26 Mar 2013

CR IP TI ON BS SU

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

US cedes Bagram to Afghans as Kerry visits

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www.kuwaittimes.net

JAMADA ALAWWAL 14, 1434 AH

Djokovic, Sharapova win at windy Miami

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Oppn appears split as dialogue talk heats up Wasmi acquitted, Barrak, Assembly cases postponed

Max 26º Min 14º High Tide 11:46 & 23:27 Low Tide 05:33 & 17:40

By B Izzak

DOHA: The flags of 22 Arab countries flutter yesterday outside the hotel that will host the 24th summit of the Arab League today in the Qatari capital. — AFP

Saudis threaten to ban WhatsApp, Viber, Skype RIYADH: Internet messenger applications such as Skype, Viber and WhatsApp face being banned in Saudi Arabia if operators fail to allow authorities in the kingdom to censor them, industry sources said yesterday. Local telecommunication providers have been told to ask the operators of the services to furnish means of control, an official at the kingdom’s Communications and Information Technology Commission said, requesting anonymity.

Another source at telecom operator Saudi Telecommunications Co (STC) said the commission gave service providers one week ending on Saturday to respond, warning it would

“take measures to ban them” if they failed to comply.

An industry source said telecom operators were behind the move, accusing the STC, along with Mobily and Zain, of asking the commission to impose censorship due to the “damage” caused by the free-of-charge applications. In neighbouring UAE, most Skype applications and Viber are blocked but WhatsApp messenger remains accessible. The two countries in 2010 threatened to ban BlackBerry instant messaging and demanded installing local servers to censor the service. The services remain uninterrupted but it was not clear how far the RIM Canadian maker did comply. — AFP

Ministers satisfied with oil prices KUWAIT: OPEC’s largest oil producing member Saudi Arabia said yesterday that $100 a barrel is a “reasonable” price for oil while Kuwait said the price is “fair” and the market was stable. “In 1997, I thought 20 dollars was reasonable. In 2006, I though 27 dollars was reasonable,” Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi told reporters in Kuwait City on the sidelines of a Gulf oil conference. “Now, it is around $100 ... and I say again ‘it is reasonable’.” Kuwait’s Oil Minister Hani Hussein said the “current oil price is fair”. “There is a little bit of over-supply but we think that the market is stable at the moment,” he said.

Oil prices rose in Asian trade yesterday after Cyprus and its international creditors struck a €10 billion bailout deal, averting collapse of the country’s banking system.

“We are generally happy with the oil prices at the moment ... We think that the prices now reflect the market (situation) in general ... Basically, the market is balanced,” the Kuwaiti minister said. Hussein also said that Kuwait’s oil production at present is “a little bit below 3.0 million barrels per day because there are some maintenance work,” adding that after the maintenance is completed soon Kuwait will return to 3.0 million bpd. — Agencies

Cyprus secures last-minute bailout NICOSIA: Cyprus clinched a €10-billion bailout yesterday averting a chaotic eurozone exit, allowing most banks to reopen after a 10-day closure, but at the cost of its status as an offshore banking centre.

Banks on the island except for its two biggest lenders, the worst-hit by the financial crisis, will open their doors today after the lockdown aimed at averting a run on deposits, state media reported.

The Bank of Cyprus and Laiki, or Popular Bank, will remain closed until Thursday to give officials time to adjust to measures imposed under the EU-led bailout, the

official CNA news agency said.

The 11th-hour agreement deals a major hit to investors and depositors in the island’s biggest bank, the Bank of Cyprus, many of whom are Russian, and will also effectively shut down Laiki, its second-largest lender. President Nicos Anastasiades tweeted he was “content” before flying home from marathon Brussels talks that sealed the agreement in the early hours, which briefly rallied European markets before dealers began to fret about the cost of the deal.

Continued on Page 13

BRUSSELS: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso leaves following a eurozone meeting over Cyprus at the EU headquarters yesterday. — AFP

KUWAIT: The Kuwaiti opposition yesterday clearly appeared divided into at least three groups, all of whom however agree on almost similar goals but with different means and ways, amid serious calls for national dialogue to bring the opposition ranks closer together. The main group - the Opposition Coalition - headed by former MP Musallam Al-Barrak, held a lengthy meeting Sunday night and said it will soon announce a series of activities to force the abolishment of the National Assembly and scrapping of the amended electoral law.

The Coalition also announced appointments to its various divisions, including an office for international communications, according to Barrak.

The other group, the Movement Coordination, which decided not to join the Opposition Coalition, has been holding its own separate activities, also with the aim to force the government to dissolve the Assembly and scrap the controversial electoral law. The Movement was scheduled to hold a public rally late yesterday outside the Central Jail in Sulaibiya titled “Kuwait is Jailed” to protest against a crackdown against opposition activists and tweeters, a number of whom have received jail sentences for allegedly insulting HH the Amir.

The third opposition group appears to be in the formation process by member of the scrapped 2012 Assembly Obaid Al-Wasmi and former Islamist MP Mohammad Hayef, who together held a meeting Sunday night to highlight the need for a national dialogue to resolve the ongoing political crisis in Kuwait.

Wasmi insisted that there is an urgent need for dialogue Continued on Page 2

FSA founder loses leg in car bombing ANKARA: Colonel Riad Al-Asaad, founder of the insurgent Free Syrian Army (FSA), had his leg severed by an explosion in rebel-controlled Syria in an apparent assassination attempt, opposition sources said yesterday. His wounds were not life-threatening and he was now in hospital in Turkey, a Turkish official said. Asaad, who set up the FSA in 2011 to fight for the overthrow of President Bashar AlAssad, was one of the first senior officers to defect from the Syrian military.

Syrian opposition sources said Asaad had been hit by a car bomb in the city of Al-Mayadin, south of Deir al-Zor in Riad Al-Asaad eastern Syria. “The attempt to assassinate Colonel Riad Al-Asaad in Deir al-Zor is part of an attempt to assassinate the free leaders of Syria,” said Moaz Al-Khatib, who resigned on Sunday as the head of the opposition Syrian National Coalition. Asaad’s deputy, Malik Al-Kurdi, told Al Jazeera that he believed the Syrian government was responsible for what he said was an assassination attempt. A bomb was placed under the car, directly below Asaad’s seat, and that he also sustained wounds to his face. — Agencies

KUWAIT: Saudi Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Ali bin Ibrahim AlNaimi (right) and Kuwaiti Oil Minister Hani Hussein attend the opening ceremony of the 1st GCC oil media conference yesterday. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat

Oman grants asylum to Gaddafi’s family MUSCAT/DOHA: Oman has granted asylum to some members of Muammar Gaddafi’s family, two of whom are wanted by Interpol, an Omani official said yesterday, but Libya said it was too early to talk about any possible extradition requests. Algeria said last week that the widow of the late Libyan leader and three of his children had left its territory long ago, without saying where they had gone. They had sought refuge in Algeria in 2011 after Libyan rebels reached the capital Tripoli during the armed uprising that ended his 42-year rule.

“Gaddafi’s wife, two sons and a daughter, as well as their children have been in Oman since October last year,” an Omani government official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. “We have already accepted their request for asylum provided they don’t engage in political activities,” the official added.

The Omani official said that apart from Gaddafi’s widow Safia, his daughter Aisha and sons Mohammed and Hannibal were among those granted asylum. Aisha and Hannibal are wanted

by Interpol following a request from the Libyan authorities, but there is no international warrant for Mohammed or Safia.

Libyan Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdelaziz confirmed in Qatar that some

members of Gaddafi’s family have moved from Algeria to Oman, saying an official announcement by the three countries was due to be issued later.

“Oman is a sovereign country and has the right, just like other countries, to receive asylum seekers and members of the political opposition,” Abdelaziz told journalists in Doha ahead of an Arab summit due to convene today. “All we ask of the countries that host these, be it the family or supporters of the former regime ... not to be a negative factor in the path of the revolution,” he added.

Asked if Libya would demand their extradition, he said: “It is too soon to talk about this.”

Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam, captured by rebels more than a year ago, appeared in a Libyan court for the first time in January. Libya wants to try him and other former Gaddafi-era officials itself, although Saif al-Islam has been indicted for crimes against humanity by the International Criminal Court. Another of Gaddafi’s sons, Saadi, fled to Niger at the end of the revolt in which his father was overthrown and killed. Three of Gaddafi’s sons - Mutassim, Saif al-Arab and Khamis - were killed during the conflict in separate incidents. Gaddafi himself was killed in his hometown of Sirte in Oct 2011. — Agencies

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LOCAL

Trio brings US-modeled Auction Home to Kuwait High value antiques on display

Blaze in Farwaniya

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

Wadha Al-Aqrooka, Hameeda Al-Yousifi, Holly Vineyard, and Michael J Adler during the launching ceremony.

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: Three Kuwaiti women decided to bring a new idea to Kuwait by launching the Auction Home at Zahra area. Hameeda Al-Yousifi, Wadha Al-Aqrooka, and Maryam Al-Ali launched the Auction Home this Sunday evening in the presence of US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Michael J. Adler and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce Holly Vineyard, who cut the ribbon.

Auction Home is modeled after auction houses in the US that feature predominately high value antiques and collectors’ items.

In addition to showcasing and selling different pieces of furniture, Auction Home staff will also appraise people’s furniture and collectors’ items, as well as pinpoint when it was created. Auction Home will also organize workshops to help people learn how to restore antiques.

Hameeda Al-Yousifi, Wadha Al-Aqrooka

and Maryam Al-Ali are childhood friends who decided to turn their hobby of collecting high-end antiques from all over the world into a business. These entrepreneurs hope their newly-opened business will help people better appreciate both the historical and monetary value of antiques.

They brought the antique items available at the Auction Home from different auctions held in Italy, France and US. “The items available in this hall go back to the 16th, 17th, and 18th century. Currently we have 72 pieces on display, and all are for sale. We will be expanding our collection by adding new pieces from Kuwait, GCC and other countries, as we keep attending auctions in many countries. We only choose unique and valuable pieces for display,” Hameeda Al-Yousifi, a partner of the Auction Home told the Kuwait Times.

“We are proud to introduce this new idea in Kuwait, and we hope to expand and establish an auction net in the GCC. We also

Some guests looking at porcelain antiques.

offer services for evaluation of antiques, free of charge. Currently, we are focusing on antiques and furniture, and we aim to include other items in the future,” she further said.

On her part, Holly Vineyard was pleased to attend this event. “It is exciting to witness the entrepreneurial spirit on display with this official launch of Auction Home, modeled after the US concept. It is new enterprises such as this one that indicate the openness and market-based policies that help Kuwait thrive,” she said.

Vineyard just arrived in Kuwait and this was her first official event. “These ladies are very innovative. This event is part of the partnership between Kuwait and the States. The Auctions are popular in US and these ladies brought it to Kuwait. I think there are many opportunities for more Americans to work with Kuwaitis. The purpose of my visit is to try to encourage more partnership between the US and Kuwait

companies. I hope there are more men and women like them to continue the growth of trade between the two countries,” Vineyard pointed out.

Holly Vineyard serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Africa, the Middle East and South Asia in the International Trade Administration’s Market Access and Compliance unit. In this position, she directs the Department of Commerce’s regional activities on market access, trade, commerce and compliance with international trade agreements. She is responsible for developing programs, policies and strategies to strengthen the U.S. commercial position in nearly 80 countries.

ChargÈ d’Affaires Michael J. Adler noted, “We look forward to an even greater and stronger trading partnership with newly established businesses like this one, and we are so pleased that Deputy Assistant Secretary Vineyard was able to attend this special opening.”

KUWAIT: Firefighters from the Farwaniya fire center brought a blaze in a residential apartment under control and prevented it from spreading to other buildings in the neighbourhood. There was no report of any casualty.

As soon as the fire department received a report about a fire that broke out in an apartment in a residential building in Farwaniya area, a team of firefighters from the Farwaniya fire center led by Lt Colonel Khalid Kanaan responded. Upon reaching the site of the fire, the team split into two, one dealing with the fire and the other carrying out rescue operations. Soon, the fire was brought under control before it could spread.

The residential unit was found being used to store tires, a fact that could have led to a major disaster.

Legal formalities were being initiated for storing such goods in a residential unit.

Expat dies A Syrian expat died when a heavy piece of metal fell upon him at a construction site in the Granada Area. He died on the spot. Police reached the site of the accident after the Ministry of Interior received a report about it. His body was taken for inquest proceedings and a case was registered.

Oppn appears...

Continued from Page 1 between all sides except the government in order to draw a roadmap for a political solution. He insisted the required national dialogue is not a solution in itself but the road towards reaching a solution. He said that the government has benefited greatly from the political contradictions among the various groups and accordingly,”national dialogue has become a necessity”.

Differences between the various opposition blocs and other activists are not fundamental as they agree on the need to abolish the Assembly, repeal the electoral law and introduce deep democratic and political reforms, but they differ on the extent of the reforms and the best way to achieve them.

In a related development, the court of appeals yesterday upheld a ruling by the lower court to acquit Wasmi of charges of insulting the Amir and instigating security men to disobey orders, besides resisting authorities. Wasmi was accused of committing these charges during an opposition rally held late 2010 and during which the special forces beat up many people including several MPs, wounding many. Wasmi himself was beaten up and dragged by security forces on the ground after delivering a speech.

The criminal court however postponed its session until April 1 in the case of 70 opposition activists, including 11 former MPs, accused of storming the Assembly building in November 2011. All the defendants have denied the charges. The postponement came after key witnesses from the national guards failed to show up to testify in the case. Activists insist that they didn’t force open the Assembly gates but only went inside to avoid a bloody clash with police.

In a third case, the criminal court postponed the case of Barrak until April 8 for final arguments. Barrak faces charges of insulting the Amir and undermining his authorities in a speech made on Oct 15. The court yesterday heard the testimony of a state security officer who filed the complaint against Barrak. The main defense lawyer Mohammad Abdulqader Al-Jassem said the defense team will meet to study options. Barrak also complained that the court did not allow them to bring their own witnesses or to freely cross-examine the state security officer. He said the defense team will not make the final arguments.

Separately, the Assembly agreed yesterday to form a parliamentary committee to study issues that the Amir has called for speeding their implementation during an extraordinary meeting of the Cabinet on Sunday which was attended by the acting speaker Mubarak AlKhrainej. The decision to form the committee came after a meeting Khrainej held with MPs to inform them about the outcome of the Cabinet meeting.

MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan yesterday submitted another document to prove that the interior ministry was dealing with a Canadian company that is a subsidiary of an Israeli company. Duwaisan had made the claim in a grilling request of the interior minister he filed last month that was postponed by the Assembly for several months.

MP Kamel Al-Awadhi proposed an amendment to the labour law in the private sector stipulating a jail sentence for up to five years and a fine not exceeding KD 5,000 for owners of companies who recruit labourers from outside or inside Kuwait and fail to provide them with jobs. Awadhi, a former director general of the immigration department, aims at eliminating trading in visas in companies that provide residencies to such labourers against a certain fee without giving them actual jobs.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LOCAL

Amir sponsors, attends Kuwait University graduates of excellence ceremony Kuwait should develop tourism sector, hospitality industry

By Ben Garcia

KUWAIT: Under the auspices of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and with his attendance, the Kuwait University (KU) Graduates of Excellence Ceremony for the academic year 2011-2012 was held yesterday at Sheikh Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Theater at Shuwaikh Campus.

His Highness the Amir was greeted upon arrival to the venue by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, KU Rector Dr Abdellatif Ahmad AlBader, and KU colleges professors and staff.

The ceremony was also attended

by His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah, former National Assembly speaker Jassem Al-Khorafi, senior sheikhs, Deputy Chief of National Guard Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah, His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak AlHamad Al-Sabah, Acting National Assembly Speaker Mubarak AlKhrenij, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Ahmad AlHumoud Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Deputy Amiri Diwan Minister Sheikh Ali AlJarrah Al-Sabah, top state officials, and graduates’ families.

The ceremony opened with a recitation of the Holy Quran. Then Minister Al-Hajraf addressed the gathering expressing appreciation for His Highness the Amir for his non-stop support to students, educators and the educational institutions, at the forefront of which Kuwait University.

Al-Hajraf underlined the need for building more government universities to meet the growing demand for

higher educational institutions.

He lamented Kuwait university is bearing the brunt of the shortage of government universities. He noted that the KU is trying hard to retain its high teaching standards while accepting the biggest possible number of applying students.

Al-Hajraf disclosed that the government has taken a number of measures to tackle this problem including finalizing a draft law for regulating the building of new government universities as a prelude to referring it the National Assembly for deliberation and approval in the current legislative term; completing Kuwait Medical University project; finishing the executive bylaws of law No. 1 of 2012 on the establishment of Jaber Al-Ahmad University which is expected to start operation next September; and completing the detailed plan of action of Sabah Al-Ahmad University.

The Minister also unveiled that the Ministry is about to take a number of measures to hasten the execution pace of Sabah Al-Salem University City project.

He congratulated the graduates and their families, wishing them more success in their academic and practical life. Addressing the gathering next was KU President Dr. Abdellatif Ahmad Al-Bader. He commended the generous patronage of HH the Amir to the ceremony, expressing his pride and joy of this gesture that shows the Kuwaiti leadership’s appreciation of the Kuwait University’s role.

He noted that HH the Amir attendance also greatly encourages graduates to maintain their excellence in academic and practical life.

Al-Bader highlighted the important role played by Kuwait University,

since its inception in 1966, in providing Kuwaiti students with high quality education and training which prepared them to better ser ve their homeland and achieve its higher interests.

He also touched upon the measures taken to upgrade and develop the university to be one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

Al-Bader cited as example of the outcome of the development of the University of Kuwait, the award of the best Arab college of medicine for the year 2011-2012 which was won by Kuwait University ’s College of Medicine.

He congratulated the graduates on their excellence and encouraged them to continue their outstanding performance in the practical life.

He also called on the graduates to better invest all what they have learned and experienced during their education at KU to serve their dear homeland.

On behalf of the graduates, Dalal Al-Knaimish said the students would always remember His Highness the Amir gracing this ceremony to stress on his care for education and encouraging new generations to do their best and serve their country.

The graduate added that the students also have the greatest appreciation for the faculty members, professors, and other staff at KU who all helped them along their scholastic years.

Following these speeches, His Highness the Amir presented the graduation certificates to the excelled students. Before leaving, HH the Amir received a memorial gift from the Kuwait University on the occasion of this important event. — KUNA

Visa transfer suspension confuses work departments KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor’s assistant undersecretary for labor sector affairs, Jamal Al-Doussari, stressed that various departments were still receiving applications for transfer of commercial visas into work permits.

He added that all such transactions that he received recently would be categorized and referred to relevant departments. Further, Al-Doussari stressed that, according to the instructions of MSAL undersecretary, Abdul Mohsen Al-Muttairi, visa transfer applications would be received till the beginning of April.

Notably, Al-Doussari’s office recently witnessed unprecedented crowds of applicants and company representatives wishing to finalize their visa transfer transactions. “What can we do with the labor that has already arrived in Kuwait on commercial visit visas if we cannot transfer their visas into work permits,” they wondered, not-

ing that clerks were so poorly informed about the process that their understanding was often either confused or contradictory. Meanwhile, various state departments all over Kuwait have been going through a state of confusion ever since MSAL minister Thekra Al-Rasheedi announced suspension of transferring commercial visit visas into work permits from the beginning of April, informed sources said.

They noted that despite stipulating that commercial visit visas of expatriates arriving in Kuwait before April 1 would be transferrable to work permits, various departments have been rejecting any transfer requests because clerks failed to comprehend the minister’s statement.

The sources also noted that minister Al-Rasheedi had so far not issued any official decision to suspend transferring visas and all that various departments received in this regard were mere verbal instructions from MSAL officials.

KUWAIT: Kuwait should develop its tourism sector and hospitality industry to attract more international visitors or lose them forever, says Jassim Al-Saddah, an architect by profession and an advocate for changing the ‘game plan’ for Kuwait tourism sector. Al-Saddah was reacting on the news report which ranked Kuwait as the fourth ‘unfreindliest country’ in the world for tourists which was reported in the international media last week.

“First and foremost, we don’t have the tourism authority to look after the standards of tourism facilities here-that if have in Kuwait.

So definitely, we are not supposed to be rated by international organizations simply by saying we are unfriendly to foreigners. That is unacceptable because if that so we shouldn’t welcome any nationalities here to work. Expatriate communities here are bigger than locals so why to rate us unfriendly country,” Al-Saddah asked.

The ‘Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013’by the World Economic Forum ranked 140 countries according to attractiveness and competitiveness in the travel and tourism industries.

Bolivia was ranked first unfreindliest country for tourist, scoring a 4.1 out of seven on a scale of “very unwelcome” (0) to “very welcome” (7). Venezuela and the Russian Federation were next, and the fourth in the row was no other than Kuwait. Iceland and New Zealand were ranked the world’s most welcoming nations for visitors.

The United States (6th) topped the combined Americas, Singapore (10th) just pushed out Australia and New Zealand to lead the Asia Pacific region, the United Arab

Emirates (28th) was the highest performer in the Middle East and the Seychelles (38th) overtook Mauritius to head Africa. The report emphasized the need for continued development in the travel and tourism sector particularly for its role in job creation in a relatively stagnant global economy. The industry currently accounts for one in 11 jobs in the world.

“But, I think the world ranking is partly correct in another sense,” he conceded. “You know why, because there is no tourism spots here, not because we do not have it at hand; we do have but it wasn’t developed. So in my perception, they should have spared Kuwait in the ranking because anyhow tourism was their main goal and we don’t have even the tourism authority.

The truth, many of us travels outside Kuwait instead of welcoming tourists especially every summer,” he admitted. Al-Saddah is an architect whose ultimate dream is to redesign the old cities and transform them into more modern but also attracted spots for tourism.

The “friendly” ranking was just one aspect of the report, analyzing each country’s competitiveness in travel and tourism. That competitiveness is “based on the extent to which they are putting in place the factors and policies to make it attractive to develop the travel and tourism sector.” Europe was the top region with the first five positions all held by European countries.

Switzerland, Germany and Austria were the top three in that order.

Switzerland has headed the ranking since the index began five years ago. Among the sectors rated were tourism infrastructure and facilities, business travel appeal, sustainable development of natural resources and rich cultural resources.

However, Al-Saddah mentioned the government should ‘change their game plan’ in tourism sector for the country to compete with their neighboring countries which are now steadily attracting visitors/tourists from all over the world. “There are many important suggestions for the government to reconsider if we really want to attract visitors. Please open up just like other countries in the GCC, why Dubai is attracting visitors? Why Qatar now is catching up? There are several privileges in that part of the world which we cannot offer here; if the country open up and be bold enough to accept changes, then, we are going to see the drastic improvements for sure. Accept that there are old and younger generations tourists. Old (tourist) attitude should be left in the back-burner.

Old generations want simple things, but there are new and younger age who wants something like ‘night life’,” he added. “Building excellent hospitality business is number one, if we offer better hospitality, we can attract tourists from all over the world. Another flaw in the system is the inability of the government to create an excellent propaganda about the country; we have money to do so, but we are not spending penny to advertise our country; we have several tourism spots which can be developed according to international standards but they are not given priority,” he said. The report used data compiled from the World Economic Forum’s Executive Opinion Survey and hard data from private sources and national and international agencies and organizations such as the ICAO, IATA, UNWTO, World Bank/International Finance Corporation, IUCN, WHO and UNESCO.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LOCAL kuwait digest

kuwait digest

Find unified path first

Do something for ‘bedoons’

By Dr Ibtihal Al-Khateeb

By Abdullatif Al-Duaij

M

P

oliticians who boycotted the elections currently find themselves as being among the losers since they have little active role in polity now after having decided not to run for parliament. I had advised them back then, when they had the opportunity to go back, that they would not find any space or political room outside the parliament to practice their politics. It meant that by boycotting the elections, they would be left out and eventually forgotten. Since most of them had no public presence, boycotting the elections would be akin to committing political suicide if their plans failed, and it was clear from the beginning that they were going to fail. That is exactly what happened.

Unfortunately, they miscalculated and overestimated the level of public participation in their campaign against the establishment.

After being isolated, they modestly proposed the idea of reconciliation which they forwarded as a necessity and made it seem as if they were doing the government a favor despite the fact that it was they who desperately needed to get back into action, having first voluntarily chosen to be left out. When their proposal was ignored, they returned to their arrogant ways and announced rejection of any reconciliation moves. They then vowed to move forward with the ‘reformist’ or ‘revolutionary’ movement until its logical conclusion.

Most recently, and after feeling even more isolated than ever before, they came up with a more attractive way to come back into limelight and claim a place on the political stage once again. They proposed the idea of national dialogue as a way to agree on a unified path that Kuwait should take. Of course, it was only another way to re-launch talks aimed at reconciliation.

Once again, no one paid attention to their invitation, not because it was illogical or unnecessary, but mainly because the boycotting groups were the ones which needed dialogue and came up with the idea of a unified path. There is no group or individual among them who has so far been able to explain its conduct before the public and describe what is it exactly that they want, and what exactly do they mean by their slogans.

They all demand freedom, but fail to identify who exactly they want to be freed, or freed from. Are they demanding freedom for the public, their own freedom or freedom for a certain sectarian group? They call for an elected cabinet without explaining why. They do not explain what an elected Cabinet will do that the appointed Cabinets have been unable to. They keep coming up with rather elastic catchphrases and drumming up unrealistic dreams that none of them has taken the trouble to explain to the public. Once again I am offering a piece of advice to the boycotting groups.

Decide on a unified approach through which you can enter the next elections. It will be better for you and more understandable for others. —Al-Qabas

kuwait digest

Incomplete proposals

By Dr. Terki Al-Azmi

T

he government came up with proposals that looked good on paper, yet lacked compatibility with the kind of solutions adopted by civilized countries.

We in Kuwait know that we need to resolve the issues regarding skew in our country’s demographical structure, but the announcement by the Minister of Social Affairs and Labor about repatriating 100,000 workers every year “to reduce marginal labor forces” violates both labor regulations and international agreements.

In 2003, a number of MPs announced that the names of visa traffickers will soon be exposed and the human trafficking problem will be ended. A decade later, we are still waiting for a solution. The idea of deporting 100,000 workers every year seems impossible to be achieved, unless the minister has a list of the companies involved in visa trafficking.

The ministry is required to conduct a study about the marginal labor forces to formulate a solution that must start by first exposing visa traffickers. At the same time, we must not ignore the importance of attracting professional talent with expertise and technological skills required for implementing major

state projects. Something else that supports the argument mentioned at the beginning of this column is the expected increase in the prices of property and building material following the government’s decision to increase the housing loan from KD70,000 to KD100,000 and acquisition price from KD300,000 to KD500,000.

Already, the property prices have zoomed and a 400 square meter property is currently estimated at KD400,000, while raising a building on it may cost more than KD150,000.

The government was supposed to ensure that with the increase of the cap on housing loans, the prices of building material be regulated. It needed to make a fair assessment of property prices. Some people argue that the government’s step was deliberate and was meant to ‘benefit property and building material traders.’ Aside from the need to protect the people from the greed of the traders, Kuwait should at least follow the example of other Gulf states which have brought in regulations that set an acceptable profit margin and give fair assessment of the proper ty prices regardless of supply and demand.—Al-Rai

kuwait digest

How can love kill?

By Arwa Al-Waqian

W

e often hear the saying ‘Care Killed the Cat’, and actually recall it whenever we see love becoming a curse or a disease that makes a lover try to dominate and control his or her partner to the extent of virtually killing her or him. Often, such a wish to control could intellectually or spiritually muffle someone, which is even more agonizing.

For us Arabs, display of affection has not evolved through the normal channels. Our love or care has to go through certain ‘filters’ before we can express it. Arab families do not exchange phrases expressing love with their children on a daily basis as their counterparts do in the west. They usually tend to express their love and affection in more practical ways rather than verbally.

Well, they cannot be more wrong because ears love listening to love being expressed. Souls, too, yearn for it.

When children fail to find love within their families, they tend to seek it elsewhere, which is highly risky. The quest for love differs a lot when people are actually craving for it.

It is much different for those who were brought up in a paradigm where love was a basic value in their lives. When hungry, one usually rushes to the nearest restaurant no matter how bad the food that it serves is. It is the same with love. It makes one seek it from someone who might be bad and takes advantage of the seeker’s need. This may even result in physical or verbal violence and sometimes even leads to murder.

You might be killed by love if you were to one day realize how miserable your experience was, or if you blame yourself for it. You may one day realize that you were merely being blind to what you did not like, even though it was so clearly visible. At this point, you should know that love is going to kill you. So, try to get rid of it, jolt your mind into waking up and stimulate all your senses likewise lest you fall in this love trap.

Though love is supposed to be the most beautiful experience one can go through in this world, victims of psychological diseases including those with suicidal tendencies or those who are depressed because of love, are aplenty. Love can actually be the cause of your misery. So, do not approach love in such a way that it kills you instead of reviving you and making your life more worthwhile.

Since those deprived of something are the ones who seek it the most, families should start showing and expressing their love without any hesitation. Love is not a sin and displaying affection will not spoil your children, as some people believe. On the contrary, it will protect them from begging for love from some ‘criminals’.

Families, you are the source of unconditional love. So, never hold it back. Do not try to control what your children like. Show your love and be more understanding of their wishes. Have mercy on their little hearts that might suffer a lot because of brusqueness. To those who managed to break through this do-not-show-love concept and display their affection to the fullest, I say: How wonderful you are!

Keep spreading love because it is the only thing that might save the world from this dreadful hatred prevailing because of barren, loveless hearts. Finally, if your lover constantly wishes to change you, be sure that he or she does not actually love you. At least, not so far.— Al-Jarida

inister Mohammad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, let me tell you something that you must already know. Your son who is set to graduate in three years will be fine. My son who is of the same age as yours is also going to be fine when he graduates in a couple of years. Your son will find a good job, which he deserves, and his last name will help him access his rights without any problem. My son is also going to find a good job after we use our connections and make a few phone calls to make sure that he gets what is his right. Your son will start a happy family, build a beautiful house, and provide everything for his family and children who will enjoy financial and moral stability from the moment they are born. My son, likewise, is going to start a happy family, probably wait for a government house, and provide everything that his children want. The small house that we own in the Abdullah Al-Mubarak area provides him some financial stability, and we can help him reach a level where he can be assured of a good future.

There is no shame, Your Excellency, in having your son born in a diamond cradle and mine in a silver one. We live in a stratified society where people’s last names determine the paths of their lives, and it will continue that way until times change. There is no shame in admitting that our children will have an easy life. Despite the difference in our living conditions, children of us both will enjoy financial stability and can always revert to their parents if they ever were to need our support. You and I would not hesitate to do anything to protect our children from trouble. We will give anything for that, and we have a lot to give, Your Excellency. So rest assured, our sons are completely safe. This is how life should be, in fact. Young people should live happily and have the road for a better future paved for them.

But let me tell you a different story; one about real fear, real hunger and real insecurity. There are people among us who cannot find a job or a roof on their heads but continue to live on despite the fact that they have so little to live on. They are the

Behind those borders there are young people who, if lucky, would finish their high school study - a step that signifies the beginning of life for your son and mine but resembles the end of theirs. Time stops and their dreams end at this step. There, behind those borders, are beautiful and educated young women who are not lucky to get married and start families. Not now, but never.

Kuwaiti ‘bedoons’, Your Excellency. They live across the borders of Sulaibiya and Jahra in tin-sheet houses separated by swampy roads. These neighborhoods have young people who are of the same age as our sons, Mr. Minister. They complain not because they don’t have a house, a bank account, a car, a cell phone or an iPad, but because they don’t even have hope. Behind those borders there are young people who, if lucky, would finish their high school study - a step that signifies the beginning of life for your son and mine but resembles the end of theirs. Time stops and their dreams end at this step. There, behind those borders, are beautiful and educated young women who are not lucky to get married and start families. Not now, but never. Because they live without a nationality, they have to live without hope. Their life stops in its spring years to turn into an endless autumn.

If your son and mine, Your Excellency, lived their entire lives without having a job, they would still find a way to live in happiness. But behind those borders, there are children who come out every morning to sell goods on the streets, only to be chased by patrol vehicles from corner to corner.

Next thing they know they have become thirty years of age and are still roaming the streets while being chased by police.

Should I tell you about the bedoon sick couple who live in their house with their eight sons, the oldest of whom is 38, and all have no jobs, no source of income and no hope? Or should I tell you about the family which lives in a two-bedroom apartment in old Jleeb Shuyiukh a few meters away from my house? There live parents with six children who have no access to education, enough food or clean air.

They have never seen the Avenues Mall. They never roamed or drove along the Gulf Road. They don’t even know what a cinema looks like. Can you imagine, Mr. Minister, your son being deprived of a job, and not just that, but restrained even from hanging out with his friends in a mall, from going to watch a movie or pick up a sandwich from his favorite fastfood restaurant?

I cannot imagine it. I cannot stand it. If I were to be their parent, I would steal, cheat and do whatever I could to feed my children and make sure that they are not humiliated. But the Kuwaiti bedoons would not do that. They sit and wait for solutions from your government, Your Excellency. They refuse to give up hope despite everything that tells them otherwise. There might not be a day when they can get their rights, but as we continue to ignore their suffering, please let us spare them the agony of hearing about our ‘stylish’ dreams and velvet concerns that are used for political purposes more than being expression of any actual fears. All our worries and dreams amount to nothing, compared to the realities of their daily lives.

While we pray for the happiness of your children and mine, we ought to provide the same to the children of these bedoons so that our children would not suffer if fate turns on them because of our negligence. Push your government to solve their problem and stop worrying about your son and mine they will have a job. — Al-Jarida

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LOCAL

Gulf Bank joins Earth Hour 2013 in Kuwait KUWAIT: Gulf Bank recently participated in Earth Hour, a global initiative led by the World Wildlife Fund and celebrated across the world, with businesses and consumers joining in the great switch off to raise awareness of climate change.

On Saturday March 23rd at 8.30pm, the Bank not only switched off all unnecessary lights, lowered A/C units and turned off all non-essential electrical devices at the Head Office but also eliminated unnecessary usage of lighting in the Al-Saleh building. Gulf Bank is a strong supporter of the Earth Hour initiative. The Bank has a policy to use energy considerately, and since 2009 it has consistently encouraged its staff to turn off any unused systems and lights to save electricity, whilst ensuring that the safety and integrity of the Bank’s operations and security systems remain unaffected. Gulf Bank believes strongly in the importance of environmental initiatives that have a direct impact on the community. The Bank encourages organizations and individuals to take part in these eco-friendly causes, helping to increase the level of awareness amongst society.

Inspection drive in Amghara

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: In an inspection drive in the Amghara scrap area, headed by Col Khalid Al-Ajmi, officials planned to cover 750 plots used for storage within a month’s time to list all violations. The violators will be granted a grace period of one week to remove such anomalies, failing which legal action would follow.

The violations will include any practices found incompatible with fire department norms, including lack of fire fighting equipments, building not being approved by fire department, storage of hazardous substances like chemicals and tiers, besides there being disorganized storage.

The area’s inspection would receive priority, and after the one week grace period, the case will be automatically referred to a court for necessary legal action including administrative closure of the facility and fines.

Five teams have been formed to carry out this campaign, each comprising four inspectors who will list all violations and ensure their removal as soon as possible before the summer starts. The area is prone to fire accidents in summer.

Al-Ajmi was accompanied by public relations director, Lt Col Khalil Al-Amir, and Jahra profession fire center director, Col Mohammad Al Kandari.

Horeca Kuwait ‘a big success’ KUWAIT: The 2013 Horeca Kuwait was a big success on different counts, be it from the point of view of organizing, the level of participation or the number of visitors, the event’s organizing committee said in a recent statement.

Representatives of leading companies in the hospitality and catering businesses who took part in the three-day event expressed gratitude for what they feel was achieved during the exhibition.

Among the gains, they listed “spreading awareness about the hotel culture and food safety procedures, boosting commercial activity in the hospitality field and providing job opportunities for young people interested in joining the fields that the exhibition covered.”

Meanwhile, the Leaders Group for Consultation and Exhibitions, which organized the event in cooperation with Hospitality Services, acknowledged the

contributions of the participating companies as being “pivotal to the exhibition’s huge success.”

“According to the accounts of experts in attendance, the Horeca Kuwait managed to achieve the goals it was organized for. These goals are guided by the support for the state’s tourism plans and increasing job opportunities for young people looking to invest in the hotels, restaurants and catering businesses,” said

General Manager Nabila Al-Anjari. She further indicated that preparations will soon be underway to organize an even more successful Horeca exhibition next year.

The event concluded last Wednesday at the Arraya Ballroom in the Courtyard Marriott hotel with a ceremony to reward 70 winners among 191 who participated in ten different cooking competitions held as part of the exhibition.

Regulations to organize social media ‘ready’ Call to form probe committee

KUWAIT: The inspection campaign in progess in Amghara scrap area.

Land allocated to establish residential cities KUWAIT: An informed source at the Savings and Credit Bank said while the law concerning the amendments related to the bank has been approved, the bank has so far not received any instructions to start entertaining citizens who have been covered by the new amendment.

Citizens approached the bank’s headquarters and its branches but their transactions were not entertained. The source said such instructions may be issued at any time now and once that happens, the bank will start accepting transactions as per the amendment.

Meanwhile, informed sources said the cabinet approved the allocation of an open area estimated at around 100 square kilometers to establish new residential cities which will accommodate around 50,000 housing units. The sanctioned piece of land is located south of Sabah Al-Ahmad City and will be considered an extension of the currently existing city.

KUWAIT: Minister of Information Sheikh Salman Al-Hmoud Al-Sabah informed the parliament’s educational committee that the cabinet has completed drafting a comprehensive audiovisual law that repor tedly includes regulations to organize social media, and is set to send it to the parliament soon. This was announced by the panel’s rapporteur Khalid Al-Shulaimi, who also indicated that the committee has “almost completed” the draft of a law under which an Information Public Authority is to be set up. This committee is also scheduled to discuss several projects pertaining to study and improve the situation of students abroad including increasing their financial allocations.

MP Al-Shulaimi’s statements were quoted in an Al-Qabas report yesterday, which also indicated that eight MPs proposed forming a probe committee to look into agreements signed between the Ministry of Health and foreign med-

ical facilities about treating critical cases. Meanwhile, MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi expressed confidence that the parliament will soon pass a law to combat terror funding and money laundering in its second hearing during the upcoming session. “It will be one of the many achievements of this parliament as it will be passing draft laws that were put on hold by previous assemblies,” he told Al-Rai. He also predicted that the parliament in its next session will approve the debt relief bill “by an overwhelming majority.”

Separately, MP Mohammad Al-Barrak proposed “special pensions and allowances” to be paid to servicemen in the military, police force, national guard and fire service who are forced to retire for medical reasons. This allowance will be in the form of KD400 per month pension as well as a financial reward equivalent to a year’s salary.

In other news, the Criminal Court on

Sunday sentenced Dr. Rashid Al-Hajri, a Faculty of Law instructor in the Kuwait University, to two years in prison with a KD2000 bail to suspend the sentence after he was found guilty of offending HH the Amir on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Council of Ministers will hold its weekly session later today at the Kuwait airport, instead of its normal timings on Monday. This is due to the fact that His Highness the Amir will leave for Doha, heading the Kuwaiti delegation to the Arab summit, which includes a number of ministers. Sources revealed that the cabinet meeting in its Monday session will discuss the law on waiving interest on loans and another cabinet meeting will be held on Thursday to discuss pending projects and issues.

In the meantime, a number of MPs are making consultations to apply for special sessions to approve different suggestions classified by them as popu-

lar suggestions. Sources said that some suggestions have become obligatory for the council to approve, especially since the MPs have sincerely cooperated with the government. Both the government and the council have promised to approve those suggestions. Sources said the suggestions are relating to increasing rent allowance and child allowance, and giving citizens agricultural lands at the border.

The sources also pointed out that there was an important suggestion concerning the retirement system, which involves the implementation of an old system of 25 years of service in order to give employment opportunities to the new generation . Sources said that the number of MPs seeking those special sessions has exceeded 18, pointing out that all suggestions are based on previous studies, the reports of which will be attached to the application for the special sessions.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LOCAL

Teacher’s rapist found dead near crime scene Man held for shooting KUWAIT: A rape case reported in Wafra recently was closed after investigations revealed that the person accused of sexually assaulting a teacher he kidnapped from Qurain was the one whose body was found hanging in the same area on Saturday.

Police had found a wallet containing an ID of an Indian man from the crime scene where a compatriot was found unconscious after being subjected to sexual and physical assault.

The woman later identified the person photographed in the ID as her kidnapper. Investigations were on to track down the suspect, but the rape case was later closed after police received a Criminal Evidence General Department report regarding the identity of the man who committed suicide in the same area and ascertained that the deceased man was actually the kidnapper. Further investigations were on to determine the circumstances behind the man’s suicide after leaving the woman unconscious.

Shooting case A convict who recently served a jail term and was wanted on 28 counts of felony shot at a car in Mubarak AlKabeer belonging to a coastguard

officer who was his erstwhile friend but was no more interested in meeting him. Police has arrested the suspect.

The suspect quarreled with the officer, his one time friend who later snapped ties with him when he engaged in criminal behavior. The officer explained in his report that the shooting happened when the suspect followed him to his house after he refused to meet him at a friend’s dewaniya. The suspect was arrested from a house in the same area after police obtained a warrant to enter the premises. The crime weapon was also found from the scene. He was taken into custody for further action.

Hospital melee Several people were arrested for brawling inside the Adan Hospital including one man who fired gunshots during the melee that was reported on Sunday. According to the police report, a group of young men arrived at the emergency room, bringing along one of their companions who was injured in an earlier fight.

Once inside, they again broke into a scuffle which continued till one of them fired several shots in a bid to stop the fighting. Police arrived at the

scene shortly afterwards and arrested all the hooligans.

Bullets fired at car Investigations are on to identify and arrest a suspect responsible for firing a bullet that pierced through a vehicle owned by a US diplomat recently. The American man called the police after finding a hole on the roof of his sports utility vehicle (SUV) that was parked outside his Abu AlHasaniya home. Detectives were able to retrieve a bullet from inside the vehicle. It apparently penetrated through the roof.

Jobless man charged An unemployed man faces charges on several counts after he was arrested in Doha on Sunday for possessing a firearm, some live ammunition and a bottle containing a liquid believed to be alcoholic. The suspect, a stateless resident in his late twenties, was asked to step out of his vehicle after patrol officers found a gun, 23 bullets and a suspected liquor bottle. He put up stiff resistance and attempted to drive away but police managed to overpower and arrest him. He was taken to the proper authorities for further action. —Rai

KUWAIT: The Touristic Enterprises Company celebrated the Mother’s Day with a ceremony held recently at the Khairan Resort, which saw commemoration of all mothers in attendance and featured competitions and several other activities.

MEW holds nuclear protection workshop KUWAIT: The Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) on Sunday organized a workshop on the physical protection of nuclear materials and facilities, with several experts and specialists participating.

I n a k e y n o te s p e e c h , U n d e r s e c re t a r y o f t h e Ministry Ahmad Al-Jassar stressed the significance of training and qualifying scientific staff working in the nuclear energy field in Arab countries in nuclear safety and safety in line with relevant international criteria.

This would certainly contribute to boosting the capabilities of Arab countries for providing an effective national system in this respect, he said.

He underlined the favorable role of nuclear energy in pushing forward the wheel of economic and social development, but it poses radioactive incidents or sabotage.

He called on all countries concerned to exert concert-

ed efforts to develop relevant international criteria and to share experience, information and precautions that could lead to better nuclear security and safety.

For his part, Representative of the Arab Nuclear Energy Agency Daw Mesbah said Arab countries were considering the option of using nuclear energy in power generation and water desalination, given that nuclear energy was the optimum alternative to oil and gas.

There are many uses of nuclear energy, but they have to be controlled in order to fend off radiation perils to workers, society and environment, he said.

He stressed the necessity of setting out precautionary measures in order to ensure sufficient protection from nuclear facilities and materials.

He noted 10 Arab countries participating in the workshop, with their experts sharing experience in the nuclear domain. — KUNA

Ashour hails role of media QUITO: Visiting Kuwaiti Member of Parliament Saleh Ashour said yesterday that media is one of the main elements in boosting democracy and shaping up public opinion, noting the importance of unbiased free media in any democratic rule.

Ashour’s remarks came on the sidelines of the third permanent committee meeting for democracy and human rights dedicated to discuss media issues, including social media in helping society and citizens.

The meeting coincides also with the 128th InterParliamentary Union meetings. Ashour added that media is one of the main elements which is used both by the execu-

tive and legislative branches and that through them views and opinions shape up public opinion, calling for all to engage and participate in the political process.

In remarks to developing countries, the Kuwaiti lawmaker noted as well that a variety of media outlets would enable freedom of expression to become tangible and therefore, enhance freedoms in general.

Lawmakers accompanying Ashour include National Assembly Speaker Ali Al-Rashed, Ali Al-Omair, Yaqoub AlSanea, Abdallah Al-Mayouf, Mubarak Al-Nejada, Masouma Al-Mubarak, Safaa Al-Hashim and National Assembly Secretary General Allam Al-Kanderi. — KUNA

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Ousted Central African leader in Cameroon after rebel coup

Overwhelmed Australian hostage thankful, happy Page 10

Page 9

KABUL: Secretary of State John Kerry walks into a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, yesterday. Kerry embarked on talks yesterday with Karzai amid concerns Karzai may be jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism with his anti-American rhetoric. The session came shortly after the US military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations. — AP

Kerry praises plans for ‘safe’ elections US hands prison over to Afghans KABUL: US Secretary of State John Kerry and Afghan President Hamid Karzai made a show of unity yesterday, shortly after the US military ceded control of its last detention facility in Afghanistan, ending a longstanding irritant in relations between the two countries.

Kerry, in Afghanistan for an unannounced visit, said he and Karzai were “on the same page” when it comes to peace talks with the Taleban. Karzai had infuriated US officials by accusing Washington of colluding with Taleban insurgents to keep Afghanistan weak even as the Obama administration presses ahead with plans to hand off security responsibility to Afghan forces and end NATO’s combat mission by the end of next year.

But Kerry told a joint news conference that “I am confident (Karzai) does not believe the US has any interest except to see the Taliban come to the table to make peace.” “So we’re on the same page. I don’t think there is any disagreement between us and I am comfortable with his explanation,” Kerry said.

For his part, Karzai said “today was a very good day,” citing the turnover of the detention facility at the US-run Bagram military base north of Kabul. The two spoke at a joint news conference during which Kerry also praised what he said was Afghanistan’s commitment to “safe, secure” and transparent elections, scheduled for April 2014.

During Kerry’s 24-hour visit to the country - his sixth since President Barack Obama became president but his first as Obama’s secretary of State - Kerry also planned to meet with civic leaders and others to discuss continued US assistance to the country and how to wean it from such aid as the international military operation winds down, and upcoming national elections. US officials accompanying Kerry said he did not plan to lecture Karzai on his earlier rhetoric, which the US had seen as jeopardizing progress in the war against extremism. Kerry, who arrived in Kabul from Amman, Jordan, had hoped also to travel to Pakistan on his trip to the region but put it off due to elections there. Instead, he met late Sunday in Amman with Pakistani army chief for Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, officials said.

The pair had a private dinner at the residence of the US ambassador to Jordan as Pakistan continued to seethe in the aftermath of the return from exile to the country of former president Pervez Musharraf, himself a former army chief.

Earlier yesterday, the US military ceded control of the Parwan last detention facility near the US-run Bagram military base north of Kabul, a year after the two sides initially agreed on the transfer. Karzai demanded control of Parwan as a matter of national sovereignty.

The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, Gen. Joseph

Dunford, handed over Parwan at a ceremony there after signing an agreement with Afghan Defense Minister Bismullah Khan Mohammadi. “This ceremony highlights an increasingly confident, capable and sovereign Afghanistan,” Dunford said.

The dispute over the center threw a pall over the ongoing negotiations for a bilateral security agreement that would govern the presence of US forces in Afghanistan after 2014. An initial agreement to hand over Parwan was signed a year ago, but efforts to follow through on it constantly stumbled over American concerns that the Afghan government would release prisoners that it considered dangerous.

They have reason to worry. Zakir Qayyum - a former Guantanamo detainee, was released into Afghan custody in 2007. He was freed four months later and rejoined the Taliban.

He has reportedly risen to become the No. 2 in the Taleban.

A key hurdle was a ruling by an Afghan judicial panel holding that administrative detention, the practice of holding someone without formal charges, violated the country’s laws. The US argued that international law allowed administrative detentions and also argued that it could not risk the passage of some high-value detainees to the notoriously corrupt Afghan court system. An initial deadline for the full handover passed last September and another earlier this month. The detention center houses about 3,000 prisoners and the majority are already under Afghan control.

The United States had not handed over about 100, and some of those under American authority do not have the right to a trial because the US considers them part of an ongoing conflict. There are also about three dozen non-Afghan detainees, including Pakistanis and other nationals that will remain in American hands. The exact number and nationality of those detainees has never been made public.

A new agreement, or memorandum of understanding, was signed at the ceremony by Dunford and Khan, but the US military said it will not be made public. The agreement supplants one signed last March, which had been made public.

The US military said in a statement that the new agreement “affirms their mutual commitment to the lawful and humane treatment of detainees and their intention to protect the people of Afghanistan and coalition forces,” an apparent reference to the release of detainees deemed to be dangerous.

There are about 100,000 coalition troops in Afghanistan, including about 66,000 from the United States. American officials have made no final decision on how many troops might remain in Afghanistan after 2014, although they have said as many as many as 12,000 US and coalition forces could remain. —AP

Two jailed Bahraini activists refusing fluids in hunger strike ABU DHABI: Two jailed activists on hunger strike in Bahrain are also refusing fluids in protest at being denied visits from their family, a rights organisation said yesterday.

But the Bahraini government said Zainab al-Khawaja was accepting fluids and denied that her father, leading Shi’ite activist Abdulhadi al-Khawaja, was on any form of hunger strike.

Bahrain, the base for the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has been in turmoil since 2011, when majority Shi’ite Muslims intensified demands for an end to the Sunni monarchy’s political domination and for full powers for parliament.

Zainab al-Khawaja was sentenced to three months in jail this month, accused of insulting a public official, after an appeal court overturned her earlier acquittal. She has been on

hunger strike since March 17 and began refusing fluids on Sunday, the Bahrain Center for Human Rights said in an e-mailed press release. It said her father, who is serving a life sentence for his role in the 2011 uprising, was also on hunger strike.

“Both Abdulhadi al-Khawaja and his daughter Zainab al-Khawaja were denied family visits for the second time this weekend, prompting them to start a dry hunger strike today, 24 March,” the centre said in the statement.

The Bahraini government said only Zainab was on hunger strike, which she began on March 18. “But she is taking all kinds of fluid,” Sameera Rajab, Bahrain’s information minister, told Reuters by telephone from Manama.

“She is in good health and is receiv-

ing 24-hour health care. Her father is not on hunger strike,” Rajab said, adding the pair had been denied family visits because they refused to wear the prison uniform.

“They break the rules and then they go on hunger strike,” she said. The human rights centre said some detainees, among them Abdulhadi alKhawaja, had until recently not been required to wear the uniform and that enforcing the rule was “a new tool used to humiliate prisoners of conscience and identify them as criminal prisoners.”

Bahrain’s opposition and government resumed reconciliation talks last month for the first time since July 2011, but little progress has been reported in several sessions of negotiations. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

Australian Mossad agent was jailed after botched spy plan CANBERRA: An Australian emigrant and reputed Israeli spy who died in a jail in Israel in 2010 had been arrested after a bungled and unauthorised bid to recruit a double agent with links to Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Australian newspapers reported yesterday.

The man, Ben Zygier, was arrested in early 2010 and was held in secret under the name of Prisoner X on unspecified security charges. A judicial inquiry in Israel found Zygier, 34, hanged himself in a high-security jail cell.

Israel has refused to disclose details

of the case, even refusing a request for information from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the case has been the subject of gag orders in Israel.

But Australia’s Fairfax newspapers and Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine said after a joint investigation that Zygier had unwittingly given away secret information about Lebanese informants, who were later arrested and jailed in Lebanon. “Zygier wanted to achieve something that he didn’t end up getting,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted

an unidentified, highly placed Israeli official as saying. “Then he ended up on a precipitous path. He crossed paths with someone who was much more professional than he was.” The newspaper said Zygier, who took Israeli citizenship in the mid-1990s, was recruited to Israel’s spy agency Mossad in 2004 and worked in Europe. He was assigned to infiltrate companies with links to countries hostile to Israel, including Iran and Syria. It said Zygier was eventually pulled back to Tel Aviv and assigned to a desk job within Mossad. In an attempt to prove himself

and return to a field assignment, Zygier then set about tr ying to recruit a European man known to be close to Hezbollah militants, setting up meetings in late 2008 with the hope of recruiting the man as a double agent.

But the plan went wrong when Zygier tried to prove his credentials by giving up the names of Israel’s top two Lebanese informants, Ziad al-Homsi and Mustafa Ali Awadeh, who were both arrested in 2009 and jailed for 15 years, the paper said. When he was arrested in early 2010, Zygier was carrying a com-

pact disc loaded with more intelligence files that he might have planned to pass on to his Hezbollah contact, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

An Australian government inquiry earlier this month said it found no evidence any Australian passports had been misused by either Zygier, a dual Australian citizen, or by Mossad.

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr has confirmed Zygier was working for the Israeli government but stopped short of confirming he worked for Mossad. — Reuters

America seeks Arab states for peace push Israel to unblock Palestinian funds

ALEPPO: A rebel fighter fires towards Syrian government forces positions from a building in Saif al-Dawla district in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo yesterday. On March 24, 165 people were killed in violence throughout Syria, according to a toll from the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights watchdog. — AFP

Residents of Syria’s Aleppo sell belongings to survive ALEPPO: Ravaged by months of intense war between rebels and regime troops, residents of Aleppo, Syria’s once-thriving commercial hub, are selling off their personal belongings in order to survive.

Abu Ahmad, whose family sought shelter in Aleppo from devastated Baba Amr district in the central city of Homs, is trying to dispense with the most valuable possession he was able to rescue from his homean air conditioner.

The 30-year-old father of two is also trying to sell a television set he bought from a neighbour, along with a collection of other odd items including badminton bats.

“When I went to pick it up, his children started to cry,” Ahmad says of the neighbour, although he admits he won’t be making much money. “This TV is no longer worth anything. A television that was once sold for 3,000 Syrian pounds (some $30) is now worth no more than 1,000 pounds ($10), because of the lack of electricity.”

Ahmad calls out to a crowd of onlookers near his stall: “Anyone here have 2,000 pounds ($20), just 2,000 pounds?” But nobody replies. A few steps away, Mohammed tries to sell an array of items that he has also bought for resale in order to the raise funds he needs to feed his 11 children. “People come to sell off electronic devices. At any rate, they don’t have any electricity to make them work,” says the 52year-old. In Aleppo, where prices have soared ever since the outbreak of a fierce battle in July pitting rebel fighters against regime troops, whatever money the vendors make is spent quickly.

Among the most popular items up for sale in the market are candles, which have become an essential part of life in the city

as a result of the lack of electricity.

At a disused petrol station in the northeastern district of Salhin, dozens of men and young children haggle over the price of objects laid out on clothes stretched on the ground.

Near them are two men selling live poultry and others making barbecued kebabs, burgers and fries.

The merchants sell their wares at what is now called Souk al-Khamees (Thursday market in Arabic), which was long known as Souk al-Haramiye, or the thieves’ market.

It appears the area attracted vendors selling goods of unknown origin long before the war came to Aleppo, which is Syria’s most populous and affluent city in the northwest.

Now, those gathering in the area to sell off their goods are clearly desperate to survive. “Everyone is unemployed. The number of people without a job was already very high before the revolution broke out. Now, the levels of unemployment are incredible,” says Abu Bakri, who watches as people buy and sell used goods off each other.

“The bombings mean no one knows if they will make it back from work alive.

That’s why many people have decided to sell off their last remaining goods,” he adds.

Saleh, 16, was quiet and seemed ashamed as he pulled out an old camera from a leather bag.

“No one at home has a job, and my father is dead. I came to sell this camera to feed my brothers and sisters,” Saleh says with his head hanging down.

Saleh was approached by just one buyer, who offered him 100 Syrian pounds ($1) for the camera-the cost of 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds) of tomatoes. — AFP

GAZA CITY: Ayman Sharawna, center, speaks during a rally calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Gaza City, yesterday. Sharawna, a West Bank resident was deported to Gaza Strip last Sunday after a prolonged hunger strike in Israeli jail. —AP

Morsi warning draws ire of Egypt opposition CAIRO: A warning from President Mohamed Morsi that political figures could be sanctioned if found to have stirred up unrest in Egypt drew the ire of the opposition and newspapers yesterday.

“If investigations prove that certain political figures are implicated, the necessary measures will be taken against them, whatever their status,” Morsi said on his Twitter account on Sunday, also carried on state television. “If I have to do what it takes to protect this country, I will do it,” Morsi said, warning that he would “cut off the hands” of those seeking to undermine Egypt’s security.

His warning followed violent clashes last Friday in Cairo between pro-opposition demonstrators and Islamists from Morsi’s

Muslim Brotherhood movement that left 160 people injured.

The two sides have traded blame for the violence, against the backdrop of high political tensions which divide Egypt two years after the revolution that ousted president Hosni Mubarak. “We can expect the worst.

Morsi’s threat signals the death of the state of law. They show that he is president only of the Muslim Brotherhood,” charged Khaled Daud, spokesman of the National Salvation Front opposition coalition. “President Morsi always swings into action when the Muslim Brotherhood is under pressure, but he does nothing when his supporters attack the opposition,” according to Abdel Ghafar Shokr, an NSF leader. — AFP

RAMALLAH:- The US is seeking to bring Arab countries into efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian negotiations that broke down more than four years ago, a senior Palestinian official said Monday.

Also yesterday, the Israeli government said it would resume regular transfers of millions of dollars in tax revenues it collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, a step bound to ease the self-rule government’s protracted cash crisis.

The decision came just days after President Barack Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a visit to the region.

Obama has said stabilizing the Palestinian Authority, which has buckled under mounting debt, is key to US peace efforts.

However, there are wide gaps on the terms of renewing talks. The Palestinians say Israel must freeze settlement building on lands it captured in 1967 before any negotiations can resume.

Israel says the issue of settlements can be addressed during negotiations.

Obama has sided with the Israeli view, and it is not clear how the US can bring the Palestinians back to the table without a settlement freeze. Arab countries are now being asked to help, said Yasser Abed-Rabbo, a top official in the Palestine Liberation Organization.

“US efforts will increase in coming weeks and will include other Arab parties, such as Jordan and Egypt,” Abed-Rabbo told Voice of Palestine radio, adding that an Arab League delegation is to visit Washington as part of these efforts.

However, he said there would be no flexibility on Palestinian demands for a settlement freeze.

“For us, the important thing is the substance, such as the full settlement freeze and the recognition of the 1967 borders,” he said.

The Palestinians want a state in the West Bank, Gaza and east Jerusalem - territories Israel captured in 1967 - but are ready to negotiate border changes, provided the 1967 frontier is the baseline. Palestinian officials say they cannot return to talks without such a clear framework, arguing that open-ended negotiations will simply provide diplomatic cover to Israel to keep expanding settlements.

“We fear they (the Israelis) would waste time by getting us into a bargaining process over details and steps here and there, and in this way would waste two to three years and then get us

to wait for a new US administration,” AbedRabbo said. Netanyahu has said he is willing to resume talks immediately. However, he has said he will not relinquish control over east Jerusalem and has refused to recognize the 1967 lines as a starting point for talks.

For 10 months during his previous term, Netanyahu curbed settlement building as part of a U.S. push to bring the Palestinians back to the table, but negotiations never got off the ground.

Successive Israeli governments have built dozens of settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, now home to more than half a million Israelis. Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, dismantling almost two dozen settlements there, but sharply restricts access to the territory.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said Sunday that the Palestinians would wait two to three months to see if a new US push to restart talks will yield results. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said he has instructed Finance Minister Yair

Lapid to resume the monthly transfer of taxes and customs duties Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian Authority. The decision was announced on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover, and Israeli officials were not available to further comment.

Israel froze the transfers of about $100 million a month after a successful Palestinian bid in November to win UN recognition of a state of Palestine in the lands Israel captured in 1967.

Israel has released some money since then, but not on schedule.

The office of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said it expects Israel will now transfer the money regularly. The transfers are a key component of the Palestinian Authority’s budget. In recent months, the self-rule government, which administers about 38 percent of the West Bank, has struggled to pay salaries of tens of thousands of civil servants, the backbone of the local economy, and repay its debt to the private sector. — AP

BAGHDAD: US Secretary of State John Kerry, left, shakes hands with US Marines based in Baghdad during his visit to the US Embassy in Iraq, yesterday.— AP

Egyptian activists to be questioned over clashes CAIRO: Egyptian prosecutors yesterday summoned several opposition politicians and activists for questioning over allegations they incited violence against members of the president’s Muslim Brotherhood.

The summons came one day after the Islamist president sternly warned his opponents, saying he may be close to taking unspecified measures to “protect this nation.”

Angry, shouting and pounding the table at times, Mohammed Morsi vowed to bring to account politicians found to have incited the violence on Friday, when Brotherhood members and protesters clashed outside the group’s Cairo headquarters.

Nearly 200 people were injured in the clashes, the worst violence between the Brotherhood and its opponents in more than three months.

Those summoned include former presidential candidate Khaled Ali, former lawmaker Ziad elOleimi and several iconic figures from the prodemocracy movement behind the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak. These include Alaa Abdel-Fattah, Nawara Negm, daughter of Egypt’s best known satirical poet, and senior opposition politician Mohammed Aboul-Ghar.

The summons, based on complaints filed by injured Brotherhood members, are likely to stoke tensions and extend the latest in a series of political crises roiling the nation since Mubarak’s ouster two years ago. Coupled with economic woes and tenuous security, the ongoing bout of turmoil is by the far the worst since 2011, with at least 70 people killed and hundreds injured in protests and clashes with police since late January.

Friday’s violence was rooted in an incident a week earlier, when Brotherhood members beat up activists who were spray-painting graffiti against the group outside its headquarters, located in an eastern district of Cairo. In response, anti-Brotherhood activists called for a protest Friday outside the headquarters. Both sides brought out hundreds of supporters, and the scene quickly turned to mayhem, with members of each side seen beating the other.

In Sunday’s address, Morsi, who took office in June as Egypt’s first freely elected president, departed from prepared comments at a women’s rights conference to deliver a scathing attack against his opponents. The president sug-

gested that he may have to resort to “emergency” measures to deal with his opponents. He accused his foes of using paid thugs to sow chaos and the media of inciting violence.

He made no mention of any particular opposition group or politician and did not refer directly to Friday’s calashes. However, his animated comments left little doubt that they were directed at the National Salvation front, the main opposition coalition, and former members of the Mubarak regime.

Alluding to Mubarak-era figures who have been acquitted in court of a range of charges, Morsi said he respected the law and judicial rulings, but added: “There is a president of the republic and there are emergency measures if any of them makes even the smallest of moves that undermines Egypt or the Egyptians.”

“Their lives are worthless when it comes to the interests of Egypt and Egyptians,” he said, pounding on the table. “I am a president after a revolution, meaning that we can sacrifice a few so the country can move forward. It is absolutely no problem.”

Morsi also criticized the media, arguing that it was being used for political aims. His attack on the media has been a popular refrain by the Brotherhood in recent weeks. Dozens of Islamists are currently staging a sit-in outside the studios of TV networks critical of the president.

The Islamists on Sunday pelted police with rocks, sought to prevent talk show hosts and guests from going in or out of the complex, located in a suburb west of the capital. Police used tear gas when pelted with rocks. The sit-in continued yeserday. — AP

HEBRON: An Israeli soldier checks Palestinians as they cross an Israeli checkpoint in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron to go to the Ibrahimi Mosque or the Tomb of the Patriarch yesterday. The Ibrahimi Mosque and the Tomb of the Patriarch will be closed to Muslims on March 27 and 28 due to the Jewish holiday of Pesach (Passover). — AFP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

Ousted Central African leader in Cameroon after rebel coup S Africa rejects efforts to seize power by force

SKOPJE: Supporters of Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski’s party wave party and national flags while celebrating the party’s victory in local elections, in downtown Skopje, Macedonia, early yesterday. Macedonians voted peacefully in local elections Sunday, boosting hopes the country is turning a page and won’t repeat the political and ethnic violence that has marred past voting cycles. — AP

Xi tells Africa he seeks relationship of equals DAR ES SALAAM: China’s new president told Africans yesterday he wanted a relationship of equals that would help the continent develop, responding to concerns that Beijing is only interested in shipping out its raw materials.

On the first stop on an African tour that will include a BRICS summit of major emerging economies, Xi Jinping told Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete that China’s involvement in Africa would help the continent grow richer.

“China sincerely hopes to see faster development in African countries and a better life for African people,” Xi said in a speech laying out China’s policy on Africa, delivered at a conference centre in Dar es Salaam built with Chinese money.

Renewing an offer of $20 billion of loans to Africa between 2013 and 2015, Xi pledged to “help African countries turn resource endowment into development strength and achieve independent and sustainable development”.

Africans broadly see China as a healthy counterbalance to Western influence but, as ties mature, there are growing calls from policymakers and economists for a more balanced trade deal. “China will continue to offer, as always, necessary assistance to Africa with no political strings attached,” Xi said to applause. “We get on well and treat each others as equals.”

But gratitude for that aid is increasingly tinged with resentment about the way Chinese companies operate in Africa where industrial complexes staffed exclusively by Chinese workers have occasionally provoked riots by locals looking for work.

Countering concerns that Africa is not benefitting from developing skills or technology from Chinese investment, Xi said China would train 30,000 African professionals, offer 18,000 scholarships to African students and “increase technology transfer and experience”.

“The Sino-Tanzania relationship has endured a lot,” said Tanzania’s Kikwete, whose nation built close ties with China in the early years after independence from

the British in 1964. “Now we have become all-weather friends.” China built a railway linking Tanzania and Zambia in the 1960s and early early 1970s. The two leaders witnessed the signing of trade and other deals, including plans to co-develop a new port and industrial zone complex, a loan for communications infrastructure and an interest free loan to the government. No details were given on the size of the loans or the industrial projects.

Xi’s next stop is South Africa for a BRICS summit on Tuesday and Wednesday where he could endorse plans for a joint foreign exchange reserves pool and an infrastructure bank. Those proposals respond to frustrations among emerging markets at having to rely on the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which are seen as reflecting the interests of the United States and other industrialised nations. Nigeria’s central bank governor, Lamido Sanusi, wrote in the Financial Times this month that the trade imbalance between China and Africa was “the essence of colonialism” and cautioned the continent was vulnerable to a new form of imperialism.

China is keen not to be perceived as an imperial master. “The legacy of (the) West is the feeling that Africa should thank them, and that Africa should recognise that it is not as good as the West,” Zhong Jianhua, China’s special envoy to Africa, said before Xi’s trip. “That is not acceptable.”

Lu Shaye, head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s African affairs department, said it was the West which was only interested in African resources, not China.

“What have Western countries done for Africa in the 50 years since independence?

Nothing. All they have done is criticise China and that is unfair,” he told a Hong Kong television station, in remarks carried on the ministry’s website.

Xi’s African tour ends in Republic of Congo, from where China imported 5.4 billion tonnes of oil last year, just 2 percent of its total oil imports, but potentially the source of a lot more. — Reuters

Zambian ex-leader Banda arrested for abuse of power LUSAKA: Zambia’s ex-leader Rupiah Banda was arrested yesterday and charged with abuse of authority over an oil deal struck with a Nigerian firm while he was in power, an investigator said.

“President Rupiah Banda has been formally charged and arrested in connection with the procurement of oil which did not benefit the country,” Namukolo Kasumpa, a spokeswoman for government investigators, told reporters.

He was immediately freed on bail and is due to appear in court today. The arrest came after parliament earlier this month lifted Banda’s immunity. The former leader who ruled Zambia between 2008 and 2011 was promptly questioned about allegations of corruption, money laundering and fraud.

He lost power in an election to the current President Michael Sata. Banda’s lawyers claim the accusations are part of a ploy by Sata to silence opposition. “The charge is extremely vague and our only defence is the truth, he is innocent and the truth will been known,” said Banda’s lawyer Sakwiba Sikota.

“We will see the kind of witnesses that they are going to bring but we know he is innocent,” he said. Appearing exhausted

after three hours of questioning by a special government probe unit, 76-year-old Banda told reporters: “Naturally I would have been happy to be sitting at home but I have to go through this.”

Sata’s government says Banda engaged in corrupt activities in the procurement of crude oil from a Nigerian firm, listed as the Nigerian National Oil Company in official documents. Nigeria’s state oil outfit is known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He is also accused of funnelling taxpayer cash into his election campaigns. Since Sata came to power he has rolled out an anti-corruption drive that some have seen as a move to silence dissenting views.

Banda’s lawyers last week petitioned the regional South African Development Community (SADC) over the “unlawful and inhumane events” taking place in Zambia.

“After being honoured as an esteemed statesman... Banda has been made the target of a vicious, cruel and unrelenting campaign of defamation,” the lawyers wrote in an open letter last week. They asked the regional bloc to “observe very closely the behaviour of the (ruling) PF government in coming days and weeks to see evidence of their malicious intentions”. — AFP

LUSAKA: A picture taken on November 2, 2008 shows Rupiah Banda being sworn in as Zambia’s fourth president in Lusaka. — AFP

BANGUI: Ousted Central African president Francois Bozize has fled to Cameroon, Yaounde said yesterday, after rebels seized power in a rapid weekend assault that killed 13 South African soldiers.

Rebel leader Michel Djotodia said he planned to declare himself president after his Seleka coalition took control of Bangui in the wake of the collapse of a two-month-old peace deal with Bozize’s regime.

Following initial mystery over Bozize’s whereabouts, the president’s office in Yaounde announced in a radio broadcast that he had “sought refuge in Cameroon” and was “awaiting his departure to another host country”.

Meanwhile, South Africa said 13 of its soldiers were killed and 27 wounded in the weekend fighting in Bangui-the country’s heaviest military loss since the end of the apartheid era.

“As a member of the African Union, South Africa rejects any efforts to seize power by force,” President Jacob Zuma told reporters, adding that there were no immediate plans to withdraw troops deployed alongside the weak national army.

South Africa deployed 200 soldiers to the Central African Republic in January to support government troops. The African Union took swift action amid international concern about the deteriorating security situation in the deeply unstable former French colony, a poor and landlocked nation with unexploited mineral wealth.

“The council has decided to suspend with immediate effect Central African Republic from all African Union activities and to impose sanctions, travel restrictions and an asset freeze on Seleka’s leaders,” said AU peace and Security chief Ramtane Lamamra.

Djotodia, a former civil servant turned rebel leader, said Sunday he would declare himself president but told Radio France Internationale the rebels would respect the terms of a Januar y peace deal and hold free and fair elections by 2016. Opposition figure Nicolas Tiangaye, appointed

LIBREVILLE: Central Africa’s president Francois Bozize (R) stands next to Seleka rebel coalition chief Michel Djotodia (L) after talks in Libreville on January 11, 2013. Seleka coalition leader Michel Djotodia told Radio France Internationale (RFI) yesterday they would respect the terms of a peace deal signed with the regime of Francois Bozize, the president they have just overthrown. — AFP prime minister of a national unity government formed as part of the accord that ended a previous Seleka offensive launched late last year, would remain in the post, he said. Djotodia said he may keep some ministers from Bozize’s clan in his government, pledging: “We are not here to carry out a witch-hunt.”

In a city without electricity and no national radio, Djotodia told Radio France Internationale that “three years from now, we are going to organise free and transparent elections with everybody’s help.”

Bangui residents initially welcomed the rebels, waving palm leaves in celebration, but the optimistic atmosphere quickly turned into anxiety as gangs of armed looters roamed the riverside city, pillaging shops and offices including the premises of the UN children’s agency UNICEF. Some 20 members of Bozize’s family have crossed the border into the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Kinshasa government said. The international community has expressed concern over the situa-

tion in the Central African Republic, which remains one of the poorest nations on earth although it has largely untapped mineral wealth including uranium, gold and diamonds.

The US State Department said Sunday it was “very concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in CAR and credible, widespread reports of human rights abuses by both national security forces and Seleka fighters”.

It also called for rebels to restore electric power and water supplies to the capital after sabotaging them over the weekend. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon also condemned the seizure of power

by Seleka-a loose alliance of three rebel movements-calling for “the swift restoration of constitutional order”.

French President Francois Hollande called on all parties to form a government in accordance with the January peace deal hammered out in the Gabonese capital Libreville, and asked “the armed groups to respect the population”,

thousands of whom have already fled Bangui.

Rebel fighters resumed hostilities last week after they accused Bozize of reneging on the terms of the January deal which aimed to put an end to a previous offensive launched by Seleka in December.

The accord brought several prominent figures from Seleka into the government but it collapsed after the rebels said their demands, which included the release of people they described as political prisoners, had not been met.

Djotodia has pledged to uphold January’s peace agreement, saying: “We will always remain in the spirit of Libreville.” Seleka launched its first offensive on December 10, accusing Bozize of having failed to honour an earlier peace agreement.

They seized a string of towns on their way south but stopped short of Bangui.

The state, which has a population of about 4.5 million, has been unstable since its independence from France in 1960, with a history of coups and mutinies. — AFP

Zimbabwe court releases rights lawyer on $500 bail HARARE: Leading Zimbabwean human rights lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa was released on bail yesterday after spending a week in jail in a case that has raised concerns about a crackdown by President Robert Mugabe’s security forces before elections.

Mtetwa, who has won international awards for her defence of journalists and opposition politicians, and four aides of Mugabe rival Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai were arrested on March 17, a day after Zimbabweans voted to curb presidential powers.

Mtetwa was charged with obstructing police after officers said she shouted at and took photographs of police when they were searching the home of one of the Tsvangirai officials. The aides were charged with breaching official secrets laws and will appear before the high court today to seek bail.

High Court Judge Joseph Musakwa, granting bail of $500, described Mtetwa as “forceful, combative and abrasive” but said the male police officers could have easily restrained her if she was hindering their work.

“If she was a commando she would take no prisoners,” he said in a court room packed with lawyers, relatives and two cabinet ministers from Tsvangirai’s Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party.

Anti-riot police stood guard outside the co u r t h o u s e. M u s a k w a s e t a s i d e a n e a r l i e r decision by a magistrate to deny Mtetwa bail, saying it was not often a lawyer was arrested while representing a client.

Mtetwa was defiant after her release, telling re p o r t e r s o u t s i d e t h e H i g h Co u r t t h a t h e r arrest was an attack on the country’s human rights lawyers and she would not be the last.

“I was just being used as the first example but there will be many to follow as we get into the elections mode,” Mtetwa said, wearing a red and white prison jersey over her shoulders which she said was a souvenir from a detained inmate.

“I will not be cowed, I was doing my job,” she said. Zimbabweans are expected to vote in a parliamentary and presidential election this ye a r t h a t w i l l d e c i d e w h e t h e r 8 9 - ye a r - o l d Mugabe will add to his three-decade rule.

The countr y ’s security chiefs openly campaign for Mugabe, urging their subordinates to vote for the ageing leader. The new constitution seeks to keep members of the security establishment out of local politics.

The March 16 referendum passed peacefully but Tsvangirai’s MDC and civil groups fear that Mugabe’s ZANU-PF will resort to violence as in previous elec tions. Tsvangirai and Mugabe were forced to share power after violent elections in 2008. The MDC accuses the military, war veterans and youth brigades of leading the violent campaign. — Reuters

PERUGIA: This combo image made of files pictures shows US student Amanda Knox (L) and her former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito during their trial in Perugia. Italy’s highest court of appeals was set to rule yesterday on whether US student Amanda Knox, acquitted in 2011 of murdering her British housemate in the university town of Perugia, will face another trial. — AFP

Knox awaits verdict from Italy’s highest court ROME: Amanda Knox was “very anxious” as Italy’s top criminal court heard arguments yesterday from prosecutors appealing her acquittal in the murder of her roommate, her lawyer said.

“She’s carefully paying attention to what will come out,” attorney Luciano Ghirga said as he arrived at Italy ’s Court of Cassation. “This is a fundamental stage. The trial is very complex.” Prosecutors are asking the high court to throw out the acquittals of American Knox and her Italian exboyfriend in the murder of 21-year-old British student Meredith Kercher, and order a new trial.

Knox, now 25, and Raffaele Sollecito were arrested in 2007, shortly after Kercher’s body was found in a pool of blood in her bedroom in the rented apartment she shared with Knox and others in the university town of Perugia, where they were exchange students. Her throat had been slashed.

Knox and Sollecito were initially convicted and given long prison sentences: 26 years for Knox, 25 for Sollecito. But in 2011 the appeals court acquitted them, criticizing virtually the entire case mounted by prosecutors in the first trial. The appellate court noted that the murder weapon was never found, said that DNA tests were faulty and added that Knox and Sollecito had no motive to kill Kercher.

After nearly four years behind bars, Knox returned to her hometown of Seattle and Sollecito resumed his computer science studies.

In the second and final level of appeal, prosecutors are now seeking to overturn

the acquittals, while defense attorneys say they should stand. “We’re here to defend that sentence,” said Sollecito’s attorney, Giulia Bongiorno, who called the entire case “an absurd judicial process.”

Yesterday’s hearing began with one of the judges reading a summary of the gruesome case, including how Kercher essentially choked on her own blood from the stab wound. Neither Knox nor Sollecito was in court, though Sollecito’s father attended.

If the court does throw out the acquittal and orders a retrial, Knox wouldn’t have to return to Italy, as there is no requirement for defendants to be in court. Defense attorneys said they were confident the acquittals would be upheld. “We know Raffaele Sollecito is innocent,” Bongiorno said.

A verdict could come later yesterday.

Knox and Sollecito have both maintained their innocence, though they said that smoking marijuana the night Kercher was killed had clouded their recollections.

Prosecutors have alleged that Kercher was the victim of a drug-fueled sexual assault.

A young drifter from Ivory Coast, Rudy Guede, was convicted of the slaying in separate proceedings and is serving a 16-year sentence. Kercher’s family has resisted theories that Guede acted alone. The lawyer for the Kercher family, Francesco Maresca, was in court yesterday.

The court is also hearing Knox’s appeal against a slander conviction for having accused a local pub owner of carrying out the killing. The man was held for two weeks based on her allegations, but was then released for lack of evidence. —AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

Amputee veteran helps train troops for war SAN DIEGO: The sailor had been back from war for just over a year when friends invited him to watch an unusually emotional training exercise for troops preparing to deploy. The drill happened not on a military base but at a film studio, where Marine and Navy medics role-played wartime rescue missions with actors who had, in real-life, lost limbs in motorcycle or car accidents or to ailments such as cancer.

Those on hand weren’t sure how Joel Booth would react. The 24-year-old had been attached to a Marine battalion in Afghanistan as a naval combat medic until he stepped on an explosive and doctors, two years ago, amputated his right leg below the knee. Since returning home he’d had to learn to adapt while also coping with the post-traumatic stress.

But Booth was transfixed as fake bombs exploded and medics practiced the type of rescue missions he’d once been on, saving the amputee actors - as he, in the end, had to be saved. Then the young veteran did something unexpected: He asked for an audition.

Perhaps, he thought, this injury that had forever altered his life could help save someone else’s. What he didn’t know was how much reliving the horrors of war

would help him, too. “In society, amputees are seen by people on a large scale as having a disability, being weaker. But ... even someone who doesn’t have a hand can still operate a weapon to be able to defend themselves,” he said.

“It’s the same thing for me. I’m not afraid of it just because something bad happened. For people who haven’t been in combat, it’s hard to understand.”

Producer Stu Segall, best known for the TV show “Silk Stalkings,” started Strategic Operations more than a decade ago to offer the military what it calls “hyper-realistic” training by using movie-making special effects and actors.

The group has since trained hundreds of thousands of troops in recreated scenes from Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and other hotspots. The creators strive to make the re-enactments as jarring as possible so troops experience war first in a controlled environment, and learn not to be rattled by it.

Marine 2nd Lt. Duane Blank, a commander who has gone through similar training, said amputee actors add a degree of realism that no one else can. “The visual effect is invaluable because it’s something you don’t encounter every day,” said Blank,

an Iraq war veteran. “There is no way to recreate that aspect of real combat, seeing a brother hurt in that sort of way.”

Since the inception of Strategic Operations, the group’s founders had made a concerted effort not to use veterans who lost limbs in combat. “We felt it was one of those things: Why would you ask somebody who has gone through this experience to relive it? And we had plenty of amputee actors,” said executive vice president Kit Lavell.

Lavell flew 243 missions in Vietnam as a naval aviator. He knows how hearing screams and explosions - even on a studio lot in San Diego - can quickly bring back the stress of battle for even the most hardened soldiers.

But Booth convinced Lavell to let him join the group. “He was so well-prepared as a corpsman,” Lavell said. “We felt: He’s the perfect one to do this.” Booth first joined the Navy, at the age of 21, because he wanted to see combat and help save lives.

The job of corpsman was perfect for him; as field medics in charge of providing emergency care to battleground troops, corpsmen often are caught in the thick of the action.

Almost a year after enlisting, he was

deployed with the Marines to the Taleban stronghold of Sangin, Afghanistan. On July 21, 2011, while out on patrol, he and a Marine volunteered to return to base to get supplies. As they were walking, an explosion catapulted Booth onto his back.

He calmly told the Marine to check behind them for more IEDs. Then he looked down at his leg. There was no blood but the pain was excruciating and Booth couldn’t stand up. His ankle bones had been crushed.

Two days later he was back in the US, where he underwent surgery after surgery.

But Booth didn’t want to be a patient.

Frustrated with each failed operation and a growing infection, he pushed his doctors to amputate.

As a medic, Booth knew what his life would be like without a limb, and he wasn’t afraid. He had seen fellow service members adapt relatively quickly to using a prosthetic. He figured he could return quickly to an active lifestyle, doing the things he enjoyed, like riding motorcycles.

Booth learned his tenacity from his dad, a Black Hawk pilot in the Gulf War who taught his son to remember when faced with a challenge: “It could be worse. Just get through it and get on with it.”

On Nov. 29, 2011, doctors amputated Booth’s lower right leg. He was fitted with his prosthesis, and began therapy three times a week to learn how to walk again.

But Booth soon noticed his injuries went beyond the physical. During the day, he felt on edge. At night, he had nightmares or insomnia. He started seeing a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with PTSD and prescribed medication.

He wondered what he would do with his life when some Navy instructors who were training young medics invited him to the film studio. A year ago in April, Booth started work with Strategic Operations. He has now performed with the group a dozen times, and he isn’t bothered by the gore and gunfire. Rather, said Booth, the exercises have helped him deal with his post-traumatic stress.

“When we’re at the point where the explosions and the gunfire is going off, I’m in a whole different mindset. I’m yelling and screaming and waiting for the corpsmen to come help me. So I’m not really worried about that (PTSD) anymore,” said Booth, who has since stopped taking his PTSD medication. “It’s more so about the guys coming to get me and really helping them.”—AP

Overwhelmed Australian hostage thankful, happy Hostage’s family seeks justice

SAN FELIPE: Venezuela’s opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles greets supporters during a campaign rally in San Felipe, Yaracuy State, Venezuela, Sunday.

Capriles will run against the late president Hugo Chavez’ hand-picked successor Nicolas Maduro on April 14. — AP

Memorial service for slain prisons chief COLORADO SPRINGS: The Colorado prisons chief who was gunned down as he answered his front door is being remembered at a memorial service. The service for Tom Clements, 58, is set for tomorrrow morning at New Life Church in Colorado Springs.

The director of the Colorado Department of Corrections was killed at his home Tuesday night in Monument, north of Colorado Springs. A private funeral was held for him Sunday. He is survived by a wife and two daughters.

Evan Spencer Ebel, killed in a gunfight with Texas authorities Thursday, is a suspect. Colorado authorities say evidence gathered in Texas provided a strong lead in the case but stressed investigators had not yet confirmed a link between the crime and Ebel. Authorities say the car Ebel had in Texas was similar to one seen not far from Clements’ home the night he was killed, and bullets Ebel fired at Texas police were the same caliber and brand as the bullet or bullets that killed Clements.

Ballistics tests are due sometime this week. It remained unclear whether

Clements was targeted when he was shot and why. Officials say Ebel had been a member of the 211s, a white supremacist prison gang in Colorado. El Paso County sheriff ’s spokesman Lt. Jeff Kramer says investigators are tr ying to determine whether the 211 gang was involved in the killing.

Denver police say Ebel is also a suspect in the March 17 slaying of pizza delivery man Nathan Leon.

Gov. John Hickenlooper, who hired Clements, has said that he is a longtime friend of the suspect’s father, attorney Jack Ebel, who testified two years ago before state lawmakers that solitary confinement was destroying his son’s psyche.

Hickenlooper confirmed he mentioned the case to Clements as an example of why the prison system needed reform before the job was offered, but the governor said he did not mention Evan Ebel by name.

There was no indication that Hickenlooper’s relationship with the Ebels played a role in the shooting. Hickenlooper said he did not having any role in Evan Ebel’s parole in January. — AP

Kerry demands return of missing Laotian activist WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Laotian authorities late Sunday to step up their investigation “without further delay” into the disappearance of a prominent US-educated Laotian community development worker 100 days ago.

Sombath Somphone, the 62-year-old founder of a non-governmental organization campaigning for sustainable development, disappeared in Vientiane while driving home on December 15. CCTV images showed him being taken away from a police post by two unidentified individuals.

“The United States shares the international community’s serious concerns about Mr Sombath’s safety and well-being,” Kerry said in a statement. “We call on the Lao government to do everything in its power to account for his disappearance without further delay.” The United States has sought more information from Laos on its investigation into Sombath’s disappearance, which has sent jitters through the activist network in the secretive one-party communist state.

Laotian authorities have suggested he might have been abducted over a personal dispute but have denied having any information about his whereabouts. “We are concerned at the lack of significant information we have received from the Lao government about Mr Sombath’s case, despite our offers to assist with the investigation and numerous expressions of concern about Mr Sombath’s welfare,” said Kerry.

The top US diplomat noted that despite Laos’s growing integration into the community of nations, “Mr Sombath’s disappearance resurrects memories of an earlier era when unexplained disappearances were common.”

“Regrettably, the continuing, unexplained disappearance of Mr Sombath, a widely respected and inspiring Lao citizen who has

worked for the greater benefit of all of his countrymen, raises questions about the Lao government’s commitment to the rule of law and to engage responsibly with the world,” he added.

“We join with countless organizations, governments, journalists and concerned citizens around the world in demanding answers to Mr Sombath’s disappearance and urging his immediate return home.”

The campaigner, who had earned degrees in education and agriculture from the University of Hawaii, won the 2005 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership for his work in poverty reduction and sustainable development in a country that remains one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations.

Daniel Baer, deputy assistant secretary for the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, told AFP that Sombath’s disappearance has had “a chilling effect” on his activist network.

“For as long as the case remains unresolved and Sombath doesn’t come home to his wife, the international community as well as many people here who know and love him will continue to ask questions,” Baer noted.

The secretive one-party communist statewhich exerts total control over the media and does not tolerate criticism-has in recent years gradually given local civil society groups more room to operate.

Sombath’s disappearance has sparked an international campaign of solidarity with the activist and his family. The European Union, the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, members of parliament from Asia and Europe, and numerous international organizations have urged the Laotian government to take all actions necessary to ensure the safe return home of this respected figure. —AFP

MANILA: Ex-Australian soldier Warren Rodwell said yesterday he had lost all hope during 15 months as a captive of Islamic militants in the southern Philippines, as he thanked everyone who helped win his freedom.

Rodwell, his cheeks deeply hollowed out from severe weight loss, appeared extremely frail but was still able to smile as he met with Filipino officials at Manila airport who were involved in negotiating his release on Saturday. “ There was a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness and I am certainly over whelmed,” Rodwell told reporters at Manila airport after meeting the officials, speaking in a very soft voice apparently because of his frailness.

“I couldn’t know the amount of effort and compassion that has been put into this operation.”

Rodwell, 54, offered his “heartfelt thanks” to the Philippine and Australian governments as well as unnamed officials who worked behind the scenes to free him.

“I am very happy to be released and to be here,” said Rodwell, who said he was already starting to feel better. “I’m getting stronger,” he said, smiling weakly. Armed men posing as police abducted Rodwell from his home in a coastal town of the southern Philippines in December, 2011, and demanded $2 million for his safe release.

The kidnappers, members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, kept him in lawless areas of the southern Philippines where they could roam freely with the support of local Muslim communities.

They had released a series of video clips of Rodwell while he was in their captivity that showed him becoming progressively gaunt. In the last video, apparently taken in January, masked men carrying M16 automatic rifles and belts of ammunition threatened to kill Rodwell as he sat with his hands bound by rope.

Rodwell was released after the

MANILA: The brother and sister of Australian hostage Warren Rodwell who was recently released, Wayne Rodwell (L) and Denise Cappello (R), leave after giving a statement at a press conference at a hotel in Manila yesterday. The relatives of the Australian man held hostage for 15 months by Islamic militants in remote islands of the southern Philippines called yesterday for his captors to be brought to justice. — AFP payment of a ransom that one of the chief negotiators, local politician Al Rashid Sakalahul, said was four million pesos (nearly $100,000). Rodwell yesterday personally thanked Sakalahul, the vice governor of the southern Basilan island that is one of the Abu Sayyaf’s strongholds, who travelled to Manila airport on Monday to greet him. Sakalahul told reporters that Rodwell’s Filipina wife and relatives feared the militants were only days away from executing him if the ransom money had not been paid.

“The family told me they were told by the Abu Sayyaf, he (Rodwell) was scheduled for execution on Easter Sunday,” Sakalahul said. The Abu Sayyaf, designated by the US government as a terrorist

organisation, has a long history of kidnapping foreigners and local businessmen in efforts to extort ransoms.

The militants, who are believed to be holding at least three other foreigners, have survived efforts lasting more than a decade by Filipino and US troops to eliminate them in large part because of the local community support.

The group is believed to have only a few hundred armed followers. Rodwell’s older sister and brother, who flew into Manila to be reunited with him, earlier yesterday also thanked the Philippine government, while calling for his captors to be brought to justice.

“We wish the Philippine police every success in tracking down the group that took Warren from his

home,” Rodwell’s sister, Denise Cappello, told reporters. “We hope they will be brought to justice so others won’t have to experience what Warren has just been through.” Rodwell flew to Manila yesterday after spending two days recuperating at a military base in the southern Philippines. The head of the national police force’s antikidnapping unit, Senior Superintendent Renato Gumban said Rodwell was scheduled to rest for one or two weeks in Manila, before undergoing a thorough debriefing.

H e s a i d R o d we l l, w h o h a d been living with his wife in the southern Philippines for less than a year before he was kidnapped, t h e n i n te n d e d to re t u r n to Australia. —AFP

Spring snowstorm hits central states PITTSBURGH: A wide-ranging storm stretching from the Midwest to the East Coast is burying thoughts of springtime weather under a blanket of heavy wet snow and slush, though less snow is predicted to fall as the storm moves eastward.

Light rain and snow were falling in New Jersey yesterday morning as the storm moved in after dropping 2 to 6 inches in Ohio. The storm was expected to drop a similar amount as it moved across Pennsylvania, except for higher

elevations like the Laurel Mountains southeast of Pittsburgh, where 6 to 10 inches were forecast - though there were no major problems reported.

The storm hit harder in the Midwest, where it was blamed for separate crashes in Illinois, Kansas and Missouri on snow-slicked roads.

Springfield, in central Illinois, got slammed with a record 17 inches of snow, and several central Indiana counties declared snow emergencies

WASHINGTON: A homeless man sits covered in snow early yesterday in Washington, DC. A messy Monday was in store for millions along the East Coast, with winter weather advisories warning of a mixture of snow and rain for Washington, DC, Philadelphia, metropolitan New York and parts of northeast New Jersey. — AFP

after getting hit with up to 8 inches of snow.

Slick roads were also being blamed for a series of crashes on Interstate 60 north of Indianapolis that sent two people to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries. The Indiana State Police reported late Sunday that two people in a 2012 Subaru were hurt when the driver lost control while coming upon the scene of a previous crash involving a semitrailer. The Subaru hit the tractor-trailer and ended up in a ditch, police said. Authorities said both driver and passenger had life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals. An update on their conditions was not immediately available.

Earlier Sunday night, a jack-knifed semi and subsequent fuel leak required a hazardous materials response outside Indianapolis, officials said. The Fishers Department of Fire and Emergency Services said a tractor-trailer was southbound on Interstate 69 when its driver lost control. No one was injured.

The storm was expected to weaken as it moved into Pennsylvania late Sunday and into Monday. Before it exits off the coast of New Jersey last night, the storm could leave 2 to 4 inches in that state as well as Delaware, northern Maryland and southern New York.

“It’s definitely a wide -hitting system,” Hawblitzel said. To the west, parts of Colorado and northwest Kansas spent Sunday digging out from 10 to 15 inches of snow that were dumped there Saturday. Southwestern Nebraska got up to 7 inches. Winds gusting at speeds of up to 45 mph created snow drifts of 2 to 3 feet in the three states, said Ryan Husted, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Goodland, Kan.—AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

Nawaz Sharif holds huge election rally Pakistan caretaker PM takes office ahead of vote

DHARMSALA: A Tibetan schoolchild, center, holds a portrait of the Dalai Lama during a protest rally against the Chinese government in Dharmsala, India, yesterday. The Tibetan exiles were protesting against Chinese policies, which they say are forcing people to immolate themselves. — AP

India’s abandoned widows break taboos at festival NEW DELHI: Abandoned Indian widows have broken taboos and are taking part for the first time in the exuberant annual Hindu festival of colours, said a charity working to end the stigma surrounding the women.

Banished by families after their husbands’ deaths for supposedly bringing bad luck, desperately poor widows have for centuries travelled to the northern city of Vrindavan, where the Hindu god Krishna is said to have grown up, to pray and wait to die.

But this year, the widows in Vrindavan, 135 kilometres (80 miles) south of the Indian capital New Delhi, are taking part in the Hindu festival of colours known as Holi, which heralds the advent of spring, Sulabh, a civic charity, said.

“It’s a Holi of hope for these women,” Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, which works with the widows, told AFP, saying the women would take part in more festival celebrations over the next few days.

On Sunday, hundreds of widows participated in the first day of the festivities which culminate on Wednesday, pelting coloured powder at each other, dancing to traditional Holi songs and showering each other with flowers.

“In this Holi we are celebrating we are trying to free these widows from the shackles of tradition,” said Pathak. The women,

cast off by relatives who see them as a financial drain and consider even their shadows a curse, have traditionally sung hymns and begged in the pilgrimage city on the banks of the Yamuna River.

“The ‘shame’ of widowhood is still very strong in some traditional quarters they aren’t allowed to celebrate, attend marriages, they’re supposed to live in seclusion, shave their heads and dress in white,” Pathak explained.

“It is essentially a form of life imprisonment for these widows,” he said, whose plight was depicted in the 2005 Oscarnominated film “Water”.

Sulabh, which has done pioneering social work in India in sanitation and other fields, was tasked by the Supreme Court last August to work with the women after reports of widows’ bodies being put in sacks and thrown in the river.

Sulabh has been providing a monthly allowance of 2,000 rupees ($40) a month to 700 widows and teaching skills but is reaching only a small number of the estimated 15,000 widows said to be living in Vrindavan.

The women who took part in Holi celebrations Sunday said the day was special.

“We used to watch men and women play Holi from the windows of our ashram (secluded community). The celebrations of the town are legendary,” Pushpa Adhikari told the Times of India. — AFP

MANSEHRA: The frontrunner in Pakistan’s election race, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, attracted tens of thousands yesterday to a rally at which he promised development and economic success.

Sharif travelled to the northwestern town of Mansehra, a stronghold of his Pakistan Muslim League-N party, where supporters packed a huge stadium. Two police officials estimated the crowd at up to 30,000, in contrast to the hundreds who greeted former military ruler Pervez Musharraf on his return to Pakistan Sunday after four years in exile to contest the polls.

Opinion polls are notoriously unreliable in Pakistan, but indicators suggest Sharif is likely to emerge the biggest winner from the general election on May 11, which will mark the country’s first democratic transition of power.

The stadium was decorated with large portraits of Sharif and banners reading “Tiger of Pakistan, we love you” and “Welcome prime minister of Pakistan, pride of Pakistan”. The PML-N’s election symbol is a tiger and the rally featured a live tiger in a cage. Many voters are disillusioned with the outgoing Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government, saddled with allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Security and the economy have worsened over the last five years.

Pakistan became a nuclear power in May 1998 during Sharif’s second term as prime minister. He was ousted by Musharraf the following year. “Last time we carried out nuclear explosions. Now we will carry out economic explosions,” Sharif told the crowd.

Wearing a traditional dark grey turban offered to him by local leaders, he urged them to vote for “Pakistan”. Militant attacks and record levels of violence against the Shiite Muslim minority have raised fears about security for the polls in the nation of 180 million.

Sharif ordered a bullet-proof screen around his podium to be removed, a move greeted with loud applause. But security was extremely tight with police commandos

MANSEHRA: Pakistani former premier and opposition leader Nawaz Sharif (R) addresses the supporters during a general election campaign in northwestern town of Mansehra yesterday. The frontrunner in Pakistan’s election race, opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, attracted tens of thousands yesterday to a rally at which he promised development and economic revival. — AFP patrolling with AK-47s and a buffer zone ringed with barbed wire around the stage.

As prime minister, Sharif earned praise for economic reforms and for building a motorway from the northwestern city of Peshawar to the northeastern city of Lahore.

He promised that if elected a third time, he would build a motorway from Lahore to Karachi, Pakistan’s business capital on the Arabian Sea. “I am not fond of power, I only want to see my country progressing and my people prosper,” he told the crowd.

Sharif was first elected prime minister in 1990 but sacked three years later on corruption charges.

He returned to power in 1997 after an election but was ousted in the 1999 coup by Musharraf and was sent into exile in Saudi Arabia in 2000. He returned in November 2007 just before the February 2008 general election, won by the PPP on a wave of support following the assassination of its leader Benazir

Bhutto in December 2007.

Mohammad Afzal, a student aged 18, told AFP he would vote for Sharif. “Only he can save us from loadshedding (chronic power cuts) and control inflation,” Afzal said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s caretaker prime minister was sworn into office yesterday, drawing a line under protracted political wrangling and putting the country on course for an historic election period. Retired judge Mir Hazar Khan Khoso, 84, was selected by the election commission after a parliamentary committee and rival parties failed to agree on a candidate. He comes from the troubled southwestern province of Baluchistan.

At a short ceremony presided over by President Asif Ali Zardari and broadcast live on television, Khoso took the oath of office. Close Zardari associates and members of the outgoing government attended the ceremony.

Khoso is now expected to pick a paired-down interim cabinet that

Buddhist-Muslim sectarian violence spreads in Myanmar YANGON: Anti-Muslim mobs rampaged through three more towns in Myanmar’s predominantly Buddhist heartland over the weekend, destroying mosques and burning dozens of homes despite government efforts to stem the nation’s latest outbreak of sectarian violence.

President Thein Sein had declared an emergency in central Myanmar on Friday and deployed army troops to the worst-hit city, Meikhtila, where 32 people were killed and 10,000 mostly Muslim residents were displaced. But even as soldiers restored order there after several days of anarchy in which armed Buddhists torched the city’s Muslim quarters, the unrest has spread south toward the capital, Naypyitaw.

A Muslim resident of Tatkone, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Meikhtila, said by telephone that a group of about 20 men ransacked a one-story brick mosque there late Sunday night, pelting it with stones and smashing windows before soldiers fired shots to drive them away.

Speak ing on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, he said he believed the perpetrators were not from Tatkone.

A day earlier, another mob burned down a mosque and 50 homes in the nearby town of Yamethin, state television reported. Another mosque and several buildings were destroyed the same day in Lewei, farther south. It was not immediately clear who was behind the violence, and no clashes or casualties were reported in the three towns.

The upsurge in sectarian unrest is casting a shadow over Thein Sein’s administration as it struggles to make democratic changes in the Southeast Asian country after half a century of army rule officially ended two years ago this month.

Similar violence that rocked western Rakhine state last year, pitting ethnic

Rak hine Buddhists against Rohingya Muslims, k illed hundreds and drove 100,000 from their homes. The Rohingya are widely denigrated as illegal migrants from Bangladesh and most are denied passports as a result. The Muslim population of central Myanmar, by contrast, is mostly of Indian origin and does not face the same questions over nationality.

The emergence of sectarian conflict beyond Rak hine state is an ominous development, one that indicates antiMuslim sentiment has intensified nationwide since last year and, if left unchecked, could spread.

Sectarian and ethnic tensions are not new in Myanmar, which is also home to small Christian, Hindu and animist minorities. Muslims account for about 4 percent of the nation’s roughly 60 million people, and during the long era of authoritarian rule, military governments twice drove out hundreds of thousands of Rohingya, while smaller clashes had occurred elsewhere.

About one third of the nation’s population is comprised of ethnic minority groups; most have waged wars against the government for autonomy.

Analysts say racism has also played a role. Unlike the ethnic Burman majority, most Muslims in Myanmar are of South Asian descent, populations with darker skin that migrated to Myanmar centuries ago from what are now parts of India and Bangladesh.

The latest bloodshed “shows that intercommunal tensions in Myanmar are not just limited to the Rakhine and Rohingya in northern Rakhine state,” said Jim DellaGiacoma of the International Crisis Group.

“Myanmar is a country with dozens of localized fault lines and grievances that were papered over during the authoritarian years that we are just beginning to see and understand. It is a paradox of transitions that greater freedom does allow

MEIKHTILA: Myanmar Muslims living in Malaysia hold placards as they shout slogans during a protest against ethnic unrest between Buddhists and Muslim in Meikhtila, Myanmar, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. Anti-Muslim mobs rampaged through three more towns in Myanmar’s predominantly Buddhist heartland over the weekend, destroying mosques and burning dozens of homes despite government efforts to stem the nation’s latest outbreak of sectarian violence. — AP munities had helped each other and that these local conflicts to resurface.”

“If a democratic state is the nation’s religious leaders were now advocating goal, they need to find a place for all its peace. Muslims in Meikhtila, which makes people as equal citizens,” Della-Giacoma up about 30 percent of the city’s 100,000 said. “Given the country’s history, it won’t inhabitants, appeared to have borne the be easy.” The government has put the total brunt of the devastation. At least five death toll in Meikhtila at 32, and authori- mosques were set ablaze from Wednesday ties say they have detained at least 35 to Friday, and most homes and shops people allegedly involved in arson and burned were Muslim-owned.

Chaos began Wednesday after an arguviolence in the region.

On Sunday, Vijay Nambiar, the UN sec- ment broke out between a Muslim gold retar y-general’s special adviser on shop owner and his Buddhist customers.

Myanmar, toured Meikhtila, visiting dis- Once news spread that a Muslim man had placed residents and calling on the gov- killed a Buddhist monk, Buddhist mobs rampaged through a Muslim neighborernment to punish those responsible.

Nambiar said he was encouraged to hood and the situation quickly spiraled learn that some individuals in both com- out of control.— AP

will preside with him over the country until the victor of the May 11 general election can form a coalition government and take office.

Khoso was one of two candidates nominated by the outgoing government. The main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-N, frontrunner to win the election, also put forward two other names.

The vote is set to mark the first time that an elected civilian government hands over to another in a country that has seen three military coups and four military rulers since partition from India in 1947.

Militant attacks and record levels of violence directed against the Shiite Muslim minority have raised fears about security for the polls in the nuclear-armed country of 180 million. On Sunday, former military ruler Pervez Musharraf returned from more than four years in selfimposed exile, defying Taleban death threats in a bid to contest the election, although it is thought his impact will be minimal.— AFP

News

in brief

Gang-rape suspect in hospital NEW DELHI: A defendant in the New Delhi bus gang-rape trial was admitted to hospital yesterday with chest pains, a fortnight after his brother and coaccused was found dead in a prison cell, a report said.

Mukesh Singh was taken to Safdarjung hospital after he complained of feeling unwell while in transit from Tihar jail to the court, the Press Trust of India news agency quoted public prosecutor Dayan Krishnan as telling the trial judge. Proceedings at the court in Saket, in south Delhi, were adjourned in the afternoon as officials waited for the hospital report.

Mukesh Singh is one of four men on trial for the murder and gang-rape of a 23-year-old student who died in hospital in Singapore on December 29, 13 days after being attacked on a bus as she returned from a movie in the Indian capital.

Cardboard cops BANGALORE: Police in India’s high-tech hub Bangalore are trying a new way to reduce traffic offences-using cardboard cops to scare drivers into believing the long arm of the law is watching them.

Road deaths have surged in India despite a low rate of car ownership with a lethal combination of poor law enforcement, untrained drivers and bad roads making the country one of the world’s leading centres of road deaths. Many Indian drivers will only obey traffic rules if they think law enforcers will reach out and apprehend them “and we can’t be omnipresent”, additional Bangalore police commissioner M.A. Saleem told AFP yesterday. “Drivers in Indian cities violate traffic rules when there are no cops around-they jump traffic lights and go the wrong way on one-way streets,” he said.

Military exercise in Nepal PANCHKHAL: Soldiers from 23 nations began military exercises in Nepal yesterday to train for United Nations peacekeeping missions in areas hit by conflicts. The Nepalese army said the two-week exercises organized by Nepal and the United States will promote regional security and enhance peacekeeping capabilities. Altogether, 871 soldiers are participating from countries including Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, Jordan, Philippines, South Korea and Thailand.

They will train in skills used for peacekeeping operations such as patrolling, checkpoint controls and convoy operations.

Malaysia to move Borneo villagers after siege KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s government announced plans yesterday to relocate villagers in parts of Borneo vulnerable to intruders from the restive southern Philippines. The plan underscores a surge in fears about public safety following an armed intrusion by a Philippine clan last month that has left at least 75 people dead in Malaysia’s eastern Sabah state. It also highlights concerns that the intruders received help from some Filipinos who resettled in Sabah over the decades and

became Malaysian citizens.

Prime Minister Najib Razak announced the plan as part of measures to bolster security that also include increasing military forces in Sabah. Najib did not say how many people would be affected or when the relocation might occur. He said it would initially involve Sabah’s eastern seaboard, which can be reached within an hour by boat from southern Philippine islands that have been wracked by a decades-long Muslim insurgency.

Sabah is home to more than 3 million people, about 800,000 of whom are Filipinos who came to Malaysia seeking jobs and stability. Border security has long been problematic, with illegal immigrants and criminal suspects repeatedly slipping past naval patrols and entering Sabah by sea.

The state suffered its worst security scare in decades when an estimated 200 armed Filipinos appeared at a remote coastal village in February and refused to

leave, insisting that Sabah belonged to their royal clan. The territorial claim, rejected by Malaysia, triggered unprecedented gunbattles that killed eight Malaysian policemen, a soldier and scores of Filipino gunmen and their alleged sympathizers who provided them with shelter, food and information.

Some activists say decades-old flaws in Malaysia’s immigration and security policies enabled the Filipinos to launch their siege with relative ease and elude security

forces with the assistance of allies living in Sabah. The incursion has forced the government to take steps to convince the public that it is able to safeguard national sovereignty ahead of general elections that must be held before the end of June.

Dozens of the Filipino clansmen are believed to have fled back to the southern Philippines, but security forces are searching for some believed to be hiding on palm oil plantation land in Sabah. —AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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

Khmer Rouge ‘Brother Number Two’ fit for trial PHNOM PENH: Pol Pot’s former deputy Nuon Chea is fit to continue with his trial for war crimes and genocide, medical experts told Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge court yesterday following the death of a co-defendant. “From a physical point of view, I felt he is well enough to continue with the trial,” Professor John Campbell, a geriatrician from New Zealand, told the UN-backed tribunal.

Another expert who examined the physical and mental conditions of the 86-year-old “Brother Number Two”, British forensic psychiatrist Seena Fazel, said his mental health and cognitive function

“is currently good”.

Nuon Chea, the most senior surviving leader of the hardline communist regime which oversaw the “Killing Fields” era in the late 1970s, is currently on trial alongside former Khmer Rouge head of state Khieu Samphan, 81. The death on March 14 of regime co-founder Ieng Sary at the age of 87 intensified fears that the remaining two elderly co-defendants may also die before verdicts can be reached in their trial, which began in June 2011.

Nuon Chea has also suffered a number of illnesses, including high blood pressure, acute bronchitis

and back pain. “One of the questions we asked ourselves is would we be surprised if this person was not alive in six months? I have to say in Nuon Chea’s situation, we would not be surprised,” Campbell said.

“Life is very unpredictable at age 86, especially with the underline problems that he has,” he added.

Nuon Chea and Khieu Samphan deny charges including war crimes and genocide from their roles in a regime blamed for the deaths of up to two million people.

Ieng Sary’s widow Ieng Thirith, the regime’s former social affairs minister, was freed in September

after being deemed unfit for trial due to dementia.

Led by “Brother Number One” Pol Pot, who died in 1998, the Khmer Rouge wiped out nearly a quarter of Cambodia’s population through starvation, overwork or execution in a bid to create an agrarian utopia in 1975-79. Fazel said that Nuon Chea “has a clear understanding” of the consequences of a verdict in this trial. “He explained that if he was found guilty, one possibility was life imprisonment,” he said, adding that Nuon Chea believed that he would not receive capital punishment “because it wasn’t part of the national law”. — AFP

HK court rejects landmark residency bid by maids

BANGKOK: Red Shirt defendant Saichon Paebua (R) is escorted by a police officer as he leaves from a criminal Court in Bangkok yesterday. Two supporters of Thailand’s “Red Shirt” protest movement were acquitted yesterday of setting fire to a huge shopping mall during mass anti-government rallies that rocked Bangkok in 2010. — AFP

Thai court acquits Red Shirts of torching mall BANGKOK: Two supporters of Thailand’s “Red Shirt” protest movement were acquitted yesterday of setting fire to a huge shopping mall during mass antigovernment rallies that rocked Bangkok in 2010.

A court in Bangkok freed the pair because there were no witnesses to the arson attack on Central World, Thailand’s biggest shopping mall which was gutted by the blaze.

Saichon Paebua-one of the Red Shirts’ own security guards-and co-defendant Pinit Chanarong both denied the charges.

Central World was one of dozens of buildings torched after a crackdown by armed troops firing live rounds and backed by armoured vehicles brought an end to the two months of demonstrations on May 19, 2010. The Red Shirtswho are broadly loyal to fugitive former premier Thaksin Shinawatra-have always denied responsibility for the fire.

“Today’s ruling proves that Red Shirt protesters did not burn down Central World,” said one of their leaders, Weng Tojirakarn.

The two defendants were freed as they have already served jail terms for violating an emergency decree imposed by the authorities to deal with the

protests, which paralysed par ts of Bangkok. Two teenagers were cleared of involvement in the arson attack by a juvenile court in December due to a lack of witnesses.

About 90 people were killed and nearly 1,900 were wounded in a series of street clashes between demonstrators and security forces during the rallies.

The trial of 24 Red Shirt leaders on terrorism charges began in December but five of them enjoy immunity as they are now lawmakers, so the case is expected to take years to complete during breaks in the parliamentary session.

Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was prime minister at the time, was charged with murder in December along with his thendeputy Suthep Thaugsuban over the death of a taxi driver shot by soldiers during the violence.

The Red Shirts were demanding immediate elections, accusing Abhisit’s government of coming to power unfairly in 2008 through a parliamentary vote after a court stripped Thaksin’s allies of power. Thaksin was ousted by royalist generals in a coup in 2006. He now lives in Dubai to avoid a jail sentence for corruption that he contends is politically motivated. In 2011 his sister Yingluck Shinawatra was elected as premier. — AFP

South Korea hails new military pact with US SEOUL: A new South Korea-US pact providing for a joint military response even to low-level provocation by North Korea offers an added deterrent at a time of elevated tension, the South said yesterday.

The two allies signed the military agreement on Friday in a move likely to fuel fresh outrage in Pyongyang, which has spent the past few weeks denouncing joint South Korea-US military exercises.

While existing agreements provide for US engagement in the event of a full-scale conflict, the new protocol addresses the response to low-level action such as a limited cross-border incursion.

It guarantees US support for any South Korean retaliation and allows Seoul to request any additional US military force it deems necessary. “This allows both nations to jointly respond to the North’s local provocations, with the South taking the lead and the US in support,” defence ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok said.

“It will have the effect of preventing the North from daring to provoke us,” Kim told reporters. The United States has close to 30,000 troops stationed in South Korea with the option to bring in reinforcements from its military bases in Japan.

The “provocative” scenarios envisaged by the new pact include maritime border incursions, shelling of border islands, and infiltration by low-flying fighter jets or special forces.

The chairman of the South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Jung Seung-Jo, said the accord would allow for “strong retaliation” that would make North Korea “bitterly regret” any provocative move.

The protocol was signed just days before the third anniversary of the 2010 sinking of a South Korean war-

ship, the Cheonan, with the loss of 46 lives.

South Korea said it was sunk by a North Korean torpedo, although Pyongyang had always denied any involvement. Later the same year, North Korea shelled the South Korean border island of Yeonpyeong, killing four people.

Angered by UN sanctions imposed after its nuclear test in February, North Korea has issued a wave of threats over the past month-ranging from a surgical military strike to nuclear war.

The North’s young leader Kim JongUn recently made a series of visits to frontline military units across the country, during which he threatened to “wipe out” South Korean military units on another border island, Baengnyeong. During a trip yesterday to Baengnyeong marking the 2010 sinking, South Korean Defence Minister Kim Kwan-Jin accused the North’s leader of heightening military tensions. “Kim Jong-Un’s frequent front-line inspections are aimed at creating a war-like situation,” the minister said, urging South Korean soldiers to retaliate strongly against North Korean provocation.

South Korea on Monday held a naval exercise involving combat corvettes and missile patrol ships close to the disputed maritime border.

The de-facto maritime boundarythe Northern Limit Line-is not recognised by Pyongyang, which argues it was unilaterally drawn by the US-led United Nations forces after the 1950-53 Korean War. It was the scene of deadly naval clashes in 1999, 2002 and 2009. Today, President Park Geun-Hye and top military officials will attend a memorial ceremony at the national cemetery in Daejeon, where the victims of the Cheonan sinking are buried. — AFP

HONG KONG: Hong Kong’s top court yesterday threw out a landmark case that would have given hundreds of thousands of foreign maids the right to seek permanent residency, ending a legal battle that split the city.

In rejecting the bid to give maids the same residency rights as other foreigners, the Court of Final Appeal ruled that there was no need to refer the case to Beijing for a final say, which would have sparked new controversy.

Officials in semi-autonomous Hong Kong had suggested enlisting the advice of the Chinese central government on the immigration question, sparking warnings that they were jeopardising the territory’s cherished judicial independence.

But the top court drew a line under the matter by rejecting the two-year legal challenge first brought by Filipina maid Evangeline Banao Vallejos, a mother of five who has lived in Hong Kong since 1986.

“With the court’s ruling today, it gave its judicial seal to unfair treatment and the social exclusion of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong,” said Eman Villanueva, spokesman for labour rights group Asian Migrants’ Coordinating Body.

He was joined by other members of his group outside court chanting “No to discrimination” and “We are not slaves”. Vallejos won a High Court ruling in 2011 granting her the right to request permanent residency status, which most foreigners can seek after seven years’ stay but which is denied to the city’s 300,000 foreign domestic helpers.

Activists had hailed the ruling as a big step for equal rights for maids, who are a backbone of society in richer Asian economies and a financial lifeline to their home nations, notably the Philippines and Indonesia.

But the Court of Final Appeal unanimously sided with arguments from the Hong Kong government, which warned that the ruling would swamp the cramped city’s population of seven million.

“The FDH (foreign domestic helper) is obliged to return to the country of origin at the end of the contract, and is told from the outset that admission is not for the purposes of settlement and that dependents cannot be brought to

HONG KONG: Eman Villanueva (centre L), spokesperson for the labor rights group Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, addresses the media after a decision was handed down in a domestic helper permanent residency legal case, outside of the Court of Final Appeal in Hong Kong yesterday. — AFP reside in Hong Kong,” the top court said in a 49page judgment.

Another Filipino domestic helper Daniel Domingo, whose bid for residency was similarly rejected after living in Hong Kong for 28 years was the case’s joint appellant. The ruling means maids will continue to be specifically excluded from eligibility to settle in Hong Kong, which would give them access to voting rights and the right to live in the former British colony without a work visa.

Lawyer Mark Daly, who represents the helpers, said Vallejos was “speechless” but respected the decision. Vallejos and Domingo were not in court yesterday.

“It’s regrettable that the opportunity has been lost on this occasion to strike a blow for equality and non-discrimination,” Daly said.

The government said it was “carefully” studying the verdict. There are about 1,000 pending applications from foreign maids seeking perma-

nent residency. Hong Kong’s foreign maids receive a minimum wage of HK$3,920 (US$505) a month and benefits such as one guaranteed day off a week, but rights groups say they face discrimination and a lack of legal protection from abusive employers.

The Vallejos case threw new light on Hong Kong’s often uneasy relationship with authorities in mainland China and the full extent of the territory’s autonomy under its mini-constitution, known as the Basic Law. While there have been repeated outcries from the Hong Kong public against perceived mainland interference, the southern city’s own government stands accused of undermining its autonomy by seeking Beijing’s adjudication.

That was the case regarding a long-running legal question about children of Hong Kong permanent residents from mainland China, which like the foreign maids case had created anxiety over the potential strain on the city. — AFP

2 dead as asylum-seeker boat carrying 95 capsizes SYDNEY: Two people died, including a young child, and two were seriously hurt after an asylum-seeker boat capsized off Australia yesterday, but more than 90 were plucked to safety and taken ashore.

The overloaded Indonesian fishing boat was spotted afloat by Australian customs 14 nautical miles north of the Australian territory of Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.

Two customs officials from the Ocean Protector boarded the vessel but it was immediately pounded by two large waves that rolled it and sent people flying into the water, Home Affairs Minister Jason Clare said. “ The men and women aboard (Ocean Protector) acted quickly to rescue those who went into the water and 95 have been recovered but that includes two people who are deceased,” Clare said. “The two custom officers were recovered and are safe and uninjured.” The dead included a boy aged four to five and a woman in her 30s. Two others were seriously injured from swallowing water or diesel fuel-one of them a six-to-seven year-old boy and the other a preg-

nant woman in her 20s. “Initial advice is that border command believe they have rescued everyone on board the vessel, but it is important to continue the search just in case there is anyone else there,” added Clare. Most of those rescued are believed to be Afghan, but officials said Middle Eastern nationalities were on board, as well as three Indonesians who were likely crew.

They were transferred to an immigration facility on Christmas Island to undergo health, security and identity checks. Christmas Island administrator Jon Stanhope told ABC it was fortunate that the Ocean Protector was close to the boat when it went down and was able to respond quickly.

“I think it’s a very fortunate coincidence that customs were within the vicinity and were able to respond very quickly,” he said. Australia is facing a steady influx of asylum-seekers arriving by boat, many of whom use Indonesia as a transit hub, paying people-smugglers for passage on leaky wooden vessels after fleeing their home countries. Hundreds have died making the treacherous journey over the past few years.

Earlier this month, a naval vessel plucked 77 asylum-seekers to safety after their boat broke up on the way to Australia. While there has been a lull in boat arrivals in recent months due to heavy swells and poor weather, the numbers arriving are starting to spike again.

At least four boats were taken to Christmas Island over the weekend, Stanhope said, with one of them carrying 128 people. To deter people from making the dangerous journey, the Australian government last year launched a harsh new offshore processing policy, with many boatpeople being taken to camps on Nauru and Papua New Guinea in the Pacific.

But it has been criticised by rights advocates, with Amnesty describing conditions as “appalling” while the United Nations has warned the asylum-seekers’ detention was arbitrary.

Australia last year dealt with a record 17,202 asylum-seekers arriving by sea. With the boats continuing to arrive, the conservative opposition has declared the policy a failure and said the government had lost control of Australia’s borders. — AFP

N Korean leader Kim sings military’s praises SEOUL: Forget “Hail to the Chief”. In North Korea, the army sing their leader’s praises with a chorus of “We Will Defend General Kim Jong-un at the Cost of Our Lives”, or the catchy accordion and tap-dance tune, “The Naval Port in the Evening”.

Kim, the third of his line to rule North Korea, praised musical instruments made by the Nor th’s 1.2 million-strong army on Sunday, state news agency KCNA reported.

Tensions have risen on the Korean peninsula since new UN sanctions were imposed after the North carried out its third nuclear test in February. Pyongyang has threatened to destroy the United States with nuclear weapons, bomb its Pacific bases and shell South Korea in response.

Putting aside rising rhetoric, Kim inspected guitars and drums made by the army and said it was important to make quality instruments so soldiers could “spend their worthwhile days in the army full of militant optimism and joy”, KCNA said. Kim, “Supreme Commander” of the North’s armed forces, also inspected overcoats for pupils at the country’s top military schools and suggested style improvements, KCNA reported.

According to independent observers, North Korea’s huge military, believed to be the world’s fourth largest, spend most of their time in activities such as manufacturing or fishing for crabs because drills are far too expensive for the impoverished country and

they need to feed themselves.

Kim’s field guidance follows the example set by his late father, Kim Jong-il, who gave advice to factories and farmers as well as the army.

Kim Jong-un, 30, still has some way to go

in emulating his father’s reported accomplishments. His father’s feats, according to KCNA, included inventing the oungum, a banjo-like musical instrument that is “widely popular” in North Korea, and scoring 11 holes-in-one in a single round of golf. — Reuters

CANBERRA: Australian government officials, from left, ministers Sharon Bird and Jan Lucas, Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Governor-General Quentin Bryce and minister Catherine King pose yesterday, at Gillard’s suggestion for a women-only photograph at Government House in the Australian capital Canberra after a new Cabinet was sworn in. — AP

NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Cyprus secures last-minute...

Continued from Page 1 Echoing the sentiment of his people, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides took aim at EU member states that pressed for the onerous measures when he said there was “no place for pressure, threats and blackmail”. “It’s a disaster. To me it’s too little and too late,” Tudor Neagu, a Laiki Bank customer said as he tried and failed to withdraw cash from an ATM in Nicosia. “I doubt Cyprus will ever revive again.”

The Cypriot authorities have already started to implement the hard-fought agreement, with the central bank naming Andri Antoniades as administrator for Laiki. Under the agreement, Laiki is to be wound up and major depositors at the Bank of Cyprus will face a “haircut” of 30 percent, government spokesman Christos Stylianides said. “A disorderly default was avoided, which would have meant leaving the eurozone, with devastating consequences,” he said.

“Without doubt that there are painful aspects that will place a burden on all of us,” he acknowledged nonetheless.

The deal spares all depositors with less than €100,000 ($130,000) in the island’s banks, a key condition missing from a previous agreement the Cypriot parliament rejected last week. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose government took a hard line in the talks, said she was “very

pleased that a solution for Cyprus was successfully reached last night which meant that the country’s insolvency was averted”. The deal represents a “fair distribution” of the burden and “also requires those who have contributed to causing these undesirable developments to take responsibility,” she said. The head of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, insisted: “We’ve put an end to the uncertainty that affected Cyprus and the euro area over the last few days.”

European stock markets turned sharply lower after the deal, although bank shares had rallied early on. But trading shares radically turned direction, brought lower when Dijsselbloem said the hard-won agreement to liquidate a major Cypriot lender could become a model for other troubled corners of the eurozone. A big unknown remained the reaction of Russian investors, who hold $31 billion (€24 billion) in private and corporate accounts in Cyprus. But President Vladimir Putin suggested Russia could pitch in to the Cyprus bailout by easing the terms of a €2.5-billion loan in the wake of the agreement with Brussels. Cyprus has become heavily reliant on banking deposits, including those of dubious origin, which have swollen to roughly four times the size of the island’s entire economy, and the biggest investors stand to lose the most. — AFP

The White House is seen from Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington yesterday. — AFP

14

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

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Issues

Budget balance in eye of beholder

By David Espo hen it comes to budgets, balance is in the eye of the congressional beholder. To House Republicans, it means a balanced budget in a decade, achieved by $4.6 trillion in spending cuts and without any tax increases. To Senate Democrats, it means a balanced plan, about $975 billion in higher taxes and a spending reduction of about $875 billion, not counting cancellation of $1.2 trillion in existing across-the-boardcuts. That makes the two plans polar opposites as President Barack Obama and the two political parties begin maneuvering toward yet another round of deficitreduction negotiations.

“Ultimately the key to this lock is in their (Republican) hands and they’ve got to decide if they want to turn it, and that means taking a balanced approach,” said Rep Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat who is his party’s chief budget strategist in the House. Across the Capitol, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky offered a rebuttal. He said that under the plan Democrats favor: “We won’t get more jobs or a better economy or sensible reforms to prevent Medicare or Social Security from going bankrupt. And we certainly won’t get a balanced budget.”

Even with the deep differences between the two parties, there’s plenty of time before the next make-or-break moment in divided government’s pursuit of lower deficits.

That won’t come until late July, when Obama probably will be forced to ask Congress for an increase in borrowing authority so the Treasury can finance the nation’s $16 trillion national debt. Republicans have said they will use the request as leverage to gain concessions on spending cuts in Medicare and other benefit programs.

“Going back to the 1950s, debt ceiling requests of presidents have been used to bring about major changes, Gramm-Rudman, the Congressional Review Act, the 1997 Clinton-Republican Congress deficit reduction package, the Budget Control Act,” McConnell said, summoning the ghosts of budget compromises past. “All of those came in the context of the budget - of the request of the president to raise the debt ceiling,” he said.

Well before then, on April 8 in fact, Obama will present a budget of his own. It is long overdue, to the disappointment of Republicans who had hoped to make it an object of ridicule in the just-completed budget debates in the House and Senate. It gives Obama the chance to align himself entirely with his Democratic allies, or possibly to edge away when it comes to government benefit programs that have largely escaped cuts in earlier compromises.

Republicans will watch to see what steps, if any, the White House is willing to recommend to slow the growth of Medicare or perhaps Social Security. Given Obama’s recent series of meetings with Republicans, some GOP lawmakers say privately it would be a positive sign for him to include a proposal curtailing the rise in cost of living increases in benefit programs. It’s a change he has supported since his aborted deficit-reduction negotiations with House Speaker John Boehner nearly two years ago.

But many Democrats in Congress oppose it and the administration has never included it in its budget.

Republicans also are hoping Obama will back steps to slow the long-term growth in Medicare, even if they phase in gradually and produce relatively little deficit savings in the next decade. The president’s 2013 budget called for $305 billion in Medicare savings, but only a fraction of that would come directly from patients or seem likely to change the demand for care. In his State of the Union address in February, the president said he would change “the way our government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn’t be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital - they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive.”

Considerably more sensitive is a suggested increase in the age of eligibility for Medicare. During the recent round of meetings, Republicans asked Obama if he would support it, and he sidestepped, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing private conversations. It’s another idea that the president supported once before, when he was negotiating with Boehner, and one that many congressional Democrats oppose strenuously. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California, who says she is “agnostic” on a change in the cost-of-living formula, recently wrote that an increase in the Medicare eligibility age above 65 is “a reflection of the broader Republican plan: an assault on the middle class, seniors and our future”. On the other side of the divide, Obama and Democrats want Republicans to agree to higher taxes as part of any deal that wrings savings from Medicare. — AP

W

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Cyprus faces years of suffering

By Danny Kemp ypriots face years of economic hardship due to a harsh eurozone bailout deal, while the Mediterranean island’s future in the single currenc y remains deeply uncertain, analysts said yesterday. The fallout will begin immediately with food and medicine shortages likely in coming weeks as businesses struggle with a lack of cash in Cypriot banks, which were hammered by the agreement, said economic experts. The tiny nation then faces two years of deep recession coupled with soaring unemployment, with few hopes of longer-term recovery as Russians and other foreign investors will steer clear of its devastated financial sector.

Fiona Mullen, an economist specialising in Cyprus, said that while the deal had prevented an overnight exit from the euro many Cypriots would wonder if it would be better off leaving anyway. “They feel very betrayed by an awful lot of countries in this and I think that there are going to be longer term implications,” Mullen told AFP.

C

Under the terms of the deal Cyprus’s second biggest lender Laiki (Popular Bank) will be wound up overnight but investors looked set to lose all unsecured deposits of over €100,000.

The Bank of Cyprus, the island’s No.1 lender, survives but the government said a “haircut ” of around 30 percent on all deposits of more than €100,000 was likely.

Mullen, a partner at Strata Insight energy policy risk consultancy, said capital controls including drastic limits on withdrawals from bank ATMs were likely for several weeks. “That means it’s difficult for businesses to pay salaries and buy goods and things like that,” Mullen said, adding that the impact of this had “not been thought through”. “The companies that are big are the food importers and food sellers and medicine importers who might have a very short term crunch on things like food, and Cypriots are already starting to stock food in the past few days,” she said.

The longer term was even more bleak, with the economy likely to suffer its biggest blow since the 1974 invasion of northern Cyprus by Turkey, she warned.

“Let’s say minus 15 percent for for the first year and minus 5 percent the next year,” Mullen said when asked about the likely impact on growth. “Unemployment was already 15 percent. With Laiki it will instantly be 17.5 percent. It will be 20 percent within three months and 26 percent within a year.”

Former Cyprus central bank governor Afxentis Afxentiou said the effects could last up to a decade. “Cyprus has suffered a big hit and our standard of living will spiral downward, although the economy may be able to recover in two to three years our standard of living will take at least 10 years to return,” he told state radio. A Cyprus government spokesman insisted on Monday the deal had prevented a “disorderly” eurozone exit but Mullen said that was still a possibility later. Cyprus ditched the pound for the euro in 2008. “I do wonder whether Cypriots are starting to wonder whether it is worth Cyprus staying in the euro. But the problem is there is no legal framework for it,” she said.

Rebuilding the Cyprus economy will meanwhile be difficult when its bloated

financial services sector is worst hit, and its many Russian investors in particular will have suffered from the levy on deposits to fund the bailout. “It’s very difficult to be bullish about the Cyprus economy,” Neil MacKinnon, an economist with VTB Capital in London, told AFP. “Downsizing the financial system was the explicit objective of the EU and IMF,” he said, adding it meant “job losses and restrictions on the banking system” with a “negative impact on the economy which is going to be quite severe.” MacKinnon also raised doubts about Cyprus’s position in the euro despite the deal. “It may be that the social and political reaction in Cyprus is such that the hostility towards the EU builds and you could not rule out a future exit,” he said.

The wider implications for the EU economy and further afield were also grim, added MacKinnon. The size of the bailout was “small potatoes” but the unwillingness of the EU the International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank augured badly for future crises. “The economic perspective looks poor generally, not just for Cyprus,” he said. —AFP

Questions about euro’s long-term survival

By Alan Wheatley he messy deal to bail out Cyprus has averted the latest threat to the break-up of the euro but at the cost of raising new questions about the single currency’s long-term viability. Savers in other euro zone banks appear so far to be taking the freezing of balances over Ä100,000 in Cyprus’s two biggest lenders in their stride.

Perhaps they judge that events in a tiny, far-away island with outsize banks and a reliance on deposits from Russian oligarchs hold little relevance for them.

Yields on Italian and Spanish bonds held broadly yesterday, reflecting a belief that the European Central Bank’s promise to buy struggling euro members’ bonds if need be - a program known as Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) - will prevent a spillover from Cyprus. “This certainly plays into the hands of northern European creditor countries, who have long taken the view that fears of contagion, in particular post-OMT, are wildly exaggerated,” said Nicholas Spiro of Spiro Sovereign Strategy in London. “For the time being there is no contagion: the markets, rightly or wrongly, still believe in the credibility and effectiveness of this bond-buying scheme.”

Although big outflows from Italian or Spanish banks were unlikely, Spiro said the troika of the International Monetary Fund, the European Commission and the ECB had set a dangerous precedent by initially agreeing to tax Cypriot deposits below the European Union’s Ä100,000 guarantee threshold. European central bankers in private, and German banks in public, expressed confidence that the repercussions of Cyprus’s bailout would be contained.

“The banking sector in the country was too large and did not have a sustainable business model. Cyprus should thus be regarded as a one-off case, and is therefore not comparable with other European countries,” said Andreas Schmitz, president of the BdB association of German lenders.

But Lena Komileva, who runs the consultancy G+ Economics in London, said the terms of yesterday’s earlymorning agreement in Brussels sent an unfortunate signal: a euro in a bank in Cyprus is not equal to a euro elsewhere in the euro zone. “This is... a systemically important deal for the future of the euro zone banking union, or rather the lack of it, which carries implications for Spain in 2014,” Komileva said.

The bailout is also evidence of an increasingly hard line being taken with bond holders in failed euro zone banks.

Weeks after the Irish government agreed to repay guaranteed debt in Anglo Irish Bank when it was liquidated, senior bondholders in Popular Bank of Cyprus, also known as Laiki, will be wiped out, while those in Bank of Cyprus will have to make a contribution, officials said. How big depositors and bond investors in other vulnerable euro zone banks would react post-Cyprus in the event of a new shock thus becomes the latest ‘known unknown’ in the four-year-old euro zone debt drama.

The crisis in Greece fanned fears of contagion to the likes of Italy and Spain, touching off a deposit flight to safe-haven banks in Germany and other hard-money northern European states. The result has been a fragmentation of the money and banking markets across the euro zone that the Cyprus bailout can only prolong and possi-

T

bly intensify. For example, despite the soothing effect of the ECB’s bond-buying pledge, the interest rate in January on new one-year business loans under Ä1 million was 2.8 percent in Germany but 6.7 percent in Portugal.

The ECB’s declared priority is to repair the monetary policy transmission mechanism so that its easy-credit stance is diffused to all 17 members of the euro, not just a few. The policy has been working insofar as cash imbalances between the north and the south of the single currency zone have gradually fallen since ECB President Mario Draghi promised last summer to do whatever it takes to save the euro - a pledge that spawned the OMT program.

The danger now is that this process will stall because of the spillover from Cyprus, keeping bank lending interest rates high and thus deepening the recession in southern Europe.

Cypriot solution feeds the perception across the periphery that the German-led ‘Northern Alliance’ is determined to keep pressing for discipline and austerity in southern Europe, even at the risk of perpetuating a vicious cycle of recession, missed fiscal targets and more growth-sapping budget cuts.

The real contagion risk, therefore, is that the meltdown in Cyprus, which is heading for a deep economic slump because of the destruction of its offshore banking industry, will fan a revolt against the hair-shirt policies demanded by the troika as the price of providing a safety net for euro zone strugglers. With the exception of Greece, protests in southern Europe against high unemployment and pension cuts have so far been peaceful. But resentment at what many see as a lack of solidarity from Germany is growing.

An elderly woman sells Greek, Cypriot, and EU flags before the start of a parade for Greek Independence Day celebrations in Nicosia, Cyprus yesterday. — AP Speaking in Lisbon last week before the Cyprus deal was struck, Portuguese economists and brokers expressed dismay that euro zone policymakers were gambling with depositor confidence - even if Cyprus’s circumstances were special. “The European Union should be aware of the risks that peripheral countries are facing. Those responsible for decisions like this one on Cyprus should think deeply about the probable consequences,” said Paula Carvalho, chief economist at BPI bank.

Joao de Deus, a senior sales trader with brokers Dif in Lisbon, said there was no guarantee that the crisis in Cyprus would be the last flare-up. For some observers, the

As such, Alastair Winter, chief economist at Daniel Stewart, an investment bank in London, said Cyprus might eventually come to be seen as the second big step in the break-up of the euro, the culmination of five decades of ever-closer integration meant to banish the spectre of another war on European soil. The first step, he argued, was the rejection by a majority of Italian voters in last month’s general election of the orthodox prescription of austerity. “ They had duly noted that the peoples of Europe, even if they no longer want to kill each other, are unwilling to help each other out in times of distress,” Winter told clients. — Reuters

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

S P ORTS Gago pulls out of qualifier BUENOS AIRES: Midfielder Fernando Gago, a key player in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela, will miss today’s World Cup qualifier away to Bolivia with muscle fatigue. Gago, who helped engineer Friday’s victory, was released by coach Alejandro Sabella on Sunday, joining injured striker Sergio Aguero and suspended top scorer Gonzalo Higuain on the sidelines.

Argentina face Bolivia at high altitude in La Paz, where former coach Diego Maradona’s team were crushed 6-1 in a qualifier four years ago. “The altitude is an abnormal factor we’re not accustomed to. You have to adjust your mind to it,” said midfielder Leonardo Ponzio, who played in Argentina’s last qualifying victory in La Paz in 2005. “We must make the most of the greater skills of our forwards ... who impose a different rhythm to what you see normally,” Ponzio told the state news agency Telam. Sabella is keeping his cards close to his chest for the daunting trip to the Hernando Siles 4,000 metres above sea level where he is expected to play five men across midfield. His team lead the ninenation South American group, four points ahead of Colombia and six in front of Ecuador. — Reuters

Germany’s Gomez, Hoewedes still doubtful for Kazakhstan BERLIN: Germany coach Joachim Loew will wait until a final training session late yesterday to see if central defender Benedikt Hoewedes and striker Mario Gomez will be fit for today’s World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan. The coach said the pair was joined by Mesut Ozil for a run on Sunday but did not train with the rest of the team as Germany prepare for their second encounter with the Kazakhs after beating them 3-0 in Astana on Friday. “I do not see a problem with Mesut for tomorrow but for the other two I will wait until the final training. Only after that will we take a final decision,” Loew told reporters.

Hoewedes and Gomez, the only striker left in the squad, are nursing minor muscle problems. Germany are top of Group C on 13 points from five games, five points ahead of second-placed Sweden who have a game in hand. Loew confirmed Ilkay Guendogan would be playing in midfield in place of the suspended Bastian Schweinsteiger, despite a late call-up for Borussia Dortmund teammate Sven Bender.

“Ilkay will play tomorrow. He has taken a huge step forward not only for Dortmund but for us as well,” Loew said. “He has won a lot of esteem and plays top international level football.” World number two Germany will be looking for a quick goal against Kazakhstan, ranked 139th in the world, to take any wind out of their sails as they did with two quick goals in Astana. — Reuters

NHL results/standings

Asians need sport ‘heroes’ TOKYO: US sprint and long jump legend Carl Lewis said yesterday that Asians badly needed “heroes” in track and field in their countries to become a world-class force in the high-profile sport. “We had heroes (in the United States) when I was growing up. I saw athletes I wanted to emulate. I think that’s important,” Lewis told reporters in Tokyo after attending a clinic for junior athletes in Japan’s tsunami-hit northeast.

“Look how many Asians there are (in the world). You can’t get one fast one? There are almost two billion. It defies logic,” the 51-year-old said. “When you have great athletes... you can actually use them as role models to have better athletes.”

Lewis, who won nine Olympic and eight world championship gold medals in the sprints, relay and long jump from 1983 to 1996, staged the clinic with two other black American athletic greats-Willie Banks and Mike Powell.

The trio were asked if historical and racial differences made it hard for Asians to make the last eight in athletics at last year’s London Olympics. Asia accounted for only two out of 47 athletics gold medallists. — AFP

Penguins down Flyers

NY Islanders 3, Florida 0; Washington 3, NY Rangers 2 (SO); Pittsburgh 2, Philadelphia 1 (OT); Winnipeg 3, Tampa Bay 2; Vancouver 3, Colorado 2; Calgary 3, St. Louis 2; Detroit 2, Anaheim 1.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L OTL GF GA 116 84 Pittsburgh 25 8 0 New Jersey 15 11 6 80 86 NY Rangers 15 13 3 73 76 NY Islanders 14 15 3 93 105 Philadelphia 13 16 2 82 94 Northeast Division Montreal 20 6 5 98 77 20 7 3 86 64 Boston Ottawa 17 9 6 83 70 Toronto 17 12 3 97 92 Buffalo 13 15 4 86 100 Southeast Division Winnipeg 17 14 2 84 98 15 13 2 85 86 Carolina Washington 15 16 1 92 90 Tampa Bay 13 18 1 103 98 Florida 9 18 6 78 116

PTS 50 36 33 31 28 45 43 40 37 30 36 32 31 27 24

Western Conference Central Division Chicago 24 3 3 102 66 51 Detroit 16 11 5 87 81 37 St. Louis 17 12 2 92 86 36 Nashville 13 13 6 80 86 32 Columbus 13 13 6 75 85 32 Northwest Division Vancouver 17 9 6 87 85 40 Minnesota 18 10 2 79 71 38 Edmonton 11 12 7 72 88 29 Calgary 12 14 4 85 103 28 Colorado 11 16 4 79 100 26 Pacific Division Anaheim 22 5 4 101 78 48 Los Angeles 17 12 2 88 76 36 Dallas 15 13 3 83 90 33 San Jose 13 11 6 71 79 32 Phoenix 13 14 4 80 87 30 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L)

Recari defeats Kim in playoff at Kia Classic CARLSBAD: Beatriz Recari was so sure of her putt on the second playoff hole of the Kia Classic that she started celebrating even before the 18-footer from the fringe rolled into the cup.

The 25-year-old from Pamplona, Spain, raised her right fist and, after the ball rolled in, raised both arms in the air and smiled.

She had beaten IK Kim as dusk approached Sunday, and it sure beat the three-putts she and Kim each had on the hole in regulation and on the first playoff hole.

She later put her hands to her face and wiped away tears as her caddie boyfriend, Andreas Thorp, put his arm around her.

“There was a lot going on,” Recari said. “I had a good feeling, but the same as the other putts. The other ones went by and missed the hole. This one went in. I had the same process and the same shot. Nothing different. I’m always trying to do my best. It just dropped in.”

It was her first LPGA Tour victory since her rookie season of 2010. Recari said she was emotional because she was thinking of “all those people that have been there with me no matter what. ... And at the same time I just couldn’t believe that the ball was in the hole and like it was over and that I won.

It was a lot.

“Part of it I still don’t remember. Just a lot of emotions. It’s a different win; it’s my first in a playoff. It’s a lot of different things, different situation. I’m definitely more emotional than my first and I don’t know what my third will bring.”

The tour is off next week before the first major of the year, the Kraft Nabisco Championship in Rancho Mirage. Recari and Kim three-putted No. 18 both in regulation and on the first playoff hole.

Recari, who brought a two-stroke lead into the day after three bogey-free rounds, had a chance to win in regulation. But, like Kim in the twosome ahead of her, she three-putted the par-4 18th - including a 6footer that would have won it had she not

rolled it past the hole. Recari closed with a 2-over 74 to match Kim at 9 under at Aviara. Kim shot a 71.

They teed off on 18 again and both players three-putted. With the sun setting and the temperature dropping, they played the hole again. Kim had a 30-foot putt on the second playoff hole and rolled it left before Recari made the winner.

Recari wasn’t sure if she and Kim were missing the putts on the big green because of shadows cast by the grandstands or because it was lumpy after a full day of golf.

Recari, who hit a 3-wood off the tee all three times on 18, said she was more aggressive on the second playoff hole, when she hit a 6-iron on her approach.

“I think my caddie tricked me a little bit.

I think he put me more toward the right, more toward the pin because we agreed that we were going to the big Kia and that started at the pin, so I think he led me a little more to the right. I hit OK shot and I just missed the green and I made the putt. It’s golf.” Recari went 59 holes before carding her first bogey in the tournament.

Kim bogeyed four of her last eight holes in regulation. A South Korean player now based in Rancho Santa Fe, she won the last of her three LPGA Tour titles in 2010.

On the par-4 16th, Kim had a great drive to about 10 feet and fell to her knees as she just missed an eagle putt. It was the same hole where Recari had an eagle Saturday.

Cristie Kerr, Pornanong Phatlum and Mo Martin tied for third, a stroke out of the playoff. First-round leader Jane Park was another stroke back along with Lizette Salas and Hall of Famer Karrie Webb.

Stacy Lewis, playing for the first time atop the world ranking, was in a group of four at 6 under after closing with a 73. She was coming off consecutive victories in Singapore and Phoenix. Paula Creamer, who started the day three shots off the lead, had five straight bogeys and seven overall in her final-round 77.—AP

CARLSBAD: Beatriz Recari of Spain poses with the winnerís trophy after her 9-underpar, 2-hole playoff victory over IK Kim of South Korea during the Final Round of the LPGA 2013 Kia Classic. —AFP

PITTSBURGH: Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) blocks a shot as Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) crashes the net looking for a rebound during the third period of an NHL hockey game. —AP PITTSBURGH: Tyler Kennedy scored 2:33 into overtime as the Pittsburgh Penguins extended their winning streak to 12 games with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday night. Sidney Crosby leveled things late in regulation and Kennedy won it with his fifth goal of the season, a wrist shot from the left circle. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 27 shots for Pittsburgh, which remained unbeaten in March.

Claude Giroux scored his 10th goal of the season late in the second period for Philadelphia, but the Flyers couldn’t make it hold up on a night they played without forward Danny Briere and defenseman Nicklas Grossman. Ilya Bryzgalov made 33 saves but let two slip by late.

by three points for the NHL’s best record, have dropped consecutive games in regulation for the first time this season following a 22-3-4 start that was the best in franchise history. They also had backto-back shootout losses on the road against the Phoenix Coyotes earlier this month. Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf scored on a power play with 46 seconds left in the second period, ending his 13game goal drought against Detroit. Jonas Hiller stopped 21 shots after going 8-0-2 with a 1.86 goalsagainst average and .933 save percentage in his previous 10 starts.

Capitals 3, Rangers 2 In New York, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin scored in the shootout and regulation as Washington won its third consecutive game. Braden Holtby made 30 saves in regulation and overtime and stopped three of four Rangers in the shootout for the Capitals. Arron Asham and Derek Stepan had New York’s goals in regulation and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 22 shots. Ovechkin scored in the second round of the shootout, only to see Derek Stepan tally for New York to knot it at 1-1 after three rounds. After Holtby denied Brad Richards, Backstrom beat Lundqvist to decide the contest in the fourth round.

Canucks 3, Avalanche 2 In Denver, Mason Raymond and Alexandre Burrows scored in the second period as Vancouver moved into sole possession of first place in the Northwest Division with its fourth straight win.

Jason Garrison added a goal for the Canucks, who moved ahead of idle Minnesota by two points for the conference lead. Cory Schneider made 26 saves in his fourth consecutive start. He is 5-0-1 with two shutouts against the Avalanche. Jamie McGinn and PA Parenteau scored for free-falling Colorado, which has dropped six of seven. Jean-Sebastian Giguere made his first start since March 5 in Detroit and allowed three goals on 30 shots. Giguere is 9-11-4 against Vancouver.

Red Wings 2, Ducks 1 In Anhaheim, Jimmy Howard made 33 saves, Dan Cleary and Drew Miller scored first-period goals as Detroit beat Anaheim on the road for the second time in three days. The Ducks, who trail idle Chicago

Islanders 3, Panthers 0 In Uniondale, Evgeni Nabokov made 26 saves and defenseman Andrew MacDonald scored the winning goal as New York Islanders salvaged the finale of a four-game homestand.

It was Nabokov’s third shutout this season for the Islanders. MacDonald scored his second goal of the season at 6:05 of the first period on the power play.

John Tavares scored his team-leading 19th goal, an empty-netter with 31 seconds left. Casey Cizikas added an empty net score with 13 seconds remaining.

Flames 3, Blues 2 In Calgary, Jarome Iginla scored the winning goal at 12:58 of the third period as Calgary ended a three game skid while extending its winning streak on home ice to seven games. Iginla found himself on a partial breakaway thanks to a nice pass from Alex Tanguay. St. Louis defenseman Wade Redden knocked the puck away, but Iginla stayed with the puck to score a wrap-around goal. Roman Cervenka scored twice and Miikka Kiprusoff stopped 36 of 38 shots. TJ Oshie had a goal and an assist for the Blues, who had won four of their past five.

Jets 3, Lightning 2 In Winnipeg, Bryan Little had a goal and two assists and Winnipeg made Tampa Bay’s bad day worse. The Lightning fired coach Guy Boucher earlier in the day and assistants Martin Raymond and Dan Lacroix shared coaching duties against the Jets.

Defensemen Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom also scored for Winnipeg, while Blake Wheeler picked up two assists. Steven Stamkos scored his league-leading 22nd goal of the season on the power play and rookie Cory Conacher also scored for the Lightning. Winnipeg goalie Ondrej Pavelec made 23 saves, while Cedric Desjardins stopped 21 shots for the Lightning.—AP

Storm delays Woods bid to grab number one spot ORLANDO: Tiger Woods’s bid to regain the world number one ranking will have to wait a day after violent thunderstorms hit the Bay Hill Club, halting the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday. After assessing damage by the powerful storm the PGA Tour announced the final round would resume late yesterday.

“We just got so much rain and wind, we’ve got some bunker problems, we’ve got a lot of standing water. That is the main thing,” Mark Russell, PGA Tour vice-president of rules and competitions, told reporters. “It just got to the point where we weren’t going to be able to get the golf course ready.

“They’re going to go out now and work till dark and then do the same thing at daybreak and try to get ready to play.”

Woods had rolled in an 11-foot birdie putt on the second hole to open up a three-shot cushion when warning horns were sounded to evacuate the course, sending spectators and players running for cover.

Heavy rains and violent winds, reported at over 50 mph, soon followed, ripping branches from trees, cutting off power and turning Bay Hill into one massive water hazard.

“We didn’t get in much,” said

Woods. “We got in two holes and hopefully the course will be drained and we can get after it tomorrow.”

The 14-time major winner can reclaim the number one world ranking from Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy with a victory at Bay Hill, where he has won seven times previously.

The PGA Tour has been plagued by weather woes this season. Torrey Pines was forced to a Monday finish because of fog while high winds pushed the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii to a Tuesday conclusion. “At least we got a little activity in today, so we’re not completely stagnant,” said Woods.

“We’ve dealt with this before.

“We had that fog delay in San Diego, and this is part of playing outside. We’ve got to deal with conditions like this.” Officials reported no injuries but there was damage to several television installations and towers.

With the Sunday forecast calling for heavy rains, PGA officials were questioned on why they did not try to beat the storm by sending players off both the first and 10th tees.

“We talked about that (split tees) yesterday,” admitted Russell. “We had a 50-50 chance, and we decided to try...we decided to play off

ORLANDO: Tiger Woods plays a shot on the 5th hole during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge. —AFP one tee and the weather got us.

“We just got unlucky today. It’s unfortunate, but there is nothing we can do about it.” It may take more than severe storm to keep Woods from taking an eighth Bay Hill title and reclaim the number one throne.

After a staggering 623 total weeks as number one, Woods has

not sat atop the rankings for 29 months, a barren stretch that included two-and-half years without a PGA Tour win.

But Woods has been back in top form this season, having won twice in four starts with a chance to add a 77th PGA Tour victory to his resume on Monday and move within five of Sam Snead’s record of 82. —Reuters

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

S P ORTS

MLB faces tough fight against Florida clinic NEW YORK: Major League Baseball likely faces an uphill battle if it hopes to win a lawsuit it filed last week against the owner of a Florida clinic that allegedly provided banned performance-enhancing drugs to the league’s players.

If, however, MLB’s suit against BioGenesis, an anti-aging clinic, survives a motion to dismiss, league lawyers could use the legal discovery process to access clinic records it so far has failed to secure, giving baseball officials evidence they might use to pursue disciplinary actions against players.

“I doubt Major League Baseball cares much about getting damages from these people,” said Nathaniel Grow, a University of Georgia sports law professor, echoing the view of other tort and sports law experts. “It’s about getting to the discovery phase.”

The lawsuit, filed on Friday in Florida state court, cited articles by a newspaper, the Miami New Times, that reported BioGenesis and its owner, Anthony Bosch, had given half a dozen players illicit per formance -enhancing substances.

The case appears to be the first time a sports league has sued a business for allegedly providing players with drugs. It

does not name any of the players identified in the news reports as defendants.

Among those players are New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez, both of whom, in response to the published reports, denied using the drugs.

MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said in a statement, “We believe we have a legitimate legal claim against the defendants and we intend to pursue it vigorously.”

Asked in an email whether the suit might be aimed at using discovery to access documents from BioGenesis that would show what players did, the spokesman replied: “We believe in the merits of this case.” He would not elaborate.

Susy Ribero-Ayala, who has been identified in news reports as Bosch’s lawyer, did not return a request for comment on Sunday. The defendants - two companies and six individuals - have yet to file a response to the lawsuit in court.

The lawsuit’s sole cause of action is tortious interference with a contract, claiming that BioGenesis “induced” players to violate MLB’s drug prevention program, which bars players from using certain banned substances.

Typically, tortious interference is used to go after business competitors - for example, companies that may have stolen away employees under contract.

But winning such cases is difficult even under normal circumstances, in part because judges are wary of companies using such lawsuits to bully rivals who are simply engaging in competitive business practices.

“This kind of tort is one that courts are uncomfortable with,” said Geoffrey Rapp, a University of Toledo professor who specializes in torts and sports law.

Baseball’s theory, moreover, depends on convincing a judge that the league’s drug program barring the use of performance-enhancing substances (PES) constitutes a contract with the players and that BioGenesis explicitly wanted them to breach that contract.

“By soliciting major league players to purchase or obtain PES and/or by selling, supplying and/or otherwise making available PES to major league players, defendants intentionally and unjustifiably interfered with MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program,” the lawsuit asserts. That could prove a tough sell, since BioGenesis’ actions likely were motivated by profits, not by a specific

desire to break the contract, law experts said. Roger Abrams, a sports law professor at Northeastern University in Boston, used the example of player contracts that call for the player to hit specific weight targets in spring training.

“Does that mean you can sue McDonald’s for selling Big Macs to this guy?” he said. MLB could further find it difficult to quantify the economic harm it allegedly suffered as a result of BioGenesis’ actions. The lawsuit claimed baseball has suffered damages “based on cost of investigation, loss of goodwill, loss of revenue and profits and injury to its reputation, image, strategic advantage and fan relationships.”

Winning the lawsuit outright, however, may not be the point, especially since BioGenesis is already out of business and likely has few assets. Instead, baseball may be trying to get around the challenges it faces going after players who have not failed a doping test.

The lawsuit could put players and suppliers on notice that they could face potential disciplinary and civil penalties even in the absence of a positive test.

Without subpoena power, baseball investigators have been stymied in their efforts to get the documents cited by

the Miami New Times. If the lawsuit proceeds to trial, baseball’s lawyers would have the right to demand copies of BioGenesis’ records and conduct depositions of the defendants, which could then provide the basis for suspensions for any players involved.

MLB also may have sued as a public relations move to send a signal to its fans that it will aggressively fight the use of banned substances. Other sports officials will likely watch the outcome of the case closely. “It’s definitely novel,” Grow said. “It’ll be interesting to see if this is something other leagues might do in the future.”

In a statement released by his publicist in Januar y, Rodriguez, of the Yankees, said: “The news reports about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true. Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch’s patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him.”

Also in January, Gonzalez denied the allegations against him on his Twitter account. “I’ve never used performance enhancing drugs of any kind and I never will, I’ve never met or spoken with Tony Bosch or used any substance,” he tweeted at the time. —Reuters

Opening round of women’s NCAA tourney goes to plan

Keep it, Kick it. Street Style Football KUWAIT: The second Red Bull Wanna Panna football event in Kuwait is set to kick-off on Thursday, March 28 with the first qualification round taking place at Souq Sharq at 7pm. The event will consist of three qualifiers and a final. Each qualification will feature 64 players while the final will feature the top 16 qualified participants.

Red Bull Wanna Panna is a one-to-one competition and winner will be the person who scores 3 goals or 1 panna. All competitions will be held in a 6x6 meters cage with no time limit. Panna, Gate in Surinamese, is a type of street football in which fine dribbling counts. However, Panna is more than just a football game; it is a lifestyle, com-

pleted with urban clothing and street slang. The trick is to impose yourself on your opponents through the nutmeg skill.

Scoring a Panna is considered as the ultimate embarrassment to your rival, earning you respect and making you hero of the street. Competitors train for days, weeks and months to master the ultimate trick to knock their opponents.

Panna is an exciting new variation of football, it teaches the importance of control and individual skills.

Modern football relies on speed and skills and mastering Panna will help you achieve that goal. In recent years Panna football has taken on a new meaning; it is part today of a growing street football scene that includes freestylers.

Below is the schedule of the event: Qualification 1 Souq Sharq March 28 @ 7:00 pm Qualification 2 Al Kout Mall March 30 @ 7:00 pm Qualification 3 Australian college of Kuwait April 3 @ 2:00 pm Final Marina Crescent April 4 @ 7:00 pm For any more info, please visit www.redbullmea.com or follow @redbullkuwait.

NEW YORK: The opening round of the women’s NCAA tournament went true to form. Stars Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne shined.

The top seeds cruised. There was a thriller or two, just not too many upsets.

Unlike the bracket-busting that happened over the first four days of the men’s tournament, the women’s field remained stable. The higher seeds went 28-4, including blowout victories by No. 1 seeds Connecticut, Baylor, Notre Dame and Stanford.

“Maybe that’s just because the committee seeds well,” said Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer.

“Maybe they really have a good handle on it.” It’s hard to argue with that theory.

Over the past six seasons, only once has a team seeded 13 or lower been victorious in the tournament - and that came last year when No. 13 Marist upset Georgia. There was the 1998 tournament in which No. 16 Harvard stunned No. 1 seed Stanford 71-67, but the 14s and 15s are a combined 0-152 since the field expanded to 64 teams in 1994.

There is no Florida Gulf Coast, which became the first men’s team to reach the regional semifinals Sunday night. The women’s talent pool isn’t deep enough yet to see that sort of upset happen.

“I watch the men’s games and I love it,” said Baylor coach Kim Mulkey after her team beat Prairie View A&M by 42 points in its opener. “I don’t compare. It’s like comparing apples to oranges. The games are different. There’s obviously more parity, more guys across the country that can play this game.

“There is more parity in the women’s game, but you can’t compare it to the men’s game.

There are so many guys who can flat out play, who can go to schools and can change programs.”

Griner certainly has been a program-changer for Baylor. The 6-foot-8 senior, who is the second all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, had the 15th dunk of her career in the Lady Bears’ easy victory.

Delaware needed a huge effort from Delle Donne to advance to the second round. The senior scored 33 points and led a second-half surge that carried the Blue Hens past West Virginia 6653 on Sunday. Playing on their home floor before a sellout crowd, the sixth-seeded Blue Hens trailed 33-26 at halftime before bouncing back to extend their school-record winning streak to 26 games.

There were 4,532 fans in attendance, most of them clad in blue or yellow and cheering for Delaware. Not only were the parking lots jammed, but several people were pleading to purchase tickets from those waiting to enter the arena. The Blue Hens did not disappoint.

“To win a game like this in front of our home

KANSAS: La Salle’s Jerrell Wright (left) and Mississippi’s Nick Williams (20), Jarvis Summers (32) and Murphy Holloway (31) watch a shot by La Salle guard Tyreek Duren (3) during the second half of a third-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament. —AP crowd, which was electric, there’s no other way to describe it other than I’m just totally thrilled for my players, this program, for the state of Delaware,” coach Tina Martin said.

Ever since Delle Donne began playing at Delaware in 2009, interest in the program has soared. It reached its zenith Sunday in what might have been the most important basketball game played in the nation’s first state. “This was actually better than I could have even imagined,” Delle Donne said. “Our fans were absolutely crazy. The atmosphere was amazing.”

The game of the weekend though was in New York. Seventh-seeded Dayton outlasted St. John’s 96-90 in double-overtime - the first game in the NCAA tournament since 2000 that went that long.

“I’m going to enjoy this win,” Dayton coach Jim Jabir said. “I’ll be savoring this for a long time. It’s one of the most complete games I’ve been a part of.” While St. John’s fell short of pulling off the upset as a 10-seed, two other 10s did win. Creighton beat Syracuse and South Florida topped Texas Tech by one point in a

thrilling game that no one saw the end of.

Viewers watching the final few minutes of the game on ESPN missed the end when the network’s feed cut out. A fuse blew in the production truck, according to a statement put out by Texas Tech and the network.

Announcer Cara Capuano called the final 30 seconds over the phone. The feed finally came back after the final buzzer sounded, showing South Florida’s cheerleaders celebrating the victory.

The only other lower seeds to win were ninthranked Iowa, which won on its home floor against Miami, and Kansas. The 12th-ranked Jayhawks won in Colorado. Despite the seeding, the Jayhawks weren’t intimidated by the Buffaloes. After all the two schools had played many times when they were both members of the Big 12.

There is hope that the predictability of the tournament could end in the next round. In three of the past four seasons, at least one of the top eight teams hasn’t advanced to the round of 16. — AP

Hamilton pitstop gaffe has McLaren smiling SEPANG: Lewis Hamilton returned to McLaren sooner than expected on Sunday when the Mercedes driver surprised mechanics by mistakenly pulling up outside his old team’s garage during a Malaysian Grand Prix pitstop.

The 2008 Formula One world champion moved from McLaren, his backers since boyhood, to Mercedes at the end of last season and appeared to have adjusted well to the change until he sprung his Sepang surprise.

“I don’t know what happened.

The teams look so similar,” he told the BBC. “I have been stopping in that pit box for years. It’s an easy mistake and hopefully one I won’t make again.”

Hamilton, watched by singer girlfriend Nicole Scherzinger, went on to finish third for his 50th Formula One podium and first for his new team. McLaren, whose mechanics swiftly waved him on, made light of the mistake and gently poked fun at their ex-driver on their Twitter feed: “Feel free to pop in and say ‘Hi’ any time @lewishamilton,” they said.

When Hamilton left McLaren last year, team principal Martin Whitmarsh had said that the Briton might come back one day. The Briton was also able to see the funny

side in a post-race news conference.

“I just did a Jenson (Button),” he declared. “He did that a couple of years ago. I’m used to, for so many years, driving to the McLaren pit stop (but) I don’t know how I got it wrong. So big apologies to the team.” Button, Hamilton’s team mate last season, mistakenly stopped his McLaren in front of the Red Bull garage during the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix.

Meanwhile, even catching a few waves on his surfboard back home in Australia might not be enough to assuage Mark Webber’s fury at the way his team mate Sebastian Vettel stole victory from him at the Malaysian Grand Prix.

Three-times world champion Vettel was forced to make a grovelling apology after ignoring team orders for the Red Bull drivers to keep their positions by overtaking Webber with 10 laps remaining of Sunday’s race.

The 36-year-old Australian, who finished second in a Red Bull onetwo, made his displeasure absolutely clear on the podium and said he would be considering his position during a spell of rest and recuperation on the Queensland coast.The incident laid bare once more the issue of his place at the team he has

raced for since 2007, alongside Vettel since 2009.

Webber has always maintained that he should be his German team mate’s equal in the race for the world title but often suspected that was not the case.

“They know that I need 100 percent support,” he said at the launch of the RB9 in February. “You cannot fight for world championships with 90. You need 100 ... we’re going in to 2013 with this in place and I’m comfortable with that.”

At the same event in Milton Keynes, team principal Christian Horner offered public reassurance that would be the case. “For us it doesn’t matter which driver wins so long as it’s a driver in one of these cars,” he said. “As a team we will do the very best we can to support both drivers.” Sunday’s incident clearly gave Webber plenty of food for thought. “There were a lot of things going through my head in those closing laps,” he said. “Not just from today, but from the past as well.”

Among the “things” Webber might have been thinking about were the incident at the Turkish Grand Prix in 2010 when he and Vettel collided, knocking the German out of the race and denying

the Australian, who was leading, the victory. He might also have been thinking about that same year when he won the British Grand Prix despite having had the new front wing of his car handed to Vettel and commented “Not bad for a number two driver” over the team radio.

He might even have been thinking about Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko’s decision to say in an interview with Red Bull’s own magazine this year that while Webber could win races, he struggled to handle the pressures of a championship challenge.

Horner is past master at smoothing these matters over, in public at least, but Webber’s comment about Vettel at Sepang was instructive.

“Seb made his own decisions and will have protection as usual,” he said. Webber, who turned down an offer from Ferrari to stay with the team on a one-year deal, has plenty of time to think about his future at Red Bull and perhaps even in Formula One with the third race of the season in Shanghai not until April 14.

“This time tomorrow I’ll be catching a few waves on my surfboard and reflecting on everything that’s happened,” he said. “I hope the weather’s good.” —Reuters

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

S P ORTS

Cook’s exit leaves England battling to save third Test

FRANCE: British cyclist Christopher Froome celebrates on the podium after winning the 82nd Criterium International cycling race. —AFP

Froome wins at Criterium FRANCE: Briton Chris Froome destroyed the field to win the final stage and the overall title at the Criterium International as Team Sky completed a dominant one-two on Sunday. The Tour de France runner-up attacked with 5.5 kilometres remaining on the climb to the Col de l’Ospedale, leaving team mate and then race leader Richie Porte trailing in his wake.

Sky, who have been criticised for their defensive tactics, did not just sit and wait this time as Froome and Porte attacked one after another on the 14.1-km ascent.

Paris-Nice champion Porte, who had snatched the yellow jersey after his victory in Saturday ’s 7-km time trial, counter attacked and managed to take second place on the day, 30 seconds behind Froome. Dutch Bauke Mollema was third, 45 seconds off the pace. Porte finished second overall, 32 seconds adrift of Froome. “It was more or less what we had planned,” Froome told reporters.

“The idea was to control the race all day.

It was a huge task and we really put the pressure on the others. I did not plan to attack in the climb but there was a gap between Richie and me and I felt I could go, so I went. “This race helped me see how I could trust my team with the Tour de France in mind.” Froome has made the Tour his main objective after playing second fid-

dle to Bradley Wiggins in 2012. He has shown that he has what it takes to lead the British outfit by winning the Tour of Oman as well as finishing second in the TirrenoAdriatico.

Porte, who won Saturday’s individual time trial to hold the race lead, said he had made an agreement with his team mate before the stage. “The deal between Chris and I this morning was ‘if you’ve got good legs, you go and if I have good legs, I’m the one who goes’.

“Then when we were in the final climb there was a small gap and nobody seemed to react so he was in the situation in which he had to continue.” Last year’s winner Cadel Evans was dropped on the final climb with 10 km remaining and finished 14:56 off the pace.

American Tejay van Garderen, his BMC team mate, also struggled to respond to Team Sky’s pace and was third overall, 54 seconds adrift. Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck, who has been in terrible form since crashing out of the Criterium du Dauphine last June, was part of an early break but was reined in by the peloton before the final ascent and crossed the line 21:57 behind Froome. The peloton returns to Corsica in three months for the start of the Tour de France on June 29 from Porto Vecchio. —Reuters

AUCKLAND: Part-time spinner Kane Williamson took two wickets, including that of Alastair Cook, just before stumps to put New Zealand firmly in charge of the series-deciding third test against England at the end of the fourth day at Eden Park yesterday.

Ian Bell was on eight, while nightwatchman Steven Finn was dismissed in the final over of the day by Williamson for a duck to reduce England to 90 for four at the close, chasing an improbable 481 for victory and now needing to bat out the final day’s play on Tuesday to scrape to a face-saving draw.

Cook, who had earlier been dropped on one, and Bell had engaged in a war of attrition as they battened down the hatches in the final session after Jonathan Trott had been dismissed for 37 to swing the match firmly in New Zealand’s favour.

The England captain, whose mental strength would have been key to the visitors batting out the entire final day, was well set on 43 and seemingly content to see out play when he inexplicably drove at a Williamson delivery and the ball flew to Dean Brownlie at second slip.

Finn fell on the first ball of the 53rd over when New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum placed eight players around the bat and Tim Southee took a catch that had struck the batsman on the wrist and rolled up his arm.

“Losing those two wickets at the end has made them favorites to win the game,” England batting coach Graham Gooch told reporters.

“But we have some good players in our dressing room, some good young players and we have to believe we can save the game.”

McCullum had declared the hosts’ second innings closed about 45 minutes after lunch on 241 for six, after Peter Fulton became the fourth New Zealand batsman to score a century in each innings of a Test. The declaration ensured England would need to break the world record for the highest successful run chase to win the match and the series after the first two games ended in rain-affected draws.

The highest fourth innings score to win a game was the 418 for seven that West Indies compiled against Australia in 2003. Only one side has scored more than 300 to win a test at Eden Park.

The 34-year-old Fulton earlier steadied New Zealand after they wobbled with three wickets late on Sunday. He hit out against the left-arm spin of Monty Panesar, dispatching him with contemptuous ease and brought up his century with a glorious straight six into the northern

stand off Stuart Broad.

Fulton was eventually caught on the boundary by Joe Root for 110, and following his 136 in the first innings, he joined Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth and Andrew Jones as New Zealand batsmen to have scored a century in each

innings of a test. “Not sure it’s really sunk in yet,” Fulton said. “I came off then we were straight out there in the field and had a pretty tough job ahead of us to try and get 10 wickets.

“Haven’t had too much time to think it, but clearly a pretty special day.” —Reuters

AUCKLAND: England’s Alastair Cook (left) bats as New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum (center) and BJ Watling look on during day four of the international cricket Test match. —AFP

SCOREBOARD AUCKLAND: Scoreboard at the close of play on the fourth day of the third test between New Zealand and England at Eden Park yesterday: New Zealand first innings (443) England first innings (204) New Zealand second innings (overnight 35-3) P. Fulton c Root b Finn 110 H. Rutherford c Bell b Broad 0 K. Williamson b Anderson 1 R. Taylor lbw b Broad 3 D. Brownlie c Bell b Panesar 28 B. McCullum not out 67 BJ Watling c Cook b Panesar 18 Extras (lb-10, b-4) 14 Total: (for six wickets dec. 57.2 overs) 241 Fall of wickets: 1-4 2-5 3-8 4-82 5-199 6-241 Did not bat: T. Southee, B. Martin, N. Wagner, T. Boult

Bowling: Anderson 17-6-59-1, Broad 17-5-54-2, Finn 13-1-57-1, Panesar 9.2-4-53-2, Trott 1-0-4-0.

Engalnd second innings A. Cook c Brownlie b Williamson 43 N. Compton c Watling b Southee 2 J. Trott c Watling b Wagner 37 I. Bell not out 8 S. Finn c Southee b Williamson 0 Total: (for four wickets, 52.1 overs) 90 Fall of wickets: 1-2 2-60 3-90 4-90 Bowling: Boult 11-5-20-0, Southee 10-3-24-1, Martin 17-6-35-0, Wagner 8-6-6-1, Williamson 6.1-4-5-2.

Previous results: First test - match drawn

Fulton joins elite company AUCKLAND: Peter Fulton opened his shoulders and effortlessly picked up a full Stuart Broad delivery and slammed the ball into the northern stand at Eden Park for the fifth six of his innings.

The short-arm punch of the bat was followed with an understated fist pump, a wander down the pitch to shake hands with captain Brendon McCullum and another matter-of-fact waving of the bat to the crowd.

Remarkably, the 34-year-old Fulton had just joined an elite group of New Zealand cricketers by scoring a century in both innings of a test match. He was just the fourth New Zealander to achieve the feat, following Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth and Andrew Jones.

The strange thing for Fulton was that he scored his second century three days after he had made his maiden ton and the tall righthander said the second felt more special than the first given the game situation. “To

ALFA’s fuel station officially sponsors Saleh Ghadanfar and his co-driver Second round of the ME Rally KUWAIT: ALFA’s fuel station announced that it has officially sponsored the Kuwaiti driver Saleh Ghadanfar and his co-driver Safah Al-Zafiri for their participation in the second round of the Middle East Rally held in Kuwait between 21st and 23rd of March and organized by Kuwait Quarter Mile Club under the sponsorship of the Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah.

In its statement, ALFA said that the official sponsorship of these famous racers aims at supporting Kuwaiti sportsmen and

helping them win one of the most important rally championships in the Middle East that witnesses a fierce competition.

The company is keen to ensure the participation of a large number of drivers from the Gulf and the Arab world. ALFA emphasized that Kuwait’s real wealth lies in its citizens and the sportsmen who accomplished numerous achievements throughout their career, including Saleh Ghadanfar who started out his racing career in 1978, deserves to receive the support and help they need to pursue their success.

get one was more a bit of relief to finally tick that off,” Fulton told reporters on Monday. “Whenever you get a hundred you tell yourself you have to back it up. “It very seldom works out like that as a batter so it was nice to do the job again for the team.”

Fulton’s innings yesterday was in direct contrast to his patient innings on the first day of the series-deciding match last Friday. It was also vastly different to how he dropped anchor late on Sunday when England had reduced the hosts to eight for three in their second innings and with a sniff of running through New Zealand’s order. Late on Sunday Fulton defended, let balls go and waited till stumps.

On Monday he attacked, and with gusto. He was positive from the beginning of play and truly signalled his intentions when he dispatched left-arm spinner Monty Panesar for two fours and a six into the northern stand to move from 46 to 60 in the

space of four balls. Combining with McCullum the pair quickly accelerated New Zealand’s innings to the point where they were more than 400 runs ahead by lunch and Fulton was 91 not out. When the pair returned he decided not to hang around battling the ‘nervous nineties’ as his side needed more runs, in quick-time, to declare before the tea break. Fulton quickly moved to 99 then when Broad overpitched a delivery, he put one foot down the wicket and belted the ball high over the sightscreen into the stand. “The first innings was a bit nervy and I’d decided when we came out after lunch that I’d just play the same way as I had before, regardless of what score I was on,” he said.

“It made for slightly less of a nerve-racking time for myself anyway.

“I thought if he pitches it up I’m going to try and hit it back over his head.

“It’s just one of those things, I just wanted to get there and make sure we kept being aggressive. “I didn’t

want to slow down too much looking for a personal milestone.”

For someone who was dropped from the team for four years before his recall after some blistering domestic form, personal milestones should mean something though Fulton said he would give it all back should New Zealand wrap up victory on Tuesday. — Reuters

Sri Lanka-B’desh ODI abandoned HAMBANTOTA: The second one-day international between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at Hambantota was abandoned due to rain yesterday. Sri Lanka, leading 1-0 in the threematch series, were 33 for no wicket off five overs when play was called off. The final onedayer will be played in Pallekele on Thursday. —AFP

Talansky aims for top 10 FRANCE: Andrew Talansky is a changed man in a changed sport and that is enough for the young American to aim for the top 10 of the Tour de France in his first appearance in the race.

The 24-year-old prospect finished seventh overall in last year’s Vuelta without a team designed around him, and he has been showing he is a force to be reckoned with in the early season stage races. A cocky youngster has been modelled into a focused rider by his GarminSharp team’s old guard ready to be part of the new generation gradually taking command of cycling as the sport deals with the remnants of the Lance Armstrong era.

“If you ask David Millar about two years ago, I guarantee he’s going to tell you what I was like and I know what I was like,” Talansky told Reuters in an interview. “I showed up at the team, I was arguably one of the best Under-23 riders in the world and I came to the team thinking that I was really good, that I was going to show up and really just be good immediately.

“I learned that wasn’t true but I still acted like it was true at times. I was always trying to prove something and guys like David and Christian (Vande Velde) have helped me learn to stay calm at races.

“They’ve helped me grow not just as a bike racer but as a person. They’ve helped me grow towards a leadership role where I can be somebody my team mates are excited to race with and help,” he said after finishing sixth overall at the Criterium International two-day race.

Talansky also had a team working for him at Paris-Nice, where he finished second overall earlier this month having worn the yellow jersey following a stage win. One of several US prospects who

have grown up watching Armstrong cheat his way to Tour de France glory, Talansky believes it is now safe to be enthusiastic about cycling.

“The first thing I point out to people who want to say ‘why can we believe in cycling now?’ is that now you have guys like (Frenchman) Thibaut Pinot who on his first year on the Tour is top 10,” Talansky explained.

Pinot, 22, a member of the FDJ team at the forefront of the MPCC (Movement for Credible Cycling), won a mountain stage and took 10th place overall in his first appearance on the Tour last year.

“You also have (American) Tejay (van Garderen) getting fifth and best young rider in his second Tour,” said Talansky, who will be a protected rider within Garmin-Sharp in this year’s Tour.

“It should give a lot of hope to young riders,” he said. “You never saw that before, you never saw somebody coming in their first, second or even third year and be top 10 in grand Tours. “It gives me a lot of confidence. You can get to the Tour and race to the top 10 of the Tour, there is no reason why you can’t now.” Talansky, a 1.75 metres tall climber with good time-trialing skills, will continue his season at the April 1-6 Tour of the Basque country, where he will aim for a top five overall finish before setting his sights on the Tour de Romandie from April 23-28.

He will then take part in the Criterium du Dauphine (June 2-9) as a final warmup for the Tour, which starts from Porto Vecchio, Corsica, on June 29. “We will go to the Tour with (Giro champion) Ryder (Hesjedal) having been top 10 of the Tour, Christian ( Vande Velde) having been top five on the Tour and David (Millar) has done countless Tours and won stages,” said Talansky. — Reuters

Ahli Bank team

Bank Bowling League KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ahli Bank lead the Bank Bowling League, organized by Kuwait Banks Club for the Banks Sector employees, at the bowling hall at Salmiyia Cosmo.

Kuwait Ahli Bank is ahead with 41 points 7 points ahead of Boubyan Bank in the seventh week. United Ahli is in second place with 37, Kuwait Central Bank in third place also with 37points, while Bourgran Bank is in fourth place with 28 points. The eighth week will witness matches between Ahli and Gulf, Boubyan and Al-Watani, KFH and Commercial, Burgan and United Ahli.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

S P ORTS

Argentina wary of Bolivian highlands PARIS: Argentina may be cruising towards the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but world player of the year Lionel Messi is still nervous ahead today’s trip to Bolivia. The South American heavyweights are four points clear at the top of the qualifying table and enjoy an 11-point gap to the first team outside the four automatic qualifying positions with just six games left.

Yet the trip to La Paz brings with it some bad memories for Messi and his teammates. Last time Argentina played there in 2009 they were humiliated 6-1 and the Barcelona magician has not forgotten the uncomfortable feelings he had high up in the Andes that day.

“Bolivia is going to be very difficult because of the altitude. I have very bad memories from the last time,” he admitted. “It’s hard to judge the bounce of the ball and I remember feeling very short of breath.”

Despite a side boasting the likes of Messi, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Javier Zanetti, under the chaotic

guidance of legend Diego Maradona, Argentina suffered their biggest defeat in 16 years when they last visited La Paz. So distressing was the result that Maradona was moved to say at the time: “I suffered with them. Every Bolivia goal was a stab in my heart. “If we had dreamed this was going to happen before the game, we would have thought it was impossible.”

The 3,600-metre altitude no doubt played its role but given that several Andean countries play at club matches up in the mountains it cannot have been the only reason for such an inept showing.

An anomaly it certainly was as Bolivia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup while Argentina duly took their customary place at the showpiece in South Africa.

Such an outcome is likely once again, not least because Bolivia are above rock-bottom Paraguay only on goal difference. And while the visitors warmed up for this match with a comfortable 3-0 success over Venezuela,

Bolivia were busy being thumped 5-0 in Colombia on Friday.

Messi is likely to be partnered by Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain in attack today. “‘El Pipa’ is a great player, a striker with a great eye for goal.

We’re getting better with every game we play together,” said Messi of the partnership.

Behind Argentina, Colombia have been going well with Atletico Madrid’s Falcao firing in the goals. They are four points behind the group leaders but with a game in hand and travel to Venezuela who dropped out of the automatic qualification positions after their loss in Buenos Aires and were replaced by Uruguay, who travel to Chile.

South American champions Uruguay are under pressure as they lead both Venezuela and Chile by just a single point and cannot afford to lose in Santiago.

The other match sees Ecuador, in third, tackle Paraguay, who sit five points off the top four.—Reuters

Photo of the day

Farris Rahman skating (Suski Grind) at the Orchard Skate Park in Singapore, Singapore www.redbullcontentpool.com

Must-win for Spain in France

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi (left) celebrates with teammates forward Ezequiel Lavezzi (center) and midfielder Fernando Gago in this file photo. —AFP

England braced for Montenegro battle PODGORICA: Four days on from their 8-0 rout of San Marino, England face a potentially decisive World Cup qualifier today against a Montenegro side who will not be anywhere near as obliging.

With four games still to come in Group H, it is too soon to cast the game as a make-or-break encounter, but the ramifications for success and failure are vastly different. Win, and England will go top of the group, ahead of a kind run-in of fixtures that will see them play three of their final four matches at home. Lose, and they will allow Montenegro to streak five points clear in the contest for the one and only automatic qualifying berth.

Montenegro, 28th in the FIFA ranking, avoided defeat in their two encounters with England in qualifying for Euro 2012 and their Podgorica City Stadium is expected to provide a hostile setting.

England manager Roy Hodgson, however, says that his side have been steeled for a scrap ever since the start of the qualifying campaign. “We always knew this was going to be a bit of a dogfight, so only time will tell whether we can afford to lose today’s game,” he said.

“But we are not going there to lose. If Montenegro want the three points they will, hopefully, have to play very well, or we will have to have a very bad day. “We have no intentions of having a bad day. We are going into the game with confidence.”

Hodgson is expected to make as many as six changes to the side that demolished San Marino, although centre-back Gary Cahill and forward Theo Walcott will both miss the game through injury.

The England manager has also revealed that Liverpool right-back Glen Johnson should be fit to play, having been excused from duty in Serravalle to rest a toe injury, although he may need a pain-killing injection.

“We hope it will get better in the next couple of days,” said Hodgson. “If it doesn’t, it might need an injection, but there is no problem.”

On England’s last visit to Podgorica, 17 months ago, they recorded a 2-2 draw that allowed them to secure a place at Euro 2012, where they reached the quarterfinals. However, the game was marred by the dismissal of striker Wayne Rooney for recklessly kicking out at Montenegro defender Miodrag Dzudovic.

In anticipation that Hodgson’s men will once again face an intimidating atmosphere in the Montenegrin capital, England captain Steven Gerrard has urged his team-mates to keep their heads.

“It is important we keep 11 men on the pitch because it is going to be a very difficult game,” he said. “They will be trying to claim every decision, every foul, and they will be trying to intimidate the ref to make rash decisions. “I’m sure we will have a good ref in charge who will make sensible decisions, but it’s important we keep

our cool and keep everyone on the pitch.” Montenegro are bidding to qualify for a major tournament for the first time since gaining independence from Serbia in 2006 and they preserved their grip on first place in the group by winning 1-0 at Moldova on Friday.

Mirko Vucinic, who claimed the game’s only goal, says England’s need for victory on Tuesday could play into the hosts’ hands, despite their opponents’ status as pre-match favorites.

“England are still one of the best teams and they start as favorites to win this match,” said the Juventus forward. “But the situation is completely different when it comes to the group standings. That means they have to come and attack us.

“We have a stronger selection of players this time than in (qualifying for) the Euros - and England have a weaker defence because some of their players can’t play.” Montenegro could be missing two of the four midfielders who started against Moldova, with Milorad Pekovic suspended and Filip Kasalica a big doubt after being stretchered off in Chisinau. — AFP

FRANCE: England coach Roy Hodgson smiles during a press conference prior to the World Cup 2014 qualifying Group H soccer match against Montenegro today. —AP

PARIS: The prospect of the reigning world champions missing next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil will become a very real one if stumbling Spain suffer another slip-up in France today evening.

Vicente Del Bosque’s side have not lost a competitive match since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but two consecutive home draws have seen them fall behind France in this qualifying campaign.

After being held 1-1 by France in Madrid in October, La Roja allowed Finland to escape with a draw by the same score in Gijon on Friday and are now two points adrift of the French at the top of Group I. “The result is disastrous,” admitted David Villa after Spain failed to add to Sergio Ramos’ opener against the group’s bottom nation despite monopolising possession and camping in the opposition half, and Finland hit back to equalise late on.

Lose at the Stade de France and Spain will be five points behind Didier Deschamps’ side with just three matches remaining, all but ending their chances of qualifying automatically.

“This game will be a final for both teams,” striker Alvaro Negredo told Spanish media, before adding: “We have the quality to win in any stadium in the world.” Negredo was one of several attackers used by Del Bosque over the course of Friday’s game, but Spain just could not kill off a wellorganised Finnish side.

However, France are likely to adopt a more attacking approach in front of

their own demanding support in Saint-Denis, and Negredo believes that will play into Spain’s hands.

“This game will be different to the rest of the qualifying campaign,” he added. “It will be much more open, against a team that will try to create chances and will leave us spaces. “We will try to benefit from the fact that we will be playing against quality opposition who will look to play football.”

Deschamps’ team played with great maturity in holding the European and world champions in Madrid and eased to a 3-1 victory against Georgia on Friday.

Goals from Olivier Giroud and Franck Ribery either side of a strike by

the superb Mathieu Valbuena allowed Les Bleus to see off the former Soviet Republic and take full advantage of Spain’s unexpected faux pas.

“It was like the perfect evening for us,” Deschamps said of Friday night.

Sticking 11 men behind the ball might appear the most likely way of taking anything from Spain, but Deschamps insists that France will try and take the game to their visitors.

“My intentions will not change because Spain’s will certainly not change,” said the 44-year-old, who lifted the World Cup as France captain in 1998. “They will look to monopolise possession of the ball and win the match. I don’t see myself telling my team to just defend. — AFP

FRANCE: Spain national football team midfielder Xavi (center) warms up with teammates during a training session, on the eve of a FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifying football match against France. —AFP

Scotland mystified

by World Cup woes NOVI SAD: Scotland goalkeeper Allan McGregor says he is at a loss as to why their World Cup qualifying campaign has got off to such a poor start. The Scots, who face Serbia today, are still looking for their first win in Group A following two draws and three straight defeats in five games. Scotland’s hopes of qualifying for their first major tournament since the World Cup in France 1998 are virtually over after Friday’s defeat to Wales left them firmly rooted to the bottom of the group.

Scotland last won a competitive match in a European Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein in October 2011 when Craig Levein was still in charge. Gordon Strachan took over as manager in January with Scotland’s qualification hopes already in tatters but was left disappointed with a defeat in his first competitive match against Wales.

McGregor, who plays his club football with Besiktas in Turkey, believes the Scotland squad is strong enough to start picking up wins again soon.

“Looking over the games, with the squad of players we’ve got, we could and should be doing better,” McGregor said.

“You can ask anybody in the world why but I don’t think there’s a reason. I think we’ve got a great group of players-a lot of them are playing at a very good level. “Things have gone against us in games but I’m not here to make excuses. Obviously every game you want to win, but the most important thing is getting it.

“We’ve been a long time without a win so I think all the boys will be choking for the first competitive win for the new manager.” Scotland are on their worst winless run for 27 years as they prepare to face Serbia, who lost to Croatia on Friday, in the Karadorde Stadium in Novi Sad today. But Wigan midfielder James McArthur believes the national side can kick a losing habit that threatens to drag them even further down the FIFA rankings

and UEFA’s co-efficient ahead of the Euro Championships in 2016.

“We need to get off the foot of this table and start winning games. We must now try to beat Serbia,” McArthur said. “We didn’t do ourselves justice against Wales but I still believe we can go to Belgrade and win. Why? Because we’ve got quality.

“Just look at our players. Many of them are at English Premier League

clubs or have played for Celtic or Rangers in the Champions League.”

Scotland will be without winger Robert Snodgrass in Serbia following his red card against the Welsh while Steven Fletcher is definitely out after being stretchered off in the same game. Striker Kenny Miller is also a serious doubt while defenders Gary Caldwell and Charlie Mulgrew have been receiving treatment. —AFP

Matches on TV (Local Timings) World Cup 2014 Qualifying - Asia

Australia v Oman Aljazeera Sport 2

10:30

South Korea v Qatar Aljazeera Sport 1

13:00

Uzbekistan v Lebanon Aljazeera Sport +4

15:00

Jordan v Japan Aljazeera Sport +5

16:00

World Cup European Qualifiers

Armenia v Czech Rep Aljazeera Sport +2

19:00

Azerbaijan v Portugal Aljazeera Sport +3

20:00

Slovakia v Sweden Aljazeera Sport +10

Malta v Italy Aljazeera Sport +1

22:00

France v Spain Aljazeera Sport +4

22:00

Montenegro v England Aljazeera Sport +3

22:00

Holland v Romania Aljazeera Sport +2

22:30

Bolivia v Argentina Aljazeera Sport +6

22:30

Rep of Ireland v Austria Aljazeera Sport +8

22:45

N.American World Cup Qualifiers

Costa Rica v Jamaica Aljazeera Sport +9

05:00

21:30

Panama v Honduras Aljazeera Sport +7

05:00

Turkey v Hungary Aljazeera Sport +9

21:30

Mexico v USA Aljazeera Sport +5

05:30

Germany v Kazakhstan Aljazeera Sport +7

22:00

Asian Cup Qualifiers

Kuwait v Iran Aljazeera Sport 1

19:00

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

S P ORT S

Totti or Balotelli? Italy torn between old and new ROME: In the slowly shifting landscape of Italian football, the past week has marked a relatively quick change of focus. From old to new. Past to present. From Francesco Totti to Mario Balotelli. The homegrown Roman senator vs. the son of Ghanaian immigrants.

It all started a week ago, when the Azzurri opened their training camp and Italian media latched onto a comment from coach Cesare Prandelli, who said that if Totti keeps up his form he would consider bringing the forward to next year’s World Cup in Brazil just a few months short of the Roma captain’s 38th birthday.

Never mind that Totti retired from the national team seven years ago. Or, as Totti himself eventually said, that he could be retired altogether by 2014. The next day’s headlines were total Totti - Totti this, Totti that - while the current crop of Italy players, the group that reached last year’s European Championship final, were left to prepare for a friendly vs. Brazil in near oblivion. Fast forward to Thursday’s match

in Geneva, which concluded 2-2 after Balotelli’s stunning equalizer, a screamer from about 25 yards (meters) that took his tally to eight goals in eight matches in 2013 for club and country.

It was the type of goal that only a highly skilled and confident player would even attempt - and reminiscent of Balotelli’s second strike in Italy’s 2-1 win over Germany in the semifinals of Euro 2012.

After the goal against Germany, Balotelli stripped off his jersey and flexed his muscles in a defiant pose, an emblematic moment that announced his arrival on the sport’s biggest stage - in the face of his wide array of critics and the fans who still direct racist chants at him.

This time, Balotelli simply waved his hand in a common Italian gesture, as if to say, ‘Look at what I’ve done’ - indicating that he had impressed even himself. From total Totti, the discussion surrounding the Azzurri was now squarely focused on ‘Super Mario,’ who will be expected to score more goals in Tuesday’s World Cup

qualifier in Malta.

“Balomania: Can he become the greatest?” said the front-page headline in Saturday’s Gazzetta dello Sport. “Forget about Neymar, he’s the real star,” said former Italy defender turned TV analyst Fulvio Collovati, a member of the squad that won the 1982 World Cup. “Down 0-2 he carried the squad on his shoulders and leveled the match practically by himself. ... If he plays like that he’s among the best in the world.”

For now, best in the world still means Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While Totti was never really considered best in the world, it is remarkable how long he’s been among the best in Italy, which is now being documented by his steady climb up the Serie A record books.

Earlier this month, Totti scored his 226th league goal in Roma’s 2-0 win over Parma, surpassing Swedish great Gunnar Nordahl for second place on Serie A’s alltime scoring list, 48 behind Silvio Piola’s record.

Piola played for Pro Vercelli, Lazio,

Torino, Juventus and Novara from 1929-54 and his mark of 274 goals had seemed insurmountable for more than half a century. Now, though, the discussion in the capital’s myriad bars and cafes is whether Totti can catch Piola, which would be a just reward for an entire career dedicated to one club - 21 seasons and counting. Totti has 11 goals with nine matches remaining this season. If he can keep up that level of production for a few more seasons, it’s possible.

Of course, age is working against the 36-year-old Totti, who credits his current form to his preseason preparation under Zdenek Zeman, the Roma manager who was fired last month. “It won’t be easy, because I’m not 20 anymore,” Totti said.

“But when I get an idea inside my head I try to realize it.”

Totti also appears rejuvenated by a stable family life, as evidenced when his two children, Cristian and Chanel, ran onto the pitch to celebrate his 225th goal. His kids presented him with a T-shirt that said, “Sei

forte papa!!” - “Dad, you’re great!!”

The decision to leave the national team, made after helping Italy to the 2006 World Cup title, has also helped - leading to fewer matches and more rest time for Totti’s surgically repaired left ankle, which was injured in 2006.

Totti is still sensitive when opposing players get overly aggressive with his ankles, and he was memorably handed a red card for retaliating against Balotelli by kicking the younger striker in the back of the thigh in the 2010 Italian Cup final when Balotelli was with Inter Milan.

Balotelli also claimed that Totti racially abused him in that match, which Inter won 1-0 under then manager Jose Mourinho.

But all appears forgiven now, with the 22year-old Balotelli back in Italy with AC Milan after 2 1/2 seasons with Manchester City. On Sunday, Balotelli was asked if he would mind Totti rejoining the national team. “Why not? He’s a phenomenon,” Balotelli replied. “Champions like him are always well accepted by the squad.”—AP

Japan feeling the heat ahead of crunch clash

IVORY COAST: In this file photo Zambia players (in white) dejected after their 2014 World Cup qualifying match. —AFP

Zambia, Morocco suffer World Cup setbacks MASERU: Zambia and Morocco suffered setbacks in their World Cup qualifying campaigns on Sunday that put their hopes of reaching the finals in jeopardy and undermined previous predictions of a rise in their fortunes.

Zambia extended their winless streak to seven matches as unfancied Lesotho grabbed a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw in Maseru while Morocco crashed to a 3-1 defeat in Tanzania to fall five points adrift of the Ivory Coast in Group C. Cape Verde Islands, the toast of the recent African Nations Cup with their surprise run to the quarter finals, crashed back to ear th with a 4-3 defeat at Equatorial Guinea. The Democratic Republic of Congo were held to a goalless draw at home by strife-torn Libya on a day the minnows came to the fore.

Zambia were African Nations Cup winners in 2012 and had talked up the prospect of their current generation of experienced players securing a first ever World Cup place in Brazil.

The draw with Lesotho, however, has opened the door to Group D rivals Ghana, who beat Sudan 4-0 in Kumasi.

Zambia still lead the standings by a single point, but have to travel to Ghana at the end of the group phase in September. Coach Herve Renard said he feared the points dropped to 166thranked Lesotho could come back to haunt them.

Lesotho’s Litsepe Marabe grabbed a dramatic late equaliser with a rasping long-range shot after Collins Mbesuma had put 10-man Zambia ahead with 17

minutes to play. Zambia played almost the entire second half down to 10 men after goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was sent off for a professional foul.

Morocco would need a minor miracle to revive their fortunes in Group C after Tanzania’s foreign-based duo of Thomas Ulimwengu and Mbwana Samata (2) scored in a shock win in Dar-es-Salaam.

Morocco had spent the week training for the game in Dubai but could only muster a stoppage-time consolation goal from Youssef Al Arabi. Their much-vaunted squad has been consistently tipped to succeed on the African stage, but has suffered a series of setbacks over the last 18 months. Tanzania are second in Group C, one point behind the Ivorians, while Morocco are a distant third with three games left, including a trip to Abidjan.

DR Congo had a chance to join Cameroon at the top of Group I but played out a goalless draw with Libya, whose home-based players have been without league action for two years.

Cape Verde lost their third successive qualifier and are almost certainly out of the running after Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue scored a hat-trick on his debut. The Mallorca striker only agreed to play for Equatorial Guinea after failing to make Spain’s squad for last year’s Olympic Games. Ethiopia went top of Group A with an 88th-minute goal from Getaneh Kebede that gave them a 1-0 home win over Botswana while Mali top Group H after coming from behind to Rwanda 2-1 away. Egypt host Zimbabwe and Benin visit Algeria today.—Reuters

JORDAN: Despite being within touching distance of a World Cup berth with three games to go, Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said he was feeling the heat ahead of today’s clash in Jordan.

A victory for Japan in Amman against a side they thrashed 6-0 back in June would make them the first side to qualify for the finals in Brazil. A draw might also be enough providing Australia and Oman deny each other victory in an earlier match in Sydney.

But instead of basking in the expectant qualification after four wins from their opening five matches in Group B, Zaccheroni cut a nervous figure yesterday. “This is a massive match for us and of course there is pressure on myself and the players,” the Italian told reporters.

“We are carrying the hopes of everyone back home but I can’t let the pressure get to the players and it is my job to make sure they are ready.” Adding to the Italian’s greying hairs is the absence of key duo Keisuke Honda, who scored a hattrick against Jordan in June, and flying fullback Yuto Nagatomo for today’s clash.

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is expected to shift from his usual left flank berth to cover the absence of central playmaker Honda, who is missing through illness.

“It is a shame we don’t have Honda and Nagatomo because they have both made big contributions to the team, but the players who have deputised for them in the past have done well and I expect the same tomorrow,” said Zaccheroni.

Despite the thrashing received

AMMAN: (Right to left) Japan’s national football team’s media officer, Hideki Kato, captain Makoto Hasebe, Italian head coach Alberto Zaccheroni and Daisuke Yand give a press conference. Japan will face Jordan in their FIFA World Cup Group B Asian qualifiers round four football match today. —AFP in Saitama, Jordan are still in the hunt for the second automatic qualifying berth from the five-team pool after stunning Australia 2-1 in September.

The West Asians, who have never qualified for a World Cup, are bottom of the group on five points from five matches, but just one behind Oman, Iraq and Australia, although the Socceroos have played a game less.

“Jordan have picked up points at home and their win against Australia will have given them confidence,” Zaccheroni said. “They will

“Overall a real good core of players, good people, good professionals and hungry for success and hungry to play for the Socceroos.” After a stuttering start to their qualifying campaign, Australia are second in their group behind runaway leaders Japan, equal on points with Oman and Iraq with four games to play. Only the top two qualify directly for Brazil in 2014.

Tim Cahill is almost certain to lead the Australian attack in his 61st international and Oman coach Paul Le Guen said his team were aware of the aerial threat posed by the New York Red Bulls’ striker.

“It could be a problem for us, sometimes we don’t have enough tall players and there’s nothing I can do about that,” said the Frenchman. “He’s good in the air, he likes fighting, I’ve showed (them) the video but I’m not sure it will be enough.”

Oman held Australia to a 0-0 draw in their last meeting in a Muscat furnace last year but the former Lyon and Cameroon coach is under no illusions how hard it will be to get a result in Australia.

“Once again they will be favourites and we will be outsiders but we will do our best,” he said. “They are supposed to qualify but we want to create a surprise, why not?”

Oman will have to do so without influential playmaker Fawzi Bashir, who has retired from the international game after being relegated to the bench by Le Guen.

“He was a massive player for the national team, he was the captain, he was an excellent player but it was his decision and I have to respect it,” said Le Guen.—Reuters

tion in their home fixtures and their hustling frontline should provide a strong test for the sometime suspect Japanese defence.

“It is a massive game for us but we are well prepared and will try to win,” Jordan’s Iraqi coach Adnan Hamad told repor ters. “Japan might not have Honda available but I saw the Canada game and know the team has strength in depth. The last time we played Japan we were away from home and the players were tired but we are at home now and have our supporters behind us.” —Reuters

US head to Mexico buoyed by controversial triumph

Positive headaches for Socceroos SYDNEY: The emergence of a band of talented young Socceroos has given Australia coach Holger Osieck “positive headaches” as he ponders his team selection for their crunch World Cup qualifier against Oman today. Australia had one of the oldest squads at the last World Cup but with the careers of that “golden generation” coming to an end, Osieck has been looking to the likes of Robbie Kruse, Tommy Oar, Tom Rogic and James Holland to replace them.

The progress the youngsters have made over the last year has impressed the German but also presented him with some problems when it came to choosing his side for the Asian qualifying Group B tie at Sydney’s Olympic stadium.

“I am now in a position, I have to admit, that I have not been before on many occasions where I really have some headaches, but positive headaches,” he told reporters on Monday.

“The quantity is there but within that quantity, I have a lot more quality.” Mark Schwarzer, who has 104 caps and two World Cup campaigns under his belt, will captain the side in the absence of the suspended Lucas Neill and has also been impressed by the progress made by the younger players.

“It’s been great to see in the last 12 months, there’s indications that there’s been a lot of younger players coming through,” said the Fulham goalkeeper. “Not only coming into the squad and making up the numbers but starting to really put their head down and knocking on the door.

have home support behind them and will be a very different team to the one we faced last time.”

Japan warmed up for the pivotal fixture with a rusty 2-1 win over Canada in Doha on Friday which resulted in the Blue Samurai squad members calling for an improved showing to ensure a positive result in Amman.

Even without the important duo of Honda and Nagatomo, the Asian champions should have too much quality for a side they have never lost to. Jordan, though, have shown greater commitment and organisa-

MEXICO: Mexico’s head coach Jose Manuel de la Torre gestures in this file photo. —AFP

LOS ANGELES: The United States head to Mexico for a clash of regional giants today buoyed by their controverial triumph over Costa Rica in snowy Denver in a 2014 World Cup qualifier. Costa Rican football officials were left demanding a replay after falling 1-0 to the United States on Friday in a match played in poor visibility on a pitch blanketed by snow.

Salvadoran referee Joel Aguilar briefly halted the game in the 55th minute before allowing the match to conclude-a decision that saw Costa Rica Football Federation vice-president Jorge Hidalgo demanding he be suspended.

The Americans, however, were delighted to gain three points, and move into second place behind Honduras in the six-nation final qualifying group for North and Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) region.

Three teams from the region will advance directly to the World Cup finals in Brazil, while the fourthplaced team will play off for a berth against top Oceania team New Zealand. While the snowy conditions of Friday’s match outraged Costa Rica, US coach Jurgen Klinsmann was delighted to see his players pull together in the difficult circumstances. After they dropped their opener in Honduras, Klinsmann was under pressure, with one report prior to Friday’s match citing unidentified US players as doubting his methods.

“It’s about adjustments, dealing with all those different things. Fields, climates, all those circumstances and make the best out of it and get your points,” Klinsmann said.

“I think it was a big step (Friday) to get those points. So we want to

continue that way.” Despite the vagaries of the weather, Klinsmann said playing Friday in the Rocky Mountains should benefit the United States when the play at the even higher altitude of Mexico City.

“That’s a topic that if you talk to sports scientists, there is almost no ideal time frame,” he said of adjusting to altitude. “How much it helps us at the end of day to adjust to higher altitudes in Mexico City, we will see that today, but I think every day on talking to these so called experts helps you. Any altitude helps you.” A trip to Mexico’s Azteca stadium is always a tough proposition, and Mexico will be even more determined afer squandering a 2-0 lead en route to a 2-2 draw at Honduras on Friday.

The draw put Honduras atop the standings with four points, followed by the United States on three.

Mexico, Panama and Jamaica all have two points and Costa Rica bring up the rear with one.

Mexico went ahead 2-0 with a brace of goals from Manchester United forward Javier Hernandez in the sweltering heat in San Pedro Sula on Friday, but walked away with just one point.

The result followed a disappointing draw at home to Jamaica in their opener and Mexico will be keen to get a victory before the qualifying campaign breaks until June.

In today’s other matches, Panama host Honduras and Costa Rica are at home to Jamaica. Jamaica appeared on their way to a first qualifying win over Panama on Friday after Marvin Elliott headed in a goal for a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute. But Panama’s Luis Henriquez grabbed the equaliser in the 65th to give both teams a second straight draw.—AFP

Cook’s exit leaves England battling to save third Test

Recari defeats Kim in playoff at Kia Classic

17

15

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Totti or Balotelli? Italy torn between old and new

Page 19

KEY BISCAYNE: Maria Sharapova, of Russia, returns a shot from Elena Vesnina during the Sony Open tennis tournament. —AP

Sharapova storms into 4th round KEY BISCAYNE: Mired in a marathon game midway through the opening set, Maria Sharapova wore down her opponent with characteristic resolve and relentlessness, winning the last point without hitting a shot. That put Sharapova ahead to stay, and she beat fellow Russian Elena Vesnina on a muggy afternoon at the Sony Open, 6-4, 6-2.

The No. 3-seeded Sharapova moved into the fourth round, eager to fill one of the few holes in her resume. While she completed a career Grand Slam last year, she has never won Key Biscayne, losing the final in 2005, ‘06, ‘11 and ‘12.

“It’s in the back of my mind,” she said. “It’s one of the biggest tournaments for us, and it’s one that I have been the most consistent at, being in four

finals, but yet not winning it. I would definitely love to go a step further here.”

Her pivotal moment Sunday came at 3-all in the first set. The next game went to deuce seven times, with Sharapova repeatedly erasing a deficit, until Vesnina dumped a weary second serve into the net on break point. All told, Sharapova benefited from eight double-faults by the No. 29-seeded Vesnina, and erased eight of the nine break points she faced.

Lauren Davis of the United States lost 2-6, 6-3, 62 to No. 32-seeded Alize Cornet at the peak of the heat, and their 21/2-hour match left both players so exhausted they were taken off the court in wheelchairs. Davis also required treatment in the third set after being stung by a wasp. Both players later said

they were fine.

No. 1 Novak Djokovic defeated No. 254-ranked Somdev Devvarman 6-2, 6-4, then rushed across a causeway to the mainland to watch the second half of the Miami Heat’s 26th consecutive victory in the NBA. Djokovic, seeking his fourth Key Biscayne title and third in a row, next faces No. 15-seeded Tommy Haas, who beat No. 19 Alexandr Dolgopolov 6-3, 62. Haas turns 35 next month and is playing at Key Biscayne for the 12th time. Wildcard entry James Blake, also playing at Key Biscayne for the 12th time, lost the day’s final match to Albert Ramos 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Among the seeded women to lose were No. 6 Angelique Kerber, No. 11 Nadia Petrova and No. 14

Maria Kirilenko. Kerber was beaten by No. 28 Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-0. Petrova was ousted by No. 22 Jelena Jankovic 7-6 (7), 6-4. Kirilenko lost to No. 21 Klara Zakopalova 6-2, 7-6 (4).

The sweltering sunshine was motivation to work quickly, but Sharapova needed nearly two hours to eliminate Vesnina. Both players struggled with their serve as they battled the island breeze, and both rued missed chances. Sharapova converted only four of 18 break points.

When Vesnina finally sailed a shot long to lose the opening set, Sharapova screamed and shook her fist at the ball. The gesture seemed to work, and she claimed the second set more easily.

“It was a matter of patience,” Sharapova said. “In

NBA results/standings

Heat scorch Bobcats MIAMI: LeBron James had 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the Miami Heat won their 26th straight game, cruising to a 109-77 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.

Some of the world’s leading sportsmen were courtside Sunday night. Novak Djokovic, the topranked men’s tennis player. Wladimir Klitschko, the world heavyweight boxing king. Rory McIlroy, who sits atop the golf rankings for at least one more night. And James responded with another sterling performance, making 11 of 14 shots while helping Miami move within seven wins of matching the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the league record of 33 in a row. Norris Cole scored 15 and Ray Allen added 14 for the Heat, who played without Dwyane Wade, held from the lineup because of right knee soreness that the team believes is minor. Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 20 points, and Gerald Henderson had 18.

Rockets 96, Spurs 95 In Houston, James Harden sank an off-balance jumper with 4.5 seconds left to lift Houston to the victory.

Harden scored 18 of his 29 points in the second half as the Rockets rallied from three down in the final minute to snap a four-game losing streak to their state rivals. Tony Parker scored 23 points, including 10 in a row to put San Antonio ahead with just under 2 minutes left. The Spurs led 95-94 when Harden got the ball from Omer Asik, drove to the free-throw line and hit the winning jumper with Tim Duncan in front of him and Kawhi Leonard behind him. Duncan missed a jumper from the wing just before the buzzer sounded. Chandler Parsons scored 20 points and Asik grabbed 14 rebounds for the Rockets.

Hawks 104, Bucks 99 In Milwaukee, Al Horford scored 24 points to help Atlanta rally for the win. Josh Smith added 23 points and nine rebounds for the Hawks, who trailed 98-95 with 1:05 remaining.

Devin Harris added 16 points and Jeff Teague finished with 14.

Smith converted a layup with 33.8 seconds to tie it at 99. After the Bucks turned it over, Dahntay Jones was fouled. He made the first and missed the second, but Anthony Tolliver grabbed the rebound for Atlanta and called timeout.

Horford was fouled with 20.1 seconds remaining and hit both free throws to give the Hawks a 102-99 lead. Monta Ellis missed a 3-pointer for Milwaukee, and Teague made two foul shots to put the game away. Ellis scored 20 points for Milwaukee, and Ersan Ilyasova added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

Thunder 103, Trail Blazers 83 In Oklahoma, Kevin Durant had 24 points and 10 rebounds and Russell Westbrook fueled a key third-quarter spurt as the Thunder pulled away for the win. Westbrook finished with 21 points and Serge Ibaka had 16 on 7of-9 shooting for Oklahoma City (5219), which moved within 11/2 games of San Antonio in the race for the Western Conference’s top playoff spot. Damian Lillard scored 19 points for Portland (33-37), which went 2-3 on a five-game road trip. The Blazers fell three games behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the race for the West’s eighth and final playoff spot.

Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks was called for a technical foul with 2:53 left in the third quarter and that seemed to spark Westbrook.

Portland’s Nicolas Batum made 2-of-3 free throws to tie it at 63, but a steal

and dunk by Westbrook started a 10-2 run that put the Thunder ahead 73-65.

Bulls 104, Timberwolves 97 In Minneapolis, Nate Robinson had 22 points and 10 assists for Chicago, and Carlos Boozer added 19 points and 12 rebounds. Luol Deng scored 17 points and Taj Gibson had 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who were missing Joakim Noah for the second straight game because of plantar fasciitis. They still dominated the boards, 52-32, including 20 offensive rebounds. Derrick Williams scored 28 points and Ricky Rubio had 15 points and eight assists for the Timberwolves. Minnesota got as close as five points in the fourth quarter, but the Bulls overpowered the Wolves down the stretch to win backto-back road games for the first time since Jan. 16-18. Jimmy Butler added 20 points and nine rebounds for the Bulls, who remained a half-game back of Atlanta for fifth in the East.

Mavericks 113, Jazz 108 In Dallas, Mike James scored a season-high 19 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 17 as Dallas beat slumping Utah. Vince Carter and Shawn Marion each had 15 points as the Mavericks moved within two games of the Los Angeles Lakers for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Enes Kanter scored 17 points as the Jazz lost their ninth straight on the road, Utah’s longest such skid since losing 17 in a row away from home during the 1981-82 season. The Jazz’s last road win was Feb. 13 at Minnesota.

The score was tied midway through the third before the 37-year-old James keyed a 20-2 run which bridged the third and fourth quarters.

Utah’s Paul Millsap had 15 points and nine rebounds, and Gordon Hayward chipped in with 13 points.

situations like this where it’s tough and it’s hot, it kind of levels out the game a little bit, and with the windy conditions you have to be a bit more patient.

That was really important today.” Vesnina fell to 118 against top-five players.

Sharapova seeks to become only the third woman to win Indian Wells and Key Biscayne back to back. She beat Caroline Wozniacki in the Indian Wells final a week ago and has a win-loss record of 16-2 this year.

She has lost Key Biscayne finals to Kim Clijsters, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Victoria Azarenka and Agnieszka Radwanska. But she’s not yet a champion here. Top-ranked Serena Williams looms as a potential opponent in Saturday’s final.—AFP

Atlanta 104, Milwaukee 99; Miami 109, Charlotte 77; Houston 96, San Antonio 95; Oklahoma City 103, Portland 83; Chicago 104, Minnesota 97; Dallas 113, Utah 108; Brooklyn 102, Phoenix 100; Philadelphia 117, Sacramento 103.

Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT GB NY Knicks 42 26 .618 Brooklyn 41 29 .586 2 Boston 36 33 .522 6.5 Philadelphia 27 42 .391 15.5 Toronto 26 44 .371 17

SACRAMENTO: Philadelphia 76ers center Spencer Hawes (left) tries to grab a rebound from behind Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game.—AP Nets 102, Suns 100 In Phoenix, Deron Williams had 21 points and 11 assists as Brooklyn held on for the victory over Phoenix. The Suns’ Goran Dragic fell a rebound shy of his first career triple double with 31 points, 12 assists and nine boards. He was a point shy of his career scoring high. Brook Lopez added 20 points, Kris Humphries 17 and C.J. Watson 14 for the Nets, playing without Joe Johnson, who bruised his thigh in Brooklyn’s loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

The Suns had a chance at the end when Dragic purposely missed the second of two free with 3 seconds left and Phoenix’ Hamed Haddadi controlled the rebound. But big Iranian’s shot was off the mark.

76ers 117, Kings 103 In Sacramento, Dorell Wright hit six 3-pointers and scored 22 points as

Philadelphia ended its longest road losing streak in more than 25 years. It was a rare show of offensive explosiveness for the Sixers, who came in last in the NBA with an average of just under 93 points a game. They had 91 entering the fourth quarter and shot 49 percent to end their 15-game road skid and beat the Kings for the fifth straight time in Sacramento.

The Sixers’ last road win was on New Year’s Day against the Los Angeles Lakers. Philadelphia’s road losing streak was its longest since the club dropped 20 in a row from Dec. 28, 1987-March 4, 1988.

Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points, Marcus Thornton added 22 and Tyreke Evans had 19 points and eight assists for the Kings, who had their three-game home win streak snapped. Patrick Patterson chipped in 12 points.—AP

Indiana Chicago Milwaukee Detroit Cleveland

Central Division 43 27 38 31 34 35 24 47 22 47

.614 .551 .493 .338 .319

4.5 8.5 19.5 20.5

Miami Atlanta Washington Orlando Charlotte

Southeast Division 55 14 39 31 25 44 18 52 16 54

.797 .557 .362 .257 .229

16.5 30 37.5 39.5

Oklahoma City Denver Utah Portland Minnesota

Western Conference Northwest Division 52 19 49 22 34 36 33 37 24 44

.732 .690 .486 .471 .353

3 17.5 18.5 26.5

LA Clippers Golden State LA Lakers Sacramento Phoenix

Pacific Division 48 22 40 31 36 34 25 46 23 48

.686 .563 .514 .352 .324

8.5 12 23.5 25.5

San Antonio Memphis Houston Dallas New Orleans

Southwest Division 53 17 47 22 39 31 34 36 24 46

.757 .681 .557 .486 .343

5.5 14 19 29

Business

British gas prices slump Page 22 As euro-zone languishes, emerging markets thrive Page 23

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Jazeera Airways Group holds 2012 AGM

One year on: BMW 3 Series remains a best seller

Page 26

Page 25

MANILA: A homeless man sleeps on a concrete pipe in Manila yesterday. Optimism is soaring that the Philippines is finally becoming an Asian tiger economy, but critics caution a tiny elite that has long dominated is amassing most of the new wealth while the poor miss out. —AFP

Kuwait stocks drop to 2-week low Gulf markets mixed in thin trade DUBAI: Kuwait’s bourse tumbled to a two-week low yesterday as investors sold shares in small-cap companies ahead of a deadline to report corporate earnings, while other regional markets were mixed in thin trade as investors await first-quarter earnings.

Kuwait firms must publish fourth-quarter results by March 31 and many have yet to do so. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to their shares being suspended, sparking yesterday’s sell-off.

More than 50 companies face this possible sanction, according to Fouad Darwish, head of brokerage at Global Investment House. “These stocks have been creating volumes and number of transactions - it’s a good time to book profits” he said, adding that the sell-off is a trend in Kuwait as some companies usually wait till the last day to report earnings. Gulf Investment House and Abyaar Real Estate dropped 7 and 2.9 percent respectively.

The main index lost 2.1 percent, its biggest daily drop in five months and lowest close since March 11. The mar-

ket is still up 12.7 percent year-to-date. In the United Arab Emirates, Dubai’s bourse climbed 0.2 percent in muted trade. Many investors are wary of increasing their exposure due to fears a sharp correction may be imminent following an early-year surge. The index has been trapped in a 100-point range since hitting a 39-month peak in late February, raising worries of a sharp sell-off.

“Looking at the flows, we have seen foreign investors turn quiet lately,” said Adel Merheb, managing partner at investment advisory Tradeyourmarket.com. “That said, we see the lack of heavy foreign selling as lending support to the market - at least in the short run.” He added the market may fall into corrective, downward wave following prolonged, sideways trading. Trading volumes have dipped in recent sessions as investors wait for first-quarter earnings. Abu Dhabi’s benchmark advanced 0.2 percent, extending 2013 gains to 14 percent.

In Saudi Arabia, real estate stocks extended gains on bets the sector will benefit from a new mortgage law

Dubai platform hosts first Islamic commodity trade DUBAI: The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has hosted the first transaction on its new sharia-compliant commodity trading platform, a deal done between two local banks, company officials told Reuters yesterday.

The 50 million dirham ($13.6 million) facility signed by Noor Islamic Bank, the lending agent, and Commercial Bank of Dubai will be priced today. The Tradeflow platform launched by the DMCC this month is designed to permit Islamic banks and other institutions to manage their liquidity needs. It allows ownership of commodities to be tracked in a way which gives assurance that a “true sale” of assets has occurred - an important concept in Islamic finance.

Emirates National Oil Co and cable manufacturing firm Ducab provided the physical commodities backing the transaction: oil products and copper cables. Both firms are affiliates of Investment Corp of Dubai, the emirate’s flagship investment vehicle. DMCC, Dubai’s government-owned commodities centre, hopes the maiden transaction encourages others to follow, its executive chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem said in an interview.

“Some might assume the US or Europe have similar warrants but this is the only one of its kind in the world,” he added. Islamic banks cannot use conventional interbank money markets because of Islam’s ban on interest, so they have struggled with a shortage of instruments to manage liquidity.Tradeflow deals are based on commodity murabaha, a common financing structure in Islamic banking.

Islamic banks have mainly used commodities from the London Metal Exchange to structure short-term funding deals, but DMCC hopes to challenge London for a piece of that business.

Tradeflow has over 1 billion dirhams worth of assets in trade receipts that have been approved for trading on its Islamic platform, including commodities such as base metals and foodstuffs such as rice, Tradeflow director Paul Boots said.

Contract terms such as tenor and fees are agreed privately between the two banks, he added. “The cost is going to be in line with what is currently done in the market.” —Reuters

being introduced. The sector’s index rose 1.5 percent to a fresh 10-month high. Banking and petrochemical stocks also supported the main index, which climbed 0.4 percent to its highest since Jan. 12.

Al-Rajhi Bank and Yanbu National Petrochemical Co added 0.8 and 1.9 percent respectively.

Elsewhere, Egypt’s main benchmark slipped 0.5 percent in thin trading as investors hesitate to increase exposure as a weak political and economic backdrop weighs on sentiment. National Societe Generale Bank jumped 10 percent with 16,591 shares bring trades, which analysts say may be an error trade.

HIGHLIGHTS KUWAIT ● The index dropped 2.1 percent to 6,690 points.

SAUDI ARABIA ● The index gained 0.4 percent to 7,163 points.

EGYPT ● The index slipped 0.5 percent to 5,231 points.

DUBAI ● The index gained 0.2 percent to 1,901 points.

ABU DHABI ● The index climbed 0.2 percent to 2,999 points.

QATAR ● The index ticked up 0.01 percent to 8,580 points.

OMAN The index advanced 0.01 percent to 6,170 points.

BAHRAIN * The index fell 2.7 percent to 1,085 points. — Reuters

Fahd bin Ibrahim Al-Dughaither, new chairman of Zain Saudi Al-Nafisi, Gegenheimer elected board members RIYADH: Zain Group, a leading provider of mobile communications services in the Middle East and North Africa, announced that the Board of Directors of Zain Saudi Arabia have elected Fahd bin Ibrahim AlDughaither as Chairman of the Board of the company for the next three years.

The group said in a press release that the appointment of Al-Dughaither, as Chairman of the Board took place after the company’s general assembly which was held at the end of last week in Riyadh.

During the general assembly, Zain KSA approved the election of the new board members for the next three-year term.

The elected nine members were Abdulaziz Al-Nafisi, representing Mobile Telecommunications Company KSC (Zain Group); Ossama Matta, representing Itisalat Plus Company; Scott Gegenheimer, representing Communications & Information Consultancy Group; Thamer Obeidat, representing Al-Nahar Economic Consultancy Company; Fahd AlDughaither, Farhan Al-Jarbaa, Raied Al-

Abdulaziz Al-Nafisi

Scott Gegenheimer

Ossama Matta

Saif, Georges P Schorderet, and Abdullah Ba Sudan.

The press release pointed out that Abdulaziz Al-Nafisi also holds the title of Zain Group’s Deputy Chairman; while

Scott Gegenheimer is Zain Group’s CEO and Ossama Matta is the Chief Financial Officer of Zain Group.

The General Assembly which had around 60 percent quorum approved the

financials for the year 2012.

Parent-firm Zain in July increased its stake in Zain Saudi to 37 percent from 25 percent after underwriting the affiliate’s capital restructuring.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

BUSINESS

Egypt raises customs on luxury imports

ABIDJAN: Ivory Coast President Alasssne Ouattara (left) speaks as African Development Bank Chairman (BAD) Donald Karuka (third left), African Commission President Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (center) and African Commission economic secretary Carlos Lopes listen during the opening of the sixth meeting of the finance and economy ministers and the African Union Development Planning in Abidjan. —AFP

CAIRO: Egypt’s Islamist President Mohammed Morsi hiked customs rates on dozens of “non-essential” imports as part of the government’s efforts to increase revenues to revive the ailing economy.

Morsi’s decree issued late Sunday raises tariffs on a wide range of luxury goods including shrimp, gambling tables, sunglasses, nuts, and fireworks. Egypt’s economy has been hit hard by the instability that followed the 2011 uprising that forced longtime autocratic ruler Hosni Mubarak from power, particularly the vital tourism sector.

The government is currently engaged in talks with the International Monetary Fund to secure a $4.8 billion loan, which would help attract other international lenders and reassure foreign investors.

The conditions for the loan have not been made public, but Morsi’s government has been pushing an austerity plan that would cut subsidies and raise taxes to shrink the budget deficit from its current level of almost 11 percent. His government had initially aimed at 8.5 percent but is now

Saudi Telecom appoints chairman as acting CEO

British gas prices slump Qatar, Trinidad imports ease reserves worry LONDON: British wholesale gas prices fell by up to 20 percent yesterday, undermined by major gas shipments due from Qatar and Trinidad to help replenish stored gas reserves depleted by weeks of abnormally cold weather. The price of gas for weekend delivery fell about 20 percent to 84 pence per therm, while the day-ahead gas contract slumped to 93.50 pence, a drop of around 11 percent.

A late blast of winter weather has drained Britain’s already modest gas stocks to around a 10th of their capacity, sparking fears of supply restrictions with the cold weather forecast to continue into early April. Low inventories combined with cold weather forecasts spurred gas prices towards record highs last week, but the announcement that three liquid natural gas (LNG) deliveries are due to arrive in the Britain by

April 3 has dented sentiment.

Two shipments from Qatar are due to unload at UK import terminals this week, arriving on Monday and Friday, respectively, while a shipment from Trinidad should arrive on April 3, shiptracking data from AIS Live on Reuters shows.

A cargo from Qatar aboard the Mekaines arrived at the Isle of Grain terminal in Kent over the weekend and is currently unloading supplies.

“The market is less worried by low storage levels right now given the arrival of new LNG tankers this week...there’s plenty of gas around is the feeling,” one gas trader said. Britain’s gas market was oversupplied by around 10 million cubic metres (mcm) on Monday morning, with demand at 373 mcm running nearly 40 percent above average levels, data from National Grid showed.

Vietnam cuts interest rates again as economy cools HANOI: Vietnam yesterday announced it was cutting interest rates for the seventh time in little more than a year, after economic growth slowed to the weakest pace in more than a decade in 2012.

The State Bank of Vietnam cut the refinancing rate-charged on loans to commercial banks-to eight percent from nine percent, saying the action aimed “to ease difficulties for production and business”.

The discount rate was lowered to six percent from seven percent, effective from today, according to a statement on its website. The cuts comes as the economy struggles in the face of domestic banking sector turmoil, falling foreign direct investment and deepening financial troubles among state-owned companies.

“With inflation unlikely to return to a double-digit pace anytime soon and

growth likely to remain sluggish at best, we think more policy easing is likely later this year,” said Gareth Leather, an economist with Capital Economics. He predicted another one percentage point cut in the second half of 2013, which would reduce the refinancing rate to the lowest level since late 2009.

Vietnamese inflation decelerated to its slowest rate in six months in March, when consumer prices rose 6.64 percent year-on-year. Vietnam repeatedly raised interest rates in 2011 to prevent the economy from overheating and to rein in double-digit inflation, but with the economy cooling the authorities last year resumed monetary stimulus efforts.

Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.03 percent in 2012, the weakest pace in 13 years, according to government figures. —AFP

suggesting it could be 9.5 percent.

Talks with the IMF were delayed in December when violent protests erupted and the president was forced to rescind his austerity plan. Some in the opposition and the business community have called for a national dialogue on the proposals to win public consent before any austerity measures are introduced. Egypt had long been viewed as a stable corner of the Middle East. Reserves stood at around $36 billion just before Mubarak was toppled.

The past two years of political upheaval, however, have kept investors from returning and have curtailed tourism, a foreign currency earner. Foreign currency reserves were slashed by more than two-thirds following the uprising, dipping to a critical level of $13.5 billion this year. One way Egypt is seeking funds is through the return of millions of dollars earned under rampant corruption during Mubarak’s nearly three decade-long rule. Members of the Muslim Brotherhood group, from which the president hails, have spoken out in support of striking deals with former regime figures. —AP

Traders re-injected gas into storage sites over the weekend, preventing stock levels dropping below 10 percent full, although withdrawals continued at the start of the working week.

Britain’s biggest such facility, Rough, flowed 24 mcm while the long dormant Dragon LNG terminal in Wales resumed pumping gas at rates of 12 mcm, boosting supplies and relieving strain on other infrastructure. Sources said the Trinidad LNG cargo was likely heading into the Dragon terminal.

Imports from Belgium steadied at around 60 mcm. Norway flowed about 113 mcm in total.

“Total imports are up from Friday’s average due to increases in flows from Belgium and the Netherlands and LNG send outs from Dragon,” analysts at Thomson Reuters Point Carbon said. —Reuters

DUBAI/RIYADH: Saudi Telecom Co (STC) has appointed the company’s chairman as acting chief executive, two sources familiar with the matter said yesterday, in the latest management upheaval at the Gulf’s No.2 operator. Abdulaziz Al-Sugair will take the helm following the imminent departure of CEO Khaled Al-Ghoneim, the sources said.

Ghaneim, who could not immediately be reached for comment, resigned on March 17 and the company said in a bourse statement that Wednesday would be his last day at the helm.

“This probably means there will be some more changes at senior level, but these are needed to change the company’s behavior, to become less affected by internal politics and more accountable,” said one source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Sugair and Ghaneim were both appointed in June 2012 and the latter had quit over differences on how to make STC more effi-

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cient, the source said, with the chairman wanting to take a more aggressive approach following a sustained profit slump.

The heads of the state-controlled firm’s domestic and international operations have also quit over the past 12 months. STC has spent more than $10 billion on foreign acquisitions in the past decade, according to Reuters calculations, buying into many markets including Turkey, Indonesia, Kuwait and Bahrain. Yet it remains reliant on its domestic business, which provided 68 percent of revenue in 2012.

The company made a net profit of 7.28 billion riyals ($1.9 billion) in 2012, down 43 percent from a 2006 peak, as tougher competition at home and writeoffs from foreign units weighed on the bottom line. STC shares have fallen 9 percent this year, underperforming the main Saudi index, which is up 4.9 percent. —Reuters

Saudi Electricity dollar sukuk to price today

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DUBAI: Saudi Electricity Co (SEC), the Gulf’s largest utility, is expected to price a two-part Islamic bond, or sukuk, yesterday, lead managers said, with investor demand for the transaction already proving strong. Order books for the planned ten-year and 30-year tranches are each in excess of $2.5 billion, a document from the managers said, ahead of the final day of investor meetings in London on Monday. Roadshows took place in the United States last week.

Both tranches are earmarked to be benchmark-sized, meaning they will be worth at least $500 million each. The deal was always expected to be popular given its rarity value; it is a dollar deal from a quasi-sovereign Saudi Arabian borrower, at a time when the Saudi government doesn’t issue international debt, and is a rare Saudi debt sale open to US institutional investors.

The fact that the deal is also a sukuk sale in which US buyers can participate adds to its rarity value, as most Islamic bond sales aren’t 144a-compliant. Earlier, initial price guidance

was set at 175 basis points and 210 bps over equivalent US Treasuries for the ten-year and 30-year portions.

Deutsche Bank and HSBC Holdings are arranging the roadshows and will manage the sukuk’s sale.

State-owned Saudi Electric last tapped the international bond market in March 2012, pricing a $1.75 billion, two-part sukuk split between a $500 million five-year portion and a $1.25 billion tranche which had a 10-year lifespan.

The former was trading at a z-spread of 115 bps at 0915 GMT, while the longer-running tranche was at 151 bps, according to Thomson Reuters data. The z-spread expresses relative value by calculating the number of basis points that need to be added to a zero-coupon yield curve to make the bond’s discounted cash flows equal its present value. Fitch Ratings affirmed Saudi Electric’s AA- rating in February, citing high government ownership and its monopoly position despite weakening standalone credit fundamentals. —Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Commercial Bank of Kuwait US Dollar/KD GB Pound/KD Euro Swiss francs Canadian Dollar Australian DLR Indian rupees Sri Lanka Rupee UAE dirhams Bahraini dinars Jordanian dinar Saudi riyals Omani riyals Egyptian pounds 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

.2770000 .4300000 .3670000 .3000000 .2750000 .2940000 .0040000 .0020000 .0770020 .7502090 .3920000 .0720000 .7354470 .0370000 CUSTOMER TRANSFER RATES .2835000 .4316570 .3681670 .3012910 .2771130 .0493950 .0437320 .2964700 .0365190 .2277290 .0029960 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0000000 .0772160 .7522890 .0000000 .0756200 .7366510 .0000000

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.987 5.283 2.906 2.251 3.313 229.280 36.787 3.614 7.009

.2880000 .4410000 .3810000 .3170000 .2900000 .3010000 .0068000 .0035000 .0777760 .7577490 .4110000 .0770000 .7428390 .0440000 .2856000 .4348550 .3708940 .3035230 .2791650 .0497600 .0440560 .2986660 .0367900 .2294160 .0030180 .0053070 .0022600 .0029160 .0036620 .0777880 .7578610 .4039600 .0761800 .7421070 .0070490

Thai Baht Irani Riyal - transfer Irani Riyal - cash

Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

9.730 0.271 0.273

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.450 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.410 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.332 Tunisian Dinar 182.160 Jordanian Dinar 403.260 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.916 Syrian Lier 3.102 Morocco Dirham 33.821 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 285.450 Euro 371.090 Sterling Pound 432.740 Canadian dollar 280.400 Swiss Franc 303.030 US Dollar Buying 284.250 GOLD 298.000 150.000 77.500

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

SELL DRAFT 302.58 283.61 307.26 372.83 284.30 436.33 3.07 3.638 5.249 2.245 3.294 2.896 77.47 756.99 41.20 405.02

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 284.650 281.230 433.640 372.530 303.515 753.615 77.475 78.135 75.870 401.260 41.202 2.241 5.261 2.892 3.620 6.979 698.260 4.000 9.805 4.025 3.380 91.925

COUNTRY

SELL CASH 298.500 280.600 307.000 373.500 285.000 432.900 3.300 3.720 5.350 2.450 3.420 2.880 78.000 755.600 41.600 411.000

British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Scottish Pound Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar Uganda Shilling Canadian Dollar Colombian Peso US Dollars Bangladesh Taka Cape Vrde Escudo Chinese Yuan Eritrea-Nakfa

SELL CASHSELLDRAFT Europe 0.4268029 0.0061393 0.0458597 0.3658242 0.0451696 0.4227210 0.0400620 0.2979851 Australasia 0.2874153 0.2297333 0.0001102 America 0.2713546 0.0001482 0.2825500 Asia 0.0035758 0.0031581 0.0447281 0.0164467

Guinea Franc Hong Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Jamaican Dollars Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar Sri Lankan Rupee Thai Baht Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Ethiopeanbirr Ghanaian Cedi Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Sudanese Pounds Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal

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 UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar

738.000 78.500 76.400

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd

GCC COUNTRIES 76.150 78.463 741.720 758.470 77.758

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

739.91 78.51 76.01

0.4358029 0.0181393 0.0508597 0.3733242 0.0503696 0.4302210 0.0450620 0.3049851 0.2994153 0.2397333 0.0001102 0.2803546 0.0001662 0.2847000 0.0036308 0.0033881 0.0497281 0.0195467

0.0000442 0.0341591 0.0051762 0.0000243 0.0028435 0.0029242 0.0032650 0.0879366 0.0031344 0.0028700 0.0065157 0.0000727 0.2244566 0.0019413 0.0093329 Arab 0.7487462 0.0398064 0.0129576 0.1481964 0.0000792 0.0001731 0.3959802 1.0000000 0.0001746 0.0215704 0.0012092 0.7284695 0.0775448 0.0753867 0.0500009 0.0031767 0.1785974 0.0760860 0.0012843

0.0000502 0.0372591 0.0052662 0.0000294 0.0038435 0.0031042 0.0034950 0.0949366 0.0033344 0.0029100 0.0069857 0.0000757 0.2304566 0.0022463 0.0099329 0.7572462 0.0418364 0.0194576 0.1499864 0.0000797 0.0002331 0.4034802 1.0000000 0.0001946 0.0455704 0.0018442 0.7394695 0.0783278 O.0760267 0.0505509 0.0033967 0.1845974 0.0775360 0.0013843

Al Mulla Exchange 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) 284.400 373.100 435.600 280.150 3.020 5.250 41.225 2.242 3.615 6.968 2.893 757.050 77.450 75.950

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

BUSINESS

Cyprus bailout deal prompts investors relief LONDON: Investors breathed a sigh of relief yesterday after Cyprus clinched a bailout deal with international creditors

that will prevent it becoming the first country to ditch the euro - a prospect that could have worsened the crisis

TOKYO: A TV crew reports stock prices in front of an electronic stock indicator of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday. A last-minute package of rescue loans that saves Cyprus from a banking collapse and bankruptcy helped push Asian stock markets higher yesterday. —AP

afflicting Europe’s single currency.

In the early hours of yesterday morning in Brussels, an agreement was reached in Brussels that capped one of the most tumultuous weeks since Europe’s debt crisis started three and a half years ago.

In return for a 10 billion euros ($13 billion) bailout from its European partners and the International Monetary Fund, Cyprus agreed to drastically shrink its outsized banking sector, cut its budget, implement economic reforms and privatize state assets - a cocktail of measures that mean the country’s nearterm economic prospects are bleak indeed.

The deal will allow the European Central Bank to continue providing liquidity to the remnants of Cyprus’ banking system. Cyprus’ side of the bargain is earmarked to raise 5.8 billion euros. To do so, the country ’s second-largest bank, Laiki, will be restructured and bond holders and holders of bank deposits of more than 100,000 euros will have to take significant losses.

Depositors in the biggest bank, the Bank

of Cyprus, with over 100,000 euros will also bear a cost but those with savings up to 100,000 euros will be guaranteed in accordance with the EU’s deposit insurance guarantee.

“Equities are enjoying a relief rally this morning as the imminent threat from Cyprus appears to have been abated, but where the markets go from here remains to be seen,” said Mike McCudden, head of derivatives at Interactive Investor. In Europe, the FTSE 100 index of leading British shares was up 0.6 percent at 6,430 while Germany’s DAX rose 1 percent to 7,991. The CAC-40 in France was 1.3 percent higher at 3,819.

The euro was also well-supported, trading 0.3 percent higher at $1.30. And Wall Street was poised for a solid opening with Dow futures up 0.2 percent and the broader S&P 500 futures 0.3 percent higher.

The focus will likely remain on developments surrounding Cyprus for a while yet. In particular, investors will be interested to see if the level of bank withdrawals from the country’s banks when they reopen. That’s scheduled for today.

A longer-lasting concern though is how the Cyprus deal plays out in other countries, notably those at the forefront of Europe’s debt crisis. Will depositors look to reduce their holdings in Spain, Italy and Greece?

“The risk is contagion and the political fall-out from a badly handled crisis,” said Jens Larsen, chief European economist at RBC Capital Markets. Earlier, investors in Asia had the first chance to respond to the Cypriot developments and there too the response in financial markets was of relief. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index surged 1.7 percent to 12,546.46m while South Korea’s Kospi jumped 1.5 percent to 1,977.67. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng rose 0.6 percent to 22,251.15.

However, mainland Chinese shares fell yesterday, with the Shanghai Composite Index down 0.1 percent at 2326.72 and the smaller Shenzhen Composite Index falling the same rate to 959.93.

Oil prices tracked equities higher, albeit modestly, with the benchmark New York rate up 36 cents at $94.07 per barrel. —AP

As euro-zone languishes, emerging markets thrive Cyprus crisis shows rich countries in a poor light LISBON: No matter how Cyprus’s financial drama ends, its troubles show yet again that rich countries enfeebled by the great financial crisis remain a weak link in the world economy. By comparison, emerging markets are not only looking stronger but are also contributing more consistently to global growth. At worst, if Cyprus has to abandon the euro, fragmentation of the single-currency bloc would chill investment and

banks lowered their forecasts for the bloc on the heels of grim purchasing managers’ surveys, and a clutch of sentiment indicators and money supply figures this week are likely to further underscore the economy’s precarious position.

While policy makers in the eurozone struggle to keep the single currency together, the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) will meet to strengthen the

Cyprus can potentially cause, its annual output of $22 billion is no more than China produces in a week.

“For the Cyprus fiasco week to be followed by a BRICS summit week sums up the changing fortunes of global economic development,” O’Neill, who coined the BRICS acronym in 2001, said.

Portugal, mired in recession due to austerity measures demanded by international lenders, provides a vivid

LONDON: A man walks out of a Laiki (Popular) Bank UK branch in northern London yesterday.

The people with deposits in the UK branches of the bank are protected by UK law. —AP could reduce trend growth in the euro zone’s four major economies by a full percentage point on average in the period 2015-2020, according to economists at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Under that scenario, trend growth in Germany could fall to zero, they said. Even if a solution is found that keeps the tiny Mediterranean island afloat, the inept handling of the crisis has revived political risk. Confidence in the euro-zone economy, already relapsing after a fairly bright start to the year, can only suffer. Several

foundations of emerging markets’ growth. The summit, to be held in Durban, South Africa, on Tuesday and Wednesday, is expected to give the go-ahead for a joint foreign exchange reserves pool as well as an infrastructure bank.

The initiative is being hatched partly out of frustration with international financial institutions that they judge to primarily reflect the interests of industrialized countries.

Jim O’Neill, the chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, noted that, for all the havoc that

illustration of the growing importance of emerging markets. The number of Brazilians visiting Portugal has been growing by double digits for more than five years, according to Francisco Calheiros, president of the Portuguese Tourism Confederation.

Sales to China from Volkswagen’s factory outside Lisbon, the country’s second-largest exporter, jumped 54 percent in 2012 even though the plant’s total output fell 15 percent.

Angola is now Portugal’s fourthlargest market, accounting for 6.6 percent of its exports - more than the

United States. “This is how we’ve been able to grow our exports, which is the only component in our GDP which is going up,” said Joao Leite, an economist with Banco Carregosa in Lisbon.

Global figures illustrate the relative vigor of developing countries.

Trade in goods between advanced economies is down by 6 percent over the past four years whereas trade among emerging markets is up by 38 percent, according to Ebrahim Rahbari and Deimante Kupciuniene, economists at Citi. “Trade transformation towards emerging markets has a long way to go,” they said in a report.

A stronger net export performance is one reason why the United States grew modestly in the fourth quarter 2012 after a preliminary report that the economy shrank.

Thursday’s final revision for gross domestic product for the OctoberDecember period is likely to show a 0.5 percent rate of growth, according to economists polled by Reuters.

Among the week’s other data highlights, US durable goods orders and personal income are both expected to have rebounded in February from a swoon in January induced in part by an increase in payroll taxes.

The debate in the United States on whether free trade is to blame for the stagnation of middle-class incomes and rising inequality is likely to heat up as talks over transatlantic and transpacific market-opening deals gather momentum. In a study for the Peterson Institute for International Economics in Washington, Lawrence Edwards and Robert Lawrence acknowledge that some of the public’s fears are well founded because free trade can cause short-term job losses that put communities under strain.

But they conclude that rapid growth in emerging markets is part of the solution to America’s problems, not their source, because a rising tide lifts all boats. “Developing country growth has therefore contributed toward faster US export growth, an increase in the variety of imports available to Americans, and higher terms of trade associated with any given trade balance,” they wrote. —Reuters

Bidding war for Dell as new offers emerge NEW YORK: A bidding war broke out yesterday for US computer maker Dell as two new acquisition offers emerged in competition with the private buyout led by founder Michael Dell.

The company said the offers were from billionaire corporate raider Carl Icahn and investment fund Blackstone Group. Both proposals “could reasonably be expected to result in superior proposals,” but further study is needed, Dell said in a statement. Dell said its special committee, which had set a Friday deadline, would continue negotiations on both offers. “We are gratified by the success of our go-shop process that has yielded two alternative proposals with the potential to create additional value for Dell shareholders,” said special committee chairman Alex Mandl. “We intend to work diligently with all three potential acquirers to ensure the best possible outcome for Dell shareholders.”

The new offers suggest Dell could bring a higher value that the $24.4 billion proposed in the initial buyout offer, analysts said. The initial offer amounted to $13.65 per share, but Brian White at Topeka

Capital Management said bids could go considerably higher. “With three forces at work, we believe a higher buyout bid is in the cards and we continue to believe that an $18 (per share) buyout price for Dell makes sense; however, it is

unlikely that this price level will occur in the first round of bidding,” White said in a note to clients. Roger Kay, analyst with Endpoint Technologies, said the new bids suggest Dell and other firms may have been unfairly punished by the

SAN FRANCISCO: Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell delivers a keynote at the Moscone Center during the Oracle OpenWorld 2011 in this October 4, 2011 file photo in San Francisco. —AFP

stock market, amid gloomy predictions about a shift away from traditional computers. “Tech companies, despite their troubles, are pretty good companies,” Kay said.

“They sell a lot of products. They have pretty good cash flow. You can argue there is a lot of value there. It’s true that a lot has shifted over to high mobility, but it’s not like the PC market has gone away.” Kay said there was also “some suspicion about Michael Dell seeing things that others don’t because he’s in the driver’s seat.”

But Kay noted that, with the new offers, “Michael Dell could lose his job, which is the exact opposite of his intention when he started out” with the buyout. In February, the company unveiled plans to go private in a private equity buyout led by founder Dell, backed by equity investment firm Silver Lake and a loan from Microsoft. According to the details released yesterday, Blackstone proposed a “leveraged recapitalization” which would offer existing shareholders $14.25 per share but allow those who want to hold onto the shares to be able to do so. —AFP

TOKYO: European Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht (right) shakes hands with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida prior to their talks at Kishida’s office in Tokyo yesterday. Japan and European Union (EU) will enter negotiations over a free trade agreement between the two economies. —AFP

Japan, EU launch talks on free trade pact Leaders hold telephone summit TOKYO: Japan and the European Union launched talks on a free trade agreement yesterday with a telephone summit between their leaders, a Japanese minister said. The telephone talks were in place of a face-to-face meeting between European Council and European Commission heads Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Manuel Barroso, and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which was shelved while Europe grappled with debt problems in Cyprus.

“A formal decision to launch free trade negotiations has just been made during a teleconference between the EU leaders and Prime Minister Abe,” said Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshimitsu Motegi. “I consider that it is a matter of great significance,” Motegi said.

“Japan and EU combined represent an economic area of approximately 30 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of global trade.” EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht, calling the decision after many years of discussions an “historic event”, said bilateral trade has been hampered by a range of barriers. “The agreement that we have in our mind is a comprehensive one, tackling barriers and non-tariff barriers, public procurements, intellectual property rights,” he told reporters after the telephone summit.

De Gucht said earlier in the day that only three percent of European foreign direct investment was in Japan and “this shows the EU-Japan trade and investment relationship could and should be greatly enhanced”. The EU is trying to broker bilateral trading agreements with both the

United States and Japan as it looks to boost its sometimes struggling economy.

Japan is a big prize for exporters, who complain that its large market is currently heavily weighted in favor of domestic producers, with sometimes steep tariffs and a range of other barriers. De Gucht said any talks must make substantial progress on the non-tariff issue within 12 months.

“From the European perspective, it’s clear to me that dismantling the persistent non-tariff barriers will be the key for the success of the negotiations,” he said. “In order to convince the skeptics, we need to include a review clause in the mandate.

“After one year from starting off the negotiations, I will take stock of the progress made by Japan in implementing the road maps on non-tariff barriers and... procurement, and if the conclusion would be that the progress has not been satisfactory, the negotiations would be suspended.”

The European and Japanese leaders were also believed to have discussed the outcome of crisis talks on Cyprus. Cyprus, the European Union, the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and euro-zone leaders have agreed a deal that will mean the breaking up of the island’s second largest lender Laiki (Popular Bank), and a hefty levy on deposits above 100,000 euros ($130,000).

Markets feared that failure to reach a deal would have seen the small Mediterranean country exit the 17-nation euro-zone, with the fallout spreading to other troubled bloc members including Italy and Spain. —AFP

Putin says Russia could restructure Cyprus loan MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered his government yesterday to study restructuring a 2.5-billion-euro loan to Cyprus after a bailout was agreed in Brussels to rescue the island from financial ruin. Moscowwhose banks risk losing out in the deposit discount or “haircut” that big depositors are to suffer under the bailout deal-extended the loan to Cyprus in 2011 and it is scheduled to be paid back by 2016.

Putin instructed “the government and the Russian ministry of finance to work with their partners on the issue of restructuring the loan previously issued to Cyprus,” news agencies quoted Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying. The suggestion will come as good news to European officials who had earlier Monday urged Nicosia to continue its negotiations with Moscow over the loan after having failed to get a repayment deferral last week.

Putin did not specify what the terms of the “restructuring” might be. But he sounded encouraging with respect to efforts aimed at securing a 10-billion-euro aid package from the European Union (EU) and International Monetary Fund (IMF), even though the overall plan could hit Russians with substantial

deposits in Cyprus.

“Considering the decisions adopted by the Eurogroup, Putin considers it possible to support the efforts of the president of Cyprus and the European Commission aimed at overcoming the crisis in the banking system of this island state,” Peskov said.

Putin comments should ease fears from some European officials such as French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius that Russia’s reaction “could be harsh indeed.”

The EU-IMF deal would include Russians who have some $31 billion parked in Cypriot corporate and private accounts, and who stand to lose from a haircut on deposits of more than 100,000 euros in Cyprus’s biggest bank, the Bank of Cyprus.

Moscow’s Alfa Bank investment house said that “a bigger burden is to be placed on bigger, mostly Russian deposits under the deal.”

Russia reacted angrily to an original plan that called for a 10-percent levy on deposits in Cyprus of more than 100,000 euros. That plan was rejected by the Cypriot parliament.

European negotiators and Cypriot officials have still not worked out the final details on how painful the cut to the larger holdings in Cyprus’s biggest bank will be.—AFP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

BUSINESS

Hong Kong shares rise as CNOOC up HONG KONG: Hong Kong shares recovered some of last week’s losses in thin Monday trade, as investors welcomed a Cyprus bailout deal Chinese oil majors posted relatively positive 2012 results. Mainland Chinese markets made a subdued start to the week, slipping for the first time in five days, pulling back after a strong performance last week, with brokerages and midsized banks among the biggest index drags. The CSI300 of the leading Shanghai and Shenzhen listings inched down 0.2 percent, while the Shanghai Composite Index slipped 0.1 percent

in volume that was 13 percent below its average in the last month. The Hang Seng Index, which fell 1.9 percent last week, closed up 0.6 percent at 22,251.2 and off the day’s highs. The China Enterprises Index of the top Chinese listings in Hong Kong climbed 0.8 percent. Hong Kong turnover was only slightly higher than Friday’s, which was the lowest in two weeks. Monday’s volume was almost 20 percent below the average over the past 20 days.

“There’s quite a bit of short covering in today’s rebound after the Cyprus deal, but we

have barely cut last week’s losses, so there’s nothing to be too excited about,” said Jackson Wong, vice-president for equity sales at Tanrich Securities. CNOOC jumped 3.9 percent, while China Petroleum and Chemical Corp (Sinopec)rose 3.3 percent in Hong Kong after both posted 2012 net profit broadly in line with market expectations. Monday’s higher oil prices also helped. Sinopec also announced a venture with its parent company to buy $3 billion worth of oil and gas assets held by the latter in a bid to improve its profitability. China Construction

Bank , which reported results on Sunday, rose 2.3 percent in Hong Kong and 1.7 percent in Shanghai. In 2012, the country’s second-largest lender had its slowest annual profit growth as a public listed company, a result broadly in line with market expectations.

CCB was the first of the “Big Four” Chinese banks to report 2012 results, with the rest due to release theirs this week as the earnings seasons for the Hong Kong and China markets peak. Of the 48 percent of Hong Kong-listed companies that have reported 2012 earnings so

far, half of them have missed expectations with the materials sector accounting for the bulk of disappointments, according to Thomson Reuters StarMine. China’s highest ranking vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, said on Sunday that China’s economy was struggling with surplus production capacity and risks to the financial system, warning that failure to extend reforms would consign the country to years of lowquality growth. Part of that strategy involves mergers and acquisitions in sectors such as cement. —Reuters

WASHINGTON: Sen Richard Burr (right) talks with Sen Richard Shelby as they ride an escalator on Capitol Hill in Washington as lawmakers rushed to the Senate floor to vote on amendments to the budget resolution.—AP

Budget balance in the eye of the beholder WASHINGTON: When it comes to budgets, balance is in the eye of the congressional beholder. To House Republicans, it means a balanced budget in a decade, achieved by $4.6 trillion in spending cuts and without any tax increases.

To Senate Democrats, it means a balanced plan, about $975 billion in higher taxes and a spending reduction of about $875 billion, not counting cancellation of $1.2 trillion in existing across-the-board-cuts.

That makes the two plans polar opposites as President Barack Obama and the two political parties begin maneuvering toward yet another round of deficit-reduction negotiations.

“Ultimately the key to this lock is in their (Republican) hands and they’ve got to decide if they want to turn it, and that means taking a balanced approach,” said Rep. Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat who is his party’s chief budget strategist in the House.

Across the Capitol, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky offered a rebuttal. He said that under the plan Democrats favor: “We won’t get more jobs or a better economy or sensible reforms to prevent Medicare or Social Security from going bankrupt. And we certainly won’t get a balanced budget.”

Even with the deep differences between the two parties, there’s plenty of time before the next make-or-break moment in divided government’s pursuit of lower deficits. That won’t come until late July, when Obama probably will be forced to ask Congress for an increase in borrowing authority so the Treasury can finance the nation’s $16 trillion national debt. Republicans have said they will use the request as leverage to gain concessions on spending cuts in Medicare and other benefit programs.

“Going back to the 1950s, debt ceiling requests of presidents have been used to bring about major changes, Gramm-Rudman, the Congressional Review Act, the 1997 Clinton-Republican Congress deficit reduction package, the Budget Control Act,” McConnell said, summoning the ghosts of budget compromises past.

“All of those came in the context of the budget - of the request of the president to raise the debt ceiling,” he said. Well before then, on April 8 in fact, Obama will present a budget of his own. It is long overdue, to the disappointment of Republicans who had hoped to make it an object of ridicule in the just-completed budget debates in the House and Senate.

It gives Obama the chance to align himself entirely with his Democratic allies, or possibly to edge away when it comes to government benefit programs that have largely escaped cuts in earlier compromises. Republicans will watch to see what steps, if any, the White House is willing to recommend to slow the growth of Medicare or perhaps Social Security.

Given Obama’s recent series of meetings with Republicans, some GOP lawmakers say privately it would be a positive sign for him to include a proposal curtailing the rise in cost of living increases in benefit programs. It’s a change he has supported since his aborted deficit-reduction negotiations with House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, nearly two years ago. But many Democrats in Congress oppose it and the administration has never included it in its budget.

Republicans also are hoping Obama will back steps to slow the long-term growth in Medicare, even if they phase in gradually and produce relatively little deficit savings in the next decade.

The president’s 2013 budget called for $305 billion in Medicare savings, but only a fraction of that would come directly from patients or seem likely to change the demand for care.

In his State of the Union address in February, the president said he would change “the way our government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn’t be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital - they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive.”

Considerably more sensitive is a suggested increase in the age of eligibility for Medicare.

During the recent round of meetings, Republicans asked Obama if he would support it, and he sidestepped, according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing private conversations. It’s another idea that the president supported once before, when he was negotiating with Boehner, and one that many congressional Democrats oppose strenuously.

House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California, who says she is “agnostic” on a change in the cost-of-living formula, recently wrote that an increase in the Medicare eligibility age above 65 is “a reflection of the broader Republican plan: an assault on the middle class, seniors and our future.” On the other side of the divide, Obama and Democrats want Republicans to agree to higher taxes as part of any deal that wrings savings from Medicare. That was a tough sell before Jan. 1, the date Congress raised rates on upper-income taxpayers with votes of some Republicans and the acquiescence of others.

It will be an even tougher one now.

“Taking more money from hard-working families to fuel more spending in Washington is not going to solve our budget crisis,” Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan told the House recently as he advocated for the Republican budget that he wrote.

This time, Rep. James Clyburn of South Carolina provided the Democratic rebuttal.

“There are many words that can be used to describe the Ryan budget,” he told the House. “But the one word that cannot be used is ‘balanced.’” —AP

Cairn India plans $2bn investment MUMBAI: Shares of oil producer Cairn India rose nearly three percent yesterday after the explorer said it plans to invest $2 billion to raise output by more than 70 percent at its oilfields in the country’s northwest. Shares of Cairn, part of Britainbased resources giant Vedanta, controlled by tycoon Anil Agarwal, climbed 2.9 percent to a high of 285.6 rupees in trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

“In the next couple of years we are looking at around $2 billion investment. In the next five years, we are looking to drill at least 500 wells a year,” Cairn India board member P Elango told reporters at the weekend. Cairn said it is aiming to use the $2 billion to raise output by 71 percent over the next few years. The company is now producing 175,000 barrels of oil per day from its blocks in Rajasthan state and its fields have the potential to support production of 300,000 barrels a day, Elango said.

Greater domestic energy supplies for India, which imports some 80 percent of its crude oil needs, has

become especially vital to reduce a high current account deficit, of which fuel purchases from abroad account for the largest chunk. “I see import dependence coming down by 50 per cent by 2020 and by 75 percent in 2025. By 2030, we should be self-reliant,” Oil Minister M. Veerappa Moily said on Saturday. Cairn sold its 40 percent controlling stake in Cairn India in December 2011 to India-focused Vedanta Resources for $6.5 billion, after a long battle to win Indian government approval for the sale.

Cairn India said it has already invested 180 billion rupees ($3.31 billion) to boost production at oil fields and plans to spend another 60 billion rupees in the financial year that begins April 1. On Saturday, the explorer launched production at Aishwariya, the third-largest field in Rajasthan.

Other fields operated by the Vedanta group company include the Mangala, Bhagyam and Saraswati fields. Cairn India holds a 70 percent stake in the Rajasthan block, while state-run Oil & Natural Gas holds the rest. —AFP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

BUSINESS

German advisers cut 2013 growth forecast BERLIN: Economic advisers to the German government more than halved their forecast for 2013 growth yesterday, blaming a sharp fourthquar ter contraction and weak prospects for foreign trade and investment. The advisers, known in Germany as the “wise men”, predicted the economy would almost grind to a halt this year, growing just 0.3 percent compared to 0.7 percent in 2012. In October they had forecast Europe’s largest economy to expand 0.8 percent in 2013, but data has since shown that it shrank by 0.6 percent in the last three months of 2012. Foreign trade, traditionally the main driver of German growth, would subtract 0.3 percentage points from German gross domestic product (GDP) this year, the advisers said. Demand for Germany’s goods has weakened as austerity measures and recession take their toll on demand in other members of the euro-zone, where Germany sends 40 percent of its shipments.

The advisers said investment was unlikely to make any significant contribution to growth in the first half of 2013. They see capital investment dropping by 3 percent over the year, a slight improvement compared with 2012, when firms invested 4.8 percent less in machinery and equipment.

Some German companies are making cuts, with Air Berlin , the country’s second biggest carrier, saying it would focus on savings this year. Retailer Metro has said it would reduce overall investment in the shortened 2013 year

to below the 954 million euros it put into its business in the first nine months of 2012. The advisers said growth would primarily come from domestic demand, with private consumption increasing by 0.7 percent and government spending rising by an upwardly revised 1.7 percent.

“Especially household final consumption expenditure should continue to display a robust development, given that the labor market is still remarkably stable,” the advisers said in a statement.

Germany’s jobless rate is close to its lowest since the country reunited more than two decades ago and the number of Germans out of work fell in February. In addition, inflation is moderate, wages are rising and paltry interest rates are giving consumers little incentive to save. Data due out later this week is expected to bolster the advisers’ expectations by showing that the number of unemployed Germans fell by 4,000 in March and consumer sentiment held steady heading into April. The influential Ifo survey last week showed German business morale fell in March, breaking a fourmonth run of gains and highlighting concerns the reignited debt crisis in the euro zone will test Germany ’s resilience. Consumer price inflation will ease to 1.7 percent this year from 2.0 percent last year and the unemployment rate will edge up to 6.9 percent from 6.8 percent, the advisers said, which is still near post-reunification lows. — Reuters

Najat Akel receiving her prize during the NBK Walkathon

One year on: The BMW 3 Series remains a best seller KUWAIT: In a crowded, competitive market, the recent performance of the BMW 3 Series is testament to the old adage that form is temporary, class is permanent. Sales results for the sixth generation of this sporty and dynamic model launched in the Middle East one year ago reveal that there is no signs of slowing down the world’s best-selling premium car.

On a global level, the BMW 3 Series remains BMW’s best-selling model accounting for 26 percent of the company ’s global sales. In 2012, every fourth BMW sold was a 3 Series. In the Middle East, the success story continues with the BMW 3 Series consistently amongst the company’s top-selling models.

Lebanon was one of the largest Middle East markets in terms of BMW 3 Series sales in 2012, which saw the model grow in popularity by 128 percent. In Qatar sales increased by 51 percent; Saudi Arabia was another successful market which saw sales increase 33 percent; Abu Dhabi with a 14 percent increase, Bahrain with a 9 percent increase and Kuwait with 7

percent increase.

A large part of the sixth generation 3 Series success can be attributed to the blend of sporty design and the constant evolution of its features, ranging from powerful design elements to advanced drive and chassis technology. The model maintains the traditional design features of the BMW brand while combining sporting elegance with

to win KD 5,000 weekly, KD 125,000 monthly and a grand prize of KD 250,000 quarterly. Al-Jawhara account offers numerous benefits to NBK customers. Not only is it an interest-free account with regular deposit and withdrawal privileges, but also entitles account holders to enter the weekly, monthly and quarterly Al-Jawhara draws.

Each KD 50 in an Al-Jawhara account entitles the customer to one chance in any of the draws. All prizes are automatically credited to the winners’ accounts the day after the draw. The more money held in your Al-Jawhara account, the greater your chances of winning. Al-Jawhara accounts are available to both Kuwaitis and expats and can be opened at any one of NBK’s branches around Kuwait.

Skyline - The most awarded builder with new projects COCHIN: For over a quarter of a century, Skyline builders have strived to create homes that not only impress in terms of design and quality of structure, but also prominently in terms of credibility. This untiring quest for perfection has made Skyline brand, a synonym for trust and to win several prestigious awards. CNBCAWAAZ Real Estate Award for Best midsegment project in the 100 percent

completed category for Skyline Imperial Gardens and the best mid-segment project in 70 percent completed category for Skyline Ivy League, are the recently achieved accolades. Earlier, Skyline Imperial Garden had won the Best Residential Apartment Award in the non-metro category of CREDAI Real Estate Awards 2012. In 2010, Skyline Topaz had won the Best All India Real Estate Property Award in

below 5,00,000 sq.ft built up area category. Skyline stands out from the other builders with innovations and continuous improvement in project implementation and customer service. Whether it is luxury apartments, villas or multipurpose commercial space, their merit has always been the same in quality, style, excellence and elegance.

As a part of the enhanced customer service, a novel concept of ‘ Transit Homes’ for Skyline home owners has been introduced recently. Under this program, every Skyline home owner is given a privilege card called ‘Skylineage card’ which provides for free complimentary stay of up to 3 nights in select fully furnished Skyline luxury apartments across Kerala. This is a first of its kind service offered by a builder in India.

In addition to this, Skyline has a dedicated After Sales division, Homecare division and Interiors division, which caters to the various services of a Skyline customer.

Skyline is credited with shaping up more than 10 million sq. ft. built-up area through 122 projects in 10 cities across the state and with the trust of over 5500 home owners, Skyline has reiterated its leadership in this industry. The Skyline Marketing team is visiting GCC Countries to reinforce the client interaction program and to promote latest new launches with path breaking contemporary housing projects. A team led by Skyline Corporate Sales Manager Unnikrishna V is now in Kuwait.

Customers also get to choose from four power ful TwinPower Turbo engines ranging from the four-cylinder 316i, 320i, 328i and the six-cylinder 335i. All engines come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo technology, offering more EfficientDynamics technology to make the 3 Series more fuel-efficient. When inside the new BMW 3 Series, passengers have noticeably more space due to the extended chassis, while being surrounded by refined luxury and state-of-the-art in-car technology. Drive and chassis technology have always been key areas of expertise for the brand, and agility and driving dynamics remain outstanding attributes of the new BMW 3 Series.

The sixth generation is therefore perfectly placed to not only preserve the BMW 3 Series iconic status, but also to enhance it.

To place this in context, it is worth noting that the 3 Series has sold 13 million cars since its launch in 1975, proving that it has a winnable formula that will no doubt add to its success story.

Saudi index loses momentum

Najat Akel wins KD250,000 in NBK’s Al-Jawhara draw KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced Najat Mohammed Akel KouKou the winner of KD250,000, NBK’s Al-Jawhara quarterly prize. The draw took place during NBK’s 19th Annual Walkathon on Saturday, March 23, 2013 under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce.

Najat Akel, the grand winner of the KD 250,000 draw, received her prize from Mazin Saad Al-Nahedh, NBK General Manager, Consumer Banking Group. The winner expressed her gratitude and appreciation, explaining that this prize gave her the chance to finally purse the dreams of her family.

NBK re-launched Al-Jawhara account, by offering customers more chances to win bigger prizes. NBK customers have chances

iconic styling. Most notably, the 3 Series is the first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury - three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior. Within each line, customers can choose a number of exclusive finishes and equipment variants to suit their taste, allowing a unique level of personalization.

KAMCO RESEARCH KUWAIT: The lack of local market catalysts coupled with lower than expected FY-12 earnings and a drop in oil prices negatively pressured the TASI. The TASI failed to maintain enough bullish momentum to hold above the 7,000 mark and reversed to the downside to end the month as the second worst performing market in the GCC region following Qatar Exchange. As a result, the TASI was down 0.64 percent in February to close just below the psychological 7,000 mark.

Market breadth skewed heavily towards the losers with an advancer-to-decliner ratio of 49-to-104 and 4 stocks unchanged.

Accordingly, TADAWUL market capitalization fell 0.6 percent shedding SAR 8.6 billion ($ 2.3 billion) to reach SAR 1.43 trillion ($ 381.6 billion) as compared to SAR 1.44 trillion ($ 383.9 billion) recorded at the end of January-13, as the vast majority of sectors decreased. Market heavyweight Petrochemical Industries was down by 2.36 percent to reach SAR 446 billion ($ 118.9 billion) while the Banks and Financial sector was up 0.6 percent to SAR 322.7 billion ($ 86.1 billion) and the Telecommunications & IT sector lost 1.64 percent to SAR 151 billion ($ 40.3 billion).

Trading indicators were mixed during the month with volume traded increasing a marginal 0.11 percent to 4.66 billion shares distributed over 3.2 million transactions while value traded fell 7.7 percent to SAR 118.3 billion from SAR 128.1 billion in January-13.

As the month began, the TASI was pressured to the downside by market heavyweight SABIC as the world’s largest petrochemicals firm said a workers strike at its unit SABIC Europe Chemicals Geleen’s plant in the Netherlands has cut production. SABIC said in a bourse statement that talks with a union over working conditions had not yet been successful and that it did not know what impact the strike would have on profits or production since it is not possible to determine the financial effect or the effect on production capacity, at this time, because the affected plants are not yet known. This could imply a shutdown or reduction in production operations in the Netherland if it was unable to come to terms with the employee union.

With the lack of local market catalysts after investors had digested earnings season, renewed worries about the Euro Zone’s debt crisis dragged Saudi Arabia’s bourse to a twoweek low on Feb. 5 to hit 6,993, marking the lowest close since Jan 21. Investors continued to take cues from global events as they remained cautious.

Nevertheless, the TASI was able to recover losses the following day after the King appointed a new chairman for the Capital

Market Authority. The official statement (royal decree) did not explain the personnel change; however, the change was not necessarily related to Saudi Arabia’s preparations to open its stock market more fully to foreign investors, which have been in progress for years; the government has not yet set a date for the opening, apparently since it is concerned about possible instability in the market. Nonetheless, the appointment was seen as positive in the market.

During the latter part of the month, large caps weighed on index performance with investors dumping blue-chips for not seeing a real catalyst in them as there is no more double-digit growth. Small- and mid-cap stocks drew much of funds flow, with some companies in a strong growth phase. The TASI continued to hover around the key psychological level of 7,000 failing to find enough support from blue-chips to sustain the breakout.

In ratings news, Fitch Ratings has affirmed Saudi Hollandi Bank’s (SHB) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A-’ with a Stable Outlook and Viability Rating (VR) at ‘bbb’.

SHB’s IDRs, Support Rating and Support Rating Floor reflect Fitch’s view that there is an extremely high probability that the Saudi Arabian authorities would support the bank, if needed. This view is based on the Saudi authorities’ strong track record of support for the banking system and SHB’s well-established corporate and commercial banking franchise.

In addition, Fitch Ratings has affirmed Riyad Bank’s (RB) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘A+’ and Viability Rating (VR) at ‘a’. The Outlook on the Long-term IDR is Stable. RB’s Long- and Short-term IDRs, Support Rating and Support Rating Floor reflect Fitch’s view that there would be an extremely high probability of support from the Saudi authorities, if required.

Moreover, Fitch has affirmed Saudi Electricity Company’s (SEC) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and senior unsecured rating at ‘AA-’. The Outlook on the Long-term IDR is Stable. Fitch has also affirmed SEC’s Sukuk issues at ‘AA-’. SEC’s ratings are aligned with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA, ‘AA’/Stable), based on strong legal, operational, and strategic links, in accordance with Fitch’s Parent and Subsidiary Rating Linkage methodology. KSA directly owns 74 percent of SEC (and indirectly owns another 7 percent through Saudi Aramco, a state-owned enterprise). SEC has been instrumental in executing the Kingdom’s policies on electrification.

Through its council of ministers, the government is responsible for approving the electricity tariffs that SEC can charge its customers.

Currently, the electricity tariffs for residential customers are deeply subsidized.

SEC’s key credit strengths are its monopolistic position in the electricity transmission and distribution sector and a dominant position in the electricity generation segment within KSA. Low generating capacity utilization (a function of the market dynamics) and limited visibility in the cost structure remain key rating concerns. In addition, lack of clarity about the future settlement of the subsidized fuel costs payable to Saudi Aramco creates uncertainty about long-term cash flow visibility and stability. In the past, the KSA government assumed the payment of fuel costs onto the account of the Ministry of Finance.

Meanwhile on the economic front, Saudi Arabia issued final regulations on real-estate financing, leasing and supervision of financial companies as the kingdom works to ease a housing shortage by opening up its mortgage market and enacting the country’s first homeloans law. The regulations outlining three of the five laws that make up the package of changes. Rules on the enforcement of foreclosures and mortgage registrations have yet to be completed. The package goes into effect when regulations for the two remaining laws are finished and once the final versions of the legislation are publicized in the official newspaper.

The rules will lead to the creation of licensed private mortgage providers as well as a state-run company for refinancing, resembling Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the US. The Saudi Real Estate Refinancing Corp. would be responsible for issuing Islamic bonds or securities backed by mortgages or real estate. Mortgage lenders in Saudi Arabia must have minimum paid-up capital of SAR 200 million and will be given two years to comply with all new requirements set for mortgage providers. They also must inform Saudi Arabia’s central bank, which will regulate them, of their plans to conform to the regulations within nine months of their enactment. The regulations also ban mortgage lenders from providing loans for other purposes and prohibit home-financing providers from developing property.

Regarding inflation, prices in Saudi Arabia have accelerated to 4.2 percent year-on-year in January 2013, the highest level since July 2012, compared with 3.9 percent the previous month, according to the latest report by the Central Department for Statistics and Information (CDSI). Food prices maintained their upward trend since September last year.

In January food prices increased by 6 percent year-on-year, the highest level since April 2011.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

BUSINESS

Jazeera Airways Group holds 2012 AGM Shareholders agree to retain Group’s record earnings KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways Group yesterday held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders at the company’s headquarters in Freedom Town, Kuwait where shareholders approved the Board’s recommendation to retain the company’s record earnings. Jazeera Airways had closed 2012 with a record net profit of KD13.9 million for the year 2012, beating last year’s record earnings by 32% and making the year the company’s best year in history despite regional political unrest and fuel price volatility.

2012 Financial Performance ● FY2012 Operating revenue: KD62.6 million, up 8% from FY2011’s KD57.8 million ● FY2012 Operating profit: KD18.5 million, up 25% from FY2011’s KD14.9 million ● FY2012 Net profit: KD13.9 million, up 32% from FY2011’s KD10.6 million ● FY2012 Average yield: up 13% from FY2011 Jazeera Airways Group Chairman Marwan Boodai said, “Like 2011, 2012 was another record-breaking year in every sense. This performance continued to be driven directly by a healthy, growing, profitable and sustainable airline business, and a reliable and consistent leasing business. Together, they have proven to be an ideal business combination that generates a sustainable net profit in every quarter.”

2012 Key Developments Introduction of new sales, booking, and check-in technologies ● Received one new aircraft, financed with backing from European Export Credit Agency ●

● Launched the first commercial service between Kuwait and Iraq in 22 years, endorsed by the governments of both countries ● Ranked world leader in OTP

by FlightStats The product and customer experience enhancements have also been a driver in the airline’s returns. The airline introduced new payment and check-in technologies, including mobile apps and self-check-in facilities at Kuwait Airport, the first in Kuwait, and web-check-in throughout the network. By the end of the 2012, one in ten bookings was made on a mobile platform.

Operationally, the airline also had one of its best years to date.

FlightStats, the US-based center that monitors flights’ on-time performance (OTP) globally, had ranked Jazeera Airways as the world leader in on-time performance in 2012. This is a major achievement for the airline and a boost to Jazeera Airways’ internal OTP and operational excellence culture.

the fourth quarter. “ This strong per formance clearly demonstrates the agility and viability of the Jazeera Airways Group’s business model, which continues to perform even in the wake of high fuel costs and political turmoil in our region,” said Boodai.

Sahaab Aircraft Leasing As for the Group’s leasing

uled to receive two new Airbus A320 aircraft in 2013. Both are planned to be inducted into the airline operation, replacing two older aircraft. Sahaab Aircraft Leasing will then undertake to remarket those two older aircraft to regional or international customers.

The funds raised through the rights issue will help finance these deliveries and other strate-

corporate strategy for the years 2012 to 2014.

2013 Outlook Following the last two recordbreaking years, the Group wellpositioned for another growth year in line with the strategic master plan set by the management team.

“For the airline, we operate a regional network where the average flight time is 2.25 hours. This market

Group balance-sheet ● Hard assets of KD149 million ● Cash reserves increased to

KD47 million, exceeding equity ● Equity improved by KD32 million ● Debt to equity ratio of 1.6 ● Rights issue executed and completed in Q4, raised the target of KD17.8 million with an oversubscription of 2.25 times The Group closed the year with an improved and healthy balance sheet that is cash-rich with KD47 million. “I thank our shareholders and their statement of confidence in the Group that evident in the 2.25 times oversubscription of the rights issue that was executed and concluded in

Jazeera Airways Group Chairman Marwan Boodai addresses the AGM. —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat operation, Sahaab Aircraft Leasing had continued to perform as planned by bringing in sustainable and predictable revenues throughout the year.

Those results are in line with the initial objectives set for this entity at the time it was acquired by Jazeera Airways Group in February of 2010. Sahaab Aircraft Leasing continues to maintain assets placed with Jazeera Airways, Virgin America and SriLankan Airlines.

The leasing company is sched-

gic initiatives and growth plans, in addition to closing high-interest commitments.

The Chairman said, “Our continued success in 2012 couldn’t have been achieved without the cooperation of the Kuwait Directorate of Civil Aviation and their support across all levels, our partners and service providers, and the support of the government of Kuwait.”

The results reflect the ongoing success of the Group’s Strategic Master Plan (STAMP); the Group’s

is always in demand and has repeatedly shown it can withstand political, weather, and financial shocks.

Since 2008 we’ve seen financial crises, revolutions, wars, severe weather disruptions and irregular regulatory environments, and despite it all, demand for our product never waned and we continued to generate record earnings while serving our customers with a great product”.

“I am very optimistic that we will continue to witness growth and perform towards meeting and hopeful-

ly exceeding our business plan targets to the satisfaction of our stakeholders and business partners.

“Today, with the right funding in place, both the airline and leasing business lines have been successfully complementing each other for three years now. I can truly say that we have the ideal business structure as proven by the impressive results.

Simply said; A bright future is awaiting us,” Boodai told shareholders.

The airline operates a two-class cabin comprising of a Business Class and an Economy Class. Jazeera Airways’ Business Class offering includes a separate cabin for passengers, exclusive check-in counters, business lounge access at airports, in-flight ‡ la carte menu, and 60 kilograms in free baggage allowance.

The airline’s Economy Class offers travelers free baggage allowance of 40 kilograms, free on-board meals with a changing menu every month, and year-round value fares.

Jazeera Airways is based in Kuwait and operates a network comprising high-demand business, leisure, family, and weekend destinations such as Dubai, Bahrain, Beirut, Alexandria, Amman, Istanbul, Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, Mashhad, Sohag, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo and Al Najaf.

Established in 2005, Jazeera Airways Group is a Kuwait Stock Exchange-listed company. The company has 12 fully-owned Airbus A320s in operation, distributed between its airline business, Jazeera Airways (seven aircraft), and its fullyowned leasing business, Sahaab Aircraft Leasing (five aircraft).

Sahaab has assets placed with Virgin America, SriLankan Airlines, and Jazeera Airways.

Jazeera Airways is an IATA-member airline and operates one of the youngest Airbus A320 fleets in the Middle East.

Al-Babtain donates automotive parts to train Kuwaiti students KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Company donated automotive parts to Sabah Al Salam Industrial Training Institute to help to prepare and educate Kuwaiti students on modern automotive technology.

Saleh Babtain, Chief Executive Officer of Al-Babtain Group handed over the items to the Manager of the institute Tareq Al Amiri.

Marking the event, CEO Babtain Group said: “The youth are the real wealth of the country and Al-Babtain Group supports Kuwait’s youth due to its believe that it is essential to train and educate the students to develop their skills, which in return aims to develop the company.” He noted that what Al-Babtain Group offers to the Kuwaiti youth is considered a first step towards developing the international recognized academy, which greatly contributes in leveling up the training with as little cost as possible hence eliminating the need to travel abroad. He praised the role of the academy is playing which will help meet the motivations and aspirations of those working at Al-Babtian to enhance their skills.

A total number of 21 various parts suitable for training were donated to the institution by Al-Babtain Group. Head Division of the Vehicles Section Mazen Al-Furaih expressed his happiness over the support extended by the company.

He added that these components in addition to the coaching provided by Al-Babtain training division will be useful in preparing Kuwaiti students for Modern Automotive technology. Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer Mohammed Shalaby conveyed during an event held to commemorate the donation that Al-Babtain plans to provide more training for students during the summer classes.

He stressed that Al-Babtain is always showing keen interest in helping Kuwaiti students become more skilled in modern technology. “Education is the first essential tool for any development. And because we want to see Kuwait become the GCC’s financial hub as per the request of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, we continuously seek opportunities to contribute into investing in our Kuwaiti youth,” he concluded.

Brief About Al-Babtain Group of companies: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al-Babtain Company is the authorized dealer of Nissan Motor Co Ltd in Kuwait and has been honored by Nissan Motor Company, which recently granted Al-Babtain as “Best Dealer Award” . It has been awarded this prize in recognition of outstanding performance at the level of Sales, Marketing, Aftersales Service, Spare Parts and Customer service, within the overall performance of dealers all over the world. Nissan Al-Babtain ranked first among automotive dealers of new car sales category as per “Service Hero” Consumers survey 2012. Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz AlBabtain Co is the second Nissan distributer after Taiwan for Nissan Motors outside Japan.

More options for parents in Mideast Surf and shop at newest online store DUBAI: Mumz N Babyzisa new online baby shop, which launched on February 12, 2013 to provide parents across the Middle East region with a wide array of products as well as a forum to share experiences and access tips from experts in the field.

Mumz N Babyz (www.mumznbabyz.com) is an online community and one stop shop for mothers, babies and children.

The website promises the latest and widest variety of products from around the world including maternity and children clothing, toys, furniture, books, movies, music, accessories, gifts and more.

They also carry products dedicated to premature children and children with special needs. Expecting mothers can create an online registry to make shopping easier for their loved ones.

“The Middle East has a lot to offer but despite the growth in children related stores, I believe there is still an opportunity for more” stated Dalia Nuwayhid, Managing Partner and CoFounder of Mumz N Babyz. “As a mother of three, living between the US and UAE, I feel the difference in consumer choice between the two markets. I believe mothers in the region deserve to have the same purchasing power as mothers in more developed markets, particularly mothers with special requirements such as toys for children with disabilities or clothes for pre-mature babies.”

Shoppers are encouraged to visit the website or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mumznbabyz for the latest news or advice from experts.

Customers can also utilize a suite of tools available to them, such as the online due date calculator or the baby name book. Others can personalize their experience through the Mumz N Babyz blog by requesting specific tips, advice or to simply share their experiences with others.

“We will continue to assess our customer needs and grow our product offering accordingly. We will also introduce items not available in the Middle East and highlight unique online services and expert advice. As a mother, I expect the most up to date and dependable products, services and research to be made available to me. Through Mumz N Babyz, I hope to fulfill that expectation for mothers throughout the Middle East” concluded Dalia Nuwayhid.

Hyundai Electronics opens after-sale center KUWAIT: Marketing and Sales Manager of Hyundai Electronics, Shadi Alamah, opened the new after sale center with the company’s work team in North Sabhan - Industrial Area - Block 11. He stated on the occasion that the center was opened to “utilize all efforts in serving our customers and ensure that they have maximum benefit from the

features that our products provide”.

Hyundai Electronics gives top priority to the after-sale services as it provides customers with a two-year warranty on all products in addition to other attractive features, said Alamah. According to him, these offers have helped the company “earn the trust of the Kuwaiti customer.”

ABB’s i’m Watch Participates in VIVA 512 KUWAIT: Abdulrahman Barrak Al-Babtain Est (ABB), exclusive distributor of i’m Watch smart watch in Kuwait and GCC countries, announced that it took part in VIVA 512 event, the first gaming event ever held in Kuwait hosted in 360 Mall Exhibition Hall from 21st till 23rd of March.

ABB said that i’m Watch brand sponsored Achmed Tarhouchi, known as Achie, the famous international street soccer player who participated in VIVA 512, the EA sport FIFA 13 PS3 knock-out tournament. Always eager for competitions that allow him to show his amazing football skills, he was part of many showdowns and international championships. The company added that attendants were able to challenge Achie and the winners were awarded i’m Watch watches. ABB also offered i’m Watch smart watches to the first and second winners in VIVA 512 tournament.

ABB took part in VIVA 512 tournament to introduce the audience and the participators to this new smart watch, available in a variety of models to fit every style including that it is available in sports design. It is the first smart watch able to connect easily to smart phones over Bluetooth allowing its users to receive

calls, read messages and emails, listen to music, check the news, view pictures and stay connected to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

I’m Watch developed recently the new application “i’m Sport” which helps sports players monitor their heart rates while exercising and provides them with a timer that allows them to check the time they spend to complete each exercise.

This shining modern watch is the perfect combination of the state of the art technology and elegant Italian design. It is user friendly and simple to connect to all smart phones thanks to its customized “I’m Droid” software especially designed to comply with the smart watch’s features. I’m Watch is characterized by an ultra-responsive high-definition touch screen with a curved surface. This eye-catching watch meets all the tastes as it comes in different colors (black, blue, red, pink, green, yellow...).

ABB spares no effort to be part in any event that caters to the needs of the youth whether its entertainment or educational and to offer cutting-edge products and latest smart devices for its clients.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

technology

Microsoft conducts 1st App Academy for developers, designers in Kuwait 3-day free training workshop attracts more than 30 developers KUWAIT: In a bid to enable and empower the growing generation of app developers IT Professionals and students, Microsoft Kuwait held its first free App Academy training workshop at the Gulf

University for Science and Technology (GUST ). This workshop was targeting developers working in different public sector entities, private sector companies and students developers.

Risky software remains on PCs for months: Kaspersky

K

aspersky Lab has released the report “Evaluating the threat level of software vulnerabilities”, following careful analysis of the prevalence of security flaws found in various programs throughout 2012. Using the data from the cloud-based Kaspersky Security Network, Kaspersky Lab experts have revealed over 132 million vulnerabilities on more than 11 million computers. This figure compiles to 12vulnerabilities per user on average. Besides, over 800 unique vulnerabilities appeared just in the year of 2012.

However, only eight vulnerabilities out of all this diversity were found in the widespread exploit packs used by cybercriminals: five in Oracle Java, two in Adobe Flash Player, and one in Adobe Reader. Still this is more than enough a “burglary tool” for abusers to steal private data from computers, conduct cyberespionage on businesses and sabotage crucial industrial systems or government agencies.

As well as highlighting the most dangerous vulnerabilities, the Kaspersky Lab research also assesses how enthusiastically users upgrade to newer versions of software once that update has been made available. This particular analysis revealed the disturbing fact that some old -or even obsolete - versions of popular programs remain on a significant number of PCs for months and even years, posing great risks for users’ personal data and companies’ infrastructures.

In particular, research on users’ willingness to switch to newer, safer software versions revealed that six weeks after the appearance of the latest version of Java (September-October 2012), only 28.2 percent of users managed to switch to the safest version, with over 70 percent leaving their system vulnerable to Java exploits.

An obsolete 2010 version of Adobe Flash Player that could easily be exploited was found on an average of 10.2 percent computers, with almost no decline noted throughout 2012. A vulnerability discovered in Adobe Reader in December 2011 was found on 13.5 percent of computers, again, with no signs of decline.

Software vulnerabilities present a clear and obvious threat to both consumers and businesses. There are ways to mitigate such risks: usage of antimalware solution and the most advanced protection technologies, such as Kaspersky Systems Management which has integrated vulnerabilities assessment technology.

Kaspersky Systems Management scans workstations for vulnerabilities in the operating system and third-party software applications, and uses the results for a follow-up analysis with Kaspersky Lab’s own unique vulnerabilities database, Secunia database and Microsoft Windows Update data services.

Data about any vulnerability detected is then sent to the systems administrator, who can remotely set up the installation of necessary updates on vulnerable systems. “What this research reveals is that releasing a fix for a security loophole shortly after discovery is not enough to make users and businesses secure.

Inefficient update mechanisms have left millions of users of Java, Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader at risk.

This, along with the whole series of critical vulnerabilities found in Java in 2012 and early 2013, highlights the need for the most up-to-date protection methods. Companies should take this problem very seriously, as security flaws in popular software have become the principle gateways for a successful targeted attack”, said Vyacheslav Zakorzhevsky, Vulnerability Research Expert at Kaspersky Lab.

Vietnam War whistleblower defends WikiLeaks ‘hero’ KENSINGTON: Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg waited decades for someone like Bradley Manning to follow in his footsteps. He hails the US Army private accused of spilling secrets to website WikiLeaks as a champion of truth and not a betrayer of his country. Manning was arrested in May 2010 on 22 charges of giving classified material on the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to WikiLeaks.Military prosecutors have accused Manning of the capital crime of aiding the enemy, saying they will not seek the death penalty for the 25-year-old man but want him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

“I have significant identification with all whistleblowers, but with Bradley above all,” said Ellsberg. “I’d like to see him get the Nobel Peace Prize,” Ellsberg continued, tossing in a military Medal of Honor and a Congressional Gold Medal. “He deserves to be seen as a hero. Certainly, he is a hero of mine.” Ellsberg sees Manning’s case as mirroring his history-making move in 1971 to leak what became known as the Pentagon Papers, a report about US political and military machinations involving the Vietnam War. “It is the first time since the Pentagon Papers that someone has put out a large raft of material,” Ellsberg said in an interview at his home in the wooded enclave of Kensington across the bay from San Francisco.”I think Bradley has done the right thing,” continued Ellsberg, who will be 82 in April. “We’ve needed this kind of revelation frequently.” The Pentagon Papers were finally published in full in June 2011, 40 years after then US military analyst Ellsberg slipped excerpts of the classified report to the media.

Ellsberg’s act of defiance revealed evidence that successive US administrations had lied to the public about Vietnam.Pentagon Papers leaks led Nixon to set up a covert White House investigations unit, known as The Plumbers, to prevent further leaks to the media. Members of the unit were subsequently implicated in a 1972 burglary at the Watergate complex in Washington-sparking the scandal that

eventually forced the president derisively nicknamed “Tricky Dick” to quit in 1974. A set of Pentagon Papers books were prominently displayed in wall-to-ceiling bookshelves in Ellsberg’s home.”I couldn’t have done that without Xerox,” Ellsberg said, referring to how he photocopied thousands of pages from the report.

“Manning couldn’t have done what he did with access to a thumb drive.” Manning told a military tribunal in February that he leaked secret files to WikiLeaks in order to start a “public debate.” Manning, who remains in military custody pending trial, pleaded guilty to misusing classified information but denies the damning charge of aiding America’s enemies. He sent WikiLeaks, which campaigns against government secrecy and publishes leaked information on a secure website, two military logs of daily incidents during the US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also provided a vast trove of US diplomatic cables and cockpit video from a US helicopter gunship involved in an incident in which Iraqi civilians died. Ellsberg also gave hero status to WikiLeaks founder and editor-in-chief Julian Assange. “Julian Assange was in uncharted territory, by himself, and no one had ever set out to do what he did in the form of facilitating leaks by people like me or Manning,” Ellsberg said.

“Using digital age tools to do it and offering anonymity.” After being hit with criticism for putting people in danger with information in an initial release of Afghanistan war log data, WikiLeaks teamed with major newspapers to vet information being made public. “ The charges that WikiLeaks had blood on their hands the very first day that they put it out have proven not to be true,” Ellsberg said.

“Ironically, they were made by people who were up to their chins in innocent blood of civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen and elsewhere.” Ellsberg argued that the charges against Manning should be dropped for the same reason the case against him was dismissed, namely governmental misconduct that “offends the sense of justice.” —AFP

The three day workshop enabled app developers to enhance their programming skills and improve the performance, quality and look and feel of applications on Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 operating systems oriented for both business apps and consumer based apps.

Ehab Mostafa, Country Manager, Microsoft Kuwait, said: “App Academy is an integral part of Microsoft’s ambitions to harness the talented skills of app developers in Kuwait. We look forward to hosting the inaugural training workshop and supporting developers’ creativity and innovation in this sector. We aim to create a platform where local developers can continue to innovate and create applications that utilize their full potential.”

“Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 applications equip programmers with tools they need to create end-to-end applications and enable it to reach large audiences that would serve Government

Wassim Hamad entities, Education institutions and private business needs including fulfilling consumer demands for diversity of apps,” added Wassim Hamad, Public Sector Director, Microsoft Kuwait.

Over the course of three days, more than 30 developers had deep technical dive on how to create their own applications by trainer Eduardo Ortega,

Technical Evangelist Microsoft Gulf.

Ortega took them through the design principles for Windows 8, working with styles and templates, data binding, design techniques, best practices and other controls and tools. By the end of the workshop, all participants were given Windows 8 and Windows phone 8 App Designer and developer certificates.

Dr Salah Al-Sharhan, Vice President for Planning and Development Gulf University For Science and Technology commented: “Hosting the Microsoft app academy is part of our institutions commitment to the State of Kuwait to always host and encourage the learning and development of the new technologies. Being enablers to facilitate the wide reach of such innovative technologies education for our students and extending to business sectors ensures our active and continued support to grow the technology enablement to support the country’s national development plan.”

EMC eyes IT transformation technologies at COMEX 2013 MUSCAT: EMC announced yesterday its participation as the IT Transformation Partner at COMEX 2013 which is being held from March 25 till 29 at the Oman International Exhibition Centre in Muscat, Oman. The prominent ICT exhibition in Oman, COMEX now in its 23rd year brings together an audience comprising local and international companies, governmental bodies, NGO’s and academicians to share best practices and explore new business and technology opportunities.

The need for IT transformation has been highlighted in the recently published IDC Digital Universe study. As the digital universe approaches 40 zettabytes by 2020, an amount that

exceeds previous forecasts by 5 ZBs, resulting in a 50-fold growth from the beginning of 2010, organizations in Oman and around the world will need to transform their IT, business and themselves in order to benefit from the growing amount of data and make use of it to sharpen their competitive advantage..

EMC’s participation at the event reflects its commitment to the Omani market and the value it brings to Omani organizations through leading technology and service portfolios. In conjunction with partners such as MDS-Oman, Mustafa Sultan, MHD and ComputerLinks Distribution, EMC will showcase how cloud computing and virtualization are key to mastering

the new IT realities, how businesses can unlock the value of Big Data and discover the knowledge, skills and support that will transform them to meet the challenges ahead.

On site live Demos deliver actionable intelligence on how businesses can utilize big data and cloud technology to deliver tangible business benefits and how EMC solutions can be architected to deliver rapid return on investment. Held under the theme, ‘Empowering SMEs through ICT’, COMEX 2013 will see experts from EMC and its partners discuss a host of leading technologies to help SME’s garner the scale and efficiencies required to succeed in a vastly competitive market.

Educators begin to reverse war on students’ gadgets

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ellphones were once verboten on most school grounds, destined to be confiscated by a principal or stashed in a locker until the end of the school day. Now, some districts are not only encouraging students to bring the gadgets to school, they are using them and other devices - laptops, tablets, even Nintendo DSIs - in class.

The about-face is a growing trend in K-12 districts nationwide, from Georgia and Wisconsin to New Jersey. Cellphones, laptops and tablets are relatively affordable, and rare is the teenager who doesn’t own at least one.

As such, more teachers are incorporating Internet-based programs, applications and videos into their lesson plans, the 21st-century equivalent of the chalk and blackboard.

The initiatives come at a time when budgets are squeezed. And some school districts have found it is cheaper for students to bring their own technology than to spend thousands of dollars building computer labs or buying laptops for each student. “They are turning to this as a potential model for giving students and teachers what’s called a one-toone opportunity for digital learning, where every teacher and student has a device,” said Gregg G. Festa, the director of The ADP Center for Teacher Preparation and Learning Technologies at Montclair State University.

At New Milford (NJ) High School, it is not uncommon to see students finishing homework assignments on their MacBooks in the cafeteria or using cellphones in class to text an answer. “It’s giving them the freedom and autonomy to use the devices to support what they are doing in their classes,” said Principal Eric Sheninger.

Educators aren’t the only ones who are ushering in this transformation: Students are one of the biggest drivers. Today’s young people are more comfortable texting and typing than they are scribbling on a notepad, and many say they find the bring-your-own device movement an intuitive addendum to their already technology-saturated lives.

“I think that’s why most of the students are taking such an active role in this: Because it’s not the normal thing that happens at school,” said 17-year-old Michael Khan, a senior at New Milford High School. And while a few play games and share photos in class, Khan said the majority have found it engaging.

About 77 percent of those 12 to 17 own cellphones and 74 percent also have desktop or laptop computers, according to a 2011 survey by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. About 79 percent own iPods or MP3 players, the survey states.

“Our kids go home, and they are all plugged in ... and then when they come to school, we sort of unplug them,” said Ridgewood, NJ, Superintendent of Schools Daniel Fishbein, whose district started a bring-your-own-device program in the high school last fall and will expand it to the middle school. But some caution that the movement can lead to educational disparities. For some districts, “it’s another question of equity - even internal equity,” said Irene Sterling, president of the Paterson Education Fund, a nonprofit that promotes civic participation in the Paterson, NJ, district. “Most of our high

school students have smartphones, but a lot of our other kids don’t. It’s not as ubiquitous the way it is in a district like Ridgewood.” Any bring-your-own-device program would have to be partially subsidized in Paterson, where the average family income is $29,000, she said.

Proponents of the program say they encourage children to share their gadgets, and they don’t want students or parents rushing out to the stores.

“This is really a big, important thing to us not every student has to have a device in order for great things to happen with learning,” said Jill Hobson, director of instructional technology at the 39,000-student Forsyth County school district outside Atlanta. “In fact, we like it when there is a mix of devices and not necessarily every student has a device.

That’s when we get collaboration and communication and critical thinking happening because students are working together.”

Though significantly cheaper than one-toone computer programs, bring-your-owndevice initiatives still cost money. Schools must have enough bandwidth to accommodate the extra online traffic. Money also has to be invested in network security, filtering inappropriate content and professional development for teachers.

Saddle Brook, NJ, for example, invested $30,000 to $40,000 to upgrade its network four years ago for its mobile computer program. The investment paid off, said Saddle Brook Middle/High School Principal James Sarto, who said that about 98 percent of the school’s 820 students have registered devices and signed a contract so they can access the district’s wireless network. And with the ban on cellphones lifted, students are no longer sneaking into the bathroom during breaks or

furtively texting under the desk during class, said Sarto. “It’s like Prohibition,” he said. “The prohibition has been lifted, and they don’t abuse it anymore.”

The devices are handy in a number of ways.

Students use cellphones to text answers and conduct polls. Laptops allow peers to collaborate through shared Web-based programs such as Google Docs. And, as happened recently in Saddle Brook, students chat via Twitter and Skype with the authors whose works they are reading. Daisy Sam, who teaches modern languages in Ridgewood, uses an application called VoiceThread to help students hone their Spanish accents. Students record themselves reading passages in Spanish, upload the videos on their phones and then send them to her.

Some parents worry that the devices could become distractions or that children may unwittingly gain access to websites they deem inappropriate or bring banned content to school.

Others welcome the initiatives, even suggesting districts bring in more digital textbooks. “It also reduces the anxiety of going up to the board to write an answer, said Saddle Brook parent Aishia Cruz. “Everyone hated being called up to the board.”

But these programs aren’t the only answer.

Stefanie Gigante, who teaches Latin at Ridgewood High School and supports the district’s device policy, said there still must be realistic expectations about whether these tools will increase educational outcomes.

“Technology use is great,” she said, “but it’s not the single thing that is going to improve education, and I fear that there are a lot of people - at least on the outside of education - who think that if we can get every kid a laptop, they will learn much better.” — MCT

RIDGEWOOD: Students use laptops while taking a Latin honors exam at Ridgewood High School, New Jersey. — MCT

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al-Bida’a unveils slimming machine ‘Eximia’ Eximia is the perfect solution for weight loss, body reshaping KUWAIT: Movenpick Hotel & Resort Al-Bida’a Kuwait held a press conference yesterday in Al-Bida’a Ballroom to introduce the latest slimming technologies offered at The Spa. The press conference was attended by the spa manager at the hotel Abdel Rahman Hourani and the Assistant General Manager of “Spa & More”, the company that represents the new slimming machine ‘Eximia’ in Kuwait.

‘Eximia’ is a unique combination of two patented technologies that have stormed the world. The alliance of Endolift and Ultraporation have proven to be the best solution available for fighting dreaded cellulite. This cutting edge advanced treatment

by Eximia has no competition.

New Mowasat Hospital celebrates Mother’s Day KUWAIT: Since its founding almost 50 years ago, New Mowasat hospital has continuously taken initiative in promoting sociallyresponsible activities. The recent Mother’s Day event hosted at New Mowasat is a primary example of the hospital commitment to give back to the community. The two-day event was implemented to acknowledge moms for their relentless contribution and support to their families, friends and community. The event took place in Mowasat’s Outpatient Building in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department on March 21 and 23. Mothers received a complimentary health assessment, including blood sugar, body mass index and blood pressure readings. Women of all ages and backgrounds

participated in the joyous occasion, putting their health and themselves first, if only for a day.

The event was significant in involving a huge number of mothers benefiting from the free services offered by New Mowasat Hospital on that special occasion. Each mom was given a fresh rose as a sign of appreciation for all the sacrifices they make for their families each and every day. Nadeem Nazir, Hospital Director commented during the event: “We are privileged to offer this complimentary assessment to such a large number of participants. What we are doing today is embedded in New Mowasat’s core strategy and value: Caring for our mothers and the generations to come.”

The machine massages, tones and follows it up with draining the cellulite, reducing and sculpting the body and giving it the perfect shape. No other machine combines within it such an all-comprehensive method. “We at Movenpick Hotel & Resor t Al-Bida’a are always keen on implementing and adding brand new treatments and cutting-edge spa equipments to exceed our guests’ needs and expectations,” said Hourani, the Spa Manager at the hotel.

Movenpick hotel & Resort Al-Bida’a Kuwait believes in constantly innovating and improving its offerings especially in its spa and wellness segment. With the Italian made ‘Eximia’ machine in its spa, Movenpick. Al-Bida’a can

Coral atoll where tortoises outnumber man 10,000:1 Aldabrachelys giganteaone live more than 200 years ALDABRA: It is perhaps not surprising that there are only a handful of humans on one of the most remote islands on Earth, coral atolls far out in the turquoise seas of the Indian Ocean. What is unexpected are the 100,000 giant tortoises - more than are found on the world famous Galapagos Islands - with some weighing a staggering 250 kilogrammes (550 pounds) and with shells more that a metre (yard) across. On Aldabra atoll, far flung coral outcrops belonging to

the Seychelles archipelago, the lumbering giant reptiles far outnumber the handful of human inhabitants - scientists and conservationists who are there to try to protect them.

The reptiles, whose scientific name is Aldabrachelys giganteaone are among the world’s largest tortoises and reportedly live for more than 200 years. They were once threatened by invasive species including goats and rats but efforts to elimi-

US dance workouts come with ethnic twist, martial arts kick NEW YORK: Group fitness classes are taking an ethnic turn, experts say, celebrating diversity by reaching across cultures for inspiration and combining diverse disciplines to keep workouts fresh and exercisers inspired. First there was Zumba, the Latin-based dance craze, then Capoeira, a Brazilian blend of martial arts and dance said to have originated with 16th century slaves. Tabura, a high-energy class that pairs West African dance moves with military-style punching, jabbing and kickboxing drills, is one of the newer hybrids.

“I’m excited to see fitness embrace our American cultural diversity and bring benefits of Latin dance like Zumba or African dance like Tabura with martial arts from Asia into the mainstream,” said Shirley Archer, an American Council on Exercise spokesperson. Dance fitness classes provide a aerobic workout that can improve heart health, burn calories and fat and improve mood and endurance, according to Archer, a fitness and wellness expert based in Singer Island, Florida.

Reign Hudson, a fitness instructor at Crunch in New York City, said she created Tabura, which means drill and endurance in Swahili, by fusing her two passions. “I’d taught West African dance, and then I got certified in tae bo,” she said, referring to the blend of aerobics and martial arts exercises developed by American Billy Blanks.

“Those were my two favorite classes so I decided to bring them together.”

The class, which is fired by live conga and junjun drums or African house music, provides a cardio workout and toning. It

also includes stretching, intervals of dance and drills, leg work and running in place.

West African dance is about storytelling, Hudson explained, and different dances have different names and action. A dance called Cuckoo is performed to celebrate a wedding or birthday.

Archer explained that integrating kicks and knee lifts can increase the toning effects for the muscles of the lower body, while punches and blocks tone the upper body. “One-legged moves improve balance and combination moves improve coordination, rhythm and timing,” said Archer, who has trained in shotokan karate (Japanese style) and tae kwon do (Korean style).

Another benefit of martial arts moves is that the training is very balanced, requiring equal repetitions on both sides of the body, she added. Neal Pire, a strength and conditioning specialist with the American College of Sports Medicine, said Tabura shares the high-energy aerobic exercise of other dance fitness classes, like Zumba and Capoeira.

“It reminded me a lot of those old simple aerobic classes: you’re on your feet, it’s total body, there’s kicking. African drums add a little oomph, a little fire,” he said. “It’s a style. It works for you if it gets you up off your butt and moving.”

Archer said the beauty of dance fitness classes is that they’re so much fun that people forget they’re working out. “And you can make friends. Research findings show that the single most important factor to sticking with any exercise program is social support,” she said. — Reuters

SINGAPORE: A girl looks at an alligator exhibited in an aquarium during a media preview at River Safari yesterday. The river-themed wildlife park, which opens on April 12, nestled between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari will have 69 exhibits featuring 150 plant species and 300 animal species. — AFP

promise their guests real results with no side effects. Weight loss through ‘Eximia’ is not only comfortable, but pleasurable due to its four phases that include vacuum suction, release, velum suction and vibration. The sophisticated ‘My Touch’ software allows ‘Eximia’ to evaluate imperfections and contours the body giving it the desired shape.

Everyone deserves to indulge oneself now and then, and everyone deserves to feel good about oneself. The Spa at Movenpick Hotel and Resort Al-Bida’a is the perfect place to do it.

Facing the Arabian Gulf, this is a real haven of relaxation and wellness. And coupled with its new weight loss programme - it offers a complete experience for the mind, body and soul.

MOSCOW: A rare two-headed albino California Kingsnake is displayed at the Moscow Zoo. According to the zoo officials the occurrence of two-headed snakes are one in a million and they usually don’t survive in the wild. — AFP

nate those animals and preserve the last remaining habitat of this unique reptile have been paying off.

“The population of tortoises has remained stable at 100,000,” said Frauke Fleischer-Dogley, head of the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which helps protect the United Nations cultural agency (UNESCO) listed World Heritage Site.

“That shows that efforts to preserve the species are bearing fruit,” she said, citing records from the 1980s and a study from 2012 that had thrown up the same numbers. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) lists the cluster of four coral islands as “one of the most isolated eco-regions on Earth”. The inner lagoon is dotted with limestone pinnacles topped with coral mushroom-like heads where mangroves grow and seabirds roost or nest. The tortoise population has remained stable for the past two decades while the humans on this archipelago — 1,100 kilometres (700 miles) west from the main island of the Seychelles-has never grown much beyond ten.

With no permanent freshwater source, and more than 400 kilometres (250 miles) away from Madagascar, the nearest major landmass, Aldabra was completely uninhabited for a long time. The isolation of Aldabra-four islands surrounding a lagoonmeans that ten percent of the wildlife here is found nowhere else on Earth. Aldabra is the only place in the world where a reptile is the dominant herbivore, according to UNESCO, with shrubs and grasses that have evolved to take advantage of the manner in which tortoise eat.

The only threat to the tortoises are goats introduced to the isles more than a century ago, and that conservationists have tried to eradicate because they compete with the reptiles for the low growing vegetation. But they are not the only large reptile: Aldabra’s turtles are on the increase. — AFP

Heart repair progress replaces surgeon’s knife SAN FRANCISCO: Have a heart problem? If it’s fixable, there’s a good chance it can be done without surgery, using tiny tools and devices that are pushed through tubes into blood vessels. Heart care is in the midst of a transformation. Many problems that once required sawing through the breastbone and opening up the chest for open heart surgery now can be treated with a nip, twist or patch through a tube.

These minimal procedures used to be done just to unclog arteries and correct less common heart rhythm problems. Now some patients are getting such repairs for valves, irregular heartbeats, holes in the heart and other defects - without major surgery.

Doctors even are testing ways to treat high blood pressure with some of these new approaches.

All rely on catheters - hollow tubes that let doctors burn away and reshape heart tissue or correct defects through small holes in blood vessels. “This is the replacement for the surgeon’s knife. Instead of opening the chest, we’re able to put catheters in through the leg, sometimes through the arm,” said Dr Spencer King of St Joseph’s Heart and Vascular Institute in Atlanta. He is former president of the American College of Cardiology. Its conference earlier this month featured research on these novel devices.

“Many patients after having this kind of procedure in a day or two can go home” rather than staying in the hospital while a big wound heals, he said. It may lead to cheaper treatment, although the initial cost of the novel devices often offsets the savings from shorter hospital stays. Not everyone can have catheter treatment, and some promising devices have hit snags in testing. Others on the market now are so new that it will take several years to see if their results last as long as the benefits from surgery do.

But already, these procedures have allowed many people too old or frail for an operation to get help for problems that otherwise would likely kill them. “You can do these on 90-year-old patients,” King said. These methods also offer an option for people who cannot tolerate long-term use of blood thinners or other drugs to manage their conditions, or who don’t get enough help from these medicines and are getting worse. “It’s opened up a whole new field,” said Dr. Hadley Wilson, cardiology chief at Carolinas HealthCare System in Charlotte. “We can hopefully treat more patients more definitively, with better results.” For patients, this is crucial: Make sure you are evaluated by a “heart team” that includes a surgeon as well as other specialists who do less invasive treatments. Many patients now get whatever treatment is offered by whatever specialist they are sent to, and those specialists sometimes are rivals. “We want to get away from that” and do whatever is best for the patient, said Dr. Timothy Gardner, a surgeon at Christiana Care Health System in Newark, Del., and an American Heart Association spokesman. “There shouldn’t be a rivalry in the field.” Here are some common problems and newer treatments for them: Heart valves Millions of people have leaky heart valves. Each year, more than 100,000 people in the United States alone have surgery for them. A common one is the aortic valve, the heart’s main gate. It can stiffen and

narrow, making the heart strain to push blood through it. Without a valve replacement operation, half of these patients die within two years, yet many are too weak to have one. “Essentially, this was a death sentence,” said Dr John Harold, a Los Angeles heart specialist who is president of the College of Cardiology. That changed just over a year ago, when Edwards Lifesciences Corp. won approval to sell an artificial aortic valve flexible and small enough to fit into a catheter and wedged inside the bad one. At first it was just for inoperable patients. Last fall, use was expanded to include people able to have surgery but at high risk of complications.

Gary Verwer, 76, of Napa, Calif, had a bypass operation in 1988 that made surgery too risky when he later developed trouble with his aortic valve. “It was getting worse every day. I couldn’t walk from my bed to my bathroom without having to sit down and rest,” he said. After getting a new valve through a catheter last April at Stanford University, “everything changed; it was almost immediate,” he said. “Now I can walk almost three miles a day and enjoy it. I’m not tired at all.” “The chest cracking part is not the most fun,” he said of his earlier bypass surgery. “It was a great relief not to have to go through that recovery again.”

Catheter-based treatments for other valves also are in testing. One for the mitral valve - Abbott Laboratories’ MitraClip - had a mixed review by federal Food and Drug Administration advisers this week; whether it will win FDA approval is unclear. It is already sold in Europe.

Heart rhythm problems Catheters can contain tools to vaporize or “ablate” bits of heart tissue that cause abnormal signals that control the heartbeat. This used to be done only for some serious or relatively rare problems, or surgically

if a patient was having an operation for another heart issue. Now catheter ablation is being used for the most common rhythm problem - atrial fibrillation, which plagues about 3 million Americans and 15 million people worldwide. The upper chambers of the heart quiver or beat too fast or too slow. That lets blood pool in a small pouch off one of these chambers. Clots can form in the pouch and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Ablation addresses the underlying rhythm problem. To address the stroke risk from pooled blood, several novel devices aim to plug or seal off the pouch. Only one has approval in the U.S. now - SentreHeart Inc.’s Lariat, a tiny lasso to cinch the pouch shut. It uses two catheters that act like chopsticks. One goes through a blood vessel and into the pouch to help guide placement of the device, which is contained in a second catheter poked under the ribs to the outside of the heart. A loop is released to circle the top of the pouch where it meets the heart, sealing off the pouch.

A different kind of device - Boston Scientific Corp’s Watchman - is sold in Europe and parts of Asia, but is pending before the FDA in the US It’s like a tiny umbrella pushed through a vein and then opened inside the heart to plug the troublesome pouch. Early results from a pivotal study released by the company suggested it would miss a key goal, making its future in the US uncertain.

Heart defects Some people have a hole in a heart wall called an atrial septal defect that causes abnormal blood flow.

St Jude Medical Inc’s Amplatzer is a fabric-mesh patch threaded through catheters to plug the hole. The patch is also being tested for a more common defect PFO, a hole that results when the heart wall doesn’t seal the way it should after birth. —AP

SAN FRANCISCO: In this photo, Atlanta cardiologist Dr Spencer King holds a model of a diseased heart valve with a replacement placed inside during a demonstration at an American College of Cardiology conference in San Francisco. — AP

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

Violence, vaccine fears keep polio from disappearing WASHINGTON: Sixty years after the first successful polio vaccine trial, the disease has been wiped out in much of the world, but violence, conspiracy theories and lack of cash keep it from disappearing. “The world is closer than ever to eradicating polio,” said Oliver Rosenbauer, spokesman for the World Health Organization’s Global Polio Eradication Initiative. In 2012, there were just 223 infections worldwide, compared to 360,000 in 1988, when the United Nations launched a campaign to eliminate the highly contagious illness that causes paralysis and sometimes death, particularly in young children.

All but six of last year’s cases were in three countries: Nigeria (122), Pakistan

(58) and Afghanistan (37), according to the WHO. The success seen in India, which has had no new cases in two years, shows that eradicating polio is “technically feasible,” Rosenbauer told AFP. “So now the question is, does the world want to do this? Does it have enough political will to do this?” If the virus is not eliminated, the number of cases could return to a level of 200,000 new infections annually within 10 years, he warned.

But efforts to end the disease face mounting risks brought on by violence against vaccine workers in the disease’s last bastions. In Nigeria and Pakistan, some religious figures say the vaccine contains pork, which Muslims are forbid-

den from consuming, or that it renders people infertile as part of an alleged Western plot to sterilize Muslims. Dozens of health workers have been killed in attacks on vaccination stations in recent months, particularly in remote areas-with at least 10 killed in northern Nigeria and 20 in Pakistan since December.

In Pakistan, some believe the CIA used polio vaccines as a cover for a campaign to obtain DNA samples from people in order to root out Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a US raid in 2011. “There is no question that these groups fighting the polio vaccination effort are a challenge to polio eradication,” said Carol Pandak, who heads an anti-

polio program at the charitable organization Rotary International.

In order to break down hostilities, international polio workers have held meetings with local religious leaders and the governments of the countries concerned. The goal is to communicate on a local level “so they can learn more about the benefits of immunization and we can hear their concerns,” said Pandak. But money remains a problem. Pandak said the global anti-polio campaign is short 660 million dollars in 2013, or more than half the annual budget of a billion dollars that experts say is necessary.

The funds come mainly from G8 countries, the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation, Rotary International and other donors. Eradicating polio could lead to success against other illnesses, such as measles, according to Walter Orenstein, chairman of the WHO’s Technical Consultative Group on the Global Eradication of Poliomyelitis.

“I think the polio effort has the potential to draw in a lot of expertise to tackle other diseases in the future,” he told AFP. American Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine, testing it on volunteers, including himself and his family, before announcing the first successful trial results in 1953. In 1955, the vaccine was declared safe and effective for release on the world market.— AFP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Al-Sayer 6th blood donation campaign 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

Announcements CRYcket 2013 tournament riends of CRY Club (FOCC) announces 16th CRY (Child Rights & You) cricket tournament for children and will be held at the GC grounds at Jaleeb Al-Shuyoukh on Friday, 12th Apr 2013 from 6:30 a.m to 4:30 pm. The one day “CRYcket” tournament is a very popular annual family event, participated by children under 14. 12 teams each are set to participate in the Under-12 and Under-14 divisions initially in four groups in round robin fashion leading to 4 winners who will clash in the semifinals. The last date for registration of Teams is 5th Apr 2013. For more details & game rules, visit the FOCC website http://www.focckwt.org

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orporate Events and Quality Assurance Group is very delighted to express its utmost gratitude and appreciation to all Al-Sayer staff who participated in the 6th Blood Donation campaign on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 in coordination with Central Blood Bank of Kuwait. Around 60 donors from different groups approached the Auditorium at Al-Sayer Head Office in the Free Zone starting at 9:30 am to participate in this humanitarian event which will hopefully contribute in saving other people’s life. Al-Sayer Corporate Events and Quality Assurance Group has made this a regular activity and plans to organize future blood campaigns at least once a year. Thank you all.

Basketball Academy

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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.

Ties Center Ties Center cordially invites to the following activities: Lecture entitled, “The Impact of Islamic Civilization on the West.” On March 26, 2013, Bryn Barnard will be discussing the impact of Islamic civilization on the West, the subject of his book The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World. This one hour illustrated PowerPoint talk will include aspects of Islamic philosophy, art, book arts, music, astronomy, medicine, engineering ; a discussion of how Islamic civilization is presented in North American schools; and suggestions about why the deep historical connections between Islam and the West are not better known today. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing after the presentation. Bryn Barnard is an author and illustrator with twenty five years’ experience creating images for clients that include NASA, National Geographic and Scientific American. He has illustrated twenty-five books for children and is the author and illustrator of three books, all published by Random House, New York: Dangerous Planet: Natural Disasters That Changed History, Outbreak: Plagues That Changed History, and The Genius of Islam: How Muslims Made the Modern World, published last April. The Genius of Islam was on the November cover of Booklist magazine and selected as one of its top ten books on religion published in 2011. The Genius of Islam also received the top award for non-fiction from the Middle East Outreach Council, a North American university educational consortium. The Genius of Islam will be published in Arabic in 2012 by Dar Al-Ilm Lilmalayin, Beirut.

Bryn Barnard teaches art at the American International School of Kuwait. If you are interested in the topic, TIES Center is the best place to visit today March 26, 2013 at 7:00pm.

Ties is the leading non-political NGO promoting relations between Westerners and Muslims through dialogue, friendship and cultural knowledge exchange. For more information, please log into: www.tiescenter.net Kunchan Nampiar tele-drama on TV tomorrow unchan Nampiar, a tele-drama produced by Mangaf based drama activist Babu Chakkola, who also plays the lead role will be telecasted on JaiHind TV tomorrow, March 27, at 9pm (Kuwait time).

The tele-drama, originally a half an hour play, based on the life of an 18th century satire poet Kunchan Nampiar had bagged the best actor award for Babu Chakkola in the drama competition organized by Kerala Art Lovers’ Association a few months ago in Kuwait.

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Al-Mulla Exchange opens new branch in Mahboula

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l-Mulla Exchange, the premier exchange company in Kuwait, opened their 44th branch in the country in Mahboula on Friday, March 22, 2013. The new branch was inaugurated in front of a large gathering of customers, well-wishers and AlMulla Exchange officials.

The opening of a second branch

within the span of a month attests to the company’s assertive new expansion plans and is a reflection of the increasing demand for the safe, secure and fast remittance services of Al-Mulla Exchange. Since its inception in 2001, Al-Mulla Exchange has revolutionized the exchange industry in Kuwait through ongoing investments

in technology and by offering innovative, customer-centric remittance solutions. As with other branches of Al-Mulla Exchange, the new branch in Mahboula offers free insurance and loyalty points on every transaction, as well as SMS confirmation on delivery of remittances. Server to server transactions also ensures that the account

of the beneficiary is credited within seconds in the most secure manner.

Besides making money transfer a quick, safe and relaxed experience for customers, Kuwait’s premier exchange also offers the facility to send money from the comfort of one’s home or office through their online service.

The ‘ZONE Jeran’ card celebration

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ONE’ Restaurant Complex celebrated its benchmark of 1,000 Zone Jeran members on Saturday, March 23. The event was hosted at the latest addition to the ZONE complex; ‘The Roof” lounge. Its chic, relaxed, Soho style interior created the perfect atmosphere for the event with Jeran members enjoying a selection of house mocktails, canapÈs and the celebration cake, which was

cut by Zone management and staff.

The ‘Zone Jeran’ card was launched in December and has become very popular. Nabil Shawky, ZONE’S General Manager’s aim is create customerfocused benefits. The Jeran card allows customers to enjoy ZONE’s variety of cuisines and receive 25 percent off the food bill for 1 year. Priced at KD 16, the Jeran card is great value for guests who can save throughout the year at the

ZONE restaurants: Sakura, Al Noukhaza, Shabestan, Ayam Zaman, Viaggio, The Roof and Espresso CafÈ.

The key factor to the success is the wide variety of gourmet dishes from exotic locations around the world. The combination of restaurants, offer dishes from Japan, Iran, Italy, Lebanon and Al-Noukhaza is famed for its seafood buffet. In addition, the combination of restaurants offer guests choices for

breakfast, lunch and dinner. ‘The Roof” lounge recently introduced a KD 3 buffet breakfast, adding to the great selection of dining options. ZONE is also renowned for its selection of shisha, at Ayam Zaman and ‘The Roof’ guests can select from over 30 flavors of shisha. In just 6 months of ‘The Roof” opening it has become a renowned meeting place to enjoy shisha both indoors and outdoors from 7 am until midnight.

Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Al-Muthana Nursery celebrated the Spring Bazaar on March 21, 2013. It was attended by parents and children. Magic show, face painting and many activities created a day full of fun.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

X-cite by Alghanim Electronics participates in VIVA 512 PlayStation Football Tournament

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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eing the largest consumer electronics retailer in Kuwait that promotes the merging of the latest technologies in the world with infinite excitement, X-cite by Alghanim Electronics has participated in the muchawaited, three-day VIVA 512 PlayStation Football Tournament that took place in 360 Mall on March 21, 2013.

Due to its dedication to be part of people lives in Kuwait, X-cite partnered up with 512 Kuwait, a local and exclusive company that is solely committed to video gaming events, so as to create an innovatively exciting experience for the 512 contestants who played PS3 FIFA 13.

After three days of exciting matches, the skilled winner, Ayoub Adel won the tour-

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nament and took home the grand prize of KD 5,000.

Because of the amount of competitive gamers in the country and X-cite’s perfect partnership with 512 Kuwait, the event garnered a highly positive reception by the competing gamers and their families and friends alike. The event was the biggest of its kind in the GCC region in terms of participants, and the valuable cash prizes. X-cite would like to extend its gratitude to 512 Kuwait as well as the company’s main partners, Abdullah AlSayer, Faisal Al-Omani and Faisal AlAwadi, for their dedicated management as well as giving X-cite the chance to partake in this exciting event that has made gaming history in Kuwait.

‘Hour of No Power’ at Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait-Fintas

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. nnnnnnn

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arking the annual celebration of Earth Hour, Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait has ‘gone dark’ again this year in an effort to create a brighter future. Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait Fintas turned off its lights in support of Earth Hour, created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), for the third consecutive year on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8:30 pm. This global initiative has been duplicated by many around the world to prove how the world can unite to help create a better future.

By using lanterns and other nonelectrical lighting, Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait turned off selective lights, including the decorative, faÁade,

restaurant and other public areas.

Guests were informed of this global environmental awareness event via inroom television screen messages, hence allowing them to take part in Earth Hour observances at their own preference.

Saif Eddin Mohammed, the General Manger of the hotel said that Safir Hotel & Residences Kuwait’s commitment goes beyond one hour and it continuously makes a positive difference to the environment by developing a sustainable and environmentally friendly hotel and remaining as paperless as possible is one of the initiatives amongst many.

Memorable pictures of this special event were taken in all areas of the hotel.

Singer, RJ Uday in pursuit of playback singing

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Well-known caricaturist and painter Johnarts Kalabhavan is being honored by Padmabhusahn Dr K J Yesudas prior to his musical concert at the American International School, Maidan Hawally on Friday. The Limca Book of Records is poised to announce Johnarts as the artist who has set the record by drawing the largest number of caricatures of well-known persons in 1 meter X 70 centimeter size and presenting them on stages.

is voice was a habit for many expat radio listeners in Kuwait till recent times. Now the vendor of that voice, Uday, a degree holder in Carnatic Music and winner of many awards in music, is still in Kuwait after the radio he worked for was called off in February. He is pursuing his lasting love - music. With a couple of chances in playback singing - lately in the Malayalam film Doctor Innocentaanu he is ready to take off as a music teacher and playback singer. After working closely with the late music director Devarajan, he also had chances of directing music in 2 TV serials. “Learning more of classical music and sharing of it is my mission”, he said.

Uday who hails from Vaikkom in central Kerala came to Kuwait as a radio jockey to host a program of soft hearted music late evening on the radio. Many listeners opened their heart to the soothing voice of Uday in his talk show. He had the historic but painful prospect of witnessing the very last show of the radio program in February. But Kuwait was not an easy place to leave, nor music. He has students learning classical music lessons from him in Salmiya and is soon to stretch his sharing of music to Jleeb.

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EMBASSY OF KENYA The Embassy of the Republic of Kenya wishes to inform the Kenyan community residents throughout Kuwait and the general public that the Embassy has acquired new office telephone numbers as follows: 25353982, 25353985 - Consular’s enquiries 25353987 - Fax Our Email address: info@kenyaembkuwait.com. nnnnnnn

Lights out for Sheraton Kuwait, Four Points By Sheraton Kuwait

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heraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait joined millions around the world in turning off lights for Earth Hour 2013 to illuminate a powerful message about environmental awareness and action. Earth Hour 2013 took place on March 23 at 8:30 pm local time. Created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Earth Hour is the largest movement for the planet in human history, spanning 7,000 cities, 152 countries, with a digital reach of 200 million.

This year’s theme is “Uniting People to Protect the Planet.” With that in mind, Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait had activated a range of energy-saving measures during Earth Hour.

Sheraton Kuwait and Four Points by Sheraton Kuwait turned off their exterior signages lighting, dimmed non essential interior lightings. As for the guests, the management sent letters to their rooms inviting them to take part in this initiative. In addition, a display board was placed in the lobby to create awareness about the hotel’s participation in the Earth Hour 2013.

Furthermore, the associates of Sheraton Kuwait and Four points by Sheraton Kuwait had enjoyed a scrumptious candle lit dinner at the staff cafeteria where the chef had created a special green menu and sustainable meals especially for this occasion. Last year, Earth Hour broke records to cement itself as the largest voluntary action for the environment. Iconic buildings and landmarks from Asia Pacific to Europe and Africa to the Americas switched off. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and came together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common - our planet.

“It’s a privilege for us to support such a powerful movement with such a simple gesture,” said Fahed Abushaar, Area Director/General Manager of Sheraton Kuwait “Earth Hour also reflects a philosophy we try to practice year-round: The small steps each of us take can make a big difference together.” Starwood’s pioneering Global Citizenship philosophy reflects the same dedication to sustainability among its

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 shortstay (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, firsttime 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 Mexico The Embassy of Mexico to Kuwait has the pleasure to announce the opening of its Consular Section where visa applications are already being handled. The Consular Section is open to the public from Sundays-Thursdays 09.00-12.00 hrs. at Cliffs Complex in Salmiya, Villa No. 6 (3rd floor).

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EMBASSY OF NIGERIA The Nigerian embassy has its new office in Mishref. Block 3, Street 7, House 4. For enquires please call 25379541. Fax25387719. Email- nigeriakuwait@yahoo.com or nigeriankuwait@yahoo.co.uk. nnnnnnn

171,000 associates worldwide. In 2012, more than 650 hotels participated in Earth Hour in various ways.

This year marked Starwood’s fifth annual participation in Earth Hour, making it one of the largest worldwide companies to make a pronounced global statement with a volun-

tary hour of darkness. Earth Hour is just one of the many ways Starwood acts in support of its 30/20 by 20 goals, which is the company’s commitment to reduce energy consumption by 30 percent and water consumption by 20 percent by 2020 across its entire portfolio.

EMBASSY OF TURKEY The Embassy of the Republic of Turkey announces that a new classes of Turkish language for beginners will start at the Embassy’s Tourism, Culture and Information Office on 17 February 2013. The lessons will be two times in a week for six weeks, for further details and registration please contact. Or fill the application form on http://kuveyt.bemfa.gov.tr and send it to the email: embassy.Kuwait@mfa.gov.tr

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:45 01:35 02:25 03:15 04:05 04:55 05:20 05:45 06:35 07:00 07:50 08:40 09:35 10:05 10:30 11:00 11:25 12:20 13:15 14:10 15:05 16:00 16:30 17:25 18:20 19:15 19:40 20:10 20:35 21:05 22:00 22:55 23:50

Up Close And Dangerous Untamed & Uncut Wildest Latin America Baboons With Bill Bailey My Cat From Hell Shamwari: A Wild Life Dark Days In Monkey City Animal Precinct The Really Wild Show Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Crocodile Hunter America’s Cutest...

Monkey Life Bondi Vet Shamwari: A Wild Life Dark Days In Monkey City Wildest Latin America Baboons With Bill Bailey My Cat From Hell Animal Cops Philadelphia Animal Precinct The Really Wild Show Dogs/Cats/Pets 101 Jeff Corwin Unleashed My Cat From Hell Monkey Life Bondi Vet Shamwari: A Wild Life Dark Days In Monkey City Wildest Latin America Shamwari: A Wild Life World Wild Vet Animal Cops Philadelphia

00:00 Homes Under The Hammer 00:50 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 01:35 Come Dine With Me 02:25 Gok’s Fashion Fix 03:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 04:00 Bargain Hunt 05:35 House Swap 06:25 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 07:20 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 08:05 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 08:50 Homes Under The Hammer 09:40 Bargain Hunt 10:25 Antiques Roadshow 11:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 12:00 Masterchef: The Professionals 12:30 Masterchef: The Professionals 13:00 Come Dine With Me 13:50 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 14:20 New Scandinavian Cooking 14:50 Holmes On Homes 15:40 Bargain Hunt 16:25 Antiques Roadshow 17:15 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 18:00 Homes Under The Hammer 18:50 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 19:20 Rick Stein’s Spain 20:10 French Food At Home 20:35 Come Dine With Me 21:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt

00:05 00:30 00:55 01:20 01:45 02:10 02:35 03:00 03:25 03:50 04:00 04:30 04:55 05:20 05:45 06:00 06:25 06:45 07:00 07:25 07:50

Taz-Mania Pink Panther And Pals Moomins Tom & Jerry Kids A Pup Named Scooby-Doo Puppy In My Pocket Wacky Races Looney Tunes Duck Dodgers Dastardly And Muttley Dexter’s Laboratory Wacky Races Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries Tom & Jerry The Garfield Show Bananas In Pyjamas Gerald McBoing Boing Jelly Jamm Ha Ha Hairies Bananas In Pyjamas Lazytown

08:15 Krypto: The Super Dog 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 Lazytown 11:10 Krypto: The Super Dog 11:35 Baby Looney Tunes 12:00 Jelly Jamm 12:25 Gerald McBoing Boing 12:50 Cartoonito Tales 13:15 Krypto: The Super Dog 13:40 Lazytown 14:00 A Pup Named Scooby-Doo 14:25 Tom And Jerry Tales 14:50 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 15:20 Johnny Bravo 15:45 Tiny Toons 16:10 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 16:35 The Garfield Show 17:00 What’s New Scooby-Doo? 17:25 Sylvester & Tweety Mysteries 17:50 Tom And Jerry Tales 18:15 The Looney Tunes Show 18:40 Tiny Toons 19:05 13 Ghosts Of Scooby-Doo 19:30 Scooby Doo And The Reluctant...

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

00:00 Amanpour 00:30 World Sport 01:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 02:00 World Report 02:30 World Sport 03:00 Anderson Cooper 360 04:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 05:00 Quest Means Business 06:00 The Situation Room 07:00 World Sport 07:30 African Voices 08:00 World Report 10:00 World Sport 10:30 Talk Asia 11:00 World Business Today 12:00 World One 12:30 News Special 13:00 Amanpour 13:30 CNN Newscenter 14:00 Piers Morgan Tonight 15:00 News Stream 16:00 World Business Today 17:00 International Desk 18:00 Global Exchange 19:00 World Sport 19:30 News Special 20:00 International Desk 21:00 Quest Means Business 22:00 Amanpour 22:30 CNN Newscenter 23:00 Connect The World With Becky Anderson

00:15 01:10 02:05 03:00 03:55 04:20 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:05 07:00 08:45 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:25 11:50 12:45 14:35 15:05 15:30 16:00 16:55

Gold Rush World’s Toughest Tribes Around The World In 80 Ways Mythbusters How Stuff’s Made Auction Kings Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How Stuff’s Made Sons Of Guns Mythbusters Crash Course Border Security Auction Kings Auction Hunters How Do They Do It? How It’s Made Gold Rush Around The World In 80 Ways Border Security Auction Kings Auction Hunters Ultimate Survival Crash Course

17:20 17:50 18:45 19:40 20:05

Crash Course Mythbusters Sons Of Guns How Do They Do It? How It’s Made

00:15 Oddities 00:40 Gadget Show - World Tour 01:05 How Tech Works 01:35 Scrapheap Challenge 02:25 Oddities 02:50 Oddities 03:15 Bang Goes The Theory 03:45 Things That Move 04:10 Things That Move 04:35 Weird Or What?

05:25 Building The Future 06:15 Science Of The Movies 07:05 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 08:00 Things That Move 08:25 Things That Move 08:50 Man-Made Marvels Asia 09:40 Scrapheap Challenge 10:30 Science Of The Movies 11:25 Gadget Show - World Tour 11:50 How Tech Works 12:15 NASA’s Greatest Missions 13:10 Man-Made Marvels Asia 14:00 Scrapheap Challenge 14:50 Bang Goes The Theory 15:20 Things That Move 15:45 Things That Move 16:10 Oddities 16:35 Oddities 17:00 Gadget Show - World Tour 17:25 How Tech Works 17:55 Science Of The Movies 18:45 The Kustomizer 19:35 Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman 20:30 Da Vinci’s Machines 21:20 The X-Testers 21:45 The X-Testers 22:10 Gadget Show - World Tour 22:35 How Tech Works 23:00 Da Vinci’s Machines 23:50 The X-Testers

00:10 Hannah Montana 00:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 01:25 Replacements 02:15 Emperor’s New School 03:05 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 03:55 Replacements 04:45 Emperor’s New School 05:35 Brandy & Mr Whiskers 06:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 06:25 Doc McStuffins 06:40 Suite Life On Deck 07:05 A.N.T. Farm 07:55 Jessie 08:45 Good Luck Charlie 09:35 Austin And Ally 10:00 Austin And Ally 10:25 Shake It Up 10:50 Shake It Up 11:15 The Adventures Of Disney Fairies 12:05 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 12:55 Jessie 13:20 Jessie 13:45 A.N.T. Farm 14:10 A.N.T. Farm 14:35 Wizards Of Waverly Place 15:00 Wizards Of Waverly Place 15:25 Shake It Up 15:50 Austin And Ally 16:15 Jessie 16:40 A.N.T. Farm 17:00 Good Luck Charlie 17:30 Suite Life On Deck 17:55 Suite Life On Deck 18:20 Austin And Ally 18:45 My Babysitter’s A Vampire 19:10 A.N.T. Farm 19:35 Good Luck Charlie 20:00 Jessie 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 22:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:20 Wizards Of Waverly Place 23:45 Hannah Montana

LEAVES OF GRASS ON OSN CINEMA

00:20 Little Einsteins 00:50 Special Agent Oso 01:05 Special Agent Oso 01:15 Lazytown 01:40 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 07:00 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Jungle Junction 07:30 Jungle Junction 07:45 Handy Manny 08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:15 Lazytown 08:45 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 09:10 The Hive 09:20 Doc McStuffins 09:35 Doc McStuffins 09:50 Zou 10:05 Zou 10:20 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 10:35 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 10:50 Handy Manny 11:00 Lilo And Stitch 11:30 Cars Toons 11:35 Mouk 11:45 Art Attack 12:10 Imagination Movers 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 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 15:45 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 16:00 The Little Mermaid 16:25 Lilo And Stitch 16:55 Imagination Movers 17:20 Mouk 17:35 Mouk 17:45 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 18:10 The Hive 18:20 Cars Toons 18:25 Doc McStuffins 18:55 Zou 19:10 Zou 19:25 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 19:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 19:55 Handy Manny 20:05 Timmy Time 20:15 Pajanimals 20:25 Doc McStuffins 20:40 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 20:55 Jake & The Neverland Pirates 21:10 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 21:20 The Hive 21:30 Pajanimals 21:45 Handy Manny 22:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 22:25 Pajanimals 22:35 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 23:00 Timmy Time 23:10 Animated Stories 23:15 A Poem Is...

23:20 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 23:30 Jungle Junction 23:45 Handy Manny 23:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

00:00 KSA 07:00 07:25 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 09:55 10:20 10:45 11:10 11:35 12:00 12:25 12:50 13:20 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:15 16:40 16:50 17:05 17:30 18:00 18:25 18:50 19:15 19:40 20:05 20:10 20:30 20:55 21:20 21:45 22:10 22:35 23:00 23:25

Programmes Start At 7:00am Pokemon: BW Rival Destinies Phineas And Ferb Almost Naked Animals Slugterra Scaredy Squirrel Zeke & Luther Pair Of Kings Pair Of Kings Pair Of Kings Pair Of Kings Mr. Young Slugterra Lab Rats Crash & Bernstein Pair Of Kings Zeke & Luther Scaredy Squirrel I’m In The Band Ultimate Spider-Man Almost Naked Animals Rekkit Rabbit Pair Of Kings Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Lab Rats Slugterra Kickin It Kickin It Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Mr. Young Phineas And Ferb Phineas And Ferb Zeke & Luther I’m In The Band Rated A For Awesome Rekkit Rabbit Phineas And Ferb Ultimate Spider-Man Kick Buttowski Scaredy Squirrel

00:00 00:55 01:25 03:15 03:40 04:10 07:50 08:20 09:15 10:15

Scouted Style Star Too Young To Kill Style Star Extreme Close-Up THS Style Star E! News Giuliana & Bill THS

12:05 13:05 13:35 14:05 York 15:00 15:30 16:30 17:00 23:00

E! News Ice Loves Coco Ice Loves Coco Kourtney & Kim Take New Style Star THS Extreme Close-Up Giuliana & Bill Fashion Police

00:15 Andy Bates Street Feasts 00:40 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 01:30 Heat Seekers 01:55 Outrageous Food 02:20 Unwrapped 02:45 Andy Bates American Street Feasts 03:35 Andy Bates Street Feasts 04:25 Unique Eats 04:50 Food Crafters 05:15 Charly’s Cake Angels 05:40 Chopped 06:30 Iron Chef America 07:10 Unwrapped 08:50 Healthy Appetite With Ellie Krieger 09:40 Symon’s Suppers 10:05 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 10:55 Cooking For Real 11:45 Unique Eats 12:10 Food Crafters 12:35 Charly’s Cake Angels 13:00 Iron Chef America 13:50 Reza’s African Kitchen 14:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 15:05 United Tastes Of America 15:30 Food Crafters 15:55 Guy’s Big Bite 16:45 Chopped 17:35 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 18:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 18:50 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 19:15 Reza’s African Kitchen 19:40 Charly’s Cake Angels 20:05 Guy’s Big Bite 20:30 Chopped 21:20 Chopped 22:10 Iron Chef America 23:00 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:25 Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives 23:50 Guy’s Big Bite

00:15 00:40 01:30 02:20 03:05 03:55 04:45 05:30 06:20 07:10 08:00 08:50 09:40 10:05 10:30 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:30 16:20 16:45 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 20:30 21:20 22:10 23:50

Who On Earth Did I Marry?

I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner The Haunted Deadly Sins Who On Earth Did I Marry?

I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner The Haunted Murder Shift Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

On The Case With Paula Zahn Murder Shift Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth Did I Marry?

Disappeared Murder Shift Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Disappeared Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill Deadly Women

00:15 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 00:45 Perilous Journeys 01:40 Bondi Rescue 02:05 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 02:35 Chasing Time 03:00 Destination Extreme 03:30 A World Apart 04:25 Maverick Chef 04:50 Travel Madness 05:20 Around The World For Free 06:15 Kimchi Chronicles 06:40 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 1 07:10 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 08:05 Perilous Journeys 09:00 Bondi Rescue 09:25 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 09:55 Chasing Time 10:20 Destination Extreme 10:50 A World Apart 11:45 Maverick Chef 12:10 Travel Madness 12:40 Endurance Traveller 13:35 Street Food Around The World 14:00 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 2 14:30 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 15:25 Perilous Journeys 16:20 Bondi Rescue 16:45 My Sri Lanka With Peter Kuruvita 17:15 Chasing Time 17:40 Destination Extreme 18:10 A World Apart 19:05 Maverick Chef 19:35 Travel Madness 20:00 Food Lover’s Guide To The Planet 21:00 Street Food Around The World 21:30 David Rocco’s Dolce Vita 2 22:00 Around The World For Free

00:00 Wild Case Files 01:00 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr 01:55 Monster Fish 02:50 Swamp Men 03:45 Caught In The Act 04:40 Shark Men 05:35 The Living Edens 06:30 Monster Fish 07:25 Swamp Men 08:20 Caught In The Act 09:15 Man v. Monster 10:10 Fish Warrior 11:05 Vacations Gone Wild 12:00 Dangerous Encounters With Brady Barr 13:00 Hooked

THE WATERBOY ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00

Outback Wrangler Caught In The Act Man v. Monster Fish Warrior Attack in the Wild Hooked Swamp Men Caught In The Act Man v. Monster

01:15 The Killing Room-18 03:00 The Godfather III-18 06:00 True Justice: One Shot, One Life-PG15 08:00 Goal!-PG15 10:00 Burden Of Evil-PG15 12:00 Killer Mountain-PG15 14:00 Goal!-PG15 16:00 True Justice: Urban WarfarePG15 18:00 Killer Mountain-PG15 20:00 Street Kings 2: Motor City-18 22:00 The Veteran-PG15

01:00 The Tourist-PG15 03:00 Ceremony-PG15 05:00 Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown-PG 06:30 We Bought A Zoo-PG 09:00 The Tourist-PG15 11:00 Golden Christmas 3-PG15 13:00 Blank Slate-PG15 15:00 Hidden Crimes-PG15 16:45 Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close-PG 19:00 The Lincoln Lawyer-PG15 21:00 Leaves Of Grass-PG15

00:00 The Cleveland Show 00:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 01:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 01:30 Girls 02:00 Unsupervised 02:30 It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia 03:00 Louie 03:30 Malibu Country 04:00 Til Death 05:30 Hope & Faith 06:30 Less Than Perfect 08:00 Til Death 08:30 Modern Family 09:30 How I Met Your Mother 10:30 Less Than Perfect 12:30 Til Death 13:00 Hope & Faith 13:30 Less Than Perfect 14:00 Malibu Country 15:00 How I Met Your Mother 15:30 The Daily Show Global Edition 16:00 The Colbert Report Global Edition 18:00 Hot In Cleveland 19:00 How I Met Your Mother 20:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 21:30 The Colbert Report 22:00 The New Normal

00:00 02:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 10:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 20:00 21:00

Once Upon A Time Banshee Good Morning America The Practice The Ellen DeGeneres Show Castle Live Good Morning America Castle The Ellen DeGeneres Show In Plain Sight Homeland

00:00 01:00 02:00 06:00 08:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00

C.S.I. New York Banshee Once Upon A Time C.S.I. New York Covert Affairs The Ellen DeGeneres Show Covert Affairs C.S.I. New York The Ellen DeGeneres Show Covert Affairs Grey’s Anatomy

01:15 03:00 06:00 Life 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Killing Room The Godfather III True Justice: One Shot, One Goal!

Burden Of Evil Killer Mountain Goal!

True Justice: Urban Warfare Killer Mountain Street Kings 2: Motor City The Veteran

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

The Waterboy-PG15 Grabbers-PG15 The Winning Season-PG15 House Arrest-FAM Best In Show-PG15 Beware The Gonzo-PG15 The Winning Season-PG15 The Tooth Fairy 2-PG Beware The Gonzo-PG15 The Search For Santa Paws-PG The Romantics-PG15 The Waterboy-PG15

01:15 05:00 07:00 09:15 11:00 13:00 PG15 15:00 17:00 PG15 19:00 21:00 23:15

Woodstock-18 The Fighter-PG15 The Alamo-PG15 Lord Of The Dance-PG 13-PG15 An Invisible Sign Of My OwnLord Of The Dance-PG TT3D: Closer To The EdgeSwing Kids-PG15 Oscar And Lucinda-PG15 Middle Men-18

01:00 Never Let Me Go-PG15 02:45 Moneyball-PG15 05:00 Stealing Paradise-PG15 07:00 Dolphin Tale-PG 09:00 Mr. Popper’s Penguins-PG 11:00 Every Jack Has A Jill-PG15 12:45 The Dragon Chronicles: Fire & Ice-PG15 14:30 Real Steel-PG15 16:45 Mr. Popper’s Penguins-PG 18:30 War Horse-PG15 21:00 The Hot Potato-PG15 23:00 The Change Up-18

01:00 The Adventures Of Tintin 02:45 The Ugly Duckling In The Enchanted Forest 04:30 Ploddy Police Car 06:00 Spy Kids: All The Time In The World 08:00 Teo: The Intergalactic Hunter 10:00 Wheelers 11:30 The Adventures Of Tintin 13:15 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil 14:45 Sinbad: Legend Of The Seven Seas 16:15 Rainbow Valley Heroes 18:00 Wheelers 20:00 The Tooth Fairy 2 22:00 Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil 23:30 Rainbow Valley Heroes

00:00 Premier League Darts 03:30 Super League 05:00 Top 14 07:00 Super Rugby Highlights 08:00 Trans World Sport 09:00 NRL Premiership 10:30 ICC Cricket 360 11:00 Super Rugby 13:00 PGA European Tour Highlights 14:00 Super Rugby Highlights 15:00 Premier League Darts 18:30 PGA European Tour Highlights 19:30 NRL Premiership 21:00 ICC Cricket 360 21:30 Futbol Mundial 22:00 PGA Tour Highlights 23:00 Super Rugby

00:00 NHL 02:00 ICC Cricket 360 02:30 PGA Tour Highlights 03:30 PGA European Highlights 04:30 NRL Premiership 06:00 Trans World Sport 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 07:30 Inside The PGA Tour 08:00 PGA European Highlights 09:00 Super Rugby 10:00 Top 14

00:30 01:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 20:00 20:30 22:30 23:30

Tour

Tour

AFL Highlights NRL Premiership Total Rugby Futbol Mundial World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool Golfing World Golfing World ICC Cricket 360 Top 14 Highlights World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool NRL Premiership Spirit of Yachting Adventure Challenge Golfing World World Pool Masters World Cup Of Pool AFL Highlights ICC Cricket 360 Top 14 Highlights Trans World Sport NRL Full Time Super Rugby Adventure Challenge ICC Cricket 360

01:00 NHL 03:00 Ping Pong World Championships 04:00 US Bass Fishing 05:00 NHL 07:00 WWE NXT 08:00 WWE Bottom Line 09:00 Ping Pong World Championships 10:00 US Bass Fishing 11:00 NHL 13:00 WWE Experience 14:00 Prizefighter 17:00 Ping Pong World Championships 18:00 WWE This Week 18:30 NHL 20:30 Mobil 1 the Grid 21:00 UAE National Race Day Series 22:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 23:00 Trans World Sport

00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30

Shipping Wars Shipping Wars Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Shipping Wars Shipping Wars Mud Men Pawn Stars American Restoration Ancient Aliens Pawn Stars Storage Wars Mud Men Pawn Stars American Restoration Pawn Stars Storage Wars Ancient Aliens Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Shipping Wars Shipping Wars Pawn Stars American Restoration Mud Men Pawn Stars Pawn Stars Shipping Wars Shipping Wars Pawn Stars American Restoration

Classifieds TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation, small room for bachelor for Filipino only, Far waniya near Gulfmart, available from April 25. Contact: 94418396.

26-3-2013

FOR SALE Bedroom set (double bed) almost new, KD 120, cupboard KD 30, table KD 20, window A/C KD 30, please contact Mob: 66047733.

(C 4352) 25-3-2013

SITUATION WANTED Systems Engineer with 11 years experience in Kuwait in maintaining High End / Secure networks, presently drawing 4 figure salary, seeks new opportunities in reputed organization.

Contact: 66019422.

(C 4353) M.Com qualified, 14 years experience in accounts in Kuwait, capable independently handing accounts up to finalization, seeks suitable position. Contact: 66019422. (C 4354) 25-3-2013

SITUATION VACANT Kuwaiti family wishes to hire a housemaid for 3 months.

Contact: 99304076. (C 4351) 24-3-2013 A lady maid is needed to work in a part-time capacity for a single Arab/American male in an apartment located in Salmiya. Salar y is 60 KD/month. Working hours 12 PM to 6 PM, twice a week. Contact: 66417504.

(C 4349) 23-3-2013

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) SIDE EFFECTS (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) SIDE EFFECTS (DIG)

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (21/03/2013 TO 27/03/2013)

THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D)

12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

SHARQIA-2 THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) SHARQIA-3 OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG)

FANAR-1 OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG)

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

FANAR-2 LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) SIDE EFFECTS (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) SIDE EFFECTS (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG)

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MUHALAB-1 LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG)

12:45 PM 4:30 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

MUHALAB-2 OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

FANAR-3 SNITCH (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) SNITCH (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) SNITCH (DIG)

MUHALAB-3

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM 1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM 2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

MARINA-1 LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG)

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM

MARINA-2 OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:45 PM

AL HAFLA (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG) AL HAFLA (DIG) OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN (DIG)

6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

MARINA-3 THE CROODS (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D)

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AVENUES-1 TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG) TRUTH OR DARE (DIG)

12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 6:45 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-2 LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG) LOVE AND HONOR (DIG)

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 9:45 PM 11:45 PM

AVENUES-3 JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D) JACK THE GIANT SLAYER (DIG-3D)

2:00 PM 4:30 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM 12:05 AM

360ยบ- 1 THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D) THE CROODS (DIG-3D)

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM

Ministry of Interior website: www.moi.gov.kw

THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION

Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is

1889988 112 Prayer timings Fajr:

04:26

Shorook

05:46

Duhr:

11:54

Asr:

15:23

Maghrib:

18:03

Isha:

19:20

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Airlines JAI KLM THY JZR QTR ETH GFA PIA UAE ETD OMA FDB MSR RJA RBG QTR DHX THY JZR KAC BAW KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC UAE DHX KAC ABY QTR FDB ETD IRA GFA TMA JZR MEA MSR UAE KAC KAC FDB KNE KAC SVA QTR

Arrival Flights on Tuesday 26/3/2013 Flt Route 574 MUMBAI 411 AMSTERDAM 772 ISTANBUL 267 BEIRUT 148 DOHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 239 SIALKOT 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI 643 MUSCAT 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 642 AMMAN 3555 ALEXANDRIA 138 DOHA 170 BAHRAIN 770 ISTANBUL 503 LUXOR 416 JAKARTA 157 LONDON 412 MANILA 206 ISLAMABAD 53 DUBAI 302 MUMBAI 352 COCHIN 332 TRIVANDRUM 855 DUBAI 820 AMMAN 362 COLOMBO 121 SHARJAH 132 DOHA 55 DUBAI 301 ABU DHABI 605 ISFAHAN 213 BAHRAIN 213 BEIRUT 165 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 610 CAIRO 871 DUBAI 284 DHAKA 514 TEHRAN 57 DUBAI 472 JEDDAH 546 ALEXANDRIA 500 JEDDAH 140 DOHA

Time 0:05 0:30 0:35 0:45 1:00 1:45 1:50 1:55 2:35 2:45 2:50 3:05 3:10 3:15 3:25 3:45 5:10 5:30 5:55 6:25 6:40 6:45 7:40 7:45 7:55 8:05 8:15 8:40 8:45 8:45 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:20 9:45 9:55 11:00 11:20 11:55 12:45 12:50 12:55 13:45 13:50 14:15 14:30 14:30 14:35

JZR KAC QTR JZR UAE ETD RJA UAL GFA SVA JZR QTR ABY SYR KAC JZR RBG KAC FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC OMA FDB JAI AXB MSR ABY IRA QTR ALK MEA QTR GFA ETD UAE JZR QTR FDB DHX KLM UAL AIC KAC JZR JZR DLH

561 562 134 325 857 303 640 982 215 510 777 144 127 341 542 177 3553 786 63 166 618 742 104 674 774 647 61 572 393 618 129 619 146 229 402 136 221 307 859 135 6130 59 372 415 981 981 678 239 185 636

SOHAG AMMAN DOHA NAJAF DUBAI ABU DHABI AMMAN WASHINGTON DC DULLES BAHRAIN RIYADH JEDDAH DOHA SHARJAH DAMASCUS CAIRO DUBAI ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH DUBAI PARIS DOHA DAMMAM LONDON DUBAI RIYADH MUSCAT DUBAI MUMBAI KOZHIKODE ALEXANDRIA SHARJAH LAR DOHA COLOMBO BEIRUT DOHA BAHRAIN ABU DHABI DUBAI BAHRAIN DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN AMSTERDAM BAHRAIN CHENNAI MUSCAT AMMAN DUBAI FRANKFURT

14:50 14:55 15:30 16:25 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:10 17:15 17:20 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:05 18:15 18:20 18:30 18:45 19:10 19:20 19:30 19:35 19:35 19:50 19:55 20:00 20:10 20:15 20:25 20:35 20:35 20:45 20:55 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:40 21:50 21:55 22:00 22:00 22:05 22:25 22:30 22:40 22:45 23:05 23:55

Airlines AIC PIA KAC UAL AXB BBC JAI DLH KLM ETH THY PIA FDB UAE OMA ETD RBG MSR QTR QTR JZR GFA RJA THY KAC JZR FDB BAW KAC KAC KAC ABY UAE FDB ETD QTR GFA IRA KAC KAC JZR TMA MEA KAC JZR MSR JZR POT UAE FDB KAC

Departure Flights on Tuesday 26/3/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA 206 LAHORE 283 DHAKA 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 390 MANGALORE 44 DHAKA 573 MUMBAI 637 FRANKFURT 411 AMSTERDAM 621 ADDIS ABABA 773 ISTANBUL 240 SIALKOT 68 DUBAI 854 DUBAI 644 MUSCAT 306 ABU DHABI 3556 ALEXANDRIA 613 CAIRO 139 DOHA 149 DOHA 164 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 643 AMMAN 771 ISTANBUL 545 ALEXANDRIA 560 SOHAG 54 DUBAI 156 LONDON 101 LONDON 513 TEHRAN 561 AMMAN 122 SHARJAH 856 DUBAI 56 DUBAI 302 ABU DHABI 133 DOHA 214 BAHRAIN 604 ISFAHAN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME 776 JEDDAH 223 DUBAI 405 BEIRUT 785 JEDDAH 324 AL NAJAF 611 CAIRO 176 DUBAI 4763 PUSAN 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI 673 DUBAI

Time 0:05 0:10 0:10 0:10 0:15 1:00 1:05 1:20 1:45 2:45 2:55 3:10 3:45 3:50 3:55 4:00 4:05 4:10 4:50 6:05 6:55 7:00 7:05 7:35 7:45 8:15 8:25 8:45 9:20 9:25 9:30 9:45 9:55 10:00 10:05 10:10 10:40 10:45 11:30 11:50 12:15 12:30 12:55 13:00 13:00 13:45 13:50 14:00 14:15 14:30 15:05

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

KNE SVA KAC KAC QTR KAC KAC DHX JZR ETD JZR QTR UAE RJA GFA UAL JZR SVA ABY JZR QTR SYR RBG JZR FDB FDB OMA JAI KAC KAC AXB ABY MSR IRA DHX ALK MEA ETD QTR GFA KAC KAC FDB JZR UAE DHX KAC KLM QTR QTR JZR KAC

473 501 617 677 141 773 741 823 238 304 538 135 858 641 216 982 184 511 128 266 145 342 3554 134 64 62 648 571 351 343 394 120 607 618 171 230 403 308 137 222 301 381 60 554 860 373 205 415 147 6131 528 411

JEDDAH JEDDAH DOHA MUSCAT DOHA RIYADH DAMMAM AMMAN AMMAN ABU DHABI CAIRO DOHA DUBAI AMMAN BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI RIYADH SHARJAH BEIRUT DOHA DAMASCUS ALEXANDRIA BAHRAIN DUBAI DUBAI MUSCAT MUMBAI KOCHI CHENNAI KOZHIKODE SHARJAH LUXOR LAR BAHRAIN COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI DOHA BAHRAIN MUMBAI DELHI DUBAI ALEXANDRIA DUBAI BAHRAIN ISLAMABAD DAMMAM DOHA DOHA ASSIUT BANGKOK

15:10 15:45 15:45 16:00 16:15 16:25 16:30 16:40 17:15 17:35 17:40 17:45 17:50 17:55 18:15 18:25 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:45 18:50 19:00 19:00 19:05 19:25 20:40 20:55 21:10 21:10 21:15 21:15 21:15 21:25 21:30 21:50 21:55 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:35 22:40 22:40 22:45 22:50 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:10 23:25 23:50 23:55

34

stars CROSSWORD 140

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) Take a break today if you can. You might be more distressed than usual over any disharmony in personal relationships, and you are inclined to avoid serious discussions or real disagreements with others. Keep them in mind for a later time, avoidance for a short time might be best. Your intuition is on the mark and your reactions fit in with all around you. It’s easy to agree with any plans or goals in your relationships, and most people will if you let them, so spread as much good energy as possible. Any agreements now will be a benchmark for cooperation in the future.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Disagreements, small spats and misunderstandings are what’s in the energy of the day, so make it a point not to join in. Simply agree to disagree and move on, as it’s easy to get caught up in pointless dramas. Projects and relationships begun now will also tend to fall into disarray, so back off a bit until you can take a second look.

At this time you enjoy emotional satisfaction and harmony in your home life. If you have a solid emotional base in your life, you will receive the benefits of that. If not, this is a good time to begin making connections with people and also to discover what gives real emotional nourishment and fulfillment.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

in Morse code.

ACROSS 1. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum.

5. The act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection).

12. Inquire about.

15. Large genus of tropical subshrubs or herbs some of which yield fibers of mucilaginous substances.

16. A woman's large folded hooped hood.

17. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

18. Heal or recover.

19. Of or relating to Gnosticism.

20. Thigh of a hog (usually smoked).

21. Someone whose business is advertising.

23. A musical work that has been created.

25. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

27. The district occupied entirely by the city of Washington.

29. A colorless and odorless inert gas.

30. An interval during which a recurring sequence of events occurs.

31. Large burrowing rodent of South and Central America.

35. The United Nations agency concerned with the interests of labor.

37. The last (12th) month of the year.

39. Brazilian statesman who ruled Brazil as a virtual dictator (1883-1954).

41. A person authorized to conduct religious worship.

45. A burial chamber (usually underground).

46. Tropical American tree producing cacao beans.

49. A federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

50. Any of various strong liquors distilled from the fermented sap of toddy palms or from fermented molasses.

51. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC).

52. A gonadotropic hormone that is secreted by the anterior pituitary.

54. An associate degree in nursing.

55. A member of the Siouan people formerly living in the Missouri river valley in NE Nebraska.

58. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

60. Type genus of the family Arcidae.

62. The azimuth of a celestial body is the angle between the vertical plane containing it and the plane of the meridian.

64. An ugly evil-looking old woman.

65. A logarithmic unit of sound intensity.

66. An officer who acts as military assistant to a more senior officer.

68. A person to whom money is paid.

71. Lack of strength or vigor esp from illness.

75. Perennial herb of East India to Polynesia and Australia cultivated for its large edible root yielding Otaheite arrowroot starch.

76. A percussion instrument consisting of a pair of hollow pieces of wood or bone (usually held between the thumb and fingers) that are made to click together (as by Spanish dancers) in rhythm with the dance.

79. A name that has been assumed temporarily.

80. A human limb.

81. A resident of Alabama.

83. An acute inflammatory disease occurring in the intestines of premature infants.

84. A unit of length of thread or yarn.

85. Of or relating to or characteristic of Lebanon or its people.

86. The longer of the two telegraphic signals used

DOWN 1. A law passed by US Congress to prevent employees from being injured or contracting diseases in the course of their employment.

2. Having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly.

3. Mild yellow Dutch cheese made in balls.

4. West Indian tree having racemes of fragrant white flowers and yielding a durable timber and resinous juice.

5. A graphical recording of the cardiac cycle produced by an electrocardiograph.

6. An adult male person (as opposed to a woman).

7. Having or covered with or accompanied by blood.

8. (usually preceded by `in') A detail or point.

9. Presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible.

10. The third month of the civil year.

11. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in Turkey).

13. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

14. God of love and erotic desire.

22. Australian clover fern.

24. Type genus of the Pipridae containing the typical manakins.

26. A federal agency that supervises carriers that transport goods and people between states.

28. Clear to the mind.

32. A fit of shivering.

33. A high-crowned black cap (usually made of felt or sheepskin) worn by men in Turkey and Iran and the Caucasus.

34. Remote city of Kazakhstan that (ostensibly for security reasons) was made the capital in 1998.

36. English scholastic philosopher and assumed author of Occam's Razor (1285-1349).

38. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

40. The eleventh month of the civil year.

42. Flightless New Zealand birds similar to gallinules.

43. A holy war by Muslims against unbelievers.

44. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad.

47. Unknown god.

48. A tower that is part of a defensive structure (such as a castle).

53. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean (below 6000 meters).

56. Relating to the blood vessels or blood.

57. A soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal.

59. (used of animals especially a horse) Of a moderate reddish-brown color n 1.

61. Put in the mind of someone.

63. The basic unit of money in Zaire.

67. Complacently or inanely foolish.

69. God of the Underworld.

70. Decapod having eyes on short stalks and a broad flattened carapace with a small abdomen folded under the thorax and pincers.

72. Informal terms for a (young) woman.

73. The United Nations agency concerned with atomic energy.

74. United States writer (born in Poland) who wrote in Yiddish (1880-1957).

77. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer.

78. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

82. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

A change or development in your career occurs at this time.

You are likely to take a step that will allow you to do things that are more meaningful to you and appropriate. This is an excellent time to be out and about. There are significant opportunities to make connections, exchange information, and to learn something through a meeting or chance encounter.

Emails, phone calls, and conversations that you initiate are productive to any relationships at this time.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) You could be feeling annoyed by extravagance and waste on the part of others today, but the truth is you may not have the power to decide what others do.

Tightening your own belt is a matter of self discipline, and setting the example is the only way you are going to educate others. This is a good time to spoil yourself and also to spend time with the people who love and appreciate you the most. The craving for sweetness and comfort in the form of loving affection is strong now. Also, you may be feeling rather tender and softhearted, and may do or say something on impulse.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Making new friends, exploring new avenues of communications and even further developing your existing romantic affiliations are in the cards right now. This is a great opportunity to charm your way to success. The need to give and take affection is strong in you at the moment. You want to connect deeply with your loved ones. Do so, but don#&39;t get too pushy or effusive or you may chase them away. Subtle gestures will get you the results you desire.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) Environmental conditions appear to have a strong influence on your state of mind and ability to handle your work-related tasks. Arguments, confusion, and frequent upheavals at work can play havoc with your nervous system. Try to avoid those that upset you emotionally, mentally, or physically to prevent any reaction on your health.

Today you find yourself at your most imaginative, at least when it comes to ideas and thoughts. This is a good time to speak up and clear the air of any grievances you have been holding on to for some time in your personal relationships. Personal subjects are the topic of discussion now. Remembering, daydreaming about and reflecting on the past is likely to occur today.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) Unforeseen troubles which occasionally result in a sense of defeat are short-lived so you mustn’t allow this temporary setback to cause you depression or any sort of distress. You may be annoyed by the need to travel on a day when you’d prefer to simply spend time in your own space. new romance or a revitalization of a current one is very likely about this time. The unexpected pleasures of new friends, or a adventurous attitude in your relationships make this time period stimulating. You want a break from your usual routine and in doing so could experience a refreshing change of pace.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Support from close friends, family in your life gives you confidence now. This is a good time to mend fences and ameliorate problems in your home life. At this time it easy for you to express yourself boldly and confidently. You seem to care less about outside approval and this frees you to act on your own behalf or to do something you have not had the courage to attempt before. Friendship, love and cooperative endeavors flourish now. You can achieve a balance of giving and receiving, of talking and listening, and any social or joint activity will benefit. Do something special with someone you are close to or ask someone out that you want to be closer to.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) This is a difficult time period when unexpected demands and responsibilities arise. It seems as if every weak link in your life decides to break now! New obligations are likely to arise both in your personal life and your work. Put your intuitive feelers out there before you jump in or commit to anyone right now or you might run into a cold reception. People taking themselves too seriously are probable today, so try not to be one of them. Take it all with the idea and respect that others may be having problems.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Something which has been lost or hidden may come to light now. Secrets, long-buried feelings and desires, or skeletons in the closet could be revealed.

This is also a time when you can easily go to extremes. You become deeply involved in, and even somewhat obsessive about, whatever you are doing. Driving yourself beyond your limits can be destructive now. Your manner may not be warm or loving at the moment. You’re entering a period of emotional change and feeling two ways at once without getting too deep into either polarity is possible. This can be a very introspective time for you, go with the energy and you may clear up some perceptions you had about yourself and others.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You are mentally restless and can not concentrate well on your immediate, familiar tasks. You are not inclined to discipline your mind or focus on practical matters, unless there is an element of gambling, play, or risk-taking involved. Reading something that is mind expanding, taking a drive, or planning a vacation is favored at this time.

Any relationships that you are involved in that have strong dominance submissive roles or are stifling and restrictive to either one of you, are likely to explode now. Even relatively minor constraints and expectations made of each other can become a source of tension now as you or even they don’t want to have any control issues, it’s a feeling of freedom.

Count to ten or even a hundred before losing your patience.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) Your health and energy are dynamic today and you have the strength to overcome any problems that you come across. Economy of energy is still important now as too many things could cause you to fall back into a rut of tiredness and apathy. Keep up your exercise regime. Progressive changes in your life and relationships make this an enjoyable, exciting time. This is an upbeat, refreshing time period. The changes are not likely to be extraordinary, but a definite revolution in your relationship to others will be evident.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 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

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

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

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

36

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

LIFESTYLE G o s s i p

Berry will move to France when Nahla’s 18

H

alle Berry will move to France when her daughter turns 18. The ‘Cloud Atlas’ actress is keen to start a new life in Europe with her fiancé Olivier Martinez but her former partner, Gabriel Aubry, has bitterly contested her plans to take their little girl, Nahla, now five, with them. Halle is ready to delay her dream until the youngster is old enough to make her own decision on where she wants to live. The Oscar winner said: “It probably won’t be until my daughter is 18 and off to college. When Nahla turns 18, she’ll be legally able to make her own decisions about where she wants to be and I think that then, when she’s off on her own, we’ll move there. It’s where I want to end my days, that’s for sure.” While Halle loves France, she won’t be learning to speak French until she lives there as Olivier thinks it will be too much for her to take on at the moment. In an interview with HELLO! magazine, she said: “I was told very lovingly by him not to work on it too hard now but to wait until we get to live there. Because for me, at my age and with all that I already have on my plate, trying to learn French is probably one of the hardest things I could possibly do. “He thinks I’ll have an easier time when we’re living there and immersed in the culture - if we ever get to go that is.”

Grammer says ‘forces’ are to blame for

K

Allen’s One Direction dream

L

ily Allen dreamt she joined One Direction last night . The ‘Smile’ hitmaker - who announced last year she was working on her pop comeback after retiring in 2009 had a vision in her sleep that she was a member of the British boy band and performed a rendition of TLC’s 1999 single ‘No Scrubs’ with the guys. She wrote on Twitter: “had a dream that I joined One Direction last night. Harry was nice, and we did a cover of TLC’s “No Scrubs”. That is all. (sic)” Meanwhile, Lily - who has two daughters, 15-month-old Ethel and two-month-old Marnie, with husband Sam Cooper - has developed an unusual scab after falling over and cutting her knee last week.

She tweeted: “I fell over and scraped my knee and now I have a scab shaped like Africa !!! #interesting (sic)” The 27-year-old singer - who has two daughters, 15-month-old Ethel and two-month-old Marnie, with husband Sam Cooper - recently complained she is “bored” and is looking for something to shake her out of her daily domestic routine, other than responding to her critics on Twitter. She tweeted: “Sometimes I wish I had better things to do with my time then change nappies, cook dinner, watch s”t telly and respond to Internet trolls. #bored #needtogetoutmore (sic)”

J

elsey Grammer says there are “forces” in his life determined to ruin his reputation. The former ‘Frasier’ star claims there is only “one source” for all the malicious stories that appear about him online and he knows who it is but he refuses to name the person, although he has hinted it’s his ex-wife Camille Grammer. During a discussion about his desire not to speak about Camille in an interview, he told The Guardian newspaper: “There are ... forces at work in my life these days that blast stuff out all over the internet. And there’s only one source for these stories.

And I’m not going to name her.” The 58-year-old actor split from Camille in 2011 but only reached a settlement about custody of their children, Mason, 11, and Jude, eight, and their financial assets in December 2012.

Kelsey is now married to Kayte Walsh, with whom he has an eight-month old daughter Faith. The ‘Boss’ star met air stewardess Kayte - who is 26 years his junior - on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London she was working on and he fell in love with her on their first date. Kelsey said: “She came out of the tube stop across from Harvey Nichols (department store), and I walked across the street from the hotel, and there she stood, and I just thought, ‘That’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.’ And then we went for a walk in Hyde Park and snow began to fall. I looked at her, I kissed her, and we’ve been together ever since.”

Reeves got 40th birthday boost from Hoffman

Franco accused of being a bad neighbor

ames Franco’s neighbors have filed a formal complaint against him. Residents living near the ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ actor in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, say he leaves his trash out on the street, takes up too many parking spaces and they are concerned he is running his own production company out of his property. They have now filed a complaint against him with the Los Angeles Housing Department listing all their grievances, according to website TMZ. Earlier this month, one local resident sent an anonymous email to LA.curbed.com complaining about the goings on at James’ house. The email stated: “The property has become a production house. In fact, Iris, who works for the actor, informed me that they are running production from the house. Really? Running a production of such impact and magnitude in a residential area doesn’t violate any zoning restrictions? Are there no limits to the kinds of businesses one can run?” Adding that “crowds of people” appear at the property, the email added: “They treat us as if we are eavesdropping sycophants when we walk out our gate to our car; and as I write this, they’ve set up hair and make-up in their driveway.” James has previously claimed he doesn’t spend much time at his Los Angeles property, partly because he is scared of fans turning up at the door. He said: “It’s pretty scary when you buy a new house and they put the address on the Internet.

Photographers then know where you live and pretty much every psycho out there can turn up on your doorstep. I haven’t been to my house in a while because of it actually.”

J

Prescott suggests should abdicate

ohn Prescott has suggested Britain’s Queen Elizabeth should abdicate. The former deputy prime minister has controversially claimed the 86-year-old monarch needs to step down from the throne because he feels she is “overburdening” herself after her recent spell of ill-health. He wrote in his Sunday Mirror newspaper column: “Last week a straighttalking Yorkie friend asked me what Privy Councillors do. I said we formally advise the Queen. “His concern was that the Queen, who is 87 next month, is overburdening herself. He said she had done a remarkable job over her 60 years on the throne but was increasingly concerned at recent cancellations of public duties because of her ongoing ill-health. “So he asked me, as a Privy Councillor, to tell her that he didn’t expect her to see out her royal duties as the Queen. She deserves a break and he wouldn’t think less of her if she stepped down.” However, the politician has come under fire for his comments by rival Conservative MPs, who have blasted him for speculating about her abdication and urged him to remember his duties as a member of the Privy Council. Mark Field said: “I think it is inappropriate for anyone in politics to speculate on the Monarch’s health.

“What is clear is that she is very capable of handling a very big schedule. Under no circumstances will we see the Queen abdicate. It would undermine the very principle of monarchy.

She continues to do a fantastic job.” Meanwhile Conor Burns added: “John Prescott is the antithesis of the Queen. She is a model of selfless public service and duty. He is frittering away any last vestiges of dignity his career had with these sort of pig-ignorant comments.

“Luckily for Her subjects I’m sure the Queen will ignore his silly advice.”

K

eanu Reeves was reassured that turning 40 wasn’t so bad by his friend Dustin Hoffman. The 48-year-old actor hated reaching the milestone age but was thankful his older pal was able to point out that life could be even better as he gets older and that things would work out for the best in the end. He said: “When I reached 40, I remember hanging out with Dustin Hoffman and said to him, ‘Being 40 is a bitch’. “He said, ‘No, it’s not, being 40 is great.’ He then went on to list all the changes he’d had in his life around that time - he was divorced around 40 - but that I had to hang on in there and things would work out for the best. “It’s nice to have another older male pat you on the back and tell you everything is going to be OK.” The ‘Speed’ actor has suffered double tragedy in his life, with his daughter Ava tragically stillborn in 1999 and the tot’s mother, Jennifer Syme, dying in a car crash in 2001, and he admits the two traumatic experiences fundamentally changed him and he is still unsure if he will ever have a family of his own. He added to The Sun newspaper: “A lot of my friends have got kids and I go to their places for barbecues and watch them jump into the pool with their parents. “Something happens to everyone that will change them. I had a lot of fears and I began to reflect on life. The reflections were connected to what happened in the past. I have had some dear friends pass away. “I do now have a family of my own. So will that happen? How am I as a person?”

Mirren wants to dye her hair green

D

ame Helen Mirren wants to dye her hair green. The 67-yearold actress unveiled pink locks at the BAFTA Awards earlier this year, and though she was disappointed with how quickly the hue washed out, she is still keen to experiment further with her colour. She told Heatworld: “The pink hair just fell off in the shower after what seemed like days. I was most disappointed.

Maybe blue or green [next].” During her acceptance speech as she picked up the Legend Award at the Jameson Empire Awards in London last night, Helen criticized Sam Mendes for not mentioning any female filmmakers in his speech about directorial inspirations. She said: “Hopefully in five or 10 years, when Sam’s successor is collecting their Inspiration Award, the list will be slightly more balanced in terms of its sexual make-up. “In the meantime, this one is for the girls.” However, speaking afterwards, the ‘Queen’ star admitted she worries she “goes on” too much about the “blokey” movie business. After being praised for her speech, she said: “I worry that I do go on. It is true though, it’s been a blokey business [the film industry] and women are really coming to the fore in so many ways.”

Simon Cowell: Charity work is life-changing

S

imon Cowell says working with a children’s charity has changed his life. The music mogul has been a long-term supporter of Shooting Star CHASE - which offers support and respite to families with kids suffering from life-limiting conditions - and encourages all his friends to visit the organisation to help get perspective in their life. He said: “You have to see this charity to believe it. I keep saying it and it’s quite odd that I had this image in my mind, before I went there, of total gloom and despair of what the kids go through. “Then you walk into this place and it’s unbelievable because it shouldn’t be, but it’s one of the happiest places you’ll go and visit. “If you want a perspective wake-up call - and I tell this to all my friends - just go down there. It’ll change your life. It changed mine.” Last week, Simon, 53, made a series of reflective postings on Twitter, giving thanks for his health and happiness, and admits the messages were partly evoked by reflecting on the families helped by the charity. He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “I think it played on my mind when I was sending the tweets. I was thinking I had a lot to be thankful for. Even if I didn’t have what I have materially, I haven’t got a sick child. I feel so much for the parents and what they go through.” The ‘X Factor’ boss loves spending time with those helped by the charity but tries to keep his visits private. He said: “When I first visited, I had an immediate connection and was delighted to become involved. I thought, ‘I can really help here,’ but keep my visits private. “They know I love butterscotch Angel Delight so they made me a butterscotch Angel Delight cake. That was a difficult one - I don’t think it’s meant to be a cake.” —Bang Showbiz

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LIFESTYLE M o v i e s

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Leonardo da Vinci gets ‘Batman’ treatment on Starz

n these 500 years since Leonardo da Vinci, he has upstaged every genius multitasker in his wake. (OK, not you, Benjamin Franklin and James Franco.) Da Vinci was a whiz as a painter (hint: “Mona Lisa” and “The Last Supper”), a scientist and engineer, and a futurist dead-set on fighting the gravitational pull of his own times. He was an intellect, free thinker, vegetarian and a humanist who supported himself designing weapons of war. He was tall, handsome and a hit with the ladies. He was great with a sword and, being ambidextrous, which hand didn’t matter. “The phrase ‘Renaissance Man’ was derived from him,” says David S. Goyer, who has spent a lot of time studying and pondering him, and has created “Da Vinci’s Demons,” a sci-fi thriller set in the 1400s.

Another cool thing about da Vinci: He was a man of intrigue, ensconced in secret societies, his paternity unresolved (he was born out of wedlock), perhaps divinely inspired as he clashed with the Roman Catholic Church a man who seemed to defy the confinements of any simple narrative. “There’s a tantalizing fiveyear gap, stretching from when he was 27 to 32, where there’s almost no record of where he was or what he was doing,” says Goyer.

“A gap like that is gold when you’re the creator of this show.”

“Da Vinci’s Demons,” which premieres on the Starz network on April 12, is a “historical fantasy,” says Goyer, who should be up to the challenge. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Mich, he remembers spending half each Saturday in a comic book shop, the other half at the city’s library. Now 47, he is wiry and balding and bears a striking resemblance to the actor Stanley Tucci, whom he says he’s never met but is often mistaken for.

His credits include the shortlived but ambitious sci-fi thriller “FlashForward,” which prematurely fell prey to meddling by its network, ABC. He was script consultant and story developer for the video game “Call of Duty:

This publicity image released by Starz shows Tom Riley as Leonardo Da Vinci, left, and Blake Ritson as Count Riario in a scene from “Da Vinci’s Demons”. —AP Photos

Tom Riley as Leonardo Da Vinci in a scene from ‘Da Vinci’s Demons.’

Tom Riley as Leonardo Da Vinci in another scene from ‘Da Vinci’s Demons.’

Laura Haddock as Lucrezia Donati in a scene from ‘Da Vinci’s Demons.’

Black Ops” and its sequel. He cowrote the 2005 film “Batman Begins” and its two sequels, and wrote the screenplay for the upcoming Zack Snyder-directed “Man of Steel.” In Goyer’s view, da Vinci was the prototype of a superhero: “I picture him as onethird Indiana Jones, one-third Sherlock Holmes, one-third Tony Stark (Iron Man) - and he kind of was.”

To play this extraordinary chap, Goyer chose English-born actor Tom Riley. The 31-year-old starred in the British TV medical drama “Monroe,” and in 2011 performed on Broadway in the revival of Tom Stoppard’s “Arcadia” alongside Billy Crudup and Raul Esparza. Riley’s da Vinci is sexy, mercurial and irrepressible. He savors life in his native Florence: “Chaos and culture are

celebrated within these walls,” he says lustily. “Florence only demands one thing of its people - to be truly awake!” But da Vinci suffers from being too awake. He is too driven, too full of ideas, too haunted by doubts about his life’s intended mission. He is no stranger to opium, which he uses, he explains, because “I think too much. I need to dull my thoughts or I will be eviscerated

by them.”

At times he overreaches, stumbles and falls (though ever so dashingly). And he has an eye for a pretty face, including - at high risk - comely Lucrezia Donati (Laura Haddock), the mistress of Lorenzo di Medici (Elliot Cowan), da Vinci’s benefactor and one of the city’s most powerful figures. He has an answer for everything, including an accuser

who brands him “arrogant.”

“Arrogance implies that I exaggerate my own worth,” da Vinci fires back. “I don’t.”

Goyer says he hit upon doing a show about da Vinci only by chance. He had never done anything historical before, and when asked by Starz to create a drama focused on some towering figure from the past, he first demurred.

“I said, ‘I’m not - no offense - interested in doing a kind of dry, BBC historical drama.’ And they said, ‘No, no, no. We don’t want THAT!’” A number of possible candidates were considered for what was now envisioned as a “reinvention-of-history show.” There was Cleopatra and Genghis Kahn, “and also on that short list, da Vinci came up,” recalls Goyer. “Then I realized, no one’s ever done a show about da Vinci! That’s crazy!

People say he’s the most recognized figure in history other than Jesus Christ!” To prepare for the series, Goyer says he read dozens of biographies, da Vinci’s journal pages and many of his letters.

He has written or co-written all eight episodes of season one (with work well under way on a second season’s scripts), and directed the first two episodes of the show, which shoots in Wales.

Recapturing 15th-century Florence, not to mention the highfalutin exploits of da Vinci, demands impressive visual effects, and Goyer set the bar high: “My goal was to be at least on par with the production values of ‘Game of Thrones,’” he says.

But even as it recaptures the past, the show, like da Vinci, is forward-looking. “The central conflict is about who controls information,” Goyer says. “On the one hand, you’ve got the Vatican Secret Archives. The Church wants to control the information.

On the other hand, shortly before our show starts, Gutenberg invented the printing press. “This is a modern-day touchstone that viewers can identify with. If da Vinci were alive today, his slogan would be, ‘Information wants to be free.’” —AP

Review

OneRepublic thrives on 3rd album ‘Native’

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neRepublic continues to show that the group’s musical rapport is as strong as ever on their third album, “Native.” Frontman Ryan Tedder’s falsetto is superb throughout the new offering, which bleeds with emotion and substance. He and his four bandmates are completely in sync. Tedder, who has written and produced singles for music’s biggest acts, from Adele to Beyonce, shines with star appeal alongside a variety of instruments that are smoothly intertwined, ranging from the acoustic guitar to drums.

The 12-track album is filled with refreshing and catchy songs: That’s certainly evident when the album kicks off with the well-crafted opening track, “Counting Stars,” and first single, “If I Lose Myself,” co-produced by hit-maker Benny Blanco. “Preacher” has Tedder reflecting on the days of his childhood, recalling how his life was infused with wisdom by his grandfather, who was a pastor. Tedder’s voice also touches the soul on midtempo tracks like “Burning Bridges,” the Jeff Bhasker-assisted “Can’t Stop” and “Don’t Look Down.”

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New Wayne CD has zingers, little substance

il Wayne’s “I Am Not a Human Being II” album opens with a familiar sound - someone’s flicking a lighter. It’s Weezy’s sonic signature, a long-running nod to the weed, women, booze and bravado that has shaped so many of his musical releases, including his latest. Now on his 10th album, singles like “No Worries” and the Mike WiLL Made It-produced “(Expletives) Love Me” suggest that Wayne’s priorities haven’t changed. Luckily for fans, he covers familiar territory with fresh, tweet-worthy punchlines. But if you’re looking for storytelling, look elsewhere. Wayne’s expertise is in lyrical zingers. He unleashes a dazzling array on the 2 Chainz-assisted “Rich as (Expletive),” which features a standout, swaggering beat from producer T-Minus. “AK on my night stand, right next to that Bible/But I swear with these 50 shots, I’ll shoot it out with 5-0/Pockets gettin’ too fat, no Weight Watchers, no lipo,” Wayne raps. His performance on the song may very well convince on-the-fence fans that the YMCMB captain still has passion for his craft. He’s entertaining on “Trippy,” one of two tracks produced by Juicy J and Crazy Mike. “I got high, and fell asleep loaded/I woke up and got high again/OK, I’m reloaded,” Wayne raps, making no apologies for his recreational activities.

He’s a sinister presence over the equally sinister beat of the production duo’s “Trigger Finger,” and seems to laugh about his 2010 eight-month jail stint on “Gunwalk” featuring Gudda Gudda. The songs are reminders of a more focused Wayne - a version of the rapper that seems to be absent from tracks like “Curtains,” where he phones in lines like “I’m getting cake like I’m Jewish/my (expletive) Drake, he Jewish.” He rages through the heavy metal-influenced “Hello,” but crossing genres doesn’t change the same tired content. And while the hook on “God Bless Amerika” promises a more thoughtful Wayne, his verses don’t measure up - a disappointment considering his still-revered status as the best rapper in the game. Overall, Wayne meets expectations for Wayne these days - not saying much (of substance), but giving listeners plenty to talk about.

Depeche Mode evolves, doesn’t violate past

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f you haven’t caught up with Depeche Mode since “Catching up With Depeche Mode” or other collections from the band’s 1980s and early ‘90s heyday of synthesizerdrenched, impossibly addictive pop, it’s time to check in. The British modern rock trio’s 13th studio album, “Delta Machine,” presents a group that’s older, wiser and evolving. There’s not, at least on initial listens, an abundance of hooks. While the ear-candy quotient might be lower than on records of yore, the result encourages - and often rewards - deeper listening. The men who once made many music fans fear the demise of the guitar have become masters of their electronic machines - in part by recognizing when less is more. The spare, industrial start of “Welcome to My World” gives way to the strains of choral string sounds in a section that sonically and lyrically recalls 1990’s “World in My Eyes.”“Broken” opens with disjointed, tinny sounds that retreat to the background and provide a discordant twist to an otherwise catchy, straightforward chorus. Other standouts include the more traditionally modal “Secret to the End,” with a theatrical lead vocal by frontman Dave Gahan, and the bluesy, snaky “Slow.”

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Waterboys set Yeats’ poetry to music

his album sounds much better than the concept. The Waterboys’ Mike Scott has written 14 songs using the poetry of W.B. Yeats, and the collaboration shouldn’t work - not with such lyrics as “Man-stealer Niamh leant and sighed by Oisin on the grass.” But Scott pulls it off. His rootsy, melodic Gaelic pop, with nods to Coldplay, Sting and Mark Knopfler, magnifies the beauty of Yeats’ words and makes them new again. Scott, the son of a university lecturer in English literature, has been working on these songs for a couple of decades. His devotion to the project shows with an impressive variety of musical approaches. “Mad as the Mist and Snow” becomes an arena-ready bluesy jig, while “The Faery’s Last Song” serves as a lilting benediction. And then there’s “News for the Delphic Oracle,” which ends with nymphs and satyrs in the throes of passion in the foamy sea. Very rock ‘n’ roll.

Dido goes eclectic, electric on new album

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ome artists are compelled to stay with a style they’re comfortable with. Others?

They’re not shy about ranging into new territory now and then. Dido? She’s exploring new frontiers, soaking up the sights and sounds, coalescing her experiences, desires and treks into songs on “Girl Who Got Away” that jump from tart electronica-inspired landscapes to earnest, almost low-key folk-oriented confessions that can be likened to an afternoon coffee klatch for two. “No one could have told me how much I’d miss you, and how soon the world moves on,” she sings in “Loveless Hearts,” her voice an emotional sheen atop a gently rising crescendo of crisp keyboard tones climbing swiftly in time.

Such is the ranging, diverse offerings from “Girl Who Got Away,” Dido’s fourth album and first since 2008’s “Safe Trip Home.” It features styles that encompass lush orchestral layouts, darkly hypnotic dance grooves and the clarity of life and all its foibles. It’s an intensely personal album, reflecting Dido’s creative spark while retaining an accessibility that remains fresh, if not vital. —AP

In this photograph taken by AP Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation, pop icon Chaka Kahn headlines the 2013 Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Sunday. —AP

‘Veronica Mars’ campaign rattles movie industry

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fter years of hope, stalled efforts and studio frustration, “Veronica Mars” creator Rob Thomas watched a long-held dream come to fruition in a sudden digital rush. “There were a few minutes of nothing happening,” he says. “Then in an hour, watching that ticker go was mesmerizing. I had an attention span of, like, four seconds because everything on my computer screen I wanted to look at at the same time. The Twitter feed was going crazy, the emails were going crazy and then watching that Kickstarter total go up.”

Thomas last week launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a movie of his cult TV show, which was canceled after three seasons in 2007. It met its stated goal of raising $2 million in less than 11 hours, meaning it would be greenlit to begin shooting this summer. It’s surpassed $3.7 million with more than two weeks still to go. The resounding, immediate success of the crowd-funding campaign sent shockwaves through the movie business.

Films had found much-needed financial support on Kickstarter before, but “Veronica Mars” is different. It’s a studio project, owned by Warner Bros., which produced the show. The money given by the fervent fans of “Veronica Mars,” which starred Kristen Bell as a teenage private eye, will go not to a filmmaker operating on his own, but one with the distribution and marketing muscle of a very large corporation - just one that hadn’t previously been convinced to bankroll a “Veronica Mars” film.

Were donating fans spurring a goliath to action, or its unwitting pawns? The wide majority of “Veronica Mars” fans couldn’t care less. They will get the movie they craved, as well as the proud feeling of having played an essential role in the show’s resurrection.

Maryland fan Matt Clipp typified the eager contributors, writing: “I am MORE than happy to donate $100 to this project. This movie has

been a dream of mine ever since the series ended back in 2007. ...

Let’s get this thing made, ‘Veronica mars’ fans!”

While the emotional side is surely the biggest motivation for most donors, they’re also paying for tangible goods. Rewards range from an emailed copy of the script ($10 contributions), all the way up to a speaking part in the film as a waiter who says, “Your check, sir,” (a single $10,000 donation). All money is refunded if for any reason the film doesn’t get made. “Most of the people who are pledging are getting in at the $35 and $50 range where they’re getting a download of the movie, a T-shirt, a copy of the script at $35, and all of that plus the DVD and the making-of documentary at the $50 price point,” says Thomas. “So I don’t think anyone’s being taken advantage of. I feel like the rewards are worth it.”

Typically in film financing, any investor has the chance to earn his money back and potentially share in the profits. Slate claimed the “Veronica Mars” project sets a “terrible precedent.” Joss Whedon, whose devoted fanboy following is similar, if larger, than Thomas’, said that he reacted in “unfettered joy” at the “Veronica Mars” Kickstarter campaign. But Whedon, who realizes he’ll now be hounded to follow suit with another movie of his canceled cult TV series “Firefly,” acknowledged some trepidation about the financial arrangement for fans.

“I understand that it feels not as pure, and that the presence of a studio makes it disingenuous somehow,” Whedon told BuzzFeed.

“But people clearly understood what was happening and just wanted to see more of the thing they love. To give them that opportunity doesn’t feel wrong. If it was a truly wrong move, I don’t think it would have worked.” —AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

lifestyle

Lakme F A S H I O N

Fashion Week

Models display creations by Soumitra Mondal. — AP/AFP photos

Theroux loves

jeans and boots

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ustin Theroux is obsessed with wearing jeans and boots. The actor and screenwriter - who is engaged to Jennifer Aniston - has revealed he has adopted a “winter from the waist down” style mantra and is so used to his comforting everyday uniform that he refuses to take his boots off, even in the height of summer. In a style blog on Esquire.com, Justin muses: “When I was a teenager, jeans and boots were a style choice that somehow made sense... Sure, they’re useful in winter, but they become harder to justify at a pool party on the Fourth [of July].

“The truth is, I’d feel naked without jeans and boots, but in spite of the shin sweat that pours into my boots every summer, I’ll still likely be wearing them long after I’ve traded in my motorcycle for a Jazzy.” The star also admitted his rigid style rule stems from his dislike of loose-fitting clothes and he would be ashamed to be caught out and about in a pair of casual trousers or his pet hate - slacks. He explained: “Maybe it’s my long-standing aversion to almost anything loose fitting. ‘Breezy’ clothing, for lack of a better word, just seems so untethered, whereas jeans and boots have a grounding effect.

“In fairness to me, maybe my loyalty to these jeans and boots isn’t so much an endorsement of them as it is an expression of my distaste for anything else.

“Other options seem almost too grim to contemplate.

Sweatpants? Cargo shorts? Light slacks?! Just the word slacks makes me anxious.” — Bang Showbiz

Marc Jacobs

didn’t plan on being a fashion ‘rebel’

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ouis Vuitton’s creative director has no regrets about choices he has made in the past - including his now infamous grunge collection for sportswear label Perry Ellis, which led to his dismissal from the brand in 1992 - and believes designers need to stick to their gut instincts rather than worrying about being a commercial success. Discussing the incident, he told Stylist magazine: “I never looked at the down side. It taught me that you have to trust your instincts and do what’s in your heart. I didn’t set out to be a rebel but there’s a kind of integrity that’s much more rewarding than any kind of negativity.

“You sleep better at night when you do what you feel rather than doing something you think someone else might like.” His offbeat collection might have been a flop at the time, but it is still referenced in the current 90s revival, although he strongly disagrees with the new trend.

He ranted: “Now it’s just style with no substance. At the time, when we did grunge, there was a real reason, there was change - it felt substantial, like punk.

“Now people have Mohawks and have no idea what the social significance was. So grunge has joined the ranks for punk in a way.” — Bang Showbiz

PPR confirms name change to Kering

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PR has confirmed it will change its name to Kering. The company, which owns several major luxury brands, will officially change its name and debut a new tagline, ‘Empowering Imagination’, in June 2013, chief executive Francois-Henri Pinault has confirmed. The new name is thought to originate from the region of Brittany in France, where Francois Henri who is married to actress Salma Hayek - was raised.

The word ‘kering’ is thought to stand for house or foyer, which seems to reflect the company’s housing of fashion brands including Yves Saint Laurent and Gucci.

The company’s current name stands for PinaultPrintemps-Redoute, but the company sold the Printemps department store in 2006 and is expected to sell mail order company La Redoute by the end of 2013. Originally founded by Francois-Henri’s father Francois in 1963, PPR began making its name in the fashion industry with a sizeable investment in Gucci in 1999. The company’s stable of luxury brands now includes Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Balenciaga and Christian Kane. A new logo featuring an abstract illustration of an owl is expected to accompany the name change in June. — Bang Showbiz

lifestyle

TUESDAY, MARCH 26, 2013

F A S H I O N

China’s first lady sparks frenzy over local label N

Fashion Week

China

ew Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan’s choice of attire has sparked a flurry of excitement over an independent homegrown label, an unusual phenomenon in a country where political figures are more frumpy than fashionable and wives usually shy away from the spotlight.

Images of Peng, 50, stepping off a plane arm-inarm with her husband President Xi Jinping in Moscow on Friday have circulated widely on the Chinese Internet, prompting praise of her style as understated and sophisticated.

Eagle-eyed fashion-savvy bloggers identified the leather handbag she carried and smart, double-breasted black trench coat she wore as items designed by Guangzhou-based label Exception.

The brand has been described as one of China’s leading independent labels whose simple but unique designs stand out in an industry dominated by Western copycats.

“First ladies are ambassadors of the culture and the design and of the soft power of a country. I’m glad that she chose to wear Chinese and take up that role of spokesperson for Chinese design here,” said Hong Huang, publisher of the fashion magazine iLook and one of the most popular microbloggers in China.

Hong said it was too early to tell if Peng’s highprofile public appearance signaled that she would be playing a more significant role in Chinese poli-

Models parade on the catwalk during the 21st China International Young Fashion Designers Contest at China Fashion Week in Beijing. Beijing Fashion Week began yesterday with local and Asian designers now playing a major role in an event previously dominated

by European fashion houses. — AFP photos

tics than her predecessors, who - unlike many of their Western counterparts - have been largely unseen. “It’s good that finally China has a very pretty, very beautiful first lady and she can hopefully speak up for a lot more and complement whatever Xi wants to say, in a way, like all first ladies do.”

Online retailers have sought to associate their products with what news portals are terming the “Peng Liyuan style,” with searches for those key words resulting in lists of handbags and trench coats, many of which did not even resemble the items she wore. Heavy online traffic to Exception’s website has caused it to crash since Friday, with it loading only sporadically yesterday.

The impact Peng, a celebrated performer on state television, is having on fashion bears some similarity to trends sparked by Britain’s duchess of Cambridge, the former Kate Middleton, who helped bring Brazilian-born designer Issa to the world’s attention before her marriage to Prince William. American first lady Michelle Obama has also lent cachet to designer Jason Wu by wearing a gown he custom-made to last month’s inauguration.

For its part, Exception appears to be gauging its next move. Chinese politics is a traditionally secretive world and the company risks sparking a backlash by associating itself too publicly with the wife of the head of state. Some of the more conserva-

File photo shows Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and his wife Peng Liyuan wave upon their arrival to the government airport Vnukovo II, outside Moscow. —AP

tive among the Communist Party might frown upon the commercialization of the first lady’s image or criticize such attention as being reflective of an excessively materialistic society.

Exception was founded in the mid-nineties by a couple who shared a love of design and the rock band The Ramones, according to Hong. Chief executive Mao Jihong, one of the co-founders, could not be reached on his cellphone. The label has expanded to become a high-end brand with nearly 100 stores and retail counters in China.

Company spokeswoman Tan Yijia, reached in the company’s Guangzhou headquarters, said she could not immediately confirm that the pieces Peng wore on the trip were made by the label. The city’s quality supervision bureau, however, said on its official microblog site that it has confirmed that Peng’s outfit was made by Exception.

Despite Exception’s public silence, commentators in China’s fashion world are celebrating the attention on the label and, more significantly, the rise of the profile of a popular first lady.

“It’s the first time that China’s first lady appears like a modern woman. I think she dressed very well, with taste and confidence,” said Zhang Yu, editor of China’s Vogue magazine.

“After so many years, we finally have a first lady who can represent us so appropriately. I think it is a landmark event.” — AP

China’s first lady sparks frenzy over local label

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Hagia Sophia or Sancta Sophia is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum in Istanbul, Turkey. — Photo by Sherif Ismail

Japan’s high-tech kabuki theatre set to open Yoko Ono tweets her support for US gun control

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sobering image of John Lennon’s bloodstained glasses ricocheted around the Internet on Thursday after his widow Yoko Ono posted them on Twitter in an appeal for tougher US guns laws. “The death of a loved one is a hollowing experience. After 33 years, our son Sean and I still miss him,” said Ono in a tweet to her 3.7 million followers on Wednesday, the 44th anniversary of her marriage to the Beatle. It was illustrated with a photo of Lennon’s glasses, smeared with blood over the left lens, and captioned: “Over 1,057,000 people have been killed by guns in the USA since John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980.”

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he curtain is about to go up at a new theatre dedicated to Japan’s centuriesold kabuki-za performing art, sited in a high-tech venue in a 29-storey Tokyo office building. The theatre in the upscale Ginza shopping district, which will open to the public at the start of next month, will let audiences use portable monitors to read subtitles to explain the sometimes difficult to understand art form.

The service will be available only in Japanese at first. But theatre managers hope to include foreign language services, starting with English, over the coming months, a spokesman told visiting journalists Monday.

Another feature is the pit below the stage, which is now 16.45 meter (54 feet) deep-nearly four times what it was. The pit allows for props, actors and scenery to emerge from the bowels of the building.

Members of the press visit the recently rebuilt kabuki art theatre.

A portable monitor to read subtitles and other information for visitors is held for a picture.

Three other tweets from Ono, a prolific Twitter user, underscored her contempt for firearms. “We are turning this beautiful country into (a) war zone,” one said. The image was apparently cropped from the cover photo of Ono’s 1981 album “Season of Glass,” in which the glasses appear next to a half-full, half-empty glass of water with the New York skyline in the background. The debate over gun control has intensified in the United States since December, when a gunman killed 20 first graders and six educators in a Newtown, Connecticut school with a military-style semi-automatic rifle.

He also killed his mother prior to his shooting spree, which ended when he shot and killed himself with his own firearm. In New York, US Vice President Joe Biden said earlier that the White House will keep pushing for tough new gun ownership laws despite a lack of support in Congress for a ban on assault rifles. — AFP

Despite the high-tech fixes, the theatre retains many elements of the original interior as well as the facade, which evokes medieval Japanese castles and temples with its curved roofs and red paper lanterns. In the 400-yearold stylized performing art, all-male casts perform in extravagant costumes and mask-like facial makeup.

The new four-storey playhouse, with an 1,800-seat capacity, is the fifth version of the theatre, whose history dates back to 1889. The

previous building, erected in 1951 to replace one heavily damaged in World War II, was demolished in 2010 due to worries over its ability to withstand earthquakes. The theatre is now housed in a 143-metre (470 feet) skyscraper, the tallest building in the area. — AFP

An employee of French food company Fauchon displays a plate of eclairs decorated to symbolize colors of the kabuki and cherry blossoms at their temporary shop in an atrium of the recently rebuilt kabuki art theatre in Tokyo. — AFP photos

A pedestrian walks past a sign board that says eight more days until the opening the recently rebuilt kabuki art theatre in Tokyo yesterday.