14 Feb 2013

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Fugitive US ex-cop believed killed

Questions in Israel over mystery prisoner death

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Bahrainis protest on eve of revolt anniversary

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Court acquits tweeters, striking expats warned

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RABI ALTHANI 4, 1434 AH

Saadoun says premier must be from the people

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By B Izzak and A Saleh conspiracy theories

KUWAIT: In the first ruling of its kind since the current political crisis started last year, the criminal court yesterday acquitted five opposition tweeters of charges of insulting HH the Amir by writing tweets deemed offensive to him. Mohammad Khaled Al-Ajmi, Fares AlBalhan, Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi, Fahad Al-Jafaira and Rashed Al-Enezi, who is in jail on a similar charge, were accused of insulting the Amir on Twitter by forming a hashtag named “battery” which according to authorities, included offensive tweets.

The verdict is not final and the public prosecution is expected to appeal against the acquittal, the first since the courts began sentencing opposition tweeters and former MPs early last month. As the criminal court issued its verdict, the appeals court was holding its first session to review a two-year jail term against Enezi, one of the five men acquitted. Enezi was last month sentenced to two years in prison for tweets deemed offensive to the Amir and he began serving the jail term immediately as per the verdict. The appeals court yesterday rejected a plea by his lawyers to set him free until it has issued a final verdict on the case.

Another bench of the criminal court refused to free stateless activist Abdulhakeem Al-Fadhli who was arrested last month to serve a two-year jail term issued against him in absentia. Under Kuwaiti law, verdicts issued in absentia are reviewed by the same court after the appearance of the defendant. Fadhli was charged of instigating staleless people or bedoons to demonstrate for their citizenship claims. The set of verdicts yesterday came just one day after Human Rights Watch said Kuwait’s human rights conditions have deteriorated last year because of the crackdown on protesters, online activists and bedoons.

Separately, Director of the Labor Relations Department at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Hadi Al-Enezi said that due to the latest sit-ins by expatriate workers demanding salary increases, the ministry Continued on Page 2

Years of bad legacy

By Badrya Darwish

badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net

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on existence of labour abuse in Kuwait sounds like a joke. I just read a statement by an official from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour talking about labourers’ rules and regulations in the country. In a press statement, the official said that the ministry has taken a firm decision to immediately deport any labourer who takes part in a strike or a sit-in demanding a salary increase.

According to the official, the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour has issued a law that the minimum wage for labourers should not be less than KD 60 a month. He elaborated saying that the contracts are in accordance with an agreement between the lawyer and the employee. Labourers have the right to ask for a salary increase but not by holding a strike. He also explained that instead of holding a strike or a sit-in, a labourer could change his job and move to another company.

I agree with such piece of news. But, but, but.. Mr Spokesman! Your statement lacks a detailed explanation. You are threatening to deport any labourer who demands a salary increase. Aren’t you aware that many workers who go on strike or hold sit-ins do that out of desperation and not out of greed. Actually some of these labourers do that because they do not take their salaries for months and live in poor conditions. Plus, many companies claim that a labourer signed a contract with a mediator. With a middleman involved, many companies put one amount in the contract but pay another.

The workers are not highly educated and do not have the money to look for their rights. They cannot come to the ministry to complain against their employer. Their last resort is to hold a strike. Deporting them is not the solution. The solution is to punish the companies who are selling labourers’ contracts. Denying that there is no labour abuse in Kuwait sounds ridiculous. I expect from the new young and enthusiastic minister Thekra Al-Rashidi to spare some time and pay visits to the sites where the workers live and check for herself their living conditions and then decide whether they should be deported or not.

Also, according to the labour law, every worker in Kuwait should receive his or her salary electronically in a worker’s account, meaning that a transfer should go through the bank for a certain amount as per the labourer’s contract. Companies pay through the banks but sometimes the workers do not go to withdraw the cash themselves. Instead it is a company representative who uses the cards and takes the cash.

Someone told me that when employees want to cash their salaries, sometimes they are not given the right amount which they agreed upon. This is in case the company is decent and the worker is paid on time. I know that the Social Affairs Ministry faces some of the toughest problems. The problems are many - workers’ disputes, challenging contracts, complaints against employers and employees and iqama traders. At the end of the day, I have faith in Thekra that she is tough enough to make big changes in that ministry. She should take her time and not inherit the ministry’s years of bad legacy. Good luck Thekra! You will need lots of it.

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama acknowledges applause before delivering his annual State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the US Capitol on Tuesday. — AFP

Obama highlights economy, troop pullout in key speech WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama announced plans to withdraw more troops from Afghanistan and take steps to boost the fragile US economy as he delivered a closely watched State of the Union address Tuesday laying out his priorities for the year and for his newly begun second term in office. The hour-long speech before a joint session of Congress’ two chambers was dominated by domestic issues, as Obama challenged deeply divided lawmakers to find compromises that would boost job creation and strengthen America’s middle class. He conceded America’s economic revival is an “unfinished task”.

His focus on jobs and growth underscored the degree to which he is still hampered by the economy, with unemployment persistently high and consumer confidence falling, even as he pursues a bolder agenda including overhauling immigration laws, enacting stricter gun-control measures and tackling climate change. Still, he said: “We have cleared away the rubble of crisis, and we can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is strong.”

Foreign policy received less attention, but took on greater urgency as the speech came hours after North Korea detonated a nuclear device. Obama said “provocations” like the test will further isolate North Korea “as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile

Online matchmaking a hit with Saudi couples RIYADH: In ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia, where the sexes are strictly segregated, traditional matchmakers face tough competition from blossoming marriage services on online social networks. More than 200 Twitter accounts and dozens of other forums on the Internet offer services for Saudi men and women seeking spouses, angering matchmakers like Um Sami who sees it as “organised prostitution”. “Social networks undermine our work and everything they offer is virtual: they use nicknames and they are not reliable,” said Um Sami, an elderly woman and well-established matchmaker from the Red Sea city of Jeddah.

For her, many of these websites are “fraudulent” and some are even an organised form of prostitution.

“Marriage via online platforms is one hundred percent

doomed to failure,” she said, stressing that only her traditional matchmaking method can lead to a successful marriage. For matchmakers like Um Sami the business has flourished by word of mouth. Families ready to marry off their offspring contact her with details about their children and provide pictures which she carries around with her on rounds to match candidates.

But her job is not a simple one because, as she says, there are many different types of weddings that can be contracted in Saudi Arabia, from the traditional unions to unconventional ones by Western standards such as the “misyar” marriage. A misyar - or “visitor’s” marriage is one in which couples live separately but can meet up when they want, usually for sexual encounters.

Continued on Page 13

defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats.” Obama also announced that the US will begin talks with the European Union on a trans-Atlantic trade agreement, “because trade that is free and fair across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs”.

The annual address is one of the biggest events in Washington. It is broadcast during prime evening viewing hours by the major television networks, with Washington’s most powerful officials - lawmakers, Supreme Court justices, military leaders and Cabinet members - all in attendance and millions of Americans watching from home. This year’s speech came at one of the strongest points in Obama’s presidency. He won reelection by a convincing margin, is generally popular, and opposition Republicans appear weakened and fractured. Still, Republicans control the House of Representatives and tough fights loom on the budget and other top issues.

With the economy still the biggest concern of most Americans, Obama devoted less time to foreign policy this year. But his announcement on the withdrawal of 34,000 troops from Afghanistan - about half the force there - was a major development, even if it was highly anticipated. It puts the United States on pace to Continued on Page 13

Zain officials meet Bashir KHARTOUM: Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir said he is satisfied with and appreciates Kuwaiti investments in Sudan, and the honorable stand by Kuwait’s government and people with Sudanese causes. Bashir was speaking as he received a delegation from Zain Telecommunications Group headed by Chairman Asaad Al-Banwan, in addition to Vice-Chairman Abdelaziz AlNafisi and board members Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi and Jamal Al-Kandari.

Bashir said that he is keen on removing all obstacles on the way of continuing Kuwaiti investments in Sudan, adding that he is convinced that each investor is considered an ambassador to attract more investors as his government is keen to do. The Zain delegation explained their investments in the telecommunications sector in Sudan through Sudan Mobile Telephone Company (Zain) and ways of developing it. They explained to Bashir their understanding of the economic situation in Sudan and their belief that the country will overcome it.

KHARTOUM: Zain Group Chairman Asaad AlBanwan (center) and board member Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi (left) meet Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LOCAL

After big delays, Kuwait moves on infrastructure KUWAIT: Freight trucks trundle down the dusty, potholed roads of Kuwait’s busiest port, running into traffic jams as they emerge into the surrounding streets. But after years of inaction, the government is finally moving to ease the congestion. It is pushing ahead with a $2.6 billion plan to build a 36 km causeway, one of the longest in the world, connecting Shuwaikh port and densely populated southern Kuwait with the north of the country, near the Iraqi border. Such big projects were stalled for years by political wrangling and bureaucratic inertia, leaving Kuwait with underdeveloped infrastructure and low levels of foreign investment in relation to its huge oil wealth.

In the last few months, however, authorities have begun issuing contracts for some of the projects, raising hopes that one of the region’s most under-performing economies may finally live up to its potential. The government signed a contract with South Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co in November to design and build the causeway over the next five years.

Construction is due to start later this year. “It is a very strategic project - we have been talking about this since the 1970s,” Abdulaziz Alkulaib, undersecretary at the Ministry of Public Works, told Reuters.

Last month, Kuwait signed a deal with a consortium led by France’s GDF-Suez, and including Sumitomo Corp of Japan, to build the Al-Zour gas-fired power and seawater treatment plant in Kuwait. This was seen as a breakthrough because it is the first of Kuwait’s major public-private partnerships, in which private firms will help to operate infrastructure. Once running in 2015, the plant is to account for some 12 percent of Kuwait’s power generation capacity and a quarter of desalination capacity. “It has taken a long time for these projects to begin, but this is an encouraging step,” said Daniel Kaye, senior manager for economic research at National Bank of Kuwait (NBK).

“It sends a positive signal to businesses and investors that projects are at last moving.”

The causeway and Al-Zour projects are part of a KD 30 billion ($107 billion) development plan that aims to diversify the economy and was approved by HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in 2010. The plan also includes a new airport terminal, an oil refinery, a metro system and hospitals. In the fiscal year 2010/11, the first year of the plan, the government spent only 62 percent of its target on the projects, and it has continued to undershoot targets since then.

One reason is the technical and administrative difficulties of carrying out complex projects through a government which lacks experience, expertise and a reputation for efficiency. Politics have been an even bigger obstacle. Continual feuding between an

elected legislature and the cabinet, chosen by a prime minister who is appointed by Sheikh Sabah, blocked parliamentary approval of development funds and led to a series of Cabinet reshuffles which distracted from policymaking.

Last year the country was rocked by large youth- and opposition-led demonstrations demanding political reforms. The protests did not constitute an Arab Springstyle campaign for regime change, but they also distracted the government. In the past few months, however, the environment for economic policy-making has improved.

After parliament was dissolved ahead of snap elections on Dec 1, the government was able to use executive powers to push through a raft of legislative measures and approvals.

Opposition MPs, some of whom had blocked state spending in the past, boycotted the elections. The result was a new 50-seat parliament with a larger number of pro-government legislators and political newcomers, who may be more willing to comply with the Cabinet’s plans.

Government officials are certainly adopting a considerably more decisive tone. “This is in the master plan and it is set out by Amiri decree. Whatever is in that master plan has to be implemented,” Alkulaib said of the causeway project. Such statements are cheering the stock market, where the main index sank to an eight-year low last November but has since climbed about 12 percent.

The new mood of optimism does not necessarily mean the government will get an easy ride for its projects. Political tensions have not disappeared and street protests have continued since the December elections, presenting the risk that political turmoil could eventually worsen again. A majority of lawmakers in the new parliament voted last week to form a special committee to probe the process under which the contacts for the causeway and Al-Zour were awarded; the committee is expected to reach a conclusion in three months. NBK’s Kaye said it was important not to get carried away about prospects for investment in Kuwait because there were still political, technical and administrative hurdles. “But we do now detect a greater determination on the part of the authorities to push ahead with key development projects.” Kuwaiti economists say the causeway, which will cut the road distance between the north and south of Kuwait by twothirds, will help to develop the neglected north of the country, where an urban area called Silk City is planned. “Urbanisation in Kuwait is located in the southern coastal area but there is planned urbanisation in the northern region as part of the plan,” said Abbas al-Muqrin, professor of economics at the University of Kuwait. — Reuters

Court acquits tweeters...

Continued from page 1 will, according to the law, cancel iqamas of sit-in participants and deport them in case public order is violated.

Enezi said the private sector labor law stipulated the minimum wage at KD 60, adding that contracts between employer and employee are based on offer and acceptance, which means the employer is free to increase the workers’ salary but the salary should not be below KD 60. He said a worker has the right to transfer from one employer to another if the employer does not agree to the increase the worker is asking for. Enezi added embassies have lauded Kuwait’s system and the government’s procedures.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti students yesterday staged their first activity at the university in Shuwaikh in protest against the amendment of the electoral law and to demand the dissolution of the National Assembly. The gathering was attended

by former opposition MPs Ahmad AlSaadoun, Musallam Al-Barrak and several others. Saadoun said that the ongoing wave of political arrests has not been seen in Kuwait since 1956 when police harshly cracked down on pro-reform activists.

The former speaker also said that anyone willing to contest Assembly elections in the future must pledge not to deal with any prime minister not elected by the people. Forming a popular government to be headed by a non-royal has been for long one of the main demands for the opposition. The 78-year veteran opposition politician also said he was not retiring from politics and was “continuing to perform my national duties”. Barrak told the gathering that the protest movement will prevent the government from “playing with the constitution” and that students had always played a major role in local democratic issues.

Premier disappointed by ‘unexpected’ grillings NA panel discusses public tenders law KUWAIT: The cabinet is expected to request a delay of two-weeks for a debate on a grilling motion filed against First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah, citing health reasons, a local newspaper reported yesterday quoting an insider familiar with the issue.

The source was approached by Al-Qabas, given his knowledge of the cabinet’s weekly meeting held last Tuesday. He said while speaking on the condition of anonymity that the cabinet showed “full solidarity with AlHmoud” while discussing the topic of his grilling which was filed by MP Faisal AlDuwaisan last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah told a team of MPs he met on Tuesday that he did not expect “so many grilling motions” filed by the current parliament which came into being on the promise

of cooperation following elections boycotted by the opposition. According to MPs who attended the meeting but preferred to keep their identity anonymous, the premier “stressed the importance of cooperation in order to realize achievement that we need.”

In the meantime, leading opposition figure Ahmad Al-Saadoun said that they would refuse to deal with any prime minister “who does not come from the nation,” a reference to the opposition’s demand for an elected cabinet. He made these statements during a gathering at the Kuwait Municipality square to show solidarity with young citizens held for posting remarks on Twitter deemed offensive to HH the Amir. It was also attended by leading oppositionist Musallam Al-Barrak who said that “our cause is a state project, not a matter of four votes or five constituencies.”

Meanwhile, Kuwait’s parliamentary financial

and economic affairs committee discussed government suggestions regarding the Public Tenders Law. The committee said that discussions would be completed with the relevant authorities next March 3. Committee Rapporteur MP Safaa Al-Hashem said in a press statement after the meeting that the committee discussed the draft law on public tenders in addition to another parliamentary proposal in this regard.

Representatives of the Central Tenders Committee, Ministry of Finance and the Audit Bureau attended the meeting.

Al-Hashem added that the committee discussed four key points including the form of the program whether executive or supervisory and the emphasis on the supervision and control of the Central Tenders Committee on tenders of the Interior, Defense, the National Guard and the Central Bank.

KUWAIT: As envoy of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah headed to Saudi Arabia yesterday, heading a delegation of officials to convey condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud on the passing of his brother and Amir of Riyadh, Prince Sattam bin Abdelaziz Al-Saud. The delegation was seen off by Amiri Diwan Advisor Mohammad Dhaifallah Sharar, Premier Diwan Advisor Dr. Ismail Khudher Al-Shatti, and a host of senior state figures.

Young Engineers conference ‘a success’ KUWAIT: The Youung Engineers Conference titled “Future Leaders” ended yesterday with a festival honoring the participants in the presence of MP Engineer Adel Al Khorafi and the chairman of Kuwait Engineers Society, Hussam Al-Khorafi.

The chairman of the International Union Chief for Engineering Organizations, Engineer Adel Al Jarallah Al-Khorafi, addressed the gathering narrating the efforts that went into organizing the conference and hailed the activities of the youth engineers which have left the world surprised.

He said young engineers now lead their colleagues in International Organization for Engineers which has more than 105 organizations and engineering authorities as members connected to different countries in the world.

He specifically mentioned the outstanding efforts of Engineer Zainab Larry, deputy to the International Union Chief and chairperson of Youth Engineers Committee in convincing engineers around the world about what she and her

colleagues in Kuwait are doing. She convinced the representatives of those organizations in three conferences to form this committee.

“I say to His Highness the Amir that his honorable patronage of our conference is an honor for us and the success of this conference depends on the role of the youth and their positive work that employs their knowledge and their arts which they learnt academically,” he added.

Al-Khorafi pointed out that Sheikh Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem, the former foreign minister, was earlier somewhat hesitant in selecting leaders, but after this result, all his doubts have vanished.

“We all realize that youth engineers in Kuwait are able to shoulder their responsibility. We congratulate ourselves and you for this success.

Please do continue your efforts and keep coming up with your ideas and we are right behind you to help you realize your ambitions. The doors of the Authority in Kuwait will always be open for

you for any professional work,” he said.

The deputy chairman of the International Union for Engineering Organizations and chairperson of the conference, Engineer Zainab Larry, welcomed the Kuwaiti hosts and participant delegations and expressed her appreciation for all parties and those who supported the initiative.

She said that the conference has helped solidify the role of the youth and also established their need in building the society as they are main source of power on which societies and nations depend.

Larry thanked the more than 75 volunteers who helped organize the conference, and emphasized that it was an extension of the efforts of the Kuwait Engineering Society in supporting the youth engineers.

The scientific committee, the speakers at the conference, the participant delegations from different countries of the world and the volunteers were all honored at this occasion.

Ice Skating Rink reopened KUWAIT: The main skating hall at the Ice Skating Rink resumed operation this past Tuesday after it was closed for shows performed by the Cirque De Glance. This was announced by Ice Skating Rink and Fountain Park Supervisor at the Touristic Enterprises Company, Omar AlSamaraei, who also said the facility would welcome visitors during regular working hours everyday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm in seven separate time bands.

Al-Samerai said that the grand skating hall started receiving visitors with effect from Tuesday. He said different programs and activities have been prepared for visitors which will be available all year round.

He said there would be no change in operational timings as the hall receives people daily from 8.30 am up to 10 pm over seven periods for entry daily, excluding Tuesday when the timings are from 6.30 pm up to 10 pm for women only.

Boys above six years of age will be charged KD 2 instead of KD 3. Al-Samerai explained that a training school for adults and young have been running for three years at a monthly subscription of KD 10 per person and imparts four lessons, each of 90 minutes duration, by a specialist trainer. Pointing out that an entry fee of KD 1.500 per person would be applicable, he said this would include providing special shoes for skating. Also available will be a monthly subscription of KD 40 per person.

The main skating hall at the Ice Skating Rink. (Inset) Omar Al-Samaraei.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwait hopes Iran can eliminate nuclear concerns KUWAIT: Kuwait hopes that Iran can eliminate its concerns regarding the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, a senior government official said in a recent statement.

“We have environmental concerns over the subject, but our friends in Iran have assured that the situation is under control,” Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Khalid AlJarallah told reporters while attending the celebrations at the Iranian Embassy marking the Iranian Revolution Day. “We hope the concern created by the fact that the nuclear reactor is close to Kuwait is eventually eliminated.”

Al-Jarallah was referring to the Bushehr nuclear plant located in the Iranian coastal city of Bushehr which is only a few kilometers away from Kuwait’s shore on the opposite side of the Arabian Gulf.

Asked about an Iraqi government official’s statements in which he proclaimed

that Kuwait agreed to cancel the two final stages of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer port project, Al-Jarallah commented by reiterating an agreement reached between the two countries as per which Kuwait would not construct the fourth and supposedly final phase of the project after the first three phases “which would have no negative effect on navigation at the Khor Abdullah.”

Meanwhile, the Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, Rouhollah Qahramani, addressed a number of topics while speaking to reporters as part of the event, including recent statements of Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Al-Thani in which he called for establishing an organization for countries overlooking the Arabian Gulf. “We are confident that a similar organization would be beneficial and effective in resolving pending issues in the region,” the ambassador said.

Samira Al-Qinai (middle) speaking during the launch of the woman forum meeting with some participants — Photos by Yasser Al Zayyat

Discrimination between retired men and women in Kuwait Forum calls for quick solution

By Nawara Fattahova

1,000 Syrian families to benefit from Kuwaiti aid project

BEIRUT: The Lebanese Red Cross Society praised yesterday Kuwait Red Crescent for launching relief projects to Syrian refugees namely distribution of bread for the refugees for a month.

Chief of LRC in northern Lebanon Youssef Botros said, on occasion of the third such project in Akkar in the north, that such initiatives are not taken for the first time by the KRCS for serving the Syrian refugees and alleviating their suffering.

Botros hailed such humanitarian projects of providing bread to a large number of refugees for a period of one month in three various areas north of the country.

The envoy of KRCS Dr. Mosa’ad AlEnizi said that a total of 1,000 Syrian families will benefit from this onemonth project in the northern area.

This project, still in its first-stage, is considered the third in Lebanon, after the ones in Al-Minyeh and Al-Qubbeh in Tripoli, north of the country, he added.

Al-Enizi stressed on the KRSC keenness of improving living conditions of the families of Syrian refugees who are suffering from tough circumstances.

There are plans to launch such projects in a number of other Lebanese areas soon.

Latest statistics indicated that the number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon reached 265,000, most of them located in the northern parts of the country in regions like Akkar, Tripoli, Al-Minyeh and Al- Danayyeh.

A large number of Kuwaiti charities and humanitarian societies are offering relief to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan. — KUNA

information minister meets SABA chief KUWAIT: Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud AlSabah received here yesterday KUNA Director General and Chairman Sheikh Mubarak Al-Duaij Al-Ibrahim Al-Sabah and visiting Chairman and Editor-inChief of Yemen’s SABA news agency Tareq Al-Shami.

Sheikh Salman stressed that Kuwait was eager to bolster relations with Yemen namely within the media and press domains.

He said Kuwait regards the security of its neighbours in the Gulf, including Yemen, crucial and important.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Mubarak applauded the healthy relationship between the

two nations, stressing that both KUNA and SABA were keen on further boosting media cooperation.

The SABA chief proceeded to hand over a letter from Yemeni Information Minister Ali Al-Omrani, addressed to his Kuwaiti counterpart, Sheikh Salman.

He applauded the support and assistance offered to his country during its political difficulties by GCC countries and announced that his country would hosting an internal round of talks on March 18.

The talks discussed means through which the Kuwait Information Ministry and KUNA could provide necessary training and technical support to Yemen’s SABA news agency. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Woman Forum, which held its first meeting yesterday at the Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR), focused on certain issues which are crucial to the retired women and housewives and concern their rights. Samira AlQinai, head of the Woman and Child Committee at the KSHR, criticized the discrimination between the retired men and women. “The Constitution considers all citizens equal and should be applied equally to the retired. The women MPs should also work on applying the Constitution equivalently so that the women can access their rights. In addition, the media should also highlight this issue and we should also press on the government to end this discrimination between the genders,” she said launching the meeting.

Recapitulating some of the most important demands, Al-Qinai said, “We need different facilities and services for the retired including an information center, a training and rehabilitation center for those who want to start a business, sports clubs, health insurance that is valid in all hospitals including the private ones, and an awareness program about charity and voluntary work. Besides, there are legal demands to end the discrimination in the housing law, the social security law, and the nationality law for children.”

Attorney Najla Al-Naqi stressed that article 29 of the Kuwaiti Constitution ensures equality among all people in the matter of rights, duties and human dignity. “Women should be given all their rights as the Constitution does not discriminate anybody based on gender, neither does it do so on the basis of religion, origin or language.

Also, Kuwait has ratified many international treaties on this issue and hence all the unjustifiable laws and regulations should be modified or scrapped. Furthermore, all ministry decrees that are in conflict with this principle should be canceled or changed,” she noted.

On her part, Jinan Bushihri, member of the Municipal Council, reviewed a project called ‘Returning Favour’ that she along with other two

expressing readiness of his countries to even bolster them further.

He said the State of Kuwait and Azerbaijan have signed 13 bilateral agreements in various spheres, adding that both sides would sign five more during this visit.

He praised the role played by the joint Azeri-Kuwaiti cooperation committee in boosting bilateral ties in the commercial, economic and investment domains Sheikh Sabah is also scheduled tomorrow to visit the grave site of former Azerbaijani President Heydar Alirza oglu Aliyev. — KUNA

fines to the violators. Also, the Public Institution for Social Security is currently executing a hospital for the retired and the location has already been approved by the Municipality,” she pointed out.

Ayed Al-Manna, member of the teaching faculty at the Kuwait University and a journalist, agreed on the issue of equality between both genders in the matter of rights defined in the Constitution.

“In our society the man’s will prevails, so he is the one who legislates and regulates the laws and has modified these in his favor. This culture should be changed. There is no legislation banning the retired women from accessing their rights and I demand complete equality for both genders in this matter. The demand is also supported by the international laws, treaties and agreements,” he stated.

Wadha Al-Agrouqa, president of the Girl’s Club, highlighted that women sport is not respected by the government. She said the Club is holding many activities for women and girls since these are important for their health.

Some of theattendees at the meeting

Roaming vendor caught

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Continuing its campaign, the Kuwait Municipality’s Ahmadi branch carried out a drive aimed at checking the menace of roaming vendors in Sabahiya and Rigga area and also in the Al-Julaia Desert. The officials inspected the mobile grocery sellers, carts selling vegetables and fruits besides sellers of charcoal. They also checked camps specially allocated for cafes and for pipe smokers to ensure that they were properly licensed.

The campaign resulted in officials confiscating 60 bags of charcoals, 21 cartons of water, two cartons of

FM visits Azerbaijan MOSCOW: Azeri National Assembly Speaker Ogtay Asadov received yesterday visiting Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah who arrived in Azerbaijan earlier yesterday.

Asadov expressed to Sheikh Sabah appreciation of his country to the role played by the State of Kuwait in supporting unity of Azerbaijan in a number of international fora chiefly the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

He extolled both countries’ ties in the politica, and commercial domains,

Muna Al-Fuzai (middle) with other speakers members had suggested and are working on for the benefit of the retired male and female citizens.

“This project includes: A complex housing a fitness center in all six governorates for the retired. It would be free of charge for the elderly citizens while others would have to pay for the services. These people need to practice sports and other healthy activities. We also suggested establishing places or centers for getting together. Such places should be similar to Diwaniyas where they can hold symposiums, exhibitions and other activities. And finally, they would be given agriculture properties to operate these for three years, then the authorities can give it to another retired person,” explained Bushihri.

She concluded by saying that “we can give the retired hope of still being useful to the community.”

“The government can benefit from the retired people by employing them as inspectors or observers for the environment and cleanliness at public places such as gardens, beaches and others. They can be given the authority to issue

pepper, three cartons of cauliflowers, two cartons of carrots, three bags of onion, four cartons potato, three cartons orange, six cases of tomatoes, 16 bundles of timber and one motorcycle, two buggies and sent them to the scrap yard.

Drug trader A Kuwaiti man in his forties was arrested in Ahmadi area when policemen, on noticing him signal to vehicles zooming by as if he wanted to hitch a ride, stopped to offer him assistance but he betrayed nervousness and was then found in possession of contraband drugs. Security sources said when a

patrol was making rounds at the Kabd Road, they noticed this man and when they tried to approach him, he became frightened.

Officers found him confused but when they searched his car, they stumbled across KD 2530.250, 190 pills of Roche drugs, 10 pills of Roche split into two halves, 5 pills of Tramal drug, 7 pills of Xanx and

21.5 pills of Rehanol drug, one large and one smaller piece of Hashish, 4 bags of Shabow drugs, small bags containing pieces of Hashish, a new needle and a bag containing 14 cigarette filters used in taking drugs. The man’s ID papers showed him as a 1966 born Kuwaiti. He was sent along with the drugs to the concerned authorities.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LOCAL kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Positive note on NA crisis

Start healing our wounds

By Adel Al-Mutair

By Omar Tabatabaee

oth, the government and the opposition, should be aware that any successful politician is the one who does not close the door in the face of any initiative. He always keeps the door open, and in case of any bargaining situation, keeps it half closed so as to retain a chance for retreating or giving a respectable exit route to his opponents.

A good politician is the one who is very good in clinching political deals, just like a successful business man who negotiates and sacrifices a little in order to win more. He avails of every opportunity. A successful political deal is a deal in which everyone feels like a winner, be it the government or the opposition.

No doubt, the government has made many mistakes and I cannot even start enumerating these in one article because these are far too many. The government is mainly responsible for most social, economic and political afflictions marring the Kuwaiti society. We have become so used to government making mistakes but now the political opposition is making the same mistakes and providing justification to the government to hold it responsible legally and politically. At least, we did not expect this from the experienced figures of the opposition.

As the saying goes, “the mistake of the intelligent person is equal to ten times that of a simpleton.”

e did not hesitate even once in criticizing the government and the ongoing corruption in power corridors but today I feel unable and constrained while criticizing the government. I did not feel this way because the government is too strong or because it has started moving towards the correct path as it is still weak and performing below expectations. It looks sick and at the same time seems unwilling to recover despite many offering a cure. I feel weak because of the wounds inflicted on our national movement. Only those sincere in their motives will feel the pain of the homeland. The time when we could have afforded to neglect the mistakes committed by the movement is over, and the truth will never weaken it but only make it stronger.

Our movement suffered deep wounds, some of them most crucial, when they decided not to listen to the advice and instead became stubborn. They lost interest in drawing the attention of the street to the main issues despite our constant criticism of the government’s stubbornness.

Those who have been tracking the events can see the clear contradiction which the movement is suffering from as politics requires a lot of flexibility. However, it seems that some people are far removed from politics and its principles while others only seek to have their names prefixed with the ubiquitous title of “political activist” during sundry interviews. We need to admit that we failed in convincing many people about our scattered goals.

If we look closer into the movement, we will find many groups whose concern was limited to leading the movement and bragging about having appeared in pictures, without caring about what happened to the image of the country. If some people thought that their appearance was the first step to run for elections, then this was their right but no one had the right to put his personal ambition ahead of that of the movement.

It was this that led to four things. The first is making the Kuwaiti street not see the difference between this type and the corrupt. The second is the ease with which some people were able to penetrate the movement because the corrupt would not have succeeded unless they found an environment ready to thrive.

Thirdly, they helped the government win this round because the movement was far too fragmented, and lastly, there was extreme hostility towards those who believed in the movement but differed about certain actions. This led to the cocooning of the movement as many rebelled and withdrew from it.

We also cannot deny our utter failure in choosing the right people who could represent our issues well. Those who demanded respect for the constitution and law in public gatherings turned a blind eye towards those who violated these notions even as they claimed to be supporting the movement.

In fact, we reached the worst phase by glorifying some of the politicians as if they were immune from making any mistakes. This made us feel as if we were just watching some small time puppet show and the actors were just puppets being handled and maneuvered by the hidden hands of those whose concern was seek revenge from someone.

We are sure that the government’s thought process does not go beyond the immediate atmosphere in which it would reads this article, and we are also sure that despite its weakness, it will win the coming rounds if the movement continued with its traditional and unimaginative thinking and failed to come up with ideas and solutions to gain the people’s confidence.

We are still talking and talking and talking, and then publishing strongly worded statements in which we threaten but offer no solutions to our tragedies. It is this that enabled the government to make its second “historic” statement. If the movement were to be coherent and draws its support from the people, the government would not have had the courage to show its paper fangs.

The country is in need of some honest minds to build it, not ignorant and stubborn ones to destroy it. The movement today is in dire need of sacrifice, and we do not mean violence. It rather needs leaders to sacrifice their stubborn attitude, arrogance and personal ambitions, and to start a new strategy to face the government’s domination. The government has many weapons at its command while we only have our will to counter it. As it is, it was a shame that we lost this round in the battle, but it would be a catastrophe if we continued using the same tools and mindset that led us towards defeat in the first place. The nation is always dealing with the crookedness of authorities, and to rectify the situation, we must start with ourselves in healing those wounds. If we fail to, it would be akin to assassinating our own homeland. —Al-Rai

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kuwait digest

The government has made many mistakes and I cannot even start enumerating these in one article because these are far too many. The government is mainly responsible for most social, economic and political afflictions marring the Kuwaiti society. We have become so used to government making mistakes but now the political opposition is making the same mistakes.

Political opposition has made such a mistake twice.

First time was when it resorted to severe and tough talk against higher authority, and the second time was when it raised its demands to an unfeasible level.

The fight between the politicians in the government and the Parliament should not be a knock out game in which one party earns everything and the other party loses everything. Such battles are most violent and happen among parties which are unequal; that is not applicable to the Kuwaiti case.

Unfortunately, it seems that both, the opposition and the government, are bent on crushing the opponent to the extreme. The opposition did not have enough strength to bring down the previous government but pursued it legally and formed investigation committees.

Now, the current government does not have enough strength to keep the opposition out and weakened even after dissolving the February 2012 council and issuing the new election decree but it is making the same mistake by chasing the opposition legally and winning court decisions against some of them to send them to jail.

A thorough analysis of political history reveals that it is always better to accord respect to one’s political rivals and give them their rights than crushing and despising them.

All Kuwaitis are hoping that the wise men of Kuwait will intervene to resolve the local political crisis and ensure that both sides reach an amicable political deal. — Al-Anbaa

kuwait digest

Impact of centralization

By Dr Yaqoub Al-Sharrah

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tudies were carried out more than two decades ago other choice but to follow these instructions or else face in Kuwait to find a way to manage schools in such a accountability, something that makes administrations too way as to give administrations more authority and hesitant to take the smallest of decisions without consultindependence so that they can take education-related ing with the ministry first.

This kind of atmosphere kills the sense of initiative, and decisions without reverting to the central administration.

The studies came up with recommendations about makes administrations too hesitant to make changes in urgent maintenance works, school expenses and require- order to avoid the risk of violating instructions. The lack of ments. Unfortunately, the studies were eventually ignored independence and freedom of work eventually obstruct and today we see that schools are incapable of keeping administrative improvement, something that can be found in local schools today up with the rapid growth in where administrations folclassroom capacity.

The centralization or The centralization or decentraliza- low the same instructions in a nearly identical fashion. decentralization of educaDecentralization does tional management reflects tion of educational management the nature of the educational reflects the nature of the educational not necessarily mean the system, especially when it system, especially when it comes to end of any central control.

The role that the central comes to flexibility and the efforts required for improv- flexibility and the efforts required for administration plays is ing the quality of education. improving the quality of education. important, but it should Administrative decentraliza- Administrative decentralization must remain focused on planning and strategizing for the tion must be based on planning for the future course of be based on planning for the future future of education and education, as well as the soci- course of education, as well as the soci- addressing other issues that deal with the goals that the ety’s need for better quality ety’s need for better quality education. state hopes to achieve education. through its educational poliIt is believed that decentralization at the school level helps schools improve their cy. The centralization of education has obstructed all role and performance compared to schools that are gov- demands calling for diversification of public education erned under a more centralized fashion, say through the over the past few decades. Real development based on unified education cannot be achieved if there was no conMinistry of Education or its subdivisions.

Educational systems in advanced countries give vast nection between the outcome of education and the authorities and freedom to work as long as they work as incomes of universities and colleges. Various methods of per regulations. Independence of schools means more education based on advanced curriculums, competent freedom, better decision making, more effective meas- teachers and modern teaching methods are the keys for ures to deal with urgent problems, openness, better quali- successful educational systems in advanced countries where schools have a variety of educational systems to ty of education and better resource management.

The centralization of education in Kuwait makes adopt including industrial, professional, agricultural, acaschools hesitant to take decisions because of endless reg- demic and others. This diversity helps avoid individual difulations and instructions that tell administrations what to ferences between students as well as failures and waste of do in every sphere of the educational process including funds, in addition to achieving compatibility between high teaching methods, tests, curriculums and even activities school outcomes and demands of the labor market, thus and distribution of classes. A school administration has no helping young people in their future careers.— Al-Rai

Forcing opinions on other people

By Mohammad Al-Sabti

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e must either be what we want to be, or not be at all.’ This phrase often chanted by participants during the opposition’s movement in Kuwait has no place in political life. In fact, it has no place in any aspect of life in general. It is a statement that promotes the law of the jungle as well as chaos. These were weapons used by small communities as their only defense mechanism in prehistoric times.

In civil life, and especially in political life, no one can demand that he either becomes what he wants or rather he would not exist at all. No one has the right to impose his opinion on others. You only have the right to express your own opinion and defend it with all your might but within the limitations of the law. All of us, you, me and others, have the right to be, but none of us has the right to practice chaos against others.

The phrase ‘we must either be...’ implies that one group is acting on behalf of the society as a whole and irrespective of the opinions of other groups. And if this one group fails to achieve its goal, what does ‘rather not be at all’ imply? Does it not mean that they all must cease to exist?

No one can sanction elimination of any group of society.

In political and social lives, no one has the right to speak as the sole representative of the entire society and impose his opinions on the rest. In politics, you achieve success by achieving your goal, but failing to do so does not mean the end of the world. Rather, it means that you have to accept the results and try again using different methods.

Similar phrases which imply verbal violence are being commonly bandied about today with total disregard to the fact that they would eventually lead to use of force and other forms of violence. All of us need to avoid resorting to violent speech.

The aforementioned phrase is dangerous on two aspects. First, it implies forcing opinions on others, and second, it suggests that others have no choice. This is the definition of political suicide.

If every category started raising that slogan, then the entire society will cease to exist. This approach that depends on violence and forcing opinions on others is a lot more dangerous than the political struggle in Kuwait.

Moreover, it would lead to worst repercussions that may threaten the very existence of society. — Al-Rai

kuwait digest

The demonstrators’ demands

By Anwar Al-Nouri

kuwait digest

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emonstration is a means of expression used to political parties which can be elected and given a chance demand certain rights. All democratic countries to win a clear majority on the basis of a program. This will allow demonstrations held as a protest or to push give the Amir the best opportunity to appoint a prime for certain demands, yet at the same time have laws to minister.

We have to keep in mind as well that having an electregulate them to prevent them from becoming a tool in ed prime minister does not necessarily mean it is better the hands of saboteurs.

In the United Kingdom, one of the oldest democra- than having a premier appointed from within the ruling cies in the world, police are allowed to resort to any family. If anything, it would open the doors for bigotry. measure when demonstrators violate the law, including Besides, we have come to learn a lot from waiting. At one point, even the thought of not having a ruling family batons, spraying water or fire even rubber bullets.

In Kuwait, freedom of expression, including demon- member as the finance minister was impossible.

There is also the belief that demonstrators are strations, is guaranteed. At the same time, the state is protesting against corrupresponsible for maintaining tion, but that is a topic to be order and making sure that What are the demonstrators’ discussed at a different time. these demonstrations do not go out of control. It is demands and what are the issues And I would like here to insist that this belief should not understood that police have maintained composure and being raised during their demonstra- give the impression that resorted to violence only tions? Sometimes we hear that they whoever takes part in the demonstrations are against when necessary. Now the question is: what are the are protesting against the emergency corruption while those who demonstrators’ demands decree that amended the electoral are staying away are corrupt.

The main question then is: and what are the issues law, while other times we hear that what exactly are the being raised during their demonstrations? Sometimes they are demanding an elected parlia- demands of the protestors? we hear that they are ment, or in other words, having some- Who is their official spokesman? protesting against the emerI believe that whatever gency decree that amended one as prime minister of Kuwait from the answer is, it does not justhe electoral law, while oth- outside the ruling family. tify demonstrations held er times we hear that they everyday, or even at night, are demanding an elected parliament, or in other words, having someone as prime nor does it justify the motivated speeches that in the most part contain inaccurate implications and insults to minister of Kuwait from outside the ruling family.

The Kuwaiti Constitution gives HH the Amir the sole the state’s institutions and leading figures. I urge those authority to appoint the state’s prime minister after pro- who encourage people to go out and violate the law to tocol talks with the parliament’s speaker and former reconsider their position. Kuwait is for us all: the rich, the speakers. Meanwhile, the constitution gives the parlia- poor, the tribals and the nontribal citizens, Sunnis and ment the authority to question ministers and to vote Shiites, liberals or conservatives. Let us refer to the conthem out of office. I believe that any move for an elected stitution to settle our disputes and to HH the Amir to cabinet should first be preceded by establishment of resolve matters of conflict. —Al-Qabas

Let bygones be bygones?

By Ali Mahmoud Khajah

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he annulled majority and its supporters want all opponents of this government and the worse ones that preceded it to adopt the theory of ‘Let bygones be bygones’ and rather try to ‘unify the opposition’ in order to gather enough strength and numbers to oust this government.

They want us to forget the four terrible months for which they were in office during the 2012 annulled parliament when, despite winning an unprecedented majority, there were only more violations of freedoms, liquidation of national resources and an increase in personal fights against those who opposed their opinions.

They simply want us to wipe away such bad memories only so that they can achieve political reform, forgetting that true political reform would also mean necessarily fighting their methodology as well as that of the successive governments. Nothing could be worse than the annulled majority and the successive governments. When they were both part of the parliament, they were the worst of allies. They defended the PM, the interior minister and the information minister. They prevented the majority MPs from grilling the PM and, together, they passed laws against freedoms and ignored the fact that their shenanigans cost the state hundreds of millions in just four months.

If someone really wishes to ‘let bygones be bygones,’ which in any case is unacceptable to me, then such an amnesty must include the governments and their supporters. Will the majority accept this? I think that the answer would be a resounding ‘no.’—Aljarida

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LOCAL

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Autism Center held a ceremony to honor students who took part in various activities held in 2012. The event was attended by President of the Kuwait Soceity for Ideal Family, Sheikha Fraiha Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, as well as Ministry of Education officials. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Kuwait, Saudi share identical views on all issues : Al-Rashed Moves for more cooperation

KUWAIT: Gulf Bank’s executive management team along with INJAZ-Kuwait’s executive management team at the official welcoming of Michel Accad to the Board of INJAZ-Kuwait

Gulf Bank boss joins INJAZ board KUWAIT: Gulf Bank announced yesterday that its Chief Executive Officer, Michel Accad, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of INJAZ Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s long term interest in youth development supports H.H. the Amir of

Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s vision for the empowerment and encouragement of Kuwait’s youth.

Accad said: “INJAZ Kuwait has been at the forefront of youth development for a long time and its work has assisted countless young Kuwaitis to achieve their full potential and enjoy success in their chosen careers. It is a great honour to join the board and I am very much looking forward to assisting INJAZ Kuwait in inspiring and helping more young people to succeed in their careers and professions.

“Equipping students with practical business-related skills is an area which Gulf Bank shares with INJAZ, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Through our new strategic partnership in 2013 we will have the opportunity to directly support and contribute to youth development programs to help both organisations progress towards their respective goals.”

INJAZ Kuwait is a non-profit organization which was founded in 2005 to advance and encourage young business talent. It seeks to equip students with practical businessrelated skills as part of the regular educational curriculum, focussing on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy. Students are engaged in a set of programs and opportunities to strengthen their innovation, expand their understanding of the business world, and give them the confidence, skills, and ambition necessary for success, as well as professional qualifications to help them succeed in the global economy.

‘Chance to revive Mideast peace process’ KUWAIT: A host of key political figures and diplomats underlined here Tuesday the urgency to reach a solution for the Palestinian issue. Addressing the third session of the First International Conference of the Council of Arab and International Relations (CFAAIR), Henry Siegman, President of the US-Middle East Project, said that with the wrapping up of the recent US elections, there was a chance to revive the peace process in the Middle East “in order to reach the two-state solution.”

The session, on Arab-Israeli relations, which was moderated

by Kuwaiti former deputy premier and foreign minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, was held in the second and last day of the event. Siegman said that the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict needed an alternative plan.

Therefore, he noted, President Barack Obama must be courageous and determined in this regard.

On his part, Dr. Mustafa AlBarghouthi, former information minister at the Palestinian National Unity Government, said that Israel refused the two-state solution and still carrying on with ethnic cleansing and expansion in the West Bank, pointing out that, for Israel, the peace process was a means for buying time, settlement expansion and Judaization.

Meanwhile, Arab League former secretary general Amr Moussa said there was a belief, or the norm, that any US president in his second term would be pressure-free, thus, would lean towards being more involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict.

“This is not true, and we will not accept this theory until we see change on ground,” he stressed. On ArabIranian relations, Dr. Mohammad Sadeq AlHusseini, Secretary General of the Arab-Iranian Dialogue Forum, said that “there is no distinction between us and our Arab brothers.”

He called on halting sectarian strife and allowed no one to exploit differences of opinion, adding that Iran was a peaceful state and did not seek acquiring nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction.—KUNA

RIYADH: Kuwait National Assembly Speaker Ali Fahad AlRashed highlighted the deeply-rooted special bonds linking Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. “Kuwait and Saudi Arabia share identical views over regional and international issues,” Al-Rashid said at the end of his official three-day visit to the kingdom.

He added that his talks with Saudi officials revealed a strong desire to develop and continue the distinguished cooperation between the two Arab nations in all domains and at all levels.

Al-Rashid voiced gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality he and his delegation received since they arrived in the Kingdom.

He also offered condolences to the Saudi leadership and people on the passing of Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Riyadh.

Earlier, Al-Rashed and Saudi Majlis Al-Shura (Shura Council) Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh underlined the necessity of further reinforcing cooperation among the GCC legislatures.

This took place during talks held between Kuwaiti and Saudi members of parliament.

During the meeting, the Kuwaiti parliament speaker said he was happy to be in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, lauding fraternal ties between both sides.

Al-Rashed congratulated Al Al-Sheikh on becoming chairman of the Shura Council in its sixth session.

He also hailed the recent appointment of 30 women in the Saudi council as a good step, saying Gulf, especially Saudi, women have proved themselves in all fields.

For his part, Al Al-Sheikh stressed deep fraternal bonds between Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah.

He boasted that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states have made accomplishments in various domains, especially in the parliamentary field.

During their talks, they also discussed a mechanism to

put in place a recent call by the Saudi king to turn the GCC from the stage of cooperation into a phase of unity. AlRashed arrived here on Monday, along with an accompanying delegation, on a three-day official visit. — KUNA

Stage ready for Al-Seef Celebration WASHINGTON: The National Union for Kuwaiti Students (NUKS) USA-Branch announced here yesterday that a festival for this year’s Kuwaiti national celebration, entitled “Al-Seef Celebration,” was set to be held from Feb 22 to 24 in Huntington Beach, California.

The festival would be a valuable opportunity for everyone to express their volume of love and loyalty for Kuwait, Abduallah Bu Hamad, chairman of the student committee of NUKS-USA told KUNA, adding that it would also be an opportunity to strengthen the spirit of national unity among Kuwaiti students.

Also, Bu Hamad noted the festival was held annually in different US cities and attended by a large number of Kuwaitis studying in various US states, pointing out that this year’s festival would include many activities, events, and surprises.

On his part, Dhari Al-Howaila, chairman of media committee at NUKS-USA, announced that a special website was to be launched on union’s festival of national celebration, expecting that this years’ festival would be the second biggest the union organizes following NUKS’ annual conference in November of every year.

Furthermore, Al-Howaila said that Al-Seef Celebration would include a photo contest for Kuwaiti students via instagram that aimed at expressing their spirits of patriotism abroad and their love for Kuwait, affirming that a photo exhibition would also be held showcasing best taken photos during the festival. —- KUNA

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LOCAL

Life sentence for 5 brothers in Jahra honor killing case Officer held for mugging KUWAIT: The Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced five brothers to a life in prison for murdering their sister in an honor killing case last year. The suspects reportedly stabbed their sister to death after they suspected her of being involved in a secret love affair. Her body was discovered by a shepherd in the Jahra desert where the suspects had buried it.

in Jahra. The Asian man reportedly set himself afire outside a camp where he was hired as a keeper. He was taken in an ambulance to the Babtain Hospital where he was under treatment and would be later facing investigations.

Policeman hurt A border security officer was hospitalized after he hit a camel at the Salmi Highway recently. The First Lieutenant was reportedly caught off guard by a herd of camels which was crossing the street as he was driving, and ended up crashing into one of the animals. The man was taken to the Jahra Hospital where his condition was said to be stable. The camel suffered broken bones in the accident. (Anba)

Officer arested A police detective who used to break into people’s apartments using his police ID and then rob them was arrested when residents of a building in Ahmadi, whom he was trying to rob, outnumbered and overpowered him and his accomplices. The residents kept them restrained until police arrived at the scene. The two had reportedly collected around KD3000 after the officer used his police ID to intimidate the expatriate residents and then began extracting money threatening physical assault. The residents told the police that yet another accomplice managed to escape. The two were taken to the Fahaheel police station to be held pending legal procedures, while investigations were on to track down the third accomplice.

Five held for stabbing The Nugra police arrested five people who critically wounded a man when he engaged in an altercation with the suspects at a shop in the area. The argument escalated into a fistfight during which he was stabbed and had to be admitted to a hospital’s intensive care unit. Detectives were able to arrest one of the suspects who led police to his accomplices.

Suicide attempt A man was hospitalized with burn injuries following a failed suicide attempt reported recently

Fugitive’s bad luck A motorcyclist was arrested for possessing a loaded firearm which was caught accidentally

when he met with an accident at the Second Ring Road. Police officers who reached the site of the accident called back up force when they found a hand gun loaded with four bullets as well as an empty magazine in the Kuwaiti man’s possession. Police later learned that the man was also wanted on three drug-related charges. A case was filed at the Subahiya police station for investigations while the man was under treatment at the Razi Hospital.

Youngsters held Two university students were detained briefly for investigations after they were found roaming aimlessly near an embassy employee’s house in Bayan. Police reached the spot after receiving an emergenc y call from a woman who reported a car driving by repeatedly in front of her house which she shares with her husband, an employee at the American Embassy. The car’s driver and his companion were taken to the area’s police station for investigations. The two Kuwaiti youngsters explained that they were only hanging out in the neighborhood where one of them resides. They were released three hours later following intervention of one of the young men’s father who prevailed upon the police not to send the two to the State Security Service for investigations.

DPRK urges US to choose between two options

KUWAIT: A huge fire broke out at a co-operative society in Sabah Al-Naser Area but no casualties were reported as fire fighters fought to bring the blaze under control. As per initial information, the fire was caused by a transformer installed next to the old supermarket.

—Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Kuwait’s anti-corruption experience displayed in Jordan AMMAN: President of the Kuwaiti Transparency Society Salah Al-Ghazali reviewed here yesterday the society’s perspective and its primary role to achieve its goals towards a Kuwaiti civil society free of corruption in all its forms and manifestations.

Al-Ghazali said before a conference dubbed (Promotion of citizenship and the fight against corruption in the Arab region) organized by Jordanian Transparency Center, that in order for the Kuwaiti society to achieve its goals, it carries out activities and programs aimed at making the State of Kuwait free of corruption in cooperation with all society institutions and individuals.

He pointed to the areas of work enabling the Kuwaiti society to achieve its goals, including administration, economy,

legislation, the judiciary and the community domain.

For his part, President of the Jordanian Transparency Center Samih Al-Awamlah said that the conference, which concludes today, believes that corruption is a phenomenon rooted in Arab societies, where people, mind and the regimes in the Arab world are facing a real challenge with this phenomenon.

He added that the fight against corruption cannot be resolved through individuals, but through the use of the dimensions of strategic planning at the level of thinking, practical implementation and the contribution of research centers in the Arab world which care about issues of corruption scientifically and professionally. —KUNA

Praise for Kuwait’s leading role in freedoms MADRID: The State of Kuwait is an example that should be followed in the realm of freedoms of the press and expression in the Gulf region, affirmed a prominent Spanish media figure.

Javier Arribas, the deputy chairman of the European Journalists Association, said in a statement yesterday that the freedoms of expression and press “are a normal outcome of the deeply-rooted democratic system in the State of Kuwait.

“Its moderate political openness is in harmony with the distinguished nature of its natives.”

Arribas affirmed that the Gulf country succeeded, despite social and political challenges, in making extraordinary progress in the sector of the freedom of

the press. It also succeeded in attaining “a high level of transparency and interaction among its citizens particularly via diverse media and grating journalists a wide margin for practicing the profession freely.

The Spanish expert, also an active member of the Journalists Without Borders organization, also noted that Kuwait ranked third for the freedoms of the press in 2012.

According to a recently-released report by the renowned international organization, Kuwait ranked 77th, among 179 countries, in the realm of freedoms of the press in 2012, thus it became the first in this respect at the Gulf and regional levels and the third among the Arab nations. —KUNA

PYONGYANG: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Foreign Ministry released the following statement on Tuesday: The DPRK’s third nuclear test is a resolute step for self-defence taken by it to cope with the US hostile act against it.

Its successful launch of satellite Kwangmyongsong 32 in December last year was a peaceful one from A to Z which was conducted according to its plan for scientific and technological development for economic construction and the improvement of the standard of people’s living.

The world including hostile countries recognized its application satellite’s entry into orbit and greatly admired its development of space technology.

The US, however, again prodded the UN Security Council into cooking up a new “resolution on sanctions” against the DPRK, terming its satellite launch a violation of the UNSC’s “resolution”.

Encroaching upon the right to satellite launch is an unpardonable grave hostile act as it is an infringement on the DPRK’s sovereignty.

By origin, the DPRK had neither need nor plan to conduct a nuclear test.

The DPRK’s nuclear deterrence has already acquired the trustworthy capability strong enough to make a precision strike at bases for aggression and blow them up at a single blow no matter where they are on the earth.

It was the DPRK’s goal to focus efforts on economic construction and the improvement of the standard of people’s living by dint of nuclear deterrence for selfdefence provided by the great Generalissimos Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il all their lives.

The DPRK exercised its maximum self-restraint when the US fabricated the “presidential statement” over its satellite launch for peaceful purposes by abusing the UNSC in April last year.

But the DPRK’s patience reached its limit as the US intensified such hostile act as implementing before anyone else the UNSC’s “resolution on sanctions”, far from apologizing for its renewed wanton violation of the DPRK’s right to satellite launch.

The main objective of the current nuclear test is to express the surging resentment of the army and people of the DPRK at the US brigandish hostile act and demonstrate the will and capability of Songun Korea to defend the sovereignty of the country to the last.

The DPRK’s nuclear test is a just step for self-defence not contradictory to any international law.

The U.S. has long put the DPRK on the list of preemptive nuclear strike.

It is quite natural just measure for self-defence to react to the US ever-increasing nuclear threat with nuclear deterrence.

The DPRK withdrew from the NPT after going through legitimate procedures and chose the way of having access to nuclear deterrence for self-defence to protect the supreme interests of the country.

There have been on the earth more than 2 000 nuclear tests and at least 9 000 satellite launches in the UN history spanning over 60 years but there has never been a UNSC resolution on banning any nuclear test or satellite launch.

It is the US that has conducted more nuclear tests and launched more satellites than any others. It, however, cooked up the UNSC’s “resolution” banning only the DPRK’s nuclear test and satellite launch. This is the breach of international law and the height of double standards.

Had the UNSC been impartial even a bit, it would not have taken issue with a sovereign state’s exercise of the right to self-defence and its scientific and technological activities for peaceful purposes but with the US policy for preemptive nuclear strike, a threat to global peace and security, to begin with.

The current nuclear test is the primary countermeasure taken by the DPRK in which it exercised its maximum self-restraint. If the US takes a hostile approach toward the DPRK to the last, rendering the situation complicated, it will be left with no option but to take the second and third stronger steps in succession.

The inspection of ships and maritime blockade touted by the hostile forces will be regarded as war actions and will invite the DPRK’s merciless retaliatory strikes at their strongholds. The U.S., though belatedly, should choose between the two options: To respect the DPRK’s right to satellite launch and open a phase of detente and stability or to keep to its wrong road leading to the explosive situation by persistently pursuing its hostile policy toward the DPRK. In case the U.S. chooses the road of conflict finally, the world will clearly see the army and people of the DPRK defend its dignity and sovereignty to the end through a do-or-die battle between justice and injustice, greet a great revolutionary event for national reunification and win a final victory.

(North Korean embassy press release)

ABK supports IWA - Annual event at Arraya KUWAIT: Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) supported Indian Women’s Association (IWA), a voluntary non-profit organization as the “Silver Care Sponsor” during their annual event held recently at the Arraya Ballroom of Courtyard

by Marriott.

The event was inaugurated by chief guest, the Ambassador of India to Kuwait, His Excellency Satish C. Mehta, in the presence of a large number of dignitaries, and representatives of various corporates, organizations and associations. Group Marketing & PR represented Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait at the annual gathering.

Speaking on the occasion, the Ambassador expressed his pleasure that the event was celebrating a good cause and would facilitate a

range of humanitarian projects and community service initiatives being pursued by IWA. Following the ambassador’s speech, the patron of IWA, Preeti Mehta, wife of the Ambassador of India to Kuwait unveiled ‘Xtravaganza 2013’, a book showcasing IWA’s initiatives through the past year.

Regarding the sponsorship, Sahar AlTherban commented “ABK has been a fore runner in supporting causes that benefit the society we live in, whether it is health awareness, special needs children, culture, youth, sport and art initiatives or the development of young nationals as they enter the employment mainstream. We believe not only in moving forward but also helping the lesser privileged amongst us to take a better step ahead.”

Govt Summit underlines role of innovation DUBAI: The Government Summit, the first of its kind regional initiative, concluded in Dubai on Tuesday, underlining the definitive role that customer-centric innovation, an active engagement of the public in problem-solving, and partnerships with the private sector have in strengthening the efficiency of government service delivery.

In addition to a ministerial roundtable that presented the success stories of the region’s government service models, the concluding day of the Summit featured several knowledge-sharing workshops, in line with the mandate of the event to promote the exchange of best practices in government service delivery.

Three sessions were held that highlighted the UAE’s experience in providing government services, apart from special workshops on the UN Public Service Awards, and sector-specific overviews of the UAE’s healthcare, youth, education & employment, government excellence programmes, the private sector’s role in customer service delivery and social entrepreneurship.

The workshop on UAE’s Government Excellence Programmes was addressed by His Excellency Ahmed Al Nusairat, Coordinator General, Dubai Government Excellence Programme; Her Excellency Hessa Buhmaid, Coordinator General, Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Programme; His Excellency Yasser Al Naqbi, Coordinator General, Abu Dhabi Government Excellence Programme; His Excellency Mohammad Abdullatif Khalifa, DirectorGeneral of Sheikh Saqr Program for Government Excellence; and His Excellency Sultan Al Rumaithi, Coordinator General, Ajman Excellence Programme.

Moderated by Eisa Kazim, Chairman of Borse Dubai, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai Financial Market and Director of Nasdaq Dubai, the interactive session discussed the development of structured modalities that improve governmental effectiveness.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Nusairat said that Dubai Government was the first globally to introduce a programme for government excellence, as well as a ‘mystery shopper,’ ‘customer satisfaction’ and ‘employee satisfaction’ programmes to evaluate government services. “People talk about the

need for governments to learn from the private sector; here in Dubai, we tell the private sector to learn from the experiences of our government.”

The United Nations Public Service Award workshop on ‘Innovation in Regulatory Reform and Administrative Simplification for Effective Service Delivery,’ underlined the importance of involving the public in innovative approaches to further strengthen government service efficiencies.

The workshop, moderated by Colonel Aziz Al Ameri, Director of Strategy and Performance Development, Ministry of Interior, discussed the UN Public Service Award-winning initiatives of Mexico and The Netherlands, both of which had focused on engaging with the customers directly to address the challenges in government service delivery.

Colonel Al Ameri cited the experience of the UAE in promoting government sector efficiencies through the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme, whereby various ministries share their collective expertise and knowledge to further enhance the quality of overall government service delivery.

Jose Manuel Sucre Ciffoni, Programme Manager of the Latin American and East Europe Programme of the Division for Public Administration and Development Management (DPADM), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), United Nations, who participated in the proceedings, said the Public Service Awards aim at sharing the experience of various countries for potentially replicating it in other regions. He said that the Awards promote a culture of excellence, and urged the creation of a Public Services Award chapter for the Arab region with the support of the UN. Uriel Marquez Carrazco, Former Secretary for Civil Service, Mexico, presented a detailed overview of the innovations and improvements in the country’s public service delivery, which fetched Mexico six UN Public Service Awards in 2011 and 2012. He added that the focus of the improvements was to involve the public, through a review of the government procedures with the active participation of civil society organisations, academicians and the media.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

17 gunmen killed in attack on Thai base

NATO accused of killing 10 Afghans in air strike Page 11

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RIYADH: Saudi King Abdullah and Saudi Crown Prince Salman bin Abdul-Aziz (third right) pray with other royal family princes during the funeral of their brother Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz yesterday. — AP

Fugitive US ex-cop believed killed Remains in burned cabin examined for tie to Dorner LOS ANGELES: Authorities yesterday examined human remains found in a burned out mountain cabin to determine whether they belong to Christopher Dorner, a fugitive excop wanted in at least three murders. Police discovered the remains in the cabin’s charred ruins after a chase ended in a shootout with police and fire near Big Bear in the snow covered mountains east of Los Angeles where Dorner was thought to have taken refuge. A police officer was reported killed and another wounded in the gunfight Tuesday.

“Identification will be attempted through forensic means,” the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department said in a statement.

Law enforcement had earlier said it was too hot to enter the burned-down cabin, and that forensic tests may take days to establish if Dorner had died at the scene after a six-day manhunt. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) spokesman Andrew Smith earlier

denied media reports that a body had been found and identified as Dorner. “Nobody has been identified and no one has been located,” he said Tuesday, declining to formally confirm the end of an exhaustive police search that has rattled nerves across southern California and beyond.

However, earlier reports indicated that the man who ended up in the cabin was believed to be Dorner. “We had reason to believe that that was Christopher Dorner,” Cindy Bachman, a spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff ’s office, told reporters. “We believe that he was still inside the cabin” when the blaze erupted as police moved in, she said.

“And we believe he is still inside that cabin that caught fire.”

Dorner, a disgruntled 33-year-old former policeman, had allegedly killed three people before going on the run last week, after posting a chilling online manifesto threatening to kill more officers. The search centered on Big

Bear in the San Bernardino mountains, but there were also reported sightings elsewhere in California and a suggestion that he may have fled to Mexico. The LA Times said a single shot was heard as police moved in on the cabin, suggesting Dorner may have taken his own life, though that was not confirmed.

Officers broke the cabin windows, pumped in tear gas and called for Dorner to surrender over a loudspeaker, the LA Times said. When they got no reply, they deployed a vehicle to rip down the cabin walls. It did so “one by one, like peeling an onion,” a law enforcement official told the newspaper. When it got to the last wall, a single gunshot was heard, before flames began to spread through the structure.

Smith, the LAPD spokesman, said the confrontation began after a vehicle was reported stolen from another cabin near Big Bear by someone who looked like Dorner. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office immediately launched a ground and air search, and located

Christopher Dorner the vehicle nearby. “Shortly thereafter, this individual barricaded himself in one of the cabins there and an exchange of gunfire occurred. During that exchange of gunfire, two officers were injured,” Smith said. The Los Angeles Times reported that one of the officers later died.

Ennahda may quit in boost for PM TUNIS: Tunisia’s ruling Ennahda party said Tuesday it could leave power, throwing Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali a lifeline in his quest to form a government of technocrats and steer the country out of crisis. “Ennahda could quit power if Jebali maintains his proposal. Everything is possible. It is not inevitable for Ennahda to stay in the government,” Foreign Minister Rafik Abdessalem said. “Dialogue continues. The doors are not closed,” Abdessalem, a son-in-law of Ennahda party chief Rached Ghannouchi, said on the pan-Arab news channel AlArabiya.

Abdessalem’s remarks were the first by a key Ennahda official suggesting that the Islamist party, which controls 89 of the 217 seats in the National Constituent Assembly after an October 2011 election, could back down. However, Ennahda also called on its supporters to rally on Saturday to back its “legitimacy”. “Supporters of Ennahda must defend their revolution and the interests of the people,” Mohamed Akrout, an Ennahda deputy chief, said on in a video posted on the party’s Facebook page. The rally was aimed at “bolstering the legitimacy and realise the goals of the revolution,” he said in the video.

Jebali has been seeking political support for his plan to form a non-partisan cabinet of technocrats, after the assassination last week of a leftist opposition figure threw Tunisia into turmoil. But Jebali has been facing stiff resistance from Ennahda, which has been blamed for the cold-blooded murder of Chokri Belaid who was a staunch critic of the government.

Jebali was warned of chaos and threatened to quit if he is unable to go form a new government by the middle of the week. Assembly speaker Mustapha Ben Jaafar earlier said that he would “strongly support” Jebali, adding that the country was in a “critical situation” following Belaid’s murder. Ben Jaafar, the leader of the secular Ettakatol, an ally of Ennahda, said he was ready to hand over all ministerial positions controlled by his party, including finance, tourism and education. “It’s make or break, but we don’t want to break it,” he said, adding he hoped Ennahda would put “national interests above partisan interests”. —AFP

Local media had earlier reported that the suspect had tied up a couple in a cabin before fleeing. Smith did not confirm those details and insisted that police remain on alert until Dorner is confirmed as dead or captured. KTLA 5 said more than 200 officers had surrounded the cabin near Big Bear, where Dorner’s burned out pickup truck was found last week shortly after the manhunt was launched. The massive manhunt was launched last week after Dorner allegedly killed a couple and a policeman, and injured another three, while pledging online to kill officers in revenge for his 2008 sacking from the police force.

In the rambling manifesto, he vowed to “bring unconventional and asymmetrical warfare to those in LAPD uniform whether on or off duty”. Some 50 LAPD officers and families had been placed under special protection. The couple murdered two weeks ago included the daughter of a former LAPD officer linked to Dorner’s dismissal. — AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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

Mauritania media opens window on Saharan Islamist world NOUAKCHOTT: Shortly after Al-Qaeda gunmen stormed a giant gas plant deep in the Algerian desert last month, taking hundreds of workers hostage, their leader switched on his satellite phone to ring a journalist thousands of miles away. “He told me ‘I am Abu Al Bara and this is my number.

Call me whenever you want’,” said Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Aboulmaaly, editor-in-chief of the Nouakchott News Agency (ANI), a news website in Mauritania’s capital on West Africa’s Atlantic coast. “After that, we spoke many times.”

Aboulmaaly’s exclusives on what was happening inside the In Amenas gas facility, including the raiders’ demand for a halt to French air strikes on Islamist rebels in neighbouring Mali, obliged foreign newspapers and television to rely heavily on ANI during the worst international hostage-taking in recent years. His unfettered access to the kidnappers highlighted how Mauritanian media, including ANI rivals Sahara Media and Al Akhbar, are opening a window into the shadowy world of Islamist groups operating in the vast, lawless Sahara.

An Islamic republic on the desert’s western edge, bordering both Algeria and Mali,

Mauritania has long wrestled with an Islamist threat within its own borders. Twice the size of France but with just 3 million people, its desert has been periodically infiltrated over the last decade by militants who have killed dozens of soldiers - and four French citizens. Sharing their language and religion, and sometimes coming from the same tribe, Mauritanian journalists have become a conduit for Saharan jihadists to transmit their message to the world.

One of the attractions is that the country’s media writes in both Arabic and French, allowing their news to penetrate directly to Western Europe. Another is that they are seen to be among the region’s most independent and aggressive. Since a 2005 military coup, Mauritania has strongly advanced in its press freedom, now far greater than Algeria’s. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders says Mauritania has the most robust press freedom in the Arab world.

While other journalists fled after the Islamists seized control of northern Mali, Sahara Media kept a correspondent in the ancient caravan town of Timbuktu, documenting how al Qaeda’s north African wing

AQIM imposed violent sharia law, including amputation of limbs, and destroyed sacred Sufi mausoleums.

“The Mauritanian press is seen as more open and independent than journalists in other neighbouring countries,” Aboulmaaly said. “Members of these groups have seen me speak. They were able to hear my reporting on the radio or read my articles.

That is how they contacted me,” he said.

For militants operating in remote desert locations, a call to a media outlet is a much faster means of disseminating their message than trying to upload a communique or video. “The usual jihadi forums are password-protected so you have to know it to use them,” said Aaron Zelin, fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East policy, who runs jihadology.net, a website monitoring Islamist activity online. “Using Mauritanian media provides a much wider audience.”

The three competing websites have published a string of communiques and videos from Al-Qaeda-linked Saharan Islamists announcing kidnappings and executions of foreigners, becoming a central part of the groups’ media strategy. Even the

Boko Haram militant group in northern Nigeria has used Mauritanian media to publish its videos.

“All these armed jihadists groups now have Mauritanian spokesmen,” said Mohamed Fall Ould Oumeir, editor of the country’s weekly newspaper La Tribune.

“These media have journalists from maraboutic tribes who have studied religion, sometimes even with the same guys who are now jihadists fighting in northern Mali,” said Oumeir, referring to tribes led by marabouts, who are respected religious leaders in West Africa. ANI (from the French L’Agence Nouakchott d’Information)is owned by the private group Mauritanienne de Presse, d’Edition, de Communication et d’Impression (MAPECI), which also edits two Mauritanian dailies, Nouakchott Info et Akhbar Nouakchott, and has a radio station.

With versions in both Arabic and French, it carries mostly news about Mauritania, but also about the Western Sahara and Western Sahel region, publishing for example reports by news agency AFP on the Frenchled military campaign against the Islamist insurgents in Mali. It also carries opinion pieces on Mauritanian and regional affairs

and advertisements in French and Arabic.

Sahara Media also covers regional news and affairs, especially from Algeria and Morocco, in French, and has chat forums and ads as well. Its Mauritanian editor was unavailable for interview. It is ANI’s highprofile access to the jihadists that has attracted the most attention, as well as the most controversy. After the gas field incident in which 38 hostages and 29 militants were killed, Algeria’s independent newspaper El Watan, whose editor narrowly escaped two assassination attempts by Islamist radicals, denounced ANI as a “privileged channel of terrorist propaganda”.

Aboulmaaly accepts he is in a unique position. He is one of a handful of reporters to have met Al-Qaeda’s top operative in Africa, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, the one-eyed Algerian founder of the Mulathameen brigade that carried out the In Amenas attack. He first communicated with Belmokhtar in 2011 by email and telephone, publishing a lengthy interview in which the Islamist revealed that weapons taken from Libya after Muammar Gaddafi’s fall were now fuelling jihad in the Sahara. — Reuters

Questions in Israel over mystery prisoner death Dead Australian man had ties to Mossad

SITRA: Bahraini women hold banners reading in Arabic ‘stop shedding our blood’ as they take part in an anti-government rally to demand political reforms yesterday in this village yesterday. — AFP

Bahrainis protest on eve of revolt ’versary MANAMA: Thousands of Bahraini Shiites took to the streets yesterday on the eve of the second anniversary of their crushed uprising, as a national dialogue aimed at ending a political stalemate resumed.

Following a call by opposition groups, demonstrators marched in 12 villages and chanted anti-regime slogans, witnesses said, amid calls for a general strike and nationwide protests today and tomorrow to commemorate the uprising. “Khalifa!

Step down,” they chanted, addressing Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa, an uncle of King Hamad who has been in office for more than four decades and is widely despised by the Shiite majority.

Although the protests ended peacefully, groups of youths later blocked streets in the village of Sitra, southeast of Manama, with garbage bins and rocks, an AFP correspondent said. Riot police fired tear gas and shotguns to disperse them. More demonstrations are expected today following calls by the February 14 Revolution Youth Coalition. The clandestine radical cyber group has also urged a Friday march on what was once known as Pearl Square, where protesters camped for a month before being forcefully driven out in mid-

March 2011. The mainstream opposition led by the Al-Wefaq Shiite formation called for a demonstration tomorrow in Shiite villages. The Bahraini authorities have in turn appealed for people to ignore the calls for strikes and civil disobedience.

Meanwhile, representatives of the opposition, and other pro-government political groups, and the government held on Wednesday a new session of talks of the national dialogue that resumed at the weekend, BNA state news agency reported.

Opposition groups, including Al-Wefaq, made a last-minute decision to join the talks after they had walked out in the first round in July 2011, complaining that they were not serious. But protesters voiced their opposition to the initiative yesterday, chanting: “No to dialogue”.

The opposition issued a statement at the end of the demonstrations insisting that an end to Bahrain’s deadlock would be through a “comprehensive political solution that would hand power to the people and end dictatorship”.

Bahrain has been rocked by unrest since its forces crushed the protests in March 2011. The unrest has so far left 80 people dead, according to the International Federation for Human Rights. — AFP

Iran upgrades uranium enrichment amid talks TEHRAN: Iran yesterday announced an upgrade to its uranium enrichment machines, upping the ante even as UN experts were holding talks in Tehran on the Islamic republic’s controversial nuclear drive.

The announcement comes despite a warning by Washington that an Iranian upgrade would violate UN resolutions and claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Tehran is moving closer to making a nuclear bomb. Atomic Energy Organisation chief Fereydoon Abbasi Davani said new centrifuges with “a higher efficiency” were being installed at Iran’s Natanz site, which uses the machines to enrich uranium gas by spinning it at supersonic speeds.

“The installation of new centrifuges at Natanz site started about a month ago... the process is ongoing,” Abbasi Davani said in his announcement, which was reported by local media. He did not reveal how many centrifuges were installed but said: “These centrifuges have a higher efficiency and are used specifically to enrich uranium to less than 5 percent, and not to 20 percent” - the purity regarded as being a short step from that which is required to make a nuclear bomb.

Iran had indicated to the UN nuclear watchdog its intention to install the new generation equipment, according to a document seen by AFP at the end of January. The International Atomic Energy Agency document said that Iran informed it in a letter dated January 23 that “centrifuge machines type IR2m will be used in Unit A-22” at the Fuel Enrichment Plant at Natanz. The IAEA replied in a letter dated Jan 29 asking for more information on the announcement.

Two days later White House spokesman Jay

Carney warned that Iran’s plans to install more modern equipment at Natanz was a “further escalation” in the showdown over its atomic program.

Abbasi Davani’s statement yesterday on the centrifuge update came as the UN experts were locked in talks in Tehran with a nuclear team led by Iran’s IAEA envoy Ali Asghar Soltanieh. The visit by the IAEA inspectors is aimed at addressing international fears of a possible military dimension to Iran’s nuclear drive and comes ahead of a new round of talks between Iran and six world powers in parallel diplomatic efforts in Kazakhstan on Feb 26. The goal of the meeting in Tehran, the third of its kind in the past three months, is to finalise a “structured approach document”, according to Herman Nackaerts, the IAEA’s chief inspector who is leading the delegation to Tehran.

The document would “facilitate the resolution of the outstanding issues related to the possible military dimension of Iran’s nuclear program,” Nackaerts told journalists before leaving Vienna on Tuesday. But he said “differences remain” and that his delegation would work hard to resolve them. “We will have good negotiations”. The Viennabased agency says “overall, credible” evidence exist that until 2003, and possibly since, Iran conducted nuclear weapons research. Vehemently rejecting the charges, Iran has denied the IAEA broader access to sites, scientists and documents involved in these alleged military activities. The IAEA is hoping to gain access to Parchin, a military base near Tehran where the agency suspects Iran could have carried out experiments with explosives capable of triggering a nuclear weapon. — AFP

JERUSALEM: Israeli MPs and commentators were yesterday asking tough questions about the mysterious detention and apparent suicide of “Prisoner X” after a TV report said he was an Australian Jew with ties to Mossad. Twenty-four hours after the emergence of an explosive investigative report by Australia’s ABC news, the Israeli censor moved to ease the total blackout on coverage of the incident, allowing the local press to publish details from the report. The story of the so-called Prisoner X first emerged in June 2010 when Israel’s Ynet news website briefly ran a story about a prisoner being held in top secret conditions whose identity and alleged crime were not even known to his jailers.

The story was quickly taken offline and a complete media blackout imposed, but it resurfaced on Tuesday when ABC identified the mystery prisoner as an Australian national recruited

by Israel’s shadowy spy agency. With tight reporting restrictions in place, the Israeli media was completely silent on the affair. What they did report was that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had on Tuesday called an urgent meeting with top editors to ask them to cooperate by “withholding publication of information pertaining to an incident that is very embarrassing to a certain government agency,” Haaretz newspaper said, in a clear allusion to Mossad.

But shortly afterwards, three MPs raised questions over the issue in parliament, effectively sidestepping the censor in a move which forced a slight easing of the reporting restrictions. In its report, ABC named the prisoner as 34-year-old Ben Zygier, a Jewish lawyer from Melbourne who moved to Israel in 2001 where he was known as Ben Alon. It said he was working for Mossad, and that his incarceration was one of the most sensitive secrets of Israel’s intelligence community.

Before his arrest in early 2010, Zygier had been living in Israel for about 10 years and was married to an Israeli woman with whom he had two children, the channel said. ABC had no information on why he was arrested but said he was taken to Ayalon prison near Tel Aviv where he was held in virtual isolation. In December of that year, Zygier was found hanged in his cell, despite the fact it was equipped with state-ofthe-art surveillance systems to prevent suicide, it said. Although the press can now quote for-

eign media on details of the case, the restrictions bar any original reporting on the incident, a spokesman for the censor’s office said.

In the ABC interview, Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr said Canberra only became aware of Zygier’s incarceration after his death and said he was troubled by the questions raised by the report. But yesterday he confirmed he had ordered a review of the handling of the case. According to a report in The Australian, he ordered the review after finding out that an Australian diplomat in Tel Aviv had been informed of Zygier’s incarceration but “had not passed on the information through the appropriate channels”. It said Carr was unlikely to demand clarifications from Israel without a demand from Zygier’s family for an explanation.

But in Israel, the questions were coming thick and fast. In a letter to the deputy attorney general, the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) on Wednesday raised a number of key

questions and asked that the scope of the gag order be further limited. “There is a strong public interest in the reasons behind the prisoner’s death, and answers to the following questions: Are we indeed talking about suicide? Was there negligence in the supervision of the prisoner?” it wrote. “In our estimation is is possible to answer these questions while maintaining both state security on one hand, and transparency about incidents or failures on the other,” he said.

And Nitzan Horowitz, an MP with the leftwing Meretz, said he had tried to help the anonymous prisoner in June 2010 and had been assured the situation was under control. “Nearly three years ago ... I contacted Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein with a request that he thoroughly check the stories about a prisoner,” he told Channel 1 television.”A very senior official from (Weinstein’s) office got back to me and promised me officially that the matter was under full judicial oversight.” — AFP

JERUSALEM: A woman reads the latest issue of the Haaretz daily newspaper yesterday whose cover page raises a question on the alleged suicide of an Australian prisoner with ties to Mossad. — AFP

In Syria, bouquets wilt on Valentine’s day DAMASCUS: Red roses, tulips, heart-shaped toys and teddy bears cram the stands of Rawda Flowers in an upscale district of Damascus, but with war raging few people have indulged in gifts for Valentine’s Day. “My business is almost dead. Most of my old clients, who once came to buy bouquets for thousands of Syrian pounds, have fled the country because they fear kidnapping,” the shop owner told AFP on condition of anonymity. “I am selling this bouquet for

3,000 Syrian pounds ($30),” he said, pointing to a blood-red bouquet of roses.

“The world-famous Damascene rose now costs 250 pounds ($2.5), while it used to cost just 100 pounds ($1) in previous years,” said the flower seller, blaming inflation that has soared by more than 50 percent. The price is out of reach for most people in Syria where 2.5 million are in need of emergency food aid, according to the World Food Programme. In another shop, two

beautifully wrapped packages gather dust on a shelf in the back of the room. “A client ordered these gifts a month ago. On any other year, you would have seen a mountain of packages,” said Abu Ahmed, owner of a gift shop in the Shaalan commercial hub if Damascus.

For Abu Rashed, a driver who fled the violence engulfing the town of Moadamiyet al-Sham southwest of the capital for the relative safety of Damascus, “this is not the time, for love or flowers”.

DAMASCUS: A Syrian flower vendor displays red roses at his shop in preparation for Valentine’s Day on Tuesday. — AFP

Abu Rashed has been separated by war from many other family members. His uncles have sought shelter in Ifrin, 400 km north of Damascus, he said. “I don’t have the heart to celebrate. Everything in my country is becoming death and destruction,” he told AFP. Valentine’s Day became fashionable in Syria in recent years, with shops, restaurants and even main roads in big cities decked with red ribbons and other decorative items to celebrate the feast of love. But nearly two years have passed since the uprising against President Bashar Al-Assad’s regime morphed into a bloody insurgency amid a merciless army crackdown.

“Certainly, this is not the time for love. We are all suffering from violence,” said Samir, a 23-year-old shop assistant, who sat with his girlfriend Basma, 18, under a lemon tree in a public park, exchanging conversation above the distant sound of bombardment. Samir plans to leave for Saudi Arabia, but first, and despite the war, he and Basma will celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Barada club in the upscale district of Mazzeh, in northwestern Damascus.

For Nawwar, a 35-year-old Syrian state employee, Valentine’s Day provides a rare opportunity to celebrate and to forget for a moment a brutal conflict which the UN says has left nearly 70,000 people dead.

“If we celebrate love, we can forget for an instant the tragedy (of war) because love inspires dialogue” among divided Syrians. “Without love, there can be no solution to the crisis,” Nawwar said. — AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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

Islamic clerics seek dialogue with new pope CAIRO: Senior Muslim clerics in Egypt believe Pope Benedict XVI’s abrupt resignation could reopen the way for dialogue with the Catholic Church, severed after Benedict’s controversial 2006 remarks on the Prophet (PBUH). But improved ties between the Church and Al-Azhar, the premier seat of Sunni Muslim learning, would depend on the next pope’s approach to the Muslim world, the clerics said. “The resumption of ties with the Vatican hinges on the new atmosphere created by the new pope,” said Mahmud Azab, an advisor on inter-faith for the head of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayyeb. “The initiative is now in the Vatican’s hands,” he said.

In 2006, Benedict sparked fury across the Muslim world when he recounted an anecdote against Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Dialogue resumed in 2009, but was again severed after the pope strongly

called for protection of Christian minorities following a Jan 2011 suicide bombing at a church in Alexandria, Egypt’s second city. At the time, Al-Azhar said it would cut ties again with the Vatican over what it called Benedict’s “repeated treatment of Islam in a negative way, and his claims that Christians and others are oppressed in the Middle East”.

Yousef Al-Qaradawi, a senior cleric in Al-Azhar, said his International Union of Islamic Scholars organisation had boycotted Benedict since his 2006 comments. “Now, God has willed that we resume dialogue, after a new pope is elected,” he said, adding he was “optimistic.” Such a dialogue, however, would take place as Islamists take centre stage in several Middle Eastern countries, after the Arab uprisings of 2011, further complicating relations with Christian minorities.

Pragmatic groups such as Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood rulers are likely to welcome dialogue, said Ashraf Al-Sherif, a political science professor at the American University in Cairo. “Parties with an Islamic reference such as the (Brotherhood’s) Freedom and Justice Party may welcome dialogue, given their desire to present a good image,” he said.

To the right of such parties, however, are ultraconservative Salafi movements who are traditionally less open to inter-faith talks, but Sharif said they might also have no objections because “the dialogue is essentially a formality”. “Generally, Islamists will not have a negative impact on the chances for a dialogue,” he said.

Al-Azhar and the Vatican had held ongoing dialogues on co-existence under Pope John Paul II, Benedict’s predecessor. A resumption of dialogue

should be based on the firmer grounds of an institutional relationship, rather than personal ties, said Hassan Wagih, a professor of political science at AlAzhar University. “The danger is in reducing the relationship to a personal one; it must be an institutional relationship,” he said. The new pope, he added, would have to tackle problems between the Vatican and Muslims and “push for mutual respect.”

Following his 2006 comments, which sparked protests in Muslim countries, Benedict tried to mend fences with a visit to the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, the second visit by a pope to a mosque in papal history. “The new pope must not attack Islam,” said a senior Al-Azhar cleric, Mahmoud Ashour, adding that relations with the Vatican should be based on the principle that religions “complete one another, rather than compete”. — AFP

Benedict cheered at first event since resignation Keep praying for me, pope asks faithful

GAO, Mali: French soldiers patrol near the abandoned house where they found and defused a homemade bomb containing 600 kg of explosives yesterday in the centre of northern Mali’s largest city. — AFP

Russia arming Mali, more Islamist attacks feared GAO, Mali: Russia revealed yesterday it is supplying guns to Mali’s government, as French troops discovered a massive homemade bomb in the largest city in the north, highlighting the threat Islamist rebels still pose. The head of Russia’s arms export agency said it had delivered small amounts of light weapons for Mali’s poorly equipped and deeply divided army, which is struggling to restore security after a French-led military intervention helped it push out Al-Qaeda-linked rebels who had seized the country’s north. “We are in talks about sending more, in small quantities,” said Rosobornexport chief Anatoly Isaikin, quoted by the Interfax news agency.

In the northern city of Gao, the scene of twin suicide bombings and a downtown street battle in recent days, French troops defused a homemade bomb they said contained 600 kg of explosives in the city centre. The bomb, which was made of four metal barrels filled with explosives and connecting wires, was in the courtyard of an abandoned house, an AFP correspondent said. The bomb had been there since at least Monday, the reporter said.

The United Nations said yesterday it was working on a “regional strategy” for the Sahel, the semi-arid region south of the Sahara desert, where analysts say a dangerous mix of Islamist extremism, kidnapping, drug trafficking and organised crime are fuelling unrest including the Mali crisis. The UN special envoy for the Sahel, Romano Prodi, and UN west Africa representative Said Djinnit were to begin a three-day visit to the region Wednesday to discuss the situation in Mali with the presidents of its neighbours Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Niger.

UN rights chief Navi Pillay warned Tuesday that Mali risked descending into a cycle of violence, not only by rebel groups but also by the army and black majority waging revenge attacks on light-skinned Tuaregs and Arabs accused of supporting the insurgents. “Attacks and reprisals risk driving Mali into a catastrophic spiral of violence,” Pillay told the UN Security Council. Rights groups have accused the Malian army of killing suspected rebel supporters and dumping their bodies in wells, and Tuaregs and Arabs have also come under attack from their black neighbours in northern towns such as Timbuktu. Many Arabs and Tuaregs have fled the north.

In all, the crisis has caused some 377,000 people to flee their homes, including 150,000 who have sought refuge across Mali’s borders, according to the UN. “The recent developments in the conflict have sown panic among these people, who have fled for fear of being trapped between two fires,” Nawezi Karl of aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said yesterday. The organisation warned the refugees are living in precarious conditions, threatened by hunger and having taken few belongings with them.

Mali imploded after a March coup by soldiers who blamed the government for the army’s humiliation at the hands of north African Tuareg rebels, who have long complained of being marginalised by Bamako.

With the capital in disarray, Al-Qaeda-linked fighters hijacked the Tuareg rebellion and took control of the north. France launched its intervention on Jan 11, after Mali’s interim government called for help fending off the Islamist insurgents as they made incursions into government territory. — AFP

Roof collapses at Chernobyl plant KIEV: A section of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine collapsed under the weight of snow, officials said yesterday, raising new concerns about the condition of the facility that was the site of the world’s worst nuclear accident. There were no injuries after Tuesday’s accident nor any increase in radiation from the reactor that exploded in 1986, the country’s emergency agency said. French construction firms Vinci and Bouygues said yesterday they had evacuated as a precaution around 80 employees working on a new protective shelter from the site. “The preliminary reason for the collapse was too much snow on the roof,” the emergencies agency said, adding that radiation levels were “within the norm”.

The roof was constructed after the 1986 disaster but is not part of the sarcophagus structure covering the exploded reactor, it said. However the collapse underlines concerns about the condition of the now defunct nuclear plant over two-and-a-half-decades after the explosion of reactor number four.

“Even if the radiation levels did not change, this is a worrying sign,” Vladimir Churov of Greenpeace in neighbouring Russia told the Interfax news agency. “If there are sections in the turbine hall that are falling down there is no guarantee that the sarcophagus built in 1986 will not be the next to fall.”

The 80 Vinci and Bouygues workers employed to set up the new shelter over the exploded reactor as part of the Novarka consortium were all given radiation checks and evacuated, a Bouygues spokesperson said.

“Novarka is employing all measures to limit surface contamination. These are currently within admissable limits.” However the spokeswoman for the Chernobyl plant, Maya Rudenko, dismissed Greenpeace’s concerns and said that the existing sarcophagus had

been strengthened from 2004-2008 and could last until 2023. “There is absolutely no risk,” she said. The area of the accident is estimated at about 600 sq m, the emergency agency said. A statement on the website of the power station described the accident as the “partial failure of the wall slabs and light roof of the Unit 4 Turbine Hall.” Chernobyl is only around 100 km from Ukraine’s capital Kiev and lies close to the borders with Russia and Belarus. The area around the plant is still very contaminated and is designated as a depopulated “exclusion zone”.

Amid concerns about the state of the sarcophagus, an arch-shaped structure called the New Safe Confinement is being built nearby to slide over the existing sarcophagus covering the reactor. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is administering the fund to build the shelter with the help of donor contributions. When it is finished in 2015, the structure will weigh 20,000 tonnes and span 257 m. Since the final of the four reactors at the plant was shut down in 2000, workers at the plant have been solely engaged in work to ensure safety.

Two workers were killed by the April 26, 1986 explosion and 28 other rescuers and staff died of radiation exposure in the next months.

Tens of thousands of people needed to be evacuated and fears remain over the scale of damage to people’s health. In 1986 and 1987, the Soviet government sent more than half a million rescue workers, known as liquidators, to clear up the power station and decontaminate the surrounding area. However the total death toll from Chernobyl remains a subject of bitter scientific controversy, with estimates ranging from no more than a few dozen deaths directly attributable to the disaster to tens of thousands. — AFP

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI made his first public appearance yesterday since his shock resignation announcement, asking thousands of cheering pilgrims at the Vatican to “keep praying for me”. The frail 85-year-old pontiff was greeted by a standing ovation and chants of “Benedetto”, his name in Italian, at his weekly audience, with a prominent banner reading “ Thank You, Holiness”. Benedict said he had made his momentous decision “for the good of the Church”. “Keep praying for me, for the Church and for the future pope,” he said. Wearing his workaday white cassock and skullcap, the pontiff - the first to resign voluntarily in 700 years said he could feel the faithful’s love “almost physically in these difficult days”.

Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi announced that cardinal electors will meet in mid-March to choose Benedict’s successor. “The beginning of the conclave cannot be before March 15,” Lombardi told the Vatican press corps. “We have to expect a conclave starting on the 15th, 16th, 17th 18th or 19th.” The secret conclave held in the Sistine Chapel under Michelangelo’s famed ceiling frescoes - deliberations that normally last a few days - should produce a new pope in time for Easter.

As rumours fly over frontrunners, commentators have said age may be a key factor in selecting a new pope, with 117 cardinals eligible to vote for one of their peers. While some hope Africa or Asia could yield the next pontiff, others have tipped high-flying European or north American cardinals. Benedict announced on Monday that he would resign because his advanced age meant he had no longer had the strength to carry out his duties as spiritual leader of the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

Although the Vatican has denied specific health problems influenced his decision, it said Tuesday he had a secret operation to remove batteries in his pacemaker three months ago.

Benedict will step down on Feb 28, when Lombardi said a helicopter will whisk him away to the pope’s summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, outside Rome. Later yesterday, the pope celebrated his last public mass as pontiff.

Ash Wednesday mass is traditionally held in the Santa Sabina Church on Rome’s Aventine Hill, but has been moved to St Peter’s Basilica out of respect for the outgoing pontiff and to accommodate the crowd of faithful who will want to mark the end of his eight-year rule - one of the shortest in the Church’s modern history.

Benedict will honour his existing engagements in the final days of his papacy, including audiences with Italian President Giorgio Napolitano and Prime Minister Mario Monti.

“The pope wanted to say goodbye to them before the end of his pontificate,” Lombardi said.

Benedict’s resignation has eclipsed campaigning for the Feb 24-25 election in Italy, with analysts saying it could have a major impact on the outcome - perhaps stopping scandal-tainted billionaire Silvio Berlusconi’s rise in the polls.

At the Vatican, next week will be given over to a spiritual retreat which is sure to be dominated by jockeying among factions within the College of Cardinals over the choice of Benedict’s successor. The pope will hold his final general audience on February 27, this time a farewell event for all in St Peter’s Square, before retiring to a little-known monastery within Vatican walls, just a stone’s throw away from his successor. Asked about this unprecedented “cohabitation”, Lombardi replied: “I think the successor and the cardinals will be very happy to have very close by the person who best of all can understand the spiritual needs of the Church.”

Only one other pope has resigned voluntarily - Celestine V in 1294 - a humble hermit who stepped down after just a few months saying he could no longer bear the intrigues of Rome.

Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson of Ghana, one of two Africans considered a “papabile”, or eligible to become pope, has said the world may be ready for an African pontiff. “Let God’s will be done,” Turkson told the Rome daily Il Messaggero in an interview published yesterday.

The 2,000-year-old Church has had three previous popes from Africa, the last dating from the fifth century when the Roman Empire included the northern part of the continent. The new pope will have to face up to growing secularism in the West, one of the Church’s biggest challenges. Benedict admonished yesterday: “You cannot be Christians as a simple consequence of living in a society with Christian roots.” He added: “Even those born into a Christian family and given a religious education should... put God first in the face of the temptations that a secular culture presents all the time.” — AFP

VATIVAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI waves as he arrives for his weekly general audience yesterday at the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. — AFP

Rubio tries to soften Republicans’ tone WASHINGTON: US Senator Marco Rubio, seeking to help the Republican Party shed its image as a defender of the rich, stressed his working-class upbringing and the need to save social safety net programs during his response on Tuesday to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address. The back-to-back speeches by Obama and Rubio underscored the differences between Democrats and Republicans that have brought gridlock to Washington for more than two years.

Whereas Obama proclaimed that the United States cannot get on the path to prosperity just by cutting government spending, as Republicans demand, Rubio warned that Washington cannot tax its way to economic growth.

The senator indicated that tax increases, even if focused on the wealthy, can wind up affecting middle-class areas such as his neighborhood in Miami because higher taxes can stymie job creation. “Mr President, I don’t oppose your plans because I want to protect the rich. I oppose your plans because I want to protect my neighbors,” Rubio said in calling for low taxes and less government spending and regulation - policies he said would boost economic growth.

In a speech that was notably more partisan than the president’s, Rubio belittled the accomplishments of Obama’s first term, including the healthcare overhaul that Republicans derisively call “Obamacare”. “His solution to virtually every problem we face is for Washington to tax more, borrow more and spend more,” Rubio said. For Rubio, 41, the speech represented a potential star-making moment at a time when Republicans are desperate to reach out to the nation’s fast-growing Latino population, which voted overwhelmingly for Obama and Democrats in the November elections.

The senator is widely viewed as a potential contender for the presidency in 2016.

The stakes of the speech seemed evident at times. Rubio appeared to wipe away sweat from his temples several times during his 15-minute speech, and seemed to struggle with what later became known on Twitter as “dry mouth moments”. At one point he made an awkward reach for a water bottle that nearly pulled him out of range of the television camera. Rubio’s emphasis on his modest roots - his Cuban-born father and mother came to the United States in the 1950s and worked as a bartender and hotel maid, respectively - signaled that he and Republicans now are trying to relate to voters in a way that eluded Mitt Romney, the party’s 2012 presidential nominee.

Romney, 65, a former Massachusetts governor who made a fortune at his private equity firm, was cast by Democrats as an out-of-touch elitist during the campaign. It was an image that lowered his ratings among voters and was fed by Romney’s own comments that “47 percent” of Americans would never vote for him because they were dependent on government programs. Romney’s stance on immigration - he touted a “self-deportation” plan under which the government essentially would make things so miserable for illegal immigrants that they would leave the United States voluntarily - further battered Republicans’ image among Latinos.

In the Nov 6 election, Latinos cast more than 70 percent of their votes for Obama. Since then, Republicans have scrambled to portray their party as more tolerant and more understanding of the concerns of Latinos and the middle class. A big part of that strategy has been to promote Rubio, a

favorite of the conservative Tea Party movement who, at least when it comes to immigration, appears ready to buck the movement’s no-compromises approach and work with Democrats on legislation.

Rubio presented a different face to America.

Instead of talking about self-deportation, he called for “a responsible, permanent solution to the problem of those who are here illegally”. “He’s young and Hispanic. This is a party that’s just been creamed in terms of appealing to ethnics of any sort,” said Stephen Hess, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Rubio has joined a bipartisan group of eight senators who have called for providing a path to US citizenship for many of the 11 million foreigners who are living in the United States illegally. Rubio underscored Republicans’ outreach effort to Latino voters by delivering a taped version of his speech in Spanish for Spanish-language television networks.

WASHINGTON: In this frame grab from video, Florida Sen Marco Rubio takes a sip of water during his Republican response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. — AP The 2016 elections are nearly four years away, but hopes that Rubio might help Republicans at least cut into Democrats’ advantage among Latinos have been such that Time magazine called him a “Republican savior”. In an attempt to blunt criticisms that Republicans want to balance budgets by gutting social safety net programs, Rubio noted that the Medicare healthcare program for the elderly and disabled “is especially important to me”. The senator, who won election to the US Congress in 2010 on a wave of Tea Party successes that stressed smaller government, said Medicare “provided my father the care he needed to battle cancer and ultimately die with dignity”.

But he criticized Obama and Democrats for not seeking savings in such social programs. “Anyone who is in favor of leaving Medicare exactly the way it is right now is in favor of bankrupting it,” Rubio said. More broadly, Rubio called for a pared-down federal government, drawing some sharp contrasts with Obama’s speech, which called for new government jobs programs and infrastructure investments that the president said would “reignite” the middle class and create new jobs. While trying to recast his party’s image in more moderate terms, Rubio has racked up a voting record that is squarely conservative. On Tuesday, he voted against renewing the “Violence Against Women Act” that passed the Senate 78-22 with only Republicans in opposition.—Reuters

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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

Maldives ex-leader seeks refuge at Indian embassy MALE: Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed was locked in a stand-off with police yesterday as he took refuge inside the Indian embassy after a local magistrate ordered his arrest. The new crisis comes amid more political turbulence in the Indian Ocean holiday destination a year after Nasheed, a former pro-democracy campaigner, was ousted by violent demonstrations and a mutiny by police and security forces. “Mindful of my own security and stability in the Indian Ocean, I have taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Maldives,” Nasheed wrote on Twitter as armed police stood outside the diplomatic compound.

A local magistrate’s court, where Nasheed is on trial for abusing his powers, issued an arrest warrant for him on Monday after he failed to appear for a hearing at the weekend. A legal challenge to the arrest order in a higher court failed yesterday, his party said. The former president’s supporters believe the trial is a politically motivated attempt to prevent him from leading his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) into upcoming polls. A conviction would disqualify him from politics.

Nasheed’s former foreign minister Ahmed Naseem said Nasheed would remain inside the embassy until there was an agreement among all political parties that candidates would be free to campaign before the Sept 7 elections. “President

MALE: Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed prepares to enter the Indian Embassy yesterday. — AFP Nasheed will be staying at the Indian High Commission until this situation is resolved,” he told AFP. MDP spokeswoman Shauna Aminath warned of “a long standoff until his safety is assured”.

Masood Imad, a spokesman for current president Mohamed Waheed, confirmed to AFP that police were waiting to arrest Nasheed on court orders, but said they would not enter the diplomat-

ic compound. “Maldivian police under no condition will enter the Indian High Commission and so it’s a wait-and-watch situation for the police,” he said.

The Indian foreign ministry in New Delhi said it was “in touch with the relevant Maldivian authorities to resolve the situation” and called on Waheed’s government to ensure fair elections. “It is necessary that the presidential nominees of recognised political parties be free to participate in the elections without any hindrance,” said the statement. “Prevention of participation by political leaders in the contest would call into question the integrity of the electoral process, thereby perpetuating the current political instability in Maldives.”

Nasheed, a famed global warming activist, won the first free elections in the Maldives in 2008. He claims he was ousted in a coup orchestrated by former strongman ruler Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in alliance with the Islamist opposition. The current government denies the allegation.

An international investigation concluded that the transfer of power did not amount to a coup.

Nasheed, who was repeatedly detained and tortured during his days as a pro-democracy activist, was briefly arrested in October last year at the start of the trial. If convicted of abusing his powers, he could be fined $130 and sentenced to three years in jail. — AFP

Tibetan monk’s burning marks 100th immolation Sign of desperation in the community

KUNAR, Afghanistan: A wounded Afghan boy receives treatment at a hospital yesterday. — AFP

NATO accused of killing 10 Afghans in air strike KABUL: A NATO air strike killed 10 civilians, mostly women or children, Afghan officials said yesterday, as Kabul welcomed President Barack Obama’s pledge to withdraw more US troops. NATO forces said they were investigating the claims of civilian deaths. “We take every allegation of civilian casualties ver y seriously,” a spokesman said. If the deaths are confirmed it will be another blow to the prestige of US-led forces as they prepare to withdraw combat troops from the war against Taliban Islamist insurgents by the end of next year. The civilians were killed by a NATO air strike during an overnight raid on a Taleban hideout in a remote eastern region, local officials said. “Five children, four women and a man were killed in the raid,” Kunar provincial governor Sayed Fazulullah Wahidi told AFP. Three Taleban commanders, including a notorious Al-Qaeda-linked militant leader called Shahpoor, were also killed in the raid, said district governor Abdul Zahir.

Zahir said the civilians were killed in the air raid in support of a ground operation by US-led coalition and Afghan forces in a Taliban-controlled valley in the insurgencyplagued region. It was not clear if the owner of the targeted house was a member of the Taleban or a civilian, but the Taleban were visiting when the home was attacked, he added. Four other children were wounded in the raid, Wahidi said.

Civilian casualties caused by NATO forces are a highly sensitive issue and are regularly condemned by President Hamid Karzai. He has often said the war against terrorism should not be fought in Afghan villages and his government welcomed

Obama’s announcement that the United States will withdraw 34,000 troops over the next year. “We welcome this,” defence ministry spokesman General Mohammad Zahir Azimi told AFP. “We will take all security responsibilities by the end of 2013. “Our troops will replace them.”

Karzai has long supported the scheduled withdrawal of US and NATO combat troops by the end of 2014, saying Afghan forces are capable of taking responsibility for the fight against Taleban insurgents. But many analysts have voiced scepticism over the ability of the mostly poorly-trained and equipped Afghan military to beat a force that has resisted NATO troops for more than 11 years. Obama, who made the troop withdrawal announcement during his State of the Union address, said the drawdown would continue and “by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over”.

The Taleban dismissed the troop pullout as insufficient. “The problem is not going to be solved with reducing or increasing the number of troops,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP. “As long as the invading forces remain in Afghanistan, the jihad (holy war) continues. The problem is solved with the complete withdrawal of the invading forces and returning Afghanistan back to Afghans.” Obama’s move will effectively halve the size of the current 66,000-strong US force in Afghanistan, as NATO troops prepare to hand over control for security operations to some 352,000 Afghan security forces by the end of 2014. Other NATO nations, which have about 37,000 troops in total in Afghanistan, will also withdraw them in stages before the end of 2014. — AFP

US able to eavesdrop on suspects at Gitmo FORT MEADE, Maryland: The United States was capable of eavesdropping on supposedly private conversations at Guantanamo Bay between the accused 9/11 plotters and their lawyers, experts testified on Tuesday. On the second day of a pre-trial hearing, it emerged that microphones resembling smoke detectors were placed in a room where defense attorneys met their clients, and that 32 microphones picked up their discussions in court.

Maurice Elkins, the director of courtroom technology at Guantanamo, said even whispered conversations, spoken in “a very, very low tone,” were picked up on an unfiltered audio courtroom feed monitored by a government agency.

Shortly after, Captain Thomas Welsh, a government lawyer at Guantanamo, told the court that on January 31 he had seen a recording device being placed in the meeting room. “It looks like a smoke detector,” Welsh said, noting that it did not look like a normal microphone, and stating that another government lawyer told him not to worry because “we don’t monitor any attorney-client meetings.” The disclosures, however, confirmed defense lawyers’ worst fears that the client-attorney confidentiality they expected to be observed during legal proceedings at the US military base in Cuba appeared to have been breached.

Testimony relating to recording procedures used at Guantanamo has dominated the latest hearing. Elkins’s admission came during questioning from James Connell, the attorney for one of the five men

accused of orchestrating the Sept 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and led to the US-backed war in Afghanistan.

The unfiltered circuit was controlled by computer software that monitored everything said in court, Elkins said, unlike the “filtered circuit” relied on by journalists who listen in to the proceedings from behind a glass screen.

Censorship and the conduct of the prosecution against the alleged plotters of the deadly attacks have been a focus of recent hearings. A military judge overseeing the case ruled last month that the US government had censored a discussion regarding secret CIA prisons, preventing it from being heard outside the courtroom, and ordered such censorship to stop. The suspected plotters of the attacks against New York’s Twin Towers and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of a passenger jet in Pennsylvania, face the death penalty if convicted.

Three of the accused were present during Tuesday’s legal arguments, including self-confessed 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who with the judge’s permission was allowed to wear a camouflage jacket in the courtroom. The government maintains that although the many microphones in the court were capable of capturing all sound, there was no ability to isolate what was being said between defense lawyers and the accused.

Prosecutor Clayton Trivett likened it to being in a restaurant where many conversations are going on at the same time. —AFP

KATHMANDU: A Tibetan exile turned himself into a ball of fire in front of a Buddhist monument yesterday, the 100th self-immolation attempt since 2009 in a wave of protests against Chinese rule. Witnesses told AFP the man in his early 20s doused himself with petrol in a restaurant washroom in the Nepalese capital, ran outside and set himself alight next to Kathmandu’s Boudhanath Stupa, one of the world’s holiest Buddhist shrines. “After setting himself on fire at the foot of the stupa, he started running he cried out something but I couldn’t understand the language,” said a waiter at the restaurant. “Police arrived within minutes after people started to shout for help,” the waiter, Phursang Tamang, told AFP. The bespectacled man was engulfed by flames before police were able to extinguish the fire and take him to hospital where he was listed in critical condition. The Tibetan government-inexile, based in the Indian town of Dharamshala in the foothills of the Himalayas, had previously put the number of burnings since 2009 at 99, with 83 of them fatal. The office of the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, had identified the man as a monk. Police in Kathmandu could not confirm that he was a monk, and he was clad in a jacket and red cap rather than in a monk’s robes.

The gruesome burnings, most of which have occurred in Tibetan-inhabited areas of China, are seen as a sign of desperation in the community over perceived religious persecution in Chineseruled Tibet. Speaking to AFP ahead of the milestone of 100 cases, Tibetan exile prime minister Lobsang Sangay had blamed Chinese authorities and called for the international community to take note. “Because there is no freedom of speech or outlet for any form of protest, unfortunately Tibetans have chosen self-immolations,” he said in an interview in Dharamshala. “To the international community I say ‘stand up for Tibetans’. The Chinese government has completely militarised the Tibetan area,” he added.

KATHMANDU: Nepalese policemen rush as a Tibetan monk burns after he set himself on fire yesterday. — AP Beijing accuses the Dalai Lama of encourag- measures. The first self-immolation occurred in ing the immolations and says huge investment 2009 in the Kirti monastery in China’s Sichuan has brought modernisation and a better stan- province, with a pause until 2011 when they dard of living to Tibet. The Dalai Lama fled Tibet spread across the Tibetan plateau. Nepal, home in 1959 after a failed uprising and has since to around 20,000 Tibetans, is under intense presbased himself in Dharamshala where Tibetans sure from Beijing over the exiles. It has repeatedhave previously marked new burnings with can- ly said it will not tolerate what it calls “anti-China dlelit vigils and prayers for the victim. The Dalai activities”.

“It’s a sacrifice for the Tibetan people’s strugLama’s representative Tempa Tsering called the self-immolation “very unfortunate” and repeated gle for freedom,” a Tibetan community activist in appeals from the spiritual leader for Tibetans to Nepal said of yesterday’s protest, asking not to end the protests. “We feel very said that this has be named because of fears over possible happened. The Tibetan leadership has been urg- reprisals. “People are no longer afraid to go to ing people to refrain from such drastic steps for this extent because (oppression) has crossed the limit.” The man who set himself on fire on long,” Tsering said.

Suicide contradicts Buddhist teachings that Wednesday was expected to struggle to survive. all life is sacred, and Tibetan leaders have strug- “His entire body was caught in the flames. At the gled to balance anger over Chinese rule with hospital he tried to speak but couldn’t,” a police calls for protesters not to use such desperate spokesman said. — AFP

India to scrap copter deal if graft proved NEW DELHI: India threatened yesterday to cancel a deal to purchase 12 helicopters from the Italian firm Finmeccanica if an official inquiry proved the contract worth nearly $750 million was secured through kickbacks. “If we find any evidence of corruption then we will blacklist the company and even cancel the deal,” Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters in New Delhi. “We don’t want to jump the gun... (but) we can get our money back at any stage.”

India’s government announced Tuesday that it had ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe reports of alleged bribery of government officials by Finmeccanica, after the head of the Italian aerospace giant was arrested. Italian media reports said the company’s chairman and chief executive Giuseppe Orsi had been detained as part of an investigation into alleged kickbacks paid to Indian government officials. Italian prosecutors were reported to suspect that bribes worth around 10 percent of the deal were paid to ensure Finmeccanica’s AgustaWestland helicopter unit won the contract.

Under the terms of a deal signed in 2010 and valued at $748-million, the entire fleet should be delivered by 2014. India has already received three of the 12 helicopters which were meant to be used to transport top politicians. The 2010 deal was cleared by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and later vetted by the defence and the finance ministries.

Antony said his ministry’s “integrity is foolproof” while promising that the inquiry would “examine every stage of the contract” process.

“We cannot ignore corruption. Whatever the consequences in any deal, if there is corruption, we will take action,” he added.

Indian newspapers quoted from the 64page Italian probe report yesterday, stating that former air force chief S P Tyagi was bribed to swing the deal. Tyagi said he welcomed the Indian inquiry but denied any wrongdoing.

“These allegations are totally baseless and I

am denying them categorically. The deal was signed in 2010 whereas I retired in 2007 itself,” he told reporters. But Tyagi acknowledged that three of his cousins had contacts with Finmeccanica. “The fact is they are related to me... but I have never had discussions about the chopper deal.”

India’s Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid said the government was in touch with Italy in a bid to obtain more information. “We have obviously remained in touch with Italy, so that they give us information,” Khurshid told reporters. Antony meanwhile voiced frustration at the lack of response from Italy to repeated requests for information on the allegations since they surfaced a year ago. “After we saw reports, the Indian media reports of arrests and investigation going on in Italy,

immediately we wrote to the Indian Ambassador in Italy to get the details from the Italian government and also the prosecutor who is conducting the inquiry,” he said.

The country’s main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party said “many Indian names” were allegedly involved in the sale and accused the Congress-led government of dragging its heels in seeking to identify them. “We see the making of second Bofors scam in the latest Italian chopper deal,” said BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad in reference to a scandal over a tank contract which led to the downfall of a previous Congress government in 1989.

Finmeccanica said in an emailed statement on Tuesday that its operations “will continue as usual” after what it called the “precautionary measures issued” against Orsi. — AFP

SRINAGAR: Mother of Kashmiri youth Amir Ashraf who was detained by Indian police weeps outside his home yesterday. Government forces detained dozens of youth and political activists to prevent anti-India protests over the hanging of Mohammad Afzal Guru on Feb 9, 2013 in the high security Tihar jail in New Delhi. Strict restrictions were in force in the more densely populated old town areas of Srinagar on the fifth day. — AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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

China bloggers vilify US executive’s memoirs BEIJING: A Chinese-born businesswoman’s harrowing tales of gang-rape and murder in the Cultural Revolution years have come under fire from web vigilantes who accuse her of duping impressionable US readers. Ping Fu, who went on to found US technology firm Geomagic and sits on a White House panel on innovation, has described dreadful experiences in her rags-to-riches autobiography “Bend, Not Break” and media interviews.

Born in 1958, Fu said she was gang-raped and forced into child labour in a factory, and that on one occasion the Maoist Red Guards dismembered a teacher with four horses pulling on each limb to terrify her and other children.

She was jailed in the early 1980s for writing a university thesis on female infanticide due to the one-child policy, she said, only for paramount leader Deng Xiaoping to intervene. The book says she was later “quietly deported”. “Bend, Not Break” has reached the New York Times bestseller lists, and drew rave reviews, before ques-

tions raised by a number of Chinese Internet sleuths cast doubt on key parts of Fu’s life story. She has admitted to some exaggeration in the book but has blamed that on a faulty memory or intervention by her editors, insisting her memoirs are not a fabrication and accusing her Chinese critics of waging a “smear campaign”.

But her chief attacker Fang Zhouzi, a prominent blogger known for hunting down celebrity lies, says he will stay on the offensive. “Fu Ping not only fabricated her tragic experiences during the Cultural Revolution, but also fabricated what she saw during the period when China strictly enforced the family planning policy,” he wrote in his latest article. “Because she knows clearly that apart from the Cultural Revolution, the family planning policy is another Chinese scandal that can most easily touch Americans’ nerves,” Fang said.

Fu told a US radio station last month that she personally witnessed the killings of hundreds of baby girls, and drew official ire for exposing this in her thesis. Fang says it is

Ping Fu incredible that she could have seen so much infanticide, and says that if Deng had intervened on her behalf when she was jailed, nobody would have dared to expel her from the country. He has also dismissed her account of the teacher’s equine quartering as “easy to tell but hard to conduct”, adding

in an email to AFP: “I will continue to write” about her. Fang suggested that Fu - who uses a Western word order for her name invented the stories to enlist sympathy from US officialdom and build a grittier image of survival to embellish her credentials in the business world. “No matter how fantastic your experiences sounded, Americans would believe them to be true. Some people told so many lies that they even started believing it themselves,” he said.

A decade after leaving China, Fu became a naturalised citizen in 1992 and was given an “Outstanding American by Choice” award by the US government last year. In its citation, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency said she “was imprisoned during college for her research into China’s history of infanticide”.

But a Chinese teacher who was on the same university course as Fu said that if she had been jailed for her thesis, none of their fellows was aware of it. “The heroine in the story was indeed good at writing, this was a fact,” Zilanzhai Zhuren wrote last

month in his own blog. “But what she wrote was mostly literary novels.”

Fu responded to some of Fang’s accusations in her blog on huffingtonpost.com, blaming media misinterpretations and a typo in her book for any misunderstanding. But she admitted that Fang’s analysis of the dismemberment-by-horse was “more rational and accurate” than her “emotional” memory. In interviews, she has said that the word “deport” was not in her manuscript but suggested by her editors to “attract readers”, and that “we could say that was a literary interpretation”.

But on Twitter, Fu described one of Fang’s exposes as “full of errors”. “He should fact-check,” she added, while promising to “correct and rectify imperfection” in the book’s next printing. “I want Chinese people to know that I love China because I grew up there,” she said. “My book was attacked by people who didn’t read my book and piled on to hurt and insult me. Please support human kindness.” —AFP

17 gunmen killed in attack on Thai base Attack one of the most deadly in eight years NARATHIWAT, Thailand: Scores of heavily armed gunmen stormed a military base in unrest-plagued southern Thailand, an army spokesman said yesterday, in a major assault that left at least 16 militants dead. In the unusually brazen attack, one of the most deadly in

used AK47 and M16 assault rifles. A combined force of around 100 military and police officers is in “hot pursuit” of some 60 to 70 militants who fled from the base after the attack, Captain Pholprayoon.

A shadowy insurgency has been fighting for greater autonomy for

Narathiwat province, one of three Muslim-dominated provinces near the border with Malaysia. An army spokesman had earlier put the militants’ death toll at 17.

“We learned of the attack in advance from defected militants,” Colonel Pramote Promin, southern

NARATHIWAT, Thailand: A police officer investigates the dead body of an insurgent yesterday. —AP some eight years of violence in Thailand’s deep south, 100 militants attacked the unit in Narathiwat province, unit commander Captain Somkiat Pholprayoon said. “Sixteen militants were confirmed dead after the attack,” he told reporters at the scene, adding that the attackers had been dressed in army fatigues and

the southernmost provinces of the country since 2004, with shootings and bombings occurring on a neardaily basis. More than 5,500 people have been killed, both Buddhist and Muslim, in the bloody conflict.

No military casualties were reported in the early hours assault at the base in the Bacho district of

army spokesman told Thai television. “We were able to secure the camp. All of our force are safe,” he said. He added that a key local leader of the fighters, who wore bulletproof vests during the attack, had been killed in the clashes.

Members of Thailand’s security forces are frequently targeted in

Russia smokers huff and puff over looming ban MOSCOW: In a familiar scene of Russian daily life, Ivan Alexandrov smoked a cigarette outside a Moscow metro station as other commuters stepped out of the heavy doors and immediately lit up. But under a draft law already passed by parliament banning smoking in public places, from next year such scenes will be a thing of the past in Russia. If the law is passed by the upper house and then signed by President Vladimir Putin, Russia will from 2014 have European-style bans on smoking in restaurants and bars as well as long-distance trains.

The ban will even apply outdoors in a radius of 15 m around metro stations, a tough prospect in a country where 40 percent of the adult population is believed to smoke. “Our lawmakers forget that smokers also have certain rights and they also forget the main thing, that we smokers, at least in this country, are still 40 percent,” said Alexandrov, a lawyer, smoking with a cup of takeaway coffee. “I think it’s a violation of our rights. Why are we protecting the rights of gay people or ethnic minorities (but not smokers)? We’re not a minority, we are around the same number as non-smokers.”

The new legislation would be a major jolt for smokers who until now have enjoyed a virtual free pass. Smokers often dine in the nicest sections of restaurants and cafes and smoke-free bars are virtually unknown. The more radical aspects of the legislation follow European precedents but go further than current public opinion in Russia. A November opinion poll by the Levada independent polling agency found that only 17 percent of respondents backed a complete smoking ban in restaurants, while 73 percent backed non-smoking zones. As temperatures hovered above zero, a few lit up on the historic Arbat pedestrianised street packed with souvenir stalls, cafes and restaurants, but most preferred to smoke inside.

“In winter it’s very cold. You can go outside on the street but it’s bad in the winter,” said student Darya Grun, 17, smoking as she waited for a friend on the street in a down jacket. She argued a ban would also be ineffective in Russia, pointing at

failed initiatives to stop people drinking bottled beer outside, for example, and questioning how it would be enforced. “It’s Russia. Even if they ban it, people will do whatever they want. It will be ineffective. That’s people’s mentality.”

Some smokers welcomed the reform, such as 19-year-old student Yevgeny Myskin. “I think it’s a good idea to ban smoking in public places... it’s easier to go outside than sit and annoy the other people around you. I also think smoking around children is just low,” he said. Russia’s health ministry puts the number of smokers at 43.9 million out of the country’s 143 million population, around 40 percent of the adult population.

Almost 400,000 Russians die each year due to smoking-related illnesses, it says.

Russia has already introduced large-type warnings of health consequences on cigarette packs and plans to add graphic photographs of diseased body parts and dying people. Cigarettes currently cost around 40 to 60 rubles per pack ($1.33 to $2). Under the proposed legislation, smokers could face the first restrictions on their habit this summer - bans on smoking in schools and hospitals, which until now, surprisingly, have not had blanket bans.

Opinion at this early stage appears divided over what impact the law will have, in a country where police officers themselves can often be seen smoking in uniform. Igor Bukharov, president of the Russian hotelier and restaurateur federation, told Kommersant FM radio that in reality smokers would still feel free to light up if they felt there were only smokers around. But Dmitry Yanin, president of the Russian consumer goods federation, told Moskovsky Komsomolets daily that the law would reduce the number of smokers by a quarter by 2014. Vladimir Strokin, who has created a website to campaign for smokers’ rights, Nicotin.ru, said Russians would never respect what he called an unfair law because “Russians perceive laws not with their heads but with their hearts.” “It’s like curing a headache with a guillotine,” he added. —AFP

ambushes and roadside bombs, but organised attacks on military bases are relatively rare.

Southern army commander Lieutenant General Udomchai Thammasarorat has called for a 24hour curfew for local villagers, for their “safety and to prevent any confusion during the pursuit of militants”, he told broadcaster Thai PBS. Deputy prime minister Chalerm Yubumrung, who heads the government’s special body in charge of the southern unrest, recently proposed imposing a curfew in certain areas of the most affected provinces. Religious leaders oppose the move, saying it will do nothing to solve the underlying problems. The Thai cabinet is set to discuss the proposal tomorrow.

Critics accuse the government of failing to address the grievances of Thailand’s Malay Muslim minority, including alleged abuses by the military and a perceived lack of respect for their ethnic identity, language and religion. A report by the International Crisis Group on the violence in December said insurgents had grown “bolder and stronger” amid political inaction from successive Bangkok governments. “The violence has evolved at a pace that is starting to challenge the ability of the government to respond on its own terms,” said Jim Della-Giacoma, Crisis Group’s Southeast Asia project director. ICG recommended a greater push towards decentralisation and closer engagement with local civil society groups and peace negotiations with insurgents. It added that the deployment of 60,000 security forces and an emergency decree “have not achieved any appreciable decline in casualties”. —AFP

TUMON, Guam: Chad Ryan Desoto, 21, is in police custody after driving a car through a crowd of people in the island’s visitor district on Tuesday and stabbing several individuals. —AP

Guam man kills two Japanese, stabs baby HAGATNA: Two women were stabbed to death and an eight-month-old baby knifed in a frenzied attack on 14 Japanese tourists on the Pacific island nation of Guam, a court heard yesterday. The attack happened late Tuesday when a local man drove his car up a pavement near the Outrigger Guam Resort and rammed into a convenience store, before jumping out and stabbing bystanders. Court documents allege Chad Ryan Desoto, 21, admitted he was intent on causing maximum carnage after being arrested following the rampage, which has stunned the normally sleepy tropical nation.

“The defendant later stated to police officers that he had intended on hurting as many people (as possible) with his vehicle initially and subsequently with his knife,” documents tendered in the Hagatna Superior Court said. The court was told six people were mown down by Desoto’s car and eight more were stabbed, including 81-year-old Kazuko Uehara and Rie Sugiyama, 29, who both suffered fatal injuries. Sugiyama’s eight-month-old son, referred to in the court documents only as “R S”, was also stabbed but survived.

Officials could provide no immediate explanation for the attack. Guam governor Eddie Calvo said it had shocked the nation of about 180,000, which attracts almost a million Japanese visitors annually.

“We are shocked and grieving with the families of those who were injured and who died,” Calvo said in a statement addressed “to the people of Japan”. “This is not the kind of thing that happens in our commu-

nity. Anyone who has been to Guam knows this.”

Local woman Ashley Quichocho said she was in a cafe near the resort’s entrance when a car sped past and smashed into the convenience store. She said the man then got out, produced a knife and went on the attack. “He started stabbing someone and I started freaking out. He was just running back and forth stabbing people,” she told the Pacific Daily News. Quichocho said she fled into the resort to escape. “He came out of the car and started attacking people. It was scary,” another witness, Lendi Cruz, told AFP. About 80 percent of Guam’s international visitors are Japanese and provide a major source of revenue for the economy, with tourist numbers reportedly recovering recently after a slump following Japan’s tsunami-quake disaster. Governor Calvo said the attack was an isolated incident by a lone criminal and Guam was committed to ensuring its visitors were safe. Guam Visitors Board chairman Mark Baldyga said the country had long been seen as one of the safest destinations in the region.

However, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga warned his compatriots to be careful when travelling overseas. “There are many people who go abroad for vacations, they should exercise utmost caution to ensure their safety,” he said. “As the government of Japan, we will do what we can to that end.” Japanese online travel agency Rakuten Travel said the two dead were among its customers.

Another travel agent, H I S , said eight of its customers were hurt, none seriously. —AFP

Handcuffed Hong Kongers play out escapist fantasies HONG KONG: Being blindfolded, handcuffed and locked in a dark room under the gaze of a surveillance camera is not everybody’s idea of fun. But a new game in high-pressure Hong Kong is playing on people’s escapist fantasies.

Freeing HK is a “real escape game” in which players are pitted against a ticking clock as they desperately try to work their way out of the room by finding clues, cracking codes, and solving puzzles. The phenomenon originated in Japan, and has spread to China, Taiwan, Singapore and the United States.

But the creators of the Hong Kong version say it has struck a nerve in the ultra-crowded city of seven million, as highly stressed students and over-worked young business people look for a literal and metaphorical - way out. “I think Hong Kong is the most stressed city in Asia,” said Freeing HK creator Instant Wan. “There are long working hours, everybody is always talking about money, and there is little entertainment - we only have films and karaoke.

“People want to find something new and escape from their stress in the money-hungry city. Here, they come from reality into the game.”

Wan, 27, a member of the high IQ society Mensa, author, and part-time lecturer on love and relationships, opened the game centre in November along with

three young business partners.

Wearing an open-necked white shirt and black blazer with a silk handkerchief tucked into his top pocket, he fits the role of charismatic games master. The centre is on the fourth floor of an anonymous tower block in the heart of

one of three rooms -”Prison Break”, “Lost”, or “Dr Alpha” - where they face scenarios that include being handcuffed to your teammate, or having to negotiate a Mission Impossible-style laser maze. Only about one in five successfully find their way out within the 45-

HONG KONG: In this picture taken on Jan 28, 2013, participants get ready to play Freeing HK. —AFP Mongkok, one of the most populated areas on earth, an appropriate location for people looking for a portal out of the city’s frenetic hustle-bustle.

For HK$128 (US$16.5) each, players in small teams can take on

minute countdown, pressured by the ticking of the clock and looping piano music drifting through the speakers.

Asked about what she was trying to escape, Amy Chow, 21, a university student, sighed. “Oh,

study, work, Hong Kong’s stressful life. We need to spend a lot of time studying and working, so today is a very happy chance to do something different, something challenging and exciting.”

High-school student Michael Wong, 17, came straight from his end-of-term exams with a group of friends. “Hong Kong is a very busy city and we all have to rush our lives,” he said. “We just didn’t have the time to rest, but coming here to live a life we may never know, being trapped in a small room, it’s an extraordinary experience.”

Freeing HK takes inspiration from “room escape games” that can be played on the Internet, and also has similarities to films such as “Cube”, “The Game” and the “Saw” series - but without the risk of a painful death. In less than three months, about 5,000 people, mostly aged 15-35, have already taken up the challenge, drawn to the chance for a more intense, interactive experience.

The success of the venture means the company is expanding, with two new centres due to open in the coming months. And Wan hopes that soon the phenomenon of real escape games in Hong Kong will itself be impossible to escape, as more and more people trapped in their fast-paced city lives choose to get locked up for a bit of adventure. —AFP

NEWS Obama highlights economy, troop...

Continued from Page 1 formally finish the protracted war by the end of 2014. Obama also pledged to work with Russia to seek further reductions in nuclear arsenals. In addition to the European trade talks, Obama said he would work to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement with the Asia-Pacific region. He also said the United States “will keep the pressure on a Syrian regime that has murdered its own people, and support opposition leaders that respect the rights of every Syrian”.

In addressing climate change and gun control, Obama waded into territory where he will face stiff resistance from Republicans.

On climate change, Obama pledged to work with lawmakers to seek bipartisan solutions, but said if Congress doesn’t act, he’ll order his Cabinet to seek steps he can take using his presidential powers. Obama said major storms, droughts and wildfires that have afflicted the United States can be considered “just a freak coincidence, or we can choose to believe in the overwhelming judgment of science - and act before it’s too late.”

He implored Congress to at least hold votes on gun control measures, listing a series of high-profile shootings, such as the k illings of children at a Newtown, Connecticut, elementary school and the shootings at an Aurora, Colorado, movie theater. “The families of Newtown deserve a vote. The families of Aurora deserve a vote,” he said, drawing a standing ovation from Democratic lawmakers and supporters in

the gallery in the most boisterous moment of the night. Obama added that no measures would prevent every act of gun violence. “But we were never sent here to be perfect. “ His push for overhauling immigration laws has broader appeal. It is one of the few major issues on which badly divided Republicans and Democrats can find common ground. Republicans have long opposed relaxing immigration laws, but are reconsidering their positions as they try to appeal to Hispanics, a growing part of the US electorate that has overwhelmingly favored Democrats.

Republicans are united in their opposition to Obama’s proposals for more spending at a time of huge deficits. Obama said his proposals to increase spending on manufacturing, infrastructure and clean-energy technologies would be fully paid for, though he did not specify how he would offset the cost of his proposals. “Nothing I’m proposing tonight should increase our deficit by a single dime,” Obama said. He called for increased spending to fix roads and bridges, the first increase in the minimum wage in six years and expansion of early education to reach every American 4-year-old. He also urged lawmakers to end a cycle of partisan budget fights that has repeatedly put the United States on the brink of a government shutdown, default or other crises.

“Americans don’t expect government to solve every problem,” he said. “ They do expect us to forge reasonable compromise where we can.” — AP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Online matchmaking a hit with Saudi couples Continued from Page 1 It is allowed in Sunni-powerhouse Saudi Arabia but couples who choose to go that way will keep it a family secret shared only with the matchmaker.

In a traditional union sealed with the help of Um Sami, the bride and groom each pay the matchmaker around 2,000 riyals ($530).

But the fee for a misyar wedding is much higher and usually starts around 5,000 riyals ($1,300) - with the man alone having to foot the bill while his spouse continues to live in her own home. Misyar is often the marriage of choice for polygamous men as well as divorcees and widows in Saudi Arabia, where extramarital relations are strictly banned and punishable under rigid Islamic laws. A couple caught having sex out of wedlock in Saudi Arabia are sentenced to stoning and lashes, and unmarried couples who dare share a meal in a restaurant or spend time together alone risk being arrested. Human rights activists and intellectuals have slammed misyar marriages as a form of “legalised adultery” Offers to help seal both traditional marriages and misyars are rife on the Internet.

The website khtabh.net allows men and women to post their requests. One message reads: “Misyar marriage wanted immediately in Riyadh... and the matchmaker or mediator will be offered a big reward.” Candidates are also asked to give personal details, including their marital status, monthly salary, education and a brief description of who they are and what they look like.

A man wanting to marry has posted a

RIYADH: A picture taken on Feb 4, 2013 shows a Saudi woman using a tablet computer to visit a matchmaking website. — AFP request on one such site for a “tender, quiet, 40-year-old who is already married and is good humoured and plump” wife. A woman looking for a second wife, said he has had a from Riyadh with special needs said she was “bad experience” with online matchmakers.

23 “pretty, blind, fair-skinned. Willing to marry “They are not serious. They try to take advana normal, non-smoking man even if he is tage of people contacting them, especially if polygamous as long as his first wife is they are married,” he said. “I have now decidinformed.” Both online matchmaking sites in ed to go back to the traditional matchmaker Saudi Arabia and matchmakers frown upon to ensure confidentiality.”

But younger people still prefer social netmore unorthodox forms of marriage such as “misfar” and “misyaf” marriages for men who works as a tool to tie the knot “because they travel frequently or spend each summer are an easy way to get to know each other,” abroad. “There are so many offers which one said sociologist Abu Bakr Baqdar. “In the past, finds tempting to try, but my friends have people got to know one another through warned me against certain websites that can families and neighbours,” he said. Young peobe traps,” said 20-year-old Amjad Ismael. ple are now looking for “less traditional Many online matchmaking services ask for a means to meet away from their families’ deposit upfront, he said. Abu Mohammed, a interference.” — AFP

14

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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Issues

Horsemeat hysteria

By Jack Shafer isgust, the gag reflex and flights to the vomitorium greeted this week’s news that horse flesh had breached the beef wall to contaminate burgers and frozen beef meals (lasagna, spaghetti Bolognese, shepherd’s pie, meatballs) all over Europe. Some of the “beef” products contained 100 percent horsemeat, and early forensic tests hinted that the contamination might go back as far as Aug 2012.

Both the British government and the European Union called for “horsemeat summits” to investigate the food scandal, with British officials surmising that a criminal conspiracy would be found responsible for adulterating beef products with cheaper horse. But for all the horsemeat hysteria recorded and amplified by the press, “no risk to consumer health” was posed by the products, as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported. The injuries from eating horsemeat were not physical, they were psychological, and where they were not psychological they were anthropological, or else simply nonexistent. According to the Ireland health authority, every beef-and-horse burger it analyzed tested negative for phenylbutazone, a common horse medicine that’s banned from the food chain.

Horsemeat - as those who have sampled its pleasures will attest - should not be feared. Looked at rationally, it’s merely the other, other red meat, as our French cousins are forever reminding us. It’s a domesticated and hooved grass and grain eater with a tail, big eyes and a tannable hide, just like the cattle that most of us consume. That’s not to suggest that the folks who were sold horse burgers when they paid for beef burgers have no right to gripe. They were defrauded and deserve refunds, a few pennies’ worth of damages and the satisfaction of seeing the defrauders (if the contamination was deliberate) sent to jail. But that’s about it.

Explaining the outrage and media storm over the horsemeat scandal will send many journalists to their lexicons to retrieve the word “taboo” to decode the current panic. But I don’t think “taboo” adequately describes the aversion of some people and some cultures to a food that is so similar to one they eat several times a day - and which most of them, as the current scandal illustrates, can’t tell from the real thing when smothered in sauce or grilled for a sandwich. “Food Taboos: Their Origins and Purposes,” a 2009 article in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine by Victor Benno Meyer-Rochow, notes that most human cultures avoid harvestable or easily slaughtered edible items all the time. The Ache people of the Paraguayan jungle limit themselves to only 50 of the several hundred animal species in their habitat, and only 40 of the available plants, fruits and insects. “Ninety-eight percent of the calories in the diet of the Ache are supplied by only 17 different food sources,” Meyer-Rochow writes.

Avoidance of a potential food can turn into a taboo, especially when enforced by a group’s religious, spiritual or cultural rules. Observant Jews, Muslims and Hindus, as well as Catholics guided by Lent, will eschew certain foods in accordance with their dietary laws and beliefs. Some of these laws can be linked to the protection of human health, resource management and group cohesion, as MeyerRochow notes. The suppression of horse eating in the West can be blamed on Pope Gregory III who, in 723, called the practice “a “filthy and abominable custom” and associated it with pagan practices. Back then, horse eaters could be punished with a penance of four years on bread and water.

What defies simple cultural explanation is why so many modern French, middle Europeans, Latin American, Chinese or Japanese citizens enjoy nothing better than a nice cut of horsemeat now and again, while a handful of others - those in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and English Canada - generally oppose its consumption. It’s not enough to say that we relate to our horses the way we relate to our pets (or “animal companions,” as some like to call them) from the canine and feline families. I doubt that many adults who don’t ride horses enjoy any such emotional attachment to them. Our avoidance seems to be rooted in custom, just outside of cultural or religious explanation, the way our nose-blowing and spitting norms differ from those of the Chinese. Because we don’t generally eat horsemeat, the thought of eating horsemeat repulses us.

If you live outside an agricultural market where horses are slaughtered and processed, expect more horsemeat repulsion. Food regulators in Ireland, Britain and elsewhere discovered horsemeat in the beef food chain not because they have French noses but because they now have at their disposal the incredibly powerful, cheap and speedy technology known as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) that can help detect minute bits of alien DNA.— Reuters

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The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Nuclear-test drama rehashes old script

By Paul Eckert and Michael Martina North Korean nuclear test draws international condemnation, modest UN sanctions and expressions of hope in the United States that China will finally rein in its brazen ally. Beijing chides North Korea, but nothing much happens. The world has seen this movie before and it’s likely to witness another rerun after North Korea’s third nuclear test on Tuesday. Beijing has always been loath to back harsh sanctions on North Korea, fearing it could lead to upheaval in the unpredictable nation on its doorstep. Now, threatened by the US military’s “pivot” to Asia, Beijing is even less likely to fall in line with Washington’s position on North Korea.

“The more the United States rebalances its forces in the Western Pacific, the more China has to give leeway in regulating its relationship with North Korea,” said Shen Dingli, a regional security expert at Shanghai’s Fudan University. And North Korea is exploiting the current high levels of Sino-American mistrust. China’s initial reaction to the test - that it was “strongly dissatisfied and resolutely opposed” to the North’s move - suggested Beijing’s new leadership would not crack down on its isolated neighbor, with whom it shares a long border and rising trade.

And the remarks were tepid compared with tough warnings in some state-run Chinese media, including hints of aid cuts, that preceded the explosion. Foreign policy experts in China say Beijing’s priorities differ from those of the United States and allies South Korea and Japan. Instability on a sensitive border is a greater immediate concern than the North Korean nuclear problem.

“China has always been worried that North Korea could collapse quickly,” said Zhu Feng, a professor of international studies at Peking University. “It could be a refugee

A

issue, or civil unrest, or military confrontations. That is why China has been hesitating,” he said.

In addition to providing undisclosed amounts of food and fuel to keep North Korea afloat since a mid-1990s famine killed more than a million North Koreans, Beijing has stepped up trade and investment. China-North Korea trade rose an annual 24.7 percent to $3.1 billion in the first half of 2012, while the 2011 figure of $5.7 billion was a 62.4 percent gain over 2010. Beijing is also thought to take a generous - to Pyongyang - view of what constitutes “luxury goods” under a UN sanctions resolution banning exports of such items to North Korea.

“Not only are there many other ways China provides economic support to North Korea, but Beijing is not going to push the regime to the wall, because they don’t want a war and they don’t want a change to the status quo that favors the US,” said Stephanie Kleine-Ahlbrandt, the Beijing-based Nor theast Asia director for the International Crisis Group. In a foreshadowing of how difficult negotiations over new sanctions will be, diplomats at the United Nations said China initially bristled on Tuesday at the wording in a UN Security Council draft statement that the nuclear test was “a clear threat to international peace and security”. Eventually, Beijing came around.

Asked about China’s measured initial response, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said it was early days in diplomacy. Beijing’s influence on North Korea is the reason “it’s so important for us to stay closely linked up with China and why the secretary’s made it a priority to work well with his new Chinese counterpart”, she said, referring to new US Secretary of State John Kerry. But US leverage on the issue may have been blunted by US President Barack Obama’s own policies. Obama’s

“pivot” of strategic focus and military assets to the AsiaPacific, seen in Washington as a necessary correction after a decade of US wars in the Muslim world, is seen in Beijing as threatening.

To induce Beijing to get tougher, the United States should invoke the specter of Japan or South Korea arming themselves with nuclear weapons or taking other actions to strengthen their alliances with the United States, said George Lopez, a former UN Panel Expert for monitoring North Korea sanctions. The message should be, “You need to deal with us, Dear Beijing, and create a bilateral leadership framework with the same goals, or all hell breaks loose in an unpredictable way,” said Lopez, University of Notre Dame’s Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

Lopez and other experts also see plenty of scope for the United States to use existing laws to force tighter scrutiny of bank transactions through China to North Korea. A 2005 move by the US Treasury Department against Banco Delta Asia, a small bank in the Chinese enclave of Macao, which targeted money laundering and counterfeit-currency trafficking, sparked big financial troubles for Pyongyang and spooked Chinese banks who feared getting shut out of the US banking system.

Obama, in his State of the Union address, said the United States would take the lead in responding to threats posed

by North Korea. He did not refer to any possible role to be played by China. “The regime in North Korea must know they will only achieve security and prosperity by meeting their international obligations,” Obama said. “Provocations of the sort we saw last night will only further isolate them, as we stand by our allies, strengthen our own missile defense, and lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats.” - Reuters

Obama to Republicans: Can we just move on?

By Matt Spetalnick President Barack Obama used his State of the Union address on Tuesday night to try to push past the fiscal battles that plagued his first term - and still threaten his second - as he laid out an agenda he hopes will shape his legacy. Obama’s overarching message was that other things matter beside the Republicans’ seemingly all-consuming drive for deficit cutting, embodied in a looming showdown just three weeks away over automatic across-the-board spending cuts. Those other things, he told Congress, include some traditionally liberal causes, like raising the federal minimum wage and pursuing climate initiatives, and some that have gained bipartisan support, such as immigration reform and curbing gun violence. “Most of us agree that a plan to reduce the deficit must be part of our agenda,” Obama said. “But let’s be clear: deficit reduction alone is not an economic plan.” But with Washington so deeply divided, Obama’s speech appeared unlikely to go far in helping the Democratic president and his Republican opponents find common ground to ease the ideological gridlock. He offered no tangible new concessions of his own. Still, Obama’s sense of urgency and frustration was almost palpable. He alternately scolded and cajoled lawmakers while expanding on his vision for a more activist government so loathed by conser vatives, the same theme he struck in his second inauguration address on Jan. 21. “ The American people don’t expect government to solve every problem. They don’t expect those of us in this chamber to agree on every issue. But they do expect us to put the nation’s interests before party,” he said, pressing Republicans to resolve budget and fiscal differences without drama. Obama - whose first-term promise to become a transformational, post-partisan president failed to materialize in part because of struggles over the deficit knows the clock is ticking. The consensus among Washington insiders is that he has a limited window, possibly as little as a year and a half, to take advantage of the Republicans’ post-election disarray and

US

push through his congressional priorities before being reduced to lame-duck status.

Just three weeks after staking out a decidedly liberal philosophy at his inauguration, Obama used his State of the Union address to start fleshing out and prioritizing his goals for the rest of his presidency.

He made clear that job creation and bolstering the middle class would top the list, but he also gave due attention to immigration reform and gun control, which have moved to the forefront at the start of his second term. Obama’s renewed emphasis on pocketbook issues that dominated the 2012 campaign appears to reflect the view that advancing other legacy-shaping initiatives could hinge on how he fares with unfinished economic business from his first four years.

Many of the economic plans he presented in his State of the Union address were familiar to listeners as proposals that Republicans have blocked before, including new investment in modernizing infrastructure, boosting manufacturing, creating construction jobs and helping to ease

homeowners’ mortgage woes. There is ample reason to doubt that these ideas even in repackaged form - will gain much traction in a still-divided Congress where Republicans control the House of Representatives and will oppose almost any new spending Obama proposes.

But the biggest red flags for Republicans may be Obama’s call for a hike in the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour, a traditional liberal idea, and his demand that Congress pursue a “marketbased solution” to climate change - with a warning that if lawmakers do not act soon, “I will.” Obama’s call for a nationwide program to expand pre-school education for the low-income families - another progressive cause - is also expected to run into Republican opposition. There is little doubt the president is aware that many of these proposals, especially those with spending attached, may be dead-on-arrival in Congress. But he may be counting on being able to accuse Republicans of obstructionism in the 2014 midterm elections - as he did with some success in the

US President Barack Obama, flanked by Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio, gestures as he gives his State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington on Tuesday. — AP

2012 campaign - as his Democrats seek to win back the House.

Obama remains at odds with Republicans over budgets and taxes, and his speech offered no new initiatives for resolving those differences even as a March 1 deadline looms for painful acrossthe-board spending cuts unless a deal is reached. That will be followed on March 27 by a dispute over continued funding of the government.

While challenging Republicans to work with him toward an elusive agreement on deficit reduction and acknowledging the need for “modest reforms” in entitlement programs like Medicare, Obama stuck to his demand for getting rid of tax loopholes for wealthier Americans - something that many Republicans resist.

But he pressed hard for Republicans, whom he has outmaneuvered in recent fiscal showdowns, to act responsibly in the next round. “The greatest nation on Earth cannot keep conducting its business by drifting from one manufactured crisis to the next,” he said. But Republicans showed no little sign of giving ground on the socalled “sequester ” spending cuts that threaten to cause serious economic damage. “The president had an opportunity to offer a solution tonight, and he let it slip by,” said Republican House Speaker John Boehner. “We are only weeks away from the devastating consequences of the president’s sequester, and he failed to offer the cuts needed to replace it.”

Despite the entrenched tensions, Obama was less confrontational toward the Republicans than he has been in recent public appearances since winning re-election against Republican challenger Mitt Romney. But some political analysts warned that Obama faced the risk of policy overreach, a common pitfall of secondterm presidents. Former Republican President George W Bush’s bid to overhaul Social Security ran afoul of public opinion and went nowhere. “The problem with laying out so many proposals is that it will be perceived as overwhelming, turn people off and some initiatives will simply die on the vine,” said Costas Panagopoulos, a political scientist at Fordham University in New York. — Reuters

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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Hunt steps down as British Olympic chief

Sevilla still to pay wages from 2011/12

LONDON: Andy Hunt is stepping down as British Olympic Association (BOA) chief executive at the end of February just six months after he guided the host nation to its most successful Games medal haul in 104 years. Britain won 65 medals at the London 2012 Games - 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze - and finished third in the medals table behind the United States and China. “It has been an amazing four years leading the BOA as the host National Olympic Committee for the London 2012 Games,” Hunt said in a statement.

“I will always be proud to have led Team GB at a home Games and of the fantastic performance of the team this summer and the way in which the BOA supported the athletes. Now that the Games are over, and the organisation’s strategy for the next four years is taking shape, the BOA’s responsibilities and the job of the CEO are different, and I feel it is the right time for me to move on to another leadership role with breadth and profile similar to the responsibilities I’ve fulfilled since 2008.” — Reuters

MADRID: Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido has revealed that there are wages still outstanding to players from last season.

However, Del Nido claimed that despite their financial problems “90 per cent of Spanish sporting entities” would want to be in Sevilla’s position. “Of the 42 million euros, which is the total figure of the squad’s salaries for 2011/12, there remains to be paid 3.25 million which isn’t even 8 per cent,” he told the club’s website.

“Ninety per cent of sporting entities in this country would like to be in Sevilla’s financial position.

“The timetable of payments means that all the outstanding money will be paid off by a determined date within the next five months.”

Del Nido also addressed the controversial topic of kick-off times in La Liga and believes his club are unfairly treated due to the number of Monday nights they have played on in the past two seasons.

“More than 90 per cent of the season ticket holders under 14 attended the (Sunday afternoon) game against Rayo.

“When the game is on a Monday no more than 30 percnt come. This shows that these ungodly kick-off times that Sevilla regularly have to play at will end our supporter base.—AFP

Hlava nails first World Cup victory KLINGENTHAL: Slovenia’s Jaka Hlava yesterday won his first World Cup ski-jumping event in what was the penultimate stop before the world championships.

The 20-year-old, who was part of the Slovenian team that won last week at Willingen, took advantage of a massive first leap of 142.4 metres before sealing victory with a solid second jump to finish 4.9 points ahead of Japan’s Taku Takeuchi.

World Cup leader Gregor Schlierenzauer was third, a further 1.5 points back.

Austria’s Schlierenzauer is the runaway leader in the overall standings and set a new record of 48 World Cup victories with a double win at Harrachov 10 days ago. The Four Hills champion extended his lead in the race for World Cup glory to 494 points ahead of Norwegian Anders Bardel who could only manage 22nd at Klingenthal yesterday. — AFP

Olympic medal winners invited for HH the Amir shooting tournament 37 countries to participate with over 600 shooters

The Organizing Committee during the press conference.— Photos by Sherif Ismail

Obaid Al-Osaimi (C) with Technical Directors Abdelhammeed and Jasni.

By Abdellatif Sharaa KUWAIT: The higher organizing committee of HH the Amir Second International Shooting Grand Prix and the Arab Shotgun Shooting Championship held a news conference Tuesday evening at the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex.

President of the Higher Organizing Committee Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi said the number of participants reached more than 600 shooters and official in addition to Kuwait delegation. He said this is the first time such level of participation has been reached in a tournament, which will be held between 1st and 9th March 2013. Al-Otaibi said that the shooters who won Olympic medals during the London 2012 Games have been invited which adds to the importance of this championship which is being held while Kuwait is celebrating its constitution, Liberation and National days.

He said Kuwait Shooting Federation (KSF), Higher Organizing Committee and subcommittees, are working at the instructions of President of Asian and Kuwait Federations, Vice President of ISSF Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-

Humoud Al-Sabah, placed the plans to receive this event in a way that suits Kuwait. He said all necessary needs have been provided, while work is continuing around the clock to guarantee the readiness of ranges, equipment, systems and ammunition. He said “we, in Kuwait, are proud to have national judges at an international standards, and they are known for their experience regionally and internationally. He said we are trying to make this event beneficial to all, and that arrangements have been made to organize the Arab shotgun shooting championship and that most Arab countries will participate in it.

Eng Al-Otaibi, on behalf of the shooting community, thanked HH the Amir for his support of the shooting sport, which was able in a short time to make several achievements including winning two Olympic medals by Shooter Fuhaid Al-Daihani. He also thanked Deputy Premier, Interior Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Humood, Information Minister, State Minister for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and ministers who contributed to supporting the organization of this championship. He also thanked the Defence, Health, Public Works and Electricity Ministries, as well as the Fire Service

and Customs department who continually lend their support to our noble sport.

Al-Otaibi gave special thanks to the Public Authority for Youth and Sports for supporting KSF activities all year long. Al-Otaibi said fans are always welcomed at Kuwait Shooting Sport Club, at Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Olympic Shooting Complex.

Meanwhile, Secretary General of Arab and Kuwait Shooting Federations Obaid Al-Osaimi said there will be 37 countries participating in the tournament. He said KSSC began its preparations for the tournament six months back, and prizes are at $1000,000.

Al-Osaimi said Kuwait national team is continuing his preparations, and held domestic and foreign training camps to be totally ready to compete with the world’s elite.

Assistant Secretary General Eng Mohammad Al-Ghurba said all those involved in the organization of the championship are ready to assistant anyone, adding that the media committee will provide information that helps in relaying the news as should be. He said the information center is ready to lend its services to participants and guests.

Marathon record could go in London, says Kipsang ITEN: Wilson Kipsang, the 2012 London Marathon winner and Olympic bronze medallist, believes the men’s world record co u ld f a ll wh e n o ne o f t he strongest fields ever assembled line up in London in April.

The Kenyan will take on U g a n d a’s s u r p r i s e O l y m p i c champion Stephen Kiprotich, world champion Abel Kirui, fellow Kenyan and Berlin marathon w i n n e r G e o f f re y M u t a i a n d t hree - t i m e Lon d o n w inner Martin Lel. “It’s a very strong field with about 10 guys who have run sub 2:05:15. So if they can run freely in a way where there is no feari n g o n e a n ot h e r, I t hink t he record is very possible,” Kipsang told Reuters in Iten, a small town 2,400 metres above sea level in western Kenya’s Rift Valley.

Kipsang missed the London course record by four seconds when winning last year ’s race and his marathon best of 2:03.42, set in 2011 in Frankfurt, is four seconds short of Patrick Makau’s world record.

“I came very close to breaking the world record. When I see Patrick I always joke with him: ‘was it three or four seconds?’,” K i psa n g l a u gh s, fo l ding his

thumb to show four and then three fingers.

K ipsang raced M ak au over 42.1k m for the first and only t ime in l ast year ’s Lon don marathon but the world record holder limped out after 16km.

The duo will renew their rivalry around the streets of the capital with Kipsang citing the 27year- old as one of the t wo biggest obstacles to the defence of his London title.

However, he sees close friend Mutai as the biggest threat. The 32-year-old clocked the fastest marathon ever in a time of 2:03:02 in Boston in 2011, but the re co rd was not ratified because of the brisk tailwind and because Boston is considered too much of a downhill course. “ We have n ot met in marathon before but Geoffrey’s speed, especially from 30km to 35km, is really good,” Kipsang said, minutes after having lunch with Mutai in the garden of his new l y o p ened h otel Keellu, which stands for ‘goodluck’ in Swahili.

“I don’t know how this year will turn out but I think those t wo are t he biggest r ivals.”

Among the Ethiopians bidding to e n s u re t h e i r e a s t Af r i c a n

neighbours do not have it all their own way will be Tsegaye Kebede, wh o won th e 2 0 1 2 Chicago marathon and the 2010 London race, Ayele Abshero, w h o wo n l a s t ye a r ’s D u b a i marathon in the six th-fastest time ever (2:04.23) and Feyisa Lilesa, another sub-2:05 man.

“A lot will depend on how you feel on the day of the competition,” said Kipsang, while pointing out there is little separating the top runners.

On first sight, Kipsang’s polished black shoes, smart trousers and neatly pressed shirt would suggest he’s just another hotel manager. But the respect and warm embraces afforded to him by the guests highlight his high standing in Iten.

The 30-year-old said this position as the role model to youngsters in the area was now fuelling his ambition - both on track and in his business dealings.

“I enjoy being a role model. I saw puttin g up a h otel like Keellu as one way of giving back to the community. Yes, it is an investment but it also employs lots of people and helps those wh o grow food in th e area,” Kipsang said. —-Reuters

Engr Duaij Otaibi speaking to the media.

International Table Tennis Championship begins today KUWAIT: Kuwait’s 17th International Table Tennis Championship will start today with the preliminary rounds with the participation of nearly 200 players at Kuwait Sports Club hall in Kaifan.

The preliminar y rounds will decide those who qualify to the round of 64. President of Kuwait Table Tennis Federation Mohammad Al-Maatooq said Kuwait

Championship is one of the important international events due to its prizes of $300,000, which is the highest around the world, and this is evident in the recognition of the International Federation of KTTF for its regular organization of the championship. He said the championship will be under the supervision of the International Federation which sent international referees to officiate the

matches that are expected to witness strong competition between Chinese, Japanese, Korean and European players. Al-Maatooq appreciated the support of PAYS to the organizing committee and providing all facilities to ensure the championship success. He also thanked the championship patronizer, PAYS President Maj General (Lt) Faisal Al-Jazaf.

KSC signs Iran’s Blooki KUWAIT: Kuwait Sports Club signed a four months contract with Iran’s indoor soccer player Aref Blooki.

Manager Abdelwahab Ghazi AlOmar thanked Kuwait Sports Club (KSC) Board of Directors for supporting the indoor soccer at the club.

Al-Omar said that Blooki is a

highly skilled player and will be a good addition to the already available professionals with the team.

Blooki played before in Kuwait with Al-Shahed team during AlRoudhan tournament.

He said we in the club pay good attention to the game.

Aref Blooki

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

S P ORTS

Vijay Singh needs to take a break LOS ANGELES: This is one time the PGA Tour needs to avoid the perception of slow play. It has been two weeks since the Sports Illustrated story that Vijay Singh spent $9,000 on products that included deer antler spray, telling the magazine he used the spray “every couple of hours ... every day” and that he was “looking forward to some change in my body.” Singh issued a statement the next day that he used the spray and was shocked to learn it might contain a substance that is banned under the tour’s anti-doping policy.

Singh is still playing. The tour is not talking, except to say it is looking into the matter. In what is shaping up as a bright year in golf, this is becoming a dark cloud. Tiger Woods won at Torrey Pines. Phil Mickelson missed a 59 by a fraction of an inch when he won the Phoenix Open. The next week, every conversation among players at Pebble Beach seemed to start with the same question.

“What’s going to happen with Vijay?”

Singh met with PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem at Pebble Beach, and then made his 15th consecutive cut. He is playing again this week at Riviera. The

big Fijian, a week away from turning 50, is one of the more remarkable success stories on the PGA Tour. He has three major championships, a record 22 wins in his 40s and a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

But he is looked upon differently now, and not just because he is the source of jokes. One photo circulating last week showed Singh’s face photoshopped on a deer. A magazine reported seeing Singh in the fairway at Spyglass Hill during a practice round with his caddie, trainer, manager - and five deer that had wandered out of the woods.

Also at stake is his integrity. It doesn’t help that Singh had to overcome allegations early in his career that he doctored his scorecard to avoid missing the cut in Indonesia. Singh, who has denied the charges, was banned by the Asian tour. It dogged him for much of his career, even as he worked his way from giving $10 lessons in Borneo to becoming No. 1 in the world. He hasn’t won since 2008, when he was the FedEx Cup champion with back-to-back wins in the playoffs.

He has been slowed by injuries the last four years. Clearly, he was trying to gain an edge with the deer antler spray and

other products from Sports with Alternative to Steroids.

Singh either forgot or ignored the tour’s warning a year earlier that deer antler spray might contain an insulin-like growth hormone known as IGF-1, which has been on the list of banned substances since the program began in 2008. Every now and then, the tour will warn the players of a substance that could get them into trouble, which is what it did in the fall of 2011. Singh said he reviewed the list of ingredients on the antler spray and did not see any banned substances.

That’s not being very vigilant. And it’s not much of an excuse. If he’s spending $9,000 on products, does he not become suspicious enough to run this by the tour? Even a change in their nutrient program should be enough for players to ask questions. One player told a story Tuesday of getting a prescription for a new eye medicine. His first call was to the tour to make sure it was OK. The prescription cost $10.

Just as much is at stake for the integrity of the tour. Doug Barron is the only player who has been suspended under the anti-doping policy, which did-

n’t cause too much of a ripple because only the hard-core golf fans had even heard of him. Singh is a Hall of Famer.

The longer this drags on, the more speculation that the tour treats stars differently. What hurts the tour in this case is its longtime lack of transparency.

Finchem has decided that no news is the best news when it comes to player discipline. The tour does not disclose fines or suspensions for conduct. No one can say for certainty that Woods has ever been fined for his course language, or if Mickelson was fined last year for using his cell phone in the middle of a round at the Memorial to complain about too many cell phones in the gallery.

We know John Daly was suspended, but only because he called The Associated Press to refute rumors he had been suspended for life (it was only six months). Players suspect that at least two of their colleagues have been suspended from testing positive for recreational drugs. If true, the tour won’t say.

Golfers are not choir boys. Finchem wants to protect the image of golf, which is one reason he refuses to publicize their indiscretions, however large or small. That image is not derived exclu-

sively from clean living, but from the very nature of the sport. It’s a congenial game, and the vast majority of the pros are respectful of the sport and those who play it. That’s why golf has such a good image, and is so appealing to the corporate world.

Under the anti-doping policy, the tour is required to disclose the name, confirm the violation and declare the penalty. So far, there has been silence.

This is not a call for the tour to rush to judgment. Singh’s case is muddled. Yes, a player who admits to using a banned substance is the same as a player testing positive. But is there evidence that IGF-1 was in the spray that Singh was using?

More than one doctor has said it’s impossible for IGF-1 to enter the blood system through a spray. And the tour does not have a blood test, anyway.

Plus, players have the right to appeal, and the policy says a hearing must take place within 45 days. Singh brought this mess on himself, and now is the time for him to give back to the game that has provided him with so much. Singh could eliminate this distraction by taking a leave of absence until the tour sorts this out. The sooner the better. —AP

LeBron James sets mark, Heat top Blazers 117-104 Celtics lose Barbosa for season

NASHVILLE: Abby Wambach of the United States women’s national soccer team practices Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn. It will be the 200th game for Wambach, who is just the eighth player to reach that mark. The team is scheduled to play Scotland in a friendly match late yesterday.— AP

Wambach to play her 200th with US women’s team NASHVILLE: Abby Wambach simply laughs when asked about playing her 200th game for the US women’s national team. The 2012 FIFA Player of the Year is far too busy playing to dwell on her accomplishments.

“Hopefully I’ll think about those more when I retire,” Wambach said Tuesday. “I’m not really big on personal accolades and awards.

It’s just not my style. So for me, it’s another game. It’s exciting, I guess. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain because I don’t really put that much value on that kind of stuff. I put value on wins. I put value on championships.”

With 152 goals, the 33-year-old foreard enters today’s friendly against Scotland six from the world record set by Mia Hamm from 1987-04. Only seven Americans have appeared in more international matches.

Midfielder Shannon Boxx called it a huge accomplishment. “We don’t have that many players that have been able to get to that level,” Boxx said. “I think it’s her day tomorrow, and we can hopefully celebrate it with her.

Hopefully, she’ll get a goal to continue her strength and her power.”Kristine Lilly tops the US list with 352 appearances. Defender Christie Rampone was set for her 278th on Wednesday night, while the others include Hamm (275), Julie Foudy (272), Joy Fawcett (239), Tiffeny Milbrett (204) and Kate Markgraf (201). “She’s an amazing, amazing player and an amazing person,” defender Ali Krieger said.

“Great role model for this team, and she’s our leader. She’s one of the best forwards in the world, obviously the best player this past year in the world, and we’re lucky to have her.

She’s going strong, and I hope that we win for her and this team and that she scores a few goals just to make it 10 times better.”

Wambach credits being the youngest of seven for understanding the approach needed to play within a team and great coaches over the years believing in her for allowing her to reach 200 caps in her career.

“There’s so many great players in this country, and a lot of it does kind of fall down to a coach’s opinion for better or for worse,” Wambach said. “I’ve had really great coaches that really believed in me and put me on the field and gave me the responsibility of scoring goals for this team for a lot of years. That’s a responsibility I take very seriously. Two hundred, 100, whatever we’re talking about, if we’re winning that game, that’s the most important thing for me.”

The forward talked with reporters before practice at LP Field, home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans. She then poised for photos with a boy thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation before bringing him onto the field to kick around a football with herself and then other teammates during warm-ups.

Wambach doesn’t sound as if she’s thinking of retirement anytime soon either. —AP

MIAMI: LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to score 30 points and shoot at least 60 percent in six straight games as the Miami Heat held off the Portland Trail Blazers 117 -104 on Tuesday.

James scored 30 points on 11 for 15 shooting, Chris Bosh scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade added 24 points for Miami, which wasted a pair of 14point leads - then put the game away with a 14-0 run in the final minutes.

Damian Lillard had a game-high 33 points for Portland, which got 29 from LaMarcus Aldridge and 20 from Wesley Matthews. It was the 1,000th regular-season win in Heat histor y. Dwight Howard had 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Lakers and Antawn Jamison added 19 points as Los Angeles survived Kobe Bryant’s bizarre four-point performance for a 91-85 victory over the Phoenix Suns and its eighth win in 11 games.

Bryant didn’t attempt a shot in the first half and scored his first basket with 2:13 to play, finishing 1 for 8 with eight turnovers in one of the oddest games of his 17-year career.

Michael Beasley scored 18 points and Luis Scola had 15 for the Suns, who have lost eight of 10. At Toronto, Rudy Gay hit a pull-up jump shot with less than five seconds remaining as the Toronto Raptors beat a short-handed Denver Nuggets 109-108.

DeMar DeRozan scored 22 points, Gay had 17 and John Lucas scored 12 of his 14 points in the final quarter as the Raptors won their third straight. Ty Lawson led Denver with 29 points. Marc Gasol had 24 points and 12 rebounds for Memphis and M ike Conley scored 22 points as the Grizzlies beat the Sacramento Kings 108-101.

Tony Allen added a season-high 19 points to help the Grizzlies win their sixth straight over the Kings at home. DeMarcus Cousins scored 23 points and Tyreke Evans had 20 for the Kings. In other games, Al Jefferson scored 23 points and Paul Millsap had 18 as the Utah Jazz ended Oklahoma City’s four-game winning streak with a 109-94 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, while James Harden overcame a sore knee to score 27 points and make seven rebounds in the Houston Rockets’ 116-107 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Meanwhile, the injur y-plagued Boston Celtics suffered another setback when guard Leandro Barbosa was declared out for the rest of the season with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament, the National Basketball Association team said on Tuesday.

The Brazilian sustained the non-contact injury late in the third quarter of Monday’s loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. For Boston, it was the third season-ending injury in less than three weeks. Rajon Rondo tore his right ACL on Jan. 25 in Atlanta and rookie Jared Sullinger left in the first quarter of a game against Sacramento five days later due to

back spasms and required lumbar disk surgery. The 30-year-old Barbosa averaged eight points, 2.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds over 21.3 minutes per game in eight appearances since Rondo was lost.

Despite the rash of injuries, Boston (27-24) had been riding a season-high seven game winning streak after Rondo was lost before losing to the Bobcats on Monday in the second night of a back-to-back.— Agencies

MIAMI: Miami Heat’s LeBron James (6) high-fives teammate Dwyane Wade (3) as they head to the bench for a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Miami Tuesday. James became the first player in NBA history to score 30 points and shoot at least 60 percent in six straight games. — AP

NBA results/standings Toronto 109, Denver 108; Miami 117, Portland 104; Memphis 108, Sacramento 101; Utah 109, Oklahoma City 94; LA Lakers 91, Phoenix 85; Houston 116, Golden State 107.

NY Knicks Brooklyn Boston Philadelphia Toronto Indiana Chicago Milwaukee Detroit Cleveland Miami Atlanta Washington Orlando Charlotte

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB 32 17 .653 30 22 .577 3.5 27 24 .529 6 22 28 .440 10.5 20 32 .385 13.5 Central Division 31 21 .596 30 21 .588 0.5 25 25 .500 5 20 33 .377 11.5 16 36 .308 15 Southeast Division 35 14 .714 28 22 .560 7.5 15 35 .300 20.5 15 36 .294 21 12 39 .235 24

Western Conference Northwest Division Oklahoma City 39 13 .750 Denver 33 20 .623 6.5 Utah 29 24 .547 10.5 Portland 25 27 .481 14 Minnesota 19 30 .388 18.5 Pacific Division LA Clippers 37 17 .685 Golden State 30 22 .577 6 LA Lakers 25 28 .472 11.5 Sacramento 19 34 .358 17.5 Phoenix 17 36 .321 19.5 Southwest Division San Antonio 41 12 .774 Memphis 33 18 .647 7 Houston 29 25 .537 12.5 Dallas 22 29 .431 18 New Orleans 18 34 .346 22.5

Snedeker withdraws from Match Play with sore ribs LOS ANGELES: Brandt Snedeker withdrew from the M atch Play Championship on Tuesday because of sore ribs that have been causing him discomfor t despite his great stretch of golf.

Snedeker said he began feeling soreness in his left rib cage a month ago at the Humana Challenge. He then finished runner-up in consecutive weeks to Tiger Woods and Phil M ickelson, and won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for his second win in his last seven starts.

Already this year, Snedeker has earned nearly $3 million and has risen to a career-best No. 4 in the world. Snedeker also sustained a rib injury last summer, causing him to miss the U.S. Open. He returned a month later and had the 36-hole lead at the British Open before he tied for third at Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

According to a statement from Crown Spor ts M anagement, he will return to Nashville and see his personal doctor, James

Elrod, who has suggested rest to cope with the injury. It is not believed to be a long-term problem, and Snedeker is scheduled to play March 7-10 in the Cadillac Championship at Doral.

Snedeker will be replaced next week at the Match Play Championship by Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden, who is No. 66 in the ranking. The top 64 in the world are eligible for the Match Play. Phil Mickelson (No. 10) already has said he won’t be playing because his kids are on a school holiday that week.

Jacobson appeared to have the 64th spot locked up until Patrick Reed made a 12-foot birdie putt on his last hole at Pebble Beach to tie for seventh with Jacobson, leaving the Swede 0.0002 points shor t of qualifying.

Jacobson wasn’t upset, though he decided to at least go to Marana, Arizona, as the alternate. “I’m really happy to be part of it now and get a chance to play a little more golf that week,” he said. “You never know how much

golf you get to play, but I know I’m going to get there and play some golf.”

The seeds for the tournament will not be determined until Sunday night. Bernd Wiesberger of Austria is the next alternate. If anyone withdraws af ter the brackets are announced Sunday night, he would take the seed of whomever he replaces.

Snedeker said his ribs were sore after a bogey-free 68 at Spyglass Hill in the second round last week, though he said the next day after a 68 at Pebble Beach that “I’ve got some sore stuff in my body, but that just happens.”

“Five out of six weeks, you’re going to be sore, so looking forward to next week off,” he said Saturday. Snedeker has broken par in all but one of his 18 rounds this year. Dating to the start of the FedEx Cup playoffs last summer, he has finished in the top three in six of his nine PGA Tour events, including a win at the Tour Championship to capture the $10 million FedEx Cup prize. —AP

PEBBLE BEACH: Brandt Snedeker poses with co-amateur champions Toby S. Wilt, left, and John Erickson, right, on the 18th green of the Pebble Beach Golf Links following the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am golf tournament. Snedeker withdrew from the Match Play Championship because of sore ribs.—AP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

S P ORTS

Smith hopes Pakistan batsmen will be tentative CAPE TOWN: South African captain Graeme Smith said he hoped Pakistan’s batsmen would be tentative when they face South Africa’s fast bowlers in the second Test starting at Newlands today.

Fifteen of the 20 Pakistan wickets that fell in the first Test in Johannesburg were to catches behind the wicket or in the slips. South Africa won by 211 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

“I’d like to put it down to our guys creating good angles, getting good swing,” said Smith. “For them, the bounce and the shape (means) there is a very different style of batting needed in those conditions. Any time you have that many caughtbehinds, you need to have a look at how you leave the ball.”

Smith said he hoped the Pakistanis, who were bowled out for a record low 49 in the first innings at the Wanderers, would come into the second match with a tentative mindset.

“They allowed us to bowl at them. We managed to control the run rate for a large part of the game.

That allowed us to attack them more. If they come into this match with a mindset to leave, they are going to be tentative. That will allow us to create pressure on them and will play into our favour.”

Pakistan coach Dav Whatmore said shot selection was the key for his team’s batsmen. “You can’t win a Test in a session, but you can go a long way towards losing one and that’s what happened in Johannesburg,” he said.

Whatmore said the Pakistanis had been working hard to counter South Africa’s fast bowlers. “Shot selection is the main thing for any batsman, being able to assess length and direction and make a decision. We’ve tried to practise the things we need to do in competition.”

Smith said he regarded Pakistan as dangerous opponents despite the big first Test win. “We can’t

underestimate the talent they have. If there is one team that can bounce back from a performance like that it is Pakistan.”

Although he was feted for achieving 100 Test captaincies in Johannesburg, Smith said the Newlands Test meant even more to him because he will be leading South Africa for the 100th time, with one of his captaincies having been when he led a World XI against Australia in 2005/06.

“Representing South Africa as captain 100 times is the mark that means the most to me,” he said.

“Newlands is our marquee Test ground and we’ve played well here. To achieve a milestone at this ground is something I am looking forward to.”

Smith has led South Africa to eight wins, four draws and one defeat in 13 captaincies at Newlands. He said South Africa, ranked number one in Test cricket, had the challenge of maintaining the standard of their performances and meeting the

expectations of their supporters.

But he believed the current team was equipped to deal with most situations, with an experienced batting line-up complementing the side’s fast bowlers. “The side has got good at recognising moments in games and making big impacts, like day two at the Wanderers,” he said. “When the game needs to be stepped up, we find that extra bit.

“There is a lot of experience in our top four, an understanding of how to handle conditions, what is the right play at the right time. The guys are prepared to do the hard work.”

Smith said he was looking forward to facing 2.1metre Mohammad Irfan, reputed to be the tallest man to play international cricket, who is expected to make his Test debut following a good performance in a two-day practice match. “It’s going to be a unique experience,” he said. “Out in the middle we will have to face that challenge.”— AFP

W Indies stroll to T20 victory over Australia Voges blast swashbuckling 51 off 33 balls

BRISBANE: West Indian bowler Darren Sammy celebrates the wicket of Australian batsman Aaron Finch during their international T20 cricket match at the Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane. — AFP

SCOREBOARD BRISBANE: Scoreboard after West Indies beat Australia by 27 runs in their Twenty20 international at the Gabba yesterday: West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first West Indies innings C. Gayle c Coulter-Nile b Hazlewood8 J. Charles b Coulter-Nile 57 DM Bravo run out (McKay/Haddin) 32 K. Pollard c Marsh b Faulkner 26 DJ Bravo b Faulkner 13 A. Russel not out 23 D. Sammy c Marsh b Faulkner 20 N. Deonarine not out 6 Extras (lb-4, w-2) 6 Total (six wickets, 20 overs) 191 Did not bat: D. Thomas, S. Narine, T. Best Fall of wickets: 1-11 2-99 3-106 4-139 5141 6-172 Bowling: McKay 4-0-44-0, Hazlewood 40-36-1, Faulkner 4-0-28-3 (w-1), CoulterNile 4-0-36-1 (w-1), B. Cutting 4-0-43-0.

Australia innings A. Finch b Sammy 4 S. Marsh run out (Best/Thomas) 21 A. Voges run out (Thomas) 51 G. Bailey c Deonarine b Narine 15 B. Rohrer c Deonarine b Pollard 16 B. Haddin c Russel b Pollard 22 J. Faulkner c Sammy b Pollard 7 B. Cutting st Thomas b Narine 0 N. Coulter-Nile not out 16 C. McKay not out 6 Extras (b-1, lb-2, w-3) 6 Total (eight wickets, 20 overs) 164 Did not bat: J. Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-5 2-79 3-82 4-96 5-121 6-139 7-139 8-141 Bowling: Best 3-0-19-0 (w-2), D. Sammy 3-0-30-1 (w-1), Narine 4-0-19-2, Russel 10-9-0, Deonarine 3-0-37-0, DJ Bravo 2-017-0, K. Pollard 4-0-30-3.

West Indies, Australia in women’s World Cup final NEW DELHI: The West Indies beat mighty Australia by eight runs yesterday to set up an intriguing title clash against the same opponents in the women’s World Cup in India.

The West Indies and Australia topped the Super Sixes table with eight points each, two more than defending champions England, who beat New Zealand by 15 runs in their last match in Mumbai.

After being shot out for 164 the West Indies hit back to dismiss Australia for 156 in a dramatic finish, with left-arm seamer Shanel Daley claiming three for 22 in 9.2 overs.

Off-spinner Stafanie Taylor took two for 26 as the Australian women collapsed spectacularly with Alex Blackwell playing a lone hand of 45.

The first-ever appearance in the final for the West Indies was set up by Deandra Dottin, who smashed one six and 10 fours in her 67-ball 60, lifting her team to a chal-

lenging total.

It was Australia’s first defeat in the tournament, but the five-time champions have a chance to avenge the loss when they clash again with the West Indies in Sunday’s day-night final at the Brabourne stadium in Mumbai.

England rattled up 266-6 against New Zealand, who were restricted to 251-9, despite a superb 103 from Amy Satterthwaite and 79 by skipper Suzie Bates.

For England, Charlotte Edwards scored 54 and Sarah Taylor made 88. England and New Zealand will meet again in the play-off for third and fourth positions in Mumbai tomorrow. In another match in Cuttack, South Africa registered their first win in the Super Sixes round when they beat Sri Lanka by 110 runs. Both teams finished with two points each. Sri Lanka, chasing a 228-run target, were bowled out for 117 in 36.4 overs. — AFP

Coach slams drug probe into Australian rugby league teams MELBOURNE: The handling of anti-doping investigations involving six Australian rugby league clubs has been labelled an embarrassment and a disgrace by the head coach of one of the teams.

North Queensland Cowboys coach Neil Henry said there was not a “shred of evidence” of doping among his players and slammed the probe as a slight on his club.

“The way the whole thing has been handled has been a disgrace,” Henry told reporters yesterday.

“To me, I think it’s embarrassing for the NRL to come out and mention there are six teams and to be forced into a situation to defend ourselves against something we don’t even know about.”

Revelations that the six clubs had been named in connection with anti-doping investigations by the country’s top criminal intelligence unit have sent shockwaves in Australia, long proud of its image as a nation that plays fair. The naming of the NRL clubs followed the release of an Australian Crime Commission report last Thursday which had found “wide-

spread” doping in Australian sport.

Anti-doping officials met with the six teams on Tuesday to brief them on their investigations and most of the club officials emerged to put a positive spin on the meetings, while providing few details.

Sydney-based Cronulla and Manly each said in statements on their websites that they had been assured by investigators that none of their players had tested positive to banned performance-enhancing drugs.

Penrith boss Phil Gould was pleased he was “much clearer” about the scope of the investigations, while Newcastle Knights said they were confident they had no issues in a statement on their website.

North Queensland boss Peter Jourdain said Australia’s top anti-doping agency had put together a complex web of involvement that had “tentative connections” with his team.

An unsourced Fairfax Media report said the Canberra Raiders were under investigation for an isolated allegation of doping, but the club declined to comment. —Reuters

BRISBANE: Johnson Charles smacked a half-century and West Indies tore through Australia’s batsmen with slow bowling to win their Twenty20 match by 27 runs in Brisbane yesterday.

Charles, coming off his maiden one -day international century, struck 57 off 35 balls to propel the tourists to an imposing first innings total of 191 after captain Darren Sammy won the toss and elected to bat at the Gabba.

Australia’s Adam Voges blasted a swashbuckling 51 off 33 balls to give them hope of hauling in the total, but paceman Kieron Pollard and spinner Sunil Narine combined for five quick wickets to make sure the hosts’ chase came to a crashing halt.

The emphatic victory against a second-string Australia side ensured West Indies finished their tour Down Under on a high, having dismally surrendered the preceding one-day series 5-0.

“Obviously, it’s a bit too late ...

We are world (Twenty20) champions so we had to play like that,” man-of-the-match Pollard said in a televised interview after rattling through Australia’s middle order to take 3-30.

“We had a good score on the board and we just had to try to defend it.” Australia brought a depleted lineup to the Gabba, with a number of first-choice players having headed to India early to prepare for a four-test series.

The rawness showed as Charles, Darren Bravo (32) and Pollard (26) flayed the Australian pacemen to drive West Indies past 100 within

the 12th over, before Sammy chipped in with a useful seven-ball cameo of 20 late in the innings.

After the early loss of opener Aaron Finch for four, Australia appeared to be sailing toward victory before sharp work by wicketkeeper Devon Thomas saw Shaun Marsh (21) and Voges run out in

three balls.

The run-outs proved a turning point, as spinner Narine soon coaxed a miscued sweep shot from captain George Bailey, the top edge well caught by a lunging Narsingh Deonarine.

Pollard then used the slower ball to devastating effect to have wick-

etkeeper Brad Haddin, debutant Ben Rohrer and all rounder James Faulkner all caught slogging.

Paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile belted a couple of late sixes in an unbeaten 16 but it was all just entertainment for the crowd as West Indies closed out a comfortable victory.— Reuters

BRISBANE: Australian batsman Adam Voges hits a shot against the West Indies during their international T20 cricket match at the Gabba cricket ground in Brisbane yesterday. — AFP

Maze out to defend giant slalom crown SCHLADMING: Tina Maze will not leave the world ski championships with five medals as she had hoped, but the in-form Slovenian is firm favourite to defend her giant slalom title today. The 29-year-old, also the Olympic silver medallist, has made every giant slalom podium this season and is the runaway leader in the World Cup rankings in that discipline.

With seven wins for a total 17 podiums in all five alpine skiing disciplines since October, she has also proven that she can live up to high expectations.

“I know how to deal with that kind of big pressure, coming there as a favourite and producing wins,” she said going into the twoweek world championships in Schladming.

Her super-G gold and super-combined silver last week proved that, although she had a disappointing downhill, finishing just seventh. In the opening race of the championships, the Slovenian had mastered difficult foggy conditions and hours of uncertainty over whether the race would even start to take the super-G title on a course that got the best of many top contenders.

Behind her, the field of rivals today is much wider, with Austrians Kathrin Zettel and Anna Fenninger in second and third position in the giant slalom World Cup rankings, although nowhere near Maze.

Germany’s Olympic champion Viktoria Rebensburg will also be looking to make good after a disappointing super-G run, in

which she was one of the favourites. Her giant slalom win on the same Planai course just a year ago in the World Cup finals might well play in her favour.

The Austrians, who have had some weight lifted off their shoulders following a long hoped-for second medal on Monday, have shut themselves up in their castle-on-a-hill hotel to focus and enjoy some peace and quiet away from the demanding public.

The 26-year-old Zettel, as a result, appeared completely relaxed ahead of the giant slalom. “I’ve prepared well, it’s certainly not impossible to be in the running for a medal,” she said. “There have been some surprises and non-favourites have won medals,” she said of her chances at the world championships, which have seen troubled French skier Marion Rolland take downhill gold, and Germany’s Hoefl-Riesch top the super-combined podium despite a relatively poor season. “I already have gold, now I’ll just try and do it nice and easy,” concluded 2009 combined world champion and defending slalom silver-medallist Zettel. Her teammate Fenninger added: “My technique is good... the pistes in the last few World Cup were always different and I was always near the top in the results. So I’m well armed.”

The women’s super-G will play out over two runs, as is the norm, with the first run at 10:00am (0900GMT), and a second one at 1:30pm. — AFP

SCHLADMING: Slovenia’s Tina Maze reacts after her run of the women’s downhill at the Alpine skiing world championships in Schladming, Austria. — AP

Gatland vows no Lions limit on England players LONDON: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland insisted yesterday he’d happily field an entire XV of England players in the first Test against Australia if they were the best available.

Gatland was trying to defuse a row caused by remarks, reportedly made in Tuesday’s London Evening Standard, saying too many England players could lead to the kind of media “circus” that derailed their 2011 World Cup campaign in the coach’s native New Zealand.

The 49-year-old Gatland’s comments were especially inflammatory as England, who beat the world champion All Blacks in December, are currently the form team in the Six Nations where they are the only side to have won both their opening two matches.

And they appeared to take no account of the lack of negative headlines attached to England since coach Stuart Lancaster replaced Martin Johnson last year following a World Cup where the side were better known for their off-field drinking exploits than the quality of their rugby. But former Ireland boss Gatland, currently on sabbatical from his post as Wales coach in order to guide the Lions, was adamant Wednesday he’d no bias against England players.

“I am extremely disappointed that anybody should try to misinterpret what I said and try to say that will count against English players, that’s absolute bullshit,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “The last thing I would ever do is limit the number of English players. There is absolutely no limit to the number of any players from any nation we will pick if they are worthy of a place on the tour.

“I would happily pick 15 English players in the first Test at Brisbane if I thought they were the best 15 players for the job. “The only consideration for a Lions coach is to get the best 15 on the park to do the job. That’s paramount, I’m not remotely bothered which country they come from. “When I first started at Wales I remember I once picked 13 Ospreys for one of my early Tests in charge.”

Gatland had told the Standard “the best players will be selected”, but “it’s just being aware of potential issues that may arise”. Rugby Football Union chairman Bill Beaumont, himself a former England and Lions captain, took a dim view of Gatland’s remarks as quoted by the Standard on Tuesday and highlighted the changes that had taken place under Lancaster.

“English players have always represented the Lions with enormous pride,” Beaumont said.

“It is well documented the strong culture and sense of responsibility on and off the pitch that this England team possesses. Those fortunate enough to get picked will of course take those attributes Down Under.” The Lions, who haven’t won a series since England great Johnson led them on their 1997 tour of South Africa, face Australia in the first of three Tests in Brisbane on June 22.— AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

S P ORT S

Manzano points finger at Fuentes over doping MADRID: Spanish former cyclist Jesus Manzano yesterday told a court he was given the blood-booster EPO and other drugs by a doctor accused of masterminding a vast blood-doping network and currently on trial in Madrid.

“Yes, I was treated by doctor Eufemiano Fuentes,” the 34-year-old told the hearing in Madrid. “I was treated with EPO in 2000, 2001 and 2003 by Eufemiano.”

Fuentes has been charged with his sister Yolanda and three other defendants from cycling teams in connection with a blood doping racket, with dozens of suspects in cycling and possibly other

sports. The five are accused of endangering public health but not incitement to doping, which was not a crime in Spain at the time of their arrests in 2006.

Manzano alleged that he and other riders from the Kelme team were given drugs when Fuentes was part of the outfit. He also implicated team manager Vicente Belda and trainer Jose Ignacio Labarta in the practice. Both are also in the dock.

“The medical planning was done by Eufemiano. The training by Labarta. They always coordinated with Belda,” he told the court. Manzano, who made similar accusations in a wide-ranging interview

with Spanish sports daily AS in 2004, claims that his health was compromised by the substances given to him during his time with Kelme and recalled one occasion when he fainted during a stage of the Tour de France in 2003.

“I had taken oxyglobin intravenously, a haemoglobin for dogs (which increases oxygen levels in the blood), and Belda and Labarta knew, of course,” Manzano said during evidence. “I attacked (French rider) Richard Virenque on a stage and I began to feel progressively worse until I fainted. In the team they asked me to not say what I had taken nor to do a test because it was in France and we would

all go to jail.”

The court was told that Manzano had been pressured into taking the substances by the trio. “In 2001, Belda came to my room saying he would give me ‘a little something to soup up my engine’. It was EPO (erythropoietin). Fuentes and Labarta were there. If you didn’t take it they would expel you from the team,” he explained.

“I took the medication because it was compulsory in the team. I never did it voluntarily. If I report them here (in Spain), I am sacked. If I did it in France, then all of Kelme would go to jail.”

Manzano also went on to describe

the lengths the team went to prevent its riders from testing positive. “They put a white powder on the penis to deteriorate the urine sample so that we didn’t test positive for EPO,” he said.

“For the UCI (International Cycling Union) controls we put in saline solution or human albumin (a protein in blood plasma) and that lowered the haematocrit (red blood cell count) levels.

“We would put in half a litre and then Belda or someone would give us a square pill to sweat and pee a lot to get rid of this half a litre.” Fuentes, Labarta and Belda all deny endangering public health. — AFP

NHL results/standings Carolina 4, New Jersey 2; NY Rangers 4, Boston 3 (SO); Ottawa 2, Buffalo 0; Montreal 4, Tampa Bay 3 (SO); Washington 6, Florida 5 (OT); Philadelphia 3, Winnipeg 2; Nashville 1, San Jose 0 (OT); Anaheim 3, Chicago 2 (SO); Dallas 4, Edmonton 1.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

New Jersey Pittsburgh NY Rangers Philadelphia NY Islanders

W 8 8 7 6 4

Boston Toronto Ottawa Montreal Buffalo

8 8 7 7 5

Carolina Tampa Bay Winnipeg Florida Washington

7 6 5 4 4

L OTL GF GA PTS 2 3 35 28 19 5 0 41 32 16 5 0 33 30 14 7 1 34 40 13 7 1 36 43 9 Northeast Division 1 2 32 25 18 5 0 39 33 16 4 2 33 23 16 4 1 35 33 15 8 1 39 48 11 Southeast Division 4 1 38 36 15 5 1 46 36 13 6 1 32 40 11 6 2 30 46 10 8 1 36 46 9

Western Conference Central Division Chicago 10 0 3 44 28 23 Nashville 6 3 4 25 26 16 Detroit 7 4 1 33 32 15 St. Louis 6 5 1 39 40 13 Columbus 4 7 2 30 41 10 Northwest Division Vancouver 8 2 2 35 25 18 Minnesota 6 6 1 27 32 13 Edmonton 5 5 3 29 34 13 Calgary 3 4 3 26 35 9 Colorado 4 6 1 23 29 9 Pacific Division Anaheim 9 2 1 42 33 19 San Jose 7 3 3 36 29 17 Dallas 7 5 1 30 29 15 Phoenix 6 5 2 35 35 14 Los Angeles 4 5 2 26 32 10 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L)

Blue Jackets hire first European as NHL GM COLUMBUS: The Columbus Blue Jackets hurried to make history. Just more than 24 hours after firing Scott Howson, they announced the hiring of Jarmo Kekalainen of Finland as the first European to be a general manager in the National Hockey League.

Kekalainen, director of amateur scouting with the St. Louis Blues 2002-10, held a news conference Wednesday in his native Finland at the same time the Blue Jackets Blue Jackets held theirs in Ohio.

“One of my dreams since I hung up my skates has been to be a GM of an NHL team sometime. Now that dream has come true,” Kekalainen said in Helsinki at the home arena of the Jokerit club, where he’s been GM since 2010. “I’m really happy and pleased, even proud, that I’ve been give this chance.”

The 46-year-old, who played sparingly in the NHL, worked closely with Columbus director of hockey operations John Davidson with the Blues. When the Blues hired Doug Armstrong as general manager in 2010 instead of Kekalainen, Kekalainen returned to Finland to take over as GM of Jokerit in Finland’s top league.

“Jarmo and I have a relationship that goes back a number of years, most recently with the St. Louis Blues organization where he was an assistant general manager and in charge of the amateur draft,” Davidson said.

“I look at Jarmo as a person who has a world of experience. Thirty percent of the players in our league are European. He’s very intelligent about the world of hockey, not only in Europe but also in North America.” Kekalainen’s current team is in first place. So badly did Kekalainen want to return to the NHL as a GM, that he had an unwritten agreement with the club’s owner that he could be let out of his contract if a GM job developed in the NHL. He is expected to arrive in Columbus as soon as travel and visa issues are resolved. “I’m humbled but at the same time have faith in myself. I believe I’ve deserved this opportunity through my own hard work,” he said. “Now I’m going to roll up my sleeves and go there and build a team out of the Columbus Blue Jackets that seriously aims to win the Stanley Cup.” He’ll face a number of challenges. Under Howson, the Blue Jackets made the playoffs in 2008-09 but have fallen to the depths of the league since. They had the

worst record in the league a year ago, have a record of making a mess of things at the draft and in trades. Attendance has fallen; there are published reports that the club sold between 7,000 and 8,000 season tickets this season.

The Blue Jackets are 4-7-2 in this lockout-shortened season and leave Wednesday to begin a six-game Western swing that starts in Los Angeles on Friday night. The club does have three first-round picks in this summer’s amateur draft.

“We feel here that we know how important the draft is, especially with a deep draft and this one is a deep draft,” Davidson said. “He’ll become a major voice regarding the upcoming draft. That certainly played into it. That’s a part of it, but it’s certainly not all of it.”

Howson, a 52-year-old Toronto native, was hired as executive vice president and general manager on June 15, 2007. He took the place of Doug MacLean, who had guided the franchise from its inception, through its first NHL season in 2000-01 and the next five campaigns.

He was in charge in 2008-09, when the Blue Jackets went a franchise-best 41-31-10 and made the playoffs with star forward Rick Nash and Calder Trophy-winning goalie Steve Mason leading the way.

But the club then fell on hard times and last season was an NHL-worst 29-46-7.

Midway through the season, Howson revealed that Nash, the team’s captain, had asked to be traded. It took months before Nash was dealt along with a minor league defenseman and a conditional third-round pick to the New York Rangers for forwards Artem Anisimov and Brandon Dubinsky, 21-year-old defenseman Tim Erixon and a first-round pick. The Blue Jackets won their opener this season at Nashville, and earned another point in their second game. But they lost eight of 10 games before Monday night’s surprising 6-2 victory over San Jose - scoring as many goals in one night as they had in their three previous games combined. “I’m anxious to get down to work and meet this new challenge,” said Kekalainen, who lived in the US for 13 years before his return to Finland. He played 55 games in the NHL as a left wing over six seasons with the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins. “I know Jarmo’s going to have success,” Davidson said. “He’s a driven man.” — AP

DOHA: A fan supports Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during her WTA Qatar Open tennis match against Sorana Cirstea of Romania yesterday in the Qatari capital, Doha. — AFP

VANCOUVER: Torrey Mitchell #17 of the Minnesota Wild chases after the loose puck after digging it free while battling with Chris Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks during the third period in NHL action on Tuesday at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. — AFP

Tlusty leads Hurricanes in 4-2 win over Devils Ducks nip Chicago in shootout, Fasth stays perfect NEWARK: The Carolina Hurricanes ended New Jersey’s five-game winning streak Tuesday as Tlusty scored two goals in the third period and Cam Ward made 26 saves in a 4-2 win over the Devils.

Jussi Jokinen and Patrick Dwyer also scored for Carolina, while Ilya Kovalchuk and Ryan Carter scored for the Eastern Conference -leading Devils.Anaheim’s Viktor Fasth made two stops in the shootout to remain unbeaten in six starts as the Ducks beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in a matchup of the top two teams in the Western Conference. Fasth become the first goalie to win his first six NHL starts since Dan Ellis with Dallas and Nashville from Feb. 18, 2004 to Nov. 29, 2007.

Nick Bonino and Corey Perry scored in the tiebreaker for Anaheim. At Boston, Ryan Callahan scored as the final participant in the shootout as the New York Rangers recovered after blowing a three-goal, third-period lead to beat the Bruins 43. Henrik Lundqvist stopped 37 shots, plus three of the four attempts in the shootout. Carl Hagelin scored for the second straight game, and Derek Stepan and Anton Stralman each added an unassisted goal for the Rangers.

Colin Wilson scored at 2:08 of overtime at Nashville as the Predators has a 1-0 win over the San Jose Sharks to end a two-game losing streak.

Pekka Rinne made 25 saves for his second shutout

this season. Wilson’s goal ended a scoreless drought of just over 176 minutes over three games. Washington winger Troy Brouwer scored 32 seconds into overtime as the Capitals rallied from a late two-goal deficit to beat the Florida Panthers 6-5, while Carey Price stopped all three shots in the shootout and David Desharnais had the lone goal in the tiebreaker as the Montreal Canadiens rebounded to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3. In other games, Craig Anderson made 42 saves, and Erik Karlsson and Erik Condra scored less than two minutes apart to lift the Ottawa Senators over the Buffalo Sabres 2-0, the Philadelphia Flyers beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2, the Dallas Stars downed the Edmonton Oilers 4-1 and the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Minnesota Wild 2-1.

Rookie goaltender Viktor Fasth lifted Anaheim Ducks to a 3-2 shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday to extend the perfect start to his NHL career.

Anaheim trailed 2-1 in the final minutes of regulation when Andrew Cogliano equalized at 17:20 in the third to extend the battle and leave it to Fasth to carry them to victory.

The 30-year-old Swedish netminder made three saves during a scoreless overtime, finishing with 28, and denied Chicago’s final two shootout attempts to improve to 6-0-0 in his magical first

season. “You always work hard to get to play and when you play you work hard to try to get the wins,” Fasth told reporters. “I don’t take anything for granted and I’ve got to work hard every day to get my chances.”

Nick Bonino and Corey Perry converted shootout goals for Anaheim (9-2-1) as the Ducks won for the sixth time in seven games and moved two points clear of San Jose for first place in the Pacific Division.

The San Jose Sharks fell to Nashville Predators 1-0 in overtime on Tuesday to lose ground.

Anaheim grabbed a 1-0 edge on Chicago on a Ryan Getzlaf wrist shot early in the second period, but the home Blackhawks quickly seized the lead with goals by Nick Leddy and Brandon Saad.

Cogliano’s tying goal came as he tipped a shot from Ben Lovejoy. “I was at the right place at the right time,” Cogliano said. “I think it was just fitting for the kind of night we had.” Blackhawks goaltender Corey Crawford made 29 saves to keep pace with Fasth who was just a little better in the extra sessions.

Despite the defeat, Chicago (10-0-3) are still without a loss in regulation and remain on top of the league’s standings.

The Blackhawks were returning home following a six-game road trip while the Ducks are in the middle of a similar road stint.—Agencies

Del Potro breezes past Gael Monfils ROTTERDAM: Juan Martin del Potro spent just over an hour in reaching the second round of the Rotterdam World Tennis tournament as he dispatched France’s Gael Monfils 6-3, 64 on Tuesday.

The second seeded Argentinian is keen to improve on last year’s loss in the final to Roger Federer in what was his first appearance at the tournament.

Del Potro broke Monfils for 5-4 in the second set and sealed victory a game later as he beat a player who spent much of last season injured.

“He’s dangerous coming back from injury and is playing well,” said the 24-year-old South American.

“I’m glad to be back in Rotterdam, though my memories are not the best on court after losing a year ago to Roger.” Monfils said that he missed his chances in what he knew would be a tough match no matter whom he played.

“I’m unseeded, so I can get anyone in the first round. It took me three games to get used to the cour t and the ambience. I then started seeing the ball better,” said the 26-year- old injur y-prone Frenchman.

“In the second set I played two bad service games. He’s not in the top 10 for nothing so he took

advantage, It was a matter of me not taking the opportunities that I did have. “I’m disappointed to lose but know that I can work harder and improve. My legs and hamstrings feel good and my mind is clear. I’m happy to be back competing.”

Earlier Monfils’ compatriot Julien

Benneteau joined another Frenchman Gilles Simon in the second round as he beat lucky loser Tobias Kamke of Germany 6-3, 6-2.

Their progress - Simeon eased through on Monday - offset the disappointment of French number one Jo-Wilfried Tsonga going out on

SAO PAULO: Brazilian tennis player Thomaz Bellucci hits a return against Brazilian Guilherme Clezar during their singles match at the Brazil Open in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Tuesday. — AFP

Monday to unheralded Dutchman Rigor Sibling in three sets.

The victory over Kamke, who was drafted into the tournament proper when another Frenchman Michael Llodra pulled out through illness, sets Benneteau up with a secondround match against Romanian Victor Hanescu. Dutch players enjoyed mixed for tunes, with Thiemo de Bakker advancing as Russian opponent Mikhail Youzhny was forced to retire in the third set with a hip problem. De Bakker will await the winner from today ’s match between top seed and holder Roger Federer and Grega Zemlja of Slovenia. Latvian qualifier Ernests Gulbis admitted he had little to lose in his comprehensive defeat of Dutchman Robin Haase 6-2, 6-1, which took just 50 minutes with the winner breaking four times. Gulbis, who reached a career-high ranking of 21st two years ago, now stands 132 and finished out of the ranking top 100 last season for the first time since 2006.

“I’m sorry Holland for beating a local,” joked the Latvian. “I played well and had almost perfect timing.

I really didn’t give him any chances.

“I don’t have many expectations, my ranking is so low I barely got into qualifying anyway.” — AFP

19

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

SPORTS

Henry ‘saddened’ by Arsenal’s Wenger critics NEW YORK: Arsenal’s record scorer Thierry Henry is saddened by criticism of manager Arsene Wenger but hopes he can return to the London club in some role after his spell in Major League Soccer ends.

Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal for over 16 years and has won three Premier League titles but the most recent was back in 2004 when Henry was the league’s top scorer with 30 goals.

The French forward, who plays for New York Red Bulls, has heard some of the criticism of Wenger from fans and pundits this season as Arsenal have struggled to keep pace with the titlechasing Manchester clubs United and

City.

“When you don’t win people are always going to question your work, your legacy and what you did before.

It is sad somehow but that is the way the game is. What are you going to do? “ Henry told Reuters in an interview.

“For me, it is difficult to hear, difficult to see, but for me the boss will always be Arsene - always great for me and I know what he has done for the club,” he said.

Although the questioning of Wenger’s transfer market strategy has faded recently with Arsenal winning three of their last four games to move within four points of fourth-placed

local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Henry knows that can change.

But the striker, who enjoyed eight seasons with Arsenal scoring 175 goals, believes the 63-year-old Frenchman deserves more respect for his achievements at the north London club.

“You are always going to get judged on your last performance or what you are doing at the moment (but) for me it is kind of hard to criticise Arsene Wenger, knowing what he has done for the club, how he has changed the club and how the team is playing right now compared to how the team was playing before.

“But if you don’t win people are

always going to create a problem,” he added.

Henry, who had a loan spell at Arsenal last year in the MLS close season and spent time training with the club this year, said he would love to return in some capacity in the future.

“All I know is that I will be involved in the game for sure and hopefully be involved with Arsenal because that is the heart talking there, that’s the team that I support. Forget about me as a player, that’s the team I support,” he said.

“In any type or shape, if I can go back to the club I would love to do it, but it’s not up to me. That would be a desire, more a desire than something

that can be officialised, I still have two years playing here and then I will see.

“But I would definitely love to be back with Arsenal,” he said. The Red Bulls kick off their MLS season at the Portland Timbers on March 3 and Henry hopes his team can finally win a title after seeing L.A. Galaxy win the past two championships.

“Last year all went home being sad.

Whether you make the playoffs or you don’t, the most important thing is to win,” said Henry.

“There is only one winner, one team that is going to go home happy, so that was again L.A. So we’re going to have to try to fight hard and to perform,” he said. — Reuters

IOC’s Rogge to meet with wrestling leader India to lobby for wrestling’s Olympic status

SAINT-GERMAIN-EN-LAYE: Paris Saint-Germain’s British midfielder David Beckham attends a training session yesterday at the club’s Camp des Loges training center in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. Beckham, PSG’s latest prized signing, is taking part in his first full training session today, with the view to possibly making his debut in February 17’s L1 match at Sochaux. — AFP

Media circus greets Beckham arrival PARIS: David Beckham began to settle in to his new surroundings yesterday afternoon, as he trained at his new club Paris Saint-Germain’s base for the first time.

The arrival of the 37-year-old Englishman at the Camp des Loges training ground in the French capital’s western suburbs attracted the kind of media circus that only somebody of his superstar status can.

While one hundred journalists from all over the world were permitted to attend the session, supporters were kept out of an event that shattered the usual tranquility of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

“What a circus this is for an old man,” raged a cyclist as he struggled to fight his way through the crowds. The small car park next to the training ground was unusually full, forcing television trucks to park by the side of the road.

Around a hundred supporters braved the bitter cold as they attempted to catch a glimpse of the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star.

Nevertheless, while children do not attend school in France on a Wednesday afternoon, few were present.

Those fans who did show up had little chance of spotting ‘Becks’ or any of PSG’s other star names from behind the tarpaulin that protects the entire perimeter of the

Camp des Loges.

“My daughters Lorine and Juliana wanted to see Beckham and Lucas,” explained one woman, Afsa. “I haven’t come here for a long time but this is Beckham and it is important for the club, even if I know full well that I won’t be able to see him,” admitted Jeremy, a 25-year-old fan.

“Everything has stopped for the supporters since (coach) Ancelotti came in.

That’s the way it is.” Before the club reemerged as a continental force to be reckoned with, fans often had the chance to see what was going on at the training ground.

Now, fans like Jeremy can only attempt to sneak a peak through the fences, and others, including an English couple sporting LA Galaxy shirts, were content to stand further back while around 10 police officers looked on.

Inside, the cameras flashed as Beckham made his way out on to the pitch and exchanged words briefly with coach Carlo Ancelotti and his assistant. For the first time, members of the media had to apply for accreditation to watch PSG train, and one hundred were there from 10 countries.

There had been more than 200 applications in total.

Beckham had travelled with the squad to Spain to watch Tuesday’s 2-1 — AFP

LAUSANNE: IOC President Jacques Rogge will meet with the head of wrestling’s governing body to discuss ways the sport can fight to save its place in the 2020 Olympics.

The IOC executive board removed wrestling from the program of the 2020 Games on Tuesday, cutting it from the list of 26 sports at last year’s London Olympics. The decision, which still must be ratified by the full IOC in September, has been widely criticized by wrestling organizations around the world. Rogge said Wednesday he’s been contacted by Raphael Martinetti, the president of international wrestling federation FILA, and was encouraged by the sport’s determination to remain in the games.

“We agreed we would meet at the first opportunity to have discussions,” Rogge said at a news conference at the close of a two-day board meeting. “I should say FILA reacted well to this disheartening news for them.

“They vowed to adapt the sport and vowed to fight to be eventually included in the 2020 slot.”

Wrestling, which remains on the program for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, still has a chance to stay on the list for 2020 - if it manages to convince the IOC to reverse the board’s decision.

Wrestling now joins seven other sports in applying for one opening on the 2020 program: a combined bid from baseball and softball, karate, squash, roller sports, sport climbing, wakeboarding and the martial art of wushu.

The IOC executive board will meet in May in St. Petersburg, Russia, to decide which sport or sports to propose for 2020 inclusion. The final vote will be made at the IOC general assembly in September in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

IOC officials said it’s possible the board could decide to put forward three sports for consideration, including wrestling. “The vote of yesterday is not an elimination of wrestling from the Olympic Games,” Rogge said. “Wrestling will participate in the games in Rio de Janeiro. To the athletes who train now, I say, ‘Continue training for your participation in Rio. Your federation is working for the inclusion in the 2020 Games.’”

Rogge was asked whether Tuesday’s decision marked an end to wrestling in the Olympics. “I cannot look into a crystal ball into the future,” he said.

“We have established a fair process by which the sport that would not be included in the core has a chance to compete with the seven other sports for the slot on the 2020 Games.”

Rogge said he was fully aware of the backlash to the decision against wrestling, a sport which dates back to the ancient Olympics and featured in the inaugural modern games in 1896.

The head of the Russian Olympic Committee said Wednesday he would write to Rogge to appeal the IOC board’s decision. Wrestling has been one of Russia’s strongest sports: Soviet and Russian wrestlers have won 77 gold medals.

PSG look set to advance even without Ibrahimovic VALENCIA: Paris St Germain will be without the talismanic Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the return match but are still favourites to progress after beating Valencia 2-1 in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Tuesday.

The big-spending Ligue 1 leaders looked to be strolling into the quarter-finals when they took the lead in the 10th minute through Ezequiel Lavezzi and his Argentina team mate Javier Pastore added a second goal two minutes before halftime.

Valencia improved after coach Ernesto Valverde made a couple of astute changes at the break and it was no more than the Spanish team deserved when centre back Adil Rami surged into the area and volleyed home from close range in the 90th minute.

Ibrahimovic was then shown a straight red card for a wild lunge on defender Andres Guardado in the second minute of added time and he will be suspended for the second leg in Paris on March 6.

“I don’t think we relaxed at the end and we could even have scored a third goal on a couple of occasions,” PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference.

“The team played a good match. We controlled the ball well and I am pleased with our performance.”

With former England captain David Beckham watching his new PSG team from the stands, Valencia had more of the ball in the early stages without really threatening Salvatore Sirigu’s goal.

The home team were dealt an early blow when Lavezzi exchanged passes with Pastore before racing past his marker into the area and blasting the ball into the net.

Lucas, who struck a long-range effort against a post moments before Lavezzi’s goal, then set up the second goal.

The Brazilian burst into the box from the right and pulled the ball back for fellow midfielder Pastore to send a first-time shot past goalkeeper Vicente Guaita.

Valverde hauled off ineffective midfield pair Ever Banega and Jonas at halftime, throwing playmaker Sergio Canales and forward Nelson Valdez into the fray.

The effect was immediate as Valencia looked more dangerous going forward. PSG were also waiting to catch them on the break and Lavezzi and Ibrahimovic went close to adding a third before Rami’s strike and the volatile Swede’s dismissal.

The sending-off occurred deep in Valencia’s half when he was dispossessed trying to shield the ball and he reacted by lunging at Guardado with studs raised and the linesman standing a few metres away.

Valencia had won all eight of their European home games against French opposition before Tuesday and were unbeaten in nine Champions League matches at the Mestalla since a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in September 2010.

Qatari-backed PSG, who have spent around 250 million euros ($337 million) in the transfer market in the past four seasons, turned in an efficient first-half display and the obvious quality of their players was the difference between the sides.

Rather than splurge tens of millions on strengthening their squad, cash-strapped Valencia have been forced year after year to sell their best players including David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata.

Roared on by their vocal fans they forced their way back into the tie to give themselves a lifeline for the trip to Paris in three weeks’ time. “It is a poor result for us but we have some hope and we will try to turn things around in Paris,” Canales told Spanish television broadcaster TVE. “We knew they would be dangerous going forward but we’ll have to see if we can take some of our chances in the second leg. “We’ll try to go on the attack and score early to get back in the tie. We know it will be tough but we’re not going to throw in the towel.” — Reuters

LAUSANNE: International Olympic Committee, IOC, President Jacques Rogge gestures during a press conference after the last day of the executive board’s meeting, in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. IOC President Jacques Rogge says he will meet with the head of wrestling’s governing body to discuss ways the sport can fight to save its place in the 2020 Olympics. — AP “We knew even before the decision was taken wrestling is popular to help the sport remain an whatever sport would not be included in the core Olympic discipline, the country’s sports ministry program would lead to criticism from the support- said yesterday. Wrestling was stunned when the ers of that sport,” Rogge said. The board voted International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Executive after reviewing a report by the IOC program com- Board made a surprise recommendation on mission that analyzed 39 criteria, including TV rat- Tuesday to drop the sport from the 2020 Games.

Part of the first modern Olympics in 1896 and ings, ticket sales, anti-doping policy and global participation and popularity. With no official rank- all further editions of the Games, wrestling has ings or recommendations contained in the report, now joined seven other candidate sports battling the final decision by the 15-member board may for one spot in a revamped programme.

India has won four Olympic wrestling medals have included political and sentimental factors.

Modern pentathlon - a five-sport discipline dat- and the country’s government termed the IOC ing back to the 1912 Games - had been widely decision “most unfortunate and shocking”. “This expected to face removal from the program but ancient sport has helped the Indian grapplers to lobbied successfully to save its status. Juan make a mark and bring India on the global sportAntonio Samaranch Jr., the son of the former IOC ing map,” the Indian sports ministry said in a statepresident, is a vice president of the International ment. “Wrestling is a popular sport not only in Modern Pentathlon Union and a member of the India but also in many other countries such as IOC board. FILA said Tuesday it was “greatly aston- Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Japan, China ished” by the decision, adding that the federation etc. “The exclusion of the discipline from the “will take all necessary measures to convince the Olympics will demoralise the sport’s participants IOC executive board and IOC members of the and will deeply affect the sustenance of the game aberration of such decision against one of the in the future.” The Indian government said it founding sports of the ancient and modern would raise the issue with the IOC and hoped the sport could find its way back as a core Olympic disOlympic Games.”

The last sports removed from the Olympics cipline. “Ministry ... will also take up the issue with were baseball and softball, voted out by the IOC in other nations where wrestling is a popular sport,” 2005 and off the program since the 2008 Beijing the statement added. “The Ministry will take up Games. Golf and rugby will be joining the program the issue with the IOC to reconsider its decision at the 2016 Games in Rio. India’s government will and retain wrestling in the category of core sports seek the support of other countries where in the Olympic Games.” — Agencies

Celtic left needing a miracle, says Lennon GLASGOW: Celtic manager Neil Lennon admits his side need a miracle if they are to overturn a 3-0 home defeat to Juventus in their Champions League last 16 first leg tie at Parkhead.

The Italian champions put on a clinical display to triumph in Glasgow as they soaked up intense pressure and capitalised on defensive errors to all but book their place in the last eight of the competition.

The Hoops travel to Turin in three weeks time for the return leg and Lennon admitted his side face an almost impossible task.

“We need a miracle. We have to try and be competitive and try and work our way into the tie,” Lennon said after his side’s unbeaten home record in Europe this season came to an abrupt end.

“I said to the players at half-time that it was 1-0 and they were fine and there was a long way to go in the second half. “But I just felt their heads dropped when the second goal went in. We looked a little bit ragged towards the end.

“We have got a three-week period between now and then. We know it is a daunting prospect at any stage but with a three-goal deficit it is going to be insurmountable almost.

“If we can create the chances that we did tonight and take them then who knows. “But it’s going to be a huge ask now.” Lennon surprised everyone before kick-off as he handed Efe Ambrose a starting place despite the defender playing in Nigeria’s African Cup of Nations final win over Burkina Faso on Sunday. But the gamble backfired with the defender at fault for two of Juve’s deadly away goals.

Ambrose was caught out by the flight of Federico Peluso’s long ball in the third minute allowing Alessandro

Matri to get in behind him and fire the ball over the line despite Kelvin Wilson’s desperate attempted clearance on the line.

Ambrose then missed a chance to atone for his earlier error when he headed straight at veteran Italian keeper Gianluigi Buffon when it looked easier to score before Juventus increased their lead in the 77th minute when Claudio Marchisio smashed a shot past Fraser Forster.

Mirko Vucinic finished low through Forster’s legs in the 83rd minute after Ambrose had been caught in possession by Marchisio as the Serie A leaders made the second leg all but a formality.

Despite Ambrose’s errors his manager refused to point the finger of blame at the defender, who had only arrived back on a flight from South Africa in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“He was caught for the first goal - it was nothing to do with tiredness,” Lennon said. “I thought once he got over that he was fine. There was no sign of tiredness when he went in and should have scored really but that’s just down to a bad miss.

“But maybe later as the game progressed he did tire but with losing Mikel Lustig we had no alternative but to keep Efe on as we needed the pace at the back as Matri and Vucinic have really good pace.

“You can always question decisions in hindsight.

Maybe it was a bit of a gamble but I can’t really criticise the team apart from that final wee bit of quality to get us a goal because our build-up play at times was fantastic.”

The game was marred by bouts of wrestling between the Juve defenders and Celtic forwards at every corner and Lennon was dismayed by Spanish referee Alberto Mallenco’s handling of the tie. — AFP

W Indies stroll to T20 victory over Australia

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

IOC’s Rogge to meet with wrestling leader

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Tlusty leads Hurricanes in 4-2 win over Devils

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MADRID: Manchester United's Rafael, left, tackles Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal, right, during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, yesterday.—AP

Ronaldo rescues Real against United ‘Everything’s open for the game at Old Trafford’ MADRID: Danny Welbeck and Cristiano Ronaldo headed a first-half goal apiece as Real Madrid and Manchester United played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the last-16 of the Champions League yesterday.

Former United star Ronaldo levelled on 30 minutes with his seventh Champions League goal of the season, making him the top-scorer in the competition, after Welbeck had headed home a corner 10 minutes earlier.

Alex Ferguson had promised goals before the match and they came early enough, but then his team put on a battling performance with David De Gea excellent in goal to take a draw into the second leg at Old Trafford on March 5. Before kick-off all the talk was about the exclusion of a centre-half on either side. It was expected that Pepe, who has only managed 25 minutes since an ankle operation at the turn of the year, would not be risked in such a big game for Real.

However, the omission for the visitors of Nemanja Vidic was a surprise after the Serb failed to even make the bench after captaining his side in a 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday.

Sami Khedira had the first effort for the home team in the second minute on finding space in the area, but he pulled his shot well wide. Next it was Angel Di Maria who tried his luck from outside the area before De Gea tipped a goal bound shot from Fabio Coentrao onto the post.

United weathered the early storm and when Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa combined well to win a corner on 20 minutes it was Welbeck who eluded the marking of Ramos to head home the opening goal and his first in the competition this season.

Ronaldo hammered wide the rebound of his own blocked free-kick before grabbing the equaliser 10 minutes later when he leapt above Patrice Evra to head home a Di Maria cross from the left.

Moments later Welbeck was inches from his second after good work on the left by Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney shot wide from the resultant corner.

Alonso then took a quick free-kick from his own half that put Mesut Ozil through and De Gea had to be quick to block the shot. Ronaldo tested De Gea with a shot on the turn early in the second-half and Di Maria tried from fur-

ther out before the Argentinian volleyed just wide.

“But everything’s open for the game at Old Trafford and I think we have the ability to score goals there and get through,” he added.

United goalkeeper David De Gea, who earlier tipped a Fabio Coentrao effort on to a post, superbly denied the same player on the hour before Robin Van Persie fluffed a shot when he had the goal at his mercy 18 minutes from time, allowing Xabi Alonso to clear off the line.

The result gives United a slight advantage for the return leg in Manchester on March 5. Real attacked the visitors’ goal from the start while a ragged United struggled to retain possession.

They had yet to have an attempt on goal when Welbeck slipped marker Sergio Ramos and nodded inside the post for only his second goal in 28 matches.

Ronaldo, who was given a rousing ovation from both sets of fans before kickoff, went close following up on his own free kick before grabbing the equaliser with a trademark towering header.

While Madrid were enjoying a lot of the possession,

United continued to look dangerous on the counter-attack while managing to restrict the home side to long shots.

Real boss Jose Mourinho decided to change things around on the hour withdrawing Karim Benzema for Gonzalo Higuain. A minute later De Gea made the save of the game stopping Coentrao from close range with his outstretched foot. Then Van Persie had two chances within a minute to restore United’s lead with 20 minutes remaining. The first shot was pushed onto the bar by Diego Lopez after Rooney had played him into space before he miskicked an easier chance. United’s defensive play grew throughout the game, the experienced Rio Ferdinand organised well the centre of defence, while Michael Carrick aided by Phil Jones and a very deep Rooney tidied up a lot in the centre of the pitch.

When Madrid did get through in the final minutes it was again Madrid-born De Gea, signed from city rivals Atletico, who was at hand to save from Khedira on 80 minutes. There was still time for Ronaldo to float a free-kick just over the bar and Diego Lopez to tip wide a Van Persie shot in injury time.— Agencies

Fans deaths cast shadow over Dortmund 2-2 draw DONETSK: Germany defender Mats Hummels’s late header gave Borussia Dor tmund a Champions League lifeline with a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk in yesterday’s last 16, first-leg, clash.

However, Dortmund’s impressive result will be overshadowed by the deaths of five fans and 12 injured when a plane from Odessa, south Ukraine, carrying 45 people crashed while landing at Donetsk airport, just hours before kick-off.

A minute’s silence was held as a mark of respect.

Dortmund twice came from behind and were heading towards their first European defeat of the season before centre-back Hummels powered home from a corner, three minutes from time.

“It is important that we are going into the second leg level and a 0-0 would see us through,” said Hummels. “Certainly there were a few dangerous moments in defence, but against such an attackminded team you can never avoid this.

“We were twice behind, so that is a fantastic consolation result.” Donetsk captain Darijo Srna’s freekick was cancelled out by a first-half equaliser from Dor tmund striker Rober t Lewandowsk i before Brazilian Douglas Costa restored Shakhtar’s advantage 22 minutes from time.

Hummels’ header puts Dortmund in pole position to reach the quarter-finals for the second-leg at Borussia’s Signal Iduna Park stadium in a fortnight.

Having beaten Real Madrid, Manchester United

and Ajax to win Group D, Dortmund came perilously close to joining current holders Chelsea in suffering defeat at Shakhtar ’s notoriously tricky Donbass Arena. Dortmund made a bright start when Hummels clattered the woodwork with a bullet header from a corner with only 17 minutes gone. Donetsk took the lead when Srna smashed a free-kick over the wall and into the top right-hand corner with Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller grasping at air on 31 minutes.

Borussia responded and equalised ten minutes later when a M ario Goetze cross wrong-footed Lewandowski and the Donetsk defence, but the Poland star responded quickest to slot his shot home.

Donetsk went back into the lead when Costa scored a dream goal on 62 minutes just six minutes after coming off the bench. Both Hummels and Germany team-mate Marcel Schmelzer failed to deal with a 40 metre pass out of defence from Donetsk defender Yaroslav Rakytskyy, but Costa controlled the ball with one touch, then slammed his shot home with the next.

At the other end, Lewandowsk i went close moments later as the German champions stepped up the pace in a bid to draw level again. With time almost up, Schmelzer’s pin-point accurate corner from the left was met in the middle by Hummels with the Donetsk defence nowhere to be seen to give Dortmund a deserved draw. — AFP

DONETSK: Dmytro Chygrynskiy (R) of FC Shakhtar fights for a ball with Mario Gotze (L) of Borussia Dortmund during their UEFA Champions League round 16 football match in Donetsk yesterday. — AFP

Business

Japan cast as villain in global currency war drama Page 22 ING cuts 2,400 jobs as profits fall more Page 25

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Rolls-Royce sees highest sales growth ever in Kuwait in 2012 Page 23 Page 26

The success story of flydubai

BAGHDAD: Iraqis shop on the eve of Valentine’s Day yesterday. — AFP

US set for free trade pact with EU EU-US trade deal to boost growth, jobs WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama on Tuesday called for talks on a far-reaching free trade agreement with the 27 nations of the European Union, throwing his weight behind a deal that would encompass half the world’s economic output. “Tonight I am announcing that we will launch talks on a comprehensive Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership with the European Union because trade that is free and fair across the Atlantic supports millions of good-paying American jobs,” Obama said in his annual State of the Union speech.

The United States and the EU already have the largest economic relationship in the world, and one of the most complicated. A pact would unite the United States, the world’s largest economy, with four other countries in the top ten: Germany, France, Britain and Italy. Faced with slow growth on both sides of the Atlantic and rising competition from China and other emerging economies, the long-time allies in late 2011 began looking at ways to build on their existing relationship.

Last week, EU leaders endorsed trade talks with the

United States, putting it at the top of a larger agenda that includes negotiations with Canada and Japan. Two-way goods trade between the United States and the EU now totals more than $600 billion annually. Services trade, including sales by majority-owned US or EU companies in each other’s market, adds about $1.2 billion.

US companies have invested around $1.9 trillion in production, distribution and other operations in the EU, far more than in China or anywhere else in the world. EU companies have invested about $1.6 trillion in the United States. Since most tariffs between the United States and the EU are already low, reducing regulatory barriers to trade in areas like agriculture and chemicals is expected to be the most challenging aspect of the talks.

Tough negotiations Leaders of the Senate Finance Committee, in a letter to US Trade Representative Ron Kirk earlier on Tuesday, welcomed those steps but said any agreement must also reduce EU restrictions on genetically modified crops, poul-

try treated with chlorine washes to kill pathogens and meat from animals fed the growth stimulant ractopamine.

“A strong, comprehensive trade and investment agreement with the EU has the potential to create significant good-paying jobs for Americans,” but negotiations will be tough, Representative Dave Camp, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement welcoming Obama’s announcement.

The US Chamber of Commerce, an early proponent of trade talks with the EU, applauded the news and urged swift negotiation of a high-standard pact. The US-EU talks also are expected to tackle new areas, such as setting rules to govern the free flow of information across borders. That is an increasingly important priority for big US Internet companies like Google, Facebook and Amazon but could be hard for EU members France and Germany to accept because of privacy concerns.

Meanwhile, the two sides are locked in a long-running battle at the World Trade Organization over government

Egypt plunges after Moody’s rating cut MIDEAST STOCKS DUBAI: Egypt’s bourse slipped from a oneweek high yesterday after ratings agency Moody’s cut the country’s credit rating, raising fears of diminishing foreign inflows, while Gulf markets extend gains from an early-year rally.

Moody’s downgraded Egypt one notch to B3 and warned a further downgrade is possible.

The ratings agency cited the economic impact of civil unrest two years after the ousting of President Hosni Mubarak as the main factor behind the downgrade. It also said it had doubts about Egypt’s ability to secure International Monetary Fund support.

Prolonged unrest, largely between supporters and opponents of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, has hindered government attempts to stabilise the economy, weighing on local investor sentiment. “Its negative for the country at least in the short- to medium-term,” said Reda Gomaa, portfolio manager at Mashreq. “The problem is when a country loses a notch or more, it is difficult to bring it back.”

Gomaa said the economy is unlikely to improve as long as political instability exists.

The dire situation will persist until parliamentary elections set for April, he adds. Cairo’s benchmark lost 0.4 percent. Losers outnumber gainers 22 to five on the 30-stock index.

Commercial International Bank fell 2 percent and Orascom Telecom shed 2.7 percent.

Talaat Mostafa declined 2.6 percent. An Egyptian court has postponed a hearing over the disputed sale of land for the property developer’s flagship Madinaty project to April 30 from April 16, a bourse statement said.

Elsewhere, most Gulf markets rose, with Dubai’s Emaar Properties propelling the emirate’s rally as investors await dividend announcements.

Investors expect Emaar to pay a dividend of around 0.1 dirhams ($0.03) at its annual general meeting in the coming weeks, in line with what was given out over the last two years. “Emaar keeps dominating activity in anticipation of dividends, accounting for 42 percent of the entire index move this year - driven by foreign buying,” said Anastasios Dalgiannakis, institutional trading manager at Mubasher. “At this stage, we would expect a more sideways trend.”

Shares in Emaar rose 2 percent, extending 2013 gains to 34.4 percent. Dubai’s index climbed 0.8 percent, up 17.3 percent year-todate. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark advanced 1.1 percent to a 39-month high. Small-cap property stocks dominate trade, signalling a high level of retail activity. Eshraq Properties and Rak Properties rise 13.1 and 3.7 percent respectively.

Elsewhere, Qatar’s bourse gained 0.6 percent, driven by a 1.7 percent advance from Qatar Telecom. Gulf International Services jumped 4.6 percent, its largest one-day gain since September 2011. The stock has risen in 11 of the last 12 sessions. Oman’s measure rose 0.3 percent, with heavyweight Bank Muscat supporting. The lender said yesterday it was in advanced talks on a private share sale with an international institution, with the deal set to complete by the end of the month. In Saudi Arabia, the benchmark ticked up 0.08 points, its fifth consecutive gain, while Kuwait ’s index advanced 0.4 percent. — Reuters

support for Boeing, the largest the US exporter, and its European rival, Airbus. That dispute threatens to erupt into a transatlantic trade war in coming years unless the two sides can work out a negotiated settlement.

Obama also reaffirmed his commitment to talks with ten countries in the Asia-Pacific region on a free trade pact called the Trans-Pacific Partnership that negotiators hope to finish this year after more than three years of bargaining. Talks on the US-EU accord are expected to begin by June. A successful conclusion to both negotiations would secure Obama’s reputation as a free trade president after what critics say was a slow start in his first term.

Camp and the Senate Finance Committee leaders also said they planned to push this year for renewal of “trade promotion authority,” a law that expired in 2007 that allowed the White House to submit trade deals to Congress for a straight yes-or-no vote without any amendments. That legislation has long been considered essential in persuading other countries to put their best offers on the table in trade talks with the United States. — Reuters

Inflation will worsen: BOE LONDON: The Bank of England predicted yesterday that the inflation rate may hit 3 percent by summer - but pledged to tolerate the increase in an attempt to help the economy recover. Bank of England Governor Mervyn King said inflation would be above the 2 percent target for another two years, but that there is cause for optimism and that an economic recovery is in sight. He told reporters the bank would look past inflation figures to support growth and employment. “Although output has been broadly flat for the past two years, that masks a more encouraging underlying picture,” King told reporters at a news conference. “The bulk of the economy - primarily the services and manufacturing sectors together - actually grew at the steady, if unspectacular, rate of 1.2 percent over 2012.”

King cautioned, however, that the recovery would not be smooth.

Uncertainty about the solvency of banks has led to a reduction in credit, and expectations about future income have reduced demand at home, the bank said in its report. “This hasn’t been a normal recession, and it won’t be a normal recovery,” King said. “Our economy faces big chal-

lenges stemming from an abrupt and substantial reassessment of future economic prospects triggered by the financial crisis.”

Vicky Redwood, the chief UK economist at Capital Economics, said King’s willingness to look past the “temporary albeit protracted” period of high inflation means he’s adopting the flexible approach to inflation that incoming governor Mark Carney recently advocated.

Unlike the Federal Reserve, which aims to control inflation and also increase employment, the Bank of England’s exclusive mission has been to keep inflation close to 2 percent. However, a “flexible” approach allows it to overlook temporary increases or drops in inflation to allow the economy to recover. Raising interest rates to lower inflation would hurt the recovery. The Bank of England, which was granted independence of the government in 1997, has had to adopt this more flexible approach in recent years because inflation has remained stubbornly above target since the financial crisis started in 2007 - even though the economy has fallen into recession twice. According to the latest measures, inflation was 2.7 percent in January. — AP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS

IEA sees Iran oil sales falling as sanctions bite LONDON: Iranian oil output will likely fall further from its lowest in three decades as the West tightens sanctions on the Islamic Republic, depriving Tehran of hard currency revenues, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday. The IEA, the West’s energy agency, said in its monthly report that preliminary data suggested Iran’s exports could have fallen below 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in January due to lower Chinese and South Korean purchases after a rebound in December to 1.56 million bpd.

January production was hovering below three decade lows at 2.65 million bpd, a decline of 50,000 from December, the IEA said.

The United States this month introduced new sanctions on Iran as part of a dispute over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The new sanctions effectively bar Iran from repatriating earnings from its oil exports, requiring customers to pay funds into an escrow account at a bank in the purchasing country and limiting Iran’s use of the proceeds to buying goods in the countries where it exports its oil. “For Iran, the latest expansion of sanctions is expected to further undermine government finances as its oil export earnings are now effectively locked in the buyers’ countries,” the IEA said. It estimates that Iran lost over $40 billion in export revenues in 2012 or about $3.4 billion

per month. Iranian exports surprisingly hit a sixmonth high in December but the IEA said preliminary data for January suggested they could have fallen back to below 1 million as Chinese imports amounted to just over 200,000 bpd.

South Korea also appears to have reduced imports from Iran in January to 130,000 bpd from 185,000 bpd in December, the IEA said. It said, however, the low January estimate remained subject to revisions. Iran and Western nations are due to hold a new round of talks over Tehran’s disputed nuclear programme on February 26. “Expectations, however, are low for a breakthrough in the more than decade long dispute. Indeed, it is unlikely that progress will

be made before Iran’s June presidential elections,” the IEA said.

Demand cut The IEA was the last of three major energy reports to release estimates this week after OPEC and the US government increased their forecasts for world oil demand growth this year.

OPEC said demand will expand by 840,000 bpd this year, 80,000 bpd more than previously expected, while the US Energy Information Administration raised its 2013 world oil demand growth forecast by 110,000 barrels per day to 1.05 million bpd. By contrast, the IEA cut its 2013 demand growth forecast by 90,000 bpd to

840,000 bpd following the IMF trimming its global GDP growth forecast to 3.5 percent from 3.6 percent and citing weaker growth in the euro zone area and Latin America.

“Despite signs of improvement in China and the United States, weak macroeconomic conditions are forecast to keep global oil demand growth capped,” it said, estimating global demand in 2013 at 90.7 million bpd. Global supplies fell by 300,000 bpd in January to 90.8 million bpd with non-OPEC production slipping by 190,000 bpd as North American production growth failed to offset a seasonal downturn in biofuels, production losses in Australia and unplanned outages in the North Sea. —Reuters

Japan cast as villain in global currency war drama Merkel questions Tokyo’s policies TOKYO: Japan is being cast as the villain in a heated currency drama, accused of driving down the yen’s value to shore up its fragile economy, as a statement from financial powers fails to reassure markets ahead of G20 talks. A global war of words has seen the new government in Tokyo reject claims of manipulation, and reasserting its

Merkel has openly questioned Tokyo’s policies while France is calling for a debate and action to protect euro-zone exports. However, European Central Bank chief Mario Draghi has sought to play down any row, calling the idea of a currency war “way overdone”. Japan’s Finance Minister Taro Aso cast the G7 statement as a rebuke to those

forex market turbulence would hurt financial stability.

“We reaffirm our longstanding commitment to market-determined exchange rates and to consult closely in regard to actions in foreign exchange markets,” said a brief G7 statement. G7 MembersBritain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States and

TOKYO: College students shout as they raise their arms at the start of a job hunting ceremony yesterday. —AFP mantra of big spending and aggressive monetary easing is meant to boost the economy after two decades of limp growth and deflation.

The rhetoric of Shinzo Abe’s fledgling administration, however, has sent the yen tumbling in recent months, angering some European officials, who hinted at their own intervention to tame the soaring euro and protect exporters. With talk growing of a global war in which nations weaken their currencies to gain an export advantage, the Group of Seven richest nations waded into the debate to warn

who have accused Tokyo of tinkering with the yen, claims more often directed at China which has long been accused of manipulating its yuan.

“That is not the case, and the rest of the nations (in the G7) have properly, correctly understood this,” Aso said. National Australia Bank (NAB) saw it differently, saying the comments were a “shot across Japan’s bows” that came as the Bank of Japan began a two-day policy meeting. Markets are waiting to see if Bank policymakers unveil fresh easing measures, which tend to weaken the yen. Aggressive

Canada-would keep fiscal and monetary policy limited to meeting “our respective domestic objectives” and “not target exchange rates”, it added.

Market uncertainty over the G7 message initially pushed the yen down on bets it meant the group was backing Japan’s economyboosting efforts, but the unit quickly reversed course. Analysts said the comments were squarely aimed at scolding Tokyo, as talk of a global currency war heats up ahead of this week’s meeting of the Group of 20 top economies in Moscow.

German Chancellor Angela

monetary easing has been a key priority of Abe’s government, which swept to power in December on a pledge to rescue the economy and to urge the independent BoJ to follow its line or be forced to change.

“Europe’s objection to Japan’s guiding its currency lower appears stronger than earlier thought,” said Hiromichi Shirakawa, a research analyst at Credit Suisse in Tokyo.

The statement could temper Japanese officials’ frequent musings about the value of the unit, and influence future policy, he added. It will “make it extremely difficult for senior Japanese officials in the future to make comments like ‘100 yen to the dollar would be fine’.”

The yen has tumbled 17 percent to 93.00 against the dollar and 25 percent to 125.00 against the euro since mid-November when the former government called an election that was widely expected to be won by Abe’s opposition. However it is still well below lows around 123 yen to the dollar and 170 against the euro seen in 2007. But the recent weakening has bolstered Japan’s exporters, who spent last year complaining the strong unit was ruining their finances, as they struggled to recover after the 2011 quake-tsunami disaster.

The yen hit a record high around 75 to the dollar in late 2011, making Japan’s exporters less competitive while shrinking their overseas income. The strong unit helped push Japan into a record trade deficit last year. “Japan can’t deny that, in its heart, it thinks a cheaper yen is desirable for the export sector,” said Keiichiro Kobayashi, professor of economics at Tokyo’s Hitotsubashi University.

But a weaker yen is double edged sword as it drives up import costs and makes overseas investment pricier. Even some of the biggest beneficiaries are not cheering, with the heads of electronics giant Sony and Suzuki Motors warning the weakness may not last, whatever Tokyo’s intentions. “It’s premature to think that the yen’s devaluation will continue,” Osamu Suzuki cautioned. —AFP

BARCELONA: Anti-eviction activists take part in a protest in front of the Popular Party’s (PP) headquarters in Barcelona. —AFP

Evictees commit suicide as Spain debates reform lose their homes but get saddled with a large part of the debt, condemned for life to be excluded from credit,” the petition read.

The police spokesman said the couple in Mallorca “left a suicide note” saying they committed suicide because they could not pay their debts and were soon going to be evicted.

PAH says hundreds of thousands of people face eviction in the crisis brought on by the collapse of Spain’s housing market in 2008. The resulting recession has driven the unemployment rate up to 26 percent, leaving many unable to pay mortgages on houses that are often now worth much less than purchased.

The PAH has campaigned by turning up in crowds outside the homes of evictees and sitting on their doorsteps to try to stop police and bailiffs from carrying out the eviction orders. Dozens of protesters rallied outside parliament on Tuesday as lawmakers prepared to vote on whether to accept the bill.

A handful of PAH supporters were expelled from the gallery of the chamber when they burst out shouting after the Popular Party announced its backing for the bill. “Yes we can!” they yelled. Others also demonstrated outside the Popular Party’s headquarters in Barcelona. They waved signs condemning evictions and the banks that many blame for the crisis. “Stop finance genocide,” read a yellow sign held by protestors in Barcelona. “These are not evictions,” yelled the protestors in Madrid. “They are murders.” —AFP

MADRID: A retired couple in Spain killed themselves Tuesday because they faced eviction, police said, as lawmakers considered legislation to save ruined homeowners from being thrown into the street. In the latest in a series of suicides reportedly linked to evictions, the couple, aged 68 and 69, killed themselves in their home in Calvia on the island of Mallorca, a police spokesman who asked not to be named told AFP. Hours later in Madrid, members of parliament agreed to debate a citizens’ motion to protect poor homeowners from eviction-a fate faced by hundreds of thousands in Spain. The lower house of parliament agreed to debate the bill after lawmakers of the ruling conservative Popular Party threw their weight behind it despite earlier resistance, the party’s parliamentary spokesman Alfonso Alonso said.

In response to popular protests and reported suicides, Spain’s government in November passed a two-year moratorium on evictions-but campaigners insist that it go further. The bill proposes to change the law to end evictions and to allow insolvent homeowners to write off their debts by surrendering their home.

Under the current law, a bank can pursue a mortgage holder for the remaining balance of a loan if the value of the seized property isn’t sufficient. The new bill was brought to parliament by PAH, a popular campaign for housing rights that gathered 1.4 million signatures on a petition demanding that it be debated by lawmakers.

“People who undergo eviction not only

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 .4380000 .3750000 .3040000 .2780000 .2870000 .0040000 .0020000 .0763790 .7441390 .3900000 .0720000 .7294960 .0420000

.2840000 .4540000 .3850000 .3150000 .2890000 .3000000 .0067500 .0035000 .0771470 .7516170 .4050000 .0760000 .7368270 .0470000

CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian dollars Danish Kroner Swedish Kroner Australian dlr Hong Kong dlr Singapore dlr Japanese yen Indian Rs/KD Sri Lanka rupee Pakistan rupee Bangladesh taka UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi Riyal/KD Omani riyals Philippine Peso

.2816000 .4408730 .3770340 .3059540 .2798090 .0505280 .0439950 .2885410 .0363090 .2264480 .0029910 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0766990 .7472470 .0000000 .0751130 .7317140 .0000000

.2837000 .4441610 .3798460 .3082360 .2818960 .0509050 .0443230 .2906930 .0365800 .2281370 .0030130 .0052950 .0022520 .0029050 .0036480 .0772710 .7528190 .4012730 .0756740 .7371700 .0070230

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka

ASIAN COUNTRIES 3.035 5.245 2.876 2.232 3.286 228.880 36.432 3.563

Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal - transfer Irani Riyal - cash

UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

6.945 9.475 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 75.377 77.666 734.180 750.760 76.968

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 282.550 Euro 381.160 Sterling Pound 443.320 Canadian dollar 282.830 Swiss Franc 309.470 US Dollar Buying 281.350 GOLD 311.000 157.000 81.500

SELL DRAFT 294.08 285.33 312.08 381.76 282.40 445.79 3.08 3.586 5.238 2.237 3.287 2.884

Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Selling Rate 282.300 284.220 444.070 380.025 308.105 747.385 76.835 77.490 75.245 397.945 41.969 2.231 5.245 2.874 3.554 6.933 692.485 4.035 9.535 3.970 3.365 91.050

SELL CASH 296.000 286.000 313.000 385.800 282.000 445.000 3.750 3.800 5.350 2.520 3.450 2.933

COUNTRY Australian dollar Bahraini dinar Bangladeshi taka Canadian dollar Cyprus pound Czek koruna Danish krone Deutsche Mark Egyptian pound Euro Cash Hongkong dollar Indian rupees Indonesia Iranian tuman Iraqi dinar

SELL CASH 293.100 752.210 3.960 284.800 555.500 46.100 51.700 167.800 42.530 382.500 37.160 5.380 0.032 0.162 0.246

Japanese yen Jordanian dinar Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Morocco dirham Nepalese Rupees New Zealand dollar Nigeria Norwegian krone Omani Riyal Pakistani rupees Philippine peso Qatari riyal Saudi riyal Singapore dollar South Africa Sri Lankan rupees Sterling pound Swedish krona Swiss franc Syrian pound Thai bhat Tunisian dollar UAE dirham U.S. dollars Yemeni Riyal

3.100 400.830 0.191 94.410 46.300 4.350 239.400 1.832 51.900 734.710 3.010 7.220 78.240 75.520 228.960 33.870 2.694 446.500 44.900 310.800 3.400 9.840 198.263 77.120 283.200 1.370 GOLD

10 Tola 1,802.340

Sterling Pound US Dollar

Bahrain Exchange Company

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee

77.000 747.000 46.750 398.000 733.000 78.500 75.400

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 42.200 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.968 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.319 Tunisian Dinar 182.760 Jordanian Dinar 399.170 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.896 Syrian Lier 3.071 Morocco Dirham 34.457

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

76.96 751.93 42.03 402.32 734.97 77.98 75.52

TRAVELLER’S CHEQUE 444.500 282.800

Al Mulla Exchange

SELLDRAFT 291.600 752.210 3.563 283.300

229.000 42.041 381.000 36.010 5.241 0.031

Currency 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

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 281.900 381.600 444.300 283.500 3.050 5.238 41.882 2.233 3.567 6.938 2.879 750.900 76.800 75.300

400.790 0.190 94.410 3.300 237.900

734.530 2.890 6.958 77.810 75.520 228.980 33.870 2.236 444.500 309.300 3.400 9.680 77.020 282.800

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Rolls-Royce sees highest sales growth ever in Kuwait in 2012 Impressive sales results a natural progression

KUWAIT: Rolls-Royce has announced that it recorded its highest sales growth ever in the Kuwait during 2012. Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive, the sole dealer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the country, concluded the year with a 36 percent increase in sales of the ultra-luxury vehicle, placing it amongst the top three best performing markets in the region.

The impressive sales results come as a natural progression for Ali Alghanim & Sons

Automotive, which has seen solid growth over the past few years in its Rolls-Royce sales. The company’s focus on customer satisfaction and targeted marketing activities runs in line with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ pursuit of excellence and quality through every aspect of the brand.

“These impressive results further confirm the increasing importance of the Kuwaiti market for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and highlight the increasing strength of the ultra-lux-

France to miss 2013 deficit goal PARIS: France will probably miss this year’s public deficit goal, Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said, the first time a member of the government’s inner circle has admitted doubts over the policy cornerstone are valid. France is battling to maintain its credibility with its European Union partners, rating agencies and financial markets in the face of serious misgivings over its efforts to reform a stalled economy and cut the budget gap this year to the EU ceiling of 3 percent of economic output.

Asked yesterday whether the state audit body was right in suggesting on Tuesday that France would overshoot the target, Fabius replied: “I think it’s likely, and that means we must both avoid squeezing what remains of growth while being responsible and making sure the word ‘savings’ is part of our vocabulary.” Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici, interviewed shortly afterwards on France Info radio, said there was no change in the government’s goal of 0.8 percent economic growth in 2013 and a nominal deficit of 3 percent of GDP. But he admitted the growth target would be “difficult” and said the Socialist government would examine if it needed to reevaluate its goals in late March, following the publication of the European Commission’s new economic outlook. “Our goal is for 0.8 percent growth for 2013. Let’s admit it’s going to be difficult,” Moscovici said. “I am perhaps better placed than whoever else to know that, and it’s the same for the deficit. Then there is our timetable (for a review) which has not changed.”

Many economists see growth coming in closer to zero after an expected expansion of just 0.1 percent in 2012.

Preliminary 2012 GDP data will be released today. Moscovici had already said a review could come around April and many expect France will seek to

negotiate an extra year with its EU partners to meet the 3 percent ceiling, despite the risk of a sell-off of French government debt in response.

Growth at standstill France’s Court of Auditors said on Tuesday it believed the deficit goal would be blown off course as the economy veers close to recession, despite the government’s effort to make an unprecedented 38 billion euros of savings this year.

It urged the EU to make clear how it will judge member states’ deficitcutting efforts, the most explicit call to date from a French authority for Brussels to clarify how it would react to France overshooting its budget targets.

The European Commission last year granted some leeway to Spain by saying it would focus on its structural fiscal gap, which takes economic cycles into consideration, rather than the nominal deficit. New EU treaty rules also put greater emphasis on efforts to narrow underlying budget shortfalls.

Fabius’s remark appeared to be the latest in a series of mixed messages sent by the nine-month-old government, which has had to repeatedly rein in its industry minister for provocative comments that clash with its official line.

Budget Minister Jerome Cahuzac backed Moscovici in saying that any modification to budget targets would come in the stability programme the government will present to parliament in mid-March before submitting it to the European Commission. “Everybody knows it is difficult to reach nominal deficit targets when the economic cycle is as bad as this,” he told France Inter radio.

“Nevertheless, this is where we are at. We’ll see (when we submit the stability plan) whether it is necessary to revise certain parameters.” —Reuters

ury car market in Kuwait,” said Yousef AlQatami, General Manager of Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive.

“It all starts with the product, and RollsRoyce Motor Cars is respected and renowned for offering the ultimate in luxury, comfort and innovative design, making the brand a benchmark for the whole automotive industry. Our success here in Kuwait is not only measured by growth in sales, but also the ability to offer our customers a one-of-a-kind

ownership experience,” he added.

Contributing to Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive’ solid per formance was the recently-launched Phantom Series II, which has been thoughtfully updated with contemporary yet timeless design enhancements that outline the cutting-edge technologies which significantly improve the car’s drive experience, ease-of-use and connectivity. The Phantom Series II family - including Phantom Saloon, Phantom Drophead CoupÈ and

Phantom CoupÈ - went on sale in Kuwait in August and has been a strong driving force behind the company’s 2012 sales achievements.

“We had unprecedented success in 2012 but we will not rest on our laurels, so we anticipate that the year ahead will be another successful one for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Kuwait, and remain committed to offering our customers only the best both in product and service,” he added.

Crude prices rise on improved demand outlook, supply cuts NBK Economic Brief KUWAIT: Crude oil prices saw steady gains through January, with some benchmark prices reaching their highest levels since September. The price of Kuwait Export Crude (KEC) rose from $107 per barrel at the end of December to $112 by early February, averaging $108 for the month. Brent crude climbed as high as $118 on February 1, up $6 in a month to its highest level since May. The main US benchmark - West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - rose a similar amount. At $17 pb in early February, WTI’s discount to Brent has narrowed considerably from a peak of $25 in November. Some analysts attribute this to new US pipeline capacity, which has eased the supply glut at WTI’s trading hub in Cushing.

The steady rise in prices has been driven by a number of factors, including an improved outlook for the global economy. Recent economic data from both the US and China has been encouraging, whilst the air of crisis surrounding the Eurozone has faded for now at least. Meanwhile, on the supply side, Saudi Arabian crude output fell to its lowest level in 19 months - 9.2 million barrels per day (mbpd) - in December, a drop of 0.4 mbpd from November. Saudi authorities linked this to a fall in seasonal demand from its customers rather than a deliberate change in policy. Nevertheless, the move was a signal that OPEC is prepared to respond quickly to signs of looser market fundamentals.

Oil demand outlook Forecasts for global oil demand growth in 2013 have generally been revised up over the past month, thanks mainly to estimates of stronger demand in Q4 2012 than previously thought, which generates a higher base starting point for this year. Most analysts now see demand growth of 0.9 to 1.0 mbpd in 2013 (or around 1.1%), up around 0.1 mbpd from a month ago though slightly down on 2012 levels. Demand growth in China has been revised up and China is one

Oil supply outlook Crude output of the OPEC-11 (i.e. excluding Iraq) fell by a significant 269,000 bpd in December to 27.4 mbpd - almost 1.3 mbpd below its April peak. OPEC production for 2012

ing-related disruptions waned.

Total OPEC production (including Iraq) dropped considerably in December to below 30.4 mbpd. This was driven by large declines in Iraq, where output plunged by about 197,000 bpd to a 6-month low of 3.0 mbpd - though official figures point to larger declines of some 255,000 bpd. Iraqi oil production during the month was affected by a number of technical and political issues, including loading problems with offshore terminals in the South and the ongoing dispute between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

as a whole averaged 28.1 mbpd, more than 1 mbpd higher than the previous year. The large decline in December came on the back of sharp reductions in Saudi Arabian output. Production was cut by some 421,000 bpd to 9.2 mbpd - Saudi’s lowest output since May 2011. Additionally, Iranian output continued to be affected by sanctions, dropping to 2.7 mbpd in December from 3.5 mbpd at the start of the year.

Meanwhile, large production gains were witnessed in OPEC’s West African producers Nigeria and Angola. The former saw output rebound sharply by some 137,000 bpd after three consecutive months of declines, as flood-

Despite this, Iraqi output averaged almost 3 mbpd for the year as a whole - the highest production level since the late 1970s.

After rising by an estimated 0.9 mbpd in 2012, non-OPEC supplies are expected to climb by more than 1 mbpd this year. Less than one-quarter of this increase is expected to come from OPEC natural gas liquids (NGLs).

Instead, the expected surge is likely to come from strong North American production combined with a recovery in non-OPEC supplies elsewhere. In total, global supplies are expected to rise more modestly in 2013, following a rise of more than 2 mbpd last year,

of the few major places where growth is expected to be stronger than last year. Demand growth continues to be driven by emerging markets (+0.9 mbpd). In OECD countries, demand is once again expected to fall (-0.4 mbpd), though by less than in 2012 thanks to improved economic fundamentals.

as cuts in OPEC output partially offset stronger non-OPEC supplies.

Price projections With modest oil demand and strong non-OPEC supply growth expected in 2013, OPEC may need to remain active to prevent a weakening in oil markets and prices. Based on a consensus view of a modest 1 mbpd increase in global oil demand this year, and a hefty 1.6 mbpd increase in non-OPEC supplies, global oil inventories could rise by some 0.2 mbpd in 2013 despite anticipated cuts in OPEC production. In this case, the price of KEC could drift down gently, but continue to be supported near $100 pb.

If, on the other hand, growth in non-OPEC supplies is 0.3 mbpd lower than expected, then there is less pressure on OPEC to make significant production cuts. Supply will continue to exceed demand, exerting some downward pressure on prices. In this scenario, the price of KEC slips only slightly, but stays above $100 pb for most of the year.

Alternatively, non-OPEC supplies could receive a boost from stronger than expected North American production or a recovery in non-OPEC output elsewhere. In this case, the price of KEC falls sharply to below $100 pb by mid-2013. However, this will prompt OPEC members, specifically in the GCC, to make big production cuts in order to stabilize prices in the second half of the year.

Budget projections With just two months remaining in the current fiscal year, the price scenarios described above are unlikely to impact budget outcomes for FY 2012/13 much, and the price of KEC is expected to end up at $105 - $106 pb.

If as we expect, spending comes in 515 percent below the government’s forecast, this year’s budget surplus could end up between KD 11.9 billion and KD 14.4 billion before allocations to the Reserve Fund for Future Generations (RFFG).

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Russia slaps fee on imported cars Trade tensions between EU and WTO newcomer Russia MOSCOW: A giant mechanical claw reaches down, grabs a small brown car and swings it into the maw of a huge shredder. Within minutes, the Soviet-era Moskvich saloon is spat out as a pile of twisted metal. Scrap dealer Yuri Vorontsov hopes business at his Vtormet yard outside Moscow will pick up soon thanks to a new recycling fee on car imports. But he is still waiting to hear how the levy will help him compete with fly-by-night operators who buy up cars, strip them for parts and dump the

hulks illegally. As it is the plant, which can process up to 10,000 cars per month, is lucky to chew through 40.

“You can sell your car in any condition - if you look on the Internet it says ‘we will buy any car, working or broken’. So what is going to happen; is it going to be properly scrapped?” asked Vorontsov. “No way.” Russia’s trading partners say the new levy is a purely protectionist play under the guise of environmental “recycling”. The European Union Trade

Commissioner, Karel de Gucht, has threatened to invoke the disputes procedure of the World Trade Organisation, which Russia joined only in August.

Fredrik Erixon, a director at the European Centre for International Political Economy thinktank in Brussels, called the import fee “blatantly discriminatory” and said Russia was running “highly protectionist” policies. “Russia is going to find itself being sued by a lot of different countries on a lot of issues,” Erixon told

Reuters. It was a disagreement over Russia’s automobile market that almost scuttled its marathon talks on joining the WTO, when President Vladimir Putin in late 2010 granted subsidies to encourage ‘localisation’ of auto production.

The dispute was resolved after Moscow signed up to a series of tariff cuts, lowering import duties on cars from 30 percent to 25 percent from September 2012, on the way to a final rate of 15 percent by 2016. The new charge effectively takes import charges back up to 30 percent. Moscow has shown no sign of changing behaviour deeply rooted in an autarkic Soviet-era mindset, its critics say.

Tensions with the United States have escalated over a Russian ban imposed this week on meat products containing the additive ractopamine.

Mounting car problem Russian car sales reached 2.9 million units last year, worth $77 billion, and the country is on course to overtake Germany as Europe’s biggest auto market in a few years. More new cars will mean - eventually - more cast-offs.

Moscow’s central streets are jammed with premium models like the Mercedes favoured by top apparatchiks, but Russians typically still keep their cars on the road for far longer than drivers elsewhere.

A third of the 35 million cars on the road in Russia were at least 15 years old as recently as 2011, market researcher AutoStat has estimated. Annual scrappage rates run at 1-3 percent less than half the 6 percent average in Europe, according to data from Price Waterhouse Coopers.

Vorontsov’s yard scrapped 12,000 cars in 2010 under a state-sponsored ‘cash for clunkers’ scheme created to fight recession, where car owners got a voucher towards a new car when they scrapped the old. But that scheme expired last year. Now, when Russians do get rid of their cars, they have no incentive to go to regulated yards because of the red tape and extra cost involved, said Stanley Root, automotive industry leader at PwC in Moscow.

Scrapping is “becoming an urgent question”, says Root, both to support the car industry’s growth and to deal with the expected increase in unwanted old cars as rising incomes encourage middle-class Russians to

trade up at a faster rate. “If you want to secure the long-term sustainable growth of the car industry here, it is high time that attention was focused on implementing a scrap system,” Root told Reuters.

Words but no action The Russian government says the fee on imported cars, which ranges from 430 euros for a small car to 150,000 euros ($200,000) on a heavy construction vehicle, is one of the measures it is taking to address the issue. But while the Trade and Industry Ministry has said the money will be used to set up state-sponsored car scrapping infrastructure, it has not given details of when and how this will be done.

Cars manufactured in Russia will not be hit with the fee as long as producers set up dropoff points at their own expense to collect old vehicles for recycling.

Homegrown firms such as AvtoVaz, the maker of the iconic Lada that is now majority owned by a Renault Nissan joint venture, stand to benefit the most. Importers will have to pay up-front fees worth around 5 percent of a car’s sticker price. “This levy is offsetting, clearly, the reduction of customs tariffs which has started since the accession to the WTO,” said Frank Schauff, head of lobby group the Association of European Businesses (AEB) in Russia, which backs the development of a regulated, but not state-controlled, scrappage industry. Foreign car makers say it is Russian consumers who will ultimately bear the cost.

“Across the entire industry the end consumer will suffer from this policy,” said John Steck, president of Volvo Car Russia, which imports every car it sells in Russia. Denis Manturov, the minister of trade and industry, said in a speech last month that the government would not drop the fee. He added: “We are ready to consider the possibility of creating conditions for establishing recycling centers for foreign producers, but it will certainly take time.”

Scrap dealer Vorontsov, a stocky man in his 50s with a matching white crew cut and stubble, is eager to see the dispute resolved one way or the other. “ The faster clarity comes, the faster it will become clear how an auto recycling system will work in Russia,” he said. — Reuters

This combination of photos shows (left) a sign outside the Comcast Center in Philadelphia in July 2010 and (right) the entrance to the Universal Studios theme park in Los Angeles. — AP

Comcast doubles down on TV in $16.7bn deal for NBCU LOS ANGELES: Comcast’s $16.7 billion deal to buy the remaining half of NBCUniversal ahead of schedule represents a resounding vote of confidence in the future of TV, even as the growth of Internet video reshapes the entertainment landscape. The decision was driven largely by Comcast Corp’s belief that it would end up paying substantially more for General Electric Co’s remaining 49 percent stake if it had waited until 2018, as had been envisioned in 2011 when the cable TV provider acquired majority control of NBCUniversal.

“We didn’t have to do this now, we chose to do it,” Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said in an interview on CNBC. “We’re bullish on the businesses we’re buying.” The late Tuesday announcement sent shares of both companies up. Comcast was up 8 percent and GE added 3 percent in premarket trading yesterday. The flagship NBC network, once seen as the deal’s albatross, has been on the turnaround.

Broadcast TV revenue rose 7 percent last year, even after excluding the Super Bowl and the Olympics. Theme parks, the Universal Pictures movie studio and pay TV networks such as USA and SyFy have grown, too. As the advertising market has rebounded with the economy, so have the fortunes of NBCUniversal and other media companies such as CBS Corp. and ABC owner The Walt Disney Co. That made the latest transaction, announced Tuesday, seem like a savvy one at a relatively modest price.

“I think the television business has turned out to be much more powerful as an advertising medium than people were thinking five years ago,” said Jonathan Taplin, a professor specializing in digital media at the University of Southern California. “Comcast made a really smart move in believing that TV would continue to be a really important part of the advertising picture for years to come.”

When the deal was first announced in late 2009, NBC’s audience ratings were sagging badly, raising doubts about the future of the broadcast pioneer that once boasted stars such as Johnny Carson, Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, Milton Berle and Tom Brokaw.

More recently, though, NBC has bounced back with a new hit in “The Voice” and has a consistent ratings leader in “Sunday Night Football” during the fall and early winter. By last fall, NBC could boast for the first time in a decade that it was drawing the most viewers in the 18-to-49-year-old demographic prized by advertisers. Overall, NBC still ranked behind

CBS and ABC, but at least it was no longer bringing up the rear in fourth place, as had been the case for several years.

Higher ratings translate into more advertising revenue, even though Comcast gets twothirds of its revenue as a cable-TV and Internet access provider. NBC’s improved success from TV shows also figures to bring in higher licensing fees from the Internet video services run

by Netflix Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. NBC’s turnaround is one of the main reasons Roberts wanted to take complete ownership of NBCUniversal now.

“We thought that we would have to pay more later,” Roberts said in an interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. “We really have known we wanted to buy 100 percent from the beginning of the transaction. We wanted to learn the business,” he added. “We feel that now is an opportune time.”

The deal, expected to be completed by the end of March, values NBCUniversal at $34 billion, not including $5 billion in debt. That’s about 13 percent higher than two years ago, when Comcast’s investment valued the company at about $30 billion, also excluding debt.

Compare that to CBS’s stock price, which has more than doubled, or Disney’s, which has risen 41 percent, since then. That makes the transaction for the rest of NBCUniversal a steal.

Complete ownership will let Comcast benefit more from the rising price of sports rights and other TV programs. It avoids solely being in the uncomfortable position of passing those costs onto customers. And long-term rights deals between the TV networks and their cable and satellite distributors have ensured the importance of TV, even as Web video is on the rise. Diversification was one reason Comcast bought a majority stake in NBCUniversal two years ago.

Jonathan Atkin, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, contrasted Comcast’s fortunes with the woes of Time Warner Cable Inc., whose shares have plunged 13 percent since it reported in late January that profit margins would be squeezed this year by higher programming costs. “Look at what happened to Time Warner Cable,” Atkin said. “Comcast, as a slightly more diversified conglomerate, is less exposed to that.” Besides buying the rest of NBCUniversal, Comcast agreed to pay GE another $1.4 billion for other assets that include one of New York’s best-known landmarks, NBC’s headquarters at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. —AP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS

One-man bank keeps German business on GAMMESFELD: Peter Breiter, 41, is an unusual banker. Not for him the big bonuses, complicated financial instruments and multi-million deals. He is happy instead writing transaction slips out by hand for the 500 inhabitants of the tiny southern German village of Gammesfeld. “Why would I use a cash machine?” said Friedrich Feldmann, a customer sitting in the bank’s small waiting room on his once-weekly visit to withdraw cash. “They cost money anyway.”

The Raiffeisen Gammesfeld eG cooperative bank in southern Germany is one of the country’s 10 smallest banks by deposits and is the only one to be run by just one member of staff. Small banks like this dominate the German banking landscape. Rooted in communities, they offer a limited range of accounts and loans to personal and local business customers.

While numbers have shrunk from around 7,000 in the 1970s to around 1,100 now, cooperative banks like Raiffeisen Gammesfeld provide competition for

Germany’s two largest banks - Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank.

A typical day’s work for Breiter involves providing villagers with cash for their dayto-day needs and arranging small loans for local businesses. Not to mention cleaning the one-story building that houses the bank, which is 200 metres from his own front door. Moving from a bigger bank, where it was all “sell, sell, sell”, Gammesfeldborn Breiter says taking up this job in 2008 was the best decision he ever made.

The advertisement required someone to work by hand, without computers. The typewriter and the adding machine bear the signs of constant use, although Breiter, in his standard work outfit of jeans and jumper, does now have a computer. “It’s so much fun,” Breiter, a keen mathematician, says as he deals with a steady stream of lunchtime customers. He knows his customers by name and regularly offers advice on jobs, relationship and money woes.

“People said I would get bored, but I’m

not,” he said. Breiter doesn’t even mind that he gets barely any holiday each year, saying he is happy to settle for weekends skiing in the mountains nearby. “My hobby is my job. What could be finer?” The cooperatives’ existence is entwined closely with that of the Mittelstand, Germany’s medium-sized and often family-run firms responsible for much of its export success.

“The Mittelstand is the lifeblood of Germany, and these are often our customers,” Steffen Steudel, a spokesman for the BVR cooperative banking group association told Reuters. Mittelstand customers served by Gammesfeld include farmers, a maker of solar panels with around 100 employees, and a window firm, which supplied the windows for the bank.

Can we have one too?

While many cooperative banks took a hit from the financial crisis, they fared better than some banks because they had mostly not tried to expand too quickly or

take on too much risk-laden business. The shock of seeing big banks go bust has also sparked renewed interest in the cooperatives, seen as steady and reliable, according to the BVR. “Just as consumers want to know where their food is coming from, they also want to see what the bank is doing with their money,” Steudel said.

Raiffeisen Gammesfeld restricts its business to traditional retail banking - no credit cards, shares, funds or even online banking. Annual profits are stable at around 40,000 euros and the biggest loan it ever agreed was for 650,000 euros.

Breiter said the financial crisis prompted interest in his bank from all over Germany: “One person rang up five times asking for a 4 million euro loan but I had to refuse because he wasn’t from Gammesfeld!”

Breiter also says people have called to ask how they too can recreate Gammesfeld in their own village, although he says that the model is impossible to start from scratch today because of the sums of money that would be needed. Breiter is also

proud that Gammesfeld is there to serve the community and not just make profit.

Each customer is offered the same interest rate, whether they earn 1,000 or 10,000 euros a month. Inge Dill, whose son went to school with Breiter, says the bank offers the best interest rates around. “Why would I go anywhere else?”

The bank, however, almost did not make it this far. Back in the 1980s, the bank’s previous CEO, Fritz Vogt -whose grandfather founded the bank back in 1870 - had to go through the courts to ensure the bank kept its licence because it did not have a permanent second member of staff to act as a “second pair of eyes” to doublecheck transactions. Even now, 82-year old Vogt, whose house backs onto the bank, still pops in each week to help out and cast an eye over the books. Breiter says he too wants to stay working at the bank as long as possible. “Of course I have to be careful not to withdraw completely into my shell.

There’s a whole world outside Gammesfeld after all.” —Reuters

Rosneft to raise up to $30bn from China Share of oil deliveries to Europe steadily decreasing

LIMASSOL: A man walks past a giant poster featuring Cypriot presidential candidate, Nicos Anastasiades, leader of the right-wing party Disy, displayed outside his campaign office. —AFP

Economy rules Cyprus vote NICOSIA: Cypriots vote in a presidential election Sunday more worried about securing an international bailout for the crisis-hit economy than choosing a leader to bridge the island’s decades-old divide. The vote marks the first time since independence in 1960 that progress on reunification with the island’s Turkish-occupied northern third has been forced to take a back seat. “The economic crisis has dominated the debate and the Cyprus problem is second by a long distance,” political analyst Hubert Faustmann told AFP. “Whoever comes in as president will have to sign the bailout or face state bankruptcy. These are the only two options.

There is no third option,” said Faustmann, associate professor of history and politics and Nicosia University. Nicos Anastasiades, 66-year-old leader of the largest opposition party, the rightwing Disy, is the hot favourite to win in Sunday’s first round when just over half-a-million Cypriots go to the polls. Anastasiades, who takes a 15 percent opinion poll lead into the final days of the campaign, is seen as a man Brussels can do business with while his position on the Cyprus issue is more flexible than his rivals.

Anastasiades supported a failed “Yes” vote for a United Nations reunification blueprint in 2004, even though it was rejected

by Greek Cypriots, resulting in a divided island joining the EU. Now, the eurozone is getting ready to throw the country a 17 billion euro ($23 billion) lifeline as oncewealthy Cypriots have been forced to come to terms with austerity and soaring unemployment, running at over 14 percent.

Cyprus will first have to overcome deep misgivings about money-laundering amid fears over Russian criminal elements using the banking system. Many Russian banks and businessmen keep funds in Cyprus.

Nicosia requested a bailout in June when its two largest Greek-exposed banks asked

for assistance after failing to meet EU capital buffer criteria. Bailout negotiations dragged on while outgoing President Demetris Christofias resisted austerity measures that would include privatisation, and reopened talks with Russia on topping up a 2.5 billion euro loan.

Christofias is the only Cypriot president not to run for re-election, citing a lack of progress on the Cyprus problem during his five-year term. UN-backed reconciliation talks ground to halt in 2012, deadlocked over power sharing, property rights and territorial adjustments. But it has been the economics of recession-unprecedented unemployment, austerity, a liquidity crunch and a property slump-that has swamped the domestic agenda. Anastasiades’ closest challenger is former health minister Stavros Malas, 45, a candidate who has the support of the ruling communist AKEL party. Malas is confident of seeing off the challenge of former foreign minister George Lillikas, 52, and reaching a second round runoff the following Sunday. The other eight candidates have no chance of causing a shock.

Independent Lillikas is along among the three main candidates to oppose a bailout deal, saying it would plunge the tourist destination into deeper recession. He wants to use the island’s huge offshore natural gas reserves to kick-start the economy, despite assertions it will take five years to come onstream.

Political commentator Sofronis Sofroniou believes Anastasiades will come out on top because Cypriots are demanding change after five years of AKEL rule destroyed the economy. “There is a feeling that with a different economic approach things will change and a recovery can happen,” he told AFP. The Mediterranean island has been divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and seized its northern third in response to an Athens-inspired coup aimed at uniting Greece and Cyprus. —AFP

S&P cuts Slovenia debt rating a notch WASHINGTON: Ratings firm Standard & Poor’s downgraded Slovenia’s government bond ratings by a notch Tuesday, citing the struggling euro-zone country’s larger-thanexpected debt burden. Slovenia’s long-term sovereign ratings was cut to A- to A and also removed the rating from a negative watch, where it was placed on November 6 last year.

S&P said the country’s outlook was “stable.”

“The downgrade reflects Slovenia’s higherthan-anticipated debt burden, due to its announced support of its state-owned banks, amid uncertain growth prospects,” S&P said in a statement. The agency also noted rising risks to resolving economic and financial pressures.

“In our view, this confluence of factors constrains Slovenia’s ability to further implement policy responses to help boost its banking system, public finances, and growth prospects,” it said. Problems at Slovenia’s banks, struggling under a mountain of bad debts, have raised speculation that the former Yugoslav republic, once a model newcomer to the European Union, may need a bailout.

S&P said that the country’s growing fiscal deficits in 2009-2012 had pushed the government debt ratio to about 48 percent of gross domestic product in 2012, from 16 percent of GDP in 2008. “In our opinion, government support of distressed state-controlled banks will increase its debt in 2013 by about 3 billion to 4 billion euros ($4.0-5.4 billion), the amount we believe will likely be needed to fund the transfer of the banks’ distressed assets to the government-owned Bank Asset Management Company,” it said. The rating firm projected the debt ratio would rise to 59 percent of GDP at end-2013 and top 60 percent afterward, well above its previous forecast3. The small euro-zone country is locked in political crisis.

Embattled Prime Minister Janez Jansa is fighting to stay in office at the head of a government with now just 36 seats in the 90-seat parliament. Jansa’s lack of support in parliament makes it tough for him to implement austerity cuts and the deep structural reforms needed to pull the two-million-strong country out of recession. —AFP

LONDON/MOSCOW: Rosneft is seeking to borrow up to $30 billion from China in exchange for possibly doubling oil supplies, making Beijing the largest consumer of Russian oil and further diverting supplies away from Europe. Four industry sources familiar with the situation told Reuters Rosneft was in talks with China’s state firm CNPC about the borrowing, which would echo a $25 billion deal the two companies clinched last decade.

Back then, Rosneft and Russian pipeline monopoly Transneft borrowed money to help Rosneft acquire the assets of nationalised oil producer YUKOS while agreeing to build a pipeline to supply China with 300,000 barrels per day for 15 years. This time, Rosneft wants to borrow money as it is close to completing a $55 billion acquisition of rival TNK-BP to become the world’s largest oil producer among publicly traded firms. Russia’s leading oil company, controlled by the Kremlin, is considering ultimately doubling supplies to China, sources said. “It can be a combination of delivery options. The strategic line is to increase supplies to China,” one source familiar with the situation said.

“The reason why China is willing to lend is simple. They sit on over 3 trillion of dollars in reserves and are looking to diversify their investments,” he added referring to China’s forex reserves of $3.3 trillion. Rosneft and CNPC declined comment. The first loan-for-supply deal between the two companies connected directly for the first time the

world’s largest energy producer and consumer. It came after a number of energy disputes between Russia and its neighbours which cut gas and oil supplies to Europe several times, drawing criticism and calls from the European Union for diversification away from Russian energy resources.

Russian President Vladimir Putin retaliated by saying Moscow would divert more energy resources to Asia. Since then Russia has been steadily increasing crude exports to Asia at the expense of deliveries to Europe with flows due to amount to around 15 percent of total Russian oil exports this year via pipelines to China and to the Pacific coast. Should deliveries to China double, the share of Russian exports to Asia will amount to over a fifth of overall exports by the world’s largest oil producer and the second largest exporter after Saudi Arabia.

“Crazy deficit” Energy relations between Moscow and Beijing has been, however, complicated in the past years by disputes over oil shipping tariffs along the existing pipeline. They were ultimately resolved after Russia agreed to apply a discount on supplies. The head of Russia’s pipeline monopoly Transneft, Nikolai Tokarev, said this week deliveries to China would rise over time.

“We are neighbours and we need to develop ties, especially given that China has a crazy oil deficit,” he told business daily Kommersant.

Sources said it would take considerable time before a final deal was reached and differences over various delivery options were resolved. The first source said discussions centred around doubling capacity of the existing pipeline to China by building a parallel link. Volumes could be also topped up with deliveries from the Pacific port of Kozmino. “Building a parallel link is certainly not nearly as expensive as building the first one from scratch,” he said.

A second source said a second link might be an overly expensive option and Russia could opt to increase the throughput capacity of the existing pipeline by adding pumping stations. A third industry source said China was ready to lend as long as Rosneft agreed to ship more oil via Kazakhstan’s existing pipeline to China, which would soon be short of volumes due to depletion of some Kazakh fields.

However, Transneft fiercely opposes the plan as it would cut its transport earnings. Whatever the plan, the loan might be a pressing issue for Rosneft. It needs to borrow up to $40 billion to complete the TNK-BP acquisition. It has managed to cover its most immediate needs by lining up a syndicated loan as well as a $10 billion financing from traders Vitol and Glencore. But Rosneft also needs dozens of billions of dollars to launch new huge fields in Russia’s Arctic and finance a $25 billion refinery modernisation programme. —Reuters

Global watchdog requires more time on derivatives

BRUSSELS: Dutch banking and insurance group ING CEO Ralph Hamers gives a press conference of ING to present the financial results of the year 2012 yesterday. —AFP

ING cuts 2,400 jobs as profits fall more THE HAGUE: Dutch banking and insurance group ING reported yesterday a 32.5-percent plunge in net profit last year and said that it intended to cut 2,400 jobs in its operations in the Netherlands and Belgium. The group reported a net profit for 2013 of 3.89 billion euros ($5.2 billion), a nearly one-third drop from the 2011 level. It said that the fall reflected restructuring costs, losses on the sale of highrisk assets and charges linked to products in the United States offering a guaranteed fixed income.

However, fourth-quarter profits were up 20.9 percent year-on-year at 1.43 billion euros thanks to the sale of online division ING Direct Canada and insurance interests in Malaysia. “Retail Banking Netherlands is expanding the transformation programme started in 2011, leading to approximately 1,400 additional redundancies by the end of 2015 and reducing expenses by an additional 120 million euros per annum from 2016 onwards,” ING boss Jan Hommen said in a statement.

A further 1,000 jobs will be shed in Belgium through “natural attrition”, leading to 150 million euros in annual cost savings by 2015, the bank said. Hommen said the cuts were “essential to drive future performance” and accounted for 452 million euros in restructuring costs in 2012. The bank, which employs about 90,000 people, has so far announced 7,450 job losses since November 2011, restructuring that will save more than one billion euros per annum from 2015. ING said in November it had reached an agreement with the European Commission giving the bank more time to sell its insurance interests and to repay the remainder of the 10 billion euros it received in state aid in 2008. —AFP

LONDON: New rules on how much collateral is needed to back derivatives trades are unlikely to be finalised before September, leaving markets in limbo as global regulators seek to minimise potential harm to economic recovery. World leaders had requested that the rules be in place by the end of 2012.

However, agreement has proved difficult because of the huge demand for collateral at a time when banks are already being forced to beef up their capital reserves.

The delay has left markets second-guessing the changes to how the $640 trillion derivatives market will function and plug gaps highlighted by the financial crisis. David Wright, secretary general of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions, comprising all the world’s main market regulators, said on Wednesday that the final shape of the rules on posting collateral, also known as margining, needed further consideration.

“We need to do more economic thinking on the balance of the overall package,” he told a conference held by the Association for Financial Markets in Europe, a banking trade body. The regulators are looking at the level of high-quality assets, such as government bonds, that a bank or company holding uncleared derivatives will have to post in case of default. Mark Carney, who heads the global Financial Stability Board that is overseeing the drafting of the rules, expects them to be completed by September, Wright added.

Trillion-dollar estimate Regulators are finding it difficult to determine how much collateral should be posted

on uncleared derivatives trades. Cleared trades, which are contracts squared up in a process backed by a default fund in case one side of the trade goes bust, are considered safer than uncleared trades. World leaders have said that there should be an incentive to clear trades, suggesting that they want higher collateral requirements on uncleared transactions.

Banks, meanwhile, have warned that a trillion dollars or more of extra collateral will be needed for posting against trades if the new rules are too severe. The consultation on “near-final rules” will be launched within days, Wright said, and a phase-in period after September is almost inevitable. The extra time being taken to get the new derivatives rules right is the latest sign of how regulators are trying to find ways to avoid forcing banks to tie up too much capital, thereby making it harder to lend to companies to generate growth struggling economies.

In January, banking regulators eased and delayed full implementation of a separate rule that will require banks to build cash buffers to withstand sudden market shocks unaided. Robert Stheeman, chief executive of the UK Debt Management Office, said that markets were innovative enough to find ways around any collateral shortage.

Patricia Mosser, senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, also cast doubt on the “eye popping” estimates for possible collateral shortages, saying that markets are already moving to help to bridge any gap. “Innovation in collateral management is almost like a growth industry,” Mosser told the conference. —Reuters

HANOVER: Klaus Mangold, Chairman of the board of German tourism giant TUI, speaks during the company’s general meeting yesterday. TUI, which operates its business year from October to September, said in a statement it booked a net loss of 137 million euros ($184 million) in the three months to December, compared with a loss of 87.6 million euros a year earlier. —AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

BUSINESS

Hill+Knowlton Strategies launches social media crisis simulator KUWAIT: Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), a leading international communications consultancy, yesterday announced the Kuwait launch of their newest offering, ‘Flight School’, a proprietary technology which simulates online crisis scenarios, allowing companies to practice their response to possible crisis situations.

The simulator was developed to help organisations prepare in advance for crisis by allowing them to select a customized scenario, and then undergoing an interactive training session led by experienced professionals specialising in crisis management and emergency response. Using a unique dashboard, the program shows participants a realistic mock-up of how the crisis would unfold through various online channels, and allows them to practice and test their response.

Rishi Saha, Regional Digital Director at Hill+Knowlton Strategies commented: “Flight School was built on lessons learned through many years of conducting crisis simulations around the world, and we look forward to sharing this expertise with entities in Kuwait to help grow their understanding of crisis and the skills needed to deal with it- particularly in an age of fast, direct communication. This technology furthers our crisis offering by integrating more platforms that will play into crisis exercises with clients we currently work with.”

Using the dashboard, participants will experience a series of mock-up messages and posts across an array of channels to which they would have the opportunity to respond.

The channels involved include telephone, email

and social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. The dashboard is completely secure and private and allows for immersive and realistic simulations.

Through this new simulation tool, organisations can interact with traditional and social media without the risk of posting anything publicly. It also allows for the engagement of a spectrum of individuals that might be involved in a crisis situation, from social media managers to those involved in a front-line crisis response.

Immediately following the simulation, H+K conduct a debriefing to discuss the exercise. Within two weeks, a comprehensive overview of the simulation is delivered which incorporates key takeaways and suggestions for changes to crisis preparedness plans, procedures, and training.

Rishi Saha

Warba Bank team beats 75% Kuwaitization level KUWAIT: Anas Yousef Al-Ateeqi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Warba Bank, announced that Kuwaitization at the management level of the bank has crossed the 75 percent. This demon-

Anas Yousef Al-Ateeqi strates the commitment of Warba Bank to utilize the leadership qualities of Kuwaitis.

Despite the number of challenges, Warba Bank has been able to achieve this figure. Due to a lack of Kuwaiti recruits in

some sectors, the bank provided training to young nationals with high qualifications, enabling it to achieve Kuwaitization in some departments, including Corporate, Retail and HR, of 98 percent.

Reflecting Warba’s commitment to employ local expertise and talent the bank has achieved Kuwaitization over 60 percent, across its operations. As it enters its next phase of growth, the bank will now look to build on these foundations.

Al-Ateeqi said: “We firmly believe in the importance of human capital, particularly Kuwait nationals, and have been fully committed since the beginning to support Kuwaitization. We are also keen on helping to develop professional skills across the country.” “Warba’s strategy will support promising Kuwaiti talent in the banking sector in addition to providing them with suitable employment opportunities.” “Staffing Warba Bank with experienced Kuwaiti nationals will help elevate the bank’s status in Kuwait. This is in addition to the bank’s active role in supporting Kuwaiti society by providing fruitful employment opportunities,” added Al-Ateeqi.

DUBAI: flydubai CEO Ghaith Al-Ghaith with cabin crew.

flydubai a success story flydubai profitable within third year of operation

KIPCO CEO-Banking & UGFS-NA Board Member, Masaud Hayat (left) and Vice Chairman & MD of TIB and Chairman of UGFS-NA, Mohamed Fekih (second from left) at the launch ceremony.

Tunisia’s largest Sharia-compliant investment fund launched TUNIS: United Gulf Financial Services North Africa has announced the launch of its ‘Themar Investment Fund’, the Islamic Sharia law compliant fund. It has a capital of TND 50 million (approximately $32 million), to be financed by the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector and the Deposits and Securities Fund of Tunisia.

UGFS - North Africa is an investment company based in Tunisia. It is a subsidiary of the Bahrain-based United Gulf Bank, a member of the KIPCO Group. Themar is the largest Sharia-compliant Tunisian investment fund under the Tunisian Monetary Authority. The fund targets small and medium Tunisian institutions seeking financing

in different business sectors that support the Tunisian economy. Priority is given to existing and restructured projects in urban areas.

The fund will provide financial resources to institutions with high growth potential, through enhancing their financial sustainability, as well as their human and operational resources. Mohamed Fekih, Chairman of UGFS - North Africa, said: “Themar Investment Fund will contribute to boosting the Tunisian economy and diversifying it. It will also help create up to 1,000 new job. The success of the fund will serve to increase Foreign Direct Investment and further develop Islamic banking in the country.”

Burgan Bank announces its card campaign’s last winner KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced yesterday the name of the winner of the last cards monthly draw on a Samsung Galaxy SIII and the lucky winner of the Samsung Galaxy S3 was Chandan Pushkairna. The winner’s announcement comes as part of Burgan Bank’s cards promotion that was launched earlier, in which every KD 10 spent in Kuwait

online or in stores using Burgan Bank’s cards; cardholders will be granted one chance to enter the draw. Customers using their cards outside Kuwait, will double their chances to entering the monthly draws. Burgan Bank’s latest promotion is in-line with its overall commitment to provide its customers with exclusive benefits that go beyond their

KUWAIT: Haneen Al-Rumaihi, Head Of Marketing at Burgan Bank presents the winner with the Samsung Galaxy S3.

KUWAIT: flydubai, Dubai’s innovative airline, yesterday spoke of its success story, highlighting the airline’s achievements since its launch and the increasingly prominent role it is playing in Dubai’s aviation sector.

The airline paid tribute to the vision and support of the Government of Dubai, recognising its investment in infrastructure and tourism as well as its commitment to developing Dubai’s aviation sector, which is expected to contribute approximately $45 billion in revenues to the emirate’s GDP by 2020.

Since operations began in June 2009, flydubai has experienced unrivalled growth. In the past two years it has more than doubled the number of destinations it flies to, from 25 to 52, a rate of more than one new destination per month and has increased its weekly flights to more than 1,000. flydubai has carried 10.4 million passengers since its launch and has become the second largest carrier, by passenger numbers, operating out of Dubai International.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, commented: “The vision and commitment of the Government has transformed Dubai into a global centre for aviation, trade and tourism. Launched to support Dubai’s thriving commercial and tourism sectors, flydubai’s ambition and success embody the spirit of the city it represents. In its short history, flydubai has firmly established its place in the region. It has opened up new markets, contributed to increased tourism in Dubai and made a major contribution to the growth and connectivity of Dubai’s aviation hub.

Today, I am proud to celebrate the success of this young, ambitious airline and its positive impact on the UAE.” Commenting on flydubai’s performance, Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al-Ghaith said: “When we launched in 2009, our objective was to make air travel more accessible and offer real value for passengers. We quickly identified and capitalised on opportunities offered by our proximity to the world’s centres of population in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia, facilitating trade and tourism with the opening of new and underserved routes. We also challenged the conventional lowcost carrier approach, offering our passengers added-value services at affordable prices.

“The success of our sustainable business model is evident in our financial and operating performance. We moved into the black for the second half of 2011, delivering three consecutive semi-annual periods of profitable growth.

“In 2012, we carried 5.1 million passengers and with the addition of the Ha’il route in Saudi Arabia starting today, we have a network of 52 destinations served by a fleet of 28 aircraft.”

Strong financial performance supports success story In spite of an operating environment characterised by economic uncertainty and consistently high fuel prices, total revenue for flydubai in 2012 was AED 2,778 million ($756 million), a strong demonstration of the airline’s growth story to date.

Net profit for the year was AED 151.9 million ($41.4 million) and flydubai saw a steady upward trend in EBITDAR, reaching 24 per cent of revenue for 2012, an excellent achievement in just over three years of operations and a good indicator of the financial health of the business. flydubai’s commitment to enhancing the onboard experience of its passengers is demonstrated in its ancillary revenues which accounted for 16.5 per cent of total revenues in 2012. Ancillary revenues will continue to be a significant component of total revenues in line with the growing popularity of flydubai’s added-value services, which include in-flight entertainment, seat preferences, checked baggage allowances, car rental, travel insurance, cargo and visa facilitation services.

The airline’s financing partners have believed in

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai The airline has increased accessibility to and flydubai’s growth potential from the beginning of its journey. The market’s ongoing confidence in fly- from Dubai, launching 31 routes that either did not dubai’s credit story is reflected in the AED 4.5 bil- previously have direct links with Dubai or were not lion (USD 1.2 billion) competitive financing raised served by an UAE national carrier from Dubai. from the market to fund the acquisition of its air- Among the nine new destinations launched in craft fleet to-date, enabling the airline to order 50 2012 were Baghdad, Bucharest, Sana’a and Taif. flydubai has one of the youngest fleets in the aircraft before its first flight. Of the remaining aircraft deliveries, flydubai has recently mandated world. It chose the Boeing 737-800 for its suitability nine deliveries for sale and leaseback financing, to high frequency traffic within its geographic which attracted strong interest with bids received reach; the aircraft is quiet, reliable, has a strong safety record, and impressive fuel efficiency. The for more than five times the requirement. airline will receive the full order of 50 new Boeing Passenger numbers drive operational results At the core of flydubai’s proposition is the abili- 737-800 aircraft by 2016. ty to meet the varying needs of its business and Promising outlook for 2013 and beyond tourism passengers with connectivity and an flydubai has a committed leadership, sustainaffordable, reliable service. Since June 2009, it has experienced phenomenal growth in passenger able business model and a well-defined strategy numbers. The airline carried 5.1 million passengers for growth. Six new aircraft will be delivered in 2013 to meet demand on busy routes and enable in 2012, with 10.4 million passengers overall.

Passenger numbers for flydubai’s GCC network the airline to reach new destinations. Since the grew by 63 percent in 2012, with the total market beginning of the year two new routes: MalÈ in the for all airlines growing by 21 percent. In the CIS, fly- Maldives and Ha’il in Saudi Arabia have joined flydubai’s passenger numbers grew by 72 percent, dubai’s network. Multan and Sialkot in Pakistan with the total market for all airlines growing by 28 will commence in March.

With projections for strong GDP growth in the percent. These figures highlight flydubai’s role in growing these new and existing markets by UAE, Dubai’s position as the centre for aviation, encouraging travel, rather than switching traffic trade and tourism in the Middle East and the between airlines. Each week more than 1,000 fly- Government’s continued investment in the quality dubai flights reach destinations across the Middle of Dubai’s airports and airlines; flydubai is confiEast, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Asia, CIS and dent that the outlook is promising for 2013 and beyond.

Central & Eastern Europe.

DUBAI: flydubai’s officials are pictured with the crew.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

technology

Nextdoor renovates before taking on world SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer thinks the Internet company will be able to please more people with fewer smartphone applications. Mayer told an audience of investors during a Tuesday presentation that she thinks Yahoo will be better served with just 12 to 15 mobile applications, down from a “scattered” portfolio of as many as 75 different programs in recent years. Offering so many different mobile applications has proven too overwhelming for Yahoo’s 200 million mobile users, Mayer said. By jettisoning some mobile applications and combining some elements in the same program, Mayer is betting Yahoo’s services will become more deeply ingrained as daily habits that

will “delight and inspire” users.

“We don’t want to overload people by expecting them to download too many distinct, individual apps,” Mayer said. Without saying so directly, she indicated that Yahoo is likely to concentrate its mobile apps on finance, sports, email, weather, entertainment, news and video. Her remarks came during her first appearance at an investment conference since she ended her 13-year career as a top Google Inc. executive to become Yahoo’s CEO seven months ago. Mayer, 37, mostly stuck to themes she has mentioned in previous conference calls with analysts to discuss Yahoo’s quarterly earnings.

She has consistently stressed that Yahoo needs

to come up with a better mobile strategy and hire more engineers specializing in applications for smartphones and tablet computers, to accelerate the company’s growth. Yahoo Inc, based in Sunnyvale, Calif, was stuck in a financial funk that caused its stock price to steadily sink until Mayer’s arrival. The shares have surged by 36 percent since Mayer became CEO and, on Tuesday, touched their highest level in more than four-and-half years in a show of Wall Street faith in Mayer. The stock closed at $21.21 Tuesday, up 31 cents.

Yahoo picked up more mobile engineering expertise Tuesday with the acquisition of Alike, the maker of an app that helps people find nearby

restaurants and other places that they might enjoy.

It’s the fourth small deal that Mayer has pulled off as Yahoo’s CEO. All of the acquisitions have been of startups staffed by a group of employees that Mayer wanted to add to Yahoo’s workforce. “We have to augment the engineering talent we already have and build more,” she said. Mayer also assured investors that she is setting quarterly goals that all employees will be expected to meet as Yahoo tries to build upon a 2 percent increase in net revenue last year. Although paltry, the gain ended a three-year slump in Yahoo’s annual revenue. “We grade ourselves as honestly and as brutally as we can,” Mayer said. — AP

Yahoo CEO plans to prune company’s mobile apps SAN FRANCISCO: Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer thinks the Internet company will be able to please more people with fewer smartphone applications. Mayer told an audience of investors during a Tuesday presentation that she thinks Yahoo will be better served with just 12 to 15 mobile applications, down from a “scattered” portfolio of as many as 75 different programs in recent years. Offering so many different mobile applications has proven too overwhelming for Yahoo’s 200 million mobile users, Mayer said. By jettisoning some mobile applications and combining some elements in the same program, Mayer is betting Yahoo’s services will become more deeply ingrained as daily habits that will “delight and inspire” users.

“We don’t want to overload people by expecting them to download too many distinct, individual apps,” Mayer said.

Without saying so directly, she indicated that Yahoo is likely to concentrate its mobile apps on finance, sports, email, weather, entertainment, news and video. Her remarks came during her first appearance at an investment conference since she ended her 13-year career as a top Google Inc. executive to become Yahoo’s CEO seven months ago. Mayer, 37, mostly stuck to themes she has mentioned in previous conference calls with analysts to discuss Yahoo’s quarterly earnings.

She has consistently stressed that Yahoo needs to come up with a better mobile strategy and hire more engineers specializing in applications for smartphones and tablet computers, to accelerate the company’s growth. Yahoo Inc, based in Sunnyvale, Calif, was stuck in a financial funk that caused its stock price to steadily sink until Mayer’s arrival. The shares have surged by 36 percent since Mayer became CEO and, on Tuesday, touched their highest level in more than four-andhalf years in a show of Wall Street faith in Mayer. The stock closed at $21.21 Tuesday, up 31 cents.

Yahoo picked up more mobile engineering expertise Tuesday with the acquisition of Alike, the maker of an app that helps people find nearby restaurants and other places that they might enjoy. It’s the fourth small deal that Mayer has pulled off as Yahoo’s CEO. All of the acquisitions have been of startups staffed by a group of employees that Mayer wanted to add to Yahoo’s workforce. “We have to augment the engineering talent we already have and build more,” she said.

Mayer also assured investors that she is setting quarterly goals that all employees will be expected to meet as Yahoo tries to build upon a 2 percent increase in net revenue last year.

Although paltry, the gain ended a three-year slump in Yahoo’s annual revenue. “We grade ourselves as honestly and as brutally as we can,” Mayer said. — AP

ATLANTIC CITY: A television displays a test version of an in-room gambling system that will let hotel guests place bets over the TV in their rooms at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. — AP photos

No need to leave the room: Bet by TV at NJ casino ATLANTIC CITY: Guests at one New Jersey casino won’t even have to get out of bed in order to place a bet. The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City said it will become the first casino in the United States to let guests gamble over hotel room TV sets, starting Feb 18. Its ECasino program will let guests with player’s cards set up electronic accounts and risk up to $2,500 a day. Slots and four kinds of video poker will be the first games offered.

The casino says the technology can be expanded to include gambling over hand-held devices anywhere on casino property, which New Jersey recently authorized, and full Internet gambling, if the state approves it.

“This puts us in a position to leverage the technology into true mobile gaming and Internet betting later on,” said Tom Balance, the Borgata’s president and chief operating officer. “We’re moving forward with the future of gaming, and this is that first step.”

John Forelli, the casino’s vice president of information technology, said it is designed not only as an added amenity, but to get them familiar and comfortable with the concept of electronic gambling accounts for the day when Internet wagering comes to New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie last week vetoed an Internet gambling bill, but said he

EMC transforms velocity channel partner program EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) today announced significant enhancements to the EMC Velocity Solution Provider reseller program that will make EMC’s industry-leading cloud computing and Big Data technologies and solutions available to more customers - particularly in the rapidly growing mid-market segment. With a continued emphasis on ensuring that Velocity resellers are exceptionally well prepared to sell and/or service EMC products and solutions, customers can be confident they are working with the industry’s most competent solution providers to support their business requirements.

The following program changes are effective immediately: New Target Products Rebate for Premier and ‘Signature Partners’ Provides top Velocity resellersπ with a predictable income stream via rebates paid on sales of targeted EMC technologies that align to the company’s key midmarket initiatives. Eligible products include EMC VNX and VNXe unified storage, EMC Avamar and EMC Data Domain backup and recovery solutions, and server Flash caching solution EMC VFCache.

This rebate is paid from the first sale and is in addition to - and can be combined with - EMC’s existing performance-based Specialty rebate.

Changes to Velocity Specialty Requirements Focus on Fortifying Selling Capabilities The program no longer requires resellers to earn an implementation certification to achieve a Specialty. While EMC encourages resellers to become services-enabled, removing this requirement from the reseller program now allows pure-play resellers a more direct path to achieving Velocity Specialties, where benefit opportunities accelerate.

For resellers who include services in their business model, EMC has strengthened its Velocity Services offerings (details below).

There is no longer a revenue requirement for resellers to achieve a Specialty.

Three Specialties are now required for Signature (top tier) resellers worldwide, reflecting the most advanced level of competency required of the top tier

ATLANTIC CITY: John Forelli, a vice president at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City NJ demonstrates a new in-room gambling system.

resellers in positioning and selling a broad range of EMC’s technologies.

EMC Isilon Partner Program Integrated into Velocity Program Former Isilon resellers can now become eligible for Velocity benefits on other EMC products, and existing EMC resellers can become eligible to earn benefits from selling Isilon - all within the integrated Velocity program.

More Products Eligible for Financial Benefits in Velocity Specialties - To help resellers align their portfolio with the growing demand for cloud and Big Data solutions, the following products are now eligible for financial benefits within the Backup and Recovery Specialty: EMC Mozy cloud backup, EMC Atmos objectbased cloud storage platform, and EMC Centera content addressable storage.

EMC Isilon scale-out network attached storage platform is also now eligible for benefits within the Consolidate Specialty.

Amplified Demand Generation: More Market Development Funds (MDF), More Qualified Leads - EMC is doubling its investment in demand generation funds, programs, and resources to develop highly qualified opportunities for partners and accelerate revenue growth.

Velocity Services Invests in Enhanced Tools, Offerings, and Resources to Accelerate Services Enablement with Resellers: Expanded library of online and videoinstructor-led services training provides a more convenient and efficient way for resellers to access EMC’s industry-recognized EMC Proven Professional technical training.

New online labs allow resellers to more efficiently and effectively hone practical implementation skills on EMC technology in a proctored virtual environment. New offering in the EMC Cooperative Services portfolio provides resellers EMC guidance on their solution design, as well as post-implementation review. As with all EMC Cooperative Service offerings, the reseller maintains full control of the customer relationship, and has the depth of EMC expertise in the background to ensure quality implementations.

would sign one with some moderate changes.

The New Jersey legislature is expected to approve Christie’s proposed changes on Feb. 26 and send the bill back to him to sign. The Borgata does not expect in-room gambling to supplant a significant portion of its action on the casino floor. Rather, it views it as an added attraction for customers trying to decide which of many East Coast casino destinations to visit.

Susan Marzetti, a casino patron from Staten Island, NY, said she would not take advantage of it. “I like the ambience of being down here on the casino floor,” she said. “I like the noise of the machines. In my room, I’d find it depressing, to be honest.”

But William Frawley said he’d definitely take advantage of it during down time. “I think it would be a great added feature,” he said. “I’d be willing to invest $100 and run it through there. Video poker, I’d definitely play.” Borgata officials said they had no estimates of how much they expect to take in through the system, which is subject to a 90-day trial period by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. The system is built by Allin Interactive, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., company that specializes in interactive television applications. There are several controls to prevent

the system from being used by minors or people excluded from gambling. A customer would have to have a Borgata player’s club card, which would screen them to ensure they are of legal gambling age and are not banned from any casino premises.

The PIN number used for the players’ club card would have to be combined with a temporary password provided by the casino’s front desk. Patrons would then go to the casino cashier cage and open an electronic account by providing up to $2,500 in cash, the maximum the state allows to be transferred into the system each day.

The system works using the TV remote control. Players can toggle back and forth among a slots game called Rum Runner’s Riches and four kinds of video poker. The casino eventually plans to add more games if the test period if successful. Players who want to cash out just click a button on the screen and the proceeds of their gambling go into an e-wallet that can be stored for future visits, or paid out at the casino cashier cage, just like winnings accrued on the casino floor. The technology is currently used on large cruise ships. It will be available in all 2,000 of the Borgata’s rooms. Las Vegas allows sports betting on hand-held devices.—AP

Smartphone application can assist with concussion detection and treatment WICHITA: An entrepreneur with close ties to Wichita State University has developed an iPhone application that researchers say could revolutionize how a key symptom of concussions can be quickly and accurately detected within minutes.

The “Sway Balance” app, developed by WSU alumnus Chase Curtiss of Tulsa has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It was tested for two years in Wichita, both at WSU and among hundreds of athletes at Wichita East and Andover Central high schools, and in schools in Oklahoma and California.

“It’s a very cool tool,” said Jennifer Hudson, the head athletic trainer for the Wichita school district who helped test the app for two years with East High athletes.

What Curtiss did, said Jeremy Patterson, the WSU scientist who studied and tested it, was develop a cheap, fast, accurate tool that trainers and other health care specialists have never had before. It gathers measurable evidence in moments, showing that a person has probably suffered a concussion. “A lot of the initial assessments by trainers on the sidelines have had to be much more subjective, much of them based on how the athlete is feeling,” said Hudson, who also teaches in the athletic training program at WSU. “A concussion until now has not necessarily been an injury that you can ‘see,’ like a fat (swollen) sprained ankle.

“But this app shows real numbers and gives you a better assessment.” It doesn’t “prove” a person has a concussion, she said, because some concussions don’t affect the area of the brain that controls balance. But it gives a better assessment than she’s seen before.

Testing balance How the app works is simple, said Curtiss, who earned a master’s degree in exercise science at WSU in 2008 while working under Patterson.”We’re not diagnosing concussions,” Curtiss said. “We’re screening balance as a key symptom of a possible head injury.” The app works like this:Trainers like Hudson ask an athlete to hold the iPhone or iPad on his or her own chest. Then she tells them to close their eyes.

She puts them through three tests that take about 10 seconds apiece: With your eyes closed, put your feet together. Then put your dominant foot in front of the other, heel to toe. Then lift the dominant foot, and stand on the non-dominant foot. The app then gives an indication of numbers. Athletes will be tested at the beginning of a season, when everyone is healthy and un-injured.

That gives the trainer a recorded baseline of how

much balance the athlete has when healthy. That recorded baseline is then compared with whatever the app might show next if the athlete is ever injured in a practice or competition.

Hudson said the app, within minutes, gives a reading about whether an injury victim has developed a new problem with balance. This can be done on the field or court right after an injury.

Currently, researchers said, athletes, team trainers and coaches don’t know for sure that an athlete has developed a concussion until extensive physical tests and expensive medical scanner tests are done. They also rely more heavily now on how the athlete tells them he or she feels. Some of those same tests will still need to be done, but the advantage of the new technology is that trainers won’t have to guess when a player needs to sit down, or go to a doctor.

Concussion dangers Patterson, an associate professor and director of the human performance laboratory at WSU, said the app is an important innovation not only for National Football League players but for children and adults who play sports of any kind.

“Most people think concussions are when an NFL linebacker hits a quarterback helmet to helmet,” Patterson said. “The dangers are more extensive than that.”

Thousands of high school and college football players suffer concussions every year.

Concussions, Patterson said, are a significant

problem for soccer players, for basketball players, for tennis players diving for balls, for any sport.

Soccer enthusiasts have become increasingly concerned. Most concussions in soccer do not involve head-to-head but rather head-to-knee collisions, or a “shaking” injury to the brain inside the skull during collisions or falls where the head is whiplashed.

Medical people have even begun to ponder the safety of baseball catchers who get hit in the protective mask with a foul tip or an errant pitch.

Another good thing this app will do is help sort out when an athlete is ready to return, first to practice, then to competition, Patterson said. The real danger of concussions is not the first head injury, Patterson said. It’s “second-impact syndrome,” a dangerous outcome. “It’s very important that the first injury gets picked up and identified,” he said. “You get a second injury, and you are really cooked.” Brain damage and recovery can be more extensive after a second injury, he said.

Other uses Because the new tool measures balance, researchers also said this tool will almost certainly become a key feature in seemingly unrelated professions. “The possibilities are pretty astounding, really,” Hudson said. Police officers can use this kind of tool to accurately find balance problems in drunk drivers or impaired drivers, researchers said. Physical therapists could use it to cheaply and quickly track the progress or deterioration of nursing-home patients, who must exercise to prolong their lives or recover from injuries.

Curtiss said that under the Affordable Care Act, physical therapists treating elderly clients must now assess and put a value on function limitations for every patient who comes for treatment; the new app could help speed that process, he said. And athletic teams from grade school to the NFL to the NBA could use it not only to deal much more effectively not only with concussions but-because it assesses balancecould more accurately and quickly chart progress of athletes recovering from ankle sprains, knee problems and many other injuries. After he graduated from WSU, Curtiss moved to Tulsa and founded Capacity Sports, a software company where he developed the app. The app will be relatively cheap for the value delivered, Curtiss said.

Downloading the app will cost a one-time charge of $9.99. The amount of a monthly fee that medical providers will be charged for using the app has not been settled on yet, but will probably cost about $20 to $30 per month, Curtiss said. — MCT

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

Living at higher altitudes tied to lower obesity risk MARYLAND: People in the United States who live at higher altitudes where the air is thinnest are less likely to be obese than those in low-lying areas, according to a US study.

Using data for more than 400,000 people, researchers who published their results in the International Journal of Obesity found that people who lived closest to sea level were four to five times more likely to be obese, compared to people who live well above sea level in Colorado.

“I was surprised by the magnitude of the effect,” said lead

author Jameson Voss, from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. “I wasn’t expecting such a consistent pattern as what was emerging.”

About 36 percent of US adults are obese, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Rates var y across the nation, however, with a higher percentage of obese adults in southern states.

Western states, such as Nevada and Colorado, report the fewest obese adults.

The reasons behind the difference are unclear, said Voss and

his colleagues, but one possible explanation is differences in elevation - which can affect appetite hormones, growth and how many calories the body burns.

For the study, the researchers combined information from several databases, including a telephone health survey of 422,603 U.S. residents from 2011.

They had information on 236 people who lived at the highest altitude of at least 3,000 meters (about 9,800 feet) above sea level. They all lived in Colorado and tended to smoke less, eat healthier and exercise more.

The researchers also had information on 322,681 people who lived in the lowest altitude range, or less than 500 m (about 1,600 feet) above sea level.

After taking into account other factors that could influence the results, the researchers found that adults living in the lowest altitude range had a Body Mass Index (BMI) - a measure of weight against height - of 26.6. That compared to a BMI of 24.2 for people who lived in the highest altitude range.

A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, and obesity is a score of 30 or more, according to

the CDC. Voss and his colleagues also found that a drop in the risk of a person being obese was tied to every 200 meter increase in elevation.

“It provides some evidence that these associations persist over the long term,” he said.

Cynthia Beall, a professor of anthropology at Case Western Reserve University, said it’s common for travelers to high elevations to burn more calories in their first few weeks and that it would be interesting to see whether that would sustain.

But she cautioned that the new findings don’t prove the

higher altitude prevented people from being obese, noting that other researchers have found that people living in Colorado’s higher altitudes more to lower altitudes when they become sick with chronic illnesses.

Beall said it would be interesting to take a closer look at the people living in Colorado and see whether their obesity prevalence would change if they moved to a lower altitude.

“I know from my own self that when I come back to my own activities and diet, I come back to my own weight too.” —Reuters

Hospital environment tied to PTSD in heart patients Overcrowding ‘a major problem’ NEW YORK: Being treated for a heart attack in a crowded emergency department may be linked to developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a US study.

Previous research has found that about one in eight heart attack patients develop PTSD symptoms, which were tied to the risk of having a second heart attack and dying within three years.

The study, which appeared in JAMA Internal Medicine, doesn’t prove that crowded emergency rooms cause stress disorders, but researchers suggested that their findings show that hospital environments may leave a mark on patients’ mental health.

“What we’re showing here is — aside from the severity of a heart attack — the emergency department itself can carry forward and impact a person’s psychological adjustment after,” said lead author Donald Edmondson, from Columbia University Medical Center in New York.

Other studies have linked heart attacks and PTSD but the researchers wrote that they haven’t looked at whether the hospital environment was tied to the disorder’s start.

In 2009, a survey found that over 90 percent of US emergency room (ER) directors said overcrowding is a problem at their hospitals several times per week. They said it led to increased wait times, and it was tied to dissatisfied patients and a higher risk of poor outcomes.

“If you go to an urban emergency department on a busy evening, you may have patients piled up in the hallway, patients with substance abuse problems and patients who are mentally ill,” said Benjamin Sun, who studies hospital overcrowding but was not involved with the new study.

“If you are a patient who is very sick and you are getting care under those conditions, you can see why you’d be traumatized.”

For the study, Edmondson and his colleagues used data collected from medical records and interviews with 135 heart attack patients at one New York City hospital between 2009 and 2011.

On the least busy days, an average of 199 people passed through the ER, compared to an average of 255 on the busiest.

Heart attack patients who were there on the least busy days scored a 3 on a test that meas-

Soft drinks may need health warnings WELLINGTON: A New Zealand food industry association yesterday rejected a coroner’s call to add health warnings to soft-drink labels following the 2010 death of a woman who drank about 2 gallons of Coca-Cola a day.

Coroner David Crerar issued a final report Tuesday into the death of 31-yearold Natasha Harris, concluding that the mother of eight died from a heart attack.

He said the large amount of Coca-Cola she drank likely led to metabolic imbalances that gave rise to her heart problems,

WELLINGTON: This undated file photograph shows Natasha Harris who died of a heart attack in February 2010. —AP adding that Coke was likely a “substantial factor” in her death.

But New Zealand Food & Grocery Council Chief Executive Katherine Rich said “there isn’t a labeling regime in the world” that could have prevented the death of somebody who chose to drink Coke in such large quantities.

The New Zealand branch of the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage maker, disputed the coroner’s findings, noting that experts could not agree on the most likely cause of Harris’ death. Crerar recommended that soft-drink makers consider including caffeine levels on the labels and warnings about the ill health effects if the drinks are consumed in excessive quantities.

Under New Zealand’s food labeling system, warnings are mandatory on drinks with caffeine levels higher than 145 milligrams per kilogram. That covers many energy drinks, but not most soft drinks.

Rich said the coroner’s recommendations were well-intentioned but illinformed. She said that coffee, tea and chocolate also contain significant amounts of caffeine and that New Zealanders are unlikely to support the notion of health warnings every time they walk into a cafe or buy a chocolate bar.

She said the huge volume of Coca-Cola that Harris drank meant she couldn’t receive adequate nutrients from other food sources.

“It doesn’t matter what the food is. If it’s consumed in excess, there will be ill health effects,” Rich said. “It’s clearly a very tragic and complex case, but not one that provides a strong argument for changes to labeling.”

At a 2011 inquest into Harris’ death, Vivienne Hodgkinson, the mother of Harris’ boyfriend, said that Harris always needed to have Coca-Cola available, and that if she ran out she would “get the shakes, withdrawal symptoms; be angry, on edge and snappy.”

The coroner also heard evidence that Harris was of normal weight, didn’t eat much or drink any alcohol, and smoked about 30 cigarettes a day. She drank only regular Coke, preferring the taste over diet or caffeine-free varieties. The coroner heard that Harris had no energy in the months leading up to her death, felt ill all the time and often vomited and experienced a racing heart.

The coroner said it was hard to be certain about how much Coke Harris drank, but after reviewing evidence from her partner and friends, as well as 51 supermarket receipts, he estimated it was between 6 and 10 liters (1.6 and 2.6 gallons) per day.

The pathologist who examined Harris found that she likely suffered from hypokalemia, or low potassium, which contributed to her health problems, and that she had an enlarged liver from excessive sugar consumption.

Another pathologist giving expert testimony said that excessive cola consumption “can be dramatically symptomatic, and there are strong hypothetical grounds for this becoming fatal in individual cases.”

But a third pathologist giving evidence for Coca-Cola said that Harris’ health problems could have been caused by anemia or diabetes, and that genetic factors may also have played a role.

In a statement, Coca-Cola Oceania said it was disappointed the coroner chose to focus on “the combination of Ms. Harris’ excessive consumption of Coca-Cola, together with other health and lifestyle factors, as the probable cause of her death. This is contrary to the evidence that showed the experts could not agree on the most likely cause.” —AP

ures PTSD symptoms on a scale from 0 to 88, with higher scores being more severe forms of the disorder. Patients there on the busiest days scored an 8.

Edmondson said Health that neither group scored high enough to be diagnosed with PTSD, but it’s enough of a difference for patients to notice.

Sun said he wasn’t surprised and thought there were several possible explanations, such as patients picking up on how stressed doctors and nurses are at busier times.

Edmondson said that patients may also see or experience a breakdown in communication between nurses and doctors, which can happen in crowded ERs. He said Health that the next step is to look at the problem in a larger group of patients at several hospitals, and that there may be a link between PTSD and other types of patients as well. “I don’t think there is anything special in heart attack patients that makes emergency departments more likely to cause PTSD,” he said. —Reuters

Sea animal has grow-again penis PARIS: Scientists reported yesterday on the bizarre sex life of a sea slug that discards its penis after copulation. Then grows a new one.

“No other animal is known to repeatedly copulate using such ‘disposable penes’,” Japanese biologists wrote in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters, describing the behaviour as “extremely peculiar”.

Dubbed Chromodoris reticulata in Latin, the red-andwhite slug-technically a shell-less mollusc-inhabits warms waters in Southeast Asia.

The critter needs 24 hours between couplings to unroll an internally coiled and compressed juvenile penis to replace the used, external bit, the scientists found.

It can repeat this feat at least three times.

The human thumb-sized slug is an hermaphrodite, meaning it has both male and female sexual organs.

The animals perform dual sexual roles during copulation. They give sperm to a mating partner while simultaneously receiving sperm, which they store for later insemination.

The team observed copulation between sea slugs that they had captured during scuba dives and held in a tank.

After each coupling, which lasted between dozens of seconds and a few minutes, every slug discarded its penisa thread-like organ that it projects from its side into a partner’s vagina.

The team also examined the microscopic structure and function of the male organs-observing an internal spiral structure they believe grows into a replacement penis.

“We propose that the tissue at the spiral part of the penis is compressed and undifferentiated, gradually differentiating into the ‘next penis’,” the team wrote.

“It may need approximately a day for the spiral structure to be ready for copulation.”

In another revelation about the sea slug’s sex life, the scientists found its penis was covered with spines-and suggested these may be used to remove the sperm of previous partners being held in store by their mate.

The spines are backward-pointing, making it difficult to withdraw the penis after copulation. This may explain the organ’s disposable nature. “Chromodoris reticulata may compensate for the short-term cost of decreased reproductive opportunities caused by the loss of a penis with the reproductive advantage gained by sperm displacement,” wrote the study authors.

Various animals are known to discard parts of their body, such as the gecko which sheds its tail. Few, though, are willing to part with their penis, the team noted with clinical understatement. —AFP

NEW DELHI: Indian students take part in a flash mob to spread “safe sex awareness “ in New Delhi yesterday on the occasion of International Condom Day. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) organised a “Safe Sex Awareness” event in the Indian capital to promote the use of condom to prevent spread of HIV infections and sexually transmitted diseases. —AFP

Fewer men leads to more babies in poor areas PARIS: Women who outnumber men in poor communities are likelier to have babies at a younger age as competition drives them to lower their expectations of the opposite sex, a study said yesterday.

The findings are a useful tool for understanding unwanted teen pregnancies, its authors believe.

Researchers at Britain’s University of Portsmouth compared birth rates, gender ratios and the socio-economic background in more than 2,500 English wards, or urban neighbourhoods, each with about 8,000 residents. In poor neighbourhoods where men were the minority, women had children earlier, the investigators found.

But in more affluent neighbourhoods where men were similarly outnumbered, women focussed on education and career, later becoming the group with the higher birth rate in their 30s.

Study co-author Abby Chipman said that in poorer neighbourhoods the increase in the birth rate was mainly among 15-to-24year olds, while in more affluent areas it was among those aged 34 to 39.

“If there are more women than men, studies have shown that women have lower expectations of men,” she said.

“We found that poor women are more likely to rush to start their ‘reproductive careers’, while rich women are more likely to

delay having children.

“We speculate that instead they begin to accumulate resources and education that will be of benefit to their future offspring.”

Previous studies have shown that when men outnumber women, the female sex becomes more selective and poorer men are less likely to get married.

This is a situation that worries policymakers in India, China and other countries where there is a looming deficit of young women as a result of gender selection in pregnancy in favour of males.

The new research, published in the Royal Society journal Biology Letters, contends that when the pendulum swings in the other direction and women compete for men, pregnancies often result.

Amongst urban women aged 25-29, every 10 percent shift in the sex ratio towards an over-supply of women resulted in the birth of at least seven more babies in their ward, it found.

Scientists have long associated early pregnancies with poverty. But the new work shows how, at the micro-scale of the neighbourhood, the sex ratio can sharpen this tendency, the authors said.

“An oversupply of females within a local economically deprived environment leads young women to adjust their strategies for reproductive success,” it said. —AFP

Tips to help avoid a preventable hospital return NEW YORK: Patients too often leave the hospital without knowing how to care for themselves, leading to a preventable return. Here are tips to improve your chances of a successful recovery at home: ● Be sure you understand your illness and the care you received in the hospital.

Ask if you will require help at home. Can you bathe yourself? Climb stairs? Will you need bandages changed or shots? If so, do you have a caregiver to help, or will you need to arrange a visiting nurse? ● Repeat back your care instructions, to be sure you understand them.

Ask for a written discharge plan that lists your medical conditions, your treatments, and the plan for your ongoing care. ● Get a list of all medications, how to use

them, and what to do if you experience side effects.

Be sure to ask whether to continue medications you were taking before this hospitalization.

Ask what symptoms suggest you’re getting worse and what to do if that happens, especially at night or during the weekend.

What follow-up appointments will you need and when? Ask if your hospital will make the appointments for you, and send your records. ● Do you have transportation home, to followup appointments, and to the drugstore? ● If you have a regular physician, make sure the hospital sends a report of your hospital stay.

If you are uninsured or will have difficulty affording prescriptions, a hospital discharge planner or social worker may be able to link you to community resources that can help. —Reuters

Britain snubs costly blood cancer drug

LIMASSOL: A Turkish Cypriot man eats a meal provided as part of the food aid program launched by Limassol’s bishop Athanasios for people in need at the Bishopric Church of Panagia Katholiki in Limassol recently. The number of people benefiting from the daily food distribution program has substantially increased for the last months, due to the Mediterranean island’s economic crisis. —AFP

ZURICH: British health authorities said yesterday they would not recommend Jakavi, a drug produced by Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis to treat a rare form of blood cancer, deeming it too expensive.

Jakavi, or Ruxolitinib, was “clinically effective but could not be considered a cost-effective use of (the National Health Services’) resources,” the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said in a statement.

The drug is used to treat myelofibrosis, a rare type of blood cancer or chronic leukemia.

While NICE concluded that Ruxolitinib effectively treated symptoms and “could offer survival benefit,” it lamented that it was simply too expensive to impose on the public health system, since it would mean diverting costs from elsewhere.

“It is disappointing not to be able to recommend this new treatment in our preliminary recommendations,” it said.

Novartis, which is facing a wave of expiring patents on its traditional big-sellers, is working hard to multiply its new drug offerings like Javaki to ensure continued growth.

But like the rest of the pharmaceutical industry, the company has also had to deal with growing pricing pressure at a time when crisis-hit countries are increasingly being forced to slash health expenditures. —AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

EU ministers gather for talks on horsemeat row BRUSSELS: European farming ministers and the European commissioner for health were due to meet in Brussels soon amid growing anger and recriminations over mislabelled meat products. The EU meeting comes a day after British police searching for the source of horsemeat in kebabs and burgers raided two meat plants, the first such operation since the scandal spread across Europe.

The Brussels meeting takes place amid suspicions of links to organised crime and public fears over health, and a day after France became the second European country after Britain to confirm that frozen lasagne contained horse meat.

Supermarkets in Switzerland and the Netherlands pulled more ready-made meals from the shelves as a precaution.

Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Tonio Borg will host talks as anger grows over the EU’s failure to act more quickly.

A spokesman for Borg said Tuesday it was too early to require labelling on meat used in processed foods but France’s junior agriculture minister Guillaume Garot called for precise labelling on the origin of meat in readymade dishes.

And Interbev, an association representing the French cattle and meat industry, denounced the EU’s failure to

act. Both consumers and professionals wanted swift action on better labelling, it argued in a statement.

In Britain, police and officials from the Food Standards Agency on Tuesday raided a slaughterhouse in northern England and a meat-producing factory in Wales.

They shut both sites and seized all meat there. The FSA said the Peter Boddy slaughterhouse in Todmorden, in the county of West Yorkshire, was believed to have supplied horse carcasses to Farmbox Meats in Aberystwyth, Wales.

“The agency and the police are looking into the circumstances through which meat products, purporting to be beef for kebabs and burgers, were sold

when they were in fact horse,” the agency said.

Andrew Rhodes, operations director of the FSA, said he had ordered an audit of abbatoirs that produce horsemeat in Britain when the scandal arose last month “and I was shocked to uncover what appears to be a blatant misleading of consumers.” British environment minister Owen Paterson said he expected the “full force of the law to be brought down on anyone involved in this kind of activity.” British supermarket Waitrose pulled frozen beef meatballs from its shelves after tests showed they may contain traces of pork, not listed as an ingredient.

The raids on the British meat premises opened a new front in the panEuropean search for the source of the horsemeat: the allegations had so far focused on Romania. In France, retailer Picard said tests had confirmed that horsemeat was present in two lots of frozen “beef” lasagne meals made by French firm Comigel. Retailers in Britain, Sweden, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands have been removing Comigel products after the firm alerted Swedish frozen food giant Findus to the presence of horsemeat in its meals last week. Swiss supermarket giant Coop told AFP Tuesday it had now withdrawn all frozen lasagnes produced by Comigel

as a precaution. Comigel denies any wrongdoing. It said it obtained its meat from another French firm, Spanghero, which said it was supplied from two abattoirs in Romania who allegedly passed off horsemeat as beef.

But Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Monday angrily denied his country was to blame and called on European Union officials to find out from where the fraud originated and identify the guilty parties. Dutch supermarkets PLUS and Boni said Tuesday they had withdrawn Primafrost brand frozen lasagne as a precaution because it may contain horsemeat without being marked on the packaging. —AFP

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Birthday Greetings

Happy second birthday to our Aisha Syed, best wishes from Mom, Dad and Brother Syed Danial, Sister Yasmin Syed.

We wish you all the happiness and success in your life.

We wish you a very happy and prosperous birthday to our lovely Mahima Chowdary. Mother and Father: Malepati Venkateswarlu (Babu), Tejovati, Manjeet Chowdary (Brother) Grandmother: Rajamma, Uncle and Aunty Santharam Naidu Polineni and Latha.

KOC hosts open day

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uwait Oil Company held an open day for members of the diplomatic corps in Kuwait and their families at their spring camp in Julai’ah on Friday. The event was held under the patronage of KPC’s Deputy managing Director for North Kuwait Husniya Hashim, and featured various activities and competitions as part of a program organized for the special day.

Announcements ECC organizes Omra trip for Egyptians ecretary general of the Egyptian Community Council (ECC), Dr Azmi Abdul Fattah congratulated all Egyptians on the second anniversary of the January 25 revolution urging everybody to consolidate and unite for the best of Egypt as a whole. On this occasion, Abdul Fattah announced that the council would organize its annual Omra trip pointing out that it would last eight days in the period of February 21 till 28.

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Goan Culinary Club

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he Goan Culinary Club - Goa encourages you to log on to their website where you can find a video of Odette and Joe Mascarenhas sharing their thoughts on Goan cuisine. These videos were recorded at the launch of the Goan Culinary Club in Goa on March 3, 2012.

Thanks to support from all at the Goan Culinary Club, we have made great progress in six months.

Basketball Academy he new Premier Basketball Academy offers coaching and games every Friday and Saturday from 10 am onwards for 6 to 18 year olds, boys and girls. Located in Bayan Block 7, Masjed Al-Aqsa Street by Abdullah Al-Rujaib High School. Free Basketball and Tee Shirts for all participants, with certificates and special awards on completion of each 6 week course. Qualified and experienced British and American Coaches, Everyone Welcome.

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Kitchen Rock Band music itchen Rock’s Valentine program on February 15 at Asia Asia Royal Hall, AlWatiya Complex, Kuwait City, 7pm onwards.

Enjoy the New Version band, Selda band and Freefall band.

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Salsa & Jive classes alsa & Jive classes in Salmiya: Take the Dive, with Salsa & Jive, Two left feet wont stop the beat. Join now as an individual or a Couple.

Unleash your potential. Individual attention to all students guaranteed. For details contact: 97979816 / 94445711

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

IMAX film program

Aware diwaniya

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he AWARE Center cordially invites you to its diwaniya presentation entitled, “History Of Kuwait’s Democracy,” by Albara Alwohaib on Tuesday February 19, 2013 at 7:00pm. February is the time of national holidays in Kuwait.

This year also, Kuwait will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its parliament. But the country had been

going throw some political crisis. So how did that happen? What are the roots of those crises. Albara Alwuhaib is going to answer these questions and many more in the next Diwanya. Albara Alwuhaib is an engineer, who works for the ministry of interior & was sent to work as an assistant manager to the Kuwait Memorial Museum. He is

‘Kozhikode Fest 2013’

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ozhikode District Association, Kuwait is celebrating its 3rd Anniversary titled- ‘Qualitynet Kozhikode Fest 2013’ - on 15th February 2013, Friday, at Integrated Indian School Abbasiya from 4.30 pm to 10.30 pm.

Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta will inaugurate the function. Malayil Moosakoya, veteran journalist and educationist will be honored during the event.

Besides musical program by reputed South Indian playback singer Unni Menon, Sajla Saleem (Kairali TV and Asianet TV fame) and folk singer Praseetha, there will be mimics program by a comedy team consisting of 4 leading TV artists from India.

The motto of Kozhikode Fest 2013 is to ‘Strengthen Karunyam’.

The Karunyam Scheme of the Association aims to help the underprivileged section of Kozhikode in treatment of severe diseases like cancer, kidney ailments, heart ailments, etc. The Scheme has gone a long way since it was inaugurated one year ago. The Association could help 42 patients and distributed around Rs 8 lakhs in deserving cases. We are receiving large number of requests for financial assistance for medical treatment and we plan to continue this humanitarian work more vigorously in the coming years.

Association conducted medical

camps in far off places and arranged free medical check-up and medicines. The 2 medical camps organized at United Poultry Company in Salmi near Saudi border, where the medical facilities were quite inadequate are the most noteworthy among the medical camps we arranged last year.

Association has been in the forefront of raising the long pending demand for direct flight between Kozhikode and Kuwait.

Air India Express started plying direct flight services between Kozhikode and Kuwait from the last season and it was a moment of satisfaction for the Association.

The steps taken by our Association for getting the release of Biju Kollaraveettil, a member of our Association who was abducted by terrorists while he was in Philippines also needs special mention.

We have been very active in organising cultural programs also.

In the true spirit of secular tradition of Kozhikode, the festivals of all religions were celebrated with large participation from all communities.

Association has separate wings for ladies and children - Mahilavedi and Balavedi - who are very active in their respective fields.

Kozhikode District Association has grown into a frontline association in Kuwait during a short span of 3 years.

also doing volunteer work to a number of non -profit organizations including the Aware Center, Kuwaiti Human Rights foundations, and Kuwait Transparency Society. He is also a founder of a book club, which is part of Aljalees project. In June 2012, he gave a presentation entitled, “The Kuwaiti Resistance,” to the American Army at Camp Arifjan.

Air India Valentine ‘Ladies Special’ offer

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he Maharaja is pleased to offer the “Ladies Special” on his flights from Kuwait to Indian Gateway Points of Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad and Chennai as a special gesture to kick start the International Women’s day Celebration falling on 8th March 2013, with the following features: You will get a 10% discount on the base fare if you are an adult lady passenger and you are purchasing your ticket in February 2013 for travel between Kuwait/India/Kuwait on AI 975/976/981/982 for destinations Ahmedabad, Goa, Hyderabad and Chennai. You can avail it for your one way or return journeys. You may start you travel anytime between now and 31st Mar’13 We welcome all our valued Women passengers on board Air India to fly the Maharani way!

Kuwait Carnatic Music Forum Thyagaraja program

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J Nandini disciple of Bombay Jayasree who sang the title song in the Oscar nominated movie Life of Pi and winner of Ragarathnam program Amrutha TV classical music competition; accompanying artistes: Kanchi Kamakodi Pitham asthana vidwan Karunagappalli S Balamurali on violin; Kanchi Kamakodi Pitham asthana vidwan Perunna G Harikumar on mridangam; Gireesh Sundareshan on ganchira; Vazhappalli G Anil kumar on ghatam; and Manoj Mavelikkara on morshankh will perform.

Full day classical music program on Feb 19 am - 4.30 pm. Participants: music students and devotees. Pancharathna keerthanaalapanam at 5 pm at the Indian Community School Salmiya (senior girls). All are welcome.

Sunday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm To The Arctic 3D 11:30 am, 3:30 pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30 pm, 6:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 4:30 pm, 8:30 pm Monday: ** 9:30 am Showtime Available for Groups Born to be Wild 3D 10:30am, 3:30 pm, 9:30 pm Tornado Alley 3D 11:30am, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 8:30 pm To The Arctic 3D 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm Tuesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Tornado Alley 3D10:30am, 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 11:30 am, 5:30 pm, 9:30 pm To The Arctic 3D 12:30 pm, 7:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 2:30 pm Journey to Mecca 4:30 pm Wednesday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups To The Arctic 3D 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm Tornado Alley 3D11:30 am, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 8:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 4:30 pm Thursday: ** 9:30am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:30 pm To The Arctic 3D 11:30 am, 8:30 pm Tornado Alley 3D 12:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 4:30 pm Friday: Fires of Kuwait 2:30 pm Tornado Alley 3D 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 8:30 pm To The Arctic 3D 4:30 pm, 7:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 6:30 pm Flight of Butterflies 3D 9:30 pm Saturday: ** 9:30 am Showtime Available for Groups Flight of Butterflies 3D 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, 8:30 pm Tornado Alley 3D11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm, 7:30 pm, 9:30 pmTo The Arctic 3D 12:30 pm, 6:30 pm Born to be Wild 3D 3:30 pm Journey to Mecca 4:30 pm Note: All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are available upon request.

“Fires of Kuwait” is in English. Arabic headsets are available upon request.

Film schedule is subject to changes without notice.

W H AT ’ S O N

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Australian Embassy Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department.

All processing of visas and immigration matters in conducted by The Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VFS) immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office); Tel: +971 4 355 1958 (VFS) - +971 4 508 7200 (Visa Office); Fax: +971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). In Kuwait applications can be lodged at the Australian Visa Application Centre 4B 1st Floor, Al-Banwan Building Al-Qibla Area, Ali Al-Salem Street, opposite the Central Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait. Working hours and days: 09:30 - 17:30; Sunday - Thursday. Or visit their website www.vfs-au-gcc-com for more information. Kuwait citizens can apply for tourist visas on-line at www.immi.gov.au/e visa/e676.htm.

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EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday.

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Northern Sabah Al-Salem Health Center holds open day To help promote health awareness, and encourage Sabah Al-Salem community to have regular checkups, the Northern Sabah Al-Salem Health Center held an open day during which blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar level, body mass index were tested. Lectures and doctor consultations were also offered to the public.

Valentine’s Day offers at Kuwait Marriott Hotels

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uwait Marriott Hotels announces the launch of its exciting Valentine’s Day specials, designed to set the mood today at JW Marriott Kuwait City hotel and the Courtyard by Marriott Kuwait hotel.

Guests are invited to enjoy a diverse range of truly romantic packages available at the JW Marriott starting with a

lavish upgraded valentine buffet and handpicked red roses for the ladies at the international La Brasserie Restaurant.

Celebrations continue at the popular Terrace Grill steakhouse with a memorable five-course lavish Valentine gala meal accompanied by live music entertainment set in an intimate candle-lit ambience.

Fascinating offers await everyone at the Courtyard by Marriott with a magnificent valentine-themed five-course set menu for dinner including beverages, created at the renowned Indian restaurant - Soul and Spice. For those seeking a cozy dining experience, guests can also dine at the Atrium restaurant - set in the heart of the hotel’s signature 8-storey

high panoramic lobby - which will feature an international upgraded Valentine buffet with red-themed specialties that have been carefully prepared by Marriott’s expert chefs. Customers can also explore a range of international dining options from the comfort of their homes or offices by exploring the hotels’ impressive new dining websites.

EMBASSY OF CYPRUS In its capacity as EU Local Presidency in the State of Kuwait, the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Member States of the EU and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, would like to announce that as from 2nd October 2012 all Schengen States’ Consulates in Kuwait will use the Visa Information System (VIS). The VIS is a central database for the exchange of data on short-stay (up to three months) visas between Schengen States. The main objectives of the VIS are to facilitate visa application procedures and checks at external border as well as to enhance security. The VIS will contain all the Schengen visa applications lodged by an applicant over five years and the decisions taken by any Schengen State’s consulate. This will allow applicants to establish more easily the lawful use of previous visas and their bona fide status. For the purpose of the VIS, applicants will be required to provide their biometric data (fingerprints and digital photos) when applying for a Schengen visa. It is a simple and discreet procedure that only takes a few minutes. Biometric data, along with the data provided in the Schengen visa application form, will be recorded in the VIS central database. Therefore, as from 2nd October 2012, first-time applicants will have to appear in person when lodging the application, in order to provide their fingerprints. For subsequent applications within 5 years the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. The Cypriot Presidency would like to assure the people of Kuwait and all its permanent citizens that the Member States and associated States participating in the Schengen cooperation, have taken all necessary technical measures to facilitate the rapid examination and the efficient processing of visa applications and to ensure a quick and discreet procedure for the implementation of the new VIS. ■■■■■■■

EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com.

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EMBASSY OF MYANMAR Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar would like to inform the general public that the Embassy has moved its office to new location at Villa 35, Road 203, Block 2, Al-Salaam Area in South Surra. The Embassy wishes to advice Myanmar citizens and travellers to Myanmar to contact Myanmar Embassy at its new location. Tel. 25240736, 25240290, Fax: 25240749, email:myankuwait11@gmai1.com.

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Spanish Ambassador visits AUK library

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mbassador of Spain to Kuwait Angel Losada Fernandez and the Deputy Head of Mission Gabriel Alou visited the AUK Library last week on a book donation event intended to promote cultural collaboration.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by AUK Provost, Dr Nizar Hamzeh and Library Director Asma Al-Kanan, whereby the two parties formally exchanged certificates to mark the donation occasion. The donated collection consisted of books and multimedia items in Spanish, English

and Arabic focusing on the history, art and culture of Spain.

During the event, Dr Hamzeh gave a speech on behalf of the AUK President, welcoming the Ambassador and formally accepting the donation of books. From his side, HE the Ambassador delivered a speech to the attending audience of faculty and students. Concluding the event, Dr Hamzeh and Al-Kanan acknowledged the guest with a certificate of official recognition and a gift from the AUK library to commemorate the donation.

EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk.

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EMBASSY OF PERU The Embassy of Peru is located in Sharq, Ahmed Al Jaber Street, Al Arabiya Tower, 6th Floor. Working days / hours: SundayThursday /9 am - 4 pm. Residents in Kuwait interested in getting a visa to travel to Peru and companies attracted to invest in Peru are invited to visit the permanent exposition room located in the Embassy. For more information, please contact: (+965) 22267250/1.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:50 Animal Cops South Africa 01:45 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 02:35 I’m Alive 03:25 Wildest Africa 04:15 Mutant Planet 05:05 Amba The Russian Tiger 05:55 Call Of The Wildman 06:20 Escape To Chimp Eden 06:45 Wildlife SOS 07:35 Wildlife SOS 08:00 The Really Wild Show 08:25 Breed All About It 08:50 Breed All About It 09:15 Dogs 101: Specials 10:10 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 11:05 Wildest Africa 12:00 Animal Cops Phoenix 12:55 Call Of The Wildman 13:20 Wildlife SOS 13:50 World Wild Vet 14:45 Animal Precinct 15:40 Wildest Africa 16:30 Escape To Chimp Eden 17:00 The Really Wild Show 17:30 Dogs 101 18:25 Rescue Vet 18:50 Rescue Vet 19:20 Extraordinary Dogs 19:45 Extraordinary Dogs 20:15 Bondi Vet 20:40 Safari Vet School 21:10 Call Of The Wildman 21:35 Escape To Chimp Eden 22:05 Wildest Africa 23:00 Wild Things With Dominic Monaghan 23:55 Max’s Big Tracks

00:00 Homes Under The Hammer 00:50 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 02:10 Come Dine With Me 03:00 10 Years Younger 03:50 MasterChef 04:45 Bargain Hunt 05:30 Living In The Sun 06:20 House Swap 07:05 Perfect Day 07:30 Indian Food Made Easy 08:00 Homes Under The Hammer 08:50 Bargain Hunt 09:35 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 10:20 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 11:40 MasterChef 12:35 Come Dine With Me 13:25 Rick Stein’s Spain 14:20 Holmes On Homes 15:10 Bargain Hunt 15:55 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 16:40 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Specials 18:00 Homes Under The Hammer 18:50 The Hairy Bikers USA 19:15 The Hairy Bikers USA 19:40 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 20:05 French Food At Home 20:30 Come Dine With Me 21:20 Perfect Day 21:45 Celebrity Fantasy Homes 22:30 Bargain Hunt: Famous Finds 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:00 00:30 00:45 01:00 01:30 01:45 02:00 02:30 02:45 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 04:45 05:00 05:30 05:45 06:00

Newsday Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Asia Business Report Sport Today BBC World News Hardtalk BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News BBC World News World Business Report BBC World News BBC World News

06:30 World Business Report 06:45 BBC World News 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 World Business Report 07:45 BBC World News 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 Hardtalk 09:00 BBC World News 09:30 World Business Report 09:45 Sport Today 10:00 BBC World News 10:30 BBC World News 11:00 GMT With George Alagiah 11:30 GMT With George Alagiah 12:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 12:30 Impact With Mishal Husain 13:00 Impact With Mishal Husain 13:30 Hardtalk 14:00 BBC World News 14:30 BBC World News 15:00 BBC World News 15:30 World Business Report 15:45 Sport Today 16:00 BBC World News 16:30 BBC Focus On Africa 17:00 BBC World News 17:30 World Business Report 17:45 Sport Today 18:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 18:30 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 19:00 World News Today With Zeinab Badawi 19:30 World Business Report 19:45 Sport Today 20:00 Business Edition With Tanya Beckett 20:30 Hardtalk 21:00 BBC World News America 21:30 BBC World News America 22:00 Newsday 22:30 Asia Business Report 22:45 Sport Today 23:00 Newsday 23:30 Asia Business Report 23:45 Sport Today

00:05 Taz-Mania 00:30 Pink Panther And Pals 00:55 Moomins 01:20 Tom & Jerry Kids 01:45 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 02:10 Puppy In My Pocket 02:35 Wacky Races 03:00 Looney Tunes 03:25 Duck Dodgers 03:50 Dastardly And Muttley 04:00 Dexter’s Laboratory 04:30 Wacky Races 04:55 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 05:20 Tom & Jerry 05:45 The Garfield Show 06:00 Bananas In Pyjamas 06:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 06:45 Jelly Jamm 07:00 Ha Ha Hairies 07:25 Baby Looney Tunes 07:50 Lazy Town 08:15 Krypto The Superdog 08:40 Jelly Jamm 09:05 Gerald McBoing Boing 09:30 Cartoonito Tales 09:55 Bananas In Pyjamas 10:20 Ha Ha Hairies 10:45 Lazy Town 11:10 Krypto The Superdog 11:35 Baby Looney Tunes 12:00 Jelly Jamm 12:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 12:50 Cartoonito Tales 13:15 Krypto The Superdog 13:40 Lazy Town 14:00 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 14:25 Tom And Jerry Tales 14:50 Sylvester And Tweety Mysteries 15:20 Johnny Bravo 15:45 Tom & Jerry 16:10 Pink Panther And Pals 16:35 The Garfield Show 17:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 17:25 Sylvester And Tweety Mysteries 17:50 Tom And Jerry Tales 18:15 The Looney Tunes Show 18:40 Taz-Mania 19:05 Moomins 19:30 Pink Panther & Pals

19:45 The Garfield Show 20:00 Sylvester And Tweety Mysteries 20:20 Tom And Jerry Tales 20:45 Moomins 21:10 Dexters Laboratory 21:20 Johnny Bravo 21:35 Puppy In My Pocket 22:00 The Garfield Show 22:25 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 22:50 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 23:15 Tom & Jerry Tales 23:40 The Looney Tunes Show

00:40 Chowder 01:30 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 01:55 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 02:20 Foster’s Home For...

02:45 Foster’s Home For...

03:10 Courage The Cowardly Dog 04:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 04:25 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 04:50 Adventure Time 05:15 The Powerpuff Girls 05:40 Generator Rex 06:05 Ben 10 06:30 Ben 10 06:55 Angelo Rules 07:00 Casper’s Scare School 07:30 Casper’s Scare School 08:00 Mucha Lucha 08:25 Johnny Test 08:45 Adventure Time 09:05 Total Drama World Tour 09:30 Total Drama World Tour 09:55 Ben 10: Omniverse 10:20 Young Justice 10:45 Thundercats 11:10 Regular Show 12:00 The Amazing World Of Gumball 12:50 Foster’s Home For...

13:15 Foster’s Home For...

13:40 Courage The Cowardly Dog 14:30 Powerpuff Girls 15:20 Angelo Rules 16:10 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 16:35 Young Justice 17:00 Ben 10: Omniverse 17:20 Transformers Prime 17:40 Johnny Test 18:00 Level Up 18:25 The Amazing World Of Gumball 18:50 Adventure Time 19:15 Regular Show 19:40 Mucha Lucha 20:05 Total Drama World Tour 20:30 Total Drama World Tour 20:55 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 21:20 Hero 108 21:45 Bakugan: Mechtanium Surge 22:10 Grim Adventures Of...

23:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 23:50 The Powerpuff Girls

00:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson 01:00 Amanpour 01:30 World Sport 02:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 03:00 World Report 03:30 World Sport 04:00 Anderson Cooper 360 05:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 06:00 Quest Means Business 07:00 The Situation Room 08:00 World Sport 08:30 Talk Asia 09:00 World Report 10:00 World Report 11:00 World Sport 11:30 Business Traveller 12:00 World Business Today 13:00 Amanpour 13:30 Mainsail 14:00 World One 15:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 16:00 News Stream 17:00 World Business Today 18:00 International Desk 19:00 Global Exchange 19:45 CNN Marketplace Middle East

REIGN OF FIRE ON OSN ACTION HD

20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 22:45 23:00 23:30

World Sport Mainsail International Desk Quest Means Business CNN Marketplace Europe Amanpour CNN Newscenter

00:15 00:40 01:10 02:05 03:00 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 07:50 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 11:50 12:20 12:45 13:40 14:35 15:05 15:30 16:00 16:55 17:50 18:45 19:40 20:05 20:35 21:00 21:30 22:25 23:20

Magic Of Science Time Warp Mythbusters Mythbusters Mythbusters Border Security Auction Kings Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made American Guns Mythbusters Unchained Reaction Masters Of Survival Border Security Auction Kings Auction Kings How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Magic Of Science Time Warp Mythbusters Mythbusters Border Security Auction Kings Auction Kings Desert Car Kings Masters Of Survival Mythbusters American Guns How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Auction Kings Auction Kings Sons Of Guns First Week In Outlaw Empires

00:40 Prototype This 01:35 The Gadget Show 02:00 The Gadget Show 02:25 The World’s Strangest UFO Stories 03:15 Sci-Fi Science 03:45 Moon Machines 04:35 The X-Testers 05:00 The X-Testers 05:25 Engineered 06:15 Sport Science 07:05 Meteorite Men 08:00 Moon Machines 08:50 Engineered 09:40 Junkyard Wars 10:30 Sport Science 11:25 The Gadget Show 11:50 The Gadget Show 12:15 Meteorite Men 13:10 Engineered 14:00 Prototype This 14:50 Sci-Fi Science 15:20 Moon Machines 16:10 The World’s Strangest UFO Stories 17:00 The Gadget Show 17:25 The Gadget Show 17:55 Sport Science 18:45 Engineered 19:35 Meteorite Men 20:30 Food Factory 20:55 Food Factory 21:20 Weird Connections 21:45 Weird Connections 22:10 The Gadget Show 22:35 The Gadget Show 23:00 Food Factory 23:25 Food Factory 23:50 Squeamish

00:10 Hannah Montana 00:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 01:00 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 01:25 Replacements 01:50 Replacements 02:15 Emperor’s New School 03:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 03:30 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 03:55 Replacements 04:20 Replacements 04:45 Emperor’s New School 05:10 Emperor’s New School 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 06:00 Phineas And Ferb 06:15 Suite Life On Deck 06:40 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 07:05 Phineas And Ferb 07:15 Phineas And Ferb 07:30 Phineas And Ferb 07:40 Phineas And Ferb 07:55 Jessie 08:20 Good Luck Charlie 08:45 Doc McStuffins 09:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 09:35 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 09:45 Mouk 10:00 Jonas 10:25 So Random 10:50 Hannah Montana 11:15 Sonny With A Chance 11:40 Kim Possible 12:05 Shake It Up 12:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 12:55 Phineas And Ferb 13:20 Austin And Ally 13:45 Suite Life On Deck 14:10 A.N.T. Farm 14:35 Phineas And Ferb 15:10 Phineas And Ferb 15:25 Shake It Up 15:50 Austin And Ally 16:15 Jessie 16:40 A.N.T. Farm 17:00 Geek Charming 18:30 Phineas And Ferb 18:45 High School Musical 20:15 Phineas And Ferb 20:30 That’s So Raven 20:50 Cory In The House 21:15 Phil Of The Future 21:40 Hannah Montana 22:05 Good Luck Charlie 22:30 Good Luck Charlie 22:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:45 Hannah Montana

00:20 00:50 01:00 01:15 01:40

Little Einsteins Special Agent Oso Special Agent Oso Lazytown Jungle Junction

01:55 Jungle Junction 02:10 Handy Manny 02:20 Handy Manny 02:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 03:00 Lazytown 03:25 Special Agent Oso 03:40 Special Agent Oso 03:50 Imagination Movers 04:20 Handy Manny 04:30 Handy Manny 04:40 Special Agent Oso 04:50 Special Agent Oso 05:00 Timmy Time 05:10 Lazytown 05:35 Little Einsteins 06:00 Jungle Junction 06:15 Jungle Junction 06:30 Little Einsteins 06:50 Special Agent Oso 07:05 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Jungle Junction 07:30 Jungle Junction 07:45 Handy Manny 08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:15 Imagination Movers 08:40 Cars Toons 08:45 Handy Manny 09:00 The Hive 09:10 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 09:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 09:50 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 10:05 Doc McStuffins 10:20 Doc McStuffins 10:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:00 Minnie’s Bow Toons 11:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 11:35 Minnie’s Bow Toons 11:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:05 Minnie’s Bow Toons 12:10 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 12:35 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 13:00 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 13:10 Doc McStuffins 13:25 Handy Manny 13:40 Jungle Junction 13:55 Timmy Time 14:05 The Hive 14:15 Mouk 14:30 Little Einsteins 14:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:20 Minnie’s Bow Toons 15:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:55 Minnie’s Bow Toons 16:05 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 16:25 Lilo And Stitch 16:55 Imagination Movers 17:20 Handy Manny 17:35 The Hive 17:45 Lilo And Stitch 18:10 Doc McStuffins 18:25 Doc McStuffins 18:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 18:55 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 19:10 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 19:35 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 20:05 Timmy Time 20:15 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 20:25 Doc McStuffins 20:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 20:55 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 21:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 21:35 Minnie’s Bow Toons 21:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:10 Minnie’s Bow Toons 22:20 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:45 Minnie’s Bow Toons 23:00 Timmy Time 23:10 Animated Stories 23:20 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 23:30 Jungle Junction 23:45 Handy Manny 23:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

00:40 01:30 02:20 03:05 03:55 04:45 05:30 06:20 07:10 08:00 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:30 Jones 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:30 Jones 16:20 16:45 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 Jones 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50

00:00 00:55 01:25 03:15 03:40 04:10 05:05 06:00 07:50 08:20 09:45 10:15 12:05 13:35 14:05 York 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 17:30 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:30 23:30

I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghost Lab American Greed I Almost Got Away With It I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghost Lab Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

True Crime With Aphrodite Murder Shift Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives True Crime With Aphrodite Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Murder Shift Forensic Detectives True Crime With Aphrodite Disappeared Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Kidnap And Rescue True CSI

Dirty Soap Style Star 20 Acts Of Love Gone Wrong Behind The Scenes Extreme Close-Up THS E!es THS Behind The Scenes E! News Ice Loves Coco THS E! News E!es Kourtney & Kim Take New Style Star E!es Behind The Scenes Married To Jonas Married To Jonas E! News THS Giuliana & Bill Married To Jonas Fashion Police E! News Chelsea Lately

BLACKTHRON ON OSN CINEMA

00:15 Eccentric Uk 00:45 Amish: Out of Order 01:40 Meet The Natives: USA 02:35 Bondi Rescue 04:25 Travel Oz 05:20 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 06:15 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 3 06:40 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 07:10 Eccentric Uk 08:05 Amish: Out of Order 09:00 Meet The Natives: USA 09:55 Bondi Rescue 11:45 Travel Oz 12:10 Travel Oz 12:40 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 13:35 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 3 14:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 14:30 Eccentric Uk 15:25 Amish: Out of Order 16:20 Meet The Amish 17:15 Bondi Rescue 19:05 Travel Oz 20:00 Eccentric Uk 21:00 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 3 21:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 22:00 Lonely Planet: Roads Less Travelled 22:55 David Rocco‚Äôs Dolce Vita 3 23:20 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 23:50 Street Food Around The World

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 PG15 10:00 12:00 14:00 PG15 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

The Killing Room-18 RoboCop 2-PG15 Judge Dredd-PG15 Warbirds-PG15 True Justice: Deadly CrossingRage Of The Yeti-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 True Justice: Deadly CrossingReign Of Fire-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 RoboCop 3-PG15 The Daisy Chain-PG15

Game Of Death-PG15 Garfield’s Pet Force-FAM Riddles Of The Sphinx-PG15 Ceremony-PG15 Game Of Death-PG15 Soapdish-PG The Warlords-PG15 Blackthorn-PG15 Call Of The Wild-PG15 The Edge Of Love-PG15 This Means War-PG15 Love And Other Drugs-R

00:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 01:00 The Colbert Report 01:30 The League 02:00 Louie 02:30 Eastbound & Down 03:00 The Simpsons 03:30 Raising Hope 04:00 Less Than Perfect 04:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 05:30 Less Than Perfect 06:00 Seinfeld 06:30 Hope & Faith 07:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 08:00 Less Than Perfect 08:30 Less Than Perfect 09:00 The Simpsons 09:30 Allen Gregory 10:00 The Mindy Project 10:30 Hope & Faith 11:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 12:00 Seinfeld 12:30 Less Than Perfect 13:00 Less Than Perfect 13:30 Hope & Faith 14:00 Raising Hope 14:30 The Mindy Project 15:00 Allen Gregory 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

16:00 The Colbert Report 16:30 Seinfeld 17:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 18:00 The Simpsons 18:30 2 Broke Girls 19:00 Allen Gregory 19:30 Modern Family 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The Big C 22:30 Louie 23:00 Veep 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

Castle The Carrie Diaries Awake The Killing The Finder Awake Castle Emmerdale Coronation Street One Tree Hill The Finder Awake Franklin & Bash Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show One Tree Hill Castle Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show One Tree Hill Drop Dead Diva American Idol Downton Abbey The Killing

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 PG15 10:00 12:00 14:00 PG15 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Killing Room-18 RoboCop 2-PG15 Judge Dredd-PG15 Warbirds-PG15 True Justice: Deadly Crossing-

00:00 PG15 02:00 04:00 06:00 PG15 08:00 10:15 12:15 14:15 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:15

Big Fat Important Movie-

Rage Of The Yeti-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 True Justice: Deadly CrossingReign Of Fire-PG15 Vengeance-PG15 RoboCop 3-PG15 The Daisy Chain-PG15

The Waterboy-PG15 Sleepless In Seattle-PG It’s Kind Of A Funny StoryIn Her Shoes-PG15 How Do You Know-PG15 Sleepless In Seattle-PG The Perfect Catch-PG15 How Do You Know-PG15 The Decoy Bride-PG15 Bridesmaids-18 The Romantics-PG15

01:45 The Man Who Came With The Snow-PG15 03:00 Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate-PG 05:00 Grace Of My Heart-PG15 07:00 I’ve Loved You So Long-PG15 09:00 B-Girl-PG15 11:00 Shanghai-PG15 13:00 Uncorked-PG15 15:00 B-Girl-PG15 17:00 Mutum-PG15 19:00 Manolete-18 21:00 Walk The Line-PG15 23:15 Route Irish-PG15

01:00 Attack The Block-PG15 03:00 The Vow-PG15 05:00 African Cats: Kingdom Of Courage-PG 07:00 StreetDance 2-PG15 09:00 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG 11:00 The Vow-PG15 13:00 Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2-PG

14:45 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

Real Steel-PG15 The Adventures Of Tintin-PG The Descendants-PG15 Martha Marcy May Marlene-18 Contraband-18

00:00 Devil-PG15 01:30 Jack And Jill-PG15 03:15 Jesse Stone: Innocents LostPG15 05:00 The Phantom Of The Opera At The Royal Albert Hall-PG15 08:00 The Way-PG15 10:15 The Swan Princess-FAM 12:00 Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son-PG15 14:00 Alvin And The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked-PG 16:00 The Way-PG15 18:15 Mr. Popper’s Penguins-PG 20:00 Seeking Justice-PG15 22:00 HappythankyoumorepleasePG15

01:00 European Tour Weekly 01:30 Inside The PGA Tour 02:00 Cricket International Twenty20 05:00 Trans World Sports 06:00 European PGA Tour Highlights 07:00 Snooker The Welsh Open 10:00 HSBC Sevens World Series Highlights 10:30 European Tour Weekly 11:00 Inside The PGA Tour 11:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 12:30 Cricket International Twenty20 15:30 ICC Cricket 360 16:00 Live Snooker The Welsh Open 20:00 Trans World Sports 21:00 European Tour Weekly 21:30 Inside The PGA Tour 22:00 Live Snooker The Welsh Open

00:00 01:00 03:30 07:00 10:00 11:00 14:00 17:00 17:30 22:00

Trans World Sport HSBC Sevens World Series Premier League Darts Cricket Twenty20 Trans World Sport Snooker HSBC Sevens World Series Futbol Mundial Live Dubai World Cup Carnival Live Premier League Darts

00:30 World Pool Masters 01:30 World Cup of Pool 02:30 Super League 04:30 European PGA Tour Highlights 05:30 Futbol Mundial 06:00 Top 14 Highlight 06:30 Spirit of a Champion 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Total Rugby 08:30 Futbol Mundial 09:00 World Pool Masters 10:00 World Cup of Pool 11:00 World Cup of Darts 14:30 Live European PGA Tour 18:30 Golfing World 19:30 Total Rugby 20:00 Cricket International Twenty20 23:00 Trans World Sport

00:00 WWE Vintage Collection 01:00 NHL 03:00 Ping Pong World Championships 04:00 US Bass Fishing 05:00 NHL 07:00 WWE SmackDown 09:00 Ping Pong World Championships 10:00 US Bass Fishing 11:00 NHL 13:00 WWE Vintage Collection 14:00 WWE Bottom Line 15:00 Prizefighter 18:00 UAE National Race Day Series 19:00 WWE NXT 20:00 UFC TUF 21:00 UFC 156

Classifieds THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

SHARQIA-2 THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

MUHALAB-1 BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

MUHALAB-2 MAMA (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) SAVE YOUR LEGS! (DIG) MAMA (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) MAMA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-1 GAMBIT (DIG) THE GUILT TRIP (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

FANAR-2 MAMA (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) MAMA (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) MAMA (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

MARINA-1 MAMA (DIG) THE GUILT TRIP (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) SAVE YOUR LEGS! (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) MAMA (DIG) MAMA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

MARINA-2 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-1 BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) THE GUILT TRIP (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) THE GUILT TRIP (DIG)

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (14/02/2013 TO 20/02/2013)

BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

9:45 PM 12:05 AM

AVENUES-2 GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

360º- 1 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:15 PM 6:45 PM 9:15 PM 11:45 PM

360º- 2 GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

360º- 3 SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA 1:00 PM SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA 3:00 PM SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA (DIG) 5:00 PM SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA 7:00 PM HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 9:00 PM HANSEL & GRETEL: WITCH HUNTERS 11:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) MAMA (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) MAMA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:30 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

AL-KOUT.2 A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) THE GUILT TRIP (DIG) SAVE YOUR LEGS! (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

AL-KOUT.3 GAMBIT (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM

AL-KOUT.4 SAFE HAVEN (DIG) SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA SAFE HAVEN (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) BULLET TO THE HEAD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED BAIRAQ-1 THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D)

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

12:30 PM

THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) THE SNOW QUEEN (DIG-3D) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:00 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

BAIRAQ-2 A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) SAFE HAVEN (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

BAIRAQ-3 GAMBIT (DIG) SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA GAMBIT (DIG) MAMA (DIG) GAMBIT (DIG) MAMA (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

PLAZA 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) THU+FRI+MON 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) NO THU+FRI+MON LAILA A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) BROKEN CITY (DIG) A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD (DIG)

3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:45 PM 9:45 PM

4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM

AJIAL.1 MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU)

3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM

AJIAL.2 SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA SNOWFLAKE, THE WHITE GORILLA 3ALA GOSETY (DIG) 3ALA GOSETY (DIG)

4:00 PM 6:00 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM

AJIAL.3 SPECIAL 26 (DIG) (Hindi) SPECIAL 26 (DIG) (Hindi) SPECIAL 26 (DIG) (Hindi)

4:00 PM 7:00 PM 10:00 PM

AJIAL.4 LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM)

3:45 PM 6:45 PM 9:45 PM

METRO-1 LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM) LOKPAL (DIG) (MALAYALAM)

3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM

METRO-2 MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) NO SUN+TUE+WED MIRCHI (DIG) (TELUGU) SUN+TUE+WED

3:45 PM 6:45 PM 10:00 PM

FOR SALE Nissan Altima Sept 2009, V4 2.5cc, silver 43,000 kms full options and spoiler, executive single owner, price KD 4,000. Contact: 97786118. (C 4307) Toyota Camry GLX, model 2012 white metalic color, 6000km done, alloy rim, wooden interior, screen dish Lang R. sensor + camera fog lamb, cruise control etc. Price KD 5,400/-.

Contact: 66507741.

(C 4310) 14-2-2013 Furnished flat in Farwaniya for transfer with household items including furniture, 300L fridge, washing machine. Contact: 97786118.

(C 4308) 13-2-2013

CHANGE OF NAME Abdul Kader Buhari, s/o, Ahamed Abdul Kader, holder of Indian Passport No. K3651873 hereby change my name to Seyed Muhammad Buhari.

(C 4309) 14-2-2013

Required used car or Jeep in good condition. Contact: 96955163 (C 4306) 12-2-2013

Prayer timings Fajr:

05:08

Shorook

06:28

Duhr:

12:02

Asr:

15:12

Maghrib:

17:36

Isha:

18:54

No: 15719 SITUATION WANTED A European qualified and experienced company coordinator/administrator looking for employment in Kuwait. Speaks 5 languages. city.break@gmx.com (C 4303) Highly qualified experienced British executive looking for a management position in any private company in Kuwait. All offers considered. siam2011@hotmail.co.uk (C 4304) 11-2-2013

9:45 PM

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JAI THY JZR JZR QTR SAI ETH GFA UAE ETD FDB MSR RBG QTR QTR DHX THY JZR JZR JZR BAW KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC IRA IRA KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR FDB ETD IRC IZG GFA BAB FDB JZR MSC MEA MSR UAE SYR KAC JZR FDB KNE KAC KAC SVA QTR KAC KNE JZR

Arrival Flights on Thursday 14/2/2013 Flt Route 574 MUMBAI 772 ISTANBUL 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 148 DOHA 441 LAHORE 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 3555 ALEXANDRIA 138 DOHA 6130 DOHA 170 BAHRAIN 770 ISTANBUL 503 LUXOR 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASSIUT 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 354 COCHIN 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 382 DELHI 605 ISFAHAN 617 AHWAZ 302 MUMBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 855 DUBAI 121 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 6588 SHAHRE KORD 4161 MASHAD 213 BAHRAIN 436 BAHRAIN 8055 DUBAI 165 DUBAI 403 ASSIUT 404 BEIRUT 610 CAIRO 871 DUBAI 341 DAMASCUS 284 DHAKA 563 SOHAG 57 DUBAI 472 JEDDAH 546 ALEXANDRIA 672 DUBAI 500 JEDDAH 140 DOHA 788 JEDDAH 470 JEDDAH 257 BEIRUT

Time 0:05 0:35 0:45 0:50 1:00 1:30 1:45 1:50 2:35 2:45 3:05 3:10 3:25 3:45 4:55 5:15 5:30 5:55 6:00 6:35 6:40 6:45 7:35 7:40 7:45 7:45 7:50 7:55 7:55 8:15 8:40 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:25 9:35 9:55 10:05 10:15 11:20 11:35 11:55 12:45 12:50 12:55 12:55 13:00 13:50 14:15 14:15 14:15 14:30 14:35 14:55 15:05 15:05

QTR OMA FDB JZR JZR KNE KAC UAE JZR ETD RJA GFA SVA FDB JZR QTR ABY UAL KAC NIA JZR RBG KAC TAR BAB FDB MSC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC OMA FDB JAI AXB MSC MSR JZR ABY QTR ALK KAC KAC MEA QTR GFA ETD UAE JZR FDB DHX AIC JZR GFA JZR UAL BBC DLH

134 645 8055 787 535 474 118 857 1775 303 640 215 510 8063 777 144 127 982 542 251 177 3553 786 327 438 63 405 176 618 104 674 774 647 61 572 393 401 618 189 129 146 229 562 502 402 136 221 307 859 135 59 372 981 239 217 185 981 43 636

DOHA MUSCAT DUBAI RIYADH CAIRO JEDDAH NEW YORK DUBAI JEDDAH ABU DHABI AMMAN BAHRAIN RIYADH DUBAI JEDDAH DOHA SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES CAIRO ALEXANDRIA DUBAI ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH TUNIS BAHRAIN DUBAI SOHAG GENEVA DOHA LONDON DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT DUBAI MUMBAI KOZHIKODE ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA DUBAI SHARJAH DOHA COLOMBO AMMAN BEIRUT BEIRUT DOHA BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN CHENNAI AMMAN BAHRAIN DUBAI BAHRAIN DHAKA FRANKFURT

15:30 15:40 15:50 16:10 16:25 16:30 16:35 16:40 16:45 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:20 17:20 17:45 17:50 17:55 17:55 18:05 18:10 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:45 19:00 19:15 19:20 19:35 19:35 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:20 20:25 20:30 20:35 20:55 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:40 21:50 22:00 22:00 22:30 22:45 22:50 23:05 23:25 23:45 23:55

Airlines AIC KAC AXB JAI UAL DLH SAI ETH THY FDB UAE ETD RBG MSR QTR QTR QTR JZR JZR GFA KAC THY FDB BAW IRA IRA JZR JZR KAC KAC KAC ABY UAE FDB ETD QTR IRC IZG GFA BAB FDB JZR KAC KAC JZR MSC MEA JZR KAC MSR JZR SYR UAE FDB KAC KNE KAC KAC

Departure Flights on Thursday 14/2/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA 283 DHAKA 390 MANGALORE 573 MUMBAI 981 WASHINGTON 637 FRANKFURT 442 LAHORE 621 ADDIS ABABA 773 ISTANBUL 68 DUBAI 854 DUBAI 306 ABU DHABI 3556 ALEXANDRIA 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 6131 DOHA 562 SOHAG 164 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 545 ALEXANDRIA 771 ISTANBUL 54 DUBAI 156 LONDON 606 MASHHAD 616 AHWAZ 256 BEIRUT 534 CAIRO 101 LONDON 787 JEDDAH 671 DUBAI 122 SHARJAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 133 DOHA 6589 SHAHRE-KORD 4162 MASHHAD 214 BAHRAIN 437 BAHRAIN 8056 DUBAI 1774 JEDDAH 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 776 JEDDAH 406 SOHAG 405 BEIRUT 786 RIYADH 785 JEDDAH 611 CAIRO 176 DUBAI 342 DAMASCUS 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI 673 DUBAI 473 JEDDAH 501 BEIRUT 561 AMMAN

Time 0:05 0:10 0:15 1:05 1:10 1:20 2:30 2:45 2:55 3:45 3:50 4:00 4:05 4:10 4:50 6:05 6:25 6:25 6:55 7:00 7:30 7:35 8:25 8:45 8:50 8:55 9:05 9:15 9:20 9:25 9:40 9:45 9:55 10:00 10:05 10:10 10:25 10:35 10:40 10:50 11:00 11:15 11:30 11:50 12:15 12:35 12:55 12:55 13:00 13:45 13:50 13:55 14:15 14:30 15:05 15:10 15:15 15:40

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

KAC SVA KNE JZR QTR KAC FDB OMA JZR KNE ETD JZR QTR UAE RJA FDB GFA JZR SVA ABY JZR QTR RBG JZR UAL NIA TAR FDB BAB MSC FDB KAC KAC OMA JAI AXB ABY KAC JZR MSC MSR KAC DHX ALK MEA ETD QTR GFA KAC FDB JZR UAE DHX KAC QTR JZR JZR GFA KAC

617 505 471 188 141 773 8058 646 238 475 304 538 135 858 641 8064 216 184 511 128 266 145 3554 134 982 252 328 64 439 404 62 351 331 648 571 394 120 343 536 402 619 543 171 230 403 308 137 222 301 60 554 860 373 205 147 504 528 218 411

DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH DUBAI DOHA RIYADH DUBAI MUSCAT AMMAN JEDDAH ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA DUBAI AMMAN DUBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH SHARJAH BEIRUT DOHA ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA TUNIS DUBAI BAHRAIN ASSIUT DUBAI KOCHI TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT MUMBAI KOZHIKODE SHARJAH CHENNAI CAIRO ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN MUMBAI DUBAI ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DOHA LUXOR ASSIUT BAHRAIN BANGKOK

15:45 16:00 16:00 16:05 16:15 16:25 16:30 16:40 17:15 17:25 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:15 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:00 19:05 19:10 19:10 19:25 19:25 19:30 20:00 20:40 20:45 20:55 20:55 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:20 21:25 21:40 21:50 21:55 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:45 22:50 23:00 23:00 23:10 23:45 23:50 23:50 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 100

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19)

Legal matters should definitely work in your favor today, particularly any involving property. You’re likely to feel positive about life, Aries, and your home life should be especially gratifying. Sex and romance also could be on your mind. If you can get together with a lover, you will probably grow quite a bit closer. Artistic projects, particularly regarding the home, should also go well.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

A call from a romantic partner could lead to an intimate get-together, Taurus. It’s likely to be highly gratifying emotionally and bring you closer together. Passionate poetry and sexy novels could especially appeal to you right now. If you’re into writing, you could channel your rush of sensuality into producing results that are so well thought out that they surprise even you. Get started!

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. A guided missile fired from shipboard against an airborne target.

4. Free somebody (from an erroneous belief).

12. An enclosed space.

15. An accountant certified by the state.

16. Wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living.

17. Gone by.

18. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

19. Emphasizing the organic or functional relation between parts and the whole.

20. An acute inflammatory disease occurring in the intestines of premature infants.

21. (informal) Exceptionally good.

23. Formally making a person known to another or to the public.

25. Liquid excretory product.

28. Lake in northwestern Russia near the border with Finland.

30. A region in northmost Europe inhabited

by Lapps.

33. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

36. The capital of Western Samoa.

37. Characteristic of false pride.

40. Offering fun and gaiety.

42. Resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy.

44. Of or in or relating to the nose.

45. (often followed by `of') A large number or amount or extent.

46. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

50. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a mosque.

52. (neurology) Of or relating to the vagus nerve.

54. The blood group whose red cells carry both the A and B antigens.

55. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism.

58. King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975 (1906-1975).

62. Of or pertaining to hearing or the ear.

66. A speedy red or red-and-tan American hound.

68. A fee charged for a vessel to use a dock.

70. Relating to or occurring or living in or frequenting the open ocean.

72. The fifth month of the civil year.

73. A nucleotide derived from adenosine that occurs in muscle tissue.

74. Capable of being isolated or disjoined.

77. Any of various systems of units for measuring electricity and magnetism.

78. A very small circular shape.

79. The process of exposing to air (so as to purify).

80. The upper side of the thighs of a seated person.

DOWN 1. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

2. South American armadillo with three bands of bony plates.

3. God of death.

4. The syllable naming the first (tonic) note of any major scale in solmization.

5. A corporation's first offer to sell stock to the public.

6. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (trade name Clinoril).

7. Place in a line or arrange so as to be parallel.

8. (superlative of `good') Having the most positive qualities.

9. Lacking pathways.

10. A descendent or heir.

11. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

12. The capital and largest city of Yemen.

13. American novelist (1909-1955).

14. A South American shrub whose leaves are chewed by natives of the Andes.

22. A Russian prison camp for political prisoners.

24. Any of a group of heavenly spirits under the god Anu. 26. An intensely radioactive metallic element that occurs in minute amounts in uranium ores.

27. (trademark) An alloy of iron and nickel having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

29. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

31. Great coolness and composure under strain.

32. A representation of the Virgin Mary mourning over the dead body of Jesus.

34. A cloth having a crisscross design.

35. A city in the Saxony region of Germany on the Saale River.

38. (Akkadian) God ruling with his consort Ereshkigal the world of the dead.

39. A mountain range in western Russia extending from the arctic to the Caspian Sea. 41. A former copper coin of Pakistan.

43. A state in midwestern United States.

47. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

48. Submerged aquatic plant having narrow leaves and small flowers.

51. Arboreal snake of central and southern Africa whose bite is often fatal.

53. A stroke of luck.

56. Evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees of United States to Antilles and eastern Asia to the Himalaya.

57. Be fully aware or cognizant of.

59. A city in western Germany near the Dutch and Belgian borders.

60. Having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude.

61. Decoration consisting of the layout and furnishings of a livable interior.

63. A row of unravelled stitches.

64. Small terrestrial lizard of warm regions of the Old World.

65. A pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished.

67. (prefix) Outside or outer.

69. The capital and largest city of Norway.

71. Nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate.

75. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily.

76. A heavy brittle diamagnetic trivalent metallic element (resembles arsenic and antimony chemically).

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Creative projects that you may have been working on for a while could prove especially ego boosting, Gemini.

You’re doing a great job. A change of employment and increase in income may be in the works. If you don’t feel passionate about what you’re doing, expect the chance to become involved in an enterprise that you do feel strongly about. New ideas and opportunities could change your life.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

You’re an appealing person, Cancer, but today you could project more magnetism than ever. Don’t be surprised if you draw admiring glances from strangers you pass in the street.

Romance should be going very well for you. A hot date with a current or potential love partner could take place tonight. You might also be feeling especially artistic and inspired. Consider this a gift and use it.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Today you may contemplate changes in your home. They could be physical, like redecorating, refurnishing, or remodeling. Or someone could move in or out. Whatever the change, it’s likely to be fortunate. If you’re thinking of such a change, you can proceed confidently. You should be feeling especially inspired now, so be creative and manifest whatever has been on your mind for some time.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

If you aren’t currently romantically involved, Virgo, today you might suddenly see an old friend or neighbor in a new light. This can be thrilling, but it might not be a good idea to do anything about it just yet. You’re feeling especially sensual today, and therefore any attraction you feel could pass by tomorrow. If you’re presently involved, schedule a romantic evening with your partner.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Your financial situation could undergo some positive upheaval now, probably as the result of a career advance.

This process is likely to continue today, Libra, as social events put you in touch with valuable contacts. It might be a good idea to listen to others today and not try to voice ideas of your own or make any decisions. Too much input could lead to mental overload and a lack of focus.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

A powerful desire for change could have you thinking of traveling, Scorpio, or perhaps relocating to a distant state or foreign country. Friends who live far away could be trying to convince you to join them. This isn’t a minor decision. It requires careful thought. You might be tempted to act impulsively, but wait for a while. In a few days, you will know if the change is right for you.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Some vivid and interesting dreams could bring a lot of repressed memories up and force you to confront them.

This could be a bit disconcerting, Sagittarius, but still positive.

Psychological obstacles to financial success and romantic happiness could be cleared away, which could change your life. It’s vital that you write down your dreams. You won’t want to miss out on this.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

A transformation in your circle of friends could occur today and change your life, Capricorn. Someone exciting could move in nearby, and you could hit it off. Expect stimulating conversations and fascinating new information. If you aren’t currently involved, this person could be a potential romance. At least you will make a new friend. Take a close look and don’t initiate things too quickly.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18)

Opportunities to do well-paying creative work could come to your attention today, Aquarius, perhaps online.

You will probably like it, as it may give you freedom. Whether you actually want to try it or not depends on your situation. You might want to get some chores done around the house today in order to leave free time tomorrow for whatever you want to do.

Something exciting might happen.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Pisces, you probably feel especially sexy and passionate now. You may enjoy browsing through catalogues of rich fabrics or furniture. Erotic novels could also appeal to you. If you’re currently involved, you may want to spend the evening alone with your partner. If you aren’t, don’t be surprised if you attract someone new. Either way, you will draw admiring glances from strangers.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Khaldiya

24848075

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

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

ST TATE T OF KUW K WA AIT

Tel.: e 161

DIRECTORA ATE T GENE GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIA V AT TION PA ARTMENT METEOROLOGICAL DEP DA AY: Y Wednesday e

Issue Time

BY Y DA AY:

Sunny with moderate to fresh north westerly wind, with speed of 25 - 45 km/h causing raising dust over open areas

BY Y NIGHT:

Cool with moderate freshening at times north westerly wind, with speed of 22 - 42 km/h

No Current Waarnings arnin

WA ARNING MAX. EXP P.

MIN. REC.

KUW WA AIT CITY

22 °C

14 °C

KUW WA AIT AIRPOR RT

23 °C

14 °C

NUW WA AISEEB

23 °C

14 °C

WA AFRA

24 °C

13 °C

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

SALMI

24 °C

09 °C

Salmiya

25746401

ABDAL LY

25 °C

10 °C

Jabriya

25316254

JAL ALIY YA AH

26 °C

11 °C

Maidan Hawally

25623444

FA AILAKA

24 °C

14 °C

Bayan

25388462

AHMADI POR RT

22 °C

16 °C

Mishref

25381200

QARUH ISLAND

20 °C

17 °C

W Hawally

22630786

UMM AL-MARADEM

20 °C

17 °C

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

SFC. CHART

Temperatures WEA AT THER

Wind Direction

Wind Speed

12 °C

NW

20 - 40 km/h

10 °C

NW-VRB

08 - 26 km/h

25 °C

13 °C

SE-NW

15 - 40 km/h

26 °C

14 °C

NW

15 - 40 km/h

MAX.

MIN.

New Jahra

24575755

Thursday

14/02

sunny

22 °C

West Jahra

24772608

Friday

15/02

Mostly sunny + scattered clouds

23 °C

South Jahra

24775066

Saturday

16/02

partly cloudy

Sunday

17/02

sunny

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya Firdous

13/02/2013 0000 UTC

4 DA AY YS FORECAST DA AT TE

PRA RA AYER Y TIMES

RECORDED YESTERDA AY AT KUW WA AIT AIRPORT

Fajr

05:08

MAX. Temp.

26 °C

24884079

Sunrise

06:28

MIN. Temp.

14 °C

24892674

Zuhr

12:02

MAX. RH

73 %

Asr

15:12

MIN. RH

28 % N 50 km/h

Omariya

24719048

Sunset

17:36

MAX. Wind

N Khaitan

24710044

Isha

18:53

TOT TA AL L RAIINF FA ALL L IN 24 HR.

Fintas

23900322

All times are local time unless otherwise stated.

00 mm

13/02/13 02:57 UTC

V1.00

T1.06

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Mousa Khadada Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Al-Jahra

25610011

Al-Salmiya

25616368

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

07:00

Expected Weeather for the Next 24 Hours

DA AY

Al-Shuhada

WWW.MET.GOV V..KW

13/02/2013

ST TATION T

22418714

Fax: 24348714

Qibla

North Jahra

Ext.: 262 2627 - 2630

Al-Madeena

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

lifestyle F E A T U R E S

Dallas chocolatier pumps out chocolate high heels

File photo shows master chocolatier Andrea Pedraza shows off her chocolate shoes and other treats at her shop in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas. — AP photos

Chocolate high heels made by master chocolatier Andrea Pedraza are lined up at her shop in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas.

Baldwin, wife expecting a baby this summer degrees Fahrenheit (-4 Celsius) and wind chills as low as -20 Fahrenheit (-29 Celsius). “We should name a passageway after her down there,” said Day, who accompanied Upton on the frigid shoot. “She braved six days in a bikini while we were head-to-toe in jackets ... No one will ever accuse her of being a whiny model, ever.” This year ’s 17 models were part of photo shoots that stretched across all seven continents.

Cage Going After Daughter’s Kidnappers in ‘Tokarev’

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lec Baldwin and his wife are expecting their first child together. Publicist Matthew Hiltzik confirmed Tuesday that Hilaria Baldwin is due late this summer.

Alec Baldwin already is the father of a 17-year-old daughter, Ireland, from his previous marriage to actress Kim Basinger (BAY’-sing-ur). Hilaria Baldwin is a special correspondent for the TV show “Extra.” The couple wed last June after a three -month engagement. Alec Baldwin recently won a SAG Award for best actor in a TV series for the NBC comedy “30 Rock,” which concluded its seven-year run two weeks ago.

Lady Gaga suffering from joint inflammation, postpones shows

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op star Lady Gaga said on Tuesday she was suffering from a severe inflammation of the joints that left her temporarily unable to walk, forcing her to postpone a handful of upcoming shows on the North American leg of her world tour. “I am completely devastated and heartsick. I’ve been hiding this injury and pain from my staff for a month, praying it would heal, but after last night’s performance, I could not walk,” the singer said in a statement. Her condition is called synovitis, an inflammation that sometimes follows a sprain, strain or injury.

Gaga posted a similar message in a series of tweets to her 34 million Twitter followers. “I will hopefully heal as soon as possible and be at 500 percent again, which is what you deserve,” she said. “The Edge of Glory” singer postponed shows in Chicago on Wednesday and Thursday, in Detroit on Saturday and in Hamilton, Ontario, on Sunday. Lady Gaga, 26, has been on the road for two years on her “Born This Way Ball” world tour. Her website showed tour dates through March 20.

The 200-plus date tour has taken the singer across six continents and was ranked as the sixth top-grossing tour of 2012 by Billboard magazine.

icolas Cage will play a former criminal out for revenge in “Tokarev,” the film’s producer Hannibal Classics said Tuesday. In the actionthriller, Cage is forced to return to his law-bending ways after his daughter is kidnapped. Spanish-filmmaker Paco Cabezas will direct the project. Producers said that Cage was heavily involved in his selection, having been impressed with his work on such films as the 2007 horror flick “The Appeared.”

Cage’s career has endured peaks and valleys in recent years. He received good notices for his off-beat turn as a crime-fighter in “Kick-Ass” (2010), but he’s also starred in a number of financial duds, such as the critically maligned “Season of the Witch” (2011) and the barely released “Trespass” (2011). Production will start in May, 2013 in Spokane, Washington. Jim Agnew and Sean Keller, who previously partnered on 2009’s “Giallo,” wrote the screenplay. Hannibal’s Richard Rionda Del Castro will produce in association with North by Northwest Entertainment. Executive Producers are Cage, Patricia Eberle, Richard Salvatore, Mike Nilon, Hayley Magouirk, Jim Agnew, Sean Keller, Cam Cannon, David Milner and Martin J. Barab. Hannibal Classics is handling worldwide sales and is selling the film at the Berlin Film Festival.

Beyonce hopes her documentary inspires Blue Ivy B

eyonce is hoping that her ultrarevealing documentary will someday provide inspiration for Blue Ivy, the year-old daughter she and husband Jay-Z have. “I hope that she will see all of the beautiful times (and) all the tough times that led up to her being here,” the singer said Tuesday night at the New York premiere of her upcoming HBO documentary, “Life is But a Dream.” She added: “I’m hoping that ... it can comfort her and inspire her in her life when she needs it.” The autobiographical film takes a no-holdsbarred look at the entertainer.

It stems from personal conversations the 31-year old singer made using the video camera on her computer over the past couple of years. It also includes home movies of the Grammy-winning singer and her two sisters. In the film, Beyonce candidly discusses personal matters like her miscarriage, reports of faking her pregnancy, and firing her father as her manager. She claims the process of talking into a camera to get all her thoughts out was therapeutic. “I really grew so much,” she says of the process. “This movie has really been my therapy. I’ve healed from so many wounds and I’ve been able to understand why some of the things I’ve been through, why I went through, so feel really proud, and hopefully I can inspire other people.”

Aniston Joins Wilson in ‘She’s Funny That Way’

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ennifer Aniston is joining Owen Wilson in Peter Bogdanovich’s comedy “She’s Funny That Way,” Red Granite Pictures announced in Berlin.

She will play a therapist with a mother in rehab for alcoholism in the Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach-produced the film following a married Broadway director (Wilson) who falls for a prostitute-turned-actress, then helps advance her career.

Jason Schwartzman, Cybil Shepherd, Eugene Levy, Kathryn Hahn and Brie Larson co-star in the comedy (also known as “Squirrels to Nuts”) written by Bogdanovich and Louise Stratten. Red Granite International, the foreign sales arm of LA-based Red Granite Pictures, will handle international sales of the film. They announced the casting on Sunday. Production is scheduled to start in New York City in June.

Upton says body shut down after Antarctic bikini shoot

This photo combo shows Oprah Winfrey, left, and Beyonce Knowles attending the premiere of “Beyonce: Life Is But A Dream” at the Ziegfeld Theatre. — AP The singer has been private about her life in the past. But she felt the time was right to let people know how she felt. “I felt that after 16 years of being a public singer, people didn’t know who I was,” she admitted. But then she added: “I will always keep certain things to myself because it’s only natural.” Oprah Winfrey made a surprise visit to the premiere, and posed with Beyonce on the red carpet. Before going into the Ziegfeld Theatre, Winfrey, known for her

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ustrian director Michael Haneke said his stark drama “Amour,” which has scored a surprising five Oscar nominations including for Best Picture, was inspired by his own experiences dealing with an aged aunt facing death. The unflinching take on devotion, growing old and illness has also picked up Oscar nominations for Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Film and Best Actress for Emmanuelle Riva’s performance as bed-ridden Anne.

Haneke, who is also known for 2001’s “The Piano Teacher” and 1997’s “Funny Games” and its 2007 Hollywood remake, is the favorite to win the Best Foreign Film award for which he was nominated in 2010 for “The White Ribbon.” Haneke, 70, spoke to Reuters from Madrid, where he is directing the Mozart opera “Cosi Fan Tutte,” about the film, what it would mean to win an Oscar, and his future plans.

Theron to produce a glamour reality show

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wimsuit model Kate Upton said on Tuesday her body shut down after she posed in a skimpy bikini in Antarctica for Sports Illustrated magazine. Upton, wearing only a white bikini bottom and an unzipped white parka, was picked as the cover girl for the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, unveiled on Monday, for the second consecutive year. “It was freezing,” Upton, 20, told NBC’s morning TV show “Today” on Tuesday. “I’m from Florida, so it wasn’t easy for me. “When I came back, I was losing my hearing and eyesight. My body was shutting down because it was working so hard to keep me warm.” Upton joins celebrity models including Elle Macpherson, Christie Brinkley and Tyra Banks to appear more than once on the swimsuit issue’s cover.

M.J. Day, a senior editor for Sports Illustrated, told Reuters that Upton braved temperatures as low as 24

A: I wanted to make a film about how we deal with the suffering of the people that we love. I could’ve certainly made a film about a couple married for 40 years with a child who dies of cancer. That would only be a tragic, singular case and less representative. But we all grow old and nearly all of us get sick and that subject matter is more general and concerns nearly everyone one of us. I’ve also heard in the reception to the film from people that have said it’s just like what happened to me and my family. Indeed, that crosses generations as young people live through how their grandparents die or become ill or simply suffer, and now their parents are in the same situation.

It’s a matter that affects everyone.

Q: Did you have an inspiration for the film?

A: The story arose out of my family. My aunt killed herself at the age of 93 and before she did it she asked me whether or not I could help her. I loved her very much and to watch her suffer was very difficult, but I certainly couldn’t help her (kill herself ) because I’d be thrown in jail. Personally, I don’t believe I could’ve done it anyway.

Q: Did you expect “Amour” to receive five Oscar nominations?

A: No, certainly not. I had hoped and figured ... that one or another nomination would come our way but I was naturally, like many, pleasantly surprised.

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tyle Media is tapping into America’s obsession with wealth, celebrity and power to bring viewers another dose of “Life Styles of the Rich and the Famous” in 2013, while actively developing a glamour industr y reality show produced by Charlize Theron.

The network announced Theron’s “Glam Squad” and the return of the celebrity-centric show that made Robin Leach famous, along a two other new series called “Pop Style” and “Luxe Life Miami,” on Tuesday. Leach will not be involved in the new and improved “Life Styles,” but Style will stay faithful to the format of the original series he hosted between 1984 and 1995. Produced by RelativityREAL with Television 360 and Rysher Entertainment, the show will take viewers on a “humorous, informative and fun” ride through the most glamorous locations where the world’s wealthy elite mix and mingle. Tom Forman and Brad Bishop are executive producing for RelativityREAL with Daniel Rappaport and Scott Lambert for Television 360 and Patrick Gunn at Rysher. “Glam Squad” navigates the world of make-up and hair glam squads by focusing on three beauty teams gunning for one job each episode, resulting in a behind-the-scenes look into the high-stakes and unpredictable business.

tough, results-driven interview style, was asked if this was the kind of story she would have done on Beyonce.

She said Beyonce did a “much better job” of telling her own story. “I wouldn’t have been in the bedroom and in the closet and in the car and on vacation,” she said. Beyonce acted as the film’s executive producer and co-directed it with Ed Burke. He previously worked on some of her video projects. “Life is But a Dream” airs Saturday on HBO. — AP

Michael Haneke and the story behind ‘Amour’ A Minute With

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lorists and chocolate-makers are working around the clock in the run-up to Valentine’s Day. In Dallas, chocolatier Andrea Pedraza, who loves designer high heels, molded her pedestrian passion into chocolate form. Her most well-known creations are chocolate pumps done in the style of Christian Louboutin shoes. Prices for the pumps range from $30 to $55, but more if you fill the heel with more chocolates. Pedraza says men buy the chocolate pumps the most, so she keeps extras on hand for lastminute shoppers. — AP

Q: How will it be to be a star of sorts at the Oscars?

A: Star? Those who are invited are of course stars (laughs) ... I certainly find it delightful to get dressed up with these people that the entire world knows and to compete alongside them. It’s quite enjoyable.

Q: What do you make of some of the critics who, in their praise, have called the drama a horror film for its graphic portrayal of the end of life?

A: I believe that it has been a bit exaggerated how the film has been portrayed. The film is shocking, but the truth is always shocking. It’s no walk in the park, but it’s difficult and serious, and that makes it contemplative. I assume that I have an adult audience and that they’ll understand the situation. The film shouldn’t be a distraction (from life) - as many films are - but the film is also not meant to shock.

Q: What intentions did you set out with?

Q: What will it be like if “Amour” wins?

A: I’ll be happy. We’re happy about any prize but you don’t make films to win awards. Nonetheless, you’re certainly quite happy about the recognition. For the film, it also makes it possible for many more to see it. And each prize piques the interest of more people to watch the film.

Q: How much longer do you intend to keep making films?

A: As long as I can. I don’t know that answer. I could drop dead tomorrow or fall seriously ill. I’m no longer 25 years old but I don’t plan on calling it quits anytime soon, and perhaps that annoys someone somewhere. — Reuters

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

LIFESTYLE M U S I C

&

M O V I E S

An Iraqi model holds a makeup palette as she waits to be made up backstage before a show.

An Iraqi model gets her hair done before a show during a hairdressers and makeup artists festival.

Iraqi hairdressers, one of them blindfolded, compete on stage during a hairdressers and makeup artists festival in Baghdad. — AFP photos

Iraqi beauticians conquer fear at Baghdad festival ong targeted during the country’s sectarian war, Iraq’s best hairdressers and beauticians have held a festival in central Baghdad to show their talents, a symbolic move to break with years of fear. The event, officially called the Make-up, Hairdressing and Fashion Show, was organized over the weekend in the small Sadeer Hotel in Andalus Square, the first of its kind since the 2003 US-led invasion and its violent aftermath.

It is the latest in a series of efforts by the Iraqi capital’s residents to benefit from a decline in violence from its peak in 2006 and 2007 and restore Baghdad, once a dynamic and liberal city in the Middle East. “The most important thing about this festival is spotlighting the brightness of Iraqi women, which has gone unseen by the world,” said Nadya Hamza Fuad, one of the organizers.

“This is a first for us after the events of 2003,” she said. “We see it as a first step towards achieving success.”

“Darkness used to dominate, and the light of beauty was extinguished 10 years ago, especially in women’s salons. Society has been held back because of the dark period.”

The festival, sponsored by Iraq’s Labour and Tourism Syndicate, brought together a handful of shy participants, upon whom beauticians and hairdressers showcased their talents, and a crowd of onlookers in two conference rooms in the hotel where the festival was held. In one of the conference rooms, experts showed aspiring beauticians tricks of the trade and best practices, while in the other, a small platform was set up where three top hair-

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dressers showed their skills in front of onlookers before their subjects walked across an adjoining catwalk. It marked a sharp difference from the climate that once prevailed in the country, when tens of thousands were killed in the insurgency and sectarian war that followed the

An Iraqi model is made up backstage before a show during a hairdressers and makeup artists festival.

An Iraqi model sits in front of a painting featuring Burqa clad woman as she waits backstage before a show. invasion that ousted now-executed dictator Saddam Hussein.

Religious extremists in particular targeted hairdressers, most of whom closed their shops in fear. Women, few of

whom were veiled pre-2003, were suddenly forced to cover themselves and stay at home. “We sat behind locked doors and nobody used to see us-only our customers,” lamented Najim Ashur, owner of a beauty and hairdressing academy and one of Iraq’s best-known hairdressers. “Our art in Iraq got sick, but it did not die,” he said. “It is always renewing.”

Violence has dropped dramatically since that period, but attacks are still common and Baghdad remains one of

the world’s most dangerous cities. Among the beauticians exhibiting their talents was Ali Bulbul, who has over 30 years experience doing makeup for television broadcasters and now runs a one-stop beauty centre in central Baghdad which he opened in late 2011.

“We hope this movement will continue, and become acceptable to the Iraqi people again,” said Bulbul, who left Iraq in 1990, after Saddam Hussein invaded neighboring Kuwait. He returned for good in 2005 resuming as a television makeup artist.

Despite the positive atmosphere, attendees acknowledged that much remained to be done, with Iraqi actress Meelad Sirri noting that “there is some confusion, and there needs to be greater attendance, and more styles on display”. “But it was generally good,” she said. The one-day festival was limited to word-of-mouth advertising, largely to avoid garnering the attention of militants who, while weakened compared to years earlier, still carry out regular attacks in Baghdad and across Iraq.

And while participants were excited about an increasing openness among beauticians and hairdressers, some did voice lingering fears. ”We did not have any opportunities because of the society and the circumstances, but girls want to imitate fashions around the world,” said Suad Taha, a 20-year-old who was undergoing a makeover. “This festival is a chance for Iraqi girls to show their beauty-that reflects the beauty of Iraq.” But she admitted: “I have mixed feelings-of fear, and happiness.” —AFP

Absolutely exclusive, timeless perfume now in Kuwait

By Ben Garcia

Spring ahead with Bossini’s Spring Summer ‘13 Collection KUWAIT: With winter behind us, herald the season with Bossini’s SS’13 collection that sports a collection truly inspired by Nature. Allowing men, women and kids to flaunt the key trends for this season, the range varies from madras shirts and rayon blouses for women to plaid shirts and photo print tee’s for men and polo’s to check shorts for kids. An interesting addition is the color palette of shadowy shades of blues, greys and blacks to more playful colors of coral, pastels and neon’s.

Kick start a fun and adventurous season as kids dress preppy and nautical creating a clean and classic look.

Buttoned-up looks combine color blocking woven shirts, khakis, cardigans and collegiate blazers. Bold stripe patterns lend a sporty twist and if you’re leaning towards a cleaner, smarter theme give it a dash of pastels! Parade the urban look with street graffiti inspired tees, drawstring shorts and polo’s.

Women will enrich their wardrobes with pretty pastel inspired looks. Think about cute florals and romantic lace intertwined to create a charming yet

sophisticated combination. Pair a rainbow tee with colored chino’s to create the perfect look for a trip to the beach.

Knit skirts and dresses accessorized with the right neon accessories add glam to the outfit taking it from chic to glitzy in a matter of minutes. And don’t forget the wardrobe must-have, cool denim, which guarantees to take you through summer with a breeze.

Men will wear the rugged, hitchhiker look that oozes the perfect bad boy impression with a printed tee over cropped denims and a biker jacket.

From dark, mysterious shades of navy blue, heather grey and ink accent to peppy tomato reds and bright yellows, the collection reflects the ideal mood for the season.

And set sail with Nautical as horizontal stripe tee’s over denims or colored shorts perfectly blend western with native. Visit Bossini at Hawally (Al Othman Centre), Fahaheel (Ajial Mall), Farwaniya (Mugathir Complex), Khaldiya Co-op, Qortuba Co-op and all Centrepoint Stores to experience a whole lot of Summer Fun !

KUWAIT: Puredistance, an independent perfume house that offers a truly exclusive collection of four master perfumes created in London and New York, is now in Kuwait.

Introduced recently at Al-Hamra Mall in Kuwait City (Sharq), Puredistance will surely attract customers who love real elegance, classy taste and pure fragrance. Puredistance is exclusively distributed by Perfumerie d’Exception, an exceptionally high-end boutique located at the landmark tallest structure in Kuwait.

The brand Puredistance is created by its founder Jan Ewoud Vos, who is from The Netherlands, with the help of two master perfumers, Annie Buzantian (New York) and Roja Dove (London), who were inspired by the elegance of the Puredistance brand.

Puredistance is only available as pure perfume extract in perfume oil concentrations that vary between 2532 percent. Exclusivity is at the heart of the company. Puredistance master perfumes are amongst the most exclusive perfumes in the world and only available in a few specialized stores in Europe, the Americas and in fact only this one in the Middle East at Perfumerie d’Exception.

Nele Tammiste, International Sales Manager of Puredistance, said their products are absolutely exclusive, timeless and elegant. “We are creating products that can last for years, and are not occasional but timeless,” stated Tammiste. “All of our exclusive products were created with lots of passion and eagerness to really come up with the best. It takes at least one or two years to create one perfume product because it is really something special and the concept behind it and the story about it is created along with that. We are not creating perfumes for special occasions, we are creating perfumes to suit the elegance and classy people who can wear it anytime and anywhere they want,” she added. Puredistance creates various stylish accessories too: statements of ‘Modern Chic’ which include metal and leather Perfume Sprayholders and Crystal Columns made by Swarovski. Puredistance launched its first perfume in 2007 and has quickly gained a strong following among true perfume lovers, almost entirely by word of mouth advertising.

“Our concept is never advertised because we believe that word of mouth is yet the most powerful tool in our products. We created blogs but we do not advertise in newspapers and televi-

KUWAIT: Nele Tammiste, International Sales Manager of Puredistance.

— Photos by Joseph Shagra sion.” Currently, customers can choose between four fragrances: (1) Puredistance I, (2) Puredistance Antonia, (3) Puredistance M, (4) Puredistance Opardu. Puredistance I is one of the world’s most exclusive fragrances created by Annie Buzantian in New York. Annie initially created the perfume for herself, and called it ‘a private masterpiece.’ And when she met Puredistance founder and saw the concept and the philosophy, she agreed to share and partnered with Jan Ewoud Vos and launched Puredistance I. A year later, another scent by Buzantian, Puredistance Antonia, was launched.

Antonia’s fragrance is suited to women with a strong personality, who are yet positive and gentle. Next was the fragrance that caters to men. The scent of Puredistance M is sophisticated, warm and smooth, that is why even women are attracted to it. Created by Roja Dove, world’s only ‘professeur de pre-

fums,’ Puredistance M is inspired by classic grey Aston Martin DB6 driven by James Bond. The latest scent and probably the most loved perfume nowadays is the Puredistance Opardu. Opardu expresses a deep longing for the bygone days of opulence and true romance. Truly exclusive for some occasions like the Valentine today, Opardu has an instant hypnotizing effect that brings back long forgotten mysterious love and romantic memories. Opardu was a creation by Buzantian.

Puredistance believes that top quality products need time to slowly ‘grow’.

“We launch a new perfume only once every one or two years. We put all our passion, energy and resources into the making of one perfume at a time. Our goal is to create a unique product with a soul and a true story behind it,” Tammiste reiterated. The main office and design center of Puredistance is located in The Netherlands.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

lifestyle F e a t u r e s

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overs of the unusual are getting another chance to impress their Valentines this year in New York City. The Department of Environmental Protection is again offering Valentine’s Day tours of the Newtown Creek sewage treatment plant in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint section. The DEP says it’s offering three tours this year due to “overwhelming demand.”

The 9:30 am and 1 pm tours were quickly filled. So another was added at 11 am today. Highlights include the plant’s giant eggshaped digesters, which break down noxious waste into harmless sludge and gas. During last year’s tour, the plant’s gung-ho superintendent warned the visitors a digester egg was about to emit a foul odor. It didn’t disappoint. — AP

A man takes a picture of his daughter posing at a sculpture on display for Valentine’s Day at a shopping mall in Beijing yesterday. — AP

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apanese women packed out stores yesterday to buy Valentine’s Day chocolates for all the men in their lives-partners, friends and bosses-while the men sat back with nothing expected in return. The traffic in Japan is all one-way on February 14, with men free to sit back and wait for the boxes of goodies to pour in. A month from now, Japan celebrates White Day, when men are required to reciprocate with a white gift.

Chocolate has been available in Japan since at least 1797, when it was given to prostitutes by Dutch tradersthe only Europeans allowed a foothold in an otherwise closed country where travelling abroad was punishable by death. Today, more than anywhere else, Japan’s $11 billion chocolate business is driven by special days confected by the advertising industry to get cash tills ringing. Fully half that total is spent in February, according to retailers. “I’ll buy some for my colleagues, but we all agreed not to buy fancy chocolates, or it would cost me a fortune,” says Fumiko, a shopper who did not give her surname. “We all buy regular inexpensive chocolates.”

Even so, the 40-year-old said she expected to spend around 10,000 yen (more than $100) on chocolates during her splurge at Takashimaya, a department store in Tokyo’s upmarket Ginza district. Not all men are treated equally. The more expensive “honmei” (true love) chocolate is reserved for the husband or lover. Cheaper “giri” (obligation) chocolate goes to coworkers, from the guy who brings the mail to your desk all the way up to the boss of the company. Inventive chocolate marketers, looking to squeeze even more yen out of a shrinking population, have now started selling “tomo” chocolate-treats that women buy for their female friends.

Takayuki Miyai, a sales manager at Takashimaya, says business was down last year in a market still depressed by the tsunami and nuclear disaster of March 2011, but this year looks a lot more promising. Japan is the largest market for chocolate in Asia and accounts for a hefty slice of the world’s pie, which consultancy KPMG says was worth about $100 billion in 2012. At Takashimaya, an entire floor has been dedicated to Valentine’s Day chocolates. The exhibition, called

“Amour du Chocolat”, is teeming with women eager to try the latest creations from international chocolatiers.

French brands cash in on their chic image, among them Pascal Caffet. On its stand, cork-shaped chocolates are the most popular offering. Filled with champagne and available in dark, milk, and raspberry-and-white flavours, a box of 12 comes in at 2,940 yen ($31). Valentine’s Day appeared in Japan as a special occasion in the late 1950s, as the economy was picking up steam after the long, lean years following World War II. Western products gave an air of sophistication in a country bursting with energy and getting a taste for luxury and wealth after decades of bone-grinding austerity.

It was into this aspirational mix that companies hit upon the idea of marketing Valentine’s Day, when a firm called Mary Chocolate began advertising February 14 as “the only day of the year a woman professes her love through presenting chocolate”. The rule was thus established and the underwear, jewellery or flowers given in other parts of the developed world were banished, leaving chocolate the sole currency of Valentine’s romance. Two decades after Valentine’s Day took hold, White Day-March 14th-was introduced as a way to sell gifts to men, who were told they must buy something white for the ladies in their lives.

Initially, white marshmallows were de rigeur-on the back of some canny marketing by the marshmallow industry. Now, most things white are permitted. Lingerie tends to sell best. On Takashimaya’s chocolatefilled floor, sales manager Miyai says he is expecting brisk business to continue through next month, and hopes that life in a department store, among all these women, will prove personally profitable. “Until now, I wasn’t exactly surrounded by women so I haven’t received that much chocolate,” he said. “But this year, I hope I’ll get a lot.” — AFP

A Japanese woman buys chocolate at Tokyo’s Takashimaya department store one day before Valentine’s Day. — AFP

lifestyle

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

F e a t u r e s

Sornwich Changtor, left, and Rungnapa Changtor are chased by an actor in pirate costume during a part of an adventure-themed wedding ceremony.

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For the low-profile fellow With its line of low-profile vegetabletanned leather wallets, Australian company Bellroy manages to de-bulk the billfold without jettisoning a sense of style. One of the most versatile, the Slim Sleeve, can stow upward of a dozen cards thanks to two quick-access slots, a pocket for folded bills and a pull-tab feature that accesses less frequently used cards. It also comes pre-loaded with an instruction card offering pointers on how to lighten the load.

For the good catch You could send a subtle reminder that he’s not catch-and-release material by hooking him up with a manly bracelet, necklace or key chain from Miansai by Michael Saiger, an accessories line that marries enamel, silver or gold fish hooks with cords of chunky leather or braided rope. (Miansai by Michael Saiger hook bracelets, $65 to $80 at miansai.com)

For the scents-less The best way to get a guy to amp up his fragrance game is not to call it a “fragrance.”

The second-best way is to give him something so madly masculine he can’t resistthink MCMC Fragrances’ Hunter perfume oil (hints of tobacco, vanilla and balsam fir) or Juniper Ridge’s line of soap, room sprays and colognes that not only bear rugged woodsy names like Steep Ravine, Big Sur and Cascade Glacier but are made from field (and forest) harvested saps, essences and oils (think redwood, laurel and sage) and using equipment that includes repurposed juice presses and converted whiskey stills.

Prasit Rangsitwong, left, and Varutton Rangsitwong run away from a giant flower ball as a part of an adventurethemed wedding ceremony in Prachinburi province, Thailand, yesterday, on the eve of Valentine’s Day. — AP

rear-view mirror, your armchair quarterback would probably appreciate a tangible-and tossable-reminder that another one is only 12 months away. Go old-school and highend with a rugged, regulation-size, made-inthe-US of-A football crafted from genuine bison leather from the plains of the American West.

ere’s a news flash, folks: No matter what your guy says, when Valentine’s Day arrives, he so does not want that heart-festooned necktie, cupid-covered hot water bottle or I.O.U. snuggle coupon. After briefly recalling the grisly fate met by the holiday’s namesake 3rd century martyr, he will, however, smile broadly if gifted in such a manner. His lips will form the words: “You shouldn’t have,” but said gifts will disappear, never to be seen again.

That doesn’t mean you don’t have viable gifting options. There are plenty of ways to add a dash of panache or a smidgen of style to the XY who’s the apple of your eye. And, yes, some of them are even festooned with hearts.

For the plain waisted Napper Tandy’s recently launched line of boldly colored belts is an eye-catching departure from hum-drum leather. Made in California, the belts are 1,000-pound test climbing webbing on the inside, nylon boardshort material and contrast stitching on the outside and surf trunk meets preppy ribbon belt chic all the way around.

Sopon Tapoatong, left, and his bride Chutuma Tapoatong swing out on a rappelling rope as part of an adventure themed wedding ceremony.

Are you looking to treat that special man in your life for Valentine’s Day? Try MCMC Fragrances’ Hunter perfume oil, (hints of tobacco, vanilla and balsam fir) or Juniper Ridge’s line of soap, room sprays and colognes that not only bear rugged woodsy names like Steep Ravine, Big Sur and Cascade Glacier, but are made from field (and forest) harvested saps, essences and oils.

For the skater boy For spring, Vans has collaborated with Curtis Kulig for a capsule collection that puts the artist’s signature “love me” heart scrawl as a pink paint splatter across the brand’s iconic black-and-white checkerboard slip-ons ($50) and red lace-up Authentics with white allover embroidery ($55).

For the bristly chap If the only thing that’s come between you and him is his glorious, grizzled throw rug of a beard, tame the beast with a bottle of beard oil. There are multiple varieties on the market, and most are formulated to both soften and scent the chin whiskers. MCMC Fragrances’ Dude No. 1 jojoba and hempseed oil blend smells of peppercorns, coriander and cedarwood, and Portland General Store’s version is redolent of tobacco and flowers.

A rugged, regulation-size, made-in-the-US-of-A football crafted from genuine bison leather from the plains of the American West.—MCT photos

For the memory-challenged Who couldn’t use more memory-especially if it’s in the form of a USB thumb drive attached to a Swiss army knife? Victorinox offers a range of colors and storage sizes (4GB to 64GB) with or without knife blades (the latter for the frequent flier). To make the gift a little more memorable, go ahead and pre-load it with a folder full of forget-me-not photos. — MCT

For the football fan With this year’s Super Bowl a week in the

An employee from London’s Madame Tussauds poses for pictures with a waxwork model of US actor George Clooney during a photocall to mark Valentines Day in central London, yesterday.—AFP

A USB thumb drive attached to a Swiss Army knife. Victorinox offers a range of colors and storage sizes (4GB to 64GB) with or without knife blades (the latter for the frequent flyer).

A diver feeds red heart-shaped squid meat to a shark during a feeding show ahead of Valentine’s Day at the Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo yesterday.—AFP

Valentine’s gifts for men? Forget teddy bears

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

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Here are some self-arranging ideas from iBulb for Valentine’s Day. Add color water to compliment the look.— MCT photos

W

inter would be so blah without Valentine’s Day to brighten it with cards and candy. Flowers take it to the next level of loving thoughtfulness. For a different look this Valentine’s Day, try a little whimsy with some fresh-cut tulips-also, roses, mums, daffodils, lilies or whatever you fancy-you pick up and arrange at home.

In more temperate areas, you could even search your garden for winter-blooming flowers like Lenten rose, camellias and daphne. Budding branches, as well as stems from red-twig dogwood and curly willow, can be mixed in with flowers. Here are some self-arranging ideas from iBulb, a nonprofit association that promotes the use of bulbs indoors and outdoors; http://uk.ibulb.org.

Nestle some flowers. The goal is to make a double-walled vase. Select two clear glass vases (both about 8 inches tall), so that one fits within the other and leaves a gap of at least 1 to 1{ inches. Fill the smaller vase one-third full with water and place inside larger vase. Fill the gap between the vases with candy, soaps or other small goodies. Remove the leaves and trim flower stems to 9 inches, gather together and place inside smaller vase.

Trim a jar. A plain Mason jar looks country cute with a bit of white ball-fringe, lace or rickrack glued just below the jar lip. Also try brush, beaded or tassel trim from a local fabric store or online trim retailer. Color some water. Food coloring turns a clear vase into a colorful vessel. Matching blooms and water color deliver a passionate punch.

Steady your bouquet. Use seashells or sea glass to stabilize a short bunch of tulips _ or other cut flowers. Fill vase two-thirds full with shells.

Band tulips with florist tape and cut stems to 3 inches long. Place bouquet on top of shells, and carefully fill in remaining area around bouquet with shells. Gently fill the vase with water.

Say it simply. A single forced tulip, daffodil, rose or whatever your choice flower is wedged inside a wire whisk for the elegant look of a singlestemmed beauty that says “I love you.” — MCT

Heart-shaped soaps surround a bouquet of tulips.