are instead forced to pay their bus fare.

Perhaps, the KPTC should put up a list in every bus, which points out that commuters owning prepaid cards are not required to pay again when they board a KPTC bus.

As far as I know, KPTC is aware of this rule, but chooses to feign ignorance about it, which is really appalling.

From: Zaheer Dear Muna, Why are we suffering? Even though my mother is a Kuwaiti citizen, our family is failing to get Kuwaiti passports. This is unfair and we feel we are being victimized for no fault of ours. I would request you to please write an article about this as there are many other similar cases where children of Kuwaiti mothers are unable to procure passports issued by the Kuwaiti government.

Best Regards, Taimur Dear Muna, I have always appreciated your articles in the Kuwait Times. You have a kind heart, progressive thinking and treat everyone equally. You are the only one, who highlights the problems of expats for the public.

I just want to draw your attention to the plight of Mahboula residents. I am also a resident of the same area. Our locality has been suffering on account of extensive renovations being carried out on roads and our sewerage system and because of other construction work. I am not suggesting that the work should stop or that it is illegal, but that the construction schedule has not been adequately planned. Moreover, the company, which is involved in this job, has also been very careless. Their workers are unmindful of the trouble they cause for the residents including children and women, as well as sick and elderly people. They block the road without opening an alternative route. These days, they have blocked the main road in Mahboula, without providing an alternative, which has inconvenienced school-going children, their parents and working professionals. Things have been continuing like this for the last three years, but earlier the problem was only limited to different streets, but now the whole locality has been affected. There is not a single road or street in Mahboula which has not been affected. Our vehicles have been damaged due to the uneven roads and other obstacles that we encounter daily on our way home.

Even during Ramadan, people found it difficult to reach mosques. If they provide us with an alternative route, they can continue working for as long as they want. But not opening roads for use for weeks and months on end is unfair. Please pass on our concerns to the relevant authorities or write an article, which draws attention to our area.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Best Regards, Shaf

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Top Colombia drug lord captured in Venezuela

Scandinavian mags publish topless Kate photos Page 8

Page 10

Obama allies push secret Romney video Obama job approval rising: Poll WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s campaign allies continued to push out an unauthorized video of rival Mitt Romney dismissing the half of Americans who don’t pay income taxes, while the Republican nominee tried to turn the campaign disruption into a debate over the role of government in family finances. “My course for the American economy will encourage private investment and personal freedom,” Romney wrote in an op-ed essay in yesterday’s USA Today. “Instead of creating a web of dependency, I will pursue policies that grow our economy and lift Americans out of poverty.”

It remains to be seen whether Romney’s remarks at a private fundraiser, captured on hidden camera, would shake loose a dead heat that’s persisted in the presidential campaign for months. An Associated Press-GfK poll out yesterday shows an improvement in Obama’s job approval rating and confidence in the country’s direction, but the race is a dead heat among those most likely to vote.

Romney’s USA Today essay avoided mention of the claim he makes on the video that nearly half of Americans believe they are victims and entitled to a range of government support and that as a candidate, he doesn’t feel a need to worry about them. His running mate, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, told KRNVTV in Reno, Nev., that Romney “was obviously inarticulate in making this point” that government dependency and economic stagnation have risen under Obama.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid took to the Senate floor Wednesday to question whether Romney himself could be one of the Americans who pay no federal income tax.

Reid has charged before that Romney hasn’t paid taxes some years, but the senator hasn’t backed up the claim with evidence, and Romney has insisted that’s not true. “We’ll never know, since he refuses to release tax returns from the years before he was running for president,” Reid said.

“So who are those Americans Mitt Romney disdains as ‘victims’ and ‘those people?’” said Reid, D-Nev., in a prepared speech. “They’re not avoiding their tax bills using Cayman Island tax shelters or Swiss bank accounts like Mitt Romney.” Obama, appearing Tuesday on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman,” rejected the notion that many Americans feel they are victims. “One thing I’ve learned as president is that you represent the entire country,” he said. A super political action committee

supporting Obama was more pointed in the first television advertisement using Romney’s words, released Wednesday morning and scheduled to run in battlegrounds Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The ad includes video of Romney saying, “I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility.” An announcer interjects, “And Mitt Romney will never convince us he’s on our side.”

With early and absentee voting beginning in a number of states, both sides hoped to lock in votes long before Election Day. The first of three presidential debates is scheduled for Oct. 3, and the two camps were looking to secure any edge as Obama’s post-convention polling advantage seemed to be ebbing. Obama planned a rare full day at the White House Wednesday, including a private meeting with Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi; Romney scheduled a fundraiser in Atlanta and two appearances in Miami, including a candidate forum with the Spanish-language TV network Univision. The Romney campaign continued to respond to the criticism of his fundraiser remarks Wednesday by pointing out videotaped comments Obama made in 1998 as evidence he favored government redistribution of wealth.

An Illinois state senator at the time, Obama said he believes in redistribution “at least to a certain level to make sure everybody’s got a shot.” “I know some believe that government should take from some to give to the others,” Romney said in an interview Tuesday on Fox News Channel.

“I think the president makes it clear in the tape that was released today that that’s what he believes. I think that’s an entirely foreign concept. I believe America was built on the principle of government caring for those in need, but getting out of the way and allowing free people to pursue their dreams.”

But in his Fox interview, Romney continued to cast a segment of the country as unable to rally around his tax-cutting message. “I recognize that those people who are not paying income tax are going to say, ‘Gosh, this provision that Mitt keeps talking about lowering income taxes, that’s not going to be real attractive to them,’” Romney said. “And those that are dependent upon government and those that think government’s job is to redistribute, I’m not going to get them.” Some Republicans distanced themselves from their party’s nominee. —AP

Israel military holds largest snap drill JERUSALEM: The Israeli military yesterday conducted its largest snap drill in years as tensions with Iran over its nuclear program rise and civil war in neighboring Syria rages.

Military chief Lt Gen Benny Gantz ordered the exercise to test the competence and preparedness of several units in the armed forces, a military statement said. It called the drill in northern and central Israel “part of a routine inspection” that “does not indicate any changes” in the country’s alert levels.

Tens of thousands of soldiers were mobilized for the exercise, including artillery and air force personnel, making the drill unique because of the number of soldiers and senior officers involved, several officials said.

They spoke on condition of anonymity, according to military regulations.

As part of the exercise, troops were dispatched by air from central part of the country to the Israeli-controlled part of the Golan Heights, captured from neighboring Syria in the 1967 Mideast war, the officials said. The drill ended with a live fire exercise in the

Golan. Israeli leaders have repeatedly said they fear Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons and missiles might fall into the hands of anti-Israel militants during the fighting there. Israel is also concerned that Iran is close to developing nuclear weapons.

Tehran has denied such claims, insisting its nuclear program has no military component. Israel has been warning of an Iranian nuclear threat for nearly two decades. The country’s leaders have recently suggested they would be prepared to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities unilaterally to prevent Tehran from acquiring atomic bombs. The military has been systematically planning ways to stop the Iranians for years, acquiring military aircraft, bombs and refueling planes and testing long-range missile systems in exercises that could serve as a model for striking targets in Iran, some 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away. Israel also possesses an arsenal of Jericho ballistic missiles and German-made Dolphin submarines reportedly capable of striking Iran. — AP

DALLAS: Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney points to the socks of Charlie Pearce, his Trip Director, after he gave him a pink tie before he boards his campaign charterplane at Love Field yesterday. — AP

KFC outlet fired at in Lebanon TYRE: Thousands of supporters of the Shiite Hezbollah movement protested yesterday in the southern city of Tyre against a US-made film mocking Islam and cartoons of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), hours after gunmen fired at a KFC restaurant. “America, America, you are the great satan!” and “Israel is the enemy of the Muslims!” chanted protesters as they poured onto the streets of Tyre. Protesters carried posters saying: “We sacrifice ourselves for you, O messenger of God,” “All our problems are from America,” and “Muslims and Christians in defence of the Prophet’s (PBUH) dignity.”

Yesterday’s protest came after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Monday called for such demonstrations across Lebanon following the spread of the anti-Islam film on Internet, saying it was “the worst attack ever on Islam.” Most demonstrators travelled to Tyre from nearby villages in south Lebanon, much of which was destroyed by a deadly war with Israel in 2006. Support for Hezbollah in this war-battered region is near-total, with majority of its residents Shiite.

Yesterday’s protest were being held against the film, “Innocence of Muslims”. The movie triggered violent protests across the Muslim world, with 30 people killed in the unrest over the past week, including one who died in clashes with the security forces in Lebanon. Addressing the crowd in Tyre, Hezbollah executive bureau member Nabil Qaouq warned the US and France against entering into a confrontation with the Muslim world. “O Americans, it is better for you to take a step back, and not to get stuck in an all-out confrontation with the Islamic ummah (nation),” said Qaouq.

“France has also chosen to take a position of animosity against the ummah,” he said. Both countries should “be aware of the Muslim ummah’s rage, because it is capable of doing anything to defend the dignity of the messenger of God.” “I am ready to sacrifice my blood, my daughter and my money for the Prophet (PBUH),” protester Mohammed Hallawi told AFP, adding he would like to see non-Shiites join the protests too. Lebanon’s Sunni Muslim cleric Ahmed Al-Assir has called for a demonstration in downtown Beirut on Friday to protest what he described as “attacks on Muslims.” Hours before demonstrators flooded the streets of Tyre, gunmen opened fire on a KFC fast-food restaurant, just days after another one was torched, a security official said. The attack occurred at dawn in the southern city of Nabatiyeh. The US chain’s restaurant was not open at the time and no one was reported hurt. —AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

National icon keeps campaign guessing ahead of Ghana polls ACCRA: The military shooting range along a windswept beach appears desolate and unassuming, but it is home to a controversial piece of history for Ghana and its former president Jerry Rawlings. It was here in 1979 that eight ex-military regime members, including former heads of state, were executed by firing squad after a coup that brought Rawlings to power and led to his domination of politics for years to come.

The bearded and tough-talking Rawlings is now 65 and long out of office, but it seems the former military ruler turned elected leader is not finished stirring controversy, particularly as another presidential election nears.

Rawlings’ support in December’s presidential polls will be important for incumbent John Dramani Mahama, the candidate for the National Democratic Congress party he founded, against opposition flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo. He has however given mixed signals about where he stands. Much will be at stake in the vote in the country of more than 20 million, seen in recent years as a rare example of stable democracy in West Africa.

Already a major producer of gold and cocoa, Ghana began significant oil production for the first time in 2010. It is expected to be a close vote, and the NDC will face an even more difficult path to maintaining power if Rawlings, still adored by many, is not fully behind it, some analysts say. His comments in recent months have raised eyebrows, particularly following the July

death of president John Atta Mills, his former ally turned rival. There are also rumours that he and his wife are backing a newly created party.

“He’s playing games with all of us, isn’t he?” said Kojo Asante of the Centre for Democratic Development think tank in Accra. “It’s classic Rawlings-sort of says a lot of things and (we) still can’t make any real sense of what exactly he means.” A spokesman for Rawlings declined to comment and refused requests to interview the ex-president. It is perhaps indicative of Rawlings’ legendary charisma that he has maintained his reputation as a brusque truth-teller despite his seemingly unclear position in the campaign.

That aspect of his personality was illustrated shortly after Mills’ death. Rawlings bluntly said the late president had been suffering from cancer and could only work a few hours per day, while seeming to suggest that Mills should have resigned. The comments came without an official cause of death having been announced and with the country in mourning for Mills, who was respected for his integrity and had been planning to run for re-election.

Rawlings’ appearance at the ruling party’s congress in August to nominate Mahama generated an electric response from the faithful at the stadium, but his speech offered backhanded support of the president.

“Electoral victory will depend on a number of things, such as how quickly you can restore integrity to the

presidency,” Rawlings growled.

While few doubt he can have an impact on the campaign, there is debate over how much. A younger generation that has now begun to play a major role in Ghanaian politics is not as familiar with his larger-thanlife past. “They don’t know Rawlings,” said pollster Ben Ephson. “Without Rawlings, the NDC can still win, but they have to work harder.”

Rawlings’ life has been intertwined with much of the recent history of Ghana. He was a 31-year-old air

ACCRA: This file picture shows former president Jerry Rawlings of Ghana. — AFP

force officer when he was arrested for a 1979 coup bid against a military regime widely seen as having badly mismanaged the country. Rawlings was later freed by supporters and a coup led to him taking charge of a new military government, under which the former regime members were taken to the shooting range on the beach.

Rawlings’ and his fellow soldiers handed over to a civilian government later in 1979, but it was short-lived.

The flight lieutenant would lead another coup in 1981 in response to a fresh descent into corruption.

Appreciated for his handling of the economy, he became elected president after 1992 polls and won another mandate in 1996 before handing over power at the end of his two-term limit to the opposition, which had won 2000 elections.

Mills, who won the 2008 elections, had served as Rawlings’ vice president, but they later fell out. Various theories have been put forward as to why, including Mills’ reluctance to forcefully pursue corruption charges against members of the ex-administration. Asante, the Centre for Democratic Development analyst, says Rawlings seems to be flirting with a risky strategy with the election ahead. If the party is seen as having won without him, it could relegate him to irrelevance, he said. He seems to be searching for a way of “keeping himself in play,” said Asante. “So his next move will be interesting.” — AFP

Somali journalists under fire despite Mogadishu peace plan Union blames militants for most killings

AAZAZ: Syrian students attend classes at an improvised school on the border with Turkey. — AFP

Makeshift schools teach Syria’s ‘liberty generation’ AAZAZ: “This is the letter ‘A.’ Who knows a word beginning with A?” “Airplane!” the young pupils cry out together in a makeshift school in Aazaz, a northern Syrian town devastated by aerial bombardment. Khadijeh, 14, proudly displays the notebook, pencil and eraser provided to her by the school this autumn.

On the cover page, she has drawn flags of the Syrian revolution and amid flowers and hearts has also written slogans against the regime of President Bashar Al-Assad, prey to an unprecedented revolt for the past year and a half. “My school was bombed but this one is even better, even though we have no chairs or desks,” she says, still smiling.

At one time, rebels battling the regime took up residence in schools in the area, leading to their subsequent targeting and destruction by the security forces. “What would I do at home anyway? I much prefer to be here and learn,” chimes in 12-year-old Zakiyyeh, Khadijeh’s neighbour, who like all of her peers has donned her best clothing to come to school at the start of the new academic year.

With a white lace scarf covering her hair, Khadijeh talks about her future. “I want to become a doctor to help people,” she says.

Others have even greater ambitions, like 13-year-old Ismail. He has already learned how to say “hello” and “please” in his English class, and has no intention of stopping there. One day he wants to be a minister in the government.

“Any minister, interior, foreign... I don’t mind,” he says seriously. Aged from six to 15 and divided into small non-mixed classes of 20, the children sit on the floor facing small whiteboards. Around 100 schoolchildren altogether, listening attentively to the les-

son of the day. The youngest recite the Arabic alphabet while others ponder mathematics exercises, learn basic English or read the Quran.

A student turned teacher Ahmed Karkubi-a former rebel who left the front line after being wounded to return to his profession as a teacher-oversees three makeshift schools. Each school operates in two sessions, with the first group of pupils two hours in the morning, and the second two hours in the afternoon.

He says that 1,000 students have enrolled for the new school year in Aazaz, which before the conflict was home to 70,000 people.

Every afternoon, Karkubi also brings meals to the children in his pick-up truck.

“It’s been a long time since they were in school-they may forget everything. This is why we have restarted classes,” he says.

Haneen Al-Jebbine, 18, would normally be at university. But she has been unable to attend classes for some time because of the shelling and the suppression of the student movement in Aleppo, the largest city in northern Syria, some 60 kilometres (35 miles) away from Aazaz.

Since she cannot attend classes herself, she has decided to give them instead.

Today, she is teaching verses from the Quran to a group of attentive young girls.

She responded to a call from her colleague Abu Al-Fattah, 28, who is constantly on the lookout for more teachers to achieve an ambitious objective: “To train the generation of liberty and dignity to represent modern Syria.” For the teachers and students who share his common vision, this means a Syria free from the rule of Assad, the president “who bombs schools.” — AFP

Ethiopian leader to be sworn in ADDIS ABABA: Hailemariam Desalegn, who was appointed Ethiopia’s acting prime minister on the death of long-time ruler Meles Zenawi last month, will be formally sworn into office tomorrow, officials said. “The party council felt that an extraordinary session should be held tomorrow... the two officials, the two chairs who have been appointed, will be sworn in,” government spokesman Shimeles Kemal said yesterday, referring to Hailemariam and his deputy.

On Saturday, Hailemariam, 47 and a water engineer by training, was elected to the head of the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).

Hailemariam comes from the minority Wolayta people, from the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region, where he was president for five years. Education minister Demeke Mekonnen, who was elected deputy chair of the EPRDF, will take over the post of deputy prime minister from Hailemariam.

Under the constitution, the prime minister is elected by lawmakers in parliament. The EPRDF is made up of four parties, each representing a specific region: Meles’s party the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front, the Oromo Peoples’ Democratic Organisation, the Amhara National Democratic Movement and the South Ethiopian Peoples’ Democratic Movement, the party of Hailemariam. It holds an overwhelming parliamentary majority.

A close ally of Meles as deputy prime minister and foreign minister since 2010,

Hailemariam rose to prominence after the party’s fourth win, a landslide victory in 2010.

Some analysts have argued that Hailemariam will be handicapped by his relatively young age, lack of experience and the fact he was not part of the rebel movement which toppled Mengistu, unlike many in the ruling elite.

Instead, Hailemariam, who studied civil engineering in Addis Ababa, was completing his master’s degree at Finland’s Tampere University when Mengistu fell. “He is a political novice, he has not been part of the old guard, he has not been in the bush fighting with the rebels when they fought against Mengistu,” exiled opposition leader and former mayor of Addis Ababa Berhanu Nega told the BBC. Some analysts say Hailemariam’s ethnic origins in the south of the country will play against him as many key figures, like Meles, hail from the Tigray region in the north of the country. Others argue that on the contrary his position outside the Tigray power base will work in his favour. “His ethnicity is considered an advantage, because it is a minority in a multi-ethnic region and, most importantly, not from the numerically dominant Oromo or Amhara,” International Crisis Group said in a recent report. Meles, a regional strongman who died after a long illness aged 57, was hailed as an African hero and was a key Western ally in a region home to Al-Qaeda-linked groups, but was also criticised by rights groups for a crackdown on basic freedoms. — AFP

MOGADISHU: They get death threats, they need armed escorts and they never take the same route twice - Somali journalists reporting on events in their largely lawless country have to take extreme measures to survive. The scene of near unremitting conflict for the last 20 years, Somalia has made headlines as the scene of suicide bombings, street battles and pirate attacks on shipping. Better news has now emerged, with the rebirth of Mogadishu after Islamist rebel fighters retreated last year and this month’s relatively smooth presidential election, the first to take place in the country in 45 years.

Nevertheless, Somalia remains one of the world’s most dangerous countries for journalists, whether they are reporting from the street or the conference room. And while reporters have made easy targets in the fighting between government forces and Islamist rebels, the dangers that confront the Somali media will be familiar enough to the war-wear y inhabitants of Mogadishu, whose bullet-riddled city was for years one of the most dangerous on earth.

Abdifatah Ahmed, who goes by the nickname Kalga’al, or ‘my dear’, has been a journalist in Somalia for more than a decade.

Wearing his trademark rectangular, tinted sunglasses, the blind journalist said he faced harassment from both sides when reporting the conflict between Al-Shabaab militants and Somali government forces between 2008 and 2011. “I’ve received several threatening messages,” said Kalga’al who recently joined independent Goobjoog (Observer) FM, and was sitting down to edit a piece in one of the independent radio station’s soundproof studios.

“Al-Shabaab used to send us threatening messages telling us we portrayed them in a bad manner, that we’re biased and that we’ve sided with the government. They warned us that if we didn’t stop, our lives would be in danger.”

“And the government would also send us messages saying we’ve misquoted them,” Kalga’al said in the station’s recently refurbished offices, where workmen were installing closed-circuit security cameras.

“When will we be next?”

Although Mogadishu is much safer than it was a year ago when Islamist militants roamed the streets fighting Somali government and African peacekeeping troops, Al-Shabaab rebels are still managing to launch guerrilla suicide tacks. Last week, three suicide bombers attacked a hotel where the new Somali president and the Kenyan foreign minister were giving a press conference, sending journalists running for cover.

The Committee to Protect Journalists says 42 journalists have been killed in the line of duty since 1992 in Somalia, 25 of whom were murdered because of their reporting. “The government of Somalia has not registered a single conviction in each of these deaths; if suspects were ever detained they were never brought to trial,” said Mohamed Keita, CPJ’s Africa Advocacy Coordinator. “The impunity in the killings of journalists in Somalia creates a lasting chill of fear and insecurity that forces other journalists to either flee or self-censor, and the world loses from the reduction of sources of information,” he told Reuters. The National Union of Somali

Journalists says nine journalists and media workers have been killed so far this year forcing many to take security precautions in the face of everpresent danger. So alarming are the perils facing journalists, some parents have forbidden their children from taking up the career. “I’m sure they’ll be killed,” said Bile Hussein, who has banned his two sons, recent high school graduates, from being journalists. “All violent groups in Somalia don’t want to hear the truth.

Journalists are always dying for airing important news.” Seeking safety in numbers, Kalga’al said he often goes with a group of journalists to cover events where the government wants to boast about security gains - events that AlShabaab fighters are most likely to target.

“Whenever we get threatening messages, we feel insecure. We wonder when we will be targeted? At work, or while we’re covering news?” he said, as other colleagues looked over notes

tional English-language newspaper and heads the Somali journalists’ union, said many reporters exercised this form of self-censorship to limit their exposure to stories which might prove dangerous. He blamed Al-Shabaab militants for most of the killings, saying they had claimed at least five this year. The Islamists launched their insurgency in 2007, and quickly took over the capital. After seizing control of the mosques, their imams forced television and radio stations to air Al-Shabaab ideology.

Facing pressure from African peacekeeping troops, who recently captured the port of Marka from the militants, as well as separate military campaigns from Kenyan and Ethiopian troops, the rebels are on the defensive.

“Now they are losing territory day after day and they don’t have the capability to control the media. So (they) are trying to silence the media by killing journalists,” Ibrahim said at the journal-

SHABELLE: Ugandan African Union forces arrive in KM50 Ala-Yasir, Lower Shebelle as part of rotation. — AFP for their radio piece.

Despite the dangers, Mogadishu boasts a vibrant media scene in the capital alone there are 22 radio stations, 7 television stations and three daily newspapers. That translates into hundreds of journalists in the industry, most of whom have not been trained to work in dangerous environments. Heba Mahmoud, a petite, veiled teenager who is an anchor on a local television station, said she always changes the route she takes to and from work. “I haven’t joined this job for money, it’s my hobby. But I don’t take the same road twice,” she told Reuters.

Another journalist who works for an international media outlet, but refused to be named, said he limited his movements as much as possible. “Whenever a colleague of ours is killed, injured or kidnapped we think: ‘When will we be next?,” he said. “If there’s any story that I think will be sensitive, I steer away from it,” he told Reuters.

Self-censorship and fear Mohamed Ibrahim, who works for an interna-

ists’ union headquarters. As he spoke a random gunshot was heard outside, still a normal occurrence in Mogadishu.

Ibrahim said the government had failed to investigate the killings. General Abdullahi Barise, head of the criminal investigation unit, said: “We have done thorough investigations, we have more information about the killings of journalists in Mogadishu.” He did not elaborate. “If the government doesn’t take any action, it’ll be a threat for other journalists,” said Ibrahim, who has received death threats linked to his work.

Four months ago, Ibrahim said he received a call telling him: “You have to stop what you’re doing. You work for the Christians.” Ibrahim’s solution was not to answer calls from unknown numbers. But like many journalists, who know they can never shield themselves whatever precautions they take, he has become fatalistic. “I was afraid at first, but later I understood that nobody can kill you unless God wills. That’s how we’ve been working day-to-day since 2007,” Ibrahim said. — Reuters

Scandinavian mags publish topless Kate photos STOCKHOLM: A Swedish celebrity magazine published controversial pictures yesterday of Prince William’s wife Catherine sunbathing topless, a day before its Danish sister magazine was to do the same. The Swedish magazine Se och Hoer splashed 11 pictures, taken during the couple’s vacation in southern France several weeks ago, over three pages.

Five of the photographs show the princess’ bare breasts, and one grainy shot taken from the front shows her removing her turquoise-coloured bikini bottoms. The magazine was the fourth publication to print the paparazzi pictures which have outraged the British royal family. They were first published by French magazine Closer last week, then in Ireland’s Daily Star and Italy’s Chi magazine. They have already been widely circulated on the Internet. “This is nothing unusual, these are quite nice pictures if you compare them with other celebrity pictures that we publish all the time,” Se och Hoer chief editor Carina Loefkvist told AFP. The publication in Sweden did not make headlines, with only two tabloids mentioning it and the rest of the media ignoring it. Loefkvist had no figures for the number of copies Se och Hoer sold yesterday.

“It’s been a bit of a topic of conversation... but it’s nothing special,” she said. The magazine had a regu-

lar weekly circulation of 105,600 in 2011. Se och Hoer belongs to the Denmark-based Aller Media company that also owns the Danish celebrity magazine Se og Hoer, which announced that it also plans to publish a 16-page spread with the pictures on Thursday.

Neither the Swedish nor the Danish magazine were going to make the pictures available online. Loefkvist said her magazine bought the pictures last Friday “from photographers and photo agencies, the way we always do” and “before everything erupted”. Of the 11 pictures it printed, only one shows Kate fully clothed, wearing a pink dress, while one is of the house where they were staying. None of the photos is credited. The chief editor of the Danish magazine, Kim Henningsen, said he was “incredibly proud” to have obtained the sole Danish rights to the photos.

“Our readers love to follow the lives of the royals and they want scoops,” he said on the magazine’s website, noting these were photographs “which the whole world is talking about but very few have actually seen.” The decision to publish the photos has incensed the royal family, whose lawyers have obtained a civil injunction and sought criminal charges in Paris in a bid to curb their spreading.

French authorities on Tuesday banned Closer magazine from any further distribution of the pic-

tures and began a criminal probe into how they were obtained. An injunction ordered the magazine to hand over all forms of the pictures to the British royal couple within 24 hours or face a 10,000-euro ($13,000) fine for every day’s delay. The injunction also bans the glossy magazine from reusing them in print or on its website and re-selling them on pain of further 10,000-euro fines for each infringement.

Asked about Thursday’s publication in the Danish magazine, a spokeswoman for St James’s Palace, the office of Prince William and Catherine, issued a similar comment to the one made after the publication in Italy. “As we’ve said, we will not be commenting on potential legal action concerning the alleged intended publication of the photos save to say that all proportionate responses will be kept under review,” a spokeswoman said. Loefkvist said she was “not really” concerned about any potential legal action over the Swedish magazine’s decision to print the photos.

“We’ll have to see what they think of it ... This was a regular news judgement,” she said. In Sweden, the press is governed by a self-regulated code of ethics and not legislation. Complaints can be filed to a socalled Press Ombudsman, who decides whether to take the matter before a kind of tribunal, called the Press Council. — AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

UN HQ goes from blue to green in facelift $2bn renovation aims to make it a landmark UNITED NATIONS: A silent killer that stalked Nikita Khrushchev, Yasser Arafat, Fidel Castro and other world leaders as they gave historic speeches has been exhumed from the United Nations headquarters. Enough asbestos to bury a football field in more than five meters (16 feet) of lethal blue dust has been extracted from the building during a $2billion plus renovation aiming to turn it into a clean, green Manhattan landmark, according to the chief architect.

World leaders who gather at the annual UN debate next week will see a gleaming modernist skyscraper, far from the

Adlerstein, the preservation architect leading the diplomatic and technical exploit. “It was put on like mayonnaise.

It was put on every pipe, every wall,” he told AFP. Had Soviet leader Khrushchev banged his shoe a bit harder during his angry 1960 speech to the General Assembly, had Palestinian icon Arafat fired the gun he held in his landmark 1974 address, the asbestos might have loosened. But Adlerstein, who has also worked on the renovation of the nearby Statue of Liberty and of the Taj Mahal in India, stressed that the dust has been

NEW YORK: Artists and journalists stand in front of a hand-woven tapestry which will decorate the headquarters of the United Nations in New York. — AFP gutted building they visited last year.

Tinted windows put on the outside and office occupancy sensors inside will help cut energy use by half. Rainwater harvesting and low-flow toilets will reduce water consumption by nearly two thirds. Carbon emissions will be cut by 45 percent. And for the stylists, the building’s 1950s and sixties fake-leather naugahyde furniture has been brought back to life to give some floors the air of a “Mad Men” set.

The East River tower, designed by an international team including Brazil’s Oscar Niemeyer and French-Swiss legend Le Corbusier, is marking its 60th anniversary and has long needed an injection of architectural botox. A white plastic sheet covers the leaking General Assembly dome, which will be the next stage of the project. The headquarters was built at a time when asbestos was ubiquitous, according to Michael

taken out in an “absolutely safe” operation that passed thousands of air quality tests. The dust notorious for causing mesothelioma cancer is just one of many challenges tackled. There was also the task of getting debris out and hundreds of construction workers in each day, all while presidents and ministers carried on daily meetings. “The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are wonderful monuments, but unlike the UN you could close them, you could do the work,” said Adlerstein. Electric and water pipes have regularly been cut by accident as the UN Security Council and other bodies meet. “You get quite an abrupt reaction from the people who are trying to run a meeting and their power goes off. It is far more complicated than anything I have attempted to do in terms of an historic site,” he added.

The Security Council moved to a temporary home in the basement. UN

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was exiled to a prefabricated office in the grounds of the complex. Now the around 3,300 UN staff are moving back into the 39-floor skyscraper floor by floor. By next week, some 1,100 will be in place. Ban should be back in his 38th floor office in November. The Security Council will return to its historic chamber in February.

Norway, which decorated the 1952 Council chamber, is again providing fabric and wood for the refurbishment of the horseshoe-shaped chamber where wars have been started and averted. The table and UN and national flags will go back in their same places. “It will have new electronics, there will be videoconferencing and other hi-tech opportunities, but basically it will be the same room,” said the architect.

Russia is renewing the Council consultations room that it paid for in 1952 and where decades of secret talks have since been held. China, Turkey, the Netherlands, Denmark and more than a dozen other countries are decorating lounges, hallways and other rooms in the building. “The finished product will be quite a wonderful reflection of the way the UN looked in 1952,” Adlerstein said. To bolster its green credentials, new air conditioning, water and heating systems have been put in. Specially tinted glass will keep the air cooler in New York’s sweltering summers and warmer in the long winters.

Nearly all the old glass and other debris has been smashed up and recycled. A lot of furniture is being re-used.

On the 27th floor for conference rooms, imitation leather easy chairs and lounge tables look fresh out of a 1960s Madison Avenue advertising agency. The original mail chutes in which letters were dropped from each floor to the basement have been shined up and kept though they are not used any more.

Eighty percent of the old building was private offices, now 80 percent is open plan. “The old office space was traditional American corporate office space of the early 1950s,” said Werner Schmidt, a UN information officer and veteran employee of the building in both its states. “The doors were closed and the walls were high. There were eight different kinds of office configuration depending on where you were in the hierarchy. You had a big window or a small window or no window at all.” Adlerstein believes Le Corbusier and Neimeyer would approve of the work. —AFP

Georgia minister quits over jail rape scandal TBILISI: Georgia’s prisons minister resigned yesterday over videos showing the alleged beating and rape of convicts that caused outrage ahead of bitterly-contested elections in the exSoviet state. Some of the graphic video footage, aired late Tuesday by opposition television station TV9, showed a weeping half-naked male prisoner at a jail in Tbilisi begging for mercy before apparently being raped with a stick. “What happened in penitentiary number 8 is horrific and I have submitted my resignation to the prime minister,” minister Khatuna Kalmakhelidze said in televised comments.

Another video released by the interior ministry showed prison guards brutally kicking an inmate. A Georgian government statement said that 15 alleged perpetrators had already been arrested and claimed that the videos were staged by paid provocateurs paid to discredit the authorities ahead of the polls. “It should be noted that these were premeditated crimes and there is evidence that those who arranged, conducted and recorded these abuses

TBILISI: Women cry as they hold the picture of a relative during a protest rally against torture in prisons as demonstrators block one of the capital’s main streets yesterday. —AFP

were paid to do so,” the government statement said.

The videos have caused a scandal ahead of the October 1 polls which will see the ruling party of President Mikheil Saakashvili facing a major challenge from an opposition bloc led by billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili who has vowed to oust the government. Several hundred people staged an angry protest and blocked one of the capital’s main streets, some carrying hand-drawn pictures of prisoners being beaten and others holding photographs of relatives allegedly abused in jails.

“I am protesting against torture in prisons, which are under the strict control of the authorities. The authorities are responsible for what’s happening there,” one demonstrator, bank worker Mikheil Javakhishvili, told AFP. “All of Georgia must take to the streets in protest against this horror,” said another protester, Sophia Gabichvadze.

Saakashvili said in a statement that Georgia “will not tolerate such behaviour-in its prisons or anywhere else”. “We have not overcome years of impunity and lawlessness to allow some people, whether they are from the criminal world or, worse, from the penitentiary system itself, to commit such crimes,” he said. The interior ministry said in a statement that the alleged abusers were prison officers who “exercised inhumane treatment against prisoners and made video records according to a previously elaborated plot”. One of the videos purports to show an inmate tied to the bars of a cell with what appears to be a stick inserted in his anus. A voice repeatedly asks him: “What are you?” The alleged convict replies that he is a crime boss. Next month Saakashvili’s governing party faces its toughest electoral battle since coming to power after the 2003 Rose Revolution, against a revitalised opposition led by tycoon Ivanishvili whose TV station aired some of the prison videos. Tensions have escalated, raising fears of confrontation in the small Western-backed Caucasus republic with a recent history of political unrest. The opposition has often accused the government of being responsible for maltreatment of convicts. But the government statement said that “all necessary action will be taken to ensure that such abuses never again occur in Georgian prisons”. — AFP

British police caution against arming officers LONDON: A top British policeman warned yesterday against rushing into any move to routinely arm officers after two unarmed police women were killed in a gun and grenade attack. Fiona Bone, 32, and Nicola Hughes, 23, died after going to investigate a reported robbery in Tameside, Greater Manchester, northwestern England, on Tuesday.

The killings have reopened a longrunning debate about whether British police should regularly carry weapons like their counterparts in the United States and other countries.

But Hugh Orde, the president of Britain’s Association of Chief Police Officers and a former police chief in Northern Ireland, cautioned against such a move. “Guns don’t necessarily solve the problem,” he told BBC radio. “You only have to look at the American experience. Many colleagues in America are lost without

even drawing their gun at close ranges.”

He said it was the “clear view of the British police service from top to bottom” that they prefer to be unarmed because members of the public dislike approaching officers carrying weapons, Orde said. Most British police officers do not routinely carry weapons, although armed police do however protect sensitive sites and all forces have armed response units.

An increasing number also carry Taser stun guns. Prime Minister David Cameron on Tuesday said the killings should not reopen the weapons debate, adding that the incident was “supposed to be the response to a domestic burglary and that wouldn’t normally require armed officers.” Interior minister Theresa May cut short a holiday yesterday to travel to Manchester.

Police meanwhile admitted that

the man arrested on suspicion of the killings of the policewomen, Dale Cregan, had been released on bail in June after being questioned about another murder. Cregan, 29, handed himself in to a police station on Tuesday after the police officers were killed. He was already one of Britain’s most wanted men, having been suspected of involvement in the murders of a father and son, David and Mark Short, in separate incidents in August and May respectively.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Peter Fahy said it was “absolutely normal” that during some investigations there is insufficient evidence to charge a suspect.

“In those circumstances suspects have to be released on bail as there are strict time limits covering how long suspects can be held in custody without charge. That is exactly what happened in this case.” — AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

Suu Kyi gets historic Washington welcome WASHINGTON: Washington rolled out a red-carpet welcome yesterday for Myanmar democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who held talks with President Barack Obama and finally receive Congress’s highest honor. Obama will meet his fellow Nobel peace laureate for the first time in a private session at the White House, which will be closed to the press. The talks come a day after Suu Kyi called for an end to US sanctions on her impoverished country, saying “in the end we have to build our own democracy.”

The Obama administration has taken pains to ensure the celebration around her visit does not detract from the simultaneous trip to the United States by Myanmar leader Thein Sein, who unleashed the reforms, much to global surprise. US officials have insisted Thein Sein deserves to be recognized for pushing through such speedy

reforms in the South East Asian nation, which until last year had been run for half a century by the military.

Freed in 2010 after 15 years of under house arrest, Suu Kyi has received a rapturous welcome on her first visit to Washington since her release. She was to receive the US Congress’ highest honor, the Congressional Gold Medal awarded in 2008 during her confinement. On Tuesday in her first public appearance of an 18-day trip, Suu Kyi thanked the United States for its support but said reforms must proceed without the pressure of sanctions.

“I do not think that we need to cling onto sanctions unnecessarily because I want our people to be responsible for their own destiny and not to depend too much on external props,” Suu Kyi said, in a speech at the Asia Society.

Careful to avoid antagonizing Myanmar leaders, she also insisted

improved relations with Washington would not pose a threat to Myanmar’s Chinese ties.

The opposition leader had long supported economic sanctions to pressure her jailers, Myanmar’s junta, and her change of view will probably be taken seriously in Washington. The United States began rolling back restrictions in July, opening Myanmar up to US investment despite Suu Kyi’s earlier unease about US firms doing business with the state-owned oil and gas company.

“There are very many other ways in which the United States can help us to achieve our democratic ends and help us to build up the kind of democratic institutions that we are in such need of,” Suu Kyi said.

Suu Kyi, now a member of parliament, said she believes President Thein Sein is “keen” on change in the nation

formerly known as Burma but said the judiciary-and not the executive-was reform’s “weakest arm.” “We have passed a first hurdle, but there are many more hurdles to cross,” she said.

On the eve of Suu Kyi’s trip, her party said that authorities freed another 87 political prisoners in what analysts saw as a new gesture by Thein Sein ahead of his arrival in the United States next week. Many US observers believe Thein Sein launched the reforms out of concern over Beijing’s overwhelming political and economic dominance in Myanmar.

Suu Kyi began her visit Tuesday by meeting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who marveled at her political odyssey. “It’s wonderful to see Suu Kyi back in Washington as a free and forceful leader of a country opening up to the world in ways that would have been difficult to imagine even recent-

ly,” Clinton said. But Clinton warned Myanmar still had “a lot of work” to do, including freeing remaining political prisoners and ending alleged military contacts with North Korea, and warned against “backsliding.”

“The government and the opposition need to continue to work together to unite the country, heal the wounds of the past and carry the reforms forward,” said Clinton, who paid a landmark visit to Myanmar in December.

Clinton also called for Myanmar to address tensions in Rakhine state, where recent violence between majority Buddhists and the Muslim Rohingya minority left scores dead and displaced tens of thousands of people. Suu Kyi has come in for rare criticism from human rights activists, who have pressed her to speak out on behalf of the 800,000-strong Rohingya population. — AFP

At least 26 killed in Mexico gas plant fire Mexico hunts for escaped inmates, cartel suspected

PHOENIX: In this file photo, Maricopa County Sheriff’s deputies (left) check the shoes of a suspect arrested during a crime suppression sweep in Phoenix. — AP

Arizona immigration law spurs learning campaign PHOENIX: An education campaign for illegal immigrants to remain largely silent when they’re pulled over by police is being put into practice in Arizona after a federal judge ruled that the most contentious part of the state’s immigration law can take effect. Natally Cruz and Leticia Ramirez have been telling immigrants who are in the United States illegally, like themselves, that they should offer only their name and date of birth - and carry no documents that show where they were born.

US District Judge Susan Bolton ruled Tuesday that police can immediately start enforcing the law’s so-called “show me your papers” provision. It requires officers, while enforcing other laws, to question the immigration status of those suspected of being in the country illegally. Ramirez and Cruz had remained hopeful the provision would be blocked, but they were preparing by sending a message to communities of illegal immigrants that they should respectfully stand their ground against police.

“We want to teach the community how to defend themselves, how to answer to police, how to be prepared, and to have confidence that they’re going to have help,” Ramirez said. Bolton’s decision is the latest milestone in a two-year legal battle over the requirement.

The US Supreme Court upheld the provision in June on the grounds that it doesn’t conflict with federal law. Opponents responded by asking Bolton to block the requirement on different grounds, arguing its enforcement would lead to systematic racial profiling and unreasonably long detentions of Latinos. Bolton said early this month she wouldn’t block the provision. A coalition of civil rights groups is awaiting a ruling from the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals on their latest effort to prevent the questioning requirement from taking effect.

A hotline operated by civil rights advocates recently has been fielding calls from people wanting to know what their rights

are if officers question their immigration status. Lydia Guzman, leader of the civil rights group Respect-Respeto, said additional volunteers are being sought to answer calls and document reports of abuses. If a police agency plans a special immigration patrol, volunteers armed with video cameras will be sent there to capture footage of traffic stops, Guzman said.

Arizona lawmakers passed the law in 2010 amid voter frustration with the state’s role as the busiest illegal entry point in the country. Five states Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, South Carolina and Utah - have adopted variations on Arizona’s law. It’s a tool for local police, but it won’t cure the state’s immigration woes, said Republican Gov Jan Brewer, who signed the measure.

“Only the federal government has the resources and responsibility necessary to achieve that,” Brewer said. The law’s opponents are spreading out across the state, asking police departments not to enforce the provision. The incentive they offer: better cooperation from immigrants who would be more likely to report crimes, said Carlos Garcia, an organizer with immigrant rights group the Puente Movement.

Not enforcing the provision could open up officers to lawsuits from people claiming the agencies aren’t fully enforcing the law. Some backers of the requirement, including Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, have questioned the level of cooperation they will get from federal immigration agents.

Federal officials say they will check people’s immigration status when officers call. But they’ll send an agent to arrest someone only when it fits with their priorities, such as catching repeat violators and those who are a threat to public safety and national security. Cruz, originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, said she has never been pulled over in the United States but fears the law will lead to racial profiling and will separate families. — AP

BERLIN: The fanfold panorama print ‘The Wall’ by artist Yadegar Asisi is seen during the construction of the panorama yesterday. The huge 15 meters high and 60 meters wide panorama of the Berlin Wall will be displayed for public up from Sept. 22, 2012 for about a year near the former Checkpoint Charlie. — AP

CIUDAD VICTORIA: A big fire erupted at a natural gas pipeline distribution center near Mexico’s border with the United States on Tuesday, killing 26 maintenance workers and forcing evacuations of people in nearby ranches and homes. Mexico’s state-owned oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, initially reported 10 deaths at the facility near the city of Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas. Later, the death toll was raised to 26, including a man who was run over when he rushed onto a highway running away from the facility.

Pemex said at a news conference Tuesday night that the fire was extinguished in 90 minutes and the pipeline was shut off. The pipeline carries natural gas from wells in the Burgos basin. The company’s director-general, Juan Jose Suarez, said four of those killed were Pemex employees and the rest were employed by contractors. He told reporters in Reynosa that 46 other workers were injured, including two hospitalized in serious condition. Suarez said they haven’t found any evidence showing it was an attack.

Company executives said there was a gas leak, followed by an explosion, but the precise cause had not been determined. “Why there was such leak is something that must be investigated,” said Carlos Morales Gil, Pemex’s director of exploration and production. Civil protection officials evacuated ranches and homes within three miles (five kilometers) of the gas facility, which is about 12 miles (19 kilometers) southwest of Reynosa.

Authorities didn’t say how many people were evacuated, but the area is sparsely populated, Tamaulipas state’s civil protection director Pedro Benavides told a Televisa station. The highway that connects Reynosa to the industrial city of Monterrey was closed to traffic, authorities said. Egidio Torre Cantu, governor of the state of Tamaulipas, sent condolences to the victims’ relatives and vowed to make sure those injured receive help for their recovery.

Pipelines carrying gasoline and diesel in Mexico are frequently tapped by thieves looking to steal fuel. Several oil spills and explosions have been blamed on illegal taps. But thieves seldom target gas pipelines. In December 2010, authorities blamed oil thieves for an oil pipeline explosion in a cen-

tral Mexico city near the capital that killed 28 people, including 13 children. The blast burned people and scorched homes, affecting 5,000 residents in an area six miles (10 kilometers) wide in San Martin Texmelucan.

Zetas cartel was able to organize the escape because the prisoners who were held on federal charges had ties with this group,” Moran told local radio. State police officers were attacked by gunmen with high-caliber

REYNOSA: Firefighters climb a ladder as they try to control a fire after an explosion at a gas pipeline distribution center in Reynosa, Mexico near Mexico’s border with the United States. — AP In another development, Mexican authorities hunted for 131 escaped inmates near the US border Tuesday after a mass prison break which officials suspect was organized by the ultra-violent Zetas drug cartel. Some 5,000 Mexican soldiers and police fanned out across the Texas border region, causing traffic jams as they inspected trucks and cars, one day after the prisoners fled through a tunnel in the northern state of Coahuila.

Across the Rio Grande, US authorities were on alert and patrolled their side of the border with helicopters amid concerns that the inmates could make a run for the United States. Jorge Luis Moran, public security secretary in the northern state of Coahuila, told reporters that those at large had links to the Zetas. “The line of investigation is that the

$1 million bail for LA man over death threat posts LOS ANGELES: A former Yale University student was jailed on $1 million bail, an amount normally reserved for murder or other crimes that could result in life sentences, after authorities say he made online death threats to children. Eric Yee, a 21-year-old who recently withdrew from the Ivy League university, posted on the ESPN sports website that he was watching children and wouldn’t mind killing them, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said Tuesday.

Yee was taken into custody Monday at his parents’ home, which is on a street that overlooks two schools in Santa Clarita, California. Several guns were found there.

Sheriff’s Lt Steve Low said Yee was arrested for investigation of making terrorist threats. Experts said the bail amount was very high for a person suspected of making terrorist threats.

Yee was arrested after the sports network ESPN reported threats were posted in a reader response section to an online story about new Nike sneakers that cost $270 a pair. Some of the nearly 3,000 reader comments on the story talked about children possibly getting killed over the expensive sneakers, said ESPN spokesman Mike Soltys.

The post that led police to Yee referred to a shooting that would be like the one in Aurora, Colorado, where 12 people were killed and 58 others were injured in July, authorities said. Sheriff’s investigators were working with Bristol police and police at Yale University, which said Yee was a student until he withdrew this May for undisclosed reasons. A Yale website listed him as a member of its class of 2012 and a participant in a leadership training program. — AP

weapons and grenades when they tried to reach the prison after Monday’s escape, raising suspicions that the Zetas were involved, he added. A source close to the state prosecutor’s office said the escape may be linked to the Zetas’ battle against the rival Gulf Cartel.

Several prison escapes have taken place in the last two years in Mexico, a country struggling to stem a relentless wave of murders and kidnappings committed by an array of warring traffickers. “The drug cartels have taken their internal wars into the prisons,” said Jose Luis Musi, a prison issues expert at the United Nations University. Last February, 30 Zetas members escaped from a prison in the northern state of Nuevo Leon during a massacre that killed 44 inmates from the Gulf Cartel. —Agencies

Gadfly has colorful past in politics and in court CONCORD: Andy Martin, a.k.a. Anthony Martin-Trigona, is a legend in his own mind. He is a self-proclaimed “corruption fighter,” “Internet powerhouse” and “Republican foreign policy expert.” Martin is not a lawyer but he is a serial litigator - a “notoriously vexatious and vindictive” one, in the words of one federal appeals court opinion.

He is currently trying to get a New Hampshire judge to undo the sale of The Balsams grand hotel and appoint a receiver to reopen it immediately. He has volunteered his services to be that receiver. The 66-year-old Martin has twice run for president of the United States and earlier this month apologized to GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney for not endorsing him sooner. Martin says his lawsuit in Honolulu instigated the “birther movement” that challenges the validity of President Barack Obama’s Hawaiian birth certificate and background. He says he plans to return to Hawaii later this month for further investigation.

“He’s the greatest snake oil salesman in history,” Martin said of Obama during a 90-minute interview with The Associated Press last week. He is executive director of the anti-Obama website committeeofonemilliontodefeatbarackobama.com.

Martin graduated from the University of Illinois Law School in 1973 but was denied admission to the bar because he “lacks the qualities of responsibility, candor, fairness, self-restraint, objectivity and respect for

the judicial system,” according to one federal court ruling.

The Chicago Tribune, in a profile of Martin three years ago, said the Illinois Supreme Court - in denying his admission to the bar - also cited a Selective Service report that stated Martin has a “moderately severe character defect manifested by well-documented ideation with a paranoid flavor and grandiose character.” That profile was triggered by a radio ad by Martin - then running in Illinois for US Senate - in which Martin said he had it on “solid rumor” that his opponent was gay.

Martin says he was denied admission to the bar because he helped research details of a scandal that rocked the court.

His history of filing lawsuits - some laced with anti-Semitic vitriol - goes back decades. In Connecticut in 1984, US District Court Judge Jose Cabranes issued an order barring Martin from filing any more lawsuits. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals - which covers Connecticut, Vermont and New York - upheld the order, calling Martin “perhaps the most prolific litigator in this circuit’s history.”

Years later, when Cabranes was divorcing his first wife, Martin filed a motion to be appointed guardian of the couple’s two children. Martin last week dismissed the numerous federal court opinions critical of his vexatious litigation, saying, “If one judge tells a lie, the others like to pigpile.” — AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

Afghanistan leader urges peace after suicide blast KABUL: The Afghan president yesterday urged his nation to rally behind the push for peace despite persistent violence, evoking the memory of a former leader who was assassinated while trying to broker negotiations with the Taleban.

“We should all strive for peace,” said Hamid Karzai, adding that doing so is a way to continue the mission of slain former President Burhanuddin Rabbani, killed by a suicide bomber posing as an emissary from the insurgents.

Karzai spoke at a memorial marking the one-year anniversary of Rabbani’s death. The ceremony came a day after a suicide bomber rammed a car packed with explosives into a minibus carrying foreign aviation workers to the airport in Kabul, killing at least 12 people, including nine foreigners. A militant group said the attack aimed to avenge an anti-Islam film that ridicules the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The film has sparked angry protests across the Muslim world, including in Afghanistan, after a video clip of it was posted on the Internet last week.

The suicide attack came at a time when the Afghan-US alliance appears increasingly shaky and many Afghans predict civil war after the majority of international forces depart at the end of

2014. The Afghans may have to stand on their own more quickly than previously envisioned. A rash of attacks by Afghan police and soldiers against their international counterparts has prompted the NATO military coalition to restrict joint operations with Afghan forces.

So far this year, 51 international service members have died at the hands of Afghan forces or militants wearing their uniforms. That is more than 18 percent of the 279 international troops who have been killed in Afghanistan since the beginning of the year, according to figures compiled by The Associated Press. Under the new NATO rules issued on Sunday, operations with small-sized Afghan and coalition units are no longer considered routine and require the approval of the regional commander. Previously, coalition troops routinely conducted operations such as patrolling or manning outposts with small units of their Afghan counterparts. It’s unclear whether the coalition’s exit strategy can succeed with less partnering with Afghan policemen and soldiers, who are slated to take over for foreign combat troops by the end of 2014. Before Rabbani’s slaying, Afghans and their international partners seemed more optimistic about the

future. Rabbani was the head of a group tasked with bringing the Taleban to the negotiating table and NATO was in the process of handing over cities and provinces to Afghan control and stepping back into the role of advisers and mentors.

Then on Sept. 20, 2011, a man posing as a high-level insurgent emissary

seeking peace went into a meeting with Rabbani with a bomb hidden in his turban. He detonated the explosive as he shook Rabbani’s hand, killing the former president on the spot. Rabbani’s son later took on the leadership of the peace council, but talks are widely considered stalled, if they ever truly started.

And Taleban attacks and assassina-

JALALABAD: Afghan university students torch an effigy of US President Barack Obama during an anti-US demonstration yesterday. — AFP

tions of government allies only increased this summer. Karzai recalled how Rabbani consoled him when the president lost a brother who was gunned down by insurgents in July 2011. Many Afghans criticized Karzai for continuing to pursue reconciliation with the Taleban but Rabbani stood by his side, telling him that “you did not lose the voice of peace. The Afghan nation needs peace.”

Speaking after Karzai at the memorial, Rabbani’s son lashed out at the Afghan government, accusing it of not doing enough to bring his father’s murderers and those of other politicians to justice. “People have the right to know who the people are behind these series of killings and why,” Salahuddin Rabbani said. “Unfortunately, the government has failed in its investigations.”

On Wednesday, a bomb hidden in a parked motorcycle exploded outside a police training center in western Afghanistan, killing two security guards, said Herat provincial police spokesman, Noor Khan Nikzad. He said six guards were also wounded in the explosion. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but it matched the pattern of Taleban strikes that typically target Afghan forces or government workers. — AP

Indian government on ropes as ally withdraws India may roll back on diesel hike

LAHORE: Pakistani riot policemen stand guard during a protest rally organised by the hard line Sunni party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) near the US consulate against an anti-Islam movie yesterday. — AFP

Bomb kills nine in Peshawar Pakistan army kills 29 Taleban PESHAWAR: The Pakistani military said it killed 29 Taleban fighters yesterday in the final stage of an operation aimed at forcing hundreds of insurgents back across the border into Afghanistan. Soldiers used artillery, helicopter gunships and fighter jets against the insurgents, accused of beheading 17 Pakistani soldiers in June. The battle was the culmination of weeks of operations in the remote valleys of the Batwar area of Bajaur tribal agency near the border. It highlighted once again the difficulty of preventing insurgents from crossing the border to launch attacks or flee from Pakistani or NATO forces bolstering the Afghan government. Around 400 militants had crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan on August 23 and attacked villages, said a senior security official based in Khar, the main town of Bajaur. The army launched operations that killed around 120 militants, another security official said from the border town of Peshawar. Twenty-five soldiers also died in the fighting. “The militants escaped to their sanctuaries in Afghanistan and even left the bodies of their slain fighters,” said the Peshawar-based official.

He said the armed forces were now establishing posts along that section of the Afghan border to thwart future incursions. A spokesman for the militants confirmed the

attacks were staged by fighters from several regions. Pakistan and the United States, which has by far the largest foreign contingent in Afghanistan, have accused each other of failing to secure the border. Some US officials say Pakistan deliberately lets some insurgents through, a suggestion Pakistan strongly rejects. Joint efforts to secure the long and mountainous border were hampered by a NATO strike against a Pakistani base last November that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers and severely damaged relations between Pakistan and the United States for several months. In another development, a bomb apparently targeting a Pakistan air force vehicle ripped through a van in the country’s northwestern city of Peshawar yesterday, killing nine people, officials said. Glass, metal and pieces of human flesh littered the ground near a busy market on the city’s Kohat road after the explosion, which investigators said was likely to have been detonated remotely. “At least nine people have been killed in the blast and 34 others wounded,” senior administration official Javed Marwat told AFP. Shafqat Malik, a senior official with the bomb disposal squad said the blast hit the van as it approached a parked car and appeared to have been targeting a Pakistan Air Force van which was also damaged in the explosion. —Agencies

Australian parliament slams same-sex marriage SYDNEY: Australia’s parliament voted overwhelmingly yesterday to reject gay marriage, after days of heated debate that saw one senator resign from a key role after linking same-sex unions to bestiality. The House of Representatives voted down the bill to legalise marriage between same sex couples by 98 to 42, with Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard and opposition conservative leader Tony Abbott both voting against it.

Gillard had allowed Labor MPs a conscience vote on the issue-meaning they were free to vote how they wanted rather than along party lines-while the opposition had opposed it.

Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese, who voted for the reform, said despite the bill’s failure the figures were encouraging. “Just a few years ago there wouldn’t have been the support of anything like 42 votes on the floor of the national parliament for a marriage equality bill,” he told reporters. “All the figures show that there is majority community support on this issue... and I think at some future time, parliament will catch up with the community opinion.” The vote ends several days of debate on the bill, during which one senator sparked outrage by linking same-sex marriage to sex with animals.

The furore surrounding the comments forced him to resign from his parliamentary role. Speaking on the bill late Tuesday, outspoken Liberal Senator Cory Bernardi said he questioned what the next step would be if the government redefined marriage so that two people could wed regardless of their gender. “The next step, quite frankly, is having three people or four people that love each other being able to enter into a permanent union endorsed by society,” he told the Senate. “There are even some creepy people out there... (who) say it is okay to have consensual sexual relations between humans and animals.

Will that be a future step?” Elements within the Liberal Party slammed the comments, including high-profile former leader Malcolm Turnbull who described them as “hysterical, alarmist, offensive”.

Liberal leader Abbott said Bernardi had offered yesterday to resign his position as his parliamentary secretary as a result, and he had accepted this.

Staunch Catholic Abbott, who opinion polls suggest could become prime minister when an election is held next year, described Bernardi as “a decent bloke with strong opinions” but said his comments had been ill-judged. — AFP

NEW DELHI: India’s crisis-torn government looked set to offer a limited rollback of its hike in diesel prices yesterday after a key ally withdrew from the coalition, reducing it to a minority administration and raising the risk of an early election. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s government is widely expected to survive the blow to its parliamentary strength, but its new dependence on regional parties averse to reform will reduce its room for further steps to revive economic growth. Mamata Banerjee, the firebrand chief minister of West Bengal state, announced on Tuesday that she was pulling her party out of the coalition after Singh stood firm on a slew of economic reforms, including the opening of India’s retail sector to global supermarket chains.

But a concession to pull her back from the brink before deadline tomorrow appeared to be on the cards after an emergency meeting at Singh’s residence. A senior source in his Congress party said the government was considering a partial reduction in last week’s 12 percent increase in diesel prices, which economists had long called for to rein in subsidies that have blown out the budget deficit. A government official said the hike of 5 rupees per litre could be pegged down to 3 or 4 rupees, and a new limit on the consumption of subsidised cooking gas cylinders may also be raised. However, Congress party leaders said there would be no U-turn on allowing investment from foreign retail chains such as Wal-Mart Stores into the retail sector. “The government is not in a mood to relent (but) ... there could be some cosmetic

rollback,” one party leader told Reuters.

If Banerjee does pull her 19 lawmakers out of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), the Congress-led coalition will be left with 254 seats in parliament, 18 short of a simple majority. “The beginning

coalition to prop it up with a combined seat tally of 43, both are also opposed to retail liberalisation, which could once again endanger a policy that stalled last year amid street protests. The move on retail was among a series of “big bang” reforms launched last week. They are seen as

KOLKATA: The chief Minister of the eastern Indian state of West Bengal and the leader of the political party Trinamool Congress(TMC) Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference, as her party secretary and Union Railways minister Mukul Roy reacts yesterday. — AFP of the downfall of the UPA government has started,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad, spokesman of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), amid speculation that the government may fall before its mandate runs out in mid-2014.

Government will survive, but for how long?

While Singh can count on two other regional parties outside the

crucial to reviving India’s flagging economic growth, reining in a bloated fiscal deficit and warding off the spectre of a credit rating downgrade.

Singh’s renewed drive for reform had cheered investors as a sign that the government was finally shaking off months of policy inertia. However, the measures sparked a furious backlash from Banerjee and other political leaders, who condemned them as a

needless attack on hundreds of millions of poor people. The BJP said it would try to push for a special sitting of parliament to be convened to hold a confidence vote, which could potentially bring the government down. However, lawmakers are not due to meet for their next session until late November. Growth in Asia’s third-largest economy has languished near its slowest in three years amid an avalanche of criticism for Singh’s government, which has grappled with a spate of political scandals since his second term began in 2009.

“The government is in a critical situation but they will somehow survive for now,” said political analyst Amulya Ganguli.

“A minority government cannot, however, last that long. We may look at elections being brought forward,” he said. National elections are due by 2014, when Singh is expected to stand down. Several party and government officials had earlier told Reuters that Congress leader Sonia Gandhi had assessed the risks of losing coalition allies over the measures and concluded the government was safe.

Banerjee came to power in West Bengal in 2011, ending more than three decades of Communist rule in the state. Colloquially known as “Didi”, or “elder sister”, Banerjee’s supporters hail her as a champion of India’s poor and dispossessed. But her politics have been a thorn in the side of the government. Her protests were instrumental in blocking a slew of economic measures, from retail reform to allowing foreign direct investment into India’s aviation and insurance sectors. — Reuters

Army tests body armor for female soldiers FORT CAMPBELL: Female soldiers from Fort Campbell deploying to Afghanistan will field test the first Army body armor that is shorter and better tailored specifically to fit women’s physiques. Members of a female engagement team from the 101st Airborne Division, who will be directly interacting with Afghan women during the upcoming deployment, have been equipped with the female prototypes of the newest generation of Army tactical vests. On Tuesday at the Army installation on the Tennessee-Kentucky state line, the female soldiers showed the new features of the vests during qualification trials with their M4A1 rifles.

The 101st Airborne Division first suggested the idea of a better fitting vest for women in 2009 after female soldiers said that they often had trouble bending over, getting in and out of tight spaces like military vehicles, or positioning their rifles against their shoulders, said Maj Joel Dillon, the Army’s assistant product manager for the vests.

Dillon said the long plates inside the vests would rub against their hips and cut into their thighs when they sit down. After a lot of testing and measurements, the Army came up with a vest that is shorter to accommodate smaller torsos and have tailoring to fit closer to women’s chests. The new vest eliminates gaps between the material and the body and can be fitted with smaller side ballistic inserts for small waist sizes.

“With a vest that is too long, if they lay their rifle on the ground or drop it, it’s very hard to bend over to pick it up because that plate digs into their side. Now they can bend down and touch their toes and so they are more mobile and therefore you can get additional safety because you can perform better,” he said.

The vest has a lighter feel because it won’t

rest on the female soldier’s shoulders like the male versions do, Dillion said. The need for better fitting armor became clear as women in the Army have been fighting on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan for years, Dillon said. He noted that women now make up 14 percent of the Army and are closer to combat than they have been previously. “These female engagement team soldiers will be going on patrol with infantry units, engaging with the female populace. Because of that, they are going to be on the front lines, so we want them to be the first to be fitted with this new armor,” he said.

Based on comments from 19 female soldiers wearing the new body armor, the Army will continue to make adjustments before going into large scale production for the rest of the Army. Spc. Gilliann Campbell, 22, called the new body armor “a dream” compared to the old vests. A former gymnast, Campbell said she feels much more flexible in the new vests and demonstrated that with a couple of cartwheels.

“I remember as a joke, my friends tipped me upside down and my old armor fell right off me.

It didn’t fit me at all. But with this, I did a cartwheel when I first got it and it did not move at all,” she said. Small differences in the vests, like having enough space on her shoulder to set her rifle or being able to get the armor on quickly, can be critical when you only have seconds to react in combat, Campbell said.

“I feel safer in my own abilities because it lets me do what I need to do as a soldier,” she said. “With my other armor, I felt a fear in my head that I was not able to perform to the best of my abilities. Now I can.”

Spc. Sarah Sutphin, 32, said women in the Army had to make adjustments to work around the limitations of the male-designed body

armor. She said the benefits of a better fit became clear during their marksmanship training Tuesday. Previously they would have to shift the vests while firing their rifles, or move gear around on the vest so they could lie closer to ground, she said.

She said she didn’t even realize how ill-fitting the old vests were until they started trying out the new vests for the last couple of weeks.

“We need to be protected and still do our jobs and be able to fire our weapons the same,” she said. — AP

FORT CAMPBELL: Sarah Sutphin adjusts her new body armor while training on a firing range. — AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

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

China implicates Bo Xilai Scandal exposes rifts within Communist Party

SHANGHAI: A small group of Chinese protesters march with an anti-Japan banner in front of the Japanese Consulate General yesterday. — AP

China police clean up after angry anti-Japan protests BEIJING: Chinese police cleared roadblocks and some Japanese businesses reopened yesterday after days of angry protests over Japan’s wartime occupation and its recent purchase of islands also claimed by Beijing.

Beijing sanitation workers used high-pressure hoses to erase the stains of paint bombs hurled at the Japanese Embassy the day before. Roadblocks were removed, allowing for normal traffic around the embassy, and police shooed pedestrians away.

Some Japanese shops, restaurants and factories in China that closed to avoid being targeted by protesters were open again.

Large and sometimes violent anti-Japan protests roiled many Chinese cities over the weekend, triggered by the Japanese government’s decision last week to purchase some disputed East China Sea islands from their private Japanese owners. More demonstrations followed Tuesday, the 81st anniversary of Japan’s invasion of China, an emotional remembrance that further stoked the outrage. In Beijing, the bitterness spilled over to the nearby US Embassy, with about 50 protesters surrounding the car of US Ambassador Gary Locke and trying to block him from entering the compound. Locke told reporters yesterday that Chinese authorities were “very quick” to move the demonstrators away. “It was all over in a matter of minutes, and I never felt in any danger,” he said. The US, a close ally of Japan, has said it is staying out of the territorial dispute. The incident came amid heightened vigilance for American diplomats following violent attacks on US embassies in Libya, Yemen and Egypt. The embassy said it has asked China’s government to do everything possible to protect American facilities and personnel.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing yesterday that the incident was “an individual case,” but that China was investigating it. Though the anti-Japan demonstrations have wound down, at least temporarily, there has been no progress in resolving the territorial dispute

bedeviling relations between the two Asian economic powerhouses. The rhetoric on both sides has remained uncompromising.

China’s future leader, Xi Jingping, told visiting US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta yesterday that Japan’s purchase of the islands was a farce, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. “Japan should rein in its behavior and stop any words and acts that undermine China’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Xinhua quoted Xi as saying. In Tokyo, former Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba said losing a piece of Japan would mean “losing the whole country.” The islands - called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China - are tiny rock outcroppings that have been a sore point between China and Japan for decades. Japan has claimed the islands since 1895. The US took jurisdiction after World War II and turned them over to Japan in 1972.

Japan’s government sees its purchase of some of the islands as a way to thwart a potentially more inflammatory move by the governor of Tokyo, who had wanted not only to buy the islands but also develop them. But Beijing sees Japan’s purchase as an affront to its claims and its past calls for negotiations.

Beijing has sent patrol ships inside Japanese-claimed waters around the islands, and some state media have urged Chinese to show their patriotism by boycotting Japanese goods and canceling travel to Japan. The islands are important mainly because of their location near key sea lanes in the East China Sea. They are surrounded by rich fishing grounds and as-yet untapped underwater natural resources. Chinese state media have also reported that boats were headed to the waters around the disputed islands for seasonal fishing. Hong, the foreign ministry spokesman, said such activities were within China’s rights. “ The Diaoyu Islands have belonged to China since ancient times,” he said. “It is totally legitimate and reasonable for Chinese fishing vessels to fish in relevant waters.” — AP

Software mogul enters S Korea presidential race party nomination on Sunday. Jin ChangSoo, a political analyst at the independent Sejong Institute, said Ahn and Moon could be biding their time before “agreeing on a unified candidacy in a dramatic way at the last moment.”

Ahn has never participated in an election before or held any political office. “It’s true that I don’t have much experience in politics but I have worked in various fields such as IT, medicine, business management and education and my exposure in such diverse sectors will be helpful,” he said. “The country needs political reform, economic innovation and a digital-era mindset,” he added.

Analyst Jin said Ahn’s campaign would have a tough ride as he comes under increasing public scrutiny with no party machine to back him up. “He still has to prove he is capable of leading the country,” Jin said. In a book entitled “Ahn Cheol-Soo’s Thoughts”-published in June and seen by some as a presidential manifesto-Ahn advocated Swedish-style social welfare and criticised President Lee Myung-Bak’s hardline policy towards North Korea. “The policy that isolates the North and assumes its imminent collapse only intensified crossborder tension and damaged SEOUL: Ahn Cheol-soo, the founder of Seoul- peace on the peninsula,” he based antivirus maker AhnLab, waves as he said. In his public appearances, arrives for a press conference yesterday. — AP he has repeatedly called for the overhaul of an economy domithe chosen candidate of the leftist opposi- nated by a few powerful conglomerates, known as “chaebols”. tion Democratic United Party (DUP).

However, on Thursday, he ruled out Analysts say that scenario would effectively hand the election to the ruling con- any drastic, overnight reforms saying servative New Frontier Party candidate, changes “must be made gradually” to Park Geun-Hye, the daughter of South keep the economic growth engine ticking Korea’s former military ruler Park Chung- over. Hundreds of supporters-including Hee. The opposition had been hoping teenagers in school uniform-cheered and Ahn would reach an arrangement with chanted Ahn’s name during the press conMoon, with one of them stepping aside to ference at the Salvation Army building in unify support behind a sole candidate Seoul. An unlikely political star admired by capable of challenging Park at the ballot young liberal voters but dismissed by critbox on December 19. However, in his ics as an unseasoned idealist, Ahn is best announcement address, Ahn appeared to known for building the South’s first antirule out any immediate accommodation virus software firm after a glittering career in medicine. Ahn stood down as CEO of with the DUP. “It is not proper to talk about a unified his AhnLan software firm in 2005 — candidate right now,” he said. Most opin- though he remains board chairman-to ion polls have shown Park slightly ahead pursue an academic career. He is currently of Ahn with Moon in third place, although dean at the School of Convergence the DUP candidate has received a sub- Science and Technology in Seoul National stantial ratings boost since winning his University. —AFP SEOUL: Popular software mogul Ahn Cheol-Soo declared his candidacy yesterday for South Korea’s presidential election, setting up a three-way race with a number of potentially game-changing permutations. “Now, I will run in the presidential election,” Ahn told a press conference, as he laid out a campaign platform of job creation, big business reform and reducing the country’s growing income gap.

“The people have expressed their desire to see reform in politics,” said the softspoken 50-year-old whose announcement ended a year of fevered speculation about his presidential ambitions. Ahn’s entry into the race has the potential to split the liberal vote between himself and Moon Jae-In-

BEIJING: China implicated for the first time yesterday former senior politician Bo Xilai in a criminal act while avoiding naming him directly, in a published account by state media of the trial of his one-time police chief. Wang Lijun, ex-police chief of southwestern Chongqing city, tried to tell “the Chongqing party committee’s main responsible person at the time” - in other words, then-Chongqing Communist Party boss Bo - that Bo’s wife, Gu Kailai, was suspected of murdering a British businessman. But Wang was “angrily rebuked and had his ears boxed”, according to Xinhua news agency’s official account of Wang’s trial this week in Chengdu city, near Chongqing.

The virtually unmistakable reference to Bo increases the chances of him facing criminal charges, possibly for covering up a crime or corruption. So far, Bo has only been accused of breaching internal party discipline. He has not responded publicly to the allegations against him. The Bo scandal has rocked Beijing, exposing rifts within the ruling Communist Party - elements of which are strong supporters of Bo’s populist, left-leaning policies - at a time when China is preparing for a once-in-a-decade leadership change.

Wang, 52, lifted the lid on the murder and cover-up of British businessman Neil Heywood in February when he went to the US consulate in Chengdu and, according to sources, told envoys

there about the murder that would later bring down Bo. Within two months of Wang’s 24-hour visit to the consulate, Bo was sacked as party boss and from the Communist Party’s Politburo and Bo’s wife Gu was accused of poisoning the businessman.

A court has since given Gu a suspended death sentence for the killing in late 2011.

Xinhua said that the day after Gu had poisoned Heywood in a Chongqing hotel, Wang met her and she acknowledged that she had killed him.

Wang secretly recorded that conversation, but did not act on Gu’s admission. “After arriving in Chongqing, I would often go to the home of Bogu Kailai. I felt Bogu Kailai was very good to me,” Xinhua said, citing Wang’s testimony. Bogu is Gu’s official but rarely used family name. “At the time, my selfish motives were guiding me. I didn’t want to face this case,” Wang said.

However, as the weeks went on Xinhua said problems began to arise between Wang and Gu. He felt that she was turning on him.

Investigations Several of Wang’s colleagues became targets of “illegal investigations” and Wang began to feel he was in danger and so decided to flee. The only corruption cases mentioned in the Xinhua account involved close business cronies of the former politician - potentially opening a corrup-

tion angle against Bo himself. Xu Ming, a plastics-to-property entrepreneur whose long association with Bo extended for over two decades, offered two homes in Beijing worth over 2.85 million yuan to a relative of Wang’s, Xinhua said.

In return, Wang helped free three of Xu’s associates that had been taken into custody in Chongqing. Xu was detained in March, the day before Bo’s ouster was announced. A former intelligence agent, Yu Junshi, who has also been detained since March, was cited as renting expensive villas for Wang, in return for the freedom of another man held by the Chongqing police. Yu had also known Bo since the 1990s.

Bo had been considered a strong candidate for the next top leadership body, which is expected to be unveiled at the party’s 18th congress next month. Vice President Xi Jinping is seen as all but certain to take over as party chief and inherit the challenge of trying to heal internal wounds. Bo’s downfall has stirred more public division than that of any other party leader for more than 30 years.

To leftist supporters, Bo became a charismatic rallying figure for efforts to reimpose party control over dizzying, unequal market growth. But he had made some powerful enemies among those who saw him as a dangerous opportunist who yearned to impose his harsh policies on the entire country. — Reuters

New Asia focus not aimed to contain China: Panetta BEIJING: Top Chinese leaders have a better understanding of America’s new focus on the Asia-Pacific region, but they are concerned that there is too much emphasis on China’s military build-up rather than economic or diplomatic efforts, US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said yesterday. After two days of meetings with political and military officials, Panetta said he comes away hopeful that the two nations can work together to bolster security in the region.

While it appears Panetta is not leaving China with any tangible agreements, he believed he had assured his hosts that US plans to add troops, ships and a new missile defense site in the region are not meant to threaten China. “The key for them is that as we develop and strengthen our presence here, that we do it in conjunction with developing a strong US-China relationship,” Panetta told reporters shortly after he met with China’s future leader, Vice President Xi Jinping. “That gave me a lot of hope that they understand exactly what our whole intention is here.” More broadly, Panetta’s time in China was focused on slowly repairing America’s long troubled military relationship with China - and opening the door for better communications so that the two nations can avoid misunderstandings.

Still, his visit came as violent protests raged around the country, over a territorial dispute between China and Japan.

The US says it will remain neutral in the matter. But protesters slammed America, charging that the increased US activity in the region has emboldened Japan and other countries to challenge China in such disputes.

Panetta spent much of his time explaining the US military’s new shift to the Pacific, which has fueled worries of increased tensions or conflict with China and its 2.3 million-member People’s Liberation Army. In a speech to Chinese troops yesterday, he laid out a more pointed argument that the growing American presence in the region includes an effort to build a stronger relationship with Beijing.

“Our rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region is not an attempt to contain China. It is an attempt to engage China and expand its role in the Pacific,” Panetta said in a speech to cadets and young officers at the Engineering Academy of PLA Armored Forces. “It is about creating a new model in the relationship of two Pacific powers.”

BEIJING: US Secretary of Defense Leon E Panetta is presented with second gift, a plate commemorating his visit to China, from General Liang Guang Lie, Chinese Minister of National Defense, after an official dinner. — AFP He acknowledged that improving relations and building trust will take time and said, “Despite the distance ... that we have traveled over the past 40 years, it is clear that this journey is not yet complete, particularly for our two militaries.” Tensions between the U.S. and China have reverberated across the region, often focused on America’s support of Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province. China has threatened to use force to block any Taiwanese bid for formal independence.

The US also has been very vocal in blaming China for cyberattacks that emanate from the country and steal critical data from US government agencies and American companies.

Panetta has stressed that change will take time.

But he said he sees real progress towards building a military-to-military relationship with China.

“We will have our differences,” Panetta told reporters. “But the key is if we can have open communications and the ability to express views in a candid way... that more than almost anything

else can lead to improved relations between the US and China.” Panetta met yesterday with Xi, who reappeared just days ago after a puzzling two-week disappearance that raised questions about his health. Xi stood to greet the American delegation in a lavish room in the Great Hall of the People and energetically shook Panetta’s hand. Once seated, he said Panetta’s visit “will be very helpful in further advancing the state-tostate and military-to-military relations between our two countries.” Panetta told Xi that the two Pacific powers have common concerns and that he is confident they will be able to improve their dialogue. While Panetta’s meetings with Chinese leaders this week touched on many of the disagreements between the two countries, his address to the academy stressed the need for each nation to trust the other and try to cooperate and communicate more. It is time, he said, to stop focusing on areas of dispute and suspicion and see the potential in areas where the two nations can work together. — AP

E Timor cycle tour recalls memories of occupation MOTAAIN: Nighttime during the Indonesian occupation meant staying indoors for Franchilina ‘Anche’ Cabral-she was too scared of the military to do anything else. Now, 13 years after East Timor voted for independence, its fastest female cyclist and more than 300 others have cycled across the border into Indonesia on the Tour de Timor as a gesture of friendship between the two nations. This year is the fourth Tour de Timor, but the first time the six-day mountain bike race has crossed international borders, weaving through Indonesian West Timor into the mountainous enclave of Oecusse.

“In 1999 it was really hard because of the Indonesian army,” said Cabral, who last year claimed victory in the women’s category of the race. “We were afraid to go out at night so we’d just stay home. We felt there was no freedom,” she said.

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and occupied the small half-island nation for 24 years, during which more than 183,000 people died from fighting, disease and starvation.

In 1999 East Timor voted for independence in a UN sponsored referendum, but after the vote militias went on a campaign of violence, destroying much of the nation’s infrastructure. “Everybody knows Timor and Indonesia had problems before, but this race is an opportunity for us to rebuild our relationship, so we can be good neighbours,” 27year-old Cabral told AFP, after finishing the fourth phase of the six-stage race, that began Monday and ends Saturday.

“It was really great to see so many Indonesians lined up along the route and cheering us on when we rode through,” Cabral said. The Tour de Timor was originally an initiative of Nobel laureate and former president Jose Ramos-Horta to promote peace in East Timor. “If Timor-Leste can host a successful Tour de Timor, a bike race that engages hundreds of participants, locals and internationals, then it must mean that the country is peaceful,” he said, using the country’s formal name. Ramos-Horta says he dis-

DILI: Australian Russell Noble (front) passes the finishing line in Dili. — AFP cussed the tour crossing the border with Indonesian reconciliation over the occupation. Tour de Timor President Susilio Bambang Yudhoyono last May. “He volunteer Helio Miguel Araujo crossed the border immediately understood and grasped the symbolic from East Timor into Indonesia for the first time in importance of the Tour de Timor crossing into 1999, fleeing to a refugee camp in Kupung. The now Indonesian Territory on the way to Oecusse and 22-year-old left East Timor for six months, but in that back.” It has been a busy year for East Timor, one of time lost family members in the violence. “After six Asia’s poorest countries that celebrated a decade of months I felt I had to go back home, and we decided formal independence in May and also held presi- to go back but had to hide from the Indonesian govdential and parliamentary elections that were large- ernment.” Despite losing many family members and ly peaceful. By the end of this year it will bid farewell friends, Araujo is adamant about the need to forgive to UN peacekeepers, the present contingent here and forget the past.

“If we just think about the past then what will since 2006 after a political crisis in which dozens were killed and tens of thousands displaced. The happen to our future? We need to forget about the only major violence since then was a failed assassi- past and focus on our development.” Despite offnation attempt in 2008 on Ramos-Horta, who has shore oil and gas fields, East Timor’s abject poverty is remained steadfast in calling for forgiveness and visible everywhere. —AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

NEWS

COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Muslims burn an effigy of US President Barack Obama during a protest yesterday against an anti-Islam film produced in the United States. — AP

Iranian FM meets Assad Continued from Page 1

of the intentions behind it.” Salehi said the country was “facing a problem, and we hope that this problem can be solved as soon as possible”. He also said “Syria has very strong, solid ties with Iran, especially at the political level,” and that he would discuss the conflict with Syrian officials. Salehi’s call for an end to fighting came at a meeting in Cairo on Monday of the Syria “contact group,” to which Iran, as well as Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey belong. Tehran, a staunch ally of the regime in Damascus, is also proposing the four countries dispatch observers to Syria in an effort to quell the violence. Last month, the United Nations withdrew its own observers after both sides failed to respect an April ceasefire to which they had committed themselves.

In a statement, Amnesty International said “civilians, many of them children, are the main victims of a campaign of relentless and indiscriminate attacks by the Syrian army”. It said it had new evidence “of a pattern which has emerged in recent weeks in areas where government forces, pushed into retreat by opposition forces, are now indiscriminately bombing and shelling lost territory - with disastrous consequences for the civilian population.”

And the former head of Syria’s chemical arsenal, Major General Adnan Sillu, was quoted by British newspaper The Times as saying he believed the regime would eventually use those weapons against civilians. The Times quoted defected Major General Sillu as saying he had been involved in “serious discussion about the use of chemical weapons, including how we would use them and in what areas”. Sillu said he defected three months ago after being party to the top-level talks about the use of chemical weapons against both rebels and civilians, which he said he was convinced the regime would eventually do.

Meanwhile, rebels withdrew from three southern districts of Damascus after weeks of heavy combat and shelling, while the army bombarded districts of the city and adjacent areas, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. It said the army later stormed one of the districts from which the rebels had withdrawn, setting fire

to homes. The bodies of 11 people were found in the Jobar district of Damascus, some of them belonging to people who had been detained by security forces, the Observatory added.

A network of activists, the Syrian Revolution General Commission (SRGC), described as “disaster areas” the AlHajar al-Aswad, Qadam and Assali districts, and the Yarmuk Palestinian refugee camp. “Since July 15, these neighbourhoods have suffered fierce army assaults, as well as indiscriminate shelling targeting civilian homes and shops,” it said. The SRGC accused the regime of “carrying out a series of summary executions” in the south of the capital, adding that at least 200 people have been killed in the afflicted districts since the outbreak of violence there mid-summer. It appealed to international agencies to “help the residents of these disaster areas.”

The Observatory said dozens of people were killed or wounded in shelling in Sahl al-Ghab in the central province of Hama. Amateur video posted on YouTube showed several bodies wrapped in white sheets stretched out on the floor of a house. “They died when the army pounded the village with helicopters,” said the unidentified cameraman. “God is greater than you, O Bashar (Al-Assad).” And regime forces killed a woman at her home in the coastal city of Latakia when she tried to stop them from arresting her son, the Observatory said.

In Aleppo, where the two-month-old battle for control of the commercial capital remains fluid, the army said rebels attacked several military positions in the east overnight and that helicopter gunships eventually drove them off. They also again assaulted the local headquarters of the feared air force intelligence agency, but without success. The Observatory said there was shelling in several eastern districts of the city. In other developments, rebels gained control of a border crossing on the Turkish frontier after clashes with government troops, a Turkish official told AFP. The Observatory said 43 people had been killed nationwide so far yesterday, including 30 civilians, after 173 died the previous day. It says more than 27,000 people have died since the uprising erupted in March 2011, while the United Nations puts the figure at more than 20,000. — AFP

Study links GM corn to cancer Continued from Page 1

the study’s basic methods and Monsanto said it felt confident its products had been proven safe. Gilles-Eric Seralini of the University of Caen and colleagues said rats fed on a diet containing NK603 - a seed variety made tolerant to dousings of Monsanto’s Roundup weedkiller - or given water with Roundup at levels permitted in the United States, died earlier than those on a standard diet. Experts not involved in the study were sceptical, with one accusing the French scientists of going on a “statistical fishing trip” and others describing its methods as well below standard.

The animals on the genetically modified (GM) diet suffered mammary tumours, as well as severe liver and kidney damage, according to the peer-reviewed study which was published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology and presented at a news conference in London. The researchers said 50 percent of male and 70 percent of female rats died prematurely, compared with only 30 percent and 20 percent in the control group.

Monsanto spokesman Thomas Helscher said the company would review the study thoroughly. However, he added: “Numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies performed on biotech crops to date, including more than a hundred feeding studies, have continuously confirmed their safety, as reflected in the respective safety assessments by regulatory authorities around the world.”

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are deeply unpopular in Europe but dominate major crops in the United States after Monsanto introduced a soybean genetically altered to tolerate Roundup in 1996. Experts asked by reporters to review the scientific paper advised caution in drawing conclusions from it. Tom Sanders, head of the nutritional sciences research division at King’s College London, noted that Seralini’s team had not provided any data on how much the rats were given to eat, or what their growth rates were. “This strain of rat is very prone to mammary tumours particularly when food intake is not restricted,” he said. “The statistical methods are unconventional ... and it would appear the authors have gone on a statistical fishing trip.”

Mark Tester, a research professor at the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics at the University of Adelaide, said the study’s findings raised the question of why no previous studies have flagged up similar concerns.

“If the effects are as big as purported, and if the work really is relevant to humans, why aren’t the North Americans

dropping like flies? GM has been in the food chain for over a decade over there - and longevity continues to increase inexorably,” he said in an emailed comment. David Spiegelhalter of the University of Cambridge said the methods, statistics and reporting of results were all below standard. He added that the study’s untreated control arm comprised only 10 rats of each sex, most of which also got tumours. While supporters of GM crops say previous studies have overwhelmingly pointed to their safety, critics argue there is still limited information about the long-term effects since the crops have only been around for just over 15 years. In France, where opposition to GMOs has led to a ban on growing such crops, the government said it had asked its health and safety agency to assess the study and had also sent it to the European Union’s food safety agency (EFSA). “Based on the conclusion ..., the government will ask the European authorities to take all necessary measures to protect human and animal health, measures that could go as far as an emergency suspension of imports of NK603 maize in the European Union,” the French health, environment and farm ministries said in a joint statement.

Seralini, the scientist at the centre of the latest research, previously raised safety concerns based on a shorter rat study in 2009. His new study takes things a step further by tracking the animals throughout their two-year lifespan.

Michael Antoniou, a molecular biologist at King’s College London, who helped draft the paper, told reporters at a London briefing that its findings highlighted the “need to test all GM crops in two-year lifelong studies”. “I feel this data is strong enough to withdraw the marketing approval for this variety of GM maize temporarily, until this study is followed up and repeated with larger number of animals to get the full statistical power that we want,” he said.

Seralini believes his latest lifetime rat tests give a more realistic and authoritative view of risks than the 90-day feeding trials that form the basis of GM crop approvals, since three months is only the equivalent of early adulthood in rats. France’s Jose Bove, vice-chairman of the European Parliament’s commission for agriculture and known as an opponent of GM, called for an immediate suspension of all EU cultivation and import authorisations of GM crops. “This study finally shows we are right and that it is urgent to quickly review all GMO evaluation processes,” he said in a statement. The study is also likely to create friction in the United States, where opponents of genetically engineered foods in California are fighting to have all GMOs removed from the food supply. — Reuters

French cartoons fuel Muslim fury Continued from Page 1 A similar number demonstrated in Karachi, burning an effigy of US President Barack Obama, while in Islamabad, around 500 lawyers burst into the capital’s diplomatic enclave, chanting anti-US slogans and castigating the government for not taking strong action against the film. The Pakistan government declared Friday - the Muslim holy day - a national holiday in honour of Muhammad (PBUH), in a sudden announcement made after religious parties called for a day of protest.

In neighbouring Afghanistan, about 1,000 protesters took to the streets in the east of the country, blocking a key road to Kabul and chanting “Death to America” and “Death to the enemies of Islam”. Indonesia saw hundreds of protesters tear up the American flag and throw eggs at the US embassy in the capital Jakarta. In Lebanon, gunmen opened fire on a KFC fast-food restaurant, just days after another outlet of the US chain was torched and a demonstrator killed in a protest over the film. No one was hurt in yesterday’s attack. The Shiite movement Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has called for a string of protests all week in Lebanon to denounce what he described as the “worst attack ever on Islam”.

Muslim men and women in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka also staged their first demonstration yesterday, with several hundred gathering in the capital Colombo near the US embassy to denounce the film. “Innocence of Muslims,” a crudely made film produced by extremist Christians in the United States, has triggered protests in at least 20 countries since excerpts were posted on the Internet. In reaction to the uproar, the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo published cartoons mocking the film and caricaturing the Prophet (PBUH). The leftwing, libertarian publication’s offices were firebombed last year after it published an edition that it called Sharia Hebdo. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said he feared a backlash over the cartoons and said embassies and other French institutions in around 20 countries will be closed Friday for fear of being targeted in protests after weekly prayers. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said anyone offended by the cartoons could take the matter to the courts but made it clear there would be no action against the weekly.

“We are in a country where freedom of expression is guaranteed, including the freedom to caricature,” he said.

Leaders of the Muslim community in France - the largest in western Europe said an appeal for calm would be read out in mosques across the country on Friday but also condemned the magazine for publishing “insulting” images. Al-Azhar, Sunni

Islam’s highest authority, condemned the publication of cartoons, while the Vatican’s official daily Osservatore Romano said that the satirical images could throw “fuel on the fire”. But Charlie Hebdo’s editor, Stephane Charbonnier rejected the criticism. “We have the impression that it’s officially allowed for Charlie Hebdo to attack the Catholic far-right but we cannot poke fun at fundamental Islamists,” he said.

“It shows the climate. Everyone is driven by fear, and that is exactly what this small handful of extremists who do not represent anyone want: to make everyone afraid, to shut us all in a cave,” he told Reuters. Speaking outside his offices in an eastern neighbourhood with many residents of North African origin, Charbonnier said he had not received any threats over the latest cartoons. In a message on its Twitter account, Charlie Hebdo said its website had been hacked, but referred readers to a blog it also uses. The United States had condemned the content of the anti-Islam film while defending the right to free speech, and took a similar line on the French cartoons. “We know that these images will be deeply offensive to many and have the potential to be inflammatory. But we’ve spoken repeatedly about the importance of upholding the freedom of expression that is enshrined in our constitution,” White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters. “In other words, we don’t question the right of something like this to be published, we just question the judgment behind the decision to publish it.”

Washington has also moved to boost security in the wake of the protests, with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton saying the US was taking “aggressive steps” to protect diplomatic missions worldwide. Among those killed in the protests so far have been four US diplomatic staff in Libya, including ambassador Chris Stevens. Pakistan, along with Afghanistan and Bangladesh, blocked video-sharing website YouTube this week after it failed to remove the offending film. YouTube said yesterday it had extended its restrictions on the video to Saudi Arabia, saying it is among countries where the film is considered illegal. YouTube parent Google said in a statement that the “Innocence of Muslims” would be restricted “in countries where it is considered illegal by local authorities; that is, to date, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia”. The firm last week restricted access to the film in Egypt and Libya after unrest in those countries, and has been adding countries to the list. The California-based maker of the film, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, a 55-year-old Egyptian Copt and fraudster who was sentenced to 21 months in prison in the United States in June 2010, has not been seen since Saturday when he was questioned. — Agencies

Bahrain accepts ‘90%’ of critical UN report Continued from Page 1 a political advantage. To keep up the momentum and media coverage, they fuel the flames of extremism and violence.” Sheikh Khalid said scores of police personnel had been investigated and 23 prosecutions initiated, resulting in three convictions and sentences so far. Some $2.6 million compensation had been paid to the families of 17 deceased victims. “Let us follow the path of dialogue, not propaganda,” he said, before abruptly cancelling a planned news conference. Since Feb 2011, thousands of antigovernment protesters have staged regular demonstrations and called for reforms in the Gulf kingdom, which is ruled by the minority Sunni Khalifa family. The Shiite-led opposition’s demands for an elected government involve constitutional changes that would reduce the power of the dynasty. While the 21st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva saw several countries including China, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Yemen applaud Bahrain for its moves so far, the United States was less forthcoming. “The government needs to be attendant to accountability,” Michael Posner, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour, told reporters outside the chamber, adding that progress was “slowing down”. “We have yet to see a successful prosecution of anyone in connection with some of the torture cases and deaths in custody last year. It’s now a long period,” he said, adding that he planned to meet the Bahraini representative later in the day. Cases involving doctors and prominent human rights activists still in detention or pending after the demonstrations “need to be resolved”, he added.

While acknowledging continued violence on the streets involving “Molotov cocktails and young kids throwing things at the police”, Posner criticised the “excessive force, large amounts of tear gas” used by police in response. “Those are things that are not helping to lead to an environment where a negotiation dialogue is going to be fruitful,” he said, adding that Washington would continue to hold discussions with Bahrain on police and labour reform, trade union membership and the freedom of expression. “Human rights issues in Bahrain are critically important and they actually help reinforce our security interests. A stable, healthy democratic Bahrain where human rights issues are dealt with appropriately is one that is going to be a strong ally and we need that,” said the US representative.

Posner told the UN forum Bahrain was at a crossroads. It had shown “great courage” last year in setting up and accepting the recommendations of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry, but 10 months later implementation had lagged, he said.

On Sept 4, a Bahraini civilian court upheld jail sentences of between five and 25 years against leaders of last year’s prodemocracy uprising, a decision that could further ignite unrest.

“Activists are not criminals,” Nada Dhaif, who was originally sentenced to 15 years for helping organise a medical tent for protesters, told the UN session. Maryam Al-Khawaja, acting president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, said violations remained widespread. “Use of excessive force is still a tool for suppressing daily protests, with unprecedented use of tear gas during protests and inside residential areas,” she said, adding that arbitrary arrests and beating of detainees continued. —Agencies

No raise in haj quotas Continued from Page 1 to accommodate more numbers,” haj minister Bandar Al-Hajjar was reported as saying. Every Muslim country has a haj quota of 1,000 pilgrims per million inhabitants.

The quota system was imposed after an attempt by Saudi police to stifle a demonstration by Iranian pilgrims holding an anti-US and anti-Israel protest in 1987 sparked clashes in which 402 people died, including 275 Iranians.

Last year, nearly three million Muslim pilgrims performed the haj, the world’s largest annual gathering. The authorities had not indicated that they would be able to accommodate more pilgrims this year. Saudi King Abdullah has officially launched a $10.6-billion extension project of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The peak of this year’s haj is expected to take place on or around Oct 25. The haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and must be performed at least

once in a lifetime by all those Muslims who are able to do so. “The kingdom is currently working on finalising all measures needed in coordination with the concerned authorities to enable Syrian pilgrims to perform” the pilgrimage, haj ministry undersecretary Hatem Qadi said. The kingdom “provides them with all facilities” needed and “is giving special care to arrangements for the arrival of Syrians, knowing the difficult circumstances experienced by the brotherly people of Syria,” Qadi told AFP. Syrian state news agency SANA reported on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia has barred Syrians from entering the country for the haj.

“The Syrian High Committee of hajj has announced the halt to the pilgrimage this year, due to a failure to reach consensus with the Saudi authorities,” SANA said. The Syrian committee “took all necessary steps for the 2012 hajj season, but the relevant ministry in Saudi Arabia did not sign the accord that it does every year,” it added.

14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

opinion

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher

YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief

ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait.

E MAIL :info@kuwaittimes.net Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Issues

Mistrust, rivalry, bad timing fan Japan-China row

By Linda Sieg hen Japan’s central government confirmed a media leak on July 7 that it was considering buying islands at the core of a feud with Beijing, the timing could hardly have been worse given the symbolism in China, where a 1937 incident on that date is seen as the start of Tokyo’s full-fledged invasion of the country.

“To China, it looked as if Japan had done this on purpose with evil intentions,” said a Japanese source familiar with Tokyo’s stance on the row, adding the timing was accidental. That instance of ill-timing was just part of the complex diplomatic and domestic puzzle that led to a flare-up in the row over the islands, which the Japanese government bought this month in an attempt to defuse a crisis by preempting another, more provocative plan by the nationalist governor of Tokyo.

The feud triggered violent protests in China, threatened business ties between Asia’s two biggest economies and risked maritime clashes in the geopolitically vital region. On Wednesday, China’s leader-in-waiting, Xi Jinping, denounced the purchase of the Japanesecontrolled islands as a “farce” and said Tokyo should “rein in its behaviour”. Both sides are sure to keep arguing over who is ultimately to blame for the row, which has its roots in mutual mistrust and rivalry as well as China’s bitter memories of Tokyo’s wartime aggression. But for Japan, the risks of miscalculating how China can apply its growing clout have been put on potent display. “It is worse than 2005 and maybe the worst since the end of the war,” said Yoshihide Soeya, director of the Institute of East Asian Studies at Keio University in Tokyo, referring to the sometimes violent anti-Japanese protests seven years ago.

The origins of the row over the islands, called the Senkaku in Japan and the Diaoyu in China, stretch back decades and the idea of nationalising them had been kicking around for years. But the current flare-up can be traced to April, when Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara abruptly floated a plan to have his metropolitan government buy three of the five islets from their private Japanese owner and build facilities there to “protect” them from Chinese incursions.

Many in Japan worry China has become far more aggressive in pressing its claims to the uninhabited isles and resent Beijing’s efforts to bolster those claims by sending fishing and patrol boats to the surrounding waters. Those concerns were flagged in the government’s annual defence white paper in July. Caught between the rock of Ishihara’s bid, which was backed by a majority of Japanese voters and for which he quickly amassed donations, and a hard place of outraging China by buying the islands itself, Japan’s government opted for what officials hoped China would come to see as the lesser of two evils.

“The government understood that that would lead to a very difficult situation vis-a-vis China, so they decided to acquire the islands themselves, using the buzzword that the islands needed to be controlled in a calm way,” said Hitoshi Tanaka, a former senior Japanese diplomat.

Japanese officials sought to convey that message both through public comments as well as back channels.

“Nationalising the islands would be a better policy option for the sake of peaceful and stable relations (between the two countries),” Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada told reporters earlier this month. “Our stance should be understood by the Chinese people.”

Evidence suggests, however, that while Japanese policymakers recognised the risk of buying the islands, they may have overestimated the ability or willingness of Beijing to curb public outrage ahead of a once-in-adecade leadership change. “We expected this level of demonstrations, but the violence and damage to Japanese companies went beyond what the Chinese government could control,” said a ruling party lawmaker close to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. “That was a bit unexpected.”

Critics say Japanese policymakers should have been more sensitive to domestic dynamics in China, where the government is preoccupied with a leadership change that will happen at a Communist Party congress that opens as early as next month. “They could have tried to negotiate with the owners to postpone a decision until the end of the year or next year,” said Linda Jakobson, director of the East Asia Program at the Lowy Institute for International Policy in Sydney, Australia. “I think they certainly misread the fragility of the political situation in China at the moment.”— Reuters

W

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.

Chinese leaders may regret anti-Japan protests

By Chris Buckley hina’s decision to open its streets to a wave of anti-Japan protests could end up rebounding on Beijing, which has emerged from days of fervent nationalism with eroded authority at home and fewer options in dealing with Tokyo. The mass protests, ignited by a renewed territorial dispute, contained some criticism of Beijing as being too soft on its traditional Asian rival, creating pressures that could help push China’s incoming new leadership deeper into a diplomatic corner. China’s likely next president, Vice President Xi Jinping, emerged days ago from two unnerving weeks out of public view, when he was apparently ill. Now he and other leaders risk being seen as hiding from a widespread hunger for Beijing to be tougher against Tokyo and other regional rivals.

“We think that the government is too soft and we want to show what we think,” said Zhang Xin, one of the many thousands of protesters who converged on the Japanese embassy in Beijing over recent days to vent their rage. He and tens of thousands of other patriotic demonstrators nation-wide have condemned Japan for buying a cluster of disputed islands in the East China Sea - an outpouring of patriotism that would have been both assuring and alarming to Chinese Communist Party leaders viewing videos and reports of the protests in their leafy, walled compound in central Beijing.

Assuring because the crowds so fervently embraced Beijing’s message that it had a rightful claim over the islands, which Tokyo calls the Senkaku and Beijing calls the Diaoyu. Alarming because so many protesters were prepared to say publicly that they did not think their coun-

C

try’s leaders had the strength to act on that claim. “China should make its own demands as a great power,” said Zhang, a 25-year-old wholesale food distributor. “I feel disappointed in the government. It’s not democratic enough and doesn’t heed our voice. I hope our leaders can catch up. There’s no conflict between democracy and patriotism.”

Many demonstrators held up portraits of Mao Zedong, the late Communist revolutionary leader who still serves as a default icon of unity and resolve in times of international tension. But many protesters also invoked Mao as a sly rebuke to China’s current rulers, including President Hu Jintao, who have not made any public statements about the crisis since Japan bought three of the five disputed islands from a private owner last week, triggering condemnation from Beijing. “Mao was new China’s first leader and he knew how to be tough on foreigners,” said Shi Lei, 25, a seafood salesman from China’s northeast. “If he were still alive we would be at war by now. Hu Jintao and those people are useless and impotent before Japan’s provocations.”

“Mao is our hero because he fought the Japanese and won,” said Chi Lixin, a 29-yearold Beijing businessman. “Our leaders today talk only of peaceful diplomacy and look what happened. They are giving away our land.”

That mixture of nationalism and frustration was echoed by many in the crowds in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other Chinese cities. Thousands of police and anti-riot troops are sure to prevent that frustration turning into protests against the government, and by yesterday, police were bundling away would-be demonstrators at the Japanese embassy in Beijing. “Of course, there truly are problems with Japan, but at the same time the govern-

ment has used this to bundle up a domestic discontent and export it to Japan,” said Li Weidong, a political commentator and former magazine editor in Beijing. “But it’s trying to calibrate that venting. The government doesn’t want to let this get out control.”

The risks to Xi and other emerging leaders are longer term than street protests, said experts on Chinese politics. The Chinese government is preoccupied with the leadership succession that will happen at a Communist Party congress set to open as early as next month. No firm date has been set. That succession has been jolted by scandals and uncertainties, and the government is navigating the economy through an unexpectedly sharp slowdown in growth. The breakdown of relations with Japan will add to that brew of uncertainties, and yet pent-up public demands for a tough response from China will make it harder for Beijing to settle for compromise without appearing weak at home.

“Certainly nobody wants to be viewed as soft on Japan,” said Susan Shirk, a professor of China and regional relations at the University of California, San Diego. Even if risks of military confrontation between Asia’s two biggest economies remain scant, room for China to engage in diplomatic give-and-take has shrunk, narrowing the options for any early exit from the territorial dispute. “Everybody is competing for promotion and having a reputation for being soft on Japan would be definitely bad for your prospects...,” said Shirk, who was a Deputy Assistant Secretary of State during the Clinton administration.

Chinese experts on Japan see rough times ahead. “We have entered a new stage. In the past, the Chinese government advocated setting aside the (island) dispute and developing

bilateral relations,” said Liu Jiangyong, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing. “That period of history is over. We’re in a new phase of history, and that was a totally inevitable outcome of Japan purchasing the islands,” said Liu, who has advised Beijing. For Xi, this new phase could be especially troublesome. He is virtually certain to succeed Hu Jintao as Communist chief this year and as president at a parliament session in March. Like any new Chinese leader, Xi must try to establish his authority even while his predecessors retain considerable influence. In addition, there are widespread expectations that he will be more assertive and nimble than Hu, including abroad. Chinese analysts and Western diplomats have said Xi is not the hardline, militarist nationalist of some portrayals.

But activists campaigning for China to regain control of the disputed East China Sea islands said Xi would have to be more assertive than Hu in pressing Japan, or risk losing credibility.

Tong Zeng, president of the China Federation for Defending the Diaoyu Islands, cited a speech Xi gave in July. In that speech at Beijing’s elite Tsinghua University, Xi said China would “protect relations with nearby countries and broader regional stability, on the basis of staunchly defending its national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity”, the Xinhua news agency reported at the time. For Tong, the activist, that was a signal of a tougher line on the East China Sea islands and other territorial disputes. “I believe that after he gets into office, the government will have a new policy on these issues,” Tong said in an interview before the latest protests. “Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of defending the Diaoyu islands, and so I think the government will have to intensify its efforts.” — Reuters

Romney needs the ‘47%’ to win

By Andy Sullivan epublican presidential candidate Mitt Romney isn’t backing down from a hidden-camera video that shows him disparaging nearly half the nation’s voters. But it was clear on Tuesday that he has a lot more explaining to do if he wants to win over the broad swath of voters whose support he will need to oust Democrat Barack Obama from the White House in the Nov. 6 election. While Obama’s Democrats have focused on the growing divide between the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans and the other 99 percent, Romney gave voice to a split that has preoccupied conservatives during the past year: the 53 percent who pay federal income taxes and the 47 percent who do not.

In the videotaped remarks at a $50,000-aplate fundraiser in Florida in May - brought to light on Monday by the liberal magazine Mother Jones - Romney equated the second group with those who support Obama. “My job is not to worry about those people,” Romney says on the video. “I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives.” But to win the Nov 6 election, Romney will need the backing of many of those “takers”, as his vice presidential running mate, Paul Ryan, has called them. The “47 percent” aren’t just low-income city dwellers who rely on food stamps, housing support and other programs that traditionally have been championed by Democrats.

Many are retirees and working-class white voters who are wary of government’s role in their lives and who have tended to vote for Republicans in recent years, even as they take advantage of tax credits and government assistance. Romney’s challenge now is to soften his blunt language into an effective appeal to those who have struggled in the wake of the worst recession since the 1930s.

And despite his harsh language at the Florida fundraiser, analysts say he will have to assure voters that he could be a president for all Americans, not just half of them. “He’s going to have to explain it in a much more concise and compassionate way, especially when Obama will likely challenge him on it,” Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said. So

R

far, Romney has been unable to translate widespread dissatisfaction with the economy into a lead in the polls, as voters consistently have rated Obama as more likeable and trustworthy. Romney, a former private equity executive with an estimated fortune of $250 million, already is battling perceptions that he is an out-of-touch elitist, in part because of ads by Obama’s team that have cast Romney as a job killer whose company, Bain Capital, sent thousands of US jobs overseas. The video could cement a perception that he does not care about the concerns of ordinary Americans, several observers said. “This is going to stick in a lot of throats,” said Boston University communications professor Tobe Berkovitz.

The percentage of US households that paid no federal income taxes in 2011 was actually closer to 46 percent, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center. The Census Bureau says a record 49 percent of households received government benefits this year.

Both figures have increased sharply in recent

years because of an aging population and the deepest recession since the 1930s.

The trend has alarmed conservatives, who worry that the growth of the welfare state could sap Americans’ initiative. “I think we’re coming close to a tipping point in America where we might have a net majority of takers versus makers in society,” Ryan said at the Heritage Foundation last October, long before Romney selected him as his vice presidential running mate.

Other prominent Republicans, including former presidential candidate Michele Bachmann and Eric Cantor, the No. 2 Republican in the House of Representatives, have argued that everyone should pay at least a nominal amount of income tax. But the divide between “makers” and “takers” is not as simple as Romney put it. According to the Tax Policy Center, almost two-thirds of those who paid no income taxes did pay federal payroll taxes, which support the Social Security pension program and the Medicare health plan. Many are exempt thanks to lower

US Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney plays with the five children of his son Josh aboard his plane on Tuesday in Salt Lake City. — AFP

tax rates and targeted tax breaks that were pushed by Republicans.

Among those who receive government benefits, one-third received Social Security and Medicare - popular programs that are available to all retirees, not just those with low incomes. Romney will need support of people in both groups if he is going to win.

Elderly voters have become an important part of the Republican coalition in recent elections, and Romney is struggling to hold on to his advantage among voters age 60 and older. Romney’s lead over Obama among voters in that group was nearly 20 percentage points last week but has declined to less than a 4-point lead this week, according to Reuters/Ipsos tracking polls. Obama leads among all other age groups.

Romney is not likely to win among lowerincome voters but he will need to limit his losses among this group in order to carry battleground states such as Ohio. Romney currently has the backing of 37 percent of voters with income under $50,000, according to a New York Times/CBS poll released last week.

Conservative pundit Bill Kristol termed Romney’s “47 percent” comments “stupid and arrogant” in the Weekly Standard and warned that they could alienate voters in both of those groups. A Republican congressional aide said Romney’s remarks were “completely boneheaded” and could hurt his appeal among undecided voters. The aide said he did not think support would erode among Republicans, however. Romney intends to talk in coming days about his plan to boost the economy and create more good-paying jobs that would allow people to earn enough money to pay taxes, a campaign official said.

“They shouldn’t be on food stamps, they should be getting paychecks,” the aide said.

The first debate with Obama on Oct 3 now looms as a particularly important hurdle for Romney, who will have to convince financially struggling voters that he is not writing them off, several Republicans said. “The debates are crucial,” Republican strategist Taylor Griffin said. “If Romney can put these gaffes in the context of the fact that he’s someone who knows how to run things, operate things, he’ll do OK.” — Reuters

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

sp orts Ovechkin joins Dynamo

Martin retains time trial title

Big deal for Nehwal

MOSCOW: Alexander Ovechkin has become the latest high-profile player to return to Russia since the NHL announced a lockout on Sunday when he signed a contract with his former club Dynamo Moscow.

Several big-name Russian players have taken advantage of the workstoppage in North America to move across the Atlantic and join the rival Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

New Jersey Devils forward Ilya Kovalchuk signed a lucrative deal with big-spending SKA St Petersburg on Tuesday while three other players, including NHL MVP Evgeni Malkin, joined Metallurg Magnitogorsk at the weekend. Colorado Avalanche goaltender Semyon Varlamov said he was returning to his former club Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, who have assembled a new team this year after their entire roster was killed in a plane crash that left 44 people dead last September. Ovechkin, who celebrated his 27th birthday on Monday, has decided to rejoin Dynamo despite an even bigger offer from wealthy city neighbours CSKA, local media reported. —Reuters

VALKENBURG: Germany’s Tony Martin lived up to expectations when he edged out American Taylor Phinney to retain the time trial world title at the end of a demanding 45.7-km individual effort yesterday. The win capped a tough season for pre-race favourite Martin, who broke his wrist on the Tour de France and had to settle for silver in the Olympic time trial behind Bradley Wiggins.

Wiggins, who will start Sunday’s road race, skipped the event after an exhausting year that saw him become the first Briton to win the Tour and then took Olympic gold in London.

Swiss Fabian Cancellara, the 2008 Olympic champion and four times time trial world champion, also did not take part after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

Martin, who won the trade teams world title on Sunday with Omega Pharma-Quick Step, clocked 58 minutes 39 seconds, according to provisional results.

The 27-year-old beat Phinney by only five seconds after the American had set the best time at the first check point. Vasil Kiryienka of Belarus won the bronze a huge 1:45 off the pace.

Heavy rain showers disrupted the early starters but roads were mostly dry for the favourites on a tricky, hilly course. It did not help Marco Pinotti, though, as the Italian suffered a suspected broken collarbone when he crashed out in a left-hand corner while battling for a place in the top three. —Reuters

NEW DELHI: Top Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has signed a three-year deal worth a reported $7.4 million with a sports management company, underlining badminton’s growth in the otherwise cricket-crazy country.

The only non-Chinese in the top five of women’s badminton, Nehwal won a bronze in this year’s London Olympics and capped the celebrations by signing a contract with Rhiti Sports that makes her India’s highest paid sportsperson outside cricket. “With Rhiti’s background and credibility, they know how to balance things and that is a big plus point,” Nehwal said in a media release.

According to Wednesday’s Indian Express newspaper, the three-year deal with the company which also manages Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is worth 400 million Indian rupees. “We’re very thrilled with the base amount and it’s an honour since she’s the first non-cricket athlete they’ve taken on,” Nehwal’s father Harvir Singh told the newspaper. “We are proud to be associated with someone who is not only a youth icon for women in the country but has also done a lot for badminton as a sport,” said Arun Pandey, chairman and managing director of Rhiti Sports. —Reuters

Orioles and Tigers advance SEATTLE: Taylor Teagarden stroked a pinchhit RBI single to right in the 18th inning to help give the Baltimore Orioles a 4-2 comeback victory over the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday. Baltimore maintained a threegame lead over the Los Angeles Angels for the wild-card spot.

Nate McLouth opened the 18th with a walk, and advanced to third off J.J. Hardy’s single through the right-side hole. Teagarden then lifted his game-winner down the rightfield line. Hardy later scored on Mark Reynolds’ fielder’s choice.

The Orioles rallied in the ninth off starter Erasmo Ramirez, who had allowed just two hits and was sitting on a 2-0 lead entering the inning.

Pinch-hitter Ryan Flaherty and McLouth opened with singles to bring in closer Tom Wilhelmsen, but Chris Davis followed with a two-run single to right. It’s the first time the Orioles have been 20 games over .500 since the last day of the 1997 season.

Tigers 12, Athletics 2 In Detroit, Miguel Cabrera homered twice, including an eighth-inning grand slam, and the Detroit Tigers had no trouble overcoming an early injury to right-hander Max Scherzer in a 12-2 rout of the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night.

Cabrera matched a career high with six RBIs and now has 40 homers on the season also a career best.

Prince Fielder and Jhonny Peralta added home runs for the Tigers, who remained three games behind the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central.

Scherzer left after two innings because of a fatigued throwing shoulder. An MRI showed no structural damage. Darin Downs (2-1) pitched 2 2-3 scoreless innings for the win. Oakland rookie AJ Griffin (6-1) lost for the first time in his career.

White Sox 3, Royals 2 In Kansas City, Gavin Floyd pitched seven crisp innings, Alex Rios hit a tiebreaking

Brewers thrash Pirates PITTSBURGH: Yovani Gallardo gave up just two hits over 6 2-3 innings and the surging Milwaukee Brewers dropped the weary Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0 on Tuesday night.

Gallardo (16-8) struck out six and walked four to win his eighth straight decision as Milwaukee moved in front of fading Pittsburgh in the jumbled National League wild-card race. The teams entered the day 21/2 games back of the Cardinals, who played Houston later. Ryan Braun had two hits, drove in a run and stole three bases for the Brewers, who have won six of seven. Milwaukee’s seven stolen bases were the most by the franchise since it moved to the National League in 1998. Carlos Gomez and Jonathan Lucroy had three hits apiece for the Brewers.

AJ Burnett (15-8) gave up two runs in six innings but couldn’t stop Pittsburgh’s late season swoon. The Pirates are 4-12 this month.

Cardinals 4, Astros 1 In St Louis, Kyle Lohse threw seven scoreless innings for his 15th victory and contributed an RBI double as the Cardinals beat the Astros to stay in front for the second NL wild card.

Fernando Abad (0-5) had a career-best six strikeouts in the Astros’ 100th loss.

They’re 8-8 this month under interim manager Tony DeFrancesco and need nine wins in the final 14 games to avoid topping last season’s franchise-record 106 losses.

Jon Jay had two hits and two RBIs for the Cardinals, coming off a 2-5 trip but with a favorable upcoming schedule with the next eight against lowly Houston and Chicago. With 14 games to play, the defending World Series champions are 11/2 games ahead of the Dodgers. Lohse (15-3) matched his season best for victories set in 2008 with St. Louis. Jason Motte worked the ninth for his 36th save in 43 chances.

Giants 6, Rockies 3 In San Francisco, Tim Lincecum pitched San Francisco one win closer to an NL West crown as the Giants lowered their magic number to clinch the division to seven.

Lincecum (10-14) struck out six and walked two in 6 1-3 scoreless innings on a day the second-place Los Angeles Dodgers were postponed by rain in Washington. Marco Scutaro had three singles, drove in a run and scored twice and Xavier Nady had two RBI singles for

PITTSBURGH: Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo throws to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning of a baseball game. —AP

the Giants (85-63), who moved a seasonhigh 22 games over .500.

Wilin Rosario hit a two-run homer off Santiago Casilla in the eighth inning, matching the Rockies’ rookie record of 25 set by Todd Helton in 1998.

Angel Pagan extended his own San Francisco record with an RBI triple in the eighth, his major league-leading 14th.

Jeff Francis (5-6) lost consecutive starts for just the second time all season and his winless stretch reached four outings since he beat the Dodgers on Aug. 27.

Marlins 4, Braves 3 In Miami, Jose Reyes hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and Miami overcame an awful ninth inning to snap Atlanta’s four-game winning streak.

With one out in the 10th, pinch-hitter Rob Brantly was walked by Cory Gearrin (0-1), and Gorkys Hernandez was hit by a pitch. Following a strikeout, Reyes hit a blooper that fell in front of a diving Jason Heyward in right field, and Brantly scored without a play. Atlanta lost to Miami for only the fourth time in 14 meetings.

The Braves rallied from a 3-0 deficit in the ninth to tie the game. Heyward doubled to start the inning against Steve Cishek, and Chipper Jones walked on a 32 pitch. With one out, Dan Uggla singled home a run, and Brian McCann followed with a tying two-run double off Mike Dunn. John Buck hit a two-run homer for Miami. Heath Bell (3-5) pitched a perfect 10th.

Reds 3, Cubs 1 In Chicago, Homer Bailey pitched effectively into the eighth inning, Ryan Hanigan hit a three-run double and Cincinnati moved closer to the NL Central title.

The Reds’ Dusty Baker managed his 3,000th major league game, and Cincinnati reduced its magic number to four over the Cardinals to clinch the division. Bailey (12-9) took a two-hit shutout into the eighth before Darwin Barney had his second single of the night and pinch-hitter Bryan LaHair hit an RBI double to make it 3-1. Sean Marshall then came in and hit pinch-hitter Dave Sappelt before getting a strikeout and grounder to end the threat.

Jonathan Broxton worked a perfect ninth for his third save in five chances with Cincinnati, which acquired him in a July 31 deal with Kansas City. Cubs righthander Justin Germano (2-8) lost his sixth straight start.

D’backs 3, Padres 2 In Phoenix, Ian Kennedy pitched eight innings to earn his 14th victory, Miguel Montero drove in two runs with two doubles and the Diamondbacks finally got a home win against the Padres. San Diego was 6-0 in Arizona this season before dropping the series opener. Kennedy (1411) allowed one run and seven hits. A 21game winner in 2011, Kennedy is 8-3 in his last 12 starts. Eric Stults (6-3) gave up three runs and five hits in six innings in his first loss since June 3. JJ Putz allowed a run in the ninth on Will Venable’s sacrifice fly before finishing for 30th save in 35 opportunities. —AP

homer in the seventh and the Sox beat the Royals for their fifth consecutive win.

Alejandro De Aza and Gordon Beckham also went deep for AL Central-leading Chicago, which maintained a three-game advantage over Detroit.

Floyd (10-10), who was making his second start since coming off the disabled with an elbow flexor strain, gave up two runs in the first inning and nothing after that. Luke Hochevar (8-14) allowed just one single the next four innings before Beckham led off the sixth with his 16th home run.

Red Sox 7, Rays 5 In St. Petersburg, Felix Doubront limited Tampa Bay’s sputtering offense to one hit over six innings and the Boston Red Sox rallied for a victory that dealt another blow to the Rays’ fading playoff hopes.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedroia, James Loney, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Ryan Lavarnway drove in runs for the Red Sox, who beat their AL East rivals for the second

straight night, extending Tampa Bay’s losing streak to four games and dropping the third-place Rays six games behind the division-leading New York Yankees. Doubront (11-9) walked five and struck out five, ending a stretch in which he went 0-5 over eight starts dating to late July. The Red Sox took the lead with an unearned run off Kyle Farnsworth (1-6) in the sixth.

Twins 6, Indians 5 In Cleveland, Darin Mastroianni scored the go-ahead run from second base on an infield hit in a two-run 12th inning and the Twins tied the Indians for fourth place in the AL Central.

Mastroianni singled with two outs and stole second off Scott Maine (1-1), the teamrecord 10th pitcher used by Cleveland. Alexi Casilla then poked a ball between first and second that second baseman Jason Kipnis fielded in short right.

But Casilla was safe when first baseman Matt LaPorta fielded Kipnis’ throw, but was

not on the bag. LaPorta held the ball before reacting too late to throw out Mastroianni at home. Tyler Robertson (2-2) pitched 1 1-3 innings for the win.

Angels 11, Rangers 3 In Anaheim, Jered Weaver earned his 100th victory, Chris Iannetta had a two-run single and scored on a wild pitch during a crazy eight-run rally in the fourth inning, and the Angels moved up in the AL playoff race with a victory over Texas.

Erick Aybar had three hits and scored two runs for the Angels (81-67), who moved within 31/2 games of wild card-leading Oakland with their 15th win in 20 games after the Athletics (84-63) lost at Detroit.

Weaver (18-4) gave up third-inning homers to Mike Napoli and Ian Kinsler during seven innings of six-hit ball.

Ryan Dempster (6-2) yielded six hits and five runs while failing to get out of the fourth inning, ending his five-start winning streak. —AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

sp orts

Formula One: The 2012 season so far SINGAPORE: The 2012 Formula One season so far, ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday: Australian Grand Prix — March 18 McLaren’s Jenson Button threw down the gauntlet to two-time defending world champion Sebastian Vettel as he relegated the German to second in a flying start to the season. McLaren had locked down the front row of the grid and it was Button who nipped past pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton at the start and went on to dominate. Vettel grabbed a giant slice of luck when a timely safety car intervention allowed him to steal second from Hamilton late in the race.

Mark Webber was fourth for Red Bull and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso finished fifth.

Standings: Button 25pts, Vettel 18, Hamilton 15 Malaysian Grand Prix — March 25 A nearly hour-long storm interruption threw the race into confusion and left drivers fighting just to stay on the track. Alonso emerged from the chaos at the head of the field and drove his unrated Ferrari brilliantly to win the unpredictable race, chased all the way by Mexico’s Sergio Perez who claimed a career-high second place for Sauber. Hamilton, heading another grid one-two for McLaren, was happy to settle for third again after an early crash left Button outside of the points alongside Vettel, who suffered a late puncture following a collision with Narain Karthikeyan.

Standings: Alonso 35, Hamilton 30, Button 25 Chinese Grand Prix — April 15 Mercedes’ Nico Rosberg claimed what he termed an “amazing” first victory in 111 attempts as he led from pole position to take the Chinese Grand Prix in style. The German’s faultless drive in Shanghai saw him home more than 20 seconds ahead of the McLarens of Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, for what was also Mercedes’ first

victory since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix.

Webber was fourth and Vettel fifth after some frantic jostling for the other podium places. Alonso trailed in ninth.

Standings: Hamilton 45, Button 43, Alonso 37 Bahrain Grand Prix — April 22 Bahrain’s controversial race went off without incident after a week of angry protests away from the desert circuit that put the non-sporting focus on reform demands in the Gulf state. Vettel led from start to finish to claim his first win of the year to take over as leader of the title race.

He registered his 22nd career victory with a near-flawless drive from pole position. In second came Kimi Raikkonen, the 2007 champion, and the Finn’s Lotus team-mate Romain Grosjean.

Standings: Vettel 53, Hamilton 49, Webber 48 Spanish Grand Prix — May 13 Pastor Maldonado became the first Venezuelan to win an F1 race by triumphing at the Spanish Grand Prix before going on to play an heroic role in a dramatic blaze in his Williams team’s garage. Maldonado’s win, in just his 24th race, was also the team’s first victory since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix and came on the weekend of team founder Frank Williams’ 70th birthday.

He later carried his young cousin to safety after the team garage was engulfed by flames. A total of 16 people were injured, one with severe burns, when the fire believed to have been caused by an electrical fault in a fuel rig-broke out. On the track the Venezuelan produced a flawless race, holding off Alonso. Raikkonen was third.

Standings: Vettel 61, Alonso 61, Hamilton 53 Monaco Grand Prix — May 27 Webber steered his Red Bull to victory and claimed his first win this year and his team’s third successive Monaco Grand Prix

victory. It was Webber’s second win in the race and the eighth of his career - it also meant six different drivers had won the opening six races of this season - the first time this has happened in the history of the Formula One world championship.

Webber started from pole to finish sixtenths of a second clear of Rosberg with Alonso third for Ferrari. Vettel was fourth ahead of Hamilton and Felipe Massa in the second Ferrari.

Standings: Alonso 76, Vettel 73, Webber 73 Canadian Grand Prix — June 10 Hamilton made it seven different winners in seven races when he drove with flawless speed and control to win in Montreal. He produced a magnificently judged performance in a race that passed off smoothly despite a weekend of student protests and police action resulting in around 60 arrests, to seize his first win of the year. Grosjean of Lotus came home second after an equally well-judged race to finish ahead of Perez. Hamilton’s triumph came five years to the day after he had claimed his maiden victory at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. It was his 18th career victory.

Standings: Hamilton 88, Alonso 86, Vettel 85 European Grand Prix — June 24 Local hero Fernando Alonso became the first man to win two Formula One races this year by driving his Ferrari to victory in Valencia. Alonso, who drove a superb race from 11th on the grid, was followed home

by Kimi Raikkonen of Lotus and seven-time champion Michael Schumacher of Mercedes. The race was punctuated by incident, with Lewis Hamilton of McLaren crashing out after a final lap collision with Pastor Maldonado of Williams. Defending double world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull was forced to retire despite dominating most of the race after starting from

pole position as was his nearest challenger Romain Grosjean of Lotus.

Standings: Alonso 111, Webber 91, Hamilton 88 British Grand Prix — July 8 Red Bull driver Mark Webber served notice that he is a contender for the drivers’ world title by winning a dramatic race at Silverstone. The Australian posted a nearflawless performance to come in ahead of Ferrari rival Fernando Alonso. Webber’s teammate Sebastian Vettel took third.

There was an acrimonious collision when Pastor Maldonado of Williams drove into Sergio Perez’s Sauber and a pit-lane accident when Kamui Kobayashi braked late and hit his own mechanics at a pit stop.

McLaren duo Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button-the home favourites-finished eighth and 10th.

Standings: Alonso 129, Webber 116, Vettel 100 German Grand Prix — July 22 Fernando Alonso started from pole position and dominated the race in consummate style, leading from start to finish.

Home favorite Sebastian Vettel was handed a 20-second penalty for running off the track at a hairpin exit as he tried to pass Jenson Button on the penultimate lap. The penalty bumped him from second to fifth and left Button in second. Button’s McLaren team-mate Lewis Hamilton had hoped to make his 100th Formula One race a memorable one, but had to retire after a series of problems including a puncture caused by debris left on the circuit following an early crash involving Felipe Massa, Romain Grosjean and Bruno Senna of Williams.

Standings: Alonso 154, Webber 120, Vettel 110 Hungarian Grand Prix — July 29 Lewis Hamilton delivered a flawless drive from pole position to the chequered flag to revive his title challenge, resisting

strong late pressure from Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton’s win was his second of the year and the 19th of his career. Raikkonen’s Lotus teammate Romain Grosjean and defending world champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull came in third and fourth, with Fernando Alonso in fifth. As they climbed the podium, a grinning Hamilton said to Raikkonen: “It’s just like old times, Kimi.”

Standings: Alonso 164, Webber 124, Vettel 122 Belgian Grand Prix — Sept 2 Jenson Button claimed his second win of the year and 14th of his career in a race marred by a horrific first-bend crash that took out his team-mate Lewis Hamilton, championship leader Fernando Alonso, and Romain Grosjean. Grosjean’s Lotus went airborne as he tried to get past Hamilton, a move that earned the Frenchman a one-race ban and fine.

Sebastian Vettel took second with Kimi Raikkonen third to complete a podium of champions. Michael Schumacher, in his 300th Grand Prix and back at his favourite circuit where he made his debut in 1991, finished seventh.

Standings: Alonso 164, Vettel 140, Webber 132 Italian Grand Prix — Sept 9 Lewis Hamilton won his third race of the year with a commanding drive from pole position which moved him up to second in the drivers’ standings. Sauber’s Sergio Perez roared through the field to finish second, with Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso claiming third to extend his championship lead. But a retirement dashed the title hopes of Hamilton’s McLaren team-mate Jenson Button. The race was also overshadowed by speculation over Hamilton’s future after he admitted his team for next year was undecided.

Standings: Alonso 179, Hamilton 142, Raikkonen 141.—AFP

All eyes on Hamilton before Singapore race

McLaren aims for pole position PARIS: McLaren aims for pole position in Paris McLaren Automotive will use its Paris Motor Show appearance to preview its next generation ultimate supercar - the P1 - which takes much of its technological and spiritual inspiration from the company’s Racing division. P1 has one simple goal: to be the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

At the Paris Motor Show, Mondial de l’Automobile 2012, P1 is previewed as a design study. Next year a production version, which the company aims to put on sale within 12 months, will be revealed.

‘P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,’ says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis. ‘Twenty years ago

we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with P1 is to redefine it once again.’

‘Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit’, says McLaren Automotive Managing Director Antony Sheriff. ‘It is the true test of a supercar’s all round ability and a much more important technical statement. It will be the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.’

When P1 goes into production later next year, it will sit above the 12C and 12C Spider, in terms of both price and performance.

SINGAPORE: Formula One enfant terrible Lewis Hamilton is again in the spotlight this week as fevered speculation over his future dominates the build-up to the Singapore Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old Briton lies second in the standings behind Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso, after a consummate drive in Italy brought his third win of the season and renewed hope of a second world title.

Formula One is embarking on a four-stop Asian swing, from Singapore’s glittering, skyscraper-studded night race, to Japan, South Korea and India, which may settle this year’s unpredictable title race. But the precocious Hamilton’s off-track affairs are dominating headlines after he admitted his future was undecided at long-term employer McLaren, and a reported cooling of relations with team-mate Jenson Button.

The 2008 world champion brought a sharp rebuke from Button after he tweeted sensitive team information during this month’s Belgian Grand Prix. His muted victory celebrations in Italy were widely noted. In the run-up to Singapore, the 14th of 20 races, Hamilton stressed he was “happy with McLaren”-but said he had not committed to any team next season, when he is out of contract.

Mercedes are courting his signature.

“No, I haven’t committed to any team as yet. I don’t have a timeline either,” Hamilton said, at a promotional event in Mumbai.

“I won my first world championship with McLaren and I am happy with their background, the people and environment there,” he added. It is the latest in a series of distractions for Hamilton, whose 2011 season was affected by problems with his girlfriend, Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, and who lost his aunt to cancer last

month. The bejewelled driver won on Singapore’s “darty”, demanding street circuit in 2009, but retired with a puncture in 2010 and finished fifth last year after tangling with Ferrari’s Felipe Massa.

“Both those races were unlucky for me-I think I need a better roll of the dice this time around!” he told the Formula One website.

Alonso meanwhile will look to stretch his 37point lead over Hamilton-with Lotus’s Kimi Raikkonen and defending champion Sebastian Vettel not far behind-in a Ferrari car written off at the start of the year as a dud.

The softly spoken Alonso has won in Malaysia,

his home country Spain, and Germany, and has finished out of the points only once, when he retired in Belgium after a pile-up on the first corner.

Vettel, who became Formula One’s youngest double champion last year, is struggling in the pursuit of a third straight world title in a Red Bull car whose innovations have been crimped by new technical rules.

However Raikkonen has impressed in his return to Formula One from rallying, while Sauber’s young Mexican Sergio Perez claimed his second runnerup spot this year in Italy-fuelling speculation he could replace Massa at Ferrari.—AFP

Lewis Hamilton in action in this file photo

Toyota Hybrid dominates World Endurance Championship Next race at Bahrain International Circuit DUBAI: Toyota Racing’s TS030 Hybrid driven by Alex Wurz and Nicolas Lapierre, led from start to finish for the team’s first victory in just its third race with a dominant performance in the Six Hours of Sao Paulo at Interlagos, the fifth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship which took place in Brazil. Alex and Nicolas started from pole position as the #7 Toyota car maintained its record of having led every race in which it has competed, and also sealed Toyota’s first victory in an FIA world championship race since the 1999 Rally of China.

Toyota’s last success in international endurance racing came 20 years back when the TS010 won at Monza in 1992.

This victory completes a remarkable journey for the THS-R ( Toyota Hybrid System - Racing). The project to develop a hybrid system for motorsport began in 2006 under Hisatake Murata, now Hybrid Project Leader at Toyota Racing. The project created history in July 2007 when a Toyota Supra became the first-ever hybrid winner, in the Tokachi 24 Hours. The pioneering super capacitor technology has been extensively developed, reducing weight and increasing power, leading to the unique powertrain in the TS030 Hybrid.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President of Toyota Racing said, “This is an incredible day for all of us. To stand on the top step of the podium has been our dream and to

achieve this in only our third race is a dream come true. Thanks to everyone involved in this project; so much hard work has gone into this and victory makes it all worthwhile.

Thanks also to Audi for a clean fight; we really enjoyed competing with them and they were very fair. We have huge respect for them and what they have achieved over the past decade and more; to beat such a strong opponent has not been easy.

It’s not only a fantastic result for Toyota Racing, it also shows how exciting the FIA World Endurance Championship is. We know Audi will come back strongly in the next races so we are looking forward to continuing our close, and genuinely friendly, rivalry.”

Hisatake Murata, Hybrid Project leader said, “The project to develop a hybrid system for motorsport started back in 2006; at the time it seemed like an almost impossible task. But thanks to the dedication of my colleagues at Motor Sport Division, Toyota Motor Corporation’s Hybrid Department, Toyota Motorsport GmbH and ORECA, we have turned this dream into a reality. Today the system performed flawlessly and it was very clear how the 300hp of boost made a real difference to our lap times. The hydraulic braking and energy recovery worked in perfect harmony so I am very proud of what we have achieved. To win against tough, experienced opposition like Audi with such an advanced technology is a great credit to everyone involved.”

Nicolas Lapierre started the race maintaining his lead into the first corner and set the pace upfront before Alex Wurz took over and extended the lead to over a minute. With two-and-a-half-hours to go, Lapierre extended the #7 TS030 Hybrid’s lead to a complete lap. As the race entered its final hour, Lapierre handed over to Wurz; a very short fuel stop with just a few minutes to go allowed him to take a welldeserved victory by over a minute.

Toyota Racing Team Driver, Alex Wurz added, “I am proud to be a Toyota driver.

Toyota has developed this incredible hybrid technology and I think we have shown it today. Our Toyota Hybrid System Racing has been simply outstanding.

I like Interlagos, a circuit that is really special for me, so it is a great feeling to win here with Toyota Racing in only our third race. Thank you to the entire team and Nicolas for doing a great job. It was not easy and we pushed like crazy. The key was certainly the tyre management and we were able to make the difference in the second stint thanks to our Michelin tyres.

Our team President said at Le Mans “you watch, we push”. We will continue in this way during the following races.”

Toyota Racing’s next action comes at the Bahrain International Circuit for the Six Hours of Bahrain on 29 September when Wurz and Lapierre will again be driving the Toyota Hybrid No.7 TS030.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

sp orts

Sabol brought the NFL down to eye level NEW YORK: Without ever playing a down in the pros, Steve Sabol got millions to fall hard for the NFL. The older you are, the more likely that is.

Before Sabol and his father, Ed, came along in the early 1960s, football looked lost on TV. The players seemed small and faceless, like cogs in a machine. All the histrionics on the sidelines between the plays seemed pointless.

Neither the contact on the field nor the crowd in the background produced much above an audible hum.

Watching was only slightly more entertaining than playing a board game popular at the time called “Electric Football.” It hummed a lot, too. Then the Sabols hauled all those cameras and mics down to eye level and occasionally peeked behind the scenes. The modest father-son enterprise that became NFL Films made the game look and sound exactly like the messy, sometimes-noble human enterprise it was.

Just before the snap you heard

coaches hollering instructions and often as not afterward, cursing their fate or pleading with the refs. In between, the players wrestled or flew around in a dizzying ballet and then collided, grunting and groaning all the while. By slowing down the action and cranking up the volume, the Sabols revealed a game that was faster, more graceful, much more violent and yet somehow more intricate than most of us imagined.

In lockstep with TV, the NFL began its steady climb to the top of the sports heap, rarely putting a foot down wrong. It merged with the rival AFL and Monday Night Football took off. Great teams and rivalries popped up in every corner of the country.

As word of Steve Sabol’s death, at age 69 from brain cancer, reverberated across the league, evidence continued to roll in showing the NFL has never been more popular. Whether measured by revenues, fan interest or television ratings - viewership for the first two weeks of the season set

records - the NFL’s lead over its competitors is widening.

Yet Tuesday’s news was dominated by discussions about the miserable performance of the replacement officials the night before and Commissioner Roger Goodell’s running feud with several current and former New Orleans Saints about their role in a highly organized bounty scheme.

The first issue called into question the league’s commitment to the integrity of the game and the safety of its players. The way the people in charge have handled the second matter - releasing evidence in piecemeal fashion, and only when forced to they’ve only strengthened suspicions they have something to hide. In some ways, the game has rarely seemed more small-minded and distant from the myths Sabol painstakingly created. As both an all-Rocky Mountain Conference running back and art history major at Colorado College, he seemed uniquely qualified for the

work. Sabol wasn’t blind to the terrible toll the game extracted, how it broke players’ bodies and sometimes later in life, wiped away their memories and worse. He was put off by the commercialism, and troubled by the way players from the past were short-changed by the pension plan. Mostly, though, he wanted people to see and hear what he did. Sabol would have been delighted to hear the way a friend described his life’s work: “Baryshnikov had nothing on John Stallworth leaping for a pass in the end zone when you saw it through the lens of NFL Films.”

What’s sad is how recent events have convinced so many people with a stake in the game to lower their gaze. The Ravens-Eagles game had barely ended Sunday before Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco invited a fine by questioning whether the league understood too much was at stake to continue using replacement officials.

Earlier in that same game, one of those officials reportedly said to

Eagles running back LeSean McCoy, “I need you for my fantasy team.”

By the end of Monday night’s Denver-Atlanta game, the officiating was so bad that former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Steve Young tore into the league for locking out the regular officials in the first place and the tone-deaf way it’s responded to the mounting criticism since.

“The NFL doesn’t care what you think,” Young said more than once, explaining that was because the higher-ups knew fans would tune in to watch games - and money would continue to pour into the league’s coffers no matter who officiated them or how poorly.

That’s precisely the kind of arrogance that, in the hands of a filmmaker with Sabol’s consummate skill, would have foreshadowed a fall.

Here’s hoping that the league finds its bearings first, by remembering that no matter how big or complicated the game gets, it’s still people that make it go. —AP

Watson powers Australia to easy win over Ireland COLOMBO: Shane Watson’s allround brilliance powered Australia to an easy seven-wicket victory over Ireland in their opening Group B match of the Twenty20 World Cup yesterday.

Opening the bowling, Watson claimed three wickets for 26 runs and returned to hammer a 30-ball 51 as Australia chased down the 124-run victory target with 29 balls to spare. Watson and his opening partner David Warner (26) put a brisk 60run stand in the first seven overs to set the tone for what turned out to be a comfortable chase.

Australia lost their third wicket when Kevin O’Brien trapped Michael Hussey (10) in the 11th overs but Cameron White (22 not out) and captain George Bailey (six not out) stayed put to ensure an easy victory for the 2010 finalists.

Watson removed Irish captain William Porterfield with the first ball of the match and later broke a dangerous-looking fifth wicket partnership between the O’Brien brothers - Niall (20) and Kevin - both of whom fell to the blond Australian.

“It wasn’t as much a wicket-ball I suppose,” Watson said referring to his first d elivery that dismissed t he I rish captain.

“But it just w orked out luckily enough.”

“I t was a blueprint for this game and I am not exactly sure that is going to absolutely continue,” he said on h is role as a new ball bowler. “Depending on the teams, we will play in the conditions I suppose that could potentially change.”

Watson was involved in the dismissal of the other Irish opene r P aul Stirling (seven), c atching him off f ast bowler Mitchell Starc i n the fourth over as Ireland lost th ere s econd wicket wit h 15 runs on the board. “Stirling is a quality hitter of the ball. So we knew that was a v ery important wicket, as well as ( the wicket of ) K evin O’Brien,” Watson said.

Ireland, having elected to bat first, never really recovered after losing their captain to the first ball and slumped to 33 for four wickets in 7.2 overs.

Irish skipper Porterfield said they lost too may wickets in quick successions which denied them a bigger total. “If we had come up with an extra 40-45 runs it would have given us a chance,” he said.

At one stage, even the 100-mark looked a distant possibility for Ireland but they s till managed to post 123 for seven wickets largely because of the 52run fifth wicket stand between the O’Brien brothers. — Reuters

SCOREBOARD COLOMBO: Scoreboard of the Australia v Ireland Group B match of the Twenty20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

Ireland: W. Porterfield c Starc b Watson 0 P. Stirling c Watson b Starc 7 E. Joyce c Warner b Maxwell 16 N. O’Brien b Watson 20 G. Wilson lbw b Hogg 5 K. O’Brien cWade b Watson 35 A. Cusack not out 15 T. Johnston b Starc 7 N. Jones not out 14 Extras (lb-3,w-1) 4 Total (For 7 wickets; 20 overs) 123 Fall of wickets: 1-0 2-15 3-25 4-33 5-85 6-86 7-101.

Bowling: Watson 4-0-26-3, Starc 4-0-20-

2, Cummins 4-0-29-0, Maxwell 2-0-12-1, Christian 2-0-11-0, Hogg 4-0-22-1.

Australia: D. Warner c K O’Brien b Dockrell 26 S. Watson run out 51 M. Hussey lbw b K O’Brien 10 C. White not out 22 G. Bailey not out 6 Extras (lb-4, w-6) 10 Total (3 wickets; 15.1 overs) 125 Fall of wickets: 1-60 2-91 3-95.

Bowling: Rankin 4-0-28-0, Johnston 20-21-0, Cusack 2-0-10-0, Dockrell 3.1-031-1, Stirling 1-0-13-0, K. O’Brien 3-018-1.

COLOMBO: Australia’s batsman Shane Watson plays a shot during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match against Ireland. —AP

Al-Qana’ei to attend AIPS meeting in Azerbaijan KUWAIT: Kuwait Journalists Association’s Secretary Faisal AlQana’ei heads to Baku, Azerbaijan today to take part in a meeting for the Executive Committee of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), ahead of the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which takes place in Azerbaijan from Sept 22 to Oct 13.

Al-Qana’ei attends the meeting as the Vice President of AIPS, as well as the First Deputy Chairman of the Asian Sports Press Union (ASPU).

Faisal Al-Qana’ei

COLOMBO: Afghanistan’s batsman Karim Sadiq (right) plays a shot as India’s wicket keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni watches during their ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup match. —AP

Fearless Afghanistan go down fighting to India COLOMBO: Former champions India endured a scare from fearless Afghanistan before recording a 23-run win in the World Twenty20 in Colombo yesterday.

India, sent in to bat, took advantage of their rivals’ butter-fingered display to recover from a bad start and post 159-5, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 50 off 38 balls.

The Afghans, batting with gay abandon, raced to a comfortable 75-2 in the 12th over before a late collapse saw the non-Test side being bowled out for 136 with three balls to spare.

Mohammad Nabi was the star batsman with an aggressive 31 off 17 balls with two boundaries and as many sixes, while Karim Sadiq made 26 and skipper Nawroz Mangal chipped in with 22.

Seamer Lakshmipathy Balaji and left-arm spinner Yuvraj Singh claimed three wickets each and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took two, but India were for tunate to emerge unscathed from the group A match.

The Afghans continued to attack till the end, but the loss of regular wickets cost them an unlikely win.

Tall left-arm seamer Shapoor Zardan gave the Afghans a superb start when he removed openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag by the fifth over with only 22 runs on the board.

But Afghanistan, playing their second World Twenty20, were let down by a shod-

dy display in the field, dropping four catches, two of them return catches by Mohammad Nabi. Yuvraj, who opened his account with a six, put on 46 for the third wicket with Kohli before he was caught at third-man off spinner Karim Sadiq. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni hit a four and six off

the final two deliveries to carry India past the 150-run mark. India play defending champions England next in Colombo on Sunday. Afghanistan await England at the same venue on Friday. The top two teams from the group will advance to the Super Eights round. —AFP

SCOREBOARD COLOMBO: Scoreboard of the World Twenty20 group A match between Afghanistan and India at the Premadasa stadium yesterday.

India G. Gambhir b Shapoor 10 V. Sehwag c Shahzad b Shapoor 8 V. Kohli c Nabi b Dawlat 50 Y. Singh c Shapoor b Sadiq 18 S. Raina b Nabi 38 M. Dhoni not out 18 R. Sharma not out 1 Extras: (lb2, w14) 16 Total (for five wickets, 20 overs) 159 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Gambhir), 2-22 (Sehwag), 3-68 (Yuvraj), 4-114 (Kohli), 5-148 (Raina).

Bowling: Shapoor 4-0-33-2 (w4), Dawlat 4-025-1 (w4), Naib 2-0-15-0, Sadiq 4-0-33-1, Nabi 4-0-35-1 (w6), Shenwari 2-0-16-0 Afghanistan Mohammad Shahzad c Yuvraj b Balaji 18 Nawroz Mangal lbw b Yuvraj 22

Karim Sadiq c Gambhir b Yuvraj 26 Asghar Stanikzai c Dhoni b Yuvraj 6 Mohammad Nabi c Sharma b Ashwin 31 Samiullah Shenwari c and b Ashwin 1 Shafiqullah Shafaq lbw b Pathan 8 Gulbodin Naib c Raina b Balaji 5 Najibullah Zadran run out 5 Dawlat Zadran b Balaji 8 Shapoor Zadran not out 0 Extras: (lb2, w3, nb1) 6 Total (all out, 19.3 overs) 136 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Shahzad), 2-52 (Mangal), 3-75 (Sadiq), 4-75 (Stanikzai), 5-76 (Shenwari), 6-100 (Shafiqullah), 7-119 (Nabi), 8-125 (Najibullah), 9-136 (Naib), 10-136 (Dawlat).

Bowling: Zaheer 3-0-32-0, Pathan 4-0-29-1 (nb1), Balaji 3.3-0-19-3 (w1), Sharma 1-0-100, Yuvraj 4-0-24-3, Ashwin 4-0-20-2 (w2) India won by 23 runs

Preview

South Africa looks to end Zimbabwe’s Twenty20 run HAMBANTOTA: South Africa hopes to end Zimbabwe’s World Twenty20 campaign today when the African teams meet in a Group D match.

Sri Lanka crushed Zimbabwe by 82 runs in the tournament opener on Tuesday and another defeat will bring the curtains down on Zimbabwe as only the top two teams from the four groups advance to the Super Eights.

South Africa’s Hashim Amla says his teammates were more interested in how the pitch played at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in this south-

ern port city, rather than the result.

“I think more importantly for us was how the wicket reacted and the kind of scores you are looking at (in) this ground and also the size of the field,” Amla said. “I think that was more important to us than what happened in the game.”

The staggering bowling figures of 6-8 from Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis on Tuesday would have encouraged the Proteas spinners, former captain Johan Botha and Robin Pietersen.

Fast bowler Albie Morkel was nursing a back complaint and had a scan on Tuesday.

But manager Mohammad Moosaji said the paceman will hopefully be available for selection.

Zimbabwe coach Alan Butcher said it was a big disappointment to see his batsmen being dismissed for 100 in 17.3 overs after Sri Lanka posted a challenging 182-4.

“Obviously it’s our last chance to progress in the tournament and to do so we will have to put in a vastly improved performance than against Sri Lanka,” he said. “But we have to pick ourselves up and be positive against what we know is a very good side.” —AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

S P ORT S

Losing well to Real is progress for City Ulsan, Bunyodkor hold edge in AFC quarters SINGAPORE: South Korea’s Ulsan Hyundai eked out a narrow win and Uzbek champions Bunyodkor fought back to draw Adelaide United 2-2 as the AFC Champions League quarter-finals got under way yesterday.

Ulsan had Brazilian striker Rafinha’s deflected shot to thank for their 1-0 firstleg victory over Al Hilal, while Bunyodkor will have the psychological edge for next month’s return tie after rescuing a precious point in Adelaide.

In yesterday’s later matches, World Cupwinning coach Marcello Lippi’s Guangzhou Evergrande take on two-time champions Al Ittihad in Jeddah, and Iran’s Foolad Sepahan are against Al Ahli in Isfahan. In Ulsan, Rafinha found the net after nine minutes with a shot which took a wicked deflection off Al Hilal captain Majed Al Marshadi on its way past goalkeeper Abdullah Mohammed.

The Saudi visitors had their chances to level and Ulsan were grateful to goalkeeper Kim Young-Kwang, who made a fine save at the death to deny Abdulaziz Al Dosari.

Earlier in Adelaide, the Reds, finalists in 2008, had looked in command with a 2-0 lead after the first 18 minutes through goals

by Iain Ramsay and Evan Kostopoulos.

But the match turned on an incident just before half-time, when Adelaide defender Nigel Boogaard was shown the red card for bringing down Kamoliddin Murzoev, who was through on goal with only keeper Eugene Galekovic to beat.

Jasur Khasanov scored directly from the

resulting free kick with a brilliant left-foot strike to the top right-hand corner for the Uzbeks to trail 2-1 at half-time.

It was all Bunyodkor in the second half and they equalised in the 75th minute when Shavkat Salomov pounced on a missed clearance from defender Iain Fyfe to beat Galekovic from close range.

Bunyodkor could have taken a one-goal advantage to their home second leg in Tashkent on October 3, only to be denied by a brave block from defender Antony Golec at the near post in stoppage time.

Bunyodkor, who have yet to beat Adelaide United in three meetings in this season’s competition, have two important away goals in their favour for the second leg to progress to the semi-finals of the Asian showpiece. “We played them off the park for the first 30-40 minutes,” Adelaide coach John Kosmina said. “But we did not take our chances and allowed them back into the game. “We got a bit too complacent and comfortable at 2-0, but I am confident we can go over to Uzbekistan and get a result.” Later Guangzhou, Lippi’s expensively assembled Chinese champions who are making their debut, take on the 10year-old tournament’s most successful club, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad, who lifted the trophy in 2004 and 2005. In Isfahan, Al Ahli, the third Saudi club still standing, will make their first appearance in the quarterfinals since 2005 when they take on former group rivals Sepahan at the Foolad Shahr Stadium. The second legs will take place on October 2 and 3. — AFP

SPAIN: Jose Mourinho should send his dry-cleaning bill to Roberto Mancini, with an attached note: “Roberto, will you pay this? It was, after all, partly your fault.” Sliding on his knees in exaltation across the turf of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, leaving grass stains on his trousers, must have exasperated the Real Madrid manager’s tailor.

But the celebration was a backhanded compliment to Mancini and his team, Manchester City. It showed that Mourinho regards the English champion as a force to be reckoned with, even though this is only its second Champions League season. Mourinho surely would not have soiled his beautiful suit had this been a mere run-of-the-mill Madrid victory over one of Europe’s lesser teams. And that, for City, must count as progress. Of course, losing 3-2 to a Cristiano Ronaldo goal in the 89th minute stings. “It’s not on,” grumbled City’s goalkeeper, Joe Hart. But as they regroup for their Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday, Hart and his teammates should draw some consolation from City’s club motto: “Superbia in proelio” - “Pride in battle.” Because, for 89 minutes in Madrid, they brought that phrase alive.

Returning to Manchester with a point from Madrid would have been better for City, three would have been ideal. But the first match of any Champions League campaign is important for broadcasting statements of intent, too.

In unpicking Dynamo Kiev 4-1, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and other stars recruited by Paris SaintGermain in an estimated euro 260 million splurge since June 2011 started to prove that they are more than just clotheshorses for brand Qatar. More performances like that will send Europe the message that the wealth of PSG’s Gulf owners is genuinely making the Parc des Princes a daunting venue for visiting teams, and not just a parking lot for the players’ luxury cars. At Manchester United, manager Alex Ferguson intends to demonstrate that last year’s failure to reach the Champions League knockout stage won’t become a habit. Goals from Lukas Podolski and Gervinho proved there is still life at Arsenal without Robin van Persie. The same cannot be said of 7-time European champion AC Milan, jeered off the pitch after a scoreless draw with Anderlecht that showed how sorely Ibrahimovic will be missed at the San Siro.

The messages City sent from Madrid were mixed.

In 42 seasons of European competition, Madrid never lost its opening match at the Bernabeu. At 2-1, City was just 5 minutes away from ruining that record dating back to 1955. That City came so close to what would have amounted to a coup d’etat in European football should worry its other opponents in Group D, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax Amsterdam. And it planted a giant “HANDLE WITH EXTREME CAUTION” sign for Madrid’s return trip to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester on Nov. 21.

SPAIN: Real Madrid’s coach Jose Mourinho from Portugal reacts after Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal during a Group D Champions League soccer match against Manchester City. — AP Yaya Toure showed he can reverse the tide of a game almost single-handed for City with his rampaging runs from midfield, brushing off opponents like a bowling ball through pins. Hart was impenetrable as a wall in the first half when Madrid played by far the best football. Carlos Tevez, so disgraceful 12 months ago when he wouldn’t do as he was told by Mancini, was a model of selfless dedication to the team, tireless and patient in a lonely attacking role.

Hart’s bitterness after Karim Benzema and then Ronaldo dramatically scored twice in four minutes to win was encouraging, too, because it demonstrated that City traveled to Madrid with more ambition than simply to acquit itself decently. “We’re not a team that should come here and pat ourselves on the back for doing well. We’re a team that gets results,” Hart said.

Well, not this time. But the unprecedented $1 billion spent by Abu Dhabi Sheik Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan to utterly transform City since he bought the club in 2008 makes it easy to overlook how far it has come so quickly and that Tuesday was City’s first time playing Madrid.

City was playing lower league English football when Madrid was winning its seventh, eighth and ninth European titles in 1998, 2000 and 2002. In the late 1980s, when Madrid was jetting off to play the

likes of Milan and PSV Eindhoven, City supporters were keeping up their spirits in what was then England’s Division Two by taking inflatable bananas, balls, giraffes and dinosaurs to games.

That’s old history now, but history weighs on the present, too. Individually, many of Mancini’s players have ample experience. Toure, for example, won the 2009 Champions League with Barcelona. But they looked inexperienced when they were leading Madrid - which, as a team, in that situation, they still are. The defending was too often chaotic and the ball-retention poor, making it too easy for Madrid to get back into the game twice and, finally, to win it.

City was especially vulnerable down the right flank, with Marcelo and Ronaldo given too much space to strike. Just as Tottenham’s Gareth Bale before him, Ronaldo exposed Maicon, City’s Brazilian rightback hired from Inter in August, as sluggish against the speediest, most slippery attackers. And why Vincent Kompany ducked rather than parry Ronaldo’s winning strike was a mystery - even to Hart, who immediately remonstrated with his captain.

Still, that City pushed Madrid so hard is something.

Not every team causes Mourinho to mess up a fine pair of trousers in joy and relief. It isn’t what City wanted, but it is progress.— AP

World’s best Street Style footballers head for Italy Karam Humaidani: ‘My goal is to advance to the quarterfinals’

F

Tiger Woods

Tiger happy with season, despite major drought ATLANTA: Tiger Woods has not won a major title in more than four years but he is delighted with his progress this season, highlighted by three victories on the PGA Tour, after a frustrating 2011 campaign cut short by injury.

The American former world number one missed three months, and two of the four majors, last year after injuring his Achilles during the Masters in April.

“This has been a really good season to come back from last year, not being able to play at all, and then being able to train properly and practise properly,” Woods told reporters on Wednesday ahead of this week’s Tour Championship.

“Hence I’m producing the results I know I can produce. I’ve made some great strides this year. I went from probably most of my career not being a very good driver of the ball to now being one of the better ones out here on tour. “That is exciting for me. That is one of the reasons why my scoring average is where it’s at right now. I’ve been very consistent.”Helped by his three wins on the 2012 PGA Tour, Woods lies second behind Rory McIlroy in the FedExCup points standings coming into this week for the fourth and final playoff event of the season.

He also occupies second place in the scoring average charts, his 68.892 being trumped only by McIlroy’s 68.836. “My short game is finally starting to come around too, which is nice,” said Woods. “I made some good changes this summer, and they’re finally start-

ing to click in.” Asked what he still needed to do to clinch a 15th major title, Woods replied: “I think just putting it all together at the right time. I’ve put it together at three events this year. They just happen to be not the major championships.

“I just need to have those weeks where I put it together and coincide with a major.

They’re not easy to do. I haven’t really done it that often. I’ve done it 14 times ... so they’re a little harder to do.”

Woods won the most recent of his 14 major titles at the 2008 US Open before his game went into decline after the 2009 season following assorted leg injuries and the breakdown of his marriage.

However, the American has been in good health since October and he ended a twoyear winless streak with victory in December at the limited-field Chevron World Challenge which he hosts in California. This week, though, Woods is fully focused on trying to land FedExCup honours for a third time, having previously triumphed in 2007 and 2009.

“It really would top it off,” the world number two said. “I’ve had a really good season, and to win the Tour Championship, the FedExCup, and then have my fourth win ... all of those are positive things.

“These are the 30 of the hottest players this year, so you’re beating a really good field,” Woods said of the elite field at East Lake. “The guys are all playing well. I’ve done it twice, and hopefully I can do it again.” —Reuters

ifty of the world’s best street style soccer players will be showing off their extraordinary skills at the 2012 Red Bull Street Style World Finals in Lecce, Italy on Sept 22 after winning their national championships in preliminary events staged around the world.

“It’s a great honor to represent Kuwait at the Red Bull Street Style World Final in Italy. I have trained a lot for this competition and watched videos of my opponents in order to plan my tactics.

My goal is to advance to the quarter finals and if I do that I will be the first Arabic person to do so.” said an excited Karam Humaidani.

The world’s best street style players will be battling it out for glory in the most prestigious freestyle football championship that will be held this year in the “Heel of the Boot” in the southern

Red Bull Street Style

Karam Humaidani performing

Italian town of Lecce from September 20-22. After previous world championships held in Sao Paulo, Brazil (2008) and Cape Town (2010), the 2012 finals will be held for the first time in Europe, where the winners from the 50 national championships in the sport that combines soccer with rhythm and style will do their best to impress a jury with their eyecatching tricks and movements. The rules of the game are simple: 3 minutes, 2 players, 1 ball.

The setting for the 2012 world finals could hardly be more dramatic. Discovered at the beginning of 1900, the Roman Amphitheatre of Lecce is located in the very city centre, in Sant’Oronzo square.

For it dimensions, it’s among the most important Roman monuments in Puglia. Italy freestyle Guenther Celli, a native of Brescia who won the Italian national finals on May 5 in Pavia, will be trying to win the title for Italy after Arnaud “Sean” Garnier of France won the 2008 finals and Norway’s

Anders “Azun” Solum won the 2010 title.

Red Bull Street Style has grown incredibly popular in football bastions around the world. Athletes go head-to-head, expressing themselves while showing off their various ball tricks with their bodies. The jury evaluates the athletes’ style, technique, and creativity in combination with music.

The jury members, chosen from the fields of soccer and breakdance, will evaluate control, creativity and style. It will include Soufiane Touzani (NED/Overall), Hee Young Woo (KOR/Control), Erik “Palle” Sjolander (SWE/Best Trick), Omar “Roxrite” Macias (MEX/Style), Pippo Inzaghi and Fabio Cannavaro (ITA/Creativity), The competitors will challenge each other, alternating control of the ball every 30 seconds. The players will take turns executing their most spectacular tricks in one-on-one battles following the rhythm of the music.

TACK organizes Super 7 Cricket Tournament KUWAIT: TACK kick started its 2012/2013 cricket season with the introduction of 7A-Side One Day Festival tournament on Sept 14, 2012 with the participation of as many as 32 teams. What gave this tournament an added impetus was the involvement of top cricketers from all over Kuwait and an exciting concept that saw many close fought games.

The “knock out” nature of the format meant that only the winners progressed to the next round and the losers had to head home. The biggest upset of the day saw pre tournament favorites “Safety Plus Dashers” knocked out by the dangerous “Desert Scorpions” in the preliminary matches.

On the other hand, “ Titans” and “Aroma” qualified for the finals after playing some nerve wrecking league matches that saw Aroma qualify to the finals after their batsman Bilal managed to hit a six of the last ball to eventually see his team through to the finals whereas on the other hand “Titans” came through a stiff challenge from “Desert Scorpions” in

the quarter finals and “NAPESCO” in the semi finals and qualified to the finals in the very last over. Thereafter, the final match between “Titans” and “Aroma” turned out to be an easy affair for the “Titans” as they were clinical enough in

Winners TITANS

ensuring a comfortable and well deserved victory over Aroma with the major contribution coming from their star player “Farhan” who was also named Man of the Tournament. The winners and runners up prizes were handed out by

the “Chief Guest - Mahmoud Abdullah” who has been sponsoring the TACK tournaments for many years now and through his continuous support; TACK has seen a lot of success in its short history. Getting the tournament completed in

Runners-Up AROMA CC

one day with as many as 32 matches would not have been possible without the contributions from TACK Organizing committee who were instrumental in organizing and overseeing the successful completion of all matches.

19

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

S P ORT S

Juventus fightback steals the spotlight from Oscar

MUNICH: Bayern’s Philipp Lahm (front) and Valencia’s Jonas challenge for the ball during the Group F Champions League soccer match. — AP

Bayern ease to victory over 10-man Valencia MUNICH: Bayern Munich produced a dominant performance here yesterday in their Champions League opener to beat Spanish opponents Valencia 2-1 in what was a repeat of the 2001 Champions League final which Bayern had won on penalties.

Bastian Schweinsteiger gave Munich the lead in the 38th minute and then Toni Kroos doubled the advantage after 76 minutes for the 2012 finalists. Nelson Valdez pulled a goal back a minute into injury time. Bayern’s Croatian international striker Mario Mandzukic could have restored the two goal advantage but his penalty was saved in the third minute of injury-time after Valencia’s Adil Rami was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Bayern were rarely challenged until Valdez’s late goal in the showdown in Group F, which sees them top the group with Belarus side BATE Borisov, who stunned French side Lille 3-1 also on Wednesday.

Munich boss Jupp Heynckes made four changes to his Bundesliga line-up from the weekend with Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Claudio Pizarro returning while new buy Javi Martinez made his first start in the place of Luiz Gustavo.

Valencia had three changes from the weekend with Joao Pereira, Ricardo Costa and Andres Guardado. Bayern had the first chance of the game after four minutes but Kroos shot over the bar from 11 yards out.

Munich never let up and continued to dominate, Kroos was close again 15 minutes later but Valencia keeper Diego Alves made a good save.

Then Robben’s dangerous shot in the 35th minute was deflected wide right and Dante’s header was fisted away just seconds later. Bayern finally broke through after 38 minutes with Ribery passing to Robben, who instead of shooting passed to Schweinsteiger and the midfielder’s effort was deflected by Aly Cissokho into the far corner to make it 1-0 for the hosts.

The Spanish side finally ventured forward in the 52nd minute but Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer had no problem stopping Guardado’s long distance strike.

The energetic Kroos went close again in the 58th minute with a blast from the edge of the box which keeper Diego Alves had to tip over his crossbar.

Valencia had another chance in the 68th minute on a counter attack but Jerome Boateng deflected Sofiane Feghouli’s attempt for a corner. Kroos found the back of the net in the 76th minute with a right foot blast into the upper left corner from about 18 yards out to wrap up the points.

Valencia pulled a goal back a minute into injury time with a header by Valdez but Mandzukic’s hopes of scoring on his Champions League debut were frustrated as Diego Alves got down to save his penalty. — AFP

Shakhtar blank CL debutants DONETSK: A double from Armenian midfielder Henrik Mkhitaryan gave Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk a 2-0 win over Danish Champions League debutants Nordsjaelland here yesterday in their opening Group E match.

Mkhitaryan’s double-one in each halftook his tally this season to 11 goals in 14 games in league and Champions League.

Shakhtar’s highly-rated Brazilian forward Willian-who had been a target for Tottenham Hotspur in the summer-had made a couple of bright runs early on for the hosts but sent one effort wide and the other one had been goalbound before being deflected for a corner.

However, it was Nordsjaelland who had the first shot on target as 36-year-old veteran midfielder Nicolai Stokholm let fly with a great effort which Shakhtar goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov was equal to. The Danish side were more than holding their own and American central defender Michael Parkhurst exemplified that by getting his head in the way of a Razvan Rat volley

which laid him out.

However, the hosts were beginning to turn the screw and Mkhitaryan and then Rat both went close with efforts as the half came to a conclusion.

Mkhitaryan then missed with a volley but, a minute from half time, he finally put away a chance to add to his growing reputation as a marksman.

The lively Mkhitaryan had a great chance to double his side’s lead 13 minutes into the second half but Nordsjaelland goalkeeper Jesper Hansen got down well to block his effort.

The classy Armenian, though, made no mistake 14 minutes from time when he knocked the ball home after the ball came back to him following his initial attempt to play in a teammate.

Hansen had been outstanding all night and, having denied Willian’s curling effort, he then came to his side’s rescue late on with a double save from Shakhtar ’s Croatian captain Darijo Srna and then the Czech Tomas Hubschman. — AFP

UKRAINE: Henrik Mkhitaryan (right) of Shakhtar Donetsk challenges for the ball against Jores Okore of Danish FC Nordsjaelland during a Group E Champions League match. — AP

LONDON: Juventus stunned Champions League holders Chelsea as Fabio Quagliarella’s late strike rescued a dramatic 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge and ruined Oscar’s command performance for the Blues yesterday.

Oscar marked his first start for Chelsea with an impressive brace that included a stunning solo effort to fire Roberto Di Matteo’s side into a 2-0 lead before half-time in their Group E opener. But the Brazil midfielder’s heroics were in vain thanks to a gutsy recovery from the Italian champions, who reduced the deficit before the break through Arturo Vidal and salvaged a point with 10 minutes left thanks to Quagliarella’s clinical finish. While Blues boss Di Matteo, who splashed out £25 million to sign Oscar from Internacional during the close-season, will have been encouraged by his new recruit’s eye-catching display, it was Chelsea’s defensive frailties that were the defining factor.

“We found ourselves in a great position to win the game and we only got a draw but we knew we were playing a quality side,” Di Matteo told Sky Sports. “We feel a little deflated because we were ahead but it’s going to be a tough group.” Asked about Oscar’s performance, Di Matteo added: “We were just waiting for the right game for him, it was wonderful to watch. The second goal was fantastic.” The Champions League trophy was paraded around Stamford Bridge by military personnel just before kick-off. And the fond memories of their final triumph over Bayern Munich in May seemed to inspire Di Matteo’s side as they set the early tempo. But Juventus had a glorious chance to snatch the lead against the run of play midway through the half. Andrea Barzagli floated a long pass over the top of the Chelsea defence and Claudio Marchisio’s run evaded the offside trap, yet, with only Petr Cech to beat, the midfielder’s first touch was poor and he could only poke a shot straight at the Chelsea goalkeeper.

There was more confusion in the Chelsea back-four soon after when Branislav Ivanovic carelessly conceded possession to Vidal, who slipped a pass through to Mirko Vucinic. The Juventus striker had a clear sight of goal but

LONDON: Chelsea’s Frank Lampard ( left) competes with Juventus’ Mirko Vucinic during their Champions League Group E soccer match at Stamford Bridge. — AP

dragged his shot wide. Chelsea made the visitors pay for their profligacy in the 31st minute as Oscar opened the scoring.

Eden Hazard slipped a pass to Oscar 25 yards from goal and the Juventus defence made the fatal mistake of standing off the Brazilian. He took full advantage with a power ful strike that a crucial deflection off Leonardo Bonucci as it flashed past Gianluigi Buffon. Oscar took the spotlight again just two minutes later. With his confidence skyhigh, the Brazilian collected Ashley Cole’s pass on the edge of the penalty area and fooled two Juventus defenders with a sublime flick to make space for a magnificent curling effort that raced into the top corner of Buffon’s goal.

At that point Chelsea were rampant, but their lack of defensive solidity allowed Juventus back into the match in the 38th minute.

When Vidal took possession 30 yards out, he should have been closed down by the Chelsea rearguard. Instead they allowed the

midfielder to advance to the edge of the area and drill a low strike past Cech. It took a fine stop from Buffon to keep Juventus in with a chance early in the second half as the veteran goalkeeper pushed away Ivanovic’s dipping shot, while Juan Mata, on as a substitute for Oscar, fired into the side-netting.

But Juventus, back in the Champions League after a three-year absence, were unbeaten in their last 42 Serie A games and they showed the spirit that characterised that epic run to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the 80th minute.

Di Matteo’s men were the authors of their own downfall. John Obi Mikel made the first mistake as he surrendered possession and then Luiz and John Terry were caught trying to play offside, allowing Quagliarella to ran onto Marchisio’s pass and guide a clinical finish under Cech. Quagliarella could even have won it for Juventus in the final moments, but his looping shot clipped the crossbar. — AFP

Celtic held on return to Champions League GLASGOW: Celtic failed to get their Champions League campaign off to a flying start as they were held to a goalless draw by Group G rivals Benfica at Parkhead yesterday.

After an absence of four years the Hoops had been desperate to announce their arrival back in the competition with a win. But they had to settle for a point against the Lisbon side in a match where clear cut chances were few and far between.

Despite a frantic start the home side failed to test Benfica keeper Artur Moraes and it was the Portuguese who came closest with Fraser Forster doing well to deny Moreno Rodrigo’s shot. The keeper had to be sharp to denied Ezequiel Garay at the start of the second half while Celtic had a penalty appeal turned down after James Forrest fell in the box as neither side could make the breakthrough.

Favorites Barcelona top Group G after coming from behind to claim a 3-2 win over Spartak Moscow at Camp Nou. At Celtic Park, Gary Hooper, who had been struggling with a knock, was named on the bench as Miku started as the lone striker while Benfica left top scorer Oscar Cardozo on the bench.

In a frenzied start Celtic had a chance immediately when Kris Commons sent a chipped effort over the bar. The game was barely 90 seconds old when Miku set Commons up for another effort but his shot was blocked and the danger cleared.

Celtic were pinning Benfica back in their own half but despite their dominance of possession they failed to test the Portuguese keeper. However, Benfica, who topped a group containing Manchester United on their way to last season’s quarter-finals, fired a warning shot in the 32nd minute when Rodrigo chased a long ball behind the Celtic defence but Forster rushed from his line to block the Spaniard’s shot.

GLASGOW: Celtic’s Victor Wanyama (center) vies for the ball with Benfica’s Eduardo Salvio (right) and Nemanja Matic during their Champions League Group G soccer match.— AP

Moments later Benfica launched a quick counter-attack from a Celtic corner but Kelvin Wilson made an important tackle to stop Nicolas Gaitan just over the half way line.

Benfica came close to opening the scoring in the 62nd minute when Garay stooped low to get his head on Gaitan’s corner but Forster dived low to turn it round his near post.

The Portuguese side sensed an opportunity and Cardozo was soon off the bench to replace captain Pablo Aimar in a bid to get the winner.

In an attempt to reclaim the initiative Celtic

Bastos gives Cluj 2-0 win BRAGA: Rafael Bastos scored twice in the first half to give Cluj a 2-0 win at Braga yesterday in the Champions League. Bastos, a Braga reject, put the visitors ahead in the 19th when he linked up with Modou Sougou on a counterattack and slotted the ball past the goalkeeper.

The Brazilian struck again 15 minutes later, getting past three Braga defenders down the left before blasting the ball past Beto. Braga had most of the possession in northern Portugal but fell prey to the Romanian team’s quick counterattacks and ruthless finishing.

The triumph was Cluj’s second victory in three appearances in the competition. It had lost its previous five Champions League away matches. The teams are in Group H along with Manchester United and Galatasaray. Pantelis Kapetanos squandered a chance to increase the lead on a counterattack when he ran at Beto unchallenged but shot just wide. Mossoro, Eder and Hugo Viana, with a powerful volley, all tested Cluj goalkeeper Mario Felgueiras as Braga pushed forward. Braga went all out to get back into the game after the break, with Felgueiras producing some spectacular saves, especially from Ruben Micael at close range in the 60th. The home team was cautious in defense, though, and lacked numbers in attack where its moves quickly faded. —AP

replaced the ineffectual Emilio Izaguirre with Hooper in the hope Artur would finally be tested. The game became more stretched with Benfica’s Eduardo Salvio sending a longrange shot harmlessly over the bar before substitute Bruno Cesar curled his effort just over the upright.

Commons tried his luck with an audacious chip from the half way line but Artur was equal to it before referee Nicola Rizzoli waved away their penalty claims when Forrest went down in the box under the challenge of Lorenzo Melgarejo. — AFP

Champions League table PARIS: Champions League tables after the opening round of group matches (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against,points): Group A Paris SG 1 FC Porto 1 Dinamo Zagreb 1 Dynamo Kiev 1

1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1

4 2 0 1

1 0 2 4

3 3 0 0

Group E Shakhtar Chelsea Juventus Nordsjaelland

1 1 1 1

1 0 0 0

0 1 1 0

0 0 0 1

2 2 2 0

0 2 2 2

3 1 1 0

Group B Schalke 04 Arsenal Montpellier Olympiakos

1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1

2 2 1 1

1 1 2 2

3 3 0 0

Group F BATE Borisov Bayern Munich Valencia Lille

1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1

3 2 1 1

1 1 2 3

3 3 0 0

Group C Malaga Anderlecht AC Milan Zenit

1 1 1 1

1 0 0 0

0 1 1 0

0 0 0 1

3 0 0 0

0 0 0 3

3 1 1 0

Group G Barcelona Benfica Celtic Spartak

1 1 1 1

1 0 0 0

0 1 1 0

0 0 0 1

3 0 0 2

2 0 0 3

3 1 1 0

Group D Real Madrid Dortmund Man City Ajax

1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1

3 1 2 0

2 0 3 1

3 3 0 0

Group H CFR Cluj Man United Galatasaray Sporting Braga

1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1

2 1 0 0

0 0 1 2

3 3 0 0

Juventus fightback steals the spotlight from Oscar

Fearless Afghanistan go down fighting to India

19

17

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Formula One: The 2012 season so far

Page 16

LONDON: Manchester United’s Michael Carrick (center) is challenged by Galatasaray’s Fernando Muslera as he scores during their Champions League Group H soccer match. —AP

Man United off to winning start MANCHESTER: Michael Carrick’s first European goal in three years saw Manchester United start their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Galatasary at Old Trafford yesterday.

It was far from the convincing performance that manager Sir Alex Ferguson had asked of his players as their Turkish opponents twice hit the woodwork and failed with two very strong penalty claims.

United also missed a penalty for the third consecutive game, with Nani failing with a second half effort which would have brought United some much-needed breathing space.

However, after their embarrassing group-stage elimination last season, this was at least a step in the right direction. England midfielder Carrick

struck after only seven minutes, appearing at the end of a magnificent, flowing move that also involved Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa before rounding goalkeeper Fernando Muslera to slot into the empty net.

United could count themselves fortunate to be in that position, however, as the Turkish visitors had a strong penalty appeal turned down inside the opening minute when Nemanja Vidic appeared to bring down Umut Bulut, although experienced German referee Wolfgang Stark rejected the appeals. The incident left Bulut nursing an injury, the forward limping off after 15 minutes to be replaced by the former Bolton striker Johan Elmander. But Galatasaray were a constant menace

to the United defence, with Nordin Amrabat capping a lightning fast counter-attack with an 18-yard shot that clipped the top of the crossbar, before Felipe Melo came close with a header from a setpiece. At the other end, Muslera saved early at the feet of Nani, a Paul Scholes shot almost fell kindly for Kagawa and Antonio Valencia’s wicked cross was palmed away by the goalkeeper.

Selcuk Inan then pulled a free-kick back to the edge of the area for Hamit Altintop, who delivered a powerful strike which clipped the outside of the post. United continued to live dangerously until the half-time whistle with Carrick tackling Altintop from behind just inside the area, as television replays once more suggested the home side were

lucky not to concede a penalty.

But the hosts were then presented with the perfect opportunity to take a stranglehold on the game six minutes into the second half when Rafael collected a Paul Scholes pass, darted into the area and was brought down down by Burat Yilmaz.

Incredibly, following on from the examples of Robin van Persie and Javier Hernandez, who each missed a spot-kick in United’s last two games, Nani stuttered in his run-up and saw an unconvincing penalty attempt comfortably saved by Muslera, diving to his right.

The miss could have proved even more costly, five minutes later, when Inan headed a cross from the impressive Altintop beyond David de Gea’s dive

and narrowly past the far post.

United were living dangerously and Galatasary missed another glorious chance to claim the equaliser their play merited on 71 minutes when Emre Colak found Burak Yilmaz on the break and the latter’s shot was well saved by de Gea, who also kept out Colak’s follow-up.

United brought on Darren Fletcher, the Scotland international who has been sidelined since November 2011 with a bowel disease, as a substitute to a rousing Old Trafford reception, although it was another replacement, Hernandez, who could have doubled their lead as he placed a Nani through ball well wide and into the side-netting. — AFP

BATE stun Lille

SPAIN: Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas (right) duels for the ball against Spartak Moscow’s Kirill Kombarov (left) during a Champions League Group G soccer match. — AP

Messi rescues Barca against Spartak BARCELONA: Lionel Messi came to the rescue with a late double to earn Barcelona a 3-2 victory over Group G opponents Spartak Moscow yesterday as the Catalans stuttered in the opening match of their Champions League campaign.

Barca are aiming for their third Champions League trophy in five years but could have had their first home defeat in the competition in nearly three years when Romulo gave the visitors the lead on the hour mark.

The hosts have made a blistering start in La Liga with four straight wins and went ahead early on through Cristian Tello, but an own-goal from Dani Alves after 29 minutes brought Spartak back into the contest. Barca were enjoying the vast majority of the play but Romulo’s second-half goal left them staring at potentially their first loss at the Camp Nou since another Russian club, Rubin Kazan, won here in 2009.

Messi, though, put their European ambitions back on track with two poacher’s goals inside the last 20 minutes.

Spartak’s Spanish coach Unai Emery had never beaten Barcelona during his time in charge of Almeria or Valencia

and it was always likely to be a severe test as his new charges arrived in the Catalan capital.

However, if they were looking for any weaknesses then the Barca backline has not looked particularly comfortable of late and they were missing two integral parts in Carles Puyol and Jordi Alba. Spartak’s game plan, to defend deeply, was clear from the start, but inviting Barca to attack can be a dangerous tactic at the Camp Nou as they invariably find a way through. Tello should have given the home side the lead after 10 minutes but he scooped his shot round the post following a delightful through ball from Messi.

While Barca were dominating, their situation deteriorated at the back as Gerard Pique had to go off a couple of minutes later having injured his leg while shooting and Alex Song was forced to step into the defence. A physical Spartak side had a distinct height advantage but it mattered little while they ball was at the other end, and Tello made up for his earlier miss with a fine shot from the edge of the area to give Barca the lead. The youngster stepped inside Kirill Kombarov before

slotting past ‘keeper Andriy Dykan and into the far corner.

Tito Vilanova’s men looked comfortable at that point, but Spartak drew level from a rare breakaway, Emmanuel Emenike making a marauding run down the right before seeing his harmless pass steered into his own goal by Dani Alves on the back foot.

Barca once again went on the offensive and Spartak were left hanging on against waves of attacks, with Sergio Busquets coming within a whisker of scoring with a header which he glanced wide from a corner. After the restart the intensity dropped out of Barca’s play and the game began to open up. Messi forced a good save out of Dykan at one end and then Spartak stole into the lead as Aidan McGeady supplied the Brazilian Romulo, who finished clinically into the corner. Vilanova took off Alves and switched to a three-man defence as they looked to get back in the game and Messi once again proved to be the difference. He first knocked in a Tello pass from close range on 71 minutes and then headed home an Alexis Sanchez cross with ten minutes to go. — AFP

LILLE: A remarkable three-goal salvo in the first half gave BATE Borisov a first-ever Champions League win yesterday, 3-1 at Lille, to leave the French club facing a huge task to rescue their campaign already.

Aleksandr Volodko, Vitali Rodionov and Edgar Olekhnovich all found the net for the Belarussian visitors, who had failed to win in 12 previous attempts in the group stage of the competition.

And while Aurelien Chedjou reduced the deficit for the home side in the second half, their subsequent pressure failed to produce another goal and their first group-stage game in their impressive new stadium turned out to be something of a damp squib.

In a Group F also containing Bayern Munich and Valencia, Rudi Garciaís side needed to get their campaign off to a positive start but, having won just once in their opening five domestic games, confidence was not at its highest.

And instead BATE, who have won the Belarussian title in each of the last six seasons, stunned the Grand Stade by taking a sixth-minute lead when Volodko collected possession 25 yards from goal in a central position, turned and sent a vicious shot arrowing over Mickael Landreau and into the top right-hand corner of the net.

This Lille side, featuring Salomon Kalou, a Champions League winner with Chelsea last season, is not short of experience at the highest level, but they were caught out repeatedly on the break after that and fell further behind after just 20 minutes.

BATE broke quickly, with former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Aleksandr Hleb and Aleksandr Pavlov combining to set up Rodionov to score. Rodionov had already scored four times as BATE came through three qualifying ties to make it to this stage, but he was fortunate to have this goal count as he was offside when the final ball was played. Luck may not have been on Lilleís side, but they were also the architects of their own downfall, particularly when conceding a third goal just before the interval. The home defence was pulled apart again, and Olekhnovich was allowed two attempts before beating Landreau. By this point, BATE were in dreamland, while the home supporters greeted the half-time whistle with a deafening chorus of boos.

Garcia threw on Nolan Roux and Ryan Mendes, debutants in the competition, in a bid to spark his side into life in the second half, but it was always going to be an uphill struggle.

No side had come back from 3-0 down to take something from a Champions League game since Liverpool in the 2005 final and went on to win on penalties.

Chedjou did pull one back on the hour when his header from a leftwing corner hit the underside of the bar and landed just the right side of the line. But Mendes, Dimitri Payet and Florent Balmont all missed further chances, and Lille could have conceded again, Hleb striking the side-netting at the end of another breakaway.

With a trip to Valencia to come next before a double-header against Bayern, Lilleís chances of further progression already look very slim. And BATE should face a stiffer test when they entertain the German giants in their next game. — AFP

Business

Crude falls on economic woes, Saudi intervention Page 22 BoJ easing helps shares but euro worries return

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Indonesia’s missing ingredient: Islamic finance

Page 23 Ford promotes all new Fusion

Page 23

Page 23

ALLAHABAD: Local trade union members display rotis, or Indian bread, during a protest against Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Allahabad, India yesterday. A key ally of India’s ruling coalition withdrew its support from the government Tuesday to protest recent economic reforms, including a move to open the country’s huge retail sector. — AP

Unemployment mounts as Iran economy falters Problems compounded by soaring prices, brain drain DUBAI: A wealthy Iranian businessman sits in the lobby of one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels, shaking his head as he laments the state of Iran’s economy. “Business is drying up, industry is collapsing. There’s zero investment,” he said. “I know.

I see it with my own eyes.” He is en route from Europe, where he runs a company that makes electrical goods, to Iran, a trip he makes several times a year. Iranians are reeling under tough economic sanctions imposed by Western countries since the start of the year over the Islamic Republic’s pursuit of its nuclear program, which Washington says is a drive to develop a weapons capability.

Inflation is running at 25 percent officially, and could in reality be double that, economists say, and hundreds o f thousands have lost their jobs as trade embargoes have curbed export prospects and made it difficult for many Iranian companies to obtain vital raw materials. Even when they do so, a plunge in the rial currency - which has halved in value over the last 12 months - has pushed up overheads, forcing employers to cut payrolls. “We’re close to seeing mass unemployment in cities and queues for social handouts. There are few alternatives for those people and many will end up on the bread line,” said Mehrdad Emadi, an Iranian-born economic adviser to the European Union, who is based in the UK. A series of conversations conducted by Reuters with Iranians by telephone reveal how widespread unemployment is becoming. They requested that their identities or the names of their employers not be revealed because of the sensitivity of the issue. Mona, 31, lost her job in the human resources department of a large private contractor in the oil, gas and construction industries six months ago and has struggled to find work since.

The company started to trim its workforce of 6,000 three years ago but conditions sharply deteriorated last year and many staff didn’t receive their wages for months. Mona says she lost her job after she and some of her colleagues wrote a letter to their managers protesting about their withheld wages. “At first I was only concerned about how to spend my time but soon the reality of the horrible economic situation

kicked in,” she said by telephone from Tehran.

In her quest for work, she has run through her savings, sold some jewelry to pay the bills and is left feeling helpless and suffering from increasing bouts of depression. “I have no hope for the future. When you lose hope, you stop caring,” she said.

Ali, a 42-year-old mechanical engineer, suffered a similar fate three months ago when he was laid off by a small industrial equipment maker after sanctions made it increasingly difficult for the company to import crucial materials from Europe.

“What could we do? We couldn’t get this stuff from China, the quality just isn’t good enough,” he said by telephone.

The company now employs 400 people, down from more than 1,000 two years ago, a nd Ali worries it will soon have to close down, like many others. “So many industrial projects in Iran are grinding to a halt,” he said. “No companies are investing. They think there may be war and everything will be lost.”

As Israel continues to threaten military action over Iran’s nuclear program, European Union states are putting together a new set of sanctions to increase pressure on Tehran, Britain said last week. Iran says its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

CAR OUTPUT PLUNGES The International Monetary Fund, in April, said the Iranian economy grew 2 percent last year and predicted it would grow 0.4 percent this year - but it may well be doing a lot worse. The country was the world’s fourth-largest oil producer in 2011 but its crude exports have slumped to about 1 million barrels a day from around 2.4 million last year, according to the US Treasury and other analysts. Iranian officials refute those figures. The Iranian Statistical Centre put the unemployment rate at 12.9 percent for the first three months of the Iranian year that began in March, more than a percentage point lower than in the previous three months.

Analysts find the statistics impossible to believe. “The figures aren’t even close,” said Emadi, who believes the headline unemployment figure is above 20 percent. Iran-based economists and members of parliament critical of the government,

estimate that 500,000-800,000 Iranians have lost their jobs in the past year. Emadi cites the car industry, the biggest manufacturing sector, as the main cause of the sharp decline in employment, after Iranian media reported a 30 percent drop in car and component production in the past six months. Iran was the 13th-largest auto maker in the world in 2011, producing 1.6 million vehicles, but higher prices due to the soaring costs of components have caused a drop in demand.

France’s Peugeot Citroen halted shipments of vehicle kits for assembly in Iran earlier this year, saying international sanctions barring transactions with the country’s banking system made it difficult to obtain sales financing. It denied caving in to US pressure on Iran. The deteriorating economy has been compounded by the government’s withdrawal of generous subsidies on staple goods and fuel in favor of cash handouts over the past 18 months. The government action has been driven in part by a need to rein in its own spending due to foreign sanctions.

BRAIN DRAIN The slump is not just confined to the industrial sector.

Nasrin lost her job as a university lecturer 18 months ago and has struggled to find a teaching or research post since. She makes ends meet by getting temporary research jobs, and says she is fortunate because she owns her own apartment. “If I was not supported by my family, I would be in a miserable state now,” she said in an email to Reuters in Dubai. “It’s so humiliating for me to turn to some places for work, but I’ve had to.”

Nasrin knows of more than 20 university professors in Tehran alone who have been sacked or forced to retire. S he said funding for research projects was drying up and was now dependent on having influential contacts. Like many frustrated Iranian professionals, she is now intent on leaving the country if she can, a trend that has led to a brain drain in recent years as those that have the money and contacts to do so have gone abroad. In 2009, the latest available data, Iran was losing more than 150,000 of its educated and skilled citizens annually, according to the IMF. — Reuters

Palestinian fiscal crisis ‘worsening’ RAMALLAH: A fiscal crisis in the aid-dependent Palestinian economy will worsen unless foreign funding increases and Israel eases its restrictions in the occupied West Bank, the World Bank said yesterday. “Donors do need to act urgently in the face of a serious fiscal crisis facing the PA (Palestinian Authority) in the short term,” Mariam Sherman, the World Bank’s country director for the West Bank and Gaza Strip, said in a statement.

In a report issued ahead of a conference on Palestinian aid in New York next week, the World Bank forecast a $1.5 billion deficit in the PA budget in 2012. It said only $1.14 billion in donor funding to cover the gap had been received. The PA, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, receives most of its aid from the United States, the European Union and Arab nations. But over the past several years there has been a shortfall in aid coming from Arab states resulting in the PA being unable to pay salaries to its 153,000 civil servants on time, on several occasions this year. A hike in taxes in early September caused by economic accords with Israel that peg Palestinian sales tax to high Israeli rates sparked demonstrations in West Bank cities and calls for the government to resign. To appease the crowds and end protests, Prime Minister Salam Fayyad announced a rolling back of the tax increases. The report said the presence of Israeli settlements, which control some 42 percent of West Bank territory, was stifling the potential for Palestinian economic growth. To build their economy, the World Bank said, the Palestinians need access to “Area C”, the territory covering 60 percent of the West Bank where Israel maintains full control under interim peace accords and most settlements are

located. Area C includes most of, but not all, the settlements.

“The continuous growth in the size of land that is allocated for settlement activity within the West Bank has fragmented the territory into smaller and more disconnected enclaves,” the report said. The United Nations deems all settlements in the West Bank to be illegal. Israel disputes this and has sanctioned 120 official settlements since capturing the West Bank in a 1967 Middle East war.

In the report, the World Bank forecast that Gross Domestic Product growth in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip would slow to 5.6 percent in 2012 from 5.9 percent last year.

Sherman said that even if donor countries met their aid pledges, “sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without the removal of the barriers preventing private sector development, particularly in Area C”. The World Bank said the PA had made “credible efforts”, towards tackling its crisis and building its institutions but Israeli measures “remain the major impediment.”

Sherman cited difficulties in obtaining Israeli entry permits to the West Bank for foreign investors, a ban on the import of “dual use” items that Israel fears could be used in weaponry and limits on access to natural resources.

“The most important message of this report is that economic cohesion is not achievable when the areas in which people have to operate and go about their business are crisscrossed by impediments,” Sherman said. The report said Israel has recently shown a willingness to consider the relaxation of specific restrictions in Area C, and had, according to its Foreign Ministry, approved 119 Palestinian infrastructure projects in 2011. —Reuters

News

in brief

Doha Bank plans 50% capital raise DUBAI: Doha Bank, the Qatari lender which issued a $500 million bond in March, plans to raise its capital by 50 percent in the first quarter of 2013 to meet strategic business requirements, it said yesterday. Doha Bank’s board of directors approved plans for a capital hike at a meeting on Sept 18, and will now seek approval from shareholders at an extraordinary general assembly, the bourse statement said. No details of how the bank plans to raise capital or the size and date of issue were provided in the statement, which said these would be disclosed after the necessary studies and approvals were in place. Doha Bank, has a market capitalization of about $3.2 billion, according to Thomson Reuters data and is Qatar’s fifth largest lender.

Qatar banks are expected to benefit from the gas-rich country’s breakneck expansion plans and many have already tapped capital markets this year. Lenders in the Gulf Arab state need to depend less on deposits and issue more debt and Islamic bonds to raise capital if they are to continue fuelling the country’s growth, a senior Standard & Poor’s executive said in July.

Australia retains S&P’s AAA rating SYDNEY: International credit agency Standard & Poor’s yesterday affirmed mining-driven Australia’s AAA rating with a stable outlook, but warned about its growing reliance on the Chinese economy. Australia is one of only a handful of nations to hold the top rating, with its economy growing a solid 0.6 percent in the three months to June and 3.7 percent from a year earlier. But the figure was less than half the upwardly revised 1.4 percent in the first quarter of 2012 and below analyst predictions of 0.8 percent, held back by key trade partner China’s slowdown and European woes. S&P said the AAA rating reflected Australia’s “ample fiscal and monetary policy flexibility, economic resilience, public policy stability, and a financial sector that appears to be sound”. “While strong demand for its commodities continues-from emerging Asia, and particularly China-we believe Australia’s economic prospects remain favorable,” said credit analyst Kyran Curry. But he also warned that it faces significant risks.

“Considerable risks remain for Australia’s growth prospects, prosperity, and credit quality,” he said.

UAE’s Etihad Rail appoints new CEO ABU DHABI: Etihad Rail, the developer of a $11 billion railway network in the United Arab Emirates said yesterday it appointed Nasser Al-Mansoori as the company’s new chief executive. Mansoori, a UAE citizen, has been working with the state-owned company since 2009 and assumes his new role immediately, a statement from Etihad Rail said. He replaces Richard Bowker who left the company in March. The UAE railway network comprises three stages with the first stage underway after a $900 million civil and track works contract was awarded in October 2011. Phase one will link the western region cities of Habshan and Ruwais by 2013 and connect Shah and Habshan by 2014. The second stage will connect the Abu Dhabi rail network to Jebel Ali in Dubai as well as links to the borders of Saudi Arabia and Oman. The third phase will expand the network to the northern emirates. The network will also form a part of the Gulf Cooperation Council Railway Network - linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia via Ghweifat in the west and Oman via Al Ain in the east.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas

22

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

BUSINESS

Iraqi Kurdistan sees itself as home to oil majors LONDON: Iraqi Kurdistan sees itself soon becoming a major energy player hosting the world’s biggest oil companies - including one that may tap part of Iraq’s giant Kirkuk oilfield - and making use of its own strategic export pipeline system across Turkey. Kurdistan’s Energy Minister Ashti Hawrami said the developments are for the good of Iraq although the policies also show the emergence of a northern region in control of its oil reserves, estimated at 45 billion barrels.

Oil and land rights have been at the centre of a long-running dispute between Kurdistan and Iraq’s central government. Last week, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) reached a deal with Baghdad to end a dispute over oil payments and agreed to sustain oil exports of 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) this month - rising to 200,000 bpd for the rest of the year. By 2013, the KRG’s exports are expected to climb to 250,000 bpd and will continue to be shipped through a Baghdad-controlled pipeline to Turkey. Hawrami unveiled a plan earlier this year to build pipelines to Turkey to cope with an expected rise in exports to 1 million bpd for 2015.

He’s sticking with it. “Kurdistan’s oil

is going out and the revenue will be for all of Iraq. It will not be for the Kurdistan region alone,” Hawrami said after speaking at an FT energy conference in London.

“We recognise that we need investment in the infrastructure to boost export capacity, and we are doing that. We are ahead of the game, so we’ll continue with it.” Last week’s oil export and payment deal will resolve only part of a broader feud between Baghdad and Kurdistan over oil and territory that has involved major companies including Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Total who have signed exploration deals with the KRG, contracts the central government says are illegal.

Big Oil’s foray into Kurdistan began last October with Exxon. Hawrami says more majors are on the way. Norway’s Statoil and US ConocoPhillips are actively looking. Sources say Royal Dutch Shell - which was close to moving into the region twice before - may be tempted to look again. “I’m expecting within this year to see more major companies coming in and negotiating for whatever we have - whether by mergers and acquisitions or farming in

Morphey, Wright return to Kuwait for KIPS 2012 KUWAIT: Following the beginning of their partnership with Top Real Estate Group in early 2011 and a successful KIPS last year the specialist Lettings and Management Company will be back in force with two top directors attending the week long exhibition. Billy Wright head of Management and Sam Morphey head of Investment are keen to build upon the solid start to the Kuwait - UK connection. The pair commented: “We believe that the service offered to Kuwaiti clients is unrivalled.

Having an Arabic speaking office in Kuwait, that is linked directly to the lettings and management on the ground in the UK means that our Sam Morphey clients receive the very best service and communication throughout.” “Since the incorporation of the agreement a number of services have been adapted to tailor to our Middle Eastern clients’ needs,” said Wright. He explained: “It became clear that a number of clients preferred to utilize their properties during the summer months rather than rent them out. This lead to us building our vacancy management team and utilizing our vast array of contacts to ensure our clients received the best care at the most cost effective rates for when their properties are empty.”

Specialising in London and Milton Keynes based properties MPW have taken on many Middle Eastern clients through the partnership. Morphey commented: “It is great to have built on our successful start to the partnership with TREG and being able to offer our specialist services to clients based outside the UK”.

“It is also very encouraging to be taking on such illustrious clients including a bank in our first year and we will look to build from here.”

between companies,” said Hawrami, who became energy minister in 2006.

“Within a couple of years, Kurdistan will be home to 12 to 15 companies as opposed to 50. So there will be significant consolidation, which is normal.”

One of the oil majors may be awarded a contract to treble output at the Khurmala dome - the northernmost part of Iraq’s giant Kirkuk oilfield that’s now being revived by private Iraqi Kurdish KAR group. By the end of this year, Khurmala is expected to be pumping 100,000 bpd - up from current capacity of 85,000 bpd. “ We’re looking at taking it to 250,000 to 300,000 barrels a day. This is something that probably requires three or four years, but that’s part of our plan,” said Hawrami. “The field is complex and has a lot of technical issues and challenges. It requires investment, high technology and management.”

The Kirkuk oilfield is a flashpoint in relations between Baghdad and Arbil the KRG’s seat of government. But Hawrami said Arbil’s agreement with Baghdad over oil payments and exports could pave the way for a wider rapprochement. “I believe the problem

will go away. Everybody will be looking at thanking the other party that’s increasing production because he’s really increasing production for the benefit of the Iraqi people,” said the KRG energy chief.

Baghdad is meanwhile in talks with BP about a project to revive Kirkuk.

The ageing oilfield is composed of three main geological formations, or domes: Khurmala, Baba, and Avana.

Khurmala straddles Arbil province and is administered by the KRG under a 2008 agreement with Baghdad. The Oil Ministry’s new development of Kirkuk would not include Khurmala.

Hawrami said the KRG, autonomous with its own government and armed forces since 1991, would also be interested in capturing the gas that is now being flared from the Avana dome, although Arbil would consult with the Kirkuk governorate and the federal government first as is required by Iraq’s constitution.

The KRG minister said the region was also looking to expand its gas capacity first to meet domestic requirements, then to increase power generation capacity and fuel industrial use and provide power to neighboring

Iraqi provinces. Exports to energy-hungry Turkey and beyond would come in the next year or two, he said. The first steps for exports are already being made. KAR group is building a gas pipeline from Khurmala to a power station in Dohuk, near the border with Turkey. Hawrami said the pipeline would be finished by the end of the year and there would be enough gas by then to feed to the power station, which is now running on more expensive diesel fuel.

Hawrami said construction of a parallel, 1 million bpd crude oil pipeline, which will run from Khurmala to Fish Khabour near the border with Turkey, has not started but is expected to be completed by 2014.

“We haven’t asked anyone to do it yet. We’re looking at the other part of the pipeline on the Turkish side,” said Hawrami. “So when that comes together, it might be one large project.” In the meantime, small quantities of Kurdish condensate are being trucked into Turkey in exchange for much-needed diesel and kerosene, he said. Baghdad has said that only the central government has the right to ship oil and gas. — Reuters

Crude falls on economic woes, Saudi intervention High prices seen holding back global economic growth SINGAPORE: Brent crude fell below $112 a barrel yesterday on concerns over the capacity of a fragile global economy to support demand and indications that the world’s top oil exporter Saudi Arabia was pumping more oil to bring down prices. The drop for a third consecutive day comes after global crude benchmarks hit four-month highs last week after the US Federal Reserve unveiled an aggressive bond-buying program aimed at stimulating growth in the world’s biggest oil consumer. Brent November crude was down 31 cents at $111.72 a barrel at 0123 GMT. At the close on Tuesday, the benchmark had dropped 4 percent since the start of the week, marking the biggest two-day percentage drop since July 23.

US October crude was up 8 cents at $95.37 a barrel, after settling below its 200-day moving average in the previous session of $96.57 a barrel. The contract expires today. US November crude was up 5 cents at $95.67 a barrel. “Clearly after the rally from last week, it is easy to understand why Saudi Arabia was keen to send a message to the market that it would be acting to lower oil prices,” said Ric Sponner, chief market analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney.

On Tuesday, a senior OPEC Gulf source said Saudi Arabia was pumping around 10 million barrels per day (bpd) and would take action to keep prices around $100. The source added that OPEC and other producers outside the cartel would be moving to pump more oil to keep prices from spiking.

Oil prices have gained around 27 percent since hitting a 2012 low of $88.49 in June as investors have worried about security of supply from the Middle East and North Africa and on expectations that commodity

prices would rise due to economic stimulus measures by the United States, Europe and China.

“High oil prices at these levels are unsustainable and will end up weakening demand and slowing economies, and that isn’t a good thing in the long run for any oil producer,” Spooner said. Crude and distillate stocks were expected to be up 1.0 million barrels, with gasoline inventories up 1.2 million barrels, a Reuters survey of analysts taken ahead of weekly reports showed.

EYE ON CHINA The health of the economy in China, the world’s second-largest oil consumer, continues to be a primary market focus, with a preliminary reading of China’s purchasing managers’ index for September set to be released on Thursday, along with similar data from the United States.

“I’m not expecting to see any change in the trend of the past few months, things are likely to get worse before it gets better,” Spooner said.

“The anticipation is that the Chinese economy is going to remain weak and it’s going to take some time before we start to see a turnaround.” Investors are also continuing to fret over Europe’s debt crisis with growing concerns that Spain, which is at the heart of the euro-zone debt crisis, is unable to lower its massive public deficit and control its soaring debt. “The decisions the Spanish government needs to take are hard, and it won’t come easy, ideally they would like to avoid that option,” Spooner said.

Madrid has already called on its European counterparts for a lifeline of up to $100 billion euros for

its banks, but investors are not confident the country is capable of meeting its financial obligations and return to economic growth without international aid. — Reuters

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

50.400 730.430 3.070 7.000 77.780 75.030 231.540 36.310 2.679 460.300 43.800 306.600 4.300 9.460 198.263 76.670 281.600 1.350

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

10 Tola

GOLD 1,875.940

MATOSINHOS: Portuguese workers of the Galp Energia’s refinery seen outside during the first of a 3-day strike over pay, health insurance and working conditions in Matosinhos, outskirts of Porto, Portugal. — AP

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds

.2740000 .4500000 .3620000 .2980000 .2830000 .2900000 .0040000 .0020000 .0759460 .7399160 .3870000 .0720000 .7253550 .0430000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD .2797500 GB Pound/KD .4544120 Euro .3665560 Swiss francs .3015850 Canadian dollars .2870110 Danish Kroner .0491630 Swedish Kroner .0424370 Australian dlr .2926600 Hong Kong dlr .0360850 Singapore dlr .2283670 Japanese yen .0035560 Indian Rs/KD .0000000 Sri Lanka rupee .0000000 Pakistan rupee .0000000 Bangladesh taka .0000000 UAE dirhams .0761950 Bahraini dinars .7423380 Jordanian dinar .0000000 Saudi Riyal/KD .0746200 Omani riyals .7269070 Philippine Peso .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES

Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Malaysian Ringgit

3.570 5.195 2.972 2.135 3.560 230.520 36.303 3.429 6.763 9.140 92.065

.2860000 .4600000 .3710000 .3040000 .2950000 .2990000 .0058500 .0035000 .0767090 .7473520 .4100000 .0780000 .7326450 .0510000 .2818500 .4578230 .3693080 .3038490 .2891660 .0495320 .0427560 .2948570 .0363560 .2300820 .0035820 .0052220 .0021380 .0029920 .0034630 .0767670 .7479100 .3986560 .0751800 .7323630 .0068060

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

GCC COUNTRIES 75.057 77.336 731.060 747.580 76.641

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 47.950 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 46.134 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.313 Tunisian Dinar 181.400 Jordanian Dinar 396.860 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.888 Syrian Lier 4.910 Morocco Dirham 33.776 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 281.350 Euro 368.990 Sterling Pound 458.600 Canadian dollar 290.050 Turkish lire 157.000 Swiss Franc 304.820 US Dollar Buying 280.150 GOLD 328.000 166.000 84.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria

SELL CASH

297.200 747.830 3.680 292.100 552.300 45.800 50.200 167.800 48.040 371.500 36.940 5.390 0.032 0.161 0.235 3.660 398.500 0.190 94.020 45.500 4.320 236.300 1.822

305.100 4.300 9.310 76.570 281.200

COUNTRY

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 458.300 281.200

SELL DRAFT

295.700 747.830 3.437 290.600

231.500 46.142 370.000 36.790 5.200 0.031

SELL DRAFT

Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

297.53 292.49 308.03 370.67 280.55 459.15 3.65 3.434 5.181 2.129 3.256 2.975 76.45 747.01 46.12 399.70 730.16 77.47 75.02

SELL CASH

299.000 292.000 307.000 370.500 281.700 458.000 3.690 3.560 5.400 2.290 3.530 3.150 77.000 746.500 47.800 398.500 735.000 78.000 75.300

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd 398.460 0.189 94.020 3.270 234.800

Rate for Transfer

Selling Rate

US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro

280.900 288.297 456.909 368.280

294.707 743.669 76.457 77.104 74.871 395.968 46.067 2.125 5.178 2.967 3.433 6.733 689.046 4.581 9.025 4.356 3.248 89.546

Kuwait Bahrain Intl Exchange Co.

UAE Exchange Centre WLL

Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY

Sterling Pound US Dollar

730.250 2.977 6.758 77.350 75.080 231.540 36.310 2.130 458.300

Currency

Rate per 1000 (Tran)

US Dollar Pak Rupees Indian Rupees Sri Lankan Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso UAE Dirhams Saudi Riyals Bahraini Dinars Egyptian Pounds Pound Sterling Indonesian Rupiah Yemeni Riyal Euro Canadian Dollars Nepali rupee

280.900 2.968 5.190 2.130 3.427 6.770 76.580 75.065 746.800 46.125 461.800 2.990 1.550 373.700 294.200 3.200

Al Mulla Exchange Currency

Transfer Rate (Per 1000)

US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Japanese Yen Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

280.600 370.350 458.200 290.400 3.600 5.202 46.130 2.124 3.428 6.735 2.972 747.200 76.440 74.950

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

BUSINESS

Indonesia’s missing ingredient: Islamic finance Sukuks could help fund US$200 billion projects KUALA LUMPUR: Indonesians often complain that neighboring Malaysia is stealing their traditional dances and costumes for its tourism marketing. If they were to take something in return, however, they could do worse than replicate Malaysia’s approach to Islamic finance. Islamic finance in Asia is a distinctly Malaysian affair. Indonesia, an emerging regional powerhouse with the world’s biggest Muslim population, does not even figure. Indonesia needs to address this shortcoming. Islamic finance could help it solve two of its biggest financing challenges: funding infrastructure and reducing its dependency on foreign borrowing.

The prospect is especially tantalizing because Indonesia is in a position to learn from Malaysia’s experience and develop its own Islamic capital markets much more quickly. It could even exploit the deep liquidity pool that Malaysia has built. Take infrastructure.

Indonesia plans to spend US$200bn on

infrastructure between now and 2014.

Progress, however, has been slow.

Indonesia has been clearing the legal obstacles. It was a long time coming, but the country recently passed laws that allow the government to acquire forcibly land that has been earmarked for infrastructure projects - long thought to be the biggest legal hurdle to the infrastructure build-out.

The other hurdle is figuring out where the money is going to come from. Infrastructure finance requires long tenors, and Indonesia’s banks though very well capitalized - are facing strong regulatory pressure to shorten lending maturities in accordance with Basel III requirements. Foreign banks are facing the same issue, on top of lending crises in their home markets, so are in no position to fill in that gap.

Islamic finance, however, could step into the breach. Like project financing, Islamic bonds - or sukuk - are assetbacked or asset-based structures, mak-

ing them well-suited to financing infrastructure. Malaysia has used sukuk to fund infrastructure projects ranging from ports and airports to roads and bridges. More than 40% of all sukuk originated in Malaysia are destined for infrastructure finance.

Indonesia has been building a regulatory framework for Islamic finance but is yet to make the key change required for sukuk to become a viable project financing tool - the distinction between beneficial and legal ownership. Beneficial ownership is when a person or entity enjoys some of the benefits of property rights without actually holding legal title to the property. Beneficial ownership is essential in Islamic structures where investors, instead of earning interest, gain income derived from an asset - even when they do not hold that asset’s legal title.

Indonesia clearly understands the importance of recognizing beneficial

ownership, because the sovereign’s two global sukuk have involved selling the beneficial interests to certain properties. It now needs to pass laws that will allow domestic issuers to use the same beneficial ownership framework.

As well as financing infrastructure, a domestic sukuk market would also help Indonesian corporates reduce their dependency on foreign borrowing. Ever since borrowing too much short-term dollar debt in the run-up to the Asian financial crisis 15 years ago, Indonesia has worked hard to develop a local currency debt market. The rupiah bond market has had one of its busiest markets ever this year, printing Rp45.5trn ($4.8bn) of bonds so far.

But that still pales in comparison to Indonesian bond issuance offshore, which stands at US$9.2bn year to date.

The development of a sukuk market could help address this imbalance.

About 210m of Indonesia’s 240m people are Muslims, creating a large pool

of natural demand for Islamic finance products. It is the government, however, that needs to provide the top-down part of the equation in the form of the necessary regulations and tax incentives that will ensure Islamic finance becomes a viable option.

Indonesia also lacks the large pool of liquidity that Malaysia’s pension funds provide, and that is another area for government action. But Indonesian sukuk issuers would at least be able to tap Malaysia’s pool of money almost immediately - much as Middle Eastern issuers are already doing. Malaysia is the world leader in Islamic bonds, and its geographic, cultural and linguistic proximity to Indonesia - the very thing that leads to arguments over the heritage of traditional dances and costumes - is something that should make replicating its Islamic finance prowess easier. If it becomes a success, no one will care whether it was home-grown or not. — Reuters

Ford promotes all new Fusion CEO declines to detail succession, Europe plans

LAGOS: People buy secondhand clothes at Katangua market in Lagos, Nigeria. — AP

Secondhand clothes from West flood Nigeria markets LAGOS: At Nigeria’s Katangua Market, that castaway from the West means big money. Shipping container after shipping container arrive in the market in Lagos, filled to the brim with plasticwrapped bales of secondhand clothes from the US and elsewhere. Traders scour, barter, hem and haw over T-shirts, bras, pants and shoes sent to help clothe a nation of more than 160 million people where the textile industry largely collapsed years ago.

But while much comes in as Western donations, those on the receiving end sell them instead of giving them away, creating a massive industry that makes it even harder for Nigeria’s remaining clothing manufacturers to complete against a tidal wave of cotton and polyester. “More often than not what people call donations actually ends up been hijacked by people ... who profiteer from it,” said Diran Akinleye, an economics professor at the University of Lagos. “So even though it starts out in the US or the (United Kingdom) as a donation, it ultimately becomes a business on this side.”

Katangua Market sits past the international airport, surrounded by suburbs of Nigeria’s largest city. Piles of clothes ranging from jeans to underwear lay on the ground as traders pick through them, selecting what they want to buy. Some sell the clothes direct to customers while other buyers will take the items to shops in and outside of the city. Nearby, rows of tailors sit at foot-cranked sewing machines, repairing tears and resizing some large shirts.

Piles of bras and panties litter the ground. T-shirts bear strange, cryptic slogans, like a cartoon character saying “No, no no!” A jersey with the No 3 reads “Pittsburgh.” Other shirts are more recognizable, like an Obama 2008 campaign shirt or an “I Love NY” T-shirt on a woman sewing nearby. “We need this clothing,”

said clothing trader Sunny Nnjiofor.

“Most of the factories that produce all this clothing materials have folded up.”

Some clothes sell here for three pieces to a $1, a bargain compared to locally made shirts.

Traditional clothing still has its place, though increasingly poor women will wear a cloth wrapper around her waist while wearing a secondhand T-shirt from the US Western-style button-up shirts and pants also are increasingly worn by men. Nigeria once had a thriving textile industry, largely based in the northern city of Kano. But in recent decades, as Nigeria’s state-run electricity company fell into shambles, the mills slowed and finally stopped.

Some companies, like Omas Nigeria Ltd, still produce clothes for government agencies and private businesses, but making a profit has grown increasingly difficult as they depend on diesel generators for electricity, said Margaret Orubu, Omas’ managing director. “The cost of production is very high. Electricity, to water, the rent and (other charges are) very expensive compared to what people bring in from abroad,” Orubu said. “If you compare the price you’ll find out that after production, the cost of the ones we produce here are very, very expensive.”

While undercutting costs, the importation of donated clothing provides jobs in the country’s massive gray labor market. Tailors wander through streets here, snapping scissors to announce their presence. Salesmen drape the secondhand clothes over their arms, walking through neighborhoods to show off their wares. Marketers decline to talk about how they source the clothes from abroad, but acknowledge much of it comes from donations. Some of it also is thought to be ferried over from neighboring Benin as contraband. — AP

Bank of England united in freezing rates, stimulus LONDON: Bank of England policymakers voted unanimously in favor of keeping British interest rates at a record low earlier this month and maintaining its stimulus policy, the BoE said yesterday. Minutes from the central bank’s policy meeting on September 5-6 revealed that all nine policymakers voted to keep its key rate at 0.50 percent, where it has stood since March 2009. The BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) were also united in maintaining the size of the bank’s asset purchasing program, or quantitative easing (QE) stimulus, at £375 billion ($597 billion, 473 billion euros). However, the minutes did state that growth was expected to be “subdued and uncertain”, and some MPC members signaled that more QE was likely to be required.

“For most members this (QE) decision was relatively straightforward,

although some of these members felt that additional stimulus was more likely than not to be needed in due course, while others saw the risks to inflation in the medium term as being more balanced around the target,” the minutes read. Under QE, the central bank creates new cash that is used to purchase assets such as government and corporate bonds in a bid to increase lending by retail banks and boost economic activity. “September’s MPC minutes do little to diminish the prospects of further policy stimulus over the coming months,” said Capital Economics Martin Beck.

He added: “We still expect another £50 billion of asset purchases to be announced at November’s meeting and for QE to ultimately reach £500 billion. “We also think there continues to be a decent chance of an interest rate cut in November.” — AFP

NEW YORK: Ford Motor Co dispatched its top brass, including Chief Executive Alan Mulally, to major US cities to promote the 2013 Fusion, its redesigned family sedan that takes aim at Toyota Motor Corp’s Camry. The secondlargest US automaker began shipping the Fusion, which boasts a more athletic design and more fuel economy options, to dealers last week. Ford hopes the third-generation Fusion, coupled with the new Escape crossover launched this spring, will boost its US market share.

The media blitz comes as Ford’s board of directors develops a succession plan for Mulally, 67. Ford is also cutting costs in Europe, where it expects to lose more than $1 billion this year. Ford’s sales in Europe fell 29 percent in August, while overall industry sales dropped 8.5 percent. “ There is a tremendous decrease in demand, but we’re absolutely committed to Europe,” Mulally said at a Fusion event in New York. “That will involve some restructuring.”

The board is looking to name Mark Fields, Ford’s head of North and South America, chief operating officer, a sign that he could be the heir apparent to Mulally, a source told Reuters last week.

But on Tuesday, Mulally kept a lid on the finer details of Ford’s plans for Europe and his own plans for retirement. He said Ford has a strong internal bench of potential leaders and he was “pleased to continue to serve as CEO of Ford.” “Please don’t vote me off,” he joked to reporters. Under Mulally’s “One Ford” plan, Ford is moving toward building more cars using fewer platforms, a move that cuts costs but allows Ford to offer more features at a lower price. The Fusion is the latest Ford car to receive a global overhaul, after the Fiesta subcompact and Focus compact car. The Fusion will be sold as the Mondeo in Europe and China. These models share about 75 percent of the same parts.

The Fusion competes in the midsize sedan segment of the US auto market, dominated by the Toyota Camry and Honda Motor Co’s Accord. Through August, sales in this breadand-butter segment have risen 26 percent, while overall auto sales are up 15 percent, Ford said. “This is a transitional vehicle for our company,” J Mays, Ford’s chief creative officer, said Monday night at an event in Miami Beach. He compared its impact to the 1955 Thunderbird, the 1962 Lincoln Continental or

the 1964 Mustang. The base model of the revamped Fusion will cost $21,000, the same as the base price of the outgoing Fusion, Mays said.

TOUTING ‘47’ MPG Ford is offering three gasoline-powered versions of the Fusion as well as a hybrid and

shows. The industry average for 2011 was 22.8 mpg. To meet these ambitious standards, Ford is counting on turbocharged engines, startstop systems, hybrid technology “and something we haven’t invented yet,” said Raj Nair, Ford’s head of product development, at an event near Detroit. Ford plans to cut weight from future models by using lightweight

NEW YORK: Ryan Seacrest (left) and Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO, launch the all new Ford Fusion, America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, in Times Square. — AP a plug-in hybrid. In a press release, Ford said the Fusion hybrid gets 47 miles per gallon on the highway and in the city, beating out the Camry hybrid. At the New York event with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, Mulally held a sign touting the “47” figure. Ford also passed out T-shirts with the Fusion hybrid’s fuel economy figures. Boosting fuel efficiency has been a pillar of Ford’s vehicle strategy for the past six years. Ford is vying beat Toyota’s record on fuel economy with new electrified models this year.

Ford must also meet federal government’s corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) target of 54.5 mpg by 2025. This translates to 36 mpg or higher in real world driving, analysts say. The average fuel economy of Ford’s cars and trucks for model year 2011 was 21.3 mpg, up from 18 mpg in 2006, US government data

materials. Ford is also designing and making key electric-drive components in-house to cut costs and accelerate development of these technologies.

Buyers of the 1.6-liter Fusion with a turbocharged engine can purchase the $295 auto start-stop system, which shuts the engine off when the car is stopped at a light.

Ford is looking to provide this option in a larger number of its vehicles.

The Fusion also offers a lane-keeping system that alerts a driver if the car drifts into another lane. The Fusion can also parallel park itself, with the active park assist feature.

“That’s been a key point in our turnaround and our success, we’ve really pushed on being a technology leader and making sure we bring those technologies to the mainstream,” Nair said. — Reuters

Popigai: Russia’s vast and untouched diamond crater MOSCOW: In the far north of Siberia, Russian scientists have stepped up research on a oncesecret deposit of diamonds whose scale dwarfs anything ever discovered and could turn world markets “upside down”. Soviet scientists had in the 1970s uncovered the 100-kilometre Popigai Crater left by a huge asteroid in Siberia 35 million years ago. A closer inspection of the dramatic impact zonelying thousands of kilometers from any city-revealed a fine material that was actually super-compressed diamonds caking the permafrost. For a long time, the discovery of the diamond deposit was a state secret. It was little publicized after the fall of the Soviet Union when its sheer remoteness 2,000 kilometers from the main Trans-Siberian railway line-made exploitation impossible.

But interest is now picking up thanks to work by the Novosibirskbased Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, which this week gave rare information about the deposit to the media. The deposit contains not the precious diamonds so adored by brides and

monarchs but the industrial strength “impact diamonds” that could be used for deep-sea drilling or forging finely delicate machine parts. “They (the USSR) discovered it in the 1970s and decided to make it secret,” Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy director Nikolai Pokhilenko said in a telephone interview.

“We were building synthetic diamond plants at the time, so all the natural industrial diamond research was frozen,” he explained.

Russian media reports said that Soviet experts had known at the time that the so-called “abrasive” powers of highly-compressed diamonds found in the open were much stronger than those made by synthetic firms. But the Communist era’s logic dictated the promotion of the chemical industry and five-year plans that outlined specific production quotas for everything from synthetic diamonds to bars of soap.

The field was left almost entirely unexplored for the subsequent 30 years. It was finally declassified in the 1990s at a time of deep economic crisis that prevented any

serious production or investment work. Pokhilenko said the find was then essentially forgotten before his institute picked up its study again three years ago. “They only examined 0.3 percent of the entire

territory of the crater and had already established 147 billion carats worth of (industrial) diamonds. So we are talking about many trillion (carats),” said the scientist. — AFP

MOSCOW: People walk past Sberbank’s headquarters in Moscow.

Russia sold 7.58 percent of the biggest Russian bank Sberbank, raising $5.2 billion yesterday in a successful auction that underlined strong investor interest in its nascent privatization drive. The auction is one of the first major offerings in a three-year $40-billion privatization program that the Russian government hopes will bring in much needed funds for an increasingly pressured budget. — AFP

24

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

business

Wen to meet EU amid debt crisis, trade row BEIJING: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao meets Europe’s leaders today as the world’s second-biggest economy falters in the euro-zone debt crisis downdraft and the two sides face a long list of trade disputes. Wen is attending his last China-EU summit in Brussels, meeting European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, as well as EU foreign policy head Catherine Ashton.

Beijing has repeatedly expressed concern about the EU slowdown and offered help in resolving the debt crisis but at the same time has been increasingly forced to take costly stimulus steps of its own to sustain growth. Wen told visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel last month that despite “serious concerns,” Beijing was ready to continue investing in euro-zone sovereign debt markets “on condition of fully evaluating the risks.” He also said China was ready to strengthen communication and discussion with the EU, the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and key countries to support indebted eurozone nations.

Europeans have expressed hope that China could deploy some of its trove of about $3 trillion in foreign exchange reserves-the largest in the world-to invest in EU bailout funds.

Wen’s visit comes, however, with the

European debt situation showing some improvement after the ECB announced a bold plan to buy government bonds so as to cut borrowing costs for under-pressure eurozone economies. That move is in turn linked to the bloc’s new bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism, which was finally cleared earlier this month by Germany’s top constitutional court, allowing full implementation. In Brussels, EU sources said the talks would consolidate ties ahead of major Chinese leadership changes, due later this year and early next, and “it is not a summit for big decisions.” The summit will reflect EU appreciation of Wen’s role in building ties and “look forward to continuing (the relationship) with the new leadership,” one of the sources said.

Given the adverse economic backdrop, it would be important that both sides give a strong signal of “mutual confidence” in the future, the source added. While stressing the positives, the EU source also recognized a long list of disputes but argued that they were only to be expected give the importance of the relationship as a whole. The 27state EU bloc is China’s single largest export market while China is the EU’s second largest trading partner after the United States, with total trade worth nearly 430 billion euros in 2011. In that context, a series of disputes-including the recent EU

anti-dumping probe into Chinese solar panels, the biggest of its kindshould be kept in proportion, the EU source said. “Frictions only touch a small part of that,” the source said, adding that EU procedures were to protect EU industry and well understood by all concerned.

EU sources said the community was also worried by increasing territorial disputes-in the South China Sea and between Japan and China over disputed islands-and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions.

“We are all disturbed by the escalation,” the EU source said, adding: “I doubt it is directly linked to the leadership” change. “Periods of transition can be bumpy,” the source said. Other contentious issues to be covered will likely include human rights in China, and Syria and Iran on which Beijing has opposed activist Western policies, the sources said.

Thomas Koenig, London-based China program coordinator with the European Council on Foreign Relations, said he would be looking to see if the crisis had eased sufficiently for the EU to assume a more robust stance towards Beijing.

“With China, it’s always important to emphasize reciprocal engagement,” Koenig said, adding he was hoping for a “little more candid assessment of the situation” in the relationship— AFP

PHNOM PENH: A Cambodian man rides on top of a cyclo (a type of tricyle) loaded with handicraft baskets travelling along a street in Phnom Penh yesterday. Cambodian Finance Minister Keat Chhon said that the country’s economy was forecast to grow by 6.9 percent in 2012, slightly down from an earlier outlook of 7 percent following a drop in exports in the key garment sector.—AFP

Global shares rise BoJ easing helps shares amid Euro worries LONDON: Global shares rose and the yen fell to a one-month low yesterday after the Bank of Japan became the latest leading central bank to offer aggressive new measures to stimulate economic activity. Nagging concerns about debt-strained euro-zone members Greece and Spain limited the gains, however, pushing the euro back towards the $1.30 mark against a mildly stronger dollar and dragging back oil prices. “The feel-good factor from the Bank of Japan’s move has worn off quickly and it ’s back to European matters,” said Investec strategist Phillip Shaw. “ The questions are over the Spanish bailout and whether Spain will receive support from the ECB. There is also some focus on Greece and whether it will get some more time for its spending cuts.”

Japanese stocks rallied to four-month high after the BOJ said it would increase its asset buying and loan program, currently its main monetary easing tool, by 10 trillion yen ($127 billion) to 80 trillion. Its announcement followed a decision by the Federal Reserve to pump $40 billion a month into the US economy until the jobs market improved and new plans from the European Central Bank to fight the region’s debt crisis.

But the positive mood was waning by midday in Europe. The MSCI index of global stocks and top European shares clung to minor gains of between 0.05 and 0.3 percent as euro-zone worries sent German, French and Spanish markets into neg-

ative territory before rebounding.

With key housing market data expected to confirm a recent uptick in the sector Wall Street was expected to open higher after dipping on Tuesday. Many big stock markets have risen 15-20 percent since June on expectations of central bank measures, all of which have either been met or exceeded over the last two weeks.

Analysts are now questioning whether the rises can be sustained with economic fundamentals still decidedly weak. “What we have seen over the last two weeks has been positive for stock markets because there is enormous liquidity, and due to low interest rates there is a lack of alternative investment opportunities,” said ING analyst Carsten Brzeski. “If the central banks continue to ease policy then it will of course be positive for markets but there is not that much more room to ease. In the next one to two months the only additional easing I could see is another rate cut by the ECB.” EURO JITTERS The Bank of Japan action helped to offset concerns about tensions between Japan and China over a disputed group of islands in the East China Sea. The yen fell to a one month low of 79.23 to the dollar while euro-zone jitters pushed the euro down 0.1 percent to $1.3032, a full cent below a four-month high set on Monday. Bond markets were mixed. With riskier assets looking

more appealing due to the central bank stimulus, yields fell slightly on Italian and Spanish bonds. But the ongoing euro-zone worries saw the strongest demand since January at a German two-year debt auction. Bund futures were last 30 ticks higher on the day at 139.76, moving further from the 5-1/2 month low of 138.41 hit on Monday.

Oil prices were also impacted, giving up earlier gains to sink to a sixweek low of $111.23 a barrel. They remain more than 25 percent higher than three months ago, however.

Gold, which has a twin appeal as a safe-haven asset and inflation hedge, shrugged off the concerns to sit at a 6-1/2 month high of $1,772.49 an ounce. China’s economy remains a major worry for global markets. The government said on Wednesday the export outlook was grim and demand may be weaker in the next few months than it has been so far this year. “With the European Central Bank, the US Federal Reserve and now the Bank of Japan - the world’s major central banks - moving to ease, there will now be expectations for the PBOC (People’s Bank of China) to follow suit,” said Jackson Wong, Tanrich Securities’ vice-president for equity sales. Minutes from the Bank of England’s latest meeting showed policymakers were unanimous in keeping interest rates and their asset purchases unchanged, but a number indicated the economy may need additional support in the coming months.— Reuters

Japan Airlines up slightly in Tokyo trading debut Stock closed 1.1 percent above IPO price TOKYO: Less than three years after it collapsed into bankruptcy, Japan Airlines Co Ltd (JAL) made a modest market return yesterday, with its shares closing 1 percent above the price set for the world’s second-biggest IPO of the year.

The $8.5 billion initial public offering had been priced conservatively to take account of the airline industry’s tough outlook, with full-service carriers such as JAL under threat from low-cost operators in an already weak economy.

JAL’s stock opened around 3 percent above the IPO price of 3,790 yen, but soon leveled off to close 1.1 percent higher at 3,830 yen - ranking it alongside Air China Ltd as Asia’s second-biggest airline by market value behind Singapore Airlines Ltd. Trading volume topped 40 million shares, worth around $2 billion. Traders had suggested JAL, which emerged from bankruptcy with the highest level of operating profits in the industry, might climb as much as 10 percent on its market return given trading indications on the unofficial grey market.

CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets initiated coverage with a ‘buy’ rating on the stock, while Macquarie Capital Securities rated it ‘outperform’. Both cited attractive valuations with a price-to-earnings ratio of about 5, around a third of the industry average. But both also noted the tough outlook for legacy, full-service airlines like JAL given increasing competition from budget carriers. Also, Japan’s air travel market is mature and offers little prospect for volume growth.

“We find it difficult to recommend JAL or any other Japanese airline as a long-term fundamental investment,” Macquarie analyst Nicholas Cunningham wrote in a client note. “In short, our recommendation comes down to a valuation call.” Brokers had warned that Japanese retail investors, who took up 70 percent of the IPO, might be quick to take profits given uncertainty over whether JAL’s earnings may have already peaked. “I’m not too bullish on JAL. Low-cost carriers have a larger market share now and competition is fiercer. It’s unclear whether they can maintain their current level of profit,” said Masato Futoi, head of cash equity trading at Tokai Tokyo Securities.

Budget airlines currently make up less than a tenth of the Japanese market but are expected to grow that to

nearer 25 percent over the longer term. JAL is part-owner of JetStar Japan, a budget carrier run in partnership with Australia’s Qantas Airways Ltd. JAL’s biggest local rival All Nippon Airways has invested in two low-cost operators.

“Listing our stock is just the starting line for us as a private company,” JAL President Yoshiharu Ueki told a briefing at the Tokyo Stock Exchange. “I’m not going to get caught up in where the stock is today. We will focus on boosting our corporate value through sound management and work to gain the trust of our shareholders.”

BIG DEAL Everything about JAL’s fall and revival has been big. The airline’s IPO was second only this year to social networking giant Facebook Inc’s $16 billion offering. Its $2.5 billion operating profit in the past business year was top-of-theclass for the industry, and its balance sheet, saddled with $25 billion in debts when it failed in January 2010, has been scrubbed clean.

The Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan (ETIC), a state-backed fund that injected 350 billion yen into the carrier, sold its entire 96.5 percent stake in the IPO, generating around a $4 billion profit for national coffers. Under ETIC’s supervision, JAL took a knife to its bloated cost structure - shedding about a third of its workforce to around 31,000, slashing pension payouts and retiring its line-up of gas-guzzling jumbo jets. JAL’s cost per available seat kilometer (CASK) - a commonly used metric equal to the cost of maintaining a seat over the distance travelled has dropped to 11.4 yen ($0.14) from 13.8 yen before bankruptcy. ANA’s CASK is 12.9 yen.

JAL executives put the airline’s swift revival down to the management system brought in by Chairman Emeritus Kazuo Inamori - in which individual business units are held accountable for maximizing profits, even those not directly generating revenue. Under that system, unit leaders meet monthly to share cost-saving ideas and competitive intelligence, and are directed to put that information to work immediately, accelerating business decisions. Previously JAL’s divisions operated in silos, with little thought given to trimming costs, executives have said.— Reuters

25

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

business

IMF warns Argentina over unacceptable data WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund has warned Argentina it could face sanctions in December if it did not move to begin providing more accurate economic data. In a review of Argentina’s progress since it was given six months in February to meet IMF data standards, the IMF executive board said it “regretted the lack of sufficient progress” in Buenos Aires’s efforts to bring its data reporting into compliance. “The board took note of the ongoing dialogue between the IMF and the authorities regarding the measures, and called on Argentina to implement the measures without delay,” it said in a statement.

The board gave Buenos Aires another three months, until December 17, when it will again review the issue.

At that time the board “may consider additional steps based on Argentina’s response, and in line with IMF procedures,” it warned. That left Argentina on a path to become the first country ever censured by the board for faulty economic data-though the board could again put off action in December. Failure to meet IMF rules can lead to sanctions, including suspending a member’s voting rights-an extremely rare event which would be a first for a developed G20 country like Argentina.

The IMF and Argentina have been battling over Buenos Aires’s widely questioned official data on inflation and gross domestic product since last year, with private sector economists saying the government vastly under-

states the pace of price rises. Last week the government released monthly figures that implied an annual inflation rate through August of around 10 percent. But a group of private economists who average their inflation estimates put the pace of price rises at 24 percent, according to media reports.

On Monday Moody’s downgraded the outlook on its B3 junk-level debt rating for Argentina to negative from stable. Moody’s cited its stalemate with creditors, its “haphazard policy environment,” and “growing concerns about the quality and reliability of Argentina’s official data reporting, specifically about inflation and GDP estimates that continue to be significantly at odds with private sector esti-

mates.” Moody ’s pointed out that Buenos Aires benefits by the underreporting, because more than 20 percent of its sovereign debt is indexed to inflation. In July 2011 the IMF gave the Argentine government 180 days to improve the quality of the statistics, which it is obliged to provide the Washington-based global lender. But rather than take action, in February the IMF gave the government another 180 days to measure up. Paulo Nogueira Batista, Brazil’s representative on the IMF executive board, said not everyone on the board was happy with the terse statement issued Tuesday. “I would have liked the statement to focus more on the willingness of the Argentinean authority to undertake the recommendations of the IMF,”

he told AFP. In Buenos Aires, the government, contacted by AFP, declined to comment on the IMF action. The IMF and Argentina have a long history of troubled relations, with successive governments blaming the Fund for domestic economic failures and the country’s deep troubles in international debt markets. In January 2006 the government paid off Argentina’s debt with the IMF-some $9.5 billion-and cut links with the Fund. Since then Argentina has been the only country in the G20 that does not allow annual economic assessments by official IMF teams. But at the end of 2010, the IMF was invited back to assist with collection and formulation of economic data, opening the way to the current impasse. — AFP

Lonmin deal stirs more South Africa mine strife Pay hikes may be red rag to other workers

Frederic Copper

David Hanson

OSN strengthens Digital and Business Development team KUWAIT: OSN, the leading Pay-TV network in the Middle East and North Africa, has strengthened its management team with the appointment of David Hanson as Director of Digital and Frederic Copper-Royer as Business Development Director. The new appointments demonstrate OSN’s dedication in building a team of experts to help bring innovative viewing solutions and the best of premium content to the region. Both David and Frederic bring with them a wealth of experience from working in similar roles; David previously at Sky TV and Frederic at Nokia Corporation.

David Hanson has been with OSN for over seven years and was Director of OSN’s movies channels and On Demand services. He will now be responsible for heading the digital team and growing OSN’s online viewing platform, OSN Play.

Frederic, who has a background in securing strategic revenue generating partnerships, joins OSN to focus on growing external partnerships and increasing its revenue opportunities.

The new appointments are in line with OSN’s strategy to expand the company’s digital platform, develop its innovative viewing solutions and new business opportunities across the region.

Emad Morcos, Vice President of Strategy, Business Development and Digital at OSN said: “I am delighted to have David and Frederic join the team. David has extensive knowledge about the brand and the industry through his years with the company and was closely involved during the launch of OSN Play in the region.

Frederic on the other hand has extensive experience in the music industry rolling out partnership agreements - this makes them both ideal candidates and I am confident that together we will expand OSN’s digital offerings further making us the number 1 entertainment company in the region.” Before moving to Dubai in 2005, David worked for Sky TV in London where he was Channel Manager. More recently he has been an important asset to the OSN team where he played a key role as head of programming for the region.

Frederic joins the OSN team following a stint at Nokia Corporation MENA where he was responsible for rolling out the music division. Prior to that he was at EMI where he was responsible for negotiating and implementing revenue sharing systems for digital partners in the MENA region.

KIB, Ford collaborates for easy car financing KUWAIT: Kuwait International Bank has announced its partnership with Arabian Motors Group-Hamad M Al Wazzan and Partners, Ford’s Agent in Kuwait, to offer special financing packages for the bank’s customers. The collaboration comes as part of KIB’s continuous search for new benefits and privileges to offer exclusively to its customer base. On the occasion, Assistant GM of Retail Banking Department R K Nair said in a press statement: “We aim to provide our customers with the best Shariah Compliant financing solutions that ultimately add value to their daily lives and offer them exclusive benefits.”

Nair also added: “The joint coopera-

tion we have with the Arabian Motors Group-Hamad M Al Wazzan and Partners, Ford’s Agent in Kuwait, came to meet the desires of KIB customers who are interested in purchasing a Ford car. The customer will now be able to purchase their car with easy financing and installment plans with discounts ranging from KD 500 - KD 1000 in addition to a number of benefits such as warranty for five years or 100,000 KM and a complimentary car registration. Terms and conditions do apply for the above mentioned benefits.

In conclusion, Nair emphasized that customers can learn more about KIB’s services and products by visiting the bank’s website on www.kib.com.kw

Taiwan boosts airport amid tourism boom TAIPEI: Taiwan, which is seeing a boom in tourism from China, will spend Tw$463 billion ($15.4 billion) on a new terminal and other facilities at its main airport, the government said yesterday. In addition to a third terminal at the Taoyuan international airport in the island’s north, the surrounding area will get an aerospace industrial park and special zones for cargo and logistics, said the transportation ministry.

Taiwan, which relaxed controls on travel from China in 2008, received 1.78 million Chinese tourists last year, and calls have been mounting for better facilities to accommodate the growing inflow.

The new terminal, the centerpiece of the “Taoyuan Aerotropolis” project with a budget of Tw$50 billion, is set to begin in 2014 and is expected to start operating

in 2018, the ministry said. The project is expected to generate Tw$2.3 trillion in “economic benefits” and 260,000 new jobs as well as Tw$84 billion in business and land tax revenues for the government from 2011 to 2030, a transportation official said.

The “economic benefits” include growing revenues for construction companies, raw material suppliers, airlines, transportation service providers as well as spending from more visitors, he said.

The airport, which was inaugurated 30 years ago, has been a frequent target of criticism, with complaints ranging from leaking toilets and roofs to a lack of trolleys. International visitors to the island reached a record 6.08 million in 2011, compared with the previous high of 5.5 million in 2010, according to the tourism bureau. — AFP

MARIKANA: South African police fired tear gas yesterday to disperse protesters near a mine run by top platinum producer Anglo American Platinum (Amplats), the first sign of unrest spreading after strikers at smaller rival Lonmin won big pay rises. Within hours of Lonmin agreeing to a pay increase of 11 to 22 percent, workers at neighboring mines were calling for similar hikes, suggesting more trouble in store after six weeks of industrial action that has claimed 45 lives and threatened Africa’s biggest economy.

“We want management to meet us as well now,” an organizer for the militant Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) at Impala Platinum, the number two producer said.

“We want 9,000 rand ($1,100) a month as a basic wage instead of the roughly 5,000 rand we are getting.” He declined to be named for fear of recriminations from the company. Lonmin shares soared more than 9 percent to levels not seen since police shot dead 34 miners on Aug. 16 outside its Marikana mine, 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

However, the deal could add 13 percent to the company’s recurrent costs, plus an additional $10 million for a one-off back-towork bonus, Nomura said in a note. Lonmin is already battling with a shaky balance sheet and unprofitable shafts.

The settlement has also sown more strife in the area, with police clashing with an angry crowd in a township at a nearby Amplats mine outside the “platinum belt” city of Rustenburg. Police spokesman Dennis Adriao said officers fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse an “illegal gathering”. He had no information on any casualties.

A labor activist said workers who have stayed off the job at Amplats, which accounts for 40

percent of global supplies of the metal used for catalytic converters in cars, were inspired by Lonmin and would press on with their demands. “The mood here is upbeat, very celebratory,” Mametlwe Sebei, a community representative near Rustenburg said. “Victory is in sight. The workers are celebrating Lonmin as a victory.” Amplats had to suspend its Rustenburg operations last

week because of the unrest. Those mines restarted on Tuesday but the company admitted many workers had stayed away.

Platinum prices rose a little yesterday after falling 2.6 percent a day earlier on news of the Lonmin deal.

LONMIN WORKERS CELEBRATE At Marikana, strikers celebrat-

MARIKANA: A striking miner gestures as the miners listen to the news that they secured a 22 percent pay hike from London-listed Lonmin platinum mine in Marikana. — AFP

Gulf Bank announces its cards prize draw winner KUWAIT: Gulf Bank yesterday announced Abbas Booriden as the lucky winner of its third monthly cards prize draw, which offers all its cardholders the chance to win one of the BMW cars of the 5th, 6th, 7th Series or X6 series, as well as giving 10 winners the chance to earn 100,000 loyalty points each, per month. The draw took place on September 16th, at Gulf Bank’s Head Office, where the first winner; Abbas Majid Ibdan Booriden won a brand new 2012 BMW 730i, while, Vasudeva Rao Kattimani, Khouloud Reda Naama Reda, Nouf Abbas Abdullah Abul, Aqeel Hussain Jaber Amir, Muhamad Mansour Hmoud AlHajri, Maryam Ibrahim Ali Al-Hawal, Waled Kamal Mahmoud, Bader Sultan Asad Mohammad, Amar Mohammed Salman Yadikar, and Zlaikha Haji AlQabandi each earned 100,000 loyalty points.

Aly Shalaby, Gulf Bank’s General Manager, Consumer Banking Group said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners of this competition, and we are looking forward to rewarding more of our loyal cardholders each month. In this campaign, we are offering all our cardholders an opportunity to win a range of great prizes and this is our way of thanking them for their continued trust in Gulf Bank’s services.

We value our customers and we want them to continue to feel that they are getting the best and fastest banking services in Kuwait whilst also enjoying the opportunity to enter valuable draws.”

Any current or prospective Gulf Bank cardholder who spends more using their credit cards locally and internationally or debit cards abroad will be eligible enter the draw. The campaign started in June 2012, and will run through to January 14th 2013. To find out more about Gulf Bank’s promotions, customers can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 56 branches, or contact the Bank’s Customer Contact Centre on 1805805 for assistance and guidance, or log on to www.e-gulfbank.com, Gulf Bank’s website.

ed their settlement as a triumph for AMCU, which exploded onto the South African labour scene in January when its turf war with the dominant National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) led to a sixweek closure of the world’s largest platinum mine, run by Implats.

Thousands of Lonmin workers and their families gathered at a soccer pitch near the mine to sing victory songs and denounce NUM, a key ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

“AMCU is coming. We told them and they are coming,” one of the chants ran. One man held up a banner reading: “Death Certificate; first name: NUM; cause of death: corruption”. The discontent rolling through the sector has found fertile ground in the shanty-towns that ring the mines. “The ripple effects will continue to be felt. The outcome of the negotiation at Marikana will likely set a new benchmark for mining more generally and wage costs are set to rise substantially,” JP Morgan said in a research note. Amplats and Implats shares were up 0.1 percent and 0.5 percent respectively at 1010 GMT. Wage hikes in the mining sector have been leap-frogging inflation for years, reducing margins in the industry as productivity has struggled to keep pace. But the typical miner has several dependents to feed and so pay rises that outpace inflation may not go far as the gains evaporate at the kitchen table.

Racing food inflation due to soaring global grain prices will only stoke workers’ hunger. The gold sector has also not been spared, with 15,000 miners at the KDC West operation of Gold Fields, the world’s fourth largest bullion producer, on an illegal strike. Gold Fields’ chief executive Nick Holland told Reuters on Tuesday his company could “go on for quite some time” despite the KDC West disruption. — Reuters

Sakana to showcase Towers in KIPS 2012 MANAMA: Sakana Holistic Housing Solutions, Bahrain the innovative Islamic mortgage finance provider recently signed an agreement with Top Expo Group, Kuwait confirming participation in the forthcoming Kuwait International Property Show (KIPS 2012) which will be held from 24th to 29th September 2012 at Kuwait International Fair Center, Meshrif, Kuwait. Sakana will be showcasing exclusively Fontana Towers - an exclusive luxurious living on the Juffair waterfront, Bahrain comprising of 400 freehold apartments. Sakana will be offering mortgage financing up to 80% of the property value subject to maximum BD 350,000 and up to 25 years term for GCC residents.

R Lakshmanan, Chief Executive Officer, Sakana said: “We are delighted to participate in KIPS 2012 and showcase Fontana Towers which offers a distinct lifestyle above the ordinary and ready to live. We are aware that Kuwaiti nationals and companies have been major investors in Bahrain real estate market and we believe this development will generate considerable interest from them. “ Fontana Towers is a residential freehold tower designed with a blend of sophistication and elegance and a symbol of luxury and modern living with 400 freehold apartments - studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouses in 4 interconnected skyscrapers. Features include exclusive

male and female fully equipped gym, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, communal outdoor swimming pool with sundeck, health club, spa, courts for tennis, basketball, squash, indoor games room, kids play area children gaming zone, mini-theatre, private cafÈ, multi-purpose halls, fully equipped business centre and convenience stores.

R Lakshmanan

26

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

business

US meltdowns: History lessons for the euro Radical fiscal response to 1837 crisis echoed in EU LONDON: In the early 1870s, property prices in Vienna, Berlin and Paris soared on the back of a state-promoted building boom fuelled by easy credit extended against the collateral of unbuilt or unfinished houses. The crash that followed parallels what has happened more recently and may, with other lessons from US history, provide pointers for the euro-zone crisis. As the property prices soared, Europe’s world was turned upside down. Thanks to grain elevators, conveyor belts and huge steamships, American farmers opening up the fertile Midwest were able to export vast quantities of wheat and then processed food.

Grain producers from Russia and central Europe simply could not compete with what came to be known as the American Commercial Invasion. The crash came in central Europe in May 1873 as the low costs of the new industrial superpower exposed long-held growth assumptions as unrealistic. Continental banks collapsed, prompting British lenders to hold back their capital, unsure who was most exposed to souring mortgages. Interbank rates rocketed. The banking crisis soon spread to the United States. Railway companies were among the first casualties, burdened by complex financial instruments that promised investors a fixed return.

Fast forward 135 years and this tale of woe, by US historian Scott Reynolds Nelson, bears an uncanny resemblance to today’s chronic banking and debt problems, according to Stephen Ross, a professor of financial economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management. “Substituting Asia for America and the West for Europe, we get a description of what has happened in the current crisis. The West has been financed by the new producing economies of the East and that fueled a housing and consumption binge,” he said.

“Not unlike 1873, the financial institutions and the new financial instruments made this easier, and the role of government to prod an expansion of affordable housing played a major role,” Ross added in a recent lecture at the Cass Business School in London. Crises, he concluded, are just as much a feature of the nexus between politics and finance today as they were in the late nineteenth century.

Which in turn helps explains why, as the current malaise stretches into a sixth year, there is keen interest in teasing out the lessons to be learned from history.

NOT FOR THE FIRST TIME As well as the 1873 meltdown, Nelson profiles American financial calamities in 1792, 1819, 1837, 1857, 1893 and 1929. All resulted in Europeans wondering “if Americans would honor their financial promises, or was America simply a nation of deadbeats?” Hence the title of Nelson’s work, “A Nation of Deadbeats: An Uncommon History of America’s Financial Disasters”.

Then as now, complex financial engineering was a frequent feature when boom turned to bust, according to a Reuters review of Nelson’s book by Bernard Vaughan. In each case, as with the dodgy railroad bonds, financial intermediaries convinced themselves that the instruments they had created were sophisticated enough to protect them from defaults. “And in each case the complex chain of institutions linking borrowers and lenders made it impossible for lenders to distinguish good loans from bad,” Nelson, a history professor at the College of William and Mary, writes.

The 1837 financial crunch gives its title to another trawl through financial history by Alasdair Roberts, a professor at Suffolk University law school in Boston. In “America’s First Great Depression:

Economic Crisis and Political Disorder after the panic of 1837”, Roberts describes how a burst property bubble - yes, again - triggered a banking crisis - yes, again - that by 1842 led to a third of US states being in default on their foreign debts. The parallel with the euro-zone crisis barely needs spelling out. For Mississippi, an early defaulter, read Greece.

The United States was roughly 60 years old at the time, as is the European Union now, which makes the far-reaching policy response to the states’ debt crisis especially intriguing, according to Charles Robertson, an economist with Renaissance Capital in London. Six defaulting states adopted constitutional debt brakes, while eight others introduced borrowing limits - a drive echoed, 170 years later, by the fiscal compact agreed by euro-zone members at Germany’s bidding. As investors regained confidence, the prices of Pennsylvania’s and Indiana’s bonds more than doubled between 1842 and 1847. Holders of defaulted Greek debt will be hoping that history repeats itself.

NOT SO CHEERY PARALLEL In another echo of Europe today, American politics got messy as populist politicians harangued banks and investors. But as global recovery set in by 1845, the American economy and the political climate stabilized. Most of its states regained market access. However, Robertson draws a darker lesson from Roberts’s book, namely that the economic shocks of the first Great Depression loosened the bonds forged in the war of independence from Britain 60 years earlier and paved the way for the US civil war of 1861-1865. Southern American states favored free trade with Britain, while the northern states wanted tariffs and taxes to build up manufacturing. Europe, too, faces a fundamental northsouth divide, Robertson argues. “The core around

Germany is a low-debt, high-savings, manufacturing and export powerhouse, with a preference for deflation to protect savings. Much of the south is a low-savings, high-borrowing group of countries with an inherent preference for inflation to resolve their debt burdens,” he said in a report.

Europe will not descend into civil war, but the ties binding the euro-zone are weak, with deep cultural and linguistic differences and limited labor mobility, he added. “A break-up of the currency union is more plausible, because the key popular support for the euro-zone union is not emotional, nationalistic or rooted in fears of external threats. It is primarily economic,” Robertson concludes.

The metronomic recurrence of crises might suggest that markets and regulators are incapable of learning: the one still festering broke out within a decade of the dotcom boom and bust and Asia’s financial meltdown of 1997/98. “My gravest concern is that with all the talk about reform we really haven’t done anything that we can confidently say will stop or even make a second crisis less likely,” said Ross, the MIT professor. “The banks, for example, will still have razor-thin equity margins and governments will still provide the backstop.”

In fact, Ross acknowledged, policymaking is much more enlightened than it was last century.

For example, governments no longer close banks in response to a crisis, as they did to disastrous effect during the Great Depression of the 1930s. But, he concluded, there are only so many lessons to be learned from studying the historical record.

Financial accidents will keep happening as night follows day. “It is difficult for people to believe that crises are endemic to the political-economic system and even more difficult to believe that crises and failures will always be a feature of political economic systems,” he said. — Reuters

BMW 3 Series blends BMW style, exceptional talent

Behbehani, NBK declare winner Joint Promotion KUWAIT: Mohammed Saleh and Reza Yousuf Behbehani, the authorized distributors of GMC vehicles in Kuwait, and National Bank of Kuwait announced Jamal Ghader the winner of their Joint Raffle Draw Promotion held during Ramadan.

The promotion was held in conjunction with National Bank of Kuwait exclusively for NBK customers who purchased any of GMC new cars during the promotion offering them the chance to enter the draw to win a Pearl White GMC Acadia 2012. “NBK being the leading bank in Kuwait, we were expecting the promotion to be successful, and so it was.

Many customers took advantage

of this offer and bought their new GMC vehicles during the promotion period,” stated Adel Behbehani, Director of Sales at MSRY Behbehani. Ever since its launch, the Acadia has been a leading vehicle in its segment of cross-over vehicles and in considered the best in its class due to its elegant exteriors, spacious interiors, fuel efficiency and performance. The vehicle has met with astounding success in the local market amongst both citizens and residents. NBK maintains its leading position in both the local and regional markets throughout its best-in-class services and exclusive promotions.

NBK offering special packages for expats KUWAIT: NBK offers expatriates customized packages catering to their financial needs, including quick approval for financing in Kuwait up to KD 50,000, free online money transfers, free credit cards for the first year as well as mortgages services in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, London, New York, Paris and United Arab Emirates, “NBK facilities are extensive, easily accessible and are coupled with investment and life style -related benefits,” said Ahmed Al Khader, NBK’s Assistant General Manager, Consumer Banking Group. “We are offering expatriates who transfer their salary to NBK very attractive rates on financing with flexible repayment tenures, fast approvals and minimal fuss”.

Al Khader added: “NBK customers will also enjoy free online money transfer to all NBK accounts across all countries. Al Jawhara account holders also earn chances to win KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 monthly and KD 250,000 quarterly with Al Jawhara draws. Customers who transfer their salaries to NBK can also can get the chance to enter

Ahmed Al Khader a monthly draw to win a year’s salary.” NBK’s expatriate banking solutions ultimately reflects the individual needs of the customer, providing them with the freedom and control to manage their finances efficiently from the comfort of home or office, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via the website www.nbk.com , mobile banking service or the call center Hala Watani on 1801801.

KUWAIT: During the course of more than three and a half decades, the face of the world’s best selling premium car, the BMW 3 Series, has constantly evolved.

Designers have always managed to incorporate dynamics, innovation and aesthetics into a harmonious, modern and future-oriented overall concept, whilst at the same time preserving traditional values.

As a result, each BMW 3 Series has retained its unmistakable brand identity and can be identified as a BMW at the very first glance.

However, the roots of the BMW 3 Series reach back as far as the 1960s. As a manufacturer of sporty, elegant sedans, BMW had at that time already developed a characteristic profile. With a notchback body design, front-mounted engines and rear-wheel drive, a basic principle was established back then (BMW 1500/2000) that still prevails to this very day. With the arrival of the BMW 1600 in 1966, the 2-door 02 Series, which produced such famous models as the 1600ti or the 2002ti, was launched on to the automotive market and eventually replaced by the BMW 3 Series.

The presentation of the first BMW 3 Series in July 1975 marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable success stories in BMW model history.

Although the 2-door sedan bore a strong resemblance to the BMW 5 Series introduced in 1972, the market witnessed the launch of an entirely new vehicle with compact dimensions and a sporting character. The predominant design feature of the front end was also the brand’s characteristic symbol, which was clearly identifiable even from a distance - the BMW kidney grille.

1975-1983 The design of the first BMW 3 Series is characterized by large windows, a distinctive wedge shape and, of course, BMW’s brand-typical face, the front end being dominated by the kidney grille vividly protruding from the radiator cover to continue up slightly scoop-shaped along the bonnet to the windscreen.

With short overhangs and a track width of 1,364 millimeters at the front, the new sports sedan boasts a rather low-slung appearance. Vertically mounted indicators flank the large round headlights on each side.

On the occasion of its presentation, BMW gives the new model the best chance of success: “Timeless and without superficial gallery play, the design of the BMW 3 Series will also become a trendsetter for the next decade.”

1982-1993 In 1982, the second generation of the BMW 3 Series presents itself as a worthy successor. As a result of a sensitively enhanced design and optimized aerodynamics, the new model has gained significantly in presence. The approx. 35 mm increase in track width also contributes towards the sedan’s distinctively powerful look. Finally, on the whole, the body appears smoother and rounder, the sleek front end being the result of extensive wind tunnel tests, which is not least underscored by a drag coefficient of 0.37.

The now low-slung front end boasting the flat BMW kidney grille elongates the entire front end of the vehicle, particularly as the double headlights now featured on all 3 Series models are located far on the outside. The smooth transition into all adjoining body surfaces not only determines the characteristic shape, but also ensures a good air flow around the vehicle.

The low-set bonnet with its wide scoop rising gently from the front enhances aerodynamics, its surface not being interrupted by air intake openings.

In 1990, the time had apparently come to replace the original BMW 3 Series with an exceedingly elegant successor model. It is an entirely newly conceived sports sedan, the dimensions of which have increased all round, both surprising and pleasing the public to an equal extent. Besides the slim silhouette, the smooth front end of the new model is immediately evident, as the double headlights are now conjointly mounted behind a glass cover.

In addition to dynamic lines and a distinctive wedge shape, a significantly lower bonnet and a raised rear end, technical refinements such as windows installed flush with the car body and targeted diffuser cooling air circulation inside the engine compartment also contribute towards the outstanding drag coefficient of 0.29 (316i). This BMW has therefore

virtually nothing in common with its predecessor, but the family resemblance still remains recognizable.

Thanks to typical styling elements such as the kidney grille and double headlights, it is still obviously a BMW, even though the dominating design element and symbol of the brand was now flatter and wider.

1998-2005 When the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series is launched in May 1998, the compact sports sedan is some 40 mm wider and even the track width has increased by 60 mm compared with its predecessor.

At that time, BMW designers describe the styling of the front end as follows: “On the whole and in essential details, the front end, the typical BMW face, has been reinterpreted, but it is still that unmistakable 3 Series face.”

The double kidney grille is integrated into the bonnet and, together with the dual round headlights located behind clear glass covers, again shapes the powerful character of the new BMW 3 Series’ face.

Compared with the front ends of the BMW 5 and 7 Series, the lower headlight surrounds form a distinctive separation: Here, the curvatures of the reflectors located in the exterior bodywork are finely outlined by a slight indication of curvatures, resulting in a clearly visible interruption of the horizontal line above the bumper.

2005-2011 With the launch of the fifth generation in the year 2005, BMW brings to the market a BMW 3 Series that is strong in character and exudes significantly more presence and power than its predecessor. Only a year after the market launch, the new styling strategy and the progressive design vocabulary gain the highest level of recognition, resulting in the BMW 3 Series being presented with the “World Car of the Year” award in New York.

Members of the creative BMW design team are already convinced of the value of their work beforehand: “Within the series, the design has consistently developed in both small and larger steps. The new 3 Series represents a particularly high level of advancement in the vehicle’s design history.” Although the car makes only a proportionally moderate leap compared to the predecessor model, it does stand out from it significantly and noticeably. With the double kidney grille and dual headlights curved at the top, it exhibits the typical front end of a modern BMW - a focused facial expression.

2012 The success story of the 3 Series over the past 37 years continues with the sixth generation of the

world’s best-selling premium car. This model is the first BMW to be available with three different line options: Modern, Sport and Luxury - three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior, enabling customers to choose among a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste.

The 6th generation BMW 3 Series interprets the classic design features of the BMW 3 Series model of the 1960s with a new lease on life. The new powerful design elements include a new BMW face, with flat headlights reaching along as far as the BMW kidney grille. This emphasizes the elegantly dynamic design of the new BMW 3 Series, which has increased in length (+93mm), width (front +37mm, rear +47mm) and wheelbase (+50mm) compared to the predecessor model, giving the car an elegant and athletic silhouette.

The interior of the car also saw a noticeable increase in space which meant significant benefit for the rear passengers. The classic BMW interior surfaces and lines flow over the instrument panel towards the front passenger side of the cabin, where they form a smooth and protective border. The cockpit wraps around the driver and ensures that all important functions are within easy reach.

Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series. A choice of three powerful engines is available: the 335i 6-cylinder, the 328i and the 320i 4-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

With the addition of the BMW 320i, BMW Group expanded its 3 Series product offering and made the world’s best-selling premium car even more accessible to a wider customer audience all over the world.

Although more than 37 years lie between the first generation of 1975 and the current BMW 3 Series, both front ends attest to an unmistakable brand identity and in spite of the great difference in age, are both immediately recognizable as members of the same family.

Then and now, the design bestows the BMW sedan with its styling and personality, expressing contemporary and trendsetting dynamics, innovation and aesthetics. Hence, each generation of the compact sports sedan stands for BMW tradition and modernity alike. And each model combines classic and innovative elements that interpret this theme in their very own way.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

technology

Messaging apps show mobile Internet’s rise in Asia SEOUL: A handful of smartphone apps that began as basic instant messaging services have amassed several hundred million users in Asia in just a couple of years, mounting a challenge to the popularity of online hangouts such as Facebook as they branch into games, e-commerce, celebrity news and other areas.

Among them is Line, which has grown to 60 million users, mostly in Asia including at least 29 million in Japan. Its developer estimates the number of users will reach 100 million by the end of this year. Also popular is Kakao Talk with 60 million users, more than half in South Korea where it originates. Other successful messengers are Nimbuzz made by an India-based firm which has amassed 100 million users including 31 million in Asia, and WeChat by China-based Tencent, which is nearing 200 million users.

The rapid growth of such applications underlines that people are increasingly going online using mobile phones and other wireless devices. It is a trend that has proved problematic for the world’s most popular social networking site. Facebook has lost more than $50 billion of its market

value since its initial public offering largely due to doubts about its ability to successfully insert advertising into the mobile version that a large and growing number of its 955 million users access from smartphones. “Japan, Korea and to a lesser extent China are leading the way in terms of mobile messaging-centric apps that move into diverse and potentially very profitable new service areas like gaming, affiliate marketing, next-generation emoticons,” said analyst Mark Ranson at research firm Ovum. “Offering a free, high quality messaging service is a good way of building a large and loyal user base which can later be introduced to more readily monetizeable services.”

Instant messaging, also known as IM, was first popularized on desktop computers with applications such as Microsoft Messenger that evolved from text-based chatting and sharing files to the voice calls and video conferencing that Skype is known for. The advent of smartphones took IM back to basics with services such as WhatsApp and Blackberry Messenger that allowed for real-time chatting, swapping photos and not much else. The new

instant messaging apps such as Line have evolved into online destinations in their own right. “I use Line messenger every day, about every hour ... instead of text messages or emails,” Supinda Toochinda, a 31year-old interior designer in Bangkok, said in an email. She said Line was the only mobile application she’d spent money with, buying elaborate emoticons called stickers that can be sent to friends while chatting.

Part of the appeal of the applications is the ability to create an unlimited number of group chats and the ease with which connections can be made - the apps automatically create a contacts list by harvesting the contacts list saved in the phone. At the same time, managing privacy is simpler than on a social networking site.

Analysts say these mobile messengers are showing more nimble and promising moves in the efforts to make such mobile services profitable without relying solely on advertising.

“Kakao Talk and Line are seeing opportunities as Facebook isn’t making money from users of its mobile website and app,” said Ryu Han-seok, director of the

Technology, Labor and Culture Institute, a consulting company, in Seoul. “In the mobile markets in Asia, they are ahead of the game.”

“It is probably tough to compete with Facebook in the US or Europe. But in Japan, South Korea and other Asian countries, they have a good chance of beating Facebook,” said Ryu. While Line messenger is expanding to photo editing and sharing, social games and Twitter-like features that allow users to follow corporate brands or celebrities, its windfall came from sales of virtual goods. Sales of stickers - a $1.99 bundle of cute pictures of cartoon characters or animals - have been its biggest revenue generator. In August, users spent about $3 million to send the elaborate emoticons when they chat with friends.

Kakao Talk, which is only accessible on mobile devices, says it is trying to develop a business model that isn’t dependent on advertising. Since its launch in 2010, it has added a free voice calling service, a gift shop to send Starbucks drink coupons to friends, and options for receiving weather and news, discount vouchers and music videos. “We are not interested in displaying

mobile banner ads just to make money,” Kakao Inc. CEO Sirgoo Lee said in an interview with The Associated Press. The app has been wildly popular in South Korea.

Even a small disruption in service makes news and it has entered the local lexicon with the phrase “let’s do ka talk.” South Koreans are typically connected to multiple group chats on Kakao Talk, holding conversations in separate chat rooms with family, a group of close friends, co-workers and other circles.

According to Appsooni.com, which compiles data on Android applications, South Koreans used Kakao Talk for 62 minutes a day on average in August, compared with 17 minutes on Facebook’s Android application.

In a move seen as bringing the threeyear-old startup close to generating a profit, Kakao introduced mobile games to its users in July.

“Giving gifts or sending emoticons are business models that Facebook doesn’t have. Facebook simply displays ads so its model is different from ours. (Facebook’s) profit models are not tailored for mobile users,” Lee said. — AP

Germany urges public to stop using Internet Explorer Govt says hackers using bug to launch attacks

TOKYO: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. President and CEO, Andrew House, right, and Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Hiroshi Kawano show the new PlayStation 3 and PS VITA during a news conference in Tokyo, yesterday. Sony Corp. is introducing a smaller, slimmer and lighter version of its PlayStation 3 home console ahead of the yearend holidays as it gears up for growing competition in games from smartphones. — AP

Sony plans slimmer PlayStation 3 TOKYO: Sony Corp. is introducing a smaller, slimmer and lighter version of its PlayStation 3 home console ahead of the year-end holidays as it gears up for growing competition in games from smartphones.

The announcement Wednesday from the Japanese electronics and entertainment company comes a day ahead of the annual Tokyo Game Show, where game makers show their wares. But the iPhone 5 smartphone from Apple Inc. is hogging much of the attention, already drawing long lines for pre-orders at some retailers, and more lines are expected ahead of Friday’s launch.

The new PlayStation 3, closer to the size of a laptop, is half the size of the original model, introduced in 2006. It also offers more harddrive memory at 500 gigabytes and 250 gigabytes, up from the current 320 GB and 160 GB options.

The global rollout starts Sept. 25 in North America, where the 250 GB version will sell for $269. The other version sells for $299 from Oct. 30. In Japan, the models go on sale Oct. 4 for 29,980 yen ($380) and 24,980 yen ($316).

Tokyo-based Sony is struggling as its other electronics businesses get battered by competition from Apple’s iPhones as well as by cheaper Asian rivals. The maker of Bravia TVs and Walkman portable players posted its worst loss in its 66-year history for the fiscal year ended in March - its fourth straight year of red ink.

The company is banking on games to help steer a turnaround. President Kazuo Hirai spent much of his career leading the game division. To woo consumers, Sony is slashing the price on its PlayStation Portable, or PSP, mobile device as it increasingly focuses on its

upgraded PlayStation Vita, which went on sale last year, for on-the-go games.

The PSP, which first went on sale in 2004, comes down today in Japan. There is no change to the US price now.

Sony plans to expand entertainment based on cloud computing, which offers storage and other computer services over the network, after recently acquiring Gaikai Inc., a US game company.

The PlayStation Vita won’t be getting any upgrades just yet. But it will be available in new colors, blue and red, in addition to white and black, but only in Japan.

Some speculation is buzzing about a PlayStation 4, possibly before the end of next year, but officials were mum on that topic.

The PS Vita, which has a touch-panel, allows users to live-stream video and works as an electronic book function for colorful comics, according to Sony.

But Sony has already slashed its PS Vita sales target for this fiscal year through March 2013, to 12 million units, down from 16 million that was given three months earlier.

In lowering the target, Sony pointed to the economic slowdown, especially in Europe.

But it also noted the intense competition from smartphones and social-networking entertainment.

Hiroshi Kawano, who heads Sony’s game business in Japan, said the networking feature of PlayStation 3 allows users to enjoy millions of tunes, karaoke at home and a growing library of movies.

“Even after six years, the PlayStation 3 has not lost momentum and continues to deliver powerful home entertainment,” he said at a Tokyo hall. — AP

TOKYO: An employee from NTT DoCoMo demonstrates the prototype model of a new hands-free tablet operated by eye-controled input with an infrared eye-tracking device at a press preview in Tokyo yesterday.

The user can scroll a browser, turn pages of electronic books and play games. — AFP

FRANKFURT/BOSTON: The German government urged the public on Tuesday to temporarily stop using Microsoft Corp’s Internet Explorer following discovery of a yet-to-be repaired bug in the Web browser that the software maker said makes PCs vulnerable hacker attacks.

It issued the warning as a researcher said he found evidence that suggests the hackers who exploited the flaw were seeking to attack defense contractors.

Microsoft said on Monday that attackers can exploit the bug in its Internet Explorer, used on hundreds of millions of computers, to infect the PC of somebody who visits a malicious website and then take control of the victim’s computer.

The German government’s Federal Office for Information Security, or BSI, said it was aware of targeted attacks and that all that was needed was to lure Web surfers to a website where hackers had planted malicious software that exploited the bug.

“A fast spreading of the code has to be feared,” the German government said in its statement. BSI advised all users of Internet Explorer to use an alternative browser until the manufacturer has released a security update. Officials with Microsoft did not respond to a request to comment on the move by the German government, although the company downplayed the impact of the flaw in a written statement.

“There have been an extremely limited num-

ber of attacks,” said company spokeswoman Yunsun Wee. “The vast majority of Internet Explorer users have not been impacted.”

The company said it planned to release software to protect PCs from attack within the next few days. Customers must manually install the code by visiting Microsoft’s website and clicking on a link.

Microsoft did not say how long it will take to release a full update to Internet Explorer, which will automatically be loaded onto the machines of most customers. Several security researchers have said they expect the update within a week.

The vulnerability in Internet Explorer was identified on Friday after the PC of a security researcher from Luxembourg was infected while analyzing a computer server that was used last year to launch a cyber industrial espionage campaign on at least 48 chemical and defense companies.

The victims of the so-called “Nitro” attacks included Fortune 100 corporations that develop compounds and advanced materials, according to security software maker Symantec Corp , which disclosed them in October 2011.

Network security firm AlienVault said on Tuesday it has discovered three other servers that host malicious websites that exploit the newly found Internet Explorer vulnerability.

Jaime Blasco, manager of AlienVault Labs, said he found evidence suggesting they target-

ed defense contractors. As an example, he said he found a related virus on a site that provides news on India’s defense sector.

“It seems that these guys are behind big targets,” he said.Internet Explorer was the world’s second-most widely used browser last month, with about 33 percent market share, according to StatCounter. It was close behind Chrome, which had 34 percent of the market.

Until the new software is available from Microsoft, thecompany advises customers to use a free security tool, which is known as the Enhanced Mitigation Experience Toolkit, or EMET, to mitigate the risk of attacks. It is available through an advisory on Microsoft’s website: http://blogs.technet.com/b/msrc/ The EMET software must be downloaded, installed and then manually configured to protect computers from the newly discovered threat, according to the posting from Microsoft.

The company also advised customers to adjust several Windows security settings to thwart potential attackers, but cautioned that doing so might impact the PC’s usability. Some security experts have said it would be too cumbersome for many PC users to implement the measures suggested by Microsoft. Instead they advised Windows users to temporarily switch from Internet Explorer to rival browsers such as Google Inc’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox or Opera Software ASA’s Opera. — Reuters

LG unveils its latest flagship smartphone

HANOVER: Fair workers demonstrate the use of a VW Caddy Maxi car for wheelchair users at the stand of Volkswagen (VW) at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) for Commercial Vehicles in Hanover, central Germany, yesterday. Around 1,900 exhibitors present their products during the fair for mobility, transportation and logistics running until September 27, 2012. — AFP

Apple, publishers offer EU e-book antitrust settlement BRUSSELS: Apple Inc and four major publishers have offered to let retailers such as Amazon.Com Inc sell e-books at a discount, in a bid to end an EU antitrust investigation, the European Commission said yesterday.

EU regulators have been investigating Apple’s e-book pricing deals with Simon & Schuster, News Corp unit HarperCollins, French group Lagardere SCA’s Hachette Livre, Verlagsgruppe Georg von Holtzbrinck, which owns Macmillan in Germany, and Pearson Plc’s Penguin group.

Apple and the publishers, with the exception of Penguin, have offered to settle with the Commission, which began its inquiry last December.

“For a period of two years, the four publishers will not restrict, limit or impede e-book retailers’ ability to set, alter or reduce retail prices for e-books and/or to offer discounts or promo-

tions,” the European Commission said in its Official Journal, detailing the offer under consideration. Reuters reported the proposal on Aug. 31.

The Commission said the publishers and Apple also offered to suspend “most-favoured nation” contracts for five years. Such clauses barred publishers from deals with rival retailers to sell e-books at prices lower than those set

by Apple.

The EU watchdog said third parties have a month to provide feedback on the proposals. If the response is positive, the Commission will end its investigation. HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette reached a settlement with the U.S. government in April with similar proposals. According to analysts at UBS, e-books account for about 30 percent of the US book market and 20 percent of sales in Britain, but are still negligible elsewhere. — Reuters

SEOUL: LG Electronics will launch the Optimus G smartphone next week in South Korea, pinning high hopes on the new Android device to help revive its loss-making mobile business. LG said Tuesday that the Optimus G will go on sale in Japan next month and in the US in November. That would put LG’s new phone, which costs $894 without subsidies from operators in South Korea, in competition with Apple’s iPhone 5 and Samsung’s Galaxy Note II smartphones during the fall and the winter holidays.

Previous Optimus smartphones have failed to make a mark in the fastest-growing segment of the mobile phone market. LG’s mobile division posted losses of nearly 1 trillion won ($895 million) in 2010 and 2011 combined. LG’s mobile chief said the company hopes the G smartphone will help accelerate the division’s turnaround.

“The Optimus G is our flagship phone with a competitive edge,” Park Jong-seok, LG’s mobile business president, told reporters at a media event. “We are trying to make phones differentiated from our rivals.”

LG Electronics Inc. was the world’s third-largest handset maker before being overtaken by Apple in the highend market and China-based ZTE Corp. in the low-end.

Analysts said LG was focused on making handsets primarily for voice calls and text messaging, which delayed its response when Apple’s iPhone took the mobile market by storm.

The Seoul-based company has reduced its reliance on rudimentary phones to bank on advanced gadgets using Google’s Android operating system. But its efforts have not paid off so far. LG’s mobile communications division reported an operating loss of 57 billion won in the second quarter.

International Data Corporation puts LG at No. 5 among global mobile-phone makers after Samsung Electronics, Nokia, Apple and ZTE in the three months ending in June.

As LG’s struggles with mobile phones continue, various affiliates at LG Group, a major industrial group in South Korea, joined forces to create the G smartphone.

LG Display, which supplies screens for Apple’s iPhone and iPad, manufactured 4.7-inch displays for the G, while other LG affiliates made a battery and a 13megapixel camera. The G smartphone is powered by Qualcomm’s quad-core processor and supports access to a faster wireless network.

LG also added new video-related features. The G can dim the video in a translucent layer, allowing users to send text messages or write emails while watching the show in the background. It also allows users to zoom into a scene while playing the video using a two-finger pinch. — AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

he a lt h & s c ie n c e

FDA urged to set standards for arsenic in rice WASHINGTON: Consumer groups are pressuring the Food and Drug Administration to set federal guidance on allowable levels of arsenic in rice, prompting the agency to study the issue and consider possible new standards.

So far, FDA officials say they have found no evidence that suggests rice is unsafe to eat. The agency is in the middle of conducting a study of 1,200 samples of grocery store rice products - short and long-grain rice, cereals, drinks and even rice cakes - to measure arsenic levels.

Arsenic is thought to be found in rice in higher levels than most other foods because it is grown in water on the ground, optimal conditions for the contaminant to be absorbed in the rice. There are no federal standards for how much arsenic is allowed in food.

Arsenic is naturally present in water, air, food and soil in two forms, organic and inorganic.

According to the FDA, organic arsenic passes through the body quickly and is essentially harmless. Inorganic arsenic-the type found in some pes-

ticides and insecticides - can be toxic and may pose a cancer risk if consumed at high levels or over a long period.

How much organic and inorganic arsenic rice eaters are consuming, and whether those levels are dangerous, still remains to be seen. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says consumers shouldn’t stop eating rice, though she does encourage a diverse diet just in case.

“Our advice right now is that consumers should continue to eat a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of grains - not only for good nutrition but also to minimize any potential consequences from consuming any one particular food,” she said.

The agency on Wednesday released 200 of the expected 1,200 samples after Consumers Union, publisher of the magazine Consumer Reports, released its own study and called for federal standards for arsenic in rice. The FDA will not complete its study until the end of the year, Hamburg said, and cannot draw any conclusions from the results until then.

Both studies show relatively similar levels of arsenic in rice. The FDA’s analysis showed average levels of 3.5 to 6.7 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per serving, while Consumer Reports found levels up to 8.7 micrograms. The FDA released 200 samples, while Consumer Reports tested 223.

It is almost impossible to say how dangerous these levels are without a benchmark from the federal government. Consumer Reports uses New Jersey’s drinking water standard - a maximum of 5 micrograms in a liter of water - as comparison because it is one of the strictest in the country.

But it is unclear how accurate it is to compare arsenic levels in water and arsenic levels in rice most people consume more water than rice, so drinking water standards may need to be tougher.

It is because of this uncertainty that groups like Consumers Union have urged the FDA to set a standard. Urvashi Rangan of Consumers Union says the group is not trying to alarm rice eaters and parents feeding their children rice, but to

educate them so they can diversify their diets.

Consumers should be more protected since arsenic is a known carcinogen, she said.

“It doesn’t make sense not to have standards for rice,” she said. The Consumers Union study found higher levels of arsenic in brown rice than white rice, a result of how the two different types are processed. It also found higher levels in rice produced in Southern U.S. states than in rice from California or Asia.

Hamburg cautioned that neither the FDA nor Consumers Union had tested enough samples to be certain of any trend. “These are very few samples and there is great variability in the levels,” she said. The consumer group’s push on arsenic in rice comes a year after it pressured the FDA to define standards for arsenic in apple juice. Michael Taylor, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for foods, said Tuesday that the agency had completed that assessment and would be making recommendations soon. The levels found in apple juice are low, he said. — AP

Local Multiple Sclerosis patients come together Experts to address at the second MS forum in UAE DUBAI: Following the enormous success of the first-ever Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patient forum in March of this year, the UAE MS Task Force has announced that the second forum will take place on Friday 21 September in Dubai.

More than 100 patients and their relatives attended the first forum sponsored by global healthcare leader Novartis, in addition to educational sessions held in hospitals all over the UAE, where as many 50 patients and their caregivers attended.

“ The feedback from the first forum will encourage more patients, and even doctors, to attend this second meeting,” said Dr. Suzan Nouri, Consultant Neurologist at Rashid Hospital, a key member of the Task Force and a member of the Emirates Neurology Society (EMINS).

“We expect at least 100 patients this time from all hospitals across the country, and they will benefit from the two eminent international speakers we have invited to share best practice,

Painkillers can cause headaches LONDON: Common painkillers could be causing people to have headaches, the UK health watchdog warned yesterday. People who regularly take medicines such as aspirin, paracetamol and triptans could be causing themselves more pain than relief, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (Nice) said.

Medication “overuse” could contribute to headaches for people who have been taking such medicines for up to alf of the days in a month over three months, a spokesman said. The watchdog estimated that one in 50 people who experience headaches suffer because of medication overuse.

Nice said common over-thecounter treatments are effective for easing the pain of occasional headaches but using them for tension-type headaches or migraine can reduce their effectiveness and cause further pain.

People who suffer from such headaches could be in a vicious cycle where their headaches are getting worse because of medication overuse and to alleviate symptoms they take more drugs.

Issuing new guidance to healthcare professionals, Nice said that different headaches require different treatments and so a correct diagnosis is vital.

More than 10 million people in the UK experience regular or frequent headaches, according to Nice.

They account for one in 25 GP consultations. Martin Underwood, a GP and professor of primary care research at Warwick Medical

School who chaired the guideline’s development, said “We have effective treatments for common headache types.

“However, taking these medicines for more than 10 or 15 days a month can cause medication overuse headache, which is a disabling and preventable disorder.

“Patients with frequent tensiontype headaches or migraines can get themselves into a vicious cycle, where their headaches are getting increasingly worse, so they take more medication which makes their pain even worse as they take more medication.

“I hope this guideline will improve awareness of medication overuse headache both in primar y care and among the general public because prevention is simple and treatment is difficult. “Explaining to patients that they should abruptly stop their medication, knowing that their headache will get much worse for several weeks before it will improve, is not an easy consultation.”

Dr Gillian Leng, deputy chief executive of Nice, added “Although headache is the most common neurological problem seen by GPs and neurologists, many people are not receiving correct or timely diagnoses. “ The key features of medication overuse and the symptoms that distinguish the types of primary headache can be overlooked and concerns from patients about possible underlying causes can lead to unnecessary hospital investigations”. — KUNA

as well as local speakers from various disciplines including rehabilitation, psychology - MS patients need a combined approach to their treatment,” she added.

Professor Sven Schippling, Deputy Head, Department of Neuroimmunology and Clinical Multiple Sclerosis Research, Department of Neurology University Medical Center Zurich and Professor Volker Limmroth, Professor of Neurology, Chairman, Department of Neurology at Cologne City Hospitals in Germany, will be presenting up-to-date scientific data on the newest treatment option for MS. “These forums are an excellent way to meet with other patients and learn more about how each person manages their illness - once we all have help in knowing what to do and what not to do, we’ll all have better lives,” said a local MS patient, who attended the first forum in March.

MS is a nervous system disease with no known cause that affects the brain and spinal cord. MS damages the myelin sheath that surrounds and protects the nerve cells which slows down or blocks messages between the brain and the body, leading to the symptoms of MS: these include visual disturbances, muscle weakness, trouble with coordination and balance, sensations such as numbness, prickling, or “pins and needles”, and thinking and memory problems.

Research figures show MS affects around 25 to 50 people in 100,000 in Arabic populations and about 100 per 100,000 in Nor thern Europeans who display the highest risk of MS across the world, with prevalence seeming to increase with further distance from the equator [1, 2].

Globally, MS affects women more than men [2] and often begins between the ages of 20 and 40. The disease can be mild but some people lose the ability to write, speak or walk. There is no cure for MS, but medicines can slow disease progression and help control symptoms.

Plea over cancer research funding LONDON: Historic under-investment is one of the key reasons pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates here of almost any cancer, a charity said yesterday.

There should be a new approach to directing research funding into cancers of “unmet need”, the charity Pancreatic Cancer UK said. Around 4 percent survive the disease for five years or more, a figure that has hardly changed in 40 years, the charity said. It is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK yet receives only 1 percent of the total research spend, it added.

The charity is to commit 500,000 pounds to a new research innovation fund which will support innovative approaches to the biology, treatment and diagnosis of the disease, and called for “significant and sustained investment” into its study.

Its report, “A cancer of unmet need: the pancreatic cancer research challenge”, highlights what the charity describes as a direct link between increased investment in research and increased rates of survival. An analysis of research spending shows, on the basis of mortality rates, that investment in pancreatic cancer research is significantly disproportionate to the burden of the disease, it says. There are around 7,900 deaths annually and it has the lowest one-year survival rate of the 21 most common cancers, but only 553 pounds per death per year is spent on pancreatic cancer research.

By comparison, in breast cancer, which has one of the highest one-

year survival rates of all cancers, there are around 11,550 deaths annually and 3, 613 pounds is spent on research per death per year. If pancreatic cancer were on par with breast cancer, it says, more than 29 million pounds a year would be spent on research - a seven-fold increase in investment instead of the 5 million pounds currently spent.

The charity called for the development of a strategic approach that would enable research to develop at a steady and sustainable rate. A spokeswoman said, “Pancreatic Cancer UK proposes that the UK needs to aim to double its pancreatic cancer research spend within the next three years.

This equates to 10 million pounds by 2015 and brings it roughly on par with the level of spend per death of prostate and bowel cancer”. Charity chief executive Alex Ford said, “We are committed to working with others to double survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients in the UK. In order to do this, we strongly believe there needs to be significant and sustained investment in research into the disease.

“Our report serves as a call to action to all within the UK research community to give serious thought to how we can work together to change the pancreatic cancer landscape for the better.”

A Department of Health spokeswoman said: “We must find ways to support GPs better in identifying symptoms which could be pancreatic cancer, to enable earlier diagnosis. —KUNA

A file picture taken on March, 29, 2008 in Clermont-Ferrand, central France, shows people forming the OGM (French for GMO) logo as they demonstrate during an action untitled “Without GMO = 0%” as part of a nationwide action to denounce the culture of genetically-modified organisms in open fields. The European Commission said yesterday, it had requested the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to review the results of a study demonstrating the toxicity of GMOs on health and promised to“draw the conclusions “. — AFP

Funding cuts imperil Europe fight against TB, AIDS virus LONDON: Cuts in global funding for Eastern Europe and Central Asia are undermining the fight against tuberculosis (TB) and the AIDS virus, threatening to push already high rates of disease and drug-resistance even higher, experts said yesterday.

In a report by leading European nongovernmental health organisations, the experts called on the European Union to step in to fill the gaps left by global donors to countries within and neighbouring its borders.

TB already kills seven people every hour in the European region while 1.4 million people in Europe have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. Countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have some of the world’s fastest growing HIV epidemics, and the region is the only one globally where the number of new HIV cases continues to rise ever y year.

Europe is also home to the world’s highest documented rates of drugresistant TB. “Diseases do not respect borders,” said Patrick Bertrand of Global Health Advocates France, one of the NGOs behind the report. “To address global health issues such as TB and HIV, the European Union must pay attention to what is happening both within its member states and its neighbours. Now is not the time to falter and allow for all the progress we’ve made to be lost.”

The public-private Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria, the world’s largest financial backer of the battle against the three infectious diseases, said in November last year it had been forced to cancel a round of new grants and would make no new funding available until 2014.

Wednesday ’s report found that because of these shortfalls, caused partly by cuts by some donor governments to aid budgets during economic down-

turns, and due to changes in Global Fund eligibility criteria, funds for middleincome countries such as some in Eastern Europe and Central Asia have been limited.

As a result, it said, some countries lack the money needed to aggressively tackle their TB and HIV epidemics. The report noted that the Global Fund not only supports treatment and prevention programmes, but also funds civil society organisations that can lobby national governments to begin to fund such programmes themselves.

Experts who contributed to the report said underfunding of HIV and TB programmes in the Europe “will inevitably contribute” to rising rates of disease and drug-resistance.

“This will cost lives and cause an enormous drain on the European region’s economy due to increased treatment costs and lost productivity,” they wrote.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that if steps are not taken to address drug-resistant TB Europe, economic losses to the region will be $12 billion within five years.

“This is an issue where the European Union has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and to ensure these vulnerable populations are not abandoned,” said Aaron Oxley, director of RESULTS UK, another NGO involved in the report.

The NGOs called for the EU to make targeted investments in the health of its neighbours, where the Global Fund is unable to, and to ensure it honoured existing pledges to the Fund and seeks to increase support for it in the years ahead.

The WHO warned last year that multi drug-resistant and extensively drugresistant forms of TB are spreading at an alarming rate in Europe and will kill thousands unless health authorities do something to halt the pandemic. — Reuters

DRESDEN, Germany: Animal keeper Rainer Kraut spray-washes elephant ìDrumboî on Tuesday. More than 2,000 animals of circa 300 species live at the zoo that counts around 700,000 visitors yearly. — AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

he a lt h & s c ie n c e

600 sickle cell disease patients in Kuwait to benefit OMAN: Kuwaiti experts joined Omani, Bahraini and international doctors to discuss the treatment and management of the genetic blood disorder sickle cell disease in Oman last weekend. The speaker tour, sponsored by health leader Novartis Oncology, aimed to deliver up-todate clinical data and optimal practice in the treatment of the disease.

According to Professor Adekunle Adekile, Head of Pediatric Hematology Unit, Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, and Chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Kuwait University, Kuwait, who presented information on the disease registry in Kuwait, sickle cell disease is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world, especially in areas affected both currently and previously by malaria, as the sickle cell trait tended to provide protection against malaria infection. Professor Adekile estimates that prevalence of the sickle cell trait is around 3 to 6 percent, with the disease affecting up to 1 percent - a significant number considering that it applies only to the local population.

Recent implementation of a registry in Kuwait with the approval of the Ministry of Health has allowed local doctors to estimate that up to 600 patients suffer from

the genetic disease, with almost 300 patients already registered.

“Children born with sickle cell disease tend to have two significant problems - anemia, which in itself comes with problems, and abnormal shaping of red blood cells, which tend to block small blood vessels, cause recurrent pain, and can affect any part of the body,” added Prof Adekile.

Sickle cell disease is named after the abnormal sickleshape that red blood cells take in affected individuals. “In addition to the two major problems mentioned, there are other complications that must be addressed. Patients are very prone to bacterial infections and major organs, particularly the spleen, begin to malfunction. As a result, many children that don’t have access to specialized medical centres die in their first few years of life due to infection,” Prof Adekile warned.

Ischaemic stroke is one of the most devastating complications that affects children and, to a lesser extent, adults with sickle cell disease. Approximately 24 percent of patients experience stroke before the age of 45, and the risk is highest in the first decade of life.

Early diagnosis is crucial to the management of the dis-

ease, with local doctors stressing the importance of newborn screening and familial education seminars to help prevent or mitigate complications. “The registry is incredibly important because we need to compare regional data to the rest of the world. It is also useful for planning purposes and formulating appropriate and uniform management protocols.It would be even more helpful if there was a combined Gulf registry where we could pool data and increase quality of care across the entire region,” added Prof Adekile.

The general public tends to be more informed of the blood disorder thalassemia, and more awareness is required for sufferers of sickle cell disease. “Contrary to thalassemia, patients with sickle cell disease are not recognizable in their developmental appearances and diagnosis, though easy, occurs via screening,” said Dr.AndroullaEleftheriou, Head of the International Thalassemia Foundation, which also covers sickle cell disease, and who spoke at the Oman congress.

“We very much look forward to providing information that policy makers and the medical community can use to help implement policies to assist in the management of these blood disorders,” she added.

Adekunle Adekile§

30

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N

AUK president meets Belgian ambassador to Kuwait SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

A

UK President Dr Winfred Thompson received the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Kuwait Damien Angeleton a visit to AUK on Tuesday. The meeting covered a wide array of topics, including opportunities of cultural and educational collaboration between AUK and Belgian institutions. ‘The Ambassador and I had a very positive meeting exploring opportunities for cooperation between Belgian educa-

W

hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! This summer, let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at

tional and cultural institutions and the American University of Kuwait’, said Thompson The Kingdom of Belgium is a federalstate in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU’s headquarters, and those of several other major international organizations such as NATO. Belgium covers an area of 30,528 square kilometers, and it has a population of about 11 million people.

instagram@kuwaittimes.net

IIS embarks on a promising vision UPCOMING EVENTS Free accounting seminar CCA - Association of Chartered Accountants of UK has recently introduced the Diploma in Accounting and Business program for entry level career seekers in Accounting and Business with no prior educational requirements. ITI the leading name in training and education in Kuwait is organizing a free seminar on Wednesday the 26th at 7 pm for students and parents who are desirous of starting a career in the rewarding field of accounting with international recognitions. The seminar is free for all and will be held the campus in Farwaniya.

A

“T

he future is not some place we are going but the one we create. The path to success is not found, but made.”(John Schaar’s) First September 2012 was an exciting day as the school reopened after enjoying a delightful summer vacation. The day was made extra-ordinary by the Principal F.M. Basheer Ahmed whose magnanimous approach and penchant for excellence has taken the shape to formulate the VISION OF IIS. He proclaimed the vision of IIS with an amazing PowerPoint presentation programme.

The programme began with a welcome address by vice principal Mrs. Narinder Kaur. In her speech she edi-

LLL Kuwait meeting ur next LLL Kuwait meeting for working women will take place this Sunday, September 23, from 4:15 to 5:45 pm, at the Bright Minds Learning Center, Rumaithiya, Block 9 Corner of Abo Hanifa Street & Street 96 House 1, Basement.

O

Onam celebration onni Nivasi Sangamam celebrates Onam on Friday, 21st September 2012 from 10 am to 4 pm at Abbassiya United Indian School. Public meeting honored with presence of prominent dignitaries from social-cultural-political sectors, maveli, athapookalam, chendamelam, ganamela, mimicry and other cultural events will be conducted as part of the program.

Ccome and enjoy! Feel the experience of traditional tastes! Have lots of fun & frenzy! rock with music!

K

Calling all Ten-pin Bowlers he Indian Bowling League (IBL) Season 3 will be held at Cozmo Entertainment, Salmiya commencing on Friday the 28th of September at 3 pm. Kindly reserve your team in advance to avoid disappointment, on a first come first serve.

T

‘Leniency of Islam’ n unprecedented initiative of KTV2 (English channel) is the new program by the name ‘Leniency of Islam’ presented by Shaikh Musaad Alsane and directed by Hamid Al-Turkait. The program is mainly meant to address the expatriates living in Kuwait. Religious questions are received through the program email qislam@tv.gov.kw and sms can be sent to- 97822021 and answered by the lecturer and Imam in Awqaf Ministry Shaikh Musaad Alsane - a Master Degree holder in Sharia and fiqih from Kuwait University. So don’t forget to watch the program every Friday at 1:00 pm.

A

NAFO Onam on Sept 21 ational Forum Kuwait (NAFO Kuwait) will celebrate Onam 2012 with its full spirit and fervor on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the Indian Community School Auditorium from 10.00 am onwards. Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta will be the chief guest on this happy occasion. A galaxy of eminent personalities in Kuwait is also expected to join the celebration.

Starting from the floral carpet called “Athapookkalam,” NAFO family will present various cultural programs bringing back the nostalgic memories of a bygone era of prosperity, equality and righteousness under the golden reign of Mahabali. In addition, a grand sumptuous meal, the traditional ‘Onasadya’ will also be served.

Konkani drama

C

omedian Salu Faleiro, a wellknown Goan playwright and winner of several awards in Konkani One Act Play competitions, will stage his second tiatr in Kuwait entitled ‘Aitar Budhvar’. The drama will be staged on 16th November 2012 at Kuwait Medical Association Hall, Jabriya, starting at 4 pm. It will feature superstars and top cast of Konkani stage from Goa, Mangalore, Kuwait and the Middle East. Comedian Salu’s first tiatr ‘Arxeant Hanslo Arxeant Roddlo’, staged way back in 2006 was widely acclaimed as one of the best dramas staged in Kuwait.

N

Focus Kuwait 6th annual day s a part of the 6th anniversary celebrations, Forum of Cadd Users (FOCUS Kuwait), a non-political, non-religious organization is set to stage a mega cultural event “Focus Fest-2012”. This mega event will be a blend of traditional and contemporary dance and musical extravaganza by renowned South Indian playback singers Jyotsna and Sudeesh. Scheduled for the afternoon of Friday, October 12, 2012, at the AlJeel Al-Jadeed School Auditorium, Hawally, the mega musical show, is expected to be a super-hit in Kuwait.

A

fied the importance and need to maintain consistency in discipline and attitudes which contribute for the overall development of the school in general and development of a child in particular. Following this, Principal F.M. Basheer Ahmed addressed the gathering. In his speech he proudly announced the glorious vision of IIS which aims at developing the skills, attitude and values.

The vision not only aims at student centered learning but serves as an exposure to adapt, develop and implement the learning skills among the students. After successfully defining the vision, he then dealt with the topics like, What induces violent behaviors in students?, Strategies to prevent violent behavior and the role of teachers to control the students.

During the session teachers actively participated in the interactive dialogue session which stimulated the teachers to present the ideas they have come up with due to experience with the students. Teachers narrated the statement given by one of the students “I am dumped in one room neglected by parents”. This statement attributes one of the reasons for violent behaviour in children in gulf in particular. Hand outs were also circulated among teachers to bring about strategies to prevent violent behaviours. Indeed it was an enlightening session for all to sharpen their skills, to understand the behaviour, and psychology of the students. It was a good exposure for the teachers to tread on the road of excellence with more strength and caliber.

The programme came to an end with vote of thanks proposed by vice principal Mrs Narinder Kaur. She thanked the principal for envisaging a vision to IIS and teachers for their active participation.

Greetings

Happy birthday to our lovely Jessica and Riya both of them celebrate their second birthday today. We wish you both good health and happiness throughout your life. Best wishes coming from father, mother, brother, uncles, aunties, cousins, Suresh, Rajesh, Venu, Uarma, Srinu, Bapri, Mousa, Anand, Madu H Sanjhi, Suneeta, Mamun (Akash) and grandfather, grandmother, family, relatives in India and Kuwait.

Study in Canada exhibition

O

rganized by the Embassy of Canada, the seventh annual Middle East Education Initiative (MEEI) will be visiting Kuwait from Oct 2 to 4, 2012.

Representatives of 20 leading Canadian universities and colleges will be available to meet students, parents, teachers and guidance counsellors to present the advantages of studying in Canada. On Wednesday, Oct 3, 2012 a Study in Canada exhibition will be held at the Marina Hotel, Salmiya from 6:00 - 9:00 pm for potential students and their parents to attend. The Canadian institutions will also be visiting local schools to speak to interested students about opportunities to study in Canada

Happy birthday to Mohd Abdul Numan Khan.

Best wishes from father Mohd Abdul Khan, brother Mohd Abdul Nabil Khan, Mohd Abdul Rahman Khan, and mama Mohd Sami.

KPA celebrates feast of Nativity of Mary

K

uwait Pangla Association (KPA) celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 14th September 2012 at the Indian Public School Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait with sense of zeal. Infant Mother Mary’s statue was well decorated with jasmine flowers brought all the way from Pangla.

It was also the day for Pangalites in Kuwait to choose their new head of the association and new committee for year 2013 - 2014 as the current committee was finishing their tenure. Pangalites in Kuwait could not have asked for a better day than this as most the Pangalites were gathered under roof to celebrate Monti Fest and feeling very nostalgic.

The event was divided in to two parts, AGM and Mother Mary’s Birthday celebration.

The program started with a warm welcome and prayer by our own compare Albert Quadras. This was followed by AGM. Manoj Rego, KPA Secretary for year 20112012 read the detailed report of various KPA activities during their tenure. Rashmi

D’mellow read the new drafted KPA constitution.

Albert Quadras conducted the procedure of forming the new committee for year 2012 2013. All the positions were unanimous chosen.

Core Committee Ignatius Quadras President, Mala Menezes Vice President, Wilson Cornelio Secretary, Rashmi Dmello Joint Secretary, Arun Noronha Public Relation Officer, Manoj Rego Cultural Secretary, Victor Martis Treasurer, Naveen Monis Internal Financial Auditor Committee Members Herald Quadras, Jerald Quadras, Laveena D’souza, Priya Cardoza, Floyd Sequeria , Stevan Castelino, Anita Martis, Vivian Rodrigues, George Dsouza, Anil Alva, Remi Cornelio and Vivet Dsouza Advisory Committee Lawrence Martis and Jerome D’Souza, out-

going President Jerald Quadras expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all KPA members for extending their whole hearted supporting during his tenure as president. He wished the new committee all the very best.

The second and main program kick started and a welcome dance by Viola Martis and bringing the new harvest (rice grain - konshi) by newly wedded couple Floyd and Smitha Sequeria and handed over to a Hilda Cornelio and then offered to Mother Mary in reverence. The konshi was brought from all the way from Pangla a day before the event.

All children were given a plate of flowers to venerate our beloved Mother Mary. Adults and children together sung beautiful Konkani hymns while honoring our beloved mother.

All children were given a piece of sugarcane and sweets to mark and to increase their love for our beloved Mother Mary.

Mario Cornelio took over from Albert Quadras to compate the remaining program.

Viola Martis enthralled the audience with her yet another spectacular dance. Keith &

Kayce D’Souza sung a beautiful English song.

There were many games for children which was thoroughly enjoyed by each one and won many prizes. DJ David provided excellent music which brought everybody to the floor and had loads of fun.

It was lunch time; George D’Souza said the grace before meal. A delicious traditional lunch was served in banana leaf with various vegetarian dishes, fish curry and sweet (oorn) This followed with the last game that was Housie Housie.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks

by Arun Noronha. The program was ably compared by our own Albert Quadras and Wilson Cornelio.

Kuwait, Sept 18, 2012 : Kuwait Pangla Association (KPA) celebrated the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on 14th September 2012 at the Indian Public School Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait with sense of zeal. Infant Mother Mary’s statue was well decorated with jasmine flowers brought all the way from Pangla.

Audition for ZEE Antakshari or the first time Indian Cultural Society brings you live excitement of ZEE - International Antakshari in Kuwait. Audition & first round will be held in Kuwait, there after followed by semi finals in India & Grand Finale in Dubai. Complete team of Carnival films & Zee TV will be in Kuwait for the final round of selection on Friday 5th October with Jaaved Jaaferi: Celebrity Judge, Akriti Kakkar: Female Bollywood Singer & Host of Antakshari, Manish Paul: Host for Auditions, Sarfaraz Khan: Actor, Director and Producer, Michael Amin: Producer & Director Carnival films world.

Musicians, Male Singer & many more for live performances. Final audition at 10 am & music show at 7.30 pm at AIS-Hawally.

F

Kuwait Cricket to organize open tourney for schools

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

K

uwait Cricket, the apex body of cricket in Kuwait would like to invite school cricket teams to participate in their tournaments which are planned to be held at the turf ground at Sulaibiya. Kuwait Cricket intends to conduct two cricket tournaments for U-15 and U-18 school children who should have valid Kuwait residence and be a student of their respective school. The tournaments will be played on

Saturdays at Sulaibiya grounds and the matches will be 30 overs.

Kuwait Cricket’s principal aim is to provide quality cricket to the young school cricketers in Kuwait and guide them to face international exposure which will nurture and develop their sporting skills. Moreover, Kuwait Cricket also aims to make use of sports to strengthen friendship and to bridge the gap between

cultures and communities. Kuwait U-16 & U-19 teams have made various successful international tours to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Nepal and Pakistan. Participation of school cricket teams will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the open cricket tournament and we look forward to your confirmation of attendance. A meeting of school representatives will be arranged shortly.

31

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy

Dr Salah Ayed Al-Sharhan new VP of Planning & Development at GUST

A

s of the latest GUST Board of Trustees meeting on September 10, Dr. Salah Ayed Al-Sharhan, Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science, was announced to be the new Vice President of Planning and Development at the university. Due to his outstanding performance during the last 10 years and his vast 18-year scientific and practical experience in the industry and as one of the first faculty members in the university, there couldn’t be a better fit for the position and the new responsibilities that it entails.

Dr Al-Sharhan joined GUST in September 2002, its first semester, and has been a member of its progress and growth since then and played a key role in co-founding the Multimedia and Media departments at GUST. He also was the first Head of Department of Computer Science and MIS Departments. He is the founder of the e-Learning Center of Excellence at GUST. Dr. Al-Sharhan has been a great representative for the university in many conferences locally and internationally. He organized the International Conference on

Technology and Communications in 2008, which was one of the largest conferences of its kind in Kuwait. He has built and maintained excellent relationships with several universities around the world. Dr. Al-Sharhan also has completed numerous research projects in his field of specialization and published many papers in scientific journals.

GUST is proud to have such an accomplished professional as a part of its team and is confident that Dr. AlSharhan will fulfill his new responsibilities in his new role as VP of Planning and Development with the same efficiency, consistency and integrity that he has shown the university in the past 10 years.

Dr Salah Ayed Al-Sharhan holds a degree in Computer Science from the Kuwait University in 1992, a master’s degree in Applied Sciences of Systems Design Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 1999, and a doctorate in Systems Design Engineering also from the University of Waterloo in 2002. The university wishes him the best luck in his new role.

PAWS ...this is why we are existing!

Y

esterday PAWS got an emergency call from an American lady in Bayan.

An obviously abandoned, very friendly cat was abused over several days by children and a harris in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, this cat was very trustful to people. Her jaw was dislocated by a kick, one of her ribs was broken by another kick; the day before the rescue the same children tried to set her on fire. Now the animal is suffering from a severe wound under her stomach.

The rescue itself was very unspectacular; I searched for her, she was hiding very exhausted under a tree in the street.

When I talked to her she started mewing and approached me with shaking legs. I picked her up and had to fight my discomfort to hurt her more, because a huge part of her stomach was crusted with blood and loose skin. She was pouring in my arm and rubbed her crooked head in my hand. I could admit her as a PAWS emergency case to the Royal Animal Hospital. The vets were amazed by her personality; she was unbelievably friendly and thankful that people took care of her. She has a very good chance to recover and will be advertised for adoption soon.

The reason I am telling you this story is simple; This cat and many other hundred pets every year are thrown away like garbage. They are neglected by owners, abused by humans, because they are sick, ugly, useless or just unnecessary. We need people like this lady. We need responsible people and we need PAWS to take care of them!

PAWS rescued and treated so many ani-

mals during the last seven years. Many of them would have been euthanized in other shelters or countries, because they were too crashed, too broken, too sick or injured.

But we, at PAWS, with all our silent helpers and committed volunteers from all nations don’t care for breed, value or beauty. Who are we to judge if a creature has enough value to live or not? Every animal given a positive perspective by our cooperating vets, will get a chance to live!

If PAWS has to close the shelter doors, will there be enough people in Kuwait to rescue these animals during nights and days? Are there enough people willing to pay a fortune to save a simple life?

PAWS became a valuable institution in KUWAIT. People know us beyond the borders. People trust and believe in our work in helping the nameless, voiceless animals.

We should not let PAWS give up because of incomprehensible circumstances. We have to find a new place for the shelter. We need to raise a huge amount of money to make another move to another area somewhere in Kuwait!

Please, help us with donations and your personal network!

Since our eviction notice we have been working untiringly to find a solution. We hope and pray to find a permanent location soon.

We would like to thank YOU for the donations you made already, for the many, many calls of support and assistance.

Kuwait, you have never left us alone!

May you all be blessed and trust furthermore in us! We will not give up! PAWS will continue!

T

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian ConsulateGeneral in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb @vfshelpline.com ( VFS) immigration. dubai @dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday.

Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm. nnnnnnn

Kuwait leadership mastery he US Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) of the State Department has awarded a grant to GUST’s Professional Advancement and Continuing Education Center (PACE) and Dr John P. Hayes of GUST’s College of Business to implement the Kuwait Leadership Mastery. The grant provides funding for 50 youth (ages 1724) and women in Kuwait to learn leadership skills and receive a special certificate upon completing the program.

The Kuwait Leadership Mastery program will consist of four evening seminars and a graduation ceremony.

Participants will learn a variety of techniques, tools and skills that will help them better prepare for the job market and ultimately to advance the interests of Kuwait. Seminars will be hosted at GUST, but PACE emphasizes that participants are being recruited from across Kuwait. Details about the program, and an application, are available at KuwaitLeadershipMastery.com. The first

Information

seminar will occur Wednesday, Nov 7.

“Leadership skills are in great demand worldwide,” says Dr. Hayes, a marketing professor at GUST, and the developer of the program. “Employers eagerly recruit employees with leadership abilities. These are people who can set goals, make sound decisions, plan their work systematically, and mobilize teams of people. Leaders generally are given greater responsibility and earn more money. I look forward to working with youth and women in Kuwait who want to develop or improve their leadership skills.”

MEPI offers assistance, training, and support to groups and individuals striving to bring change to the Middle East and North Africa. MEPI works in 18 countries and territories. Its approach is bottom-up and grassroots, responding directly to local interests and needs. To date, MEPI has contributed more than $600 million to more than 1,000 grant projects.

EMBASSY OF ARGENTINE The Embassy of Argentina requests all Argentinean citizens in Kuwait to proceed to our official email ekuwa@mrecic.gov.ar in order to register or update contact information. The embassy encourages all citizens to do so, including the ones who have already registered in person at the embassy. The registration process helps the Argentinean Government to contact and assist Argentineans living abroad in case of any emergency. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF BRITAIN Consular section at the British Embassy will be starting an online appointment booking system for our consular customers from Sunday, 01 July 2012. All information including how to make an appointment is now available on the embassy website. In addition, there is also a “Consular Appointment System” option under Quick links on the right hand side on the homepage, which should take you to the “Consular online booking appointment system” main page. Please be aware that from 01 July 2012, we will no longer accept walk-in customers for legalisation, notarial services and certificates (birth, death and marriages). If you have problems accessing the system or need to make an appointment for non-notarial consular issues or have a consular emergency, please call 2259 4355/7/8 or email us on consularenquirieskuwait @fco.gov.uk. If you require consular assistance out of office hours (working hours: 0730-l430 hrs), please contact the Embassy on 2259 4320. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakel St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah.

Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is closed from 12:30 to 01:00 pm for lunch break. Consular Services for Canadian Citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00 on Sunday through Wednesday.

Individuals who are interested in visiting, working or immigrating to Canada are invited to visit the website of the Canadian Embassy to the UAE at www.UAE.gc.ca. nnnnnnn

Syed Shahed Reza, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Kuwait paid a courtesy visit to Capt Yousef A. Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Kuwait Airways on September 17 at Kuwait Airways office. During the hour long meeting Syed Shahed Reza discussed with Capt Yousef A. Al-Humaidi a number of issues of mutual interest for both countries.

Vanitha vedi Onam

EMBASSY OF FRANCE The Embassy would like to inform that starting September 2nd, 2012, visa demands for France will be handled by the outsourcing company “Capago - MENA Company”. Capago - MENA’S Call Center will be operational starting Sunday August 26 for setting appointments beginning September 2nd (+965 22270555). nnnnnnn

V

anita vedi, Kuwait will be celebrating the Onam festival this year as titled Ragothsavam2012 on Friday 28th September 2012 at Kaithan Indian Community school.

This is a full day program. Prof.

Omanakutty the famous classical musician will be the chief guest. A classical music recitation ‘Sangeethakacheri’ by Prof.

Omanakutty will be showcased.

Shanta R. Nair (Program convener) Dr. Vasanthy S. Nair, Minerva Ramesh (Joint conveners) Sumathi Babu, Sajitha Scaria, Shobha Suresh, Presanna Ramabhadran, Rema Ajith, Valsa Stanley and Valsa Sam are selected for various committees. Sam Pynummoodu is the patron of Ragothsavam-2012.

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com. 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, Al-Salaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location. Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, e-mail:myankuwait11@gmai1.com. nnnnnnn

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

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine reminds that Ukrainian Parliamentary Election will take place on October, 28, 2012 in the Embassy’s premises. Please be advised to refer to the Embassy to check your personal data in the Electoral Register as well as in the list of Consular Registration.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 I’m Alive 01:35 Untamed & Uncut 02:25 Air Jaws Apocalypse 03:15 Mutant Planet 04:05 Monster Bug Wars 04:55 Cheetah Kingdom 05:20 Shamwari: A Wild Life 05:45 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes?

06:10 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes?

06:35 Wildlife SOS 07:00 Baboons With Bill Bailey 07:25 Crocodile Hunter 08:15 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 08:40 Breed All About It 09:10 The Really Wild Show 09:35 The Really Wild Show 10:05 Air Jaws 11:00 Wildlife SOS 11:25 Bondi Vet 11:55 Animal Cops Houston 12:50 Escape To Chimp Eden 13:15 Escape To Chimp Eden 13:45 Animal Precinct 14:40 Air Jaws 15:30 Karina: Wild On Safari 16:00 Dick ‘n’ Dom Go Wild 16:30 Panda Adventures With Nigel Marven 17:25 Must Love Cats 18:20 Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 19:15 Wildlife SOS 19:40 Bondi Vet 20:10 Cheetah Kingdom 20:35 Shamwari: A Wild Life 21:05 Adrift: 47 Days With Sharks 22:00 Austin Stevens Adventures 22:55 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 23:50 Animal Cops Houston 00:20 Holmes On Homes 01:50 Antiques Roadshow 02:45 To Build Or Not To Build?

03:10 Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 03:35 Living In The Sun 04:30 MasterChef 05:00 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 05:25 Living In The Sun 06:20 MasterChef 06:45 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 07:30 MasterChef Australia 08:15 MasterChef Australia 09:05 To Build Or Not To Build?

09:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 10:20 Bargain Hunt 11:05 Antiques Roadshow 12:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 13:20 MasterChef 14:10 MasterChef 15:00 Bargain Hunt 15:50 Antiques Roadshow 16:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 18:00 Nigel Slater’s Simple Suppers 18:30 The Hairy Bikers’ Cookbook 18:55 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 19:20 Rick Stein’s French Odyssey 19:45 James Martin’s Champagne 20:10 Come Dine With Me 21:00 To Build Or Not To Build?

21:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:15 Bargain Hunt 23:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Edition 00:15 01:10 01:35 02:30 03:25 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 Junior 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 14:35 15:05 16:00 Junior 16:55 17:20 18:15 19:10 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

Deadliest Catch Eyewitness Superhuman Showdown Mythbusters Mythbusters Border Security Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Deadliest Catch American Chopper: Senior vs Mythbusters Ultimate Survival Border Security Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Superhuman Showdown Mythbusters Mythbusters Border Security Auction Hunters Ultimate Survival American Chopper: Senior vs Wheeler Dealers Deadliest Catch Mythbusters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Border Security Auction Hunters Deconstruction American Guns Hellriders Ultimate Cops

23:20 Surviving Disaster 00:35 Mighty Ships 01:25 Nextworld 02:15 Race To Mars 03:05 The Gadget Show 03:35 Smash Lab 04:25 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 05:15 Mighty Ships 06:05 Nextworld 07:00 Race To Mars 07:50 Head Rush 07:53 Weird Connections 08:20 How Does That Work?

08:50 Prototype This 09:40 Smash Lab 10:30 The Gadget Show 10:55 The Gadget Show 11:20 Mighty Ships 12:10 Race To Mars 13:00 Meteorite Men 13:50 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 14:45 Smash Lab 15:35 The Gadget Show 16:00 Head Rush 16:03 Weird Connections 16:30 How Does That Work?

17:00 Nextworld 17:50 Prototype This 18:40 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 19:30 Wallace & Gromit’s World Of

Invention 19:55 Wallace & Gromit’s World Of Invention 20:20 Bang Goes The Theory 20:45 Bang Goes The Theory 21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 The Gadget Show 22:00 Prank Science 22:25 Prank Science 22:50 Bang Goes The Theory 23:15 Bang Goes The Theory 23:40 Prototype This 20:20 Bang Goes The Theory 00:15 Little Einsteins 00:40 Jungle Junction 00:55 Jungle Junction 01:10 Little Einsteins 01:30 Special Agent Oso 01:45 Special Agent Oso 02:00 Lazytown 02:25 Little Einsteins 02:50 Jungle Junction 03:05 Jungle Junction 03:20 Little Einsteins 03:40 Special Agent Oso 03:55 Special Agent Oso 04:10 Lazytown 04:35 Little Einsteins 05:00 Jungle Junction 05:15 Jungle Junction 05:30 Little Einsteins 05:50 Special Agent Oso 06:00 Special Agent Oso 06:15 Jungle Junction 06:30 Jungle Junction 06:45 Handy Manny 07:00 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Lazytown 07:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 08:10 The Hive 08:20 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 08:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 08:50 Handy Manny 09:05 The Hive 09:15 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 09:20 Mouk 09:35 Mouk 09:45 The Hive 09:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 10:20 Lazytown 10:45 Art Attack 11:10 Imagination Movers 11:35 Lazytown 12:00 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 12:05 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 12:10 Handy Manny 12:25 Jungle Junction 12:40 Imagination Movers 13:05 The Hive 13:15 Special Agent Oso 13:30 Lazytown 13:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 14:20 The Hive 14:30 Handy Manny 14:45 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 15:00 Mouk 15:15 The Hive 15:25 101 Dalmatians 15:40 101 Dalmatians 15:55 Imagination Movers 16:20 Lazytown 16:45 Art Attack 17:10 Handy Manny 17:25 Handy Manny 17:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 17:55 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 18:10 Little Einsteins 18:35 Pixie Hollow Games 19:00 Mini Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 19:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 19:30 Lion King 1 1/2 20:45 Mouk 21:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 21:40 Special Agent Oso 21:55 Little Einsteins 22:20 Timmy Time 22:30 Jungle Junction 22:45 Handy Manny 22:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 23:20 Special Agent Oso 23:35 Special Agent Oso 23:50 Lazytown Lazytown23:50 Lazytn 00:25 00:50 01:20 02:15 03:10 04:05 04:30 05:00 05:55 07:00 07:25 07:55 08:50 09:15 09:45 10:40 11:05 11:35 12:30 13:25 14:20 15:15 15:40 16:10 17:05 17:30 18:00 18:55 19:50 20:45 21:40 22:05 22:35 23:30

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:20 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:25 03:50 04:15 04:40 05:05 05:30 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40

Wrestling With Reality Wrestling With Reality Pro Bull Riders 2010 World Combat League TNA: Greatest Matches The Cool Guy Files The Cool Guy Files M1 Challenge Pro Bull Riders 2010 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 Ride Guide Mountainbike 2009 Alli Presents Best Of The Streets Best Of The Streets Blood, Sweat And Gears Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Pro Bull Riders 2010 Danger Men Carpocalypse World Combat League Fantasy Factory Fantasy Factory Alli Presents Best Of The Streets Best Of The Streets Danger Men Pro Bull Riders 2010 Carpocalypse World Combat League The Cool Guy Files The Cool Guy Files TNA: Greatest Matches M1 Challenge

Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Unique Sweets Unique Sweets Unique Eats Unique Eats Food(Ography) Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Guy’s Big Bite Outrageous Food Unique Eats Chopped Barefoot Contessa Barefoot Contessa Iron Chef America Barefoot Contessa Barefoot Contessa Paula’s Best Dishes

09:05 Paula’s Best Dishes 09:30 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 09:55 Cooking For Real 10:20 Cooking For Real 10:45 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 11:10 Kelsey’s Essentials 11:35 Hungry Girl 12:00 Chopped 12:50 Guy’s Big Bite 13:15 Cooking For Real 13:40 Barefoot Contessa 14:05 Barefoot Contessa 14:30 Kid In A Candy Store 14:55 Kid In A Candy Store 15:20 Unique Sweets 15:45 Food Network Challenge 16:35 Barefoot Contessa 17:00 Barefoot Contessa 17:25 Jenny Morris Cooks Morocco 17:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:15 Guy’s Big Bite 18:40 Unique Sweets 19:05 Unique Sweets 19:30 Chopped 20:20 Iron Chef America 21:10 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 21:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 22:00 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 22:25 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 22:50 Hungry Girl 23:15 Hungry Girl 23:40 Guy’s Big Bite 23:40 Guy’s Big BiteBite 00:30 01:20 02:05 02:55 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:30 09:55 10:20 Jones 11:10 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:40 14:30 14:55 15:20 Jones 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:05 Jones 19:55 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:40 23:40

Ghost Lab A Haunting Behind Mansion Walls American Greed Extreme Forensics Ghost Lab A Haunting Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Street Patrol Street Patrol Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Forensic Detectives Murder Shift Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Stalked: Someone’s Watching Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill I Was Murdered I Was Murdered Nightmare Next Door Dr G: Medical Examiner Scorned: Crimes Of Passion

00:00 Market Values 00:30 Market Values 01:00 Bondi Rescue: Bali 01:30 Bondi Rescue: Bali 02:00 Kimchi Chronicles 02:30 Kimchi Chronicles 03:00 Food School 03:30 Food School 04:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 05:00 Bondi Rescue 05:30 Bondi Rescue 06:00 Market Values 06:30 Market Values 07:00 Bondi Rescue: Bali 07:30 Bondi Rescue: Bali 08:00 Kimchi Chronicles 08:30 Kimchi Chronicles 09:00 Food School 09:30 Food School 10:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 11:00 Bondi Rescue 11:30 Bondi Rescue 12:00 Market Values 12:30 Market Values 13:00 Bondi Rescue: Bali 13:30 Bondi Rescue: Bali 14:00 Kimchi Chronicles 14:30 Delinquent Gourmet 15:00 Food School 15:30 Food School 16:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 17:00 Bondi Rescue 17:30 Bondi Rescue 18:00 Market Values 18:30 Market Values 19:00 Wheel2Wheel 19:30 Wheel2Wheel 20:00 Delinquent Gourmet 20:30 Delinquent Gourmet 21:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:30 Pressure Cook 22:00 Bite Me With Dr. Mike Leahy 23:00 Extreme Tourist Afghanistan 23:00 Naked Science 00:00 01:00 01:55 02:50 03:45 04:40 05:35 06:30 07:25 08:20 09:15 10:10 11:05 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:00

Hunter Hunted Hooked The Living Edens Shark Nicole Night Stalkers Shane Untamed Animals Behaving Badly The Living Edens Shark Nicole Night Stalkers Python Hunters Swamp Men Swamp Men Hooked The Living Edens Sixgill Shark: Into The Abyss Night Stalkers Python Hunters Swamp Men Swamp Men The Living Edens Shark Nicole Night Stalkers Python Hunters Swamp Men Hunter Hunted

02:00 My Bloody Valentine-R

04:00 06:00 08:15 10:00 12:00 PG15 14:00 16:00 18:00 PG15 20:00 22:00 20:00 22:00

Fade To Black-18 Hidalgo-PG15 Men In Black II-PG Takers-PG15 True Justice: BrotherhoodMen In Black II-PG Taxi-PG15 True Justice: BrotherhoodGridlock’d-18 Hostel: Part III-18 Fighting-PG15 Homecoming-18

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The League 02:30 Hot In Cleveland 03:00 30 Rock 03:30 Community 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:30 30 Rock 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 16:00 The Colbert Report 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 30 Rock 18:30 Baby Daddy 19:00 The Simpsons 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 Family Guy 23:00 Hot In Cleveland 23:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00 23:00

The Glades Supernatural Combat Hospital Greek Bunheads Franklin & Bash The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Closer Supernatural Combat Hospital Bunheads Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Closer The Glades Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Closer Parenthood X Factor Us American Horror Story Greek Greek

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00 23:00

The Running Man-18 D.E.B.S-18 Aeon Flux-PG15 Ladder 49-PG15 All Star Superman-PG15 Aeon Flux-PG15 Triassic Attack-PG15 All Star Superman-PG15 Little Big Soldier-PG15 Full Metal Jacket-18 Blood Out-18 Jake’s Closet-PG15 The Speak-18 Luste

00:00 My Last Five Girlfriends-PG15 02:00 Wayne’s World-PG15 04:00 I’ll Be Home For Christmas-PG 06:00 A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song-PG 08:00 Wayne’s World-PG15 10:00 The Open Road-PG15 12:00 Flipped-PG 14:00 Letters To Juliet-PG15 16:00 The Open Road-PG15 18:00 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son-PG15 20:00 Without A Paddle-PG15 22:00 The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who...18

01:00 Desperate Hours: An Amber Alert-PG15 03:00 Charlie St. Cloud-PG15 04:45 Walk The Line-PG15 07:00 Eight Below-PG 09:00 2001: A Space Odyssey-PG15 11:15 Ike: Countdown To D-DayPG15 12:45 Miles From Nowhere-PG15 14:15 2001: A Space Odyssey-PG15 16:30 Anna And The King-PG15 19:00 Random Hearts-PG15 21:15 Patriot Games-PG15 23:15 Burlesque-PG15 23:30 Square Grouper-18

01:00 True Grit-PG15 03:00 The Winning Season-PG15 05:00 Unanswered Prayers-PG15 06:45 Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps-PG15 09:00 The Winning Season-PG15 11:00 Glee: The Concert Movie-PG15 13:00 Justice For Natalee HollowayPG15 15:00 Unstoppable-PG15 17:00 The Winning Season-PG15 19:00 The King’s Speech-PG15 21:00 Cowboys & Aliens-PG15 23:00 Going The Distance-18

00:00 Turandot-PG 02:00 Toyz Goin’Wild-PG 04:00 Cher Ami-PG 06:00 Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas-FAM 07:45 Queen Of The Swallows-FAM 10:00 The Apple & The Worm-PG15 12:00 Shrek Forever After-FAM 14:00 Supertramps-FAM 16:00 The Hairy Tooth Fairy 2-PG 18:00 The Apple & The Worm-PG15 20:00 The Nutty Professor-FAM 22:00 Supertramps-FAM 22:15 Resident Evil 4: Afterlife-18

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (20/09/2012 TO 26/09/2012) SHARQIA-1 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

SHARQIA-2 BAIT (3D- Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

SHARQIA-3 SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

MUHALAB-1 SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MUHALAB-2 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-3 BAIT (3D- Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-1 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-2 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-3 WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-4 RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-5 SILENT HOUSE THE EXPENDABLES 2 SILENT HOUSE THE EXPENDABLES 2 SILENT HOUSE SILENT HOUSE NO SUN+TUE+WED

NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 0:45 PM 12:45 AM

360 º- 9 (VIP-1) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM

360 º-10 (VIP-2) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

360 º- 11 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

360 º- 12 RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

360 º- 13 RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

360 º- 14 TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

360º- 15 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) BARFI! (Hindi)(2D-Digital) BARFI! (Hindi)(2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.1 RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

AVENUES-5 BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-6 BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-7 SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) BARFI! (Hindi)(2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) AVENUES-8 STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM 2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

AVENUES-10 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 9:45 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-11 RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

AL-KOUT.2 SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

360 º- 1 BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AL-KOUT.3 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:15 AM

360 º- 2 SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.4 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

2:15 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:15 PM

BAIRAQ-1 BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

BAIRAQ-2 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

BAIRAQ-3 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

MARINA-2 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

AVENUES-2 SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital)

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:45 PM

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

AVENUES-1 TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

AVENUES-4 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO TUE (25/09/2012) Special Show“PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital)”for Mr. Dhari Al Aiban TUE (25/09/2012) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 AM

AVENUES-9 FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) Starting Time=12.30am THE EXPENDABLES 2 FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

MARINA-1 ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) ROBOT & FRANK (2D- Digital) SILENT HOUSE (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

MARINA-3 BAIT (3D- Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital) BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION BAIT (3D- Digital) RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION NO SUN+TUE+WED

AVENUES-3 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

360º- 3 SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) SEVEN BELOW (2D-Digital) 360 º- 4 FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) FINDING NEMO (3D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) STOLEN (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 5 HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) FRI+SAT HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) HEROINE -Hindi (2D- Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED 360 º- 6 WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital) WAR OF THE DEAD (2D-Digital)

2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

360 º- 7 THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) THE EXPENDABLES 2 (2D-Digital) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

360 º- 8 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital)

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

2:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:30 PM 11:30 PM

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM

PLAZA PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) BARFI! (Hindi)(2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) TETA RAHIBA (2D-Digital)

3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM

LAILA RESIDENT EVIL: RETRIBUTION PREMIUM RUSH SILENT HOUSE PREMIUM RUSH

4:30 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM

AJIAL.1 PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital) THAPPANA (Malayalam) (2D-Digital) PREMIUM RUSH (2D-Digital)

3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 10:30 PM

Classifieds THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JZR QTR JZR SAI ETH GFA UAE ETD FDB MSR QTR JZR KAC THY KAC JZR DHX JZR KAC BAW JZR KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY IRA GFA QTR IZG IRA FDB ETD BAB GFA UAE MEA JZR MSR KNE VTF MSC SYR JZR MSR KAC GFA FDB OMA JZR KNE JZR QTR SVA RJA JZR KAC QTR KAC JZR ETD UAE UAL GFA SVA JZR TAR JZR KAC ABY KNE KAC KAC QTR KAC BAB KAC FDB MSR MSC RBG JZR KAC KAC KAC JAI KAC KAC AXB FDB OMA MEA QTR GFA ALK FDB JZR UAE ETD BBC ABY QTR JZR JZR AIC GFA UAL JZR DLH MSR THY KLM JAI

Arrival Flights on Thursday 20/9/2012 Flt Route 185 DUBAI 148 DOHA 267 BEIRUT 441 LAHORE 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 503 LUXOR 544 CAIRO 770 ISTANBUL 154 ISTANBUL 1541 CAIRO 170 BAHRAIN 555 ALEXANDRIA 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 529 ASSIUT 206 ISLAMABAD 382 DELHI 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 284 DHAKA 362 COLOMBO 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 605 ISFAHAN 223 BAHRAIN 132 DOHA 4161 MASHAD 617 AHWAZ 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 436 BAHRAIN 213 BAHRAIN 871 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 618 ALEXANDRIA 470 JEDDAH 302 AL MAKTOUM 401 ALEXANDRIA 341 DAMASCUS 561 SOHAG 610 CAIRO 672 DUBAI 219 BAHRAIN 57 DUBAI 645 MUSCAT 241 AMMAN 472 JEDDAH 535 CAIRO 140 DOHA 500 JEDDAH 640 AMMAN 257 BEIRUT 546 ALEXANDRIA 134 DOHA 118 NEW YORK 357 MASHAD 303 ABU DHABI 857 DUBAI 982 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 215 BAHRAIN 510 RIYADH 177 DUBAI 328 TUNIS 777 JEDDAH 176 GENEVA 127 SHARJAH 474 JEDDAH 502 BEIRUT 542 CAIRO 144 DOHA 786 JEDDAH 438 BAHRAIN 104 LONDON 63 DUBAI 624 SOHAG 405 SOHAG 3553 ALEXANDRIA 175 DUBAI 618 DOHA 674 DUBAI 614 BAHRAIN 572 MUMBAI 774 RIYADH 562 AMMAN 389 KOZHIKODE 61 DUBAI 647 MUSCAT 402 BEIRUT 146 DOHA 221 BAHRAIN 229 COLOMBO 59 DUBAI 135 BAHRAIN 859 DUBAI 307 ABU DHABI 43 DHAKA 129 SHARJAH 136 DOHA 513 SHARM EL SHEIKH 539 CAIRO 981 CHENNAI 217 BAHRAIN 981 BAHRAIN 239 AMMAN 636 FRANKFURT 614 CAIRO 772 ISTANBUL 411 AMSTERDAM 574 MUMBAI

Time 0:15 0:20 0:50 1:30 1:45 2:20 2:25 2:30 3:10 3:20 3:25 3:55 4:10 4:35 4:55 4:55 5:00 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:40 7:15 7:30 7:45 7:50 7:55 8:05 8:15 8:20 8:25 8:30 8:35 8:40 9:00 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:30 9:35 10:00 10:45 10:55 11:05 11:25 11:35 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:30 13:30 13:40 13:40 13:45 14:00 14:05 14:15 14:20 14:25 14:30 14:55 15:00 15:05 15:15 16:00 16:20 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:30 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:45 17:55 18:00 18:15 18:20 18:40 18:40 18:45 18:45 18:55 19:00 19:05 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:35 19:40 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:55 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:25 21:30 21:35 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:55 23:10 23:35 23:40 23:40 23:50

Airlines AIC UAL DLH MSR THY SAI ETH UAE FDB ETD MSR QTR QTR JZR JZR GFA THY JZR KAC BAW FDB JZR JZR ABY KAC GFA IRA UAE QTR KAC FDB ETD IRA BAB JZR IZG GFA KAC KAC MEA KAC JZR UAE MSR KNE MSC SYR KAC JZR GFA FDB MSR KAC OMA JZR KAC JZR KNE KAC RJA JZR VTF SVA QTR KAC KAC ETD JZR QTR UAE GFA JZR TAR ABY UAL SVA KNE JZR QTR FDB BAB RBG MSR MSC JZR KAC JAI FDB KAC KAC KAC OMA MEA KAC GFA FDB DHX ALK JZR ABY ETD UAE QTR KAC KAC JZR BBC QTR AXB GFA KAC JZR KAC

Depature Flights on Thursday 20/9/2012 Flt Route 976 GOA 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 773 ISTANBUL 442 LAHORE 621 ADDIS ABABA 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 306 ABU DHABI 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 164 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 534 CAIRO 545 ALEXANDRIA 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 240 AMMAN 256 BEIRUT 126 SHARJAH 671 DUBAI 224 BAHRAIN 606 MASHHAD 856 DUBAI 133 DOHA 101 LONDON 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 616 AHWAZ 437 BAHRAIN 356 MASHHAD 4162 MASHHAD 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 405 BEIRUT 501 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 872 DUBAI 623 SOHAG 471 JEDDAH 406 SOHAG 342 DAMASCUS 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 220 BAHRAIN 58 DUBAI 611 CAIRO 561 AMMAN 646 MUSCAT 174 DUBAI 673 DUBAI 538 CAIRO 473 JEDDAH 617 DOHA 641 AMMAN 512 SHARM EL SHEIKH 300 KANDAHAR 505 JEDDAH 135 DOHA 773 RIYADH 613 BAHRAIN 304 ABU DHABI 238 AMMAN 141 DOHA 858 DUBAI 216 BAHRAIN 134 BAHRAIN 328 TUNIS 128 SHARJAH 982 BAHRAIN 511 RIYADH 475 JEDDAH 266 BEIRUT 145 DOHA 64 DUBAI 439 BAHRAIN 3554 ALEXANDRIA 607 LUXOR 402 ALEXANDRIA 184 DUBAI 283 DHAKA 571 MUMBAI 62 DUBAI 331 TRIVANDRUM 343 CHENNAI 351 KOCHI 648 MUSCAT 403 BEIRUT 543 CAIRO 222 BAHRAIN 60 DUBAI 171 BAHRAIN 230 COLOMBO 1540 CAIRO 120 SHARJAH 308 ABU DHABI 860 DUBAI 137 DOHA 301 MUMBAI 205 ISLAMABAD 554 ALEXANDRIA 44 DHAKA 147 DOHA 390 MANGALORE 218 BAHRAIN 411 BANGKOK 528 ASSIUT 415 KUALA LUMPUR

Time 0:05 0:25 0:30 0:35 2:15 2:30 2:45 3:45 3:50 4:05 4:20 4:50 5:40 6:05 6:55 7:05 7:10 7:30 8:10 8:25 8:25 8:35 9:00 9:05 9:20 9:25 9:35 9:40 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:15 10:15 10:25 10:30 10:35 10:45 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:00 12:15 12:20 12:25 12:25 13:00 13:05 13:10 13:20 14:25 14:25 14:30 14:40 15:00 15:05 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:45 15:50 15:55 16:00 16:00 16:15 16:25 16:30 17:20 17:30 17:45 18:05 18:20 18:20 18:25 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:45 18:50 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:45 19:55 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:35 20:40 20:50 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:35 21:50 21:50 21:55 22:05 22:10 22:20 22:25 22:35 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:10 23:30 23:40 23:50 23:50

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

SITUATION VACANT

FOR SALE Furnished room with balcony and separate bath in a 2 bedroom flat near Abbassiya opp new BEC. Call 99516426. (C 4143) Subaru outback model 2005, metallic color, mileage 2,12,000. Passing up to May 2013, good interior & exterior for only KD 600. Tel: 22493358.

Toyota Camry model 2011 GL silver color, 8,600 km done, excellent condition, price KD 4,350. Contact: 66839506. (C 4138) 17-9-2012

Lady Chartered Accountant seeking suitable placement.

Phone: 97572174. (C 4137) 16-9-2012 Wanted full time maid/nanny in Salwa.

Offering KD 120 salar y.

Must speak English and be good with small children.

Call 9768-7172.

CHANGE OF NAME I, Donga Hanumanthu Ram holder of Indian Passport No: F2522828, son of Donga Swamy has changed my name to DONGA HANUMANTHA RAO. (C 4142)

Prayer timings Fajr:

04:16

Duhr:

11:41

Asr:

15:09

Maghrib:

17:47

Isha:

19:04

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is 1889988

GOVERNMENT WEB SITES Kuwait Parliament www.majlesalommah.net

The Public Institution for Social Security www.pifss.gov.kw

Ministry of Interior www.moi.gov.kw

Public Authority of Industry www.pai.gov.kw

Public Authority for Civil Information www.paci.gov.kw

Prisoners of War Committee www.pows.org.kw

Kuwait News Agency www.kuna.net.kw

Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.kw

Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affair www.islam.gov.kw

Kuwait Municipality www.municipality.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Oil) www.moo.gov.kw

Kuwait Electronic Government www.e.gov.kw

Ministry of Energy (Electricity and Water) www.energy.govt.kw

Ministry of Finance www.mof.gov.kw

Public Authority for Housing Welfare www.housing.gov.kw

Ministry of Commerce and Industry www.moci.gov.kw

Ministry of Justice www.moj.gov.kw

Ministry of Education www.moe.edu.kw

Ministry of Communications www.moc.kw

Ministry of Information www.moinfo.gov.kw

Supreme Council for Planning and Development www.scpd.gov.kw

Kuwait Awqaf Public Foundation www.awqaf.org

34

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

s ta rs CROSSWORD 802

STAR TRACK

CALVIN & HOBBES

Aries (March 21-April 19) You can develop new skills and opportunities to advance your competitive position now through further education, or perhaps in working as an apprentice to learn a skill. There are opportunities now to enjoy the complete opposite side of the pendulum and begin a vacation, religious pilgrimage, artistic pursuits and cultural or educational improvement. You may want more independence and have a restless urge for physical activity and competition. Improved physical fitness can increase your vitality and give you greater self-confidence. As your personal expression now carries a forceful influence, you will find yourself asserting your leadership abilities. The evening brings a wonderful opportunity to cook a meal for your very best friend!

Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a favorable time for seeking employment or promotion as well as for learning new duties and travel related to your work. You have an increased self-confidence to try new things that are daring, unusual and inventive. You are able to pursue your goals for greater independence. It is a time of change, stimulating friends and new acquaintances. This is also, a favorable time for profitable enterprises in the technology and entertainment fields. You have increased concentration and perception into the motives of others—you may write letters of protest. The time is favorable for any research or for revealing hidden factors and inhibitions. If there are secret manipulations or conspiracies, they can surface where you can gain control.

POOCH CAFE ACROSS 1. The rate at which heat is produced by an individual in a resting state.

4. The food served and eaten at one time.

10. System of measurement based on centimeters and grams and seconds.

13. Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand.

14. (Greek mythology) Greek god of darkness who dwelt in the underworld.

15. 10 hao equal 1 dong.

16. (Old Testament) The second patriarch.

18. An Iranian language spoken in Afghanistan.

19. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

20. A genus of Ploceidae.

21. Relatively small gnawing animals having a single pair of constantly growing incisor teeth specialized for gnawing.

23. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

25. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

26. A male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917).

29. 4-wheeled motor vehicle.

31. God of love and erotic desire.

35. The topmost one of two.

37. An early form of modern jazz (originating around 1940).

39. A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause).

40. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant white or pink blossoms and small yellow fruits.

41. A member of a North American Indian people of southwestern Oregon.

43. A fraudulent business scheme.

46. An association of countries in the western hemisphere.

47. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

50. Used of a single unit or thing.

52. The vein in the center of a leaf.

55. Greek mythology.

59. Remove a bar from (a door, for example).

63. A port in southwestern Scotland.

64. One of the five major classes of immunoglobulins.

65. Surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments.

67. The cry made by sheep.

68. The network in the reticular formation that serves an alerting or arousal function.

69. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

70. Inquire about.

DOWN 1. A sudden minor shock or meaningless interruption.

2. An independent group of closely related Chadic languages spoken in the area between the Biu-Mandara and East Chadic languages.

3. Taking place over public roads.

4. A summary that repeats the substance of a longer discussion.

5. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

6. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling).

7. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

8. A sudden forceful flow.

9. Wild ox of the Malay Archipelago.

10. A wad of something chewable as tobacco.

11. A measuring instrument for measuring and indicating a quantity or for testing conformity with a standard.

12. The act of rising upward into the air.

17. Love intensely.

22. Red pear-shaped tropical fruit with poisonous seeds.

24. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

27. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work.

28. The capital of Western Samoa.

30. A unit of weight used in some Moslem countries near the Mediterranean.

32. (prefix) Indicating difference or variation.

33. Informal terms for a mother.

34. Type genus of the Anatidae.

36. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group.

38. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

42. A Dravidian language spoken in southern India.

44. God of death.

45. A public promotion of some product or service.

48. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

49. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

51. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

53. Any tree or shrub of the genus Inga having pinnate leaves and showy usually white flowers.

54. A software system that facilitates the creation and maintenance and use of an electronic database.

56. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells.

57. An unfledged or nestling hawk.

58. Any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses.

60. A unit of length equal to one thousandth of an inch.

61. An agency of the United Nations affiliated with the World Bank.

62. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle where driver sits.

66. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

67. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

Yesterday’s Solution

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Progress is good, although there may be a bit of the unexpected involved; favorable changes are occurring. There is a greater chance for independent activities now. Your intuitive and inventive energies are steady and the time is favorable for all technological and humanitarian enterprises. This is a favorable time for a job change or a move. Friends and colleagues tend to give you their approval and business affairs go smoothly. Changes can emerge from obscurity, offering you more freedom, stability and leisure.

Health improves as tension eases—therapies can have a beneficial effect. Your intuitive and imaginative powers are stimulated and you can focus on worthwhile goals and productive enterprises. This evening is excellent for studies of all kinds.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

NON SEQUITUR

This can be a time of leadership, as you have the power to sway others in your group and initiate reforms. Your competitive attitude may also stimulate possible aggressiveness and jealousy in relationships.

Avoid dangerous situations. Mental efforts intensify. You may have a curiosity about the unknown with a compulsive train of thought directed toward finding answers within yourself or toward solving problems. Investigation and scientific research draws your attention. Communications may involve corporate business, insurance, taxes or inheritance. You may also be privy to secret plots. You can be subject to uncompromising mental attitudes and irrevocable decisions. Tonight is a good time for entertaining friends.

Leo (July 23-August 22) It can be a time of increased dealings with corporate business, insurance, taxes or inheritance. You may have intuitive insight into business or professional affairs and organize new methods or restructuring. You can be aware of political and professional power struggles and intrigues. There could be some changes in your professional environment.

Cooperation is needed to avoid ego conflicts in dealing with partners and equals today. You will be as considerate of others’ goals as you are with your own. You have a deepened emotional sensitivity and insights drawn from memory. Longburied feelings from the past can be reexamined and released or purged. You will enjoy harmony in business, social and romantic relationships in the future.

Yesterday’s Solution Virgo (August 23-September 22) This can be a strange, chaotic time when you may wish to ignore your responsibilities; however, there are rewards for the perseverance it takes to complete your duties and stay with whatever program you have set out for yourself. You can be a mentor and set examples for others to follow—it is common for co-workers to come to you with questions. Superiors know your accomplishments. You may find options available soon for a new position of responsibility in the workplace. You can uncover the solution to difficult situations and swing the best deal. There are important professional relationships coming your way—reputation and status can be revered. You will enjoy a little down time this evening if you accept a small party invitation for this eve.

Libra (September 23-October 22) Unexpected changes can disrupt the usual order and routine of life. You may want more creative freedom in your work, but you need to get the attention of those in control. You may vacillate between the comfort of your position and the challenge of seeking new achievements.

Friends or family may be helpful if you open up and talk about ways in which you could progress in your professional surroundings. Your responsibility toward others may increase and this may be the motivation toward real change in business—more money. Look for ways to make a positive difference by revealing facts and important information. This may be a good time to exercise diplomacy.

This is the perfect time to take a class and replace old information.

Yesterday’s Solution

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) You are filled with plenty of energy that is best applied in your work or accomplishing your goals. This is also a most favorable time to work with a group of close associates. Projects may come to completion now. Listen to other people’s opinions—you may want them to listen to you some day. The social activities you involve yourself with now may bring about romance for you, particularly through pursuits like religion and volunteer work.

There is also a great love of children and, if you are married, you may be inclined to pursue lovemaking in the hopes of obtaining an offspring. This is a good time for you to express your desires. Circumstances create many chances for making new friends. Plan on future gatherings; these times boost the spirit.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There could be a contest of wills today. This may take the form of a propaganda play, either by you or by another. It may entail a disagreement where you and another take opposing positions. Do not allow others to talk you into spending your time and energy in areas you know to be detrimental. Work that requires precision, careful planning and patience is favored. You will find cultural, religious and legal matters end on the positive for now. Generosity, financial gain, hospitality and favors may be bestowed upon you. You will need to exercise the ability to compromise—it is not worth the hassle to defend your position. Be careful not to give up something of value. Eating a balanced meal will improve your health.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) This is a great time to use your ability to think fast. There are opportunities on the drawing board, so to speak, that will be fun challenges. There will be some requirements for decisive action in order to accomplish what you set out to do. This may mean a bit of competition and the struggle to win is the fun of the race. Whether you are thinking of climbing a mountain, bicycling across country or creating the next contest for employees in the workplace . . . you are a high achiever and will be pleased with your success at the finish line. Business and recreational travel is favored—as are outdoor sports.

There is a feeling of luck that could be false—take care if gambling. Be wise and stay away from discussions involving religion or politics.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You should be attentive to all the work you do today, for there is a tendency to gloss over all the usual things that need to be done. You must be judicious in personal decisions about finances. Spare no opportunity that comes your way just now, especially when it comes to wise moneymaking efforts. Leave yourself a two-day leeway for change of mind where finances are concerned. This afternoon is an excellent time to be with loved ones—whether you are at work or at play. You should try your best to communicate your needs and desires to friends and relatives in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

Intellectually based friendships may be plentiful and you learn a great deal from them. You and a co-worker may enjoy some entertainment tonight.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You are respectful to your superiors and you set an example of finding answers and methods of working that do not require a constant check by higher-ups. This ability to work quickly and efficiently by your own capabilities is quite impressive. Interactions with the opposite sex on the professional level may occur a great deal just now. Be wary of becoming charmed by someone you work closely with just now. You should take every opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural world—especially during the noon break.

Work will seem easier when you return after a pleasant noon break. Your creative ideas are flowing this afternoon. You have a great love for family and friends. Your friendships are firm and harmonious.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madena

22418714

Al-Shohada’a

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Fayhaa

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Kaizen center

25716707

Roudha

22517733

Adhaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Keifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salim

22549134

Al-Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Al-Khadissiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Ghar

22531908

Al-Shaab

22518752

Al-Kibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Kibla

ST TAT TE OF KUW K WA AIT

Tel.: e 161

DIRECTORA ATE T GEN GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIA V ATION T METEOROLOGICAL DEP PA ARTMENT DA AY: Y Wednesday e

19/09/2012

Expected Weather e for the Next 24 Hours BY Y NIGHT:

Relatively hot becoming fair later on with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 12 - 35 km/h

BY Y DA AY:

Hot with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 15 - 38 km/h

No Current Warnings arnin a

ST TAT TION

MAX. REC.

MIN. N. EXP P.

43 °C

31 °C

22451082

KUW WAIT A AIRPOR RT

43 °C

26 °C

Al-Mirqab

22456536

NUW WAISEEB A

43 °C

27 °C

Sharq

22465401

WAFRA A

44 °C

29 °C

Salmiya

25746401

SALMI

41 °C

24 °C

ABDAL LY

43 °C

26 °C

JAL ALIY YA AH

42 °C

27 °C

FAILAKA A

42 °C

27 °C

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

41 °C

32 °C

Mishref

25381200

UMM AL-MARADEM

39 °C

33 °C

W.Hawally

22630786

WARBA A A - BUBY YA AN

43 °C

21 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

Thursday

20/09

West Jahra

24772608

Friday

21/09

South Jahra

24775066

Saturday

22/09

Sunday

23/09

North Jleeb

24311795

Al-Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Al-Omariya

24719048

N.Kheitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

19:00

Issue Time

KUW WAIT A CITY

24775992

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

WWW.MET.GOV V..KW

WARNING A

North Jahra

Ext.: 26 2627 - 2630

Fax: 24348714

SFC. CHART

19/09/2012 1200 UTC

4 DA AYS Y FORECAST Temperatures DA AY

DA AT TE

WEA AT THER

Wind Speed

Wind Direction

MAX.

MIN.

hot

43 °C

26 °C

NW

15 - 38 km/h

hot

42 °C

25 °C

NW

12 - 35 km/h

hot

42 °C

25 °C

NW

12 - 35 km/h

hot

42 °C

25 °C

NW-VRB

08 - 30 km/h

PRA AYER Y TIMES

AY AT KUW WA AIT AIRPOR RT RECORDED YESTERDA

Fajr

04:15

MAX. Temp.

43 °C

Sunrise

05:35

MIN. Temp.

25 °C

Zuhr

11:42

MAX. RH

20 %

Asr

15:10

MIN. RH

Sunset

17:48

MAX. Wind

Isha

19:06

TOT TAL AL RA AINF FALL A L IN 24 HR.

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

04 % NW 57 km/h .04 mm V1.00

19/09/12 14:53 UTC

T1.06

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

lifestyle

Gong Li to play

Robbie Williams becomes a father

ritish pop star Robbie Williams has become a father for the first time, announcing the arrival of a baby girl - Theodora Rose, “affectionately known as Teddy”. The 38-year-old singer said his daughter was born Tuesday, weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces (3.28 kilos). “Baby, mummy and daddy are all rockin...” Williams said in a message on his website late on Tuesday. “Thank you for your best wishes.” The girl was born in London, British media reported.

Williams announced in March that he and his wife Ayda Field were expecting their first child. Williams married the actress at his Beverly Hills home in 2010. Williams forged a successful solo career after leaving British boy band Take That in 1995, and signed one of the world’s biggest music deals with EMI in 2002. He has sold over 60 million albums as a solo artist, rejoining the boy band in 2010.

B

‘ The Last Empress’

G O S S I P

hinese actress Gong Li will take the lead role in the Chinese-US joint production of “The Last Empress,” co-producers Seven Stars Film Studios announced on Tuesday. The film, set in a turbulent moment in Chinese history, tells the story of Empress Cixi’s life and her complex relation-

C

ships with Emperor Guang Xu and Imperial advisor American Costa, both of whom shared a desire to modernize China. “Gong Li was our first choice to play the complex empress,” Seven Stars Entertainment Group Chairman Bruno Wu said in a statement. “With Gong Li’s international appeal, we

Katy Perry has

Lindsay Lohan

climbed a volcano

has been arrested he ‘Liz & Dick’ actress was taken into custody by police for leaving the scene of an accident after allegedly clipping a pedestrian with her car in New York City. According to TMZ.com, Lindsay was pulling in at low speed to park her Porsche Cayenne near the Dream Hotel when she allegedly hit the knee of an unnamed man in his 30s. One of Lindsay’s passengers got out and checked her vehicle for damage, and then the group went into the hotel. Police were called and when she walked out of the building at 2.30am around half an hour after the accident - the actress was arrested.

Lindsay, 26, was booked for the misdemeanour offence of leaving the scene of an accident and released with a desk appearance ticket, meaning she did not have to pay bail before release. The alleged victim was not knocked down by the vehicle and had no visible injuries, but was still taken to hospital.

Though the offence is a misdemeanour, it could trigger a probation violation in the ‘Mean Girls’ star’s jewelry theft case as one of the conditions of probation is that she obeys all laws.

are confident the movie will excite and resonate with audiences across the world.” The film is set to begin production at the end of 2013 and will be dedicated to the memory of Jake Eberts, whose joint venture with Seven Stars had been developing the project.

T

he ‘Part of Me’ hitmaker has apparently been taking inspiration from Elizabeth Gilbert’s post-divorce memoir ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ in making a trip to see some spectacular sights. Referring to the title of the book, Katy - whose divorce from Russell Brand was finalized in July - tweeted alongside a picture: “I ate, I prayed, I climbed a volcano.” It seems the brunette pop star has been getting in touch with her spiritual side recently, meditating and cleansing her “chakras”. She tweeted on Monday: “Getting some bad things out my chakra’s! #eloquent (sic)” And two days earlier she wrote: “Starting the day with a group meditate #breakfastofchampions (sic)” Meanwhile, Katy has signed up to perform at a fundraising concert for US President Barack Obama. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the ‘Wide Awake’ hitmaker will be one of several artists who will perform at the 30 Days to Victory concert at Los Angeles’ Nokia Theater on October 7. Tickets start at $44 for supporters under 40, while general admission seats will be $250. A dinner with the president at a nearby restaurant will follow the concert, with tickets costing $25,000.

T

Lennox marries American doctor in London

nnie Lennox has married for a third time. The Scottish singer-songwriter’s publicist confirms Lennox married Mitch Besser in a private ceremony Saturday in London. Several reports in the British press over the weekend described the ceremony, which was held aboard a boat on the Thames

A

River. Lennox’s two daughters served as bridesmaids. Lennox rose to fame as the singer for the multiple Grammy-winning duo The Eurythmics before embarking on a solo career. Besser is an American doctor and founder of the charity mothers2mothers.

They are both 57.

Drummer Carney of The Black Keys married atrick Carney of The Black Keys has gotten married. The rock drummer married Emily Ward on Saturday at the home they share in Nashville. The Keys’ publicist says the couple was joined by about 350 family and friends for the back-yard ceremony.

Comedian Will Forte officiated. Ward wore a dress by Carolina Herrera and walked down the aisle to “Crimson and Clover ” by Tommy James & The Shondells. Carney was accompanied down the aisle by the couple’s Irish wolfhound Charlotte. The wedding party included Ward’s sister Danielle Shuster and brother Henry Ward, while Carney was accompanied by his brothers Will Carney and Barry Stormer. Dan Auerbach, Carney’s bandmate in the Grammy Award-winning rock ‘n’ roll duo, also attended.

P

Richards

‘obsessed’ with ashtrays enise Richards is “obsessed” with vintage ashtrays. The 41-year-old actress who married to troubled star Charlie Sheen from 2002 to 2006 - loves cigarette paraphernalia, despite the fact she doesn’t smoke herself. The Hollywood beauty - who has daughters Sam, eight, and Lola, seven, from her marriage to Charlie Sheen, and a third girl Eloise, who she adopted in June 2011 - wrote on twitter: “I dont know why but I’m obsessed with buying vintage ashtrays ... I don’t even smoke... (sic)” Denise is not the only Hollywood beauty to enjoy collecting unusual things; burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese is a fan of vintage taxidermy. Her collection of dead animals includes a full-sized stuffed ostrich, and she also has a penchant for unusual hats. Dita said: “I collect vintage taxidermy: I have two big heart-shaped domes filled with birds, I have a bear rug, a monkey and a full ostrich. I also have a collection of rare feathers I got from a famous place in France that supplied feathers to Josephine Baker and Mistinguett and all the showgirls in Paris for 300 years. “My hat collection is massive. I have several hundred, and a whole room in my house devoted to them.”

D

Tulisa

has apocalypse nightmare ulisa Contostavlos keeps having a nightmare about the apocalypse. The ‘Young’ hitmaker has had a recurring bad dream every two months since she was a young girl where the world ends after being struck by a big meteorite and she is the only person left alive.

She said: “I’ve had them since I was little. At first they were weekly and now they’re every two months. “What happens is the world ends, there’s a meteorite and a big tidal wave and only I survive.” When she wasn’t having night terrors, the singer spent her younger years thinking about pop success and getting tattoos. Tulisa admits she came very close to getting her ‘Female Boss’ forearm tattoo inked onto her neck - but she’s pleased she didn’t because she would have never got a job as a judge on ‘The X Factor’. She told the Daily Star newspaper: “It was in my hood days. I was so close to getting the ‘Female Boss’ tattoo on my neck. “Thank God I didn’t, Simon Cowell never would have hired me for ‘X Factor’!” This week Tulisa was nominated for the Best Female prize at the upcoming MOBO Awards and attended the nominations launch party at the Floridita restaurant in London. She will battle Emeli Sande, Jessie J, Jessie Ware, Rebecca Ferguson and Rita Ora for the accolade at the ceremony at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on November 3.— Agncies

T

Dawson had no prom date osario Dawson didn’t have a date for her high school prom.

The 33-year-old actress - who is currently in a relationship with director Danny Boyle - insists she wasn’t always a hit with guys. She admitted: “I went to prom stag.” The brunette beauty recently ran into her high school crush and she blasted him for making her feel “invisible”. According to the New York Post newspaper, he told her: “You didn’t look like that in high school.” She replied: “Yeah, I did, and you are just confirming that I was invisible to you. That’s fine. Moving on.” Rosario has previously revealed her mother Isabel was very open about sex with her when she was a teenager because she didn’t want her daughter to follow in her footsteps and get pregnant at a young age. The ‘Sin City’ star said: “My mom Isabel was pregnant with me when she was just 16, and she taught me not to get pregnant when I was young. She

R

raised me talking to me about sex, maybe a little too early. But she made sure I had the choices she didn’t have. I wanted to go travelling and wanted to do this and that. “So I have avoided getting pregnant, and

marriage. I am not against either.

But my mom did not marry my biological dad, who I’ve never even met. She married Greg (Dawson) when I was a baby and I regarded him as my real dad.”

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

lifestyle M U S I C &

M O V I E S

Oscar, you’ve got mail: Electronic voting on tap for 2013 Oscars

V

oting for the Oscars is going electronic for the first time in a move that will speed up the process and could give an boost to younger, edgier movies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Tuesday that a new online voting system will be used for the first time in its 85year history for the Oscars that will be handed out in February 2013. In a transition process, the academy’s 6,000 members also will be able to use traditional paper ballots to nominate and select the best actors, films, directors, screen writers and other winners of 2012.

In the past, Oscar ballots have been mailed around the world to Academy members - directors,

actors, screenwriters, producers and other leading film industry figures - and the results have been tabulated by hand by the PricewaterhouseCoopers accounting firm. Industry watchers said the move to electronic voting could be difficult for some academy members, who have a reputation for being older and more conservative by nature.

“People love to conjure up the academy as being made up of 90-year-old geezers who’ve never opened an email before and think the Internet is a passing fad,” said Tom O’Neil of awards website Goldderby.com. “It could end up having a profound effect if there is a drop off on the older voters who are frustrated by the new system and pass on vot-

ing, leaving the younger voters to pick more hip choices,” O’Neil said. The academy said on Tuesday it was introducing online voting after extensive consultations with its members. Members also will be able to get help casting their ballots at electronic stations set up at academy-affiliated properties in London, New York and Los Angeles and through a 24-hour telephone help line. The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg said he believed that part of the academy’s rationale also was to consolidate the movie awards season, which begins in November and ends in February with the Oscars ceremony. “They’re not thrilled that the awards campaigns have grown to be so big and expensive

that it actually does sway voters,” Feinberg said. “So many awards shows happen before the Oscars.

Because the season is so long, there is a sense that it takes away some of the luster from the Oscars.” The academy announced it has moved its Oscar nominations date to Jan 10 - five days earlier than previously scheduled - in order to give the public and its members more time to see the nominated movies before the annual ceremony in Hollywood.

Tuesday’s online voting announcement followed the Academy giving the go-ahead last year to make copies of films vying for the Oscars available to members through online streaming, rather than on traditional DVDs. — Reuters

Streisand, Minnelli, Franklin sing for Marvin Hamlisch T

Emmy nominees

dish on dream guest-starring roles C

hristina Hendricks, Julie Bowen and Jesse Tyler Ferguson have earned repeat Emmy nods for their work on their regular shows, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their eye on some sweet guest-starring gigs on other top programs.

Producers, take note: Here’s a look at the shows these and other Emmy nominees would love to try.

“I’d love to do a guest spot on ‘Downton Abbey.’ I’m absolutely in love with ‘Homeland.’ I think it’s amazing. I would do anything they asked me.” - Hendricks, nominated for the third time for playing Joan Harris on “Mad Men.” “Oh God, I don’t know. ‘Dynasty?’ I just want to wear really big shoulder pads and have crazy big hair.” - Bowen, who won the supporting actress award for her role as Claire Dunphy on “Modern Family” and is nominated again this year. “I’m a huge fan of ‘Parks and Recreation,’ but I think I’d like to do something totally different, like ‘American Horror Story.’ Oh sure, I’ll get killed. That sounds fun. Or I’ll play a nun, a spooky nun.” Ferguson, enjoying his third consecutive nomination for playing Mitchell Pritchett on “Modern Family.” “I would love to do a part on ‘Boardwalk Empire.’ I’d have to play some guy that comes out from the West, a new hitter in town.” - Bill Paxton nominated for playing Randall File photo shows Christina McCoy in the miniseries Hendricks attending the Hollywood “Hatfields & McCoys.”

Foreign Press Association luncheon “‘Homeland’ would be at at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly the top of my list. It depends how it goes in Hills. — AP photos series two. Maybe an agent? I’d like to play an FBI or CIA agent.” - Joanne Froggatt, nominated for supporting actress for “Downton Abbey.”

“I would love to do a guest role on ‘Girls.’ That show is about as good as it gets.” - Max Greenfield, up for supporting actor in the comedy “New Girl.” “I have a classical background. I would love to be on ‘Game of Thrones’ as some kind of queen coming in to challenge the Starks - wearing all those amazing costumes and wielding a sword. The actors are so good. That would be a dream.” Brenda Strong, nominated for her voiceover work on “Desperate Housewives.” “‘Game of Thrones,’ but I’m an American, so I don’t think that would happen. For that show, I’d go to the moon.” Sarah Paulson, up for her supporting role in the HBO movie “Game Change.” The Emmy Awards will be presented Sunday at the Nokia Theatre and broadcast live on ABC. — AP

File photo shows Julie Bowen attending the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences’ Performers at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, in Los Angeles.

Minnelli’s constant They ended up with a long history of working together, including Hamlisch’s turn as musical director and arranger of Streisand’s 1994 US concert tour as well as writing the score for Streisand’s 1996 film, “The Mirror Has Two Faces.” Hamlisch had called Streisand “the best voice there is.” Earlier Liza Minnelli, who performed “If You Really Knew Me” from Hamlisch’s Tony-nominated 1979 musical, “They’re Playing Our Song,” said she met the composer, “when I was 14 and a half, and he was 15

Liza Minnelli

Barbra Streisand

and three-quarters,” and soon became best friends: “He was one of my few constants that I had in my life.”

Aretha Franklin sang a rousing version of Hamlisch’s power ballad “Nobody Does It Better,” which he wrote as the theme song for the 1977 James Bond film “The Spy Who Loved Me.” She inserted the lyric, “Marvin, you are the best” to audience cheers before lowering her voice for the spiritual ballad “Deep River.” Other performers included Chinese pianist Lang Lang, British stage singer Maria Friedman and trumpeter Chris Botti who all performed songs from the 1975 musical “A Chorus Line,” for which Hamlisch won a Tony award and a Pulitzer Prize and which at the time became the most successful show

on Broadway.

Hamlisch worked right up until the days before his death and the tribute showed off one of his more recent songs about his love for life, “While I Still Have The Time,” from the Jerry Lewis stage-adapted comedy musical, “The Nutty Professor,” which opened this year. Hamlisch had the rare distinction of winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. His wife, Terre Blair Hamlisch, began the tribute recalling how Hamlisch often said he believed in the power of music to connect people, and Streisand ended it 90 minutes later. A scholarship program at The Juilliard School was established in Hamlisch’s memory. — Reuters

Rapper Kreayshawn’s debut is fairly empty Review

File photo shows Brenda Strong arriving for the Dallas launch party in London.

hree of America’s leading stage performers Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Aretha Franklin - paid tribute to Marvin Hamlisch on Tuesday, honoring the late composer for his contributions to Broadway and movies, as well as their personal lives. The invitation-only tribute for the composer of numerous hit records, movies and musicals such as “A Chorus Line” was held at the New York’s Juilliard School for the Arts where Hamlisch studied as a boy after three years earlier displaying at the age of 4 a gift for mimicking music.

Hamlisch died after a brief illness in Los Angeles on Aug. 6 at the age of 68, causing an outpouring of grief from well-known entertainers and fans and prompting Streisand, Hamlisch’s friend for the past 45 years, to organize the tribute. Streisand performed “The Way We Were - one of Hamlisch’s best known songs and one of Streisand’s biggest hits - in the tribute’s finale. She also recalled how they first met in 1963 when Hamlisch was the rehearsal pianist for Streisand’s movie “Funny Girl,” who would also on occasion fetch the cast coffee.

“Because I didn’t drink coffee, he was assigned to get me a chocolate doughnut,” Streisand told the laughing audience filled with friends, family and stars including Michael Douglas, Sarah Jessica Parker and lyricists Alan and Marilyn Bergman. “But instead of just one, he always brought me two and so our love affair began.” Streisand told how she forged a friendship with the New Yorkborn composer based on a shared passion for “music, film and food,” and “without explaining why or how, we understood each others anxieties,” while joking about their shared Jewish heritage.

Kreayshawn, “Somethin ‘Bout Kreay’” (Columbia Records)

I

t’s unfortunate that the beats throughout Kreayshawn’s debut album are brilliant, but her lyrics and stories are not. “Somethin ‘Bout Kreay’” features top-notch production work from Free School, Diplo, Boys Noize and DJ Two Stacks - and these beats would be another rapper’s dream. But Kreayshawn, the charismatic 22-year-old newcomer, doesn’t use them well: While she’s playful throughout the album, there is no depth to her rhymes.

“Gucci, Gucci” has a catchy hook, but the overall song about her disregard for

designer brands is annoyingly repetitive.

The uneven “Left Ey3,” about a deceitful boyfriend, references TLC’s Left Eye, who burned down her boyfriend’s house. She also raps on the song: “Heard my man is cheating with another (girl) in my house, now I’m finna make a scene like I’m Amy Winehouse.”

REALLY? Try again. Kreayshawn tries singing on “luV Haus,” but the drowning track is uneventful. This album will leave you asking: Foxy Brown and Missy Elliott, when will your records be released?

Check out this track: “Summertime,” with its smooth feel, is the best of this bunch. — AP

This CD cover image released

by Columbia Records shows the latest release

by Kreayshawn, ”Somethin ‘Bout Kreay.” —AP

Film festival opens in movie-crazy N Korea A n international film festival opens today in what may seem the unlikeliest of places: North Korea. Held every two years, the Pyongyang International Film Festival offers North Koreans their only chance to see a wide array of foreign films on the big screen from Britain, Germany and elsewhere (but not America). And it’s the only time foreigners are allowed into North Korean theaters to watched movies alongside locals.

This year, festivalgoer will get the chance to see two feature films shot in North Korea but edited overseas: the romantic comedy “Comrade Kim Goes Flying,” a joint North Korean-European production, and “Meet in Pyongyang,” made in conjunction with a Chinese studio.

While it’s true that homegrown movies predictably tend toward Communist propaganda with a healthy dose of tear-jerker, North Korea is a film-crazy country. Wellto-do residents pay as much as 500 won (about $5 according to official exchange rates) to see new releases from the government-run Korean Film Studio, as well as Russian and Chinese imports. Those who don’t have the means to go to the theater tune into the Mansudae TV channel, which shows mostly Chinese and Eastern European films on weekends. Some recent offerings have included “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and the only western offering shown on state TV in recent memory, the British film “Bend It Like Beckham,” which aired in 2010.

This year, a huge screen in front of the Pyongyang train station has become another popular place to watch movies. On Monday, hundreds of locals stood transfixed by a North Korean drama in a plaza in

front of the station. The late leader Kim Jong Il, who died in December, was a notorious film buff. He was 7 when he saw his first film - “My Hometown” - the inaugural film made at by the Korean Film Studio.

The film, about a young man who returns to his village after Korea is liberated from Japan, made a lifelong impression on the future leader, according to Choe Hung Ryol, director of the studio’s external affairs department. In 1973 Kim published a treatise called “On the Art of the Cinema,” in which he extolled filmmaking as a way to aid the people’s “development into true communists.”

“Creative work is not a mere job, but an honorable revolutionary task,” he wrote. In 1978, Kim “recruited” a South Korean director, Shin Sang-ok, and his actress ex-wife, Choi Eun-hee. According to the late director’s memoirs, he was lured to Pyongyang to make propaganda films, but he and his wife slipped away from their bodyguards during a 1986 trip to Vienna. Kim’s father, North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, also wrote a film called “The Flower Girl,” and current leader Kim Jong Un also has a keen interest in film, according to Korean Film Studio spokesman Choe .

In an interview with The Associated Press, Choe acknowledged that the main purpose of North Korean cinema is propaganda. “Our films carry a different purpose than movies made in other countries,” he said. “We make films for the purpose of ideological education.” And to play with the emotions of the audience, evidently. “If you watch a lot of North Korean films, you’ll find yourself crying a lot,” he said. “If you don’t cry, you’re clearly a person without emotion.”

A visit to the film studio is a lot like going back in time, from the thatched cottages of a bygone rural Korea, to the ancient royal palaces of the Choson Dynasty, to a louche depiction of 1950s South Korea compete with brothels, pubs and pharmacies. “American tourists who come here always tap the walls to see if the buildings are real,” Choe said. “They say the sets in Hollywood are just facades.” For British filmmaker Nicholas Bonner and his Belgian co-producer Anja Daelemans, the upcoming North Korean premiere of “Comrade Kim Goes Flying” will be a moment nearly seven years in the making.

The film, a romantic comedy about a

coal miner who dreams of becoming an acrobat, was shot in North Korea in 2010 with a local cast, directed by veteran North Korean filmmaker Kim Gwang Hun, and edited in Belgium. “It’s not what you expect from North Korea, and it’s not something people have seen before,” he said. Writing the script took three years, as the North Korean and European members of the team worked to come up with a story line that was both entertaining and politically safe for showing in North Korea. Bonner credits his the Koreans with contributing some of the film’s funniest moments. —AP

(From left) Tommy Johnson, Celissa Stringer, actress Roz Ryan and Alexus attend TV One &BobbCat Films Premiere For Latest Sitcom “The Rickey Smiley Show“ at The Buckhead Theater on September 17, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. —AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

lifestyle F a s h i o n

T

he models have packed up, the temporary runways taken down. London Fashion Week on Tuesday wrapped up five hectic days of women’s wear shows, a whirlwind display of new colors and textures for next spring from big name designers and newcomers alike. London hosts a more eclectic collection of designers and labels than fashion weeks in New York, Milan and Paris, and the latest crop of spring and summer designs seen this week has been a big mish-mash: Futuristic metallic leathers at Burberry, sweet ‘50s pastels at Temperley, ‘70s disco fever at Jonathan Saunders, and ‘90s minimalism at quite a few other shows. While there was no overriding theme, there were micro-trends set to make their way to high street stores come spring. Allwhite and monochrome outfits were seen everywhere, as were pretty confectionery shades of mint and lemon.

Futuristic, shiny materials like plastic or fabrics with a foil-like, iridescent or even holographic sheen were popular, as was the use of sheer, feminine layers in organza, chiffon or mesh. On Tuesday, things kicked off with ‘70s-

inspired florals, wide-leg trousers and mannish suits at luxury label Mulberry, best-known for its leather handbags. The collection, delivered with a humorous British flair, nodded to several of the season’s popular trends: Sleek trouser suits, all-season leather, metallic jacquard, and head-to-toe ice-cream pastel shades.

Model-turned-designer Roksanda Illincic followed with a collection of dresses with simple feminine shapes and minimal detailing, leaving her use of beautiful color combinations and glossy fabrics to do the talking. Day Five also saw collections by a handful of younger and adventurous designers. Simone Rocha, the daughter of British fashion institution John Rocha, deftly combined schoolgirl innocence and tough attitude, while maverick duo Meadham Kirchoff sent the party home with a spectacularly whimsical show of Marie Antoinette fashion gone mad. Tuesday’s shows ended a week that saw models and celebrities like Kate Moss and One Direction’s Harry Styles flocking to the catwalks’ front row. Lady Gaga stole the limelight Sunday with a starring turn at

milliner Philip Treacy’s comeback show. The fashion brigade moves on to Milan for more shows that begin Wednesday. Paris Fashion Week begins next Tuesday.

SIMONE ROCHA Budding talent Simone Rocha has her designer dad’s giant shoes to fill, but she seems to be taking it all in her stride. The 26year-old showcased her latest spring collection at London Fashion Week Tuesday, a collection of all-white outfits, sheer cutout panels, neons and leather that mixed schoolgirl innocence with cool attitude. The collection started with dazzling white button-up shirts and boyish shapes in Broderie Anglaise, but the prim look was soon undercut by thigh-revealing, irregular shaped sheer panels on the front or back of skirts. High-collared, neat shapes in muted shades of butter and toffee followed, but soon things were shaken up with a pale sundress overlaid with a high-shine neon yellow PVC plastic, all-over metallic gold foil vests and skirts, and floral-crocheted skirts and oversized jackets in fluorescent yellow and neon coral. Models wore mannish brogues with clear plastic soles and heels, a design that has been worn by celebrities including Rihanna and proved to be Rocha’s best-selling product. Rocha debuted at London Fashion Week in 2010.

ROKSANDA ILLINCIC Taking her inspiration from artists, Roksanda Illincic’s catwalk show had plenty of ensembles for the woman who wants to look stylish without trying too hard. Simple, streamlined shapes like tailored shifts and breezy A-line dresses came in high-impact color combinations that really popped: Tangerine with cobalt, mango, dirty pink or white. Sometimes all the colors came together on one dress like a modern abstract painting. Models cradled oversized satin clutch bags

and wore patent courts with multi-colored block heels. The show, staged in the Savoy Hotel’s glamorous ballroom, ended with a series of ensembles made in a glossy, laminated organza. Illincic counts US first lady Michelle Obama and Britain’s Kate Middleton among fans of her sleek style. Her show had many of her popular signature elements: Beautiful colors, high-waisted silhouettes, feminine bell sleeves and modest mid-calf or ankle-grazing hemlines. But this season the designer said she wanted to shake up the elegance with casual wear - like taking an evening dress shape and making it out of T-shirt or jersey materials. “It gives an element of fun, something unexpected,” she said.

MULBERRY Luxury brand Mulberry has ditched most of the playfulness in its recent seasons, showcasing a spring collection that’s still quirky but definitely grown-up.

Mulberry’s show at London’s swanky Claridge’s hotel was decorated with dozens of garden gnomes and fake geckos crawling on rose bushes - a typically wacky atmosphere of pretty English garden meets exotic creatures. But appearances were deceptive, and the clothes themselves were more sophisticated than the setting suggested.

Creative director Emma Hill sent mod-

els down the catwalk in oversized leather biker jackets and mannish tuxedos in navy, black and white. The 1970sinspired collection had floral embroidery, floor-length skirts, flower buttons and high-waisted wide legs, updated with metallic jacquard printed with mini-flowers and geckos. Leather separates and trouser suits balanced flirty pleated skirts. There were muted brown ensembles along with head-to-toe sweet pastels in mint and peach - including pastelcolored shoes and handbags, the brand’s bestselling item.

MEADHAM KIRCHOFF English-French design duo Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff are known for staging riotously fun and different shows, and this season they met expectations with a collection piled high with over-the-top, Marie Antoinette style corsets, bodices, bows and frills. Although the invitation and the opening track told of a humorous “damsel in distress” theme, the models were more like fairy godmothers with an enchanted wardrobe.

Acting sleepy or deep in thought in their theatrical outfits, models drifted around stands set up on the catwalk and plucking roses and cupcakes from them. There were big puffy sleeves, thigh-high boots, feather gloves and big skirts layered over skinny trousers, all embellished with lashings of bows and jewels. Not very practical, but certainly shows the fun and entertaining face of London fashion. — AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

lifestyle F a s h i o n

Models display creations as part of Elena Miro Spring-Summer 2013 fashion show yesterday during the Women’s fashion week in Milan.

—AFP photos

I

taly’s top luxury brands including Fendi, Prada and Versace take to the catwalks for Milan fashion week from yesterday to show off hotly-awaited springsummer 2013 collections to global fashionistas. Gucci is set to kick off the fashion extravaganza, which will see 68 Italian and international brands strutting down runways in a week of shows, boutique openings, cocktail presentations and parties. British designer John Richmond, famed for his rock-inspired creations, also stars on Wednesday, followed on today by Prada and Emporio Armani. Etro, known for its trademark bright colours and bold patterns, will take to the catwalk tomorrow, along with Moschino and two Versace

shows-followed by a rock-and-roll party with live band to show off Versace’s Versus collection.

Saturday opens with German designer Tomas Maier, who will unveil his latest creations for Bottega Veneta, followed by Fendi and Jil Sander’s hotly-awaited collection-the first since she rejoined as creative director in February. On Sunday, it will be the turn of Marni, Dolce & Gabbana and Giorgio Armani, after which the Armani house will host a glitzy inauguration party for a new exhibition to showcase the Italian designer’s most memorable creations. Fashion week winds up with DSquared2, Roberto Cavalli and Gianfranco Ferre on Monday, with Tuesday dedicated to up-and-coming

new designers. Beneath the frantic pre-show preparations taking place in the city’s palaces, parks and historic monuments-including the imposing 14th century Sforzesco Castle-there is an air of apprehension over the sector’s health.

Last week the fashion industry forecast a 5.6-percent drop in revenue for 2012 to 60.2 billion euros ($79 billion), down from an earlier 5.2-percent estimate-and luxury brands in the recession-hit country are being squeezed. While many fashion houses are now focusing their efforts on expansion abroad-particularly in economic powerhouses such as China and Brazil-there are still bids to attract wealthy visitors to Italy’s commercial

capital. Fashion week this season will be marked by a string of boutique openings-from Just Cavalli-opening on the exclusive Corso Matteotti with a party on Fridayto British lingerie brand Agent Provocateur.

And in a declared bid to boost Made in Italy, Nicole Minetti, a television starlet-turned-politician on trial for procuring prostitutes for former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, will model lingerie on the catwalk for Parah according to media reports. — AP

Robbie Williams becomes a father

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

36 A

week of Asian art auctions yielded strong results at Christie’s and Sotheby’s as both houses said they exceeded their sales’ estimates, together taking in more than $90 million. The totals highlighted the increasing importance of Asian art collecting as a driver in the global market, continuing strong activity seen over the last 18 months despite a lackluster global economy. Sotheby’s said in a statement that it saw a total of $46 million for its three sales over the course of the week, while Christie’s reported $44.7 million at five sales spread over four days. The auction rivals had each estimated total sales of about $30 million for the week.

“There was global participation,” Christie’s international head of Asian art Jonathan Stone said in a statement, adding that this reflected “a worldwide demand for the greatest objects of Asian art.” Before the sales, Stone told Reuters that “the share of Christie’s sales turnover enjoyed by Asian art worldwide has more than doubled in the last five years,” and the results spoke to the sector’s ongoing strength. Indeed, Asian art has on occasion outpaced the once predominant Impressionist and modern categories.

Among highlights, a Ming Dynasty blue

A Hindu holy man reacts to camera at the Pashupatinath temple during Teej festival celebrations in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday. During the festival, Nepalese Hindu women observe a day-long fast and pray for their husbands and for a happy married life. Those who are unmarried pray for a good husband. — AP

German advertising tycoon Christian Boros speaks to journalists prior to a guided visit of the Boros Collection, housed in a former World War II bunker in downtown Berlin.—AFP

A

rt patrons Christian and Karen Boros have thrown open the doors this week to their own personal World War II air raid bunker in Berlin, showing off gems from their 700-work collection. A tree made of found objects by Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei, Turner prize winner Wolfgang Tillmans’s edgy photography and giant spider-web installations by Tomas Saraceno all resonate against a one-of-a-kind backdrop.

In the centre of the German capital, near the old Cold War border crossing at Friedrichstrasse station, the vast and gloomy concrete above-ground cube has over the last four years become one of the city’s top artistic attractions.

In May 2008, a first selection of works from the couple’s private collection went on display, attracting around 120,000 visitors until it closed earlier this year for a top-to-bottom overhaul. “It was a difficult decision to take” to close the original exhibition because most artists featured in it had personally installed their creations themselves, Karen Boros said at a preview of the show.

“But we said to ourselves that if we were going to change something we should change everything.”

Karen Boros and her Polish-born husband, who made

A sculpture called “Flying Garden/Airport City” by Argentinian artist Tomas Saraceno.

his fortune in advertising in western Germany, delved into their archive to decide which works should now get a turn in the spotlight. All the artists now featured have ties to Berlin, where many air raid shelters and disused industrial spaces have won a new lease of life as cultural venues. “The oldest work dates from 1990 and the most recent, six hours ago,” Christian Boros said last week.

“Thomas Zipp, who has a key to the bunker, came to install his work overnight,” said the collector, who takes pride in the relationships he has developed with the artists he supports. “It’s not as if the artists don’t care how their works are shown,” said Boros, especially “in an exhibition space that is far from optimal like this bunker”.

But the historically evocative space lends a powerful aura to the works.

Built in 1942 according to plans by Albert Speer, Hitler’s favorite architect, the bunker was designed to protect 2,500 people from aerial bombing during World War II. The Soviet occupiers used it as a prison for two years after the war, and it became the “Banana Bunker” in communist East Germany as a storage site for tropical fruits sent from brother country Cuba. After the Berlin Wall’s fall, it became one of the most popular techno

and white moonflask, which was used as a doorstop in a Long Island, New York, home and only recently came to attention after its owners spotted a similar piece in a Sotheby’s advertisement, sold for $1.3 million at Sotheby’s, which had estimated it to sell for $600,000 to $900,000. Also at Sotheby’s, an Imperial jade seal from the late 18th century estimated to fetch up to $1.2 million soared to $3.5 million at the Chinese ceramics and works of art sale. It was the top price of the week at either house.

Henry Howard Sneyd, vice chairman at Sotheby’s for Asian art, said that the $27 million sale, which easily beat its high estimate, was “a good indication of the continuing international demand for the very best Chinese art.” Before the sales, Sneyd had spoken to Reuters of the strong growth in the Asian art market since 2006, especially in mainland China where a surge of new collectors has been shoring up more established Chinese art clientele from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Europe and the United States.— Reuters

US artist Stephen G Rhodes’ sculpture “Imagineered Continuum: Chain Self History”.

clubs of the capital and later notorious for its decadent sex parties-traces of fluorescent paint on the walls recall the bunker’s former incarnation.

It was probably “the noisiest nightclub in the world”, said Christian Boros, noting the thick concrete walls, absence of windows and low ceilings allowing sound to resonate in the smoky rooms. The couple bought the five-storey structure in 2003 and perched a spectacular, sunlight-flooded apartment on the roof. Christian Boros admitted that deciding on works was not always easy for spouses with extremely distinct tastes.

“When you collect art as a couple, there are really three people collecting me, my wife and the two of us together,” he joked. He pointed to the installation “Teenage Room” by Sweden’s Klara Liden, an elaborate black bunk-bed creation built for the Venice Biennale in 2009. “My wife adores it but I can’t stand it,” he admitted with a smile. — AFP

Chinese artist Ai Wei-Wei’s “Tree” .

A

Photograph of the Selma-to-Montgomery Freedom March 1965 taken by late actor, director and photographer Dennis Hopper displayed at the exhibition ‘Dennis Hopper - The Lost Album’ at the Martin-Gropius-Bau museum in Berlin, yesterday.

collection of more than 400 recently rediscovered prints in which Dennis Hopper documented the US arts scene of the mid-1960s, the civil rights movement and much more is going on show in Berlin. The actor and director’s daughter, Marin Hopper, said yesterday of the exhibition at the German capital’s Martin-Gropius-Bau: “It’s a visit with him. It’s like being with him - it’s a very intimate experience seeing the photographs.”

The black-and-white, small-format photos were taken between 1961 and 1967, when Hopper was out of favor in Hollywood and before he directed “Easy Rider.”

The prints were selected by Hopper for an exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1970. The prints - some now showing signs of wear - were found among Hopper’s belongings after he died in 2010.—AP

A camerawoman films during a press preview of the exhibition “Dennis Hopper, The Lost Album” . — AP/AFP photos